KUALA LUMPUR: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail urged all parties not to confuse the public with assumptions about the proposed house arrest bill.
He said the law was still being drafted and that the government had studied the matter before deciding to introduce such a law.
"What is certain is that its implementation will focus on those who are truly eligible, with selection undergoing a highly meticulous process.
"This will also help ease the management of prisons and correctional facilities to some extent. "So, I urge everyone to keep an open heart and mind and to refrain from confusing the public with negative assumptions about this initiative," Saifuddin said in a Facebook post.
Yesterday, Communications Minister and government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil denied claims that the proposed house arrest bill was meant for jailed former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
He said the bill was about shifting from a punitive to a restorative justice system.
On Oct 18, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government would draft a new act allowing house arrest as an alternative punishment for certain offences.
Under this proposed law, offenders will be required to remain in designated locations, such as their homes or care centres, for the duration of their sentences.