EDUCATION is a natural progression for most people, as they transition from childhood to the workforce.
For Dr Malik Yatam, however, it carries special significance, becoming a way to turn his life around.
“Education gave me a sense of direction at a time when I had almost lost hope in my future,” the 40-year-old said.
Malik, who spent almost 24 years behind bars, completed his secondary and tertiary education, progressing from a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), all while serving his sentence.
“Prison may have confined my body but knowledge opened my mind,” he said during a recent forum session officiated by Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, which also saw the launch of his book “PhD dari Penjara”.
The book details how he was imprisoned at the age of 14 before turning to education as a way to rebuild his life.
Malik said he hopes his journey could help people from all walks of life, particularly prisoners and young people, become useful members of society.
“I hope those facing challenges, or any situation whatsoever, might find something in the book that touches their hearts and reminds them to never give up on their goals,” he said.
He added that his pursuit of education was never solely about securing his own freedom or employment, but about gaining knowledge that he could eventually share with others.
Recalling his early years in prison, he said he struggled with emotional, physical and mental pressures, including missing his family and believing that he no longer had a future.
He eventually found renewed purpose in 2003, when he returned to his faith and decided to pursue his education, he shared.
“However, getting the opportunity to study was itself a challenge.
“From 2003 to 2005, I repeatedly asked prison officers for permission to continue my education. At that time, there was no school in prison, so my request was beyond their way of thinking,” he said.
He was eventually allowed to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examinations privately in 2006.
That was possible after overcoming further obstacles, including finding someone who could register him for the examinations, as well as a lack of classes, books and teachers, he shared.
Malik went on to complete his Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia before being accepted into Open University Malaysia (OUM) in 2009, where he continued his studies from undergraduate level to PhD.
He graduated with a PhD in Business Administration in May 2025, five months after he was granted a pardon and released from prison.
On his journey, he said the most important thing is to “retain the same goal and spirit”.
“When we put our faith first and have a clear goal, we can overcome every challenge and obstacle,” he said.
Sultan Sharafuddin said Malik’s book serves not merely as a record of personal experiences but also as an example and a source of inspiration for everyone – particularly those striving to bounce back and rebuild their lives.
“I advise Malik not to be easily swayed by offers that could divert him from his life’s true purpose.
“Focus your efforts on knowledge, family, and serving the community. I hope the publication of this book marks the beginning of a better and more meaningful chapter in life,” the Ruler said during his address, which was also attended by Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin and Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah.
The event, held at Raja Tun Uda Library in Shah Alam, Selangor, on Sept 10, also saw Malik’s academic journey receiving recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR), which named him the first Malaysian to earn a PhD while in prison.
OUM was also recognised by the MBOR as the first university to produce a PhD graduate in prison.
OUM president and vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Izanee Awang congratulated Malik on his achievement, saying it should serve as a beacon of enlightenment for him to continue contributing and bringing hope to those seeking light at the end of a dark tunnel.
“Malik’s story reminds us that knowledge can help a person rediscover their potential and provide the best foundation for life after serving their sentence,” he said.
Malik, a Sabahan, was jailed in 2001 after an altercation led to his employer’s death in Selangor. He was detained at the pleasure of the Selangor Ruler and granted a pardon on Dec 11, 2024, in conjunction with Sultan Sharafuddin’s birthday.
He now runs a chilli farm with several former inmates as partners.
