The Malaysian man, Panir Selvam, sentenced to death for drug trafficking in Singapore, is scheduled for execution on the 20th. Four ruling coalition parliamentarians are urging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar to intervene.
Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh hopes the Singapore authorities will allow Panir Selvam to return to Malaysia to serve his sentence and assist in investigating the recruitment of drug mules.
“We believe Panir Selvam is a drug mule and should not be executed. In fact, members of the drug syndicate continue to remain at large and may continue to recruit unsuspecting victims.”
He continued, Panir Selvam has previously assisted the Singapore authorities by providing information to capture drug traffickers. However, Singapore did not issue a certificate of substantial cooperation to Panir Selvam.
Panir Selvam's family recently filed a police report, with Ramkarpal Singh indicating that they received confirmation from the police that an investigation into the matter has commenced. He believes that under these circumstances, the Singapore authorities should issue Panir Selvam the necessary certificate, allowing him to assist the police in their investigation.
Panir Selvam was convicted and sentenced to death for carrying 51.84 grams of heroin into Singapore at the Woodlands checkpoint on September 3, 2014.
On February 16, Panir's family received notification of the execution, dated this Thursday (February 20).
Subang MP Wong Chen calls on the Prime Minister to utilize Malaysia's role as the rotating chair of ASEAN this year to advocate for better handling of similar cases.
Also present at the press conference were Bukit Gelugor MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Batu MP P. Prabakaran, former Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto, and nine representatives from civic organizations including Suaram, Bersih, and Hayat.
Panir Selvam's sister, Anjulia, revealed that her brother is currently suffering from severe depression.