Inmate’s tearful reunion with daughter

KOTA KINABALU: It was his first time meeting his daughter in her adulthood, and even though the location was far from ideal, the duo wasted no time catching up with each other.

Rahim (not his real name), an inmate at Kota Kinabalu Central Prison, had the opportunity to see his daughter under the Jalinan Kasih programme, which was held in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

Yesterday’s programme bore witness to a significant moment for the 52-year-old inmate, who is currently serving a 36-year prison term for rape.

After 16 long years, he finally had the opportunity to reunite with his now 23-year-old daughter – an encounter that held great significance for both of them.

“She was only a preschooler when I last saw her.

“She has been living with my family after my wife sought divorce when I was put behind bars in 2008.

“I used to talk to my daughter on the phone, though not often.

“Honestly, I did not recognise her until I heard her call me ‘Daddy’. I knew that voice.

“It was indeed a very emotional reunion; we both cried,” he said.

Rahim said they exchanged many stories, and that before they parted, he told her to “take care of herself and always think before you do anything; you are old enough to tell the difference between good and bad”.

“I just hope this will not be our last meeting,” he added.

Moments earlier, a boy, dressed in a dark green baju Melayu, peered through the iron bars and extended his hand, calling out for his “Ayah” (father).

After a man in uniform arrived to unlock the high iron gates, his repeated calls ceased and his father was no longer separated from the outside world.

The boy and about 100 others were then escorted to a hall to see some of the inmates serving sentences for various offences.

He perked up when his father approached them shortly after.

“Maybe he feels awkward. Every time we cross paths, glass separates us.

“This is the first time I get to hold him. I last held him when he was just three months old,” said Ali (not his real name), who was sentenced to 15 years’ jail for rape.

Ali, 32, then chatted happily with his wife as his mother observed the couple from across the table.

Soon after, his son became comfortable and insisted on playing the drums and other musical instruments that the prison band members had previously used to entertain guests.

In another incident, a sense of panic filled another inmate as his 52-year-old mother, suddenly collapsed.

Medical assistants quickly rushed over to tend to her.

“Thankfully, my sister was there to calm her down.

“My mother was just too overwhelmed. The last we met was five years ago,” said Johan (not his real name), who was imprisoned for 11 years for gang robbery.

It was learnt that his mother was suffering from hypertension.

“Mum reminded me to take care of myself, maintain discipline and avoid bad behaviour.

“Prison has changed me; I have learnt my lesson.

“With my family’s support, I will not repeat my mistakes,” he said.

Johan said he had fallen in with the wrong crowd and resorted to robbery when he ran out of money to buy drugs to feed his addiction.

Asked about his future plans, Johan said he would like to reconnect with his four children, aged five to 13, who live with his ex-wife.

Supt Jaini Ayong Rajawa said the nationwide programme offers face-to-face interactions between selected inmates and their families during festive seasons.

“Typically, these interactions occur with a glass barrier between them. But Jalinan Kasih allows them to hold hands and hug – a reward for inmates who have shown good behaviour,” he said.

At yesterday’s event, family members of 32 of the chosen 35 prisoners turned up.