RAYA GIFT FOR DEATH ROW INMATES
10 inmates, chosen for good behaviour, get to spend time with family members
DEATH row inmates at the Penang Remand Prison here shed tears of joy as they celebrated Hari Raya with their family and loved ones yesterday.
For Nasir (not his real name), 36, it was an extra special occasion as he was able to celebrate the birthday of his second child,
who turned nine on Wednesday.
Nasir was convicted of drug trafficking and had been in prison since.
“I really missed my kid and am glad she was here with me on this special day. I just wanted to hug and kiss her.
“It was a wonderful and indescribable feeling. I am touched that my mother is also here although she is wheelchair-bound. But I miss my late father who passed away in April,” he said.
Another inmate took the opportunity to advise people not to take drugs as it would destroy their lives forever.
Azam (not his real name), 48, said his involvement with drugs led him to commit a murder in 2010. He regretted his mistake and felt that there was nothing he could do to rectify things.
“Do not take drugs, do not even touch it. Alhamdulillah, I am now free of drugs.
“I have come to terms with the past. If I am pardoned, I will be happy. If not, I will accept it as fate. Everything has been fixed. I leave it to Allah as He knows the best for me,” he said.
Prison director Tey Hock Soon said 10 inmates were chosen to spend time with their family members for this year’s Hari Raya celebration.
He said they were chosen based on their good behaviour and also the willingness of their family members to meet them during the four main celebrations — Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Christmas.
“Usually, they are allowed to talk over the phone, but during festivals, we give them space to spend time with family members.
“This is to remove the stigma within the community and make the inmates feel accepted despite their past,” Tey said.
There are 1,512 inmates at the Penang Remand Prison.