ABSTRACT Objective This study investigates how the incarceration and death sentence of a loved one impact family dynamics in Malaysia, drawing on restorative justice and family systems theories. Background Despite the global movement toward abolishing the death penalty, Malaysia continues to impose discretionary death sentences for crimes such as murder and drug trafficking. While debates on capital punishment are well documented, the experiences of families of death row inmates remain largely neglected in Malaysia. Methods Semistructured interviews with families of death row inmates in Malaysia were analyzed using abductive thematic analysis. Results Findings reveal profound emotional distress, stigma, financial strain, and disruptions in family roles. Coping mechanisms, including religious faith, community support, and strengthened family cohesion, were identified as crucial. Conclusion The study underscores the urgent need for legal reforms and tailored family support systems, highlighting the importance of restorative justice approaches to foster healing and resilience within affected families. Implications The findings call for systemic reform within Malaysia's criminal legal framework. Accessible legal aid, improved prison communication systems, and transparent processes for appeals and pardons are steps toward alleviating the burdens families face. Given the abolition of the mandatory death penalty and the ongoing resentencing of affected cases, advocacy organizations and policymakers should collaborate to develop comprehensive reintegration programs for former death row inmates, alongside support services tailored to the specific needs of their families.
Reyhaneh Bagheri (Fri,) studied this question.