Hansard, 1959-11-11

The following Members have, under the provisions of subsection (2) (g) of section 42 of the Singapore (Constitution) Order in Council, 1958, obtained from the Speaker, permission to be or to remain absent from sittings of the Assembly: Dr Toh Chin Chye (Rochore), Deputy Prime Minister - for two weeks from 4th November, 1959. Madam Sahorah Binte Ahmat (Siglap) - for two weeks from 9th November, 1959.

I have received a message from His Excellency the Yang di-Pertuan Negara dated the 17th October, 1959, informing me that, in accordance with the provisions of section 55 (1) of the Singapore (Constitution) Order in Council, 1958, His Excellency had that day assented to the following Bills:-

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Deputy Prime Minister is still a member of the University of Malaya academic staff, that he occupies University staff quarters at a subsidised rent, that he is still a contributor to the University of Malaya Academic Staff Provident Scheme at the rate of 5 per cent of the salary last drawn by him and that the University is still contributing for and on his behalf at the rate of 15 per cent on his said salary to the said Provident Scheme; and whether, in view of the position the Deputy Prime Minister holds in the Cabinet, he will make a statement and say what action he will take in the matter.

Mr Speaker, the Deputy Prime Minister has been granted unpaid leave by the University of Malaya for an indefinite period not exceeding five years. The University has agreed that he should be allowed to continue his work, in particular his research work as Reader in the University. He is not paid for this. He continues to occupy his old quarters and the rent is $115 a month with maintenance charges of $25 a month. Similar quarters are being let out to members of the public at the same rent. It is incorrect to imply that the Deputy Prime Minister is being subsidised in his rent. Moreover, the Deputy Prime Minister, if he so wished, could have occupied official quarters whose rent would have been subsidised, but he has chosen to continue to stay in his old University quarters. The Deputy Prime Minister is not a contributor to the University Academic Staff Provident Fund, but the University has on its own account continued its contributions as part of the terms of the unpaid leave granted him. I am satisfied that the work of the Deputy Prime Minister in the University does not cause any conflict between his public duty and his private interest. I am also satisfied that such work can be carried out without prejudice to his duties as Deputy Prime Minister. I am advised by the State Advocate-General that the Deputy Prime Minister's position is perfectly constitutional and proper and I propose to take no action in the matter.

Mr Speaker, Sir, in view of the practice that Ministers should not derive any benefit from their previous employment, would the Minister issue a directive to the University of Malaya that they cease to contribute to the Fund?

May I refer the Member for Farrer Park to a simple exposition of the constitutional position which is contained in the book by Sir Ivor Jennings called "Cabinet Government"? He will find there a chapter on Cabinet and Ministerial responsibilities which sets out the position clearly and succinctly. The State Advocate-General has been apprised of the facts. The files have been referred to him. He has advised me that the position is proper. If the Member for Farrer Park considers it improper, he knows what his legal remedies are.

asked the Prime Minister, with reference to the call by the Minister for National Development for voluntary service on Sundays by civil servants and employees of Local Government Authorities, whether any one is compelled, directly or indirectly, to volunteer; whether the terms of service of those who do not volunteer will be adversely affected; and whether disciplinary action will be taken against such persons.

(In Malay): Mr Speaker, no one was compelled to volunteer either directly or indirectly. The terms of service of those who did not volunteer cannot and will not be adversely affected. The question of disciplinary action does not arise. Perhaps if the Member would ask any of the thousands who did volunteer he would discover how willingly they volunteered and how satisfying they found the day's outing at Changi beach. On behalf of the Government, I would like to express our warm appreciation of the excellent response to our call for voluntary labour on public projects. I should be glad if the Member for Kampong Kembangan could bring out here in the House any instance where direct or indirect pressure was brought to bear on civil servants to volunteer for Sunday work, so that the offender could be suitably dealt with. But if the Member knows of no such instance, I can only say that his question is vexatious anti scandalous.

(In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, it is not my intention to be vexatious and scandalous but merely to explain the matter to the public.

(In Malay): Mr Speaker, I hope the Member for Kampong Kembangan will prove his allegations to the Members of the Assembly here. Inche Mohd. Ali Bin Alwi rose -

A supplementary question?

(In Malay): We will co-operate with the Government, Mr Speaker. If we know of any instance, we will bring it to the notice of this Assembly.

It would appear that that was meant to be an indirect supplementary question!

asked the Minister for National Development how many applications for written permission for the erection of buildings under section 61 of the Singapore Improvement Ordinance (Chapter 259) have been submitted to the Singapore Improvement Trust from the 1st day of June, 1959, up to a latest convenient date; of these how many have been granted, refused or are still awaiting decision; and what the present policy of the Singapore Improvement Trust is with regard to such applications.

Mr Speaker, a total of 680 applications under section 61 of the Singapore Improvement Ordinance were received during the period 1st June to 9th November, 1959. Of these applications, 177 have been withdrawn, 232 have been approved and 151 disapproved. 120 applications were still under consideration at the end of that period. As the Member for Farrer Park is aware, all applications under section 61 of the Singapore Improvement Ordinance have to conform to the general improvement plan in accordance with the provisions of the Master Plan. Within these general requirements, the Singapore Improvement Trust has adopted certain principles for controlling various types of development, for instance, terrace house development, flat development in the suburban areas, and the erection of petrol stations. Up to the present, there has been no change in the policy as these principles are still being applied. A review, however, is being made of the present policy with a view to introducing changes, if necessary, later.

2.41 p.m.

Mr Speaker, I wish to make a ministerial statement on the valuation list for 1960. The Government has decided not to proceed with the proposed revision of annual values as published in the City Council Valuation List for 1960. It has been decided that for assessment purposes in 1960 the Valuation Lists of both the City Council and the Rural Board should be based on the 1959 annual values. Assessment is considered a tax on property-owners to benefit the poorer people in order to provide more amenities like roads, standpipes, bus shelters and other such amenities. However, it has now been decided by Government that for 1960 we shall use the 1959 assessment list and the rectification of anomalies in the assessment of properties will be deferred. The recent revision of properties in the City area was expected to bring about an additional revenue of $6 million. It has been estimated that 99 per cent of this additional revenue comes from these property-owners and commercial enterprises. The money thus collected will be used to provide amenities for the benefit of all other inhabitants of the island. However, it is not practicable to bring in this additional revenue of $6 million for 1960 because of certain misunderstandings which have arisen as a result of the rectification of anomalies in the assessments. Although the Government knows that most of these properties are very much under-assessed, it is not possible at this juncture to proceed with the original scheme due to some unscrupulous landlords of rent-controlled houses who, although not affected by the recent revision, thought it fit to exploit the situation and try to raise the rents of their tenants. Mr Speaker, the Government believes that until such time as sufficient information has been effectively disseminated amongst the tenants, action should be deferred. For equitable reasons and administrative convenience, it has also at the same time decided that in the City area as well as the Rural Board area, the Valuation List for 1960 should be based on the 1959 annual values.

2.44 p.m.

Mr Speaker, I beg to introduce a Bill intituled "An Ordinance to provide for the regulation of the use, display and performance of the State Arms, State Flag and the State National Anthem." Bill read the First time.

Second Reading, what day?

Immediately after the conclusion of the proceedings on item 1 of the Order Paper.

So be it.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I lay upon the Table a Certificate of Urgency signed by the Yang di-Pertuan Negara in respect of the Bill. Certificate of Urgency handed in.

The Certificate is in order. Are typed copies of the Bill available for the use of Members?

Yes. Typed copies of the Bill handed in to the Clerk and distributed to hon. Members. 2.47 p.m.

"to amend the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (Chapter 207 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister for Finance (Dr Goh Keng Swee); read the First time, to be read a Second time on Wednesday, 25th November, 1959, and to be printed.

"to provide against third-party risks arising out of the use of motor vehicles and for the payment of compensation in respect of death or bodily injury arising out of the use of motor vehicles and for matters incidental thereto", presented by the Minister for Labour and Law (Mr K. M. Byrne); read the First time, to be read a Second time on Wednesday, 25th November, 1959, and to be printed.

2.49 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the proceedings on the business set down for this day be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order No. 7.

I second the motion.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That the proceedings on the business set down for this day be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order No. 7.

Mr Speaker. Sir, I beg to move, That at its rising today this Assembly do stand adjourned to Wednesday, 25th November, 1959.

I second the motion.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That at its rising today this Assembly do stand adjourned to Wednesday, 25th November, 1959.

Order read for consideration in Committee of Supply [1st Allotted Day].

2.50 p.m.

Will the Minister signify the recommendation of the Yang di-Pertuan Negara?

I so signify.

The summary is at page 4 of Paper Cmd. (New Series) 23 of 1959. No notices of amendments have been received. I therefore propose to take both Heads of Expenditure together. Question, "That the sums stated for the Heads stated in the summary of totals* contained in Paper Cmd. (New Series) 23 of 1959 stand part of the Fifth Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for 1959", put and agreed to. * Following is the Summary: Head Title $ 15 Police 160,000 24 Pensions, Retired Allowances, Gratuities, etc. 1,636,020 ---------- 1,796,020 ---------- Question, "That the sum of $1,796,020 shall be supplied to the Government under the Heads of Expenditure for the public services shown in the Fifth Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for 1959 contained in Paper Cmd. (New Series) 23 of 1959", put and agreed to. Resolution to be reported. Thereupon Mr SPEAKER left the Chair of the Committee and took the Chair of the Assembly.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of Supply have come to a certain resolution. Resolution read.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Assembly doth agree with the Committee on the said resolution."

Question put, and agreed to. Resolution accordingly agreed to.

Order for Second Reading read. 2.53 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." As there is a Government motion coming up for debate later on on the State Flag and National Anthem, I will confine my remarks to matters relating to the Bill. The objects of the Bill are quite simple and straightforward. It provides for the Yang di-Pertuan Negara to make regulations for the control of the use of the State Arms, Flag and Anthem. These are the new symbols of an authority and loyalty and it is right that there should be rules to ensure that they are accorded the respect they deserve. These rules will cover matters like the places and times at which the Arms and Flag of the State may be publicly displayed or the Anthem played. Some of the rules will prescribe the correct way of flying the Flag and how the State Arms should be displayed, or prescribe that the State Flag should be flown in Government buildings such as Courts, Secretariats, and so on. There will also have to be rules about the display of the State Flag by ships in harbour; but more important, there will have to be rules to prevent afront to or abuse of our new symbols of loyalty. For example, some bright free enterpriser might take it into his head to adopt the State Flag or the State Arms as a trade mark. Then you might find the market flooded with under-clothing, toothpaste, hair lotion and goods of that sort using the State Flag or Arms as a trade mark. Mr Speaker, Sir, you will agree that such misdirected patriotism must be discouraged. There will also have to be rules to prohibit the indiscriminate playing of the National Anthem in public places. It will not do for every bar in town to open and close for the day to the strains of the National Anthem; nor would it add to the dignity of the State National Anthem if it were jazzed up into a rhumba or a samba or a conga. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Bill, in other words, seeks to ensure that the new State symbols are not wilfully brought into contempt, ridicule, and hatred. These are symbols of national pride, and there should be rules to see that there is no affront to it. Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole Assembly. Assembly immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. -[Mr Rajaratnam]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read the Third time and passed.

Order for Second Reading read. 3.00 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The Explanatory Statement to the Bill mentions briefly all the amendments which are being proposed. The main intention of the Bill is to give members of the public, especially the poorer classes who patronise the pawnshops, the benefit of cheaper pawnshop facilities. The opportunity is also taken to alter the constitution of the Pawnbrokers Licensing Board. Clause 2 of the Bill amends the membership of the Board. At present, of the six members who comprise the Board, the Chairman and one other person are appointed by the Minister. One member is the Commissioner of Police or his representative, and three persons are appointed by the Justices of the Peace from among their own number. The new Government considers, however, that in view of the constitutional changes, it would be more appropriate that all appointments other than those of the Commissioner of Police or his representative should be made by the Minister. Clause 3 extends the redemption period of the pledge from three months to six months. This will benefit pawners, especially the poorer ones, who would have a better chance of not losing their pledges to the pawnbrokers. Clause 4 now makes it necessary for pawnbrokers to take out insurance cover, not only against fire as at present, but also for loss by theft, robbery, etc. The police have drawn attention to a case early this year where a pawnshop was robbed of $50,000 worth of pledges. Pawners would suffer if the pledges were not insured against such loss. Clause 5 reduces the interest rate from the present maximum rate of 2 per cent per mensem or 24 per cent per annum to 1 per cent per mensem or 12 per cent per annum on the amount of the loan. This reduction will bring the interest rate into line with the new Moneylenders Ordinance in that 12 per cent per annum has been fixed for secured loans. This reduction would afford financial relief especially to the poorer classes of pawners, who pawn their belongings, often belongings they cannot afford to do without, in order to get money quickly for one urgent reason or another. Despite the fact that they have pledged their belongings, they still have to pay 24 per cent interest for the money they get as against 12 per cent under the Moneylenders Ordinance for seizure of loans. In their business, pawnshop owners do not depend entirely on the interest payable by pawners. Pawnbrokers also get the benefit from the sale of unredeemable pledges. Representations have been made by the Pawnbrokers Association that the proposed reduction of the present interest rate by half would seriously affect the pawnshop business to the extent of virtually having to run them at a loss, leading possibly to the closing down of the business. They pointed out that the interest rate had just been reduced from 3 or 4 per cent to 2 per cent in September 1958. It should be pointed out, however, that the purpose of abolishing the previous tender system and instituting the present licensing system was to encourage more pawnbrokers into the field. However, this seemed to have failed, and the pawnbroker business is very much of a monopoly in the hands of four or five families. In view of this and the representations made, I shall, at the end of the Second Reading, move that the Bill be committed to a Select Committee. Clause 6 makes the necessary amendments to those sections and Schedules of the Ordinance where it is proposed that all unredeemed articles exceeding $50 instead of $100 as at present should be disposed of by public auction. At present, any pledge pawned for $100 or under, if not redeemed within the time allowed by the Ordinance, shall, at the end of the redemption period, become the pawnbroker's absolute property. Any article pawned for an amount exceeding $50 must be something of value, and disposal by public auction would at least give the pawner a last opportunity to get it back by bidding for it, though whether he does it or not is another matter. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time. Committed to a Select Committee consisting of Mr Speaker as Chairman and seven other Members to be nominated by the Committee of Selection. - [Mr Ong Pang Boon].

Order for Second Reading read. 3.08 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Section 121 (2) of the Singapore (Constitution) Order in Council, 1958, provides in effect that any reference in any written law to the Governor in Council shall in relation to any period after the 3rd June, 1959, be construed as a reference to the Yang di-Pertuan Negara. The references to the powers of the Governor in Council in the Ordinance of Singapore have been examined and it is considered that some of these powers can be more appropriately exercised by a Minister. The Bill therefore seeks to transfer such powers to a Minister. I do not propose to deal in detail with these transfers which are set out in the First Schedule to the Bill. They deal in the main with the power to make rules or regulations, the hearing and determination of appeals, the appointment of statutory boards and the making of executive orders for the administration of the Ordinance. The exercise of such powers does not, in general, raise questions of policy, and it is therefore unnecessary to refer such matters to the Cabinet so that the Cabinet can advise the Yang di-Pertuan Negara on the exercise of the powers. The Bill also makes consequential amendments to the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance and to other Ordinances, as set out in clause 2 of the Bill and in the Second Schedule to the Bill. Finally, the Bill seeks to repeal the Council of Ministers Powers Delegation Ordinance, as it is felt that it would be inappropriate to delegate the powers of the Cabinet to any public officer. I might add, Sir, that the provisions of the Bill have been discussed with the United Kingdom Commission, who have agreed to its provisions. Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole Assembly. Assembly immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. -[Mr Byrne]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read the Third time and passed.

Order for Second Reading read. 3.13 p.m.

Sir, I beg to move. "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Section 121 (2) (a) of the Singapore (Constitution) Order in Council, 1958, provides in effect that any reference to the Governor in any written law of Singapore shall in relation to any period after the 3rd June, 1959, be construed as a reference to the Yang di-Pertuan Negara. The references to the Governor in the Ordinances of Singapore have been examined and in some cases it is considered that the powers given to the Governor can be more appropriately exercised by a Minister. This Bill, therefore, seeks to transfer such powers to a Minister. I do not propose to deal with the transfers in detail. They deal for the most part with appointments of public officers to statutory posts, the making of rules and regulations, the hearing of appeals and the making of orders for the administration of Ordinances. The exercise of these powers does not raise questions of policy and it is felt that a reference to the Cabinet, in such cases to enable the Cabinet to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Negara is unnecessary. The Bill also seeks to make a number of miscellaneous amendments rendered necessary by the transfer of powers to Ministers. For example, whenever the Governor was required to act by proclamation, it is proposed that when the power is to be exercised by a Minister, it should be done by notification. Since the introduction of the Bill, its provisions have been discussed with the United Kingdom Commission, and I will at the Committee Stage of this Bill move two amendments which have been suggested to the Bill. Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole Assembly. Assembly immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. -[Mr Byrne]. Bill considered in Committee.

3.17 p.m. Clauses 1 to 4 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill. First Schedule -

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, In page 2, line 9, to leave out "80 (2),". This appears to be a matter of discipline and the powers should be exercised by the Yang di-Pertuan Negara on the advice of the Public Service Commission. Amendment agreed to.

There is a note in page 3, line 26, to leave out "(14)" and insert "(4)". That was a printer's error. "14" does not appear on the presentation copy. First Schedule, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Second Schedule-

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, In page 7, lines 34 to 37, to leave out- 'Section 3 (2) Delete the words "with the prior approval of the Secretary of State" appearing in the first and second lines thereof.'. Mr Speaker, Sir, it is necessary to retain the references to the Secretary of State as this matter relates to foreign affairs and defence. Amendment agreed to. Second Schedule, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Bill reported with amendments; read the Third time and passed.

3.22 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to move the motion standing in my name, That this Assembly, in accordance with subsection (2) of section 1 of the Control of Imports and Exports Ordinance (Chapter 214), resolves that the aforesaid Ordinance shall continue in force for a further period of one year commencing on the 8th day of December, 1959. This Ordinance was first promulgated in 1950 and had a life of only one year. Since then it has been extended from year to year. I now move that it be extended for a further period of one year. The Ordinance empowers the Minister to make orders to regulate or prohibit the import and export of goods. We impose as few restrictions as we can, and in the case of imports, almost all goods from almost all countries can be imported under open general licence. That is to say, no special individual licence need be obtained to import any particular article. Export controls are also very few. But in principle, we must have the powers to impose these controls, so as to be able to ensure destinational control over supplies of strategic importance. If we abandon these powers, the supply countries may refuse to deliver to us quite a number of goods of these types, since we cannot guarantee that we can still control their re-export from this State. Sir, I beg to move.

I second it.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved. That this Assembly, in accordance with subsection (2) of section 1 of the Control of Imports and Exports Ordinance (Chapter 214), resolves that the aforesaid Ordinance shall continue in force for a further period of one year commencing on the 8th of December, 1959.

3.26 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the motion standing in the name of the Deputy Prime Minister, That this Assembly, pursuant to subsection (2) of section 490 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (Chapter 207), resolves that the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Rules, 1959, published as Notification No. S (N.S.) 135 in the Gazette Supplement No. 27 dated 9th October, 1959, as contained in Paper S.L. (N.S.) 18 of 1959, be approved. The rules which are the subject of this motion are designed to increase to a small extent the revenue of the Marine and Marine Surveys Departments. The Merchant Shipping Ordinance contains many provisions designed to ensure that ships should be fully equipped and their crew fully qualified to perform their functions, so as to ensure efficiency and safety at sea. The Ordinance imposes standards on both men and ships. It also imposes a duty on the Government to enforce these standards. This latter duty is discharged by the Marine and Marine Surveys Departments. These departments carry out the necessary inspections and examination of ships and certify that standards are being maintained. Inspection and examination entails expenditure of considerable sums of money by the State. It is a practice in most maritime states to recover at least a proportion of such expenditure by levying fees for services rendered. This practice is given legislative sanction in the Ordinance, the provisions of which I need not refer in detail. If hon. Members would glance at the Sessional Paper, which is the subject of this motion, they will see the many and varied services which the Government is statutorily obliged to render. The scale and level of fees is revised from time to time in order to preserve the ratio between the cost of the services and the charges which are levied for them. The last revision took place in 1954. Since then, the cost of the services has increased and the rules are intended to raise the scale of fees charged and thereby to increase the revenue derived from them. Sir, I beg to move.

I second it.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Assembly, pursuant to subsection (2) of section 490 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (Chapter 207), resolves that the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Rules, 1959, published as Notification No. S (N.S.) 135 in the Gazette Supplement No. 27 dated 9th October, 1959, as contained in Paper S.L. (N.S.) 18 of 1959, be approved.

3.29 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the motion standing in the name of the Deputy Prime Minister, That this Assembly, pursuant to subsection (2) of section 490 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (Chapter 207), resolves that the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Certificate Partial Survey Fees) Rules, 1959, published as Notification No. S (N.S.) 136 in the Gazette Supplement No. 27 dated 9th October, 1959, as contained in Paper S.L. (N.S.) 19 of 1959, be approved. My remarks on the previous motion dealing with the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Rules, 1959, also apply to the rules which are the subject of this motion, with the minor exception that only the revenue of the Marine Surveys Department and not that of the Marine Department is dealt with in these rules. Sir, I beg to move.

I second it.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Assembly, pursuant to subsection (2) of section 490 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (Chapter 207), resolves that the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Certificate Partial Survey Fees) Rules, 1959, published as Notification No. S (N.S.) 136 in the Gazette Supplement No. 27 dated 9th October. 1959, as contained in Paper S.L. (N.S.) 19 of 1959, be approved.

3.30 p.m.

Mr Speaker, I beg to move the motion standing in my name, That this Assembly adopts the State Arms and Flag and State National Anthem as described and shown in Paper Misc. (New Series) 2 of 1959. Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not propose to launch into a long dissertation about the role that symbols play in the political and social life of a people. Suffice it to say that they are accepted features of any government. National flags, crests and anthems express symbolically the hopes and ideals of a people. The symbols by themselves may be meaningless. What gives them meaning are the ideas and emotions behind the symbols. We respect not the flag as such or the State arms or the anthem but the sentiments and ideas they represent. The possession of a national flag, anthem and crest is, for a people, symbols of self-respect. Through these a people acquire identity and a personality of their own. The symbols we have had so far were symbols that emphasised our subjection to the will of others. They were symbols of dominance, of authority imposed from the outside. Now that Singapore is a self-governing State, it is right and proper that it should have its own symbols of authority and loyalty. Only through these new symbols can we express the spirit that today moves our people. Therefore, in designing the new symbols, the Government has worked in close co-operation with Opposition Parties because we want these symbols to express the sentiments and aspirations, not of any particular group, Party or section, but of the people of Singapore as a whole. Of course, Mr Speaker, symbols are a very tricky business. They can mean whatever a person wants them to mean. The same symbol can be given a friendly or an unfriendly interpretation. We have the same sort of difficulty over words which are far more precise in their meaning than colours and symbols. This House, for example, Sir, is divided into a Government and an Opposition precisely because we cannot get a unanimous interpretation on such seemingly harmless words like "democracy", "socialism", and so on. It is in order to prevent any too free a translation of the new symbols that we have taken the precaution of providing, as it were, an authorised translation of the symbols which our flag and State arms carry. The colour red stands for universal brotherhood and equality of man. Whatever the colour of our skin, the shape of our nose and eyes, the blood that gives us life is of one colour - even among those who claim to have blue blood. The colour white signifies purity and virtue. So the two colours combined signify that we hope to achieve brotherhood and equality through purity and virtue. The crescent moon signifies a country eternally young. This is expressive of one of the essential qualities of our people, for not only are our people physically young but they are also young in spirit and outlook. This refutes the traditional picture which depicts Asian countries as countries which have grown senile, as countries burdened with ancient and meaningless traditions. This picture is not true of Asia today. It is a youthful, restless Asia. The new Singapore, like the new Asia, therefore, finds its inspirations in what it hopes to do in the future rather than what it has done in the past. Only the old, grown weak and complacent, hark nostalgically back to the past. It is only the youthful who are more conscious of the future waiting to unfold before them. Sir, the five stars represent the ideals on which the new State of Singapore is founded - democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. Those who would destroy these are our enemies. Those who would repudiate them are false prophets. These symbols are also incorporated in the State arms which also has a lion and a tiger. The lion represents Singapore and the tiger our links with the people of the Federation. As for the State national anthem "Majulah Singapura", it has already been tacitly accepted by the people as their song. It has been sung and played as Singapore's anthem unofficially on many occasions. Mr Speaker, Sir, I would have liked so much to end this debate by getting the whole House to give its rendering of this stirring anthem, but I gather, Sir, that the rules of debate would have to be completely relaxed for what, I am sure, would have been a historic performance. The flag, the State arms and the anthem are new symbols of national pride. They are expressive of the new spirit of self-reliance and dedication which inspires our people today. Sir, I beg to move.

I second the motion. Question proposed. 3.39 p.m.

(In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, on behalf of the Parties on the Opposition side, I wholeheartedly support the motion before us and the opinions expressed in this Assembly today. Therefore, Mr Speaker, I wish to congratulate particularly the Hon. the Prime Minister who, I am of the opinion, has been very compromising in accepting constructive suggestions. What we have achieved today, by our decision to give full support to the motion before us is indeed historical, and history will show that what we have fully supported today will also receive the support and acclaim of our future posterity. Although we sit in opposition to the Hon. the Prime Minister's Party, we do not hesitate here to make known our appreciation of his attitude of compromise which is significant. One should remember that in the history of the Malay Archipelago, if I am not mistaken it was in 1292, there existed an emblem which our own State emblem now closely resembles, in part if not in whole. This serves to remind us here in Singapore, which is one of the component islands of Malaysia, of the solidarity of the indigenous people of these islands. Therefore, because of this, on behalf of U.M.N.O. particularly, we wish to support the Government wholeheartedly for bringing into existence a new State emblem with such a historic background dating back to 1292, to be the symbol of our joint struggle on the road to full political independence - a thing we have yet to achieve today. For that reason, I say that the State flag is welcomed by U.M.N.O. The State flag (upper half in red and the lower half in white with a crescent and five stars, as described by the Minister for Culture just now) has a true significance particularly to U.M.N.O. and generally to the people of Islam because we believe, as followers of Islam, that the five stars - apart from the interpretation given by the Minister - also symbolise our firm faith in our religious beliefs, for they could symbolise the five main pillars of Islam. To us the State flag signifies the firm belief in God of the people of Singapore. Mr Speaker, my remarks about the State flag similarly apply to the State crest. It can be said that the significance of the crest is a matter which can be put into effect because it shows that a tiger and a lion can meet in peace. This is a good omen for Singapore in its approach towards a progressive State for which we are all aiming. Finally, Mr Speaker, we know that the Tunku has stated that the Australians should learn Malay. Therefore, it is indeed wise that the State motto and national anthem should be in Malay. I feel that the Government and the Opposition will unanimously support the idea that Malay should be the lingua franca of Malaysia. If possible, the Australians too could learn the national language. 3.45 p.m.

(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, regarding our State flag, the Minister for Culture says the five stars on it symbolise democracy, peace, progress, prosperity and justice. Democracy is signified by the fact that our State is a democratic State, and peace by the fact that the State wishes to have a peaceful society. We are opposed to a warlike society. Our State, although a youthful State, must progress gradually. Justice in our present society means that whether a thing is reasonable or unreasonable, we must deal with it justly and with discipline. In our State there is no class or race division or religious prejudice. What these five stars symbolise is very appropriate to our State. The crescent moon represents a rising and youthful State. At present we are still young; we are a young people and energetic, and we will grow stronger. The colour red symbolises that we are all brothers, irrespective of race or religion. The colour white symbolises that in our new State the people are pure and virtuous, unlike the previous colonial government where there were some evils. On the national crest, i.e. the State arms, the tiger and the lion represent ultimate merger of Singapore with Malaya, when the people of Malaya and Singapore will live together. The title of our national anthem is "Majulah Singapura" - meaning that Singapore is progressing every day. Therefore, I fully support our State flag, national anthem and State arms. The students of this country are already learning the score of the national anthem. Those who are in or out of school must also be familiar with it. I also hope that all the people of Singapore will be able to sing the national anthem. I support the the motion. 3.50 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, first of all, we would like to say that we appreciate this new procedure of inviting an All-Party Committee to consider matters of national importance or matters which are controversial. We know, Sir, that the Government side could unilaterally impose its ideas on the House, but we are glad that another procedure was adopted and we do hope that in future whenever such matters arise this procedure could also be adopted. Sir, naturally different Parties have different ideas as to flag designs, and personally I would have liked it better if the public could have been invited initially to submit their own ideas. But, of course, time did not permit that and the next best thing was to have this All-Party Committee. We are very glad that ultimately agreement was reached and although perhaps not one group could say that the State flag satisfies us in every respect yet it should symbolise the desires, the hopes and the aspirations of all citizens who are loyal to Singapore. The Minister for Culture, Sir, has explained in detail the significance of the various parts of the State flag - that the red colour stands for universal brotherhood, and the white colour represents purity and virtue. These two, Sir, are high standards which we in politics find not easy to practise, but we do hope that since they are a part of our State flag we should try to apply those standards. The five stars are indicated as signifying democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. I notice that prosperity is not mentioned, but I suppose it is implied that when there are peace and progress in the country then there must be prosperity, because there is no doubt that-

It is all within quotes!

- the people of this country desire a higher standard of living. Sir, the U.M.N.O. representatives conveyed the opinion of their Executive that one of the stars should stand for unity through godliness or unity under God. Now, we know that this country is inhabited by people having different religions and there is an impression - I am glad that the U.M.N.O. representatives did say clearly that it was a wrong impression - that U.M.N.O. was trying to make the people of Singapore believe in their one religion. Their idea was that unity under God means unity under the God of Muslims, Christians, Hindus and even all those who do not believe in God. Now, Sir, that may be regarded as a controversial issue, but we would like to draw the attention of the House to this new approach which helped to settle the war in Cyprus. We know that in Cyprus the problem of communalism or racialism is almost similar to that in this part of the world. And only last year, there was a shooting war between the Muslim Cypriots and the Greek Christian Cypriots and the British soldiers-

Order. I was just wondering how the incidents in Cyprus could be incorporated into our flag!

Mr Speaker, Sir, the idea of unity and the fact that U.M.N.O. representatives conveyed that idea as being feasible; and in Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios attributed this new unity to the fact that when both sides regarded this as practical, then they had a new approach, and these are his words, Sir: "Humanity fell into disaster and was involved in hatred and enmity, because she lost the right way which guides to brotherhood, solidarity and love." And he said that he hoped to create in Cyprus a new pattern of unity under God. Sir, we have already heard it reported that in Australia the Prime Minister of our good neighbour has said that it is difficult to have merger between Singapore and the Federation because of certain differences in outlook. I think that this new approach suggested by U.M.N.O. could be one of the ways that could bring about unity in this country and between us. So, in this spirit, Sir, I support the motion before the House. 3.56 p.m.

(In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, today is a historic day and a most happy occasion, not only for me but also for all Members of this Assembly as well as for all the people of Singapore, because in this House today all Parties, both the Opposition and the Government, have been able to forget their differences of opinion and unite on a national issue which we are discussing today. As a Member of this House, I am very proud because this is a good example of agreement on a national issue which is of common interest to us all. We are able to forget our divergent policies and our differences of opinion. May the adoption of this motion and the acceptance of the new flag for our new State with a new status signify that the people of Singapore are prepared to live and fit themselves to live as a people of a free, independent State! There are people who would interpret the colours of red and white with various connotations, as was done by the Hon. the Minister for Culture, the member of U.M.N.O. and the member of S.P.A. It has been said that the colours red and white had been the emblem of past Malay superiority during the time of Hang Tuah or during the Sri Vijaya Kingdom. This is a matter for the historians to ascertain. But for us, the people of Singapore, who are members of a multi-racial society, I would say that if we wound a part of our body, red blood will flow. The red colour therefore signifies that we are one, that we believe in unity, and that we live in unity without any discrimination whatsoever; whilst the white colour symbolises our sincerity of purpose, and that we are prepared to make sacrifices in the interests of unity. Concerning the stars embodied in our emblem it has been said that they symbolise the five tenets of Islam; and also that they signify democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. I think all these interpretations can be accepted by posterity according to the progress of their ideas and their level of thought. But for us we should feel proud because we have been able to base our aspirations and sentiments on five precepts of life. If Indonesia is well-known for its five precepts of Panchasila and Afro-Asia for its five international codes of behaviour, we too, in Singapore, as a new State, have brought forth our five basic principles and call them Panchasila, or five codes of behaviour. Panchasila is a Sanskrit word meaning five principles of behaviour. Mr Speaker, concerning our State Arms - the lion and the tiger - it is generally accepted that the lion had been the symbol for Singapore since Sang Nila Utama first set foot in Singapore. Likewise the tiger is also known for its strength, and is incorporated in the State Arms of the Federation of Malaya. As the Hon. the Minister for Culture has said, this signifies the unity between the Federation of Malaya and Singapore. The lion is an animal which is only found in Africa, and the tiger is an animal well-known in Asia, equally noble and strong. This can also therefore mean that in Singapore the spirit of Afro-Asia has been assimilated as from now. Concerning the national anthem, this was composed by a composer from among the people of Singapore, in an atmosphere where the people are imbued with the spirit and determination to achieve independence. It was thus that the national anthem was composed and was accepted by the people, and finally accepted by this Assembly to be our national anthem. Our pride is even greater because the national anthem typifies the earnest aspirations of the nation - the sincerity and loyalty of the people. This expresses the unity of the nation, the singleness of purpose of the people, and will be a slogan which will unite the people together, irrespective of race, creed and beliefs. All the three national emblems - the State Arms, the State flag and the national anthem - have been accepted by all sections of the people through all their representatives who are present today. This indeed is a very significant beginning for us to unite ourselves in a spirit of self-sacrifice, and the struggle for the creation of a fully-pledged independent and sovereign state. Let us resolve then that we will defend these State emblems to the utmost, so long as the waves of the sea wash our shores, the State flag of Singapore flutters in the breeze, the national anthem resounds in the air, and the State Arms be seen at all times. 4.06 p.m.

(In Tamil): Mr Speaker, Sir, the new Yang di-Pertuan Negara assumes duty on the 3rd December. Since we have been liberated, we should have a national anthem, a crest and a flag for ourselves. These become necessary. Therefore, for our Singapore, we have prepared them. These are acceptable by everyone - after having consulted all the Parties represented in this Legislative Assembly. Everyone has agreed to all the three. The crest consists of a red shield on which are emblazoned a crescent moon and five stars in white. The crescent represents the growing Singapore. The five stars stand for democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality. The red colour symbolises the universal brotherhood and equality of man. The white colour signifies purity and virtue. The whole shield is supported by a lion on the left and a tiger on the right. The Parties have also agreed to all these things. They can interpret the five stars as "Panchasila" or in any way they like. Coming to the flag, it is red on the upper half and white on the lower half. Our national symbols are not based on creed or races. These symbols are acceptable to everyone. 4.10 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the object of the State flag, the State crest and the State anthem is to evoke in the hearts and minds of our people, feelings of loyalty and unity towards the State of which they are constituent members. When we set on this task of drawing up a symbol which would receive universal acclamation, there were certain principles which had already been ordained by the rules of heraldry. I would like to pay a tribute to the Deputy Prime Minister for the thorough and methodical manner in which he delved into these rules of heraldry, and for having done the spade-work of the "dos" and "don'ts" of drawing a flag and a crest. Amongst other things, I learnt of the necessity of having supporting figures and balance, and lions rampant and other abstruse things connected with animals. But surprisingly enough, if one looks at the book of flags and the book of crests, there is a limit to human ingenuity. The number of basic symbols that one can use is limited, and the juxtaposition of these symbols is also limited. The number of combinations of colours which would strike the human mind vividly is also relatively limited. Therefore, I think we have a great deal to rejoice over in having drawn up a simple striking symbol which has, with the blessings which all Parties have given it today, every reason to endure as the emblems of the State and which will evoke loyalty and unity in our people. We are glad that this motion will be passed without a dissenting voice.

Mr Rajaratnam, in reply? 4.13 p.m.

Yes. Mr Speaker, Sir, this is one of the Bills which has obviously universal acclaim, though I did warn that the interpretation of symbols is a very tricky business, and we have had a number of very striking interpretations of what these symbols could mean. Generally they have been helpful, and I hope to keep within the framework of the spirit of the explanation provided for the symbols, because I am quite sure that somebody could say that the colours red and white are colours you find on a barber's pole. So I hope that in the future, any interpretation to be made of these symbols would be in keeping with, as I have suggested, the authorised translation provided for in the Paper Misc. (New Series) 2 of 1959.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Assembly adopts the State Arms and Flag and State National Anthem as described and shown in Paper Misc. (New Series) 2 of 1959.

4.14 p.m.

Mr Speaker, I move, That this Assembly do now adjourn.

I second the motion. Question proposed.

4.15 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the section in the Singapore Telephone Board Ordinance which prescribes the constitution of the Singapore Telephone Board is section 5. That section reads as follows: "5.-

Mr Speaker, I wish to describe in detail the position of the Singapore Telephone Board, when I was first asked by the Prime Minister to take over its functions, so that the public will understand why we have these appointments. When I first took over the Singapore Telephone Board, I found, to my horror, that the General Manager was paid $4,150 a month, not including other special benefits like leave pay, special housing allowance and other various benefits; that the Deputy General Manager is over 60 years of age, or nearing 60, and getting about $4,000 a month; and that there were many other anomalies which had to be rectified. As such, we felt that a certain amount of reorganisation work had to be done. In August this year, Mr Speaker, the retiring Chairman of the Telephone Board, Mr Loke Wan Tho, came to see me and he indirectly asked me whether he would be granted permission to stay on. I told him that the policy of the new Government was to reorganise all statutory Boards so that the interests of the people could be looked after. I further requested him to do this, "If you will be kind enough to ask the other three members of the Board to retire on their own initiative?" Accordingly, the other three members of the Board submitted their resignations. Mr Speaker, we had nothing personal against the members of the old Telephone Board as such, but we felt that all the five members of the Board represented business interests. In order to look into other aspects of telephone facilities - for instance, the rural areas have been completely ignored in the past: the trade union world has also been completely ignored in the past - we set about the task of reorganisation. Our object was to have as much as possible a representative field in the newly-constituted Telephone Board. On the 1st of September, Mr Goh Kee Song was appointed Chairman of the Singapore Telephone Board when Mr Loke Wan Tho's term of appointment lapsed. I must clarify, Mr Speaker, what and who is Mr Goh Kee Song. The Member for Farrer Park has said that Mr Goh Kee Song was from the University of Melbourne. That is not correct. I had never met Mr Goh Kee Song until he joined the City Council. He was from the University of Tasmania, and, I think, as usual, the Member for Farrer Park's sources of information, or his informants, were wrong. Mr Goh Kee Song studied accountancy, as the Member for Farrer Park said, not long ago. He has not, like the Member for Farrer Park, taken up law before the war. But he is an expert in his trade. He studied accountancy and, I believe, got his accountancy degree as far back as eight or nine years ago. Although he would not have the same amount of grey matter as the Member for Farrer Park has, he has, however, got a degree in commerce. He is a Chartered Accountant and had worked in Australia for some years before he joined the City Council. From what I knew about him, Mr Speaker, he was engaged in Australia by a firm of English accountants in Singapore at the rate of $1,400 a month. He came to Singapore and worked in this firm for nearly a year. Because of the discrimination against local accountants in this particular firm and the fact that he was not willing to serve expatriates and Europeans - as the Member for Farrer Park would like him to serve - for whom he got much business, he got fed up with the job and he sent in his letter of resignation. Later, there was a vacancy in the City Council to supervise a $30 million contract in Ulu Pandan in which the Member for Farrer Park had a hand - $30 million being handed over to an expatriate firm and paying the consultants $2 million in fees without any accounting or engineering supervision from the City Council. So Mr Goh Kee Song was asked to supervise the contract which the Member for Farrer Park during his time in the City Council did not do properly. It is true, Mr Speaker, that Mr Goh Kee Song has held two positions since the new Government came into power. First, he was made the Registrar of Vehicles and then the City Assessor but, Mr Speaker, this is because of the past policy in the City Council in which the Member for Farrer Park had a hand. There was no attempt made to malayanise certain departments and when the City Assessor left-

On a point of order, Sir. The question, Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Singapore Telephone Board, not the City Council or Mr A. P. Rajah in the City Council.

It did occur to me that the Minister for National Development was embarking on personalties which are quite irrelevant to the subject which we are discussing.

Mr Speaker, it is because the Member for Farrer Park has indirectly hinted at the relationship between Mr Goh Kee Song and myself and about his education that I am forced in honour bound to clarify the position. Although he holds two positions and has been made Chairman of the Singapore Telephone Board, may I say that the former Chairman of the Singapore Telephone Board was in charge of more than two establishments? I am sure, Mr Speaker, you will agree that Mr Loke Wan Tho is in charge of about 100 establishments, and he still finds time to attend an hourly meeting once a month, leaving the job to the General Manager. Now, Mr Speaker, I hope you will allow me to explain the position of Mr Lui Boon Poh on which the Member for Farrer Park also tried to cast some remarks. It is true that Mr Lui Boon Poh who recently joined the City Council was a salesman. There are many types of salesmen, as there are many types of lawyers. Some lawyers are Q.Cs, standing on their own rights without having to kow-tow to big businessmen in order to eke out an existence. Some lawyers make their living through means which are contemptible. We read in the Press in the last few days how some of them chase after car accidents. Now, Mr Lui Boon Poh, as I have said, joined the City Council. He was a salesman but he did not receive any additional financial benefit. Neither did Mr Goh Kee Song who was paid $1,400 a month; he joined the City Council and was also paid $1,400 a month. These persons did not join the City Council to receive additional financial benefit. Mr Speaker, there are always persons in society belonging to the old school who judge persons by the education they have received. May I add that Mr Lui Boon Poh's education was up to Standard VIII level and so is the case with more than half of the Assemblymen in the P.A.P.? I remember during election time that it was the habit of the Opposition Parties to cast aspersions on candidates of my Party saying that they were either barbers or hawkers and that they received very little education. Mr Speaker, we judge a person's standard by his contribution to society, by his willingness to sacrifice and by his devotion to a cause. We do not care how much education he has received or what he was, whether he be a hawker, a salesman or even a petty trader. The other mistake which the Member for Farrer Park made was to mention that there are at present two members on the Telephone Board. There are at present three members on the Board and I believe that the Deputy Prime Minister, who is now in charge of the Singapore Telephone Board, will fill the vacancies very soon. The third member on the Board, in addition to Mr Goh Kee Song and Mr Lui Boon Poh, is Mr Tan Siak Kew who has been asked to stay on because he also wants business interests to be represented on the Singapore Telephone Board. There are three persons and the Board has, in the short course of two months, done much to rectify certain of the anomalies which existed in the past. One of the anomalies is that at present there is not even one local officer in the Singapore Telephone Board who has got the Senior Cambridge qualification, so that the expatriates, whose interests the Member for Farrer Park has at heart, will stay on forever. Mr Speaker, I am not a lawyer and I am not in a position to argue with the Member for Farrer Park as to whether Mr Goh Kee Song and Mr Lui Boon Poh, being members of the staff of the City Council, come under the terminology of "public officers". But, Mr Speaker, I rely on the State Advocate-General, Inche Ahmad Ibrahim, and he has assured the Cabinet that these two persons do not come under the definition of the words "public officers" as defined in the Singapore Telephone Board.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Farrer Park just now tried to persuade the House to believe that the expression "public service" means what he wanted it to mean, and for that purpose he referred the House to Words and Phrases Judicially Defined" by Roland Burrows at page 436 when he drew the attention of the House to the Report under the caption "Public Service" in that publication. I would like to draw the attention of the Member for Farrer Park to the fact that that particular case dealt with a requisition which the Board of Trade is authorised to make on a railway company on the agreements of being "requisite for the public service" and it was held, in the case of the Launceston Railway Acts reported in volume III of the Railway and Canal Traffic Cases at page 139, that the expression "requisite for the public service" is not narrowed to the service of the Government, that it could include any service which would supply wants felt by the public or which the public might reasonably be desirous of having on its own behalf. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Farrer Park has not drawn the attention of the House to the definition of "public service" in Stroud's Judicial Dictionary (Third Edition) where it is clearly stated that the expression "public service" means: "a service under the Government of the United Kingdom and includes any service of the Crown anywhere". That is the only meaning that there is in that expression. Now in Stroud's definition, there is a reference to a number of cases which all dealt with Government contracts, contracts made with, say, colonial governments or with the Government of the United Kingdom, and it was held in all those cases that the expression related to service under the Government of the United Kingdom or under the government of any colony. This point, Mr Speaker, Sir, was specifically referred to the State Advocate-General and he has advised the Cabinet that the two officers named by the Member for Farrer Park are employed by a local government authority and that they are therefore fully qualified for appointment to the Singapore Telephone Board.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Assembly do now adjourn. Adjourned accordingly at eighteen minutes to Five o'clock p.m. to Wednesday, 25th November, 1959.

Wednesday, 11th November, 1959

asked the Minister for Health-

asked the Minister for Labour and Law to state-

The number of unemployed persons registered with the Government Employment Exchange as at the end of October, 1959 was 45,624. (b) For the corresponding period of this year no reliable estimates are available from which a forecast can be made of the numbers who will be looking for employment in the first quarter of 1960. (c) Government proposes to step up work on development projects which will give some relief to the unemployment situation. The low cost housing programme will also be begun shortly and several thousands more persons, additional to those already engaged in the various trades, will be recruited from amongst those registered with the Employment Exchange and given employment. It is also Government's policy to foster and expand secondary industries in various fields.