KUALA LUMPUR (19 FEBRUARY 2025) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) calls upon the Malaysian Government to intensify its diplomatic efforts in appealing to the Singaporean Government to halt the execution and seek clemency on behalf of Pannir Selvam s/o Pranthaman.
Pannir Selvam, a mere courier, has been sentenced to death under a mandatory penalty that disregards the mitigating circumstances of his case. This sentence is a stark deviation from international human rights standards, and we are deeply concerned about the irreversible consequences of capital punishment, especially in instances where mercy and leniency should be considered.
SUHAKAM’s stance against the death penalty is rooted in our unwavering belief in justice, dignity, and the possibility of rehabilitation for all. The mandatory death sentence strips judges of the discretion to weigh the individual circumstances of each case, undermining the principles of fairness that should form the foundation of any legal system. Although Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) permits the use of the death penalty only for the ‘most serious’ crimes, SUHAKAM wishes to emphasize that the Human Rights Committee, which interprets the Covenant, has consistently ruled that drug-related offences do not meet this standard.
The planned execution of Pannir Selvam also violates Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which affirms that “everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.” The irreversible nature of the death penalty, particularly in cases with significant mitigating factors, erodes the core values of human dignity and justice.
SUHAKAM stands in support of the statement by UN experts, urging Singaporean authorities to halt the execution of Pannir Selvam and commute his death sentence to imprisonment in line with international human rights law and standards. SUHAKAM stands firm in advocating for justice, compassion, and the inherent rights of all individuals, regardless of nationality or circumstance and therefore, we urge all involved to choose mercy and humanity over irreversible punishment.
-END-
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 19 February 2025
EN 
MS