KUCHING: Reports on a study about an alternative to the mandatory death penalty will be tabled at a federal Cabinet meeting for consideration and approval before the end of next month.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar explained that the study was in line with the government’s intention to repeal the mandatory death penalty.
It took into account the views of all interested parties given the complex and sensitive nature of the issue.
“Subject to the decision of the Cabinet, the change in national justice policy related to this matter includes alternative punishment to 11 offences carrying the mandatory death penalty.
“This also includes 22 offences at the discretion of the Court, which will take time to be realised,” said Wan Junaidi in a statement on Thursday (Jan 27).
He added that the meeting would discuss amendments to the provisions in relevant legislations as well as further discussions with stakeholders for this purpose.
On Wednesday, Wan Junaidi had a meeting with the special committee to review alternative sentences to mandatory death penalty chaired by former Chief Judge Tun Richard Malanjum.
The committee was established to make an overall review of the sentencing policy and replace the mandatory death penalty to an appropriate sentence subject to the discretion of the court.
