s 290 How previous conviction or acquittal may be proved
290.—(1) In any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this Code, a previous conviction or acquittal or any order of court relevant to the case may be proved, in addition to any other way provided by law —(a) by an extract certified to be a copy of the sentence or order by the officer who has custody of the records of the court in which that conviction, acquittal or order was carried out, whether in Singapore or elsewhere; or (b) alternatively —(i) in the case of a previous conviction in Singapore, either by a certificate signed by the officer who has custody of the records of the prison in Singapore in which the punishment or any part of it was inflicted, or by production of the warrant of commitment under which the punishment was suffered; or (ii) in the case of a previous conviction elsewhere, either by a certificate signed by the officer in charge of the prisons in that place in which the punishment or any part of it was inflicted, or by production of the warrant of commitment under which the punishment was suffered, together with evidence as to the identity of the accused and the person so convicted or acquitted or against whom the order was made. (2) The certificate mentioned in subsection (1)(b) purporting to be signed by the officer who has custody of the records of the prison in Singapore or elsewhere is to be admitted in evidence on its production by the prosecution without proof of signature and, until the contrary is proved, is proof of all matters contained therein.