Ahead of an imminent execution by Singaporean authorities, civil society groups today reiterated their clemency appeal for Kho Jabing, a Sarawakian on the death row after being convicted of murder.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) coordinator Dobby Chew said Kho's family members are now in an emotional quandary.

"This Friday will mark the birthday of Kho's younger sister, but also his execution, unless granted clemency," said Chew during a press conference at Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall here.

He also said Kho's mother, two sisters and cousin are currently in Singapore.

Kho is now on the death row in Singapore and his execution has been scheduled for May 20.

Kho was convicted of murder and sentenced to mandatory death penalty on July 30, 2010, but was re-sentenced to life imprisonment and 24 strokes of the cane after the Singaporean government reviewed its death penalty laws in 2012.

On Jan 14 last year, the Singaporean Court of Appeal however reportedly reimposed the death sentence on Kho, in an unanimous decision.

Suaram, together with rights groups Amnesty International Malaysia, and the Civil Rights Committee of the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH CRC), as well as individuals who are against the death penalty, have once again issued a joint statement in support of Kho's clemency appeal.

Referring to the split decision to reimpose the death penalty, KLSCAH CRC vice-chairperson Ngeow Chow Ying said there are grounds for the authorities to approve Kho's clemency application.

"At the very least, the scheduled execution should be set aside pending the appearance that Kho Jabing's lawyer intend to submit," she said.

She also noted that one of the judges who reimposed the death penalty on Kho, had previously been among the ones who originally sentenced him to death, arguing the possibility of an unfair decision.

ICJ as last resort

The groups, as such, called upon Putrajaya to intervene in the matter and urged the Singaporean government to defer or delay Kho's execution.

Asked on the final recourse to save Kho's life, Chew said the Malaysian government can file an injunction at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

"The application would be to seek for a stay on execution," he said, adding that it wasn't clear if there would be enough time to do so before this Friday.

Chew, however, said the petitions seeking support for Kho's clemency will also be submitted to the Singaporean High Commission in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.