DETAINEES TEO SOH LUNG AND OTHERS (Permission to stand for elections)

Mr Chiam See Tong asked the Prime Minister whether Teo Soh Lung or the other detainees will be allowed to stand for elections whilst under detention, if they so wish.

The Minister for Home Affairs (Prof. S. Jayakumar) (for the Prime Minister): Sir, I am answering on behalf of the Prime Minister.

The question raised by the Member does not arise. Neither Miss Teo Soh Lung nor any of the other detainees have ever indicated any wish to stand for elections.

Mr Chiam See Tong (Potong Pasir): Sir, the question put is "if they so wish". At a later date if they so wish, will they be allowed to?

Prof. Jayakumar: Mr Speaker, Sir, I think we must observe Standing Orders. Standing Orders clearly stipulate that hypothetical questions need not be answered in this House.

Mr Speaker: All right.