DETAINEES UNDER P.P.S.O. (Serving of Detention Orders and access to legal representatives)

Dr Lee Siew Choh asked the Minister for Home Affairs when, where and how were detention orders served on detainees under the Preservation of Public Security Ordinance; and when were legal representatives permitted to see them.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker. Sir. Detention Orders were served on detainees within 16 days of their arrest in accordance with the provisions of the Preservation of Public Security Ordinance, 1955. In most cases, the Orders were served on them whilst they were in custody. Legal representatives were allowed to see the detainees immediately after the Statement of Grounds for the detention were served on them.

Dr Lee Siew Choh (Queenstown): Only two days ago, the Minister said that legal counsel were allowed to see the detainees after one month. How does this tally with what he has said?

Mr Speaker: The Minister would perhaps like to refer to his reply? It is at page 32 of the Hansard of 5th April, 1963.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, there is nothing inconsistent, if the Member looks up the provisions of the P.P.S.O., he will find that the Statement of Grounds will he served on the detainees within 14 days of the making of the Detention Order. And if he totals up the number of days, he will find that the period comes to about a month.