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KUALA LUMPUR: The suspect detained in relation to the alleged rape-cum-murder of 11-month-old Nur Muazara Ulfa Mohammad Zainal may not be sent to the gallows as a moratorium has been imposed on the death penalty, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Liew Vui Keong said the Cabinet had collectively decided on Oct 10 that the death penalty would be abolished.
“At this juncture, a memorandum is being circulated among all ministries for their views to be taken into consideration.
“This is to ensure a holistic decision is made by the government,” he said to Takiyuddin Hassan (PAS-Kota Bahru), who had asked if the death penalty would be retained for rape/murder, robbery/murder and infant murder offences under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
Kelvin Yii (PH-Bandar Kuching), meanwhile, had asked for the government’s stance on abolishing the penalty and whether those who committed heinous crimes would be excluded, giving the example of Nur Muazara.
To this, Liew (Warisan-Batu Sapi) said the death penalty for 32 offences under eight acts would be abolished.
In the case of Nur Muazara, Liew said the government sympathised with her family. He also conveyed his condolences over her death.
“Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh informed the house yesterday that the case is under police investigation.
“After the investigation is completed, the probe papers will be handed over to the prosecutor’s office, who will look into all testimonies before deciding whether to bring the suspect to court,” he said.
Yii then proposed that a parliamentary select committee be set up as part of the investigation to ensure more consideration and allow further engagement with the various stakeholders.
“The issue is being hotly debated. It has caused controversy as well as misunderstanding. A good policy is needed to consider the views of the public,” he said.
To this, Liew said the government understood the suffering of victims’ family members, adding that the impact could be huge.
“But in this case, the government has considered all views from all stakeholders,” he said, adding that Yii’s proposal would be taken into consideration.
Nur Muazara died last Friday after spending two days in critical condition at Serdang Hospital. She is believed to have died following physical and sexual abuse.
Police have detained the couple for further investigations.
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