WRITTEN QUESTION E-1636/02

by Richard Corbett (PSE) to the Commission

(10 June 2002)

Subject: Democracy in Singapore

Is the Commission aware of the case involving Dr Chee Soon Juan, head of the Singapore Democratic Party and leader of the opposition to Singapore's ruling party?

Can the Commission confirm that Singapore's Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew and Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong are suing him for questioning the Government during elections in November 2001 about an alleged secret USD 10 billion loan that was made by Singapore to the former Suharto regime in Indonesia in 1997?

Is it true that the High Court rejected his application to have Australian lawyer William Henric Nicholas defend him against the charges?

Does the Commission agree that, in a democratic society, political allegations should be rebuffed through democratic debate rather than in court cases?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(2 July 2002)

The Commission through its Delegation in Jakarta, together with the Diplomatic Missions of the Member States, follows closely the human rights situation in Singapore, and is aware of the case of Dr Chee Soon Juan, leader of the Singapore Democratic Party.

The Commission can confirm that, according to sources, Senior Minister Lee Kwan Yew and Prime Minister Goh Cho Tong are suing Dr Juan for defamation in relation to an alleged secret loan to the Soeharto regime and that two requests made by Dr Juan to be defended by a Queen's Counsel from another country have been rejected by the High Court of Singapore. In the mean time, it is understood that Dr Juan has also filed a suit for libel against Senior Minister Yew.

The Commission has noted a tendency for leading figures in Singapore to exercise their right to go to court over political allegations, and agrees that both open debate and the rule of law are important elements of a healthy democratic society.