SINGAPORE: The execution of former police officer Iskandar Rahmat has sent ripples through Singapore. Convicted for the brutal murder of Tan Boon Sin and his son Tan Chee Heong in 2013, Iskandar met his fate on 5 February 2024 after exhausting all legal avenues, including a plea for clemency from the President.
Details of the Crime
On 10 July 2013, a calculated plan by Iskandar unfolded tragically, driven by mounting debts exceeding S$60,000. Knowing that Boon Sin kept a significant sum in a safe deposit box, Iskandar aimed to rob him to settle his financial troubles. In a horrific act, he stabbed Boon Sin 27 times at the latter’s home on Hillside Drive.
When Boon Sin’s son, Chee Heong, entered the scene, he too became a victim. In a gruesome escape, Iskandar fled the crime scene in a Toyota Camry, dragging Chee Heong under the vehicle for nearly 1km along Upper Serangoon Road.
Legal Proceedings
- Sentenced to death on 4 December 2015.
- Appeals were dismissed by the Court of Appeal in 2017.
- Petitions for clemency were denied by the President of Singapore.
- Iskandar was represented by legal counsel during the trial and at the appeal.
The Singapore Police Force emphasised that the capital punishment was carried out following due process and was reserved for the most severe crimes, including murder.
The Impact of the Case
This case has sparked extensive debate within Singapore over the death penalty and its implications in a modern society. The tragic loss of the Tan family deeply resonated with the community, highlighting the concerns around mental health, financial pressures, and the consequences of violent crime.
Final Thoughts
As Singapore continues to grapple with the broader implications of such heinous acts, the case of Iskandar Rahmat serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding crime, punishment, and justice in our society.