Wednesday, April 27, 2022

After Nagaenthran’s death, govt told to abolish death penalty



After Nagaenthran’s death, govt told to abolish death penalty


Currently, the death penalty is contained in 33 capital crime laws, including 12 which make the punishment mandatory. (AFP pic)


PETALING JAYA: Following the execution of Nagaenthran K Dharmalingam in Singapore today and the ensuing public outcry, a PKR leader said it is a “good time” for Malaysia to abolish the death penalty.

Johor PKR deputy chief Jimmy Puah said the death penalty was contained in 33 capital crime laws in Malaysia, including 12 which make the punishment mandatory.

He also pointed out that 469 people had been executed in the country since we achieved independence in 1957.

“Justice may not always be perfect, even though we strive for it, and there is no conclusive data or evidence to suggest that the death penalty reduces the crime rate for capital offences.

“But a human life is precious and the archaic thinking that a life for a life is the ultimate punishment may no longer be relevant in today’s social environment,” he said in a statement today.

The former Bukit Batu assemblyman added that Nagaenthran’s case was a classic example of someone from the lower social class being duped into becoming a drug mule.

While maintaining that he respected the independence and sovereignty of Singapore’s judicial system, Puah said “justice must be laced with mercy”.

“The unfortunate execution of Nagaenthran only serves to remind us of the harsh reality of the lower-income group in Malaysia being constantly exploited and duped by criminal syndicates to carry out illegal activities.


“The poor and helpless that are forever trapped in this vicious poverty cycle have very little hope of being rescued or pulled out of this trap.”

Previously, the former Pakatan Harapan (PH) government had been working on a bill to abolish the death penalty and come up with alternatives, but the administration collapsed before the bill could be tabled.

In January, it was reported that Putrajaya would decide on the recommendations by a committee chaired by former chief justice Richard Malanjum on the matter, with the report to be brought to the Cabinet.

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