The Story of the Raja Muda of Perak Asking an Ex-Convict to Make Him Shoes
Salleh Talib and Jamil Ahmad hold the record as the longest-serving prisoners in Malaysia, having spent more than half their lives and over 30 years in prison. They were sentenced to life imprisonment for robbery under Section 4 of the Firearms Act 1972 and were also given 6 strokes of the cane, which left permanent scars.
"I read in the newspaper that you have expertise in making shoes, is that right? If so, could you make a pair of shoes for me?" This was the request made by the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah (now the 35th Sultan of Perak), who graciously granted an audience to the former prisoner, Salleh Talib, at Istana Iskandariah on August 7, 2006, just days after his release from prison. As previously recounted, Salleh Talib and Jamil Ahmad were sentenced to life imprisonment in 1976 after being convicted of armed robbery in Baling, Kedah, involving RM50,000 in Felda payroll funds, when they were 27 and 26 years old respectively. You can refer to the article
Malaysia's Longest-Serving Prisoners at Taiping Prison
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The meeting between Salleh Talib and Jamil Ahmad with the Raja Muda of Perak during a donation presentation ceremony was symbolic, representing the Raja Muda's desire to encourage society to play an active role in helping former prisoners lead normal lives. During the 10-minute meeting, the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah (now the 35th Sultan of Perak), took the opportunity to ask various questions about Salleh Talib's 30-year experience in prison and his plans for the future. Raja Nazrin also joked with Salleh Talib, who was still single at the time, inviting him to send an invitation if he were to get married. Raja Nazrin, who appeared friendly while chatting with Salleh Talib in the Perak dialect, also requested that the Perak Islamic Religious Council (MAIP) engage Salleh Talib to provide motivation and talks to youths about his experiences as one of the longest-serving prisoners in the country.
The Raja Muda of Perak believes their bitter experiences can serve as a reminder, especially to today's younger generation who are often distracted by worldly pleasures. Society must also play a major role in supporting the rehabilitation efforts pioneered by the Prison Department by ensuring that those who have completed their sentences are reintegrated into society as quickly as possible without prejudice. As a gesture of support for Salleh Talib to start a new life, His Royal Highness also requested all dignitaries in the state of Perak to order their shoes from Salleh Talib. Dressed in a full pink Baju Melayu with a songket samping, Salleh Talib smiled as he expressed his readiness to craft a pair of shoes for His Royal Highness. Read related article
Malaysia's Longest-Serving Prisoners at Taiping Prison
