FeCAM Youth: Yong Vui Kong Should be Punished, but Not by Death Sentence

The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia Youth Section (FsCAM Youth) urges President of Singapore S. R. Nathan to invoke Article 22 (p) of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore to grant pardon to Yong Vui Kong who has been convicted and sentenced to death.

FECAM Youth is in an opinion that Yong Vui Kong’s family background should be taken into consideration in this case and he admitted his conviction of drug trafficking after being arrested.

Yong Vui Kong was exploited by drug dealer to undergo drug trafficking due to his educational level. As a result, he didn’t even realize that drug trafficker will be sentenced to death according to the law. This can be proven that when he was arrested he did not hide the drugs but put them on the chair. A normal drug trafficker will not act like the innocent Yong Vui Kong.

It is known that Yong withdrew his appeal against the conviction and death sentence when it was first handed down by the High Court, on the false belief that by appealing, he is denying his conviction. After listening to the explanation from the lawyer that the appeal was against his death sentence, not the conviction, he agreed to proceed with the appeal. This shows that Yong is ready to own up to his wrong doing.

“Perhaps many would ask: If we pardon someone just because he has repented, are we at the same time educating the public that committing crime is fine? Looking specifically at Yong’s case, we think that he should be punished but not sentenced to death.” FeCAM Youth Chief Hii Yik Ping agrees that to pursuit the spirit of Rule of Law, we must not let Yong escape punishment.

“However, death penalty should not be used on him either.” Hii Yik Ping said.

Realizing that death penalty is not the best resolution to reduce crime, United Kingdom has abolished this cruel punishment back in 1950s. Although Malaysia and Singapore adopted most laws from the common law system, these two countries are still implementing death penalty.

Thus, FeCAM Youth once again urges President of Singapore to grant Yong with clemency.

Finally, FeCAM Youth would like to pledge all Malaysians to sign the online petition “Give Yong Vui Kong a Second Chance to Help Singapore in Anti-Drug Trafficking Policy” (http://www.petitiononline.com/SaveVK/petition.htm) to support this campaign before 26th August, the last day for Yong to file petition for clemency. This is a chance to educate our youth about the danger of drug and every signature of yours shows a support!