Former Inmate Proves It's Never Too Late To  rebuild Life, Graduates With Master's

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- A former inmate from Seberang Perai Prison has proven that it is never too late to rebuild one's life, having overcome significant challenges to earn his master's degree.

For Mohd Khairul Ab Aziz, 43, this academic achievement represents far more than a personal milestone.

"I did all of this for my children. I want them to see that I am trying to reclaim the dignity I once lost. I made mistakes, but I am no longer that person. Every day, I strive to prove to them that I have changed," he told reporters after receiving his Master of Social Science degree at Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) 63rd convocation ceremony today.

The ceremony was attended by USM deputy vice-chancellor Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed and Seberang Perai Prison deputy director Rozita Muhamad Shariff.

Mohd Khairul served a five-year prison sentence beginning in 2016 for a drug-related offence. Subsequently, his life took a decisive turn in 2020 when he attended a talk by Hafizi Harun, president of the Persatuan Pengasih Malaysia, at a Prisons Department event.  The talk inspired him to pursue higher education. 

During his final five months in prison, Mohd Khairul pursued his studies under severe constraints, with limited reference materials and just 1.5 hours of internet access per session to source and print academic resources.

Following his release in December 2021, the eldest of three siblings committed firmly to his new path. Supported by his family and academic supervisor, he completed his remaining coursework and graduated today with his master's degree.

Notably, Mohd Khairul conducted Malaysia's first research study on cocaine usage. His findings were subsequently incorporated into the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Report on Cocaine in 2023.

"I cannot erase my identity as a former inmate, which is precisely why I've chosen education as my path to transformation. Through knowledge, we can help others who remain trapped in drug addiction to change their lives," he explained.

Looking ahead, Mohd Khairul hopes to pursue a doctorate if provided with the necessary opportunity and resources.

He now aims to rebuild his life with the eventual hope of reuniting with his children, and has recently launched a snacks business in Kuala Lumpur as his first entrepreneurial venture.

His mother, Sarinah Abdullah, 65, expressed profound pride in her son's achievement, acknowledging the extraordinary challenges he has overcome to reach this point.

-- BERNAMA