00:00Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has justified his country's continued use of capital punishment for serious crime,
00:08citing its importance as a deterrent and a safeguard for society.
00:13He said broad public acceptance was a key reason why the country will not amend its laws to eliminate the death penalty from its statute books.
00:22An online survey by Singapore's Home Affairs Ministry, which ran from September to November last year,
00:28found that about 84% of respondents believe the death penalty deters serious crimes, including murder, drug trafficking and firearm smuggling.
00:38Balakrishnan, who has held the foreign affairs portfolio since 2015, said capital punishment has helped keep Singapore safe.
00:47In July 2023, Malaysia moved to outlaw the mandatory death penalty, giving judges the discretion as to whether to impose capital punishment.
00:55Singapore, however, has continued to enforce capital punishment strictly, including for drug trafficking.
01:03The city's state came under scrutiny recently for executing two Malaysians, K. Dachinamurti and P. Panir Selvam,
01:11after rejecting their clemency pleas.
01:13Panyujo, FMT.
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