Should the government adopt a framework based on potential harm and culpability for drug trafficking offences instead of continuing to determine penalties based on the quantum of drugs? In the academic context, what are some of the ramifications of repealing Section 377A while retaining the existing definition of marriage?
These were a couple of the hard-hitting questions posed to Ms. Rahayu Mahzam, Senior Parliamentary Secretary (SPS) at the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Law, at a recent engagement session with the SUSS School of Law students. Jointly organised by the Ministry of Law and SUSS School of Law, these engagement sessions provide law students with an opportunity to hear from leaders in the legal industry and engage with them.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary (SPS) for the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Law, Ms Rahayu Mahzam (left) interacting with law students, Maria Santosh (middle) and Nur Azizah (right).
During a lively Q&A session with the students, SPS Rahayu Mahzam generously shared personal anecdotes from her wealth of experience as a lawyer and Member of Parliament (MP).
SPS Ms Rahayu Mahzam (right) responding to a student’s question in a Q&A session moderated by SUSS School of Law faculty, Mr Alexander Woon (left).
SUSS School of Law student, Clarice Tan (standing), posing a question to the panellists
Reflecting on the engagement session, fourth-year SUSS School of Law Juris Doctor (JD) student, Clarice Tan shared, “I found the dialogue with SPS Ms Rahayu Mahzam very insightful. It allowed me to better appreciate the reasons and considerations for Singapore’s commitment to the rule of law as well as maintaining the relevant penalties set out in the Penal Code. It was also humbling to learn how there are so many things running at any one time amongst the different ministries to ensure that Singapore keeps functioning at its best while remaining competitive and prudent.”
SUSS School of Law faculty and students with SPS Ms. Rahayu Mahzam (second row, middle).