18-7-2024 (SINGAPORE) A Singaporean national made the extraordinary decision to withdraw his application for a review of his death sentence. Quah Tee Keon, 56, convicted of murdering his wife’s boyfriend in 2013, stunned the courtroom by expressing his desire to maintain the capital punishment imposed on him.
The case, which has gripped public attention for its sensational nature, reached its dramatic climax as Quah, through his legal representative Bernard George, formally retracted his plea for clemency. This unexpected move led to the swift dismissal of his review application by the three-member bench, effectively sealing his fate on death row.
Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who presided over the hearing alongside Justices Nordin Hassan and Hanipah Farikullah, had no choice but to uphold the original death sentence in light of Quah’s surprising request.
The grim saga dates back to the early hours of 13th October 2013, when Quah committed the heinous act that would alter the course of multiple lives. According to court records, he murdered Chinese national Ruan Chao Qiang at a residence in Taman Mawar Indah, Triang, Bera, Pahang, at approximately 3:30 am.
But the violence did not end there. In the same location and timeframe, Quah also viciously attacked his wife with a knife, inflicting severe injuries to her neck, hands, and back. These wounds were deemed potentially fatal, leading to an additional charge against him.
Following the brutal incident, Quah evaded authorities for over two weeks before finally surrendering to the police in Kuala Lumpur on 28th October 2013. His arrest marked the beginning of a complex legal journey that has now culminated in this unexpected courtroom declaration.
The prosecution, represented by Deputy Public Prosecutor Ng Siew Wee, remained steadfast in their pursuit of justice throughout the proceedings. However, Quah’s decision to withdraw his appeal has rendered further arguments unnecessary.
