K Shanmugam
Singapore
“Bank accounts are frozen when there is reason to suspect that the bank accounts are involved in illicit activities, including money laundering activities.”
“The Singapore Police Force does not track the requested data. Distinguishing artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content typically requires more detailed forensic examination which may not be necessary in every investigation and may also not be conclusive as to whether AI-generative tools were used.”
“The Building and Construction Authority’s Code on Accessibility provides baseline requirements for accessible and inclusive buildings. It stipulates a minimum width of 1.5 metres or 1.8 metres for primary accessible routes, depending on the building type.”
“The Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Driving Licence) Rules under the Road Traffic Act set out the scope of the medical assessment required for motorists aged 65 and above who wish to retain their driving licences.”
“When a Police report has been made, the Police will investigate to determine if a criminal offence has been committed. If there is reasonable suspicion that a case is scam-related, the Police can direct online service providers to restrict Singapore users' access to the relevant online activity under the Online Criminal Harms Act.”
“Through intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement actions, the cross-border operation disrupted a transnational drug trafficking syndicate and downstream drug trafficking activities, with the UK arresting seven persons so far and further investigations underway.”
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“He said he did this because the form was not required for Uvaraja’s time-off application, which he had already granted in any case, and the form contained personal information and had to be disposed of. The superior's conduct was not professional. He should not have done that, even though one can understand his unhappiness. Uvaraja had raised this matter up the chain of command. The superior was then reprimanded and Uvaraja was temporarily re-assigned to a different unit so that both officers could have some time to cool off. Allegations were also made that different superiors had used abusive language against Uvaraja. This was not supported by the investigations. On the contrary, Uvaraja would often directly message or call his various superiors, and they had responded to him professionally. So, looking at Uvaraja’s three complaints, in this first part, namely, one, the making of racist remarks; two, the shredding of leave forms; and three, the use of abusive language by his superiors – they were all investigated when he made the complaints. And in respect of the two complaints which were made out, action was taken and Uvaraja was told about the actions that had been taken, and he did not further pursue the complaints. The third complaint was not made out and he was also notified about that. I now move to the next topic. Uvaraja claimed that his complaints against fellow officers vaping within Police compounds had been covered up. Investigations found that Uvaraja had made a complaint in 2021 to his superiors about officers vaping. Acting on the information he provided, Uvaraja’s Commander had directed an independent superior from a different unit to conduct a surprise check.”
“Cases involving racial slurs or casual racism will be investigated as possible misconduct and as a disciplinary breach. This is to ensure that there is a record of such an incident, that disciplinary action would be taken, and the officer's subsequent behaviour would be closely monitored. The Police will also continue to engage officers, shape culture and engage in frank discussion on such issues around racial slurs or casual racism. This has been done and will be done through platforms, such as the annual Ethics Seminar, as well as the Police’s Manpower Department’s engagement sessions with officers. We cannot tolerate racism, nor can we tolerate casual racism, snide remarks and jokes which are racist. Uvaraja also alleged that, in 2019, his superior had shredded his leave form and uploaded a video of this action within a chat group. The context is this: Uvaraja had applied for discretionary time-off; this does not require the submission of a leave form. Uvaraja sent this application at the last minute, when other officers’ leave had already been approved. Nevertheless, Uvaraja’s superior approved his application. And it was not the first time that Uvaraja had done this; applying for time-off at the last minute. On previous occasions, his teammates who were on leave had to be recalled to cover the manpower shortfall. In this case, when Uvaraja applied at the last minute again, the superior spoke to Uvaraja about him inconveniencing the entire team. But Uvaraja maintained his request for time off and asked the superior to end that conversation in the personal chat. The superior then shredded the leave form and uploaded a recording of him doing so, on the team chatgroup.”
“After the Police had completed their internal investigations, their findings were reviewed by AGC and AGC was satisfied and determined that no further actions were needed. Let me now deal with the allegations in detail. First, Uvaraja said that he had been ill-treated and bullied by his superiors and colleagues. Specifically, he said: one, there was name-calling; two, shredding of his leave form; and three, abusive language used against him. First, on the name-calling, Uvaraja said that racially inappropriate language had been used against him. Police records show that Uvaraja had made this complaint in 2015. Internal investigations were conducted at that time. They found that the officers involved were talking among themselves. The remarks were not specifically directed to, or aimed at, Uvaraja. But – and this is an important point – their remarks were not acceptable at all. It does not matter whether they were directed at Uvaraja, or they were not directed at Uvaraja. They were and are not acceptable. Period. Uvaraja’s superiors made that clear to the team, that such language cannot be used, even as a joke. The officer who made the remark apologised to Uvaraja immediately in front of the whole team. If he had not apologised, he would have been made to do so, and disciplinary action would have also been taken against him. Uvaraja’s superiors continued to monitor the situation to make sure there were no further recurrences. Uvaraja was updated of the outcome of the follow-up and his Deputy Commander had offered the option of lodging an official complaint, but Uvaraja decided that there was no need to file a further complaint. Since the incident, the Police have conducted a review of their policies and there is a framework of approach for these cases.”
“First, I will deal with the allegations and the findings in respect of these allegations. Second, I will set out how the Police had supported Uvaraja. Third, I will touch on the framework in SPF to deal with workplace harassment and grievances. And fourth, I will address the mental health support that is provided to Home Team officers. I have asked my colleagues, Ministers of State Sun Xueling and Assoc Prof Faishal Ibrahim, to also deliver further Ministerial Statements on my behalf in Mandarin and Malay. First, on the allegations and findings. All the allegations concerning Uvaraja, including those shared by officers who had already left the Force, were looked into. Out of respect for Uvaraja’s memory and in consideration for his family, I would have preferred not to go into the details of these findings. But for the reasons I mentioned earlier, we have no choice but to set out at least some of the facts. So, I go into the facts with some regret. We have explained this to Uvaraja’s family. They have been told in detail what I am going to say. They know and understand why we have to set out the facts, because Uvaraja has made serious allegations, and it is in the public interests that these allegations are dealt with. In the course of the investigations, witnesses, from current to ex-officers, were interviewed. Past documentation and records were looked at, and the investigations were thorough. The investigations found that: one, some of the allegations were true and, in respect of these, there had been investigations at the time the complaints were made, actions had been taken at that time and some officers had been disciplined and punished; and second, some of the allegations made by Uvaraja were untrue.”
“Thank you, Sir, for allowing me to speak on this. On 21 July 2023, last year, a police officer, the late Sgt Uvaraja, committed suicide. Just before his passing, he put up a Facebook post. He made several statements. He said that: one, he had been bullied and ill-treated by his superiors and colleagues; two, that some officers’ misconduct had been covered up; three, that his performance appraisals were unfair; and four, that he was ostracised by others at work. I asked the Police to investigate the allegations. Safety and security in Singapore are based on, among other things, very high levels of public trust and confidence in the Police. In this matter, allegations were made against the Police by a Police officer. A full investigation is important. If there is wrongdoing, it must be dealt with, and it will be dealt with and errant officers must be taken to task. If we do not do so over time, the public will lose trust in the Police. However, if the allegations are unfounded, the facts have to be set out and we will defend the Police publicly and robustly. If that is not done and untruths are allowed to fester, morale in the Singapore Police Force (SPF) will go down, and public trust will be eroded. We have seen this, and many other things, happen – in the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK) and many other countries over the years. Public trust in these police forces has been affected and the morale of their officers has suffered. And we do not want to go down that path. So, I directed the SPF to investigate the claims and for the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) to review the findings of the Police. And I am setting them out publicly here. I will deal with four aspects in this Statement.”
“The Government's policy is to charge market rates for the use of state land. The Singapore Land Authority, as the custodian of state land and properties, applies this policy to users of state land under its charge. Waivers or subsidies for rental of state land, such as for interim uses, are considered only on an exceptional and case-by-case basis. Examples include, non-commercial and non-exclusive public uses, such as the construction and maintenance of public walkways; and where tenants have to relocate temporarily due to reasons beyond their control, such as public works.”
“We share the Member's desire to expedite the installation of speed limiters on lorries. However, suppliers and manufacturers of speed limiters have informed Traffic Police (TP) that only speed limiters compatible with older lorries are available. Therefore, TP requires owners of older lorries to comply sooner, with heavier lorries in two years, as they can cause greater harm in an accident. Lighter lorries must comply in two and a half years. For newer lorries, newer speed limiters are not currently available. Hence, TP gives them a longer timeframe – of up to three and a half years. TP is working with Authorised Motor Distributors, the Motor Traders Association of Singapore as well as the relevant Government agencies, to encourage lorry owners to install speed limiters on their lorries ahead of the compliance deadline, such as when their vehicles are sent in for regular maintenance.”
“The Traffic Police does not track the data that the Member requested. The time taken would depend on many factors, such as the number of vehicles involved and availability of witnesses. Each case could differ significantly.”
“The Police does not track reports of "swatting" cases. Our laws are adequate to deal with persons engaged in swatting. Depending on the facts of a case, a person who engages in swatting may be charged under section 14D of the Miscellaneous Offence (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, for communicating a message that he knows to be false. This person may also be charged under section 268A of the Penal Code, for communicating false information of a harmful thing; or section 182 of the Penal Code, for communicating false information with the intent to cause a public servant to use lawful power to the injury or annoyance of another person. Upon conviction for any of these offences, the person may be subject to a fine, imprisonment or both.”
“Typically, scam victims mention a falsely declared but genuine address when making a police report. The Police do not specifically track this particular modus operandi. The Police also do not track the number of reports lodged by homeowners whose addresses have been misused by scammers. Regardless of who files the report, depending on the facts of the case, the scammers may be liable for a cheating offence under section 420 of the Penal Code. Where a Police report has been made, the Police will investigate the case if there is reasonable suspicion that a criminal offence was committed. The Police will also work with the relevant online platforms to remove suspected scam content, as well as disable the e-commerce and social media accounts involved.”
“In the last five years, based on Central Provident Fund (CPF) data, an average of 68% of ex-offenders secured employment within six months of release. This figure does not include ex-offenders who took on "gig" jobs such as food delivery, freelance work or other jobs that do not make CPF contributions. Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG) engages employers to encourage them to give ex-offenders a second chance, as well as promote inclusive workplace practices. Employers are also supported by the Uplifting Employment Credit, which provides wage offsets of up to $600 for each ex-offender that they hire, for the first nine months of employment. These initiatives have seen some success as more employers have approached YRSG to explore hiring of ex-offenders. To improve the employability of ex-offenders, YRSG works closely with the Singapore Prison Service to provide inmates with training and skills upgrading during their incarceration and supervision period in the community. These include the TAP and Grow initiative where YRSG works with industry partners to train inmates and help them secure employment in the Precision Engineering, Media, Logistics and Food Services sectors. To help ex-offenders stay on the job, YRSG also provides career retention support, where career coaches support ex-offenders at work for up to 12 months after release.”
“To further strengthen the community’s capacity to resolve disputes, the Ministry of Law, Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth are looking at mandating community mediation for certain categories of cases, as part of our review of the Community Dispute Management Framework (CDMF). For instance, frontline officers could mandate mediation for certain types of community disputes. Long-drawn or escalated disputes between neighbours may fall under this category. We are also looking at mandating re-mediation for cases where voluntary mediation was previously attempted and parties arrived at an amicable resolution, but the dispute resurfaces later. With the history of an amicable resolution through mediation, there is value in mandating mediation for such cases. Some concerns about mandatory mediation have been raised during public engagement on the CDMF. This includes the risk of potential retaliation, and abuse by those insisting on mediation without genuine intent to resolve the dispute. The Government is studying the feedback and ways to address the concerns. More details on the proposals to introduce mandatory mediation for suitable cases will be shared in due course.”
“We plan to further enhance our support in three areas: (a) Provide every retiring officer with a personalised career guide that contains recommendations on courses and certification programmes that match their interests and skills. This was piloted in 2023 and will be fully rolled out this year. (b) Develop more career pathways for our officers by developing new partnerships under the SkillsFuture train-and-place programmes. For instance, we are piloting a Facility and Operations Management Programme with Singapore Polytechnic in February 2024 for 17 officers. (c) Enhance job prospects and opportunities for our officers by strengthening our engagement with alumni and employer networks to provide job referrals and introductions.”
“In the last five years, an average of 135 uniformed officers retired each year and 36% of them were re-employed by the Home Team. Another 40% were not re-employed but assisted to transition to new careers. Overall, our surveys show that 83% of retirees who were seeking a second career outside the Home Team secured employment within a year. The top five industries that retired officers have transitioned to are the Security, Public Service, Healthcare, Land Transport and Logistics sectors. Examples of the jobs taken up by our retirees are security assessor, firearms instructor, enforcement officer, admin manager and operations executive. The Ministry of Home Affairs is committed to supporting our uniformed officers’ career transition. We set up the Home Team Career Transition Office in 2016 to prepare and facilitate the career transition of retiring uniformed officers. We have a structured five-year career transition programme that focuses on preparing our officers psychologically for transition, supporting their retraining and development, as well as facilitating their job search. Some key initiatives include: (a) Dedicated days off for training and the provision of training subsidies for officers to attend upskilling courses to enhance their employability when they retire; (b) Facilitated secondments or job attachments with potential employers; (c) One-on-one career coaching sessions; and (d) A career transition resource portal that provides updated information on job opportunities, career workshops and networking events with prospective employers.”
“Under the Gambling Control Act, a club that wishes to operate a gaming machine room, including a room with jackpot machines, is required to obtain a licence from the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA). Clubs decide on the qualifying criteria of their memberships through their own rules and by-laws. GRA does not regulate the membership criteria. Notwithstanding, GRA exercises regulatory oversight of the gambling activities, and conducts onsite inspections to ensure compliance with its requirements. For instance, persons who do not have a membership term of at least one year are not allowed to enter the gaming machine room. Gaming machine room operators are also required to prominently display responsible gambling materials and the National Council on Problem Gambling’s helpline in the gaming machine room, and render assistance to individuals who show signs of problem gambling, or who enquire about self-exclusion. In addition, financially vulnerable individuals are excluded by law from gaming machine rooms. These include undischarged bankrupts, individuals on Government social assistance and legal aid schemes, as well as tenants and occupiers of the Housing Development Board Public Rental Scheme. Individuals with self-exclusion, third party exclusion or family exclusion orders are also barred from gaming machine rooms.”
“The Singapore Prison Service (SPS) does not have a separate housing facility for inmates with intellectual disabilities or autism, as there are very few of such inmates. However, SPS does tailor the management of such inmates to meet their special needs. For example, SPS officers keep an eye on them and watch out for their safety by conducting periodic checks to ensure that they are not being abused by others. SPS also modifies the content and delivery of rehabilitation services and programmes for them. In addition, SPS partners social service and community agencies to provide specialised reintegration support. For example, the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore’s Community Forensic Service provides case management support to inmates who are being released, on family, employment and financial matters.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you. My colleague, Senior Parliamentary Secretary Ms Rahayu Mahzam, has answered the points raised by Members. With that, Sir, I beg to move. 6.08 pm”
“In many cases, time can be critical, especially for DNA evidence, because DNA can degrade very quickly, if it is exposed to the environment. Allowing FMEs to be taken in these cases is in the interests of both the victim and the public. It can make the difference between catching the culprit and him going free and, worse, committing more such offences. There will be safeguards in place for both accused persons and victims to ensure that FMEs are conducted safely and sensitively. For example, only qualified medical professionals can conduct physical medical examinations and invasive medical procedures. Before taking a body sample, the person conducting the FME must be satisfied that it will not endanger the subject. Only Police officers holding the rank of Inspector and above can require an FME involving intimate body parts. If the person undergoing an FME involving intimate body parts is a lady, the forensic specialist or Police officer carrying out the FME must also be a lady. We have consulted quite extensively in preparing this Bill. Many stakeholders have shared their views, including the Judiciary, AGC, law enforcement agencies, criminal lawyers, members of the Law Society and members of the public. The feedback and suggestions have helped us to refine our policies and we have taken many of the suggestions on board. So, I thank all those who have participated and given their feedback, and I hope that Members today will support the Bill. The changes will do much to strengthen our criminal justice system and make Singapore a safer place. [(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]”
“So, we have decided to do away with CT and adopt characteristics of both CT and PD in the new SPP. SPP is for a fixed term of between five and 20 years, and offenders will be eligible for release on licence after serving two-thirds of the sentence. SPP will be a useful sentencing option to deal with persistent or habitual offenders. Finally, let me touch on FME. FMEs broadly consist of physical medical examinations, collection of body samples and taking photographs of body parts. These processes have now become very important for getting evidence in offences like rape and sexual assault. I will highlight two key aspects of the FME framework in the Bill. First, we take a differentiated approach towards accused persons and victims. So, accused persons, one approach; victims, a different approach. For accused persons, Police can require them to undergo FMEs, even if they do not consent. Reasonable force can be used if the FME does not relate to intimate body parts or invasive procedures. But it will be an offence for an accused person to refuse an FME, unless he has a reasonable excuse, for example, if he has haemophilia and giving a blood sample could endanger his life. The Court can also draw adverse inferences from an accused person’s refusal to undergo FMEs. In the case of victims, consent is generally required for FMEs. However, there can be exceptions. For example, FMEs may still be conducted, if delays will result in the loss of evidence and the victim is not able to give consent within a reasonable time due to a physical or mental condition. This could happen, for example, where a victim is sexually assaulted, falls into a coma and has no prior authorised decision-maker to give consent.”
“I gave some examples earlier. We really ought to deal better with cases like that. Second, the SEPP will, hopefully, promote rehabilitation. An offender sentenced to SEPP will have a very strong incentive to take his rehabilitation seriously in the first period of sentencing. Otherwise, he jeopardises his chances of being released. So, if he wants to be released after the minimum period, he will have to show both psychologically and through his behaviour that he is a changed person, that he can behave well and he does not need to be kept in. So, tremendous incentive for a person to work on his rehabilitation. These things can only work if the person who is the subject of the rehabilitation really puts in the effort. Third, as I mentioned earlier, the SEPP allows for a more calibrated approach to sentencing. Take the examples I had mentioned earlier in the handout – egregious facts. A sentencing judge might think, “This person is a monster. Better not take the risk with a short sentence. Better to lock him away for a long time.” So, you do see some sentences, 20 years, 30 years, even more. With the SEPP, the sentencing judges will now have more assurance, greater clarity, because the sentences they impose are only the minimum. There will be a further risk assessment with experts at the end of the minimum term. This can actually result in the Court imposing shorter sentences upfront. Sir, I will now touch quickly on SPP. This is intended to replace and streamline the current Corrective Training (CT) and Preventive Detention (PD) regimes. CT and PD were introduced in 1954 to deal with recalcitrant offenders. Since then, rehabilitation programmes have become widely available to all inmates. In particular, CT has become qualitatively similar to imprisonment.”
“But the Court also retains the discretion not to impose the SEPP, for example, where it would be “gravely disproportionate” in all the circumstances of the case. If the Court imposes the SEPP, it will specify a minimum period of custody. That can be anywhere between five and 20 years. After this minimum period, the offender will be released if he is assessed to be suitable for release. This assessment will be made by the Minister for Home Affairs. The Minister will be advised by a Detention Review Board. The Board will be made up of relevant experts, for example, retired judges, lawyers, psychiatrists and psychologists. The offender and his lawyers can make representations to the Board. This review model is not new. For example, there is a Life Imprisonment Review Board. This Board advises the Minister on whether to release prisoners. These are prisoners who have been sentenced to life imprisonment. Next, say, the offender is assessed to be suitable for release. He will be released on licence and conditions can be imposed on him. The conditions could include mandatory counselling, electronic monitoring or curfews. He will continue to be assessed until a view is taken that the conditions can be removed. In the meantime, we will support his integration back into the community. On the other hand, if the assessment is that the offender should not be released, he will continue to remain in custody. The Minister must then review the offender’s suitability for release annually. And if he is eventually found suitable for release, he will be released. Finally, on this point, what do we hope to achieve with the SEPP? First, we hope that this will enhance public protection. An offender who continues to pose a real danger to others should not be released.”
“This is a handout containing more such examples, from Singapore and abroad. Members can see for themselves the kinds of troubling conduct and patterns of serious abuse, with persons offending repeatedly, sometimes, very shortly after they are released from prison. Our response to these kinds of cases is SEPP. With the normal prison sentences, these offenders go free after serving their prison terms, even if there is an assessed risk that they might go out and do bad things. On the day of release, if responsible people assess that the person might go out and commit a serious crime, nevertheless, the person has to be released. Take the first example I gave Members, of the man who sexually abused his two grandnieces. The Court said at the time of sentencing that his risk of sexual re-offending was high and sentenced him to the maximum 20 years of Preventive Detention. But what if there continues to be an assessed risk after he has served the 20 years? Under the current law, he will have to be released: no conditions and no risk assessment is done. With the SEPP, there can be a more calibrated approach to better protect society. There will be an assessment at the end of the minimum term to see if it is safe to release such offenders. This brings me to my next point: how will the SEPP work? The SEPP is imposed by the Courts. When one of the Scheduled offences is committed, the Court decides whether to impose a normal sentence or the SEPP. When deciding on the appropriate sentence, the Courts can look at risk assessments by IMH and, of course, such other reports as the Court decides are necessary. The Defence can also make representations and submit expert evidence. If the Court assesses that the offender poses a risk to others, it can impose the SEPP.”
“In 2015, just two years after being released, he started sexually assaulting one of the young girls. She was 10 years old at that time. The girl then moved out, but he did not stop. In 2017, he sexually assaulted the girl's younger sister. She was nine years old. In 2022, the Court sentenced the offender to the maximum 20 years of Preventive Detention. The Court said that his risk of sexual re-offending was high. This kind of conduct is highly reprehensible. Our society will not accept it. No society will accept it. But our society takes a very serious view of it. The impact on the young girls is devastating. Their lives shattered. We have to deal with this kind of menace and protect our society. Let me give you another example. A few weeks ago, a man was sentenced to twenty-nine-and-a-half years in jail, for raping his niece. She was seven years old. For four years, he sexually assaulted her, almost every week, when she spent weekends at his home. He also gave her a sexually transmitted disease, and body-shamed her, until she developed an eating disorder. It is absolutely cruel what was done to the young girl. The girl is now in a welfare home, undergoing counselling. She is facing psychological trauma as Members can appreciate. The man also had more than 100 media discs with child pornography and a thumb drive with 12,000 child abuse images. There are other examples of such offenders, committing egregious acts. Sir, may I ask the Clerks to distribute Annex 2?”
“The Court will specify a term of imprisonment for the offender, based on the facts of the case. But the difference is that this is a minimum term. There will be no early release or remission. The Court will also say whether the offender is released and at the end of the minimum term, will be subject to a review. If he is assessed to pose a risk to others, when his term ends, he can be kept in custody beyond the minimum period. And if he is released, conditions can be imposed, until it is assessed that he is safe to be released. I will say a little bit more about how the SEPP works later on. But, first, let me first explain why we are introducing it. Some people have asked is it because there has been an increase in serious violent and sexual crimes in Singapore? The answer is no, that is not the reason for the SEPP. We regularly review our laws. We study other countries. Some have similar sentences to the SEPP. We looked at them and decided that it made sense to have something similar. In Singapore, as in other places, serious sexual and violent crimes do occur, except that our numbers are much, much lower. But people do get killed. They do get seriously hurt. And they do get raped. These are very serious offences and some victims, they are very young. And some offenders can be assessed to have a risk of re-offending. Let me give Members an example which I have talked about publicly. In 2013, an offender was released from prison. He had been put in jail for raping his six-year-old stepdaughter. The sentence was for 19 years. He was released after 12 years, which is taking into account the usual one-third remission period. After he was released, the offender moved in to live with his sister and her young granddaughters.”
“Whenever we talk about criminal law, every country will say they are trying to find the right balance between the interests of society on the one hand and the individual's rights, on the other. But I think as we look around the world, there are serious questions as to whether the balance is being struck right. In Singapore, we also try and strike that balance. There can be differences on whether we are getting the balance right and we do need to be continuously mindful about that. But that is our approach and that gives context to the changes we are making. Let me now turn to deal with the first major aspect of the Bill that I will be touching on, the SEPP. What is it? Why are we having it? How will it work? What do we hope to achieve? I will also speak briefly about a related part of the Bill, on the Sentence for Public Protection (SPP). First, what is the SEPP? In essence, it is a new type of sentence, which the Courts can impose. It will apply to offenders who are 21 and above, at the time of the commission of the offence. It will cover dangerous offenders who commit serious violent or sexual offences and provided there is an assessed risk that they may commit similar offences after they are released. The relevant offences will be set out in a new Schedule to the CPC. They will include culpable homicide, attempted murder, rape and sexual penetration of minors. The SEPP is different from normal prison sentences under existing law. With normal prison sentences, offenders serve a fixed term of imprisonment. The Court imposes a sentence. The usual process is that the offenders are released earlier, after serving two-thirds of their sentence. That is called remission. Most prisoners get remission. When released, they are released unconditionally. The SEPP changes that.”
“Members can access this and other handouts I will be distributing later, through the MP@SGPARL app as well. Members can see that since 2010, we have made several changes to improve our criminal justice system. The Bill today is a significant Bill. There are around 20 sets of proposed amendments. They cover law enforcement, criminal investigations, court processes and sentencing. In my speech, I will cover two major aspects of the Bill. First, the new Sentence for Enhanced Public Protection (SEPP) and the second is a new framework for conducting Forensic Medical Examinations (FMEs). After my speech, two of my colleagues will be speaking. Senior Parliamentary Secretary Rahayu Mahzam will deal with the rest of the Bill, including changes related to Police powers to conduct searches and the criminal disclosure regime. Minister of State Sun Xueling will also deal with some of the main changes. Sir, before going into the Bill, let me take a step back and reiterate our approach relating to criminal justice. Essentially, if you are guilty, you should face the penalty for the offence. If you are innocent, you should go free. The system should be robust and fair. There are two parts to it. The first part, there has to be an effective framework of laws that deal with the crimes committed. And that means there must be a strong and effective law enforcement system and there must be a Judiciary which can apply the laws. The second part, the criminal justice process must be fair and civilised. That is the approach that has been taken by my predecessors and I have continued along the same path. The results are the safe and secure Singapore we have today.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This is a joint Bill by the Ministry of Law (MinLaw) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The Bill proposes amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC). Over the years, we have been making changes to the criminal justice system. I have set out some of these changes in a handout. Mr Speaker, with your permission, may I ask the Clerks to distribute Annex 1?”
“The Auxiliary Police Forces (APFs) continue to hire Taiwanese Auxiliary Police Officers (APOs). We need to allow the APFs to recruit foreign APOs, to meet the increasing demand for security services. They face challenges in sustaining an adequate pool of APOs, given the shrinking local workforce, requirements, such as physical fitness, and the job options Singaporeans have. As of November 2023, Singaporean APOs made up approximately 68% of the total APO population, and the remaining 32% are Malaysians and Taiwanese. The deployment of Taiwanese APOs has, generally, been positive for the APFs. But it has been a challenge to recruit and keep them. Their numbers have decreased significantly, by more than 60% from 2017 to 2023, to about 70 today. The APFs tell us that this is because of the demanding nature of public-facing security work, improved job opportunities and prospects back home in Taiwan, a desire to settle down with a family, and homesickness. As such, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been considering expanding the jurisdictions from which APFs can be allowed to recruit APOs. These potentially include Asian jurisdictions, such as China, India, the Philippines and Myanmar. We have been in discussion with the APFs on the possibilities. The risk of letting non-Singaporeans carry firearms is something we focus on. So far, misuse of firearms by APOs is extremely rare and is not more prevalent among non-Singaporeans. We try and manage the risks through security screening, training and supervision of APOs. We are also careful and more restrictive where we deploy non-Singaporean APOs. It is a challenging environment because of our shrinking workforce.”
“The Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) keep track of scam and drug cases respectively that involve the use of instant messaging services, but not for all criminal cases. From January 2021 to November 2023, about 24,000 scam cases which involved the use of instant messaging services were reported to SPF. More than 95% of these cases involved the use of WhatsApp, Telegram and WeChat. In the same period, CNB investigated about 600 suspected drug offenders who used Telegram to conduct drug transactions. WhatsApp and WeChat are generally cooperative. Telegram, on the other hand, is less so. We will continue to engage and work with instant messaging services and other social media platforms to tackle crimes in Singapore.”
“The Integrated Family Application Management System (iFAMS) is an online case application and management system that was designed to meet the needs of self-represented persons (SRPs) involved in proceedings in the Family Justice Courts (FJC). iFAMS simplifies the application process so that SRPs can prepare and file Court applications for maintenance, protection orders and simplified deputyship without having to engage a lawyer. The percentage of non-native English speakers amongst applicants who have filed Court applications via iFAMS from 2020 to 2022 is set out in Table 1 below. The data for 2023 is not yet available. SRPs whose first language is not English can seek help with filing iFAMS applications at several locations, including the FJC Registry, the ServiceSG Centres at Our Tampines Hub and One Punggol, any Protection Specialist Centre and the HELP Family Service Centre. The Judiciary regularly reviews and seeks to improve the assistance available to SRPs who face difficulties filing applications via iFAMS and welcomes feedback on specific difficulties that court users face.”
“In January 2023, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the National Crime Prevention Council launched the national anti-scam campaign, "I can ACT against scams". In this omni-channel campaign, SPF has been disseminating anti-scam messages and advisories on both traditional and online media platforms, in various formats and at different frequencies, typically with more publicity when there are emerging scam variants to highlight. SPF has also been disseminating on its own, anti-scam messages through local television advertisements (both during and outside prime time), social media platforms and anti-scam posters in various public locations, including bus stop panels and digital display panels in the lifts of Housing and Development Board flats, shopping centres and Mass Rapid Transit platforms. Since November, SPF has also been working with SPH Media to publish a column on scams in local newspapers in the four vernacular languages. These columns are published twice each month and feature information on measures that one can adopt to protect himself and his loved ones. SPF also works with private entities, including banks, e-commerce platforms and telcos, to disseminate anti-scam messages. In addition, SPF regularly issues scam-related Police news releases on the SPF's website and social media platforms. There were 177 such news releases issued last year. Our local newspapers, including The Straits Times, would typically also carry them.”
“As of November 2023, Singaporeans have contributed a total of more than $7 million in cash and in-kind donations to support relief efforts in Gaza. Such donation drives done with the relevant permits will be a good way of helping those who are suffering. The donations should be for humanitarian purposes, to help civilians affected by the conflict and not for military or terror use.”
“Films that are proposed to be screened at film festivals, like the upcoming Palestine Film Festival and the Israel Film Festival back in October, have first to be classified by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). IMDA, in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has assessed that the films proposed for the Palestine Film Festival later this month do not promote violence or enmity against any group and can be screened with the appropriate age ratings. Beyond these, the Government's position is that permits will not be given for public events and assemblies on the Israel-Hamas conflict. This is due to safety and security concerns. The developments relating to the Israel-Hamas conflict are emotive and contentious, and tensions are high. We recognise that there is a strong desire among some Singaporeans to express their views and do something on the Israel-Hamas conflict. There have been several public dialogues and forums on the conflict, which provide spaces for Singaporeans of all races and faiths to express their views and concerns. Academic institutions, such as our universities and think tanks, have also organised discussions on the conflict, such as the “2023 SR Nathan Distinguished Lecture” featuring prominent statesmen, scholars and public intellectuals organised by the NUS Institute of South Asian Studies and Middle East Institute. Singaporeans want to do something constructive. The Government supports that. The Government has supported several public fundraising events organised by charities, such as the Singapore Red Cross Society and the Rahmatan Lil Alamin (Blessings to All) Foundation, and Singaporeans have contributed generously.”
“We take a risk-managed approach as we seek to balance security checks and efficient clearance. Security screenings are calibrated based on relevant information and data, such as the prevailing security environment and specific threat assessments. In addition, we have to comply with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) also conducts pre-arrival risk assessment of travellers, based on advance passenger information provided by the airlines. Those assessed to be of higher risk will be subjected to more stringent checks upon arrival. In the last three years from 2021 to November 2023, more than 300 items of security threat, such as slingshots, knuckle-dusters and gravity knives, were detected at our air checkpoints. During the same period, ICA refused entry to about 25,000 arriving travellers. Border control is a key defence to keep Singapore safe and secure. We try to achieve an optimal balance between efficiency and efficacy and ask for the public's understanding when clearance sometimes takes longer than usual.”
“From January 2022 to November 2023, the Police received about 2,000 reports of victims having downloaded malware onto their phones. The cases reported involved compromise of Android devices. Police have yet to detect cases involving iOS devices.”
“From 2018 to 2023, there was an annual average of about 100,000 Long-Term Visit Pass holders who were not spouses or children of Singapore Citizens. This includes foreign parents of Singapore Citizens, and foreign spouses, children and parents of Permanent Residents and Work Pass holders; and about 150,000 Dependant's Pass holders.”
“In November 2022, Parliament repealed section 377A of the Penal Code 1871, which criminalised sexual activities between males. Under the Registration of Criminals Act 1949, or RCA, section 377A is a registrable offence. This means that a person who was convicted of this offence will have a criminal record, unless it is rendered spent. A person's conviction is automatically rendered spent after five years of being crime-free, unless the individual is disqualified under certain conditions as prescribed in RCA, such as if the sentence imposed exceeds three months' imprisonment or a $2,000 fine. If the person's conviction record cannot be automatically rendered spent, he can make an application to the Commissioner of Police to have his records treated as spent. Individuals who had previously been convicted under section 377A can access https://eservices.police.gov.sg/content/policehubhome/homepage/enquiry.html to check whether their records have been rendered spent. Those whose records under section 377A have not been rendered spent, may apply to the Commissioner of Police to have their records treated as spent. In considering the application, the Commissioner will have regard to the facts of the case, including whether it was a private activity and whether it was between consenting adults. Individuals who wish to make an application to the Commissioner of Police to have their section 377A convictions rendered spent, should submit their application via email to SPF_Spent_Application@spf.gov.sg, with the following details: (a) personal particulars; (b) contact information; and (c) reasons for consideration to treat the section 377A conviction record as spent. Questions may be directed to: SPF_Spent_Application@spf.gov.sg.”
“For an offence to be listed as a serious offence in the Schedule of the Organised Crime Act (OCA), it must pose a serious threat to public safety and security in Singapore. The offence must also be one that is associated with organised crime in Singapore. Offences in the Schedule include murder, drug-trafficking and unlicensed moneylending. Based on these criteria, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Health Sciences Authority are assessing the Member's suggestion of including offences involving vapes and associated products under OCA.”
“The Government can also require designated online service providers to introduce upstream measures to safeguard against the misuse of online accounts. The Member asked about international cooperation in tracking and apprehending scammers operating from overseas. The Ministry of Home Affairs recently provided a written reply to a Parliamentary Question in November 2023 on this issue. [Please refer to "Collaborations with Foreign Counterparts Against Scams", Official Report, 7 November 2023, Vol 95, Issue 116, Written Answers to Questions section.] Ultimately, the best defence against scams is a discerning public. We urge the public to adopt precautionary measures through the three simple steps of "Add", "Check", "Tell". First, "ADD" security features, such as enabling two-step verification on your WhatsApp and other online messaging accounts. Turn on your notification settings to be alerted to changes to linked devices. Second, "CHECK" that you are on the official WhatsApp Web website. Check your “Settings” for unauthorised linked devices and be wary of unusual requests from your contacts whose accounts may be compromised. Third, "TELL" your family and friends about your scam encounters and report any fraudulent activity to your bank and to the Police immediately.”
“In this recent scam variant, WhatsApp users who were attempting to access their account on their desktop had clicked on fake "WhatsApp Web" phishing websites. They then proceeded to scan the quick response (QR) code in these phishing websites via their WhatsApp account on their mobile device. In doing so, they inadvertently granted the scammers access to their WhatsApp account. The scammers then used the compromised WhatsApp accounts to impersonate the users, reach out to their family or friends and convinced them to transfer monies to the scammers' bank accounts or PayNow numbers. To combat this scam variant, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has been working closely with Meta to stop further abuse of the compromised WhatsApp accounts as soon as they are detected. SPF has also been working with online platforms, including Google, to introduce stronger safeguards to mitigate the risk of fraudulent takeover of online messaging accounts, such as through the pre-emptive detection and blocking of URLs linked to phishing sites. In addition, SPF has worked with various stakeholders to issue advisories to the public to raise awareness of the latest scam variants and educate them on the precautionary measures that they can take to protect themselves. For example, in November 2023, the Ministry of Communications and Information disseminated an advisory on phishing scams involving the compromise of WhatsApp accounts via the Gov.sg's WhatsApp channel. The Online Criminal Harms Act, which will be progressively operationalised from the first quarter of 2024, will allow the Government to direct online messaging platforms to disable access to accounts suspected to be involved in scams.”
“The Singapore Police Force does not track the number of abuse cases committed specifically against persons with special needs. Our criminal laws already provide enhanced protection for vulnerable persons against physical and sexual harm. For vulnerable persons, who can include individuals with special needs or any other physical or mental infirmity, disability or incapacity, enhanced penalties of up to two times the maximum prescribed penalty for the offence may apply under section 74A of the Penal Code. We also have specific offences to protect individuals with mental disabilities. For example, section 376F of the Penal Code makes it an offence to procure sexual activity with a person with mental disability. They complement other laws that protect vulnerable individuals, such as the Children and Young Persons Act, Women's Charter, Vulnerable Adults Act and the Mental Capacity Act. The Government also has a range of upstream measures to detect cases of abuse. For example, frontline professionals, such as those in schools, healthcare institutions and social service agencies are trained to identify and detect abuse or neglect. Members of the public are also encouraged to report suspected abuse or neglect via the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline.”
“The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has multiple measures to deal with power disruptions at the checkpoints. In the event of a power outage, ICA will activate its business continuity plans to minimise service degradation while keeping our borders secure. Measures include activating backup power sources and uninterruptible power supplies. ICA may also recall off-duty personnel for additional manpower to assist with manual immigration clearance, communicate and advise travellers via various channels to arrive at the checkpoints early or to avoid non-essential travel and at the air and sea checkpoints, prioritise clearance according to travellers' departure times. Together with the Home Team Science and Technology Agency, ICA is also piloting immigration clearance via mobile devices as an added measure to manage power-related incidents.”
“In 2021 and 2022, the Community Mediation Centre (CMC) received about 1,900 and 1,400 applications respectively involving disputes between neighbours. In the period from January to November 2023, the CMC received about 1,200 of such cases. Of the cases registered in 2021 and 2022, 404 and 300 cases were mediated respectively. Of the cases registered from January to November 2023, 195 of such cases were mediated as at end November 2023, with some cases pending mediation. As mediation at the CMC is currently voluntary, less than 30% of such cases proceed to mediation, although more than 80% of such mediated cases are amicably resolved.”
“The SPF and CSA also work with other agencies on more targeted campaigns, such as the SG Cyber Safe Students Programme, which supports schools in the conduct of cybersecurity lessons. In addition, the SPF regularly highlights emerging scam variants and the measures that the public can take to protect themselves. Specific to the recent spike in phishing scams involving compromise of WhatsApp accounts, the SPF had issued several advisories which urged members of the public to adopt the three simple steps of "Add", "Check", "Tell". First, "Add" security features, such as enabling two-step verification on your WhatsApp and other online messaging accounts. Turn on your notification settings to be alerted to changes to linked devices. Second, "Check" that you are on the official WhatsApp website. Check your "Settings" for unauthorised linked devices and be wary of unusual requests from your contacts whose accounts may be compromised. Third, "Tell" your family and friends about your scam encounters and report any fraudulent activity to your bank and to the Police immediately.”
“In this recent scam variant, WhatsApp users who were attempting to access their WhatsApp account on their computer had clicked on a fake "WhatsApp Web" phishing website. They had then scanned the QR code in the website via their WhatsApp account on their mobile device. In doing so, they inadvertently granted the scammers access to their WhatsApp account. The scammers then used the compromised WhatsApp account to impersonate the user, and reached out to the user's family and friends, and convinced them to transfer monies to the scammers' bank accounts or PayNow numbers. To combat this scam variant, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has been working with Meta to stop further abuse of compromised WhatsApp accounts, as soon as they are detected. The SPF has also been working with online platforms, including Google, to introduce stronger safeguards to mitigate the risk of fraudulent takeover of online messaging accounts, such as through the pre-emptive detection and blocking of URLs linked to phishing sites. The Online Criminal Harms Act, which will be progressively operationalised from this quarter, will allow the Government to direct online messaging platforms to disable access to accounts suspected to be involved in scams. The Government can also require designated online service providers to introduce upstream measures to safeguard against the misuse of online accounts. Ultimately, however, the best defence against scams is a vigilant and discerning public. To this end, the Government has been running campaigns to encourage the public to adopt good cyber practices. For instance, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) recently launched the fifth edition of the National Cybersecurity Campaign, which aims to raise awareness and drive adoption of good cyber practices.”
“Under the Arms and Explosives Act, individuals who wish to import, export, sell or possess arms, including stun devices, are required to obtain a licence from the Police. Individuals who possess such items without a valid licence are liable for a fine of up to $5,000 for each stun device and imprisonment not exceeding three years. Individuals who import, export or sell such items without a valid licence are liable for a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment not exceeding three years. The Police work with stakeholders, such as the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and e-commerce platforms, to detect and prevent the unauthorised import and sale of arms, including stun devices. We are unable to comment specifically on the case, including how the stun device had come into the possession of the suspect, as it is currently before the Courts.”
“The Penal Code provides for enhanced punishments for outrage of modesty committed against children. Outrage of modesty against a child below 14 years of age can be punished with imprisonment of up to five years, a fine, caning, or a combination of these penalties. This is higher than the punishment if committed against an adult, which is imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, caning, or a combination of these penalties. This enhanced punishment was introduced in 2007. If the child was hurt or restrained during the commission of the offence, the maximum imprisonment term is 10 years; and in addition, there will be a mandatory minimum imprisonment term of three years and mandatory caning as well. This enhanced punishment was introduced in 1984. Our assessment is that these punishments are adequate for now.”
“Volunteers on the Citizens on Patrol (COP) scheme patrol their community and neighbourhoods and alert the Police when they observe suspicious activities or persons. They also engage the community on crime prevention measures. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) started tracking the annual COP recruitment numbers only from 2019 onwards. The numbers are in Table 1 below. SPF run COP recruitment booths at events, such as the Police Community Roadshows and the Home Team Festival. SPF have also launched their volunteer recruitment campaign in October 2023, which showcases various volunteering opportunities available in SPF. Members of the public who are interested in signing up as a COP volunteer may refer to the SPF website at https://www.police.gov.sg/Join-SPF/Volunteer-Schemes/Citizens-on-Patrol-COP for further information.”
“The Singapore Police Force (SPF) only freezes bank accounts when there is reason to suspect that they are involved in criminal activities. In 2022, the SPF’s Anti-Scam Command froze more than 16,700 bank accounts which were suspected to be involved in scammers’ operations. SPF does not track whether these bank accounts belonged to Singaporeans or foreigners, the number of bank accounts frozen due to suspected involvement in crimes other than scams, nor the number of individuals whose bank accounts were frozen and subsequently prevented from opening other bank accounts. For individuals whose bank accounts are frozen, banks may decide to offer new accounts, but these may come with restricted access to certain facilities or be subject to enhanced monitoring measures. Such restricted accounts will still meet the basic banking needs of the individuals, including receiving their salaries and Government support. Banks may decline to offer new accounts, if the individuals concerned are deemed to be of high risk, for example, those who have committed serious crimes, such as being involved in the financing of terrorism. Individuals whose bank accounts are frozen can make an application to the Courts to withdraw money for reasonable living or legitimate expenses.”
“The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) does not track the number of false alarms triggered by HFADs. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) only tracks HFAD false alarms that occur at unoccupied public rental flats. In the past three years, HDB has been alerted to seven such cases. In these cases, HDB would promptly arrange for a contractor to gain access into the flat to reset the HFAD. For false alarms triggered in occupied rental flats, HDB would contact the tenant as soon as possible so that the tenant can reset the HFAD or allow a contractor to access the flat to reset the HFAD. To minimise false alarms, home owners are encouraged to regularly test their HFADs and maintain them according to the HFAD manufacturers’ guidelines. HFAD testing can be done by pressing the "Test" button on the device. Owners of HFADs should contact their HFAD supplier if they suspect their HFADs to be faulty. Residents in HDB public rental flats who encounter such issues can contact the HFAD supplier, HDB or SCDF. For public rental flats that are returned to HDB, HDB will check that the HFADs are working, as part of sprucing works before handing over the flat to the next tenant.”