Cabinet: 32 Offences Now Spared From Death Penalty
Law Minister Datuk Liew Vui Keong announced the Cabinet's decision in Parliament earlier today, 13 November.
By Jia Vern Tham — 13 Nov 2018, 04:19 PM
Law Minister Datuk Liew Vui Keong announced the abolishment of death penalty for 32 offences under eight laws in Parliament earlier today, 13 November
"Following the cabinet's decision, a cabinet memorandum has been circulated to the relevant ministries for their comments and to get public feedback on it," Liew was quoted as saying by Bernama in response to Bandar Kuching Member of Parliament (MP) Dr. Kelvin Yii.
Yii had asked for clarification on the government's position to abolish the death penalty, and whether there would be exceptions for extremely cruel crimes.
The 32 offences that were decided upon include murder
According to Bernama, the offences are under:
- Penal Code,
- Firearms (Heavier Penalties) Act 1971,
- Firearms Act 1960,
- Kidnapping Act 1961,
- Armed Forces Act 1972,
- Water Services Industries Act 2006,
- Strategic Trade Act 2010, and
- Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Previously, the Law Minister reiterated Putrajaya's view that death penalty for all crimes will be abolished
"Our view is that executions should not be carried out, we will inform the Pardons Board to look into the various applications for all the death row inmates to either commute or release them," Liew said last month, according to Malay Mail.
"When commuted, they would have to face life imprisonment," he added.