Deputy Home Minister Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said in Parliament today that Malaysian prisons have been recognised as being among the best in the world in terms of caring for the welfare and rights of inmates.
“The Malaysia Prisons Department is very sensitive about the rights and welfare of inmates and provide professional service based on human values of fairness and equitable,” he said in reply to a question from Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin (PKR – Bukit Katil), who asked whether the treatment of inmates in Malaysian prisons meet the standards set by the United Nations Minimum Rules (UNSMR).
“All inmates are treated fairly in accordance with the standard procedure regardless of race, gender or political affiliation.”
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also confirmed that Malaysia had accorded its inmates with the best service.
Asked by Shamsul whether inmates who were registered voters would be able to cast their ballots while incarcerated, Wan Junaidi said his ministry would meet with the relevant authorities to discuss the issue.
Wan Junaidi also replied to a query on inmates infected with tuberculosis by saying, “I have directed the Prisons Department to arrange a meeting with the Ministry of Health to provide immunisation to those infected and take preventive measures.”
Replying to a supplementary question from Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (BN-Masjid Tanah) on the treatment of women inmates, he said the Prisons Department was always concerned for their needs, particularly those who were pregnant.
“We accord them with the same treatment as that given to women outside prison. If they need weekly treatment, they will receive it,” he added.
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Story: Bernama
