Sylvia Lim on Criminal Procedure (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

There are three “positive aspects” of the Criminal Procedure (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill - improvements on the release of persons before trial on personal bond, prosecution's duty to disclose materials and compensation for crime victims, said MP Sylvia Lim. Speaking in Parliament on Monday (Feb 5), she also raised concerns about the role of auxiliary police officers in Forensic Medical Examinations and the Sentence for Enhanced Public Protection (SEPP) regime. Overall, the Workers’ Party is in support of the Bill, she said. On the improvements proposed under the Bill, Ms Lim said she is “very pleased” to see the change to enable more accused persons to be released while waiting for trial. This is especially meaningful for suspects who are poor. The amendment goes towards levelling the playing field between the rich and the poor in the criminal justice process, she said. On codification of prosecution to disclose unused materials, Ms Lim pointed out that it will be easier for law enforcement, the prosecution and defence, as well as the public to access them and understand what is expected. On compensation to crime victims, Ms Lim noted that this will increase the chances of compensation being awarded in a criminal case. She said the provision for bereavement and funeral expenses is a “positive” move to ease the pain of the victims. Turning to the SEPP, she said it is a “severe sentence” that should be invoked only in the most extreme of circumstances. She warned of the risk of “false positives” although risk assessment tools have become more sophisticated. She urged the Government and the courts to be circumspect when assessing the clinical assessment reports, adding that she will give “cautious support” to it.