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PETALING JAYA: Batu Sapi MP Datuk Liew Vui Keong, who died on Friday (October 2), is remembered for his commitment to legal reform, especially the abolition of the death penalty.
From politicians to human rights groups, many acknowledged that Liew lobbied for justice system reforms, even when he encountered resistance.
Lawyers For Liberty (LFL) adviser N. Surendran said Liew lobbied for the abolition of the death penalty, although this was met with strong opposition from some of his colleagues in Pakatan Harapan’s cabinet.
“I met him when he was minister of justice to find solutions to the situation of Malaysians on death row in Singapore.
“He spoke simply and was practical, but very determined. He went out of his way to help and went beyond his duties as a minister.
“In his case, it can genuinely be said that his death is a tragic loss for the country,” Surendran said.
MCA President Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said that while he disagreed with Liew on several issues, including the abolition of the death penalty, their friendship did not end due to their differences.
“His death is a great loss to the people and the country. His services and devotion as a leader will always be remembered,” he said.
Human rights activist Yin Shao Loong said there were not many politicians who believed passionately in reform.
“VK Liew was a sincere advocate for the abolition of the death penalty.
“VK believed that it was not up to the state to dispense with death. He patiently listened to civil society views on human rights. A good man, rest in peace,” Yin tweeted.
The deputy executive director of Ren Chung Yu’s Women’s Aid Organization (WAO) said she met Liew when they tried to turn stalking into a crime.
“A multi-agency committee was created, which survived the change of government. And currently, a cabinet document is being prepared,” he said.
Ren added that Liew also visited her domestic violence shelter, where she heard the voices of survivors and vowed to start a legal aid fund for them.
Keadilan’s secretary, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, said Liew was dedicated and committed to law reform, including prison reform and capital punishment.
Liew, who was de facto law minister from July 2018 until the fall of the Pakatan government in March this year, was also committed to decriminalizing drug use, introducing a common advocacy course, and establishing a independent legal commission, among others. other things.
Former Sabah Prime Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman tweeted his “deepest condolences to the family of Datuk VK Liew on his sudden passing in Kota Kinabalu.”
Khairy Jamaluddin, conveying his condolences to the family, said that Liew was kind and friendly to him.
“He was professional and courteous in Parliament, and a strong fighter for his home state of Sabah. Rest well, VK,” he tweeted.
Liew, who was the permanent president of Parti Warisan Sabah, is believed to have died of a lung infection around 11:40 a.m. on Friday.
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