It’s official, the death penalty is going to be removed forever in a progressive move by the government. That’s right, all crimes with the death penalty will be changed to another punishment as we move away from this draconian era punishment. This would mean that since the time of this announcement, the 1,200 people who are facing pending executions will also be saved from death’s door as our very own cabinet has agreed to halt pending executions as well which is being praised by many international human rights groups and foreign diplomats alike.
Law Minister Liew Vui Keong clarified it as such “All death penalty will be abolished. Full stop,” and also called for the stop of all executions until the decision is in effect, saying: “Since we are abolishing the sentence, all executions should not be carried out.”
But here’s where it gets interesting as Law Minister Liew Vui Keong also said “We will inform the Pardons Board to look into various applications for convicts on the waiting list to either be commuted or released,”. Does that mean convicts have a chance of going free? As long as it is fair and just I suppose!
Minister Gobind Sign Deo also said “I hope the law will be amended soon,” he told AFP news agency.
While this is truly progressive, let us take a look at crimes which mandates the death penalty as punishment, which includes murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking and treason, among others.
With such serious crimes calling for the penalty, some would definitely question this move by the government. What do you think? Is this a good move by the government as it looks to rebuild and move us forward into becoming a first world country.
Header source : aljazeera