THE introduction of a parole system (”2,000 prisoners eligible for parole initially” — NST, Dec 18) is a good move by the government to reduce overcrowding in prisons.

Prison warders have their hands full managing prisoners and this parole system will ease their burden once implemented next year.

Those who have served time will have already paid their debts to society.

Those who were convicted by the court for minor crime should be eligible for parole after they have served a certain period behind bars.

By having certain conditions attached, those convicts under parole will have to be on their best behaviour.

Any breach of the conditions might cause them to be sent back to prison.

Society as a whole would not have to worry as people who are convicted for major crimes, such as murder, rape and violent robbery, would not be eligible for parole and would have to serve their full sentence before being released.

HAMDAN IBRAHIM, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – December 19, 2007