HIJACKING OF VIETNAMESE AIRCRAFT (Effect on relations with Vietnam)

Dr Ong Leong Boon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in the light of the hijacking of the Vietnamese aircraft that landed at Seletar Aerodrome on 29th October, 1977, (a) what Singapore intends to do with the four hijackers and the passenger who refused to return to Vietnam; (b) how this will affect relations between Singapore and Vietnam; and (c) what is Singapore's stand in regard to international hijacking taking into account the Tokyo Convention Act of 1971.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr S. Rajaratnam): Mr Speaker, Sir, this matter is now the subject of diplomatic contact and discussions between the two governments. It would therefore not be at all helpful to say anything further at this stage.