Dr Paul Ananth Tambyah, in the capacity as Chair of the Singapore Democratic Party, fervently advocates for abolishing the death penalty, condemning its barbarity and inefficacy.
He emphasizes its abolition as crucial to cease perpetuating cycles of violence.
Opinion: Despite the formidable challenges in South East Asia, the fight against capital punishment persists. As we mark the 21st World Day Against the Death Penalty, we reflect on the region’s mixed landscape: from Malaysia’s progressive debates to the staunch retentionist stance of others.
Harnessing local efforts and international cooperation can reshape the narrative on this crucial human rights issue.
Family members of death row prisoners in Singapore are calling for a halt to all executions and an immediate moratorium on the use of the death penalty.
They have stated that since March 2022, the Singapore government has executed 16 individuals in what they describe as a “violent, senseless war on drugs.”
In a recent action, five families delivered a petition, signed by 1,721 people, to the Ministry of Home Affairs. They are urging K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Law, to meet with them to listen to their stories and confront the impacts of the death penalty.
Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam asserts that capital punishment aligns with the state’s responsibility to maintain safety, security, and save lives in Singapore.
Since resuming executions in March 2022, Singapore has executed 16 individuals for drug trafficking. While the government upholds the death penalty as a deterrent, human rights groups advocate for more humane and evidence-driven approaches to combat drug-related crime.
Singapore, renowned for its strict anti-drug laws, faces global outcry over capital punishments, having executed local man Mohd Aziz bin Hussain for drug trafficking, and planning to conduct its first execution of a female prisoner in nearly 20 years.