Govt reviewing alternative to mandatory death penalty

 

The government, through the Legal Affairs Division, is examining and reviewing proposals for alternative punishment to the mandatory death penalty.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Ramkarpal Singh said proposals from various groups on the matter will be taken into account, to ensure that justice is upheld and the rule of law is made a priority.

This would include previous recommendations by a special committee, led by former chief justice Richard Malanjum, and engagement sessions with relevant government agencies and CSO/NGO parties, he said.

“This process needs to focus on the legal aspects, therefore, the relevant amendments to the law shall be finalised immediately.

“These amendments are scheduled to be presented in the Dewan Rakyat at the next session,” he said in a statement today, adding that further suggestions from stakeholders were welcomed.

Ramkarpal’s statement comes after Malaysian Bar president Karen Cheah urged the government to spare 1,327 inmates currently on death row.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Ramkarpal Singh

Presently, there is a moratorium on the execution of death row inmates.

Ramkarpal said he was confident the best solution will be implemented for the 1,327 death row prisoners, whilst ensuring that the interest of all parties will be taken into account.

Previously, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said said the government would table a bill on abolishing the mandatory death penalty in February’s Parliament sitting.

Seven bills were tabled for first reading back in October to make the necessary amendments to the pertinent laws, in line with Malaysia’s move to abolish the mandatory death penalty.

They were the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2022, the Kidnapping (Amendment) Bill 2022, Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill 2022, and Arms (Amendment) Bill 2022).

The other three were the Penal Code (Amendment) (No 2) Bill 2022, Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) (No 3) Bill 2022, and Firearms (Increased Penalties) (Amendment) Bill 2022. - Mkini