PETALING JAYA: Former Sabah infrastructure minister Datuk Peter Anthony was released under the Licensed Release of Prisoners (PBSL) after meeting the eligibility period and undergoing the same screening and assessment process as other candidates, said the Prisons Department.
The department stressed that his release under the programme did not mean the remainder of his court-imposed sentence had been waived.
Instead, Peter will serve the remaining sentence in the community, subject to conditions, regulations and monitoring throughout the period.
“PBSL is offered to eligible candidates regardless of their background, position, status or influence.
“An individual’s status is not a criterion that gives them an advantage or exemption from the prescribed eligibility and assessment process,” the department said in a statement on Saturday (Sept 12).
It also rejected claims that Peter had been given preferential treatment or that there was a double standard in his release.
“Each case is considered based on eligibility, assessment and the prescribed process, while those released under PBSL remain under supervision until they complete the remainder of their sentence,” it said.
The department said PBSL was a structured community rehabilitation mechanism for eligible prisoners.
To be considered for the programme, a prisoner must have served at least one-third of the sentence. However, meeting the minimum period does not automatically qualify a prisoner for PBSL.
“Each candidate must undergo screening and assessment covering their character and conduct during incarceration, rehabilitation progress, participation in the Human Development Programme, readiness to return to the community, family support, suitability of placement, employment opportunities and post-release monitoring needs,” it said.
Peter was previously sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of falsifying supporting documents for a contract at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) in 2014.
He appealed against the conviction and sentence, but the Court of Appeal upheld the decision, including the RM50,000 fine.
