Last Friday, Sebaran Kasih – a non-profit founded and helmed by Pannir’s younger sister, Angelia – released a third song, “Pintu Besi”, featuring hip-hop artiste Kidd Santhe (Parssanth Navaratnam), singer DJ Dave, and pastor Prince Jon, the vice-chairman of Sebaran Kasih.
Despite catchy and upbeat music, the lyrics are haunting, giving listeners a glimpse into the plight of death-row inmates as they await execution. It may just cause a person to shed tears as they imagine what might have gone through Pannir’s mind while he penned the words.
This was certainly the case when Dave, 74, read the lyrics. “We all make mistakes. But at the end of the day, sometimes, you will only repent when you’re given a chance,” he said during the launch.
“The thing is, Pannir is going to go. How else is he going to repent, to be given a second chance to continue his life?”
He added: “My heart goes out to all death-row inmates, unfairly placed there to face death. All of us, even those we look down on, deserve a second chance at redemption.”
A similar sentiment was shared by Kidd Santhe, 26, when he first read Pannir’s words. “I was struck by how real and honest they were. So I’m excited to be a part of this project because it uses music to bring a positive, hopeful message of forgiveness and mercy,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prince Jon shared: “An average person can live three to four minutes without air, 10 days without water, 40 days without food – but one can’t live without hope. Through this song, we believe there will be hope for Pannir and many others.”
Kitchen for Hope
At Friday’s event, Sebaran Kasih simultaneously launched Kitchen for Hope, a fundraising initiative that aims to provide financial help for families of death-row inmates who were the sole breadwinners.
This is in line with the organisation’s mission to help vulnerable families and communities, especially those with family members who are in prison or on death row.
“The conversation surrounding the death penalty through music is taking place, and we must keep it going. In the meantime, however, many families of death-row inmates are suffering without a breadwinner to support them,” said Angelia, 27.
With this in mind, Kitchen for Hope aims to cater meals for small- to medium-sized events, where profits will be used to help these families as well as to sustain its operations.
Items on the menu include chicken and tuna sandwiches, curry puffs, chicken pie, and blueberry cheesecake. “These, as well as coffee, and strawberry and pineapple jams, will also be available for purchase through our website at a later date,” Angelia said.
On what Pannir thinks about Kitchen for Hope, she told FMT: “My brother is really excited and said it’s a good idea. He is waiting for the project to start and make some profit.”
She added that they are currently in discussion with 18 families who have loved ones on death row.
The launches of Kitchen for Hope and “Pintu Besi” were officiated by lawyer and human rights activist Ravi Madasamy.
‘Pintu Besi’ will be released on major music platforms such as Spotify and iTunes from Aug 8.
For further information on Sebaran Kasih, Kitchen for Hope, ‘Pintu Besi’ or Pannir Selvam, contact Angelia at 010-5605087 or email [email protected].