After spending three years in prison, Malaysian singer Yasin Sulaiman finally received a reprieve as the Court of Appeal overturned his life sentence and 16 lashes linked to three drug-related charges.
A panel of three judges, led by Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali, ruled in favor of Yasin’s final appeal, nullifying the Shah Alam High Court’s earlier decision. Following the judgment, the 50-year-old "Mimpi Laila" artist was visibly emotional, blowing a flying kiss towards his family and his lawyer, Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, in gratitude.
Yasin, whose full name is Muhammad Yasin Sulaiman, had been sentenced to life imprisonment and caning in August 2024, after the Shah Alam High Court overturned his earlier acquittal from the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court in November 2023. His family, including his 17-year-old daughter, expressed their happiness in the courtroom by smiling and bowing in appreciation after the verdict.
Judge Che Mohd Ruzima confirmed that the Court of Appeal reinstated the Sessions Court’s original decision to discharge and acquit Yasin. Nevertheless, the court ordered that he remain at Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta, Perak, under the pleasure of the Sultan of Selangor.
The charges against Yasin were related to an incident on March 24, 2022, when authorities discovered 193.7 grams of cannabis at a condominium in Kota Damansara. He also faced accusations of cultivating 17 cannabis plants and using a banned substance.
Under Malaysia’s Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, the possession charge under Section 39A(2) can result in life imprisonment or a minimum of five years’ jail and whipping. Cultivating cannabis under Section 6B(3) carries a mandatory life sentence and caning, while the charge for self-administration of drugs can lead to a maximum of two years' imprisonment or a fine up to RM5,000.
In 2023, the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court had initially acquitted Yasin and ordered hospital treatment, but the prosecution appealed, leading to the heavier sentence by the Shah Alam High Court — which has now been set aside.
Cannabis consumption, particularly when used heavily or over long periods, can have serious negative effects on mental and physical health. Frequent cannabis use is linked to impaired memory, decreased cognitive function, and an increased risk of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis. In some cases, long-term use can also contribute to dependency, respiratory issues, and reduced motivation, which can severely impact a person’s quality of life and ability to function normally in daily activities.
Yasin’s case has also sparked wider conversations about how drug-related offenses involving mental health issues are handled in Malaysia. Some advocates are urging for reforms that focus more on rehabilitation rather than strict punishment, aiming for a more compassionate justice system in such circumstances.
Information Source: The Vibes
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