Opinions from some folks on the street...
(...and the cartoons in this section are a reflection of mine).
MELVYN TAY, 21
Student
"Morally, euthanasia is hard to justify, but I’m agreeable to it overall.
If I were terminally ill, I would opt to die painlessly."
JAMES HIGHFIELD, 56
Research chemist
"It goes against my religious beliefs. We shouldn’t assume to displace
what has been planned for us. Life is a gift."
LILI OSMAN, 29
Civil servant
"I feel that life is sacred but euthanasia should still be an available option.
Checks need to be put in place to prevent loopholes arising.
There should be counselling services for those thinking of doing it."
ELIZABETH TAN, 57
Retiree
"I’m okay with it, provided people are fully informed
and understand the implications of their actions.
It’s a quality-of-life issue for the suffering person."
FAIZ JAAFAR, 38
Sales assistant
"I think it should not be allowed. Even with those who are really sick,
we should not be encouraging them to die faster."
TAN IM CHONG, 72
Retiree
"I think it’s a good idea to allow it. Unless you give the person a choice,
you might just be prolonging their agony.
There should still be strict regulations on who gets to opt for euthanasia."
HO KOON BENG, 47
Renovation contractor
"It’s hard to say. For family members of the terminally ill,
they may want to let their loved one go peacefully.
It’s still a difficult decision to make on behalf of others and
we should definitely consider carefully before we make any laws."
LALITHA SURYANARAYANAM, 40
Homemaker
"When someone is in deep pain, it’s only the wearer
of that shoe who feels it. If that person wants relief,
he should be allowed to get it."
