Conrad to go on hunger strike

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Conrad spends his time reading holy books in the family’s prayer room, which he said calms him.

PENAMPANG: In a six-page handwritten statement, former state minister Datuk Conrad Mojuntin gave 12 reasons that drove him to go on hunger strike until his last breath.

Stressing that he has found faith in God who will help him find peace and provide strength during his great distress, the 63-year-old said the decision was made to highlight his dissatisfaction over several matters that transpired over the past few years.

“I am starting to fast today, Friday, 17th June, 2011, five days after Pentecost Sunday, in my family’s prayer room completely abstaining from food. I will drink only water, praying and sleeping here, until I die if it is the will of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,” Conrad wrote.

Met at his house here, the former Culture, Youth and Sports Minister said he has expressed his intention to the Roman Catholic priests.

“There have been a lot of happenings. Not just recently, but in the past. The final straw, for me, was when my pension was stopped on Mar 1 last year.

“The pension money is my only income that helps settle the monthly instalments on my house mortgage and my children’s education fees. I have a wife, seven children, two daughter-in-laws and two grandchildren to care for,” he said.

“I was told by a doctor that if one takes water without food, one could last for at least 90 days, while those who abstain from food and water will only live for about three days.

“For now, I will abstain from food, but may be will also fast from having water by the end of the month … I just hope things will change for the better soon,” he said.

He said he wrote to the Head of State’s private secretary dated Apr 5, 2010, to seek pardon and hope the government would consider reinstating his pension, but to date nothing has been done.

Conrad, who spent four months behind bars for causing hurt to a man in 2009, also hopes that by fasting, God will help expose those who conspired to wrongfully put him in jail so that justice will be done.

“Life in prison has taught me a lot. I prayed everyday and the prison officers and wardens have been very accommodating. They allowed me to bring my Holy Bible and Rosary in.

“They are very nice people, it is a shame that their contribution is never recognised by the government. None of the prison officers or wardens have ever been awarded any title,” he said.

“You see, prison life is not the best experience. You do not want to go there. But, although we have done wrong, we are just human, I am a sinner, but who does not commit sin? You should not neglect the welfare of the prisoners … do not treat prisoners like animals,” he said.

Conrad stressed that he has lost faith in the government, saying there was too much double standard and bias in offering jobs to the non-Muslims.

“Two of my sons applied for jobs with the government, one with the police and the other with immigration. Both were called for interview but they were denied the jobs. I just hope that the government would be fair, by giving a 40-40-20 quota for job offers, meaning 40 per cent each for Muslims and Christians, and 20 percent for others.

“I also hope the government would be fair in giving out study loans and those who have completed their studies on government loans to repay them soon. Delaying in payment would only deprive others from pursuing their dreams,” he said.

Conrad also touched on other issues, and urged the Federal Government to fulfil the aspirations of Sabahans based on the 20 Points, following the formation of Malaysia in 1969.

“I also hope that God will help to reveal the whole truth regarding the Double Six plane crash,” said Conrad, referring to the tragedy that claimed the life of his elder brother Donald and five other state ministers, including the then Chief Minister, Tun Mohd Fuad Stephens.

Appearing calm, Conrad also called for the lifting of the ban on the book “Peter Mojuntin: Golden Son of Kadazan”, which was written just after the plane crash took place.

He stressed that he was not losing his mind, but believes that God’s messengers have appeared before him to help guide him towards doing the right things.

“It is not my imagination. I believe that I have to suffer in order to have a good life. And I chose to fast. And if I die during the period of abstaining food, then it is God’s will,” he said.