Penang deputy chief minister P Ramasamy has lambasted the short window of opportunity provided by the Singapore High Court to Nagaenthran K Dharmalingam in the form of an appeal taking place today.
Nagaenthran, who is a Malaysian on death row for drug trafficking, had been slated to be executed tomorrow (Nov 10) but was granted a stay of execution.
Ramasamy noted on Facebook today that while the prosecution may have decided on the matter of guilt for the accused, it will be a challenge for the defence to come up with a fresh perspective in such a time frame.
“Why give a stay on the execution pending an appeal with the Court of Appeals hearing in just a matter of hours from the earlier fixed date of the execution?
“The lawyers representing Nagaenthran are in a quandary as to how justice can be done for him, how can his lawyers prepare an effective defence given the limited time?" he said.
The lawmaker also questioned if the move was made for a different reason.
“Is the hurry on the part of Singapore to give a quick hearing to Nagaenthran an orchestrated move to convince the world that it is fair and responsible?
“The question is why is Singapore doing this: why give with one hand and take away with the other?” Ramasamy asked.
Yesterday, the Singapore High Court heard Nagaenthran's lawyers challenge his execution at the 11th hour arguing that it was unconstitutional to hang someone with an intellectual disability.
Nagaenthran’s Singapore lawyer M Ravi later explained that the High Court had dismissed the constitutional challenge but allowed an appeal.
This decision came amidst significant public outcry over Nagaenthran’s case, with particular attention to his lower-than-average IQ of 69 and other mental health issues.
Death penalty against human rights
Ramasamy pointed out that the death penalty is a tool of the past no longer compatible with human rights.
“What is being asked for is compassion and leniency on the grounds of Nagaenthran's intellectual incapacity.
“More than this, the death penalty or capital punishment is an anachronism incompatible with global human rights.
“Singapore’s move away from the barbaric act of capital punishment is something that is looked forward to. It will restore the credibility and responsibility of its judicial system,” he added.
In 2011, Nagaenthran was sentenced to death for trafficking 42.72g of diamorphine into Singapore two years prior. Heroin is made from diamorphine. - Mkini
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