KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) described the Court of Appeal's decision to sentence six former National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) cadets to death for the murder of Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain as a somber moment in Malaysia's judicial history.
In a statement today, Suhakam acknowledged the ruling, expressing solidarity with the family in their grief over the tragic loss of Zulfarhan on June 1, 2017. Despite recognising the severity of the crime, Suhakam said it firmly opposes the death penalty.
"We express our deepest condolences to the family of Zulfarhan, whose tragic death on June 1, 2017, has profoundly affected the nation.
"However, we believe that the death penalty is not a just or effective solution. The death penalty is a form of punishment that is irreversible and does not allow for the possibility of rehabilitation in the event of judicial error.
"It also goes against the global movement towards the abolition of capital punishment, which many countries have recognised as inhumane and a violation of fundamental human rights."
Suhakam said in this context, it is essential to emphasise the need for rehabilitation, which can transform offenders into responsible and constructive members of society.
This approach, Suhakam said, not only addresses the root causes of such violent behavior but also helps prevent future occurrences by promoting understanding, empathy, and social responsibility among offenders.
"Our commitment to human rights mandates that we advocate for the abolition of the death penalty. We call upon the Malaysian government to reconsider the use of capital punishment and to continue working towards a justice system that is fair, humane, and just for all."
Yesterday, the Court of Appeal sentenced six former UPNM cadets to death for the murder of navy cadet Zulfarhan, seven years ago.
The court described the case as the "rarest of the rare".
A three-member bench comprising Datuk Hadhariah Syed Ismail, Mohamed Zaini Mazlan and Datuk Azmi Ariffin unanimously allowed the prosecution's appeal to reinstate a charge under Section 302 of the Penal Code and impose the death penalty.
The court also set aside the previous 18-year jail sentence.
The six are Muhammad Akmal Zuhairi Azmal, Muhammad Azamuddin Mad Sofi, Muhammad Najib Mohd Razi, Muhammad Afif Najmudin Azahat, Mohamad Shobirin Sabri and Abdoul Hakeem Mohd Ali, who are now 28 years old.