2 0 0 2 Prisons Dept not informed about Anwar’s shoulder problem

Ministry's sec-gen says no decision has been made from any related party about the kind of treatment or surgery, or the specialist chosen.

PUTRAJAYA: The home ministry said care and treatment had been given to Anwar Ibrahim in a professional manner at the Sungai Buloh Prison, and in accordance with the Prison Act and Prison Regulations.

The ministry’s secretary-general, Alwi Ibrahim, in a statement today said every aspect of managing a prisoner was based on the provisions in the Prison Act 1995 and Prison Regulations 2000.

“Placement at the prison’s clinic cell and the facilities provided, including food supplements, are as suggested by the medical officer in the interest of Anwar’s health.

“Other prisoners recommended additional diet by the medical officer will also be given such a diet.”

Alwi also said that the Prisons Department had never neglected Anwar’s health examination or treatment needs.

“Every decision and recommendation made by the medical panel is adhered to.

“This included the several occasions that Anwar was taken to Kuala Lumpur Hospital for medical examination and further treatment,” he said.

Alwi said Anwar had also been examined by an orthopaedic specialist from Universiti Malaya Medical Centre as requested by Anwar before this.

“Section 37(1) of the Prison Act 1995 clearly states that the health treatment for a prisoner is provided at a government hospital and it is the responsibility of the Prisons Department to take the prisoner to a government hospital for the purpose of further treatment.”

He said based on Regulation 234 of the Prison Regulations 2000, a government medical officer examining a prisoner could make further recommendations in the interest of the prisoner’s health.

“With regard to Anwar’s right shoulder problem, until now the Prisons Department has not received any decision from any related party on the kind of treatment or surgery, or the specialist chosen to carry it out,” he said.

Alwi said the same legal provisions and regulations would apply in giving treatment, including specialist treatment, to the other prisoners.

In February, Anwar was sentenced to five years’ jail for sodomising his aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, who was aged 23 when Anwar committed the offence in 2008.

– BERNAMA