Gan Thiam Poh on Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill

In Parliament on Wednesday (Apr 3), MP Gan Thiam Poh “wholeheartedly” supported a five-year extension of the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act. He said since it was enacted in the 1950s, it has proven essential and effective in empowering the police to act against crime syndicates and secret societies, where prosecution of cases can be challenging due to reasons such as reluctant witnesses. The extension of the law is even more necessary in view of recent developments, said Mr Gan. He said Interpol has warned of the need to fight organised crime which is “at risk of spreading at an epidemic level”. The offences spelled out in the Act - drug trafficking, kidnapping, unlicensed moneylending and secret society activities - are among the most common crimes committed by such syndicates. Mr Gan said as an open economy and international hub, Singapore must maintain the highest level of law and order. He said he is satisfied that safeguards put in place for the Act are sufficient.