POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS IN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE (Release of statements on issues of public interest)

Mr Chiam See Tong asked the Minister for Education whether the statements of political organisations in the National University of Singapore to express their views on issues of public interest, have first to be approved by the University administration before they can be released to the press and the public.

The Minister for Education (RAdm Teo Chee Hean): Mr Speaker, Sir, our universities do not prohibit students from expressing their views on various issues, including those of public interest. Indeed, students have conveyed their views on various matters through the media in their personal capacities. From time to time, student organisations have done so too.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Sir, the Minister has not answered the question. They want to issue those statements, but are these statements vetted by the university authorities?

RAdm Teo Chee Hean: Sir, for the benefit of Mr Chiam, I will repeat my answer. Our universities do not prohibit students from expressing their views on various issues, including those of public interest. Indeed, students have conveyed their views on various matters through the media in their personal capacities. From time to time, student organisations have done so too.