Volume II Monday No. 3 31st May, 1965

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES

DEWAN RA'AYAT (HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES)

OFFICIAL REPORT

SECOND SESSION OF THE SECOND PARLIAMENT OF

CONTENTS

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS [Col. 657] MOTION: The di-Pertuan Agong's Speech—Address of Thanks [Col. 670] ADJOURNMENT SPEECHES— Pelajaran Bahasa Melayu di-dalam Huruf Jawi [Col. 785] Free Legal Aid [Col. 790]

DI-CHETAK DI-JABATAN CHETAK KERAJAAN OLEH THOR BENG CHONG, A.M.N., PENCHETAK KERAJAAN 1966 MALAYSIA

DEWAN RA'AYAT (HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES) Official Report

Second Session of the Second Dewan Ra'ayat

Monday, 31st May, 1965 The House met at Ten o clock

PRESENT: The Honourable Mr Speaker, DATO' CHIK MOHAMED YUSUF BIN SHEIKH ABDUL RAHMAN, S.P.M.P., J.P., Dato' Bendahara, . the Prime Minister, Minister of External Affairs and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Y.T.M. PUTRA AL-HAJ, K.O.M. (Kuala ). the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Minister of National and Rural Development, TUN HAJI ABDUL RAZAK BIN DATO' HUSSAIN, S.M.N. (Pekan). the Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Justice, DATO' DR ISMAIL BIN DATO' HAJI ABDUL RAHMAN, P.M.N. ( Timor). the Minister of Finance, ENCHE' , J.P. (Melaka Tengah). the Minister of Works, Posts and Telecommunications, DATO' V. T. SAMBANTHAN, P.M.N. (Sungei Siput). the Minister of Transport, DATO' HAJI SARDON BIN HAJI JUBIR, P.M.N. (Pontian Utara). the Minister of Education, ENCHE' MOHAMED (Kedah Tengah). the Minister of Health, ENCHE' BAHAMAN BIN SAMSUDIN (Kuala Pilah). the Minister of Commerce and Industry, DR LIM SWEE AUN, J.P. (Larut Selatan). the Minister for Welfare Services, TUAN HAJI ABDUL HAMID KHAN BIN HAJI SAKHAWAT ALI KHAN, J.M.N., J.P. (Batang Padang). the Minister for Local Government and Housing, ENCHE' KHAW KAI-BOH, P.J.K. (Ulu ). the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, ENCHE' SENU BIN ABDUL RAHMAN (Kubang Pasu Barat). the Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives, ENCHE' MOHD. GHAZALI BIN HAJI JAWI (Ulu Perak). the Minister for Affairs and Civil Defence, DATU DONALD ALOYSIUS STEPHENS, P.D.K. (Sabah). 651 31 MAY 1965 652

The Honourable the Minister of Lands and Mines, ENCHE' ABDUL-RAHMAN BIN YA'AKUB (). the Assistant Minister of Commerce and Industry, TUAN HAJI ABDUL KHALID BIN AWANG OSMAN (Kota Star Utara). the Assistant Minister of National and Rural Development, ENCHE' SULAIMAN BIN BULON (Bagan Datoh). the Assistant Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, ENGKU MUHSEIN BIN ABDUL KADIR, J.M.N., S.M.T., PJ.K. (Trengganu Tengah). the Assistant Minister of Education, ENCHE' LEE SIOK YEW, A.M.N., PJ.K. (Sepang). ENCHE' ABDUL GHANI BIN ISHAK, A.M.N. (Melaka Utara). ENCHE' ABDUL KARIM BIN ABU, A.M.N. (Melaka Selatan). ENCHE' ABDUL RAHIM ISHAK (). WAN ABDUL RAHMAN BIN DATU TUANKU BUJANG (Sarawak). TUAN HAJI ABDUL RASHID BIN HAJI JAIS (Sabah). ENCHE' ABDUL RAUF BIN A. RAHMAN, K.M.N., PJ.K. (Krian Laut). ENCHE' ABDUL RAZAK BIN HAJI HUSSIN (Lipis). ENCHE' ABDUL SAMAD BIN GUL AHMAD MIANJI (Pasir Mas Hulu). Y.A.M. TUNKU ABDULLAH IBNI AL-MARHUM TUANKU ABDUL RAHMAN, P.P.T. (Rawang). TUAN HAJI ABDULLAH BIN HAJI MOHD. SALLEH, A.M.N., S.M.J., P.I.S. (Segamat Utara). ENCHE' ABU BAKAR BIN HAMZAH (Bachok). TUAN HAJI AHMAD BIN ABDULLAH (Kelantan Hilir). ENCHE' AHMAD BIN ARSHAD, A.M.N. (Muar Utara). TUAN HAJI AHMAD BIN SAAID, J.P. (Seberang Utara). CHE' AJIBAH BINTI ABOL (Sarawak). ENCHE' ALI BIN HAJI AHMAD (Pontian Selatan). DR AWANG BIN HASSAN, S.M.J. (Muar Selatan). ENCHE' AZIZ BIN ISHAK (Muar Dalam). ENCHE' E. W. BARKER (Singapore). ENCHE' CHAN CHONG WEN, A.M.N. ( Selatan). ENCHE' CHAN SEONG YOON (Setapak). ENCHE' CHAN SIANG SUN (Bentong). ENCHE' CHEN WING SUM (Damansara). ENCHE' CHIA CHIN SHIN, A.B.S. (Sarawak). ENCHE' FRANCIS CHIA NYUK TONG (Sabah). ENCHE' CHIA THYE POH (Singapore). ENCHE' CHIN FOON (Ulu Kinta). ENCHE' C. V. (Bungsar). " TUAN SYED ESA BIN ALWEE, J.M.N., S.M.J., P.I.S. (Batu Pahat Dalam). 31 MAY 1965 654

DATIN FATIMAH BINTI HAJI ABDUL MAJID ( Timor). DATIN FATIMAH BINTI HAJI HASHIM, P.M.N. (Jitra-Padang Terap). ENCHE' S. FAZUL RAHMAN, A.D.K. (Sabah). DATU GANIE GILONG, P.D.K., J.P. (Sabah). ENCHE' GANING BIN JANGKAT (Sabah). ENCHE' GEH CHONG KEAT, K.M.N. ( Utara). ENCHE' HAMZAH BIN ALANG, A.M.N., PJ.K. (Kapar). ENCHE' HANAFI BIN MOHD. YUNUS, A.M.N., J.P. (Kulim Utara). ENCHE' HANAFIAH BIN HUSSAIN, A.M.N. (Jerai). ENCHE' HARUN BIN ABDULLAH, A.M.N. (Baling). WAN HASSAN BIN WAN DAUD (Tumpat). ENCHE' STANLEY HO NYUN KHIU, A.D.K. (Sabah). ENCHE' HUSSEIN BIN TO' MUDA HASSAN, A.M.N. (Raub). ENCHE' HUSSEIN BIN MOHD. NOORDIN, A.M.N., PJ.K. (Parit). ENCHE' HUSSEIN BIN SULAIMAN (Ulu Kelantan). TUAN HAJI HUSSAIN RAHIMI BIN HAJI SAMAN (Kota Bharu Hulu). ENCHE' IKHWAN ZAINI (Sarawak). ENCHE' IBRAHIM BIN ABDUL RAHMAN (Seberang Tengah). ENCHE' ISMAIL BIN IDRIS (Penang Selatan). DATO' SYED JA'AFAR BIN HASAN ALBAR, P.M.N. (Johor Tenggara). ENCHE' (Singapore). ENCHE' KAM WOON WAH, J.P. (Sitiawan). ENCHE' KHOO PENG LOONG (Sarawak). ENCHE' KOW KEE SENG (Singapore). ENCHE' (Singapore). ENCHE' , K.M.N. (Segamat Selatan). ENCHE' LEE SECK FUN (Tanjong Malim). ENCHE' AMADEUS MATHEW LEONG, A.D.K., J.P. (Sabah). DR LIM CHONG EU (Tanjong). DATO' , D.U.T., J.M.K., D.J.M.K. (Singapore). ENCHE' LIM PEE HUNG, PJ.K. (Alor Star). ENCHE' T. MAHIMA SINGH, J.P. (Port Dickson). ENCHE' JOSEPH DAVID MANJAJI (Sabah). DATO' DR HAJI MEGAT KHAS, D.P.M.P., J.P., PJ.K. (Kuala Kangsar). ENCHE' MOHD. ARIF SALLEH, A.D.K. (Sabah). ENCHE' MOHAMED ASRI BIN HAJI MUDA, P.M.K. (Pasir Puteh). ENCHE' MOHD. DAUD BIN ABDUL SAMAD (Besut). ENCHE' MOHAMED IDRIS BIN MATSIL, J.M.N., PJ.K., J.P. (Jelebu-Jempol), 655 31 MAY 1965 656

The Honourable ENCHE' MOHD. TAHIR BIN ABDUL MAJID, S.M.S., P.J.K. (Kuala Langat). ENCHE' MOHAMED YUSOF BIN MAHMUD, A.M.N. (Temerloh). ENCHE' MOHD. ZAHIR BIN HAJI ISMAIL, J.M.N. (Sungai Patani). WAN MOKHTAR BIN AHMAD (Kemaman). TUAN HAJI MOKHTAR BIN HAJI ISMAIL (Perlis Selatan). ENCHE' MUHAMMAD FAKHRUDDIN BIN HAJI ABDULLAH (Pasir Mas Hilir). TUAN HAJI MUHAMMAD SU'AUT BIN HAJI MUHD. TAHIR, A.B.S. (Sarawak). DATO' HAJI MUSTAPHA BIN HAJI ABDUL JABAR, D.P.M.S., A.M.N., J.P. (Sabak Bernam). ENCHE' MUSTAPHA BIN AHMAD (Tanah Merah). DATO' NIK AHMAD KAMIL, D.K., S.P.M.K., S.J.M.K., P.M.N., P.Y.G.P., Dato' Sri Setia Raja (Kota Bharu Hilir). ENCHE' NG FAH YAM (). DR NG KAM POH, J.P. (Telok Anson). ENCHE' (Sarawak). ENCHE' (Singapore). TUAN HAJI OTHMAN BIN ABDULLAH (Hilir Perak). ENCHE' OTHMAN BIN ABDULLAH, A.M.N. (Perlis Utara). ABANG OTHMAN BIN HAJI MOASILI, P.B.S. (Sarawak). ENCHE' OTHMAN BIN WOK (Singapore). ENCHE' QUEK KAI DONG, J.P. ( Timor). ENCHE' S. RAJARATNAM (Singapore). TUAN HAJI RAHMAT BIN HAJI DAUD, A.M.N. (Johor Bahru Barat). ENCHE' RAMLI BIN OMAR (Krian Darat). TUAN HAJI REDZA BIN HAJI MOHD. SAID, P.J.K., J.P. (Rembau-Tampin). RAJA ROME BIN RAJA MA'AMOR, P.J.K., J.P. (Kuala Selangor). ENCHE' SEAH TENG NGIAB, P.I.S. (Muar Pantai). ENCHE' SIM BOON LIANG (Sarawak). ENCHE' SIOW LOONG HIN, P.J.K. (Seremban Barat). ENCHE' SNAWI BIN ISMAIL, P.J.K. (Seberang Selatan). ENCHE' SNG CHIN JOO (Sarawak). ENCHE' SOH AH TECK (Batu Pahat). ENCHE' SULEIMAN BIN ALI (Dungun). PENGIRAN TAHIR PETRA (Sabah). ENCHE' TAJUDIN BIN ALI, PJ.K. (Larut Utara). ENCHE' TAI KUAN YANG (Kulim-Bandar Bharu). ENCHE' TAMA WENG TINGGANG WAN (Sarawak). DR (Batu). ENCHE' TAN CHENG BEE, J.P. (Bagan). ENCHE' TAN HONG (Bukit Bintang). ENCHE' TAN TSAK YU (Sarawak). ENCHE' TIAH ENG BEE (Kluang Utara). ENCHE' TOH THEAM HOCK (Kampar). ENCHE' WEE TOON BOON (Singapore). 657 31 MAY 1965 658

The Honourable ENCHE' YEH PAO TZE (Sabah). ENCHE' YEOH TAT BENG (Bruas). ENCHE' (Sarawak). ENCHE' (Singapore). TUAN HAJI ZAKARIA BIN HAJI MOHD. TAIB, PJ.K. (Langat).

ABSENT: The Honourable the Minister for Sarawak Affairs, DATO' TEMENGGONG JUGAH ANAK BARIENG, P.M.N., P.D.K. (Sarawak). the Minister of Labour, ENCHE' V. MANICKAVASAGAM, J.M.N., PJ.K. (Klang). WAN ABDUL KADIR BIN ISMAIL, P.P.T. (Kuala Trengganu Utara). ENCHE' ABDUL RAHMAN BIN HAJI TALIB, P.J.K. (Kuantan). DATO' ABDULLAH BIN ABDULRAHMAN, Dato' Bijaya di-Raja (Kuala Trengganu Selatan). O.K.K. DATU ALIUDDIN BIN DATU HARUN, P.D.K. (Sabah). ENCHE' JONATHAN BANGAU ANAK RENANG, A.B.S. (Sarawak). PENGARAH BANYANG ANAK JANTING, P.B.S. (Sarawak). ENCHE' EDWIN ANAK TANGKUN (Sarawak). DR (Singapore). PENGHULU JINGGUT ANAK ATTAN, Q.M.C., A.B.S. (Sarawak). ENCHE' KADAM ANAK KIAI (Sarawak). DATU KHOO SIAK CHIEW, P.D.K. (Sabah). ENCHE' EDMUND LANGGU ANAK SAGA (Sarawak). DATO' LING BENG SIEW, P.N.B.S. (Sarawak). ENCHE' LIM HUAN BOON (Singapore). ENCHE' LIM KEAN SIEW (Dato Kramat). ENCHE' PETER LO SU YIN (Sabah). DR MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD (Kota Star Selatan). ORANG TUA MOHAMMAD DARA BIN LANGPAD (Sabah). ENCHE' SANDOM ANAK NYUAK (Sarawak). ENCHE' D. R. SEENIVASAGAM (). ENCHE' S. P. SEENIVASAGAM (Menglembu). ENCHE' TAN KEE GAK (Bandar Melaka). DR (Singapore). PENGHULU FRANCIS UMPAU ANAK EMPAM (Sarawak). PRAYERS Buroh ada-kah di-fikir perlu untok menubohkan Jabatan Employment (Mr Speaker in the Chair) Bureau di-Sarawak supaya soal ORAL ANSWERS TO penganggoran itu dapat di-atasi. QUESTIONS MENUBOHKAN EMPLOYMENT The Minister of Lands and Mines BUREAU DI-SARAWAK (Enche' Abdul-Rahman bin Ya'kub): (ESTABLISHMENT OF EMPLOY­ Tuan Yang di-Pertua, di-Sarawak di- MENT BUREAU IN SARAWAK) dalam Jabatan Buroh ada satu section 1. Abang Othman bin Haji Moasili yang di-gelarkan "Employment (Sarawak) bertanya kapada Menteri Exchange Service." 659 31 MAY 1965 660

MENGADAKAN "SYSTEM" the Central Trade Union Registry is MEMBAHAGI KONTREK2 BAGI a private agency or a Government PEMBORONG2 Department established under the SARAWAK Trade Unions Ordinance, No. 23 of 2. Abang Othman bin Haji Moasili 1959. bertanya kapada Menteri Kerja Raya, Enche' Abdul-Rahman bin Ya'kub: Pos dan Talikom sama ada Kemen- Mr Speaker, Sir, the Trade Union terian-nya akan menimbangkan mem- 2 Registry is a Government Department beri peluang kapada pemborong within the Ministry of Labour. bumiputra dengan mengadakan "system" membahagi tender itu dengan Enche' C. V. Devan Nair: Is the menghadkan sakian banyak untok Minister aware that at a press orang2 bukan bumiputra dan sakian conference given about some two banyak untok bumiputra. Mithalan- months ago the Honourable the nya tender yang di-bawah $50,000 Minister of Labour stated, in reply itu hendak-lah di-berikan kapada to a question, that a matter between pemborong2 bumiputra supaya dapat the Registrar and a trade union was mereka bernafas. a private matter; and would the Menteri Kerja Raya, Pos dan Tali­ Minister care to explain what these kom (Dato' V. T. Sambanfhan): Tuan private dealings were between the Yang di-Pertua, saya akan menyiasat Registrar and a particular trade union? atas perkara ini. Enche' Abdul-Rahman bin Ya'kub: KURSUS LATEHAN DALAM I am fully aware of that. In fact, I PERGURUAN DAN LATEHAN have got a cutting of that press report DI-MAKTAB PERGURUAN DI- here. The only explanation I can KUALA LUMPUR UNTOK give—and that was the assurance BUMIPUTERA SARAWAK given to me by the substantive Minister of Labour—is that by a slip 3. Abang Othman bin Haji Moasili of the tongue he had used the word bertanya kapada Menteri Pelajaran 2 "private". In fact, what the intended to sama ada kursus latehan untok anak convey was that the Registrar has bumiputera dalam jurusan perguruan specific statutory functions to akan di-perbanyakkan dan kalau dapat perform under the Trade Union di-hantarkan ka-Maktab Perguruan Ordinance. So he intended to tell the di-Ibu Negara. reporters that he could not at that Menteri Pelajaran (Enche' Mohamed stage interfere with the decision of the Khir Johari): Tuan Yang di-Pertua, Registrar until an appeal had been saya akan memberikan segala per- lodged and sent to him. The word timbangan untok memberi peluang "private" does not mean that it is in berlateh menjadi guru kapada pemuda2 his private capacity and not as the bumiputra. Di-bawah Ranchangan Registrar of Trade Unions. Pembangunan bagi negeri Sarawak sa-buah Maktab Latehan Guru akan Enche' C. V. Devan Nair: I am di-dirikan dan akan mula mengambil grateful for the explanation, but can pelateh2 pada bulan Januari, 1966. we have the assurance that it will be Maktab ini berserta dengan Maktab conveyed to the Registrar that he is not di-Batu Lindang dan juga kemudahan2 a private agency but a public servant? berlateh menjadi Guru2 Ilmu khas yang ada di-Kuala Lumpur ini akan Enche' Abdul-Rahman bin Ya'kub: memberi chukup tempat bagi chalun2 The Registrar is fully aware of that, yang berkelayakan termasok-lah but I will give the Honourable pemuda2 bumiputra. Member the assurance. CENTRAL TRADE UNION INDUSTRIAL HEALTH HYGIENE REGISTRY UNIT—ESTABLISHMENT 4. Enche' C. V. Devan Nair (Bungsar) 5. Enche' C. V. Devan Nair asks the asks the Minister of Labour whether Minister of Labour if he has initiated 661 31 MAY 1965 662 action to set up an Industrial Health Sir, I was talking to a few trade union Hygiene Unit. leaders in this respect, but they would not like to express their views Enche' Abdul-Rahman bin Ya'kub: categorically and some members said The answer is Yes, Sir. that as far as they were concerned Enche' C. V. Devan Nair: Would the they would like to see the workers earn Minister care to state exactly what their earnings morally and they did action has been taken, and how soon not feel that it was quite justifiable to we may expect this Industrial Health ask the employer to pay the full fees Hygiene Unit to be set up? when the employee does not do the full job according to the terms and Enche' Abdul-Rahman bin Ya'kub: conditions of service. It will be set up very soon, Sir. The Establishment Office has already given Enche' C. V. Devan Nair: Surely, the its opinion and we are now consulting question, Mr Speaker, Sir, is whether the Treasury and it is a question of the weapon is a legitimate weapon financial arrangements involved. We though a weapon can be used or are fully aware of the need to have abused. The I.C.F.T.U. statement read such a Hygiene Unit in this country, out by the Honourable Minister just and the first Unit will be in the form now was a judgment on the abuse of of a small pilot project. that weapon. My question is this: whether there is, in fact, not a consensus among free democratic trade "GO-SLOW" AND "WORK-TO- union movements in free democratic RULE" countries that these are legitimate 6. Enche5 C. V. Devan Nair asks the weapons? Minister of' Labour to confirm or deny whether go-slow and work-to-rule are Enche' Abdul-Rahman bin Ya'kub: internationally accepted weapons in Mr Speaker, Sir, I view this question the Trade Unions Armoury. from this angle—what flaws from the so-called legitimate weapon; and we Enche' Abdul-Rahman bin Ya'kub: view it in this way that if an employee Mr Speaker, Sir, there is no consensus does not perform his duties according of opinion in this respect. to the terms and conditions of service, then an employer is entitled under Enche' C. V. Devan Nair: Mr one of the terms of the contract of Speaker, Sir, would not the Minister service to resort to that term. For agree that, in fact, in so far as the example, if he does not do full time free and democratic countries are work, then the employer is entitled to concerned, there is a consensus and take disciplinary action. that in countries like , Ceylon, the United Kingdom and various Enche' C. V. Devan Nair: But could Western European countries, there is the Minister state whether there is this consensus? any international authority on the basis of which the Government can Enche' Abdul-Rahman bin Ya'kub: claim that "go-slows" and so forth Mr Speaker, Sir, it is not so. Here, I are not acceptable weapons in the would like to quote to the Honourable Trade Union Armoury in free Member an extract from the Trade democratic countries? That is all that Union Handbook by the International I ask, Sir. Confederation of Free Trade Unions, Educational Seriesi No. 6, page 134, Enche' Abdul-Rahman bin Ya'kub: and it says among other things: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have not been able "Slow down strikes "—the go-slow to find any consensus of opinion which and other things are included in these— backs the other opinion which says that "... .are resorted to at times although they it is an internationally accepted weapon are ethically questionable. Workers remain in the Trade Union Armoury. I have on their jobs and demand the regular pay, yet they work so slowly that the employer been trying to rack my brain in the soon fears the lessening of production." past few days to study the things, so 663 31 MAY 1965 664 that I could supply the right answer, OVERSEAS SERVICE IN and the one that I could get is this MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL Trade Union Handbook. I have had AFFAIRS—RECRUITMENT also discussions with a few Trade Union leaders. There appears to be no 8. Dr Tan Chee Khoon asks the Prime consensus of opinion in this respect. Minister whether he is aware that the It is really a test of strength. recent advertisement for the recruit­ ment of Malayans only for overseas Dr Tan Chee Khoon (Batu): Mr service in the Ministry of External Speaker, Sir, will the Honourable Affairs has caused a great deal of Acting Minister of Labour not agree dissatisfaction and is contrary to the that it is generally agreed, although spirit of the there may not be a consensus of and, if so, whether he will take steps to opinion, that "go-slow" and "work-to- change the Service Regulations so that rule" are legitimate weapons in the from Singapore, Sabah and armoury of trade unions? Sarawak can be eligible for entry into this service. Enche' Abdul-Rahman bin Ya'kub: It is not so, Mr Speaker, Sir. The Prime Minister: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am quite aware of the recent Dr Lim Chong Eu (Tanjong): Mr controversy over the advertisement Speaker, Sir, will the Honourable which appeared in the press asking for Acting Minister of Labour then accept recruitment of Branch "A" officers in the fact that this principal of "go-slow" the External Affairs Service. But I and "work-to-rule" is practised by think the Honourable Member is other nations and, therefore, accepted wrong in suggesting that the advertise­ among several other nations? ment which appeared was to recruit Enche' Abdul-Rahman bin Ya'kub: Malayans because, according to my There may be a few countries where knowledge, it says "Federal Citizens" workers do resort to that—in fact, and the term "Federal Citizens" we know that. But to say that it is an includes those in Sabah, Sarawak and internationally accepted practice as is Singapore. However, in respect of stated in the question is another matter Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore, I think, entirely. it is decided on the merits of each application. 2 PELUANG BAGI PEMBORONG Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Mr Speaker, BUMIPUTERA UNTOK MENG- Sir, is the Honourable Prime USAHAKAN KERJA PEMBORONG Minister aware that there was a query DI-KAWASAN PEMBANGUNAN from a citizen of Singapore who, LUAR BANDAR presumably now, is a Malaysian citizen and who has the requisite qualifications, 7. Che' Ajibah binti Abol (Sarawak) asking whether he could be considered bertanya kapada Menteri Pemba- for selection for entry into the External ngunan Negara dan Luar Bandar ada- Affairs Service and that the answer kah peluang2 akan di-beri juga kapada given in print by the External Affairs pemborong2 bumiputera bagi meng- Ministry was a categorical "No"? usahakan kerja pemborongan di- kawasan Pembangunan Luar Bandar. The Prime Minister: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am not aware of that. I am only The Assistant Minister of Agriculture aware of the rule or the policy which and Co-operatives (Enche' Sulaiman is obtaining now in respect of bin Bulon): Dato' Yang di-Pertua, recruitment of officers from Sabah, peluang2 akan di-beri juga kapada Sarawak and Singapore. For this pemborong2 bumiputera bagi meng- purpose, I would like to refer the usahakan kerja2 pemborongan di- Honourable Member to paragraph 4 kawasan2 pembangunan sa-bagaimana of Chapter "A" of the General Orders, yang di-jalankan di-Negeri2 Tanah which requires a candidate on the first Melayu ini. appointment to the Public Service to 665 31 MAY 1965 666 be a Federal Citizen or, if he is a proposal is to employ them for two minor, on attaining the age of hours a day, every day of the week, majority, and so on. In so far except Sundays and holidays, at an as recruitment to the Federal Public all-inclusive remuneration of about Service is concerned, the Malayanisa- $400 per mensem. Other details are tion Committee of Cabinet decided on still under consideration. The June 4, 1964, that for the time being assistance and the co-operation of the the recruitment of Singapore citizens Malayan Medical Association would for permanent appointments to the be required in this matter. When Federal Public Service should be details of this scheme have been considered on the merits of each case. worked out, Government approval This applies to others from Sabah and for the scheme would be sought. It is Sarawak. hoped that many private practitioners would volunteer for this service. Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Mr Speaker, Sir, in view of the dissatisfaction that Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Mr Speaker, has appeared, will the Honourable Sir, is the Minister of Health aware Prime Minister give an assurance to that possibly about six years ago, there this House that whatever hindrances was such a scheme in operation? that may now still prevail will be Then, for reasons best known to itself, removed as expeditiously as possible, the Government suddenly stopped so that Malaysians from Sabah and this practice. May I know, Mr Speaker, Sarawak and Singapore will have a Sir, why was it that the Government chance to enter the External Affairs stopped that practice? It was in Service? operation about six years ago. The Prime Minister: Sir, I am not Enche' Bahaman bin Samsudin: I am able to give any assurance now, aware of that, Sir, but I do not know because we have not yet quite finalised for what reasons. (Laughter). the arrangements in regard to the Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Mr Speaker, recruitment of officers from the other Sir, I regret to say that the Honourable States yet. In the same way, they have Minister does not know what is not quite agreed to recruit anybody going on in his Ministry. (Laughter). from the States of Malaya. Therefore, Is the Honourable Minister of this is a matter that requires study, and Health aware that since then the it is difficult for me to give an assurance Malayan Medical Association has here. been offering its services almost year in and year out to the Government to EMPLOYMENT OF PRIVATE relieve the shortage of doctors in the MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS ON urban and rural areas? If so, why PART-TIME BASIS TO RELIEVE should the Government still be "con­ sidering" this scheme instead of having SHORTAGE OF DOCTORS IN implemented it long ago. GOVERNMENT SERVICE Enche' Bahaman bin Samsudin: The 9. Dr Tan Chee Khoon asks the Minis­ matter is under consideration, as I ter of Health to state whether he said just now. (Laughter). would consider obtaining part-time sendees of private practitioners to Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Mr Speaker, relieve the overall shortage of Sir, may I know how much longer will doctors in government hospital, if so, it be under consideration? Will there how does he propose to harness their be more cases of coronary infarct as services? the one which resulted in death in the Hospital and which caused an The Minister of Health (Enche' inquiry which showed that there was Bahaman bin Samsudin): The Ministry an acknowledged dereliction of duty? of Health is considering employing If these private practitioners were private medical practitioners on a part- engaged, will the Honourable Minister time basis in out-patient departments not agree that such cases may well be in hospitals in the larger towns. The obviated? 667 31 MAY 1965 668

Enche' Bahaman bin Samsudin: I prompt issue of the examination will settle it as early as possible. results, the writing of both the index (Laughter). number and the name of the candidate is, through force of circumstances, USE OF INDEX NUMBERS necessary. INSTEAD OF NAMES IN Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Mr Speaker, EXAMINATIONS Sir, if I heard the Honourable Minister correctly, he said that in all examina­ 10. Dr Tan Chee Khoon asks the tions conducted locally index numbers Minister of Education what measures are used and no names are used. Do his Ministry has taken to preserve I hear it correctly, Sir? If that is so, the anonymity of students sitting for my information is that, for example, the L.C.E., the Senior Cambridge/ in the Lower Certificate of Examina­ F.M.C., H.S.C. examinations; whether tion, a candidate is required to write he is aware that in some examinations down his name. That is at variance the students have to write down their with the statement made by the names in the examination papers and Honourable Minister of Education. whether he will direct that this bad Can he give us clarification on this practice should be stopped forthwith. point? Enche' Mohd. Khir Johari: Sir, the Enche' Mohd. Khir Johari: Sir, in Ministry of Education, Malaysia, is my reply, I included the Lower aware of the increasing pressure from Certificate of Examination. the public for the abolition of names to be written to the answer scripts for Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Surely the the various levels of examination Lower Certificate of Examination is sponsored by it. As far as the internal conducted locally; it has nothing to do examinations are concerned, namely with Cambridge. Consequently, only the Lower Certificate of Education, index numbers must be used and the Entrance, the Com­ candidates need not be required to bined Scholarship and the Graduate write their names on the examination Teachers Examinations, etc., the scripts. Ministry has already taken action Enche' Mohd. Khir Johari: In the from the beginning that only index case of the Lower Certificate of numbers are used. This is possible Examination only the index number is primarily because they are local required. examinations—set, marked and pro­ cessed in the country itself, and they Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Regarding the are not handicapped by distance. Senior Cambridge examinations, etc., Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Honourable As regards the Cambridge School Minister aware that, at least for the Certificate, Malaysia Certificate of year 1936 when I sat for the Senior Education and the Higher School Cambridge examination, I need not Certificate examinations, the extension have to write my name on it? It was of such procedure has not yet been just an index number. Is the Honour­ successful as the Cambridge Local able Minister also aware that whatever Examinations Syndicate has, for difficulties posed by the Cambridge various reasons of their own, found University, these are not insurmount­ such introduction administratively able? For example, you can always difficult. This is chiefly because prompt chop on the examination scripts of checking of some 250,000 answer those candidates from Malaysia— scripts from many countries, of which "Malaysia, Index Number 1, 2, our country is only one, could not be 3 . . . .". It is not too difficult. Will carried out if there should be a mis­ the Minister of Education give an take in entering the index numbers in assurance to this House that he will the work sheets by examination pursue this matter and to see to it that officials or on answer scripts by the whatever difficulties there may be will examinees themselves. To avoid delays, be removed, so that only the index and this has a direct effect on the number is required and no more? 669 31 MAY 1965 670 Enche' Mohd. Khir Johari: I shall Age Group unless they have first convey the Honourable Member's obtained the necessary Exit Permits, views to the Examination Syndicate. is the best means of preventing them from dodging the call-up. SARAWAK TRUNK ROADS- INCREASED PACE OF MOTION CONSTRUCTION 11. Enche' Chia Chin Shin (Sarawak) THE YANG DI-PERTUAN asks the Minister of Works, Posts and AGONG'S SPEECH Telecommunications whether it is Address of Thanks possible to increase the pace of con­ Order read for resumption of Debate struction of the Sarawak Trunk Roads on Question— in order that the date of completion That an humble Address be may be kept within the target date in presented to His Majesty the Yang the Development Plan. di-Pertuan Agong as follows: Dato9 V. T. Sanibanthan: Mr Speaker, "Your Majesty, Sir, every effort will be made to We, the Speaker and Members of increase the pace of construction of the Dewan Ra'ayat of Malaysia these roads. This is partly conditioned in Parliament assembled, beg by the arrival of mechanical equip­ leave to offer Your Majesty our ment in good time. humble thanks for the Gracious Speech with which the Second PROMOTION AND ENCOURAGE­ Session of the Second Parliament MENT OF LOCAL INDUSTRIES IN has been opened", SARAWAK to which the following amendment 12. Enche' Chia Chin Shin asks the moved by Enche' Lee Kuan Yew was Minister of Commerce and Industry to add at the end thereof: whether it is planned to promote and "but regrets that the Address by encourage Local Industries in Sarawak His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan to meet the growing demand for jobs Agong did not reassure the by the people. nation that Malaysia will continue The Minister of Commerce and to progress in accord with its Industry (Dr Lim Swee Aun): Mr democratic constitution towards a Speaker, Sir, the answer is "Yes". , but on the contrary the address has added ISSUE OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS to the doubts over the intentions TO PERSONS WITHIN NATIONAL of the present Alliance Govern­ SERVICE AGE GROUP ment and over the measures it will adopt when faced with the 13. Enche' Chia Chin Shin asks the loss of majority popular support." Minister of Home Affairs whether he will reconsider the advisability of Dr Lim Chong Eu: Mr Speaker, Sir, allowing those who are within the before I continue with my speech, National Service Registration Age may I seek your guidance? I under­ Group to obtain travel documents and stand, Sir, that we are debating both thereby having them available and the amendment to the motion as well ready for use at any moment so that as the original motion at the same they need only to apply of Exit Permits time, or, are we debating the amend­ before travelling. ment at the present time, Sir? The Minister of Home Affairs (Dato' Mr Speaker: We are debating both Dr Ismail): Mr Speaker, Sir, I regret I at the same time. cannot accede to the request by the Dr Lim Chong Eu: Sir, in view of Honourable Member for Sarawak. I this fact, I crave your indulgence to consider that the present arrangement permit me to take a little time to prohibiting the issue of travel docu­ dwell on particularly the aspect of the ments to those within National Service original motion as it was introduced, 671 31 MAY 1965 672

because, as all of us understand, the to sponsor a convention. We have manner whereby the motion was intro­ been wondering why the Alliance duced was highly charged with extreme Party should have chosen this manner emotionalism, and although I would of extreme violence in moving a take this occasion to rebut it, I would motion of thanks to His Majesty's wish to do so, deliberately and solely, Gracious Speech, and we have also with every intention to provide con­ been wondering whether this attack structive criticism and not to further was a deliberately calculated one inflame the situation. because certain Parties have found it possible to come Sir, I hope that the Honourable together—at least on a common Members who were present just before ground in accepting the concept of a recess would have taken the oppor­ "Malaysian Malaysia"—and will be tunity during recess to have studied sponsoring, in the next few days, a the text of the two very long speeches convention in Singapore called "The that were made by the original Mover Malaysian Solidarity Convention". Is of the motion and also by the Mover the Alliance, right from the very of the amendment; and I would like beginning, showing symptoms of fear to take this opportunity also to refer that such a rapport among Opposition to the fact that although the Honour­ Parties already presents them with a able Prime Minister did give me an threat of the future, and that even answer to a written question on the before Opposition Parties have for­ subject of the Hansard, it is a pity that gathered to form a Consolidated although we have had a three-day Opposition, the Alliance are not wast­ recess, we have not had real, actual ing much time, and have begun to Hansard record of the proceedings in attack the Opposition Parties. And by this House, which were extremely using the old tactic of "divide and interesting and important, as what rule" they have separated the issue of was reported in the Press was a bit, internal threats to the country to those I think, off from what actually which are confined to the P.A.P. and happened and transpired in the House. those confined to the Socialist Front. Sir, right from the very beginning, I Sir, there is quite a clear-cut evidence would like to say that we ourselves that in the recent utterances by have studied this matter and we feel, responsible leaders of the Alliance even more strongly than before, that such is the view. Even before the we must support the amendment announcement of the "coming to­ moved by the Prime Minister of Singa­ gether" of certain Opposition Parties pore, and we must also reply to the to sponsor a Convention whereby the manner whereby the original motion people of this country can get together was presented. We feel that it is a to discuss amicably the dangers and matter of great regret that the Honour­ threats that are facing us today, the able Mover of the original motion responsible leaders of the Alliance should choose this particular occasion Government have already started using to introduce a subject which, in the words like "Grand Opposition" and last analysis, must be considered to be "United Opposition Front". virtually challenging Members of the Opposition as being extreme racialists, However, Sir, admist all these anti-Malay and communists. battering attacks, we can find only one or two hopeful criticisms and it Sir, I realise that the Mover of the is on this rather hopeful, more promis­ original motion confined his criticisms ing and constructive type of criticisms particularly to the P.A.P. and to the that I would like to touch upon. Socialist Front. However, in the course of the debate, it was quite clear that The Honourable Prime Minister those Opposition Parties, who have first introduced this idea of a "Grand found themselves in accord with the Opposition" to the public of this P.A.P., had also been included in the country when he made a speech at attempt to tar and smear Opposition Tapah on April 24th. In the course of Parties who have now come together his speech, he said he would welcome 673 31 MAY 1965 674 the formation of a Loyal Opposition, a dominant feature amongst the so- "if indeed the Opposition were loyal". called united partners of the Alliance It is unfortunate, Sir, that this stipula­ Party. tion "if indeed the Opposition were loyal" has been made quite a play of Sir, is this attack on the Grand by the far more enthusiastic and less Opposition part of a pattern of the restrained members of his Party to Alliance manner and method of pre­ immediately insinuate that the for­ serving themselves in a position of gathering of Opposition Parties is power? already disloyal, is already of an Sir, it is along these lines that I undesirable character. wish to take today's arguments, and Sir, 1 think another hopeful pointer I do so, Sir, realising fully well that to the future was the fact that during these are delicate issues which can be the UMNO General Assembly, extremely sensitive and, probably to which was held recently admist great those who are already allergic, will create an enormous reaction. However, hatred towards the P.A.P., the Sir, I feel that since the occasion has Honourable Minister of Home Affairs presented itself, we should make use very clearly reiterated the need for our of it and, with good faith and good country to sustain the principles of intentions, attempt to analyse it and democracy and he withstood the pres­ seek some solution. Sir, in our opinion, sure of the much more unrestrained probably it is a combination of all members of his Party to detain the these four potential reasons whereby Honourable Prime Minister of Singa­ the Alliance Party decided that the pore, who is also the Secretary-General Honourable Member from Kota Star of the P.A.P. Selatan, who was chosen to be given the privilege of moving the motion to Sir, what other reasons can we thank His Majesty for his Gracious think of for the manner whereby the Speech, should also be permitted by Allaince chose to move this motion? the party to come forth with Is the Alliance beginning to create a such delicate issues. Sir, all this was new bogey because it is now bankrupt made far worse when statements were of ideas on how further to convince made to further insinuations. For the people of this country to their example, if I can only read from what side—creating a new bogey of new appeared in the local press, and I dangers, new threats, within the hope I am quoting correctly, the country, in order to divert the people's Honourable mover of the original attention from all the inept failures motion said that the P.A.P. propa­ which the Alliance have demonstrated ganda makes Goebbels seem like an in the last few months and in the amateur. Sir let us be a little bit more course of last year—or, is this, in fact, humorous over this situation and an expression of the innate feeling that accept it for a fact that the UMNO still simmer within the ranks of the and the Alliance, who have in the last Alliance, that in fact this feeling of few months been trying to create an communalism is still not yet over? image in the public that in every Sir, before the recess, I said that it direction and in every field they are is a rather saddening and chastening far better than the P.A.P., are also thought for those of us, who have perhaps being too modest when they participated and co-operated together say that the P.A.P. makes Goebbels to establish , first, for the seem like an amateur, because their and then later own brand of propaganda to some for Malaysia without bloodshed, should extent even exceeds the capabilities realise that the controversy which and abilities of the P.A.P. So I really prevails with such vehemence ten years do not know how we are going to ago is still today carried as an under­ escalate such propaganda in the future. tone and undercurrent with the same To our mind, it is important for all degree of potential violence, that of us quickly to come to some agree­ racialism and -chauvinism is still ment to restrain ourselves and eschew 675 31 MAY 1965 676 this particular type of propaganda Kuan Yew, the leader of the P.A.P. because it will do us no good and as the leader of an organisation and probably bring us great harm. it worked. Sir, I hope Honourable Sir, today when we open our daily Members of this House and those of newspaper we obviously come to the our people who are keenly interested conclusion that certain members of in the problems of political advance­ this House have not made use of this ment in our country will quickly deny wonderful recess given to us to again this type of propaganda and try to think over what has been said. At begin to look further than the image least, some have already started to of the leaders, go further than the double-talk and it is a matter of great question of the symbol of the parties, concern to all of us to realise that a go further than even the names of the Minister from the Alliance Govern­ parties and begin to examine what the ment should now choose to come parties actually stand for. That I think forward to bring in the question of is a matter of political advancement personality cult. We have had this of our country. It is in this context, concept of Malaysian Malaysia being Sir, that we in the Opposition feel that put forward and it is now transmuted if the people of this country are not into a Lee Kuan Yew Malaysia with diverted by this undue and highly all its insinuations and all its implica­ emotionally charged racial type of tions and those of you who already propaganda to express hate instead of had a chance to read this morning's calm, deliberate assessment of the papers can form your own opinions situation, then perhaps the people of over this. I only make mention of this, the country, examining what the first of all, to indicate that already Alliance policy actually is and what what has been transpired in this the Alliance has actually achieved and House, in spite of the anxiety which in what direction it has failed to carry it created amongst all of us, has out its policies, and looking at the extended outside this House even as Opposition parties, examining their our debate was proceeding. Sir, if we platforms and their policies, will begin went to such a situation we could very to slowly accept a change in the easily postulate the difference of manner whereby our nation can con­ opinions that lie between those of us tinue its progress socially and economi­ in the Opposition here from those who cally by constitutional and peaceful spread tales about us to support the political means. Alliance concept. It is easier for us, Sir, it is natural that if the Govern­ perhaps, to accept that we are now ment accepts the concept of a loyal trying to debate as to whether a Lee Opposition, accepts the concept of Kuan Yew Malaysia is better than a parliamentary democracy, which means Tunku Abdul Rahman Malaysia, but, that there should be a Government on Sir, I think it is highly objectionable one side and an Opposition on the politically to bring in this personality other side, both the Government as cult; although I must say that it was well as the Opposition should be the Alliance who first realised the loyal to the Constitution of the enormous potentiality of its leader and country, loyal to the nation as a whole, in all the Alliance campaigns and loyal to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as election victories they had always a symbol of that nation, but we the projected the image of the Tunku and Opposition do not have to be loyal to everybody else had gone behind the the party in power—just the Alliance. image of this rather unique and It is only under these circumstances generous man, and hiding behind that that a favourable climate for actual image had kept hidden this innate democratic advancement and progress feeling of racialism which has been can be created for our nation. exposed today. The P.A.P. in Singa­ pore, realising that this technique of Mr Speaker, Sir, we say this with a election propaganda was a correct one, sense of responsibility and also a sense during the last elections in Singapore of rebuttal to the statements that were also projected the concept of Mr Lee made by members from the Alliance 677 31 MAY 1965 678 Benches, because quite clearly in this man who left the M.C.A. on extreme House during the course of the debate pro-Chinese views. I will deal with and outside this House not only the that in due course. P.A.P. and the Socialist Front have been attacked but we of the United Mr Speaker: May I remind the Democratic Party have also been Honourable Member not to delve too labelled. We have been labelled as deeply into party politics but deal with being communal by no less a person the Speech of His Majesty—more on than the Honourable the Deputy the speech than on party politics? Prime Minister himself. We have been Dr Lim Chong Eii: I accept that, Sir. labelled as anti-Malaysia, not really a I am not dealing with party politics. pro-Malaysia party, but only a party I am trying, Sir, to indicate that if, in which accepted Malaysia as a fait fact, Honourable Members can under­ accompli and this was put forward by stand that we are not communal and no less a person than the Secretary- if they do not ever again use this General of the UMNO and we today charge of communalism against us, it have also been labelled as anti-Malay. will help to abate this rising tension Sir, it is in this light that I wish to in this country. That is my purpose, take some time to try to place exactly Sir, and I have asked your indulgence, what our Party stands for. because this is very important. Sir, I Sir, last year at the opening session am not trying to sell my party plat­ of the Second Dewan Ra'ayat, I did form across in this House. (Laughter). not take much of the time of this All I am trying to say is what the House and I said that we would have Alliance Members, who charge us for plenty of opportunity in the course of being racialists, practise, and I am the next five years slowly to elaborate trying to analyse why they practise our points of view. However, this. As I said earlier, these symptoms, political events seem to have moved which are brought up today, are not so fast that we would like to take this new, and they go all the way back, opportunity to lay our political ideology for ten years, from the very beginning on the table. of our political struggle for indepen­ dence, and I wish, Sir, to make this Sir, in what way is the United point very clearly. Democratic Party a communal party except by the charges that are being Sir, as I was saying, then the M.C.A. made against us, or levelled against us, Members of the Alliance go to the by Members of the Alliance and even Chinese sections of our population and by extremely responsible leaders of say an absolute falsehood: they say the Alliance. Are we communal by that the U.D.P. is communal, because our constitution, which is registered? it is led by a man who used to support Are we communal by any of the the Party Negara and was Dato' Onn's utterances that we have made and by right-hand man. Now, Sir, everybody any of the statements on policies that knows that the President of the U.D.P. our Party has made since our Party was the Secretary-General of the was established in the Easter of 1962? UMNO, but he was never associated Was our General Election platform in with the Party Negara. During the any way communal? Sir, this is a very course of the debate, Sir, a certain important issue, because it so happens Member from the Alliance Bench that the Chairman of our Party used asked, "Why do you exclude the to be, for five years, the former P.M.I.P.?" I can tell you that during Secretary-General of the UMNO itself the last elections, in Kedah and and I, who happen to be the Secretary- particularly around the Sungei General of my Party today, used at Patani area, just because the U.D.P. one time to be the President of the found it proper and correct and M.C.A. itself. But when the Alliance possible to come to some under­ comes out to attack us, they go to the standing and rapport with the P.M.I.P., Malay community in our country and we had the most violent and the most say that the U.D.P. is being led by a ultra racial and religious type of 679 31 MAY 1965 680 propaganda hurled against us: we been purported and distributed were condemned for having "sold" around the country, an attempt. . . . the Chinese down the drain. It is this type of propaganda which disturbs us Enche' Ibrahim bin Abdul Rahman all. So, I wish to conclude by saying, (Seberang Tengah): Mr Speaker, Sir, "Look into your own house, search we are not debating the past quarrels. into your own heart, read your own We are now debating the King's mind, before you start hurling this Speech. type of condemnations against the Mr Speaker: I would like to draw Opposition." the attention of the Honourable Member again that he is deviating from Sir, this matter of labelling, for example, myself as an ultra Chinese the subject. chauvinist arose from the fact that I Dr Lim Chong Eu: Mr Speaker, Sir, decided to leave the Alliance and come the Honourable Member obviously across here. As I said last year, in a had not followed the opening remarks similar debate, that the winds of which I made in this House prior to change might have blown last year for the recess, because, as we all know, the people in Singapore but, as far as I crux of this debate lies over the defini­ was concerned, they blew many years tion of the twin threats which face our ago and took me across here. As a country. We are now facing threats to matter of fact, if you examine every our security from outside, in addition single opposition party, except the we are also facing threats from within and the Socialist Front, the country, and it is quite clear, Sir, you will see that every major leader from the manner whereby the Honour­ of every other opposition party had at able Mover of the original motion one time or other been closely made it, racialism and communalism associated with the UMNO or the are threats; therefore, in dealing with M.C.A. or the Alliance—that was the this question of communalism, I am time when neither the UMNO trying to resolve it. I think, Sir, I am nor the M.C.A. found it necessary to debating the issues that have been form the Alliance. Why, Sir, does this brought up. kind of situation take place? I wish, again, to make use of this opportunity, Mr Speaker: I must point out that because it is important, to clarify you have been speaking of your Party, certain issues. or whatever Party it was, too much. (Laughter). It is said, for example, by no less Dr Lim Chong Eu: Sir, I have been a person than the Honourable Prime speaking of my experience of the Minister himself, leader of the Alliance, political situation in this country. that I, in my personal capacity—Lim Chong Eu—left the M.C.A. because of Mr Speaker: You can touch on your a quarrel over a few seats, that I Party—a few words here and there wanted more seats for the Chinese, will be all right. always discontented and always want­ Dr Lim Chong Eu: Sir, I have ing to create trouble about Chinese already made references to my Party; education. What actually is the real I am now discussing a situation which matter? Sir, there was a crisis in the prevailed in, 1959. Alliance at the time when I was the President of the M.C.A. But I think Mr Speaker: Arising out of your my former colleagues in the M.C.A., Party? (Laughter). who are now sitting on the other side Dr Lim Chong Eu: No, Sir—from of this House, will bear me out on this my experience. point that I did not resign from the M.C.A. or the Alliance during the time Mr Speaker: You may continue, but of the crisis. I did not resign in 1959, try and get away from the party but I resigned in December, 1960, and matter as much as possible. the reasons whereby I resigned Dr Lim Chong Eu: Thank you, Sir. are different entirely from what has I said, Sir, it is a matter which will 681 31 MAY 1965 682 take a little time and which is made proper perspective, I do not think the with no intention to inflame feelings. charge of communalism against my Party or ourselves in the Opposition Sir, at the time of the crisis in the can hold. Alliance Party itself, there were two conditions which restored the M.C.A. Sir, I would like to say that the into the fold of the Alliance, and feelings that have been expressed these two conditions—it has a very here today and the commentaries that great reference as we go on in the one reads in the newspapers which debate, Sir—were that there would be give us concern today can be traced no changes made to the Constitution all the way back to 1956-1959—the of our country. It was a promise that last ten years. It would be interesting was made by the leader of the for me, Sir, to prove this, because, Alliance, the Honourable the Prime although the Alliance tell us that Minister himself. We could refer to their method is the one method of history—I think it was July 20th, 1959, bringing our diverse communities into or thereabouts. a unified Malaysian nation, theirs is the best method: a party representing The other condition, Sir, was that, the interests of the Malay community, over the question of Education, it a party representing the interests of the was accepted that the principle Chinese community, and so on, whereby the education policy should combining in alliance is the way, the advance would be that the medium of best way; and we query this, because instruction should be the medium of it is quite clear, Sir, that after 10 years examination. That, Sir, was announced latent feelings are still extremely highly to the country by no less a person charged. And, Sir, what has been than the Honourable Member who is expressed by the Member for Johore now our Ambassador to the United Tenggara I accept, because if it is States, on behalf of no less a person expressed openly, we can at least than the Honourable the Deputy understand and accommodate, try to Prime Minister. Sir, it was under those reason and challenge. It is vicious if it conditions that the rift in the Alliance is not expressed openly, if it is by wasi solved. insinuation, by implication, and privately. Sir, these are very important issues, because it indicated that although Sir, if we think today that all is well racial feelings were strong, with amongst the Alliance, and this is the goodwill, with understanding, they way whereby a Malaysian Malaysia, a can be overcome. But, on the other Malaysian unity, is best created, I hand, if promises that are made in would like to read an abstract—this is good faith are not kept, then this from the Malayan Chinese Association country will face great dangers. And Headquarters—and the words, Sir, are it was because of the fact that in 1960 extremely interesting: the Alliance Government chose to "We must face the fact that communalism revise its educational policy, from exists in a big way. Even the , with what was then called the Razak their overwhelming voting strength, want Education policy to the Rahman their special rights written into the Constitu­ tion. Some of them are not satisfied with Talib Education policy, and in 1960 their present plums—the majority of posts, the Alliance also chose to begin the and the best of them, too, in the Public first of its whittling, nibbling amend­ Service. They want to extend this highly ments to the Constitution that I felt discriminatory form of legislation into indus­ that the promises that were made to try and commerce. cement the Alliance had been broken, A certain newspaper talks about the and therefore I, on my part, as the necessity for making the Malays person responsible for transmitting the master race of Malaya. This those promises, could not in all honesty presumably means that non-Malays remain where I stood. Sir, this is a are to be reduced to the status of very important issue, because if the hewers of wood and drawers of Alliance Party presents the fact in its water— shades of Hitler! Others want 683 31 MAY 1965 684 to join up with . I myself a responsibility and a duty to dis­ have heard this from the lips of one charge, as we in the Opposition, to or two UMNO officials. It is not promote the healthy development of an necessary for me to tell you what this Opposition; and one of the ways idea if seriously pursued will lead to. the Government can discharge its duties It is difficult to assess the strength of properly is not to permit its rank and these various forms of racial file to unnecessarily exploit situations fanaticism, but at the same time one and condemn those who have left the cannot blame the Chinese and other stage of Alliance development for a non-Malays for being slightly nervous, newer stage of finding brotherhood and to say the least. The non-Malays, equality amongst ourselves, no matter therefore, have to be communal merely what our racial origin may be. to ensure their survival." Sir, what is an Alliance Malaysia? Sir, these opinions obviously made An Alliance Malaysia is one where a after very great deliberation indicate Malaysian says, "I am a Malaysian of the kind of feeling which prevailed at Chinese origin" or "I am a Malaysian the time. However, Sir, the chastening of Malay origin" or "I am a Malaysian factor is that those statements which of Indian origin." Whereas, a Malay­ I had made were made with absolute sian Malaysia is one where a Malay­ intention to build this country up by sian says, "I am a Malaysian—full clear-cut examination of the situation stop!" An Alliance Malaysia continues and they were made in 1956. Sir, do to think in terms of the States of we not see how terrible this internal Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sara­ threat is to our country, terms that wak. We, on the other hand, think in were made and used way back ten terms of the entire new nation as a years ago are being revived? Why? whole. Sir, is this statement correct or Sir, I have gone that far and you, Mr is this statement an exaggeration? Speaker, have been very kind to allow me to deal with this matter, because Sir, I now refer to His Majesty's I want to try to advance some solution Gracious Speech, particularly to those as to why this feeling still prevails. sections which deal with education and language. I will quote one parti­ Sir, to a large extent, we in the cular section on education: Opposition believe that the method "In respect of National Schools, I am whereby the Alliance have developed indeed very happy to note that the first batch the unity of the country has a tendency of candidates has entered the University of to petrify, to ossify, probably for certain Malaya a few days ago in the new academic periods, to dampen the hidden year. This is the first time in our history that students from schools using the National emotional feelings of the various Language as a medium of instruction are communities, but they do not in any­ able to enter a University." way promote the progressive Sir, last year over a similar context, acceptance of the idea of being equal Education, I have cause to remark and friendly citizens of this country. that extravagance of praise was given to the educational policy and to the Sir, there is a great distinction education system in our country, which between these two ideas: the concept amounted almost to Hollywood style. of, what I would say, an Alliance It may apply with some pertinence to Malaysia and a Malaysian Malaysia. the States of Malaya but certainly it Sir, the terrible danger that we face indicated an unawareness that we are today is that if any one of us openly now Malaysia. Sir, all the references say we are Malaysians and eschew a to comprehensive schools and so on political organisation which is work­ are pertinent only to the States of ing entirely in the interest of Malaya but not to the Federation of one particular community, we are Malaysia as a whole. charged as being communal, racial hypocrites. Sir, that is the danger, and If we look at the Special Appendix, I suggest to the Government that the paragraph 210 on page 32 refers to the Alliance Party in power has as much entry of students from Malay medium 685 31 MAY 1965 686 Sixth Form to the University of where the launching of the new Malaya : Comprehensive Education System is "The special selection examination for touched upon; and in so doing, I their entry to the University of Malaya has would also draw the attention of the been held and thirty-one candidates have Honourable Members of this House to entered the University as under-graduates the remarks made by the Honourable from the Malay Medium teaching stream ..." Minister of Education only two days Sir, what is this special selection ago, when he opened a publishing examination? We would like to know. firm, on the question of textbooks. I As far as I understand with regard to feel that we in this country today, this special selection examination, the while appreciating the Government's facilities are certainly extended to effort to provide the so-called free students from one medium schools comprehensive secondary education to only. Whatever it is, this is another all our children, in actual fact realise sign of the petrified ideas the the that when our children go to school Alliance Government still carries with they have to pay for more expensive it. They are still calculating in terms textbooks, they have to pay extramural of the old Persekutuan Tanah Melayu, fees for games and all sorts of peculiar whereas today we are all urged to curricula in the schools. We have come forth to defend Malaysia. advocated, Sir, that one of the ways Now, as I am on the subject of whereby Government can help make education, I must, however, give praise education less expensive is if the where praise is due. The Alliance Government were to, not consider as Government, I think, must be congra­ the Minister of Education has stated tulated also. Paragraph 209 of the recently, not consider the question of Special Appendix states that primary setting up a textbook bureau, but right education for the Malays in the Malay- now establish such a bureau and right medium schools has increased. That, now implement a policy whereby the I think, is a good sign. Sir, actually, same textbooks can be used for several paragraph 209 says:— years. What does it mean? Those of us who have children at school realise "It will be recalled from a modest begin­ ning of 600 pupils in 1959, Malay medium that very often a younger brother secondary education has expanded very going up from a lower form to an rapidly to reaching an enrolment of nearly upper form cannot use the textbooks 30,000 in 1964." which his elder brother had been using That is a very good sign. Sir, we have only one year previously. The same always urged the Alliance Government title, practically the same text, different to do more. This is 1965, and the first edition! Sometimes merely different time the Alliance Government put up shades of colour in the illustrations, its own educational policy was in sometimes mere minor alterations in 1956. Those who are still counting in the text and the school insists that the terms of racial origin can well pupils must buy the new textbooks. calculate what 30,000 students per Sir, if the Government can establish a year is in relation to the size of their text and make its use uniform through­ own community, and I am sure out the schools for several years, then Honourable Members will agree with children within one family can enjoy me that there is every need for us, what they used to enjoy before and while praising the Government, to ask make education relatively less expen­ them to do more; in so saying, we will sive, that is to say, the older children rebut the fact that we in the Opposi­ of the family will be able to pass on tion are against the interest of the their own textbooks for the younger Malays, that we are always attacking ones to use. And if in the past that Malay interests. We wish to see this system has managed to produce such type of development done much more eminent leaders as we have on the extensively. Government Benches, I see no reason Sir, whilst still on this subject of why we should not go back to this old education, I would like to refer to the system if it means a saving to our Special Appendix, paragraph 206, people. 687 31 MAY 1965 688 Sir, before I leave this question of on to the other States—Singapore, education, I admit that for years I Sabah and Sarawak—I am quite have strongly challenged the validity certain that the public reaction and of the Alliance educational system and the rejection of the Alliance educa­ it is interesting to me to read in His tional policy will be intense indeed. Majesty's Gracious Speech that "There Why so, Sir? After all, for all the is no better way to achieve this (refer­ glorification the Alliance may give to ring to national unity) than to have their own educational system, for all one common language and one national the propaganda about the tremendous education policy." Sir, last year when advances the Alliance have made in we debated His Majesty's previous their own educational system, it is not Gracious Speech I indicated that it good enough, it does not satisfy the was time that the Government reviewed Minister of Education himself and he the entire situation of education in has to send his own children abroad our country and build up a truly to get better education. Sir, even the Malaysian educational system, a truly high dignitaries of our country—the Malaysian educational policy, and not Head of State himself—have sent their just have a hotch-potch of the States children abroad, because every parent, of Malaya educational policy, Singa­ if they had the same facilities, would pore educational policy, Sabah educa­ want to give their children the best in tional policy and Sarawak educational education. So, no matter how good policy. It is necessary for us to have the Alliance propaganda may be over just one national educational policy. education, the very fact that it does Sir, all along one of the reasons why not receive support from their own we had opposed the Alliance concept Ministers already shows clearly what of Malaysia was that we foresaw that its demerits are. And I suggest, Sir, the constitutional provisions we now that in this establishment of a common have would make it difficult for us to uniform Malaysian education policy establish one national education policy, it pays as well to set up a Select because all of us know that the State Committee which can thoroughly go of Singapore has autonomy in educa­ into the question of education and it tion and today the people in the State will be very interesting indeed for us of Singapore and, naturally, the Singa­ to find out what that survey would pore State Government, wish to stick produce, because I would not be by and abide by the constitutional surprised if there are large sections in provisions and they want to preserve our country who would subscribe to their own educational policy. The very the type of educational policy which mention of the fact that we want one prevails now in the State of Singapore national education policy immediately as compared to the type of educational suggests that the Central Government policy that exists in the States of is planning to make fundamental Malaya. constitutional changes which will affect Sir, it was one of those curious the relations between the State and situations in the development of the Central Governments. So, Sir, Malaysia that any person in the States although we support this concept, we of Malaya advocating facilities for immediately find that the Alliance is Chinese education not amounting to hoist by its own petard. The manner what is now given to the Chinese whereby they set about establishing medium stream in the State of Singa­ Malaysia is now giving them trouble pore would be immediately suppressed and we, on our side, although happy by the Alliance Government in the to be proven right, will endeavour to same dictatorial manner which the help them solve this problem on the P.A.P. has been accused of in Singa­ basis of the concept of Malaysian pore; and those who fervently believed Malaysia. If, however, they still try to in a slightly different system of educa­ perpetuate this concept of an Alliance tion, giving a little bit more ease and Malaysia, namely, just use what is bias towards the Chinese system of now prevailing in the States of Malaya education in the States of Malaya, as their education policy and foist it have been severely treated, whereas 689 31 MAY 1965 690 the Alliance Government could find of the Chinese medium schools were it possible to accept the State of Singa­ accused of being "too pro-Chinese", pore into the Federation and give it because our interests were to try some autonomy under the Constitution for common ground, common status, education. Sir, that is one of the whereby the pupils in the Chinese me­ reasons why the present controversy dium schools can find equal opportu­ between the P.A.P. and the Alliance nities for employment after a similar is so vehement. This is not a question length of period of a primary or second­ of the suitor who has lost the object ary education. One factor which made it of this pursuit. This is a question of difficult and impossible for the Chinese the two of them never ever having a medium schools to carry on in the States common, similar intent. So, Sir, it is of Malaya was the decision made by easy perhaps for Alliance backbenchers the Alliance Government to reverse the to immediately jump down on the policy established by the Razak Report manner whereby the P.A.P. Govern­ and accept the Rahman Talib Report ment conducts its policies in Singapore, or the Rahman Talib education policy but, as I said earlier, let us look deep because, whereas it was silent in the into our own hearts. Razak Report and over the crisis by Sir, over this question of one com­ directive acceptable to the Government mon language, the National Language that the medium of examination should Month began a few weeks ago, on the be in the medium of instruction, the 28th of April, 1965. Nearly eight years Rahman Talib Report completely have passed since we decided that the reversed the situation and placed it on 31st of August of 1967 is our objective record that "although academically it for the National Language to be the is, perhaps, incorrect for us to insist only official language. The Government that a child being trained in one has given every encouragement and medium of instruction should sit for facilities to every citizen to learn the the examination in another medium, National Language. Sir, I have no however, we nevertheless recommend objection to this clause if it applies that the medium of examination shall entirely and only to the States of be only in the official languages." Malaya—it will be absolutely one hundred per cent correct. But if it is Sir, in 1967, Bahasa Kebangsaan applied in the context of this new will be, or may be, the only National Constitution and not the older one, Language—I use these words "may be" then I think it is completely irrelevant. with very great deliberation that I wish to touch on. But, if by 1967 the Sir, if the Government combines this National Language has become the question of the development of the only official language, and the Govern­ National Language as the only official ment has not yet revised its present language with the concept of its educa­ educational policy, what will happen tional policy, we are bound to have a will be that the children who are now lot of trouble. Previously, in the de­ going into the English medium schools bates in this House, Sir, I have will not be able to take a publicly suggested to the Alliance Government acceptable examination; and I ask this that it is time for it to separate these question, as I asked it seven years ago: two entirely separate issues, divide Can you expect any child, who has them and treat them in their own been studying in one medium for nine separate field: the question of the years, suddenly, by a change of policy, establishment of the National Language to take an examination at the end of or the progress of the National nine years only in the medium of Language and the question of the use Malay? Sir, with every good intention of the National Language as the of promoting the use and the develop­ medium of instruction are two separate ment of Malay as the National Lan­ subjects. guage, I must say that, from an educa­ Sir, in the past, it was true that those tional point of view, this is impossible, of us who wholly dared to come for­ and we all know that not a few years ward and put forward the predicament ago it was naturally quite popular for a 691 31 MAY 1965 692

Malay parent or, in the Alliance way language, can be achieved peacefully. of saying things, for Malaysians of Let us look around our neighbouring Malay origin to send their children to countries in the newly emergent nations; English medium school and there are and even in some nations which have large numbers of Malay children in obtained their independence much English medium schools. Sir, what will earlier than ourselves the question of happen to them in 1967? language is a highly charged one. Therefore, Sir, I urge Members from So, the Government will be faced the Alliance side to consider seriously with one or two alternatives: either that it is not an attempt to discredit. temper this constant attempt of Malay as an important language. We establishing a firm target date or have all accepted the Constitution. It change now, begin to review, its is not an attempt to try to delay the educational policy—it cannot be right achievement of heartfelt desires of in both instances, one has got to give large sections of the Malay community. way. Sir, I say this, and I do not wish But now that we are Malaysians, I to touch on the strong Malay sensiti­ urge you to seriously go through our vities over the question of the National Constitution, and whilst endeavouring Language because there is a little all we can to achieve what we have set misunderstanding over the provision out to do, let us restrain ourselves in for making Malay the National Lan­ the achievement of our objectives. guage in 1967, that politically it has Otherwise, if we pressurise too much been stated that we want to do it. As this question of a fixed date, the very a matter of Government policy, it has nature of the problem, not only in our been stated that we are trying to do it. country but the very nature of this However, Sir, if the provisions of the problem as a fundamental human Constitution are read properly, namely, problem anywhere in the world, can Article 152, it will indicate clearly to well set this country into terrible times. everybody that, although we should try to make Malay the National Sir, 1 would like to refer to a matter, Language by 1967, we cannot make it which is also contained in His Majesty's the only official language earlier than Gracious Speech, namely, the question 1967, but we may make it the only of the banning of strikes. Various official language later than 1967. That Members who are better versed than is the latitude that is provided for in myself over the question of trade unions our Constitution, and in our recent have already expressed their views to debate in the State Assembly in this House. All that I wish to say is Penang, I have had the advantage of that I associate myself with the views the State Legal Adviser elucidating this that have been put by the Honourable particular aspect not on my behalf but Member for Batu and the Honourable on behalf of the Alliance back­ Member for Bungsar. I think that we benchers because, as Members on the should, at this time of Emergency, try Government benches will realise, I did our very best not to use powers of contribute to some small measure to decree but by constitutional and the framing of Article 152. Sir, in view parliamentary means, and that after of the fact that the new States of parliamentary debate and after Malaysia, under the provisions of the thorough consultations with the unions Constitution also, have a later date for come to some kind of working arrange­ the implementation of the National ment, rather than resort to the fact that Language as the only official language, because an Emergency exists therefore I feel that if everyone in this country we must curtail the liberties of the were to accept the question of language workers in our nation. We strongly as a matter of deep-seated determi­ sympathise with the workers of our nation but not necessarily as one nation. We in the Opposition have which will create a communal, racial carefully restrained ourselves from animosity, then, perhaps, Sir, the pro­ getting involved in the political aspects blem of eventually the country being of the discontent of the workers, and I bound and united together by a common think the Government can well realise 693 31 MAY 1965 694 that in this area there is a very highly sented to us from Volume I, No. 1 to charged potential mass anti-Government Volume I, No. 4, to the earlier volume, reaction. And even with every type of Volume I, No. 3, with particular suppression we have this common law reference to the speech made by the in politics to contend with: the greater Honourable the Prime Minister of the suppression the greater the eventual Singapore, and if they could only give explosion. I hope the Government will further attention and work a little bit well pay heed to the opinions and the harder and read further from page 482 cries of 300,000,000 workers in our onwards dealing with the speech which country. I myself made at that time which Dr Ng Kam Poh (Telok Anson): appears on pages 526 and onwards in Volume I, No. 4, perhaps they will Sir, on a point of clarification. Did the understand that this present rapproche­ Honourable Member say 300,000,000 ment between the Opposition parties workers? did not entirely emanate from the P.A.P. Dr Lim Chong Eu: I stand cor­ They should not go about the country rected—3 million. trying to belittle Members of the Oppo­ Dr Ng Kam Poh: Thank you very sition in the States of the Federation, much. who were admittedly squashed in the last elections by the Alliance but Dr Lim Chong Eu: I do not wish to who have, in some instances, presented be involved in international controversy. the thin end of the wedge to show what I accept this correction with great would happen in the future. Sir, this modesty; it was a slip of the tongue. rapport cannot entirely be credited to In view of the fact that the Govern­ the account of the P.A.P. ment can give answers which satisfy us which are created by a slip of their Enche' Chen Wing Sum (Damansara): tongue, I hope the Honourable Mem­ On a point of clarification, Sir. What bers will accept my apolgy. I spoke in this House was that the Hon­ ourable the Prime Minister of Singa­ Sir, it has been the practice, and pore accused the S.U.P.P. of being a lately it has become intensified, to try Communist organisation. Now that and attack the P.A.P., and in particular they have joined together, the only to attack this National Malaysian conclusion we can draw from the Solidarity Convention, and various statement and the subsequent combina­ Members from the Alliance benches tion is that either the P.A.P. has invited have referred to the speech that was a Communist organisation, i.e. the made by the Honourable the Prime S.U.P.P., to come to this House against Minister of Singapore in the only the Central Government or the P.A.P. Hansard than we have of last year's has itself become Communist. I have parliamentary proceedings, where he no any intention whatsoever to belittle differentiated the chasm that lay the P.A.P. I only draw the conclusion between his Party and those of us on from the statement by the Honourable this side of the Opposition and they the Prime Minister of Singapore and have tried to belittle his objectives of the subsequent combination. If that is putting a "Causeway" across this floor not correct, this House and the people because of the greater affinity of of this country would judge. interests, whereas the difference of views between us were apparently Dr Lim Chong Eu: Mr Speaker, unbridgeable at that time. And so, Sir, I thank the Honourable Member today, the Alliance immediately picked for his clear elucidation, but his eluci­ up on this and charged the Honour­ dation makes matter worse, {Laughter) able the Prime Minister of Singapore if we were to take that type of logic as and the P.A.P. for being opportunistic the way whereby we are to help our in their attempts to form this Conven­ country advance. Here you are accusing tion of Opposition parties. But I the P.M.I.P. for being ultra-religious would like to refer Honourable Mem­ and ultra-communal and yet you take bers, who have had time to look in a former P.M.I.P. Member to join through the Hansard which was pre­ your Alliance. Are we now to say that 695 31 MAY 1965 696 the Alliance is ultra-religious, ultra- Do not let us be influenced by opinions communal? You labelled members of that emanate from Whitehall. If it is the U.D.P. at one time as being necessary to establish Malaysia, let us communists, because we opposed the consult with our immediate neighbour, Alliance's plan and yet you take in your Indonesia" I have noted that up to quietest member, who is now the September 16th or even up to July 16th President of the M.C.A. in Seremban— we were very good friends. We even he sits [referring to Enche' Quek Kai intended to become closer friends Dong (Seremban Barat)] over there— under the Agreement signed in Manila and are we, therefore, to assume that and we wanted to form Maphilindo. the M.C.A. has become anti-Malaysia So, Sir, you cannot blame large sections and pro-Communist? Sir, that type of of the population of our own citizens logic is nonsensical. {Laughter). How­ to be bewildered when the Government ever, Sir, I only brought this matter up came up and said, "Soekarno is our because the Honourable Member for big best friend" and three months later Johor Tenggara raises a very important to say, "We will burn the effigy of issue. He says that Malaysia was only Soekarno". It takes time for people established two years ago, or about to understand that type of policy. Sir, two years ago—we will not quarrel we were not against Malaysia but we over a few months—on 16th September, cautioned the Alliance about its method 1963, but is the Malaysia which was of going about the formation of Malay­ created then, which we all had sia, and I think all the present welcomed, different from the Malaysia difficulties which this country faces of today? If not, why should the today can, in the final analysis, be Honourable Prime Minister of Singa­ attributed to the urgency whereby the pore, who at one time helped to form Alliance and its partners in the other Malaysia, now begins to talk about States of Malaysia came about building a Malaysian Malaysia? Sir, I say to the Malaysia which I now call, "The the Honourable Members on the Alliance Malaysia". opposite side that Malaysia in fact has changed in this one year and that is The problems today and the dis­ why political Opposition Parties with satisfactions today are not much more slightly different ideologies can come different from the dissatisfactions that together. were felt in 1956/1959. That was why I quoted a very important message I will take this occasion, Sir, again, dated way back 1956 from a very to touch upon my Party, with your important man because the words are permission. It is important because the almost the same as those used today. Honourable Member for Johor Why? Because, first, since the opening Tenggara accuses our Party of being of the First Session of Parliament, the an anti-Malaysia Party, whereas we Alliance Government has started its were only against the Alliance's method old habit of playing around with the of forming Malaysia. We say we only Constitution--nibbling at it, making accept Malaysia as a fait accompli. amendments to the Constitution, bit by Well, naturally, being a constitutional bit, more and more. Party, what comes under the new We had a very important debate over Constitution we accept. Sir, it is the question of the introduction of surprising that we should now draw so Political Secretaries and their relation­ much criticisms. My friends from the ship with the Senate and the election Socialist Front and the Barisan of Speaker—these were the very Sosialis came forward with open cries important Constitutional amendments. of "Crush Malaysia!" on , but the Government has taken Even before us, in this Session, we no action against them. Sir, we only have a Bill in two versions: one asked the Alliance Government to "go version in one week and a second slow" with the formation of Malaysia. version on the second week making We said, "Let us consult with one amendments to our Constitution. We another, let us consult our own people. know of a projected further amendment 697 31 MAY 1965 698 which will deal with the question of Dr Ng Kam, Poh: No, Sir, just on a right of appeal to the Privy Council. point of clarification. Sir, this habit which the Alliance has Mr Speaker: You have a chance to in making amendments to the Consti­ make your reply afterwards. tution makes all of us "nervous"—I use the words used in 1956. This is Dr Lim Chong Eu: Thank you, Sir. justly so, because each time the Prime You have replied to the Honourable Minister of our country comes forward Member. However, I am always very with a statement that the Constitution obliging to new Members of the is a sacred document he adds, backbenches in the Alliance. After all, "Although we have the power to they have to find some way of achieving amend the Constitution, we shall not prominence. I said, Sir, that certain change the Constitution''. This amounts things have happened: (i) amendments to a threat to all of us. Mind you, this to the Constitution; (ii) amendments to is not a statement of the Alliance the Internal Security Act; and (iii) probity. This is a threat to all of us to promulgation of an Emergency. And behave: "If you do not behave, we will if you tell me that the promulgation change against you". I see the Minister of the Emergency was not made for Sarawak Affairs and the Minister through the provisions of the Consti­ for Sabah Affairs are not here. Sir, tution, then you are accusing your own each time the Prime Minister of our Government of having acted ultra vires country makes a statement that he will the Constitution. Take your time. not change the Constitution, not soon (Laughter). Again, by decree the later, within a matter of a few weeks, Government has suspended the grass we get a big volume of amendments to roots of parliamentary democracy in our Constitution. Is this not so? At our country. We have suspended local the very well-advertised, well-propa­ elections, and suspended local elections gandized "Grand Alliance Assembly", in a very dangerous manner creating where there were about 28 delegates a precedent, which I hope the Govern­ and 500 guests attending, the Prime ment will take the opportunity to Minister made a statement saying that immediately forestall. Why? Sir, at the Constitution is sacred and that he the time when the local council would not amend it. I will not bother elections were suspended there was a this House to read through this report by-election which had been gazetted in . Now we face two in the Seremban Town Council. Bills making changes to our Constitu­ Election campaigns had actually gone tion, and in His Majesty's Speech forward for two weeks almost reaching there is a reference to one delicate the polling day. We cannot predict issue, the national education policy. what the results of that election would Sir, I do not blame the Honourable have been. It would have been for the Prime Minister of Singapore for feeling electorate to tell us on the election day. "nervous" and reacting to it; he has But we on our side were just as the courage to say what is coming. confident as the Alliance that in that Next, since last year we have had particular by-election; although crushed amendments to the Internal Security as we were in the 1964 general elections, Act; we have had the declaration of we had regained public confidence and a state of Emergency; we have had in this first by-election to the Town new tax laws increasing the burden on Council we were going to show the the taxpayers. Alliance that we were probably the running favourites. However, Sir, the Dr Ng Kam Poh: The tax law danger of this precedent is this. What changes, new Bills and so on and so happens if in the course of a general forth are not changes to the Constitu­ election the Alliance by decree, not by tion. He mentioned the Internal parliamentary debate, but by decree Security Act and so forth—they are suddenly suspends the elections? That not constitutional changes. is the danger of this decree. There Mr Speaker: Are you interrupting are no provisions in this Constitution under the Standing Orders? to say what are the minimum times. 699 31 MAY 1965 700 Virtually, the Government, using country has slowly deteriorated. I had such a precedent, could suspend an the opportunity of the three days election even after voting has been held recess, and His Majesty in his Gracious and as the results are being returned— Speech referred to the economic drive, if it were unfavourable, apparently or what is called the austerity drive— unfavourable, it could at that moment, Sir, I feel rather embarrassed about this using this precedent, suspend such an issue. However, I would not touch on election. That is a matter which I hope it, chiefly because the Honourable the Government will assure us will Minister of Finance had the opportunity never take place. But the precedent has of being given high academic honour been set. during the recess, and we take this occa­ sion to congratulate him. {Laughter). Mr Speaker, Sir, then we have the Sir, I felt that for the House to recess question of the banning of the legiti­ in order that we could hold a Univer­ mate activities of the trade unions and sity Convocation in the Parliament now we have this question touching House during a time when the House is on the fundamental liberties of our debating His Majesty's Gracious citizens—i.e., the question of the right Speech is something well worth con­ of appeal to the Privy Council has sidering. What comes first? What are been brought up. All these things have the priorities in our country? There happened in the past 12 months. All are many other halls in Kuala Lumpur these things have shown the people of which can be used. After all, the Singapore, and I hope the people of Alliance had used the Dewan Bahasa Sabah and also the people in Sarawak, dan Pustaka. Why not the University? what we in the Opposition in the States If the Alliance can use it for their big of Malaya at the time of the formation of Malaysia had cautioned them, meeting, why not the University? Or "Think twice about the provisions at least the date could be changed. But that you are writing into the Constitu­ to bring us from the far ends of this tion, and how they will affect you new Malaysia, some coming as far as eventually. Don't take too much on from Sandakan and others from Perlis, trust, don't make too much of promises, to spend three days here shaking our because our experience has been so." legs—mind you, earning $35 a day Today because their experience has shaking legs {Laughter), it is a very become akin to that of ours in the easy way of making money—is hardly past, they, being realistic politicians, contributing to the Government's pragmatic in their approach, clearcut austerity drive. I feel I must make this in their decisions, naturally now find sad remark. that the chasm that lies between us is But I wish to conclude on this note, bridgeable and the causeway which they because the recess gave me a little hoped to extend over to the other opportunity. My Honourable friend the side had no engineering possibilities. Member for Johore Tenggara when he So do not let us be distracted from talked about the sacred Constitution the issue by witty comments from the Socialist Front about this Convention— of Malaysia had said, "We were the the coming together of political parties people who put in Section 2, the in the Opposition whose ideals of question of the fundamental liberties, establishing a Malaysian Malaysia and who is the Prime Minister of which could provide for the ultimate Singapore to come and teach us about emergence of a more free, equitable fundamental liberties?" Sir, I also in society for our people is a challenge my own little, quiet way played some which the Alliance may well consider part with Section 2 of the old Consti­ at this present time. tution. And he asked us, what part of it has been changed? So I remembered Sir, I would like to conclude by this old Constitution {holds up a copy referring to the little sensibilities which of the Constitution)—it looks quite old make it clear why those of us in the and well used—and I had occasion Opposition manifest great concern over during the recess to send for it from the manner whereby the situation in our Penang. And what is the difference? 701 31 MAY 1965 702 But what is the difference? It is not country prevail, but it must prevail in just in the cover. The interesting an equitable manner, in a democratic difference and a very important manner that those of us in the difference is that in this publication Opposition who subscribe to the idea which is also official—I would not go of a democratic Malaysian Malaysia through the melodrama and the Hon­ have come together. I hope that ourable Prime Minister of Singapore although the Alliance Members may carries it very well when it feel that this is a threat to their eventual through and saying that this is a positions of power, don't ever insinuate Government publication—and which is that we are moving towards this ideal an official Government publication, of achieving a democratic Malaysian there is a very little foreword which Malaysia because we are hypocrites. reads, if I may be permitted: Understand, as I began my speech, Sir, "It must be remembered that the freedom that every single Member of this to which we aspire is the freedom to govern House must be treated and accepted ourselves under a system in which parliamen­ as a loyal Member and a loyal citizen tary institutions shall be exclusively represen­ expressing ideas and criticisms in tative of the people's will"—Tunku Abdul Rahman, subsequently the first Prime Minis­ good faith so long as the Honourable ter of the Federation, moving the second Minister of Home Affairs has not reading of the Federal Constitution Bill, taken action upon him. Sir, it is under August 15, 1957." these circumstances that we feel very Sir, these words are amongst some of strongly that we must associate our­ the finest words that have been uttered selves in support of the amendment to and made by our distinguished Prime the motion as moved by the Honourable Minister. But in the Constitution of Prime Minister of Singapore. Malaysia there is no such foreword. Are we to imply, Sir, that this very Sir, although you have been very fundamental threat is carried in the kind enough to give me so much time, Appendix in the name, under the I feel that Honourable Members should section of the Ministry of Home Affairs, carefully study the words of this of subversion and communism? The amendment and in the light of your Appendix says: professed determination to uphold "Communism and subversion continue to democracy in this country to maintain pose a threat .... The Government is aware of the threats of Communism and subversion this Constitution as our sacred docu­ and is adequately equipped to counter and ment, don't permit your whips to contain these threats. The Government threaten you, don't permit even the staunchly believes in parliamentary demo­ cracy and will defend these institutions and obvious opportunities for advancement beliefs to the last " in the Alliance Bench cloud your own I say it is a great credit to the Hon­ vision of the potential glorious future ourable Minister of Home Affairs that which our country has, and if you he has actually by act demonstrated his believe and earnestly believe that the belief and we hope that his example Opposition is correct in moving this will be not only emulated but will be amendment, I do not ask you to cross sustained by his fellow members of across the floor (Laughter) but at least his Party. do not accuse and insinuate our Sir, don't let us in these times of intentions. That, Sir, I think, will great trials and of threats ever do any­ contribute a great deal to ease off the thing which will diminish these words tensions, which have been created by which were contained in the foreword the press and the propaganda, leading which I have quoted to you from our not to the enmity but the rivalry former Constitution. Don't let us ever between the Opposition parties and the try to meddle with the freedoms which Government. Thank you. parliamentary democracy and the institutions of such parliamentary Mr Speaker: The sitting is suspended democracy mean to us. Sir, it is because for ten minutes! of our extreme concern and our extreme determination that not only does this Sitting suspended at 12.17 p.m. 703 31 MAY 1965 704

Sitting resumed at 12.32 p.m. State Governments know their respective status. Singapore, however, (Mr Speaker in the Chair) was unable to reconcile to the fact Dato' Dr Ismail: Mr Speaker, Sir, that it was one of the constituent when the Honourable Member for States. It insists on a special status Tanjong's speech passed the half-hour beside that which was put down in the mark, I thought he was playing the Constitution, a special status amounting game of "follow the leader", because to elevating the State Government on a the Honourable Enche' Lee Kuan Yew par with the Central Government. of Singapore took one-and-a-half When agreement cannot be reached on hours; but when he passed the two- this, the Party in power in Singapore hour mark, then I knew it was a started to embark on a campaign competition for the leadership of the against the Central Government. That, Malaysian Solidarity Convention. in brief is the background against (Laughter). Sir, today we have wit­ which the P.A.P. invented the slogan nessed the winner. "Malaysian Malaysia". As can be seen, both the Alliance and the P.A.P. Now, Sir, when the future generations subscribe to the concept of a "Malay­ read the history of this Parliament, sian Malaysia", but they differ in their their attention will surely be drawn to approach to make it a living entity. what is written about this session. It It is this difference in approach which is a remarkable session in many ways. generates a great deal of heat, and It is made remarkable by the fact that which disturbs the hitherto comparative the P.A.P., after a period of hesitation tranquil political scene in Malaysia. which was spent in wooing the Alliance, and, flirting with the Opposition, has Sir, there are two ways of establish­ finally made up its mind. Rejected by ing a Malaysian Malaysia. One is the the Alliance, it has decided to settle platform of the P.A.P., that is to impose down with the Opposition. (HONOUR­ non-communalism straightaway. The ABLE MEMBERS: Hear! Hear!) Sir, it other is the method adopted by the is a marriage, so to speak, of political Alliance which requires two steps: parties on the rebound out of political first, inter-racial harmony and, second, expediency. When the time comes, I the ultimate stage of non-communalism. am sure the P.A.P. will have no Now, Sir, the Honourable Member for compunction to annul the marriage, if Tanjong—of course, after having we can judge from past experience. spoken for 21/2 hours he is not interested to hear other people speak— This session, Sir, is also remarkable said that in the Alliance Malaysia, as because His Majesty's Speech is debat­ he would like to call it, there would be ed in this House at a time when the Malay Malaysians, there would be focus of attention on the Malaysian Indian Malaysians; and there would be political scene is on the slogan Chinese Malaysians. Well, Sir, at this "Malaysian Malaysia". I said "slogan", stage of inter-racial harmony, in a Sir, because the concept of "Malaysian Malaysian Malaysia as we conceive it, Malaysia" was accepted even before there must be these Indian Malaysians, Malaysia was launched. (Applause). Chinese Malaysians and Malay (HONOURABLE MEMBERS: Hear! Hear!) Malaysians. What, may I ask, is the When it was formed, of course Malaysian Solidarity Convention's the concept was spelt out in the concept of non-communalism? Do Constitution. None of the constituent they, or does the Honourable Member, States, except Singapore, voiced dis­ mean to say that the Malaysians—if satisfaction. There are, of course, I am not contravening Standing disagreement of views between the Orders—are all bastards? Surely they Governments of the new constituent must have their origins which they States and the Central Government, cannot forget. We may be Malaysian but these agreements have always been Malaysians, but the fact remains that quietly discussed and amicable settle­ in the inter-racial stage in which we ment reached. This is possible because are in the Alliance believe that that is the Central Government and the the right step towards achieving a 705 31 MAY 1965 706

Malaysian Malaysia as well as a Sabah and Sarawak. Singapore, of non-communalistic Malaysia. Sir, the course, has no inter-racial harmony Alliance success in promoting inter­ because, to all intents and purposes, racial harmony is too wellknown to Singapore society was homogeneous elaborate. Suffice it to say that through with some racial minorities. The P.A.P., inter-racial harmony it has brought if I may say so, Sir, has therefore no Independence to Malaya, promoted experience of politics in a multi-racial political stability which generated society, let alone governing such a confidence and, if I may say so, that society. Probably, like medieval men, attracted the new constituent States to it is easier to destroy rather than to join Malaya to form Malaysia. understand a new phenomenon which (Applause). is strange to them. The methods adopted by P.A.P. in trying to destroy As I analysed the P.A.P. method of this inter-racial harmony are subtle, introducing non-communalism straight­ unscrupulous and ruthless (Applause). away, it reminded me as if we are all Lest I be accused of being a chemicals—the Malay is a chemical, demogogue as the Honourable Member the Chinese is a chemical, the Indian for Johore Tenggara, let me illustrate is a chemical—put all of these what I mean by making this strong chemicals in the crucible, heat up the statement. crucible and amidst the turbulence inside the crucible a new compond is The P.A.P. resurrects the question of formed called Malaysian Malaysia. who are the indigenous people of this You can see, Sir, that by that method country. The P.A.P. knows, as well as you have to generate heat, you have the people of the former Federation of to cause a lot of upheavals, you have Malaya know, that although this is got to get smoke coming out of the an academic question in a satisfied crucible. But our method, if I may say multi-racial society, it is at the same so, is based on the natural tendency time an effective political weapon to of human beings who live together stir communal strife. The Alliance of and share a common quality and that course wisely managed to bury this quality is tolerance, that quality which question and concentrated on building has bound us together for generations. inter-racial harmony. By resurrecting Now that we are independent we are this controversial question the P.A.P. is trying to cut down all the lines that stirring again the communal feelings were imposed on us by the colonial in Malaya. It is this action of the power. Try as hard as we can, the P.A.P. which has started the chain of ordinary person cannot forget that he communal vituperations which now is a Malay, he is a Chinese and he is exist in this country. an Indian. Of course, among the intellectuals we forget. In the Cabinet Sir, the P.A.P. claims openly that we have Chinese Malaysian Ministers it supports the special position of the and Indian Malaysian Ministers and Malays as spelled out in the Constitu­ when I discuss things with them, I am tion, but I say politically and never conscious of their racial origin practically it does all it can to illustrate except when my Honourable colleague, that its support is only in principle the Minister of Works, Posts and necessitated by political expediency (Applause). The P.A.P. mock at the Telecommunications, insists on draw­ Malays, by saying that the special ing my attention when he wears his position of the Malays is a mockery dothi (Laughter). Otherwise, we never and only benefits the reactionary think of those things. capitalistic Malays, whereas in fact, this Now, Sir, as I analysed the P.A.P. is not true. Even if the Malays strive methods, then I began to understand hard to become millionaires, I don't why it is necessary for it to destroy think they will succeed. The odds are the well-established inter-racial against them. They are not endowed, harmony which has been a feature in as other Malaysians are, with the the former Federation of Malaya and instinct to acquire and accumulate also I believe in the former States of wealth. The special position of the 707 31 MAY 1965 708

Malays in regard to the land benefits revealed to foreign correspondents in the peasants, and in regard to ratio off the record session. {Laughter). This in Government service, benefits all is the image, which surreptitiously and sections of the Malays who are cunningly twists facts and arguments to qualified. Further, in sponsoring the blacken and smear political opponents. Malaysian Solidarity Convention, the This is the side of P.A.P., which cun­ P.A.P. has specifically included the ningly foster communalism. This is the Peoples Progressive Party whose stand image that spreads the rumours that in regard to the special position of the the Central Government is foisting a Malays as provided in the Constitution Malay Malaysia on the entrapped is too wellknown even to be mentioned peoples of Singapore, Sabah and and was even repeated in this House Sarawak. This is the image that the other day by the Honourable cunningly tells the foreign corres­ Member for Ipoh. pondents and countries abroad of a fairy tale of how the gentle, I have so far spoken frankly and, I economically backward, Malay giants am afraid, brutally described the are planning to dominate the robust, methods used by the P.A.P.—but I am economically advanced Chinese in always a blunt and frank man. Now Malaysia and that if Malaysia breaks I would like to describe the manner in up, it is because the communal Alliance which these methods are put into Party is treating the new States as practice. The intellectuals among the inferior to the Malay States and, P.A.P., who I admit are all brilliant therefore, pressure must be put on the men, when they speak to the Alliance Government that they must sophisticated section of Malaysians be more accommodating, that they pose as moderate, reasonable men. We must form a coalition Government. have heard the speech of the Honour­ Some of the foreign correspondents able Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the Secretary- wrote to their home countries insisting General of P.A.P., the Honourable Dr that this fairy tale is indeed a true Toh Chin Chye, the Chairman of the story. {Laughter). P.A.P., Mr Devan Nair, a prominent member of P.A.P. I cannot quarrel Sir, this is the image which with their plea when they said all they entertains imaginary resentment and ask for is that the Constitution should reads into every statement what is not be respected. We may not agree with there; hence the amendment to the their allegations that the Constitution motion thanking His Majesty's Speech. has been, or will be, amended, without Sir, no one, except those subscribing adequate notice or that the provisions to this image of P.A.P., can imagine of the Constitution have been violated, that there is any other Malaysia than but we cannot accuse them of not being Malaysian Malaysia. The success of the democrats and parliamentarians just Alliance in rural development, which because they disagree with us. This benefits, I admit, mainly the Malays image of P.A.P., that of a party but also the non-Malays in rural areas, consisting of moderate, reasonable, the acceptance by the people of Sara­ brilliant men has been ably projected wak, Sabah, Malacca and Penang of abroad by its Secretary-General on Malaysian Governors of Malay descent, his visits to Australia, New Zealand the ceremonial functions which, in the and, lately, India, Burma, Thailand main, follow Malay custom—all these, and Cambodia and Laos as well. He I am sure, are imagined by P.A.P. to be also succeeded, Sir, in projecting this signs of Malay dominance in Malaysia. image to the credulous foreign But are they? If not, why did not the correspondents, (HONOURABLE MEM­ Honourable Mr Lee Kuan Yew in his BERS: Hear! Hear!) thanks to the long, eloquent, speech spell out eloquence of the Honourable Mr Lee examples or signs of Malay domination Kuan Yew. However, there is the instead of making vague, oblique, other image of P.A.P., which is only general statements? revealed to selected sections of our Sir, listening to the Honourable Mr society, which is revealed abroad in the Lee Kuan Yew's speech the only guise of respectable image, which is indication 709 31 MAY 1965 710

Enche' Lee Kuan Yew (Singapore): Singapore, Singapore should have only Sir, on a point of clarification. I fifteen seats in Parliament. Surely, the wonder whether the Minister heard Honourable Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his the scripted speech by the Member colleagues cannot blame the Alliance for Kota Star Selatan, Dr Mahathir, for this political inequality in this in which he accused Chinese and respect. After all, it is said that P.A.P. others who do not live in the East has the monoply of wisdom, its Coast and other places like Kedah of Premier having a double First at being unaccustomed to the Malay rule. Cambridge, its Finance Minister, a What is the implication of that state­ well-known international economist, ment? its Deputy Prime Minister, a well- known scientific research worker. Dato' Dr Ismail: I must thank the Surely, these eminent gentlemen could Honourable Mr Lee Kuan Yew, but not have been outwitted by the I was speaking about his speech mediocre Alliance Ministers, whose where, I said, he was just making only qualification for leadership is general, vague statements about this sincerity, who are devoid of double Malay Malaysia face and incapable of tongue-twisting. (Applause) Enche' Lee Kuan Yew: Mr Speaker, Sir, on a point of elucidation. Would As to his fears that the Alliance it help the matter, or would it be a would scrap the Constitution, they are solution to these problems if I list based entirely on false premises. It is and categorize all the examples in true that constitutional changes have which domination was attempted in taken place in the past, but, as the the last twenty months since Malaysia Honourable Prime Minister had in Sabah, in Sarawak and in Singapore repeatedly stated, changes in the because, if it will, I am quite prepared Constitution would only take place if to list them. they were considered to be beneficial to the country and that he would never Dato' Dr Ismail: it will change those provisions of the help a great deal, Sir, because, after Constitution affecting fundamental all, we are in this Parliament and now rights and liberties. Further, Sir, we say that we are in the open society. amendments to the Constitution in the We want to adopt democratic prin­ past have always been passed after ciples, as I promised. Let us have all exhaustive debates had taken place in these things aired and then, probably, the House. we may come to an agreement or, if we must disagree with them, we must Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Sir, on a point disagree on some common ground. If of clarification. I beg to differ from he starts being oblique and vague on the Honourable Minister of Home this matter, it makes matter worse. Affairs. Constitutional amendments have been tabled in this House and Sir, listening to the Honourable Mr debated and passed through all three Lee Kuan Yew's speech, the only stages, despite the protest of all the indication we have as to why he fears Opposition, without notice. That is that Malaysia is drifting towards for the purpose of record of what is Malay Malaysia is when he says that exactly the truth. there must be political equality and when he expresses his imaginary fears Dato' Dr Ismail: Sir, the Honourable that the Alliance will scrap the Con­ Member is talking of the notice that stitution and rule by force. Sir, if the is given about the Bills, but if he reads do not have the proceedings of the House, exhaus­ political equality with the Malaysians tive debates, if I may say so, take in the rest of this country, the blame place whenever there is any amend­ must surely be on the P.A.P., who ment to the Constitution—that he agreed that in return for autonomy in cannot deny. He may complain of the Education and Labour and the reten­ short notice, and I would like to tion of 60% of the revenue accrued in explain later as to why that is so. 711 31 MAY 1965 712 Mr Speaker: Time is up! The Sitting and agreement. I would like to add, Sir, is suspended until 4.00 p.m. that it would be better to air these differences or agreement in this House Sitting suspended at 1.00 p.m. rather than outside, for example, in Sitting resumed at 4.00 p.m. street alleys or open grounds, where not only is there no Speaker to see (Mr (Deputy) Speaker in the Chair) that we adhere to Standing Orders but we may expose ourselves to Indonesian THE YANG DI-PERTUAN bombs and also the risk of assassina­ AGONG'S SPEECH tion. I then went on to say that if there is no political equality between ADDRESS OF THANKS Singapore and Malaysia, then the Debate resumed on Original Question Honourable Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Mem­ and Amendment. ber for Singapore, and his colleagues That an humble Address be in the P.A.P. must shoulder the blame presented to His Majesty the Yang and I was told that I should say di-Pertuan Agong as follows: P.A.P. in case many people may not understand P.A.P., then I say he and "Your Majesty, his colleagues must shoulder the We, the Speaker and Members blame. I was just going to say that his of the Dewan Ra'ayat of Malay­ fears that the Alliance would scrap sia in Parliament assembled, beg the Constitution were based entirely leave to offer Your Majesty our on false premises when we broke off. humble thanks for the Gracious Speech with which the Second I would like to begin, Sir, where we Session of the Second Parliament left off. I said that his fears that the Alliance would scrap the Constitution has been opened", are based entirely on false premises. to which the following amendment It is true, I said, that constitutional moved by Enche' Lee Kuan Yew was changes have taken place in the past, to add at the end thereof: but as the Honourable Prime Minister "but regrets that the Address by had repeatedly stated changes in the His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Constitution would only take place if Agong did not reassure the nation they were considered to be beneficial that Malaysia will continue to pro­ to the country and that he would gress in accord with its democratic never change those provisions of the constitution towards a Malaysian Constitution affecting fundamental Malaysia, but on the contrary the rights and liberties. Further, amend­ address has added to the doubts ments to the Constitution in the past have always been passed after exhaus­ over the intentions of the present tive debates had taken place in the Alliance Government and over the House. measures it will adopt when faced with the loss of majority popular In regard to the Honourable Mr support." Lee Kuan Yew's observation, and I quote him, "We are still faced with Dato' Dr Ismail: Mr Speaker, Sir, Standing Orders, which entitle the just before we broke off for lunch Government to bring about radical and recess, I was telling the House and fundamental changes in the that instead of making oblique, vague, Constitution all within one day—the references, the Honourable Mr Lee intention of the first, second and third Kuan Yew, Member for Singapore, readings, if the Government so should be more specific and illustrate chooses". Sir, when the Honourable his accusations of Malay dominance Member made this statement he must in Malaysia. On a point of clarifica­ be, I am afraid, suffering from lapse tion, he asked whether it would help of memory. I am sure, Mr Speaker, if if he were to spell out. I said certainly, you go through the proceedings of the since we all subscribed to democratic House there is no such thing. Further, principles and further it might help it would be contrary to Standing to demarcate our areas of differences Orders to have any Bill, let alone the 713 31 MAY 1965 714 Constitution Amendment Bill, to be trade unions which, after all, are the passed in one day. I would like to things that count a great deal in a draw the Honourable Member's atten­ modern State. tion to the fact that the Committee on Standing Orders consist of Members If the Honourable Mr Lee Kuan of both sides of the House with you, Yew who likes to calculate every Mr Speaker, as Chairman. The human endeavour according to arith­ Honourable Dr Toh Chin Chye metic, adds up the strength and weak- represents P.A.P. on the Committee. nessess of the Malays, he cannot In fact, Government itself is not accuse the Malays of dominating satisfied with the way Bills have been Malaysia. With the example of Indo­ rushed through the House before nesia before us, the Malays do not Members have ample time to study wish to dominate a ruined Malaysia, them. It has been suggested and agreed which would certainly result if that instead of waiting for the First communal differences are pressed to Reading, before any Bill can be the extreme. published, the Bill should be printed Now, Sir, at long last, like Dr Jekyll and gazetted in the White Gazette and and Mr Hyde, the two images of the passed to Honourable Members well P.A.P. cannot be kept separate for before the time Parliament meets to long; (Applause) the two must come hear the first reading. together and appear as one. The time for merging has come. The public It is therefore, Sir, childish, if I may now knows, and the world will soon say so, for the Honourable Mr Lee know, that the P.A.P. is a party which Kuan Yew to draw the inference that because constitutional changes have shouts, "Fire! Fire!" while committing taken place in the past for reasons arson. (Applause). Sir, now that the stated by me Government is going to mask has been removed and the keep on changing it just for the pur­ P.A.P.'s stand has been made clear, it pose to down the Opposition. We on is easier for us to fight openly to win this side of the House don't give the hearts and minds of true, loyal the Opposition that much credit. Malaysians which, I am glad to say, (Applause) Sir, we, Malay Malaysians, form the majority in Malaysia. If I as the Honourable Member would may, Sir, in the words of Abraham like to call us, are not afraid of the Lincoln, the P.A.P. can deceive some truth. Surely in evolving a Malaysian of the Malaysians some of the time, tradition and Malaysian Malaysia we all of the Malaysians some of the time, should borrow and use sometimes but not all of the Malaysians all the fully, sometimes in part, the cultures time. (Applause). and talents of every race which Malay­ We, Sir, in the Alliance, through sians are drawn. When P.A.P. accuses our policy of promoting and sustaining the Malays of dominating Malaysia, inter-racial harmony, have fought and let it not forget the subordinate role won many political battles by consti­ played by the Malays in commerce tutional means. We have won the and industry, the comparatively small battle for Merdeka. We have won the number of Malays in our scholastic battle for independence for our brothers institutions, and here I would draw in Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak, the Honourable Member's attention to (Applause) and surely it is within our the frank speech by my colleague, Mr capacity to win this battle against the Tan Siew Sin, at the Convocation of P.A.P. and its colleagues (Applause) the University, whereby he appealed in winning the hearts and minds of to all Malaysians to help the Malays our countrymen. We will abide by "so that in future you would see more democratic principles as long as our Malays graduating in the sciences and opponents do likewise. as professional men." (Applause). The Honourable Mr Lee Kuan Yew Let us not forget also the compara­ challenges the Alliance Government to tive small number of Malays in pro­ compete in uplifting the economic fessional and technical services and in standard of the Malays. Naturally, he 715 31 MAY 1965 716 can with confidence offer this challenge Security Council and now, in Malaysia, since the competition will be unequal. as the Chief Executive of the Singa­ The number of Malays compared with pore Government, he is kept informed the rest of the population in Singapore of the threat to the security of our is negligible. Beside, there are no other country. Surely, the Honourable Mr indigenous population in Singapore; Lee Kuan Yew does not think that the in the rest of Malaysia the Malays, the Police is biased in granting permits to Ibans and the Kadazans form the hold rallies. Sir, the fact remains that majority. On top of this, Singapore there is no total prohibition. There is contributes only 40 per cent of its prohibition of holding rallies in the revenue to the Central Government. I open spaces and in the alleys, because think, Sir, it would be a fairer com­ of this confrontation. We do not want petition if Singapore contributes more ourselves and our opponents, how of its revenue to the Central Govern­ much we may dislike them, to be ment (Applause) and not be so stingy bombed by the Indonesians, to be with loans for economic development assasinated by the Indonesians; and to Sabah and Sarawak. we ourselves also value our lives. We do not discriminate between our In answer to the criticism by one opponents and our own Party. This Honourable Member from this side of partial prohibition applies to all. the House that the Singapore Legisla­ tive Assembly met only once this Then the Honourable Mr Lee Kuan year, the Honourable Mr Lee Kuan Yew said, I quote him: Yew said that the Barisan Sosialis "There is still, Mr Speaker, Sir, perhaps knows how to take care of itself. I no difference between him"—refering to the Honourable Member for Batu—"personally wonder how the newly acquired and us because he is not really what his colleagues of the P.A.P. view this Party represents. Parties like the Socialist attitude of their leader towards a Front"—says Mr Lee Kuan Yew—"and the parliamentary institution. After all, PAS, parties which have over a series of elections spread over 10/15 years have whatever it is, the Singapore Legisla­ almost abandoned all hope of ever achieving tive Assembly is a parliamentary what they want to constitutionally; it is only institution. As far as the Government those parties that then begin to become dis­ on this side of the House is concerned, loyal." we view this attitude of the Honour­ Sir, I do not know why Mr Lee Kuan able Member, who is also the Prime Yew should take interest on the PAS Minister of Singapore, as very repre­ and the Socialist Front. The Honour­ hensible and quite disrespectful able Member for Batu has categorically towards the Assembly. I am sure the rejected his advances. Now, Sir, the public at large could imagine what Honourable Member for Pasir Puteh, respect the Honourable Member would who is the Menteri Besar of Kelantan, have for this House if the Malaysian was keeping quiet because he is also Solidarity Convention should command as shrewd as Mr Lee Kuan Yew, a two-third majority of the House as because, if it is characteristic of the the Alliance now possesses. Judging P.A.P. to divorce those whom they from its attitude towards the Singapore no longer have any use for, divorce State Assembly, he would probably is not uncommon in Kelantan hold it once a year, and to any (Laughter). They too know how to question asked he would reply, "The play the game. They also know when Alliance could take care of itself". they want to divorce those whom they have no use for. Now, Sir, are we to The Honourable Mr Lee Kuan Yew blame if the Socialist Front and the also said, and I quote him: PAS have never achieved success in "Public meetings are prohibited in danger the elections in the past 10/15 years? areas." After all, they fought the elections Sir, the Honourable Mr Lee Kuan according to rules. There was free Yew knows very well the security election in this country. There was position of this country before Malay­ ample time given, not nine days as in sia and after Malaysia. I was Singapore (Applause). Is that the associated with him in the Singapore reason, Sir, why these people should 717 31 MAY 1965 718 abandon constitutional means and Kedua, apabila Yang Teramat Mulia resort to violence? I am really sampai dia melihat orang2 telah ber- surprised with the Honourable Mr himpun di-luar bangunan, Yang Lee Kuan Yew. Teramat Mulia pun terus bersharah di-luar kerana Yang Teramat Mulia, Sekarang saya mengambil peluang bagaimana tuan2 tahu, selalu lupa, sadikit hendak menjawab tegoran perhimpunan itu mesti di-adakan dalam yang di-datangkan oleh Ahli daripada bangunan. Saya pun sendiri juga tidak Pasir Puteh. vSoal yang di-bangkitkan- hadzir, kalau saya hadzir pada hari nya berkenaan dengan perhimpunan itu, tentu-lah saya ingatkan Perdana dan rapat umum di-Kuantan, Kelantan Menteri kita. dan Kedah. Mengikut siasatan2 Ketua Pegawai Tuan Yang di-Pertua, perhimpunan Polis, Kedah, tidak ada apa2 per­ untok mera'ikan Hari di- himpunan di-luar bangunan yang di- Kelantan itu telah tidak di-benarkan adakan dalam negeri Kedah semenjak kerana dua sebab: sebab yang pertama, 1 Mei 1965, oleh sebab banyak parti2 hari itu telah jatoh dalam tempoh bila 2 politik yang tidak puas hati dengan orang yang telah di-tahan bersang- keputusan tidak memberi kebenaran kutan dengan ketua kafir-mengkafir mengadakan rapat umum. Kita telah di-bebaskan. Soal pembebasan 2 timhangkan dalam segi keselamatan orang tahanan tersebut telah di-jadi- dalam negeri mengikut keadaan tempat2 kan satu soal politik di-negeri Kelantan yang berkenaan. dan perkara ini ada-lah satu soal yang hangat di-negeri Kelantan. Oleh sebab Enche' Mohd. Asri bin Haji Muda itu kebenaran tidak-lah di-beri sa- (Pasir Puteh): Tuan Yang di-Pertua, bagai satu langkah untok menjauhkan penjelasan kapada keterangan Yang berlaku-nya pertelingkahan di-antara 2 2 Berhormat Menteri tadi. Yang saya ahli UMNO dengan ahli PAS. bangkitkan berkenaan dengan rapat Sebab yang kedua, pehak yang umum di-Kelantan itu bukan-lah per- berkenaan ada ma'alumat2 yang menga- mohonan daripada Parti tetapi per- takan pehak pengkhianat Indonesia mohonan daripada pehak Kerajaan akan chuba hendak menakutkan sendiri. Parti PAS sedar bahawa peserta yang hadzir ka-perhimpunan2 larangan untok mengadakan rapat 'am dengan meletupkan bom2. Oleh umum itu ada-lah di-atas muslihat sebab yang saya sebutkan tadi, maka keselamatan dan kita tidak pernah-lah kebenaran tidak-lah di-beri untok meminta kebenaran bila mana per- atoran2 baharu di-keluarkan tidak di- mer'aikan Hari Muharram di-Kelantan 2 itu. Bukan tidak di-beri tahu boleh benarkan rapat umum pada masa buat di-dalam masjid. Kalau tidak sekarang, tetapi yang memohon banyak masjid di-sabelah Kelantan permohonan kerana rapat umum dan bukan-lah salah kita, tempat lain berarak itu bukan-lah Parti tetapi banyak masjid2, surau2 semua. Kerajaan dan dalam perhimpunan saperti itu tidak ada soal politik, Mengikut keterangan yang telah di- chuma parti perhimpunan, bahkan beri kapada saya, perhimpunan telah saya dapat tahu pehak Parti UMNO di-adakan di-Kuantan bila Yang dan pemuda2 UMNO sendiri telah Teramat Mulia Perdana Menteri 2 bersedia untok datang beramai dan melawat Kuantan baharu ini. Per­ mengadakan perarakan pada Awal himpunan itu telah di-chadangkan Muharram itu. Jadi itu-lah yang saya untok di-langsongkan dalam bangunan 2 bangkitkan di-bandingkan dengan soal dengan peserta telah berkumpul di-Kuantan, sebab di-Kuantan bukan dalam bangunan yang berkenaan. Kerajaan membuat-nya tetapi Parti Tetapi terlebeh ma'alum-lah Yang Perikatan yang membuat-nya. Teramat Mulia Tunku kita ini telah lambat sampai dan peserta2 telah ke- Dato' Dr Ismail: Tuan Yang di- luar dari bangunan tersebut untok Pertua, Yang Berhormat itu betul mengambil angin dan menunggu Yang tetapi yang saya katakan, itu-lah sebab Teramat Mulia Perdana Menteri. keselamatan-lah. Saya memikirkan 719 31 MAY 1965 720 patut tidak usah di-adakan, di-adakan In a letter dated 7th April, 1965, the di-masjid2 supaya senang di-kawal, Honourable Member for Batu asked itu-lah sahaja. for permission to visit 13 detainees in Satu perkara lagi berkenaan dengan Taiping and 27 detainees at the pembebasan orang2 tahanan kafir- Special Detention Camp, Batu Gajah mengkafir, sa-chara besar, sebab on 29th April, 1965. Enche' Tan Kai dalam perentah pertahanan telah di- Hee's name was not included in this kenakan terhadap Nik Abdullah satu particular list. On 19th April, 1965, the perkara lagi yang telah di-bangkitkan Ministry of Home Affairs conveyed my oleh Ahli Yang; Berhormat dari Pasir permission to the Honourable Member Puteh. to visit all the 40 detainees on 29th Tuan Yang di-Pertua, keputusan April, 1965, On 5th April, 1965, the mu'tamad untok membatalkan perentah Honourable Member for Batu asked pertahanan yang telah di-kenakan for permission to visit Enche' Tan Kai terhadap Nik Abdullah dengan tidak Hee. While action was being taken to bersharat telah di-putuskan sa-belum consider his request to visit Enche' ia-nya di-bebaskan di-tempat Per­ Tan Kai Hee, the Ministry received tahanan Khas, Batu Gajah, dan sa- another letter from the Honourable belum ia di-hantar balek ka-Kelantan. Member dated 14th April, 1965, asking for the original date, i.e. 29th April, Berkenaan dengan ia di-minta 1965, to visit the 40 detainees to be menanda tangani beberapa sharat itu, amended to 6th May, 1965. He also ia-lah oleh sebab salah faham pehak stated that he intends to visit Enche' Polis tentang arahan yang telah di- Tan Kai Hee on this new date as keluarkan oleh pehak Kementerian well. On 23rd April, 1965, the Ministry saya. Perentah pertahanan yang telah 2 of Home Affairs conveyed my approval di-kenakan terhadap rakan orang for the visit to be made on 6th May, tahanan tersebut yang telah di-bebas­ 1965. The Honourable Member for kan terlebeh dahulu daripada-nya, Batu was also informed that permission telah di-gantong mengikut fasal 10 2 has been granted to him to visit Enche' Undang Keselamatan Dalam Negeri, Tan Kai Hee as well. By this time, 1960. Perentah tahanan terhadap Enche Tan Kai Hee had been moved mereka tidak di-batalkan saperti yang to the Special Detention Camp at telah di-buat terhadap Nik Abdullah 2 Batu Gajah. So if there is any mis­ kerana dari segi keselamatan gerakan understanding, it must be due to the mereka maseh mustahak di-kawal. 2 Honourable Member for Batu, who Walau bagaimana pun sharat yang keeps on changing his mind as often telah di-kenakan terhadap mereka as any woman (Laughter). itu akan di-semak sa-mula dari sa- masa ka-samasa. My last reply is to the observation of the Honourable Mr D. R. Seeni- Mr Speaker, Sir, I have now come vasagam, the Member for Ipoh. He to the second last of my replies to the complained that there was a case under observations by the members of the the Prevention of Crimes Ordinance in Opposition. The Honourable Member which, he says, counsel was told by for Batu, Dr Tan Chee Khoon, in his the reviewing officer that the Police had adjournment speech in the Dewan ruled that counsel had no right to Ra'ayat on 27th May, 1965, regarding appear for a detained person in Alor the detention of Tan Kai Hee stated Star. Now, let me give the facts, Sir. that he had personally written to the Ministry for permission to visit Enche' On 26th April, 1965, an enquiry Tan Kai Hee when he was held in under Section 9 of the Prevention of detention in Kuala Lumpur and that Crimes Ordinance was held in Alor he did not even have an acknowledg­ Star, Kedah. Two persons, namely, ment. The Honourable Member stated Bangaroo Subraya Reddi and Maniam that he did not even have an Ratnam, were the subject of the acknowledgment from the Ministry. enquiry. The enquiry officer was the Sir, if I may give a reply here, the District Officer, Baling. The Honour­ explanation is as follows. able Mr S. P. Seenivasagam was the 721 31 MAY 1965 722 counsel for the two persons. When he more and more hardships with the appeared before the enquiry officer he extra new taxes. More and more people requested that the witnesses who had are finding the heavy burdens more made statements against his clients be and more unbearable. In the circum­ produced for cross-examination by stances, needless to say, there can be no him. The Police objected on the ground happiness in the country. Sir, there is of public interest under Section 9 (3) (d) no unity in the country. of the Ordinance. The enquiry officer agreed with the Police. The Honourable Enche' C. V. Devan Nair: Sir, on a Mr S. P. Seenivasagam told the enquiry point of clarification, if he will give officer that he would be writing to way? the Ministry of Home Affairs on the Enche' Chia Thye Poh: No (Laugh­ subject and then walked out of the ter). enquiry. The enquiry has therefore been postponed sine die. Mr (Deputy) Speaker: Proceed! Sir, I would like to thank the House Enche' Chia Thye Poh: Sir, mounting for bearing with me; I think I spoke communal tensions daily give rise to for not longer than half-an-hour, at anxiety and fears that fresh racial least not half as long as the Honourable clashes might at any time break out Member for Tanjong. Thank you not only in Singapore but also through­ (Applause). out Malaya. As regards peace and security, all Enche' Chia Thye Poh (Singapore): can see that Malaysia has brought not Mr Speaker, I would like to touch on only Indonesian confrontation but also the motion itself and the amendment conscription, arms expansion and the to it. concentration of huge British forces in Sir, Malaysia was formed only one South East Asia. This poses a great and a half years ago. Yet, within this threat to peace in South East Asia and short period of time, political develop­ brings insecurity to all the people in ments, both inside and outside this region. Malaysia, have shown that Malaysia Sir, we in the Barisan have pointed does not serve the interests of the out these long ago, and today events people of Malaya and . have proved us to be correct in every way. Malaysia is meeting with increa­ Sir, the promoters of Malaysia, in sing difficulties. Why is this so? order to deceive the people into (AN HONOURABLE MEMBER: Because supporting Malaysia, have shouted you are helping the Indonesians!) It is from the roof-tops that Malaysia would because, contrary to what the deceptive bring independence, prosperity, happi­ propaganda of the promoters of ness, peace and security to the country. Malaysia wants us to believe, it was There has even been a talk of making not formed on the wishes of the people Singapore the "New York" of Malaysia. and, without the support of the vast But, Sir, all these have not come majority of the people, Malaysia can­ through. In fact, the opposite is the not work and cannot succeed—it must case. Thus, Malaysia has not brought inevitably fail. the people any independence. We are still subject to foreign control. Foreign Malaysia exists today simply because troops are still stationed on our soil of the presence of British and U.S. and more troops are coming in. bayonets helped by Australian and Foreign bases still infringe on our New Zealand bayonets. Without such national sovereignty and territorial British and U.S. bayonets, Malaysia integrity, and more bases are being would not be able to survive for one built in Malaya. Then, there is no single day. Sir, is it any wonder that prosperity in the land. For hundreds His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan and thousands of people, there is a Agong's Address should thank these loss of trade and business, loss of job so-called Commonwealth Forces? Sir, and livelihood. The people are suffering let us understand this clearly: these 723 31 MAY 1965 724 British, Australian and New Zealand isolated from the main stream of forces are in Malaysia not because they Afro-Asia. like our people, but they are here to protect imperialists' interests in tin, Sir, the P.A.P. naturally tries to rubber, oil and other investments to the make political capital out of the tune of $400 million. They are here not present isolation of the Alliance from to protect the people but to deny them Afro-Asia; and thus it blames the their freedom, to oppress them and to Winneba slap in the face for the exploit them. These foreign troops and Malaysian delegation on the foolish­ foreign bases should be withdrawn ness of the Alliance leaders in their immediately and the Mutual Defence open support of United States aggres­ Treaty must be immediately scrapped. sion in Vietnam. But what of the No self-respecting country will allow P.A.P.? How much less foolish is the foreign troops on its soil. It is P.A.P. on the question of American not without reasons that President aggression in South Vietnam and Nkhrumah called for the withdrawal of American air attacks on North the imperialists' presence from South Vietnam? Did not the Honourable Mr East Asia. Lee Kuan Yew similarly support United States aggression in Vietnam in Sir, in the international sphere, his speeches and comments during his Malaysia is still largely isolated from travel in Australia, India and Afro-Asia. The still does Bangkok? Is this not a case of the pot not recognise Malaysia. Indonesia is daily mounting the "Crush Malaysia" calling the kettle black? campaign. In spite of the efforts of Sir, there is nothing new in this type Britain, the United States, India and of P.A.P. underhand tricks. In the past, a couple of pro-western countries, in the P.A.P. had blamed all its failures spite of the fact that Malaysia has been and unpopular actions on the Com­ made a member of the United Nations munists and on the Barisan. Today, the and even of the United Nations P.A.P. blames everything on the Security Council, in spite of all the Alliance. In this way the P.A.P. hopes truth and goodwill missions to Asian to gain political capital at the expense and African countries in the last two of the Alliance, and for this very years, in spite of all the efforts made reason the P.A.P. blames all the by the Government to ingratiate itself present hardships of the people on the with Asian and African countries, and Alliance, which has become the sole in spite of the theatrical humbug scapegoat for all the unpopular things rejection of the U.S. loan aid, and in which both the UMNO and the P.A.P. spite of the gesture of condemnation of are jointly responsible. Today, the South African apartheid and even of struggle for power between the the banning of imports from South Alliance and the P.A.P. is getting more Africa, the Malaysian delegation had and more acute—that the P.A.P. had not been able to gain entry into the hoped to make Malaysia a P.A.P. Afro-Asian Solidarity Organisation domain and Mr Lee Kuan Yew as Conference in Winneba. Sir, feverish Prime Minister is now well known. efforts are still being made to get Malaysia into the Afro-Asian Heads of Sir. in its madness for power the States Conference at Algiers this opportunistic P.A.P. had twisted and month; and in the next few weeks the turned at every stage of history. It first British and U.S. and several pro- tried to become a partner of the western countries like India, Japan and Alliance; then it tried to take the place Nigeria, may yet re-double their efforts of the M.C.A. in the Alliance; then it on Malaysia's behalf. But all indica­ tried to pressure the UMNO into tions are that Malaysia's chances are accepting it as a partner through a very slim indeed. It is still debarred show of strength in the Federal from the Algiers Conference. In spite elections in 1964. All these attempts of the Embassy at Cairo and the failed. So, its British masters were setting up of the Missions in Lagos called in to help (Laughter); and when and Addis Ababa, Malaysia is still even they failed to make P.A.P. 725 31 MAY 1965 726 leaders Ministers in the Government in will be able to deceive the people? Did Kuala Lumpur, the P.A.P. threatened the P.A.P. not similarly refuse to imminent disintegration of Malaysia. register the Singapore S.A.T.U., i.e. the Singapore Association of Trade Sir, of course we have stated that Unions? Can the workers ever forget Malaysia will fail, and it is already how the P.A.P. used Police and troops failing, not because of anything that to brutally arrest them? Did the P.A.P. the P.A.P. can do, but because of the not prevent the Barisan from holding rising opposition of the people to this public rallies? What sort of parliamen­ neo-colonialist creation. The P.A.P. tary democracy did we have in has seen the writing on the wall— Singapore? Did the P.A.P. not with­ hence, its yappings. The P.A.P. mainly draw the Sembawang by-election for hopes to gain credit for the break-up more than a year for fear of losing the of Malaysia, caused by the mounting seat? (Laughter) Had not the P.A.P. opposition of the people. not held Assembly meetings for ten Sir, realising that alone it cannot put months at a stretch (HONOURABLE up much of a fight against the Alliance, MEMBERS: Hear! hear!) in spite of the P.A.P. now collects around it a few repeated calls by the people for such so-called like-minded allies to form a meetings? (Laughter) What of the so-called Grand Opposition or Conven­ dishonest, sham, referendum that did tion. Sir, the P.A.P. says this Grand not allow the people to know? What Opposition is intended to fight for of the unfair Singapore snap general parliamentary democracy, to oppose election of nine days? (AN HONOURABLE communal chauvinism, and to fight for MEMBER: Shame!) Sir, it is disgusting a Malaysian Malaysia. that the devil himself should now pose as the angel in this House. Sir, let us see if this is true. To (Laughter) (Applause) Sir, the P.A.P. defend parliamentary democracy—how itself has been the very devil himself high sounding an objective—the P.A.P. in all these years in Singapore, yet the talks as if it were so concerned about P.A.P. hypocrites have the cheek to the trend towards total fascist rule talk of democracy. Of course, the under the Alliance Government. Of P.A.P. is now receiving a dose of the course, this is an inevitable trend. We same medicine from the Alliance, have said this many times before. The (Laughter) which the P.A.P. itself gave arbitrary arrests and detention of anti- to the Barisan only a short while ago. colonial patriots for as long as nine (Laughter). years, the denial of the basic rights and freedom of speech and publication, Therefore, Sir, there is no need to association and assembly, study and take fresh stock of the position now, travel, the banning of May Day rallies as suggested by the Prime Minister of and the banning of strikes, etc., all Singapore. The position, whether under these are conclusive proof that Malay­ the P.A.P. or under the U.M.N.O., is sia is already a Police state; and we the same—it is a Police State. That is strongly condemn the Alliance Govern­ the position now. The people knows ment, including the P.A.P., for its this only too well. fascist rule and its violation of all the basic democratic rights of the people. Sir, the P.A.P. now says that they But in the vain hope of gaining politi­ want to fight communal chauvinism. cal capital the sly P.A.P. hypocrites, What does the P.A.P. really do? The who are just as fascists if not more so P.A.P. has always loved to delve in in their own rule over Singapore, now communal arithmetic. Its political come out to complain about "where analyses have always emphasised and in what direction we are drifting". communal percentages in the country. This type of racial analyses imme­ Sir, can the P.A.P. cover its own diately expose the P.A.P. leaders as fascist actions in this way? Let us ask bogus socialists. But the danger is that these questions. Does the P.A.P. think such talk of racial percentages inevit­ that the people have such a short ably arouses communal feelings among memory? Does the P.A.P. think that it the various races in the country. 727 31 MAY 1965 728

Sir, during the Federal Elections, in Sarawak as another unit) it will still an attempt to gain votes, the P.A.P. be Malaysia. Of course the P.A.P. does openly resorted to communal politics. not want Singapore to secede from It postured as the champions of the Malaysia. The P.A.P. has to reconcile urban Chinese. This posture imme­ the present concept, which is the diately aroused the antagonism of the original support and promotion of rural Malays. The present emphasis Malaysia; nevertheless it is a form of of the P.A.P. on a "­ secession from Malaysia. Sir, this call sia" is an attempt to win the urban for a "Malaysian Malaysia" is of non-Malay support. We tell the P.A.P. course .... and also the U.M.N.O. to stop playing with fire. We condemn all forms of Enche' S. Rajaratnam (Singapore): communalism. No politician should Mr Speaker, Sir, on a point of clari­ ever use communalism for selfish ends. fication .... Stop stressing communal percentages; instead start stressing on the huge Mr (Deputy) Speaker: (To Enche percentages of the oppressed and the Chia Thye Poh) Do you wish to give exploited as against the tiny percentage way? of the oppressors and the exploiters. Enche' Chia Thye Poh: I think the If they keep on playing communalism, Honourable Member can reply later. they will have to shoulder all the responsibilities for the loss to our Mr (Deputy) Speaker: (To Enche' people. S. Rajaratnam) He does not give way. (Laughter). Sir, let me here, also, call on the Chinese to remain vigilant, because Enche' Chia Thye Poh: Sir, this call the P.A.P. is trying to create a false for a "Malaysian Malaysia" is of impression that it is pro-Chinese, course intended to serve the P.A.P. because the P.A.P. wants Chinese and, most important of all, the British support against the U.M.N.O. It wants interest. Completely contrary to what them to believe that the P.A.P. looks the P.A.P. had promised, Malaysia after Chinese interest. But this is not had brought about terrible hardships true. The P.A.P. merely wants to make to the people of Malaya and especially use of the Chinese for selfish ends. of Singapore, as I have already men­ History has already shown that the tioned. The P.A.P., therefore, now tries P.A.P. has sold out the rights of the to pass the buck, tries to put all the people in Singapore, the population of blame for the people's hardships which is mostly Chinese. The P.A.P. brought about by Malaysia on the accepted second-class citizenship for Alliance, its new rival and enemy. Singapore and also suppressed Chinese The P.A.P. really wants the people to education for Singapore. Sir, this is believe that Malaysia, if promoted, enough to show that the P.A.P. is not would have brought prosperity and protecting the Chinese. The P.A.P. is happiness, but for the "ultras" in the merely twisting and turning for selfish U.M.N.O.; hence the call for a new ends. So, let us not fall into the Malaysia, that is, the so-called "Malay­ P.A.P.'s trap. sian Malaysia". In this way, the P.A.P. Sir, the latest slogan of the P.A.P. hopes to confuse the people and side­ is "Malaysian Malaysia". What is this track those who oppose Malaysia into "Malaysian Malaysia", if not another unwittingly supporting this new form form of "Neo-colonist Malaysia"? of Malaysia, thus helping the British (Laughter) Whether this Malaysian and the United States imperialists, to Malaysia is in the present form of the hoodwink the people and to preserve Federation, or in the form of a Confe­ Malaysia for the interest of the British deration as suggested by the P.A.P. and the United States imperialists. (with the various autonomous units Sir, I would like to make use of this which may be separated into the opportunity to tell its allies a bit of Federation of Malaya as one unit, the P.A.P.—a bit of its history. Singapore as one unit and Sabah and (Laughter) Sir, in the past the P.A.P. 729 31 MAY 1965 730 made use of the workers and the The P.A.P. has also talked big about students in order to gain power! civil strifes, if the P.A.P. leaders (HONOURABLE MEMBERS : Shame! should be arrested. We tell the Shame!) However, after gaining power, P.A.P.—stop trying to give yourself the P.A.P. discarded and imprisoned airs (Laughter). The P.A.P. leaders the workers and the students. In the are defending the interests of the past, the P.A.P. made use of the imperialists. The people will not fight Alliance to deal with its political for the interests of the imperialists. opponents in the unions and in the The people will see through the P.A.P. Barisan Sosialis, but having dealt with sly talks and they will not fight for its opponents the P.A.P. is now going P.A.P. interests. So, stop bragging as against the Alliance. Sir, today the if you represent the people. P.A.P. hopes to make use of the allies in the Grand Opposition. But what Sir, from what I have just said, it will be their fate if the P.A.P. should is clear that the amendment of the gain power? The lesson is clear. Prime Minister of Singapore and the motion itself cannot be supported in Sir, from all this, we see therefore any way. (Laughter). that the P.A.P. is insincere in every­ thing it says. All this shouting about Mr Speaker, Sir, let me now give democracy and a "Malaysian Malay­ the Barisan's solution to peace with sia" is intended to serve imperialist honour. His Majesty the Yang di- interest and its own interest and not Pertuan Agong has spoken of peace the interest of the people. Now, with honour. We in the Barisan have because the P.A.P. has the tacit opposed Malaysia from the very begin­ acquiescence and even active support ning. (SOME HONOURABLE MEMBERS: of the British for its new slogan of Shame!) In spite of malicious smears a "Malaysian Malaysia", its leaders and foolish vilifications against us, we thumped their chests and throw remain firm and unwavering. We challenges at the Alliance leaders and oppose all forms of imperialist oppres­ shout, "If there is to be trouble, let's sion and exploitation and we still have it now!" Why such bellicosity, oppose Malaysia. But, Sir, this does because it has the backing of the not mean that we are disloyal. On the British? (Laughter). Why now and not contrary, we have always been loyal wait five or ten years? Because now to our country and our people, (ONE it is more advantageous to the P.A.P., HONOURABLE MEMBER: Which coun­ because now the P.A.P. has control of try?) and out of this loyalty to our the Singapore propaganda apparatus country and our people, we suggest and can usually confuse the people the following solution to the present and mislead them (HONOURABLE MEM­ hour of peril, which is the one and BERS: Hear! Hear!) into believing that only correct road to peace in Malaya the P.A.P. is fighting for their rights, and North Kalimantan. (Laughter) because now, whether its differences with the Alliance are First, regarding Malaya, we want a settled by so-called democratic methods genuinely united, independent demo­ or by military forces, the P.A.P. stands cratic Malaya, including Singapore, to gain, because Western opinion with the release of all political favours Mr Lee Kuan Yew as against detainees (Laughter), normalisation of UMNO Why not fight ten years all political activities and restoration later? Because, then, the P.A.P. would of the rights and freedoms of speech be thoroughly exposed by political and publication, association and developments, both local and inter­ assembly, study and travel to the national, which the P.A.P. would no people. All foreign bases and troops longer be able to cover, because then must be completely withdrawn as they the Opposition in Singapore will grow violate our territorial integrity and and become stronger because, contrary national integrity and as they are used to the P.A.P.'s claims, time is not on as springboards for aggression against its side—time is on the side of the the emerging forces in the whole people. region. 731 31 MAY 1965 732

Secondly, regarding North Borneo, between the two countries. This is the immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of correct road to peace with honour. all foreign troops from North Prosperity shared by all will then Borneo—namely, British, Australian, follow. United as one, irrespective of New Zealand, Indonesian as well as race, colour or religion, the people of Malayan troops, Malayan troops Malaya can then together build a new should not fight battles to preserve nation with no exploitation of man by British neo-colonialism in South-East man. Asia. We support the right of the Sir, the Government austerity drive, people of North Borneo to self- determination. defence bonds and increase of foreign borrowings, etc., will only add to the Enche' Abdul Rahim Ishak (Singa­ burdens of the people and so increase pore): On a point of order. their opposition to Malaysia. There is no mention of heavier burdens from Mr (Deputy) Speaker: What order? taxes, but we can confidently say that Enche' Abdul Rahim Ishak: Well, he it is only a matter of time before more has been referring to our country as taxes will be imposed on the people. Malaya. Now, it is Malaysia and he is Sir, the Alliance Government may sworn to uphold the Constitution of seek all sorts of military support from Malaysia. But he is referring to North the imperialist countries and embark Kalimantan, Singapore and Malaya— on the most unprecedented arms is there such a place? expansion, but this will not be able to help, because there are two important Enche' Chia Thye Poh: Sir, what reasons. First, the British and United point of order? States imperialists no longer have the Mr (Deputy) Speaker: Please pro­ capacity or the stamina to suppress ceed! (Laughter). the national liberation struggles all over the world. The U.S. imperialists Enche' Chia Thye Poh: Sir, we with all their most modern weapons support the right of the people of are still losing the war against North Borneo for self-determination. the people of Vietnam. Second, the The future of North Borneo must be resistance of the people to Malaysia decided by the people of North Borneo is mounting. Where there is oppression, themselves. There must be no outside there is bound to be resistance, and the interference whatsoever. heavier the oppression the greater is the Enche' Lee San Choon (Segamat resistance. Thus, again, we confidently Selatan) rises. predict Malaysia is doomed. The will and determination of the people to be Mr (Deputy) Speaker: Do you give free cannot be suppressed by whatever way? forces. The final victory must belong Enche' Chia Thye Poh: No, I think to the people. That is all what I want he can wait. to say. Thank you. Enche' Lee San Choon: I just want The Minister of Commerce and to know whether he copies from Industry (Dr Lim Swee Aun): Mr Indonesia or Indonesia copies from Speaker, Sir, I am indeed very glad him (Laughter). that the Honourable Member from Enche' Chia Thye Poh: Sir, the Singapore, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, has at withdrawal of foreign troops will last seen the light when he said, "I immediately remove the possibility of will oppose a Chinese Malaysia, military clashes in this area. Relaxation because it is wrong. An appeal to a of international tension in South- Chinese Malaysia cannot attract East Asia follows and immediately the majority support. There are only 42 threats to peace in our part of the per cent, Chinese in Malaysia—a world will be removed. All outstanding permanent minority." questions between Malaya and Indo­ Sir, we in the M.C.A. have known nesia can then be peacefully settled this fact long before Malaya got its 733 31 MAY 1965 734 independence. Even the UMNO knew out in the open to confess his ambitions. that it would not be healthy to have As a citizen of Malaysia, he is entitled a Malay Malaya. That was why the to such ambitions, and I quote: UMNO and the M.C.A. joined together "If the Prime Minister ceases to command to form the Alliance to build a Malayan the confidence of the majority of the Mem­ Malaya out of a multi-racial society. bers of the House, he shall tender his resig­ That was why the Constitution was nation. We have not the slightest doubt that the Prime Minister would continue to com­ drawn in such a way that in it were mand and, in fact, we like him to continue written safeguards for the individual, to command." the racial groups and the minorities. The Constitution was specially tailored Sir, what hypocrisy! Can you believe for our multi-racial society so that we this man who in his speech has stated could build one nation out of many. that the P.A.P. has already made It was recognised that every citizen, no calculations carefully and methodi­ matter what his racial origin, was cally? Sir, the truth is to be found in equal. Every citizen has an equal voice the other part of his speech, and I and equal vote and an equal share in quote: the country. Every citizen is an owner "But in accordance with the right, it is and not a guest in this country. open to us to demonstrate that we can do as much, if not more, for the Malays and the The Constitution was so fair, so indigenous people. We are posing to the workable and so just, that the peoples Alliance Government now the fundamental challenge—implement and honour the Cons­ of vSabah, Sarawak and Singapore titution. Let us go one step further and see welcomed the extension of the Consti­ how you can make a more equal society. tution to the newly formed Malaysia. Give us a chance to put forward an alter­ They knew that this Constitution, native, for we have an alternative." although drawn up by the Alliance, Sir, that shows clearly that they want could and would create a Malaysia to have the opportunity to be the where all citizens are Malaysians. Government. They have every right, but they have got to wait for the next It is, therefore, the height of Elections! impudence for the Honourable Mr Lee to now say that the P.A.P. will honour Mr Speaker, Sir, the Alliance Govern­ the Constitution because it believes that ment certainly accepts this challenge. it can provide a solution to the This is not a new challenge. It is a problems of multi-racial society in challenge we have accepted since the Malaysia. Sir, this is not something day the Alliance was formed. The that the P.A.P. can claim credit for. citizens of the nation are the judges. It was the Alliance that drew up this If the Alliance had not implemented Constitution a very long time ago— and honoured the Constitution, we many years before the formation of the would have been thrown out long ago. P.A.P. The fact that the Alliance had been returned to power at every election Since its conception before 1957, and at the last national election where the Alliance had preached and practised we were returned with more than an racial harmony and understanding. We overwhelming majority, when every do not believe in a Malay Malaysia or P.A.P. candidate, except the Honour­ a Chinese Malaysia. We believe in able Member for Bungsar, lost even building one nation out of a multi­ his deposit (Applause), should convince racial society. I am, therefore, very the nation and the world that we have glad that the P.A.P. has at last given implemented and honoured the Consti­ up the idea of a Chinese Malaysia tution. which is bound to create racial tensions wherein the Chinese in the rural areas In issuing this challenge, the Honour­ would be the first to suffer. At last, able Mr Lee wants us to go one step Sir, the Honourable Mr Lee has come further. Why only one step further? 735 31 MAY 1965 736 We are prepared to go all the way, with fire? It has never been the now that he has the courage at last intention of the Central Government to to challenge us in the open. wreck Malaysia. It is the Honourable Mr Lee who wants alternatives. Does The Honourable Mr Lee has stated he still want these alternatives? Had that the urban rate of growth is at least he not better get a fresh mandate from 2! to 3 times the rural rate over the the people of Singapore? The Honour­ whole population per capita. We do able Mr Lee wants to know what the not dispute this statement. We do not Alliance Government has done for the · grudge nor are we jealous of Singa­ rural people. He wants to play Lord pore's industrial development. We Nelson by turning a blind eye to the have always said that Singapore can achievements of the Alliance in rural and should be the "New York" of development. We do not blow our Malaysia. The more millionaires there trumpets but we do appreciate the are in Singapore for the P .A.P. to views of foreign renowned economists milk the better. (Laughter) But what who have publicly stated and been is the purpose of bragging that since reported in the newspapers that our Malaysia Day ten thousand of our rural development projects should be youths have moved south to find work used as models to other developing in Singapore? Why does the Honour­ countries. Surely the Honourable Mr able Mr Lee not inform the people Lee does read ·the Straits Times. Or that there are equally thousands from does he condemn it as a pro-Govern­ Singapore who are unemployed and ment paper and confines his reading who have moved north into the main­ to the Malaysian Mirror only? land to work in the construction of our factories, our bridges, our piers. our What have we achieved for the power stations and other engineering hundreds of millions of dollars we have projects? Movement of labour is to be spent on rural development? There is expected with the formation of no doubt that rural health has Malaysia. This is a sign of progress. improved considerably. The death rate Human resources are essential for has steadily declined. The standard economic development. That is why of health in the rural areas has improv­ there is now an urgent call for assist­ ed, deficiency diseases, chronic illnesses ance to send labour to Sabah and have been reduced. The sick rate has Sarawak. decreased so that the earning power of the rural people has increased. The Honourable Mr Lee wants to Education for every child in the know how the Alliance proposes to rural areas is now available. Education uplift the rural economy. He wants to at primary and secondary level is free know whether we are trying to for all who join the National Language compete with Singapore as to who can stream. There are ample scholarships build a better urban society. He has for university education. Education challenged us: has broadened the outlook of the "Mari kita bertanding menunjokkan siapa rural people and has made them yang ada ranchangan, atau dasar, atau policy more receptive to improvement of boleh meninggikan kehidupan orang2 Melayu methods in earning a living. dan bumiputera lain." Rural development has worked At last, he accepts that there are towards the increase in productivity "bumiputera lain" besides the Malays of the rural people. In this way the here. Does he seriously want us, the the income of these people has Central Government, to accept the improved. challenge of the Singapore State Government to see who will come off Uneconomic rubber, coconut and better? Does he not realise that this is fruit holdings are being replanted a dangerous pastime which, if put into with improved clones. Some of these practice, can hurt the economy of his holdings have come into bearing Island State. On the eve of Malaysia's whilst others must still take some common market, does he want to play more time. 737 31 MAY 1965 738 Tremendous results have been There are articles reporting their achieved in the growing of rice. With irnproved standard of living, more improved irrigation, improved grain and more of them can now afford to seeds, fertiliser subsidies, loans tO' padi own 'radios, motor scooters, eat better planters and double cropping, they food, wear better clothing, use electri­ have increased their yields. From 40%, city and piped water in their houses. we are now 60o/d self sufficient in rice. There are also reports of farmers giving kenduries to celebrate their improved In addition, these rural people have harvests as a result of the Alliance been assisted· in the rearing of poultry, Government's efforts in rural develop­ goats and cattle, thus adding further ment. Is the Alliance Government to their income. satisfied and content with these results? No, Sir. We are happy to know the With the opening of new rural roads rural people appreciate their improved marketing of rural produce has standards of living but it is still our improved. The increased productivity aim to improve further their cash of the rural people has, however, now incomes. We want to raise the standard readhed a stage where Government of living of all rural people in the has to step in to further improve the whole of Malaysia-not only in the marketing of their produce. In this States of Malaya but also in Sabah, meeting of the House a Bill will be Sarawak and Singapore. introduced to create a marketing authority. Only when the rural people have a fair share of the economic growth of For the landless, new land has been Malaysia can we have a true Malaysia opened under various schemes, like for the Malaysians. A rich rural the Federal Land Development population is an asset to t!he country. Authority, group settlement, fringe It will then be a new market for the development and controlled alienation. factories set up in Singapore, Petaling Admittedly not all the landless have Jaya and other towns. yet got land. I am grateful to the Honourable Research into agricultural diversi­ Member for Malacca Selatan for fication isi proceeding at the same time giving me the opportunity to explain as rural development. Research into in detail how the Alliance Government the growing of sugar cane, maize, is increasing the income of the padi tobacco is not new. planters in our country. For several Is the Alliance Government satisfied years the Alliance Government has with these developments? No, Sir. We guaranteed our padi planters that they are determined to forge further ahead would get a minimum price for their to narrow the gap between the haves padi. From a guaranteed minimum and the have-nots. (Applause) But all price of $13 per pikul it has been this must take time. Even the steadily increased fo $16 per pikul Honourabe Mr Lee has suggested ten today, which is almost twice as much to fifteen years from now. The P.A.P. as what a padi planter could get in a may not agree with our approach to neighbouring country. this problem but we believe we can get better results through the private How does the system of guaranteed enterprise system than through guided minimum price of padi work? First, socialism or the commune system. the Government controlled the move­ ment and the import of rice. Second, The Honourable Mr Lee has it created a revolving fund of $50 acknowledged the Utusan Melayu as million to finance this system, and the voice of the Malays. Perhaps he third, it appointed the Trade Division should also be informed that in this of my Ministry to be responsible for paper, there are frequent and many the running of this system on a reports of the achievements of the commercial basis, i.e., the system is not rural people in the economic field. subsidised by the Government. 739 31 MAY 1965 740 With the revolving fund of $50 the Government godowns. The propor­ million the Trade Division has to: tion today is that for every one ton of (i) buy padi produced in Malaya at rice imported, the importer must buy the guaranteed minimum price, one ton of rice from the Government. In this way, there is circulation of (ii) buy local rice at prices calcu­ Government's rice stockpile, thus lated in relation to the guaran­ ensuring tlhat the rice does not run teed minimum price for padi, bad and the revolving fund is (iii) operate Government rice mills replenished. and rice godowns, Although the free market price of (iv) import rice to supplement the local rice is between $21 and $22 per rice stockpile when necessary, pikul, that is to say, any one can go to (v) sell rice to importers of rice, a rice retailer shop and buy local rice (vi) pay for the administration of at that price, the Government sells to this system. the rice importer the same type and quality of local rice to the importer at Although it is run on a commercial $27.20 per pikul. This means that tlhe basis, it is not run as a profit making rice importer must lose at least $5 per venture. pikul or $84 per ton on every ton of Every padi planter can sell his padi rice he buys from the Government. to whomsoever he likes and at whatso­ How does the importer make up ever price he likes; but today the his loss? The importer is compelled to Government guarantees that if good add this loss to the cost of his imported dry padi is delivered to the door of rice and sells the imported rice at a any rice mill-whether owned by higher rate. Government, co-operative or private­ the minimum price will be $16 per In the other words, the urban pikul. population who eat imported rice are subsidising $5 per pikul of local rice, After taking into account that one so that the rural population that plant and a half (I!) tons of padi is required padi can receive $16 per pikul of padi to produce one ton of rice, the cost of they sell, which is almost twice the milling, bagging and overheads plus a amount padi planters across the border profit margin of $12 per ton, the get. Government offers to buy milled local rice from these rice mills at the basic Does the Honourable Member, Mr price of $430 per ton ex mill. Lee, still maintain the Alliance Government has not taken any steps Government pays for the cost of to increase the cash earnings of the transporting this rice from the mill to rural padi planter? At the guaranteed the Government rice godown at the minimum price of $16 per pikul and rate of 24 cents per ton mile. As the with double-cropping, the Malayan distance from the mill to the Govern­ padi planters should have tripled if ment godown varies from mill to mill. not quadrupled his cash income per the final cost to the Government for annum. rice delivered to Government's godown varies from $433-$454 per ton. The Honourable Member for Melaka Selatan, however, made a As the Trade Division has to finance serious statement. He stated that the this system on a commercial basis, Government was helping private mills rice from Government godowns is to destroy the Malay Co-operative sold to the rice importers at $27 .20 Rice Mills. I am confident tlhis House per pikul or $456.96 per ton. This will find that the Honourable Member difference is necessary to pay for the was more emotional than factual. administration of the system. I would like to explain that from Because of Government's control on 1959 the Tanjong Karang Co-operative the import of rice, it is able to compel Rice Mill started operating and selling rice importers to buy local rice from rice to the Government Reserve Stock. 741 31 MAY 1965 742 This Mill had exclusive rights and was planters would have been the losers. situated close to the padi fields in If they were forced to absorb the cost Tanjong Karang, Selangor. It could, of transport, they would have to close therefore, buy padi very easily. down. In 1959, the guaranteed minimum If these private mills closed down, price of padi was $15 per pikul and the Selangor Co-operative Mill from the price for milled rice bought by the 1959 up to today, would not be able Government was $406 per ton ex mill, to deal with more than one quarter plus allowance for transport from the of the Selangor padi crop available for mill to the Government godown at 25 milling. The Trade Division, being cents per ton mile. required to honour the guaranteed minimum price for padi, would then The correct price payable for rice have to set up a padi-buying organi­ delivered at the Government Rice sation in the padi areas. Having done Godown, Klang, by the Tanjong this the problem would have been what Karang Co-operative Mill should, to do with the padi. The alternatives therefore, be $414 per ton, made up for the Trade Division would have of $406 basic price plus $8 transport been : allowance for the 32 miles from Tanjong Karang to Klang at 25 cents (i) to transport the padi to Petaling per ton mile. Jaya and sell to those private mills at the mill door price of $15 As it was the Selangor State Govern­ per pikul. This would enable the ment's policy not to permit any other millers to sell the rice back to the rice mill to be set up in the padi areas Government at $406 per ton plus of Selangor, private rice mills were $2.50 as transport allowance for only allowed to be built in Petaling delivery at the Government Jaya. These private mills had to buy godown at Arapang, Batu padi from Sebak Bernam and other Caves—an average distance of padi growing areas of Selangor to feed 10 miles at 25 cents per ton their mills. The distance one way from mile, making a total of $408.50 the padi fields to the mills in Petaling per ton. In this case the Trade Jaya range from 50 to 85 miles. Division would have to bear all the cost of padi purchase, includ­ In 1959 and since, the Trade Divi­ ing extra staff, storage and equip­ sion felt it fair and necessary to pay ment, plus the cost of transport to these private millers of Petaling of padi from the rice fields to Jaya a special transport allowance for Petaling Jaya rice mills; hauling the padi for such long dis­ tances from the field to the mill. No (ii) retain ownership of the padi but other mill in the whole of Malaya deliver it to these private millers was given this special transport in Petaling Jaya for milling at a allowance, as they were all built in fixed charge per ton. Such an padi areas. arrangement has been found to be unsatisfactory in several ways, The special allowance was con­ particularly with regard to sidered fair because it was the Selangor keeping control over the padi and State Government's policy not to allow the rice as both would all the these mills to be built in the padi time be the property of the areas of Selangor, where they should Government; or have been built. (iii) transport the padi to the nearest It was considered necessary because Government Rice Mill, which in without this special allowance these 1959 was in Kedah. private millers would not be able to Sir, under any of these three buy padi at the guaranteed minimum alternatives, the Government would price—they would have had to deduct incur greater expense than it did by the cost of transport from the guaran­ giving the private millers of Petaling teed minimum price and the padi Jaya a special transport allowance and 743 31 MAY 1965 744 buying the rice at the rate of $430 per Because the Trade Division was ton, calculated as follows : generous in helping the Tanjong (i) basic price ex mill . . . $406.00 Karang Co-operative Mill, the Depart­ ment of Co-operative Development (ii) transport allowance for insisted that the same concession be milled rice from Petaling extended to the Malacca Co-operative Jaya to the Government Padi Milling Union Ltd. Having rice godown at Am.pang, weakened in one, the Trade Division Batu Caves 10 miles at gave in to the other. 25 cents ton mile . . . 2.50 The Malacca Co-operative Mill is (iii) special allowance for immediately next door to tlhe Govern­ transport of padi from ment godown and the correct price Tanjong Karang, Sabak should have been $406 basic for every Bemam and elsewhere in ton plus $2, which is a very generous Selangor to Petaling transport allowance for carrying the Jaya ...... 21.50 rice from the mill to the godown, making a total of $408 per ton. How­ TOTAL ... $430.00 ever, when this concession of $430 per ton was given, it meant an overpay­ Altlhough the correct price the ment of $22 per ton and over the five Government should pay to the Tanjong years, 1959-1963, the Malacca Co­ Karang Co-operative Mill for delivery operative Union received $137,682 of rice at the Government godown at more than it should. Klang should be only $414 per ton, Sir, wlben the guaranteed mmimum the Department of Co-operative price was increased from $15 to $16 Development pressed the Trade Divi­ last year, the Trade Division had to sion to give a special price for the stand firm and had to withdraw this first year of operation. In order to concession because it felt, and I hope help Jaunch the Tanjong Karang the Honourable Member for Malacca Co-operative Rice Mill, the Trade Selatan will agree, that after five years Division agreed to give a concession of experience these two Co-operative for one year and one year only. It Mills should have improved their agreed to pay $430 per ton of rice efficiency and should be able to sell ex-mill door. This concession meant rice to the Government at tJhe basic overpayment of $16 per ton. price ex-mill and that no furtlber sub­ On 24th February, 1959 the Depart­ sidies are necessary. It must be ment of Co-operative Development remembered that in calculating the wrote to tlhe Trade Division expressing basic price a profit margin of $12 per their gratitude for the special assistance ton had already been allowed for. and undertook to forward the accounts So, you will see, Sir, that the of the Tanjong Karang Milling Union Alliance Government has gone a long at the end of the year. However, up way to improve the income not only till today, no accounts have been for­ of the rural padi planters but also of warded. But instead, every year since the co-operative rice mills. Govern­ till 1963 this special concession of ment has subsidised these two co­ $430 per ton was paid to the Rice Mill operative mills for five years and fJhey at Tanjong Karang. should now be able to stand on their A review of this concession has own feet. shown that over the five years $465,024 The Honourable Member for was paid to the Tanjong Karang Malacca Selatan has also complained Co-operative Mill more than it would that there is difficulty in obtaining have cost for the same amount of rice permits to export "pulut hitam" to if there had been a private rice mill Singapore. I would like to point out on the same site. This $465,024 had that this interest to export pulut hitam increased the loss of the revolving from Malacca began in March, 1964. fund of the Supplies Trading Account. My Ministry had issued about three 745 31 MAY 1965 746 permits so far. Since then tlhere are it is an impudence to insinuate that two applicants, the Sharikat Kilang the Alliance is today faced with the Padi Berkerjasama2 Melaka and the loss of majority popular support. If Central Co-operative Society Ltd. The this insinuation is true, Malaysia would State Government of Malacca has today have been over-run by requested my Ministry to issue permits Soekarno's troops that were landed by to the Sharikat Kilang Padi Berkerja­ air and sea. Instead of being killed or sama2 Melaka only. However, my captured on the information and co­ Ministry feels that there should be no operation of the peoples of Malaysia, discrimination and to solve this pro­ they would have been welcomed with blem my Ministry is arranging a open arms. Sir, this is proof of meeting with the Ministry of Agricul­ the tremendous popular support of ture and Co-operatives and tlhe State the majority of the peoples of Government of Malacca. Malaysia for the Alliance Government The Honourable Member for (Applause). Malacca Selatan also criticised the Therefore, Sir~ how true is the Government for not supporting the statement by His Majesty the Yang Malay Co-operative Society to build a di-Pertuan Agong when he said that paper factory in Labat Tiang. As I the country is now facing threats from have pointed out more than once in outside and from within. Whilst the this House, the Malay Co-operative Central Government is rallying all ·its Society will be the first company to resources to defend the country from receive a pioneer certificate to manu­ being crushed by Soekarno, internal facture paper if it has a feasible and forces are trying to undermine and economic project. subvert the Government. In normal times of peace it is the right of every The North Malaya Papec Mills Ltd., political body in the Opposition to which I understand will be soon in overthrow the Government by constitu­ production, is not a pioneer company. tional means. But surely, Sir, during It is a private company, not supported a national emergency where the very by Government and its application for existence of the nation is at stake, this pioneer status has not been considered. is the time for opposition parties to I understand it proposes to produce rally round the Government. The paper out of waste paper and not Honourable Mr Lee has categorically from padi straw. Under the law, I stated that the P.A.P. is a loyal opposi­ have no powers to prevent the setting tion, but it cannot be loyal to the up of a factory that is not a pioneer Government. He has even charged His factory. If the Malay Co-operative is Majesty of confused thinking. Sir, convinced that it can make money by who is confused and who is loyal? making paper out of padi straw, it is welcome to go ahead with its plans. I, therefore, oppose the amendment, It can still get pioneer status. but support the original motion (Applause). Sir, the Honourable Mr Lee has moved an amendment to the motion. Enche' S. Rajaratnam (Singapore): Despite the fine record of the Alliance Mr Speaker, Sir, first of all, I would Government and the repeated mandate like to thank the Honourable and given by the peoples of Malaysia, the distinguished Member for Kota Star Honourable Member has the audacity Selatan for his admirable sense in to question the intentions of the discerning what is important and what Alliance Government to implement is trivial. Upon him fell the responsi­ and to honour the Constitution. bility of moving the resolution to thank the King for His Gracious Coming from the leader of the Speech. Normally, an intelligent P.A.P. that was severely thrashed in Government uses the King's Speech as the last general elections held only a an occasion to get its supporters and, year ago, when the people decided if it can, to inveigle even the Opposi­ that it did not deserve more than one tion into talking about the things that elected member to sit in this House, have been done or not been done by 747 31 MAY 1965 748 the ruling party. That is the purpose and understanding than is normally of the King's Speech. It is a cover for the case. But I suspect, Sir, listening the Government to talk about what it to their speeches that this is an assess­ has done. It can talk about the ment of what is the force worth talk­ wonderful things that it has done in ing about. In this assessment, they the past year or, if that is unwise, then have come to it not by logic, reason, it can talk of the wonderful things regard to facts, but by intuition, by that it is going to do in the coming political feel, by feel of the political year. The whole idea of the King's atmosphere. A lot of the things that Speech is to focus the attention on the have been said about the P.A.P. are Government and its policies. Its pur­ based on fantasy, hysteria, fear, panic, pose is to get everyone including the by threats to arrest Mr Lee Kuan Opposition to talk about the ruling Yew, P.A.P. leaders, to "proscribe the party. That is why, Sir, I am grateful Party", to "Join with Indonesia"— to the Member for Kota Star Selatan these are not logical arguments of for showing discernment in deciding men who are confident of themselves. what is the most important subject All these are not signs of strength, worth talking about since the past confidence in the future. Therefore, Sir, year. perhaps, I should reciprocate by talk­ ing, for a change, about the Alliance He opened out not about the instead of the P.A.P. Government's policies, not about the The first question they should ask King's Speech: the only thing worth themselves is why are they panicky talking about is what the P.A.P. has about the P.A.P. and the Opposition said and done, and this is the most in general. Why, for the best part of important topic worth discussing. It is more than a year, every week, every not an assessment by the Opposition, day, the Alliance leaders have stormed it is an assessment by a Member of up and down the country talking about the Government, by a man who has the P.A.P.? We are grateful to them, been entrusted with the task of moving because we spend a lot of money try­ a resolution to thank His Majesty for ing to get our party's name known His Speech. Mind you, Sir, we are throughout the length and breadth of not complaining about this assessment Malaya, but we concentrate only in a because it is a true assessment. It is few constituencies. We are grateful to not the Alliance Government's doings the Alliance leaders for getting the which are worth talking about, telling P.A.P.'s name known through the the nation to think about, to discuss length and breadth of Malaya and in in the coffee-shops, over the radio, in little villages to which we probably the newspapers, but it is what the will never go. Today, I think, the P.A.P. has said and done; and every P.A.P. is known, for better or for Member of the Alliance and the worse, throughout Malaysia. {Laughter) Ministers have talked about us, about One, two, three, four million dollars the Opposition, about the P.A.P., worth of publicity, free, is given by the S.U.P.P., U.D.P., and the P.P.P. I liberal, generous, Alliance leaders, and think the only exception was the Minis­ they are doing us a favour for free. ter of Commerce and Industry who tried his best to veer the course of Mr Speaker: If the Honourable discussion back to the Alliance, but Member would once in a way stick to even he could not contain himself His Majesty's Speech, it will be better and had to revert back to what Mr for all of us! Don't you think? Lee Kuan Yew has said; to what the P.A.P. has done. Sir, even the Member Enche' Senu bin Abdul Rahman: for Johore Tenggara, a wise, shrewd Mr Speaker, Sir, on a point of clari­ and cautious politician, was trapped fication. I wish to mention that the by one of his colleagues into talking P.A.P. is doing the greatest favour to about the P.A.P. Sir, in this, I think, the Alliance in Australia, in New Zealand and in other countries too. I unwittingly the Alliance leaders are think that is worth more than million showing greater political perception dollars. {Laughter) 749 31 MAY 1965 750

Enche' S. Rajaratnam: Mr Speaker, to Malaysia; we, a handful of Sir, I am trying to reply to a sustained Opposition Members, one only from the discussion of the P.A.P. which has P.A.P., we are a threat to the security been going on for the last two or of Malaysia? They are not quite clear, three days, but not because they dis­ Sir, at least to me as I was listening to cussed it but they have said certain the speeches as to who is the threat. things about the P.A.P. which need Sometimes it is the P.A.P., sometimes to be clarified. Our policies, our it is the united opposition—the attitude .... S.U.P.P., P.P.P., U.D.P.; but they keep on saying one thing and that is that Mr Speaker: If you will intersperse Mr Lee Kuan Yew is a threat to the it with some reference to His Majesty's security of Malaysia. One man—a Speech, it might sound better. threat to the security of Malaysia? (Laughter). Sir, if that is true, then the Alliance Enche S. Rajaratnam: As you please, Government is even shakier than I Sir. I shall try to talk about the King's thought it was. Can one man constitute Speech because by convention the a threat to a Government which King's Speech is a boost for the represents 10 million people, which has Alliance Government. It is by conven­ the Army, Navy and the Police at its tion a way of presenting the Alliance's command, which has vast machinery advancements and policies, past, future for publicity? After all, the Minister and present. I shall, therefore, discuss of Information and Broadcasting the King's Speech and, therefore, the controls a more powerful radio, a Alliance policy. more powerful television than Mr Lee Kuan Yew has at his disposal. Are Now, Sir, the Minister of Commerce they afraid of Mr Lee Kuan Yew— and Industry, as he concluded his one man in 10 million? (AN HONOUR­ speech, referred to the Opposition, in ABLE MEMBER: Nobody is saying it.) particular the P.A.P., saying that they Mr Speaker, Sir, yet his colleagues or were rejected and that there is only the Members to whom he whispers one P.A.P. Member—true. According have been saying that Mr Lee Kuan to the Vtusan political analyst, there Yew is a threat to the security of is only one P.A.P. Member, and that Malaysia. I understand, Sir, that the because the Indian electorate in Honourable Member for Johore Bungsar were communally minded— Tenggara addressed a meeting in that was the explanation. Sir, these are Penang, I think, just over a week ago, the electorates; these are the opposi­ where his disciples said: "Arrest Mr tion; that is the Government with an Lee Kuan Yew, put his entrails in overwhelming majority. Why are they pickle"; and according to the Utusan afraid of us? Why is there the need report, which is a very reliable paper, to demand the arrest, detention, and he was reported to have smiled and even the proscribing of the Opposition requested the audience to shout louder parties? Why? What are you frightened so that the Minister over there could of? {Laughter) Why, if you are frighten­ hear it. In fact, Sir, perhaps I should ed, is it necessary to demand the read out the particular report, unless arrest of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, to proscribe the Party. The Minister of he wants to denounce the Utusan Information and Broadcasting went Melayu in this Chamber. It says: even further: he said, "No. One voice." "Several voices shouted: 'Arrest Lee and So, Sir, I would say that these are the preserve his entrails in pickle.' Dato' Albar smiled—{Laughter)—for a moment and then symptoms of something much more replied: 'Shout louder so that Dr Ismail can fundamental. hear the people's anger.'" Sir, the reasons given for criticising The Member for Johore Tenggara the P.A.P. in uniting what they call himself has claimed earlier that Mr the Grand Opposition is that we Lee Kuan Yew is the threat. I shall constitute, as laid down in the King's quote from the Berita Harlan of May Speech, part of the internal threat to 11th. This is what he was supposed to Malaysia. We are the internal threat have said, at least—I am making a 751 31 MAY 1965 752 distinction between the Utusan Melayu perhaps telling us and revealing how and Berita Harian. which is a colonial more Malaysian they are than many paper. Anyway, acaording to the people would believe. report, this is what it says: Now Sir, the other thing they say "Before relations between the Central is that the P.A.P. is a threat and yet, on Government and the Singapore Government become more acute, it is better for the the other hand, they keep on saying people of Singapore to consider choosing a that the people do not want the P.A.P., sincere leader to replace Lee Kuan Yew. that they reject the PA.P. in Malaya. The important thing to be remembered by I think the Minister of Finance has got everybody now, he said, is the reminder given by Tun Abdul Razak urging the people evidence which he has not yet produced of Singapore to find another leader to replace to show that the P.A.P., in particular Mr Lee Kuan Yew." Mr Lee Kuan Yew, are so unpopular Of So, Sir, are we seriously to believe that we have to rule by terror. that this Government, returned by an course there are terrified people in overwhelming majority. with all the Singapore who have sent him letters Army, Navy, Air Force, and whatever but these letters have been posted in else they have at their disposal, is Johore Bahru so that we cannot trace afraid of one man? He is not a very the complainants. This is not a compli­ big man either, Sir. (Laughter) His ment to the Minister of Works, Posts only art of self-defence which he learnt, and Telecommunications, and unless I am told, is how to use a golf olub. he co-operates with us we can never If the Navy and the Air Force of the know who posted those letters and Malaysian Government cannot contend where. Nevertheless, the Minister of with Mr Lee Kuan Yew, then I say Finance said that we rule by terror, I will be afraid for my future. I do that the people of Singapore are only not think they really seriously believe waiting for the next election to get rid it, but that for some reason they want of us. the people to believe that it is Mr Lee The Minister of Works, Posts and Kuan Yew. Sometimes they make a Telecommunications (Dato' V. T. Sam­ switch saying, "No, it is not Mr Lee banthan): I think I should not let this Kuan Yew, it is the P.A.P. as such." point go unchallenged: I must say that, Sir, there is the ot!her point, of course, in fact, earlier on before this merger in which they give the reason as to why I did have a lot of complaints from Mr Lee Kuan Yew is a threat to the people telling me why they were afraid security of Malaysia. According to to post letters, but now the situation some of them,, it is that Mr Lee Kuan is rather changed. (Laughter) Yew wants to be the Prime Minister of Malaysia, and that constitutes a Enche' S. Rajaratnam: Sir, I do not threat to the security of Malaysia. see how relevant rtiat is, because the Now, Sir, I am very close to Mr Lee complaint of the Minister of Finance Kuan Yew. At no moment has he ever is not about what happened before indicated to me that he has such Malaysia; it is about what happened ambition. But even if he has, I say, after Malaysia. He said that people Sir, according to the Constitution, it dared not see him in his own Ministry does not say that only the Member lest the P.A.P. "Secret Service" should for J ohore Tenggara can aspire to be get to know about it. It seems that the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Every obviously we have even secret agents Malaysian has the right to be and to in the Ministry of Finance Building in aspire-and yet that is one of the Kuala Lumpur! Well, Sir, I do not reasons given day in and day out in the think that these are the real reasons Utusan Melayu and in some of the why they are afraid of the P.A.P.­ speeches that Mr Lee Kuan Yew is a that the P.A.P. is communal, that the danger to the security of Malaysia P.A.P. is racialistic. That is not the because he has aspirations to be the reason why they fear the P.A.P., Prime Minister of Malaysia. But, or the S.U.P.P., or the P.P.P., or the perhaps, Sir, in making that criticism Opposition in general. It is not twenty some of the Government Members are men tha~ they fear. Then, what is it 753 31 MAY 1965 754 that they really fear?-Real fears that and won the national election on this they they do not want to disclose and slogan and once you have rallied the say in this Chamber. I would like to people to fight Indonesian imperialism tell them, perhaps I might be wrong, to preserve a Malaysian nation, you but I think I can read their minds have brought about a change in men's fairly well, because the Alliance is just ideas and attitudes. That was like any other political party: they inevitable, and you should no longer represent certain interests and they be fighting for Malaya, Singapore, must protect those interests. The Sabah and Sarawak, but Malaysia Alliance is a political party and they as a whole. You have, for the best must fight for their survival-they part of one or two years, been drum­ must fight against those things which ming into people's ears: "We are will destroy them oi' which they believe fighting for a Malaysian nation". will destroy them. That is why they People's attitude must change. So, this fear the P.A.P., thet S.U.P.P. and other means, logically, that you are, Opposition parties, and that is what deliberately and systematically, under­ they have not dared td tell this House. mining the pyschological basis for a Malay Malaysia, or a Chinese Malaysia, I am sure Honourable Members or an Indian Malaysia, or a Kadazan stiU recall the fact that when the P.A.P. Malaysia, or a Dayak Malaysia. Once first contested the elections in Malaya, you do this, you yourselves are Mr Lee Kuan Yew came out with a undermining the basis for a slogan, "Winds of change". At first communally-organised, communally­ the Alliance said, "We do not want the represented or a racially-represented 'winds of change' because the P.A.P. Malaysia; and if you take this logic one is a foreign political party. The people step further, it will also mean under­ in Malaya do not want the 'winds of mining the foundation of a political change'", and yet a few weeks later party founded on the concept of the Straits Times came up with the "Malays unite", "Chinese unite'', headline referring to the Alliance's "Indians unite", "Kadazans unite". "winds of change". Is it not a compli­ That is also inevitable. I am not saying ment when you, pick up other people's that, for the time being, such slogans slogan? So, their first fear was they are not effective in certain cases but, in felt that somehow things were changing. so far as Malaysia becomes more and After the elections they were full of more of a reality, the Malaysian forces­ confidence. I well remember the the non-communal parties, the non­ occassion when the Alliance Members communal forces-must grow came in to this Chamber: they sat in stronger, more decisive, which means rows with confident faces, having won that political parties which are non­ a decisive victory. Even the M.C.A. communal in spirit, non-communal in Members exuded confidence as they organisation, non-communal in drifted in and out of this Chamber. membership, must grow stronger than They exuded confidence like a those which are communal in muskdeer exuding musk. But today organisation, communal in member­ they are not so confident: when they ship-to the extent that Malaysian drift in, there is not that lilt in their forces, non-communal forces, grow walk because they feel that when they stronger and political parties based on said, "Our winds of change"­ communal basis must grow weaker­ whether it is their "winds of change", and this is the real threat that is it does not matter-there is a change posed to the Alliance. That is what it in the air; the change for something is. All the parties here (Indicating the brought about by Malaysia itself. Once P.A.P., the P.P.P., the U.D.P. and the you have inaugurated, introduced and S.U.P.P.) fulfill the qualities required built Malaysia, things have changed. for a Malaysian Malaysia. They are Once you have declared publicly and all non-communal in organisation, in through your Constitution that you membership and in policies. It is not wanted to build a strong and united the P.A.P. or the S.U.P.P. alone that Malaysian nation, once you have fought we represent; we represent the ideals 755 31 MAY 1965 756 suitable, necessary and inevitable in parties but that they would be forgiven Malaysia. I quite believe some of the if they returned to the Chinese party." Alliance leaders-not all of them but, Obviously it was a sin to remain in I believe, most of them-when they say a multi-racial party. Why so, Sir?, Why that they too want a Malaysian has the Alliance to force one of its Malaysia as a concept but, in practice, partners to discard its multi-racial they must resist it, because a character to become a communal Malaysian Malaysia implies, as I party? Because it is in the logic. It said, a support of non-communally is not that they want it. I remember, organised parties. Let me give Sir, the fable of the fox. There was a instances. This is not a theory on my fox which lost its tail and it was a part. The Alliance, maybe for very bit embarrassing for the fox because valid reasons, started its career and every other fox had a tail. So he probably it had no choice but to went out one day and called all the build itself from the present others foxes and standing against a tree organisational basis-three communal gave a learned discourse on why it was parties working together as an Alliance. good for the foxes not to have a tail, Perhaps there was no choice. But that "because, he said, if you have a tail, was in the Federation of Malaya. Now you get caught in traps" and so on that we have Malaysia you find new until one bright, young fox said, forces emerging-non-communally "Well, it is all very interesting and organised parties, multi-racial parties very logical. But would you please and one such party was associated turn around?" So for the same with the AllianCCi in Sabah. Their own reason, the Alliance has to get every partner, the SANAP, was a multi­ other of its partners to cut its tail. racial party. And yet the Alliance leaders had to bring pressure to get However, in Singapore, Sir, the SANAP to become a communally traditionally over a long period organised party. Why? Sabah is a less communal parties never had a chance advanced unit politically; it was under in the elections to the Legislature. British rule, and yet by a stroke of - Systematically the electorate had good fortune, by accident, the people repudiated communal parties. No there decided-"All right, we skip the communal party as such-not even oommunal stage and pass on to the the M.C.A. in a predominantly multi-racial stage." And what does the Chinese city-was able to secure more Alliance do? "No, no, back you go to than a handful of seats, because being the communal stage." Chinese recruiting largely an urban city and for other non-Chinese no good, recruit Chinese reasons, the people in Singapore have only. Sir, I would like to quote the shown a preference for non-communal theory put forward by the leaders of parties and in 1963 in three the SANAP to justify this change of predominantly Malay constituencies switching over from a non-communally in Singapore the people voted for a or multi-racially organised party to a non-communal party. What was the communal party. According to the Sin reaction of certain Alliance leaders, Choo lit Poh, the president of the including the Member for J ohore Sabah Chinese Association said, "The Tenggara? I remember, Sir, that long unity of the Chinese is being threatened, before Soekarno burnt effigies the because other non-Chinese parties were Member for Johore Tenggara was luring Chinese into joining them." The burning effigies in Singapore after the unity of the Chinese is being threatened elections, because the three because other non-Chinese parties constituencies did not return UMNO were luring Chinese into joining them! candidates. There was talk of treachery "There is an urgent need to amalgamate by people in these three constituencies. the Association and SANAP and form Again in Singapore recently leaders a pure Chinese political party. Senator of political parties which were Hong-the report went on to say­ consistently against communalism, like said that there was a small number of Dr Thio Chan Bee who was hitting Chinese who were now in non-Chinese out at the Alliance and the M.C.A. 757 31 MAY 1965 758 for being communal, but now for some nent domination of Singapore by the reason or other he has joined the new Chinese. Unite! First, for what? Second outfit called the SAP—it sounds like question: against whom? Let us take cap but I think it is SAP (Laughter)— this seriously. And if it is seriously put and the secretary of that party some forward, let us take it further— time ago came out with a statement. Chinese unite in Malaysia. I know Perhaps I should quote the statement some of the Alliance Members do not lest I should do this new party an like statistics. But I suggest in this injustice. In February the secretary case that they take, a look at statistics. of what was then called the Singapore On the basis of Chinese unite, Malays Alliance, but now called Malaysian unite, what is going to be the Alliance, Singapura, came out with a consequences? Let them think it over. statement, which when I read it in What would be the consequences? February I said was political death Somebody said something, but I will for the Singapore Alliance. The state­ not repeat it, Sir. I do not think per­ ment said, "The Alliance leaders, sonally that this advice is seriously being pratical and realistic, are proud meant. So long as the M.C.A.—they to have urged the Chinese to unite, know—cannot unite the Chinese, they the Malays to unite and the Indians can afford to say, "Yes, please shout to unite and to co-operate and thus 'Chinese unite'." But, one day, it is achieve greater unity." Sure enough, possible (if you keep on repeating this), Sir, a few months later the Singapore that there might arise a group of Alliance was no more, because it is Chinese. Then where are we? But, Sir, disastrous in Singapore, where the if the P.A.P. has followed the advice electorate have consistently rejected given—and, in fact, it was put to us communal parties, to get people to during the last elections and, perhaps, make statements like this. And yet I can reveal the story now—during the the Alliance leaders have to force battle for Malaysia when things were their partners in Singapore, even if it difficult for us means political death to them, to proclaim doctrines like this. Mr Speaker: Is it a long story? (Laughter). Sir, I think the Member for Johor Enche' S. Rajaratnam: Very short Tenggara himself in the course of the story, Sir (Laughter), but it can ensure debate said "Yes, why not shout a long life for the Alliance. They said, Chinese unite, Malays unite, what is "If you want to win an election in wrong with it?" All right, Sir, I Singapore—simple—shout 'Chinese would like to put for his real, serious unite'; fight for an independent Singa­ consideration the consequences of that pore; talk terms with Malaya"—very advice. If everybody goes around feasible, easy way out. Yet, on the other shouting Chinese unite, Malays unite hand, they keep on saying. "The P.A.P. Indians unite, Ceylonese unite, Arabs is communal because they refuse to unite (Laughter), everybody unite, the shout 'Chinese unite'". first question—apply this to Singapore with over 80% Chinese. Let us say Sir, I am trying to say that all the that if tomorrow we follow the good reasons that they give are either advice of the Member for Johor foolish, impractical or dangerous. What Tenggara or his colleagues or his men­ then are the real reason? First, Sir, as tors or the political secretaries who lay long as they are communally organised, down this philosophy of the Alliance— they must resist non-communal sometimes in poetry (Laughter)—what parties—and therefore a Malaysian would be the consequence? Not Malaysia. For example, Sir, one of the immediately, but in five years, ten Ministers said, and, perhaps, I see his years or fifteen years' time. It will point, that the difference is one of mean, if the Chinese follow seriously approach, that communalism is a a "Chinese unite" policy, that the reality and racialism is a reality—I Malays, Indians, Ceylonese, Eurasians, concede. He said that especially among etc., will be out because of the perma­ the Malays they are not yet prepared 759 31 MAY 1965 760 to make the jump to non-communa­ what Mr Lee Kuan Yew said was to lism. Possibly so. All right, if that is the credit of Malaysia and possibly even true, then you concede that the to the Alliance Government. So, there ultimate aim should be that the was silence and no report was made Malays, the Chinese and the Indians public from the High Commissioner, should join multi-racial parties, but Australia, but yet the thing is repeated because of deficiencies, weaknesses, outside that Mr Lee Kuan Yew went prejudices, that cannot be so now. All to Australia and New Zealand to do right. But every time a Malay is the Alliance Government in. There­ sophiscated enough to leave a com­ fore, Sir, very often when I listen to munally organised party to join a speeches claiming that we have said multi-racial party, we should rejoice. this, we have done that, there are no But instead what? Mr Speaker, Sir, quotations, no documentation, but just you have heard, some of our Malay wild allegations-I use the word colleagues described as satans, traitors, "allegations" because the other word to the race. How do you reconcile is not permitted in this Chamber, Sir. this? You should rejoice, secretly at As to the racialistic approach to least, that here is a Malay who has things, for example, I quote, Sir, from become a Malaysian. But no, you can­ the Utusan Melayu of March 22. not afford to, the UMNO cannot afford According to the Assistant Secretary of to. So long as you are only communal­ UMNO, the allegation in a talk he ly organised, the basis of your exis­ gave at the Kampong Dato Kramat tence is through communal appeal. Hall in Kuala Lumpur reads as This is not an exaggeration. These are follows: from their own words, not from me. They always say that the P.A.P. is com­ "Had not UMNO been in the present Government ...."-he is referring to con­ munal, but they never quote a state­ ditions in Singapore- . . . ."the Malays ment, a speech, where we definitely would have disappeared as was the position are anti-Malay, where Mr Lee Kuan of the Malays in Singapore ..."-obviously, Yew or I said we are against the my colleagues here should have disappeared b1;eause according to him all the Malays have Malays. They never do so and they disappeared- . . . ."What has happened in say, "You said this, therefore, you Singapore clearly shows that the Malays must be anti-Malay." there are oppressed." I well remember, Sir, that during the Sir, then he goes on to say that "if the elections-I am sorry to keep on Malays do not come together by join­ referring to my great friend (Laughter}, ing UMNO, nobody will fight to but he represents an aspect of UMNO improve their lot." Supposing the with which I disagree-and he has said, P.A.P. came to Malaya and said-just "Yes, you know, Mr Lee Kuan Yew change the words slightly, "If the said that the Tunku is a man of no Chinese do not come together by join­ calibre." It was denied, and we know ing the P.A.P. nobody will fight to that he never said it, because the Police improve their lot."-What would be and so on have got the tape of what the reaction? Probably there will be was said. Yet the thing is repeated. appropriate laws under which we can be committed for some offence, but the More recently, though I am very M.C.A., fortunately for UMNO, is not glad to hear the Minister of Informa­ doing it--cannot do it, (Laughter) : and tion and Broadcasting, who paid a that is why you can afford to exhort tribute to what Mr Lee Kuan Yew the M.C.A. to unite the Chinese. But has done in Australia, New Zealand, I have noticed, Sir, that none of them I do not know whether he has done though they say that we are a Chinese so with the tongue in his cheek or party-none of the Alliance mem­ otherwise; but nevertheless there were bers-has exhorted us to unite the others who believed that Mr Lee Kuan Chinese, because they know that if Yew said other things. The High Com­ they give us this carte blanche we can missioner in Australia was asked to do it successfully and, perhaps, to the come back with tapes and so on and detriment of the M.C.A. That is why everybody listened and-quite true- they can afford to tell the M.C.A. . . . 761 31 MAY 1965 762 Enche' Senu bin Abdul Rahman: Honourable Member continue with You are admitting that P.A.P. is a his speech in the proper strain? Chinese party now? Enche' S. Rajaratnam: Yes, Sir. Now, Enche' S. Rajaratnam: No, Sir, I am Mr Speaker, I was only trying to not admitting that. I would like to ask return the compliment, because for 2! the Minister a straightforward question days they talked about the P.A.P. and after whioh I will sit down and give I felt that they were being let down. way to him: "Do you want the P.A.P. So, I thought of talking about the to be a Chinese party and to shout Alliance for a change (Laughter); but and ask the Chinese to unite around nevertheless, Sir, I shall abide by your us? Fight for what? Against whom? ruling and talk about the essential Would you say that?" content in the King's Speech, about the internal threat, of which we are Enche' Senu bin Abdul Rahman: supposed to be, because we are Mr Speaker, Sir, I know the Honour­ communal. That is the essence of the able Member is not a Chinese, but speech as well as the debate. But, Sir, from what the P.A.P. has been perhaps, I shall close this particular doing so far, the policy of Mr Lee point. Why are you afraid of the Kuan Yew, and what Mr Lee Kuan P.A.P.? I shall quote authority, not Yew has been doing so far, show that from our side, Sir, but a very eminent actually P.A.P. is a Chinese party. authority. The reason is this: The That is quite clear. Everybody knows P.A.P. leaders, by propagating non­ that. Mr Rajaratnam may deny it, but communalism and equality of status that is a fact. in Malaysia at the moment naturally provoke communal sentiments. Who Enche' S. Rajaratnam: No, Sir. The said it? The Political Secretary to the Minister has not answered my ques­ Minister of Transport in the Straits tion. Does he want us to become a Times of 19th February-honest man, Chinese party, like the M.C.A.? right to the point. They object to the (Interruption). P.A.P.'s non-communalism, not com­ munalism; and the Political Secretary Enche' Senu bin Abdul Rahman: is a very important man. That is what It is notl for me to say, Sir. It is up to they are afraid of. Why, Sir? It is you. · quite logical. If you believe in a Malaysian Malaysia, a non-communal Dato' V. T. Sambanthan: Mr Speaker, Malaysia, when parties are organised Sir, for information, if I may-was on a communal basis, then more this not implied when Mr Lee Kuan support goes to non-communal parties, Yew met the Tunku and said, "Shall and less support to communal parties. we take the place of M.C.A.?" That is why they must resist every (Applause). Malay who deserts or leaves UMNO. Enche' S. Rajaratnam: Since we are To become non-communal there must talking family secrets, the secrets be less membership in UMNO, or the should be accurate. I deny categori­ M.C.A., or the M.I.C. That is one of cally that he said that the P.A.P. the reasons, why they must resist the wanted to take the place of the concept of a Malaysian Malaysia, why M.C.A., but that the P.A.P. was they must resist non-communal parties; be they the P.A.P. or any other party, prepared to work with the Alliance. they must resist the idea of non­ Enche' Ali bin Haji Ahmad: (rises). communalism. They cannot say it in eublic-the reason is obvious. So, they Mr Speaker: Will you sit down for a must build up this myth, that Malays minute? Now, I wish to point out to who support non-communal parties the House that we are debating the are oppressed. Earlier, they said that King's Speech (Laughter). We are not we are a Chinese party. Is that why talking party politics, secrets and all the Malays in three constituencies the rest of it. (Laughter). Will the voted for a Chinese party? So they 763 31 MAY 1965 764 must build the theory, to explain that away this theory, this fallacy. I think away-the Malays are oppressed. the Alliance has openly said, "We are a right-wing party." The leadership of AN HONOURABLE MEMBER : That is UMNO, certainly of M.C.A., is in the right-in Singapore. hands of very well-to-do men, or Enche' S. Rajaratnam: That's right those who are aspiring to be well-to­ in Singapore. That is why, Sir, the do. They are a party of the "haves". gentleman here, I think, should think There is nothing wrong with a party very carefully, especially of things that of the "haves" coming together to are going to get reported in the protect their interests, but the only Ut:1san, because a few days ago, one difficulty is that they cannot say that gentleman said: "Oh, the Malays are publicly. The party of the "haves" oppressed, because if you are a P.A.P. cannot go to the electorate and say, member in the Southern Islands you "Yes, we are a party of rich men, get $30; if you are not, you get $5." please vote for us." So, therefore, they Apparently the people in the Southern have to put forward this theory: Islands read that and said: "Is this Chinese can advance their economic what the UMNO really believe? Is interest only by voting for the Chinese this what a respectful, truthful news­ towkays or those who want to be paper publishes for its readers?" As towkays. Then you can get the poor far as the people of the Southern Chinese also to join it, as against the Islands are concerned their faith in the normal political line-up of parties credibility of UMNO and Utusan has which stand for the under-privileged considerably weakened-maybe . the and parties which stand for the Member is not interested in the privileged. Non-communal parties will Southern Islands, and he is probably organise the under-privileged of all thinking of other places outside of races, especially in the urban areas. Singapore where the things said might Workers who are in trade unions will be believed. Anyway, Sir, the other naturally react with, what we call, reason why they cannot give the real class bias. They vote for political reasons for opposing non-communal parties which are prepared to fight for parties, in particular the P.A.P., is the the under-privileged. So, the parties of economic basis on which the Alliance the well-to-do have to confuse them, operates. They work on the basis that "No, this is not right. You just vote the problem of poverty is simply one for the Chinese and everything is of "all Malays are poor, all non­ okay", or "You vote for the Malays, Malays are rich; therefore, battle of they will look after you'', or "You vote adjustment." But, in fact, they know for the Indians, they will look after that there are poor Malays, rich you". If that is true, then in a homo­ Malays, poor Indians, rioh Indians, genous country like Indonesia where poor Chinese, rich Chinese. They everybody is Indonesian there should know that. I know in this Chamber be no poor Indonesians, or in Japan that there are very few rich UMNO there should be no poor Japanese. If Members, directors and so on; and you think in term of "So long as you there are others who are not Members have the men of the right race being of UMNO, who are not so rich. Well, in the Government, you have solved that is not the point. We concede that, the economic problem . . . . perhaps, proportionately there are Mr Speaker: Order, order. I must more poor Malays than there are poor remind the Honourable Member that non-Malays. That is a general this is not an election platform. economic problem. How do you solve (Laughter). Will you please stick to the it? Why do you pose the problem of · subject matter? poverty on racial lines-poor Malays, rich non-Malays? Sir, economic con­ Enche' S. Rajaratnam: Sir, I am only flicts will become race conflicts, if trying to persuade the Alliance to a you assume that economic conflict is way .... a battle between poor Malays and rich Mr Speaker: Whatever you are try­ non-Malays. You will have to put ing to do, you are still talking about 765 31 MAY 1965 766 politics, parties, voting and so on. If but he can realise the concept of one you will cut that out, then we will get idea only by first tearing up the on with the business in hand. Constitution. That is a logical step, because I cannot see any other way Enche' S. Rajaratnam: Yes, Sir. Well, this can be accomplished. However, if Sir, I should like to refer to a state­ he does that, the matter becomes not ment made by the Minister of Informa­ just a question of taking over Radio tion and Broadcasting in the course of and Television, Singapura alone. You the debate, when he said that his ideal cannot start by just biting at the tail is to have, as he said, "We are of the lion; you must tackle the lion seriously thinking of having only one voice—we want only one voice. I too. One has to do more than that. think I did mention to the Honourable You have also to root out ideas— Prime Minister of Singapore that ideas, like a "Malaysian Malaysia"— instead of having so many voices from not in the mind of the Minister of Malaysia, we should have only one Culture or in the minds of the voice from Malaysia. That is what we Singapore Cabinet or the P.A.P. but are thinking now". One idea, one in the minds of ten million people, and voice! I would like to comment on this, that, I say Sir, is an enterprise which because I have a personal vested even I would hesitate to embark upon. interest in this little revelation. Because You cannot implant one idea in the I am also in competition with the minds of ten million people, and Minister of Information and Broad­ especially if the idea is not a good one casting, it would appear to suggest, I think it would be even; more difficult. first, that the Minister is unduly pessismistic and unduly defeatist, for So, Sir, it really boils down to this: the reason that his portfolio deals with I said earlier that what the Alliance ideas—not just one idea, but ideas— is afraid of is not just the P.A.P., nor and yet he indicates that in a demo­ Mr Lee Kuan Yew, nor the U.D.P., cratic society he is going to specialise nor the P.P.P. What they fear is an in one idea. Now, Sir, ideas, like idea, the idea of a Malaysian Malaysia, living things, if they are to breed there the idea of a nation building without must be at least two, but if we have regard to race or religion or creed. one idea it would be like a mule which That is what they fear. It is an idea has neither pride of ancestry nor hope incompatible with the way in which of posterity, because you cannot do their political parties are organised; anything with one idea: it cannot the concept on which they were voted. generate, it cannot perpetuate. I under­ The Minister of Information and stand the Minister of Information and Broadcasting vaguely fears that. So, he Broadcasting is a student of history, says, "Well, the best thing is to have and I would therefore advise him to one idea for Malaysia". I say this is look at history, because usually the an impossible task, a dangerous task. one-idea politicians have never got Therefore, may I suggest to the Alliance very far in their careers. that they should pay regard to the "winds of change". So far, Sir, what Another thing I would like to point has happened is that we in the P.A.P,. out is that his statement would seem in the Opposition, has kept on to imply that he is not contented with emphasising: "Change the Alliance!" just one idea for Radio Malaysia, But whatever it is, I hope that they Kuala Lumpur but also one idea for will realise that with Malaysia things Radio Malaysia, Singapura and one have changed. They must change. idea for Television Malaysia, Singa­ Political parties must change. The pura. I do, not' see how this is possible methods of organisation must change. because we in Singapore believe in more Membership must change. The charac­ than one idea, believe in the conflict of ter of their Party must change. Then, ideas. I do not know how he intends perhaps, if they do, the "winds of to realise that objective of one idea change" will help them along and may­ for ten million people, especially in be the Alliance, far from being view of the constitutional arrangement, depressed, feeling unsafe and feeling a 767 31 MAY 1965 768 bit insecure, may have a longer lease Now for the P.A.P. Mr Speaker, Sir, of life in a Malaysian Malaysia—if a few days ago we were treated to a they are prepared genuinely, not as a spectacle which in motion picture concept but in practice, to follow the language could be classified as colossal, concept of a Malaysian Malaysia. stupendous and dynamic. The Prime Minister of Singapore was at its best. Dr Ng Kam Poh (Telok Anson): He lifted the Federal Constitution Mr Speaker, Sir, allow me at this this way (indicates) no less than seven moment to say a few words regarding times. Mr Speaker, Sir, he buttoned His Majesty's speech in support of, the and unbuttoned his coat no less than motion. First of all, I must congratulate four times. Here was that gifted lawyer the Member for Batu for his speech, politician arguing his case; here was not all of it but all that he said about Harry Lee of Singapore wooing and the P.A.P. In this short span of one making overtures even to the Minister year he has risen from the status of of Sabah Affairs and to the Minister that of a virgin to that of a of Sarawak Affairs. His praise for the professional—I am sorry, Sir, I forgot dignified manner and bearing of the to say from a political virgin to a Minister of Sarawak Affairs was warm political professional. However, it is and affectionate. But let me remind my duty to warn him that he has still this House that a species of the spider a great deal to learn. His party is called the Tarantula also woos and Indonesian backed and Communist after mating kills its mate. A good inspired and he has still a great deal example, Sir, is that of a certain Mr to do before he can get rid of these of Singapore. After elements. This is evidenced by the his two hours of argument and oratory placards displayed during the Kuala and the statement that he will abide by Lumpur riots and the confessions of the Constitution, especially Articles his fellow conspirators. The placards, 152 and 153, the Prime Minister of to mention some of them, read Singapore has yet to define what he "British Imperialists Go Home", means by a Malaysian Malaysia. We "Down with the United States and on this side of the House have always Great Britain" and so on. Sir, this is considered ourselves Malaysians one peculiar, because one has only to go and all, and we certainly would like back to the speech of the Honourable to know in which part of the Constitu­ Member for Batu during the last tion does it say to the contrary. His Budget session, when he was veiled threat of an alternative arrange­ practically pleading with the Alliance ment is, to say the least, chauvinistic, to ask Britain, Australia and New and coming from a Malaysian of the Zealand to send their troops here to third generation is worse than deplor­ defend Malaysia. Now his party and able. His bitter attack on the Member the Barisan Sosialis ask them to go for Johor Tenggara with the object of back. In the language of the Red creating communal unrest is really un­ Indians of America, Sir, I will say warranted. If the P.A.P. is unhappy this, "Thou speaketh with a fork with the UMNO, I dare the P.A.P. to tongue". I have always maintained fight in the UMNO constituencies, in that there is collusion between the the predominently Malay constituen­ Socialist Front on the one hand and the cies. With the M.C.A. they will make Barisan Socialis on the other and my no headway. words have been proved right. May I ask what was the Member from Singa­ Sir, let us not forget that we are pore, Mr Kow Kee Seng, doing in the fighting an undeclared war with Indo­ Socialist Front Headquarters during the nesia and a speech of this nature at riots in Kuala Lumpur which led to his this time is surely uncalled for. Let us arrest? If he was not a party member, unite, put an end to confrontation and was he a guest? Or was he a director of when that is over, the Prime Minister operations for rioting, so wellknown of Singapore can then play power in Singapore? I leave this question for politics. He must not forget, Sir that the House to ponder. the lives of ten million Malaysians are 769 31 MAY 1965 770 at stake and the only way to peace is this House, and it has nothing to do unity in Malaysia. If the P.A.P. wants with the speaker. Mr Speaker, Sir, I to fight in the elections, I am sure the would seek your guidance on that. Alliance would be willing to oblige. But making statements and speeches Mr Speaker: But if it has nothing to like this in this House will not do the do with the speaker .... Malaysians as a whole any good. Enche' Lee Kuan Yew: It is a ques­ The Member for Pasir Puteh has tion of what is happening in this condemned the Government's policy Chamber at this moment of allowing the study of Chinese and Mr Speaker: I do not think it is the Tamil in the English schools. Let me time for that! remind him that we are Malaysians and the Constitution, under Article 152, Enche' Lee Kuan Yew: Mr Speaker, allows the teaching and learning of any Sir, I am not aware whether music and language. Indeed, Sir, I would like other entertainments are generally to call on the Minister of Education to allowed in this Parliament building, make Chinese and Tamil compulsory and you might be astonished to hear, subjects in non-Malay secondary Sir, that not only is this building schools. It is only fair, Sir, that it be used for other purposes when not so, because without it no non-Malay in session but also whilst we are in will study his mother tongue with session a musical party is in progress proper incentive if it were not made outside. I rise to draw this matter to compulsory in addition to Malay and your attention under Standing Order English. 80 of this House. On the subject of education, Sir, I Mr Speaker: I may be very hard of must congratulate the Minister of hearing, I cannot hear any music! Education for his farsighted policy over the National Language and in build­ Enche' Lee Kuan Yew: There is ing more National Schools and the music going on, Mr Speaker, Sir. Alam Shah College from where the Dr Ng Kam Poh: Mr Speaker, Sir, Malays can go to the University whether music is going on or not, I through the Malay medium. This is an have to finish my speech. (Laughter). admirable step, since all political Will you please ask the Prime parties here have agreed that Malay Minister of Singapore not to interrupt be the National Language. However, me because of the music? (Laughter). Sir, what is also required are more Colleges of this type to allow more non- Enche' Lee Kuan Yew: Sir, this is Malays and Chinese, who are not so a matter which touches upon a very proficient in English, to go to the fundamental question—the privilege universities to study the Arts and and dignity of this Chamber .... Sciences and also to study in a Mr Speaker: I agree with you, but . . university where there is a chair for Chinese Studies. At present, Sir, a boy Enche' Lee Kuan Yew: At this very in a Chinese secondary school with moment it would appear that some his poorer command of English can party is going on in the Restaurant or scarcely hope for a place in the Higher some part of this building with music School Certificate class, but with these emanating at considerable volume, and junior colleges, a boy from a Chinese I would like to ask you to rule, Mr Speaker, Sir, whether it is in keeping school has every hope with the propriety and dignity of this Enche' Lee Kuan Yew: Mr Speaker, House. I know that from time to time Sir, may I interrupt on a question of we have to adjourn in order that privilege? Sir, this has nothing to do Convocations and other jubilations can with the speaker go on, but not whilst we are at the same time listening to the Honourable Mr Speaker: I beg your pardon? Members of this House, even though Enche' Lee Kuan Yew: I rise on a sometimes their speeches seem to question of a breach of the privilege of compete for amusement. 771 31 MAY 1965 772 Mr Speaker: I shall ask the Clerk to and should have investigated into the the House to go and investigate if possibility of whether sugarcane can there is music, first of all, because I be planted on a wide scale, sufficient cannot hear any. (Laughter). for the factory, before starting this venture. A year has gone by and yet Enche' Lee Kuan Yew: You have the there is no sign of a factory manu­ advantage of a wig, Mr Speaker, Sir. facturing raw sugar and no sign from (Laughter). the Ministry as to whether sugarcane Mr Speaker: Will you carry on! can be planted on a wide scale. As such, I hope the Ministry will increase Dr Ng Kam Poh: Mr Speaker, Sir, I the quota, so that, with competition, take this as a calculated attempt by the price of sugar will be lowered; the Prime Minister of Singapore to and the people, especially the poor, interrupt my speech (Laughter). spared the unnecessary waste of money Mr Speaker: It would better if you in order to protect one refinery owned presume the best of intention! by a handful of people who are becoming increasingly rich as a result Dr Ng Kam Poh: At present a boy in of the quota system. Since we believe a Chinese secondary school with his in free enterprise, then let it be so poorer command of English can until such time as we can produce our scarcely hope for a place in the Higher own cane fields and our own sugar School Certificate class. But with these factories to feed these refineries. junior colleges, the boy from the Chinese school has every hope of going As to the Member for Tanjong, the to the university for higher Chinese lone Member for the U.D.P., I under­ education. In time to come, these boys stand that he is not physically well; will become doctors, engineers, archi­ and I shall, therefore, leave him alone. tects, lawyers, etc.—people who are All that I want to say is in regard vitally needed in a developing country to his comment that I am a new like ours. So, let us be farsighted, let Member here seeking prominence. Sir, our horizons be wide, so that in time I would like to return that compliment to come surely there will be a place to him. After all, Sir, this is his first for every Malaysian in the sun. session in Parliament regardless of what he has done in the Federal Legislature, Mr Speaker, Sir, in His Majesty's during the colonial period, when he Speech, it is mentioned that a sugar was a nominated Member. There is refinery is established. I know that ample time, Sir, and I shall be waiting there are at least two more to be built: for him in verbal debate when the one in Singapore and one in Selangor, time comes. Thank you. but I contend, Sir, that it is putting the cart before the horse. I refer, Sir, Enche' Ong Kee Hui (Sarawak): to the question of quotas on the import Mr Speaker, Sir, several Honourable of sugar. The world market price of Members have expressed concern and sugar today is about $25 to $27 per regret at the heat which had been pikul including all charges. And what generated by the debate on the motion is sold by the refinery is at about $35 by the Honourable Member for Kota to the wholesaler and to the consumer Star Selatan. If I may say so, Sir, the at about forty cents a kati and, at fire was sparked off by the Honourable one stage, at forty-five cents. The price Member, proposing the motion of differs from ten to twelve cents per thanks, launching an attack on the kati. In other words, to protect one P.A.P. and the Honourable the Prime refinery in Prai, we have caused the Minister of Singapore, a procedure people of Malaya to pay more for their which is unprecedented in normal sugar which is one of the products parliamentary practice, as the Honour­ that the people cannot do away with. able Member for Ipoh has rightly I maintain, Sir, that this is wrong. The pointed out. To his credit, Sir, the Government should have started that Honourable the Prime Minister of a factory for the manufacture of raw Singapore ignored the personal attack, sugar in conjunction with the refinery and his stimulating contribution to the 773 31 MAY 1965 774 debate, which held the House spell­ statement made by Mr Lee Kuan Yew bound for one and a half hours, should was not true, was false, on page 410? receive our approbation. Enche' Ong Kee Hui: I am coming Reference was made, Sir, in the to that, Sir, if the Honourable Member course of the debate to the Malaysian will let me. The concluding remarks Solidarity Convention and to the parti­ which I made in addressing the House cipation of the S.U.P.P. in this Con­ on the occasion are relevant and I vention. The insinuation was made quote: that the association of the S.U.P.P. "Now that Malaysia is an accomplished gives the Convention a false front fact, I say in all sincerity that we are here to because the S.U.P.P. was anti-Malaysia. make it work." It is true, Sir, that we in the S.U.P.P. Reference has also been made, Sir, has very strong reservations about the by my Honourable friend, who is in formation of Malaysia, but so had front of me, the Honourable Member many others. If this was a sin, Sir, for Batu, to remarks made by the we sin in good company, as many Honourable the Prime Minister of others, such as the Honourable the Singapore at the same meeting last Minister for Sarawak Affairs and the year when he referred to the wind of Honourable the Minister for Sabah change and the chasm which exists Affairs and many others now holding between the P.A.P. and the other high office in the Alliance Government, Opposition parties. I think this answers were also at the outset against the the point raised by the Honourable formation of Malaysia. The only Member for Damansara. criticism that we are prepared to accept, Enche' Chen Wing Sum: I think if Sir, is that we are, perhaps, more the Honourable Member is to look at obstinate, less agile and not so skilled the Hansard, page 410, he would see in political acrobatics as the others who that it was in no uncertain terms that were also anti-Malaysia. However, as the Honourable Mr Lee Kuan Yew firm believers in democracy and in has accused, in fact termed the S.U.P.P. achieving our objectives through consti­ as one of the communist organisations. tutional means, we have reconciled He seems now to say that the allegation ourselves to- Malaysia as an accom­ was false, that it was malicious and plished fact, although we might still unethical. Was it not? have reservations as to the wisdom of its formation and we question the Enche' Ong Kee Hui: I am coming methods by which this formation was to that, too, Sir. To those remarks, achieved. I replied as follows, and with your indulgence, Sir, I quote from our The important point which I wish Hansard beginning at the bottom of to make, Sir, is that as men of honour, page 482: who have taken the oath of allegiance "With due respect, may I suggest that to Malaysia in this House before you, changes constantly take place around us in our loyalty and credentials as loyal nature in an unstatic world. As movements on Malaysians should not be called in the earth's crust create these chasms, so can further movements and convulsions remove question. I had made the stand of the them. In any case, chasms can be bridged S.U.P.P. quite clear in this respect on and should be bridged or filled up, if we my first appearance in this House, and wish to build a road in Malaysia that will again in the debate in May last year, bring us to the promised land, where we can find happiness and prosperity for our and lest there should be any doubts in people. To that end, it behoves us to find the minds of the Honourable Member common ground and areas of agreement for Kota Star Selatan and the Honour­ instead of finding faults and looking for able Member for Damansara, I will differences." refer them to pages 482 to 486 of our I hope, Sir, that this quotation will Hansard provide an adequate answer to my Honourable friend and to others who Enche' Chen Wing Sum: On a point cannot understand how—after all that of clarification, Mr Speaker, Sir. Is the has been said—it is possible for the Honourable Member suggesting that the parties such as the P.A.P., U.D.P., 775 31 MAY 1965 776

P.P.P., Machinda and S.U.P.P. to come mutual suspicion and fear and a sense together to sponsor this Malaysian of insecurity among certain sections of Solidarity Convention. (Applause). The our people; and fourthly, a desire on Convention, Sir, is inspired by ... . the part of certain sections of the people, who have tasted power and the Enche' Chen Wing Sum: Sir, I am fruits of office, to maintain their posi­ sorry to interrupt the Honourable tion by playing on the fears and Member so many times. May we know sensitivity of their community. All who has changed—the P.A.P. or the these areas of conflict, all these diffi­ S.U.P.P.? culties were recognised by the founding Enche' Ong Kee Hui: I think the fathers, who were responsible for the Honourable Member must be very hard formation of the Federation of Malaya, of perception after all that I have said and the Constitution of the Federation about the fact that this is an unstatic of Malaya took cognizance of these world and we all change. (Laughter). factors. Enche' Chen Wing Sum: Does the Honourable Member mean "change We in the Borneo territories, struggling for independence, have from a non-communist party to a com­ followed the political developments in munist party"? (Laughter). Singapore and Malaya very closely. Enche' Ong Kee Hui: Anything can We have followed with interest the happen, Sir. (Laughter). Even the birth pangs of the formation of the M.C.A. may change. Who knows? Federation of Malaya by the moulding (Laughter). The Convention, as I have together a multi-racial community into said, Sir, is inspired by no less than a a nation. We have watched with common desire now to serve the sympathy the internal disputes within interests of our people in the survival the Alliance Government, between the of this new nation based on a nego­ UMNO and the M.C.A., which led to tiated agreement and Constitution to the break-away of some of the leader­ which we are all pledged to uphold. ship of the M.C.A. from that organisa­ That the Honourable the Prime Minis­ tion. We have seen the undue emphasis ter of Singapore has found it possible placed by the major and more powerful to< lead such a movement is a measure partner in the Alliance on the privileges of his statesmanship and an indication and rights guaranteed to them and of his pragmatic approach to the pro­ their community under the Constitution blems of the day, and, if I may say and the denial or erosion by them of so, to his sensitivity to the winds of the fundamental rights and liberties change, and his ability to react to given to others. What is even more of movements and changes that take place concern is the fact that two major on the earth which he stands. But, Sir, amendments had been made to the there are many others who, unlike him, Constitution itself within a matter of have eyes but they see not. five years after the Federation was It seems to me, Sir, that, after formed, and these amendments con­ sitting through the debate in this cern what are generally considered as House over the past two days and entrenched clauses, such as qualifica­ listening to speeches, some of which tions for citizenship and even how the were acrimonious and charged with Constitution may be changed from a emotions, if we calmly and dispas­ two third majority to a simple majority. sionately analyse it, the area of conflict It is surprising then that people like is circumscribed by several factors or us, in the S.U.P.P., who were struggling issues. In the first place, Sir, the for independence see not only our aims primary cause is the multi-racial and objectives thwarted but also, much character of our people; secondly, our to our dismay, being mixed up with the unequal society and the imbalance in political set-up here which we have wealth between our urban and our followed with so much concern. Other rural areas which follows broadly fears and reasons might have inspired although it does not coincide exactly other leaders, like the Honourable with our racial boundaries; thirdly, Minister for Sarawak Affairs and the 777 31 MAY 1965 778 Honourable Minister for Sabah Affairs all its lurid and sordid details, I will not and Civil Defence, their colleagues and repeat. 1 will, however, say this: followers to join Malaysia. Whatever Malaysia has been represented to the these fears or reasons were, they were people as a promised land—a land allayed by the London Agreement flowing with milk and honey—and yet which gave certain safeguards to the two years after Malaysia Day that people of Singapore, Sabah and promised land is not yet in sight. Sarawak. This London Agreement is embodied in the Constitution, and as a With Indonesian confrontation as a signatory to it, presumably, the British result of our entry into Malaysia, it Government is pledged to ensure that seems to us that we have gone astray this Agreement is honoured. and arrived at Sodom and Gomorrah. What is there to show to the people of Let us see what else has transpired Sarawak, even allowing for handicaps since Malaysia Day as far as Singapore, to development posed by confronta­ Sabah and Sarawak are concerned. As tion? To all intents and purposes, we far as Singapore is concerned, we see, are still an underprivileged people. As soon after Malaysia Day, suggestions my Honourable colleague from Sarawak made by people in the ruling party in has pointed out, we do not even have the Federation and, even today, Sir, fees waived in our primary schools, that the apportionment of revenue whereas students in the Malayan States should be reversed from 60-40 per cent and in Singapore enjoy free primary to 40-60 per cent. education with additional three years of We also see a campaign of hate being post-primary education for all. fostered by UMNO against the ruling We have had great hopes at one stage party in Singapore and against its Prime that the Honourable Minister of Educa­ Minister and appeals being made to tion will arrive in April with an communal feelings likely to spark off "Easter egg" in the form of free primary riots or civil commotion which would education. We cherished the thought shake the very foundation of our new that, perhaps, he is keeping it as a nation, based as it is on a multi-racial gesture of goodwill to our Iban friends society. We know that a multi-racial on Dayaks' New Year on June 1st. We society can only exist if there is racial are likely to be disappointed again, Sir, harmony. and it looks as if we can only pray that We see in Sabah pressures being he will arrive in the role of a "Father brought to bear on the Sabah Govern­ " with a post-dated cheque ment to get rid of officials, despite the for 1966. terms of the London Agreement which provide for their retention over a speci­ In Sarawak, Sir, the recent crisis of fied period. We see a crisis sparked off the Sarawak Alliance was the result of by intrigues against the then Chief the introduction of the Land Bills. Minister of the State, inspired, as Measures for these Bills have been the everyone knows, by UMNO. Lest I be subject of careful consideration over a misunderstood, let me say this: I hold number of years by experts, both before no brief for the expatriate officers; I and after Malaysia, and have been merely cite this as an example of the discussed in the Local and Divisional interference in what are primary State Councils and have been made the matters by the ruling party in the subject of political intrigues and mani­ Federation Government. pulations. I am told that we even have the Federal Minister of Lands and In Sarawak more recently, we see Mines, who is a Sarawakian, appearing another crisis brought about, again, by on Television Malaysia criticising the intrigues and manipulations, which State Government for these measures. emanated from UMNO, which nearly What right has the Federal Minister of toppled the Sarawak Government. As Lands and Mines to do this, as my Honourable colleague from Sarawak land is a State matter according to the has already spoken on this and has Constitution? This, Sir, is a sordid given the House the whole story with picture in which Malaysia appears to 779 31 MAY 1965 780 the people of Sarawak today. It gives also defined in the Constitution. What us no pleasure, Sir—in the S.U.P.P.— is important to us is that, having to be vindicated as "Prophets of doom", accepted and agreed to the Constitution for we are now in the same boat and through negotiations, no one should if the boat sinks we all sink together. lightheartedly change the provisions Malaysia will survive only if all the thereof or interpret them to suit any solemn promises made, and under­ partner in the Federation, or a section takings given, by all the partners to the of the people. Nor should the Govern­ Agreement as embodied in the Consti­ ment exercise its power in such a tution and the London Agreement are manner as to deny to the people the honoured in the spirit as well as in the rights and liberties accorded to them letter of these documents. It is because under the Constitution. many of us in the Opposition benches are deeply conscious of this that we In this respect, Sir, I would like to have come together to ensure that if refer to the fact that under the rules Malaysia is to survive it would be a made under the Preservation of Public Malaysia in which, as one Honourable Security Ordinance, a gathering of more Member has put it, "everyone has a than 25 persons requires a permit from rightful place under the sun"; and not the Government. However, the Govern­ only must fundamental rights and ment has seen fit to make an order liberties be preserved for all, but also under the Preservation of Public such rights and privileges as are laid Security Regulations specifically prohi­ down in Article 153 of the Constitu­ biting any meeting or rally of more than tion. 20 persons organised or called by the S.U.P.P. In one case, Sir, we have under We in the S.U.P.P. believe in a more the Regulations discretionary powers equal or egalitarian society and, in so given to those responsible for law and far as Article 153 is designed to remedy order to determine whether permits for the imbalance between the Malays and a meeting can be issued under the other indigenous races and the migrant circumstances then existing. But in the people economically, we accept and case of the S.U.P.P. such discretion uphold it. In fact, in a small way, we seems to have been taken away. It in the S.U.P.P., who are in charge of would, therefore, appear that the the city administration of , Government by putting such restrictions have done our utmost for the Malays on us, who genuinely wish to procure within the limits of our resources. In our political ends by constitutional Kuching, Sir, the houses in the kampong areas are low in rateable values and means, is creating conditions or sug­ differential rates are also charged for gesting that we can only carry out our houses in such areas. Although these political activities, such as meetings of rates are low, and the percentages are more than 2C persons in secret and low compared with other areas, the therefore contravene the law. It would people who pay these rates are even appear from what I say, Sir, that the allowed a waiver of payment of rates Alliance Government has lost its sense whenever they can prove that they are of proportion. Laws and regulations poor; and although the rates obtained should be such that they can be reason­ from the kampong areas barely even ably complied with. Otherwise the pay for the street lights, we have oyer people are driven by frustration to seek a period of years spent almost a third their objectives outside the law. It is of our allocation of money for works bad policy for any Government to make in those areas. Therefore, to us Article laws and regulations which they may be 153 of the Constitution is not in dispute entitled to do which smacks of abuse or an issue, and it seems to us that of power. Under such circumstances, there is no need at all to go into democracy must suffer a setback and the anthropology to determine who is more confidence of our people in this system Malaysian. The qualification for citizen­ of government badly shaken, for even ship, after all, is laid down in the under the colonial rule such restrictions Constitution and the term "Malay" is did not exist. 781 31 MAY 1965 782

Finally, Sir, I would like to refer to I support the amendment to the motion a report—this appeared in the Straits of thanks to His Majesty the Yang di- Times—that the Alliance Government Pertuan Agong as proposed by the has closed down a sub-branch of the Honourable Prime Minister of Singa­ S.U.P.P. at the 24th Mile Semanggang pore. Road, Kuching, Sarawak, on the ground that the branch officials there Mr Speaker: I have to inform the are guilty of subversion and Communist House that the noise that was heard activities. We have in that sub-branch by the Honourable Enche' Lee Kuan many Land Dayaks, and the relation­ Yew just now was the testing of the ships between the different races in that loudspeaker system somewhere in this area have been most cordial and good. building for the dinner tonight. That Therefore, it seems to us that the has since been stopped. closing of this sub-branch would, if the Enche' Ibrahim bin Abdul Rahman allegations are true, have a very adverse (Seberang Tengah): Tuan Yang di- effect from a security point of view. If Pertua, saya tidak berhajat hendak the officials are guilty, then there are membuat marathon speech, oleh sebab other provisions under the security masa tidak mengizinkan. Saya akan regulations for dealing with such chuba membuat 100 yards dash—10 people. The report also says that these minit sahaja. officials have been holding office since 1960. I would like to point out that it Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya tidak is our practice, whenever officials are tahu apa-kah sebab-nya Yang Berhor- elected in any branch office, to submit mat Enche' Lee Kuan Yew, Perdana a list of such officials to the security Menteri Singapura membuat pindaan people so that we may be advised as ka-atas chadangan yang asal, tetapi pada pendapat saya, Ahli Yang Berhor- to whether or not they are security 2 risks. This does not seem to have been mat itu dengan gaya dan uchapan -nya the case with the 24th Mile Sub-Branch sa-bagai sa-orang Frenchman—full of which has been closed, because nobody gesture and flamboyance. Jadi, saya has pointed out as to desirability or nampak beliau hanya menchari publi­ otherwise of such officials. I only say city sahaja dan hendak menegakkan this, Sir, to point out the extent to dalam Dewan ini yang beliau-lah sa- which we, as a political organisation, orang yang bijak dan pandai untok go out of our way to co-operate with memimpin ra'ayat Malaysia ini. the Government in these times of Tuan Yang di-Pertua, kita bersetuju confrontation. dan saya rasa banyak juga orang dalam Malaysia ini yang bersetuju mengata- We are all here, Sir, to uphold the kan, ia-itu Yang Berhormat Enche' Constitution. In doing so, all we ask Lee Kuan Yew memang bijak, petah for is that the fundamental rights given berchakap, tetapi sa-saorang yang to us under the Constitution are pandai berchakap tidak berma'ana yang accorded us. But since Malaysia Day dia pandai dan bijak memimpin dan measures which have been taken by the memerentah. Saya pernah membacha Alliance Government, as has been satu nasihat daripada sa-orang ahli pointed out by the various speakers, falsafah yang mengatakan: such as, amendments to the Constitu­ A man who talks much is not a sign of tion, the promulgation of a decree genius and a man who keeps quiet and talks against industrial action by workers in little is not a fool. certain essential services and industries Jadi, saya berpendapat Yang Berhor­ and the proposal to abolish appeal in mat Enche' Lee Kuan Yew itu dan constitutional and criminal matters and juga Yang Berhormat Enche' Rahim certain types of civil cases to the Privy Ishak. Yang Berhormat Enche' Council, have given us cause for Rajaratnam, menudoh mengatakan yang concern and reasons to believe that the Parti Perikatan takut dan gentar fundamental rights and liberties of our kapada P.A.P. Saya mengatakan di- people are gradually being eroded sini, kami tidak sa-kali2 takut dan away. It is for these reasons, Sir, that gentar, walau sadikit pun kapada parti 783 31 MAY 1965 784

P.A.P. Kalau sa-kira-nya mereka benar2 putera, orang2 Iban, Kadadzan, Murut, berjuang di-atas lunas2 democracy untok Melanau dan lain2 bagi mengadakan menjadi Perdana Menteri, atau pun satu front bumiputera untok menentang memerentah negeri ini, apa yang Parti orang2 yang bukan Melayu yang Perikatan takut ia-lah telatah yang di- ekonomi-nya, pelajaran-nya lebeh dan buat oleh pemimpin2 Petir, membang- tinggi jauh beza-nya dengan bumiputera kitkan perasaan perkauman di-antara yang ada dalam Malaysia ini. Kita tidak satu kaum dengan kaum yang lain. berniat, sunggoh pun kami tahu 60% Itu-lah yang kami takut. Itu-lah yang daripada bumiputera ini ia-lah Melayu kami menahan. Itu yang kami mahu Kadadzan dan lain2—60%, kami tidak menerangkan kapada ra'ayat supaya ada peratus apabila beruchap, mengata- ra'ayat sedar di-atas telatah Ahli2 kan 40% orang , 42% itu, 45% Yang Berhormat dan pemimpin2 orang Melayu—tidak. P.A.P. itu. Jadi, Tuan Yang di-Pertua, perkara Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya suka ini, saya rasa patut-lah Ahli2 Yang menasihatkan kapada parti2 yang telah Berhormat daripada P.A.P. ini sedar pun bergabong dengan parti P.A.P. sa- yang Perikatan ini benar2 dan jujor perti Parti U.D.P.—pemimpin U.D.P., berjuang untok mengadakan Malaysian pemimpin P.P.P. dan pemimpin Malaysia; barangkali ada 20 ela lagi, S.U.P.P. kerana Yang Berhormat Tuan Yang di-Pertua, untok menyam- Enche' Lee Kuan Yew ini sa-bagai paikan tempat-nya dalam uchapan saya nasihat Abraham Lincoln yang menga- ini. takan jaga2 orang yang suka unit belakang—stroke you on the back, for Saya berbalek kapada Uchapan Titah he is finding a weak spot to thrust his di-Raja, ia-itu chadangan asal. Saya dagger. Ini satu masa akan terjadi. Dia berasa terharu, Tuan Yang di-Pertua, chuba menggosok belakang untok men- apabila mendengar dan membacha— chari tempat yang lemah untok mere- saya bachakan isi kandongan-nya: jamkan senjata-nya yang tajam. Jadi, ini Penggal Parlimen ini ada-lah mempunyai saya rasa Yang Berhormat Enche' Lee ma'ana yang istimewa kapada Beta kerana Kuan Yew akan membuat kapada tahun ini ia-lah tahun yang kelima ia-itu 2 tahun yang penghabisan Beta memerentah pemimpin U.D.P. dan S.U.P.P., kerana di-atas takhta Kerajaan sa-bagai Yang di- dia telah pun melakukan kapada Ong Pertuan Agong. Eng Guan dan lain2 lagi. Jadi, ini-lah yang mengharukan saya Apa yang di-uchapkan oleh Yang dan saya yang mewakili ra'ayat dan Berhormat Enche' Lee Kuan Yew dan pendudok di-kawasan saya yang lebeh penyokong2-nya mengadakan satu daripada 80,000 orang menguchapkan Malaysian Malaysia. Ini telah pun di- terima kaseh kapada Duli2 Yang Maha uchapkan oleh Ahli2 Yang Berhormat Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di- sahabat saya sa-belah sini, ia-itu Per­ Pertuan Agong dan Raja Permaisuri ikatan memang berjuang mati2an untok Agong, kerana telah pun sudi melawat menegakkan satu bangsa, bangsa ka-kawasan saya, dan pendudok2 dalam Malaysian Malaysia; menegakkan satu kawasan saya berasa megah juga, kerana bahasa kebangsaan dan menegakkan telah kami memberikan sambutan yang satu negara, ia-itu negara Malaysia. luar biasa. Jadi, pendudok2 di-kawasan Ini-lah dia yang Perikatan berjuang, saya, Seberang Tengah, Bukit Merta- bukan berjuang untok kepentingan jam, menguchapkan selamat memeren­ orang2 Melayu, berjuang untok kepenti­ tah di-atas takhta Kerajaan Negeri ngan orang2 China, berjuang untok Perlis sa-kali lagi. kepentingan orang2 India, tetapi kami berjuang sa-benar-nya ia-lah untok Tuan Yang di-Pertua, Uchapan Titah Malaysian Malaysia juga. di-Raja pada kali ini ada-lah sangat penting dan merupakan satu amanat— Kami dari UMNO tidak pernah ber- satu amanah kapada seluroh ra'ayat niat hendak mengadakan satu front Malaysia, ia-itu semua Malaysian yang orang2 Melayu, dan orang2 Melayu ada di-dalam Malaysia ini yang ta'at tidak pernah menghasut orang2 bumi- setia kapada Kerajaan supaya berdiri 785 31 MAY 1965 786 tegoh di-belakang Kerajaan, di-sa'at Dewan yang berbahagia ini. Di-dalam kita menghadapi anchaman daripada beberapa tahun yang lalu saya dan juga Indonesia, tetapi, Tuan Yang di-Pertua, beberapa banyak lagi orang2 Melayu saya berasa dukachita, oleh sebab—ini di-kampong2 yang berugama Islam saya berharap Yang Berhormat Menteri telah merasa bimbang dan juga kechiwa Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri akan meng- oleh kerana pertama-nya ia-itu pelajar­ ambil ingatan, ia-itu kita harus ber- an bahasa dan dalam susunan yang ada tanya, kenapa-kah perkara2 yang ta' pada masa ini di-jalankan oleh Kerajaan di-ingini telah berlaku dalam Malaysia tidak-lah menggunakan lagi huruf Jawi. ini. Di-dalam sa'at kita menghadapi Saya telah pun di-beri faham ia-itu pencherobohan daripada Indonesia, tiap2 sekolah yang kelas-nya mempunyai pemimpin2, atau tokoh2 kesatuan, telah lebeh daripada 15 kanak2 Melayu yang mengecham Kerajaan. Parti2 Pembang- berugama Islam ada-lah di-ajar perkara kang selalu membuat, menghasut kaum2 ugama—satu daripada mata pelajaran lain dalam negeri ini dan berbagai2 lagi. yang di-hantar kapada mereka itu di- Ini saya mengatakan, ia-itu democracy dalam kelas-nya. Tetapi malang-nya yang kita amalkan hari ini ia-lah satu dengan tidiak ada mereka itu mengetahui democracy yang sangat2 liberal, terlalu membacha dan menulis dengan huruf longgar. Kalau democracy ini di- Jawi apa yang di-chatitkan oleh guru perketatkan lagi, saya tidak bermaksud ugama-nya di-papan hitam tidak dapat untok Perlembagaan ini—fundamental di-bacha-nya. Mithal-nya, kalau sa- liberties, freedom dan lain2 itu di- kira-nya guru ugama itu menchatitkan hapuskan in toto sama sa-kali. Saya alif lam lam ha—Allah, budak2 tidak bermaksud—saya tidak bermak­ sekarang tidak boleh bacha kerana alif sud bagitu, tetapi apa yang saya tidak di-kenali-nya, lam tidak di-kenali- maksudkan ia-lah kebebasan yang di- nya, ha tidak di-kenali-nya, tetapi kalau beri kapada ra'ayat itu telah di-salah di-chatitkan dengan huruf rumi Allah— gunakan. Kerajaan tidak berniat sama Allah boleh dia bacha—tetapi had sa-kali hendak menekan kebebasan bacha sahaja. ra'ayat, hendak menekan, atau menindas orang2 yang miskin, hina atau buroh2, Sa-sunggoh-nya, di-dalam menjalan- dan Kerajaan sedang berikhtiar untok kan ikhtiar dan usaha kita menjayakan meninggikan taraf hidup ra'ayat yang bahasa kebangsaan dengan huruf Rumi, berma'ana termasok kaum2 buroh dan kita telah tidak memandangkan bagai- lain2 lagi. Jadi, .... mana-kah penting-nya kita menjalankan bersama2 ikhtiar pelajaran dalam Jawi Mr Speaker: Masa sudah sampai. itu dengan huruf Jawi, kerana kaitan- nya dengan ugama Islam sangat-lah ADJOURNMENT penting dan sangat-lah rapat dan kita 9 sa-bagai sa-buah negara yang berugama Data Dr Ismail: Tuan Speaker, saya Islam yang di-katakan Ugama Rasmi, bangun menchadangkan supaya me- dan pada tiap2 tahun kita mengadakan shuarat ini di-tanggohkan sekarang. Pertandingan Membacha Quran di- 9 dalam bulan Puasa di-mana kita jemput Dato V. T. Sambanthan: Saya 2 sokong. orang dari luar negeri yang berugama Islam mengambil bahagian dalam per­ UCHAPAN tandingan itu supaya kita dapat men- PENANGGOHAN dirikan sha'ar Islam dan membesarkan Qurannul Karim, tetapi di-dalam kala- PELAJARAN BAHASA MELAYU ngan kita sendiri dalam hal pelajaran- DI-DALAM HURUF JAWI nya tidak-lah anak2 kita ingin kita Dato' Dr Haji Megat Khas (Kuala hendak suroh bacha Quran. Sa-benar- Kangsar): Dato' Yang di-Pertua dan nya, sa-bagaimana yang telah pun 2 terma'alum kapada ramai ia-itu di- Ahli Yang Berhormat, pada kali ini 2 2 saya berhajat hendak membawa per- kampong dan di-pondok sa-memang- hatian kapada satu perkara yang pada lah ada pelajaran bahasa dengan chara anggapan saya di-dalam tahun yang menggunakan huruf Jawi dan dengan sudah ini belum lagi di-buka di-dalam ini juga menyampaikan pelajaran ugama 787 31 MAY 1965 788 Islam di-jalankan dengan chara ber- dalam bahasa kebangsaan dan lulus sendirian, dan tidak pula saya nafikan dalam pepereksaan itu. ia-itu ada-lah Kementerian dan Kera- jaan kita memberi beberapa banyak Mr Speaker: Masa-nya telah sampai. galakan kapada Sekolah2 Ra'ayat yang ada bertaboran di-dalam negara kita ini Dato' Dr Haji Megat Khas: Sadikit kerana menjalankan tugas2 yang demi- lagi. Saya rasa menunggu sampai dinner kian, tetapi perasaan saya di-dalam boleh-lah saya habiskan .... 2 kawasan bandar khas-nya dan juga di- Mr Speaker: Tujoh minit sa-tengah. dalam kawasan kampong2 'am-nya ada- lah pelajaran ugama yang di-kehendaki Dato' Dr Haji Megat Khas: .... itu tidak menchukupi. Mithal-nya, kalau tidak saya minta perkara ini di- kalau sa-kira-nya kita ambil kanak2 sambong besok pun boleh. yang dudok di-bangku sekolah dalam kawasan bandar pada hari ini, sunggoh Mr Speaker: Uchapan Penanggohan pun mereka itu telah di-suroh belajar sa-lama 71/2 minit dan tidak boleh di- ugama di-dalam sekolah-nya sa-bagai sambong. satu mata-pelajaran dan di-dalam masa itu juga guru ugama itu di-suroh meng- Dato' Dr Haji Megat Khas: Kalau ajar mereka itu membacha dan menulis bagitu biar saya habiskan dengan sa- di-dalam huruf Jawi, tetapi saya per- berapa chepat yang mungkin, Tuan 2 Yang di-Pertua. Jadi, memutuskan chaya ia-itu Ahli Yang Berhormat perkara yang sa-macham ini saya dan semua-nya akan bersetuju dengan saya 2 ada-lah pelajaran itu tidak meninggal- Ahli Yang Berhormat sendiri mengerti kan kesan, kerana tidak ada zahir-nya ia-itu ada-lah tugas pelajaran itu ia-lah mereka itu boleh membacha Jawi dan di-kawal oleh Kementerian Pelajaran juga membacha Quran. Dan mengajar dan perkara ugama mengikut susunan- 2 nya lembaga pada hari ini ia-lah ter- kanak kita di-dalam kawasan bandar tanggong kapada Raja2 Melayu di- di-dalam segi pelajaran ugama itu ada- 2 2 negeri masing , tetapi saya rasa perkara lah guru ugama itu sendiri telah ini elok-lah di-semak dan di-kaji sa- menyatakan ia-itu satu tugas yang sukar mula, kerana ugama kita berkehendak- sa-kali hendak di-jalankan. kan ia-itu anak2 kita di-beri pelajaran Satu lagi perkara yang saya rasa ugama yang sempurna. Dan kalau patut juga-lah saya kenangkan di-sini boleh kita dirikan satu lembaga yang kerana ini satu sudah terjadi sengaja berlainan yang boleh mengkaji dan amalan dalam sekolah2 kita di-kawasan menchantumkan ia-itu yang di-kawal bandar ia-itu anak Melayu itu tidak di- oleh Kementerian Pelajaran dan yang suroh belajar bahasa-nya sendiri. Tat- di-kawal oleh Pejabat Ugama Negeri kala dia pergi belajar ugama, mithal- di-jadikan satu, di-jalankan saperti nya, anak2 yang lain belajar bahasa macham biasa. Kalau tidak saya takut kebangsaan, kerana dia di-anggap sa- ia-itu pada hari yang kemudian, pada bagai anak orang Melayu tidak payah akhir zaman yang di-katakan Quran belajar bahasa kebangsaan, tetapi apa- pun jadi Quran burok, di-simpan siapa kala menghadapi pepereksaan, mithal- pun tidak erti. nya, Sijil Rendah Pelajaran (L.C.E.), 2 di-dapati anak Melayu yang kurang dan Jadi, mari-lah kita bersama menong- lemah dalam bahasa-nya sendiri, dan kan perkara ini dan kalau dapat jalan- dengan itu kalau sa-kira-nya meninggi kan ikhtiar membaiki perkara yang macham mana pun markah2 yang di- tidak berapa elok ini. Demikian-lah dapati dalam mata-pelajaran2 yang lain, sahaja, Tuan Yang di-Pertua. tetapi dalam bahasa kebangsaan dia Enche' Mohamed Khir Johari: Tuan sudah jatoh semua sa-kali jadi bom Yang di-Pertua, untok kepentingan jatoh. Jadi dengan sebab itu barangkali murid2 yang berugama Islam, tulisan pada masa hadapan kelak boleh juga dan bachaan Jawi ada-lah di-ajarkan, ia-itu anak Melayu kita akan jadi bukan sahaja sa-bagai sa-bahagian mangsa dalam pepereksaan dan anak2 2 daripada isi kandongan pelajaran orang bukan Melayu lebeh pandai ugama Islam, tetapi juga sa-bagai satu 789 31 MAY 1965 790 mata pelajaran yang bersendirian di- juga Penyimpan Mohar Raja2, bahkan sekolah2 kebangsaan. Juga tidak-lah beberapa Jawatan-kuasa telah pun di- benar sa-bagaimana kata Yang Ber- tubohkan untok mengkaji sa-mula di- hormat itu bahawa pelajaran tulisan antara lain sukatan pelajaran bagi dan bachaan Jawi itu hanya di-ajar waktu mengajar dan kaedah pengaja- daripada Darjah III sahaja. Keadaan ran bahagian2 pelajaran ugama, saperti yang sa-benar-nya ia-lah pelajaran, Tajwid, Tauhid dan sa-bagai-nya, tulisan dan bachaan Jawi itu ada-lah dengan maksud mengemas dan mem- menjadi satu2 mata pelajaran yang ter- perbaiki lagi pelajaran ugama yang di- tentu sa-bagai mata pelajaran, dan di- sampaikan kapada murid2 itu. ajar pula oleh guru2 biasa yang terlateh, 2 Akhir-nya suka-lah saya menjawab ya'ani bukan di-ajar oleh guru ugama shor Ahli Yang Berhormat itu bahawa sahaja sa-bagaimana yang di-fahamkan tidak-lah di-fikirkan mustahak menu- oleh Ahli Yang Berhormat itu. bohkan satu lembaga yang di-asingkan Dengan ada-nya masa2 yang tertentu saperti mana yang di-chadangkan itu, dan guru2 yang terlateh pula bagi kerana memandangkan telah sedia ada mengajar pelajaran tulisan dan bachaan sekarang ini lembaga dan jabatan yang Jawi itu, maka saya rasa Ahli Yang bertugas dalam hal yang bersangkutan Berhormat itu akan bersetuju dengan dengan pelajaran ugama dan tambahan saya bahawa kedudokan tulisan Jawi pula ada-nya berbagai2 usaha dan ada-lah terkawal dan tidak akan luput ikhtiar yang di-atorkan oleh jabatan2 dalam susunan pelajaran kebangsaan itu bersama2 Kementerian saya untok kita. memperbaiki pelajaran dan pengajaran 2 Ahli Yang Berhormat telah juga ugama Islam di-sekolah . Saya berpen- mengatakan murid2 di-bandar tidak dapat demikian, oleh kerana masaalah dapat belajar bahasa kebangsaan sekarang ini bukan masaalah tiada-nya kerana terpaksa mempelajari ugama pentadbir, tetapi masaalah lebeh mus­ Islam. tahak di-baiki dan di-perkemaskan chara2 mengajar, tujuan dan isi penga­ Kementerian saya telah mengarahkan jaran ugama itu dan ini-lah perkara2 supaya sa-orang guru besar dalam usaha yang sedang di-uruskan oleh Kemen­ mengator Jadual Waktu hendak-lah terian saya. mengelakkan kedua2 mata pelajaran itu daripada bertembong masa. Jikalau sa- FREE LEGAL AID kira-nya tidak ada jalan lagi bagi meng­ elakkan itu, maka guru besar itu di-beri Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Mr Speaker, Sir, kebenaran bagi mengadakan pelajaran I rise to appeal that free legal aid and bahasa kebangsaan kapada murid2 itu advice be instituted for the benefit of di-bawah Ranchangan Mengajar Bahasa the poor persons who need such help Ibunda, ia-itu di-luar waktu pelajaran but cannot afford to pay legal fees. sekolah. Dengan chara yang demikian Our Federal Constitution provides murid2 akan dapat menebus waktu equality before the law. Clause 8 (1) of pelajaran-nya yang hilang itu. the Constitution states: "All persons are equal before the law and Berkenaan dengan tegoran Yang entitled to the equal protection of the law." Berhormat tentang pelajaran ugama Unfortunately, nowhere it is provided sa-bagai tidak memberi kesan, saya in the Constitution that persons of suka menyatakan bahawa ini ada-lah moderate means, or persons who are tidak benar sama sa-kali. Saya mengaku 2 poor shall be entitled to free legal aid ada kelemahan dan kekurangan dalam usaha2 menyampaikan pelajaran ini, and advice at the expense of the State. akan tetapi tidak-lah boleh di-katakan The Supreme Court Rules provide bahawa pelajaran ugama itu tidak ber- that any person before commencing or kesan kapada murid2. Harus-lah saya defending any action, or instituting any ma'alumkan di-sini bahawa pegawai2 other proceeding in the Court in his Kementerian saya ada mengadakan own right or becoming poor during the perundingan dan perbinchangan dengan process thereof may apply for leave to pehak Kerajaan—Kerajaan2 Negeri dan sue or defend or proceed as a pauper. 791 31 MAY 1965 792

To be entitled for this aid, the applicant increase frivolous and vexatious litiga­ must prove that he is not possessed of tions. In practice, in countries where property (excluding wearing apparel free legal aid and advice is given, this and the subject matter of the proceed­ tended to decrease litigation and led ings) exceeding five hundred dollars in to a speedy settlement out of court. value. Mr Speaker, Sir, under the existing In the subordinate Courts (Courts of circumstances, when our Government Magistrate and President) a litigant can has assumed very wide power, indeed apply to sue in forma pauperis, if he much wider than any democratic can prove that he cannot afford to pay government has assumed anywhere, court fees which range between $6.50 there is greater need for a free legal and $22.50. aid and advice in this country; and unless free legal aid and advice is In civil proceedings, the qualifying properly organised and provided, you limit to be a pauper is $500 worth of cannot blame the poor if they begin to possession. dread the law and begin to believe In criminal matters involving capital that the law merely punishes them and punishment, there have been, and con­ does not protect them, as it ought to tinue to be, adequate arrangements to in a democratic society. Ready access get counsel assigned to defend prisoners to justice for a poor man will enable at State expense. But this is only where him to realise the blessing of liberty persons are accused of murder, or and will make him desist from a life similar offences, such as under the of fraud and dishonesty. There may emergency, possession of arms and/or be a few hardened criminals, but, by ammunition without licence, where the and large, a great number of erring punishment is death. human beings can be won over, if they are made to realise that the However, these provisions are utterly society has a place for them. inadequate and unsatisfactory, as at present free legal aid is given to a Mr Speaker, Sir, most of the coun­ pauper only by exempting him from the tries of the Commonwealth have court fee payable on the plaint, which adopted legal aid and advice schemes is a comparatively small fraction of the for the benefit of their people. Coming total expenses to be incurred by him. nearer home, Singapore started a free There is no provision for providing a Bureau for Legal Aid in 1958. They lawyer to conduct the cases of a pauper have a state financed free legal aid either under the Civil Procedure Code, scheme, whereby persons of limited or under the rules made or circulars means can apply for legal representa­ issued by the courts. At any rate, only tion in civil matters in all the courts a small class of people satisfy the strict there. It will be hard to reconcile that, definition of the word "pauper" to get here, the Central Government, boasting the doubtful benefit of deferring pay­ of its democratic institution, should ment of the court fee payable on the find itself lagging behind one of its plaint. member States. In view of the high cost of litigation, Mr Speaker, Sir, I shall end my and the difficulties experienced by appeal by quoting from the Magna those of humble means, it is imperative Carta: that legal aid and advice should be made "To no one will we sell, to no one will available where the financial position we refuse or delay right or justice." of a person is below of a particular Free legal aid and advice is one of the level by adopting what is known as the best ways to achieve this ideal. Thank "means test" as is done in England you. and other enlightened countries. Dato' Dr Ismail: Mr Speaker, Sir, Here, I wish to brush aside appre­ at the expense of being repetitious, hensions that free legal aid and advice I would like to summarise the present rendered to the poor would tend to legal aid in this country. Sir, at present 793 31 MAY 1965 794 legal aid on a limited scale is being month I get on an average of five to afforded in the following cases: ten cases where people come to me— (1) Jn civil proceedings it is possible even long before I became a parlia­ for the litigants to apply informa mentarian—asking me how they could pauperis. get these things settled and they are (2) In criminal matters involving really paupers. capital punishment, counsel will Dato' Dr Ismail: I think probably be assigned for the defence of the that is because the people might think accused and will be paid from the Honourable Member, although at Government funds. that time not a Member of Parliament, (3) Government servants who are was a very successful practitioner and proceeded against either civilly could afford to give them help. or criminally in respect of acts (Laughter). performed in the course of their official duties, upon application Sir, this is a most important thing. made, may be granted legal aid. I am not disagreeing with the princi­ ple—it is a very desirable principle. Sir, it is true that some members But the cost of implementing such a of the Bar have expressed support for scheme would be in the region of a scheme of legal aid, but there has $2 million annually and the Govern­ been no clamour for the early introduc­ ment, in the light of the foregoing, tion of a scheme similar to that in does not contemplate the introduction Singapore, as it is fully appreciated of such a scheme, especially at this time that there should be a detailed when, as the Honourable Member examination of the mechanics of the knows, we are suffering from the scheme in the context of a wider area, confrontasi from Indonesia. Sir, it is the cost of implementing such a scheme, admitted that most advanced countries the practicality of obtaining lawyers to have such a service, because they can deal with clients in remote areas afford it. I mentioned Singapore because involving thereby the additional cost in of the area; and because Singapore transport and loss of time hardly com­ contributes only 40 per cent they could mensurate with the amount of fees that afford this legal aid. Probably if they they would earn. give us a greater percentage we may be As a prerequisite to the grant of able to spread legal aid to the poor legal aid, it would be necessary to set people of the rest of Malaysia. up departments not only to handle the cases but to examine the validity of Dr Tan Chee Khoon: I hate to the applications. For example, whether interrupt the Honourable Minister of the applicant qualifies for aid on the Justice, but he is saying that because grounds of limited means and, of confrontation there are no funds secondly, whether there are merits in available. Is the Minister not aware that his case. Before setting up the scheme in terms of cutlery alone, in the it would be necessary also to classify Supplementary Bill which we are going the type of cases which it would be to debate in the next few days, this appropriate for the Legal Aid Depart­ Government is asking this House to ment to undertake or handle. approve a sum of $1 million-plus? A Committee has been appointed Dato' Dr Ismail: But that $1 million- and no doubt will report on the need plus is, at the most, once in every five for such a scheme after consultation years. But this is $2 million annually. with the relevant Bar Council and Sir, it is very likely—I am not saying Committees. In the States of Malaya that our lawyers here are not public at the present time there is little spirited—but it is very likely that the evidence, if at all on record, that the participation of local lawyers in such people have suffered any real or grave a scheme would be necessary if and injustice by reason of lack of means. when the scheme is introduced. Thank Dr Tan Chee Khoon: On a point of you. clarification—I can assure the Honour­ Question put, and agreed to. able Minister of Justice that every Adjourned at 8.30 p.m.

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