PM Anwar: No need to put Najib through 'hell' but must give back stolen funds


  • Nation
  • Tuesday, 21 Jan 2025

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended the move to ease Datuk Seri Najib Razak's prison conditions.

The Prime Minister told UK-based Financial Times that while Najib was convicted of money laundering linked to the 1MDB scandal, there was no need to be vindictive.

“I went through that hell also, and solitary confinement. I wasn’t given any food outside except for the prison food,” said Anwar.

“But do I need then to treat Najib in the same manner? I say no, I mean, he was prime minister.”

However, Anwar stressed that he would not forgive any corruption that took place under his predecessors, including Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad - recalling his own incarceration in 1998.

“I was assaulted and near death. I’ve forgiven, I want to move on,” Anwar said. “But steal from the public purse — billions — [and] I’ve no authority to forgive you. You give back the funds.”

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