HC Deb 30 October 1947 vol 443 c132W
Mr. Hale

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why Mr. Fooi Hong, a member of the Malay Anti-Japanese Peoples' Army, following his acquittal in the local courts, was deported without trial.

Mr. Rees-Williams

I would refer to my reply of 29th October to my hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton West (Mr. H. D. Hughes).

Mr. Hale

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the powers of the Governor of the Federated Malay States to banish a citizen without trial; and whether it is proposed to vary these powers.

Mr. Rees-Williams

In the States which formerly comprised the Federated Malay States the Resident Commissioner, after such inquiry or on such written information as he may deem necessary, may lay before the Governor a written statement of the grounds upon which it appears to him that there is reason for believing that banishment from the State of any person would be conducive to the good of that State or of any other Malay State, and the Governor may thereupon make an order for banishment. In the other parts of Malaya the power is similar. I am satisfied that the maintenance of his power is necessary in present circumstances.