Why is it so difficult to pass the death sentence on Yong Wei Kong?
According to Yong’s petition for clemency that was submitted to the President, the trial judge, Justice Choo Han Teck, had called both the defence and prosecution into chambers before the commencement of the trial and noted Yong’s relatively young age at the time of the offence. Justice Choo then asked the Prosecution to consider reducing the capital charge to a non-capital one. The prosecution declined. We know from this that Justice Choo had taken into consideration Yong’s age and bakground, but was bound by the rigidity of the law that he cannot impose any other sentences other that the surity of death. Which brings us back to the issue of the Mandatory part of the law applicable to drug traffickers. The law is concise and rigid, with no regards to factors such as age, background of the offender and other special circumstances. That is why we seek to raise public awareness and support for the review and abolishment of the outdated mandatory death penalty for drug traffickers in Sing
