IPOH – A relative of Malaysian man Nagaenthran K. Dharmalingam has sought to dispel talk of the latter’s involvement in gangs prior to being charged with drug trafficking, ultimately leading to his recent execution in Singapore.
A cousin, who wishes to be known as Mani, said it is devastating that Nagaenthran’s life ended the way it did, partly because he chose the wrong circle of friends.
“He was a good person, but he was friends with unsavoury people who taught him bad things.
“You know, once you make a false move, that would be it,” he said when met by The Vibes at Nagaenthran’s funeral late last month.
Nagaenthran, or more fondly known as “Boy”, Mani said, was a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record prior to the drug trafficking charge.
Before Nagaenthran was executed, Mani revealed that the 34-year-old wished for a peaceful funeral and for his family members to keep their cool if friends, who have wronged him, show up at the wake.
“He said his friends have framed him and if they came to his funeral, just let them be. He doesn’t want any chaos or fights to break out.”
A neighbour, who wishes to remain anonymous, agreed with Mani, saying that Nagaenthran was a good person and that he did not commit any crime.
The neighbour, who is also a close family friend, denied allegations that Nagaenthran belonged to a gang.
“No, no. He was a good boy and was not in any gang. He didn’t have any police record either,” she said.
The remains of Nagaenthran was cremated at the Buntong Crematorium here last Friday afternoon.
Nagaenthran was executed by hanging in Changi Prison, after Singapore courts rejected numerous attempts to overturn his 2010 conviction for trafficking 42.72g of heroin into the city-state.
He was arrested in 2009 and, during his trial, was certified as being intellectually disabled with an IQ of 69. However, the trial judge ruled that he was on the borderline of having a functional intellect and the court concluded that he was aware that he was committing a crime.
Nagaenthran’s case caught global attention, with British billionaire Richard Branson and UK comedian and author Stephen Fry urging Singapore to grant him clemency.
On Thursday, Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau outlined findings that said Nagaenthran was mentally sound and fully aware of his criminal actions, contrary to the public outcry. – The Vibes, May 3, 2022
