Malaysia Denies New Laws on House Arrest are Geared Towards ...
October 25, 2024 | 09:21 pm
TEMPO.CO, Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia's proposal to introduce laws allowing house arrest for some offenses seeks to reduce recidivism rates and prison overcrowding, and is not aimed at getting former premier Najib Razak out of jail, a minister said on Friday, Oct. 25.
Communications Minister and government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil was responding to media questions about speculation the law could allow house arrest for Najib, who was imprisoned for corruption linked to the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal, and help other politicians accused of graft to dodge jail.
"This has nothing to do with any individual," Fahmi said. "We need to adapt to the times as we see many other countries embracing restorative justice, and we too are headed that way."
Fahmi said the proposed law, included as part of the government's budget plans for 2025, was in line with other recent criminal justice reforms, such as the abolition of mandatory death sentences and a moratorium on executions.
A government project started last year found that re-offending rates were greatly reduced when inmates charged with minor crimes were allowed to serve time at home, he said.
Malaysian prisons, which have a national capacity of 74,000, suffer from overcrowding with 87,000 inmates, he added.
Ex-premier Najib this week apologized for his role in mishandling the 1MDB scandal during his tenure, though he maintained he had no knowledge of any illegal transfers from the state fund he helped found.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Friday said he welcomed Najib's apology, according to state news agency Bernama.
Najib, also the son of a former prime minister, was found guilty in 2022 of corruption and money laundering for illegally receiving about $10 million from former 1MDB unit SRC International. He has consistently denied wrongdoing.
He was sentenced to 12 years in prison, a term later halved by a pardons board chaired by Malaysia's king.
Najib has been pushing to serve the remainder of his sentence at home and is using legal avenues to try to compel the government to confirm the existence of a royal order that he says came with the pardon and recommended house arrest for him.
REUTERS | Ashley Tang | Rozanna Latiff
Editor's Choice: Indonesia, Malaysia Renew Bilateral Currency Swap Agreement
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono Meets Malaysian Minister Discussing Bilateral, Regional Issues
1 hari lalu
Indonesia's foreign affairs Minister Sugiono meets with Malaysian Minister of Economy Mohd Rafizi Bin Ramli to discuss bilateral & regional issues.
ASEAN Reasserts Centrality in Regional and Global Affairs
8 hari lalu
ASEAN leaders agreed to adopt a declaration outlining the development of a strategic plan to implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
Facts of Foreign Ships Caught Stealing Sea Sand in Batam
11 hari lalu
The two ships held by the Indonesian Ministry in the case of stealing sea sand in Batam are Yang Cheng 6 Treetown Imo 83533245 and Zousun 9.
Indonesian Customs Arrest Malaysian Citizen for Drug Smuggling Attempt
15 hari lalu
The Soekarno-Hatta Customs and Excise office arrested a Malaysian citizen, Tan Liang Heng (38), for smuggling more than 9 kilograms of drugs.
Malaysia Remains Indonesia's Top Foreign Tourist Contributor
17 hari lalu
Several factors driving the high number of Malaysian tourists include geographical proximity, cultural similarities, and improved tourism service.
8 Best Things to Do in Genting for Newcomers, Here's the List
19 hari lalu
First-time in Genting? Don't miss these best things to do. From thrilling rides to delicious food, discover best of this Malaysian wonderland.
Singapore's Disgraced Former Minister Iswaran Jailed in Landmark Case
22 hari lalu
Former Singaporean minister Iswaran was sentenced to 12 months in prison for obstructing justice and receiving more than $300,000 worth of gifts.
Top 3 News: Skytrax's Best Airports in the World 2024, Top Rated Airports
24 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
6 International Airports in Malaysia, Number 1 is Instagrammable
25 hari lalu
Discover operating international airports in Malaysia and their services. One of the airports is among the most Instagrammable in the world.
EUDR Takes Full Effect on Dec. 30; Indonesia Pushes IEU-CEPA Finalization, Malaysia Readies Compliance
25 hari lalu
EUDR is due to be implemented on December 30, 2024.
