Thankful to be home after 20 years in prison

This Ramadan is certainly blessed and happy for Che Sabri Che Jaafar because after 20 years behind bars, he gets to fast with his 79-year-old mother, Rohmah Karim.

The former Al-Ma’unah member, who was released on Aug 17 last year after Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah pardoned him, is grateful to be able to enjoy again the joyous spirit of the holy month, including breaking fast, waking up for sahur (pre-dawn meal) and performing terawih prayers at home.

“After 20 years of spending Ramadan in prison, I am thankful beyond words to be back again with my family, especially my mother,” he said at his home in Pekan Pulai Chondong here where he runs his tailor shop.

Che Sabri, 51, the seventh child among 10 siblings, said he was glad to have the opportunity to cook his favourite dishes especially nasi kerabu to break fast with his mother.

“Last year I only got to eat whatever was served at the prison. I never dreamed I would enjoy my favourite food again, nasi kerabu, on the first day of Ramadan,” he said.

Che Sabri said although he had gotten used to prison and celebrating Hari Raya with inmates, it had always been sad when Ramadan approached because it was during the holy month that he missed his family the most.

Che Sabri said he now runs a men’s tailor shop “CSCJ Tailor”, which he started in October last year.

“Right now I have 100 orders for Hari Raya,” he said. He takes orders for baju Melayu, kurta and robes with prices ranging between RM120 and RM150.

“I have stopped taking orders since the start of Ramadan as I am afraid I may not be able to get them ready in time,” he said.

Che Sabri said he obtained his Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) in tailoring while in prison and hopes to expand his business.

“I want to help former inmates to venture into this business so that they can earn a living once they are out of prison,” he said.

Che Sabri was among 13 convicts who were granted an early release by Sultan Abdullah in conjunction with the 63rd National Day celebration last year.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2000 on charges of waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong when he was with the Al-Ma’unah organisation.