Kuala lumpur: Former Sabah Infrastructure Minister Datuk Peter Anthony was released under the Licensed Release of Prisoners Programme (PBSL) after completing the stipulated eligibility period and undergoing the same screening and assessment processes as other prospects considered for the programme, said the Prisons Department.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the department, in a statement today, stressed that Peter Anthony's release under PBSL did not mean the remainder of his court-imposed sentence had been set aside; instead, he continued serving it in the community and remained subject to the stipulated conditions, regulations, and monitoring.
The department explained that PBSL was a structured Community-Based Rehabilitation mechanism for prospects who met the established eligibility requirements and criteria. To be considered for PBSL, a prospect must have served at least one-third of their sentence. However, serving the required period does not automatically guarantee eligibility. Each prospect must undergo a screening and assessment process that takes into account factors such as character and behaviour while serving the sentence, level of rehabilitation, participation in Human Development Programmes, readiness to return to the community, family support, suitability of placement, employment opportunities, and post-release monitoring requirements.
According to the department, assessment and deliberation on PBSL were carried out by a committee chaired by the Commissioner General of Prisons and comprising senior officers and representatives from relevant agencies. The department stated that the process ensured that every decision was based on the prospect's eligibility and assessment results, in accordance with established procedures.
Meanwhile, the department emphasized that PBSL was implemented for eligible prospects regardless of their background, position, or status, and that no individual's status granted them an advantage or exemption from the assessment processes. 'Therefore, allegations that PBSL releases were granted based on preferential treatment or double standards are inaccurate. Every decision is made based on established eligibility criteria, assessments, and procedures,' it said.
The department highlighted that PBSL was implemented based on the principle of Community-Based Rehabilitation, which sought to balance public safety, individual rehabilitation, supervision, and preparation for reintegration into the family and community. It added that the approach formed part of the rehabilitation process within the correctional system, with individuals granted PBSL remaining subject to supervision until they completed the remainder of their sentences.
On March 25, Peter, who was serving a three-year prison sentence at Kajang Prison after being convicted of falsifying documents related to a maintenance and service contract at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), was reported to have been released under PBSL about two weeks earlier.