Hope for ex-offenders and orang asli

IT IS heartening to see that the Pakatan Harapan government has taken a bold step to help in the reintegration into society of ex-offenders via a tax incentive for companies to hire them in Budget 2019.

For many prisoners who sincerely attempt to turn over a new leaf after they are released, one of the biggest hurdles is the stigma and suspicion that society continues to attach to them.

Many find it difficult to secure jobs or housing, leaving them vulnerable to a life of crime again.

Although hiring ex-offenders is not always a straightforward affair as they need guidance, coaching and support, our experience as a social work organisation shows that a successful outcome is possi- ble. A case in point is former convict Sam Kian Sang whose life story is an inspiration to many.

We urge private sector businesses and institutions to open their doors to employing ex-offenders who have gone through a rehabilitative process.

Not only will this be economically beneficial, it can also help reduce crime by reducing recidivism while fostering a more caring society.

We also noted that the government has allocated RM100mil for orang asli development. This is slightly less than the amount allocated in the previous Budget by the then government.

Orang asli remain the poorest community in Malaysia with over a third living below the poverty line and are plagued with disparities in health, education and access to basic amenities.

We are not privy to how the funds meant for the orang asli in the previous Budget was utilised but in the places where we work with the community, villages still lack basic things such as electricity and tar-sealed roads.

Therefore, we urge the Pakatan government to make an extra effort to ensure that the allocated funds in this Budget are correctly utilised and independently monitored so that the orang asli are not left behind for another 60 years.