Najib Is Now Pursuing PhD In Economics From Kajang Prison
Most PhD in economics programmes offered by universities require five to six years to complete.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 08 Mar 2023, 05:24 PM
With over a decade ahead of him in prison, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will be turning to books and pursuing a doctorate in economics
In an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily, Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed that the former premier has signed up for post-graduate studies while serving his 12-year jail term over the SRC International Sdn Bhd corruption case.
However, Najib will not be given any form of Internet access while pursuing his PhD, Saifuddin assured.
This comes after the Home Affairs Minister was asked whether the former Pekan member of parliament (MP) has access to the Internet in prison because he is still active on social media.
"No. Take this answer directly from me as the most legitimate and authoritative source: He has no access to a single gadget," said Saifuddin.
Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail speaking to Sin Chew Daily.
Image via pocketimes (YouTube)The minister added that there is no law stopping Najib from giving his opinion
Citing when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was in prison, Saifuddin said the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairperson was also allowed to issue media statements when he left prison to attend court hearings.
"His (Najib's) physical body is in prison, but his views are still free.
"He has a social media team. As long as they have his usernames and passwords, everything can operate as usual," said the Indera Mahkota MP.
He also added that it is not unusual for inmates in Kajang Prison to exit the institution with a doctorate or master's degree.
Malaysiakini quoted Saifuddin as saying that the authorities will try their best to facilitate Najib's further education, such as "for him to follow a lecturer".
Najib was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate from Meiji University in April 2010.
Image via Noor Shahidan Abd Raza (Blogspot)The PhD courses offered by most universities usually take around five to six years to complete.
However, students who already possess a master's degree in economics may cut their total study duration down to three years.
