POLICE INVESTIGATION INTO CASE OF ABDUCTION (Negligence)

Mr Ho See Beng asked the Minister for Home Affairs, in the case of the 10-year old girl who was alleged to have been abducted from Clementi Avenue to a flat in Toa Payoh and who was later set free by her abductors, why the police officer investigating the case, when he found no one in the said flat, did not pursue the matter further; and whether there was negligence on the part of the police officer concerned, in view of the recent murder of two children in Toa Payoh.

The Minister for Home Affairs (Mr Chua Sian Chin): Mr Speaker, Sir, the case mentioned by the hon. Member for Khe Bong has been under investigation by the Police before it was publicized in the press. These investigations, as to whether there was neglect of duty on the part of the police officer concerned in not pursuing the matter further than he did, have now reached the stage where the papers have been referred to the Attorney-General's Chambers.

The Attorney-General has advised that facts relating to the alleged abduction of the 10-year old girl and the investigations following therefrom should not be disclosed publicly at this stage because the girl concerned will, in all probability, be a material witness at the trial of the three persons who have been charged with murdering two children in Toa Payoh. As the House will appreciate, the three accused face capital charges and the matter is sub judice and disclosures which may prejudice the outcome of their cases should be avoided.

I am, nonetheless, aware that this case has generated considerable public interest. I wish to assure the House that a serious view has been taken of the matter and I will not hesitate to discipline any police officer who has been found guilty of dereliction of duty.

Mr Ho See Beng: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am quite satisfied with the answer given by the Minister for Home Affairs. But, nevertheless, I still wish to ask the Minister whether he can assure the House that such an incident will not be repeated in the future.

Mr Chua Sian Chin: The answer is yes. I will not only assure him but I will also take a very serious view of any dereliction of duty.