Its moving lyrics were written by Pannir Selvam Pranthaman, a Malaysian currently on death row in Singapore, who wrote it as a tribute to the heroes of Malaysia and their sacrifices for the country.
Sebaran Kasih, or Spread Love, is a volunteer-led non-profit organisation founded last year with the mission of assisting vulnerable families and communities, specifically those with family members who are imprisoned or on death row.
Though many countries have chosen to abolish the death penalty, Malaysia and Singapore continue to uphold this form of punishment. Sebaran Kasih stands for the abolishment of the death penalty in Malaysia.
Angelia Pranthaman, Sebaran Kasih president and Pannir’s younger sister, started the NGO to raise awareness about the inhuman and cruel punishment that is the death penalty, as well as to encourage people to stand up for her brother’s case and fight to spare his life.
“Sebaran Kasih is a natural extension of my work campaigning for my brother,” Angelia tells FMT, explaining that the idea behind the organisation came from Pannir himself.
Pannir was arrested in September 2014 at the Johor-Singapore border for a minor drug-trafficking offence. At the time of his arrest, he was cooperative and helped the authorities to apprehend other drug syndicates.
This, however, did not help his case as he was denied the Certificate of Substantive Assistance, which would verify that he had substantively assisted the Central Narcotic Bureau in Singapore, and was sentenced to death in 2017.
Now 33, he remains on death row in Changi Prison, where he continues to write poems and lyrics. In April, Sebaran Kasih released their first song penned by Pannir titled “Arah Tuju”, performed by local singer-songwriter Santesh.
The Ipoh-born Pannir describes his situation in prison as “death standing outside his door, waiting for his life”. But despite it having been seven years since he was a free man, Pannir’s love for music and the country he was born in continues to prevail.
“His lyrics for this new song are based on his sweet memories of celebrating Merdeka with friends and family in Ipoh,” Angelia shares.
“The passionate lyrics penned by my brother and Saint TFC’s amazing talent will help express the magnitude of passion and love that Pannir has for Malaysia.”
She hopes this project will raise awareness of the need to abolish the death penalty in Malaysia.
“We also hope it will also help to change the public’s perception of death row inmates as being hardened criminals with nothing to contribute anymore.”
“Bukan Sekadar Hikayat” is supported by the European Union and non-governmental organisations Ensemble Contre La Peine De Mort, Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network, Amnesty International Malaysia, and Lawyers for Liberty, who all share the same goal of abolishing the death penalty.
Music matters
Saint TFC is known for using music to express his opinion on topics such as racism and discrimination. Though he has not met Pannir, he says he was keen to be part of the project “because I get to use my music for issues that really matter in our society”.
“When I first read the lyrics from Pannir, I was struck by how real and honest they were,” the artist adds.
Angelia shares that in her most recent call with her brother, Pannir said he wanted to dedicate this song to Malaysians of all ethnicities, to remind them that although they are different, they are united under one flag and country.
“He dedicates his song to all Malaysian heroes, past and present, including soldiers, frontliners, doctors, teachers, parents – everyone,” Angelia says.
“We call on all Malaysians to show their support for ‘Bukan Sekadar Hikayat’ and the cause it represents.”
‘Arah Tuju’ and Bukan Sekadar Hikayat’ can also be accessed via the Save Pannir website, where you can find out more about his case.
To date, more than 16,700 Malaysians have signed the petition to spare Pannir’s life. To do the same, click here.
Also visit Sebaran Kasih’s website and Facebook profile for further information.