POWERS TO ARREST, HOLD TRIALS IN ABSENCE
Under the proposed changes, all offences under the THPA will become arrestable, with the director-general and authorised officers given powers to make arrests in Singapore to secure the cooperation of persons of interest.
The courts will also be able to hear and determine cases in the absence of accused persons in specified circumstances.
Ms Fu said this would be consistent with existing court procedures where the court is satisfied that the relevant summons or notice has been duly served, the accused has been informed that the matter can proceed in his or her absence, and there is insufficient reason to adjourn the case.
The amendments would also allow legal documents to be served electronically, and through specified forms of substituted service such as publication in public media or on NEA’s website, in addition to existing modes.
“This will help address practical difficulties in serving notices and initiating formal processes involving foreign entities,” Ms Fu said.
“These changes do not guarantee that overseas entities will cooperate all the time. But they will remove procedural obstacles that have constrained our ability to proceed with investigations and legal processes.”
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