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SINGAPORE : Should drug traffickers be presented the automatic punishment - which is the death penalty? That question arose during the appeal of convicted Malaysian drug mule Yong Vui Kong.
The 22-year-old was to be hanged last December for smuggling 47 grammes of heroine. But Yong's lawyer, M Ravi, successfully sought a stay of execution from the High Court.
He told the Court of Appeal that a mandatory death penalty is a violation of customary international law, calling it "cruel and inhumane".
He said the court should have the discretion to look at different circumstances concerning individual drug traffickers before deciding to mete out the death penalty.
The prosecution - led by outgoing Attorney-General Walter Woon who made a rare appearance - thought otherwise, saying the discretionary power lies with Parliament.
The court will give its decision at a later date.
- CNA/al
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