Abstract
The calls to repeal section 309 of the Penal Code in Malaysia which criminalises the attempt of suicide has emerged as a more prevailing national issue which intersects a wide array of areas including mental health policy, human rights advocacy and public health initiatives. This article will dive into the historical context behind the criminalisation of suicide and trace its roots which stem from a religious and moral obligation passed on by a country which has since decriminalised the act back in 1961. An important aspect of this conversation involves a look into the World Health Organization’s (WHO) analysis which highlights the numbers as well as the impact of having such a law on society. Recent statistics on suicide also reveal an increasingly worrying trend in our national context and most of these numbers do not take into account individuals who are grappling with suicidal thoughts but never come forward in fear and shame of being prosecuted by the law hindering effective support mechanisms. There is no question as to whether decriminalisation of suicide is needed as prosecuting those who are already struggling with mental health will not be able to effectively eliminate the number of attempted suicides hence psychiatric help is instead urged to be given to these individuals but it does not come without challenges such as existing societal attitudes due to a lack of awareness hence addressing said challenges are essential via education and awareness campaigns in the hopes of destigmatising mental illness. Government investment in mental health infrastructure and providing accessible counselling services including groups living in rural areas are also needed thereby ensuring a comprehensive system of support networks. This paper will examine all of the aforementioned aspects to be discussed and provide readers with a deeper understanding of the recent decriminalisation of suicide.
Iktisham Naqiuddin Bin Norhuzaimin, Universiti Teknologi Mara
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