(2) A committee of inquiry shall inquire into and report on the facts relating to any matter referred to it and, if directed by the Minister to do so, express its opinion on any question arising out of any such matter.
(3) In this Part, “Minister” includes the person appointed by the Minister under subsection (1) to act on his behalf for the purposes of this Part.
Composition of committee of inquiry
45.—(1) A committee of inquiry shall consist of one or more persons who shall be appointed by the Minister.
(2) Where a committee of inquiry consists of more than one person, the Minister shall appoint one of the members to be the chairman.
(3) Where a committee of inquiry consists of one member only, he shall be vested with the powers of a chairman.
(4) Every member of a committee of inquiry appointed under this section shall be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of the Penal Code (Cap. 224).
Powers of committee of inquiry
46. A committee of inquiry may—
- (a) summon any person to give evidence on oath or on affirmation, or to produce any document or material, necessary for the purpose of the inquiry; and
- (b) visit any place in order to inquire into any matter which may arise in the course of the inquiry.
Disobedience to summons an offence
47.—(1) A person who is summoned to give evidence before a committee of inquiry shall not, without lawful excuse, fail to appear in obedience to the summons.
(2) A person who is required by a committee of inquiry to produce any document or material for the purpose of the inquiry shall not, without lawful excuse, fail to produce the document or material.
(3) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) or (2) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.
