Saint TFC and Pannir’s new song is a heartfelt tribute to the nation

“Bukan Sekadar Hikayat,” the latest song and music video by local sensation, singer, and rapper Saint TFC was launched yesterday.

Featuring lyrics by Pannir Selvam Pranthaman, a Malaysian on death row in Singapore,
“Bukan Sekadar Hikayat” reflects upon the sacrifices of our predecessors and heroes to
create the nation that we call today Malaysia.

Supported by EU, Ensemble Contre La Peine De Mort (ECPM), Anti Death Penalty Asia
Network (ADPAN), Sri Velan Store, Amnesty International Malaysia and Lawyers For
Liberty, “Bukan Sekadar Hikayat” song and music video is the second song released from
Sebaran Kasih, that combines Saint TFC’s music with lyrics written by Pannir from his cell in
Changi Prison, where he has been held since 2014.

Sebaran Kasih, a non-profit organization that aims to assist vulnerable families and communities released the first song penned by Pannir in April 2021, titled Arah Tuju, which
was sung by singer Santesh Kumar.

The Ipoh-raised Pannir is a big fan of music, citing artists such as Tupac Shakur and Malique
as inspirations. Despite being on death row, in a situation where Pannir would describe as
“death standing outside his door, waiting to take his life”, Pannir wishes to pay tribute to his
beloved home country where he was born and raised.

Sebaran Kasih, moved by Pannir’s resolve and wish, decided to use Pannir lyrics, and
produced them into a song with artist Saint TFC. Besides helping a fellow Malaysian express
his love for his country, the project also aims to create awareness of Pannir’s case, as well
as the plight of all death row inmates.

“We hope through this song that we will be able to unite all Malaysians across all walks of
life, to come together with a shared sense of love and appreciation for this country, and at
the same time, give an insight into what death row inmates and their loved ones go through,” said Angelia Pranthaman, the president of Sebaran Kasih and younger sister to Pannir.

“The passionate lyrics penned by my brother and Saint TFC’s amazing talent will help
express the magnitude of passion and love that Pannir has for Malaysia. At the same time,
we hope that this project raises awareness of the need to abolish the death penalty, which
we believe is cruel and inhumane. We also hope it will also help to change the public’s
perception of death row inmates as being hardened criminals with nothing to contribute
anymore.”

Despite being on death row for seven years now, Pannir has not been discouraged or
disheartened. Creativity, the passion for music, and the love for his homeland Malaysia has inspired him to pen the lyrics for “Bukan Sekadar Hikayat”.

Singer and rapper Saint TFC, known for making waves with his bold and honest approach in
expressing his opinion on issues like racism and discrimination via his music, has been a
key part of the project, combining his music with words written by someone he has never
met.

“When I first read the lyrics from Pannir, I was struck by how real and honest they were,”
said Saint TFC. “So I’m excited to be a part of this project because I get to use my music for
issues that really matter in our society.”

The launch of the song and music video also marks another milestone for Sebaran Kasih
Malaysia, a volunteer-led independent non-profit organization that has been advocating for
the rights of all death row inmates in Asia.

“Sebaran Kasih is a natural extension of my work campaigning for my brother,” said Angelia,
who says the idea to create an NGO that nurtures and cares for vulnerable members of
society came from Pannir himself.

“We are very much aware of the complex weave that is society. This is why we believe that
our goals can only be achieved by extending our work to the entire community, especially
the marginalized ones,” Angelia said.

Our vision is a world with healthy, resilient, and cohesive communities where the most vulnerable members are able to reach their full potential.”

“In my most recent call with Pannir in Changi Prison, Singapore, on 12th Sept at 3:40 pm,
the day before the song ‘Bukan Sekadar Hikayat’ launches, Pannir sends his message of
love and requests all Malaysians to listen to this song.

He dedicates his song to all Malaysian heroes of past and present – soldiers, frontliners, doctors, teachers, parents, everyone,” said Angelia.

Now 33, he was arrested in September 2014 for a minor narcotics crime in Singapore (drug
trafficking). Despite cooperating and assisting the authorities with nabbing down other drug
mule syndicates at the Johor-Singapore border, he was denied the Certificate of Substantive
Assistance by Singapore and was sentenced to death in 2017.

Pannir’s appeal for leave to commence judicial review was heard before the Court of Appeal on 9 March 2021 before Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, and Judges of Appeal Judith Prakash and Steven Chong. After hearing submissions from the lawyers, the court reserved judgment on the appeal.

Pannir’s family is hopeful that the death sentence on Pannir will be commuted. They have urged the public to keep Pannir in prayers and for justice and mercy to prevail.

While awaiting the court’s decision, Pannir appreciates each day as he does not know if it will be his last.

He dedicates this song to Malaysians, to all ethnic groups, and reminded us all that though we are different, we are one, we are united under one flag, and one country that is Malaysia.