THE cabinet has decided that the death penalty for 33 offences under eight acts of law be abolished, including Section 302 of the Penal Code (murder), said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Liew Vui Keong.

He said the decision, which was reached collectively, also encompasses the Firearms (Heavier Penalties) Act 1971, Firearms Act 1960, Kidnapping Act 1961, and Armed Forces Act 1972.

Also in the list are the Water Services Industries Act 2006, Strategic Trade Act 2010, and Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

“Following the cabinet decision, a memorandum has been circulated to the relevant ministries for their comments and public feedback,” he said during question time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was replying to a question from Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen (PH-Bandar Kuching) who wanted to know the government’s position on abolishing the death penalty, and whether there would be exceptions for extremely cruel crimes.

Liew also said that the bill on the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) was expected to be tabled at the next sitting of Parliament after all issues and policies were finalised.

He said follow-up meetings on the setting-up of the IPCMC had agreed that it should be truly independent, effective, and have the powers to tackle problems involving the police force.

“The framework takes into consideration powers that are more holistic and in line with existing laws and are currently in force,” he said in reply to a question from Maria Chin Abdullah (PH-Petaling Jaya).

Liew said the police’s rights would also be assured as enshrined in Article 10 of the federal constitution.

In September, the government had announced the setting up of the IPCMC to replace the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission. – Bernama, November 13, 2018.