| 22 Months In Prison Most Stressful Period Of My Life, Says Razak Baginda |
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KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- "The 22 months in prison was the most stressful, anxious and sad period of my 48 years of existence," was how political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda described the time he spent under remand in his first press conference since being freed on Oct 31.
On Oct 31, he was acquitted without his defence being called by the Shah Alam High Court from a charge of abetment in the murder of Mongolian woman, Altantuya Shaariibuu.
Two policemen from the Federal Police's Special Action Unit (UTK), C/Insp Azilah Hadri, 32, and Cpl Sirul Azhar Umar, 36, who were charged with her murder were ordered to enter their defence.
Speaking further about the trying time, Abdul Razak said his faith in God, firm belief in his innocence and support of family and friends helped him pull through it.
"The love and dedication of my family gave me the strength I needed during this very difficult time in my life," he said reading from a statement.
Abdul Razak said he eagerly awaited each Saturday for visits from his family while held at the Sungai Buloh prison.
He said during his entire remand period, there was not a single Saturday that his family failed to visit him.
"They came a total of 100 times ...I feel very blessed," he said.
He said having to spend two Aidilfitri celebrations in prison also made him truly aware of who his real friends were.
"I had expected it and was proven right. Before, I would receive hundreds of Aidilfitri greeting cards but in the two years I was in Sungai Buloh prison, the number totalled around 20 only," he said.
Abdul Razak said that although he was physically imprisoned, no one could keep his mind in captivity and his family, close friends, lawyers and books all helped him "escape" from the stressful situation.
He said most people had a narrow and negative perception of prison and its authorities but the prison staff (at Sungai Buloh) carried out their duties professionally while the other inmates there also helped him to adapt to life behind bars.
-- BERNAMA
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