The prison authorities have not changed their minds. The Government’s position to demolish Changi Prisons remains unchanged. This position was clearly conveyed to the Straits Times, and to those who have approached us on the matter. To reiterate, the position is :

With the scarcity of land in Singapore, it is necessary to redevelop the cluster of prisons at Changi, to make way for new prison facilities. This is to provide a more conducive facility to house the inmates in addition to facilitating the rehabilitation of inmates and optimizing resources. Phase I of this redevelopment will be completed soon. The next phase would involve the demolition of the Changi Prison.

Like what was done for the Changi Prison Chapel, plans are in the offing to preserve a small part of Changi Prison either at its current location or at a suitable alternative location. The Prisons Department is working with other authorities such as the Urban Redevelopment Authority on the best way to achieve this.

We know that the Changi Prison holds a special place in the collective memory of our people, as well as many Australians. For reasons of space, we need to urgently re-develop the Prison. Nevertheless, we will do so sensitively to maintain our links with the past. The Changi Chapel, for instance, has been rebuilt nearby as a memorial to prisoners-of-war during the Japanese occupation of Singapore.

PRISONS DEPARTMENT

8 October 2003