Public safety & law

The riot was triggered by a fatal traffic accident in Little India, leading to a mob of about 400 that damaged vehicles and injured officers before being dispersed within two hours.
The government took firm legal action, charging 25 individuals, repatriating 57, and issuing advisories to 213 passive participants, while a Committee of Inquiry was appointed to review the incident.
Immediate measures included alcohol restrictions, enhanced policing, and transport adjustments in Little India, with plans for longer-term legislation and security improvements.
Officials emphasized the incident was contained, did not spread, and highlighted the resilience of the Home Team and community in restoring order.

• Multiple Members of Parliament asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs about the causes, findings, and lessons from the 8 December 2013 Little India riot, including the timing and transparency of the Commission of Inquiry, public and media reactions, and measures to prevent recurrence without overreaction.
• Questions focused on operational and security adjustments by law enforcement and SCDF, including the activation of the Special Operations Command, adequacy of SOC strength, and improvements to safety protocols for rescuers.
• Several MPs inquired about alcohol-related policies, including restrictions, licensing, and enforcement in Little India and other areas, seeking details on violations, lessons learned, and sustainable measures to address public disorder linked to alcohol consumption.
• Concerns were raised about multiracialism, the repatriation of riot-involved workers, and the objectivity of processes for deeming immigrants undesirable, alongside calls for transparency in the Committee of Inquiry’s composition and proceedings.

• The government currently restricts heavy vehicles near schools through localized schemes, but opposes a blanket ban as heavy vehicles are needed to serve community amenities and construction sites.
• The Land Transport Authority (LTA) works with communities and stakeholders to re-route heavy vehicles or implement safety measures, and the community can proactively propose changes, as seen in Tampines after a fatal accident.
• To address speeding in Tampines, LTA plans to install four bus-friendly humps and reduce the speed limit from 60 km/h to 50 km/h on a section of Tampines Avenue 9.

• Ms Tin Pei Ling asked for yearly statistics from March 2010 to October 2013 on applications for deputy appointments under the Mental Capacity Act, including granted orders, contested cases, and asset values.
• The Minister responded that the Courts lack data on asset size breakdowns, with only nine cases fully contested and 16 initially contested but resolved, while no uncontested applications were denied.
• Three applications were made by applicants in person, and 53 applications sought to vary deputy orders, though reasons for variations were not specified.

• Ms. Lee Li Lian asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress made by the Committee on Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety.
• The Minister stated that the committee has engaged stakeholders and reviewed safety initiatives, including launching a safe cycling guidebook, painting "LOOK" road markings at zebra crossings, and placing "Give Way to Pedestrians" signs at junctions.
• The committee is also reviewing additional measures for vulnerable groups like school children and the elderly, with more details to be shared later in the year.

• Zainal Sapari asked if the Ministry will compensate owners for property damage from police or CNB operations.
• Teo Chee Hean stated that while there is no legal requirement to compensate for damage during lawful forced entries, compensation may be considered on a goodwill basis if no criminal activity is found.
• The Ministry reported that in 2012, goodwill compensation was paid in five such cases.

• Ms Sylvia Lim questioned whether Singapore’s prisons meet UN Standard Minimum Rules and the reasons for any deviations, while Teo Chee Hean affirmed that Singapore’s practices generally align with the UN Rules, which are flexible and not legally binding.
• The Minister noted that Singapore’s prison regime is strict and disciplined, forming the basis for rehabilitation, and that the Singapore Prison Service is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for inmates.
• The debate highlighted that while Singapore’s approach is spartan and focuses on discipline, it is consistent with the principles of the UN Rules, which allow for national adaptation.

• Sylvia Lim asked if and when cases prosecuted under the Prevention of Corruption Act will be included in the criminal case disclosure procedures under Part IX of the Criminal Procedure Code.
• The Prime Minister replied that offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act are not currently listed under Part IX and are subject to ongoing monitoring by the CPIB.
• The government previously stated during the COS debate that it will monitor the effectiveness of the disclosure regime before expanding it to additional offences, including those under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
• This monitoring process is ongoing and applies not only to the Prevention of Corruption Act but also to other offences investigated by different agencies.

• The Traffic Police and LTA work together to manage accident scenes by prioritising medical aid, investigation, and clearing vehicles quickly to minimise disruption.
• Traffic management includes deploying officers for regulation, issuing alerts via signs, websites, apps, and radio, and implementing active road diversion plans when needed based on road capacity and conditions.
• Motorists are urged to drive without distraction, follow traffic updates, and adjust routes to aid emergency response and help prevent accidents.

• Nicholas Fang questioned if recent bombings in Myanmar threaten its upcoming ASEAN chairmanship, highlighting concerns over security and regional stability.
• Minister K Shanmugam described the bombings as deplorable but affirmed Myanmar's awareness of its responsibilities and ongoing preparations for the chairmanship.
• Singapore expressed full confidence in Myanmar's ability to ensure security and pledged continued support and cooperation with other ASEAN members for a successful chairmanship.

• Ms Tan Su Shan inquired about the implications of recent US-EU phone spying incidents on Singapore’s national security.
• Minister K Shanmugam acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and confirmed close monitoring of developments.
• The government declined to comment on unverified or speculative media reports.
• Security agencies have informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that they are vigilantly tracking any potential security implications for Singapore.
• Appropriate actions will be taken if necessary to safeguard national interests.

• The Singapore government proposed extending the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act for another five years, arguing it remains necessary to combat organized crime like secret societies, drug trafficking, and unlicensed moneylending, where witness intimidation often prevents prosecution.
• Several MPs expressed concern about the law's broad scope and potential overreach, particularly its recent use against a global soccer match-fixing syndicate, questioning if detention without trial was justified for crimes not directly involving violence.
• Supporters emphasized the robust safeguards built into the Act, including review by independent advisory committees, annual reviews, and the requirement for parliamentary renewal every five years, while critics argued for stronger judicial oversight and greater transparency.
• The debate highlighted the tension between maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law, with all ultimately supporting the extension due to current security threats, albeit with reservations about the law's long-term use and its name.

• The Senior Minister of State for Law presented the Subordinate Courts (Amendment) Bill to amend the Subordinate Courts Act and make consequential amendments to other written laws.
• The bill underwent its First Reading in Parliament, with the Second Reading scheduled for the next available sitting.
• The debate focused on procedural updates to the Subordinate Courts Act, ensuring alignment with current legal frameworks and administrative needs.
• The amendments aim to enhance the efficiency and functionality of the Subordinate Courts through updates to existing legislation.
• The bill's introduction reflects the government's ongoing efforts to refine Singapore's judicial system and legal processes.

• The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs introduced the Prisons (Amendment) Bill to amend the Prisons Act for better prison administration and sentence remission.
• The Bill aims to improve the management of prisons and align with other written laws through related amendments.
• The First Reading of the Bill was recorded, with the Second Reading scheduled for the next available Parliament sitting.

• The Inter-Agency Task Force on Trafficking in Persons, established in 2010, has implemented a National Plan of Action focusing on prevention, protection, partnership, and prosecution, with measures like border controls, public awareness grants, and victim support services.
• Senior Minister of State Masagos Zulkifli confirmed the need for dedicated anti-trafficking legislation and supported Christopher de Souza’s proposal to co-develop a private Member’s Bill, committing inter-agency collaboration including MHA, MOM, MOH, and MSF.
• The government outlined current efforts such as prosecuting six offenders to date and evolving victim support, while Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon raised concerns about Special Passes and visa abuses, with plans to table the new Bill within a year.

• Laurence Lien proposed amending the Children and Young Persons Act to cover youths aged 16-18, raising the age of criminal responsibility above seven, prohibiting corporal punishment in institutions, and improving healthcare and education access for stateless children and those with a Singaporean parent but foreign citizenship.
• Chan Chun Sing affirmed Singapore's commitment to protecting children under the UN Convention, noting existing laws and programs provide rehabilitation for older youth, a low minimum criminal responsibility age with maturity assessments, and controlled, sparing use of corporal punishment as a last resort.
• He also highlighted that foreign children with a Singaporean parent can access education and healthcare but without full subsidies, and advised applying for citizenship or formalizing parental rights to secure better care arrangements.

• David Ong inquired about trends in complaints of child abuse or alleged abuse by teachers or staff at childcare centres and kindergartens, including annual numbers and the potential mandatory installation of CCTVs.
• Chan Chun Sing responded that complaints are investigated and most are due to miscommunication or lapses, not wilful harm, with no upward trend in verified cases of child mismanagement between 2011 and 2012.
• The Minister highlighted that CCTVs could aid security and fact verification but emphasized the importance of trust between teachers and parents, noting that professional conduct is crucial regardless of technology.
• The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) will continue reviewing standards in regulation, teacher training, centre design, and technology deployment to strengthen the pre-school system.

• Ang Hin Kee inquired about the top three complaints from female taxi drivers regarding unruly passengers over the last three years and the solutions implemented by the Ministry for Transport to address these concerns.
• Lui Tuck Yew emphasized that all taxi drivers deserve a safe working environment and highlighted safety measures such as panic buttons in taxis that alert call centres and police for assistance.
• He noted that the number of reported cases from female drivers is low, with only four out of 50 reported cases in the past three years, two involving robbery and two involving outrage of modesty.
• The Land Transport Authority plans to continue collaborating with taxi companies and the police to enhance driver safety against unruly passengers.

• Since 2010, an average of 28 vehicles per month have been fined for headlamp non-compliance, including unauthorised HID installations, with no recorded accidents from headlamp glare since 2005.
• The Land Transport Authority requires new vehicles with HID headlamps to have an auto-levelling feature or meet specific aim requirements, verified through its vehicle type approval process.
• Enforcement officers penalise non-compliant vehicles with fines up to $1,000 or jail up to three months, increasing to $2,000 or six months for repeat offences.

• Ms Sylvia Lim questioned the use of the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act to detain four soccer match-fixing suspects instead of prosecuting them in court for corruption.
• Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean explained that the CLTPA is used as a last resort when witnesses fear reprisal, especially in cases involving organised criminal syndicates like match-fixers.
• He stated that the detentions were necessary due to the complex, cross-border nature of the crimes and the reluctance of witnesses to testify openly.
• The detainees will have their cases reviewed by an independent Criminal Law Advisory Committee before the President acts on Cabinet’s advice.
• The minister noted that no further details could be shared as the process was ongoing.