No double standards in Peter Anthony’s release, says prisons dept
Department says he met the eligibility requirements and underwent the same assessment process as other prisoners.
The prisons department has refuted claims of double standards regarding the release of former Sabah infrastructure minister Peter Anthony from prison. Anthony was released on parole in March after serving around a year of a three-year sentence. The department explained that Anthony was only eligible for parole after completing one-third of his sentence and passing a thorough screening and assessment process.
Being eligible for parole does not mean the offender's imprisonment sentence is cancelled; they remain obligated to observe specific conditions, regulations, and monitoring during their parole period. The department emphasized that parole decisions are made by a committee chaired by the commissioner-general of prisons, including senior officials and representatives from related agencies.
Factors considered for parole decisions encompass the prisoner's good behavior, progress in rehabilitation, participation in rehabilitation programs, preparedness to return to society, familial support, and employment prospects. The department stressed that parole is granted to eligible candidates irrespective of their background, position, status, or influence, and individual status is not an advantage or exemption from the eligibility and assessment process.
The Licensed Prisoner Release Programme serves the purpose of community rehabilitation, aiming to maintain public safety, facilitate rehabilitation, supervise offenders, and assist them in reintegrating into society. The allegations of preferential treatment or double standards in Peter Anthony's parole release are baseless, according to the prisons department.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
