LIFE BEHIND BARS FAILS TO DERAIL MURAD’S PHD DREAM

KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 (Bernama) -- Despite spending 23 years behind bars, Murad (not his real name) never gave up his pursuit of knowledge. Today, his perseverance was rewarded as he proudly received his hard-earned Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration at Open University Malaysia’s (OUM) 29th convocation.

The 38-year-old man was placed under 'Tahanan Limpah Sultan' at Kajang Prison in 2001 when he was just 14 years old. He began his educational journey in prison in 2006 with the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), followed by the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) a year later.

Originally from Kota Marudu, Sabah, Murad had moved to Peninsular Malaysia at a young age. After completing his STPM, he applied to OUM through the Prison Department. He admitted the decision was difficult due to the scepticism and discouragement he faced from those around him.

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Sixteen years after enrolling at OUM and beginning with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with Honours, Murad was today conferred a PhD in Business Administration by OUM pro-chancellor Tan Sri Azman Hashim—marking a triumphant conclusion to his long and arduous academic journey.

“I would like to express my gratitude to OUM for believing in me and supporting my pursuit of higher education, which has led to the completion of my PhD. I am also deeply thankful to the Sultan of Selangor (Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah) for granting me a royal pardon.

“The reason I remain strong and motivated to pursue higher education is the encouragement and support I receive from the community. I’m trying to prove to society and fellow inmates that I, too, am capable of change and success,” he told reporters when met at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL).

Murad was granted a royal pardon by Sultan Sharafuddin in conjunction with His Royal Highness's birthday last December.

The Muslim convert said he is passionate about promoting entrepreneurship among former inmates. His next goal is to establish a small business that will provide them with opportunities for a better future.

At the same ceremony, two senior graduates were honoured with the Lifelong Learning Award, in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements.

Yusuf Haron, 73, from Perak, who earned a Master of Islamic Studies, expressed his delight and gratitude to OUM for bestowing him with the award.

"At this stage in my life, I’m thankful that OUM welcomed me to continue my studies. OUM is truly the best,'' said Yusuf.

Tang Tung Khing, 79, who graduated with a Bachelor of Communication with Honours, shared that he was inspired by his children’s academic achievements to return to the classroom.

“I was inspired to continue my studies after seeing all three of my children complete theirs. I believe that senior citizens today must equip themselves with sufficient knowledge to improve their lives,” said the former press secretary and retired civil servant.

Meanwhile, Azlinda Zainudin, 44, special officer to the chairman of Bernama, received the President's Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement after earning a Master of Management.

“Alhamdulillah, I thank Allah SWT for this. This award is not just for me, it belongs to everyone who supported me, including my family, lecturers and friends,” she said.

Since its establishment in 2000, OUM has produced over 120,000 graduates across diploma to doctoral levels, and will celebrate its 25th anniversary this August.

-- BERNAMA