Daily Lessons from Life 27 September 2014 - Singapore's death penalty targets drug traffickers: Shanmugam

"Singapore's death penalty targets drug traffickers: Shanmugam - CNA 27 September 2014

UNITED NATIONS: The death penalty in Singapore targets drug traffickers, and this tough stance on drugs is the main reason why the country is one of the safest in the world, said Foreign Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam in his speech on Friday (Sep 26) at the United Nations (UN).

Singapore’s death penalty is part of a framework of laws, coupled with effective enforcement based on rule of law, said Mr Shanmugam. He was speaking at the "Moving Away from the Death Penalty: National Leadership" event at the 69th session of the UN General Assembly.

"One of the main reasons that our society is probably one of the safest in the world is that we take a very tough approach on drugs. If a drug trafficker traffics in a quantity which can supply 300 drug abusers for a week, he could face the death penalty," he said. "This is not revenge; this is not vengeance. This is based on the principle of deterrence and clear rule of law. "

In contrast, there are major cities in developed countries with entire neighbourhoods destroyed by drugs and drug-related activities, including theft, he said. "Globally, drug use kills between 100,000 to 250,000 people, mostly young people. Singapore is probably either the only country, or one of the few countries in the world which has successfully fought this drug problem.

For those who ask for whom the death penalty can be a deterrent, I say to them, come and see for yourself in Singapore, and compare the region and the rest of the world."

Mr Shanmugam acknowledged that no civilised society can "glorify in the taking of life", but the question is whether the death penalty is legitimate in the larger interest of society. Sweeping statements are counter-productive, and the debate must "move away from rhetoric and focus on facts", he argued. Instead, the law must be assessed carefully, based on facts as well as the different situations in different countries."

This is NO DOUBT in my mind that a CIVILISED person will NOT trade in 'drugs that can destroy lives! Life of the addicts and the family and friends of the addicts'!

It is as simple as that! Singapore government is RIGHT to have NO MERCY with drug traffickers. For those who BLINDLY labelled 'death penalty' as uncivilised and counter-productive, there is no need to engage in a debate with them. Just state the factual impact drugs trafficking and drugs addiction have on society, the individual and the loved ones of the addicts.

That's all I have for the LESSONS learned from Life today!