In a statement today, the former Batu Kawan MP said the recent re-sentencing of seven death row inmates in the Federal Court had received positive feedback, especially from the inmates’ families.

“The best way forward is to produce sentencing guidelines for the benefit of judges and the deputy public prosecutor so it can be applied with transparency, accountability and integrity to uphold the rule of law and the sanctity of the judicial system,” she said.

Kasthuri added that the government should sign the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Uncat) to move away from cruel punishment, embracing rehabilitative justice in line with global standards.

“The government should use Uncat as a benchmark and keep abreast of international standards on moving away from torture and cruel punishments, and moving towards rehabilitative and restorative justice.

“This is our chance to do the right thing, to be a beacon of human rights, the rule of law and justice,” she said.