Capital Punishment in Malaysia: A Critical Analysis of the Legal Framework and Contemporary Developments
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Abstract
One of the most controversial features of the criminal justice system of Malaysia has always been capital punishment. Incorporating the laws of the colonial period, the death penalty has historically been executed when dealing with crimes related to murder, drug dealing, treason, among other armament-related crimes. Nevertheless, changes in the law and policy have taken place dramatically over the last few years as a result of both local and foreign pressure to change. This paper analyses legal practices that have prevailed in punishing capital punishment in Malaysia. The study also examines Malaysia’s struggle to balance public perception, deterrence goals, and human rights obligations, especially in accordance with international conventions. This study, after all, emphasises the cornerstone of transition that the country undergoes in terms of moving toward a more rehabilitative and rights-oriented justice system of providing capital punishment to offenders, and placing a strong emphasis on the fact that the country is still struggling to try to balance national legislation and international guidelines of capital punishment.
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