However, a death sentence can still be imposed, based on the court’s discretion.
“The policies proposed through these Bills are a middle path to ensure that justice is preserved for all,” said Ms Azalina.
According to The Star, the Bills are expected to be passed by next Tuesday once they have been debated.
It also reported that if the Bills are passed, more than 1,300 people currently on death row can seek a review of their sentence by the federal court.
Ms Azalina said that death row inmates will be able to file an application for a review of their sentence.
According to her, the application can only be made once and must also be made within 90 days of the new law coming into force. However, the courts may choose to extend the 90-day time frame subject to reasonable grounds.
Ms Azalina also noted that through the proposed laws, the federal court will be given the jurisdiction to review the cases of 840 death row inmates including 25 others whose pardon appeals were rejected by the Pardons Board.
“A total of 476 death row inmates, who have yet to exhaust their appeal process in court, will also be covered by the law,” she added.
There are currently 11 offences that carry the mandatory death penalty, including murder, drug trafficking, terrorism, kidnapping and possession of firearms.
Last June, the Malaysian government announced its decision to abolish the mandatory death penalty as part of its commitment at the international level to refrain from imposing capital punishment.
“We are of the view that everyone deserves a second chance,” said former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, according to Bernama.
