Jamus Lim has not given much thought to his suggestion to eliminate the criminal records of non-violent offenders from public records.
As the Law and Home Affairs Minister Shanmugam pointed out, many serious crimes are non-violent in nature. Like sexual grooming, outrage of modesty, theft in dwelling and criminal breach of trust.
Can you imagine a convicted child molester unknowingly employed to work with young children because no criminal record? Or a person convicted of corruption being employed as a fund manager managing millions of dollars because he has no criminal record?
Law Minister Shanmugam said:
A few days ago, a 29 year old tutor was charged with molesting a 3-year-old during class.
If the MP’s suggestion is taken up, it means that this man can continue to work with children without employers being informed of his record. Would Singaporean parents be comfortable with this?
It also means, for example, that an offender convicted of housebreaking could be employed as a security officer in a condominium, without his employers knowing of his record.
Such an approach may not be wise.
The Government’s approach is to help offenders rehabilitate, find jobs. They have to be given second chances. But this is done in a transparent manner. (https://www.yellowribbon.gov.sg/partnership-programmes)
In his written reply to Jamus Lim, Mr Shanmugam also said: The Member can make a more detailed suggestion, if he wishes, and the Government will consider his suggestions.
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