Kuala Lampur, Nov. 3 -- During the recent Deepavali celebration, I received a phone call that deeply moved me. A young man had been arrested by the police for drug possession and was remanded for three days.

On October 23, 2025, he was brought before the Magistrate's Court and charged under Section 12(2) - punishable under Section 12(3) - and Section 15 of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which relate to the possession and self-administration of small quantities of drugs for personal use.

When he was escorted into court in handcuffs, he looked at me with despair and said, "I tried to quit, but I just can't. This is my third time being brought to court like this."

His words cut deep. He was not a dangerous criminal - just a young addict tr...