October 28
MALAYSIA:
Yoursay: Has death penalty served as effective deterrent for drug trafficking?
Prabu's final message before execution: Stay away from drugs
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.
'Unlawful' of S'pore to hang Prabu - lawyer
Anonymous_1537180923: Firstly, I personally don't support the 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 beforehand (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
