UN Praises Malaysia's Decision to Revoke Mandatory Death Penalty

VIVA – United Nations (UN) human rights experts on today praises decision by the Malaysia to revoke the death penalty for many serious crimes – a decision that could potentially spare the lives of 1,300 prisoners on death row. 

“The decision bolsters the global trend towards universal abolition,” the experts stated. 

Malaysian parliament voted last week to replaced the mandatory death penalty with alternative sentences in relation to 11 crimes including murder and terrorism, and gives judges the discretion to consider mitigating circumstances and commuting sentences for these offenses.

According to the experts, the new law will apply retroactively, allowing those on death row 90 days to seek a review of their sentences.

UN human rights experts emphasized the death penalty is incompatible with basic principles of human rights and dignity. 

"It denies judges the possibility to consider the defendant's circumstances or the circumstances of the particular offense and individualize the sentence," the UN explained, as reported by an official statement. 

UN experts expressed hope that the decision will pave the way for the complete abolition of the death penalty in Malaysia, and eventually across the region. 

Menlu Sugiono Ungkap Rencana RI-Malaysia Eksplorasi Bersama Blok Ambalat

Menlu Sugiono menyatakan bahwa rencana kerja sama Indonesia dan Malaysia untuk mengelola kawasan perbatasan di Ambalat masih berada pada tahap eksplorasi.

VIVA.co.id

29 Juli 2025