Two global rights groups have called out Malaysia's duplicity, saying its actions contradict its recent call at the UN to abide by international law.

More than 20 civil society groups say that Pannir Selvam's case is riddled with violations of international human rights laws.

Myanmar has faced international isolation and Western-led sanctions since the military seized power from a democratically elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung Sang Suu Kyi nearly two years ago.

Some 90% of death row inmates are ethnic minorities, despite Singapore's clinical approach to creating racial balance.