"Why Now? Where Were You When My Son Was Murdered?" — Zulfarhan's Dad Asks SUHAKAM
He accused the human rights commission of having a political agenda in opposing the death penalty.
By Sadho Ram — 29 Jul 2024, 03:36 PM
Zulkarnain Idros wants to know where the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) was when his son, Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain, was tortured and murdered seven years ago
He expressed frustration with SUHAKAM after the latter strongly opposed the death penalty for the six former National Defence University (UPNM) students convicted of murdering navy cadet Zulfarhan.
The human rights commission, in a statement on 25 July, argued that the death penalty is inhumane, irreversible, and does not allow for the possibility of rehabilitation in the event of judicial error.
While advocating for a justice system based on fairness and humanity, SUHAKAM stated that the recent decision by the Court of Appeal "marks a sad and solemn moment in Malaysia's judicial history".
Reacting to the human rights commission's stance, Zulkarnain accused SUHAKAM of having a political agenda in opposing the death penalty
"Why is it necessary now? What are they trying to convey?" Majoriti quoted him as asking.
The father also claimed that SUHAKAM was playing politics for "personal interests", otherwise the human rights commission would not give such a statement about his son's case.
"For example, when [my son] was tortured seven years ago, why did no one come forward to give a statement?" the father asked, adding that Zulfarhan was brutally abused until he lost his life.
"Where is the justice for [my son]? They certainly have their own interests and agenda."
