PROTECTION FOR LITERARY WORKS

Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for Law whether his Ministry is aware of the deep dissatisfaction felt by writers in Singapore at the lack of protection for literary works published by them and whether the Government proposes to do anything about this.

The Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs (Prof. S. Jayakumar) (for the Minister for Law): Mr Speaker, Sir, we have received representations from local writers, and also other interested parties, on various aspects of our copyright laws.

As the Member is aware, the law governing copyright in Singapore is still the UK Copyright Act, 1911, as supplemented by our Copyright Act (Cap. 187). Under these two Acts, works published in Singapore enjoy copyright protection. Both civil remedies and penal sanctions are available to deal with infringements of copyright works.

The presentations from owners of intellectual property urge the revision of our copyright laws to bring them up-to-date and an enhancement in the deterrents provided against offenders. This branch of the law is being looked into by an Inter-Departmental Committee which my Minister has appointed. This Committee has been examining the implications and impact, both economic and social, of revising our copyright laws. Besides considering protection of literary works published in Singapore, it has also to consider the question of the protection to be granted to such works published elsewhere. Further there are issues relating to cassette tapes and, with the advent of modern technology, computer software which require more careful consideration.

The Minister has instructed the Committee to finalize and submit its Report as soon as possible. The Government will consider what action to take after receiving the Report of this Committee.

Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam (Anson): Mr Speaker, Sir, the concern of the Singapore writers is over the lack of protection for their literary works outside Singapore. There are two conventions, the Universal Copyright Convention and the Berne Copyright Union. I understand we are not a signatory to either of these conventions. May I know if that is so? And if that is so, why is it that we are not a signatory to either of these Conventions?

Prof. Jayakumar: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Anson has pointed out that there are two international conventions, which is the case. However, in our approach to reviewing the law of copyright, we cannot approach it on a piecemeal basis. We have to approach the question of copyright in its entirety, for there will be far-reaching consequences. One of the matters before the Committee, which the Minister has appointed, will be which of these two international conventions should Singapore adhere to, whether we should adhere to them, and what will be the obligations and rights that will ensue from adhering to these conventions. But as I said, the question of copyright has many facets, and the adhering to an international convention is only one of the many facets which the Government is considering.

Mr Jeyaretnam: Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Hon. Minister of State able to say when he expects this Committee, which is studying his matter, to report, and when our writers may expect to see some protection for their literary works?

Prof. Jayakumar: Mr Speaker, Sir, we should not rush the Committee, for this is an important area. It has to examine all aspects. It is not a simple matter of deciding that we want to protect a group of Singapore writers. The complexities involved require careful examination. We must decide on the policy. It is not just a question of protecting the writers but we must also examine whether there are other costs and long-term disadvantages in one or other of the reforms. In trying to improve our copyright laws, we must ensure that the changes will benefit Singapore society as a whole. We must also look into what are the things we are going to protect - books, cassettes, audio tapes, video tapes, cinematographic films, computer programmes, and so on. We must also inquire as to the methods of implementation, whether the police have the necessary manpower to investigate, and so on.

Bearing all these complicated aspects in mind, what I can inform the House is that the Committee is proceeding with its work expeditiously. It is not the intention of the Ministry to rush them into hasty conclusions.

Mr Ho See Beng (Khe Bong): Sir, I would like to ask the Minister of State whether he has received any complaint from Singapore writers of international fame that they need this protection very urgently?

Prof. Jayakumar: Mr Speaker, Sir, we have received representations from writers and groups of writers. I would refrain from passing judgment on whether they have acquired the fame of international status.