Amnesty International Malaysia calls for further death penalty reform in Malaysia and denounces Singapore’s Executions for Drug-Related Offenses on World Day Against the Death Penalty

Press Release

10 October 2024

On 10 October 2024, in conjunction with the World Day Against the Death Penalty , Amnesty International Malaysia is placing the spotlight on Malaysia, Singapore, and other neighbouring countries that continue to use the death penalty—the ultimate cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishment—for drug-related offenses.

Malaysia and Singapore are currently among only 11 countries in the world that were known to have imposed the death penalty for drug related offenses in 2023.

“Malaysia made significant progress towards death penalty abolition over the past year and has notably commuted over 835 death sentences since the review process began at the Federal Court level. However, the abolition of the death penalty, especially for drug related offences, cannot be delayed any longer,” said Qistina Johari, the Human Rights Campaigner at Amnesty International Malaysia

“The use of this punishment has long been considered unlawful for drug-related offenses under international human rights law and standards. Abolishing the death penalty for drug related offenses is a crucial next step that Malaysia must urgently take towards full abolition,” said Qistina.

Adjacent to Malaysia, Singapore not only retains the mandatory death penalty but has also been carrying out executions at an alarming rate, despite strong condemnation from the international community. Representing one of five countries where drug-related executions were confirmed by Amnesty International to have been carried out in 2023, executions in Singapore have continued in 2024, including as recently as last week.

“By continuing to carry out executions for drug-related offenses, Singapore is violating international human rights law and ignoring global calls to stop unlawful executions. As a result of its harsh drug laws, numerous Malaysians have been put to death, with more currently at imminent risk of execution in the country,” said Qistina.

Since 30 March 2022—when executions resumed after a hiatus of two years—Singapore has executed 20 people, including 19 in total for drug related offences. Five of these executions were confirmed to have been carried out in 2023, including the first known execution of a woman in Singapore in two decades.

At this crucial point in history, Malaysia must do all it can in support of Malaysians who are at risk of execution in Singapore, especially considering its current position in the United Nations Human Rights Council and as the country next-in-line to chair ASEAN in 2025.

“The death penalty does not make us safer. There is no evidence it acts as a unique deterrent to crime and only perpetuates a cycle of violence. The ongoing refusal by Singapore authorities to acknowledge the devastating impact of this punishment on the family members of those facing executions, and to society at large, is appalling to say the least,” said Qistina.

“Although the advances in Malaysia’s path towards abolition have gained recognition, the journey is far from being over. The authorities must not shy away from demonstrating leadership on this urgent human rights issue by moving towards full abolition of the death penalty in Malaysia as well as advocating for abolition beyond its borders,” said Qistina.

As an immediate next step, Malaysia must swiftly introduce legislative amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 to bring it in line with international human rights law and standards, including by repealing the death penalty for drug-related offences and legal presumptions of guilt.

Hidden Impact: Singapore and the Death Penalty

To highlight the devastating impact of the death penalty on families and to support the work of anti-death penalty activists in Singapore, Amnesty International Malaysia (AIM), in collaboration with the Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN) and the Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR), will commemorate the 2024 World Day Against the Death Penalty with a two-day event. Titled Hidden Impact: Singapore and the Death Penalty, the event focuses on Singapore’s continued use of the punishment, especially for drug-related offenses.

  • The event will include a Photography Exhibition titled Hope & Sorrow, that features a series of photographs taken by photojournalist, Piero Zilio, portraying the stories and difficult moments faced by three families (including two Malaysian families) affected by Singapore’s death penalty.

  • Also being featured during the event is an Art Installation by OCTO, that provides animmersive experience of a solitary confinement prison cell, juxtaposed with hand-written letters appealing for clemency for an individual on death row.

  • ‘Hidden Impact’ will also showcase several digital artworks and opinion pieces from Malaysian youths advocating for the abolition of the death penalty, submitted as part of the Create for Justice art competition organized by MCCHR and ADPAN.  

  • On Saturday, 12 October, there will be a panel discussion featuring lawyers, activists, and family members highlighting cases of Malaysians on death row for drug related offences in Singapore.

  • On Sunday, 13 October, there will be a documentary screening of Menunggu Masa, which explores the impact of the death penalty on family members of those on death row, followed by a candlelight vigil in solidarity with Malaysians and all others on death row in Singapore.

  • On both days, there will be a space for attendees to sign petitions for Pannir Selvam, a Malaysian national on death row in Singapore who has exhausted his appeals.

Amnesty International Malaysia remains committed in advocating for the total abolition of the death penalty, in Malaysia and in countries like Singapore where executions continue. ‘Hidden Impact: The Death Penalty in Singapore’ begins on the 12th of October, running from 11am to 6pm until the 13th of October at Slate at the Row. For more information and to register your attendance, visit: https://bit.ly/HiddenImpact2024

Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception regardless of the nature or circumstances of the crime; guilt, innocence or other characteristics of the individual; or the method used by the state to carry out the execution.

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