SHAH ALAM: The Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) has recognised Dr Malik Yatam as the first Malaysian to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) while in prison.
Malik, who spent almost 24 years behind bars, graduated with a PhD in Business Administration from Open University Malaysia (OUM) in May last year.
He has since chronicled his journey from prison to academia in his book "PhD dari Penjara", which was launched here on Thursday (Sept 10).
Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said Malik’s achievement showed that those who had made mistakes could still rebuild their lives through education, determination and remorse.
"The positive progress Malik has shown today convinces me that he has made good use of the second chance he was given.
"This success also proves that someone who has once gone astray can still turn their life around through genuine remorse, knowledge, and determination," His Royal Highness said in his address at the ceremony.
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OUM was also recognised by MBOR as the first university to produce a PhD graduate in prison.
University president and vice-chancellor Prof 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 was jailed at the age of 14 in 2001 after an altercation led to his employer's death.
He was detained at the pleasure of the state Ruler and granted a pardon on Dec 11, 2024, in conjunction with Sultan Sharafuddin's birthday.
It was reported in February that Malik, a Sabahan, now runs a chili farm in Selangor with several former inmates as partners.
