First Inmate To Earn A PhD While In Prison Receives Royal Pardon
He was sentenced to jail at the age of 14 for murder.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 12 Dec 2024, 01:41 PM
An inmate who has spent the last 23 years behind bars has received a royal pardon for a crime he committed as a teenager
Murad (not his real name) is the first inmate from the Malaysian prison system to earn a PhD in Business Administration during his two-decade-long imprisonment, reported FMT.
He received a royal pardon from Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah in conjunction with the Selangor ruler's 79th birthday yesterday, 11 December.
According to Subang Jaya assemblyperson Michelle Ng, Murad's journey has been arduous. She said he was trafficked at 14 years old and thrust into a life of forced labour, abuse, and despair.
"At his trial, he lacked proper representation, leading to a conviction that condemned him to over two decades in prison. Despite these injustices, Murad's spirit remained unbroken.
"While incarcerated, Murad transformed his life through education. From a school dropout, he earned his SPM and STPM, pioneered Sekolah Integriti Kajang, and pursued higher education, completing a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, and now a PhD in Business Administration. He also embraced Islam, finding faith and purpose even amidst adversity," Ng said.
The assemblyperson expressed her gratitude to the Selangor sultan for granting Murad the pardon, reminding the rakyat that redemption and second chances are possible.
In his speech, Murad also thanked Sultan Sharafuddin for granting him the pardon, as well as the prisons department for allowing him to pursue his studies
Murad said he will always remember the department's kindness, and believes in its crucial role in rehabilitating inmates like himself.
According to FMT, Murad was not sentenced to jail in 2001 but was detained at the pleasure of the Sultan of Selangor for the crime he committed in the state.
Adults who commit murder can be sentenced to life imprisonment or death. However, under the law, detention at the ruler's pleasure meant Murad would only be freed at the discretion of the Sultan of Selangor.
