KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 ― Relieved that her brother Kho Jabing has been spared the hangman’s noose temporarily, Sarawakian Jumai Kho thanked today a Singaporean human rights group for their help in securing a stay of execution.
Jumai said she was overwhelmed to know that the Singaporean group had fought hard to save her brother's life, and questioned why the Malaysian government had refused to do anything for Jabing despite him being a citizen of this country.
“We are relieved of course. We couldn't sleep or eat last night. How can we? He's our brother.
“But now there is still a bit of hope..and if it is not for the Singaporeans. They fought really hard for my brother despite him being Malaysian. What about our own government? Shouldn't they be doing something to help their own kind?” Jamui told Malay Mail Online when contacted.
Jabing who is currently incarcerated in Singapore, was scheduled to hang tomorrow but was awarded a temporary reprieve less than 24 hours to the executive after his lawyer filed a criminal motion at the Singaporean Court of Appeal on Wednesday for remittance.
But Jamui said they are uncertain as to how long the delay would be.
“We are just glad at the moment,” she added.
Jabing left for Singapore in 2007 searching for better economic opportunities and was hired as a labourer there.
He was first convicted and sentenced to death in 2010 for the murder of China national Cao Ruyin, 40.
When amendments to the mandatory death penalty came into force in 2013, however, Jabing was deemed eligible to apply for resentencing; his sentenced was later commuted to life imprisonment and 24 strokes of the cane by the Singapore High Court.
However, a 3-2 decision at the Singapore Court of Appeal last January after the prosecution appealed sent Jabing back to death row.
Jabing’s sister, Jumai, has come out openly to plead for her brother’s life.
