ROBERT Phang says Putrajaya should not have decided on the abolition of the death penalty without consulting the public.

The former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) advisor said the Pakatan Harapan government seems to have forgotten about the victims of those on death row.

“We know that you (de facto law minister Liew Vui Keong) have your difficulties but you are our representative, issues involving lives should have been decided carefully, not unilaterally approved by the cabinet,” he told a press conference at an event entitled “We Oppose the Abolition of Death Penalty”.

Liew had told Parliament recently that Putrajaya was looking at abolishing the death penalty for 32 offences including murder, the Firearms (Heavier Penalties) Act, Firearms Act, Kidnapping Act and Armed Forces Act, Water Services Industries Act, Strategic Trade Act and Dangerous Drugs Act.

The event was organised by Welfare and Love Association (Persatuan Kebajikan dan Kasih Sayang), which is running a campaign to keep the death penalty.

The group is also planning forums on the issue in Penang and in Johor Baru so the people will have a platform to express their opinions.

“We cannot agree to the abolishment of the death penalty, we must fight it to the end.”

Phang said Malaysia cannot be a place where criminals can do as they please without the death penalty as a deterrent.

He also said the death penalty should not be abolished just to allow the extradition of Sirul Azhar Umar, a fugitive police officer who was convicted of murdering Mongolian model and interpreter Altantuyaa Shaariibuu, from Australia.

“It’s not that easy, Australia will not extradite those who are sentenced to death. Don’t let this issue influence policy for the future, the death penalty must be retained,” Phang said.

Phang also reminded the Pakatan Harapan government, which has been in power for six months, to listen to the people’s voices as it is elected into power by the people.

“We elected the MPs into power, this policy needs their approval, the people need to go to them directly, tell them to face us and stop hiding!” – November 20, 2018.