RELEASE OF POLITICAL PRISONERS

Mr Chiam See Tong asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether he will, in the spirit of this year's celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Singapore's Independence and as a gesture of goodwill, release all political prisoners on or before the next National Day.

The Minister for Home Affairs (Prof. S. Jayakumar): Mr Speaker, Sir, as I have stated on numerous occasions in this House, whether a detainee will be released and on what conditions, depends on the professional assessment and recommendation of the Internal Security Department. These decisions are always based on security considerations and cannot be based on extraneous factors, such as celebrations of National Day or other celebrations.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Sir, the Minister has on numerous occasions quoted examples of other countries. Has he not just read recently that, in fact, in Korea, as a gesture of goodwill, on the celebration of their National Day, they have released over one thousand political prisoners? Will Singapore not do the same?

Prof. Jayakumar: Mr Speaker, Sir, if Mr Chiam prefers to be under the jurisdiction of the Korean National Security Agency, he is entitled to his view. But we in Singapore must decide based on the circumstances in our own country.