Life and Death: How Malaysia's Shift on Capital Punishment Impacts Society

Malaysia made a big change in 2023. They stopped making the death penalty automatic for certain crimes. This move is a chance to look at how capital punishment affects people's health and well-being. The death penalty doesn't just hurt the person sentenced to die. It also affects their families, the people who work in prisons, and even the whole community. Imagine waiting for years, not knowing if a loved one will live or die. That kind of stress can make people sick. Some people might get the death penalty even if they didn't do anything wrong. This is a big problem. It's called a miscarriage of justice. It can happen because of bad luck, bad lawyers, or even racism. When this happens, it's not just a mistake. It's a tragedy that hurts everyone.The death penalty also hits some groups harder than others. Women, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities often face more discrimination in the courtroom. This makes them more likely to get the death penalty, even if they're not more likely to commit crimes. Some people think the death penalty is about justice. But what if it's actually making things worse? What if it's making people sick, breaking up families, and hurting communities? Maybe it's time to think differently. Maybe it's time to focus on healing instead of hurting. Malaysia's change is a step in the right direction. But it's not enough. They need to keep going. They need to make sure everyone is treated fairly. They need to make sure no one else gets hurt by this system.