Malaysia Must Urgently Intervene to Support Malaysian National and Others Facing Execution in Singapore
Media Quote 5 December 2024
Responding to the submitting of a memorandum to the Representative of Malaysia to the AICHR, Edmund Bon urging immediate intervention to seek the commutation of the death sentence imposed on Pannir Selvam Pranthaman and others facing the death penalty in Singapore, Amnesty International Malaysia’s Research and Advocacy Officer, Nicole Fong, said:
“Pannir Selvam Pranthaman’s case has been marred by several violations of international human rights law and standards and shows why the death penalty must be abolished everywhere Sentenced to the mandatory death penalty in 2017 for a drug-related offense, his conviction was reached through reliance on a legal presumption of guilt, in violation of key fair trial principles. Although the judge found that he only transported the drug, the prosecution did not issue him a certificate of assistance—which could have spared him execution—and he received the mandatory death penalty.”
Amnesty International Malaysia, today, submitted a total of 375 petitions (and postcard actions) signed by the public that have been gathered over the last 8 weeks.
“Malaysia has made commendable progress in abolishing the mandatory death penalty at home, but it must now extend its commitment to protecting Malaysians abroad from the ultimate cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishment. Nine lives have already been lost in Singapore in 2024. The government must act urgently to secure the commutation of the death sentences of Pannir and all others facing the death penalty there.”
Speaking about what it’s like to have a brother at risk of execution and why she won’t stop campaigning until Pannir’s conviction is quashed, Angelia Pranthaman, his sister, said:
“For seven years, our family has endured the anguish of knowing that his life hangs in the balance, with no opportunity for the court to fully consider his circumstances or the unfairness of the process that led to his sentence.”
“I urge the Malaysian government to stand firmly for justice and human rights, not just within our borders but for all Malaysians abroad. Pannir’s life is worth fighting for, and we need your support to ensure he is given the chance to live, reform, and contribute to society. Our family has suffered enough—we appeal to you to protect your citizens from such grave injustices.”
Background
Pannir Selvam Pranthaman, a Malaysian national, has been on death row in Singapore since 2017 after receiving the mandatory death penalty for importing just over 50g of diamorphine (heroin). This sentence does not meet the threshold of “most serious crimes” under international law and standards on the use of the death penalty. His case is riddled with several human rights violations, including the imposition of a mandatory death sentence that prevented the judge from considering the specifics of his offence or personal circumstances. Despite being identified as a “courier”, Pannir was denied a Certificate of Substantial Assistance by the Prosecution, leaving the court no option but to impose the death penalty, undermining his right to a fair trial and violating the principle of separation between prosecution and judiciary.
The conviction also relied on a legal presumption under Singapore’s Misuse of Drugs Act, which shifted the burden of proof onto Pannir to disprove his knowledge of the drugs, violating the presumption of innocence and other fair trial guarantees under international human rights law. Meanwhile, Singapore’s authorities have carried out nine executions this year, Alarmingly, six of these executions have been carried out since the beginning of October.
Seven years on, Pannir’s situation remains dire as he remains on death row. He may become at imminent risk once his judicial recourse is exhausted.
