Some things are learning points and we should not harp on it but move on instead..

Said Mr Khaw, “When I say conservative, it doesn’t mean banning. But you must allow some small space so that you can control it and see it in a more localised situation - but not a widespread switch. Whereas if you asked me, the way it was introduced, suddenly overnight a few thousand doctors were potentially able to prescribe it freely. I think freely is the correct word - almost freely. That, I think, is to me is not very wise.”

Mr Khaw adds that the Subutex experience has reinforced the fact that chemical substitution to fight drug addiction is a mistake.

Said Mr Khaw, “The rest of the world believes in chemical substitution. In our case, it reaffirmed that it is the wrong approach. It’s a wrong approach. It’s a very soft approach, but it causes more problems.”

Others have to be done until everything is in the open, with possible penalties for the offenders..