MALAYSIA WEIGHS SPARING DRUG MULES THE GALLOWS

July 14, 2012: In Malaysia, the Malay Mail reported the Attorney-General was considering removing the compulsory death penalty for drug mules and giving judges discretionary sentencing powers in such cases.
The move follows Malaysia’s southern neighbour, Singapore, which on 9 July announced its intention to ease its strict sentencing structure to give judges more leeway to deal with certain drug and murder cases. Malaysia and Singapore, which share similar justice systems, are among countries that still dispense mandatory death sentences for offences like drug trafficking and murder.
“We are getting advice from law experts throughout the world regarding drug laws and how are they applied in their country,” Tan Sri Gani Patail was quoted as saying by the newspaper.
The planned amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, if seen through, may also mean a new lease on life for those previously condemned. “Those on death row would be referred back to the courts, with legal representation, to be re-sentenced,” he was quoted further. (Sources: The Malay Mail, 14/07/2012)