Malaysia says planned house arrest laws aimed at reducing reoffending, prison overcrowding
The new law will allow house arrest as an alternative punishment for certain offences
MALAYSIA’S proposal to introduce laws allowing house arrest for some offences was aimed at reducing recidivism rates and prison overcrowding, and not at freeing certain individuals, government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil said on Friday (Oct 25).
Fahmi was responding to media questions about speculation the laws could be used to pave the way for the early release of former prime minister Najib Razak, who is serving a prison sentence for corruption linked to the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal.
Najib this week apologised for his role in mishandling the scandal during his time as premier.
His statement comes just days after Malaysia, in its budget plans for 2025, said it would propose a new law that would allow house arrest as an alternative punishment for certain offences. REUTERS
Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services
