BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

A THREE-DIMENSIONAL work ethos is required to dispel stigma and negative perceptions attached to former inmates that are reintegrating back into society, said a secretariat member of the Malay Muslim Monarchy (MIB) Supreme Council.

In delivering his keynote presentation entitled, Nilai Melayu Islam Beraja Asas Integrasi Dalam Menangani Persoalan Narapidana dan Rehabilitasi, Associate Professor Dr Hj Hashim Hj Abdul Hamid discussed the interrelation between vision, mission and action along with principles of MIB to help former inmates reintegrate back into society.

“If the three-dimensional work ethos are executed well and with quality, the question of dehumanisation, vengeance, negativity, suspicion onto others will cease to exist, what more for inmates that have been rehabilitated and returned to society,” said the associate professor.

He said that such an ethos should not only be practised by the authorities at the prisons but all government and private agencies that would then affect members of society.

He said that while the acceptance of former inmates deals largely with cultural values, the authorities must accept that these former inmates have changed for the better and be given a chance to participate in society again.

“From cultural views it is not easy for society for accept the presence of those previously incarcerated, despite the person already being rehabilitated and provided guidance regarding the losses of being a person gone astray,” explained Associate Professor Dr Hj Hashim.

“Societal punishments are more towards the ‘emotional abuse’ former inmates compared to those that embrace solidarity. There are some things that can be done if society embraces caring, family-oriented and sympathising values for former inmates so they may be embraced by society and no longer return to their former ways,” he added.

The acceptance of former inmates must be instilled, especially their welfare within society said Associate Professor Dr Hj Hashim who then questioned the purpose of rehabilitating them if no one would accept them.

“The solution from this question has been presented to us in our religious faith that all related stakeholders must understand the concept of ‘infak’ (extend and provide assistance) as a whole to meet our moral obligations to those in need,” he said.

The Brunei Times