Suaram condemns Singapore's execution of Sarawakian

PETALING JAYA: Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) has condemned the execution of Malaysian Michael Garing at Changi Prison in Singapore. 

Suaram said the death penalty does not and will never provide justice.

"The execution of Michael Garing would not deter any future crime, nor would not undo the crime that was committed by him," it said.

"The death penalty merely endorses and repeat the violence and senseless loss of life inflicted by the accused through his crime and legitimise violence."

The human rights group reiterated calls for Malaysia and Singapore to abolish the death penalty.

"Malaysia must learn from the senseless violence practised by Singapore and ensure that Malaysia is set on the path for total abolition of the death penalty, and not the path where violence and murder is legitimised through the criminal justice system," it said in a statement on Friday (March 22).

It also extended its condolence to Michael's family.

Michael was executed on Friday morning.

Michael, 29, who is from Kapit, Sarawak, was convicted of murder by the Singapore High Court in 2015, and its Court of Appeal affirmed the conviction in 2017.

Michael and another Sarawakian, Tony Imba, were part of a gang that went on a robbery spree, severely injuring three victims and killing a fourth man in 2010.

Tony was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the robbery.

The Malaysian government had said that they would submit a letter to Singapore to urge it to commute Michael's death sentence.

Michael's parents had also sent a clemency petition to the Singapore government.