PhD for man who spent 23 years in prison

 ‘Murad’ received his doctoral degree in business administration from the Open University Malaysia at its convocation today.

Graduates of Open University Malaysia at the convocation ceremony in Kuala Lumpur today. (Bernama TV pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 A 38-year-old man who spent 23 years behind bars has received a PhD in business administration from the Open University Malaysia, marking a triumphant end of an educational journey.

Mura (not his real name) has been in Kajang prison since 2001, where he was sent at the age of 14 to serve at the pleasure of the Sultan of Selangor. He was granted a royal pardon by Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah last December in conjunction with the sultan’s birthday.

While in prison, he began his educational journey in 2006 by studying for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia certificate, followed by the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia a year later.

After completing his STPM, he applied to the Open University despite facing scepticism and discouragement from those around him.

He obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration with honours, and went on to doctoral studies, receiving his PhD from OUM pro-chancellor Azman Hashim.

“I would like to express my gratitude to OUM for believing in me and supporting my pursuit of higher education, which has led to the completion of my PhD. I am also deeply thankful to the Sultan of Selangor for granting me a royal pardon,” he told reporters at the convocation, held at the World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

He said he was motivated to pursue higher education by the encouragement and support of the community. “I’m trying to prove to society and fellow inmates that I, too, am capable of change and success,” he said.

Murad, a Muslim convert, was originally from Kota Marudu, Sabah. He moved to Peninsular Malaysia at an early age.

He said he is passionate about promoting entrepreneurship among former inmates. His next goal is to establish a small business that will provide them with opportunities for a better future.

At the convocation today, two 70-year-olds were honoured with the Lifelong Learning Award, in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements.

Yusuf Haron, 73, from Perak, who earned a master’s degree in Islamic Studies, expressed his gratitude to OUM for the award.

Tang Tung Khing, 79, who graduated with an honour’s degree in communication, said he was inspired by the academic achievements of his three children. “I believe that senior citizens today must equip themselves with sufficient knowledge to improve their lives,” said Tang, a former press secretary and retired civil servant. - FMT