KUALA LUMPUR: Family members of several high profile murder cases have urged the Government not to abolish death penalty to prevent serious crimes.
They are Sosilawati Lawiya’s eldest daughter, Erni Dekritawati Yuliana Buhari, or better known as Rita; Datuk Anthony Kevin Morais’ younger brother Datuk Richard Morais, and HSBC banker Stephen Wong Jing Kui’s elder sister, Wong Hie Huong.
They also shared the challenges they had gone through during the trial.
Rita said she strongly objected to the idea of abolishing the death penalty as it was unfair for the family members.
“In my mother,s case, it took seven years for the court to make its final decision. When we know that the murderers are finally sentenced to death, we are relieved, and get the strength to continue our lives.
“I know that the Government wants to enhance human rights, but when they (murderers) killed my mother, did they ever think about us, the family members who are left behind.
“My mother was a successful businesswoman. She was the backbone of the family. We lost her overnight, and at that time, we lost our direction in life.
“Hence, it is very worrying that our rule of law can be abolished to protect criminals. The fact it (the murder) was masterminded by a person of influence, money, power, and was a lawyer is a real concern. We cannot let criminals abuse and manipulate our criminal legal system,” she told reporters at a press conference today at a restaurant in G Village here.
Richard said he was still traumatised and badly affected by his brother’s murder.
“Until today, I can still remember vividly my brother’s body, murdered and cemented. I am still traumatised.
“Just imagine, if the death penalty is revoked, the perpetrators are all still young. What if they don’t repent when they are jailed, they may seek revenge after they are released,” he said.
Hie Huong said the nightmare would never end if the death penalty was abolished.
“Can you imagine someone who has been convicted of murder can still get what she (Stephen’s wife) wanted - their son and the deceased’s money.
“The damage that brought to my family is irreparable. Till now, the convict holds custody of my brother’s only son, for six years. We have no access to the child even though he lived with us since birth. She is also a beneficiary of my brother’s estate. Where’s the justice?
“It is very unfair to us if the death penalty is abolished. She will only be locked up for 20 to 30 years. What has been done cannot be reversed,” she said.
Meanwhile, lawyer Christina Teng, representing the family members, said the country needs strict laws to keep law and order.
“We need strict punishment, for example, death penalty as a shield to prevent serious crimes, including murder, terrorism and drug trafficking, which can cause perpetual damage to our society. When less deterrent, it will trigger more crime and social problems.
“Besides, it will create more liabilities and wrong usage of public funds. We are in deficit and should be prudent in spending public funds.
“Why waste taxpayers’ money when we have not addressed more important priority? Estimated cost on food alone for 1,281 inmates with death penalty, for 30 years will cost more than RM575 million. This does not include medical treatment and infrastructure.
“Please look at the bigger picture and best interest of our country and common good of the people before making any decision,” she said.
On Oct 27, NSTP reported that the government had yet to finalise the decision to abolish death sentence.
Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the ministry was still seeking consultation and feedback from various parties before it was tabled to the Cabinet.