WP MP Dennis Tan scrutinizes the 15th extension of the CLTPA

In his speech to Parliament on Wednesday, April 3, Dennis Tan from the Workers’ Party addressed the contentious nature of the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act (CLTPA), which allows for detention or movement restrictions by order of the Home Affairs Minister, deviating from the norm of Singapore's legal justice system.
The MP for Hougang SMC expressed a measured endorsement for the Act's proposed five-year renewal for the 15th time, contingent upon the government providing a thorough account of its application over the previous five years and a solid rationale for its continuation.
Mr Tan underscored the Workers’ Party's position, acknowledging the law as an uneasy compromise on constitutional freedoms-a stance not taken lightly but with a sense of grave responsibility, echoing sentiments previously conveyed by Sylvia Lim in the 2018 debate.
Seeking transparency, Mr Tan requested detailed statistics on the individuals affected by the Act since its last renewal in October 2019, including the nature of their alleged crimes, duration of detention or supervision, and any instances of the Public Prosecutor objecting to or expressing concerns about ministerial orders.
He probed the potential for alternative law enforcement strategies to tackle gang activities and crime syndicates, especially in light of challenges like the reluctance of witnesses to testify.
Mr Tan also pondered whether advancements in police work and technology could address these challenges effectively.
Moreover, he sought clarification on the specific conditions or achievements that might persuade the government to eventually cease extending the Act, reflecting a broader inquiry within the Parliament about the future necessity of this legislation.
This inquiry aligns with historical questions, even from the current Minister for Home Affairs, dating back to 1989, regarding the criteria for the Act's eventual obsolescence.