Longest-serving prisoner in Malaysia gets royal pardon after 40 years in jail
Now 63, he became a skilled tailor and a devout Muslim while serving his time in Taiping Prison
MALAYSIA — Perhaps one of the most heartwarming stories of the year happened to 63-year-old Jamil Arshad, who has found a second lease in life after spending 40 years in jail due to a life-imprisonment sentence.
He had received a royal pardon from the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, on 22 March. Being in jail since 1983, Arshad was deemed to be the longest-serving prisoner in Malaysia.
The royal pardon was issued after a Johor state Pardons Board meeting, on the condition that Arshad be deported to Indonesia and pledge not to return to the country again.
He did just that, leaving Malaysia for good and returning to his hometown in Kampung Guang, Sembawa in Indonesia on Tuesday (18 April).
Accepting the news
Arshad said that, when he was informed by Taiping Prison director SAC Nazri Mohamad of his pardon, he did not initially react to the news.
Reality set in only after Nazri had asked Arshad to sew a Baju Melayu for a man in a picture, whom he then recognised as his brother.
“The director insisted that I look at the picture again and asked to guess who the person was. I recognised the person but I could not recall where I met him before and it turned out that it was my brother, and I immediately went to my room and cried because I could not believe the news,” said Arshad in an interview for the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama).
"When I was informed that I will be getting a royal pardon from Sultan Ibrahim, I almost didn’t believe it because I had been sentenced to life in prison. In 2012, there was a mass amnesty in Johor where the longest-serving prisoner at the time was 37 years, while I had done 29. I said in my heart, I wouldn't have a chance."
According to Nazri, Arshad was sent to the Johor Baru Prison in February 1983 after he was sentenced to life in prison. He was also given six strokes of the cane.
Arshad was then transferred to the Taiping Prison in 1986.
Prisoner turned devout Muslim and skilled tailor
Thinking that he would spend the rest of his life in jail, Arshad decided to make good use of his time in prison.
Turning to Islam, he acquired religious knowledge and led other congregants, including Hari Raya prayers.
"I believed I was going to die in prison. All I could think of was what would I be bringing with me to the afterlife when I die, so I focused on praying," he said.
"I was determined to change everything. I prayed five times a day and did not miss out on any advice I was given, which made the last 36 years here feel like 36 months."
Arshad was described by Nazri as a devout prisoner who was diligent and well liked by other inmates.
"He was active in religious activities and was an imam and taught other inmates to read the Quran. Just mention the name ‘Jamil Hayat’ (as he was affectionately known at the prison) and everyone will say they admire and respect him for his character, leadership and knowledge," Nazri said.
Arshad also picked up various skills while serving his time. He learnt how to make rattan furniture, and also became a very skilful tailor, sewing thousands of Baju Melayu and blazers for the prison officers.
Advice to youths and thoughts on leaving prison
Arshad cautions youngsters against the dangers of feeling empowered by foolish youthfulness. He advises the young from wasting their youth and to keep steadfast to religion while avoiding bad deeds.
"I was not a good person, even when I was in Indonesia. I would be in and out of prison," he said.
"Thanks to the prison officers here, I was able to change my life and become a human being who has not missed a prayer since the 1990s."
Arshad also noticed how his physical looks have changed since entering prison. Once chubby, he is now thin and full of grey hair.
He expressed his gratefulness to be able to spend his remaining days in his village, in bittersweet end to his prison time.
"I am excited to be given a pardon, but at the same time, I am also sad to leave the prison. It's nice to be released but it's sad to be separated from the staff who looked after me like a friend and not as a prisoner."
Do you have a story tip? Email: malaysia.newsroom@yahooinc.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube.
