20 April 2009 :

just minutes after his execution, the liver, kidneys and eyes of prisoner Tan Chor Jin were taken by doctors. In Singapore, those sentenced to death can donate their organs if they wish. However, since the execution was by hanging, the procedure could only be done after cardiac arrest, not straight after the blood stops to circulate. Organs rapidly deteriorate and only those not damaged by the lack of oxygen can be preserved. In hospital, organs are taken after brain death to get 'healthy' organs, not damaged by lack of oxygen. According to Singaporean authorities, those sentenced to death aren't forced to donate their organs. The possibility to donate isn't even suggested by jail staff. Those who decide to donate do it voluntarily. After they have made the decision, the Health Minister carries out all procedures. Those sentenced to death decide which organs they want to donate.