YOURSAY | ‘A law will remain a law until it's changed by its legislature.’
Lodestar: Malaysia and Singapore should abolish the death penalty for drug offences. Why is this sort of crime so terrible that it justifies the judicial killing of even a young and foolish drug mule?
There is no death sentence even for 1MDB-scale alleged theft of billions, which arguably do far more harm to the nation. Victims of mega corruption include the whole nation and they don't have a choice, while drug users willingly tango with drug pushers.
The death penalty has been in place in both countries for decades but the latest hanging shows that it has been unsuccessful as a deterrent.
While there should be penalties for drug offences, the death sentence is wholly inappropriate and it's generally drug users and drug mules who get caught in the net, rather than drug kingpins.
When you think about it, legal drugs like tobacco and alcohol do more damage to society than illicit drugs. Even those who make poisonous brews that kill dozens are not subject to the death penalty, so why the disproportionate fear of opioids?
The law in Singapore is so merciless that there is almost zero chance of clemency, however justified the case and whatever the circumstances. What a shameful lack of humanity.
Vote BN Out: The question of whether to abolish the death sentence or not has seen countless debates from both sides. Each side has their points of merit.
The final issue is, has the death sentence been shown to be an effective deterrent for drug trafficking cases? The jury is still out on that one.
Vijay47: Many of us might say, "The law must take its course. You get what you deserve, you reap what you sow."
True, we cannot deny that truth, especially when drugs are such a terrible monster with the potential to destroy lives and souls and families.
Yet, when a person is put to death we cannot help but feel sorry for him and those he leaves behind.
Rest in peace, Prabu Pathmanathan.
Why It Happens: If a government cannot stop the drug problems in spite of putting young people to death, then the leaders cannot call themselves leaders.
They should just resign for putting people in the gallows. Leaders who do great sins get off scot-free.
Shame on this world.
Jackay Way: I personally think that the death penalty should be abolished for drug-dealing cases. A life sentence will suffice.
The death sentence should only be carried out for real heinous crimes. Rest in peace, Prabu.
Anonymous_1f857937: Yes, I think the death sentence was completely unnecessary; if they really believed in second chances, they would have at least entertained the idea of clemency.
Prabu’s message would have been more impactful being delivered in person.
But that's Singapore for you, people are kept in line not by education and civic consciousness, but through fear of reprimand and punishment. They used Prabu as an example.
Sunshine: It’s very sad that a pleasant-looking young man’s life has come to this tragic end. The photos seem to indicate that Prabu has long atoned for his mistake. That should have meant something.
Anonymous_e3e72c1b: “An eye for an eye” type of justice just begets more violence. No civilised country should end a human life. I'm so glad Malaysia is showing the way on this issue.
Anonymous_c4bcf78b: Finally, we see the face behind the name. A respectful individual in his final moments, regardless, leaving a positive message for others. May you rest in peace and your family find solace.
Anonymous 2404021457358192: May the haunting photo of Prabu sneak into the minds of those responsible for his hanging. Stop this archaic punishment.
Avis: Only God has the right to take away a life. Not the police or the courts.
Anonymous_1537180923: Firstly, I personally don';t support death penalty. But a law will remain a law until it's changed by its legislature. Whoever breaks the law should be punished, no matter how absurd or how crazy the law is.
Prabu committed a crime in a country where the death penalty is still in force. We can feel sad about the execution, but we can't blame Singapore for executing him for whatever reason.
Secondly, Prabu knew about the death penalty in Singapore before hand (read up the judgment of the Singapore High Court). He gambled with his life and lost.
I respect Prabu for his last wish to urge people not to be involved with drugs. I hope that he will rest in peace.
Anonymous_86c99cb9: It's very easy for people to condemn Singapore for the hanging of drug traffickers.
Wait until one day your loved ones are involved in drugs and you go through the suffering and experiences, then you will agree.
I support the Singaporean decision to hang all drug traffickers. My son is an addict and we suffer so much pain.
Only if your loved one is a drug addict would you understand the pain and suffering.
Just Sharing: If it was proven that he was guilty, then there is nothing unlawful or brutal about it.
Everyone who enters Singapore knows that drug trafficking is an offence which carries the death penalty.
If someone is willing to take the risk, then the price must be paid.
Vent: How does the taking of a life by the state make it less reprehensible than a murder committed by a criminal?
Those who have sanctimoniously defended Singapore's decision to execute an alleged drug mule or pusher on the grounds of “protecting” the nation should ask themselves - who benefits from this merciless act? No one!
And no one has the right to take another life - at least that of another human being unless one believes in a God of wrath that demands an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth and a life for a life. But can such a God be simultaneously merciful and compassionate as believers would want us to believe?
So, let's not get too riled up about hudud. It's the same old God with the same old laws of vengeance.
Meanwhile, Singapore continues to trade and support the Burmese military junta, harbours money launderers (including our very own) and provides first-class medical treatment to the dictator Robert Mugabe.
Yet a man who could have been punished severely and appropriately and helped to rehabilitate others has been resolutely murdered. - Mkini
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