Behind the iron bars that serve as their "residence," remarkable stories unfold of individuals on the verge of obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. Zubir, a 37-year-old inmate, defies the odds and proves that nothing is impossible for prisoners like him, as long as they have the determination to succeed.
Found guilty of a crime committed when he was just 14 years old, Zubir is categorized as a "limpah" prisoner, serving a sentence for a crime that could be punishable by death but was committed below the age of 18.
Despite the challenges, Zubir pursued his education and is currently pursuing a PhD in business administration at Open University Malaysia (OUM). He credits his achievements to the support of his family, prison officials, and fellow inmates.
Zubir's goal goes beyond personal success; he aims to contribute to others by teaching them while in prison and changing society's perception of former inmates. He believes that knowledge is transformative and plans to help other inmates pursue education and make positive contributions to society upon their release.
Another inmate, Vikram, shares a similar determination. He aspires to change society's perception of former inmates and dreams of starting his own company after his release. Vikram, in his 30s, is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence for kidnapping. He plans to pursue a PhD in the same field of study and hopes to repay the kindness of his family by covering the costs of his education.
The efforts of inmates like Zubir and Vikram are supported by prison officials who encourage them to pursue education, providing them with opportunities to plan for a better future. In Kajang Prison alone, more than 10 inmates are pursuing education, ranging from diploma to PhD levels.
These stories serve as a testament to the power of determination and resilience, showing that education can be a transformative force, even within the confines of prison.