He was convicted and sentenced to death in 2017. Pannir remains on death row in Singapore today.
On International Siblings Day today, Angelia shares cherished memories of her brother, offering a glimpse into his personality and the close bond he has with his family.
“He has a big heart to help others, even during difficult times,” said Angelia, 31.
She recounted an unforgettable moment that took place on Father’s Day when she was about 13. She and her brother were on a motorcycle, having just bought breakfast and heading to church, when an elderly man, also on a motorcycle, collided with them from behind.
The impact sent all three tumbling to the ground. Despite sustaining slight injuries to his elbow, Pannir immediately walked over to the elderly man.
“He didn’t speak about the accident. Instead, he helped the uncle carry his motorbike and made sure everything was OK. Then my brother wished him ‘Happy Father’s Day’,” Angelia recalled, adding that the old man was stunned!
In another instance, Pannir picked up Angelia from school on his motorbike. It was a scorching afternoon and, as they neared their house, he suddenly stopped.
“He asked me to wait while he went to a shop and bought some bottled drinks. Then, he headed to a group of construction workers to give them the drinks,” said Angelia, the youngest of six siblings.
Describing Pannir, who is seven years older, as a protective brother who values family bonds, she added: “He could lighten any moment with his humour. He used to tease us sometimes, but we knew it was his way of showing love.”
The siblings were always excited as the school holidays approached, knowing it meant family trips.
Christmas was also a special time, during which they would shop together for the perfect outfits. Their family would also host an open house, welcoming friends of all races. But since Pannir’s arrest, they have stopped this practice: the empty space he left behind was just too painful to ignore.
Growing up, they were actively involved in church, where Pannir learnt to play instruments like the drums, bongo, conga and guitar.
Today, Pannir’s love for music endures: he has written eight songs from behind bars, and three of them have been released. Next, Angelia shared, they will be publishing a book of his poems, titled “Death Row Literature”.
Pannir, she further shared, loves mutton curry, especially their mother’s. The thought that he may never get to enjoy their mother’s cooking is another sad reality that weighs on her.
There have also been gut-wrenching moments of uncertainty. On Feb 19, Pannir was granted a stay of execution by Singapore’s Court of Appeal – hours before his scheduled execution.
“When visitation hours ended at 5.30pm, we still didn’t know the outcome. If the stay wasn’t granted, that would have been our final goodbye. It was a difficult moment, and we didn’t know what to say when we left.”
Still, they’re painfully aware it’s only a temporary relief as Pannir remains on death row. Yet, despite being imprisoned, Angelia said their bond has grown stronger – Pannir keeps in touch through letters, and a family member visits him every week.
“Pannir is a kind brother who always puts family first. Even though he’s not physically with us, his letters and poems continue to inspire and uplift us,” she said.
In 2020, Angelia started Sebaran Kasih Malaysia, an NGO with a mission to help vulnerable families, especially those with loved ones on death row.
Asked about her hopes for Pannir, she replied: “That his death sentence will be commuted to a life sentence. If there are any legal changes that could lead to his release, that would be even better. But we want to take him out of the gallows.”
Pannir and other inmates, she stressed, aren’t just statistics or case files. “He’s a son, he’s a brother, and he means the world to us.”
Learn more about Sebaran Kasih Malaysia via its website, Facebook and Instagram.