Najib is doing postgraduate studies while in prison

PETALING JAYA: Interior Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has confirmed that former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (Picture) will continue his postgraduate studies while serving his 12-year sentence for embezzling RM42 million of funds from SRC International Sdn Bhd.

According to an interview with Sin Chew Daily, Saifuddin added that Najib will not be granted access to devices during his sentence.

The Home Secretary has stated that Najib will not be given access to use a laptop or the internet in Kajang prison, but he suggested his media team could post updates on his social media accounts from time to time as long as they have access said accounts.

“Just because he’s physically incarcerated in Kajang Prison doesn’t mean he[can’t post on social media]. He has his media team, which is not unusual.

“You have his passwords, access (to his) username. It is possible.

“So does he have that option? The answer is no, he hasn’t. Believe me, as the most legitimate and authoritative source, he is denied access to any gadget,” he told the press in an interview video by Sin Chew Daily’s Pocketimes.

He answered a question about the former Prime Minister’s Facebook account, which is constantly updated even though he is in prison.

Saifuddin added that Najib is free to voice his views, just like current Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim did previously in prison.

“There are no laws prohibiting him from expressing his opinions, just like Datuk Seri Anwar before and his way of doing so when he had the opportunity to attend court proceedings and make spontaneous statements.

“Or he would make published notes, it’s the same thing. So we shouldn’t stop him from expressing (his views),” he said.

While Najib is serving his sentence, Saifuddin said he intends to continue studying.

“Datuk Najib is now using this time to continue his studies. He is now pursuing his postgraduate studies.

“In Kajang Prison, there are those who went to prison and managed to get a PhD and even their Masters. Not everyone knows, so I’ll let (everyone else) know about it,” he clarified in the interview.