KUCHING, Nov 9: Family members of high profile murder cases involving Datuk Kevin Anthony Morais, cosmetic millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and HSBC banker Wong Jing Kui have urged the government not to abolish the death penalty.
A 27-point letter has been written and delivered to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and all Members of Parliament, demanding the death penalty sentence to be retained in order to maintain strict laws in this country and prevent serious crimes to protect the people.
“We need public support to protect our rule of law and keep the death penalty in Malaysia,” the family members said in the letter, made available as a press statement sent by their lawyers.
They felt that the federal government should focus on protection of people first and improve enforcement, instead of stripping the law.
“Removing the death penalty has no benefit to majority of the people and makes no sense. It is shortsighted, dangerous and will create a lot of mess in our society,” the statement said.
One of the point highlighted in letter stated – “We should not be weak or manipulated by criminals to remove our strict laws! How can you expect people to respect our laws when you, the government, doesn’t? By getting rid of the death penalty, criminals get away with serious crime and punishment!”
“If Malaysia wants to be a tiger of Asia, start acting like a tiger. Let us keep our teeth and claws, instead of pulling them out,” it continued.
The family members urged the public to sign a petition to support their cause for true justice.
“Please sign the petition to let your voice be heard by the government. Kindly forward to your family and friends. We need to get as many as possible, otherwise the government does not know the truth,” they said.
Putrajaya has yet to finalise the decision to abolish the death penalty. Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the government was still seeking consultation and feedback from various parties before it tabling it to the Cabinet.
For more information on the petition do visit www.change.org. — DayakDaily
