Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah says self-reflection and resolve can help anyone turn over a new leaf, citing pardoned inmate Dr Malik Yatam’s story.
SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said a person who has taken a wrong turn in life can still turn over a new leaf through self-reflection, knowledge and determination.
His Royal Highness said this was demonstrated through the efforts of Dr Malik Yatam, the first PhD holder to successfully complete his studies while serving a prison sentence.
“I am pleased to have decided to grant a pardon and release Dr Malik after carefully considering all the relevant factors.
“Dr Malik’s positive development today convinces me that the second chance given to him has been put to good use,” he said when launching the book ‘PhD Dari Penjara’ by Malik Yatam at Pustaka Raja Tun Uda here today.
Also in attendance at the launch were Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
Also present were Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Open University Malaysia (OUM) president/vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Izanee Awang, and Malik, the author of ‘PhD Dari Penjara’.
Meanwhile, Sultan Sharafuddin also expressed his delight at Malik’s achievement in publishing a book documenting his life journey before, during and after serving his prison sentence.
“I hope this book will not merely serve as a record of his personal experience, but also as a lesson and source of inspiration to everyone, particularly those striving to rise again and rebuild their lives,” he said.
His Royal Highness also said he was pleased that his previous meeting with Malik had received positive coverage and inspired the people.
“I pray that Dr Malik and his family will always be in good health and that all their affairs will be made easy. Always remain humble and keep your feet firmly on the ground.
“Let me say this: uphold good conduct, safeguard your good name and that of your family, and continue striving to better yourself. Never become so immersed in fleeting fame that you become complacent, lose sight of yourself or become arrogant,” he said.
The Sultan of Selangor also advised Malik not to readily accept any offers that could divert him from his life goals, including venturing into politics, and to instead focus more on efforts to elevate knowledge, his family and service to the community.
“I hope the publication of this book will mark the beginning of a better and more meaningful chapter in life. Prove that the pardon and second chance given to you have been utilised with full responsibility,” he said.
At the ceremony, Malik also received recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records as the ‘First Malaysian Prisoner to Obtain a PhD from Prison’, while OUM received the award for ‘First University to Produce a PhD Graduate from Prison’.
In February, the Sultan of Selangor granted an audience to Malik, in what was the first meeting between the Ruler and a former prisoner who had been granted a pardon in conjunction with His Royal Highness’ birthday in 2024.
After serving 24 years in detention at the pleasure of the Sultan (LTS), a sentence with no fixed release date, Malik, 39, was finally released on Dec 11, 2024. He was not sentenced to death as he was below 18 when he committed the offence.
Malik began serving his sentence in 2001 at the age of 14 and subsequently obtained a PhD in Business Administration from OUM after pursuing his studies while serving his sentence at Kajang Prison.
