Convicted former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will apparently be given better treatment during his imprisonment, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In an interview with CNBC, the Opposition leader said he gathered this information from his old colleagues and prison officers.
However, Anwar, who had collectively served around 10 years in prison under separate sentences, stressed that time spent behind bars is not a bed of roses.
He said that despite being given better treatment, it will be tough for Najib who is accustomed to living a lavish lifestyle.
Anwar also reflected on his time in prison, which he claimed was tougher than what Najib will supposedly go through.
Anwar shared that his own time in prison allowed him to reflect on the future and made him spiritually and mentally stronger, while most of his time was spent meditating, reading and exercising.
“I was in prison during the Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad era. It really was much tougher. I had no access to books, or family visits initially,” he said.
“Even under Najib’s government, I was thrown into a normal lock-up, sleeping for weeks on the floor, without consideration for my back problem or my age.”
“From what I understand from my old colleagues, prison officers, I think Najib will be given somewhat better treatment, in the sense that he will be accorded some facilities.”
“But still, prison is not a bed of roses. It is tough. Particularly, when compared to his present lifestyle of a seven-star hotel, he is going to experience something really difficult.”
Earlier, the Prisons Department denied claims that Najib will be given special treatment at Kajang Prison, where he will spend his jail term.
This came after a social media user claimed that Najib will get better accommodation and facilities in prison such as getting television, internet, air conditioning, books to read and a high-quality mattress to sleep on.
