Convention as basis for assistance under Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 2000
32.—(1) Where there is no treaty, memorandum of understanding or other agreement in force between Singapore and a country which is a party to the Convention relating to the provision of assistance concerning any terrorism financing offence, an order under section 17 of the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 2000 may be made —
(a)
declaring that country as a prescribed foreign country; and
(b)
applying that Act as if there were a treaty, memorandum of understanding or other agreement under which that country has agreed to provide assistance in criminal matters to Singapore.
(2) Where the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 2000 is applied under subsection (1), the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 2000 is, subject to subsection (3), to have effect as if the only foreign serious offences within the meaning of that Act were terrorism financing offences.
(3) Subsection (2) does not affect any other order made under section 17 of the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 2000.
(4) For the purposes of the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 2000, a terrorism financing offence —
(a)
wherever committed, is deemed to be a foreign serious offence; and
(b)
is not to be deemed to be an offence of a political character.