A. R. T. I. S. (Number involved and detained)

Dato Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat asked the Minister for Home Affairs to state the number of persons involved in the "Artis" Affair who are now under detention.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the number of persons involved in the "Artis" Affair who are now under detention is 14.

Dato Abdul Hamid: Could the Minister indicate how soon these people will be released?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, as soon as they are no longer a danger to the State, they will be released.

Dato Abdul Hamid: Will the Minister confirm that releasing these people now would be a security risk to the people of Singapore?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Certainly, Mr Speaker; otherwise they would have been released.

Dato Abdul Hamid: Will the Minister not confirm that four members of the "Artis" group were released by him during the course of this year?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, four persons have been released on suspension orders. In fact, for his information, it is just possible that there may be a further release of 2 persons on suspension orders in the very near future.

Dato Abdul Hamid: Would the Minister agree that the four who were released were no security risk?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: The answer is obvious; otherwise they would not have been released.

Dato Abdul Hamid: Mr Speaker, Sir, in that case, why were they arrested?

Mr Speaker: We are entering into a debate. Perhaps the hon. Member would like to put down notice of a motion?