Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has written a heartfelt poem about his intimate reflections after officially spending one year in prison.
For context, the 70-year-old was sentenced to 12 years in Kajang prison on Aug. 23, 2022 for misappropriating RM42 million (S$12 million) from SRC International Sdn Bhd.
His appeal to review his conviction and sentence was rejected by the Malaysian Federal Court on Mar. 31 2023.
Behind the iron curtain
In the poem he shared on Facebook, Najib shared how he spent his day in prison— awaiting the passing of time and keeping in prayers while sleeping on a cold, cement floor.
Here's an English translation of the poem:
365 days have come and gone
Behind the iron curtain
Lying on the cold cement floor
The prayer mat becomes a companion
Sujud (the act of low bowing or prostration, usually done in prayers)
Observing the five daily prayers
Seeking His mercy to lighten the challenge
Praying for peace, freedom from suffering
At dawn
Awaiting light from the morning sun
Piercing through the iron-curtained window
Silence and quiet
Reciting the Quran
Heartful prayer
Solitude.
Despite knowing Allah is always present
Never forsaking His servants
12-year prison sentence
Najib is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence in Kajang prison after being declared guilty of criminal breach of trust, money laundering, and abuse of power in relation to the misappropriation of RM42 million (S$12 million) of funds belonging to a subsidiary of 1MDB.
As part of his sentence, the former Prime Minister also had to pay an RM210 million (S$60.8 million) fine, Malay Mail reported.
1MDB was a state fund Najib founded in 2009 during his term as prime minister, aimed to promote economic development in Malaysia through global partnerships and foreign direct investment.
It was meant to be used to improve the well-being of the Malaysian people.
According to the United States Department of Justice, more than US$4.5 billion (S$6 billion) of 1MDB funds were misappropriated between 2009 to 2015.
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Top image via Najib Razak/Facebook.