Prisons Dept acts according to prison laws

PUTRAJAYA: The Prisons Department has clarified that treatment and facilities accorded all prisoners, including Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, were line in with prison laws, regulations and procedures.

Its deputy director (Prisons Policy) Supri Hashim said various allegations and speculation had been made since Anwar began serving his sentence on Feb 10, despite clarification.

"The decisions, actions and measures taken by the Prisons Department are based on the provisions of the Prisons Act, Regulations and Procedures applied to manage all prisoners.

"Any employee found treating prisoners differently from such provisions will face the appropriate action," he said in a statement here today.

There are about 50,000 inmates in prisons nationwide.

On the meeting between Selangor Mentri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali and Anwar, Supri said the former applied to meet Anwar on state government matters such as the Selangor State Economic Adviser.
He said the Prisons Department checked all applications under the Prisons Regulations 2000, as well as prison procedures and based on related matters, it was permitted.

He also explained the visit, called a 'special meeting' under the Prison Regulations 2000, was also applicable to other prisoners on matters pertaining to family, work, division of properties, will as well as legal counselling.

Supri said Anwar was placed at the Sungai Buloh Hospital based on medical specialist advice and examination.

He said Anwar was placed at the facility before his meeting with Mohamed Azmin on Feb 25.

On the change of prison officers linked to the treatment accorded to Anwar, Supri clarified that the change took place each month to ensure the service and welfare of the officers involved.

He said the director of a prison had no authority to effect the change. – Bernama