GOVERNMENT'S POLICY ON DETAINED SUSPECTED SECRET SOCIETY GANGSTERS

Mr David Marshall asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether he would indicate Government's policy with reference to suspected secret society gangsters detained under the provisions of section 55 of the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Ordinance.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the question suggests that persons are being detained on suspicion of being secret society gangster. This is not correct. Under the provisions of the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Ordinance, 1955, the Minister making the order has to be satisfied that the person against whom the order is made has been associated with activities of a criminal nature. In every case where an order has been made, there is ample evidence that the person concerned has been associated with activities of a criminal nature. Although there is a definite improvement in the crime situation involving secret societies, as evidenced by the drop in cases of attempted murder, acid throwing, abduction and assault and stabbing in the last two years, the danger, however, is by no means over. Members of the House will agree that if one of the major weapons in the battle against secret societies, as provided for under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Ordinance, is no longer available, a large section of the population, particularly, hawkers, petty traders, trishaw riders and taxi-drivers, etc, will be terrorised and held to ransom.

Mr David Marshall: I am glad the Minister has made that statement. Would he give a reply to my question as to Government's policy with reference to the treatment of these people?

Mr Speaker: Will the hon. Member repeat that question?

Mr David Marshall: Indeed, Sir. The question is to ask the Minister whether he would indicate Government's policy with reference to secret society gangsters detained under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Ordinance. What is the policy as regards rehabilitation or release? These are the matters I am interested in.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the policy is to rehabilitate these secret society members, and when they are rehabilitated, they are released into society.

Mr David Marshall: Would the Minister indicate to what extent that policy is successful?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, since the setting up of the Pulau Senang rehabilitation scheme, 135 secret society members have been released.