PETALING JAYA – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has defended his decision to ease the prison conditions of former Prime Minister Najib Razak, explaining that while Najib’s conviction for money laundering linked to the 1MDB scandal was serious, there was no need for vindictiveness.
In an interview with the UK-based Financial Times, Anwar shared his perspective on the matter, recalling his own harsh imprisonment under previous administrations. “I went through that hell also, and solitary confinement. I wasn’t given any food outside except for the prison food,” Anwar said, drawing from his personal experience.
However, Anwar added that he did not feel the need to treat Najib in the same manner, acknowledging that the former leader had served as Malaysia’s prime minister. “But do I need then to treat Najib in the same manner? I say no, I mean, he was prime minister,” Anwar stated.
At the same time, Anwar made it clear that while he had forgiven past personal wrongs, he would not overlook corruption, especially when it involved embezzling public funds. “I was assaulted and near death. I’ve forgiven, I want to move on,” he said, referencing his own imprisonment in 1998. “But steal from the public purse – billions – (and) I’ve no authority to forgive you. You give back the funds.”