What reasons does the government and the MHA give to justify its stand on the use of the death penalty in Singapore?

The Singapore government and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) justify the use of the death penalty on several grounds:

1. Deterrence: The government believes that the death penalty serves as a strong deterrent against serious crimes such as drug trafficking, murder, and arms offenses. The harshness of the punishment is seen as a way to dissuade potential criminals.

2. Retribution: The government also sees the death penalty as a form of retribution, or just punishment, for those who have committed heinous crimes. This is based on the principle of proportionality, where the punishment should fit the crime.

3. Protection of society: The death penalty is seen as a way to protect society from dangerous individuals. By removing these individuals permanently, the government believes it can ensure the safety and security of its citizens.

4. Upholding justice: The government argues that the death penalty upholds justice by ensuring that those who have committed serious crimes are adequately punished.

5. Public support: The MHA has cited public opinion surveys showing that a majority of Singaporeans support the death penalty, especially for serious crimes.

6. Effectiveness: The government points to the low crime rates in Singapore as evidence of the effectiveness of its tough stance on crime, including the use of the death penalty.

It's important to note that while these are the reasons given by the Singapore government and the MHA, the use of the death penalty is a highly controversial issue, with many human rights organizations and other critics arguing against its use.