Study conducted on whether to retain or abolish execution of death penalty

KUCHING, Oct 27 2026: The federal government is conducting a study to determine whether the moratorium on the execution of the death penalty — in effect since 2018 — should be maintained or brought to an end.

Caption: Punitha Silivarajoo, Deputy Director-General (Policy and Development) of the Legal Affairs Division under the Prime Minister’s Department,

Punitha Silivarajoo, Deputy Director-General (Policy and Development) of the Legal Affairs Division under the Prime Minister’s Department, said that this study is one of two key issues currently being addressed as part of efforts to improve the nation’s legal system.

She said the other issue concerns a proposed amendment to Section 97 of the Child Act 2001, which relates to the duration of detention for children found guilty of murder.

She explained that under current provisions, children who commit such offenses cannot be sentenced to death; instead, they may be held in detention for an indefinite period.

"Consequently, the proposed amendment seeks to establish a fixed detention period of 20 years, subject to the consideration of the State Pardons Board.

“Briefing sessions regarding both issues will be held across all states in Malaysia, involving relevant stakeholders—such as the State Secretary or the Head of State (Yang di-Pertua Negeri), depending on the specific context of each state,” she told reporters after paying a courtesy call on Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, at the Astana Negeri Sarawak today.

 Punitha added that the visit, which also included representatives from the Malaysian Prison Department, aimed to provide updates on the study regarding the moratorium on the death penalty, as well as the proposed amendments to the Child Act 2001.

The meeting also served as a platform to brief the governor on both of these legal matters. 

Also present were the State Attorney-General Saferi Ali; Director of the Policy and Research Section at the Legal Affairs Division Kevin Geh Kien Meng; Chief Assistant Director of the Policy and Research Section Wan Nur Izzati Wan Yusoff; Sharon Silveraj; Assistant Director of the Policy and Research Section, Nur Shahkierin Abd Manan; Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons Hafidz Othman; Deputy Head of the Detention and Sentence Implementation Unit (under the Prisons Security and Public Order Division), Rosli Payiman; and the Deputy Director of the Administration Unit, Norlela Jarnie.

Speaker Asfia has notified EC on the dissolution of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly

KUCHING, Oct 27 2026:Sarawak Legislative Assembly (SLA) Speaker Mphamad Asfia Awang Nasar has submitted a formal notice of the dissolution of the Sarawak Assembly Assembly (SLA) to Election Commission (EC) chairman Ramlan Harun today.

Caption: Speaker Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar says regarding the proposed creation of 17 new Sarawak State Legislative Assembly seats,  the required finalisation processes have not yet been completed by the EC.

He said as such the EC assumes full responsibility for administering the state election. 

"It will announce the specific dates for Nomination Day and Polling Day," he told reporters.

"Under Regulation 3(1) of the Elections (Conduct of Elections) Regulations 1981, the schedule must adhere to the statutory timelines that Nomination Day must be set no less than four days after the Notice of Election is published and Polling Day must be scheduled no less than eleven days after Nomination Day, guaranteeing a minimum campaign period of 11 days for all candidates," he explained.

Asfia said in strict accordance with Article 21(4) of the Constitution of the State of Sarawak, a state election must be held within 60 days from the date of the dissolution. 

"Once the voters of Sarawak have cast their ballots and the Returning Officers have declared the winning candidates, the official election results will be gazetted. 

"Under Article 21(4) of the State Constitution, the newly Sarawak State Legislative Assembly must be summoned by the Governor to convene for their first meeting no later than 120 days from the date of the dissolution," Asfia added.

Regarding the proposed creation of 17 new Sarawak State Legislative Assembly seats,  he said the required finalization processes have not yet been completed by the EC. 

Consequently, he said these new state constituencies will not be utilised in the upcoming election. 

Asfia alsoo said the SLA expresses its utmost gratitude to all members of the dissolved Assembly for their steadfast service to Sarawak, and for their dedication to the well-being of the people throughout this term. 

"The democratic process is now entrusted to the EC and, most importantly, to the citizens of Sarawak," he said.

Sarawak state government should study a target population of five million, says PRS Youth chief suggests

KUCHING, Oct 27 2026: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth chief Christopher Gira Sambang has suggested that the state government should seriously study a long-term population target of around five million people, including lawful foreign residents. 

Caption: PRS Yiuth chief Christopher Gira Sambang says Sarawak must not close its doors to talent, investment and opportunity. We should take a strategic approach by attracting highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and investors who can contribute to our economic growth, create jobs and transfer knowledge to our people.

He said a larger and more productive population can strengthen domestic demand, expand business opportunities and make Sarawak a more attractive destination for investment.

"However, population growth must be planned, controlled and aligned with our development goals. Housing, infrastructure, healthcare, education and quality employment must grow together with the population," he said in a statement, today.

Gira said Sarawak must remain open to talent but closed to disorder, adding:" We must continue investing in local talent, encourage Sarawakians overseas to return home and ensure that every immigration and population policy delivers tangible benefits to our people."

"At the same time, Sarawak must not close its doors to talent, investment and opportunity. We should take a strategic approach by attracting highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and investors who can contribute to our economic growth, create jobs and transfer knowledge to our people.

He said the objective is a stronger economy, better jobs, higher incomes and a brighter future for Sarawak.

Gira said he fully support Premier Abang Johari Openg's firm stance on protecting Sarawak's borders, security and social harmony, saying that Sarawak must always retain the right to decide who enters, works and settles in our state.

He said following the premier's recent remarks on Rohingya refugees, Sarawakians deserve a clear and transparent explanation of the government's position. 

"Concerns over unmanaged settlements, prolonged stays and pressures on local communities cannot be ignored. Immigration policy must always put the interests of Sarawakians first," he stressed.

Sri Aman Sarawakku Sayang programme, from Oct 10 to Nov 1, targeting 100,000 visitors

SIMANGGANG, Oct 27026: A target of 100,000 visitors are expected to enliven the Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) 2026 Sri Aman Division Programme which will be held for three days from October 30 to November 1 at the Sri Aman Sports Complex.

Caption: Deputy State Secretary Hii Chang Kee Hii says  Sri Aman's Kitchen and Sales which highlights various local food products, including products based on bulu ikan, is also expected to be an attraction for visitors.

The programme not only offers various entertainment and cultural events, but also serves as an important platform to bring government services closer to the people through the provision of 170 service counters involving 52 government agencies.

Deputy State Secretary (Operations) and chairman of the Sri Aman Division SKS 2026 Programme Committee for the Southern Zone Hii Chang Kee said that the attendance target is believed to be achievable based on the various interesting contents planned throughout the organisation of the programme.

He said among the main attractions are the cultural and entertainment performances on October 30 featuring artists including Mawat, followed by the People's Concert on October 31 with performances by Baby Shima, Bob Yusof and several other popular artists.

"To further enliven this programme, we are also organising an e-contest offering more than 100 attractive prizes, including a Perodua Bezza car, a motorcycle, electronic goods, gadgets and jewellery," he said at a press conference.

Hii said that the organisation of Sri Aman's Kitchen and Sales which highlights various local food products, including products based on bulu ikan, is also expected to be an attraction for visitors.

In addition, the Fun Walk Traditional Costume event on the third day of the programme will highlight the uniqueness of cultural heritage through the participation of participants wearing traditional clothing with a creative and innovative touch.

However, he stressed that the provision of centralised government services is one of the most important components of organising SKS 2026.

“A total of 170 service counters from 52 government agencies will be provided to make it easier for the people to obtain various matters directly.

“Visitors will also have the opportunity to witness exhibitions related to the Sarawak Government’s development initiatives and achievements,” he explained.

In this regard, he encouraged residents of Sri Aman Division and surrounding areas to seize the opportunity to attend the programme with their families, thus taking advantage of the one-stop service facilities provided.

Meanwhile, the pre-inauguration ceremony of SKS 2026 Sri Aman Division is scheduled to be officiated by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Snowdan Lawan on October 30.

The highlight of the programme is the opening ceremony by the Premier Abang Johari Openg on 31 October.

After the opening ceremony, the premier is scheduled to attend a luncheon with community leaders and Sri Aman community leaders before visiting the Batang Lupar II Bridge at 3pm.