Reuters reported, on Tuesday (18/09), Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad urged to review the death penalty to a man for selling cannabis-based oil to patients.
He is Muhammad Lukman Mohammad, a 29-year-old man and a father of one. He was sentenced to death by hanging on Thursday, August 30 as he has been found guilty of trafficking in cannabis. His lawyer, Farhan Maaruf told Reuters that Muhammad Lukman had filed an appeal.
Farhan stated, during the trial, Muhammad Lukman testified he did not publicly sell the cannabis, but more of medicinal purposes such as selling the cannabis oil to those who suffer cancer and leukaemia.
This case has ignited a debate on the use of marijuana for medical purposes that also lead to a suggestion from some lawmakers to amend the tough drug laws.
A petition created on Change.org, which encouraged the attorney-general to free Muhammad Lukman, has collected almost 45,000 signatures.
According to Mahathir, this case should be closely reviewed, "No, I think we should review that," he was quoted as saying in a video recording of his comments seen by Reuters.
Nurul Izzah Anwar, a member of parliament from Mahathir's coalition, promised that she would be writing a letter for the attorney-general to reconsider the case and a death penalty for Muhammad Lukman.
"From the reports, it looks to be a miscarriage of justice," according to her.
However, the office of the attorney-general has not yet responded and commented on this matter.