Executing those exploited by drug syndicates unhelpful - PKR leader

Summary

• Selangor PKR Youth legal bureau head Khairul Naim Rafidi says imposing the death penalty on those exploited by drug syndicates is unhelpful in combating the illegal trade.

• Khairul points out that the move would only close the opportunity to expose the syndicate’s network.

• Amnesty International Malaysia says Pannir Selvam Pranthaman’s case is marred with human rights violations.

Imposing the death penalty on those exploited by drug syndicates is not a solution to stem the illegal trade, said Selangor PKR Youth.

Its legal bureau head Khairul Naim Rafidi pointed out that such measures are counterproductive as they prevent authorities from possibly gaining information from those involved.

“It closes any opportunity to expose the syndicate’s network.

“And we believe Pannir Selvam Pranthaman was just a drug mule who should be imprisoned and help the Malaysian authorities to probe the syndicate.

“He should not be executed while the mastermind behind the syndicate is still free,” he said in a statement today.

Khairul was responding to the Singaporean Court of Appeal’s decision to allow the Malaysian death row inmate a stay of execution at the 11th hour before he was supposed to be sent to the gallows.

Yesterday, Singapore’s Appellate Division judge Woo Bih Li granted the stay pending the determination of Pannir’s Post-Appeal Applications in Capital Cases (PACC) application.

PACCs are applications filed by prisoners awaiting capital punishment after all avenues have been exhausted. Pannir represented himself in the submission.

Woo said he granted Pannir permission to make a PACC application on the grounds that he has a pending complaint with the Law Society of Singapore against his former counsel Ong Ying Ping, and a pending determination of another case on a constitutional challenge related to Singapore’s drug laws.

Bring Pannir back to M’sia

Khairul urged Putrajaya, through the Foreign Ministry, to intervene and ensure justice for Pannir.

“This includes sending a diplomatic note to the Singaporean authorities to ensure Pannir’s rights, including his right to a fair trial, is respected,” he added.

Khairul said the government should also bring Pannir back to serve his prison sentence in Malaysia, in addition to getting his help to crack down on the local drug syndicate.

On that note, Amnesty International Malaysia welcomed the Singaporean Court of Appeal’s decision to give Pannir a stay of execution.

“We welcome the 11-hour decision by the Court of Appeal to halt Pannir’s execution.

“Every moment of hope counts and we continue the fight for the commutation of his death sentence,” Amnesty International Malaysia’s human rights campaigner Qistina Johari said in a statement today.

‘Human rights violations’

The case, Qistina said, has been marred by numerous human rights violations - including Pannir’s right to a fair trial.

This, she added, should render his execution arbitrary and unlawful under international law and standards.

“This stay now offers the Singapore government a critical opportunity to reverse its course for him and all those under the shadow of the gallows and establish a moratorium on all executions, as a first critical step towards abolition.

“While this temporary reprieve offers a glimmer of hope for Pannir and his family, who have tirelessly struggled to have his life spared, it does not address the systemic injustices of the death penalty,” Qistina said.

Qistina also urged the Malaysian government to intervene in the case and secure a permanent commutation.

“We must ensure that no family is forced to endure such unbearable cruelty again,” she added.

Address legal concerns

Segamat MP R Yuneswaran expressed his gratitude to the Singaporean government and its judiciary for recognising the critical importance of due process in Pannir’s case.

“This stay provides an opportunity to fully address the legal concerns surrounding his conviction and ensure that justice is administered with fairness and integrity,” he said.

Yuneswaran, who is also a member of Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights, also thanked the Malaysian government for its efforts to help Pannir.

“This moment highlights a crucial truth that the death penalty is not the answer. It is a punishment that is irreversible and disproportionately affects the most vulnerable.

“Pannir’s case is a stark reminder that more humane, rehabilitative, and restorative forms of justice must be sought.

“We stand with Pannir, his family, and all others on death row, advocating for a world where justice is tempered with mercy and humanity,” he added.

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