Banduan berhak mohon pengampunan, kata menteri

Menteri Dalam Negeri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that any detainee has the right to voice a request for forgiveness as soon as all court processes are completed, regardless of their status or background. The minister clarified that such requests would be brought before the Federal Compensation Institution or presented directly to the respective King or Sultan in charge of the state.

He emphasized that if someone believes everyone should receive the same services, legally speaking, that right is already granted. He reiterated that the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) only serves as an implementing agency of any final decision made by the Compensation Institution regarding a detainee's status, including house arrest arrangements.

Consequently, the KDN does not have the authority to further discuss or entertain concerns about house arrest feasibility beyond the compensation institution's decision-making process. The minister reiterated that whether a compensation request is examined, considered, and decided upon is not within the KDN's purview. However, if a decision is made, the ministry's responsibility is to implement it, be it a reduction in sentence, cancellation, release, or placement under house arrest.

Earlier, Amanah Mohamad Sabu reportedly stated that house arrest facilities should not be a privilege for certain groups but should be carefully considered for all eligible detainees. On November 10, former Prime Minister Najib Razak was moved from Kajang Prison to his residence at Langkawi Duta, Kuala Lumpur, following the High Court's approval of his bail application for the SRC International Sdn Bhd case, with house arrest until August 23, 2028.