From a magistrate to a prisoner

By Aida Najwa

GOMBAK, 5 March 2020 – Bringing the audience to see the horror of bribery, Mohammad Firdaus bin Ramlan shared his own story behind bars and how he had fallen from the grace.

He gave his talk in a programme titled “From a Magistrate to a Prisoner: A Moral Value” conducted by Mahallah Al Faruq’s PANTHERS’ WEEK in collaboration with the Angkatan Mahasiswa Anti Rasuah IIUM.

The speaker, who was a law graduate of UITM class of 2006, had served as a legal officer before becoming a magistrate. However, his position as a magistrate did not last long when he was arrested at a petrol station on 11 October 2009. Later, he was charged and found guilty under Section 16 and 17(a) of Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009.

He said: “My whole life was ruined when I was caught. My bachelor’s degree for six years and my PTPTN (Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional) worth about RM32, 500 had no longer hold any value. All because of bribery.”

The consequences of his action did not only affect him but his family members as well.

“It’s fair for me to be punished but was it really fair when my own family were to carry it as well?” Firdaus asked rhetorically.

He was indeed saved behind the prison’s wall, yet his family’s dignity was shredded under the society’s glaring judgment. In addition, the arrest during the time he was a magistrate had also tarnished the well-respected image of the judiciary.

“Maintain the blessing of your sustenance even for a single cent.” He further emphasised as “there is a weight of responsibility upon it”.

This turning episode of his life had made him believe that this is his wake up call and that he should grip on his faith.

“Solat is important. It’s a rope and with it, we would not be astray.” He added.

After serving his time in prison, Firdaus now travels around the whole country to share his story as lessons especially to those who will embark on the career world. ***

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