Hansard, 1989-08-31

PERMISSION TO MEMBERS TO BE ABSENT Under the provisions of clause 2(d) of Article 46 of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, the following Members have been granted permission to be or to remain absent from sittings of Parliament (or any Committee of Parliament to which they have been appointed) for the periods stated:- Mr Bernard Chen (Pasir Panjang GRC) - on 8th August and from 30th August to 1st September, 1989. BG George Yong-Boon Yeo (Aljunied GRC), Minister of State, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Foreign Affairs - on 8th August and from 29th August to 8th September and from 14th September to 3rd October, 1989. Mr Lew Syn Pau (Tanglin) - from 12th August to 3rd September, 1989. Mr Davinder Singh (Toa Payoh GRC) - on 15th August, 1989. Mr K. Shanmugam (Sembawang GRC) - on 16th August, 1989. Encik Abbas Abu Amin (Pasir Panjang GRC) - from 19th August to 4th September, 1989. Encik Sidek bin Saniff (Jalan Besar GRC), Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education - from 20th to 27th August, 1989. Mr Teo Chong Tee (Changi) - from 21st to 31st August, 1989. Mr Goh Choon Kang (Braddell Heights) - from 20th to 27th August, 1989. Mr Charles Chong (Sembawang GRC) - from 20th to 27th August, 1989. Mr Chay Wai Chuen (Brickworks GRC) - from 20th to 31st August, 1989. Dr Ow Chin Hock (Leng Kee) - from 20th to 27th August, 1989. Mr Chng Hee Kok (Tiong Bahru GRC) - from 20th to 27th August, 1989. Mr Loh Meng See (Kampong Glam) - from 20th to 27th August, 1989. Dr Lee Boon Yang (Jalan Besar GRC), Senior Minister of State, Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Home Affairs and Government Whip - from 21st to 22nd August, 1989. Dr Seet Ai Mee (Bukit Gombak), Minister of State, Ministry of Community Development and Ministry of Education - from 21st to 27th August, 1989. Mr Chiam See Tong (Potong Pasir) - from 21st to 26th August, 1989. Encik Abdul Nasser bin Kamaruddin (Hong Kah GRC) - from 21st to 26th August, 1889. Mr Heng Chiang Meng (Cheng San GRC) - from 24th to 26th August, 1989. Mr Choo Wee Khiang (Marine Parade GRC) - from 24th to 25th August, 1989. Dr Wan Soon Bee (Pasir Panjang GRC) - on 24th August, 1989. Mr Tan Soo Khoon (Brickworks GRC), Speaker - from 25th August to 2nd September, 1989. Encik Yatiman Yusof (Tampines GRC), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs - from 25th to 29th August, 1989. Mr Wong Kan Seng (Toa Payoh GRC), Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Community Development and Leader of the House - from 28th August to 8th September, 1989. BG Lee Hsien Loong (Teck Ghee), Minister for Trade and Industry and Second Minister for Defence (Services) - from 28th to 31st August, 1989. Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon (Yuhua) - from 30th August to 6th October, 1989. Encik Zulkifli bin Mohammed (Eunos GRC) - from 30th August to 11th September, 1989. Mr Mah Bow Tan (Tampines GRC), Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information and Ministry of Trade and Industry - from 31st August to 1st September, 1989. Mr Goh Chee Wee (Boon Lay) - from 1st to 2nd September, 1989. Dr Tan Cheng Bock (Ayer Rajah) - from 1st to 10th September, 1989. Dr John Chen Seow Phun (Hong Kah GRC) - from 1st to 11th September, 1989. Dr Ong Chit Chung (Bukit Batok) - from 2nd to 11th September, 1989. Dr Wong Kwei Cheong (Cairnhill) - from 2nd to 13th September, 1989. Mr Sia Khoon Seong (Moulmein) - from 2nd to 9th September, 1989. Dr S. Vasoo (Tiong Bahru GRC) - from 3rd to 9th September, 1989. Mr Chua Sian Chin (MacPherson) - from 3rd to 26th September, 1989. Dr Dixie Tan (Ulu Pandan) - from 4th to 10th September, 1989. Dr Lau Teik Soon (Serangoon Gardens) - from 4th to 9th September, 1989. Mr Abdullah Tarmugi (Siglap), Deputy Speaker - from 9th to 28th September, 1989. Dr Tay Eng Soon (Eunos GRC), Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Education - from 10th to 20th September, 1989. Mr S. Dhanabalan (Kallang), Minister for National Development - from 16th September to 9th October, 1989. ABDULLAH TARMUGI Deputy Speaker Parliament of Singapore

ASSENT TO BILLS PASSED The following Bills were assented to by the President of the Republic of Singapore on the date stated: 19th August, 1989 (i) Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill; (ii) Urban Redevelopment Authority Bill; and (iii) Planning (Amendment No. 2) Bill. ABDULLAH TARMUGI Deputy Speaker Parliament of Singapore

ELECTION OF PRESIDENT Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the motion* standing in my name on the Order Paper. *The motion reads as follows:-- That this Parliament, in accordance with Article 17 of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, elects Mr Wee Kim Wee as President of the Republic of Singapore for a further term of four years to commence immediately after the expiry of his present term of office. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, when I moved the motion to elect Mr Wee Kim Wee as President, four years ago on 30 August 1985, he was not well-known to Singaporeans. I said then: "What Singapore needs in a President is a man of integrity and dignity. He is without affectations. His easy manner and his understanding of people will make him a good Head of State." Sir, today Wee Kim Wee needs no introduction. Most Singaporeans have seen and many have met their President and like him. They speak of him with affection. He has time and a kind word for everybody. He is an outgoing person who has reached out to a wide range of people by taking an active interest in community activities and community organizations. He exudes warmth and genuine concern for friends and people he meets. And he does not distinguish between VIPs and ordinary Singaporeans. Without fanfare he regularly visits welfare homes for the disabled and the aged. He attends and supports many fund-raising functions organized by them, and to show appreciation for their work and to encourage them, he invites the donors, the helpers, the volunteers to receptions at the Istana. He has also visited many Government ministries and departments showing interest in the work and concern for the welfare of the staff. I asked the President how he would sum up the last four years if he had to write it up for his resume. He replied: "To single out the greatest satisfaction I have derived from my office is easy. It has been the opportunity to meet people - foreigners and Singaporeans, from visiting foreign Heads of States and governments and other dignitaries, to my Singaporean compatriots from all walks of life. For me, this aspect alone outweighs all other considerations." He added: "I am deeply grateful for the moral support and encouragement shown to me by all quarters, including the people of Singapore, especially during my recent bout of illness." Sir, he has lost some weight since his two operations in January and February this year. But he has recovered a large measure of his enthusiasm, his cheerfulness and his vitality. I ask the House to support this motion for his re-election. Question proposed.

ELECTION OF PRESIDENT ( In Malay): Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise in support of the motion moved by the Hon. Prime Minister to elect Mr Wee Kim Wee as President of the Republic of Singapore for a second term of office. Mr Deputy Speaker, two things impressed me most when the Prime Minister moved the same motion four years ago on the 30th August 1985. And these words still hold true today. First, he referred to the competence of our President who was able to give clear descriptions or reports of what he observed when he was a High Commissioner then. I quote: (In English): "His despatches in analyzing the situation always got him to the heart of the matter." (In Malay): The second thing that impressed me then was how Singapore needed someone of integrity and honour. In addition, the Prime Minister made a point about his unassuming character and the unique understanding and compassion he showed to people. I quote the Prime Minister: (In English): "What Singapore needs in a President is a man of integrity and dignity. He is without affectations. His easy manner and understanding of people will make him a good Head of State."

(In Malay) After four years having him as President, we can see for ourselves how well the description fits the character of our President. In point of fact, this has always been his character. The assumption of office has only brought it into the highlight. In my view, two vital aspects have now emerged. First, the sharpness of his mind and the depth of his understanding of life has enabled him to maintain the dignity of the high office of President that he holds. Indeed, the dignity of this high office has been reinforced and it has gained even more respect and higher esteem. Second, his concern for the people, for people of all strata and of all walks of life, from the healthy to the feeble, from the common man to men of position, these have made him into someone in whom they could place love, at the very least place a little bit of love. And what is most important is that he served a people of a variety of races and religions: Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians, and others, who are Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, etc, and he performs this task without there existing or without him creating any class barrier, much less a dividing wall. In this way, solidarity is forged or welded. To him, position does not blind the eye, rank does not corrode the heart, his feet always stand firmly on the ground. This has brought him ever higher respect and adulation from the people. His unassuming character and his highly sympathetic and tolerant nature should be emulated by the people. He represents all of us and he represents the whole Singapore society. This has led me to conclude that in the midst of our society exists a President whose heart lies in the people. He embodies the meaning caputured by the concept "a People's President". Thus he deserve to be called a "People's President". His election as President of the Republic of Singapore is a fitting one. On that note, I fully support the motion moved by the Hon. Prime Minister. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education and the Minister for Home Affairs (Mr Tang Guan Seng) (In Mandarin): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I support the motion by the Prime Minister to elect Mr Wee Kim Wee as President of the Republic of Singapore for a further term of four years. Undoubtedly, President Wee is the best Presidential candidate. He is truly the People's President. During his four-year term of office, he has built up an image of one who is unassumingly simple and approachabe and has shown a high moral character of, kindness, and sincerity which have won the hearts of all our people. In a multi-racial country like Singapore, as the President of a country occupying the highest office of the country, in order to be the symbol of unity of people of various races, he must have the support of all the races, including the minorities. President Wee is the first ethnic Chinese President of our country. But, as the Member for Jalan Besar GRC has pointed out, he has been able to supersede racial barriers and win the support and respect also of our Malay and Indian compatriots. His success, of course, has to do with his "sociable personality". But I feel that the more important reason is that he regards our Malay and Indian compatriots as brother, and has deep and sincere feelings for them. President Wee came from a very common family. At first he was a clerk. Later he became a press reporter, then a diplomat. Four years ago, he became our President. Although there is a great change in his status and position, he still maintains his usual plain and gentle manner. He is really a great personage devoid of ostentatious pomp and show. It is this precious quality that has endeared President Wee to people of all walks of life. In the past, President Wee rendered his services to better the welfare of the blind and the deaf, and he also contributed to SATA. When he became the President, he carried on with his concern and support for social welfare services, particularly for the fund raising programmes for the Community Chest, helping to contribute some warmth to the less fortunate people in our Community. Sir, at 73 now, he is still able to carry on as usual as in the past four years paying close attention to the affairs of the State and providing encouragement to our people on major issues such as civil defence, transport, education, and so on. He attended various ceremonies, functions and receiving guests and the common people warmly. At the same time, he is also paying much attention to the life and welfare of the common people. One telling incident was a press report in March this year which said when the President was recuperating from an illness, he remembered a malay disabled artist who was neither a relative nor a personal friend. Nonetheless, the President asked his personal doctor to do a medical check-up on the artist He also recommended an artist to cultivate her talent. As a Chinese saying goes, "Few men ever reach seventy". when he could have retired and enjoyed his later years. But when the country calls for his services again he comes forward to offer himself resulutely. This spirit of keeping national interest above self calls for emulation by all our people. Sir, once more let me express my support for the Prime Minister's motion.

(In Malay) Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, we in the Workers' Party fully support the election of Mr Wee Kim Wee as President of the Republic of Singapore for a further term of office. I also fully endorse the sentiments expressed by the Prime Minister and the other two speakers before me. On this issue, I would dare say that both Government and the Opposition, although Mr Chiam has not yet spoken, have complete identity of views. Singapore has been most fortunate in having Mr Wee Kim Wee as President. He is friendly and he gets on very well with everyone. He is unassuming, he is well-respected, and popularly accepted as President of Singapore by people of all strata in our society. Far back in 1985 when Mr Wee was first elected President of Singapore and I was asked my personal opinion about him, my answer then was that Mr Wee was the most suitable choice and that the Government had done a good job in electing him. Today, I would like to say the same again. I believe that Mr Wee is easily the best choice in the land for this high office. However, we in the Workers' Party, and I dare say the great majority of people in Singapore, have been most disappointed that the President has not agreed to remove the conviction of our Party Secretary-General, Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam, though of course we realize that the President has no choice in the matter.

(In Malay) Dr Lee, if you could confine your comments to the Election of President.

(In Malay) Another related issue, Sir, is the Elected President. When first elected President in 1985, there was some uncertainty as to how long Mr Wee Kim Wee would remain in office. The Prime Minister had said then that Mr Wee's term of office might be less than four years. Those words were widely interpreted as semi-official intimation that the Prime Minister would soon step down from the premiership and that he would then take over from Mr Wee to become the first Elected Executive President of Singapore. It would appear, Sir, that the time-table of Government plans have now been changed. Or have these plans been shelved? I am sure the Prime Minister would like to enlighten the House on such an important matter, if not today then in the near future. Finally, Sir, let me say that we are all indeed very happy to learn that Mr Wee has fully recovered from his recent illness. It is my earnest hope and, I believe, that of all the people in Singapore that the President and Mrs Wee Kim Wee will continue to enjoy the best of health during the next four years and long after that to a ripe old age.

(In Malay) ( In Tamil): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am happy to support the motion standing in the name of the Hon. Prime Minister. Of all the motions accepted by this House till tocay, I have no doubt that this motion to re-elect Mr Wee Kim Wee as the President will get the overwhelming support of all the people. Before his election as President, Mr Wee Kim Wee has served our country in various posts and fields. In 1985 and this year, many Members who have known him well, have described him and spoken about his character and qualifications. I do not know him personally. Like other citizens, I have seen him in public functions. It is not difficult to understand why people like him. Anyone who sees him will know his unassuming attitude and character. His smiling face, his easy and loving manner in which he talks to the people have won the hearts of all the people. He does not exhibit the arrogance of power. Nor does he exhibit the overwhelming pride which goes with that post. Mr Wee is indeed a true and excellent President of the people. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the word "People's President" has been mentioned by the speakers who spoke before me. We have used these words in different contexts. That shows his true character. He is indeed a President of the people. There is a Tamil proverb which very aptly describes in four words how Government leaders should behave. It says, "people follow their king". The meaning of this proverb is that the conduct and character of Government leaders set an example for the people. The state of the nation reflects the state of its leaders. This is very important indeed, more so for the highest post in the nation. In fact, President Wee acts as an example for all citizens of Singapore. We look at President Wee and are proud to say that he is our President. I give my wholehearted support to this motion to re-elect him as President.

(In Malay) Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the motion to extend a further term of four years for Mr Wee Kim Wee to be President of Singapore. Sir, all the nice things have already been said and I support the sentiments thereof. Sir, I am also very glad to hear that Mr Wee Kim Wee has recovered from his two major surgeries earlier this year, and I wish him all the best of health.

(In Malay) Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise in support of the motion standing in the name of the Hon. Prime Minister to elect Mr Wee Kim Wee for a further term of four years as President of our Republic. During the last four years of his service as our President, Mr Wee has endeared himself to the whole nation. By his quiet dignity, his friendly and courteous disposition, a common touch and a genuine concern for the unfortunate in society, Mr Wee has earned the very enviable reputation of being the People's President. Those who have known him before he became President in August 1985 have always known these qualities in him. And for those of us who got to know him only after he became President have also had plenty of opportunity to admire those qualities in him. When Mr Wee was taken ill in January and February this year, the amount of "Get Well" wishes he received was ample evidence of the deep affection which our people have for him. Sir, the Head of State is the symbol of the unity, the loyalty and the spirit of the people. From his humble background, Mr Wee has achieved the distinctive career as journalist, diplomat, Chairman of SBC and President of our Republic. He is the very symbol of our system of meritocracy where every person irrespective of family or educational background can develop his or her potential to the fullest. Younger Singaporeans who have taken our system for granted would do well to remember that meritocracy is not always practised in other countries. But what I find most touching in Mr Wee's acceptance of nomination for re-election is his sense of duty to the nation. In August 1985 when the Prime Minister moved the motion to elect Mr Wee as the Fourth President of our Republic, he spoke of how Mr Wee, happy and content with his life as he had lived it, agreed to take up office as a matter of responsibility. I am sure that even now he is accepting re-election out of a sheer sense of responsibility. Public life demands hard work and personal sacrifices. At his age and given his recent illness, Mr Wee does not flinch from his sense of service to the nation. Other people would have, and understandably so, chosen to retire to the comforts of a quiet life with the children and grandchildren. It is therefore an act of supreme commitment to the country that Mr Wee has consented to serve a further term. Finally, Mr Wee has come to be known as a fatherly figure also. It is therefore most apt that he will be presiding over a period when we are engaged in introspection over our core values. It is my sincere wish and I am sure the wish of my colleagues in this House that Mr Wee would, after his re-election, continue to guide us with his wisdom, rich life experience, in our identification of this set of core values so that our younger Singaporeans can grow up on a solid foundation. I support the motion.

(In Malay) Question put, and agreed to. That this Parliament, in accordance with Article 17 of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, elects Mr Wee Kim Wee as President of the Republic of Singapore for a further term of four years to commence immediately after the expiry of his present term of office. [Applause.]

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS - NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS - (Expenditure) asked the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence what is the total amount spent by the Government in relation to the national day celebrations on the nights of 8th (celebrations at Marina Square), 9th (at the National Stadium) and 19th ("Swing Singapore" at Orchard Road) August, 1989.

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS - NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS - (Expenditure) Sir, earlier this year Parliament approved the provision of $1.5 million for the National Day Celebrations 1989. The National Day Parade is budgeted to cost the Government $1.3 million and Swing Singapore, another $200,000. The accounts for the expenditure are in the process of being finalized. As for "Countdown to National Day", this was held on 8th August 1989 and it was organized by the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation. No Government funds are involved. Sir, here I would like to thank the thousands of Singaporeans and corporate citizens who have given very generously of their time, their talent and their support to these National Day Celebrations. Their contributions have made these celebrations a success. Their efforts have enabled Singaporeans to come together to express their pride in Singapore and to help in the process of nation building.

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP asked the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence if he will explain the Prime Minister's statement at the People's Action Party fund-raising dinner that it does not amount to a corrupt practice for Ministers of government to solicit monies for the Party from selected individuals.

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, political fund-raising in itself does not amount to a corrupt practice so long as it is above board, be seen to be above board, and the donors do not expect or receive reciprocal benefits. That was the crux of the Prime Minister's message at the PAP's fund-raising dinner on 21st July. That was also the reason for publicising the PAP's first-ever fund-raising dinner. Indeed, the Prime Minister went on to spell out three cardinal rules to keep money politics out of Singapore: (1) Observe strict legal limits on election expenses; (2) Donations should never be made to individual Ministers or MPs but to the Party; and (3) Political contributions must never become a means of buying influence or swaying Government policies. The PAP abide by these rules. I hope other political parties do likewise.

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP How were the guests selected?

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, that question should actually be addressed to the PAP. But since he has asked, I will answer. We have a fund-raising committee comprising Backbenchers. Ministers are not involved. As you know, the Party has supporters amongst all strata of the population and we leave it to the fund-raising committee to select our supporters who feel a desire to contribute to the Party.

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP Were the guests selected only on a party basis or was there a public announcement that it was a public donation dinner?

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as I said just now, the Party has vast numbers of supporters, and we leave it to the fund-raising committee to select those who feel that they should contribute to the Party. I hope that the Workers Party, to whom the Member belongs, is not asking for ideas on how to raise funds for his own Party.

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP Were guests told or was it suggested to the guests that they had to pay certain sums as in America?

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I think the fund raising objective is quite obvious. The fund-raising committee, if I may elaborate, comprises Backbenchers and also non-MP members. The Chairman of the fund-raising committee is Mr Chandra Das. Mr Chua Sian Chin is also a member and I think there are one or two others whose names I cannot remember. They approach Party members, friends and supporters who believe that they should contribute to support the system through the Party. And the system which we are talking about here is the system of good government, honest government, and having this integrity in our society which is what the PAP stands for. As to the amount, we leave it entirely to the donors who came for the Party function.

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP Were these guests in some way connected with the business of government?

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP The answer is no. They are not connected at all with the business of government. This is purely for the Party, and I suspect that the Member is also thinking of how to raise funds for the Party. If he is nice to the Chairman of the PAP fund-raising committee, Mr Chandra Das, I am sure he can give him a few tips.

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP How is the present system of the PAP raising money different from the Recruit affair in Japan?

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is entirely different. In the Recruit case, I think favours were done to the company which donated funds. In our case, no favours are done or will be done for those who contribute to the Party.

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP This is a clarification from the First Deputy Prime Minister. According to what I see in this Question, it says here "Ministers of government" are allowed to solicit funds. I think what it means is Ministers as ordinary persons and not as Ministers. Is that the correct position? Certainly you cannot solicit funds as Ministers. You cannot come to Mr A and say, "Look here. I am the Minister for Defence. I am coming to solicit funds for the Party." I think that is wrong. I think Ministers of Government should not solicit funds but as Mr Goh Chok Tong or as Mr Goh Chok Tong of PAP, he can solicit funds. Is that the correct position?

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I thank Mr Chiam for that clarification. Ministers of Government, as the way he spells it out, do not go out in their official capacity to raise funds. In other words, I as the Deputy Prime Minister, will not approach any Party supporter to contribute to the Party. If I do approach, it will be in my capacity as Mr Goh Chok Tong, Assistant Secretary-General of the PAP. But in order that there is no hint of any improper practices even I, as Mr Goh Chok Tong or as Assistant Secretary-General of the PAP, do not approach anyone for funds for the Party. We leave it entirely to Party MPs who are not Ministers.

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP Would the First Deputy Prime Minister then see that this statement is, in fact, corrected? Would he be willing to see that, in fact, this state- ment made publicly should be corrected? Would he be willing to do that?

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I do not quite follow the question of the Member for Potong Pasir. Which statement is he referring to?

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP Whatever statement that was made in public by the Prime Minister. So Ministers of Government should not solicit funds.

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP Ministers of Government do not solicit funds.

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP That is right.

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP And the Prime Minister has not made that statement. The question asked was, as I suspect, to give a yes or no answer which would, in fact, put the one who answers the question in a bad light. It is a double-edged question. I have therefore spelt out the exact position of what we should or should not do and what the Prime Minister has made very clear in his speech to the Party members and supporters in that fund-raising dinner.

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP How does one differentiate a Minister from an MP who is very closely connected with the Minister?

MINISTERS SOLICITING MONIES FOR PAP I think one who does not hold any official position, and I can say that most PAP MPs are very close to the Ministers. But when they solicit funds or they organize a party to raise funds for their Party, they do not in any way use their official position. They approach supporters purely as Party members.

HOSTING OF US MILITARY FACILITIES asked the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence whether, under the proposed agreement to grant military facilities, the United States will be permitted to keep nuclear warheads and other nuclear weapons in Singapore, whether on land or aboard vessels or aircraft stationed in Singapore under the agreement.

HOSTING OF US MILITARY FACILITIES Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, this question now is in the domain of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With your permission, I will reply on behalf of my Minister. Since the visit of the US site survey team in June 1989, there have been no further developments. The US Government is presently studying the report of the site survey team. They have not yet decided what facilities they would like to have in Singapore. The US has not raised the issue of nuclear weapons with Singapore. The question is therefore hypothetical.

HOSTING OF US MILITARY FACILITIES Does the Government envisage having nuclear weapons stationed in Singapore?

HOSTING OF US MILITARY FACILITIES The question is even more hypothetical.

HOSTING OF US MILITARY FACILITIES It is not hypothetical, Sir. I said "envisage".

HOSTING OF US MILITARY FACILITIES The US has not asked us. If and when they do, the Government will consider the matter.

HOSTING OF US MILITARY FACILITIES Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to ask the Minister a clarification. Would the US be really wanting to build a base in Singapore?