Are emerging countries like Malaysia ready to abolish the death penalty?

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Malaysia is Not Ready to Abolish the Death Penalty, Lawyers Argue

Two lawyers, Adnan Seman and Christina Teng, have asserted that Malaysia is not prepared for the abolition of the death penalty. Their arguments centre on the belief that capital punishment serves as a crucial deterrent against heinous crimes, protects the interests of victims' families, and is a necessary measure for an emerging nation. They suggest that removing this punishment would lead to an increase in crime and potentially facilitate activities like contract killing, as offenders would not face the ultimate penalty.
Deterrence and Punishment for Heinous Crimes

Lawyer Adnan Seman contends that abolishing the death penalty would allow criminals to evade appropriate punishment for severe offences. He highlighted that offenders would be aware that their crimes, even those previously punishable by death, would only result in life imprisonment, without the ultimate consequence. Seman believes that the fear of capital punishment acts as a proven deterrent, and its removal would likely lead to a rise in criminal activity.
Consideration for Victims' Families and Public Interest

Adnan Seman also emphasized the importance of considering the emotional impact on the families of victims. He suggested that those advocating for abolition may not have experienced the loss of a loved one through murder and therefore cannot fully empathize with the victims' families' perspectives. Christina Teng echoed this sentiment, urging the government to prioritise public interest over the rights of death row inmates, advocating for thorough due diligence before any repeal.
The Role of Capital Punishment in Emerging Economies

Christina Teng further argued that capital punishment is particularly necessary for emerging countries like Malaysia, distinguishing them from developed Western nations. She pointed to disparities in education and social welfare systems, suggesting these factors can contribute to desperation and crime. Teng cited economically prosperous nations such as Japan and Singapore, which retain the death penalty, as examples of its psychological impact and effectiveness in deterring criminal behaviour.
Strengthening Law Enforcement and Studying Existing Problems

Teng recommended that the government focus on reinforcing law enforcement and addressing the challenges faced by underpaid personnel within the judicial and enforcement sectors. She advised that a comprehensive study of existing societal problems should precede any move to repeal the death penalty. This approach, she suggested, would ensure that public safety and interest are adequately protected, rather than creating new liabilities for the nation.

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Are emerging countries like Malaysia ready to abolish the death penalty?

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