THE cabinet decision to do away with the death sentence stands, said de facto law minister Liew Vui Keong.

“I spoke to the deputy prime minister (Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail) today, and she said the cabinet’s decision is a collective decision. It is a collective responsibility, where all ministers have to accept the decision.

“The decision made by the cabinet on October 10 stands,” said the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department when asked about Dr Wan Azizah’s request for the government to review its decision to abolish the death penalty, following the tragic death of a 9-month-old in Selangor recently.

Liew said Putrajaya will relook the details, but will not go back on its decision to do away with the death sentence.

On the case of the 9-month-old girl, who was allegedly sexually assaulted and murdered, Liew said it is still being investigated.

“But, we are sure that all those who have committed murder will be kept in prison for a minimum of 30 years, or for the rest of their natural life. They will have no opportunity to get out,” he told reporters after a town hall on the abolition of the death penalty with law students at UiTM Shah Alam.

He said he is unsure if the amendments can be made during the current Parliament session, which ends on December 6.

“We have circulated the memorandum to the various departments and agencies, and are awaiting their feedback.

“If it’s ready in the next two weeks, we can table some of the amendments in the Dewan Rakyat before the Senate meets.” – November 14, 2018.