No special treatment in Peter Anthony’s release, says Prisons Department

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 — Malaysia’s Prisons Department said the release of former Sabah Infrastructure Minister Datuk Peter Anthony under the Licensed Prisoner Release Programme (PBSL) was granted after he met the required eligibility period and underwent the same screening and assessment process as other prisoners considered for the programme.

In a statement issued today, the department stressed that PBSL was not a cancellation, reduction or shortening of a court-imposed sentence.

“Prisoners granted PBSL continue to serve the remainder of their sentences, but do so in the community, subject to the conditions, regulations, supervision and monitoring of the Malaysian Prisons Department,” it said.

“To be considered for participation in PBSL, a prisoner must first meet the eligibility requirements, including having served at least one-third of the sentence. However, serving this minimum period does not automatically qualify a prisoner for release under PBSL,” it added.