| Azaraimy HH |
MINISTER of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong yesterday lauded the Prisons Department’s rehabilitation methods.
He made these comments as guest of honour at the 63rd anniversary celebrations of the Prisons Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), held at Parade Square of the Prisons Department Training Centre.
The minister praised the department’s rehabilitation methods, which include mental rehabilitation such as religious teaching – which has resulted in several inmates becoming ‘marbut’ and ‘bilal’ at mosques following their release; and skills training to raise their confidence in becoming productive members of society after imprisonment.
That is why support from the family and community is crucial, he pointed out.
The minister noted that since its establishment on March 1, 1954, the Prisons Department has generated leaders who have worked tirelessly to contribute ideas towards the development of the department, allowing it to stand on par with other prison institutions around the world.
The event concluded with a Doa recitation by Prison Officer Sabtu bin Haji Abdul Ghani.
Following this, the guest of honour made his way to the Silaturrahim Hall for the presentation of awards and certificates to officers and personnel for their significant contributions and work excellence.
Legislative Council members, permanent secretary, deputy permanent secretary and senior government officers from MoHA attended the event.
Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong presenting an award to a recipient. – PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH
Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Haji Saini bin Haji Maidin (pic left) and Sergeant Warden Nur Hashimah binti Abdullah (pic right) with their awards
The guest of honour highlighted that in tandem with MoHA’s mission objective of ‘working closely with society for security and peace,’ the Prisons Department is one of the departments directly responsible in ensuring peace and security in the country. This also fits the roles and responsibilities of the Prisons Department as it looks to ‘develop a person to be a productive member of society through rehabilitation programmes and effective methods, as well as conducive and strategically integrated environment.’
Over the span of 63 years, the department had notched progress in terms of its prison system, which has changed from ‘imprisonment and punishment’ to the concept of ‘rehabilitation’ with changes in the regulatory aspects of the prison.
Today, the society wants to see the rehabilitation process organised outside the prison compound, with active participation among community through effective ‘aftercare’ programmes, the minister said.
The minister also highlighted the need for the department to continue developing more professional programmes in every aspect of the prison administration, especially in terms of inmate rehabilitation to ensure reduction of recidivism among released prisoners.
As the society is aware of the role the department plays towards prisoner rehabilitation, the department must ensure it meets the expectations of the society, especially the families of the inmates, he said.
The department houses inmates of various kinds, thereby requiring diversified rehabilitation methods.
The minister urged prison officers to equip themselves with knowledge and skills; to explore new experiences; be innovative and sustainable in leaning best practices; and to increase commitment towards raising their respective capability, competency and credibility; while observing a high-level of discipline as uniformed personnel.
All actions must be within the premise of the laws and regulations, the minister concluded.
Speaking to the Weekend Bulletin, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Haji Saini bin Haji Maidin, the Commandant of the Prisons Department Training Centre and an award recipient, said he had witnessed over his 33 years of service the implementation of many innovative ideas at the Prisons Department, which include the development of a programme for former prisoners.
With all these changes, prison officers must always follow orders and be patient in executing their duties, he said.
Meanwhile, another award recipient, Sergeant Warden Nur Hashimah binti Abdullah, who has worked for 25 years at the Administration Division of the Women’s Prison, advised officers and colleagues new to their duties to provide their services sincerely and to always follow orders.
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