MADPET urges Malaysia to act swiftly to save Pannir Selvam from execution in Singapore

Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (MADPET) has issued an urgent call for the Malaysian government to take immediate action to save Pannir Selvam, a Malaysian citizen facing execution in Singapore.

While the Singapore Court of Appeal granted a temporary stay of execution at the last moment on 20 February 2025, the group warns that this is merely a delay and that Pannir could still be executed soon after his legal applications are dismissed.

MADPET has drawn attention to the case of Malaysian Nagaenthran Dharmalingam, who was executed on 27 April 2022—just a day after his final appeal was dismissed.

The NGO fears that Pannir could face the same fate unless the Malaysian government acts swiftly and decisively.

The Philippines saved its citizen—can Malaysia do the same?

MADPET has pointed to the case of Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino citizen sentenced to death in Indonesia for drug trafficking.

In November 2024, the Philippines successfully negotiated a reprieve for Veloso, leading to her transfer back to the Philippines in December. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally intervened, securing her return after years of diplomatic efforts.

"If the Philippines can do it, why can't Malaysia?" MADPET questioned, urging Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the King to take stronger action beyond letters of appeal.

Past efforts to save Malaysians on death row

MADPET recalled that in Nagaenthran’s case, former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and other officials had made formal appeals to Singapore, including a plea for clemency and a proposed prisoner exchange.

However, these diplomatic efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.

"Letters may not be enough—perhaps an urgent face-to-face meeting is needed," MADPET suggested, questioning whether Anwar Ibrahim should personally travel to Singapore to negotiate Pannir’s case.

Singapore’s obligation to follow the UNGA resolution

MADPET also urged Singapore to impose an immediate moratorium on executions, in compliance with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution adopted on 17 December 2024.

The resolution, supported by 130 countries—including Malaysia—calls for a global moratorium on the death penalty.

Singapore, however, voted against the resolution and continues to enforce the death penalty for drug trafficking offenses.

MADPET criticised this stance, stating that it demonstrates a lack of respect for the democratic will of the international community.

"Singapore may take time to abolish the death penalty, but at the very least, it should impose a moratorium in line with international human rights principles," MADPET argued.

Reforming drug laws and the presumption of guilt

The NGO also called for a review of laws that presume a person caught with a certain quantity of drugs is a trafficker unless they can prove otherwise.

"This legal presumption is unjust and evil," MADPET stated, arguing that the burden of proof should always rest with the prosecution, especially in cases involving the death penalty.

Urgent call to action

MADPET has urged:

• The Malaysian Prime Minister, the King, and the government to take immediate steps to secure clemency or commutation of Pannir Selvam’s sentence.


• Singapore to honour the UNGA resolution and impose a moratorium on executions.


• ASEAN to take a clear stance in favour of halting executions in the region.


• A review of drug trafficking laws to ensure fair trials and prevent wrongful executions.

MADPET warned that if Pannir's final application is dismissed and Singapore proceeds with his execution immediately—without allowing time for a clemency appeal—it would amount to a denial of his right to seek a pardon.

With time running out, MADPET called on Malaysia to act swiftly and decisively before it is too late.