14-11-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysia’s top court on Tuesday (Nov 14) commuted the death sentences and natural-life prison terms of 11 individuals convicted of drug trafficking, including two Thai nationals. This decision follows the capital punishment reforms enacted earlier this year, according to the state news agency Bernama.
All 11 individuals, including seven on death row, had their sentences reduced to life imprisonment, with each term set at 30 years. This marks the first batch of cases reviewed by the Federal Court since the introduction of the reforms. In April, Malaysian lawmakers voted to eliminate the mandatory death penalty for certain crimes, such as drug trafficking and murder. This change grants judges the discretion to decide whether to impose capital punishment.
The amendments also replaced penalties calling for natural-life imprisonment with a jail term ranging from 30 to 40 years. Malaysia’s Law Minister, Azalina Othman Said, stated that nearly 1,000 individuals facing capital punishment or natural-life terms have submitted applications for re-sentencing. She emphasized that this process demonstrates the government’s commitment to upholding human rights.
In a statement issued before the court hearing, Minister Azalina Othman Said called the day historic and stated, “This proves that the principle of restorative justice in Malaysia’s criminal justice system is always maintained.”
The court’s decision comes shortly after the release of Sirul Azhar Umar, a former Malaysian policeman who fled the country in 2015 to avoid the death penalty. Australian law prohibits the deportation of individuals to countries where they face capital punishment. Sirul, a former bodyguard of ex-Prime Minister Najib Razak, was convicted for the 2006 murder of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu.
While Sirul has not indicated whether he plans to seek a sentencing review under the new reforms, Malaysia’s home minister confirmed on Tuesday that he has the right to apply for one.
