Vignes Mourthi, 22, from the northern Malaysian state of Perak, was sentenced to death after he gave 27.65 grams (0.97 ounces) of heroin to an undercover police officer in September 2001, according to court documents.

Mourthi's appeal was dismissed by the Court of Appeal last year and a petition for clemency by Singapore president S. R. Nathan was also rejected this month.

Under Singapore law, the final right to stay a death sentence is meant to lie exclusively with the president, although Mourthi succeeded in bringing his case again to the High Court on Friday.

But Justice Woo Bih Li again rejected Mourthi's appeal, saying it was not within the court's jurisdiction to re-hear the case and that an "adjournment will serve no purpose".

Court documents recorded Mourthi's claims of innoncence, with him telling police he was just delivering what he thought were "stones" in return for $8000 dollars (US$4570).

"When I was arrested, then only I knew it was some sort of drugs," Mourthi told police, according to a transcript of the interview submitted to court.

Mourthi's father, Mourthi Vasu, who was present in court along with other family members, pledged to support his "innocent boy".

"If the government wants to give my son (the punishment), give (it to) me instead," Vasu said.

"I know my son will come out (of this situation), I hope the court will release him ... please ask the Singaporeans to pray for my son."

Mourthi's lawyer M. Ravi, working pro bono, said he would lodge another appeal on his client's behalf.

Under Singaporean law, people caught with more than 15 grams of heroin face the death penalty.

It was unclear when the death sentence would be carried out against Mourthi, as Singapore authorities never publicise executions.

A spokesman for the Malaysian High Commission told AFP it had been informed on Thursday about the court case and officials were waiting for more information before deciding on whether to take any action.

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