KUALA LUMPUR — The Prisons Department has denied allegations of double-standards in the parole of former Sabah Infrastructure Minister Datuk Peter Anthony, saying he was eligible according to rules and processes for parolees.
The department said Peter had been released on parole after one year of his three-year prison sentence after completing the stipulated eligibility period and undergoing the same screening and assessment processes as other prospects considered for the programme
This did not mean the remainder of his court-imposed sentence had been set aside.
“Instead, Peter continues serving the remainder of his sentence in the community and remains subject to the stipulated conditions, regulations and monitoring,” the department said.
The parole programme, called the Licensed Release of Prisoners Programme (PBSL), is a structured community-based rehabilitation mechanism for prospects who met the established eligibility requirements and criteria, the department added.
“To be considered for PBSL, a prospect must have served at least one-third of their sentence. However, serving the required period does not automatically guarantee eligibility.
“Each prospect must undergo a screening and assessment process that takes into account factors such as character and behaviour while serving the sentence, level of rehabilitation, participation in human development programmes, readiness to return to the community, family support, suitability of placement, employment opportunities and post-release monitoring requirements,” the department said.
Peter had been convicted of falsifying documents related to a maintenance and service contract at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and sentenced to three years in Kajang Prison.
The department’s statement follows criticism by MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong who alleged that Pakatan Harapan (PH) had double-standards in demanding that high-profile individuals convicted of graft should serve their full sentence, yet did not demand the same when Peter was released on parole in March this year.
PH had issued its statement on those convicted of graft serving full sentences ahead of the meeting of the Federal Territories Pardons Board held yesterday amid speculation the board would deliberate on a pardon for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who is in prison for corruption involving 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) subsidiary, SRC International.
The matter however, was postponed to the next meeting of the pardons board. – September 12, 2026