Singapore Court Halts Execution Of Malaysian Death Row Inmate At The Last Minute

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.

According to Bernama, on Wednesday, 19 February, Judge of the Appellate Division Woo Bih Li said the stay was granted pending unresolved court proceedings against his former lawyer, Ong Ying Ping, and an ongoing constitutional challenge to Singapore's drug laws.

In his decision, Woo said Pannir sought to file a post-appeal application under Singapore's Post-Appeal Applications in Capital Cases (PACC) Act.

Under the PACC Act, death row inmates may submit post-appeal applications after all other legal avenues have been exhausted. Pannir represented himself in the application.

Woo also considered Pannir's affidavit and written submission filed on 17 February, as well as additional written arguments on 18 February.

He also reviewed submissions from the Attorney General and an affidavit from Senior Director of the Policy Development Division at Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs Sanjay Nanwani, submitted on 18 February.

"This doesn't mean he is not on death row, but it sure does give us all a sense of relief," Surendran told the New Straits Times.

He added that the ongoing legal proceedings could potentially impact Pannir's conviction in the future.

Last night, several human rights groups held a candlelight vigil outside the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur to protest Pannir's impending execution. Many attended to show their support for Pannir and his family.

Pannir, now 37, was convicted by the Singapore High Court in 2017 for the capital offence of importing 51.84g of heroin through the Woodlands checkpoint in 2014.