The Prisons Department has denied claims that former Sabah Infrastructure Minister Datuk Peter Anthony received special treatment when he was released under the Licensed Prisoner Release Programme (PBSL).
The department said Peter remained under supervision while serving the remainder of his sentence in the community after being released under the programme.
It said he was considered for PBSL only after meeting the required eligibility period and undergoing the same screening and assessment process as other prisoners.
The department stressed that PBSL does not cancel, shorten or reduce a sentence imposed by the court. Prisoners released under the programme continue serving their sentences in the community, subject to conditions, rules and monitoring.
It also said the programme is available to eligible prisoners regardless of their background, position, status or influence. Meeting the minimum eligibility period does not automatically qualify a prisoner for release.
Under PBSL, a prisoner must serve at least one-third of their sentence before being considered. Candidates are then assessed on factors including conduct, rehabilitation progress, participation in rehabilitation programmes, readiness to return to the community, family support, suitable accommodation, employment opportunities and post-release monitoring needs.
Applications are subsequently considered by a Prisons Department headquarters committee chaired by the Prisons Director-General, with senior officials and representatives from relevant agencies.
The department said the process ensures each case is assessed according to established eligibility criteria and procedures.
The denial comes amid renewed attention on Peter’s release following debate over former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s pardon application. Buletin TV3 reported that the issue had brought renewed scrutiny to the different mechanisms governing prisoners’ release.
The Prisons Department maintained that PBSL is a structured rehabilitation mechanism and does not amount to a reduction or waiver of a court-imposed sentence.
