Press
Release
The Malaysian Bar Commends Swift Action by the Government in
Stay of Execution of Death Sentence on Osariakhi Ernest Obayangbon
The
Malaysian Bar is heartened by, and welcomes, the stay of execution of
the death penalty on Osariakhi Ernest Obayangbon (aka Philip Michael),
originally scheduled for 6:00 am today.
The
Malaysian Bar commends the swift action of the Government, and in
particular the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, YB Puan
Hajah Nancy Shukri, and the Honourable Attorney General, Tan Sri Abdul
Gani Patail, in obtaining a stay of the execution.
The
execution of a criminal, albeit for a heinous crime, is not so much
about his crime, but is about, and reflective of, our own humanity.
Osariakhi
Ernest Obayangbon is reported to have been convicted on a charge of
murder, and has been on death row for 18 years. He is said to be
suffering from mental illness, namely schizophrenia. He apparently did
not apply for clemency, possibly because he was unable to make proper
decisions as a result of his mental illness.
Although
it is reported that his mental illness developed after the commission
of the crime, it is nevertheless unnecessary and unmerciful to kill a
mentally ill person who has already been in jail for 18 years. We ask
that his death sentence be commuted to one of life imprisonment.
The
Malaysian Bar advocates the abolition of the death penalty, in the
belief that every individual has an inherent right to life. This right
is absolute, universal and inalienable, irrespective of any crimes that
may have been committed. The death penalty has no place in a society
that values human life, justice and mercy.
We
understand that the Government is currently looking into law reforms in
respect of the mandatory death penalty, with a view to its possible
abolition or the reintroduction of a discretionary death penalty. In
light of such review, the Government should, in the interest of justice,
implement and announce an immediate official moratorium on any and all
executions of the death sentence.
The
Malaysian Bar reiterates its call on the Malaysian Government to
abolish the death penalty without delay. Those who have been sentenced
with the death penalty should all be resentenced.
Christopher Leong
President
Malaysian Bar
14 March 2014
Source: Malaysian Bar Website
