KUALA LUMPUR (10 October 2025) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) joins the global community in commemorating the World Day Against the Death Penalty, observed annually on 10 October, to reaffirm the universal call for the protection of the right to life and the abolition of capital punishment.
This year’s observance, however, carries a profound sense of sorrow as two Malaysian citizens were recently executed by hanging in Singapore following their convictions for drug-related offences. Before the recent execution, SUHAKAM had written to the High Commissioner of Singapore in Malaysia, appealing for a postponement and reconsideration of the sentence, in line with the international appeal for restraint, mercy, and respect for the sanctity of life.
The global movement towards abolition continues to gain strength, with more than two-thirds of countries worldwide having abolished the death penalty in law or ceased its use in practice. Malaysia’s own progress, including the abolition of the mandatory death penalty and the ongoing reforms to review capital punishment policies, reflects a significant and commendable step forward. However, the path towards full abolition remains incomplete.
The enduring question remains whether the world can one day be free from the death penalty. SUHAKAM firmly believes that this is possible, but it requires more than political will. It calls for moral courage, public education, and a justice system grounded in humanity and fairness. True justice cannot be achieved through punishment that extinguishes life, but it must be built on principles of proportionality, rehabilitation, and respect for human dignity.
SUHAKAM reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the total abolition of the death penalty, in line with international human rights norms and the right to life guaranteed under the Federal Constitution. The Commission reiterates that a justice system that is humane and rights-based is the only system that can truly deliver lasting justice.
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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 10 October 2025
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