INTERNAL SECURITY ACT

INTERNAL SECURITY ACT

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(Figures on detainees and nature of threats): **

1.

Prof. Thio Li-ann asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many persons are currently detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA); (b) how many persons were detained under the ISA for each of the years between the period of 1999 to 2007; and (c) what was the nature of the threat to internal security posed by those detained since 1999.

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Since 1999, a total of 54 persons had been detained under the Internal Security Act. Currently, 39 persons are still under detention.

They were detained for involvement in terrorism and espionage. All the cases were approved by the Cabinet, assented to by the President, and reviewed by the ISA Advisory Board chaired by a Supreme Court Judge. A few of the cases have not been publicised. This is because publicity can compromise on-going operations, or seriously harm national interests.

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