UNITED NATIONS – Singapore on Wednesday blasted widespread calls to make the worldwide fight against illicit drugs less punitive, using a major meeting at the United Nations to argue that a “soft approach” would cause a flood of narcotics to the island state.

Singapore is well-known for punishing drug-related offenses with harsh penalties including death. In contrast, European delegates railed against the idea of executing people for drug infractions.

“We believe that drugs will destroy our society,” said Singapore Minister for Home Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam.

“With 200 million people traveling through our borders every year, and given Singaporeans’ purchasing power, a soft approach will mean our country will be washed over with drugs.”

Shanmugam was addressing a special three-day session of the 193-nation General Assembly called by Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico to discuss the global war on drugs, which Latin American countries say has failed.

Sex drugs openly sold in Geylang

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The Straits Times

It is the first major U.N. review of the issue since 1998.

No major decisions are expected this week. But many delegates hope to nudge the world a few steps closer to an anti-drug strategy that stresses human rights and public health rather than repression.

Latin American and European delegates said Singapore, China, Thailand, Iran and Russia were among the strongest opponents of the trend toward decriminalizing illegal substances like marijuana. One senior European diplomat said a shrinking minority of countries supported a continued hard line.

After Shanmugam left the U.N. podium, Danish Health Minister Sophie Lohde blasted the idea of executing people for drug offenses and complained that a declaration adopted by the assembly on Monday did not explicitly call for an end to capital punishment in such cases.

“The government of Denmark deeply regrets that the outcome document does not address the abolition of the death penalty for drug-related crimes,” she said.

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The New Paper

“Denmark is opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances.” Lohde’s attack on capital punishment received a burst of applause and was echoed by other European delegates.

On Monday, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto told the U.N. gathering his country would soon legalize marijuana for medical purposes.

Shanmugam insisted that Singapore’s tough approach has yielded positive results, and dismissed claims by Latin American and European delegates that scientific evidence showed the futility of harsh drug policies.

“Singapore is relatively drug-free, and the drug situation is under control,” he said.

“There are no drug havens, no no-go zones, no drug production centers, no needle exchange programs.”

He added that in the 1990s Singapore arrested more than 6,000 drug users per year, a figure that has dropped to around 3,000 annually.

Some 80 percent of Singapore’s prisoners are incarcerated for drug-related offenses.

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The New Paper, Lianhe Wanbao, Shin Min Daily News

The new sets of wheels, increasingly making their way to car-lite Singapore’s roads, finally have some insurance cover.

NTUC Income yesterday unveiled a new accident insurance plan geared towards cyclists and users of other personal mobility devices (PMDs) such as electric scooters and hoverboards.

Besides covering users for accidental death, permanent disability and medical expenses for injuries, the policy will also cover third-party liability.

This means up to $1 million in coverage for paying damages against third-party claims due to accidental injuries or damage of property. The policy will be available from next Monday, and costs $96 a year.

Last week, the Government accepted the recommendations of an expert panel to boost active mobility, which includes allowing cyclists and PMDs on pavements.

The rules are expected to be implemented by the end of the year.

Boy riding scooter recklessly nearly hit by car in Sengkang

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Derek Teo, chief executive of the General Insurance Association of Singapore, said: “People will become more aware of their rights in the use of public pathways.”

He added that PMDs could pose a danger to other users of public pathways, as well as the users themselves.

In the past few years, the number of deaths and injuries involving cyclists have risen. Statistics from the Traffic Police showed that there were 17 cyclists or their pillion riders killed in accidents, up from 15 each in 2014 and 2013. Some 590 cyclists were injured in accidents last year, a 17 per cent jump from 503 in 2014.

Annie Chua, vice-president for personal lines, NTUC Income, said having third-party liability coverage promotes “responsible cycling and riding” and will go “towards preventing hit-and-run incidences”.

Ms Chua added that the plan will cover $200,000 for death or permanent disability, if the accident is caused directly while using the bicycle or PMD. The insured can also claim for medical expenses of up to $2,500 per accident if he seeks medical treatment, provided he pays the first $100 of every claim.

Alfred Chia, chief executive of financial advisory firm SingCapital, said there is a wide range of personal accident insurance policies in the market, and while there may be exclusions on hazardous sports, activities like cycling should be covered.

“Basic personal accident plans do not have third-party liability but this coverage can be added on, and this has become a popular offering by insurance companies,” Mr Chia added.

adrianl@sph.com.sg

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Skate scooter moves not for the faint-hearted

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