Mandatory Death Penalty Abolished, But The Death Penalty Itself Remains As Per Judges’ Discretion
Last week, it was announced that the Malaysian government has agreed to abolish the mandatory death penalty in our country, a move which has been lauded by many as a step in the right direction.
However, many seem to be confused on the matter, especially in regards to the difference between mandatory death penalty and death penalty itself.
Hence, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has released a statement to clarify on the matter, saying that the death penalty will remain and not be abolished. Instead, the change is only on the fact that judges are now given discretion in sentencing.
As reported by Bernama, Ismail elaborated that the ‘mandatory’ part will be removed, whereby the judges will no longer be bound by the word which leaves them with no choice but to impose the death penalty on criminal offenders as provided by law.
Among the most notable laws in our country with a mandatory death penalty sentence is…
