SEBARAN Kasih, a newly formed non-profit organisation that aims to assist vulnerable families, yesterday launched 'Arah Tuju,' the latest music video by award-winning singer Santesh, the founder of Rentak Angkasa.
Featuring lyrics by Pannir Selvam Pranthaman, a Malaysian on death row in Singapore, 'Arah Tuju' looks at the complex feelings death row inmates go through as they await impending execution while seeking forgiveness and mercy. The song also features the voice of former chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Latheefa Koya, who narrates a powerful message on why the death penalty must be abolished.
Supported by the EU, Ensemble Contre La Peine De Mort (ECPM), Anti Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN), Amnesty International Malaysia and Lawyers For Liberty, the music video is the first release that will combine Santesh’s music with lyrics written by Pannir from his cell in Changi Prison, where he has been held since 2014.
The Ipoh-raised Pannir is a big fan of music, citing artists such as Tupac Shakur and Benzoloo as inspirations. The project aims to create awareness of Pannir’s case, as well as the plight of all death row inmates. Now 33, he was arrested in September 2014 for drug trafficking in Singapore. Despite cooperating with the authorities, he was sentenced to death in 2017.
Pannir's appeal for leave to commence judicial review was heard before the Court of Appeal on March 9, 2021 before the 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. While we await the Court's decision, we urge the public to please keep Pannir in your prayers and for justice and mercy prevail. Pannir’s family is hopeful that the death sentence on Pannir will be commuted. Until then, he appreciates each day, because he does not know if it will be his last.
“We hope that through rap music that, we will be not only be able to draw attention to Pannir’s case, but also 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. “We hope the meaningful messages by my brother and Santesh’s beautiful voice and music will help raise awareness on the need to abolish the death penalty, which we believe is a cruel and inhuman treatment. We also hope it will encourage the public to let forgiveness and mercy enter their hearts.”
Singer Santesh, whose 2018 smash hit 'Amalina' received over 35 million views on YouTube and recognition from Malaysia Book of Records, 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 Santesh. “So I’m excited to be a part of this project because it uses music to bring a positive, hopeful message of forgiveness and mercy.”
The launch of the music video also marks the debut of Sebaran Kasih Malaysia, a volunteer-led independent non-profit organisation with a mission to create life changing impact on the lives of vulnerable families.
“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 marginalised ones,” Angelia said.
“The organisation aims to strengthen entire communities by making improvements to the existing socio-economic fabric that will benefit everyone. Our vision is a world with healthy, resilient, and cohesive communities where the most vulnerable members are able to reach their full potential.”
'Arah Tuju' will be made available to the public on YouTube and all major music platforms on April 19 onwards. We call on the public to show your support to the 'Arah Tuju' single and the cause it represents.
The public can also show support for Pannir, along with 16,131 other Malaysians, by signing the petition to champion his cause here: http://chng.it/d4YBRrYq – The Vibes, April 18, 2021
