ALLEGED ILL-TREATMENT OF TAN HONG PIEW IN REMAND PRISON

Mr Lee Choon Eng asked the Chief Secretary whether he has received a copy of a letter from the General Secretary of the Singapore Peasants' Union regarding the alleged ill-treatment in the Remand Prison of Tan Hong Piew, detained under the Banishment Ordinance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr David: Yes, Sir, I have received a copy of the letter in question and in view of the wide circulation it has been given by the Union, I welcome the opportunity to make a statement.

It is alleged in the letter dated 8th May that since his arrest on 30th April this blind man had been locked in a cell by himself for the night at 4 p.m. each day and that he had been denied any solid food.

The facts are that on his committal to the Remand Prison on 30th April, this man was immediately admitted to a ward in the Prison hospital. This ward contained some 15 other patients and is provided with modern latrine and washing facilities in an adjoining alcove. Hospital orderlies are on duty night and day to attend to the needs of the patients and there is a resident medical officer close at hand. On admission to the hospital, this man was found to be suffering from pyelitis and on the doctors orders he has been given three extra meals a day in addition to the normal diet. This extra food includes two eggs a day.