“Peace be upon you my friends and particularly my wife, children and beloved family members. I am so sorry because the things that I have done never crossed my mind.”
I hope the public would not be cruel and insult my wife, kids and family.”
That was a passage taken out of a suicide letter posted on Facebook by a man convicted of selling illegal ‘cheap cigarettes’.
Malaysian Mr. Shukri (last name omitted) revealed in his Facebook post that he was summoned to appear in court for selling the cigarettes, an offense which could send him to jail. The decision to take his own life came when the Customs Department took him to court for selling cigarettes worth up to RM 360 or Php 4,057.
He couldn’t bear the thought of his children being teased as “kids of a convict.”
Shukri denounced the Malaysian government and authorities for the “thousands of ringgit” he spent on fines and bail.
“I have been very stressed with our evil government. Just because this cigarette that’s only worth RM160, I will be jailed. This is my first offence back in 2012. Only now is it going up to the courts.” Shukri said.
“Damn our current government leaders. A small village sundry shop doesn’t make large profits at all. (My) margins are already cut thin after the implementation of GST. It is true that our ruling government is evil.” He said.
“Today I have decided not to show up to the court because I am out of money. There is so much burden for me to bear. And I am not willing to go to jail. With this I chose to be martyred as a citizen that was wronged (by the government). I will end my life, because I have dreamed many times of drowning in the ocean.” He lamented.
Seeing no other alternative, Mr. Shukri took his own life by apparently jumping off the Penang Bridge.
Motorists on the bridge noticed a Modenas 120cc motorbike parked to the side. Found beside the motorbike was a backpack, a pair of slippers and an envelope with Mr. Shukri’s name and details.
Both pictures of the incident and the Facebook suicide note have gone viral.
“For my wife, Nur Azianti, forgive me because I have made you worry so much over this cigarette case. Please find another man who will love you and the kids with all of his heart. I love you so much, darling, but I am not the best.”
“Daddy’s sorry, Ariq and Shafia. Take good care of mother when you guys are older. I am sorry, mom (Makteh Bibah), Check has no other choice, I am sorry.”
“I am just selling cheap cigarettes, not stealing millions from the people. I have no further option, my fellow Malaysians. I had no sleep last night. But I have no other choice.”
“That is all. Once again forgive daddy, (my children). Forgive me, darling. Forgive Chek, mom.”
The local fire department found Mr. Shukri’s body about one nautical mile (1852m) away from the bridge. Police are not ruling out the possibility of foul play.