He said the home ministry backed the decision to end the mandatory sentence, but police enforcement and investigation efforts would be carried out as usual.

“The police also share the thought that maybe it is a good thing if there is some relaxation in terms of the mandatory death sentence.

“The death penalty is still in force, just that for certain offences, let the judge decide whether an offender should go to the gallows or serve life imprisonment,” he told a media conference here today.

Hamzah dispelled the notion that the move will lead to an increase in serious crimes. He said the death penalty was still in force and police would carry out enforcement duties as usual.

“When there is a relaxation like this, it gives the opportunity to think about responsibilities. As judges, they listen to the issues and evidence produced in court, so it’s best to leave it to their discretion,” he said.

Yesterday, law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar announced that the government had agreed to abolish the mandatory death sentence and grant judges discretion in sentencing.

He said in principle the government had accepted and taken note of the recommendations of a special committee.