Latest news with #AbdulAzizAbdulRazak
New Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Expunging criminal records
THE Prisons Department has a good idea. It wants to expunge ex-inmates' criminal records from the central database after five years. This is to give former prisoners, once they are released, a chance to seek employment to rebuild their lives. For sure, the stigma of their criminal record will be a hurdle to start a new life. Despite the department's numerous programmes with willing employers, ex-inmates find it hard to get jobs. The job market is more hostile to former prisoners. It cannot be denied that there are businesses that employ ex-inmates, but they are few. Plus, they don't pay much. Yes, everyone must be given a second chance, but it must be done in such a manner that it doesn't end up as another money-making scheme for those who are put in charge of this. To be fair to the Prisons Department, it didn't say anything about contracting out anything, but this caveat needs to be entered, as outsourcing by government agencies at times turns out to be just that. But we are getting ahead of the story. First things first. Amendments need to be made to the Registration of Criminals and Undesirable Persons Act 1969 (Act 7), which the Prisons Department is drafting. As we understand from what Prisons Department director-general Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak told Utusan Malaysia, every year, more than 300,000 prisoners and remand detainees are released. That is a huge number. Will the records of all of them be expunged after five years? Not quite. Only the ones who exhibit good behaviour based on assessments by the department. Meticulously done, we hope. Why five years? In the view of Aziz, who has been in charge of prisoners for some time, five years is enough for inmates to change for the better. It is not exactly a best practice of prisons around the world, but five years has become a global indicator. In the United States, where recidivism is said to be high, with 76 per cent ending up back in jail, five years is thought to be not good for all prisoners. We are not sure if our Prisons Department has done such a study, but five years may work for some, and not for others. Again, meticulous assessment is the key. Another is to deepen investments in inmates' education so that they can walk out of the prison with provable skills. Not that the department isn't investing in the education of its inmates, but more needs to be done. The skills must be useful to the job market, meaning what is taught must match what the employers want. Even our universities are not doing a good job of this. No one wants a formerly incarcerated person to return to the overcrowded prisons, least of all the Prisons Department. Relapse among ex-inmates means a bigger budget to house and feed them, which it can ill afford. So, too, the ex-inmates because losing the second chance means that there won't be a third. Employers must help them make a fresh start.
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Prisons Dept proposes amendments to clear ex-inmates' records after 5 years
KUALA LUMPUR: The Prisons Department is in the process of drafting amendments to the Registration of Criminals and Undesirable Persons Act 1969 (Act 7) to allow the criminal records of former inmates to be expunged from the central database after five years. This initiative aims to give former prisoners a chance to seek employment and rebuild their lives without being burdened by the stigma of their past. However, the expungement of criminal records will be carried out based on assessments by the department, taking into account the former inmates' good behaviour. This will help them find employment and support themselves after being released from prison. Speaking to Utusan Malaysia, Prisons Department director-general Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak said each year, more than 300,000 prisoners and remand detainees are released, yet their records remain in the central database for life, making it difficult for them to find jobs. "The five-year period is a critical time for someone to change, and if they show good behaviour during this time, why should they continue to be punished by their records? Abdul Aziz said the five-year period is an appropriate time for retaining someone's records in the database. "Five years is considered suitable as it is a benchmark used in other countries. The most critical time for change is within two years. If someone has demonstrated good behaviour over five years, why would they want to return to crime?" he added. This proposal has received support from various parties advocating for reform in the criminal record registration system to help former prisoners reintegrate into society more effectively. In 2014, the idea of removing the requirement to declare past criminal records on job application forms was brought forward by Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who was then Deputy Home Minister. The proposed amendment is seen as a progressive move towards giving ex-convicts a second chance, potentially reducing recidivism and contributing to social stability. The Prisons Department hopes the amendment will be approved soon so that former inmates who have changed and shown good behaviour can be removed from the criminal record list, thus opening a new chapter in their lives. This initiative not only reflects the country's commitment to social rehabilitation but is also in line with international practices that provide individuals who have made mistakes the opportunity for personal reform.
The Star
17-05-2025
- The Star
Prisons Department eyes reform as it marks 235th anniversary
KUALA LUMPUR: Improving rehabilitation, management and infrastructure within the correctional system remains a key priority of the Prisons Department as it marks its 235th anniversary. Commissioner General of Prisons Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak said the initiatives, under the Prison Reform Agenda, are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the prison system in line with a more humane and rehabilitative approach to justice. 'The reform agenda focuses on four main pillars – reducing overcrowding, replacing ageing facilities, updating laws and enhancing rehabilitation programmes. 'These are measured through the recidivism rate, which currently stands at 12.4%,' he told Bernama. As of March, the country's prisons housed 86,917 inmates, surpassing the total capacity of 74,146. The initiatives, first introduced in 2020, have helped reduce overcrowding by 10.15%. To further ease the situation, the department has repurposed 10 former National Service camps into admission prisons, with a combined capacity of 4,650 inmates. An additional six camps now serve as Inmate Reintegration Centres, accommodating 2,880 people. Elaborating further, Abdul Aziz said six ageing prisons, located in Penang, Taiping, Muar, Batu Gajah, Seremban and Pengkalan Chepa, have been identified for replacement under the 13th Malaysia Plan. He added that the department is transitioning from a punitive justice system focused solely on punishment to a more restorative and rehabilitative approach. This includes the introduction of the Parole System, which enables the early release of selected inmates under the supervision and monitoring of District Parole Officers nationwide. As of March 20, a total of 2,161 inmates were undergoing parole. Since its introduction in 2008, 60,833 individuals have been released through the system, with only 2.57% violating their parole conditions. 'District Parole Officers are responsible for conducting intervention programmes, which include counselling, religious classes and community-based activities as part of the reintegration process,' he said. However, Abdul Aziz acknowledged ongoing challenges, including difficulties in securing employment for ex-inmates, limited placement options for senior citizens and those with mental health issues, and a lack of community support. 'For 2025, we are focusing on the Corporate Smart Internship Programme, which aims to provide 8,500 job opportunities for early-release inmates. 'This will also help reduce the country's dependence on foreign labour,' he said. Meanwhile, the department's anniversary celebration this year will take place at Padang Kota Lama in Penang today. Themed Human Civilisation Strengthens a Madani Society, the event, which features exhibitions and historical displays highlighting the evolving role of prison institutions alongside national development, is open to the public. Penang was selected to host the celebration as Malaysia's first modern prison was established at Fort Cornwallis on the island in 1790.
The Star
16-05-2025
- The Star
Prisons Dept marks 235 years with focus on reform
KUALA LUMPUR: As the Malaysian Prisons Department commemorates its 235th anniversary this year, its focus is firmly on implementing the Prison Reform Agenda aimed at improving rehabilitation, management and infrastructure within the correctional system. Commissioner-General of Prisons, Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak, said the agenda is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the prison system in line with a more humane and rehabilitative approach to justice. "The reform agenda focuses on four main pillars - reducing overcrowding, replacing ageing facilities, updating laws, and enhancing rehabilitation programmes. These are measured through the recidivism rate, which currently stands at 12.4%," he told Bernama. To alleviate overcrowding, the department has repurposed 10 former National Service (PLKN) camps into admission prisons, with a combined capacity of 4,650 inmates. An additional six camps now serve as Inmate Reintegration Centres (PRP), accommodating 2,880 individuals. As of March this year, the country's prisons housed 86,917 inmates - exceeding their total capacity of 74,146. However, the initiatives introduced in 2020 have helped reduce overcrowding by 10.15%. Elaborating, Abdul Aziz said six ageing prisons in Penang, Taiping, Muar, Batu Gajah, Seremban, and Pengkalan Chepa, have been identified for replacement under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). He added that the department is undergoing a shift from a punitive justice system focused solely on punishment to a more restorative and rehabilitative approach. This includes the implementation of the Parole System, which allows for the early release of selected inmates under the supervision and monitoring of District Parole Officers across Malaysia. As of March 20, 2025, a total of 2,161 inmates were undergoing parole. Since its introduction in 2008, 60,833 individuals have been released through the system, with only 2.57% violating their parole conditions. "District Parole Officers are tasked with conducting intervention programmes that include counselling, religious classes, and community-based activities as part of the reintegration process," he said. However, Abdul Aziz acknowledged ongoing challenges, including difficulties in securing employment for ex-inmates, limited placement options for senior citizens and those with mental health issues, and a lack of community support. "For 2025, we are focusing on the Corporate Smart Internship (CSI) Programme, aiming to provide 8,500 job opportunities for early-release inmates, which will also help reduce the country's dependence on foreign labour," he said. Meanwhile, the 235th Prison Day celebration will be held at Padang Kota Lama in George Town, Penang, on Saturday (May 17). Themed "Human Civilisation Strengthens a Madani Society," the event is expected to gather Prisons Department personnel from across the country and will be open to the public. Abdul Aziz said the celebration will feature exhibitions and historical displays highlighting the evolving role of prison institutions in tandem with national development. Penang was selected as this year's host due to its historical significance - Malaysia's first modern prison was established at Fort Cornwallis in 1790. — Bernama
Malaysiakini
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Prisons Department marks 235 years with focus on reforms
As the Malaysian Prisons Department commemorates its 235th anniversary this year, its focus is firmly on implementing the Prison Reform Agenda aimed at improving rehabilitation, management and infrastructure within the correctional system. Commissioner General of Prisons Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak said the agenda is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the prison system in line with a more humane and rehabilitative approach to justice.
