Malaysia-Singapore Cooperation Can Stop Pannirselvam’s Execution and Address Drug Trafficking

We, the 24 undersigned civil society organisations and individuals, are gravely concerned with the scheduled execution of Pannirselvam A/L Pranthaman in Singapore. The family members of Pannirselvam were notified that his execution has been scheduled for 8 October 2025.

Pannirselvam is a drug courier convicted in Singapore in 2014 for trafficking 51.84 grams of Diamorphine. His status as a courier was acknowledged by the Singapore courts, and he provided extensive information to authorities during the investigation. This information was also conveyed to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) through two police reports by his family on 31 October 2018 and 21 January 2023, respectively.

The police reports provided details of the drug syndicates operating in Johor Bahru. These details are only possible based on Pannir’s knowledge and information. While there has been some indication that the PDRM will conduct further investigation into the report and information provided by Pannirselvam, the family has yet to receive any formal updates or information since these reports were made.

At present, swift action by PDRM and the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) is required to ensure that Pannirselvam is granted a Certificate of Substantive Assistance for the information provided. Failure to do so will certainly result in the execution of Pannirselvam, jeopardising ongoing efforts to detect and cripple the drug syndicate operating with impunity between the Malaysia-Singapore borders.

The death penalty is an inhumane punishment, and its application for drug trafficking violates international human rights law. In Pannirselvam’s case, the death penalty not only represents a violation of human rights, but it is also counterproductive towards the common goal of suppressing drug trafficking across the Causeway.

We, the 24 undersigned civil society organisations and individuals, urge PDRM, AGC, and the Minister of Home Affairs to Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution to:

• Address the allegations of drug syndicates recruiting and operating in Johor Bahru based on information from Pannirselvam and other drug couriers in Singapore;

• Provide the necessary cooperation and support to Pannirselvam and other drug couriers in line with Singapore’s legal requirements for Certificate of Substantive Assistance; and

• Engage bilaterally with Singapore to develop humane, robust, and viable joint action plans that tackle the proliferation of illicit substances through our common borders.