MALAYSIA: INDIAN NATIONAL SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING

February 13, 2012: An Indian national was sentenced to death in Malaysia for trafficking in 1,982.8 grams of ketamine two years ago.
Justice Dato’ Abdul Rahman Sebli handed down the death sentence on Syed Abu Thagir Syed Abu Bakkar, 29, after finding him guilty of the offence as charged.
“I am satisfied that the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. I reject the accused person’s claim that he knew nothing of the drug.
“Under the circumstances the accused is convicted of the offence. There is only one sentence provided by the law for this type of offence and that is the death penalty.
“I direct the accused shall be hanged by his neck until he is dead. God bless you,” the judge pronounced after handing down the sentence.
Syed Abu Thagir cried after the court’s verdict was explained to him by the court interpreter in Tamil.
He later fainted outside the court while being escorted by Customs personnel.
After he regained consciousness, the accused, who was fasting, repeatedly said that he did not want to be hanged and that he knew nothing of the drug.
He was also seen rubbing his chest and had to be calmed down.
Syed Abu Thagir was found guilty of trafficking the drug at the special passenger’s examination unit at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport here about 12.30pm on Dec 30, 2010.
He was tried under Section 39B (1) (a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 which carries the mandatory death sentence upon conviction.
The trial started on Jan 9 this year with the prosecution having called 10 witnesses to testify against the accused. (Sources: theborneopost,14/02/2012)