"They Killed My Brother" – Sister Mourns After Singapore Executes Malaysian Kalwant Singh
Kalwant Singh was arrested in 2013 for drug trafficking 120.9g of diamorphine into Singapore.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 07 Jul 2022, 03:26 PM
Malaysian Kalwant Singh has been executed for drug trafficking in Singapore today, 7 July
According to Malaysiakini, Kalwant's sister Sonia confirmed his death.
The 31-year-old deceased was arrested in 2013 for trafficking 120.9g of diamorphine into the city-state. He was 23 years old when he committed the crime.
Kalwant was sentenced to death in 2016 and the execution took place today — nine years after the crime, six years after the sentence.
His Singaporean co-accused, Norasharee Gous, was also hanged for the same offence.
Last night, 6 July, a vigil was held outside the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, which aimed to implore the country to stop the execution
The vigil was organised by Amnesty International, Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network (Adpan), and Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram).
The Star reported several participants were said to have chanted "Save, save Kalwant" and "Singapore, stop the killing". Some carried placards bearing the message "#Putrajaya save Kalwant" and "We can live without the death penalty".
The candlelight vigil outside the Singapore High Commission last night in support of Kalwant Singh.
Image via Free Malaysia Today"They killed my brother," Kalwant's sister murmured while crying this morning
In early June, Sonia told Singaporean human rights activist Kirsten Han full of pride and love that her brother "is soooooo good-looking".
This afternoon, when Kalwant was lying in his casket, the sister said, "You see what they've done to my handsome brother."
A photo of Kalwant smiling taken prior to the execution is currently being circulated online
"This is a photo of Kalwant from the final photo-taking session that the prison does before a death row prisoner is executed. The family is allowed to buy up to four sets of clothes for them," said Kokila Annamalai, a writer and community organiser, at noon today.
"His last family visit was full of jokes and laughter."
Three days before Kalwant's execution, Kokila shared his story in an article, titled 'I will fight till the noose is around my neck'.
The 2,400-word piece details Kalwant's life growing up in Cameron Highlands and becoming a great uncle to Sonia's daughter.
It is understood that Sonia is a single mother and Kalwant cared for his sister's daughter while she worked.
In 2013, Sonia was struggling with depression and unemployment but Kalwant stepped up to offer her to live with him.
The invitation gave Sonia much-needed hope, but Kalwant was arrested in Singapore before she could move in.
You can read Kalwant's story here.
