Govt considering views of murder victims’ families on death penalty

KOTA BARU: The government is studying the views of family members in several high-profile murder cases that the death penalty should not be abolished as it prevents serious crimes.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said such a study was necessary to ensure the genuineness of the families’ claims.

He said the government could not make an assessment unless research proved that the abolition of the death penalty would cause more serious crimes.

“We take seriously their view on the issue and will review it.”

Dr Mahathir, who is Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) chairman, said this after attending a gathering and dialogue session with Pakatan Harapan component party leaders here yesterday.

On Friday, it was reported that the families in several high-profile murder cases had urged the government not to abolish the death penalty.

They were Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya’s eldest daughter, Erni Dekritawati Yuliana Buhari, better known as Rita; Datuk Kevin Morais’ younger brother, Datuk Richard Morais; and HSBC banker Stephen Wong Jing Kui’s elder sister, Wong Hie Huong.

They shared the challenges they had gone through during trial.

On Oct 27, the New Straits Times Press reported that the government had yet to finalise its decision to abolish the death sentence.

Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the ministry was seeking consultation and feedback from various parties before it was tabled to the cabinet.