Singer Santesh lends voice to song penned by death row inmate Pannir

Malaysian singer Santesh Kumar has recently launched the music video for his latest single which addresses the plight of death row inmates.

The lyrics for the song called “Arah Tuju” was written by Malaysian Pannir Selvam Pranthaman, who is currently on death row in Singapore’s Changi prison.

Santesh who made into the Malaysia Book of Records for his 2018 hit song “Amalina” said his new single carries a message of regret and repentance from the death row inmates.

“Malaysia should realise the death penalty is discriminative and cruel.” Santesh said in his speech during the launch.

He added that it is his responsibility as a citizen and artist to help bring this message of forgiveness to “the hearts of Malaysians”.

Former chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Latheefa Koya is also featured in song narrating the reasons the death penalty should be abolished. 

The launch was organised by newly formed NGO Sebaran Kasih and supported by Amnesty International Malaysia, Lawyers for Liberty, Anti Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN) and Ensemble Contre La Peine De Mort (ECPM).

Angelia Pranthaman, the founder of Sebaran Kasih said her older brother Pannir was encouraged to give his best due to the various support received. He has also written poems and songs in English and Tamil language.

“While he is around he wants to fully utilize his time to create awareness on the plight of death row inmates” added Angelia, who wants to create a positive impact in the lives of those coming from vulnerable families through her NGO.

Pannir, 33, was convicted in 2017 for trafficking 51.84gm of heroin at the Woodlands Checkpoint in September 2014.

He was due to be executed in May 2019 but the Court of Appeal granted a stay for him to file a judicial review to challenge the clemency process.

The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment on Pannir’s appeal after hearing submissions from the lawyers last month.

‘Arah Tuju’ is available on YouTube and all major music platforms from April 19 onwards.