Call for decriminalisation of suicide

A TOTAL of 468 suicide cases were reported across the country in the first five months of 2021. Compared to 631 cases reported in the whole of 2020, this higher number is a matter of grave concern.

Suicide was highlighted as a national crisis when the White Flag (Bendera Putih) Movement was initiated by ordinary

Malaysians to help those in desperate need of food and other basic essentials. Many of these people who needed help were also under mental distress.

Last year, a magistrate's court in Terengganu sentenced a disabled man who had attempted suicide to six months in prison.

Section 309 of the Malaysian Penal Code states: "Whoever attempts to commit suicide, and does any act towards the commission of such offence; shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with

fine or with both."

YPOLITICS, a multi-partisan and independent youth-led movement, together with other local advocates are calling for the decriminalisation of suicide in order to end the stigmatisation of mental ill health in Malaysia.

We condemn the current sentences (fine and/or jail time) on those suffering from severe mental health problems, especially those who attempted suicide. Thus, we are calling on all Malaysians, particularly members of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara and state assembly persons, to be more vocal and push for greater political will to decriminalise suicide because people with mental health issues are not criminals.

We and the involved parties call on the Malaysian Federal Government to:

1. Adopt rehabilitative solutions under the Health Ministry as a means of strengthening support mechanisms for Malaysians and non-Malaysians alike who have attempted suicide;

2. Allow counseling centres to operate with strict standard operating procedures during the lockdown;

3. Discuss and vote on the decriminalisation of suicide when Parliament reconvenes;

4. Introduce a moratorium as a short term solution to avoid fining and jailing Malaysians and non-Malaysians who have attempted suicide;

5. Optimise the role of a special select committee to address mental health problems;

6. Review and pardon cases that have been prosecuted and convicted under provision Section 309 of the Penal Code; and

7. Revive the National Suicide Registry of Malaysia (NSRM) to drive effective policy-making and long-term solutions to address the rising cases of suicide.

If suicide continues to be criminalised under Section 309, those who suffer from mental health problems will be afraid to seek help. The stigma and criminality that frame suicide have led family, friends and the general society to ignore the desperate calls for help from those who are afflicted.

Mental health must be approached with compassion, data-driven solutions, and ethical policy-making.

Decriminalise and destigmatise suicide now.

YPOLITICS

This letter is supported by the following organisations:

1. Myer Movement

2. NeuroMY

3. Dear Asian Youth

4. Advocating Youth

5. The Sambal Pod

6. ReachOut.To.You

7. The Noeo Project

8. Parliwomen

9. Malaysian Medics International (MMI)

10. Youths.MY

11. KauOkTak

12. We Are Better Togetherr

13. My Safe Space

14. The Loud Asians

15. Pocket Of Care

16. HAKAM Youth

17. Mind Matters Network Malaysia