Historic Move to Abolish Death Penalty Takes Center Stage

Lawmakers in Malaysia have voted to remove capital punishment for serious crimes in the country, potentially sparring approximately 1,300 prisoners who are currently on death row.

“The death penalty has not brought the results it was intended to bring,” explains Ramkarpal Singh.

The death penalty will no longer be mandatory for 11 serious crimes – including murder and terrorism. In exceptional cases, capital punishment may still be imposed under the residing judges’ direction. The decision is considered to be a major step forward within the South East Asia region and the hope is that neighboring countries will follow suit. Though it had overwhelming support from lawmakers, it must still clear Malaysia’s upper house before coming into force.