Tony, real name Anthony Joseph Hermas Rajiman, was sentenced to eight months in prison by a Singapore court in April 2016 after he was found guilty of possessing a controlled Class-A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
He was, however, released after serving five months and 10 days for good behaviour.
Describing it as the lowest point of his life, Tony said he deeply empathises with the trauma faced by jail inmates preparing for release as they must confront a society often cynical towards ex-convicts. Now, the actor draws on his own experience and life after prison as a source of motivation for inmates who are about to be freed.
“I’m not counselling or giving them lectures. I’m simply sharing my experiences and providing motivation because I’ve been through it myself. I see the prison experience as paying a debt. Once the debt is settled, you’re free.
“So, the key is to focus on self-improvement and starting a new life. Don’t be afraid.”
Reflecting on the incident, which he attributes to his own foolishness, he shared: “As my release date approached, I felt happy but also nervous, unsure of how society would accept me. Yet, there were people I didn’t even know who offered me words of encouragement.
“Malaysians are kind and forgiving as long as we show genuine effort to better ourselves.”
Tony, who was speaking at the recent launch of the new original series “Din Tiger”, admitted he still grapples with guilt, especially after witnessing his parents’ anguish during his incarceration.
“It was my mistake, and I accepted the prison sentence as repayment for my actions,” he said.
“At the time of my arrest, I wasn’t young… I was 38 and should have known better. Not only was I terrified but I also felt incredibly guilty. I vividly remember embracing my mother for the last time before heading to prison, and seeing her crying.
“As a child, there’s nothing more heartbreaking than seeing your mother cry because of your mistakes. That moment awakened me and gave me the resolve to become more mature.”
He concluded: “Ultimately, it’s about learning from mistakes and moving forward. I deeply regret what I did, but it’s a part of my journey.”