Cabinet scraps death sentence for 33 offences(Malay Mail, 13/11/2018)

Cabinet scraps death sentence for 33 offences

Published 11 hours ago on 13 November 2018

Datuk Liew Vui Keong gives a speech at Universiti Malaya October 10, 2018. — Picture by Miera Zulyana

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — The Cabinet has decided that the death penalty for 33 offences under eight acts of law be abolished, and this includes Section 302 of the Penal Code (murder), said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong.

He said the decision, which was reached collectively,  also encompassed the Firearms (Heavier Penalties) Act 1971; Firearms Act 1960, Kidnapping Act  1961, Armed Forces Act 1972.

Also in the list are the Water Services Industries Act 2006; Strategic Trade Act 2010 and Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. 

"Following the Cabinet decision,  a Cabinet memorandum has been circulated to the relevant ministries for their comments and to get public feedback on it,” he said during the Question-and Answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was replying to a question from  Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen (PH-Bandar Kuching) who wanted to know the government’s position on abolishing the death penalty, whether there will be exceptions for extremely cruel crimes,

Meanwhile,  Liew also told the House that the bill on the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) was expected to be tabled at the next sitting of Parliament after all issues and polices were finalised.

He said follow-up meetings on the  setting up of the IPCMC had agreed that it should be truly independent, effective and have the powers to tackle problems involving  the police force.

"The framework takes into consideration powers that are more holistic and in line with existing laws and are currently in force,” he said when replying to a question from Maria Chin Abdullah (PH-Petaling Jaya).

Liew said the police’s rights would also be assured as enshrined in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.

In September, the government had announced the setting up of the IPCMC to replace the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC). — Bernama - Malay Mail, 13/11/2018

Malaysia to abolish death penalty for 32 offences, including murder

A general view at Parliament House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo: AFP/Mohd Rasfan)

13 Nov 2018 06:11PM (Updated: 13 Nov 2018 06:20PM)

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has decided to abolish the death penalty for 32 offences under eight Acts of law, including Section 302 of the Penal Code on murder, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Liew Vui Keong.

 

"Following the Cabinet decision, a Cabinet memorandum has been circulated to the relevant ministries for their comments and to get public feedback on it," he said in parliament on Tuesday (Nov 13).

 

He was replying to a question from member of parliament Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen who wanted to know the government’s position on abolishing the death penalty, and whether there will be exceptions for extremely cruel crimes.

 

Meanwhile, Liew also told the House that the Bill on the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) was expected to be tabled at the next sitting of parliament after all issues and policies were finalised.

 

"The framework takes into consideration powers that are more holistic and in line with existing laws and are currently in force,” he said when replying to a question from MP Maria Chin Abdullah.
In September, the government had announced the setting up of the IPCMC to replace the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission. Source: Bernama/hm(ra) - Channel News Asia, 13/11/2018

Cabinet already decided capital punishment must go, Liew says after toddler’s death

Melissa Darlyne Chow

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November 13, 2018 12:15 PM

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Liew Vui Keong.

KUALA LUMPUR: The suspect detained in relation to the alleged rape-cum-murder of 11-month-old Nur Muazara Ulfa Mohammad Zainal may not be sent to the gallows as a moratorium has been imposed on the death penalty, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Liew Vui Keong said the Cabinet had collectively decided on Oct 10 that the death penalty would be abolished.

“At this juncture, a memorandum is being circulated among all ministries for their views to be taken into consideration.

“This is to ensure a holistic decision is made by the government,” he said to Takiyuddin Hassan (PAS-Kota Bahru), who had asked if the death penalty would be retained for rape/murder, robbery/murder and infant murder offences under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

Kelvin Yii (PH-Bandar Kuching), meanwhile, had asked for the government’s stance on abolishing the penalty and whether those who committed heinous crimes would be excluded, giving the example of Nur Muazara.

To this, Liew (Warisan-Batu Sapi) said the death penalty for 32 offences under eight acts would be abolished.

In the case of Nur Muazara, Liew said the government sympathised with her family. He also conveyed his condolences over her death.

“Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh informed the house yesterday that the case is under police investigation.

“After the investigation is completed, the probe papers will be handed over to the prosecutor’s office, who will look into all testimonies before deciding whether to bring the suspect to court,” he said.

Yii then proposed that a parliamentary select committee be set up as part of the investigation to ensure more consideration and allow further engagement with the various stakeholders.

“The issue is being hotly debated. It has caused controversy as well as misunderstanding. A good policy is needed to consider the views of the public,” he said.

To this, Liew said the government understood the suffering of victims’ family members, adding that the impact could be huge.

“But in this case, the government has considered all views from all stakeholders,” he said, adding that Yii’s proposal would be taken into consideration.

Nur Muazara died last Friday after spending two days in critical condition at Serdang Hospital. She is believed to have died following physical and sexual abuse.

Police have detained the couple for further investigations. FMT News, 13/11/2018