Ex-convicts should be given second chance to start anew
BINTULU: Former convicts seeking for forgiveness should be given a second chance by the community, especially their families, so that they can start a new life.
Deputy director of Sarawak Prisons Department, Ajidin Salleh, said upon their release the ex- convicts would face a big dilemma, and often struggled to find a place in society.
“This is especially so for those who have spent up to 25 years in prison. They probably can’t see their way out and re- entering society is no easy task,” he said during a Corporate Smart Internship (CSI) programme for parole at BDA Auditorium in Wisma Bintulu yesterday.
He said what the ex-prisoners needed most during the critical phase of reintegration into society was acceptance by their families and the community in general.
This is especially so for those who have spent up to 25 years in prison. They probably can’t see their way out and reentering society is no easy task.
“Once released, the ex- offenders are in dire need of support from all parties especially from family members, neighbours and the community.”
Ajidin said one of ways they could get ready for the reintegration process was through the parole system, which has been in practice in the country since 2008.
“The Malaysian Prison Department aims to have twothirds of ex- convicts to be successfully reintegrated into society through various initiatives by 2030.
“I thus urge community leaders, in particular, to work with the Prisons Department to ensure continuity in the rehabilitation process of the ex- convicts,” Ajidin said.
Prison officers are only capable of doing rehabilitation programmes in prisons but once they are released into society, it would be a shared responsibility with the community.
Ajidin believed that all inmates have the potential to be cured and was confident there’s still room for them to go back to society and contribute to nation-building.
The CSI programme for parole between Sarawak Prisons Department and Farley Supermarket yesterday was officiated at by Ng Kheng Hong a special officer representing Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
A total of 1,107 prisoners have been released for parole order in the 10 years of its implementation. Here (Bintulu), 138 prisoners have undergone parole order from 2008 to 2018.
Over 200 people comprising local community leaders and representatives from various government departments, agencies and non- governmental organisations attended the programme.
Two individuals namely Sarawak Prisons parole division Achon Tadeng and Leong Bon Huat talked on the roles, social responsibility and the positive impacts of the CSI programme.
Director of Parole and Community Services of the Malaysian Prison Department Ibrisam Abdul Rahman, Sarawak Prisons deputy director Fathi Mursidi, Bintulu Development Authority ( Corporate Service) assistant general manager Sheikh Anuar Nasruddin Amirullah, Bintulu police chief Superintendent Zulkilpi Suhaili and Farley Foodcourt manager Wong Hua Long were among those present at the function.
Ajidin Salleh, deputy director of Sarawak Prisons Department