Abolishing mandatory death penalty is only the beginning, says senator on criminal justice system

SHAH ALAM - The move to abolish mandatory death penalty is only the beginning of a struggle toward a systematic and effective criminal justice system in the country, said Dewan Negara Senator Fadhlina Sidek.

She said the move was started during the Pakatan Harapan era and prior to that, it was led by activists.

"However, the abolition of the mandatory death penalty does not mean there is no more death penalty in Malaysia. It still exists but only the mandatory death penalty for certain offences is abolished," she said in a statement.

Fadhlina said other principles that need to be considered include "proportionality" and "constitutionality" which will have an impact on the abolition of the mandatory death penalty.

"Abolishing the mandatory death penalty will generally give more powers and wisdom (discretion) to the judges or courts to make appropriate decisions based on the offence committed," she said.

Fadhlina added other recommendations equally important are prison reforms and criminal system reforms to build and strengthen the criminal justice system.