Another reason for us to take the ST reports/surveys with a
pinch (or rather a barrel) of salt!
Littlespeck.com
That survey
On death sentence
Big public support definitely yes, but is it really 96%? By Seah
Chiang Nee
Feb 14, 2006
The Straits Times conducted a survey among 425 Singaporeans and
permanent residents and found 96 percent in favour of capital
punishment.
To say that it proportionately represents the view of the whole
Singaporean population is hard to believe. This is the kind of
figures one gets in North Korea or Cuba.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that any one had tried to doctor
the survey, and I must also declare that I myself support the death
sentence for serious crimes.
But I also feel that it is nigh impossible that close to 100
percent of Singaporeans support it. If you get say 70-80 percent
that would probably be closer to reality.
Shouldn't this sort of result ring some bells and lead to a
further, more representative, survey?
I would, for example, if I were to conduct a survey among 400
people, and came up with a 96 per cent support for the People's
Action Party. Not possible.
There's also one noteworthy point in the survey.
1. Some 96 per cent support the mandatory death sentence for
murder, drug trafficking and the use of firearms, and retaining it
as maximum punishment for treason and kidnapping.
2. But only "two-thirds" (75%) want it to apply to those who plan
or carry out terrorist attacks.
Does it mean that 20 percent of respondents view terrorist attacks
as less serious than other 'hanging' offences?
If that is so, why? That is the story!
