Deputy minister: We’re looking to bring back citizens sentenced to death abroad
GEORGE TOWN: The government will look into bringing home Malaysians sentenced to death abroad.
This matter would be looked into after amendments to abolish the death penalty were tabled in the Dewan Rakyat, said Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Marzuki Yahya.
He said the government would come up with a solution for Malaysians facing execution abroad.
“This is in the best interest of the people. We will try to do our part for our citizens through our embassies.
“In some countries, a similar process had been undertaken. Detainees sentenced to death, then they changed it (the death penalty). We will try,” he said after launching the National Sports Day at SK Jelutong here yesterday.
He was commenting on a proposal by civil group Lawyers for Liberty, which urged the government to save Malaysians from the death penalty for offences committed abroad.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong had said the death penalty would be abolished.
Marzuki said he welcomed suggestions regarding the proposal to abolish the death penalty.
“We accept suggestions by any party.
“The government will negotiate with countries that have diplomatic ties with us.”
In Bukit Kayu Hitam, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman, on the issue of the proposal to abolish capital punishment, said the ministry implemented only laws that were enacted.
“We abide by and implement whatever law enacted at Parliament.”