Documentation

Execution of Michael Anak Garing in Singapore

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) condemns the execution of Michael Anak Garing that took place at dawn today.

The death penalty does not and will never provide justice. The execution of Michael Anak Garing would not deter any future crime, nor would not undo the crime that was committed by him. The death penalty merely endorses and repeat the violence and senseless loss of life inflicted by the accused through his crime and legitimize violence.

SUARAM reiterate our call for the end to death penalty and for Singapore to abolish the death penalty.

The Malaysian government must set Malaysia must learn from the senseless violence practiced by Singapore and ensure that Malaysia is set on the path for total abolition of the death penalty, and not the path where violence and murder is legitimized through the criminal justice system.

SUARAM would also like to take the opportunity to extend our condolence to the family of Michael Anak Garing.

Muhyiddin Failing Peoples’ Reform Agenda

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) is appalled by the statement by Muhyiddin Yassin on the Sedition Act 1948 and call for the government to reinstate the moratorium on the Sedition Act 1948.

The Sedition Act 1948 is a draconian law introduced by the colonial government to restrict and suppress political dissidence. Under Barisan Nasional, the law was abused to silence political opponents, human rights activists and others that voiced out against the injustice perpetrated by Barisan Nasional.

Media Statement by Malaysian Coalition against the Death Penalty

The Malaysian Coalition Against the Death Penalty is deeply disappointed with the announcement made by Deputy Minister Mohamed Hanipa Maidin today that the government has decided to abolish only the mandatory death penalty for 11 offences. This clearly falls short of what the Cabinet had decided and announced on 10 October 2018, which was the total abolition of the death penalty across all crimes.

We reiterate that the death penalty, whether mandatory or not, has no place in today’s world. It serves no proven deterrent purpose, does not contribute to a reduction in the crime rate and worst of all, it is absolute and irreversible.

Kerajaan dan Polis Jangan Salahguna Kuasa Tafsir Hak Asasi Manusia. Henti Intimidasi Golongan Wanita dan Minoriti.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) ingin menyatakan kekecewaan terhadap intimidasi dari pihak Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) kepada penganjur perarakan Sambutan Hari Wanita (SHW) 2019. Dalam satu kenyataan yang dibuat oleh Ketua Polis Daerah Dang Wangi, Asisten Komisioner Shaharuddin Abdullah pada 9 Mac 2019, PDRM akan memanggil dan menyiasat pihak penganjur perarakan kerana dikatakan tidak mendapat kebenaran atau permit daripada pihak PDRM bagi menganjurkan SHW 2019.

Ingin ditegaskan, menurut Akta Perhimpunan Aman (APA) 2012 tiada sebarang kebenaran mahupun permit yang diperlukan untuk menganjurkan perhimpunan aman. Proses yang digariskan adalah pihak penganjur perlu menghantar satu notis kepada pihak polis seperti mana yang telah dilakukan oleh pihak penganjur perarakan SHW 2019 sejajar dengan peruntukan Seksyen 9 APA 2012.

WHY IS THE MCA SO GUNGHO ABOUT THE DEATH PENALTY?

Press statement by Kua Kia Soong, SUARAM Adviser 8 Mar 2019

If there is one reform the PH government has almost achieved, it is the effort to table a Bill to abolish the death penalty although they seem to backtrack whenever there is a crime of passion followed by a public uproar. And just as laudable, PH has imposed a moratorium on execution for drug-related offences. In Parliament, they will face opposition to this Bill by MCA and PAS.

Considering the MCA leaders have been so vehement in their opposition to PAS’ ‘hudud’ laws on the grounds that they are appalled by such punishment which allows the amputation of hands, I am truly surprised at their passion in wanting to retain the death penalty in this country. Isn’t the death penalty more monstrous than the amputation of limbs? In fact, the two rival parties of MCA and PAS seem to have arrived at an alliance to fight for the retention of the death penalty. For some puzzling reason, the DAP seems to be rather defensive against MCA’s onslaught and their top leaders have not come out openly to call for the abolition of the death penalty.