NGOs, individuals exploiting bus driver case for political ends: MHA, MOM

[SECOND UPDATE: Sat 27 April, 8AM: The Ministry of Manpower and Home Affairs have issued a strongly worded statement, saying civil advocacy groups are exploiting the case "for their own political purposes" in the "guise of protecting vulnerable foreign workers".

Both ministries were responding to a written statement in Chinese by former SMRT bus driver He Junling to rebutt MHA's earlier points.

In his statement obtained by Yahoo! Singapore and sent through Workfair Singapore, a civil society group, on Friday, He explained that just because "I agreed not to sue them [the police officers], this does not mean that these things did not occur". He went on to explain that "we don’t quite understand the way the Singapore government deals with matters" and that "it’s very difficult to prove the case" as he was alone when the alleged beatings took place. "That’s why I didn’t consider reporting the case", he said.

A separate statement on Friday by human rights group MARUAH also said it is not right for MHA to suggest the drivers’ claims are baseless and called for MHA to reveal how the drivers’ statements were "contradictory". Far from being vindicated, it said "this incident still leaves many questions unanswered." The statement was undersigned by six individuals, including former ISA detainee Teo Soh Lung and SDP's Paul Tambyah.

MOM and MHA said in reply that various NGOs and individuals "continue to repeat their reckless allegations about our labour laws, unions and the MOM without any basis". It defended its 40-year track record of the tripartite system -- state, employers and employees working together -- and said it would not have worked "if it had been based on oppression of workers and suppression of labour rights".

Regarding He's claims of police abuse, the statement said he could not have it "both ways". "Either he makes a police report and substantiates his allegations with evidence or the allegations must be regarded as unfounded and spurious", the statement said.]


[UPDATE: Sunday, 21 April, 1050AM: Film-maker Lynn Lee has called on MHA to release the former China drivers' retractions in full and explain how they were obtained in her latest blog post.

She also questioned why both China nationals were allowed to go home, rather than face charges for making “baseless allegations”? She also urged MHA to clarify the following statement in their press release: “He’s statements were contradictory. He retracted his allegations but yet maintained that the allegations were true.”

The lawyer representing He Jun Ling, Choo Zheng XI, has also since explained that he eventually advised his client against proceeding with the IAO probe because it might affect the ongoing criminal case against He over the mass strike at the time.]

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a statement on Saturday, calling allegations of police abuse against two former SMRT bus drivers "baseless".

Chinese nationals He Junling and Liu Xiangying, had alleged in a video by independent film-maker Lynn Lee that they had been physically abused by police during interrogations two months after the mass strike involving 170 bus drivers last November.

But the MHA said neither He nor Liu had raised any allegations or formal complaints of abuse despite having had "ample opportunities" to do so, and being advised by their lawyers and civil society groups.

They also did not file any police reports, or raise the matter in court.

Both He and Liu eventually retracted their allegations in statements made to the Police Internal Affairs Office (IAO) investigators assigned to the case. MHA called their statements contradictory and that while "He retracted his allegations" yet he "maintained that the allegations were true."

MHA also stated that no complaints were received through the Chinese Embassy. 

He eventually served seven weeks' in jail for instigating the illegal strike while Liu served six weeks before both were sent back to China.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean said investigations had vindicated the officers in this case.

"We take allegations of police abuse very seriously, especially when they are formally lodged, and investigate them thoroughly. Where there is wrong doing, the officers will be dealt with," he said.

"However, we should also all stand up for our officers when individuals or groups who break our laws or condone illegal actions, make baseless, false allegations against them," he added.

Separately, the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) has also warned both China nationals from continuing to make "unfounded allegations", reported local media.

It also said it is considering whether action will be taken on film-maker Lynn Lee for posting the clip.

"The question of whether or what action will be taken against persons in this case is under consideration," said an AGC spokesperson.

Related stories:
Former SMRT bus drivers allege slapping, punching by police
Ex-SMRT bus drivers' claims untrue: MOM
'Why we went on strike'
It's like we were lesser people: He Junling