A discussion group facilitated by a human rights non-governmental group in Penang concluded that those sentenced to death are often members of minority groups which include political and religious opponents.

Facilitator of the group, Anil Netto, who spoke at the "Amnesty International Film Workshop on the Death Penalty" last night said that those found guilty of the death penalty comprise mostly those from lower income group.

"You don't see rich tycoons getting executed. It is often those who have no proper legal representation who have to face the death penalty,"said Anil, a social activist with local reform movement, Aliran.