ACTIONS TAKEN IN RECENT DISTURBANCES AND DEMONSTRATIONS

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr P. Govindaswamy asked the Minister of Defence what actions were taken in the recent disturbances and demonstrations in Singapore.

The Minister of State of Defence (Mr Wee Toon Boon) (for the Minister of Defence): Mr Speaker, Sir, 49 lightning processions/demonstrations organised by the Barisan Sosialis and Left-wing unions were reported between 1st January, 1967, and 25th June, 1967. The monthly breakdown of figures is as follows: - January Procession 1 February " 1 March " 3 April " 10 May " 14 June " 15; Demonstrations 5.

The police made contact in 32 separate incidents, resulting in the arrest of a total of 505 persons. A total of 432 persons were charged in court. Seventeen persons were served with expulsion orders as they are non-citizens. The police deployed strong foot and mobile patrols in likely areas in order to prevent processions from taking place. Troops of the Reserve Unit supplemented these patrols in patrolling these areas and taking action against illegal processions/demonstrations. The police showed great restraint in carrying out their responsibilities with minimum force, despite physical violence inflicted on them. Stones, bottles, wooden staves and lighted torches were hurled at the police by members o the illegal processions, resulting in injury to several police officers. Preventive police action is being taken and patrols are constantly on the alert against damage to property or acts of vandalism.

Inche Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi (Kampong Kembangan): (In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, what action will he taken against those who wilfully damage the Court room?

Mr Wee Toon Boon: I believe the Member is referring to the incident which occurred in the Court yesterday. I am sure that the -

Mr Speaker: Mr Wee, if you are referring to incidents that occurred in Court as part of the proceedings, I may have to rule you out of order.

Mr Wee Toon Boon: That is what I thought - that the Member was asking that question.

Mr Speaker: Could the Member please repeat his question slowly?

Inche Mohd. Ariff: (In Malay): I would like to ask what action will be taken against those who wilfully damage a court of law?

Mr Speaker: Mr Wee, the question does not relate to the proceedings itself, but relates apparently to activities in Court in the course of the proceedings. These activities themselves are not, to my knowledge, the subject of court proceedings, and so you are at liberty to answer the question.

Mr Wee Toon Boon: As the Member is aware, the police have taken the necessary measures to prevent any untoward incidents in the Court, and whichever persons are apprehended for criminal acts committed at the time, they, of course, will be dealt with according to the law.