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“I spent two years in prison, a time during which I reflected deeply and learned extensively on my own. But being an ex-convict didn’t mark the end for me. Instead, it became the spark for my transformation.
“In fact, my journey has motivated me to become a better version of myself, and I am committed to making a positive impact on others. Here’s my story.”
Life before prison
In an exclusive interview with WeirdKaya, Sabarinath Sangaran, who’s born to Malaysian and Filipino parents, shared the ups and downs of his life that have made him who he is today.
Fondly known as Saba, he shared that he was an exceptionally bright student during his high school days.
In high school, I excelled academically and took leadership roles in various clubs, even competing at the state level.
Despite enjoying academic success, Saba’s family life was wrought with much turmoil, where he was mainly raised by his aunts and later lost his father in 2007. This proved to be a devastating blow and an event that sadly led him into a life of crime.
Arrested and jailed
Unable to fill the void in his heart following his father’s passing, Saba found himself being recruited by gang members while in high school.
My partner and I did everything we could to prove our worth to the members. We made money through various means, trying to survive day by day and support our brothers who depended on us.
“Being young and reckless, we got into significant trouble with the law over the years. I was even on the run and that’s when things took a turn for the worse,” he recounted.
Saba’s criminal life eventually led to a foregone conclusion, which came in the form of his being arrested by police at a rental house in Kota Damansara and charged under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drug Act — a charge that is punishable by death if convicted.
After months of court hearings, the judge offered him a deal—10 years in prison and 10 cane strokes in exchange for escaping the gallows. Saba took the deal after contemplating on it for a month as the evidence weren’t in his favour. As a result of taking the deal, Saba only had to serve two years in prison.
Thanks to my mother’s prayers, my bond was accepted by the Deputy Public Prosecutor’s (DPP) on the same day I intended to take the deal. I was released with a three-year bond which cost over RM8,000.”
For the next three years, Saba stayed out of trouble and became a free man upon the expiration of his bond in 2019. However, his criminal record is something that will stay with him for the rest of his life.
Surviving life in prison
The 31-year-old explained that one of the hardest parts of being in prison was maintaining control over his mind and ensuring it didn’t stray, especially when it was faced with pain of losing his freedom.
“Prisoners often build networks and learn from each other, which hinder rehabilitation. Keeping such desires in check was tough.
“Additionally, the food and hygiene conditions in prison were terrible, where prisoners often had to wash the food to make it edible.
“In order to survive prison life, following internal rules set by fellow prisoners is essential but tough as it requires survival techniques and sacrificing personal space,” he shared.
For Saba, not being able to see his loved ones and be separated from them also added on to the already excruciating experience.
When asked how he stayed positive while in prison, Saba revealed that he turned to books to find solace.
Reading became crucial for maintaining my mental health. It provided an escape and kept my mind engaged.
“My family sent me a total of three books, which were screened through by correctional officers before it landed in my hands. The books were a lifeline, offering solace and stimulation,
“I also made an effort to stay physically active by engaging in various activities to prevent falling into feelings of despair and instead find purpose for my life,” he added.
Making up for lost time
Before his incarceration, Saba was pursuing a Foundation in Arts at INTI University, Nilai and was in the midst of obtaining a dual degree in Mass Communication & Corporate Communications at SEGI University before it was disrupted by his arrest.
While most would consider it to be the ‘death blow’ to his academic pursuits, Saba didn’t let his prison sentence deter him and eventually completed his studies and graduated with Second-Class Honours in 2016.
Currently, he is pursuing a Master’s of Science in Economic Crime Management, where he’s expected to complete in July.
When asked why completing his studies was the first thing on his mind, Saba said it was thanks to his mother’s constant encouragement to pursue an education.
“She always reminded me of the value of education and how it could transform my life. My mother often talked about the opportunities education could bring and how it could lead to a better future,” he shared.
Aside from accomplishing his academic pursuits, Saba also made an effort to reconnect with friends and engage with his community to regain a sense of belonging following his release from prison.
“I knew I needed to apologise and mend the broken relationships. In order to take responsibility for my past actions, I offered sincere apologies to those I had hurt.
“I also began planning to run a legitimate business, where I sought advice from successful entrepreneurs and looked up programs for ex-offenders with the aim to not only earn an income but to also create a meaningful and sustainable future.”
Creating positive changes in the community
To help others and make a difference in his community, Saba is currently working as a mentor at a private university that engages with high school students.
I share my experiences and life stories with these students so that I can help them gain a better understanding of the world and prevent them from making the same mistakes I did.
He also actively supports teenagers and youths who seek his guidance by providing clear pathways to follow, drawing from his own experiences and lessons he learnt along the way.
“It is immensely gratifying to see many of these young individuals thrive and succeed today, knowing that I played a part in their development and growth.”
For Saba, even if one were to be involved in unlawful activities, it’s not the end for them as there’s still a chance for them to turn their lives around.
“Even you’re caught up in illegal activities, your skills and determination can be redirected into legitimate ventures, offering unlimited growth.
It’s important to understand that restarting your life is not only acceptable but incredibly rewarding.
“After some time, it can feel like being newly born, finding excitement in every bit of progress. Embrace the opportunity with enthusiasm and hope,” he urged.
Saba also called upon youths to always remember their loved ones before they decide to dip their toes into the criminal world.
“We’re already winners simply by being born into this world, so why waste it by living in the shadow of crime? Ensure your lifetime is worthwhile by living fully and positively.”
Through Saba’s story, this reminds us that our past doesn’t control our future. It’s not about the mistakes we make, but the lessons we learn. If he was able to turn his life around, so can anyone.
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