MR FRANCIS SEOW (Release from detention to attend High Court hearing)

The following Question stood in the name of Mr Chiam See Tong -

Mr Chiam See Tong: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs whether Mr Francis Seow will be released from detention in time to make preparations for and to attend the High Court hearing on 18th May, 1988 of the application for habeas corpus on behalf of his clients Patrick Seong and Teo Soh Lung.

Mr S. Chandra Das (Chong Boon): Mr Speaker, Sir, since the Member for Potong Pasir is not here, I ask Question No. 4.

The Minister for Home Affairs (Prof. S. Jayakumar): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Potong Pasir has two questions. I am prepared to answer them. Although he is not here, I do not want it to appear that he is deprived of an opportunity to ask whatever supplementary questions he might have wanted to ask. May I suggest, Sir, if you are agreeable, that we proceed with the other Questions and take up these two questions when he comes or, if he does not come, towards the end of Question time?

Mr Speaker: All right.

[Questions Nos. 6 to 10 taken. Later ---]

Mr Chiam See Tong entered the Chamber.

Mr Speaker: Mr Chiam, we have specially waited for you to come in. Could you please ask Question No. 4?

Mr Chiam See Tong (Potong Pasir): Question No. 4, Sir.

Prof. Jayakumar: Mr Speaker, Sir, Mr Francis Seow was arrested on 6th May 1988 for investigations into foreign interference in the internal affairs of Singapore. Investigations are still in progress and he cannot be released by today.

Meanwhile, the Government has been officially informed by letter dated 10th May 1988 that the firm of Teo, Lai and Lee have been appointed to represent Mr Patrick Seong and Miss Teo Soh Lung in place of Mr Francis Seow's firm. I also understand that they have applied to be represented by a Queen's Counsel, and furthermore I understand that the case is not going to be heard today.

Mr Chiam See Tong (Potong Pasir): Mr Speaker, there are two supplementary questions. The first is whether or not Mr Seow has already made a statement; and if he has made a statement, whether the Government is going to release it. And we have heard that the Minister for Trade and Industry say that in a fortnight's time the Government shall be making a statement.

Mr Speaker: Is this relevant to your Question asked on the Order Paper?

Mr Chiam See Tong: Yes, in regard to Mr Francis Seow. Why is the delay necessary?

Mr Speaker: I do not think it is relevant. Can you go on to your next Question, Mr Chiam?

Mr Chiam See Tong: Mr Speaker, with due respect, both the ---

Mr Speaker: I have ruled that it is not relevant. Mr Chiam, would you please ask the next Question?