KUALA LUMPUR – It is high time Malaysia follow in the footsteps of over 40 other developed countries in the world in recognising cannabis as alternative medicine, said Medical Cannabis Caucus chairman Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
Speaking to members of the press today, he said the government must acknowledge that many patients in the country need to use cannabis for medical purposes.
The Muar MP said that the laws in the country are outdated and have not been amended for more than 70 years.
“The steps taken by other countries should also be seen as an encouragement for Malaysian health groups to offer this alternative medicine immediately.
“In fact, world health bodies such as WHO (World Health Organisation) also recognise the use of cannabis for medical purposes as an alternative to patients.
“WHO has also suggested for cannabis to be removed from the ‘drugs’ list, but we still haven’t done so,” he said after appearing at the Petaling Jaya court to show solidarity with nasyid singer and composer Muhammad Yasin Sulaiman.
Yasin is charged with cultivating cannabis plants and trafficking 214g of cannabis at his condominium in Kota Damansara. He faces a possible death sentence or life imprisonment.
Should Yasin be in either of those 40 countries where cannabis is legal, Syed Saddiq said, he would not be in lockup.
“I will follow the development of Yasin’s case from time to time. In fact, I will continue to be in close contact with his family.
“His court case will definitely be a reference for MPs like me in an effort to review legislations related to the use of cannabis and hemp for medical purposes.”
SOLIDARITI UNTUK SAUDARA YASIN
— Syed Saddiq (@SyedSaddiq) May 18, 2022
Pada pagi Rabu, 18 Mei 2022, saya telah menghadirkan diri ke sebutan kes saudara Yasin di Mahkamah Sesyen, Kompleks Mahkamah Petaling Jaya. pic.twitter.com/Y6uhD1dx5k
Elaborating on the matter, the Muda chief said he had met and discussed the matter with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Among the things, the meeting was to give authority to the attorney-general's chambers to give higher consideration to the issue of cannabis usage, he said.
Judges need to be given more power and flexibility in assessing cases related to the use of cannabis for medicine.
“This is because we need to handle these cases carefully so that patients who have no choice but to use cannabis for medical purposes are given due flexibility.”
He added that hanging is too heavy a punishment for patients just because they suffer from health problems which require them to seek alternative medicine such as cannabis and hemp.
Syed Saddiq, who is a former youth and sports minister, stressed that the action of patients in seeking alternative medicine should not be equated with the crime of murder where a death penalty is imposed.
On November 17, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said his ministry welcomes any proposal to hold clinical trials for medical marijuana for use among patients in Malaysia.
He said the trials are important to study the effectiveness and safety aspects of the alternative treatments.
In May, Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi said Malaysia should play a serious role and take progressive actions to allow the use of cannabis and hemp.
The Senate member representing people with disabilities said the usage of the substances is to increase access to quality health services for their well-being. – The Vibes, May 18, 2022
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