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Released a Free Man

Chapter 7: Released a Free Man

“For he who was a slave when he was called by the
Lord is the Lord’s freedman.” (1 Cor 7:22a)

COULD not believe my ears! When I was told I had received
I a royal pardon, I was stunned ... and then thankfulness
welled up in my heart. I had not expected to be released.
Although I had always prayed and yearned to be released
from prison, I knew my chances were slim and did not pin
any hopes on it.
I had repeatedly asked the prison wardens to apply for a
royal pardon for me. Each time, they would tell me that the
application had been rejected.
However, God is gracious and He accomplished what for
man is impossible. In 2014, a Christian brother, Samuel Ho,
brought my case to the attention of the managing director and
CEO of the Star Media Group, Wong Chun Wai. Wong was very
encouraging, and when he met me he said, “Sam, everyone
deserves a second chance or a third chance ....”
He helped to push for my release and with his support,
my application was given due consideration by the Agong,
and I was finally pardoned. On July 25, 2016, I walked out of
Kajang Prison a free man. I owe my freedom to a wonderful
community of people who supported me and campaigned
tirelessly for my release, and above all, to a faithful God who
did not forsake me.
I was already 59 years old when I was released, having
spent 28 years in prison. The most productive years of my life
were gone, but I knew no experience would be wasted after
I found Jesus. While in prison, I had the opportunity to tell
others about God’s love that was so vividly demonstrated by
Jesus’ death on the cross, and I helped many to turn over a

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