Sam remains worthy of royal pardon
PETALING JAYA: Former convict Sam Kian Sang marks his first anniversary as a free man on July 25.
Since his release from prison, Sam has made the most of his time by serving the less fortunate on the streets of Kuala Lumpur, feeding and counselling them.
He was serving a natural life term for gun possession in 1988 but was released last year on a royal pardon.
“I took Bible study classes for three months at a seminary after my release. After that, I joined some Christian fellowships to share my faith and experience.
“That is how I found out about Sahabat Pudu and joined its activities,” Sam said.
Urban Food Sharing (UFS), better known as “Sahabat Pudu”, is a Christian ministry that reaches out to the homeless and jobless on the streets of Pudu.
At its headquarters, it serves breakfast from 9am to the homeless, drug addicts and the elderly.
“They can rest, take a bath and even get clean clothes. There are times when we help wash their clothes as well,” said Sam, 60.
On Saturdays, Sahabat Pudu has an urban food sharing event in an alley opposite Pudu Plaza.
Sam was arrested on Sept 13, 1988. He was 31 then.
He was held at the Pudu Prison until June 5, 1990, and then moved to Kajang Prison.
Several lawyers and NGO activists such as Malaysian Care had campaigned for his release.
Star Media Group chief executive officer and group managing director Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, who had written about Sam’s plight, was among those who campaigned.
Sam’s case was special because his appeal was supported by the prison warders who were amazed by his transformation from gangster to the prison’s church leader.
His campaigners had said that Sam was an example to other inmates.
Every Sunday, more than 60 inmates, including former hardcore criminals, used to spend time in worship under his leadership.
Sam said that for now, his only plan is to continue God’s work.
“I have yet to face any insurmountable obstacle in my path after I was released,” he said.
He has also been counselling former inmates and drug addicts.
“At this moment, two addicts are in a drug rehabilitation centre. We visit them once a week or every two weeks to check on their progress and to give them moral support.
“It is difficult for them because they have been addicted to drugs for so long and were in and out of prison,” he said.
Given the opportunity, Sam said he wants to run a small business.
“A food business would be good, especially in the current economic climate,” he said.