KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 11 -- Malaysia's Prisons Department said the release of former Sabah Infrastructure Minister Datuk Peter Anthony under the Licensed Prisoner Release Programme (PBSL) was granted after he met the required eligibility period and underwent the same screening and assessment process as other prisoners considered for the programme.

In a statement issued today, the department stressed that PBSL was not a cancellation, reduction or shortening of a court-imposed sentence.

"Prisoners granted PBSL continue to serve the remainder of their sentences, but do so in the community, subject to the conditions, regulations, supervision and monitoring of the Malaysian Prisons Department," it said.

"To be considered for participation in ...