KUCHING, March 22: Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii reminds Sarawakians to always abide by the law of the country they are at and not to get involved in any form of crime.
He said doing otherwise would create hardship not only for themselves but also their families back home.
In a statement today, Dr Yii said while he does not condone crimes committed abroad, he expressed his heartfelt condolence to the family of Michael Garing, who was executed at Changi Prison in Singapore this morning.
Michael was convicted of murder in 2015 by Singapore’s High Court, and the conviction was affirmed by the Court of Appeal in 2017.
Dr Yii said Michael was only 21 years old when he committed the crime.
“We accept that it was a serious crime and that he must face punishment. We were also informed that Michael’s family, who is from Kapit, have only been given eight days’ notice of the imminent execution. They have been asked by letter to make the ‘necessary funeral arrangements’.
“This is extremely short notice as it gives the family very little time to spend with Michael in his final days and also to make preparations. We also received news that they are devastated by the news and are currently being assisted by the Malaysian High Commission,” he said.
Dr Yii said he and his team had been in contact with the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is helping to bring Michael’s remains back to Kapit.
“His remains are expected to arrive at Sibu Airport tomorrow (March 23) before being brought back to his hometown in Kapit.
“Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak is also in contact with the family and has offered to cover the expenses of the funeral as the family are from a poor background.
Michael was part of a gang involved in a robbery in Kallang Road in May 2010, which led to the death of 41-year-old construction worker Shanmuganathan Dillidurai. Three others were severely injured.
Another accused, Tony Imba, was jailed for life with 24 strokes of the cane, while Hairee Landak, was sentenced in 2013 to 33 years’ imprisonment and 24 strokes of the cane.
Donny Meluda, who went on the run for more than six years, was also given 33 years’ jail and 24 strokes of the cane last year. — DayakDaily
