Investigations into Bus Drivers' Claims of Police Brutality

Mr Yee Jenn Jong asked the Minister for Law with regard to the investigations into claims by former SMRT bus drivers of police brutality (a) whether the attempted retention or confiscation of a laptop, desktop computer and mobile phone belonging to a film maker at her residence by Singapore Police Force officers is in conformity with proper procedures and requirements of the Criminal Procedure Code; and (b) what is the legal basis for the attempted retention or confiscation.

The Senior Minister of State for Law (Ms Indranee Rajah) (for the Minister for Law): **** Mdm Speaker, the allegations of police brutality against the former SMRT drivers, which were posted on the website "Lianain Films" on 28 January are serious allegations. They are currently being investigated by the Police Internal Affairs Office.

Notwithstanding these allegations, the drivers have indicated through their counsel that they intend to plead guilty to the criminal charges preferred against them. I understand that the case is scheduled for this afternoon.

It is best if we deal with this issue after all the relevant proceedings are over. If the Member were to file this question again at that point in time, a full account will be given of the case.

Mr Yee Jenn Jong (Nominated Member): Mdm Speaker, I thank the Senior Minister of State for the reply. My question is more relating to the process that was taken by the investigating officers rather than about the case itself. There have been quite troubling reports – at least to the members of the public – that the officers do not seem to be able to answer the film-maker about the basis of seizing her computers and mobile phones. When questioned about which part of the Criminal Procedure Code was being used, they did not seem to be able to answer. So, I was wondering if the officers are familiar with the procedures.

Ms Indranee Rajah: Mdm Speaker, I understand the Member's concern. In effect, if we considered the Member's question, what the Member is really asking is about an investigation whilst the investigation is on-going. That makes it difficult to proceed with the investigation in a proper manner, which is why I had indicated in my answer that if the Member would wait until all the relevant proceedings are over – that includes the investigation into these allegations – then a full account will be given. So, the intention is not to not give an answer. The intention is to ask for the Member to defer this question so that when it is asked at the appropriate time, a full answer can be given which addresses his queries.

Mdm Speaker: Order. I propose to take the break now. I suspend the Sitting and will take the Chair at 3.30 pm.

Sitting accordingly suspended

at 2.51 pm until 3.30 pm.

Sitting resumed at 3.30 pm

[Mdm Speaker in the Chair]: