Scholar behind bars: Najib pursues PhD in economics sans internet

Najib Abdul Razak is pursuing a postgraduate course from Kajang Prison, where he is serving a 12-year sentence.

A source close to the former prime minister told Malaysiakini that the latter has registered for a PhD in economics.

Earlier, Sin Chew Daily quoted Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail as confirming this, saying Najib would be allowed to continue his studies in accordance with the standard operating procedure.

However, he said the former finance minister would not be given internet access or a laptop.

“We will try our best to facilitate, such as for him to follow a lecturer,” he added.

Najib allowed to express views

Quizzed on social media postings attributed to Najib when he does not have internet access, Saifuddin said this is not an issue as it is done through his media team.

"He has a media team, this is not unusual, it (access to his social media accounts) can work as long as there is a username and password.

"There is no law stopping him from giving his opinion.

“Just like in the past, when (Prime Minister) Anwar Ibrahim was in prison, he was allowed to issue media statements when he left the prison (to attend court hearings).

“Najib is in a similar situation, we should not stop him from expressing his views,” Saifuddin added.

The former prime minister is waiting for the Federal Court’s decision on his application to review his conviction in relation to the SRC International corruption case.

On Feb 28, the five-member bench reserved its decision, saying that the parties involved would be notified of the outcome no later than March 31.

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