Prisons Department Denies Preferential Treatment in Release of Peter Anthony Under PBSL

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 – The Malaysian Prisons Department has denied claims of preferential treatment or double standards regarding the release of former Sabah Infrastructure Minister Datuk Peter Anthony under the Licensed Release of Prisoners Programme (PBSL). In an official statement issued on Saturday, the department emphasized that Peter’s release was granted only after he completed the mandatory eligibility period and underwent the standard screening and assessment processes applied to all eligible candidates.

Clarifying the legal and procedural standing of the programme, the department stressed that placement under PBSL does not mean the remainder of a court-imposed sentence has been set aside or shortened. Instead, candidates continue to serve the balance of their sentence within the community while remaining subject to strict conditions, regulations, and ongoing supervision. The department highlighted that PBSL functions as a structured Community-Based Rehabilitation mechanism designed to balance public safety, individual rehabilitation, and community reintegration.

To qualify for consideration, a candidate must have served at least one-third of their sentence; however, achieving this threshold does not automatically guarantee approval. Each application undergoes a comprehensive evaluation considering conduct and character while incarcerated, participation in Human Development Programmes, level of rehabilitation, readiness for community reintegration, family support, employment prospects, and post-release monitoring requirements. Deliberations are conducted by a committee chaired by the Commissioner General of Prisons and comprising senior officers and representatives from relevant government agencies.

Rebuffing allegations of bias, the department stated, “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.” It added, “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.” Peter was previously serving a three-year sentence at Kajang Prison following a conviction for document falsification related to a maintenance and service contract at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), and was reported released under PBSL earlier this year after meeting the required criteria.

–NMT