| James Kon |
THE Prisons Department is mulling over the possibility of establishing rehabilitation programmes beyond the confines of prison perimeters through the Compulsory Attendance Order and ‘prisoner early release on licence’ (PBSL) policy or ‘Perintah berlepas banduan secara berlesen’ as an alternative to imprisonment.
The latest development was revealed by Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs, in his speech during the celebration for the 64th year of establishment of the Prisons Department at the marching field of the department’s training centre yesterday.
“The order is hoped to reduce the rate of recidivism among convicted criminals, ease congestion in prisons, reduce management costs, as well as maintain the harmony and wellbeing of the family institution, on top of other benefits without destroying the life of the offenders and their families,” the minister added.
The minister also commended the aftercare programme of the Prisons Department’s Reintegration Division, citing that “since (the programme’s establishment) in 2014, I understand that to date, 113 former inmates or ‘rakan seliaan’ have voluntarily registered to participate in the programme, carried out by the Prisons Department”, and through the programme, “we can see the reduction in the rate of recidivism among participating inmates, which has gone down from 11 per cent in 2014 to three per cent in 2017”.
Conveying his appreciation to all the government agencies, private sector organisations, and those who have contributed to the implementation of the rehabilitation programme, the minister said, “The support from the private and public sectors is important to give self-confidence to former inmates to embark on their new lives. (The programme’s efficacy) is proven with a reduction in the number of recidivists or those who return to prison for second time or more. The Prisons Department has set its Key Performance Indicator (KPI) to reduce recidivists from 35 per cent to 15 per cent by 2020.
“We are aware that there are numerous challenges in implementing the rehabilitation programme especially with the aim of achieving KPIs. We also understand that the success of the programme is not only measured by the number of programmes but by the impact the programme has on former inmates,” the minister added.
“Success is not only about whether the programme can provide employment or sources of income for former inmates, but how far we can transform the individual to change, spiritually and mentally, to become stronger and determined in pursuing a new life. If we are successful in changing the life of a former inmate, we are in fact contributing towards saving one family in the country.”
In his message to officers and personnel of the Prisons Department, the minister stressed, “All personnel of the Prisons Department at all times must be disciplined and show integrity, which is to comply with the law and regulations of public services and obey the teachings of Islam.
“This is because staff of the department (must) bear their responsibilities and trust (given to them). As a public servant, anyone who is convicted of offences related to general regulations and law of the government will face appropriate actions.”
Following his address, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar inspected the guard of honour lined up at the marching field.
Others in attendance at the celebration included members of the Legislative Council, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Director of Prisons Haji Ismail bin Haji Murat, and other officials.