Najib Abdul Razak’s liberal access to the outside world lends credibility to the allegation that the former premier, who is serving a 12-year prison sentence, has been accorded preferential treatment, alleged PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli.
He was referring to an anonymous message making rounds on social media, which referred to Najib with the codename "merpati" (pigeon).
Among others, the message alleged that Najib’s cell in the Kajang Prison complex has been renovated and there are plans to move him to the Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital (CRH) to allow more access to visitors and VVIP facilities.
Speaking to Malaysiakini, Rafizi said he was disinclined at first to comment on the matter since it concerned an anonymous message.
However, a posting on the former premier’s Facebook page yesterday taking a swipe at Rafizi announcing PKR's plans to engage undecided voters changed his mind.
"I'm confused now. The public is being told that Najib's health is not good but on the other hand, he seems to be doing fine and can even post messages on Facebook.
"Even if he says the posting was made by his Facebook page administrator, we know Najib shouldn't have any interaction with the outside world.
"So how did he pass the message to his Facebook administrator, let alone know what I said during the PKR machinery launch on Sunday?" he asked.
He added that if Najib does have access to the outside world, then it would be a mockery of the courts which imprisoned him for corruption.
PM and home minister must respond...
Rafizi (above) also said that it would corroborate the “merpati” rumours and therefore, urged the government not to remain tight-lipped on the matter.
"Najib does appear to have some access to the outside world, to follow developments and pass messages.
"If it is true that he will be relocated to the rehabilitation hospital, it indirectly confirms the viral message.
“This is a serious issue. The prime minister, home minister and government must respond," he added.
Malaysiakini has reached out to the Home Ministry, Prisons Department and Najib's representatives for comment.
Najib landed behind bars late last month after the Federal Court upheld his conviction in the RM42 million SRC International Sdn Bhd case. However, the Pekan MP was warded in the Kuala Lumpur Hospital last week after his health deteriorated. It is unclear if he is still undergoing treatment.
Anwar’s case was different...
PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, during his imprisonment, had also issued media statements and spent the last six months of his incarceration in the Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital due to a shoulder injury. Commenting on this, Rafizi said Anwar was kept abreast of developments and issued statements via his lawyers, verbally.
"For Anwar, there were thorough checks on materials brought in and out of prison, the authorities would check papers and lawyers’ notebooks, and did not allow any kind of material to be brought out of prison.
"So, there is a clear precedent for a high-profile politician in prison, and it should be consistent throughout," he said.
As for the PKR president being relocated to the rehabilitation hospital, Rafizi said Anwar spent several years in prison before being transferred and this was done due to legitimate medical reasons. “That is not the case for Najib if the allegations are true," he added. - mk
Meanwhile, Amanah vice-president Mahfuz Omar, who described himself as Najib Abdul Razak’s senior at Kajang prison, is also demanding answers from the government over an anonymous message claiming that the former premier has been accorded certain privileges. Calling on the authorities to treat all prisoners in the same manner, he said: “I was imprisoned in Kajang myself. I am more senior than Najib in Kajang but I did not get any special treatment.”
Mahfuz (below) said the public must know the truth if the government is spending taxpayers’ money on the former premier, who is serving a 12-year prison sentence for corruption. “The government must explain the real situation and status,”
The Amanah leader said if the allegations are true, the government must explain the rationale for forking out more money for Najib when there is no guarantee that the nation would recover the losses incurred in relation to the SRC International and 1MDB scandals even after the former premier is released.
Mahfuz was commenting on the message making rounds on social media, which referred to Najib with the codename "merpati" (pigeon). Among others, the message alleged that Najib’s prison cell has been renovated and there are plans to move him to the Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital (CRH) to allow more access to visitors and VVIP facilities. Mahfuz also urged the Prisons Department to be transparent and not to conceal information related to the allegations. - mk
Just about a month in prison and the prison department has been turned to be very corrupted. They dare not defend the department with the many accusations. Najib wears a suit to go for court cases in a police escorted top range SUV. In this short time he has been taken for treatments and medicals check ups beating the long queues in government hospitals and not required to wear prison garbs and hand cuffs. Is this the new SOPs? - Mushiro
They all will deny it. We can't do anything unless we have photos and videos. You can see that Najib is doing all these in cunning ways.Now someone may make police report against Rafizi and this whole issue will be diverted. Instead Rafizi will be called to make statement. Later all will be forgotten but Najib will still be doing it. Land of endless possibilities! The only option we have is to CHANGE the current government in coming GE15. The head need to be changed! - Apanama is back
I'm curious to know if any prisoner has appeared in court in full suit with matching tie ? And this convict is treated the same way as every other prisoner? - Kajang prisoner
If Abdullah Ang can have his own VIP room and license to leave Kajang staycation anytime, what more Cash is King banduan di-Raja.. - My2cen
When you have a policeman kissing a convict's hand what else can you expect from the Prisons Dept. - Gen2
What to expect from a kleptocracy and corrupt govt? GE15 lets vote wisely. - Deep thought
cheers.
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