Former prime minister Najib Razak, who was jailed for 12 years, is not getting any special treatment in Kajang Prison, Utusan Malaysia reports.
He gets the same food as other prisoners, has to take cold showers and his cell has only a fan, the Malay daily reported, quoting a source.
Najib is placed in an isolation cell to ensure his safety.
Even though Najib has VIP status, he does not get special treatment and is subjected to prison rules.
“As a former prominent leader of the country, security measures undoubtedly will be tightened to ensure he remains safe while in the care of the Prisons Department,” the source was quoted as saying.
The source also said Najib, who is currently attending the 1Malaysia Development Bhd graft trial, is not handcuffed because he has not committed any violent crimes.
“Handcuffs are only used at the discretion of the prison, based on reasonable grounds.
“Najib routine’s is the same as other prisoners, the only difference is that Najib is isolated from other prisoners while doing the same activities,” the source said.
Najib also gets the same food as other inmates and if he requests for a special diet, it will be up to the recommendation of a medical officer on health grounds.
“The prison does not allow family to bring food to inmates when they visit.
“From what can be seen yesterday in court, Najib has skin allergies from the redness on his neck and he has ‘shrunk’ a little.”
The source said Najib has allergies that can cause him to stop breathing in his sleep, so he needs to use a machine.
“Even then, the wire for the machine had to be extended,” the source said.
Najib is in Kajang Prison after the Federal Court upheld his 12-year jail sentence and RM210 million fine for embezzlement, power abuse and money laundering.
On August 23, a five-man Federal Court bench chaired by Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat upheld his conviction over seven criminal charges, as well as the 12-year jail term and RM210 million fine, in lieu of an additional five years in jail. – TMI