WORKERS' PARTY APPEAL FOR FUNDS (Police investigations)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Dr Lee Siew-Choh asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether any decision has been made in the police investigations into the Workers' Party appeal for funds.

The Minister for Home Affairs (Prof. S. Jayakumar): Mr Speaker, Sir, the police have completed their investigations and have sent up the investigation papers to the Public Prosecutor. It will be the Public Prosecutor who will make the decision on prosecution.

Dr Lee Siew-Choh (Non-Constituency Member): Can the Minister inform the House if there is any indication of a prosecution coming up?

Prof. Jayakumar: Sir, I do not know. Under the Constitution, the Attorney-General has the power, "exercisable at his discretion to institute, conduct or discontinue any proceedings for any offence." He is an independent entity. He does not report to me or get instructions from me.

Dr Lee Siew-Choh: How long does it take to know exactly what is going to happen, Sir?

Prof. Jayakumar: Sir, I do not know. I will assume that the Attorney-General will examine the papers and make a decision without any delay.

Dr Lee Siew-Choh: Sir, in the meanwhile, will the money now seized by the police be given back to the Workers Party?

Prof. Jayakumar: Sir, as I said, it must depend on the Public Prosecutor's decision.