No blanket immunity for misconduct under revised Prison Act, says Saifuddin
Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail clarified that proposed amendments to the Prison Act 1995 do not grant blanket immunity for misconduct. The government is engaging with stakeholders to address concerns that the law might shield prison officials from legal accountability.
Why it matters
The debate highlights the tension between legal protections for state officials and the necessity of human rights oversight in the penal system.
PUTRAJAYA: The government is meeting relevant stakeholders after proposed amendments to the Prison Act 1995 were referred to parliamentary select committees, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail says.
Speaking to the media after the Home Ministry's monthly assembly here on Monday (July 27), he said the amendments contained the word "protection" that needed to be discussed and explained further.
"Some NGOs (and) members of Parliament believe this means the Prisons Department will be free from the law.
"For example, a department director being hit with legal action after a convict is caned and passes away.
"We know in this situation, a doctor will always be present to check, and the department is only carrying out the orders of the courts.
"So in this situation, I feel there is a need for amendments to be made.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in