Clause 24

by deleting subsection (1) and substituting the following subsection:“(1) Any government of a foreign State or territory outside Singapore or any accredited agent of that government or any religious group in Singapore which intends to purchase or acquire any estate or interest in any residential property which is not non-restricted residential property for any diplomatic, consular or official purpose of that government or for the purposes of an official residence for any accredited agent of that government or, in the case of a religious group, for its use shall not be bound by the procedures laid down in section 25 but shall first seek the permission in writing of the Minister for such purchase or acquisition.”; and

by inserting, immediately after subsection (2), the following subsection:“(3) The requirement under subsection (1) for the permission in writing of the Minister shall not apply to the purchase or acquisition (whether by lease, deed of assignment or other agreement) of a leasehold estate or interest for a term not exceeding 7 years, inclusive of any further term which may be granted by way of an option for renewal.”.