Malaysia

Najib marks three years in prison with poignant reflection on life behind bars

Former prime minister shares poetic note from his cell, describing solitude, prayer and hope for justice

Updated 11 months ago · Published on 23 Aug 2025 10:53AM

Najib marks three years in prison with poignant reflection on life behind bars
Najib paints a vivid picture of his daily reality in confinement, from the distant call to prayer at dawn to the cold cement floor softened only by a prayer mat - August 23, 2025

THREE years after beginning his prison sentence, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has released a deeply personal and poetic reflection on his life behind bars, offering the public a rare glimpse into his emotional and spiritual state.

In the written piece, Najib paints a vivid picture of his daily reality in confinement, from the distant call to prayer at dawn to the cold cement floor softened only by a prayer mat — his constant companion in solitude.

“The prayer mat is my loyal friend,” Astro Awani cited him writing, describing it as a place for seeking peace, for laying bare his anguish, and for connecting with the divine through daily prayers and prostration.

“The wounds and scars in the heart, only Allah knows, only Allah understands,” he added.

Najib also expressed gratitude for the prayers of his family and supporters, saying they had provided him strength and hope throughout his incarceration.

“Three years have passed… the prayers of my family, the prayers of all of you give hope, they are a source of strength,” he wrote.

The note concluded with a quiet expression of faith in eventual justice, though Najib stopped short of stating when he believed that moment might come.

“Three years have passed… the prayer mat remains my companion. That moment will come. When…” his final line reads. - August 23, 2025

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