(4) In estimating the weight, if any, to be attached to a statement contained in any thing received by the Attorney-General pursuant to a request made under subsection (1) which has been admitted as evidence in any criminal proceedings to which the request relates, the court shall have regard to—
- (a) whether it was possible to challenge the statement by questioning the person who made it; and
- (b) whether the law of the foreign country concerned allowed the parties to the criminal proceedings to be legally represented when the evidence was being taken.
Division 3—Assistance in Arranging Attendance of Person in Singapore
Requests for attendance of person in Singapore
9.—(1) Where the Attorney-General is satisfied that—
- (a) there are reasonable grounds to believe that a person in a foreign country is capable of giving evidence or assistance relevant to a criminal matter involving a Singapore offence; and
- (b) that person consents to travel to Singapore for the purpose of giving such evidence or assistance,
the Attorney-General may request the appropriate authority of the foreign country to assist in arranging for the attendance of the person in Singapore for the purpose of giving such evidence or assistance.
(2) The Attorney-General may make arrangements with the appropriate authority of the foreign country for the purposes of—
- (a) the removal of the person to Singapore;
- (b) the return of the person to the foreign country; and
- (c) other relevant matters.
Penalty not to be imposed for refusal to consent
10. Where, pursuant to section 9, the Attorney-General requests the assistance of the appropriate authority of a foreign country in arranging the attendance, in Singapore, of any person, the person to whom the request relates shall not be subject to any penalty or liability or otherwise prejudiced in law by reason only of that person's refusal or failure to consent to attend as requested.
