There is no specific regulation permitting former inmates to be employed in the public service at present. Any related proposals or initiatives must be considered by the authorities in accordance with existing policies and guidelines.
Therefore, any application for reappointment will be referred to the Public Service Commission (SPA) for review and consideration. The possibility of employment of former inmates into public service was explained by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof yesterday in response to questions raised by Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Lawi bin Haji Lamat at the Second Meeting of the 21st LegCo Session.
The minister said, “As an independent body, the SPA will make a careful assessment, guided by the principles of merit, qualifications, suitability for the position and the interests of the public service as a whole. SPA has only considered one case so far involving an individual who served a prison sentence due to the failure to pay a fine.”
He added, “The government is assessing a more inclusive and progressive approach to recruitment into public service, including consideration of the implementation of a re-qualification period for individuals who has spent conviction.”
Regarding the question whether the government will consider a rehabilitation mechanism or the clearing of criminal records to support social justice, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi replied, “Among the main steps or initiatives taken by the government regarding the clearing of old criminal records is the review of the overall implementation of the Criminals Registration Act (Chapter 202).
“This act is a crucial law that balances the country’s responsibility to ensure public safety with the responsibility to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of repent offenders into society.”
The minister added, “While this act establishes the obligation of authorities to record the details of individuals convicted of offences for the purposes of law enforcement, security screening, and judicial functions; it also recognises the principles of justice, rehabilitation and opportunities for individuals to rebuild their lives.”
He said, “Apart from establishing the Criminal Registrar, the act also introduces a framework for spent convictions.
“This provision recognises that individuals who have served their sentences and shown improvement in their behaviour should be given the opportunity to progress without being burdened with a long life sentence.”
(News & pic source: Borneo Bulletin)
