Rokiah Mahmud
Theft and drugs are among the highest contributing factors for recidivism, said Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman at yesterday’s 19th Legislative Council (LegCo) session.
The minister said this in response to LegCo member Yang Berhormat Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abdul Salam’s queries on the Prisons Department analysis in identifying the highest type of criminal activity, as well as reasons for repeat offences and re-imprisonment.
She noted that the data could be useful for the ministry in their efforts to lower rates of recidivism.
The LegCo member also suggested that programmes to educate the community and reduce stigma around former inmates could be carried out via mass media and community-level programmes.
In his reply, the minister said a number of initiatives have been carried out, with the participation of the community and stakeholders, to assist the former inmates in removing stigma.
The minister added that former inmates undergo several programmes while in prison to ensure that these former inmates are fully rehabilitated when they completed their sentences and return to the community.
“Mukim and village consultative councils are also playing their part in ensuring that these former inmates are accepted in the community,” he said.
Meanwhile, reintegration programmes and rakan seliaan (friend under supervision) also help to ensuring inmates are ready to return to the community after they completed their sentences.
The minister said there are also religious programmes conducted for inmates, such as the weekly Khatam Al-Quran programmes and mass prayers.
A CLEAN SHEET
Yesterday, LegCo member Yang Berhormat Dr Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin suggested that the criminal records of former inmates be eliminated, under certain conditions and regulations.
“Their criminal records will cause difficulty for former inmates to gain employment opportunity or if the person is a public servant, they will not have opportunity for job promotions as they need to undergo certain procedures including background checks,” he said.
He suggested continuous monitoring over a period of time, following appropriate procedures, and eventually helping the individual lead a normal life.
The minister in his reply said it is uncertain if the elimination of a criminal record could be done.
However, in regards to employment opportunities, the minister said that former inmates have obtained employment, as well as the acceptance of their employers.
“It is important that we as a community are able to accept them, whether they have criminal records or not.”
