Drug entrepreneurs live in luxury

Meanwhile, drug entrepreneurs are living in luxury. Most of them are politically connected.

When not busy corrupting the state security apparatus, they are corrupting the political process.

Does the death penalty really seem appropriate for those people who are so low down the food chain while the real masterminds are probably propping up the banking institutions and the economy of the country?

Most of them launder their money through institutions that law-abiding citizens use.

Drug money becomes part of the system, used for all manner of purposes, some of it illicit, so the cycle of capitalistic life continues.

Of course, the sanctimonious pay no attention to this reality but are satisfied the “law” is meted out to the often ignorant and desperate people, is worthy of admiration.

As reported in the press, Nagaenthran wanted to hold his family’s hands:

“I’d like to make a last-minute request to spend some time with my family members,” he said via a translator.

“I’m placing this request so I can hold my family members’ hands. Here in court, your honour, I would like to hold my family members’ hands, not in prison. May I please have permission to hold their hands here?”

As someone who has actually witnessed such farewells, you never really grasp the finality of the situation.

We take for granted everyday contact with loved ones. We never stop to think, this may be the last time.

You are at the mercy of an uncaring system that only seeks to carry out a mandate efficiently without any remorse or understanding.

“There must come a time when the last word of the court is the last word,” proclaimed the highest court of the land in Nagaenthran’s final appeal.

When you are a desperate mother fighting for your child’s life and from a socio-economic background that does not afford you privileges that come with money, you have no choice but to grasp every little hope there is.

“I am Nagaenthran’s mother, I want my son back alive, your honour. We are in dire straits now,” said Panchalai Supermaniam.

Why execute someone like this?

I understand if the damage done by the condemned had impacted Singapore in some grave way that the only recourse, the only closure for the population was the death of the condemned.

I would not support it but I would understand. Nagaenthran's death, like countless others, is merely a boast.

A talking point for severe retributive punishment, welcomed only by the most vacuous and simplistic of people.

My last text to my friend was, “Yes, they have.”