Kota Kinabalu: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Kepayan feted prisoners on licensed release and parolees at an Iftar event held at the Kepayan Prison transit home here, recently.
This was their first collaborative effort with the State Prisons Department to ensure the smooth reintegration of inmates into society.
The event benefited 90 people, including SJK Yue Min schoolchildren, tahfiz students and underprivileged residents from the surrounding Kg Matambai.
Gagasan Rakyat Kepayan Information Chief and Iftar Ceremony and Ramadan Donation (Misur) Chairman, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan, expressed hope that targeted infrastructure improvements and motivational courses would soon follow the financial aid.
“In the context of reintegration into society, there is no proper approach. The Prisons Department provides moral support, but how can they do so if there is no support from society?
“The public needs to be introduced to and welcome this particular group so efforts can be increased. There is much potential in them to heal and contribute,” he told the press.
He was speaking at the Peter Andu Hall near the transit home, which is designated for eligible inmates to get back on their feet, where they are also provided with religious guidance.
Before breaking their fast, the inmates performed religious songs and recited verses from the Quran.
Meanwhile, Gagasan Rakyat Kepayan Chief Datuk Dr Stephen Jimbangan said the division has kicked into high gear as polling day approaches.
“There aren’t many complaints from Kepayan residents, perhaps because the sub-district is close to the city and has adequate public infrastructure.
“But Gagasan Rakyat is focusing on improving the culture of maintenance,” he said, adding that a potential candidate awaits the party president’s prerogative.