KUALA LUMPUR - Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was given a special permission to visit jailed former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the visit was permitted by Prisons Director-General under Regulation 86, Section 10 of the Prison Regulations 2000.
He also said the meeting between Zahid, the Umno President and Najib was within his knowledge.
"Special permission can be granted either by the Prisons Director-General or by me.
"That is all, no problem. The important thing is that he notified me and I am aware. However, the process of how he notified the Deputy Prime Minister, that is the next process," he said during a press conference at Parliament building here, today.
He said this when asked to comment on the controversy surrounding Zahid's visit to Najib at Kajang Prison.
During his speech at the Umno General Assembly 2023 last week, Zahid said he had met Najib and had the opportunity to have breakfast with the former Pekan MP.
This caused dissatisfaction among some as some perceived it as favouritism.
Saifuddin further said the duration of the visit and bringing food from outside also depends on the discretion of the prison authorities.
"No visitor is allowed to bring in any food from outside, unless permitted by the officer," said Saifuddin.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the visit was permitted by Prisons Director-General under Regulation 86, Section 10 of the Prison Regulations 2000.
He also said the meeting between Zahid, the Umno President and Najib was within his knowledge.
"Special permission can be granted either by the Prisons Director-General or by me.
"That is all, no problem. The important thing is that he notified me and I am aware. However, the process of how he notified the Deputy Prime Minister, that is the next process," he said during a press conference at Parliament building here, today.
He said this when asked to comment on the controversy surrounding Zahid's visit to Najib at Kajang Prison.
During his speech at the Umno General Assembly 2023 last week, Zahid said he had met Najib and had the opportunity to have breakfast with the former Pekan MP.
This caused dissatisfaction among some as some perceived it as favouritism.
Saifuddin further said the duration of the visit and bringing food from outside also depends on the discretion of the prison authorities.
"No visitor is allowed to bring in any food from outside, unless permitted by the officer," said Saifuddin.