Jail sentence a chance for me to turn over new leaf, says inmate

KUALA LUMPUR: "People say that when we are sentenced to prison, it is a chance for us to turn over a new leaf," said Af (not his real name) about the prison sentence he is currently serving.

The 44-year-old inmate admitted that when he first stepped into Kajang Prison six years ago, it was an opportunity that Allah gave him to turn over a new leaf and become a pious Muslim.

"My first day of stepping foot in this prison was like being in a foreign place... it was the first time I had been jailed.

"Once in prison, I felt how small this world really is – it is just a place for us to rely on hope and submission to the Almighty," he said when interviewed in a Bernama TV documentary titled Kami Juga Ada Perasaan (We Have Feelings Too).

Af was found guilty under Section 304 of the Penal Code for committing culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

However, he was reluctant to share information about his crime, which landed him a 10-year prison sentence.

"Let it be a lesson for me and part of my life history. It's a shameful thing. I better keep it to myself," he said.

Talking about his life in prison, Af said that his daily routine was completely different from when he was still free, with he focused on worldly matters only.

"My daily routine starts as early as three in the morning, starting with prayers and then reciting the Quran until it is time for the obligatory Subuh prayers. After that, I continue with prison programmes," he said.

When asked what he wants to do once he is out of prison, Af said he would love to perform the umrah.

"I want to ask for forgiveness in the house of Allah. I will ask Allah to give me the best guidance before I step forward to continue my life," he said, adding he still has two years to go before completing his jail sentence.

Af said he wants to correct his wrongs and do his best for his wife, children and parents.

"God-willing, I will prove that I am a better person," he said.

There are about 70,000 prisoners currently incarcerated in 40 prisons and 10 satellite prisons nationwide. – Bernama