How One Woman’s Love and Determination Continues to Challenge the Justice System
Sarmila Dharmalingam, sister of Malaysian Nagaenthran a/l K. Dharmalingam, has spent over ten years fighting to save her brother, who faces a death sentence in Singapore for drug trafficking. Despite being defrauded of RM37,000 in a desperate attempt to stop his trial, Sarmila has remained unwavering, organizing legal processes, rallying support, and navigating the immense weight of Nagaenthran’s situation. The story of Nagaenthran, who has been diagnosed with an intellectual disability, has gained international attention, spotlighting human rights and justice issues.
Her journey began with disbelief when she first learned of her brother’s arrest in 2009. Initially misled to believe it was a minor offense, Sarmila soon learned the devastating truth: Nagen had been caught trafficking heroin, which carries a mandatory death penalty in Singapore. From that point on, Sarmila, with limited resources, started navigating the complexities of the legal system. Over the years, she has raised funds, borrowed money, and even faced manipulative people preying on her desperation. Despite these setbacks, she presses on, motivated by her faith and her family’s love for Nagen.
The hardest part of this journey has been watching her brother’s mental health decline. He no longer remembers key details from their shared past, such as her children or their family interactions. Despite this, Nagen remains hopeful that he will one day return home, a belief that his sister holds on to as she continues the fight to halt his execution.
Sarmila’s strength is evident as she balances her family life, with three children, alongside the burden of saving her brother. Her efforts are not only a testament to the love of a sister but a reflection of the global fight against the death penalty, particularly in cases where mental health plays a critical role. For Sarmila, time is running out, but she refuses to give up. She clings to the hope that international pressure and the continued outcry will bring Nagen home, where his family is waiting for him, especially her children, who eagerly await to embrace their uncle once again.
