KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — On Wednesday, a Singaporean court issued a stay of execution for a Malaysian man, mere hours before he was scheduled to be hanged for drug trafficking, according to reports from rights activists. This decision came amidst protests against capital punishment, with numerous supporters staging candlelight vigils in both Malaysia and Singapore.
Pannir Selvam Pranthaman, who was arrested in 2014 for possessing 52 grams (approximately 1.8 ounces) of heroin, was sentenced to death in 2017. After his execution was set for Thursday, he would have become the fourth individual executed in Singapore this year, joining others condemned for drug-related offenses and one for murder.
Kirsten Han, an activist opposing the death penalty, explained that the Appeals Court allowed the stay due to an ongoing constitutional challenge involving other prisoners on death row concerning a specific provision of the drug laws. While Pannir is not a direct participant in this challenge, he argued that its outcome could affect his own conviction.
Another consideration in granting the stay was Pannir’s complaint against his previous legal representative, where he serves as the main witness. The court accepted his request to appeal against the original conviction, demonstrating a potential pathway for reconsideration of his case.
“This is a significant relief and very encouraging news, but the stay of execution should not be seen as a permanent solution,” remarked Han. “Singapore urgently requires a suspension of the death penalty, working towards its complete abolition. Pannir may have earned more time, but as citizens, we must continue advocating against state-sanctioned killings in our names.”
Singapore’s stringent drug laws enforce the death penalty on individuals found with over 15 grams of heroin or 500 grams of cannabis. Critics argue that these regulations predominantly affect low-level traffickers and couriers rather than addressing the larger drug trade.
Family members, legal representatives, and various human rights organizations have pointed out that Pannir was identified by the Singapore court as a mere courier. The 36-year-old has claimed he was unaware he carried illegal substances. Nevertheless, the prosecution declined to grant him a certificate of substantive assistance that could have prevented his death sentence.
In response to Pannir’s situation, Malaysian lawmakers have urged their government to step in to halt the execution and consider extraditing him for further investigations. The Malaysian administration, which recently abolished the mandatory death penalty, has not commented on the matter.
“We are against the death penalty for drug mules who are often victims of large-scale trafficking operations,” stated Malaysian lawmaker Ram Karpal Singh, according to local news sources.
Pannir’s unexpected reprieve was celebrated by supporters participating in a candlelight vigil in Singapore. With signs and lit candles, they chanted phrases like “Justice for Pannir” and “Execution is not the solution.” Likewise, others gathered at the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur for a parallel vigil, sharing songs and reciting poems and letters written by Pannir.
The third of six siblings, Pannir is the son of a church pastor and grew up in a family that faced financial hardships. He developed a passion for music during his youth, playing in the church band, as shared by activist Kokila Annamalai.
While imprisoned, Pannir has written letters, songs, and poems reflecting his dread of being on death row and his hope for redemption. His family has shared some of these musical creations, which have been performed by various Malaysian artists.
