KUCHING: Putrajaya has been asked to give a clear timeline and an assurance that amendments to Section 309 of the Penal Code would be tabled at the latest in the next parliamentary session.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii said the government should stop dragging its feet to end archaic laws and decriminalise suicide attempts, and ensure that individuals were provided necessary therapy and support.
“I read with disbelief again and again how the government continues to delay the amendment to Section 309 of the Penal Code even though numerous promises and commitments have been made.
“The most recent coming from de-facto Law Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi who claims the proposed legal amendments will be submitted to the Cabinet ‘soon’,” he said in a statement today.
He said the word ‘soon’ had been overused over the years and was not a clear measurement of a timeline, thus the government should take the first step to declare a moratorium on all prosecution for suicide attempts while the amendment was being made.
Dr Yii said the government appeared to lack knowledge and understanding of the complex interaction of risk factors leading to suicidal thoughts and behaviours, which led to the lack of urgency on amending the law.
“There is no evidence that the law would act as a deterrent rather it would have a negative impact by perpetuating the stigma surrounding suicide. It only works as a catalyst in discouraging at-risk individuals to seek help during crisis and marginalise people who are seeking the much-needed mental health services.
“Criminalisation of suicide does not save lives,” he said.
He noted that it only persuaded individuals towards a more violent and irreversible means of self-harm, ensuring a successful suicide to avoid prosecution.
“Criminalising suicide does not address the underlying factors such as poor mental health, arduous living conditions which drove the individual to attempt suicide in the first place. This is evidently seen more during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“A national suicide registry must also be set up immediately to formulate targeted measures to address rising suicide cases. This has to stop, and tangible steps must be expedited.
“We must now ensure our legislation develops alongside our progressing society to build a nation where individuals can seek help for their mental health challenges without fear or hesitation,” he added.
Under Section 309 of the Penal Code, it is an offence to commit suicide and anyone attempting to do so will be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or both.
