SINGAPORE - A law that allows for detention without trial for offences such as secret society activities has been renewed, after the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act was extended for another five years.

Meanwhile, members of the public will be able to golf at Mandai for another two years, after it was announced in Parliament that the operator has received a tenancy extension.

Here are key takeaways:

Law that allows for detention without trial renewed

Special powers that allow the Government to detain a person without trial over alleged links to syndicates and secret societies were renewed in Parliament on April 3.

This marks the 15th extension of the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act (CLTPA) since it was enacted in 1955.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim called the law “a critical piece of legislation” to deal with egregious criminal activity that threatens the sense of safety and security in Singapore.

He said the powers are exercised carefully and only used when prosecution is not viable, such as in cases where witnesses refuse to testify for fear of reprisal.

Why it matters:

There are still active secret societies in Singapore, though not in the numbers seen in some other countries, said Prof Faishal during the debate.

Such groups are a menace to law and order, public safety and security, as they recruit young Singaporeans, and engage in illicit activities and violent con...