PETALING JAYA: A former juvenile detainee who spent 24 years in custody and earned a doctorate during imprisonment was granted a royal audience with the Selangor Ruler on Tuesday (Feb 3).
According to a post shared on the Selangor Royal Office’s official Instagram account, Dr Malik Yatam met Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah in what was described as a deeply emotional and reflective meeting that lasted almost an hour.
The audience marked a historic first, believed to be the only time the Selangor Ruler has personally met a former prisoner who was granted a royal pardon.
Those present said the atmosphere was solemn and moving, as Dr Malik shared his life journey — from entering prison as a teenager to walking free as a doctorate holder.
Dr Malik, now 39, had been detained since 2001 under the Sultan’s Pleasure detention order after committing an offence at the age of 14. As he was under 18 at the time, he was spared the death penalty, but the sentence carried no fixed release date.
Over more than two decades behind bars, he pursued education relentlessly, eventually obtaining a PhD in business administration while incarcerated at Kajang Prison — making him the first Malaysian detainee known to have achieved a doctorate during imprisonment.
He was finally released on Dec 11, 2024, after receiving a full pardon in conjunction with the Selangor Ruler’s birthday celebrations.
The decision followed deliberations by the Selangor Pardons Board, which met on Nov 24 last year and reviewed his case in detail, taking into account his rehabilitation, academic achievements and personal transformation.
During the audience, Sultan Sharafuddin enquired about Dr Malik’s life since his release, including how he was adjusting to freedom and his plans for the future.
His Royal Highness was said to be deeply touched by Dr Malik’s perseverance and resilience, expressing that he truly deserved a second chance in life.
The Sultan also reminded him to continue protecting his family’s good name and to remain committed to improving his circumstances through honest effort and positive contributions to society.
