SHAH ALAM, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, granted an audience to Dr Malik Yatam, the first PhD holder to complete his studies while serving a prison sentence.
According to the official Selangor Royal Office Facebook page, it was the first meeting between Sultan Sharafuddin and a pardoned former inmate.
At the meeting in a city hotel, the Sultan also inquired about Malik’s life since his release from Kajang Prison in 2024 and his plans.
His Royal Highness also advised Malik to uphold his family’s good name and stay motivated to improve his life.
“The meeting, which lasted nearly an hour, took place in a quiet and emotional atmosphere,” the post said, showing Malik shaking hands and hugging Sultan Sharafuddin, wiping away tears as the Sultan offered comfort.
The post said Sultan Sharafuddin was also moved by Malik’s life story, saying he deserved a second chance.
“His Royal Highness carefully considered all factors presented at the Pardons Board meeting on Nov 24, 2024, before granting the pardon,” read the post.
After 24 years under the Indeterminate Detention at the Selangor Sultan’s pleasure and spared the death penalty as he was under 18 at the time of the offence, 39-year-old Malik was released on Dec 1, 2024.
Sentenced at 14 in 2001, Malik earned a PhD in Business Administration from Open University Malaysia while serving time at Kajang Prison.
-- BERNAMA
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