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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright June 2023
Lawyer Rafique Rashid has raised further doubts regarding the peculiar visit of Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to former Prime Minister Najib Razak in prison, asserting that Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail's explanation fails to address the primary concerns of the public.
On June 14, Saifuddin stated that Zahid had obtained special permission from the prison authorities to visit and have a meal with Najib.
However, Rafique, who initially questioned the visit on June 12, believes that the provided explanation leaves numerous unanswered questions.
He poses a pertinent query about whether individuals in Zahid's position visiting other prisoners would receive similar special treatment.
While Rafique does not challenge the minister's authority or the prison commissioner's power, he wonders if such privileges would be extended to other prisoners as well.
Rafique refers to the Prisons Regulations 2000, which allows visitations by relatives and friends of inmates, subject to restrictions "except by special authority."
Saifuddin's response indicates that Zahid was granted special permission to visit and dine with Najib due to special authorization from the prison director-general or minister.
However, Rafique raises a valid point by stating that no details were disclosed regarding how Zahid obtained this special treatment.
Was it through a written request or a mere phone call? "Did it involve the deputy minister or the minister?" he questions.
These unanswered questions, Rafique points out, go beyond the minister's acknowledgement of their authority.
We concur with Rafique's view that there was nothing wrong with the statement provided by the Minister of Home Affairs, as he does possess such powers as granted by the law.
However, Rafique reiterates his concern about whether this authority would be extended to others. The public also seeks clarity on the decision-making process that led to this gathering between the prisoner and his supporters.
Rafique speaks on behalf of the public when he says, "That is the question because the public is currently curious about this special treatment and special authority."
Please enlighten us: Did the minister request the meeting, or were the Prime Minister and his deputy involved in arranging this exceptional social visit for a former Prime Minister?
Rafique also highlights the support provided to the coalition government by the 30 MPs from Barisan Nasional.
"If this special permission had not been granted, would Umno have withdrawn its support?" he poses.
This is another question that is foremost on the minds of our people, and they ought to be informed.
Rafique emphasizes the importance of the fair application of the country's laws to ensure Malaysia's progress or shall we add the democratic principle of being fair and equal to all in the country irrespective of origins and political stature?
Meanwhile, Sasha Lyna Abdul Latif, the deputy chairman of Bersatu's legal and constitution bureau, joins in the criticism, condemning the government for granting Zahid a special visit permit while other prisoners struggle to obtain basic medical access and permission to attend family funerals.
She states, "It is a common practice that apart from Najib, all other prisoners are not allowed to meet any friends from the beginning of their imprisonment until they are released or, in the case of life imprisonment, for the rest of their lives.
"If this is the stance taken by the Prisons Department, and it has the capacity to grant 'special permission' to certain individuals, it is only fair for other prisoners to be eligible for such permission.
"Other prisoners should also be allowed to receive visitors beyond immediate family members, and the use of barrier glass should be discontinued.
"Prisoners should have the chance and opportunity to share meals with their visitors, just like Najib and Zahid were able to dine together on prison grounds."
So, let's return to Rafique's original question, "So, what makes Zahid so special?"
Is it favouritism or just bureaucratic oversight?
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