3 days ago
Abdullah Ang, inmate who had water bed in Kajang Prison, has died
PETALING JAYA: Ang Swee Kang, a former managing director of the now-defunct Malaysian Overseas Investment Corporation who sparked national outrage in 1989 for receiving luxury and privileged treatment while jailed in Kajang Prison, has died.
Better known as Abdullah Ang, 79, he breathed his last on Wednesday (May 28) after a long illness.
Ang, who was sentenced to eight years' jail and fined RM100,000 in 1986 for criminal breach of trust involving over RM338,000, was embroiled in another scandal just three years later during incarceration when an English-language daily revealed he was receiving special treatment in Kajang prison.
It was reported that unbefitting for a prisoner, Ang's cell Was furnished with a carpet, refrigerator, TV, video player and a water bed.
The newspaper also revealed that investigations revealed Ang, who was said to be close to the then-prime minister Tun Mahathir Mohamed, also frequently left prison grounds to manage his business in Kuala Lumpur.
This triggered public uproar over preferential treatment for wealthy or well-connected inmates.
Soon after, several prison officials faced inquiries and a shake-up of the Prisons Department followed.
Ang's former legal adviser, Selva Sugumaran, who worked for Ang for over 25 years, told The Star that the businessman had been unwell for eight years and was frequently hospitalised.
He said Ang had ventured into business soon after his release from prison and ran a latex glove manufacturing company.
Selva, 64, said he and Ang stayed in touch over the years until his demise on Wednesday.
Ang's funeral is scheduled for this coming Monday (June 2) in Kuala Lumpur.
