Singapore Grants Stay of Execution for Malaysian Death Row Inmate
Singapore, Feb 19 (Bernama) — The Singapore Court of Appeal has granted a stay of execution to Malaysian death row inmate Pannir Selvam Pranthaman just hours before he was scheduled to be executed on Thursday (Feb 20).
Background
Pannir Selvam was convicted by the High Court on May 2, 2017 for the capital offence of importing 51.84g of diamorphine into Singapore under section 7 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973 (MDA). He was not granted a Certificate of Substantial Assistance (CSA) by the Public Prosecutor and was sentenced to the mandatory death penalty.
PACC Application
The Post-Appeal Applications in Capital Cases (PACC) Act, which came into effect on June 28, 2024, allows prisoners awaiting capital punishment (PACPs) to make post-appeal applications, which can only be heard by the Court of Appeal. Pannir Selvam represented himself in the submission.
Reasons for Stay of Execution
Judge of the Appellate Division Woo Bih Li granted Pannir Selvam permission to make a PACC application under Section 60(G) of the Supreme Court of Judicature Act 1969 (SCJA) without it being set down for hearing. The judge said that he granted Pannir Selvam permission to make a PACC application on the grounds that he has a pending complaint with the Law Society of Singapore against his former counsel Ong Ying Ping, as well as a pending determination of another case on constitutional challenge related to Singapore’s drug laws.
PACC Application Process
A PACP must first apply for permission from the court to make a PACC Application. If permission is granted, the PACC Application must be made to the Court of Appeal within three days from the date of approval. The Court of Appeal will then determine the PACC Application.
Conclusion
In this case, the Singapore Court of Appeal has granted a stay of execution to Pannir Selvam Pranthaman, a Malaysian death row inmate, pending the determination of his Post-Appeal Applications in Capital Cases (PACC) application. This decision is a significant development in the case, which has sparked widespread interest and concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Post-Appeal Applications in Capital Cases (PACC) Act?
A: The PACC Act allows prisoners awaiting capital punishment (PACPs) to make post-appeal applications, which can only be heard by the Court of Appeal.
Q: What are the grounds for a stay of execution?
A: The grounds for a stay of execution are not specified in the article, but the judge granted Pannir Selvam permission to make a PACC application on the grounds that he has a pending complaint with the Law Society of Singapore against his former counsel Ong Ying Ping, as well as a pending determination of another case on constitutional challenge related to Singapore’s drug laws.
Q: What is the next step in the process?
A: The next step in the process is for Pannir Selvam to make a PACC Application to the Court of Appeal. If permission is granted, he must make the application within three days from the date of approval. The Court of Appeal will then determine the PACC Application.