Breaking barriers and redefining success! This remarkable man has turned his life around, earning a PhD in Business Administration from Open University Malaysia after spending over two decades in prison.

Murad (not his real name), originally from Kota Marudu, Sabah, has been imprisoned since 2001, when at just 14, he was sent to Kajang Prison to serve at the pleasure of the Sultan of Selangor. After 23 long years, his story took a turn last December when Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah granted him a royal pardon in conjunction with His Majesty’s birthday.

It was within the confines of prison that Murad’s remarkable educational journey began. Starting with the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) in 2006, he progressed to the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) the following year. Despite scepticism and discouragement from those around him, he dared to dream bigger. He applied to OUM, where he later completed a bachelor’s degree in business administration with honours, and eventually, a PhD : conferred by OUM Pro-Chancellor Tan Sri Azman Hashim at a convocation ceremony held at the World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

“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 for granting me a royal pardon,” Murad said, his voice filled with emotion.

Murad explained that his greatest motivation came from the encouragement of the community, coupled with his determination to change. “I’m trying to prove to society and fellow inmates that I, too, am capable of change and success,” he added. His next goal is to establish a small business that can provide former inmates with opportunities for a brighter future.

His journey embodies the saying, “Where there is a will, there is a way.” Once a boy whose path seemed sealed by fate, Murad now stands as living proof that “it is never too late to mend.” In a world filled with obstacles, this man's story remind us that light can emerge from the darkest roads.

The convocation also celebrated other inspiring individuals. Two senior citizens were honoured with the Lifelong Learning Award.

Yusuf Haron, 73, from Perak, who earned a Master’s degree in Islamic studies, expressed heartfelt gratitude to OUM for recognising his efforts. Meanwhile, 79-year-old Tang Tung Khing, who graduated with an honour’s degree in Communication, said he drew inspiration from the academic pursuits of his three children. “I believe that senior citizens today must equip themselves with sufficient knowledge to improve their lives,” said Tang, a former press secretary and retired civil servant.

Their achievements, like Murad’s, reflect the enduring wisdom of the proverb: “Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.” Together, these stories paint a powerful picture of how determination can triumph over adversity, age, and circumstance.


Source / Image Credit : FMT, TheStar