PUTRAJAYA: There is no automatic reprieve for the 1,342 convicts on death row now, despite the proposal to abolish the mandatory death sentence.

       Instead, the government is considering setting up a tribunal to review their cases, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Parliament), Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

       However, he added that there are also questions over whether such a tribunal is constitutional, and as such, the matter needs to be studied thoroughly.

       “There are now 1,342 convicts on death row in the country. At present, the moratorium on executions, which was implemented in 2018, remains in effect while the relevant law amendments are being tabled.

       “There have been some calls for the government to give a blanket pardon to all of those on death row, but there are also those who feel it would be unfair to the victims’ families.

       “These need to be studied, so the suggestion is that a tribunal be set up to look into each case.

       “But we need to study the constitutional implication of reviewing these cases as many of them were decided in the Federal Court. I will discuss this with the Chief Justice,” said Wan Junaidi at a press conference here yesterday.

       On June 10, The Star reported that the lives of nearly 1,350 death-row inmates were in limbo as it is not known when their sentences would be carried out.

       Of the number, 905 were involved drug trafficking, while 403 were sentenced for murder.

       Of the 1,342 on death row, 844 are Malaysians and 498 are foreigners from 40 countries.

       Wan Junaidi said there have also been suggestions that the Islamic concept of “diyat”, or financial compensation to the kin of victims be implemented as an alternative to the mandatory death sentence.

       “This is a proposal I received, but it needs to be discussed with shariah scholars or state muftis.

       “There are also views that the diyat concept can only work with people who are rich, and therefore this will not help all sections of society. The Attorney General’s Chambers will be studying this proposal,” said Wan Junaidi.