Liew: New-look death penalty law may be tabled next week

De facto Law Minister Liew Vui Keong has taken the people's views to heart in the government's proposal for changes to Malaysia's death penalty laws.

This is why the cabinet has now decided to look at the abolition of the mandatory element of the death sentence in about 11 serious criminal offences.

Under proposed changes to the law, the death penalty will still be available as a sentencing option for the judge, who can also choose for a 30-year jail sentence or life imprisonment.

"When the cabinet decided in October last year, there was a groundswell of opinion against the total abolishment of the death penalty," Liew told Malaysiakini.

"There were a lot of objections and it was quite unfortunate that we had several by-elections and the death penalty become an issue then."

He feels that in taking note of the voices of the people, the cabinet's new proposal considered both the attempts to bring progressive reforms to the country as well as the feelings of the family members of victims of violent crimes.

"The cabinet requested us to look into the abolishment of the mandatory death sentence in about 11 offences.

"We are going to remove the mandatory death sentences and give the judge discretion in these 11 offences, which include murder, armed robbery and offences against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"The judge will have discretion on whether or not to pass the death sentence after hearing the cases and evidence from witnesses, or to impose 30 years of imprisonment or life imprisonment," Liew (photo, above) said.

He said he had met up with the families of murder victims in the last few months and explained to them why he was seeking the removal of the death penalty.

"At the same time, I met with NGOs and also pressure groups wanting complete abolition. There were opposing views," he said.

"I even asked the families of victims whether they want the condemned person to be executed immediately or be put in jail for the rest of the person's life. Even for this, there are different views," said Liew.

Documentation for the tabling of the amendments to the death penalty is ready and the first reading in Parliament may take place next week, Liew added. - Mkini