The Case of Lee Tee Tong

The case of Lee Tee Tong, detained soon after his election to the Singapore Legislative Assembly in September 1963, illustrates clearly that the PAP regime has long discarded any pretensions of abiding by the norms of parliamentary democracy.

Iny July 1967, whilst in detention, Lee was deprived of his citizenship, classified as 'banishee' and thereafter detained with criminals in Queenstown prison.

Unlike other political detainees who are allowed weekly visits, Lee Tee Tong is allowed only one visit in 5 weeks. Except for biscuits, no food is allowed to be sent in by visitors.

During weekdays he is locked up in his cell from 3 00pm, whilst during weekends and other public holidays he is confined to his cell from 12 noon to 8 am the following day. This, it should be noted, is the routine when he is not in solitary confinement.

His health has deteriorated badly as no doctors are known to have attended to him these years. As for dental care, the prison provides only for extraction without facilities for fillings or dentures. As a result he has lost all his teeth. Despite suffering such brutal treatment. Lee Tee Tong refuses to recant in barter for his freedom.