KUALA LUMPUR, February 16, 2025 – Dato G Kumaar Aamaan has called on the government, politicians, human rights organizations, and civil society to take urgent action to help Pannir Selvam Pranthaman, a Malaysian citizen scheduled to be executed in Singapore on February 20, 2025, for drug trafficking.
Pannir, 38, was convicted of trafficking 51.84g of diamorphine at the Woodlands checkpoint in 2014 and was sentenced to death by the Singapore High Court in 2017. However, serious legal flaws have emerged in the case, including the prosecution’s refusal to certify Pannir’s cooperation with authorities, which denied him the possibility of a lesser sentence.
Additionally, his former lawyer, M Ravi, revealed that Singapore prison authorities had unlawfully forwarded confidential legal documents to the Singapore Attorney-General’s Chambers, a breach of fair trial rights under international law.
Urgent Actions That Must Be Taken
With the execution date fast approaching, Dato G Kumaar Aamaan is urging immediate intervention through the following measures:
1. Diplomatic & International Negotiations
The government must engage in urgent diplomatic efforts with Singapore to request a stay of execution and seek clemency for Pannir.
2. Challenge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Malaysia must file an urgent application at the ICJ to challenge the death sentence based on human rights violations and procedural irregularities.
3. Pressure Through Human Rights Organizations
Organizations such as the ASEAN Human Rights Commission and the United Nations (UN) should be involved to apply pressure on Singapore to reassess the case fairly.
4. Public Support & Petitions
Malaysians are encouraged to sign petitions and participate in awareness campaigns to demand swift action from the government and relevant authorities.
5. Policy Review & Bilateral Relations
Malaysia must consider reviewing its diplomatic policies with Singapore to ensure better protection for Malaysian citizens facing the death penalty abroad.
A Life in the Hands of the Government and the People
Dato G Kumaar Aamaan emphasized that this case is not just about the law, but about human rights and justice. He urged the Malaysian government to take a stronger stand in protecting its citizens and to prevent miscarriages of justice that could cost a life.
“A Malaysian citizen’s life now depends on all of us. I urge the government, politicians, human rights activists, and the public to act immediately before it is too late,” he said.
Malaysians who wish to support efforts to save Pannir can sign online petitions and urge the government to intervene immediately.