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| M. Ravi |
Human rights lawyer M. Ravi tells Elias Tan how he got to know drug courier Yong Vui Kong, what inspired him to save the then 19-year-old from the hangman’s noose and how, in return, Yong has taught him the importance of perseverance.
Q. Now that Vui Kong’s case has come to a close, what are your thoughts on how the case progressed and how it has changed you as a person?
A. Vui Kong’s case is one Singaporeans should reflect on… our so-called love affair with the death penalty. Public opinion polls suggest that most Singaporeans favour killing people who have committed drug offences. Are we really a modern, educated and civilised society? Vui Kong’s case may mark a turning point… we can learn that we will not lose our well-ordered lifestyle as a result of allowing a drug courier to continue on living: that the entire structure of our metropolis will not collapse because a drug offence is not met with a killing; and that a mature society is one that can tolerate breach of the law without involving execution.
This case has taught me the values of perseverance and steadfastness in pursuing a cause. I did benefit immensely from the spirit of brotherhood in this fight for a fellow human being’s life and I’m privileged to be part of this struggle in seeking compassion from the State. The whole process has a humanising effect on everyone who participated in campaign.
Q. How did you get to know Vui Kong and what prompted you to go all out help him, even to the extent of campaigning to give him a second chance at life?
A. I learnt about Vui Kong’s case from a concerned activist lawyer. I immediately contacted Vui Kong’s previous lawyer and studied his background, making a trip to Sabah to visit his family and the kampung he grew up in. In my book, Kampong Boy, I have given a detailed account of my involvement in Vui Kong’s case. I came from a similar background and I could have been just like him.
Source: The Independent (Singapore), November 20, 2013
