News analysis

Debate rages over Malaysia's move to scrap death penalty

Recent death of baby sparks calls to keep capital punishment

De facto Law Minister Liew Vui Keong has said the Cabinet's decision to abolish the death penalty remains, pending Parliament approval. PHOTO: BERNAMA
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The Malaysian government is keen to replace the death penalty with life imprisonment, arguing for the sanctity of human life.

Then the heartbreaking case of Zara Muhammad Zainal broke earlier this month.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 21, 2018, with the headline Debate rages over Malaysia's move to scrap death penalty. Subscribe