Convict says life behind bars changed him
KUALA LUMPUR: He once held a high-powered job in a government-linked agency but today, Zaki leads a different life, confined to the tiny space within the four walls of his prison cell.
Sentenced to imprisonment for accepting a bribe eight years ago, Zaki (not his real name) said life behind bars has taught him a lot about himself and brought him closer to God.
“My life now is very different from before... maybe it was because I had everything – wealth, status and power, but I was ignorant about religion. I forgot Allah.
“Thankfully, being here (in prison) has changed me and given me a second chance to get close to Allah,” he told Bernama in the ‘Message from Prison’ programme held at Wisma Bernama here yesterday.
Also present were Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Azman Ujang and Bernama chief executive officer Datuk Zulkefli Salleh. Zaki, who is due to be released in three months’ time, said his time in prison had taught him many things.
“I am grateful that here we were taught religion, skills and discipline. It is like a rehabilitation centre which changes one for the better and society should not look down on us as many have reformed,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kajang Prison Superintendent Nasruddin Md Kassim said the ‘ Message from Prison’ programme has helped transform the public’s view of former inmates, giving them the chance to lead a normal life after their release.
“We will continue with programmes like this from time to time, as it is a move by the Prisons Department to create public awareness so that they (the inmates) will be accepted back without discrimination once they are released,” he said. — Bernama