Bersatu calls for equal treatment in home detention policy

Bersatu has urged the government to clarify its criteria and approach to home detention for prisoners, asserting that any such programme should be applied fairly across the board. The party said authorities need to explain the basis upon which certain inmates are permitted to serve sentences at home while others meeting similar eligibility requirements are not granted the same consideration.

The push for transparency reflects broader concerns about the equitable implementation of alternative sentencing policies within Malaysia's correctional system. Home detention programmes, where inmates serve portions of their sentences outside conventional prisons, are designed to ease overcrowding and support rehabilitation for low-risk offenders.

Bersatu's position underscores the importance of establishing clear, publicly communicated guidelines that determine which prisoners qualify for home detention. The party argues that inconsistent application of such policies raises questions about fairness and the rule of law.

The government has not yet responded formally to the party's demands. Correctional authorities have previously maintained that home detention decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as security risk, nature of offense, and family circumstances.