LETTER | The debate over the abolition of the death penalty in Malaysia has been intensifying in recent years, stirring emotions and prompting deep introspection among citizens and lawmakers alike.

I find myself grappling with the ideals of justice, safety, and the possibility of rehabilitation.

On the one hand, I believe in second chances and the power of redemption to transform lives. Yet, I acknowledge the pain endured by the victims and their families, especially when the crime is a brutal one.

But does justice truly demand the ultimate price, or can we find more humane ways to ensure accountability and safety for society?

Imagine a young offender caught up in the wrong crowd - someone who made a terrible mistake - but has the potential to turn their life around. With the right guidance, education, and support, rehabilitation is possible, allowing them to contribute positively to society.

This principle, however, applies even to offenders who have committed grave crimes. While it is undeniably difficult to consider rehabilitation for those guilty of heinous acts, we must not lose sight of the possibility of redemption.

Incarceration can serve to protect society while also allowing offenders the opportunity to reform. Justice is about more than just punishment; it must also include the possibility for transformation, no matter how bleak the circumstances.

Our justice system exists, above all, to protect the public. It is natural to want security and peace of mind, knowing that the most dangerous individuals are kept away from society. Life imprisonment, with no possibility of parole for the most serious crimes, provides a robust safeguard.

The argument that the death penalty is the only way to ensure public safety is understandable, but it overlooks the fact that life imprisonment can achieve the same goal without resorting to irreversible measures.

Moreover, it avoids the moral and ethical dilemmas associated with capital punishment - especially the risk of executing an innocent person. As our understanding of justice evolves, we must recognise that public safety can be achieved without taking another life.

Honouring victims without perpetuating cycles of violence

I have met families who have lost loved ones to murder or sexual violence. Their pain is unimaginable, their grief a constant companion. The desire for justice is strong, and it is only natural to want the harshest punishment for those responsible.

However, we must ask whether the death penalty truly provides closure.

The irreversible nature of the death penalty does not allow for the possibility of correcting judicial mistakes. When errors are made, as they sometimes are, they cannot be undone.

Justice is about honouring the victims, but it is also about ensuring that the system does not create new victims through wrongful executions.

It is true that some offenders, when given the chance, re-offend. This is a valid concern, but it can be addressed through more effective sentencing measures, including life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for those who pose the highest risk.

By investing in rehabilitation programmes and ensuring proper oversight within prisons, we can reduce the risk of recidivism without resorting to the death penalty. Punishment should not be about vengeance but about preventing future harm in a way that upholds human dignity.

My support for a justice system that prioritises rehabilitation does not mean leniency for all crimes. I recognise the need for harsh punishments for heinous acts - such as life sentences without parole - but I do not believe the death penalty is the answer.

Malaysia's moratorium on executions is a step in the right direction, and the global trend towards abolition reflects a growing awareness of the shortcomings of capital punishment.

By focusing on rehabilitation, data-driven crime reduction strategies, and restorative justice, we can build a justice system that not only protects the public but also allows for healing and transformation.

Justice should not be measured by the severity of the punishment but by the ability of society to offer second chances and repair what has been broken.

As we continue to discuss and debate the future of the death penalty in Malaysia, we must remember that while some crimes are unimaginably brutal, the answer is not more violence.

The death penalty is irreversible, and no matter how carefully it is applied, it carries the risk of fatal mistakes. Life imprisonment offers a just and secure alternative, protecting the public while allowing for the possibility of redemption.

Ultimately, true justice lies not in the power to take a life but in the courage to save one.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.