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Published: Wednesday December 1, 2010 MYT 5:37:00 PM
No plans to abolish death sentence, but Govt willing to hear views
By LEE YUK PENG
KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has no plans at the moment to abolish the death sentence but will listen to views from all parties who are against capital punishment, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk V.K. Liew. "Suggestions will be given consideration from all aspects.
In-depth study will be done, as abolishing the death peanlty would have a great impact on the judicial system of the country," he told Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh (BN-Kangar) during question time in Parliament Wednesday. The abolishment of capital punishment would involve amendments to various criminal laws, he added.
Liew said in the past 10 years, nine prisoners convicted of murder had been executed. "From 2000 to 2010, a total of 1,601 murder cases were registered with the High Court. After going through appeal, a total of 47 cases were upheld at the Federal Court," he said.
The rest of those on death row were still waiting for the final outcome of the Pardons Board, he added. Mohd Radzi also said imposing the death sentence by hanging may no longer be suitable and suggested lethal injection instead. Liew said the Government would take into consideration Mohd Radzi's suggestion.
To another question by Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor), who described the death penalty as cruel and unjust and asked for alternatives such as life imprisonment, Liew said there was no alternative at the moment. "Those convicted have committed serious crime - murder," he said.
