7th Aug 2000

Dear Sir,

From the outset I would like to state that I'm not with any opposition parties. Not that I'm scared or reluctant to join them. I have my reasons. I definitely can say that I'm not with the PAP or any of their affiliated organisations. I'm writing as a concerned citizen of Singapore with I believe the freedom to speak my mind.

I'll get to the point as you may be busy with other matters. I'm concerned with the human rights situation in Singapore. After reading some books & materials incl. Fracis Seow's, To Catch a Tartar & Media Enthralled, Chee Soon Juan's To be Free, I can't help but wonder, what else is happening in this country of ours. Under the Internal Security Act, any person can be detained without trial. The Minster has the last word, in this case you or whoever comes after you. In my opinion, the courts are to be a place where these should be decided not in a Minister's office.

My question is, Are there any other persons who are held under the ISA by the ISD? If Chia Thye Poh and others could be held for whatever reasons without the courts having the final say, I believe it's only logical to ask, if there are other unfortunate individuals in there?

If there aren't anybody, my request is for an independent body to verify that there is no person left languishing in some place. I hope the minister would take time to consider this and just doesn't throw it in his waste-basket next to his table.

Thank You.

Yours Sincerely,

Mr Jacob George

	P21