[ENHANCING SOCIAL JUSTICE THROUGH AWARENESS: MMU STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF PRISONER REHABILITATION AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT FOR SOCIETAL INCLUSION] MEMPERKASA KEADILAN SOSIAL MELALUI KESEDARAN: PERSEPSI PELAJAR MMU TERHADAP PEMULIHAN BANDUAN DAN PEMBANGUNAN PROGRAM BAGI PENYERTAAN SOSIAL

Nurul Sakinah Aziz, Hawa Rahmat, Munirah Munawar Ali, Nadia Fariha Md. Bahar, Siti Nur Husna Abd Rahman

Abstract


Abstract

Social justice emphasizes fairness, equity, and the inclusion of marginalized groups, including former prisoners who often face stigma and limited opportunities after release. This conceptual paper examines Multimedia University (MMU) students’ perceptions of prisoner rehabilitation and explores the development of an awareness program aimed at strengthening societal acceptance and reducing stigmatization of ex-offenders. Drawing on contemporary literature on rehabilitation, restorative justice, and youth attitudes, the study highlights the critical role of university students as agents of social change. The proposed framework integrates social justice principles, awareness-based interventions, and student perceptions to illustrate how educational exposure can shape empathy, challenge negative stereotypes, and enhance support for reintegration initiatives. This paper argues that structured awareness programs in higher education can foster positive attitudes toward ex-offenders, promote inclusive social development, and contribute to national efforts in rehabilitation policy. Implications for theory, practice, and future research are discussed to strengthen rehabilitative approaches within the Malaysian context.

Keywords: social justice, prisoner rehabilitation, awareness program, youth perception, reintegration, stigma reduction.

Abstrak

Keadilan sosial menekankan prinsip keadilan, kesaksamaan dan penglibatan kumpulan terpinggir, termasuk bekas banduan yang sering berdepan stigma serta peluang yang terhad selepas dibebaskan. Kertas konseptual ini meneliti persepsi pelajar Universiti Multimedia (MMU) terhadap pemulihan banduan dan mengkaji pembangunan satu program kesedaran yang bertujuan mengukuhkan penerimaan masyarakat serta mengurangkan stigmatisasi terhadap bekas pesalah. Berasaskan literatur kontemporari tentang pemulihan, keadilan restoratif, dan sikap belia, kajian ini menyoroti peranan penting pelajar universiti sebagai agen perubahan sosial. Kerangka yang dicadangkan mengintegrasikan prinsip keadilan sosial, intervensi berasaskan kesedaran, serta persepsi pelajar bagi menggambarkan bagaimana pendedahan pendidikan dapat membentuk empati, mencabar stereotaip negatif, dan meningkatkan sokongan terhadap inisiatif reintegrasi. Kertas ini berhujah bahawa program kesedaran yang berstruktur dalam pendidikan tinggi mampu memupuk sikap positif terhadap bekas pesalah, menggalakkan pembangunan sosial yang inklusif, dan menyumbang kepada usaha nasional dalam dasar pemulihan. Implikasi terhadap teori, amalan, dan penyelidikan masa hadapan turut dibincangkan bagi memperkukuh pendekatan rehabilitatif dalam konteks Malaysia.

Kata kunci: keadilan sosial, pemulihan banduan, program kesedaran, persepsi belia, reintegrasi, pengurangan stigma


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References


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