More than 10 Kajang Prison inmates are currently pursuing their studies from diploma to PhD via Open University Malaysia. – Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 11): Who would have imagined that today’s incarcerated person could become tomorrow’s professor.
But this can only happen if such a person and the many others in similar situations are given the chance.
Zubir (not his real name), 37, was sent to prison when he was 14 years old for the murder of his employer at a house in Selangor.
As a minor, he was not sentenced to a jail term but ordered to be detained ‘at the pleasure of the Ruler’ as he was below 18 years old at the time the offence was committed.
Adults convicted of murder could be sentenced to life imprisonment or to death.
Under the law, detention at the Ruler’s pleasure means the offender will be eligible for release at the discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or Sultan or Yang di-Pertua Negeri.
In Zubir’s case, the Ruler here refers to the Sultan of Selangor – the state where the offence took place.
No easy path
Having spent some 23 years behind bars at Kajang Prison, Zubir did not let the years waste away and is now a PhD candidate with Open University Malaysia (OUM) and en route to getting his doctorate soon.
His story stands as a testament to the fact that higher education for prisoners can lead to greater opportunities on release.
In his direct and honest account, Sabah-born Zubir said never had he imagined that he could pursue his education to the PhD level. In fact, he said he was offered the post of lecturer – a real feather in the cap.
The eldest of four siblings, who graduated with a master’s degree five years ago, said it was his dream to earn a PhD while in detention, and he is out to prove that prisoners are also capable of earning a PhD despite their incarceration.
Inmates pursuing further studies via OUM are monitored by prison wardens during every learning session. – Bernama photo
“I’m now pursuing my PhD in business administration at Open University Malaysia. Before completing my studies, I have already been offered a lecturer’s post,” he told Bernama in an interview recently.
Zubir said he sat for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination after a window of opportunity was given by the prison authorities for inmates to pursue their education.
After passing his SPM, he then took the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination before going further in his pursuit of academic excellence, acquiring a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration.
Not without challenges
Reminiscing his years behind bars, Zubir said he could not have reached this far without the unwavering support from his family, prison officers and other inmates, but noted that his pursuit for academic success was not without its challenges.
He said his academic journey was no easy path as some quarters questioned his motive and tried to dampen his spirits.
“There were some who made a mockery of my efforts. For them, the knowledge that I gained would not be put to use here (prison).
“But I brushed aside these negative vibes as the knowledge acquired is not for my self-satisfaction but to share with others while incarcerated. Knowledge is key to changing mindsets, biases and prejudices. It has changed my perception on certain issues.
“Looking at the bigger picture, I can help other inmates who are keen to pursue their education and I’m determined to contribute more to society should I be released,” he said.
The inmates pursuing further studies head back to their cells at the end of their learning session. – Bernama photo
Zubir’s status as a criminal and the strict entry requirements imposed by most universities were among the barriers faced when he was applying to graduate programmes after completing his STPM, causing him to almost give up.
“The prison authorities continued to look for other universities with flexible entry requirements and were easily accessible. OUM was among the universities offering the relevant courses.
“While pursuing my bachelor’s degree, a non-governmental organisation for Muslim converts offered to sponsor my studies. Later, an individual generously sponsored my master’s programme, while for my PhD, OUM funded 90 per cent of the fees while the rest is self-financed.
“I am very grateful to OUM for giving me this opportunity. It shows that there’s light at the end of the tunnel for us after leaving prison life,” he added.
Change public perception
Meanwhile, Vikram (not his real name) hopes to change public attitudes toward ex-offenders and help them reintegrate into society.
The 30-year-old, who has completed his master’s degree in business administration at OUM, said he plans to set up a service company to assist members of the public to start their own business.
Prisoners queue to collect their meal at Kajang Prison. – Bernama photo
“That’s the real reason why I opted for the master’s programme at OUM. I hope to change the public stigma towards ex-prisoners and to prove that we can also achieve academic excellence right up to the highest level.
“This is a stepping stone for me to set up my own company which provides various types of services to assist the less-skilled groups and those who are new in business.
“I hope to pursue my PhD in business administration before the end of my term in prison,” said Vikram, who is serving a 15-year sentence for a kidnapping offence.
He said he is determined to repay his family’s sacrifices and for their support, including covering the full cost of his studies.
OUM, a digital university for all
Kajang Prison director Roslen Ramli said the prison has never stopped its inmates from studying behind bars, noting that in fact, they are encouraged to pursue higher education in order to be ready for the job market after the end of their term.
“At Kajang Prison itself, more than 10 inmates are pursuing their studies from diploma to PhD. This helps them reintegrate with society and plan their future after serving their prison term.
“This way, they will be able to secure better jobs whilst embracing change, hence preventing them from negative influences,” he said.
Roslen Ramli
OUM vice chancellor Dr Ahmad Izanee Awang said the Prisons Department has set some criteria and requirements before prisoners are allowed to pursue their studies.
He said the university has provided education opportunities to prisoners at Kajang Prison since 2008 and is currently collaborating with OUM branch universities in Pahang and Sabah.
“Once they have met the criteria set by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), prison inmates are required to seek approval from the Director-General of Prisons before they are allowed to register.
“They are given similar facilities as other OUM students, but they must be under tight supervision by the prison authorities,” he said.
Ahmad Izanee said OUM’s motto, Digital University for All means, “it does not matter what the student’s background is, where they are, or what they work as, as long as they are interested in studying and wish to succeed we will welcome them as our students, and this includes prisoners.”
“Academic qualifications are very important in determining one’s career. It gives you higher chances of securing a better job and having a brighter future,” he added. – Bernama