Putrajaya team discusses legal reforms with TYT

KUCHING: A delegation from Putrajaya held discussions on the latest developments in Malaysia’s legal reforms during a courtesy call to Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at Astana Negeri Sarawak here Tuesday.

The discussions also dwelled on the implementation of laws on the mandatory death penalty and reviews of death sentences.

The delegation from the Prime Minister’s Department’s Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU)was led by its Deputy Director-General (Policy and Development) Datuk Dr Punitha Silivarajoo.

The discussions covered the implementation of the Abolition of Mandatory Death Penalty Act 2023 (Act 846), the Revision of Sentence of Death and Imprisonment for Natural Life Act 2023 (Act 847), and matters relating to Section 97 of the Child Act 2001.

Other issues raised included the moratorium on the implementation of the death penalty, Malaysia’s position as a de facto abolitionist country, the government’s policy options and the direction of related legal reviews.

Wan Junaidi shared his views on the importance of ensuring that decisions involving sentence reviews and pardons were made carefully, fairly and in accordance with the rule of law.

Drawing on his extensive experience in the legal field, he emphasised that decisions involving punishment and pardons carried significant responsibilities and required comprehensive, prudent consideration in line with established legal procedures.

He also stressed the importance of respecting the role and jurisdiction of the Pardons Board in considering pardon applications in accordance with prevailing laws and constitutional provisions.

Wan Junaidi said national laws should be reviewed periodically to ensure that the legal framework remained relevant, effective and aligned with changing societal needs, without compromising justice, the rule of law and constitutional supremacy.

He also highlighted the need for a balanced approach to legal reform that considered justice, public interest and the effective enforcement of laws to safeguard peace and societal well-being.

Additionally the meeting discussed rehabilitation efforts within the prison system, with Wan Junaidi expressing support for the Prisons Department’s efforts to expand educational opportunities for inmates, including providing facilities for them to pursue studies up to degree level.

He said education is an important instrument in rehabilitation and personal development, enabling inmates to improve their knowledge, build confidence and prepare for a better life after completing their sentences.

He added that access to education and skills development could support their rehabilitation and provide opportunities for them to contribute positively to their families, communities and the country.

Also present was his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi as well as State Attorney-General Datuk Sri Saferi Ali.

The BHEUU delegation included Policy and Research Section director Kevin Geh Kien Meng, senior assistant directors Wan Nur Izzati Wan Yusoff and Sharon Silveraj, and assistant director Nur Shahkierin Abd Manan.

The Prisons Department was represented by Deputy Commissioner-General of Prisons Hafidz Othman and Deputy Head of the Detention and Sentence Enforcement Unit, Prison Security and Order Division, Rosli Payiman.

Wan Junaidi expressed hope that BHEUU, the Prisons Department and relevant agencies would continue their efforts to strengthen the national justice system and safeguard the interests and well-being of the people.