Louis Ng on Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill

The grounds for a law allowing the Home Affairs Minister to detain people linked to certain types of crimes without trial must be closely examined every time it comes up for renewal, said MP Louis Ng in Parliament on Wednesday (Apr 3). He sought several points of clarification. First is the composition of advisory committees which review detainees’ cases at least once a year and for extension beyond 10 years. He wanted to know if they include professionals who have relevant expertise, for example to consider a detainee’s psychological state or receptiveness to rehabilitation. He asked what material is provided to the committees to consider the requirements of public safety, protection of individuals and safeguarding of sources of information. Mr Ng also asked what programmes are in place to reduce the need for detention or supervision orders to be extended, and the recidivism rate of individuals subject to those orders. He also wanted an update on a review of other options for securing witness testimonies.