SEXUAL ASSAULT ON A JUNIOR WOMAN POLICE OFFICER (Complaint)

Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for Home Affairs if he will say whether a report was made at the Tanglin Police Station or at any other police station from a junior woman police officer of a sexual assault on her by a senior police officer in February 1986 or so.

Prof. Jayakumar: Mr Speaker, Sir, a junior woman police officer had lodged a report on 12th February 1986 to the Officer-in-Charge of the Tanglin Police Station that a senior police officer had sexually assaulted her on 8th February 1986. The case is being investigated.

Mr Jeyaretnam: Sir, has any action been taken to suspend this officer against whom the report was made? If not, what is he doing at the moment?

Prof. Jayakumar: Mr Speaker, Sir, under the relevant rules and law, suspension or interdiction of duty arises when either disciplinary proceedings or criminal pro- ceedings are taken or will be taken, which means that only when investigations have been completed. And I have said that investigations are still going on and they have not been completed. The officer has been transferred to a different unit in the meantime.

Mr Jeyaretnam: Would the Minister tell us where this officer has been transferred to? And over whom has he been put in charge?

Prof. Jayakumar: Mr Speaker, Sir, the question is irrelevant.

Mr Jeyaretnam: May we know why it is irrelevant?

Prof. Jayakumar: It is irrelevant for the reason that investigations are still going on. And as long as investigations are going on, the innocence or guilt of any party cannot be predetermined.