Decision on plan to abolish death penalty soon

ISKANDAR PUTERI: The cabinet will decide whether to table the proposal to abolish the death penalty in Parliament next month, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong.

Liew said a decision would be reached before the Dewan Rakyat convened on March 11.

“Ever since the proposal was made in October, I have met interested parties, including family members of victims of crime, non-governmental organisations and family members of death row inmates.

“I have received emails from the public on this matter. We have taken into account the opinions of all parties before making the decision.”

In Malaysia, death by hanging is mandatory for crimes such as murder with intent to kill, trafficking excessive amounts of drugs and possession of firearms.

Thirty-five individuals faced the gallows between 2007 and 2017. A total of 1,267 prisoners are on death row.

Liew also said the existing laws were sufficient to protect the royal institution from insult or slander.

“There is no need to enact the lèse majesté as the existing laws are sufficient.”

He, however, said he did not discount the possibility of existing laws being amended or new ones being introduced later.

“We will continue to protect the royal institution as Malaysia practises a constitutional monarchy.

“At the same time, we want to ensure the people’s right to voice their opinions albeit within the purview of the law.”

He was speaking after visiting the site of the proposed new Johor Court Complex here.

Present was Federal Court chief registrar Datuk Seri Latifah Mohd Tahar.