{
  "id": 6867960,
  "title": "No double standards in Peter Anthony’s release, says prisons dept",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/no-double-standards-in-peter-anthonys-release-says-prisons-dept-6867960",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-12T04:59:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/09/12/no-double-standards-in-peter-anthony-s-release-says-prisons-dept"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The prisons department has refuted claims of double standards in the release of former Sabah infrastructure minister Peter Anthony, who was granted parole in March this year. According to the department, Anthony was only considered for parole after he had completed the required minimum sentence and undergone thorough screening and assessment. It stated that serving one-third of the sentence does not guarantee release, as parole decisions are made by a committee based on factors such as good behavior, rehabilitation progress, and readiness to reintegrate into society.\n\nThe department emphasized that the release through parole does not mean the remaining sentence is set aside; Anthony still serves the remainder of his sentence while being subject to specified conditions. It clarified that parole decisions are not influenced by an individual's background, position, or status, and that the program is designed to promote community rehabilitation while ensuring public safety.\n\nThe controversy surrounding Anthony's release comes as former Prime Minister Najib Razak seeks a pardon for his convictions related to the 1MDB scandal.",
  "summary": "Department says he met the eligibility requirements and underwent the same assessment process as other prisoners.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Sabah's Peter Anthony release: Prisons Department denies double standards",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/sabahs-peter-anthony-release-prisons-department-denies-double",
        "published": "2026-09-12T03:48:32.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "No special treatment in Peter Anthony’s release, says Prisons Department",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/no-special-treatment-in-peter-anthonys-release-says-prisons-department",
        "published": "2026-09-12T04:19:35.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "No double standards in Peter Anthony’s release, says prisons dept",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/no-double-standards-in-peter-anthonys-release-says-prisons-dept",
        "published": "2026-09-12T04:59:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}