HARI Raya Aidilfitri holds special meaning for three relatives, who were released early from Taiping prison, Kosmo! reported. This is because they will be spending the festival with their families this year.
One of them, who declined to be named, admitted to long-term drug abuse.
“During the five months I was here, I began reflecting on and repenting for my past mistakes.
“I am grateful for the chance to return to my family, especially with Hari Raya approaching.
“This opportunity allows me to seek forgiveness from my parents and make positive changes. I promise to be a better person.”
His brother, who only wished to be known as Remy, 27, said he was hooked on drugs at the age of 21 due to peer influence while working and socialising.
Their cousin, Aziz, 32, said his mother’s unwavering visits during his six months in rehabilitation gave him strength.
“On Raya morning, I want to kiss my mother’s hand and embrace her so she can forgive me for all my mistakes,” he said.
The trio was among 39 people freed under the Madani Yakin Licensed Prisoner Release programme, which allows eligible inmates with good behaviour to serve the remainder of their sentence outside prison under supervision by parole officers.
> A story of regret, gratitude and redemption is at the heart of cosmetic entrepreneur Datuk Seri Aliff Syukri’s latest project, a short film titled Ya, Abah Saya Security, Berita Harian reported.
Inspired by his father, the late Kamarzaman Kamaludin, who worked as a security guard to support the family, Aliff said the film is a personal reflection on valuing parents while they are still alive.
“This is my real story. My journey was not easy.
“I had asked my father not to drop me off at school because I was ashamed. Looking back, I regret it deeply,” he recalled, remembering how embarrassed he once felt being sent to school on his father’s motorcycle.
He said he regretted he did not spend enough time with his father.
> Actress Diana Danielle and her former husband, actor Farid Kamil, take a flexible approach when deciding where their children spend festive seasons, placing their happiness above strict schedules, Harian Metro reported.
Despite their divorce, Diana emphasises the importance of maintaining her children’s bond with their father, especially during major celebrations.
She said this year, their teen son Muhammad and daughter Nur Aurora would spend two weeks with Farid’s family in Kedah.
“They enjoy (Kedah) because the atmosphere is still very village‑like and different from Kuala Lumpur.
“Where they spend Raya is not a big issue. What matters is that they are happy and get to experience the festive spirit.”
The above article is compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with this ' >'sign, it denotes a separate news item.
