No special treatment in Peter Anthony’s release, says Prisons Department

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 — Malaysia’s Prisons Department said the release of former Sabah Infrastructure Minister Datuk Peter Anthony under the Licensed Prisoner Release Programme (PBSL) was granted after he met the required eligibility period and underwent the same screening and assessment process as other prisoners considered for the programme.

In a statement issued today, the department stressed that PBSL was not a cancellation, reduction or shortening of a court-imposed sentence.

“Prisoners granted PBSL continue to serve the remainder of their sentences, but do so in the community, subject to the conditions, regulations, supervision and monitoring of the Malaysian Prisons Department,” it said.

“To be considered for participation in PBSL, a prisoner must first meet the eligibility requirements, including having served at least one-third of the sentence. However, serving this minimum period does not automatically qualify a prisoner for release under PBSL,” it added.

Each candidate undergoes screening and assessment based on their conduct and character in prison, rehabilitation progress, participation in human development programmes, readiness to return to the community, family support, housing suitability, employment prospects and post-release monitoring needs.

At headquarters, applications are reviewed by a PBSL committee chaired by the Commissioner-General of Prisons and comprising senior officers and representatives from relevant agencies.

“Regarding the release of former Sabah Infrastructure Minister Datuk Peter Anthony, the Prisons Department stresses that consideration for his participation in PBSL was made after he reached the prescribed eligibility period and underwent the screening and assessment process applied to other candidates considered for the programme,” it said.

The department added that Anthony’s release did not mean that the remainder of his sentence had been waived. He would continue serving the balance of his sentence in the community and remain subject to the conditions, regulations and monitoring imposed throughout the period.

“An individual’s status is not a criterion that provides an advantage or exemption from the prescribed eligibility and assessment process,” the department added.

Peter Anthony was sentenced to three years in prison and fined RM50,000 after being convicted of falsifying documents linked to a Universiti Malaysia Sabah maintenance contract.

His conviction and sentence were upheld on appeal, and he began serving his sentence in March 2025 before being released under PBSL in March 2026.

MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong accused Pakatan Harapan of applying double standards by demanding full sentences for high-profile offenders while remaining silent when former Sabah minister Peter Anthony was released on parole after serving about a year of his three-year sentence.