KUALA LUMPUR: There might be a mass protest by Malaysians from all walks of life, if the government decides not to take heed of those against its plans to abolish the death penalty, says Malay-Muslim NGO Ummah secretariat head Aminuddin Yahya.

According to Aminuddin, the potential crowd could rival the previous anti-Icerd protest in Dataran Merdeka last December.

“Should there be no action taken by the authorities, or if they ignore our proposal, we do not discount the possibility that we may organise a public rally, which will be even bigger than the anti-Icerd rally.

This will be history again.

“This is a fundamental issue that affects the community at large,” he said to reporters during a press conference at Hotel Putra on Tuesday (Feb 12), held after a roundtable discussion on the government’s plans to abolish the death penalty in the coming Parliamentary sitting in March.

Aminuddin, without mincing his words, labelled plans to abolish the death penalty as “stupid proposals made by stupid ministers”.

“So, we appeal to everyone, irrespective of their political inclination and race, please come and help us stop it.

“They (ministers) are not only stupid, but they even issued threats to our MPs. Please quote me on that. Let them sue me. Thank you,” he said.

In an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily on Feb 10, de facto Law Minister Datuk Liew Vui Keong said Pakatan Harapan MPs who voted against the proposed abolishment of death penalty in the coming parliamentary sitting may face disciplinary action.

At present, there are some 1,200 people on death row for crimes including murder, kidnapping and drug trafficking.

Previously, Liew had ruled out holding a referendum on the matter, as suggested by former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Noor, saying there was no provision for it in the Federal Constitution.

Lawyer Christina Teng, who was also present during the press conference, labelled Liew’s decision not to hold a referendum as wrong, based on the principle of democracy.

“Two press conferences were called, asking the government to call for a referendum. But they said nothing like that would be done because public opinion doesn’t count.

“That is wrong because Malaysia is based on the principle of democracy. If you don’t follow public opinion or interest, that is against democracy,” she said.

At the same time, Teng also voiced concerns that the crime rate might see a spike if the death penalty was abolished, as she cited international statistics.

“Look at Venezuela, Mexico and the UK. They all removed the death penalty. Crime rates increased by 125% and murder rates doubled. This is mentioned in Parliament, you can check it out,” she added.

Also present was former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Musa Hassan, who expressed support against the abolishment of the death penalty.

“The death penalty should be imposed because I’ve seen a lot of violent crimes being committed against victims,” he said.

“I would like to advise the public to support the death penalty, so we can ensure the safety and security of the people and this country,” he added.

The next parliamentary sitting will take place from March 11 until April 11.