The bill to amend the laws will impact 1,327 prisoners on death row.

Azalina said they would receive alternative sentences. These prisoners have been spared the gallows as a moratorium against the death penalty has been in effect since June 10.

“For others who have not been charged, alternative punishments to the death penalty can be enforced.

“I would like to emphasise that the amendments do not abolish the death penalty entirely, but give discretion to the courts to decide on an appropriate punishment,” Azalina said in a statement.

She said the government would reform the criminal justice system by looking at sentencing policy, matters related to corporal punishment, and the prison system, including overcrowding.

“Focus will be given to punishment based on rehabilitative and restorative justice,” she said.