Think Centre, FORUM-ASIA, SUARAM and Pusat Komas | 26 September 2025
Today, Think Centre, FORUM-ASIA, SUARAM and Pusat Komas jointly express our deep regret and strong condemnation of the execution of Malaysian national Mr. Datchinamurthy Kataiah at Changi Prison, Singapore.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Datchinamurthy. In the early hours of 25 September, his family received notification that the execution was on hold pending further information after 12 p.m. (Singapore time). This brief reprieve raised hopes for a stay that were dashed when the execution proceeded. (See official notice: “Execution of a Convicted Drug Trafficker — 25 September 2025,” Central Narcotics Bureau.)
Mr. Datchinamurthy was first arrested in 2011 at the age of 25. He was convicted and sentenced to death on 15 April 2015. His appeal was dismissed on 5 February 2016, even after amendments to Singapore’s mandatory death penalty regime sought to introduce judicial discretion in certain drug-trafficking cases. Over the past decade since his first clemency rejection, he fought for his rights and once secured a stay of proceedings when appearing in person in a matter against his discharged counsel. He was 39 years old at the time of his execution.
We reaffirm our longstanding position: the imposition of capital punishment for drug trafficking is at odds with evolving international human rights norms. It does not meet the threshold of “most serious crimes”. The death penalty is not effective as a deterrent and disregards the human capacity for remorse, rehabilitation, and change.
At a time when many nations are moving away from the death penalty, Singapore’s continued use of capital punishment sends a troubling message to the world. We call on the Government of Singapore to suspend executions and impose an official moratorium immediately, with a view to review and abolish the death penalty.
This statement is issued on the occasion of the 11th General Assembly of FORUM-ASIA, where member organizations from across Asia gather to reaffirm their collective commitment to democracy, human rights, and justice.
“At a time when many nations are moving away from the death penalty, Singapore’s continued use of capital punishment sends a troubling message to the world. We call on the Government of Singapore to suspend executions and impose an official moratorium immediately, with a view to abolish the death penalty. We also strongly urge all UN member states participating in Singapore’s Universal Periodic Review in 2026 to call on Singapore to review its use of capital punishment.”
— Mary Aileen Diez-Bacalso, Executive Director of FORUM-ASIA.
“We are disappointed once again that yet another life was taken away from his loved ones. We also point out that the practice of giving short notice to families of their loved ones execution is unnecessarily cruel and should be condemned.”
— Soe Min Than, President of Think Centre.
“The death penalty is an archaic punishment with no proven effectiveness in deterring crime. In the context of drug-related offences, responses should be grounded in broader and interdisciplinary approaches rather than executions. The state has a duty to uphold human rights and dignity, even when addressing serious offences.”
— Azura Nasron, Executive Director of SUARAM.
“The death penalty as practised by states should by now be outdated and cast out. It contradicts the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals and the shared pledges made during the COVID-19 pandemic to leave no one behind.”
— Jerald Joseph, Director of Pusat KOMAS and Executive Committee Chairperson of FORUM-ASIA
We call on all civil society organizations and international partners to continue working together for the abolition of the death penalty in Asia and beyond.
Think Centre | FORUM-ASIA | SUARAM | Pusat KOMAS
26 September 2025