PRESERVATION OF PUBLIC SECURITY ORDINANCE, 1955 (Number detained and released since 3rd June, 1959)

Mr Tee Kim Leng asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many people have been detained under the Preservation of Public Security Ordinance, 1955, since 3rd June, 1959; and (b) of these, how many have been released.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, since 3rd June, 1959, 30 persons connected with K.M.T., Communist and A.R.T.I.S. subversive activities have been detained under the Preservation of Public Security Ordinance, 1955.

Twenty-six of them have been released.

Dato Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat (Geylang Serai): Could the Minister in form the House how many of the A.R.T.I.S. group are still detained under the P.P.S.O.?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, all those connected with the A.R.T.I.S. subversive group have been released.

Mr Ong Chang Sam: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Minister for Home Affairs explain why the remaining detainees have not been released?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, regarding this question, the Prime Minister has already explained yesterday that as we have the Internal Security Council, the power to release detainees is in the hands of this Council. If at any time the Internal Security Council decides to release them, then they will be released.

Mr Low Por Tuck: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, we would like to know from the Minister for Home Affairs the reasons for the detention of the remaining detainees who are connected with K.M.T. and Communist activities.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: If he will put the question again, I will answer it the next time.