Bar a miracle, Mr Shanmugam will be hanged on Friday at 6 am. The authorities informed the family today that the execution will take place on 13 May 2005.

President Nathan has turned a turn deaf to pleas from Singaporeans to spare Mr Shanmugam's life. The killing by the Government of this Singaporean as well as countless others is utterly unnecessary and unjustifiable. Many reasons and arguments have been advanced against the execution of drug traffickers, especially small-time peddlers. In contrast, the Government has failed to give credible arguments for its stand.

Without a democratic system where Singaporeans have a genuine voice, Singaporeans are helpless at appealing to the Government to change policies. Like everything else, the PAP does as it pleases knowing that it does not have to account to anyone but itself.

According to Mr Shanmugam's family, the body will be brought home and the funeral rites will be performed there. The cremation will take place on the same day.

The Singapore Democrats' hearts go out to Mr Shanmugam. Our prayers are with the family especially Madam Letchumi and her grandsons.

The SDP is determined to make sure the Mr Shanmugam's death will not be in vain.