SHAH ALAM - The Pejuang Tanah Air Party (Pejuang) has raised objections to the "privilege" given to Umno President, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, for being allowed to meet and have a two-hour breakfast with former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in Kajang Prison.
According to Pejuang information chief, Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, the maximum visitation time for a prisoner is only 45 minutes.
"Several questions arise from this meeting, including how it was approved. Normally, visits to inmates or individuals in custody in prison are only permitted for family members, legal counsel, and authorities.
"The duration of the meeting is also a concern. How can a meeting last two hours when the allotted time is typically 45 minutes?" Muhammad Rafique asked adding that whether it is acceptable for such a lengthy meeting to take place within the confines of a prison.
He further questioned the conditions under which family members are allowed to interact with inmates, emphasising that physical contact, such as hugging and kissing, is typically not permitted due to the presence of barrier glass.
"Even conversations are usually conducted through a phone attached to the barrier wall," he added.
During the Umno 2023 General Assembly last Saturday, Ahmad Zahid revealed that he spent over two hours with Najib, accompanied by Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.
Muhammad Rafique raised doubts about whether other members of the Cabinet were aware of this meeting.
He also questioned the need for a discussion about a royal pardon, suggesting that it could be handled by an attorney or a family member instead.
Muhammad Rafique also stated that he had written to the Commissioner General of Prisons and the Home Minister seeking an explanation, but had yet to receive a response from either official.
"If the motto Madani 'Dignified, Knowledgeable, Integrity' is merely empty rhetoric, there is no point in chanting it," he said questioned.