Prison Dept: Najib warded at Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital

Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak is being treated at the Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital (CRH), the Prison Department confirmed today.

The confirmation comes just days after an anonymous social media message claimed that plans are afoot to move Najib (codenamed “Merpati” in the message) to CRH, allegedly to allow more access to visitors and VVIP facilities. The message also claimed that Najib's cell in the Kajang Prison complex has been renovated.

However, the Prison Department assured Najib will be sent back to the Kajang prison to serve his jail sentence, once he is given medical clearance by specialists at CRH or the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL).

"On Sept 12, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered Najib to be taken to the hospital for medical checks after being notified that he was facing health issues.

"In line with Section 37 of the Prison Act, and provisions under the act, as well the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Treatment of Prison (Mandela Rules), the Prison Department sent Najib to HKL to be attended by medical specialists there.

"On Sept 19, HKL referred Najib to the CRH, for further treatment and monitoring," it said in a statement.

The department, however, did not respond to allegations of renovations at the Kajang prison complex.

Other than carrying out its responsibilities under the Prison Act to confine convicts, the department said it also bore the responsibility of ensuring the convicts’ health and welfare.

"This includes providing treatment and medication recommended by government health officials," it added.

Najib is serving 12 years in jail after the Federal Court last month upheld his conviction in the RM42 million SRC International Sdn Bhd case. In addition, he was also fined RM210 million.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim had also been warded at the CRH during the last six months of his incarceration due to a worsening shoulder injury that he sustained years prior.

PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli said unlike Najib, Anwar had served years in prison before being accorded treatment at the CRH.

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