In a speech at an event on reassessing the death penalty in Asean, Santiago said he hoped Malaysia will encourage other Asean governments to examine their continued use of the death penalty.

Cambodia and the Philippines are the only two countries in the region that have abolished the death penalty.

Santiago, a three-term former Klang MP, stressed that the death penalty is one of the cruellest punishments as it robs people of their right to life, adding that mistakes and political manipulation might also play a part in sentencing.

“Our grave errors will prematurely end the lives of innocent people. This must stop,” said Santiago in his speech at yesterday’s event.

“Malaysia has a great opportunity to set the right tone. As the incoming Asean chair, it can show leadership for the other member states by eliminating capital punishment altogether.”

The mandatory death penalty was abolished in Malaysia following the passing of the Abolition of Mandatory Death Penalty Act 2023, which took effect in July 2023.

Under the new law, judges now have the discretion to impose either the death penalty or imprisonment of not less than 30 years and up to 40 years.

Santiago said that while Malaysia has abolished the mandatory death penalty, the government must now work towards fully abolishing capital punishment.

In a statement, APHR said it is concerned that despite global momentum towards the abolition of the death penalty, several Asean countries continue to retain capital punishment, undermining human rights and justice in the region.

The group said that research and experience have shown that the death penalty does not act as a more effective deterrent than life imprisonment.

It also called on Asean governments to move away from retributive justice and focus on creating a fairer system that addresses the root causes of crime.