Parliamentary Debates Dewan Ra'ayat (House of Representatives)

Volume I Monday No. 10 13th July, 1964

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES DEWAN RA'AYAT (HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES)

OFFICIAL REPORT

FIRST SESSION OF THE SECOND PARLIAMENT OF MALAYSIA

CONTENTS

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS [Col. 1281] WAKTU PERSIDANGAN MESHUARAT (USUL) [Col. 1286] BILL: The Interna] Security (Amendment) Bill [Col. 1287] ADJOURNMENT SPEECHES: Low Cost Housing Schemes—Ulu Kinta [Col. 1407] Socio-Economic Ills of Teluk Anson [Col. 1408]

DI-CHETAK DMABATAN CHETAK KERAJAAN OLEH THOR BENG CHONG, A.M.N., PENCHETAK KERAJAAN KUALA LUMPUR 1965 MALAYSIA DEWAN RA'AYAT (HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES) Official Report

First Session of the Second Dewan Ra'ayat

Monday, 13th July, 1964 The House met at Ten o'clock a.m. PRESENT: The Honourable Mr Speaker, TUAN SYED ESA BIN ALWEE, J.M.N., S.MJ., P.I.S. (Batu Pahat Dalam). „ the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister of National and Rural Development and Minister of Lands and Mines, 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. (Johor Timor). the Minister of Finance, ENCHE' TAN SIEW SIN, 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 Agriculture and Co-operatives, ENCHE' MOHAMED KHIR BIN JOHARI (Kedah Tengah). the Minister of Health, ENCHE' BAHAMAN BIN SAMSUDIN (Kuala Pilah). the Minister of Education, ENCHE' ABDUL RAHMAN BIN HAJI TALIB (Kuantan). 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 Selangor). the Minister for Sarawak Affairs, DATO' TEMENGGONG JUGAH ANAK BARIENG, P.M.N., P.D.K. (Sarawak). „ the Assistant Minister of Commerce and Industry, TUAN HAJI ABDUL KHALID BIN AWANG OSMAN (Kota Star Utara). the Assistant Minister of Lands and Mines, ENCHE' MOHD. GHAZALI BIN HAJI JAWI (Ulu Perak). the Assistant Minister of National and Rural Development and Assistant Minister of Justice, ENCHE' ABDUL-RAHMAN BIN YA'KUB (Sarawak). 1275 13 JULY 1964 1276 The Honourable the Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives, ENCHE' SULAIMAN BIN BULON (Bagan Datoh). the Assistant Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports, ENGKU MUHSEIN BIN ABDUL KADIR (Trengganu Tengah). the Assistant Minister of Education, ENCHE' LEE SIOK YEW, A.M.N., P.J.K. (Sepang). ENCHE' ABDUL GHANI BIN ISHAK, A.M.N. (Melaka Utara). ENCHE' ABDUL KARIM BIN ABU, A.M.N. (Melaka Selatan). WAN ABDUL KADIR BIN ISMAIL (Kuala Trengganu Utara). ENCHE' ABDUL RAHIM ISHAK (Singapore). 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., P.J.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 ALMARHUM 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 (Seberang Utara). CHE' AJIBAH BINTI ABOL (Sarawak). ENCHE' ALI BIN HAJI AHMAD (Pontian Selatan). O.K.K. DATU ALIUDDIN BIN DATU HARUN, P.D.K. (Sabah). DR AWANG BIN HASSAN, S.M.J. (Muar Selatan). ENCHE' AZIZ BIN ISHAK (Muar Dalam). ENCHE' JONATHAN BANGAU ANAK RENANG (Sarawak). PENGARAH BANYANG ANAK JANTING (Sarawak). ENCHE' CHAN CHONG WEN, A.M.N. (Kluang Selatan). ENCHE' CHAN SEONG YOON (Setapak). ENCHE' CHAN SIANG SUN (Bentong). ENCHE' CHEN WING SUM (Damansara). ENCHE' CHIA CHIN SHIN (Sarawak). ENCHE' FRANCIS CHIA NYUK TONG (Sabah). ENCHE' CHIA THYE POH (Singapore). ENCHE' CHIN FOON (Ulu Kinta). ENCHE' C. V. DEVAN NAIR (Bungsar). ENCHE' EDWIN ANAK TANGKUN (Sarawak). DATIN FATIMAH BINTI HAJI ABDUL MAJID (Johor Bahru Timor). DATIN FATIMAH BINTI HAJI HASHIM, P.M.N. (Jitra-Padang Terap). ENCHE' S. FAZUL RAHMAN, A.D.K. (Sabah). 1277 13 JULY 1964 1278

The Honourable ENCHE' GANING BIN JANGKAT (Sabah). ENCHE' GEH CHONG KEAT, K.M.N. (Penang Utara). DR GOH KENG SWEE (Singapore). ENCHE' HAMZAH BIN ALANG, A.M.N. (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' HO SEE BENG (Singapore). ENCHE' STANLEY HO NGUN KHIU, A.D.K. (Sabah). ENCHE' HUSSEIN BIN TO' MUDA HASSAN, A.M.N. (Raub). ENCHE' HUSSEIN BIN MOHD. NOORDIN, A.M.N., P.J.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). DATO' SYED JA'AFAR BIN HASAN ALBAR, P.M.N. (Johor Tenggara). ENCHE' JEK YEUN THONG (Singapore). PENGHULU JINGGUT ANAK ATTAN (Sarawak). ENCHE' KADAM ANAK KIAI (Sarawak). ENCHE' KAM WOON WAH, J.P. (Sitiawan). ENCHE' EDMUND LANGGU ANAK SAGA (Sarawak). ENCHE' LEE KUAN YEW (Singapore). ENCHE' LEE SAN CHOON, K.M.N. (Segamat Selatan), ENCHE' LEE SECK FUN (Tanjong Malim). ENCHE' AMADEUS MATHEW LEONG, A.D.K. (Sabah). ENCHE' LING BENG SIEW (Sarawak). DR LIM CHONG EU (Tanjong). ENCHE' LIM PEE HUNG (Alor Star). ENCHE' PETER LO SU YIN (Sabah). DR MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD (Kota Star Selatan). ENCHE' T. MAHIMA SINGH, J.P. (Port Dickson). ENCHE' JOE MANJAJI (Sabah). DR HAJI MEGAT KHAS, J.P., P.J.K. (Kuala Kangsar). ENCHE' MOHD. ARIF SALLEH, A.D.K. (Sabah). ENCHE' MOHAMED ASRI BIN HAJI MUDA, P.M.K. (Pasir Puteh). ORANG TUA MOHAMMAD DARA BIN LANGPAD (Sabah). ENCHE' MOHD. DAUD BIN ABDUL SAMAD (Besut). „ ENCHE' MOHAMED IDRIS BIN MATSIL, J.M.N., P.J.K., J.P. (Jelebu-Jempol). ENCHE' MOHAMED NOORDIN BIN MASTAN, A.M.N., P.J.K. (Seberang Selatan). 1279 13 JULY 1964 1280

The Honourable ENCHE' MOHD. TAHIR BIN ABDUL MAJID, S.M.S., PJ.K. (Kuala Langat). ENCHE' MOHAMED YUSOF BIN MAHMUD, A.M.N. (Temerloh). ENCHE' MOHD. ZAHIR BIN HAJI ISMAIL (Sungei 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 (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). ENCHE' NG FAH YAM (Batu Gajah). DR NG KAM POH, J.P. (Teluk Anson). ENCHE' ONG KEE HUI (Sarawak). „ TUAN HAJI OTHMAN BIN ABDULLAH (Hilir Perak). „ ENCHE' OTHMAN BIN ABDULLAH, A.M.N. (Perlis Utara). ABANG OTHMAN BIN HAJI MOASILI (Sarawak). „ ENCHE' OTHMAN BIN WOK (Singapore). ,. ENCHE' QUEK KAI DONG, J.P. (Seremban 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, PJ.K., J.P. (Rembau-Tampin). „ RAJA ROME BIN RAJA MA'AMOR (Kuala Selangor). „ ENCHE' SANDOM ANAK NYUAK (Sarawak). „ ENCHE' SEAH TENG NGIAB, P.I.S. (Muar Pantai). „ ENCHE' D.R. SEENIVASAGAM (Ipoh). ENCHE' SIM BOON LIANG (Sarawak). „ ENCHE' SIOW LOONG HIN, PJ.K. (Seremban Barat). „ 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 TAN CHEE KHOON (Batu). „ ENCHE' TAN CHENG BEE, J.P. (Bagan). „ ENCHE' TAN KEE GAK (Bandar Melaka). ENCHE' TAN TSAK YU (Sarawak). „ ENCHE' TIAH ENG BEE (Kluang Utara). „ ENCHE' TOH THEAM HOCK (Kampar). 1281 13 JULY 1964 1282

The Honourable PENGHULU FRANCIS UMPAU ANAK EMPAM (Sarawak). ENCHE' YEH PAO TZE (Sabah). ENCHE' YEOH TAT BENG (Bruas). ENCHE' STEPHEN YONG KUET TZE (Sarawak). TUAN HAJI ZAKARIA BIN HAJI MOHD. TAIB (Langat).

ABSENT: The Honourable the Prime Minister, Minister of External Affairs and Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports, Y.T.M. TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN PUTRA AL-HAJ, K.O.M. (Kuala Kedah). the Minister of Labour, ENCHE' V. MANICKAVASAGAM, J.M.N., PJ.K. (Klang). the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, ENCHE' SENU BIN ABDUL RAHMAN (Kubang Pasu Barat). DATO' ABDULLAH BIN ABDULRAHMAN, Dato' Bijaya di-Raja (Kuala Trengganu Selatan). DATU GAME GILONG, P.D.K., J.P. (Sabah). ENCHE' ISMAIL BIN IDRIS (Penang Selatan). ENCHE' KHOO PENG LOONG (Sarawak). DATU KHOO SIAK CHIEW, P.D.K. (Sabah). ENCHE' KOW KEE SENG (Singapore). ENCHE' LIM HUAN BOON (Singapore). ENCHE' LIM KEAN SIEW (Dato Kramat). DATO' LIM KIM SAN, D.U.T. (Singapore). DATO' NIK AHMAD KAMIL, D.K., S.P.M.K., S.M.J.K., P.M.N., P.Y.G.P., Dato' Sri Setia Raja (Kota Bharu Hilir). ENCHE' ONG PANG BOON (Singapore). ENCHE' S. P. SEENIVASAGAM (Menglembu). DATU DONALD ALOYSIUS STEPHENS, P.D.K. (Sabah). ENCHE' TAN TOH HONG (Bukit Bintang). DR TOH CHIN CHYE (Singapore). ENCHE' WEE TOON BOON (Singapore). ENCHE' YONG NYUK LIN (Singapore). PRAYERS the fact that all the workers have agreed to drop their move to form a (Mr Speaker in the Chair) union for the time being. The Minister of Health (Enche' ORAL ANSWERS TO Bahaman bin Samsudin): Mr Speaker, QUESTIONS Sir, I am aware of the strike at 3 3/4 mile Gombak. STRIKE AT THE 3 3/4MILE , With regard to the second part of GOMBAK, KUALA LUMPUR the question, the matter does not arise 1. Dr Tan Chee Khoon (Batu) asks any more as the strike has since been the Minister of Labour to state whe settled. ther he is aware of the strike at 3 3/4 Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Mr Speaker, mile Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, which Sir, may I ask the Honourable Minis has lasted for almost 5 months and ter whether he can enlighten this that the management has still refused House as to the terms of the settle to accept the strikers back in spite of ment arrived at. 1283 13 JULY 1964 1284 Enche' Bahaman bin Samsudin: Mr Enche' Bahaman bin Samsudin: This Speaker, Sir, one of the terms of is entirely a matter between the settlement includes a clause in respect employers and the trade union. We of the question of recognition of the do not use any force. trade union, but the employers would be discussing this later on with Enche' C. V. Devan Nair: The a view to reaching agreement. The question remains unanswered. terms of the settlement are not known to me actually—they are known to RESTRICTED RESIDENCE ORDI the Ministry of Labour. NANCE AND PREVENTION OF CRIME ORDINANCE (RESTRIC- Dr Tan Chee Khoon: That is not a TEES IN RURAL AREAS) very enlightening answer. I do not wish to press the Honourable Acting 2. Dr Tan Chee Khoon asks the Minis Minister of Labour too closely, but ter of Home Affairs to state whether I do hope that he will tell us whether he is aware that the present policy he is aware that in this case, in the of restricting persons to rural areas national interest, the workers have under the Restricted Residence Ordi made a great deal of sacrifice: they nance and the Prevention of Crime have been made to crawl on their Ordinance does not help such res feet and to crawl back to work. Will tricted persons to reform and lead a the Acting Minister of Labour look normal life but on the contrary leads into this question and give an assu them to frustration and further anti rance that the workers will not in social activities and the corruption of this case be exploited and made to rural youth owing to the unavailability crawl back to work? of employment or even accommoda tion in the areas to which they are Enche' C. V. Devan Nair (Bungsar): restricted, and, if so, what action the Arising from this case, would the Minister intends to take to remedy Minister consider instituting measures this situation. enforcing the right of labour to join trade unions. It is obvious from what The Minister of Home Affairs (Dato' the Honourable Minister has told us Dr Ismail): The question submitted by that the right to join trade unions has the Honourable Member for Batu not yet been settled and that it is still would seem to convey the sense that a matter for discussion. Should not all restrictees are restricted to rural this basic right be enforced under areas. This is not so. The criterion on the law? Every worker has a right the choice of an area to which a to join a trade union. person is restricted lies in his trade or profession. Thus, precaution is Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Mr Speaker, always taken to see that restrictees Sir, that is begging the question. Will could gain useful employment in the the Government consider passing places to which they are restricted, if legislation to force management to they want to. recognise trade unions when they are legitimately formed? I think this is The Police makes every endeavour the question posed by the Honourable to assist and look for employment for Member for Bungsar. restrictees and, if it need be, makes recommendation for variations to Enche9 Bahaman bin Samsudin: It Orders. Hence variations have been is a matter entirely between the trade made to Orders to enable restrictees union and the employers concerned. to move from one area to another to We do not use any force. help them to gain employment. Enche' C. V. Devan Nair: Mr Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Mr Speaker, Speaker, Sir, what we were driving at Sir, at least I am very glad of this was, would the Government consider assurance from the Minister that every taking legislative measures to oblige effort will be made to find employ employers to recognise the right of ment for the restrictees. Is the Minis labour to form trade unions? ter aware that although he has given 1285 13 JULY 1964 1286

this assurance, very little is being done of advice had caused a great deal of with regard to the assurance, i.e. to concern not only in the Civil Service find employment for the restrictees? but also amongst the trade union circles. This is not neo-colonialism; Dato' Dr Ismail: So far as I am this piece of advice was pure colonia aware, in the case of the Variation lism—colonialism tulin in the na Orders that have come up to me I tional language. May I ask the Acting have always given consideration in Prime Minister, rather than asking the favour of the restrictees. However, if N.U.P.W. to go to London, should the Honourable Member knows of not the Prime Minister have asked the any restrictees who would like to have Rubber Growers Association to come Variation Orders, I would always be from London to Kuala Lumpur to willing, subject always to the need of settle this dispute, rather than vice the security of this country, to enter versa, tain his petition. Tun Haji Abdul Razak: As I have Enche' Abu Bakar bin Hamzah said, this was the advice given by the (Bachok): Tuan Yang di-Pertua, soalan Prime Minister at the time and as the tambahan. Ada-kah Yang Berhormat Prime Minister is now in London, if Menteri akan menimbangkan soal the Honourable Member wishes to orang yang di-buang daerah supaya know more, I would suggest that he mereka itu di-tempatkan di-satu tem- ask the Prime Minister in London pat supaya mereka mudah menchari (Laughter), makan untok hidup? Dato' Dr Ismail: I will always con WAKTU PERSIDANGAN sider such cases and wherever possi MESHUARAT (USUL) ble, if it is not contrary to the inter ests of the security of the country, I Tun Haji Abdul Razak: Tuan Yang will try to do it. di-Pertua, saya menchadangkan: "Bahawa Majlis ini memerentahkan ia- itu mulai' daripada hari ini sa-hingga tamat NATIONAL UNION OF PLANTA meshuarat yang ada sekarang, tiap2 per- TION WORKERS OFFICIALS TO sidangan Majlis ini sa-belah petang hendak- lah di-mulakan pada pukul 4.00 petang dan SEE DIRECTORS OF ESTATES di-lanjutkan sampai pukul 8.00 malam (M.P.LE.A. GROUP) IN LONDON kechuali jika Majlis membuat ketetapan yang lain." 3. Dr Tan Chee Khoon asks the Prime Minister to state his reasons for telling Tuan Yang di-Pertua, oleh sebab recently Officials of N.U.P.W. to go Meshuarat ini di-tetapkan tamat-nya pada 15hb ini dan di-sebabkan banyak to London to see the directors of the 2 Estates in the M.P.I.E.A. group for lagi perkara yang hendak di-bin- their wage claims. changkan, maka saya menchadangkan Persidangan ini di-lanjutkan ia-itu The Deputy Prime Minister (Tun daripada pukul 4 petang sa-hingga Haji Abdul Razak): The Prime Minis pukul 8 malam, tiap2 petang. ter has asked me to state that the reason why he made the suggestion Dato' Dr Ismail: Tuan Yang di- was that if the Union did not wish Pertua, saya bangun menyokong cha- to negotiate with the M.P.I.E.A., then dangan ini. they might like to negotiate direct Question put, and agreed to. with the owners in London. It was only the Prime Minister's personal Resolved, advice to the Union—that he would Bahawa Majlis ini memerentahkan ia-itu mulai" daripada hari ini sa-hingga tamat be happy to arrange for such a 2 meeting. meshuarat yang ada sekarang, tiap per sidangan Majlis ini sa-belah petang hendak- Dr Tan Chee Khoon: May I ask lah di-mulakan pada pukul 4.00 petang dan di-lanjutkan sampai pukul 8.00 malam the Acting Prime Minister, was the kechuali jika Majlis membuat ketetapan Prime Minister aware that this piece yang lain. 1287 13 JULY 1964 1288 BILL actively engaged in subversive activi ties and in the subversion of other THE INTERNAL SECURITY students through the medium of stu (AMENDMENT) BILL dent organisations and other group activities. Communist influence is parti Second Reading cularly noticeable in the Nanyang Uni The Minister of Home Affairs and versity Students' Union, the largest of Minister of Justice (Dato' Dr Ismail): the students bodies and it would seem Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that likely that Communist infiltration of "an Act to amend the Internal Security this Union would have continued if Act, 1960" be read a second time. not for the action taken by the Police recently. Communist groups in the The purpose of this Bill is to regulate Nanyang University Students' Union the admission of students into speci have successfully established' links with fied institutions of higher education student organisations in Communist in the States of Malaya and Singapore countries and are continuing to in order to prevent those students who strengthen friendship with other are likely to promote or participate important student bodies in Singapore in action prejudicial to the interest or and in the States of Malaya. It is security of Malaysia from being admit known that about 50 per cent of the ted as students into such institutions. undergraduates of the Nanyang Uni Honourable Members of this House versity come from the various States are asked to support this Bill in the of Malaya. Although certain students interest of the security of our nation. from the various States of Malaya It is known that the communists have have some experience in clandestine always aimed at the Universities and Communist activities in Schools, it is institutions of higher education as known that on entering the Nanyang their targets for subversion. They have University they are initiated into a succeeded in doing so in the Nanyang more advanced form of united front University. Honourable Members will type of Communist work in legal stu recall that had it not been for the dent bodies in the University. prompt counter action taken by the Police in September and October, 1963, Now that action has been taken certain Communist groups in the against the Communist groups in the Nanyang University would have posed Nanyang University, it is now consi a real threat to the security of Singa dered necessary that legislation should pore. Despite this action by the Police, be introduced to weed out the sub certain hard-core Communist sup versive elements from the prospective porters managed to remain at the undergraduates seeking entry into all Nanyang University and recently it has specified institutions of higher educa been necessary for the Police to arrest tion including the Nanyang University certain student leaders and agitators both in Singapore and in the States in order to break the Communist of Malaya, in order that subversive control over the Nanyang University. elements may, in future, be not permit In this connection, Honourable Mem ted to enter these institutions of higher bers would recall my press statement education and use them for dissemi concerning these arrests made a few nating Communist ideologies and days ago. promoting activities prejudical to the security of Malaysia. It is essential The Nanyang University is a serious that subversive elements must be pre security problem because it provides vented from entering institutions of the training ground for the Com higher education in this country in munists, and furthermore the issue of order that the students may pursue Chinese education and culture for their academic studies without lower which this University stands can easily ing of scholastic standards and without be exploited by the Communists for being harassed by groups of Commu their own ends. The Communist groups nist agitators in their midst, whose one in the Nanyang University have been and only aim is to use the Nanyang 1289 13 JULY 1964 1290

University or other institutions of of suitability will be refused only in higher education and the students for the case of a student with a very bad their own evil ends. security record. A certificate of suit ability will not be withheld from a This Bill provides that any specified student because a member of his family institution in the States of Malaya and/ or close relative is on adverse security or Singapore shall not admit a student record with the Security Authorities. into such institution of higher educa tion unless the student concerned has The Bill also provides that any first obtained a certificate of suitabi student who fails to receive a certi lity for admission in writing from the ficate of suitability for admission into Chief Education Officer or Director of any specified, institution may appeal to Education of the respective State in the Minister of Home Affairs. I cannot which he ordinarily resides or from the do more than assure all Hon'ble Chief Education Adviser, Ministry of Members of the House that when an Education, Kuala Lumpur, if he appeal is made to me, I shall examine ordinarily resides outside the Fede each case very carefully before giving ration of Malaysia. The Chief Educa my decision. If there is any case of tion Officer, Director of Education or doubt regarding his suitability then I Chief Education Adviser shall issue shall decide in his favour. the required certificate of suitability to the student on application unless, after I would like to mention here that making the necessary enquiries, they there will be no delay on the part of have reasonable grounds to believe that the Security Authorities in carrying out the applicant, if admitted to the said the necessary enquiries before advising institution, would promote or is likely the Education Authorities to issue the to promote or otherwise participate in certificate of suitability to the students action prejudicial to the interest or seeking admission into specified institu security of this country. tions of higher education. The Security Authorities will be given a certain time In effect any student wishing to join to complete their enquiries in order any specified institution of higher that students could be issued with their learning in the States of Malaya or certificates of suitability or informed Singapore will have to apply for a otherwise before the beginning of the certificate of suitability to the Chief University session each academic year. Education Officer or Director of Edu If the enquiries could not be completed cation of the respective State in which within the specified time then certi he ordinarily resides. The Chief Edu ficates of suitability will be issued to cation Officer or Director of Education the remaining applicants. would then forward the application Hon'ble Members! of this House will to the Security Authorities who will no doubt remember that in apprecia screen the student concerned against tion of the great dangers to this records kept by the Security Authori country arising from communist sub ties in respect of persons of security version, this House approved the interest. If the student concerned is not Internal Security Act in 1960. Today on security record, the Chief Education Hon'ble Members are asked to support Officer or Director of Education will be this Bill as an amendment to the accordingly informed by the Security Internal Security Act. It may be argued Authorities and the student will be by some why this objective was not issued with a certificate of suitability achieved by the introduction of a for admission into the specified institu similar amendment to the Education tion. If the student concerned is on Act. This amendment is being made to adverse record with the Security the Internal Security Act because the Authorities then he will be refused a weeding out of subversive elements certificate of suitability by the Chief from the prospective undergraduates Education Officer or Director of Edu seeking entry into all specified institu cation, as the case may be. Let me tions of higher education, in Singapore make it quite clear that a certificate and the/ States of Malaya is considered 1291 13 JULY 1964 1292 a security problem rather than an find it more difficult to recruit and educational problem. build up their cadres in that University. The Communist Party of Malaya has I am aware that this Bill has exploited the Nanyang University and encroached on the autonomy of the will try to continue to do so, but Universities regarding admission of because of the obstacle placed in their students, but as Hon'ble Members of way, they are likely from now on to this House are aware, the Malaysian increase their efforts to influence and Government is strongly opposed to control students and their organisa communism and communism is out tions in the other Universities. Thus lawed in all the States comprising these other Universities will become Malaysia. It would, therefore, be more vulnerable to communism. This erroneous to take the view that Uni Bill, which I am asking Hon'ble versities and institutions of higher Members of this House to support, learning in this country, because of seeks to prevent such a situation from their jealous defence of their autonomy, taking place. We are proud of our should not be concerned with the young Universities and the academic security of the country, especially when standards reached at these Universities. there are clear indications that the We should, therefore, strive to prevent communists are taking the Universities these institutions from being exploited and other institutions of higher learning by the communists in order that they as the targets of subversion. may take their rightful places in our democratic society and produce gra It is a well established fact that the duates whose academic standing in the Communist United Front Organisations community will be unquestioned. make use of University premises as a breeding ground for the recruitment of Before I formally move the motion potential converts and the dissemina I would like to inform the House the tion of communist ideologies detri method used by communists to control mental to the survival of our young students' activities in the Nanyang nation. In order to ensure the peace University. and security of our young nation against communist subversion, it is Prior to 1960/61 elections to Nan essential that there should be some yang University Students' Union the form of government control which will outgoing Secretariat of the Nanyang be relinquished when the country is University Students' Union, which was free from communist subversion. This communist controlled, planned their is necessary in order to ensure that campaign at a meeting held under Universities are not used as sanctuaries cover of a picnic. for political subversion, or as a cover for communist activities under the On 13th April, 1960, the Secretariat banner of academic freedom. It is, convened a meeting of all class repre therefore, considered desirable that sentatives in order to select an students who are known to have parti Elections Committee which would cipated in communist activities are organise the forthcoming Nanyang prevented from entering the Universi University Students' Union elections. ties in order that subversive activities The meeting was presided over by two may not be perpetuated in Universities. leading communists who succeeded in Youths and students are priority targets getting eight communist supporters of international communism and the selected to the Elections Committee. Communist Party of Malaya has since On 25th April, 1960, this Communist its inception placed special emphasis controlled Elections Committee an on this aspect of its work. It was Lenin nounced a ruling that all canvassing for who said that) "He who has the Youth the forthcoming elections would be has the Future". carried out by the Canvassing Section Now that action has been taken in of the Elections Committee and that the case of the Nanyang University, no uncontrolled canvassing would be the communists will to some extent permitted. Non-communist students 1293 13 JULY 1964 1294 objected to this ruling but were sum paper was serially numbered. There marily overruled. As a result of this fore, each student was made aware ruling, of the 158 candidates who had that after the election it would be submitted their names for election, 34 possible to check to see for which opposition candidates withdrew as they candidate each student voted. By knew their case was hopeless if they implication, the Elections Committee could not conduct free canvassing had made it clear that students were and a further 59 candidates were expected to vote for those candidates approached individually by the pro- listed in the glossary. With this hint of communist faction and persuaded to intimidation, it is not surprising that withdraw. Thus, only 65 candidates, all 47 seats were captured by candi all of whom were acceptable to the dates acceptable to the communist pro-communist leaders, stood for the faction. 47 places on the Executive Committee Similar methods were used by the of the Nanyang University Students' pro-communist faction to capture Union. All of these 65 students had control of the Executive bodies of other been carefully "vetted" by the com student organisations in the University munists. and in particular the Nanyang Uni During the election in March this versity Political Science Society, the year, pro-communist control over the Dramatic Research Society, the Chinese Executive Committee of the Nanyang Language and Literature Society and University Students' Union was threat the Nanyang University History and ened by a non-communist opposition Geography Society. group who called themselves the Nanyang University Students Fellow Sir, I beg to move. ship Association. This was the first Enche' S. Rajaratnam (Singapore): occasion that the communist faction Sir, I beg to second the motion. had been faced by an organised oppo sition in an election campaign. Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Mr Speaker, To offset this opposition, the out Sir, may I move an amendment to this going communist dominated Executive Bill under Standing Order 53 (4): Committee set up an 11-man Election "That the Bill be read a second time on Committee to organise the election. this day six months." This Committee contained, of course, Mr Speaker, Sir, this House will no persons acceptable to the communists. doubt be aware of the serious demea 126 candidates submitted their names nour that the Honourable Minister of for the 47 seats on the Executive Home Affairs put on when he Committee; 65 of whom were sup introduced this Bill. I am very glad porters of the pro-communist faction, he did not adopt the flipant attitude 53 candidates were members of the he did when he introduced the Con non-communist opposition and 8 were stitution (Amendment) Bill. non-aligned. Mr Speaker, Sir, I think, perhaps In the first instance, the Elections three-quarters of the speech of the Committee published a pamphlet which Honourable Minister of Home Affairs was supposed to contain a glossary of was devoted to communism, preven all candidates for the forthcoming tion of communism, international elections. However, only candidates communism; and he stated that who were acceptable to the communists communism is outlawed in this were included in this glossary. Thus, country. Mr Speaker, Sir, perhaps, I the Elections Committee made clear to think, the Minister of Home Affairs, all students which candidates were who is also the Minister of Justice, acceptable. On polling day itself, a new is a little confused. May 1 ask him, system was introduced when ballot when the time comes for him to reply, papers were distributed to students. under what law is communism out Each student was required to sign for lawed in this country? As far as I the receipt of his ballot paper and each know, subversion is outlawed in this 1295 13 JULY 1964 1296 country. But communism per se— show how justified it is, and one of again not being a lawyer, I stand to my points of justification is my be corrected—is not outlawed in this opposition to the Bill. Surely that is country. legitimate. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister of Mr Speaker: You should give the Home Affairs also dwelled at great reasons for the postponement. length on communism in the Nanyang Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Yes, I will University, and he talked about the do so in the course of my speech. But ways the students in the Nanyang surely it is in order for me to comment University had been intimidated, the on the speech of the Honourable way elections had been rigged—that, Minister of Home Affairs before I do Mr Speaker, Sir, is not the prerogative so. of the Nanyang University: it is the prerogative of all political parties in Dato' Dr Ismail: Mr Speaker, Sir, this country. But, may I add, the fact I want your ruling on Standing Order that the recent swoop in the Nanyang 53 (4), because it is stated therein: University was, in the words of the ''On the second reading of a Bill, an Minister of Home Affairs, to clean up amendment may be proposed to the question, 'That the Bill be now read a second time', communist subversion in that Univer to leave out the word 'now' and add, at sity is an eloquent testimony that the the end of the question, 'on this day six Government has adequate powers months', or an amendment may be moved under the present legislation to prevent to leave out all the words after the word 'That' in order to add words stating the and to kill any subversion, communist object and motive on which the opposition or otherwise, in any of our higher to the Bill is based, but such words must seats of learning. be strictly relevant to the principle of the Bill and not deal with its details. If the Mr Speaker, Sir, I was astonished House agrees to an amendment in either of such forms, the second reading of the Bill to hear the Minister so lightly saying shall be considered to have been negatived." that this Bill has no doubt encroached on the autonomy of the Universities. So far the Honourable Member is Now, although this Bill on paper has going to debate the Bill as it stands nothing to do with the university edu in the second reading. He has given cation, it comes under the guise of an no reason why he wants this Bill to amendment to the Internal Security be postponed "this day six months" Act. No doubt the Minister is aware if he is going to continue like this, that this Bill strikes at the very root then when his amedment is defeated of the autonomy of the universities, he will repeat the same speech, and I am surprised that the Minister Mr Speaker: According to Standing has seen fit ... . Order 53 (4) as mentioned by the Dato' Dr Ismail: On a point of Honourable Minister, you should only order. The Honourable Member is mention "why" you want to postpone moving an amendment, but he is the Bill for six months, and the opposing the Bill, which he can very Minister has further said that you well do in the debate on this Bill. So would repeat the same thing when we far he has not given any reason as to come to the original Bill. why this Bill should be postponed to Dr Tan Chee Khoon: With your "on this day six months". I am still permission, I shall in the course of my waiting for his explanation as to why speech show why I am asking for this he wants this Bill postponed for six amendment. As to the fear that I will months. His remarks so far have been be speaking twice, Mr Speaker, Sir, I to oppose the Bill, which he can very have no desire to do so, nor have I the well do in the debate on the second time to burden the House with a reading of this Bill. monologue on my part. If I may Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Mr Speaker, continue, Mr Speaker . . . Sir, may I beg to differ. In asking for Mr Speaker: Yes, you can continue an amendment that this Bill be post strictly on your amendment, but not poned to "six months this day", I can on the general policy. 1297 13 JULY 1964 1298 Dr Tan Chee Khoon: I will now try the model of democracy in this part to justify this amendment of post of the world has the audacity to poning the Bill "on this day six introduce this Bill. Why can this be months". done? Because the 12 years of the Emergency and the Internal Security Mr Speaker: You have time to speak Act have cowed the people to such on the general policy when we come an extent that to oppose this Bill to the original Bill. You just mention would be to invite trouble. The now as to why the Bill should be Minister of Home Affairs shame postponed to "on this day six lessly tells this House that the Internal months". Security Act was fully endorsed by Dr Tan Chee Khoon: In view of the the people when they returned the storm of protests that have arisen Alliance to power. It was Soekarno since the Bill has been published and and the Peoples Action Party which made known to the public, that to helped the Alliance to get such a me is adequate testimony that this large majority. It was fear which won Bill should be read this day six the election for the Alliance Party. It months. If that does not satisfy the is only through fear that the Alliance Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, can continue to rule. Be that as it I do not know what does. may, even endorsement of the Internal Security Act at the recent elections Mr Speaker, Sir, no Bill in recent does not empower the Alliance times, not even the infamous Internal Government to put the youth of our Security Act itself, has aroused so country in chains. much opposition in so short a time. Since it was published there has been However, the infamous Internal a steady stream of protests against Security Act is now being amended this Bill. No democratic Government to frighten millions unborn. Is this would even consider introducing such what one can expect of a democratic a Bill. Not even a Communist Govern Government? For the essence of ment has ever thought it fit to prevent democracy is the amount of freedom students from pursuing higher studies. left to the individual and its organi But here is a party, the Alliance Party, sations. But the Alliance Government which prides itself as the model of has seriously undermined the Con democracy in this part of the stitution and has eaten away the world . . . fundamental rights of the citizens that have been guaranteed in the Con Dato' Dr Ismail: If the Honourable stitution. The Press is hamstrung, Member is going to continue on that speech is controlled, movement is tenor, may I get a promise from him restricted, people are detained arbi that he will not repeat that speech trarily without trial and the right to when the Bill is read a second time? association has been made a mockery. May I get a promise from him that The laws of citizenship solemnly after his amendment is taken through agreed to have been trampled upon. he will not repeat that speech in this What were supposed to be Emergency House, because it is very boring to Regulations, owing their existence to hear the same monotonous voice in annual approval of the legislature, this House. have been made a part of the perma Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Perhaps the nent laws of the country to keep the Minister did not hear me just now. Alliance permanently in power by I have already said that neither have stifling any opposition. I the time nor the energy to repeat Now with this monstrous and the speech a second time; nor do I preposterous piece of legislation the wish to burden this House with my Government aims to usurp the tradi monologue. Is not that assurance tional powers of the seats of learning. enough, Mr Speaker, Sir? This is a most scandalous state of May I repeat here again that the affairs. It will only create more Alliance Party which prides itself as bitterness, hatred and frustration. It 1299 13 JULY 1964 1300 will drive the people to the wall and of the students concerned and warned is the defeatist way of fighting them that it was not healthy for them international Communism. to do so. Such is the extent of Government interference with student Let us now examine the implications activity in the University of Malaya. of this Bill amongst the secondary Revolutionary steps to rescind this school students particularly those in trend in education is long overdue. the post senior classes. For the Chief And now this Bill will close further the Education Officers to write letters of windows to freedom and ideals. This suitability, they must have evidence short-sightedness and utter lack of and this evidence can only be fur understanding of merits of our youth nished by the Special Branch. Now, cannot but be more deeply regretted for the Special Branch to do so they by all. must move amongst the students. This is impracticable since being The electorate has given the adults they will at once be spotted out Alliance Party such a huge majority. and exposed. Hence the only way The voters must rue the day they did they can do so is by recruiting stool so. For the Alliance Government has pigeons from amongst the students been emboldened to present such an populations. This is what Mr P. P. obnoxious Bill which if passed will Narayanan on Saturday described as restrict the inalienable right of our Gestapoism with a vengeance. children to get an education commen What type of students will invite surate with their mental capacity. The the Special Branch's attention? restriction is not based on merits or Students with political ideologies, attainments or character but on the students critical of the Government, report of an officer of the Special students critical of the existing system, Branch. Chief Education Officers are social, political or otherwise. going to be the scapegoats for the unpopular decision of barring our Hence there will be widespread children from university education. fear among secondary school students, parents and teachers to discuss freely Mr Speaker, Sir, essentially I am a politics, ideologies, current affairs and simple-minded man (Laughter) and I to air views that are not in agree must confess that I am unable to ment with the Government. To many follow the tortuous way of the students and parents no ticket to the Alliance Government in their presen university means the shattering of tation of this Bill. their long cherished dreams to pieces. The price of no university education Chief Education Officers are one of is too high and the risk is not worth the most hard pressed people in this taking. The danger to this country is country. Imagine the voluminous not that there are too many ques amount of work they have to do with tionable ideas. The danger is that the extremely high school population. there are too little ideas and ideals. In Now with the Comprehensive Secon fact, almost complete absence of dary Schools it would be impossible liberal thinking of our youth. There for them to spare any time to play the is a lack of organised and independent role of a Special Branch officer. thought and critical views. The Furthermore, the Chief Education absence of political activities and Officers are in no way qualified to thinking in the University of Malaya take on such added responsibilities. is a clear indication of the tragic Hence to my simple mind it is failure of our educational system. obvious that the dirty work will have to be done by the Special Branch. I am reliably informed that recently a group of the students of the Uni Mr Speaker, Sir, in addition to versity of Malaya tried to form the being simple-minded, I also believe in Pantai Forum to discuss current calling a spade a spade. Why should affairs. The Government not only not the Government direct that such frowned on this but called up some letters of suitability be obtained from 1301 13 JULY 1964 1302 the Director of the Special Branch in Mr Speaker, Sir, academic freedom each State? That should put things in is the very cornerstone of university their proper perspective and relieve education and this matter is the the overburdened Chief Education prerogative of the Senate of any uni Officers from such an obnoxious task. versity and the Senate is very jealous We, therefore, call on the Government of this right. On this matter, even the to have the honesty to put the Council of the university which is the Director of the Special Branch in executive arm of the university cannot each State to do this dirty work and interfere with the working of the not hide under the Chief Education Senate on matters academic, e.g. Officers if at all this law is necessary. admission of students to the university The Government should not be so is solely a matter for the Senate to cowardly to hide behind the Chief decide. Education Officers. It should have the The first inkling of Government strength, conviction and the honesty interference with the autonomy of the to put the Minister of Home Affairs University of Malaya was when the himself do the dirty work. Or, is the Government sought the views of the Minister so tired of signing detention Council of the University of Malaya, orders that he wants to pass the buck Kuala Lumpur Division, on the on to the Chief Education Officers? University of Malaya Act, 1961. It At this stage, Mr Speaker, Sir, may I is no secret that when that matter say that God moves in a mysterious came up for discussion in the Univer way his wonders to perform. In this sity Council the members of the connection, Sir, the Alliance Govern Senate to the University Council ment moves in a mysterious way its together with other Council members evils to perform. at that time expressed grave concern Mr Speaker, Sir, despite the fact over this inroad into the autonomy of that the Alliance Party has been in the University of Malaya. power since 1955 they must be May I now, Mr Speaker, Sir, with realistic enough to know that parties your permission, read Article 47 of come and go, that governments rise the Constitution which says: and fall, but the universities and "Provided that, except with the agreement colleges as seats of higher learning of the Minister, students who have been will, we hope, remain forever when awarded Federal or State scholarships or other similar financial assistance from public all of us in this House will have funds for University degree courses, shall departed from this mundane world. not be refused admission if they satisfy such requirement." Mr Speaker, Sir, I have been a member of the Council of the Uni Mr Speaker, Sir, the University of versity of Malaya from 1959 to 1963 Malaya Graduates' Society has also and it is a well-known fact that not expressed concern over this matter only the University of Malaya, but and has made representation to the indeed all the universities all over Government. Thus it will be seen that the world, are very jealous of their the University of Malaya and its autonomy even though they may be Graduates' Society have been alarmed fully supported from the Government over this erosion of University funds. At one of the early meetings autonomy. of the Council of the University of Then, last year I need hardly remind Malaya, Kuala Lumpur Division, the this House about the furore over the Council piously expressed its affirma last Vice-Chancellor of the University tion that its autonomy and, in of Singapore. There you have the particular, its academic freedom of the case of a Vice-Chancellor who was University of Malaya would be in the first instance persona grata to respected by the Government. At that the Party in power, was later, in the time there was no cause for alarm, words of a distinguished academic nor had the University of Malaya personality in the present University then had any inkling of the shape of of Malaya, hounded out of the Uni things to come. versity of Singapore by that same 1303 13 JULY 1964 1304 party. And this was aided and abetted concern over this inroad into the auto by the Alliance Government. This nomy and academic freedom of the event has clearly shown how govern University of Malaya. The University ments can and have interfered with of Malaya Graduates Society also the autonomy of the University of showed concern. Further the resigna Singapore. tion of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Singapore caused grave This event has also caused grave concern to the Guild of Graduates of concern to the Guild of Graduates of the University of Malaya. For the the University of Malaya. first time in the history of that Guild No Bill introduced by the Alliance it called an extraordinary meeting on Government, not even the Internal 12th November, 1963, and by an Security Act itself, has drawn so overwhelming majority of those pre much controversy and condemnation sent expressed concern over events in from such a wide cross section of the Singapore and finally passed the public. With your permission, Sir, following resolution. With your per may I quote some of these protests? mission, Mr Speaker, Sir, may I read the resolution: On the 10th Anniversary of the University of Singapore Graduates "That this house views with grave concern the events which led to the resignation of Society, Dr S. Kumarapathy, the the Vice-Chancellor of the University of President, said: Singapore and recommends to the Council "We cannot accept such a move as we are that the Council shall seek an assurance apprehensive of the implications and conse from the Government of Malaysia that it quences of such a measure." will take steps to ensure respect for the autonomy and academic freedom of the This comes from the Graduates So universities of our country." ciety of the University of Singapore. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Council of At an emergency meeting of the the University of Malaya referred this University of Malaya Graduates So resolution back to the Guild to draw ciety held on 7-7-64, the President, their attention to the fact that the Mr Peter D. Mayo, said, and I quote, resolution, as it stood, was ultra vires as follows: of section 4 (R) of the University "The Society strongly objected to the Bill Constitution which does not permit in principle although the intention of the the University of Malaya to deal with Government might have been well meant. The Society felt that a citizen with suitable matters not concerning the University. qualifications was entitled to the higher level of education that he was capable of achiev At the adjourned meeting of the ing. The Society felt that it was up to the Guild of Graduates of the University University to decide whom it should admit of Malaya held on 18th December, and that freedom of expression is the right 1963, by an overwhelming majority of every individual in a democratic society." the Guild passed this resolution. May He declared: I, with your permission, Mr Speaker, "The Society is convinced that the Bill, Sir, read this resolution: if passed, will completely destroy these "That this house views with grave concern principles. The Bill will prevent a qualified the events which led to the resignation of student from receiving further education for the Vice-Chancellor of the University of reasons other than lack of academic quali Singapore and recommends to the Council fications. The University will be prevented that the Council shall seek an assurance from exercising one of its fundamental from the Government of Malaysia that it rights of selecting the most qualified students will take steps to ensure respect for the in the country." autonomy and academic freedom of the University so that what has happened Mr Mayo said that it was clear that recently in the University of Singapore will the only manner in which a student not happen here." might be judged unsuitable was by the expression of opinion regarded by the Thus it will be seen that in Government as disloyal or subversive December, 1961, some members of the in nature. He further said: Senate of the University Council of "It is obvious to the Society that the the University of Malaya, together inevitable result of the Bill will be (a) to with other members as well, expressed push young citizens into subversion from 1305 13 JULY 1964 1306 sheer frustration by being denied the edu The Club further said: cation they seek and (b) to remove the last possible chance of converting into loyal and "We strongly urge the Central Govern useful citizens young people who have ment to re-assess its thinking regarding the already suffered the disadvantages of an proposed amendment which, if implemented, unfortunate background." can deprive students of the basic right of a higher education." Mr Speaker, Sir, on Friday, 3rd Mr Speaker, Sir, then, on the 5th July, 1964, the President of the Con gress of Unions of Employees in the July, 1964, the National Union of Public and Civil Services, Mr V. E. Malayan Students, one of the largest Jesudoss, said: student bodies in this country, in a statement expressed: "We agree that disloyal students are a menace to society and should be put in "Deep concern over newspaper reports their places, but the necessary screening that a law, which required students to pro work should be left entirely in the hands duce 'suitability certificates' from Chief of experts who are charged with the responsi Education Officers before they were admitted bility. to higher institutions of learning, is to be The Bill does not mention those who are introduced in the Parliament." in the civil services and industries. It further says: Perhaps, the intention is to pass the buck to the heads of Government Departments "We believe in the fundamental rights and employers. of students in Malaysia to higher education irrespective of political convictions. The We live in a democratic society and we Malaysian Government has the responsibility do not want gestapoes among the rank and to consult and discuss this issue with repre file of the civil service. sentative student organisation. If this Bill is passed, it can have a demo We believe that University admission is ralising effect on the civil service." prerogative the individual constitution of higher learning and, if any student goes Then, Mr Speaker, Sir, on 4th July, beyond the campus with his political convic 1964, 150 members of the Students tions, then a law should be passed to charge Union of the University of Singapore him in Court." turned up at an emergency meeting "to voice fears of miscarriage of On the 5th July, 1964, again, the justice if such a law was promul National Union of Teachers, Selangor gated." Branch, at its Annual General Meet ing passed this resolution: Even the newly formed Democratic "The Union strongly support academic Socialist Club which is a pro-P.A.P. freedom in this country and is very gravely Government Club in a statement on concerned over the amendment to Internal 4th July, 1964, stated: Security Act regarding higher education. "Bearing in mind that it is intrinsically However, this Annual General Meeting undesirable for the Government to screen feels that th© Internal Security Act is more students, we hold that this later move by than sufficient to safeguard the country the Central Government is manifestly worse. from subversive elements. The appointment of Chief Education Officers is morally un We voice our objection to such an amend justified and is irreconcilable with the- basic ment which would only be another step principles of democracy. Besides putting towards making a mockery of democracy. academic freedom in a straight jacket, the We emphasise that to accept students on Union feels that the amendment would the basis of a 'suitability certificate' is place powers of selection in the hands of repugnant, for we believe that in principle the dominant political party in the country no student should be rejected on grounds or other partisan groups through pressure other than academic qualifications." on various Chief Education Officers." The Club asked for the criteria on In addition, the President said that, which such certificates would be issued "The Government should, therefore, recon and if a student's pro-government sider its decision. The right to the freedom sentiments meant automatic suitabi of learning is one of the basic human rights enshrined in the Charter of the United lity. The Club also asked: Nations. This right should, therefore, be "How can we ensure that children of upheld if our democracy is to survive." Opposition Party members and leaders are given a fair deal? Discretion is now in the On Monday, 6th July, 1964, the hands of the Chief Education Officers. What assurance have we that such arbitrary power executive committee of the 17th Stu will not give rise to abuse?" dent Council, University of Singapore 1307 13 JULY 1964 1308

Students' Union, met and resolved as "Such unsound and misguided ideology can always be rectified if given the right type follows : of education. "We note with serious apprehension the "The Internal Security Act (Amendment) news of the Internal Security (Amendment) Bill served no useful purpose for the simple Bill proposed to be enacted during the reason that students of bad character can current sitting of the Malaysian Parliament. always be expelled, and those found to "And believing firstly that the principal of engage in subversive activities can be dealt the proposed Internal Security (Amendment) with under the laws of this land. Bill is incompatible with the concept of the "On the contrary its enforcement would right of every citizen to an education in a only bring adverse effect on the students' democracy. mind and would also bring down enrolment "Secondly, that admission to institutions of figures to higher educational institutions." higher learning should be dependent solely on academic merit, He then appealed to the Government "And thirdly, that the Bill if enacted is to reconsider its decision to amend the open to abuse. Act so that the right to freedom of "Hereby strongly urge the Central Govern learning in this country can prevail. ment to withdraw the proposed Bill in the interests of democracy, Even the Malayan Trades' Union "And further urge all Members of the Congress in a statement issued on Parliament and Senate to prevent such a Friday, 10th July, expressed, "grave Bill from being enacted." concern over the proposed move On 8th July, 1964, the University which would strike at the very root of of Malaya Students' Union resolved freedom of educational pursuits", and to urge the Government to withdraw stated: "This move is a threat to fundamental the Internal Security Act (Amend freedom. ment) Bill, 1964, which requires stu "The gradual nibbling away of our limited dents to produce "suitability certifi freedoms would surely lead to setting up cates" from the Chief Education of a police state." Officers before being admitted to institutions of higher learning. Mr Speaker, Sir, these are not my words. These are the words of the The Union further stated: Malayan Trades' Union Congress. "We believe that the arbitrary denial of The Statement further stated that the fundamental constitutional right to higher education for all the young citizens on the one hand we were fighting of this nation will be detrimental to the Soekarno's guided democracy and on progress and future well-being of our the other "our own government is country. attempting to introduce a camouflaged "We believe that the provisions in the form of guided democracy." Internal Security (Amendment) Bill infringe upon university autonomy and violate the Even the Straits Times has been principle of academic freedom. awakened to express its opposition to "The Union also protested that the Bill this Bill, though in language couched was not a correct answer to counter sub with great care lest, it should incur the versive activities and would not serve to eradicate anti-national elements existing in displeasure of the Government. Again, the country." in today's editorial of the Straits Times, you can see that the Straits It urged the Government to take Times also expressed concern over more positive and democratic mea this Bill. sures to counter and eradicate sub version in the country and to with Mr Speaker, Sir, on Saturday, 11th draw the Bill. July, 1964, addressing a mass rally organised by the Malaysian Trades Mr Speaker, Sir, on Friday, 10th Union Congress to protest against the July, Mr Chin Chee Meow, Chairman Bill, Mr P. P. Narayanan, one of the of the United Chinese Schools Ma Malaya's leading trade unionists, nagement Committee stated that, declared: "It would be unfair to deny them higher "If this Bill is passed, then the door to education or make things difficult for them higher learning will be closed to many, just because among their lot there are not because they are unintelligent but students whose ideology is questionable. because they are subjected to Gestapoism. 1309 13 JULY 1964 1310

Good students will be branded as bad so temperate in their language. Let ones, because they read Karl, Marx, Lenin, me recall very briefly to this House Khrushev, Mao Tse Tung, and also they sport a Castro beard instead of having a excerpts of what I have already clean shave." quoted. The President of C.U.E. P.A.C.S., Mr V. E. Jesudoss said: On the proposal in the Bill to grant "We believe in a democratic society and Chief Education Officers the power to we do not want Gestapoes among the rank screen students, Mr Narayanan said: and file of the civil service." "The Chief Education Officers will have the right to say 'No' and with that one word Mr P. P. Narayanan has also said seal the fate of a good student." that this Bill if passed will subject our students to Gestapoism. He also asked Mr Narayanan said the Government the Government not to adopt Totali was "too hasty" in granting absolute tarian methods to defend our parlia powers to Chief Education Officers to mentary democracy. award good or bad conduct certificates to students seeking to enter institutions Mr Speaker, Sir, it will thus be seen of higher learning. He added: from the foregoing that this Internal "The Bill, if passed, will make a mockery Security (Amendment) Bill has been of our Parliamentary Democracy and a vehemently condemned and opposed shame of our free and democratic way of by a wide cross section of our society life." involving graduates societies, students The Government with its over and teacher unions, the President of whelming majority can pass anything C.U.E.P.A.C.S. and the M.T.U.C. and it likes, but it should not adopt no one in his right senses will label Totalitarian methods to defend our them as communist inspired or com parliamentary democracy. munist front organisations. "This Bill is a knockout blow to freedom Hence, the Socialist Front calls on and liberty, it will give Soekarno more this House to discuss this Bill six ammunition to fire at us." months hence. Mr Speaker, Sir, on that same day As I mentioned before, I have been a resolution calling on the Minister a member of the Council of the Uni of Home Affairs to withdraw the Bill versity of Malaya from 1959 to 1963. was passed at a meeting of profes As such, I am conscious and afraid sional associations called by the of the academic consequences of the Malayan Teachers' National Congress. passage of this Bill. Again, as I have Five delegates were elected to see stated before, the resignation of the the Minister. They are Mr Teerath Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ram, President of the Malayan Tea Singapore has caused grave concern in chers' National Congress, Mr Peter academic circles and that University Mayo, President of the University of will find it difficult to recruit men of Malaya Graduate Society, Mrs F. R. calibre to fill that post and man its Bhupalan, President of the Women staff. Teachers' Union, Mr Heng Cheng Swee of the Hong Kong University If this Bill is passed by this House, Alumni Association and Dr S. then second rate professors and Parampalam. lecturers will come to teach our third rate students. No self-respecting The Malayan Trades' Union Con academic man will consider coming to gress tonight sent a telegram to the teach in our universities and colleges. Acting Prime Minister, Tun Haji A person who has breathed of the free Abdul Razak, urging the Government air of academic freedom, say, in to withdraw the Bill which is due for Oxford and Cambridge, would not debate on Monday. condescend to come to the stultified Mr Speaker, Sir, Honourable Mem and nauseating atmosphere of our uni bers of this House will, I hope, notice versities. Moreover, our local men of that I have exercised great restraint calibre too may not consider taking in my language today. But other jobs with our universities and may bodies and institutions have not been consider going abroad to teach. 1311 13 JULY 1964 1312

Thus inevitably academic standards The Bill also casts a serious slur on will fall. Besides, the passage of this the teaching profession. The tradition Bill will have a demoralising effect on ally accepted fact that teachers mould the present staff and students of our the character and outlook of their universities and colleges. pupils is brushed aside and the secret I stand corrected, but I have evidence of a policeman would put an searched my mind and have consulted end to the ambitions and aspirations many academic people and all are of our future leaders. Education will agreed that nowhere else in this be stultified and we would be making world—not even in Moscow—is such monsters of our young ones. a letter of suitability required as a Some may say that this Bill is prerequisite for entrance to higher necessary—as the Honourable Minis seats of learning. Hence the passage ter has said—in the interests of the of this Bill will make us the laughing security of the nation. I do not agree stock in the academic world. Foreign that students who go to a university men of distinction, men of scholarship can be a threat to the security of the with an international reputation, will nation. I do not agree that ideas and look on us with the contempt that we knowledge can be a threat. If any deserve and, of course, will not touch country is afraid of ideas and know our universities with a barge pole. No ledge, then I say woe betide that learned man worthy of his salt would country. You cannot muzzle know want to be a professor or a lecturer ledge and you cannot shut out ideas. in our universities. Recruitment of Since the university is the highest seat staff without this Bill is, as Honour of learning and the fountain of know able Members know, difficult enough; ledge you have to preserve the free with the passage of this Bill, it may be dom enjoyed by the universities. After virtually impossible to do so. all, the cream of the country are Our universities will become a tool gathered there and are guided by of the Government if this Bill is men of eminence and scholarship, res passed. There will be political control pected and highly regarded in the over our seats of higher learning and international world. the ancient and sacred rights of the Mr Speaker: I do not like to universities will be a mockery. Our interrupt you, but I would like to know universities will fall into disrepute and how long are you going to take. their standing in the academic world will be seriously undermined. Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Ten to fifteen To make matters worse for our minutes more, Sir. rising generation, although it is not Mr Speaker: You have been speak stated specifically in the Bill, such ing for a long time now. letters of suitability will also be applied to students going abroad—I Dr Tan Chee Khoon: I would'nt stand corrected on this. Thus, if a take much longer. It is only through student in a misguided moment during the rough and tumble of university a school debate has railed against the life and the free and frank interchange Government and this gets to the ears of ideas of all sorts will our children of the Special Branch or is heard by a be able to see the difference between Special Branch stool pigeon, then he the chaff and the grain. It is only is for ever condemned to being through this intermingling if ideas denied higher education not only in and personalities can we hope to get Malaysia but also abroad as well. cultured and reasonable people to Such a monstrosity I have never heard assume the leadership of this coun of and if such a letter of suitability try in the multifarious fields of is ever issued to a student going endeavour. abroad, I know other universities will In view of its academic implications, treat it with the contempt it deserves, we, the Socialist Front, have asked i.e., throw it into a waste paper this House to postpone the debate on basket. this Bill so that the Government can 1313 13 JULY 1964 1314 consult the universities and colleges cisms in the press and the letters I concerned. It is ironical that at a time have received from responsible people when our Prime Minister and Chan and organisations in this country. cellor of the University of Malaya is Mr Speaker, Sir, may I quote the in London at the Commonwealth Con words of Cardinal Newman "A univer ference trying to convince the Com sity is according to the usual defini monwealth that we are a democratic tion, an Alma Mater, knowing her country, the Alliance Government at children one by one, not a foundry or home is seeking to destroy the auto a mint or a treadmill". He should nomy and academic freedom of our have also added that the university universities and colleges. It also seeks should not be a pawn or a plaything to condemn the youth of our country for politicians. Mr Speaker, Sir, I with progressive ideas and ideals from have many more cogent quotations like having higher education either at home that of Cardinal Newman but I shall or abroad. Most of the leaders of the not quote them in this House. Commonwealth have had a liberal education and they will revolt at the Mr Speaker, Sir, on Friday last the idea of such a Bill being enacted. Minister for Home Affairs in winding- up the debate on the Constitution But this Bill cannot be passed. It is (Amendment) Bill said that he had ultra vires the Constitution. May I dangled a jewel before us on this side read Article 12, clause (1) of the of the House but we were foolish Constitution, which reads as follows: enough not to accept it. May I remind "With out prejudice to the generality of the Honourable Minister concerned Article 8, there shall be no discrimination against any citizens on the grounds only of that I have many pearls in my pockets religion, race, descent or place of birth: but I am not in the habit of throwing (a) in the administration of any educa pearls ... Mr Speaker, Sir, I think I tional institution maintained by a have better leave that unsaid. public authority, and, in particular, the admission of pupils or students or the Mr Speaker, Sir, I think I have said payment of fees; or enough on these things. I beg leave (b) in providing out of the funds of a of this House to leave this House now public authority financial aid for the maintenance or education of pupils or but lest Members on opposite benches students in any educational institution accuse me of cowardice, I wish to ex (whether or not maintained by a plain that my presence is required at public authority and whether within the Selangor State Assembly which is or outside the Federation)." now currently in session, where my Article 8 which exempts the appli- presence is required. But I can assure action of this clause only prohibits Honourable Members that as soon as this in matters connected with religion my presence there is not required, I or religious institutions and abori shall come back to this House. gines and enlistment in the Malay Thank you. Regiment. Enche' Stephen Yong Kuet Tze Therefore, this amendment to the (Sarawak): Mr Speaker, Sir, I would Internal Security Act is definitely in like to support . . . consistent with the letter and spirit of the Constitution and is also ultra vires Mr Speaker: You second this of the Constitution. Therefore, if in motion? spite of all the opposition and in spite of all the criticisms the Honourable Enche' Stephen Yong Kuet Tze: Yes, Members should think fit to pass this Sir. In seconding this motion I merely Bill, then we have no alternative but wish to say a few words—my reasons to challenge the right of the Govern for seconding it. ment to force this Bill through, with all Sir, I think this Bill will have far- the legal avenues open to us. I myself reaching implications because it is have been assured of both moral and obvious that it will adversely and financial assistance in this matter as seriously affect the autonomy of the can be seen from the stream of criti seat of learning and also will cut into 1315 13 JULY 1964 1316 the academic freedom of the Univer Enche' D. R. Seenivasagam: May sities which, I think, we all accept as I give a similar promise? a bulwark of democracy. The Ho nourable Minister mentioned about Mr Speaker: Yes, if you promise the communist subversion in the higher same thing. institutions and this Bill sought to Enche' D. R. Seenivasagam: I prevent that happening, and I think solemnly promise, Sir. Mr Speaker, he mentioned the Nanyang University Sir, the first question which all and from what he told us this morn people in this country will be asking ing apparently it was only that Uni themselves, and have been asking, is versity which was so affected. But he this. This Bill has been introduced in also told us that steps have been an attempt, it is said, to save the taken—I think rather drastic action democratic institutions of higher has been taken—to remove the ele learning in this country from subver ments which he thought to be sub sive elements. Mr Speaker, Sir, we versive; and from what he told us, also know that there are a number apparently he was satisfied that the of democratic countries in the world campaign was successful. That being, and that several of these democratic so, Sir, I do not see the urgency to countries have been fighting the evils rush through this Bill. Therefore, I of communism and subversion. One feel that in the public interest, parti question which I would like very cularly when there are sections of the much to ask, and which perhaps may public who would like to know more be asked or not, I do not know, is of the implications of this Bill, we this: can the Honourable Minister must give time and also opportunity tell this House and this country for the public to examine this Bill whether anywhere, in any part of the much more carefully and much more democratic world, there is legislation closely in order that the public and the similar to the one this House is now people here will know that this Bill asked to approve, where there is go is very necessary for the purpose of ing to be screening of students before removing these subversive elements. entry into universities for this Since the purpose for which this Bill purpose? was intended was the removal of sub versive elements in the Nanyang Uni Mr Speaker, Sir, I have tried to versity, I do not see any necessity for make research into that and as far rushing through this Bill. as my research goes, and I am subject to correction, there is no similar Mr Speaker: There is an amendment legislation touching anywhere .near moved by the Honourable Member this in any other democratic country. for Batu that this Bill be read a Mr Speaker, Sir, however, the second time on this day six months. question of whether this Bill is justi It is now open for debate. fied, or whether this Bill should be condemned outright, cannot be de Enche' D. R. Seenivasagam (Ipoh): cided by merely reading this Bill or Mr Speaker, Sir, before I commence, looking at its contents as they stand may I seek clarification from the in this paper itself. There are a num Chair? The Honourable Member who ber of factors to be taken into consi moved the amendment in fact spoke deration. First and foremost, let it be on the whole Bill and gave an under clearly understood that my Party taking that he would not speak again. stands for the destruction of subver Would it be permissible for other sion wherever it may be found, Mr Members to speak on the whole Bill Speaker, Sir, but my Party also says at this stage? this: "In trying to destroy subver sion, let us not destroy democracy Mr Speaker: The Honourable Mem itself, let us not destroy the con ber just now promised not to repeat fidence and the trust which the it again when we come to the general people have, by votes, given to the debate on the Bill. party in power in this country." 1317 13 JULY 1964 1318 What is the Bill aimed at? The Bill very low on a comparative basis, and is aimed at screening students, who I do not think the means justify the want to enter certain specified Uni ends. It causes more resentment than versities which can be enlarged from the benefit on a long-term policy time to time. Let us assume that there which this nation can get. are numbers of students who are given the "black" certificates and Mr Speaker, Sir, what is more im thereby refused admission. Is it portant than that is this: there has realised that what you are going to been opposition to this Bill from create is a body of intellectual re politicians—"Yes, Opposition politi volutionaries, a body of intellectual cians," you may say, "are doing it rebels, a body of persons who will be for the sake of capitalising on an revengeful, spiteful and so hostile for obvious issue." But what about other the rest of their life that they will organisations, what about other form the nucleus, perhaps, of a more bodies, not connected with politics— terrifying form of subversion or re what about educational bodies, what volution, the basis of further dis about trade unions? Why are they turbances in this country? Mr opposing it? They do so because they Speaker, Sir, I ask the Government. honestly believe that, as the Bill "Is that the proper way to deal with stands, the provisions are such that this problem and is that the only way the room for abuse and misuse and in which you can deal with this victimisation is so great that the problem?" dangers attendant on this Bill far supersede and far outweigh the Now, it 'is known 'that in Singa,- benefits this Bill can bring to the pore this question of subversion at nation as a whole. the Universities was raised and dealt with—and I emphasise the words Mr Speaker, Sir, a man now dealt "dealt with"—by Singapore without with under the Internal Security Act legislation of this kind. We all know has a right of appeal or a right of hear that the troubles in the Nanyang ing before a Board. Although that is University were attended to in Singa not a satisfactory method, yet he has at pore without this type of legislation. least that right of being heard before We have today been told by the Ho a Board. But what right has a student, nourable Minister that the communist when he is branded a subversive, hold on Nanyang University has been when he is told., "You are a bad broken to such an extent that they fellow, you have no right to learn in now have to look to other fields to this country any more, you have no start operations—and that is where right even though the United Nations the danger lies and that is one of the Charter gives you that under Article main reasons why this legislation has 26, and we are taking away that right been introduced. Now, I ask, "If from you."? What do you give him, Nanyang University could have been what remedy has he got under this cleaned up, or attended to, to that Act? Nothing at all, not a single extent, then why can't the Federal remedy, I say. The remedy which says Government now safeguard the Uni "appeal to the Minister"—if I may versities with the existing laws that use the word and I do not think it are already on our statute books?" has been ruled unparliamentary—is I know the answer to that may be bunkum, because that appeal is utter that under our present law we can rubbish with no consequences what not stop possible subversives entering soever. the Universities. But my answer to Mr Speaker, Sir, I would say this that is this: I do not think it is that if this Bill is going to be justifiable to have our young men supported by this House, then the screened by security forces before Honourable Minister, with a clear their entry into Universities, because conscience, Ishould make necessary obviously the percentage of subver amendments at any stage now to put sives amongst them must be very, in proper protection for a person who 1319 13 JULY 1964 1320 may be branded as a subversive ment—otherwise, there will be no need under this Amendment. Give him, at for this Bill to come before this least, audience before an independent House. Therefore, I ask this question: body of persons to argue the refusal Why is it that this Government has of a clean certificate. There should failed in its avowed duty, in its witch be no difficulty in that, there should hunt to crush subversion. This House be absolutely no difficulty in making itself said, "Good luck to you" and a small amendment, at least, to passed the Internal Security Act; and satisfy the fundamental requirement yet, with all those powers, you have of a democratic right of a person not failed to control it; you have let it to be condemned without the right of spread to such an extent that you being heard. Here, he has no right have to come to this House today and to appear anywhere under this Amend ask for more brutal, more savage ment. He will not even be asked any powers to be given to the Minister of question by any authority who is Internal Security. Why? Have you going to give him that certificate. He ever thought for a moment about this is not required to appear before any with all your grandeur, with all your person before his fate is decided for votes of so many seats in the parlia the rest of his life. If that is what you mentary elections? Have you asked call preserving democracy, by that yourself, "What is wrong, why have method, then, indeed, I say that demo we failed to control subversion, why cracy is a cock-eyed democracy which is it that the youths of the country people, who believe in democracy, have now become subversive?" The cannot understand. answer is very simple, because in actual practical politics, you have done Where there is subversion, there nothing to satisfy the people of this must be laws to control subversion. If nation, to satisfy them to the extent we do not do that, then we are stupid of being able to resist the obvious indeed. But those laws must be laws "gem" which the communists are according to well established princi putting before the youths of this ples. It cannot be denied that this nation. They say: "Your Government Amendment strikes at the fundamental cannot give you an economic pro right of a person, and it strikes at the gramme which will give you benefits, fundamental right of a very important an economic programme which will class of persons—the youth of the improve your standard of living, an nation, the intelligentsia of the nation economic programme to improve you, and of the people, who are going to your wife, your children, your parents, take over from us, who are today part your generations in this land." They of the Government of the day: and also say, "We can give you them." surely they are entitled to ask us to Then the youths turn round and say, see that their rights are not taken "We have had ten years or more of away without proper protection. Alliance rule. What is our improve Mr Speaker, Sir, if the necessity for ment? Where are we going to? Where this Amendment has arisen in this is the road taking us?" All that is country—and obviously, according to the breeding place of communism, the Government, it has arisen, other that is the breeding place of subver wise this would not be before us— sion. I say to this Government this: then, I ask, why has the Government where you have a fundamental cause, not thought it proper to declare an look for the remedy of that funda emergency situation? I ask that, mental cause; you can never suppress because if you think subversion has subversion or communism by heaping gone to such an extent, then, indeed, one law upon another law. I have no the Government has failed to control doubt in a short time you have to subversion, the Government has failed come back to this House, asking for to put down communism and the more powers under the Internal Secu spread of communism in this country, rity Act to deal, perhaps, with another because it is a plea of guilty to abject form of subversion. But that does not failure on the part of the Govern solve the problem. It only destroys 1321 13 JULY 1964 1322 democracy itself; it destroys the belief he will have to depend on reports, of people in democracy itself. It is the reports from the "security boys". It is fundamental cause that must be a fact, and it is a fact known through removed, and I suggest that if that is out this country, not only to lawyers possible—and it is indeed possible for but known to all citizens, that if the the Government responsible to the security boys want to fix somebody people—then it should, without this they can fix him; and I say if there Amendment, remove the basic cause is one case out of a hundred or a for the spread of communism. thousand, then the danger to demo cracy itself exists, and that is where the Now, the Honourable Minister men safeguards given in this Bill are in tioned about the issue of Chinese sufficient for anybody to stand up and education and culture, for which the conscientiously say, "We can give full Nanyang University stood, and the support to this Bill as it stands." I say situation which was exploited at Nan to this House: "If you put sufficient yang University. Now, it is true that safeguards, I will be the first to stand no issue should be exploited for the up and say that we will support the purpose of being exploited, and it is Bill to suppress and kill subversion regrettable that the Honourable Minis in this country". But, you have sub ter should have chosen to say that the mitted a Bill of this nature, without issue of Chinese language, Chinese any protection, and how can you ask education and Chinese culture was anybody, as the Honourable Minister exploited. What was the Honourable has said, "in the interest of the secu Member for Johor Tenggara doing in rity of the nation" to support this Singapore the day before yesterday, Bill? I suggest that people like P. P. or yesterday? What was he exploiting, Narayanan, people like the teachers of if not racialistic feelings in Singa this country, are the people who want pore—in trying to inflame the Malay to preserve the interest and the secu racial feeling in Singapore? That was rity of the nation—and yet they are not mentioned in this House. Why? not prepared to support it. And I say this: if one side exploits something, the other side will exploit There is also one misconception, I it—perhaps with double force. I, think, and that is that Education therefore, ask the Honourable Minis Officers are going to do the dirty ter of Internal Security, in the interest work. Now, Education Officers cer of peace and Malaysia, to stop that tainly are not going to do the dirty Honourable Member from trying to work as I understand it from this Bill. exploit racial feeling in any part of The dirty work will be done by the Malaysia. If there is no law to stop security boys. The Education Officers him, then I ask that an emergency will only be, perhaps, rubber stamps: laws be introduced at this meeting of if they are advised to issue a certifi Parliament to stop that Honourable cate, they will issue it; if they are Member from going on further to any advised not to issue it, they will not part of Malaysia on his campaign of issue it. Now, the question which vengeance and hate. poses itself is this: what is the motive Mr Speaker, Sir, if has been sug of the Government? Why is it that the gested that the Honourable Minister Government chose Education Officers of Internal Security, in dealing with to be the rubber stamps? Is there a an appeal under this Bill, will adopt sinister motive? Is there any reason the policy of saying "I will issue a why it could not be done by the Secu good certificate, or order the issue of rity Department itself? I hope the a good certificate, unless the record Honourable Minister can give us an is very bad". Now, how will the answer. If they can investigate, why Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, cannot they issue? Why should it be or Internal Security—or whatever it the Education Officers? Is it not is—ever be able to find out what are wrong to place one more burden on the records of those persons con the Education Officers? You can cerned? Obviously, like all persons, already see the public impression is 1323 13 JULY 1964 1324

that the Education Officer is going to country from time to time in greater be the chief gestapo man, whilst force and with greater strength? If clearly he is not. He is only going to that is so, then I think it is time that be an executive to issue the certificate the Government abdicates and hands in accordance with the advice given to over to others, who can control sub him, and yet the public think that he version in a proper manner with more is the boss, he is the king, he is the efficiency than has been done by the man who will investigate and say Alliance Government. "Yes" or "No". Already there is a misconception that an educationist is Mr Speaker, Sir, even if the going to become a security man, that Honourable Minister is not prepared at least he is going to condemn some to say that a person who gets a black body for the rest of his life. Now, do certificate under this Amendment you think that this misconception should have a right to appear before should be allowed to carry on? Is it a Board, as it may cause delay, then not possible to alter it to some other I ask that a Clause be inserted that officer-in-charge to issue the certificate, where final refusal is made by the if it must indeed be issued at all? I Honourable Minister of Internal Secu ask the Honourable Minister to con rity—and I assume that the refusal, sider that and bring in the necessary according to the statement given just amendment at Committee stage. now, will be comparatively few—the policy will be that unless it is 100 per Now, Mr Speaker, Sir, if this cent bad, give him the chance to go Amendment Bill is passed, it will to a university. Then, or course, the become part of the law of the land. number of bad certificates will be very Now, that is wrong. I say it should limited. Then, what on earth is the never become part of the ordinary law objection to giving him the right to of the land, because if it is part of challenge that refusal in a court of the ordinary law of the land then it law? What is the objection to give is a permanent law—it is a permanent him that right to challenge a refusal law which, like any other permanent in a court of law? You say there will law, cannot of course be taken away be very few such certificates issued. except by Parliament; but it is most Now, what is the objection to allow unlikely, once a law goes on the ing a person to challenge that certifi statute book, that it is ever removed cate, allowing him to prove that he from the statute book. On the other is of good character, that he should hand, if it comes in as an emergency get certificate "A" and not certificate law, or a special law, renewable yearly, "B"? It is a fundamental basic prin then we, as representatives of the ciple that where you take away a people sitting here to do our duty, basic right, then the basic remedy of will have the opportunity, each time challenging the removal of that right it comes up for renewal, to make our should be preserved to that person. comments, to make our observations, Now, if the Honourable Minister had to see how the provisions have been said "Well, there will be so many such enforced—whether they have been cases", then, perhaps, it will be too justly and fairly done, whether there cumbersome, too delaying, for it to has been room for abuse in this regu be challenged in courts. But however lation, whether there is room for cumbersome it may be, however improvement in the law, both to troublesome it may be, a special protect democracy and to protect the court—or even a special judge— innocents, who may be victims of a should be set up, because here the distasteful law in itself. So, I ask, why whole future of a young man is at was it not introduced as a special stake, and hence surely he must have legislation, renewable from time to the right by judicial authority, the time; or is it that this Government fountain of justice, to have a final already admits defeat? It admits decision on his character issued in this defeat that subversion and commu country and for this country. I ask nism will continue to thrive in this the Honourable Minister to consider 1325 13 JULY 1964 1326 this: if necessary, to refer this Bill comments which have been made by to a Select Committee, so that a Bill the Opposition on this Bill. of this nature will be passed by a I reiterate that we stand solidly for Select Committee; and for this pur the suppression of subversion, but we pose, I say, "Include Members of the stand equally solidly for the protection Opposition in that Select Committee", of the innocent citizens of this country because, if we are a part in this, I, and for the protection of democracy for one, would like to see this Bill in this country. We will not lend our passed unanimously by this House; support to destroy democracy in the and I say it is possible to pass such name of suppressing communism. The a Bill with the unanimous support of word Communism has been bandied in this House, provided you have safe this House by the Government side guards, provided you have sufficient not only to intimidate the people of safeguards where there can be no this country but also to intimidate the room for abuse. If you do not do that, members of this House. For example, then of course you can pass it—it is when the Honourable Minister intro your majority. duced this Bill, what did he say? He Today, the people who are shout said: "In the interests of the security ing, and who are they? People like of this nation, all support this Bill." Mr Teerath Ram, people who went Is there an implication that if we do round during the elections saying: not support this. Bill, we are not "Vote for the Alliance Government, loyal, that we do not want the security just Government, fair Government!" of, this nation? If that is so, as I have "O.K., go and reap what you have always said, to intimidate us, it will asked for!"—this is my answer to take more than the Minister of Home those people. We do not require your Affairs. Thank you. telegrams to us to say Oppose this Bill. We will oppose it all right, but Enche' Lee Kuan Yew (Singapore): not because you have asked us to Mr Speaker, Sir, as the debate on the oppose it. You were the fools who Amendment has been allowed to cover put this Government into power. Now, the second reading of this Bill, I you reap what you have asked for. rise to take the opportunity to support You answer to the people for what this Bill in principle, and to suggest you were speaking about. to the Minister concerned that, at the end of the second, reading of this Bill, Mr Speaker, Sir, to sum up, as the he consider sending it to Select Bill stands it is repugnant to demo Committee. I am not as sanguine as cratic principles for the following the Member for Ipoh in believing that reasons: — it is ever possible to get unanimity in (i) It has no safeguards. this House. It is not in the nature of things. There are those amongst us, (ii) It is condemned because there is who represent abiding Communist no right of appeal to any respons interests, who must, however genuine, ible bodies by any person however sincere, however much in affected by this Bill. good faith this Bill may have been (iii) It strikes at the root of demo introduced, however scrupulously and cracy and it takes away a honestly it may be implemented, they fundamental right given by the are against the very principle of United Nations' Charter itself to Communists being excluded from students all over the world, in higher institutions of learning as all parts of the world, and centres for talent scouting and therefore it stands condemned. recruitment. It is going to become a permanent Mr Speaker, Sir, I am not concerned law of the land, which again is with broad principles of human, rights, something which should be frowned fundamental rights guaranteed under upon, and I ask the Honourable the United Nations, or under this Minister to consider seriously the Constitution. The Member for Batu 1327 13 JULY 1964 1328 has suggested that should he fail in has successfully established a caucus this Chamber, as undoubtedly he will, in the Chinese Middle Schools of this he would exercise his multifold talents country, using first, the teachers who in other fields. He has given an were originally employed from China, exercise in this House of his eloquence next the converts that they made in the in so many languages and, no doubt, schools, and finally establishing a when the time comes, he will prove self-perpetuating core of trained that this provision is ultra vires the communist dedicates in the schools. It Constitution. But I am concerned that is one of the hard facts of life. True, honest men, and there are large perhaps, sound economic policies, numbers of honest men, should be progressive social legislation, will reasonably satisfied in their minds/ that slowly dissolve the grounds of dis what is to be done is, first, necessary, content and render sterile all further second, that there is no lesser and breeding in the schools. But, un obnoxious way of doing it, and third, fortunately, very far from that that all proper precautions against happening, as I see the problem, we abuse have been taken. are going to be faced in the next five to ten years with more massive The problem arises because no involvement in military expenditure, governments are perfect, no Minister military adventures, all carefully is infallible, no Special Branch or interlocked to bring down not just intelligence organisation is beyond Malaysia, but the whole of South reproach and, therefore, the dangers of East Asia, into a quagmire of econo abuse or misuse loom very large in mic stagnation—breeding revolution. the public mind. The ultimate answer to the Communist challenge is a better life without the Sir, as with the Internal Security Act Communist methods. Whether finally itself, whether this Bill will succeed in we achieve that answer depends on so its objective of minimising the Com many imponderables, one of them munist use of Universities as centres being how we survive confrontation, for breeding and spawning and and the other being whether we have recruitment, or whether it succeeds, as the will and capacity to integrate our the Member for Ipoh has suggested in peoples into one Malaysian nation. But augmenting the already frustrated, for the time being this is a sector of both in numbers and in intensity of Communist recruitment that must be frustration, depends upon its imple contained. mentation. I suggest that we first ask ourselves whether it is necessary and It may sound something quite is there no other way. If I had outside this world, Mr Speaker, Sir, believed that there was some other to those of us who have not had the way, then I would have been experience, as some of our friends in reluctant to support what is un the Barisan Sosialis in Singapore doubtedly an encroachment on estab undoubtedly have, of the intensity with lished practice. Unfortunately, my which revolution is being pursued by view is, knowing the complexities of young men. I cannot but concede their this problem, that as at this given dedication. I am convinced that they moment there is no other way. I shall must be met with equal resolve, and explain. I am convinced that they should not be let loose amongst the innocent. We are not dealing, Mr Speaker, Sir, with a society in which all our The problem is this. In one pocket students are young men in their teens of secondary schools there is already, seeking knowledge in secondary as I have said, a self-generating hard schools, going on to Universities, core. We have now embarked on an wishing to seek the wisdom which will education policy which will remove make them worthy and valuable the barriers between the language citizens. That may be so in the streams. The Chinese educated is majority of students. Over the last 40 now being given refresher courses to years, the Malayan Communist Party enter English language universities to 1329 13 JULY 1964 1330 give them a way out—to be doctors, dedicate. The young lady, not so very dentists, engineers, scientists, teachers, long ago, has recanted—no doubt as men of arts, science, the humani a result of enforced solitude, and the ties—to fulfil themselves, to seek results of the referendum, the elections consumption for their talent in our in Singapore and the elections in society. As we lift these barriers, so Malaya. These are the persons the the Communist caucus cross the Bill must seek to exclude. barriers. I don't think it is possible to stop it altogether, nor do I think it The admixture between the highly desirable. Communism, like so many politically conscious, and organised other things, is best met when one from the Chinese Middle schools knows it and gets immune to it. I together with the not-so-highly believe the policy of complete isola politically conscious and organised in tion from Communist thought, tactics, the English language stream must go thinking, policy, is a dangerous thing. on. They will find their own level. It One day the windows will come open is part of the inevitable process of and like the South Sea islanders, living in one society that as one sector when they first meet the tuberculus generates a great deal of dedication, bacilli, we will all perish. I believe it drive, for purposes which are not is better to let these things come in agreed to by other sectors, so similarly gradual doses, containable enough to dedication and drive is generated in generate a counter toxin in our whole the other sectors to counter the some society. This is a calculated direction in which the first intend to exercise. Whether it fails, or it take the country. succeeds depends upon the sensitivity Sir, we have tried in the last few with which the policy is implemented. years to anticipate some of these problems but, unfortunately, there is Let me give an illustration as part a prevailing attitude in our society of our policy to encourage intelligent, that security, the survival of the able, and ambitious Chinese Middle nation, is a matter for the government school graduates to seek fulfilment. alone. If we dislike such laws which Many sought to study law in the empowers the executive to check what University of Singapore. One of them normally should be the preserve of was the sister of Mr Lim Chin Siong, semi-autonomous bodies, then those in a distinguished family, distinguished responsible positions must discharge unfortunately by their devotion to a their share of responsibility. wrong cause—a cause which I do not share. Several of his brothers have Let me explain. The Member for been similarly incarcerated. The girl Batu made great play of the resigna applied for a bursary. The girl herself, tion of the former Vice-Chancellor of in spite of her background, had not the University of Singapore. I don't shown active participation in Com regret his resignation. I gave instruc munist activities, and a bursary was tions' to our Government representative granted, a careful watch is kept of the that his resignation be accepted, for consequences, and so far all has gone these reasons. It was at the suggestion well. Another girl known to be a of the Singapore Government that a perennial student sought, first, to read special pre-university course was set as an undergraduate; then having up in the University of Singapore to graduated, she sought to remain as a take in Chinese Middle school gra research student. Her security record duates—give them a refresher course, left nobody in any doubts as to the let them go on to medicine, the law, professional purposes for which she the sciences, the humanities. Before his was left in the University. She gathered assumption of the Vice-Chancellor around her a coterie of young, ship, I took the trouble to explain to innocent girls, who were finally going him at dinner, informally, and to point around recruiting free teachers to teach out to him, why, first, this is in the detainees the law—so much were long-term interests of the country— they convinced by a professional offering outlets for talents and ability 1331 13 JULY 1964 1332

and drive and ambition. But at the And that was where the Minister for same time I pointed out to him the Home Affairs came in. dangers of the wrong people, who will also be wanting to get in and I would myself not have used the expand their breeding ground. Un words "Suitability Certificate". The fortunately, subsequently, he with the problem has now arisen in that many full support of the Senate, who people who are not fellow travellers, consisted largely of expatriate pro who are honest, who' are concerned fessors—no doubt, men of learning about the future of this country, who and scholarship who have been do not wish to see the Communists properly recommended by the Inter- succeed, are doubtful in their minds University Council to occupy these as to the integrity with which the important positions in our seat of provisions of this amendment will be learning—they refused to consider implemented. That is the crux of the security objections, and the first matter. Will the Minister be infallible, infection commenced some three and his instruments be beyond years, perhaps nearly four years ago. reproach? If the targets that this I am not saying that all of them were amendment sought to achieve are dangerous men, but I do suggest that clearly defined, then there may not the fact that subsequently, in very have been the same degree of concern. little time, the Students Union and the I think the concern arises because of Socialist Club were all being manipu the ambiguity of the terms used: "Suit lated by this small group that got ability". For what purpose? It has through—this was eloquent testimony even been suggested to me that this of the fact that, our appraisal of their makes it possible now for Chief drive and dedication was not mis Education Officers to get rich. I am placed. These facts have to be faced. astounded to believe that there prevails among the populace at large a I do not believe, Mr Speaker Sir, cynicism as to the integrity with which when I had this argument with the amendments of this nature will be Vice-Chancellor, that the business of implemented. I do not believe this for the Government is just to give money one moment, knowing the Minister for to the University for it to do whatever Home Affairs, and having had know it deems proper. I suggested to him, ledge and experience of the instru for instance, that if the Vice- ments through which he is working Chancellor of Cambridge was on the and has to work. But I do suggest to one hand asking for grants and on the him that nothing is to be lost by other hand harbouring a Pontecorve, taking this Bill into Select Committee, things must come to a head. The fact meeting all the objections, all the that there is no certain acceptance of God-fearing and public spirited gentle the responsibility by those in high men who have been quoted at great position, to play their part in the length by the Member for Batu, preservation of the State, make it Cuepacs, M.T.U.C, United Chinese impossible to work within the rules. Schools Association, the Graduate This, unfortunately, is the position. Society, the Guild of Graduates, all under the umbrella of Cardinal New The easier and better way would be man's illustrious principles of a conscious checks by the University University. authorities working in the national interests to see that the University is The argument must be joined. Is it not undermined. Who can know better necessary that first they must be than they, the staff, who have to convinced? Are there all the safe supervise the students day in and day guards to prevent abuse? I suggest to out, about the security risks of the the Minister for Home Affairs, ask individuals involved. But when they the Member for Ipoh, instead of abdicate their responsibility, and they standing up and in this Chamber and say, "No, it has nothing to do with airily mentioning the possibility of an us, if you wish you pass legislation to appeal to somebody other than the this effect", there the matter rested. Minister, which appeal he regards

I 1333 13 JULY 1964 1334 with contempt, that he ought to put the Bill, never mind whether we get in a specific amendment and indeed, unanimity in this Chamber or not. I should spend the time and energy to do not expect unanimity even if the make it worth his while to put in a Member for Ipoh believes it is possi sound amendment which the Minister ble, but I do believe that we can may find hard to resist. Then, per carry with us large body of respon haps, the country will be indebted to sible opinion, who want to be satisfied the Member for Ipoh. But if the that what is done is necessary in the Member for Ipoh has really not given public interest. this matter the thought that it deserves, that it is one thing en I, therefore, propose, Mr Speaker, passant to tar so many nice clean Sir, at the end of the second reading sheets on the wall, but it is aj different of this Bill, under Standing Order 54, thing putting pen to paper on specific to move that the Bill be sent to a amendments, then the Minister for Select Committee. My reasons are as Home Affairs would have scored his follows: point. First, a good case cannot suffer as a result of public debate; I would like to see this Bill go to Second, I believe improvements can Select Committee for two reasons. be made in the Bill to sharpen the First, because I disagree with the definition both in the Bill and as a terminology in the Bill. The termino guide to its implementation, the Com logy in the Bill is not in accord with munist subversion; and the speech made by the Minister for Home Affairs. He was specific. This Third, provided the machinery for was directed at Communists, at Com it could stand the strain, that the munist subversion going on in the student so excluded should have the University and they do go on. It is right to put up his case to an nowhere so recited in the Bill, it talks advisory body akin to that which of a "certificate of suitability" and already exists for those detained under the clause defining whether or not a the Internal Security Act. person should get such "certificate of suitability", in my submission, could I do not believe the matter can go be more accurately defined. Unless before an independent judicial tribunal there appeared to him that this is the which will be asked to make a deci ultimate limb of Clause 41 (c) (2), sion which is really an executive one. unless there appeared to him to be No judge can in all fairness be asked reasonable grounds for believing that to exercise what is ultimately an the applicant if admitted to the insti executive discretion. tution in question would be likely to One cannot prove that a specific promote or otherwise participate in individual, if let into a particular actions prejudicial to the interests of University, would in the course of security of the Federation or any part two or three years generate that degree thereof, I am not myself prepared, Mr of harm as to cause a lowering of the Speaker, Sir, to put in an amendment standards of discipline of the Univer at this stage as something which could sity. But, the executive having studied be considered an improvement to this. a systematic pattern of behaviour over This is more or less a paraphrase from the years can be fairly certain that if the main Security Act itself, which a fair proportion of such students are has been couched in very wide terms gathered together in one institution, to cover not only Communist subver then in no time at all they would sion, but subversion of any other have usurped the authority of the nature, either by misuse of religion, University. It is unfortunate but it is racialism, communalism and so on. true. It has happened in Nanyang. It The target that the Minister wants to may happen again. At this moment achieve is a restricted one. I suggest the University authority is in good to him that the country will breathe heart. The professors have breathed a sigh of relief—and be with him on a sigh of relief. 1335 13 JULY 1964 1336

Earlier the Minister recounted how the problem, why for a long time in the students union was manipulated, Singapore very few stood up to how the communists achieved a per challenge them, and why, as it petual dominance. But let me give an appeared, that they were not going to example of the length to which the inflict painful deaths so easily, more control of a small group of students and more people made their stands. had led them. Professors are even This is part of the problem the asked why so many students have S.U.P.P. Member for Sarawak faces. failed. Graduates who are themselves I noticed in supporting the Member top security risks have made a point for Batu, he was extremely brief and of staying on in lowly paid jobs as concise. And indeed, he has good assistant administrators in order to reasons to be. He must know the increase the grip they have on the ultimate that we are faced with. But institution—regrettable but true. This nobody in this Chamber really knows is not something that could be flushed what is the ultimate answer to all away with one purgative. Castor-oil, these cross currents of forces that will however efficacious, cannot fight some decide our fate in Malaysia. thing which is endemic. It is a con tinuous and continuing process, a I thank the Member for Ipoh for battle in which too much of the heavy bringing in the Member for Johor hand means one loses out on the Tenggara. He wanted the Minister of neutrals and the liberals, in which Home Affairs to take action against case the objective, namely to deny a the Member for Johor Tenggara; the mass following to the communists is Member for Johor Tenggara wants to lost. On the other hand an absence take action against me. And whilst so of all control and complete democra many of these things are now being tic free play, in a situation where the said in jest—and I hope they are still Government is unable to intimidate said in jest—one could so easily cross with the ultimate, but the other side over the point of no return—then can, leads to unfair competition. these things are no longer so jocular. The survival of the Malaysia that we Let me again give an illustration: want, of the good things in Malaysia, One can find any number of persons its tolerance, harmonious relationship, standing up, denouncing, formerly, the the sense of practical accommodation, Singapore Government whenever it must ultimately depend upon the had to take unpleasant decisions; now leaders that have been thrown up in the same persons are a bit more wary Malaysia, how they exercise their about denouncing the Central Govern positions of authority, how they ment. What is the reason? I suggest exercise the discretion vested in their because they understand that de hands. nouncing a group of liberal—inclined intellectuals, products of Western If the Minister of Home Affairs education, is a fairly safe practice. were to be brain grafted and the think But to open fire, denigrating and ing and the feeling of some other decrying a group of not such open- members of the Alliance side were to minded persons, people prone to act be put in, then, of course, different on the basis of an eye for an eye, considerations apply. But, we have to presents these people with occupa start on the basis of good faith, in tional hazards. So they do not embark this case, good faith, which I can on wild and often unfounded allega personally testify to, having had a tions. But, however, ominous and terri period of working together, over secu fying the organs of oppression open rity problems of Malaysia. We have to the Government, it is nothing divergent, points of view—we had very compared to what the communists much, five years ago—but at least we have got, Theirs is the ultimate. You conceded each other one basic com challenge me then you die, and you mon factor: a desire to see a non- die painfully. In that situation who communist Malaya, as it then was, stands up to challenge them? This is now a non-communist Malaysia. 1337 13 JULY 1964 1338

An openness of mind to investigate these institutions. Therefore, the other means of checking communist question that arises is whether, if in growth and expansion, of a combina fact the Bill were implemented and the tion of both the intellectual argument, powers given to Government are also the social and economic programme, successfully implemented, it will together with the prohibitive prescrip ultimately lead to the recognition of tions. So we must keep on experi institutions like the Nanyang Univer menting with combinations and per sity and the Ngee Ann College. That mutations to reach at any one time obviously is one point deep in our what is considered the best in the minds. circumstances. It is, therefore, my hope, although I know the Minister Another issue is that during the was not so originally disposed, that course of his introduction of the Bill the Bill be processed in Select Com the Minister of Home Affairs referred mittee, and let those who have issued to the fact that in the implementation statements, public-spirited men, let of the Bill, the security checking of them come forward, let them be co- the students, the checking of the suit vinced or let them be exposed if they ability of the students, would be are not sincere. I say this because I referred to security officers. Sir, in know that the clauses of the Bill, the view of the fact that I had given inti provisions that it incorporates, will not mation of a proposed amendment be required for use for quite a number earlier, I would like to obtain con of months, both the University of firmation from the Minister of Home Singapore, the University of Malaya, Affairs as to whether in the normal Nanyang, Ngee Ann or the Poly implementation of the Internal Secu technic. The last batch, from the last rity Act, when the Minister acts on year's graduates of Higher School information to detain or to prevent or Certificate have already got in. We are restrict the movement of a subversive concerned with the next batch, and element, he acts under the instructions every batch after that, and I suggest of the security officers—advice rather that with gestation, fears can be than instruction. That, I think, is a allayed, the Bill can be sharpened as relevant point. a better instrument for meeting the purposes which the Minister himself The other issue that has been has so clearly defined in his speech. brought up, but which I do not wish to elaborate on is the question of suit Dr Urn Chong Eu (Tanjong): Mr ability, and it raises certain definite Speaker, Sir, I had no intention to constitutional overtones. The point participate in this particular part of that is uppermost in my mind is, if the debate in its amended form, but such a person were refused a certifi in view of the very wise suggestion cate of suitability for admission into put forward by the Honourable the a university, whether this refusal will Prime Minister of Singapore, I feel jeopardise the position of the person that we could have a better perspec concerned in his attempts to secure tive of what lies ahead in this debate employment in other fields. I would if I raised one or two questions, which like in the debate proper to enlarge I had previously intended so to do. upon this, but I am sure the reply from the Minister of Home Affairs Firstly, when the Minister of Home will greatly influence the trend of the Affairs introduced the motion, he did debate, and certainly, on our part, we refer to the fact that the intention of have come to this debate with an open this Bill would be to screen off those mind, with every intention to secure elements among the potential students and help in every way to promote the in institutions of higher studies who security of our nation. may create subversion and trouble. He also referred to the fact that if Mr Speaker: Saya suka mengingat- such a manoeuvre was successful, then kan kapada Ahli2 Yang Berhormat, it could lead eventually to the recog masaalah yang kita binchangkan pada nition of the academic freedom of pagi ini ia-lah pindaan di-atas usul 1339 13 JULY 1964 1340 yang pertama tadi. Saya benarkan Menteri menjawab, kemudian saya tadi dua atau tiga orang termasok akan chadangkan supaya perbahathan Ahli2 Yang Berhormat dari Ipoh dan itu di-kemukakan dan pada kali yang Perdana Menteri Singapura itu kedua saya kemukakan juga pada kcrana dia minta kebenaran supaya masa itu. membahathkan di-atas asas 'am dan dia tidak akan berchakap lagi pada Enche' Lee Kuan Yew: Mr Speaker, masa membinchangkan Rang Undang2 Sir, may I rise to make a personal ini—sebab itu saya benarkan. Se- explanation of my speech on the Bill. karang di-hadapan kita ini ada-lah During the luncheon adjournment, satu pindaan ia-itu menempohkan I had discussed with the Minister of Usui ini enam bulan lagi—chadangan Home Affairs the question of sending dari Ahli Yang Berhormat dari this Bill to Select Committee. Before Batu—dan sekarang saya bawa pin 2 this Bill was tabled in this House I daan ini kapada Ahli Yang Berhor had been asked for my views and I mat. had told him that my colleagues and Dato' Dr Ismail: On a point of I supported such a Bill. explanation, Sir. You have heard This morning I had suggested only one side of the observations in sending the Bill to Select Committee the debate on the amendment. The after the second reading, as this House has not even heard a single appeared to me the best way of allay member from the Government side ing the anxieties of sincere liberals and how could you, Mr Speaker, ask and non-Communists, and of exposing the House to take a decision on an the sham lamentations of pro-Com amendment on which only the views munists. of one side of the House have been heard. Now it seems that my proposal to send this Bill to Select Committee Mr Speaker: Order, order! The time may be misconstrued as an attempt to is now 1 o'clock. The meeting is qualify our support for the Bill, suspended to 4 p.m. this evening. since quite a number of persons Sitting suspended at 1.00 p.m. opposed to the Bill on principle and not just in details have similarly suggested that it be sent to Select Sitting resumed at 4.00 p.m. Committee. (Mr Speaker in the Chair) Since my proposal to send this Bill THE INTERNAL SECURITY to Select Committee is for completely (AMENDMENT) BILL different reasons, and in order that there can be no misunderstanding of Second Reading the position of my colleagues and I in Debate resumed on amendment, "That support of the Bill, I withdraw my the Bill be read a second time on proposal to send this Bill to Select this day six months." Committee. Mr Speaker: Ahli2 Yang Berhormat, Enche' Chia Thye Poh (Singapore): saya suka menyatakan kapada Ahli2 Mr Speaker, Sir, the Amendment to Yang Berhormat ia-itu pada pagi the Internal Security Ordinance, ini tadi saya telah benarkan yang which the Government is proposing, membawa usul tadi berchakap atas is merely adding some more undemo kesemua sa-kali; dan saya sudah cratic clauses to an Act which is benarkan juga pehak2 yang lain ber notorious and much detested by the chakap bagitu juga. Jadi, pada kali people. The Alliance Government ini, saya benarkan-lah Ahli2 Yang had in the past turned the Emergency Berhormat berchakap dalam perkara Regulations into the Internal Security 'am, dan saya sifatkan-lah per- Ordinance, so as to carry on the bahathan itu bahathan kali yang dictatorial repression that had been kedua, dan pada akhir-nya saya minta done by the British colonialists. Under 1341 13 JULY 1964 1342 this Ordinance, the Minister is em his studies? Why can't the Govern powered to arrest people without ment allow the rejected to defend charge or trial. Under the regime of himself in public? Moreover, the the Alliance, countless innocent courts are in the hands of the Go people have been arbitrarily arrested, vernment. It is because the Govern but the Government has not been able ment is not able to provide the public to charge or try them in court; hence with satisfactory reason. What is the there is nothing of safeguard the right use of appealing to the Minister when of the people who are living under the one is rejected by the education constant intimidation of that Ordi officials? The education officials are nance. The Amendment is only add acting under the instruction of the ing more undemocratic clauses to Minister who in turn acts in accord such a notorious Ordinance. By this ance with the information given to Amendment, students entering uni him by his Gestapo Special Branch; versities and colleges have to be hence we see that the appeal to the screened. No one can enter a univer Minister is just a cause of putting up sity or college without the written a show. approval of the Chief Education Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government Officer or the Director of Education. has incessantly boasted that our Mr Speaker, Sir, it is most un country is a constitutional State, a reasonable to empower education democratic State and is governed by officials with such absolute authority. law. But what we see is that the Go The Amendment deprives the indivi vernment is acting most dictatorially dual of his right to receive a univer through all these undemocratic Ordi sity education. The right of one to nances. What we can see is not demo receive an education in the highest cracy or law but that the country has institutions of learning should not be been brought into the compass of a in the hands of a few education Police state and dictatorship. officials, or the ruling party. Under Mr Speaker, Sir, just now, when normal conditions, one can enter a we were debating this dirty Amend university or college if he is willing ment Bill, we saw once again the to work hard, has the qualifications, Prime Minister of Singapore building and if he is not an idiot. Mr Speaker, new castles in the air—his usual habit Sir, we are now amazed at the ruling which he used to boast about in that an education official is to decide order to show himself as a great who should and who should not story-teller. With the help of the enter the universities. Under this Special Branch, he has put in condition the ruling party is able to different kinds of information and prevent all the people whom it does made them into a long, long tale. not like from entering universities. The people of Singapore know him With this Bill, the wisdom of the and his tricks pretty well. Now, he people is to be suppressed. The has come to blast the people in the creative talents of those who are Federation. We are not surprised to brave enough to resist any unreason hear that the P.A.P. supports this able measures are to be suppressed by Amendment Bill. The P.A.P. has the dictatorial and political prejudice sold the rights of the people of Singa of the Government. By this provision pore. Although the P.A.P. belongs to any person whose application to the Opposition, it has always sought enter the universities has been re the co-operation of the Alliance Go jected may appeal to the Minister, vernment to get rid of political but the decision of the Minister is opposition in Singapore. final and no appeal can be made to a court. Mr Speaker, Sir, I ask, how Enche' AH bin Haji Ahmad (Pontian can the decision of the Minister be Selatan): On a point of order, Mr final? Why can't the Government let Speaker, Sir—S.O. 35 (6) which says open to the public as to why a per that a Member shall not read his son should not be accepted to further speech. 1343 13 JULY 1964 1344 Mr Speaker: The Honourable Mem received the strongest protest from the ber is not holding the paper in his Universities concerned who main hands. It is in order. Please proceed! tained that there should be univer sity autonomy in a democratic coun Enche' Chia Thye Poh: Thank you, try. Now, the Government, realising Sir. In spite of the fact that the basic that this arbitrary action is being re rights of the people will be deprived sisted by more and more youths, and the university autonomy and realising that intellectuals are more academic freedom will be destroyed, and more conscious of the surrounding the P.A.P. has always paved the way situation, realising that nothing that is for the Alliance Government to mis done could cow those who stand for use its position to further suppress university autonomy, unashamedly the people. The Prime Minister of tears down its mask of democracy, Singapore says "Yes" to the Amend openly making legislations to prevent ment Bill on the one hand, and he qualified individuals from entering the shows all his talent to deal with the universities. The action of the Go so-called communists better than the vernment has thus openly infringed foolish Alliance Government on the upon the universities' autonomy. The other. By suggesting to pass this Bill acceptance of students has been the to a Select Committee after the right of the university authority, but second reading, the Prime Minister of the provision in this Bill is a chal Singapore hopes to wash his hands lenge to the rights of the university off the presentation of this dirty Bill. authority. We, as well as the people, are aware Mr Speaker, Sir, from the exchange of the trickery of the so-called "open of letters between the former Vice- to the public" or the so-called "open Chancellor of the University of debate". The Prime Minister of Singa Singapore, Dr Sreenivasan and the pore has said that a good case can Prime Minister of Singapore—these not suffer from debate in the public. letters had been published in the Then, why does the Government still Nanyang Siang Pau—we can easily arrest innocent people without charge see that what the academic bodies are and trial in Court? He has not even worrying about is that preventing the guts to let the detainees defend students from entering universities themselves in Court in spite of the will allow university autonomy to be fact that propaganda machinery is in seriously interfered with. In his letter the hands of the Government. I say to the Prime Minister. Dr Sreenivasan that it is another big, big bluff of the said that the decision of employing P.A.P. staffs and accepting students should Mr Speaker, Sir, as a matter of be based upon their academic fact, long before the Government standards and not their political point made these amendments to the of view. But, now, this Amendment Internal Security Ordinance, it has Bill has allowed the Government to been exercising pressure on the uni disregard the decision of the Univer versities to reject the acceptance of sity and to reject students for certain students, though those students admission into the higher institutions may have excellent academic of learning. standards or qualifications of a uni Mr Speaker, Sir, furthermore, this versity education. Prior to the resig Bill will turn academic freedom of nation of the former Vice-Chancellor the universities into a laughing stock; of the University of Singapore, the and students, fearing that their oppor Governments of Singapore and the tunity of learning in the university will Federation of Malaya had exercised be taken away by the Government, will certain pressures to prevent him from not dare to make proper and energetic accepting some students into the Uni study and research into the different versity. The same pressure was also schools of thought and learning. The applied to the Nanyang University. flower of academic study in the uni But the action of the Governments versity will soon be withered as the 1345 13 JULY 1964 1346

Government only allows students to the campus. Government bursary to study academic theories which are more active students can be withdrawn agreeable to its interests. The main at any time. Students having graduated characteristic of a university is to from the University do not have the provide students with an opportunity opportunity to work in the Govern to study and make research on ment service, unless the Special different schools of thought, other Branch gives its approval. Hence, it wise it is not worthy to be called a is obvious that even before this Bill university. If the Government is today is proposed to this House, very little entitled to make a legislation to academic freedom has been available restrict admission of students to uni in our country. versities and to obstruct university Sir, the Special Branch has all authority to employ staffs, tomorrow along asserted a certain kind of the value of a university will then be control on the students who intend to reduced to its limited extent; the study abroad. The Security Authority progress and the future of the univer in our country always secretly gives sity will then be hampered by the notice to the Immigration Department party in power. of the foreign country where a student has been admitted by the Sir, as a matter of fact, the Govern University which he intends to further ment has already taken a series of his study. As a result the student destructive measures against univer applicant has been refused visa. This sity autonomy and academic freedom did not happen once or twice but before this Bill is proposed. The many times. The Government has Vice-Chancellor of the University of deprived students of their basic rights Singapore has been forced to resign, to receive university education not and now the Vice-Chancellor of the only at home but also abroad. Nanyang University is receiving the same unreasonable treatment. When Sir, the Government has claimed a special order imposed by the that the sole purpose of this Bill is Government was rejected by the to act against the so-called com Vice-Chancellor of the University of munists and so-called elements whose Singapore, the Government had actions are prejudicial to the security purposely adopted an unco-operative of the nation. However, the Govern attitude towards the Vice-Chancellor ment has already been endowed with concerning the financial problem of the absolute power by the P.P.S.O. to University. As a result, he was unable move against any citizens, but the to carry on with the administration of Alliance Government still does not the University. Similarly, arbitrary seem to feel that the P.P.S.O. is action had been taken against the sufficient to suppress the general Nanyang University students, Univer dissatisfaction of the people. In fact, sity councillors and Nanyang Univer the present Government is just harping sity graduates, when the Government on the same old string of the so-called decided to control and reorganise bogey of communism. The people has NANTA. The Vice-Chancellor of been greatly annoyed by such kind of NANTA had been secretly pressed propaganda. In the colonial era when by the Government to resign. The the British Government arrested anti- citizenship of Mr Tan Lark Sye had colonial patriots, they were unable to been withdrawn. All these were only produce any reason to charge them. some of the actions taken by the They had to resort to all kinds of Government to destroy the Univer smearing against them. The way by sity's autonomy. Furthermore, aca which the present Government finds demic publications which reflect the her excuse is just the same as that academic standard of the University used by the British colonial rulers. have been unreasonably banned, and What we have seen is that all those, Government bursary has also become who have devoted themselves to fight a tool to restrict students from for freedom, justice, and the interest participating in healthy activities in of the people, have been dealt with 1347 13 JULY 1964 1348 under the same pretext—for instance, of all true Malaysians—true in the the cases of Mr Lim Lean Geok, Dr sense that they owe allegiance to this Yen Yen Chang, and many others. country and that they love this country They had done nothing but criticised as their own—to give their hearty and the present unjust educational policy fullest support to this Amendment of the Government. Is this not the brought forward in this House by the basic right of a citizen to point out Honourable Minister of Home Affairs. the mistakes of the Government? But This amendment to the Internal the Government by branding them as Security Act, we have to remember, elements whose actions are prejudicial is a preventive. One must remember to the nation has taken relentless the old English saying, which says action against them. All these can only that one stitch in time is worth nine induce the people to believe that the out of time, and the object of this so-called elements whose actions are amendment is no more and no less. prejudicial to the security of the nation are those who serve the A lot has been said about the interest of the people, and those who infringement of the freedom of dare to stand up and criticise the university, academic freedom and the errors of the Government. autonomy of the universities that we have with us; and a lot has also been said about the humiliation that is Mr Speaker, Sir, this Amendment meted out to the young people by the Bill was instantly met with strong Amendment that has been brought in. and stormy opposition of the people. As a member of the University We have read many angry statements Council since 1953—that is, eleven made by civic organisations in the years now—I am well aware of the daily press accusing the Government great value placed by the University to prevent such an Amendment Bill. on its autonomy and academic free It is most intolerable if the Govern dom, and as a member of the ment continues to exploit its majority University Council also I agree that position in Parliament to pass this it should be so, but times have dictatorial and fascist Bill. Sir, this changed and changed for the worse. Bill is due to be effective on the 1st With Soekarno's confrontation, which of August. The dictatorship of the is nothing but an expression of the Party in power can only open the orders that he has received from eyes of the people to the rotten Peking and perhaps, from other com tyranny of the Alliance. All that this munist countries, we should have the fascist legislation can do is to harden freedom to design certain measures the hearts of the young people whom to protect ourselves; and if it is true it is intended to intimidate and to that prevention is better than cure and increase their determination to bring that it is not only a truism and not to an end the present period of a senseless platitude, then I think we suppression. Thank you. have justification for the Amendment that is brought in by the Honourable Dr Haji Megat Khas (Kuala Kang- Minister. sar): Mr Speaker, Sir, since most of the speeches have been made in English I also realise, Mr Speaker, Sir, the for the whole of today, I would continuous stream of opposition that continue in the same vein, if I may. keeps pouring in from all quarters— Whether the Honourable Member for not only from the Socialist Front but Batu or the Honourable Member from other quarters throughout the from Barisan Sosialis in Singapore country; but I do feel, as I said realises it or not, there is no question before, that times have justified this that communism of the subversive Amendment and I take it that it is type is with us, and there is no not impossible to reconcile the mea question also that Malaysians as a sures taken in this amendment to the whole have no use for any form of Internal Security Act with the declared communism—subversive, belligerent or desire of the University to preserve military type. It is, therefore, the duty its autonomy and academic freedom. 1349 13 JULY 1964 1350

I disagree with the Honourable Mem this Bill encroachments on traditional ber for Ipoh, who said that university concepts of academic freedom. Simi students cannot pose a threat to the lar misgivings, we also know, were country and to its internal security, voiced when, because of the exigen because they do and can, if we are cies of the situation, it became not careful about the material that necessary to pass laws to safeguard gets into the university. The recent the security of the country from case of the Nanyang students is a communist subversion. These laws plain one, and too recent to be have been with us for nearly 10 forgotten. I do agree of course with years and despite the rather pessi the Member for Ipoh that the number mistic pronouncement made by our of young men who will become colleague from Barisan Sosialis, subversive or who have tendencies to Singapore, by and large, despite the subversiveness will form only a minor misgivings, these laws to safeguard portion or a very small fraction of the internal security have ensured that whole—and this is just the point. We this country remains today a have got to look after the security of democratic country, and these laws the country as a whole and the have helped to counter communist object of this amendment to the subversion. So, to those in whom Internal Security Act is to nip in the these misgivings arose from a genuine bud the focus, the small focus that desire to preserve democracy, to may arise, of subversiveness among safeguard democracy and to ensure the young people, who may aspire to academic freedom, may I say that it higher education in the higher institu is a healthy sign, in a democracy, tions of learning that we have. I say that these liberal elements should this advisely, because the purpose of voice their protests vigorously at any education in the real sense of the encroachment of traditional concepts word would be to enable us to learn of liberty, because if in a democratic to live together in a complex world, society when a Government finds it a world of varied components, and necessary to conscribe liberty and to cultivate a proper sense of value freedom and if those who really in the running of our own lives. It is believe in democracy do not lodge necessary, therefore, in this particular protests and if they accept these instance to cultivate a sense of changes supinely, then democracy will proportion as to the pros and cons of die. So long as there are elements in the present amendment to the Internal a democratic society who are prepared Security Act that has been brought to voice their protest and voice their forward by the Honourable Minister. fears, then the effect would be to restrain the despotic tendencies which I do not wish to take much time, are inherently present in all govern because this is the first time that we ments. on the Government Benches have been given an opportunity to rise up to speak, and I am sure my colleagues However, to those who have voiced on this side of the House have their concern over this Bill out of a points to bring forward. But, finally, genuine desire to preserve academic Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to give freedom, to preserve democracy, I my fullest support to the amendment shall try to show that this Amend ment is intended primarily to brought forward by the Minister of safeguard democracy, to safeguard Home Affairs to the Internal Security academic freedom, and this Amend Act {Applause). ment is against those who are out to Enche' S. Rajaratnam (Singapore): destroy both. Here, I would like to Mr Speaker, Sir, I am well aware, we distinguish between this group and are all well aware, of the unhappiness another group, who will also voice the provisions of this Bill have dismay, who will also protest loudly caused among student bodies, trade about transgression of democracy, unions, teachers unions and among but for different reasons—they want liberals who see in the provisions of to destroy democracy: these are the 1351 13 JULY 1964 1352

pro-communists and their front men, the democrats, and say: "Yes, let us who are not interested in democratic defend democracy."—and we would freedom. They are not interested in have noticed one thing, Sir, that in academic freedom, but they want to the speech of the Barisan Sosialis ensure the achievement of their Member he never mentioned one ultimate goal which, as they them word about how this law would selves say in private, is the establish conscribe the communists; he was not ment of a communist dictatorship, a interested in that. He did not say how dictatorship of the proletariat. They this Amendment would make it would, therefore, find it more con difficult for his colleagues, both inside venient to mingle with the liberals— and outside the Nanyang University, people who really want to safeguard to re-establish the hold that they have democracy—in the hope that by lost. He or even the Member for mingling with the innocent people Batu had never mentioned throughout they will also escape attention and his speech, how this law would con probably also escape detention. Sir, scribe the communists. All that both this second group of people who said was, "How it was going to make profess to be supporters of democracy, things difficult for the democrats." who profess to be defenders of Why is that? Why didn't the Barisan academic freedom, do not care one Sosialis Member make a distinction jot either for democracy or for and say, "Yes, in so far as this law academic freedom. Sir, there is one would conscribe the communists I thing we must accept—despite what support it, but in so far as it con- my colleague from Singapore has scribes the democrats, I will criticise been saying about "so-called com it." He never said so. He knows there munists"—and that is that there are are communists and his colleagues communists, and if he is not quite know there are communists; and convinced of that, let me remind him detainees who have come out and of statements by gentlemen who have recanted know there are communists. seen the light—people like Soon Loh And yet in all their speeches, if they Boon, Leong Keng Seng, James are real defenders of democracy, Puthucheary, Woodhull. When they they should, at least in so far as it were in detention, these were the conscribe the enemies of democracy, people of whom communists outside say they will support it, but they said, "These are innocent men; they never said it. In fact, Sir, earlier in are not communists", and yet when his speech, the Barisan Sosialis Mr Soon Loh Boon, after eight years Member has also said how terribly of detention, came out, he said that reactionary these Governments are— when he was a student he was work they consider the Singapore Govern ing for the cause of the communists— ment and the Central Government and yet there are some people who reactionary Governments—because in say that they are only "so-called" Nanyang University they have banned communists. I have no doubt, Sir, all publications which are academic that for the communists, the fact that publications of a high intellectual some people the liberals, are genuinely order. concerned, about academic freedom, is a good opportunity to revive their Well, Sir, recently there was a flagging morale, because the com publication published by the Govern munist morale is today at its lowest ment called "Communism in Nanyang ebb—and my authority for this University" and there is a quotation evaluation is none other than the from an academic publication of a anti-Lee Siew Choh faction in the very high order, having been pub Barisan Sosialis of which we have a lished by the Historical Society of representative here. They themselves Nanyang University. They decided to have said that the communists are at make their contribution to Malayan their lowest ebb. They do not know nationalism. I think it is called "A what issue to plug. So here is a good research on the history of Malayan issue. They can join with the liberals, nationalism. I think it is called "A 1353 13 JULY 1964 1354 Brief History of the Malaya National who want to destroy democracy by Movement" published by the Nanyang plugging any issue—whether it be this Historical and Geographical Society— Bill or any other Bill. In so far as this and I quote from paragraph 22, page Bill can prevent communist infiltration 11: of universities, I think any reason "The history starts with the Communists able man must endow the Govern Peoples' Councils, an objective democratic ment with those powers to keep out history of Malayan Nationalism" communist subversion. It is my and it starts off with "The Com submission, Sir, that in essence I do munists Peoples' Councils which were not think this Bill is being directed established 'amidst the cheers of the against people that the Government people'." A democratic society, Sir? does not like. There are other ways, A booklet to help strengthen demo if the Government is very clever, of cracy, an academic publication, to keeping people whom it does not like help strengthen democracy when they out of universities; they do not have themselves say that these Communists to bring this Amendment, as there Peoples Councils were established are other ways of doing it. But what amidst the cheers of the people? Which the Bill really and primarily seeks to people—Peking, Indonesia or Malaya? do is to keep out professional Then it goes on to say, "These students, professional political stu Councils have been unreasonably dents, who do not go into a dissolved"—the Communist Councils university to acquire a degree such as have been unreasonably dissolved? B.Sc, Ph.D., LL.B.—they go there to Similarly, it also complains that the squat there, to build up cadres for P.P.S.O. and this Amendment are also the communist movement; and it is unreasonable—obviously for the the professional students, who are same reason. Because it conscribes the going to be kept out—not the ordinary communists, therefore, it is unreason student who goes there, who might able. Then it goes on to say, "The have his own political views. What emergency is described as the story of the Bill seeks to do—and it is quite the gallant resistance of the communist clear from the speech of the Minister armed forces." Is this a publication in of Home Affairs—is to keep out defence of democracy, or in defence professional students, as part of the of communism? What this Amend communist strategy we only need to ment will do is that in future when look at their manual—is to train the Nanyang Historical and Geogra professional students to go into phical Society does write another universities as they go into trade booklet on the brief history of the unions and political parties. It is Malayan Nationalist Movement, I quite clear that the Barisan Socialist think, the history will not start off Member comes from Nanyang, land with "the Communist People's Coun he knows who were controlling cil" but will start off with political Nanyang. He himself was trained parties which are loyal to this country, there and he ended up in this which have really won independence Assembly—Sir, I understand that he and freedom and democracy, the was even an Assistant Lecturer, a same democracy that allows the professional lecturer, a professional Barisan Socialist Member to speak student. And it is quite clear that here to denounce the established order because of this calculated infiltration— of things—and in a people's demo Nanyang was a good example—the cracy, I am quite sure, these benches result was, as is made quite clear in would be empty, Sir, and only the this Report, that they have exploited Member for Barisan would be allowed the ineffective leadership and adminis to speak. (Laughter) So, I think we trative defects of the Nanyang should distinguish between such things University—"they" the communists and also those of us outside this because the effective masters of its Assembly, who may have reasonable policy and administration, including doubts about this Bill or fears, they appointments to and control of the should not lend cover for communists, academic staff. Students, Sir, are I

1355 13 JUL { 1964 1356 running a university, and does this are prepared to use any legitimate prove his contention that the students method, but tough method, to fight are going there to get a Ph.D., LL.B., communists, then their tide of morale when they control staff? In fact, I would be even at a lower ebb than it understand, they even appoint canteen is today. staff, so that strong-arm boys could be there in the university to deal Secondly, we must also accept the with recalcitrant students. fact that, in view of confrontation, in view of the fact that the Communists Sir, it is necessary in view of this today are acting as agents for Indo to accept the proposition that the nesian "Crush Malaysia" policy, and communist threat is real—we have in view of the fact that this confron got to accept that proposition. Any tation is going to be with us for a body who does not accept that long, long time, it is necessary to proposition is either living in a ensure that the Communists and their dream-world, or is deliberately closing friends are not given any new oppor his eyes to it: communist threat is tunities to rebuild their cadres, to real, and communist determination to recruit intelligent men, because ob overthrow this democratic system by viously from the university you can, any means is also real. In fact, one by and large—not necessarily always— of the injunctions of Lenin, which is recruit more intelligent men in the followed by every good communist, university than you could elsewhere, is that a good communist must be and it is quite clear that with the re prepared to resort to any falsehood, straint put on the Communists in deceit and evasion (a very important Nanyang they are going to make great word "evasion") to infiltrate non- efforts to try and recruit in other uni communist organisation, whether it is versities and institutions of higher a trade union, school, or university, education. So, therefore, Sir, in so far and communists should be prepared as there are others who are not in to resort to falsehood, deceit and terested in giving cover to the Commu evasion—that is to pretend that you nists, to them I would say this: True, are not a communist. So long as you a Bill like this can be abused. But have the communists, who are pre then, Sir, any law which confers power pared to resort to deceit, lies, evasion on a government can always be abused plus dedication, then if democracy is by a government; and if we work on to survive, we must make it clear the assumption "do not give power to a that democracy does not mean giving government because it will be abused", freedom for people, who do not then the logical course, of course, is believe in democracy, to destroy not to give the government any power. democracy. I think it is about time But if we are reasonably satisfied that that democrats made it quite clear they have a problem—the government that the right to disagree, and that has a responsibility to deal with the the right to even overthrow a ruling Communist problem, Communist sub Government by constitutional means version—then we have to give this is only granted to those political power on the basis of trust and, more groups which believe in democracy, important, on the basis of perfor but not to those who are going to use mance, because if it is found for some democratic machinery, so that once reason or other that the power has they come into power they are going been abused or administered badly, to destroy democracy. Therefore, any then it will be the responsibility of law which conscribes the freedom of this Opposition to call the Government action of communists to destroy to account when there is an abuse of democracy must, in the situation powers of this nature. But in the which we are in, be accepted as a present position where Communism is necessary evil, if you like, but it is a threat—we are also threatened by a necessary instrument to be able to confrontation by Indonesia and sub fight communists. Once the democrats version—where obviously the Commu show that determination, that they nists are going to make a determined 1357 13 JULY 1964 1358 effort to subvert our universities, to Obviously, I cannot understand how get more recruits from our univer they got 95 per cent of the people of sities, to infiltrate our universities, it Tanjong Pagar and Kereta Ayer to would be wrong for us at this junc say that they are against Malaysia and ture, even if we have this fear that the merger, when the actual referendum, Bill might be abused, to deprive the which they themselves supervised, Government of what they consider at was so unlike. This referendum was the moment a necessary power with not supervised by us: it was all out which they cannot deal with the carried out by them. So, you see the problem of Communist subversion in results were different, But it shows schools and, in particular, universities. how the Communists can manipulate If the university authorities themselves students, even compel them to do could have exercised their responsibi things which are obviously dishonest— lity to society and weeded out the teach the young not to be up- Communists and checked the Com righteous, courageous men, but to be munists, then, perhaps, the need for crooks and manipulators and people this law would not have arisen, but, who can rig things. But even more unfortunately, for one reason or other important was that they entered the under the mantle of academic freedom political arena with a view of taking they say that they are not going to issue with the Government. How then interfere with the students in regard can universities remain academic insti to, what they consider, expressions of tutions when their pupils come into exuberance on the part of the youths the political arena? Naturally, the and, therefore, they are not going to Government must react. So, since the be involved in what they consider university authorities themselves are security matters. But as you know, Sir, incapable of ensuring that their insti as a result of their rather negative tutions remain centres of academic attitude, at least in Singapore, in the discussion, learning, even political last elections, universities, which are discussion, if they are not prepared to supposed to be academic institutions, do that, then obviously it becomes the above politics, in fact entered the responsibility of the Government to political arena. Members of the Nan- make things easier for the university yang University and some from the authorities to discharge their respon University of Singapore Socialist Club sibilities, and to ensure that our uni went out canvassing. In fact, they versities remain truly centres of organised a poll just before the Refe academic discussion and freedom. rendum—Nanyang University students Thank you, Sir. and some members from the Socialist Club—purely, they told us, as an Enche' Ibrahim bin Abdul Rahman "academic exercise". They went to (Seberang Tengah): Tuan Yang di- Kereta Ayer and Tanjong Pagar, the Pertua, ra'ayat telah memberi mandat two constituencies from which my kapada Kerajaan ini untok menjaga colleagues (sitting in front of me) here keamanan, dan siapa juga yang ada come, to conduct an independent dalam Malaysia ini atau pun pendu- gallop poll to find out? what the people dok2 sa-ramai tujoh ratus empat pu- of Kereta Ayer and what the people loh juta dalam Commonwealth atau of Tanjong Pagar thought about pun tiga ribu enam ratus juta manu- Malaysia and merger, and asto sia yang ada dalam dunia ini semua nishingly the results were unfore mahukan keamanan. Jadi saya rasa seen—95 per cent of the people of satu perkara yang pada hari ini kita Tanjong Pagar and Kereta Ayer were dengar daripada parti2 Pembangkang against Malaysia and merger—95 per ia-itu daripada Barisan Socialist, dari cent! Yet when a proper Referendum pada Socialist Front semua-nya me- was carried out, the result was just nitek-beratkan dalam soal kebe- about the reverse. So, here is a good basan—freedom. Mereka mengatakan instance of Communists perverting Kerajaan telah menyekat soal freedom youths to the point where they can ini. Tetapi kebebasan itu mesti ada cook up polls, can rig referendums. batasan, mesti ada boundary-nya. 1359 13 JULY 1964 1360

Freedom means so many things to so telah bacha, dan pagi ini lagu itu juga many people. Barisan Socialist ber- di-mainkan oleh wakil dari Batu me kehendakkan freedom atau pun ke ngatakan M.T.U.C. dan International bebasan untok subvert, itu kebebasan Federation of Teachers Union dan bagi fahaman Barisan Socialist, tetapi banyak lagi pertubohan yang mem- bagi pehak Kerajaan Perikatan yang bangkang dengan keras-nya Bill ini. mengamalkan demokrasi, kita mahu Tujuan mengadakan Bill ini, Tuan kebebasan yang berlainan. Semua Yang di-Pertua, bukan-lah untok me- orang mahu kebebasan; wakil Batu pun nyekatkan penuntut2 yang ada "beatle mahu, Barisan Socialist pun mahu hair", berseluar yangkee atau pun kebebasan, U.S.S.R. Russia dalam tabir topless dress, itu tidak, sa-benar2-nya besi-nya—tabir bambu pun ada ke pindaan ini menyekatkan penuntnt2 bebasan tetapi berlainan, Tuan Yang yang menghasut berkenaan dengan di-Pertua. Jika kita berkehendakkan fahaman kominis di-dalam sa-sabuah kebebasan hari ini, maka patut-lah University. Jadi, saya rasa tentu-lah kita adakan Undang2 ini. Kerajaan ini semua ibu bapa dan ra'ayat yang patut di-puji kerana telah mengadakan chintakan keamanan akan menyokong satu Rang Undang2 yang tegas, oleh penoh Undang2 ini, kerana kita mahu sebab banyak yang kita dapat tahu keamanan yang saya katakan tadi. Kerajaan Perikatan ini mengamalkan Semua ra'ayat mahukan keamanan, demokrasi yang sangat2 liberal ia-itu tetapi itu-lah soal pokok keamanan, longgar. Sa-kira-nya kalau ada Rang dan kita tidak menyekat kebebasan, Undang2 ini baharu-lah tidak di-kata- chuma kita mahu keamanan. Jadi kan pemimpin2 Perikatan ini tidak ada itu-lah sebab-nya, Tuan Yang di-Per bercalibre besar tetapi baharu-lah tua, saya menyokong penoh usul yang dynamic. Kalau tidak, terlalu long- di-bawa oleh Yang Berhormat Men- gar—terlalu liberal maka sebab itu teri Dalam Negeri itu. di-salah gunakan oleh sa-tengah2 pe hak—sa-tengah2 orang di-dalam ne- The Minister of Finance (Enche' Tan geri ini. Siew Sin): Mr Speaker, Sir, this Bill provides a perfect field day for Untok hendak menjaga demokrasi demagogues. It provides wonderful dan untok menjaga keamanan negeri opportunities for those people who ini, maka Undang2 ini di-adakan, wish to wax eloquent on the virtues tetapi dalam uchapan yang kita of democracy, freedom, liberty, and dengar pada hari ini daripada pagi the like. Broadly speaking, I would tadi, mereka mengatakan yang Kera say that the opposition to this Bill jaan ini telah pun menjalankan kuku can be divided into two categories. besi atau dictator dengan mengguna- 2 The first category consists of those kan Ketua Pegawai Pelajaran dan 2 who oppose the Bill for the reason lain lagi sa-bagai gestapo, tetapi 2 that it is an affront to democracy and dalam Rang Undang ini bukan kita so on, but who we know, and many beri kuasa itu 100% kapada C.E.O., right-thinking people in this country kerana ada di-sini, saya bacha "The know, are either Communists, pro- Chief Education Officer and the Communists or fellow-travellers. The Chief Education Adviser after making second category opposes this Bill on such inquiries "ini ber- the ground that the powers it hands ma'ana sa-telah mereka berpendapat over to the Government are so wide "suitability" yang kita katakan tadi, that they could easily be abused. I kebolehan atau pun keadaan sa-sa- shall try to deal with these categories orang penuntut. Bukan-nya mengguna- one by one. kan kuasa-nya 100%, tetapi kena-lah menyiasat dan menghalusi dengan I wonder how many Honourable Pegawai Polis dan sa-bagai-nya. Saya Members in this House have read rasa C.E.O. sendiri pun tidak mahu books on the story of the Russian kuasa itu di-beri kapada mereka itu revolution. If they have not, it is my 100%. Dalam surat khabar hari ini humble view that, provided they are dan dua tiga hari yang lalu, kita prepared to keep an open mind, these 1361 13 JULY 1964 1362 books are worth reading. Certainly, this phrase in the context of the then my own personal experience has been Federation of Malaya, "that under no that books of this nature can not only circumstances can we permit people be extremely entertaining, more im who would be prepared in the holy portant they can be extremely reveal name of democracy to subvert the ing. Let us see how Communism process of democracy in order to kill started in the cradle of Communism, democracy itself," a completely free i.e. the Union of Soviet Socialist Re aim. Today, seven years later, that publics. I will not bother this House maxim still holds good, and that is with the story from the beginning, the principle which I would ask those from the birth of Lenin, but round who oppose this Bill, and who are about 1917, towards the end of the not Communists but who may be First World War, a situation had been genuine liberals, to bear in mind. But, reached in which the first elections had I say, as I have said previously, to been; held in Russia. The Communists, those who are Communists, pro- or Bolsheviks as they were then Communists, or fellow-travellers, that known, campaigned as vigorously as we understand their reasons, but we the others but contrary to their expec obviously cannot subscribe to their tations they did not win the elections. motives. In fact, they came out second best, Now, let us look at the position in and it was a very poor second best. this country, and particularly that in They had, therefore, no hope of the Nanyang University—and this, I winning power by constitutional think, holds a lesson for those who means, and yet the same Bolsheviks feel that the Government in introduc who were in a hopeless minority cap ing this Bill has gone farther than it tured power a few months later and should. I personally know some of we have seen since that they have the products of Nanyang University, never been pushed out—and they are who have been expelled from the not likely, I think, ever to be pushed University, who have been hounded out, except by force. Now, the history out of the University for no other of Communism in other countries crime than that they were opposed to shows broadly a similar pattern. The the Communists, who were running details may differ, but the main trend things there their own way, who felt is the same. We see the spectacle of that the University should have its a small but determined, ruthless and academic freedom, and in fact quite highly disciplined minority seizing a few of them are in the M.C.A. power in the face of an apathetic majo rity and sometimes even in the face Now, we therefore see that in the of a hostile majority when the majo Nanyang University it is not so much rity is not so determined, not so a question of preserving academic ruthless and not so highly disciplined. freedom. It ia these very elements who That is the lesson of Communism. shout loudest, who shout from the housetops, who shout from the roof In the context of the former Fede tops about the virtues of democracy, ration of Malaya and in the context who are perverting the very processes of Malaysia today, the position, if of democracy in order to kill demo anything, is slightly more ominous, cracy itself. These are the people who because here—although there is no are abusing academic freedom and, question that the Communists are in in fact, turning an institution, which a minority, and I think in a very small should be a credit to this country, minority—the majority and, perhaps, into something which certainly, if I the majority of the majority, are even may put it mildly, requires certain more apathetic than the peoples of, improvements. It, is, therefore, clear say, Europe and the Americas. So, if that there is at least one section of anything, the position here is even those who oppose this Bill, whose more dangerous. When I seconded the views, I think, we need not take too Bill which established the independent, seriously. As for the other section, who Federation of Malaya in 1957 I used oppose this Bill on more honest 1363 13 JULY 1964 1364 grounds, I would say that it is not the abolish prisons, but we are not living intention of this Government, through in a perfect democracy, we are not this Bill, to go for what you might living in a heaven upon earth—though call armchair socialists or doctrinaire sometimes we try to make it a heaven Communists—those who, in aircon- upon earth—and, therefore, we have ditioned comfort, or in comfort not got to be content with the fact that airconditioned, are prepared to believe we have got to face the facts of life, that, in theory, socialism and even the realities of life. Hence these very Communism is not too bad. This is wide powers. We have got at present not the intention of this Bill. After the Internal Security Act, which em all, all of us were young once, and I powers the Minister of Home Affairs remember the saying, "that those who to arrest anyone of us now, tomorrow are not socialists at 20 have no heart morning, the day after, but all of us but those who are socialists at 40 know that so long as the present have no head." It is not the intention Government remains in power these of the Government—I think my powers will be used, I think, judi Honourable colleague the Minister of ciously, sensibly, moderately and with Home Affairs will confirm it—to go restraint. for a socialist of this ilk. We know that when we were young we have I can quote other cases and, I got to go through certain phases—one think, in my own portfolio there is became rather exuberant, idealistic, and the Income Tax Act. Here again, the socialism then seemed a very attrac Comptroller-General has got power tive, a very dynamic political philo to insist that before a person is allowed sophy. But, of course, as one grows to appeal against his assessment he older, one learns to face the facts of must pay what he has been assessed life and, I think, one tends to grow at. In theory, the Comptroller-General wiser—at least, I hope, many of us do. could, if he does not like the shape of a particular person's nose, make It has also been asked why, if the an unreasonable assessment, one which intention of this Bill is only to take is obviously beyond his means to pay, care of a few, you should use such make him bankrupt, and when he has drastic measures. As has been pointed gone into bankruptcy say: "I am out, it is the practice of any Govern sorry, it has all been a bad mistake. ment to take unto itself fairly wide Well, we will try to refund," and by powers, not because it wants to use that time, of course, it will be too late. or even to misuse these powers, but I remember when I introduced the because they are necessary and simply amending Bill for the purpose of also because one can never foretell reducing the evasion of income tax I the future. It is not possible for mere had an uproar, even from my own mortals like ourselves to foresee with backbenchers, saying that this was any degree of certainty what future Gestapoism, I had turned this country conditions may be like, what circum into a police state, the Minister of stances may be like, and as a prudent Finance would be able to do the most Government, you have to take into terrible things to everybody, personal account all possible contingencies, but enemies, political enemies, and the that, of course, does not mean that like, but so far, nothing has happened. these powers, these very wide powers, In fact, since the enactment of that will be abused. For example, the Act, I have not had a single case of Internal Security Act itself, if you are any abuse of these admittedly very to look at it very logically, is an wide powers. So it is with this Bill. infringement of the basic principles of I think that we are now at the cross democracy, and I agree that if we roads and all of us in this House, all were living in a perfect democracy of us who regard ourselves as the we should not require the Internal representatives of the people, as the Security Act. In fact, if we are living torch bearers of democracy, must in a perfect democracy, we do not make up our minds on one thing, and even require prisons; we can even that is that this Bill far from trying 1365 13 JULY 1964 1366 to extinguish academic freedom in this di-kemukakan ini, dengan kerana saya country will, in the end, preserve the dapati memandangkan kapada keadaan very academic freedom which its negara kita yang sedang di-ancham detractors say it seeks to destroy. oleh Indonesia dan juga oleh pehak That is really the significance, that is kominis yang sedang sentiasa men- the goal of this Bill, and if we are jalankan jarum-nya dengan berbagai chara dan satu daripada-nya ia-lah honest, if today we come and look at 2 this Bill with open minds, there can melalui penuntut yang sedang dan be no other conclusion. Thank you. akan belajar di-universiti dan di-kolej. Sa-bagaimana apa yang telah di- Datin Fatimah binti Haji Hashim lihat berlaku di-Universiti Nanyang (Jitra-Padang Terap): Tuan Yang di- di-mana hingga pentadbiran universiti Pertua, saya hendak berchakap itu pun telah di-pengaroh dan di- sadikit berkenaan dengan usul me- 2 2 kuasai oleh sa-bahagian penuntut nanggohkan Rang Undang ini yang telah masok faham semangat sa-lama enam bulan. Berkenaan kominis. dengan perkara dasar, saya akan 2 Pada fikiran saya, Tuan Yang berchakap apakala Rang Undang ini 2 di-bahathkan kelak, tetapi kalau Tuan di-Pertua, pindaan Rang Undang ini Yang di-Pertua benarkan saya ber telah pun terlambat di-bawa ka- chakap terus, saya akan teruskan Dewan ini, sa-patut-nya sa-tahun uchapan saya sa-kali. dahulu Kerajaan telah mengambil langkah yang saperti ini. Dengan Mr Speaker: Memang di-benarkan. ada-nya tapisan dari segi keselamatan Saya sudah berchakap tadi ia-itu negara saperti ini dapat-lah Kerajaan boleh di-benarkan sa-kali dalam mengelakkan daripada mengambil perbahathan. langkah menutup universiti2 yang penuntut2 telah di-pengaroh oleh Datin Fatimah binti Haji Hashim: penuntut2 yang berfahaman kominis. Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya tidak 2 2 Dan lagi dengan ada-nya undang bersetuju Undang ini di-tanggohkan 2 saperti ini ibu-bapa tidak lagi khuatir sa-lama enam bulan dengan alasan atau bimbang menghantar anak2 yang telah di-berikan oleh Yang mereka masok belajar di-universiti Berhormat wakil dari Batu. Nampak- atau di-kolej di-negeri ini, kerana nya Yang Berhormat ini lupa sa-kira- 2 2 mereka tahu yang anak -nya tidak nya Undang ini di-tanggohkan akan di-pengaroh oleh mereka yang sa-lama enam bulan, ini berma'ana 2 tidak bertanggong-jawab. Boleh jadi memberi peluang kapada penuntut ada sa-tengah2 berfikir mengapa pula yang patut di-sekat, dengan sebab di-kenakan juga kapada penuntut2 mereka itu merbahaya kapada ke- yang hendak masok ka-universiti sa- selamatan negeri kita ini masok lain daripada Universiti Nanyang, belajar ka-Universiti Nanyang apakala pada hal kata-nya universiti yang lain universiti itu di-buka dan menerima 2 itu berseh daripada penyeludupan penuntut baharu dalam tiga empat kominis. Pada fikiran saya, Tuan bulan akan datang. Yang di-Pertua, lebeh baik kita Saya tidak mengatakan Yang "sediakan payong sa-belum hujan" Berhormat dari Batu itu agent pe atau di-adakan pagar sa-belum tana- nuntut2 yang berfahaman kominis, man kita rosak. tetapi sa-kira-nya usul-nya di-luluskan, 2 Pengalaman kita daripada apa yang maka sia -lah tindakan Kerajaan kita berlaku di-Nanyang itu sudah chukup yang telah menahan penuntut2 Nan 2 bukti-nya, Tuan Yang di-Pertua. Kita yang dan juga tujuan Rang Undang sedar dan tahu yang agent kominis kita ini yang hendak menyelamatkan sa-memang sedia hendak memasokkan universiti itu daripada menjadi sarang agent-nya melalui penuntut kapada pergerakan kominis. universiti2 yang lain dan kapada Tuan Yang di-Pertua, sa-balek-nya kolej2 yang lain. Kalau hendak saya bangun menyokong atas Rang di-tunggu "nasi menjadi bubor" tidak Undang2 Pindaan Keselamatan yang guna lagi, Tuan Yang di-Pertua. 1367 13 JULY 1964 1368 Kita jangan bimbang yang undang2 puas hati dengan kenyataan-nya, ini ia-lah undang2 menyekat ke- tetapi ragu2 atas usefulness pindaan bebasan menuntut ilmu atau menyekat ini maseh ada lagi saki-baki-nya pemuda dan pemudi kita daripada di-dalam hati saya. menuntut ilmu tinggi; ini ada-lah mustahil sa-kali kerana Kerajaan Apakala saya dengar hujah2, telah ada dan akan membelanjakan alasan2 daripada puak Pembangkang berjuta2 ringgit untok hendak meng- yang telah berchakap dengan panjang adakan dan membesarkan universiti2 lebar dalam Dewan ini minta supaya dan kolej2 untok anak kita supaya Rang Undang2 ini di-tanggohkan sa- dapat pelajaran tinggi dan yang lama 6 bulan, baharu di-bawa berguna kapada negeri ini. kembali ka-sini, maka perasaan ragu2 saya terhadap pindaan ini sa-makin Kita sa-memang berkehendakkan menjadi2. Tetapi, Tuan Yang di- banyak lagi ra'ayat negeri ini menjadi Pertua, apakala bangun Yang pandai dan pakar dalam serba serbi Berhormat Enche' Lee Kuan Yew untok psmbangunan dan pembenaan berchakap menyokong Bill ini— negara kita yang maseh muda ini, Rang Undang2 ini saya telah di-yakin- tetapi kita tidak sa-kali2 berkehendak kan-nya—di-convincekan-nya bahawa kan mereka itu kelak akan menjadi Rang Undang2 ini ada-lah sangat2 pembinasa dan pengguling negara perlu. Tetapi, Tuan Yang di-Pertua, kita yang berchorak demokrasi. Pe jangan ada yang salah faham lalu muda dan pemudi yang ta'at setia mengatakan bahawa saya di-convince- kapada negeri ini dan tidak di-pengaroh kan oleh Yang Berhormat Enche' oleh kominis tidak akan bimbang Lee Kuan Yew kerana petah-nya dia undang2 ini, Tuan Yang di-Pertua. berchakap, kerana alasan2 yang Demikian-lah pandangan saya di-atas di-kemukakan-nya di-dalam Dewan sokongan pindaan Rang Undang2 ini. ini, bukan itu yang menyakinkan Terima kaseh. saya atas kegunaan dan faedah Bill ini. Saya biasa dengar pensharah2 Dato' Syed Ja'afar bin Hasan Albar lebeh petah daripada dia. Sa-bagai (Johor Tenggara): Tuan Yang di- politician bukan mudah bagi saya Pertua, apakala Bill ini atau pun terpengaroh dengan kepetahan Enche' Rang Undang2 (Pindaan) atas Lee Kuan Yew itu. Tetapi, Tuan Undang2 Keselamatan di-keluarkan Yang di-Pertua, tahu-kah kenapa saya tertanya2 diri saya akan guna saya di-convincekan oleh Yang dan faedah-nya, sa-hingga untok Berhormat Enche' Lee Kuan Yew hendak memuaskan hati saya terpaksa apakala beliau berchakap berkenaan saya berbinchang panjang dengan dengan Rang Undang2 ini, kerana kawan2 untok hendak mengambil satu saya tahu background Ahli Yang kesimpulan atas faedah dan guna-nya Berhormat ini, Ahli Yang Berhormat Rang Undang2 ini. Kita semua sedar ini-lah yang bertainggong-jawab akan keadaan negeri kita gerakan2 menggalakkan, dia yang memberi subversive yang sedang menjadi2 di- perlindongan kapada penuntut2 Seko- kalangan penuntut2. Ini semua-nya lah Secondary China dalam masa saya ketahu'i dan sedar, tetapi saya Singapura gelap, dalam masa peme- berpendapat bahawa Undang2 Kese rentahan Yang Berhormat Lee Kuan lamatan Dalam Negeri agak-nya Yew. Jadi dia tahu betul2 keadaan memadai untok mengatasi soal yang ada dalam Singapura dan dia subversive yang ada dalam negeri ini, tahu benar2 apa yang sa-benar-nya jadi tidak-lah memerlukan lagi tam- berlaku di-sana kerana dia-lah sa- bahan dan pindaan yang ada orang yang memegang role utama di-hadapan Dewan ini. Saya telah atau peranan yang penting dalam mendengar dengan chukup teliti dan gerakan student yang di-gerakkan-nya dengan minat kenyataan Yang untok membangkitkan huru-hara Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam melawan Kerajaan Lim Yew Hock Negeri apakala mengemukakan Rang pada masa itu. Jadi kalau pada hari Undang2 ini kapada Dewan ini. Saya ini dia datang menyokong Rang 1369 13 JULY 1964 1370

Undang2 ini sa-bagai mustahak dan daripada Perdana Menteri Singapura penting kapada kita maka the danger rakan sa-perjuangan saya. is real; orang yang mula2 membangkitkan keadaan itu di-Singapura hari Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support ini menyokong kuat Bill atau Rang the Bill to amend the Internal Undang2 ini. Dia tidak dapat Security Act, 1960. Sir, after listening menafikan bahawa dia-lah manusia- to the Honourable Member for Batu nya yang bertanggong-jawab memberi and, to a certain extent, the Honour semangat, memberi galakan dan able Member for Ipoh's case for memperlindongkan student yang precautionary action against sub membuat kachau dalam Singapura versive elements among students in dan kedudokan politik pada hari ini our country, one cannot help feeling Yang Berhormat Enche' Lee Kuan that the Member for Batu was Yew sudah sedar bahawa perkara treating the problem of Communist yang di-bangkit2kan dan di-ungkit2- subversion as a very hypothetical kan-nya dalam masa beberapa tahun problem. He and, I think, many dahulu sekarang sedang hendak outside this Chamber would like us memakan dia. Jadi, di-sini, Tuan to believe that all this talk of sub Yang di-Pertua, melihatkan sokongan version is a red herring, if not a yang kuat daripada P.A.P. terhadap bogey raised in a society which, but Undang2 ini, saya tidak dapat hendak for the distant sound of shelling on mengelakkan diri melainkan terpaksa the borders with Indonesia, is all yakin bahawa Undang2 ini perlu. Kalau peace and tranquility, rosy and Barisan Sosialis yang ada di-Singapura bright. atau Socialist Front yang ada di- Sir, the Member for Ipoh this Malaya ini tidak perchaya usefulness morning mentioned the case of a Undang2 ini, lebeh baik pergi mengaji President of a Graduate Teachers' dengan Yang Berhormat Lee Kuan Union voicing anxiety against this Yew dia banyak boleh mencheritakan Bill after so recently supporting the berkenaan dengan penuntut yang ada Government. I have read of a trade di-Singapura. Baharu sa-bentar tadi unionist, who had in no uncertain Dewan ini telah mendengar uchapan terms in the very recent past warned Yang Berhormat Enche' S. Rajaratnam workers in this country against the mencheritakan segala perkara yang evils of Communism, now referring di-belakang tabir yang berlaku dalam to this Bill as being a threat not only Nanyang Universiti, kenapa dia tidak to academic freedom but also to tahu—mesti tahu dia-lah orang-nya the freedom to grow beards. How yang start problem itu, dia-lah orang- frivolous some people can get in nya yang mulakan, dia-lah orang yang trying to put on appearances in membangkitkan. Sekarang apabila anticipation of what they imagine sudah makan tangan-nya datang ka- will bring them a point or two, as mari, kita terima kaseh walau pun against the grave problems, and sa-bagai politician—sa-bagai gentleman equally the grave dangers, that we saya mengalu2kan sokongan daripada are facing within the country while Yang Berhormat Enche' Lee Kuan outsiders are trying to blow down Yew dan Enche' S. Rajaratnam dan our house as can be seen in the beberapa orang teman-nya lagi dari antics of some trade union sergeant- pada P.A.P. yang akan bangun majors trying to outdo others in their menyokong Rang Undang2 yang ada capacity to yell louder than the other di-hadapan Dewan ini, terima kaseh. chaps. Sir, this is no time for a yelling competition. This is a Enche' Abdul Rahim Ishak (Singa serious business of preventing our pore): Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya sons and daughters from coming sa-harus-nya menguchapkan terima under the influence of professional kaseh kapada Ahli Yang Berhormat Communist agitators—not bogeys. dari Johore Tenggara kerana dengan They are not bogeys; they are real sa-bagitu terus terang mengetahui life bodies breathing oxygen as you bahawa dia telah banyak mempelajari and I, Sir (Laughter) walking about 1371 13 JULY 1964 1372 in our towns and villages dressed my colleague, the Prime Minister of probably not as you do, Sir, in your Singapore, had referred to without gown and wig, but probably as I in naming this morning—confessed that my lounge suit and necktie. We can in working for a more just society, find them right in our midst. They do she had believed in any number of not go about wearing a badge cliches and slogans, which she knew bearing the hammer and sickle. That little about until she discovered she would be very un-Communistic. On was by then committed to the cause of the other hand they always greet us world revolution. Like many others, with a polite smile and, inwardly, she had started off in what she thought ask how is the world treating the was a crusade against the old society bourgeois democrats—meaning all in a school—that is where she began. others, except themselves. She helped to blaze the trail for a communist society in another institu Mr Speaker, Sir, we are dealing with tion of higher learning—and that was a real problem not an imaginary one. in the university. We know that the Ever since Marx said that religions former Women's Federation and the and philosophers have only succeeded Anti-Yellow Culture Movement in in interpreting the world and that it was Singapore, in which Linda Chen took the sworn duty of the Communists active and leading parts when she was not only to interpret the world but to still a young student, are adjuncts of change it, many a young and impres the Communist United Front Organisa sionable mind has been trapped into tions. Linda Chen now tells us all this, believing that he was going to change as someone who is disillusioned and the world into a better place—better sick of Communism. It is reported, i.e. than the one he or she is accus Sir, that she now stands by Malaysia. tomed to; and headlong into the cause of "world revolution" has the young Mr Speaker, Sir, Linda Chen typifies and innocent mind stumbled into other hundreds who had their first taste of equally, if not more, attractive and Communism while still at school, and more inspiring cliches. that is why I brought her case up. She became convinced of the righteousness As he or she gathers more of them, of this strange creed while at the repeats them and feels that he believes university. She has spent many months in their meaning, the near-victim is in prison for what she now believes introduced to even more and more of to be wrong. them until the student is lost in a maze of cliches and slogans. The The question that arises from this faithful slogan shouter now thinks he single illustration is whether, having is a great revolutionary with a great been subjected to subversive com cause. He is by now firmly convinced munist influences while at school, a that all those who do not support newly emerging society like ours Communism are either ignorant of the should allow such a sick student to be existence of the teachings of Marx, a carrier to contaminate others who Engels, Lenin, Stalin, and Mao, or, if are not yet infected by the disease. they have heard of them, they are Should not a patient suffering from the imperialist lackeys and colonial stooges disease of Communism who is not of some kind. For how could, he even aware of the dangerous nature of argues, a man know about Com the attack, and not knowing exactly munism and Marxism and yet not how she contracted it, should not she support this so-called scientific social be quarantined until the patient ism, the 19th century revelation which recovers from the malady? he believes has been proved to be correct time and again in the 20th The political innocents who talk of century, more than a hundred years the threat to academic freedom have afterwards? to remember that ours is a democracy still in its infancy, having to face the Sir, a couple of weeks ago an ex- incessant onslaughts of the organised detainee named Linda Chen—whom forces of totalitarianism, which started 1373 13 JULY 1964 1374 about forty years ago. They need to be their principals, teachers and parents reminded of the armed insurrection of before joining societies and other the Communist Party of Malaya before organisations in their schools invariably and after we achieved independence. formed by students to promote extra They must be constantly told about the mural and recreational activities but murder, arson, the brutalities and which may have come under the silent tyranny imposed on the people of this influence of anti-national subversive country by the bloodthirsty soldiers of Communist elements and these ele the Malayan Communist Party. ments emerge in various forms. We Where the threat to the very founda have heard this morning various people tions of democracy is real, as we are from the Government side, as well as now experiencing today, then it is our those from the Opposition, mentioning duty as representatives of the people cases of real and dangerous types of who cherish democracy to do all in subversion perpetrated in Nanyang our power to safeguard all the institu University. I shall not recount them, tions which constitute our system. In Sir, except to say that in the interests countries where the democratic system of their children's education and future has been firmly established over the careers, parents and wards should centuries as in the United Kingdom, never hesitate to make the necessary academic freedom cannot mean quite inquiries regarding the general progress; the same thing as it does in Malaysia, and welfare of their children at school where there is more than enough with the passing of this Bill. evidence to show that certain institu tions of learning are used as bases of The question will be asked about operation by subversive elements the thousands of Malaysian students determined to help set up a one-party who go abroad for higher education: dictatorship they have learnt to admire Will they not be made the targets for from afar. subversion by Malaysian as well as foreign agents preying in centres of In Malaysia today many issues, higher learning outside Malaysia? The which are not strictly political, are answer, Sir, presumably is that in as fully exploited by the ruthless agents much as this amendment Bill seeks to of Communism. Educational and prevent and hinder the spread of the cultural issues are not spared in the disease, so will our students abroad general strategy of the Communist be closely watched and their associa Party of Malaya to stir and agitate tion with pro-Communist, Communist against the freely elected government and anti-national elements noted. But in the various component States in the in the course of the debate, possibly Federation. Students and non-students when the Minister of Home Affairs alike are selected as targets. Student finally winds up, we should like to organisations, particularly those in the hear what measures will be taken and universities, are used for contacts what measures are being considered to with international Communist student deal with Malaysian students who go groups in Communist as well as in by the tens of thousands to England, non-Communist countries the world Australia, Japan and other countries over. abroad. Sir, the Bill is in fact does more than National security and, ultimately, seek to issue certificates of suitability the security of our lives demand cor to prospective candidates into our respondingly tight vigilance against institutions of higher learning. It those who have no qualms about should constitute a fair warning to dragging our sons and daughters into students and parents that while at the evils of a ruthless totalitarian school they should never allow them system. In the final analysis, the secu selves or their wards to fall prey to the rity of the State as a whole must be sinister activities of recruiting agents given priority over individual careers of the open-front organisations of the of its citizens. The basic right to higher Communist Party of Malaya. Students education must be seen against the should henceforth seek the advice of broader canvass of the basic and: 1375 13 JULY 1964 1376 fundamental conditions under which We of the P.A.P. will support the our democratic state can survive. If Bill to the extent that applicants who the loss of the right to higher educa are refused admission originate from tion for a few misguided youths helps students with a clear record of asso to prevent the erosion of the basic of ciation and involvement in pro-com our state, then the country and the munist and anti-national activities. nation would have benefited in the long run with the passing of this Bill. In the face of interference and acts Those who fondly believe themselves of aggression by certain foreign coun to be liberals need only look around tries, it is equally necessary to keep them in Asia and Africa where in the out students from these countries who last, twenty years democracy has had may seek admission to our institutions to struggle very hard indeed to safe of higher education for purposes guard its sum total of basic rights and which may go beyond the desire to freedom. further their education into the pursuit of the racial and ideological policies Mr Speaker, Sir, Malaysia is now of the governments of the countries passing through that phase which they come from. others have undergone earlier. It is determined to succeed and remain However, it is hoped that a student, within the comity of democratic na whose application for admission to tions even if a few other nations have any of the institutions concerned has failed. If the price of liberty is eternal been refused, will have every oppor vigilance, then eternal vigilance it will tunity to make a fresh application have to be. The Bill is no more than after the period of twenty-eight days an act of vigilance in the field of sub and after the final decision by the version and perversion in educational Minister concerned has been made. It institutions. will indeed be a mockery of democ racy if no allowance whatsoever is The control of admission to institu made for a student who, having inno tions of higher learning sought for in cently been involved in undesirable this Bill is the direct result of the activities and after a period of time abuse of the rights of higher education recovers and makes a clear stand perpetrated by students and non- against his former associations, is still students in the last ten years or so. debarred from pursuing his or her Six or seven months ago the govern studies in the five institutions men ment in a neighbouring country in tioned in the Bill. Asia—in Burma, to be exact—was forced to close down a university in Lastly, Mr Speaker, Sir, there were its desire to halt the nefarious anti- cases cited this morning of heads of national activities of a section of the institutions of higher learning who student body in the university men have been involved, in one way or tioned. another, with pro-communists and anti-national elements. About two How do the exponents of absolu weeks ago, Sir, I had the occasion to tism in the rights of education pro have met the head of another institu pose to deal with students who enter tion of higher learning in our country, institutions of higher education with in fact one of the five institutions a hidden purpose of carrying out anti mentioned in the Bill, who had, pro democratic and anti-national activi bably very innocently, told me that ties? Do they deny that there are he knew of a student leader in his elements who make their way into institution who is completely free, or institutions of higher learning with whom he thought to be completely the dual intention of spreading their free, from subversive and anti-national totalitarian ideology as well as to activities. It so happened that two study? These, I am afraid, Sir, were days earlier I heard from a very not mentioned by Members of the reliable source, from the Government, Opposition who had opposed the Bill that this very student had been this morning and this afternoon. involved, in the country as well as 1377 13 JULY 1964 1378 abroad, in anti-national and anti- come to the point of view that all the patriotic activities, which all goes to arguments so far brought forward show that the present lax system of have not clearly indicated the issue admittance of students to our institu whereby a legitimate loyal Opposition tions of higher learning is not enough can take up the issue of deficiencies and that the Bill, in the light of all and the dangers of the provisions of the circumstances considered, is neces the intended Amendment. We have sary. The question is, of course, how talked about academic freedom, and it will be implemented and whether we have talked about the various students will be given the utmost aspects of countering communist sub investigation before their applications version but, in actual fact, the intention are refused. Thank you, Sir. of the Bill as laid down in the Explana tory Statement—and also as ex Mr Speaker: The sitting is suspended pounded by the Honourable Minister for 15 minutes. of Home Affairs—clearly indicates Sitting suspended at 6.05 p.m. that the intention of the Bill is to prevent the admission of applicants who would be likely to promote or Sitting resumed at 6.25 p.m. participate in action prejudicial to the (Mr Speaker in the Chair) interest or security of the Federation, and so on. So, we are dealing, Sir, Mr Speaker: The debate on the with a group, or sectioni of our nation, amended motion will now resume. who have finished their secondary Dr Lim Cheng Eu: Mr Speaker, Sir, education and who intend to go to I wonder whether you will rule and the university but have not yet gone allow me to speak at this stage of the to the university. Bill in view of the fact that you have earlier announced that you are going Sir, earlier today for one hour or to take a division of the Bill on the more we listened, with great hopes amendment. I have earlier this mor rising, to tha extreme eloquence of the ning said quite clearly that I have Honourable the Prime Minister of previously no intention to take part Singapore. Our hopes soared to the in the debate at this stage where there extent when he wisely counselled the is an amendment to this motion. Can Government to refer the Bill to a I proceed, Sir? Select Committee. Unfortunately, after lunch, whatever better counsels Mr Speaker: Yes. prevailed during the lunch period between the Minister of Home Affairs Dr Lim Chong Eu: Mr Speaker, Sir, and the Honourable Prime Minister this morning I have very clearly in of Singapore which we are not pri dicated that it is our intention to vileged to enjoy, we now know that assist the Government in every way the one hour's expression of what one to develop whatever precautions, and sincerely believes to be a plea of a whatever measures the Government man highly eminent in his own field— thinks necessary, to ensure the secu of course as a member of the learned rity of our nation. However, Sir, I profession as well as a political come to this debate with an open leader—a plea which stemmed not mind to try and find, in the course of only from the heart but also from the the debate, any valid reasons why we head, a plea which carried with it the should not just let whatever powers stamp of intellectual honesty, which the Government now possesses under should suddenly be dashed after the Internal Security Act remain as lunch; and he now indicates he no they are, and whether we should longer intends to ask the Government accept our Government's views and to refer this Bill to a Select support this Bill to give the Govern Committee. Sir, all the arguments put ment more powers. forward by the Honourable Prime Throughout the debate this morning Minister of Singapore in urging the and this afternoon, I have steadily Government to refer the Bill to Select 1379 13 JULY 1964 1380

Committee are valid, honest and negates the fundamental concept of sincere. We have heard tributes, since the rule of law. Sir, those powers are his announcement this afternoon, from still with the Minister of Internal Se the Government benches that he is curity. If the Minister of Internal the man best to decide and that shows Security so feels that any group of that obviously there are no queries, students, or any person amongst the no categories, no classifications of the student body is likely to spread the type of democracy that he expounds disease of communist subversion into and believes in. But the caution and the academic streams or is in an the wisdom of his advice lies in the higher institution, he can invoke his fact that whilst we are keenly and powers under the Internal Security Act obviously dedicated to the idea of and so detain him. That does not preserving the security of the nation, mean that we in spirit condone and still there are doubts whether in so accept, the principles of the Internal doing we will not cut into the funda Security Act. We accept them, how mental rights of our citizens. Sir, it is ever, under the existing circumstances. admitted, and everybody admits in We maintain that having detained this House, that the Internal Security these people, you should give them a Act is an Act which has to be taken fair trial and it is the only way where under emergency conditions and every by we can bring subversion and body professes that were it not for the undercover communism into the open. present circumstances we would re However, the provisions of this move it in the interests of democ Amendment to the Internal Security racy—everybody agrees on that. Act carries the powers one step fur ther. It makes the entire student Sir, the Honourable speakers in this population prior to entry into univer House who come from the learned sity suspect; they are suspect until profession have referred to this Bill they apply to enter an institution of in terms of medical application, in higher study. terms of medical allusions—they talk of immunity, they talk of quarantine, Mr Speaker, Sir, I notice that the they talk about disease, they talk Minister has immediately taken note about rendering the body of our of this, because it is very important nation immune to the dangers of for us to make it sure that whilst we communist subversion—so naturally intend clearly to take preventive mea the arguments have a direct appeal to sures, we should not cast a black me. However, Sir, I do maintain still mark and we should not cast undue that whilst we try to inject some suspicion over the student body. Sir, immune condition, some antibiotic to what is happening now? We have a try and prevent the whole nation situation under the Internal Security being corrupted or a large section of Act where a man has committed cer the student body being corrupted, we tain errors which are not admissible should not try to kill the patient him in the court of law. The man is self. Here we have a situation where detained and kept detained and not it is quite possible, in interpretation, brought to trial because there is that we are destroying democracy, insufficient evidence for this person to killing democracy, in order to preserve be brought to a court of law to enjoy it. Sir, why do I say that? I say it in the justice which we all presume all sincerity. The Internal Security Act every citizen is entitled to have. Now has its obnoxious aspects with regard we have a situation where a man has to the Constitution, particularly with not committed any crime or any error those parts of the Constitution dealing which makes him liable to be detained, with the fundamental rights of our but he is discriminated against and he citizens, because we have given to the cannot even go to an institution for Government powers of detention and higher learning. Sir, where does this arrest of people without bringing discrimination between where a man them to trial. The obnoxiousness of should be detained or where a man the Internal Security Act is that it should be prevented from going into 1381 13 JULY 1964 1382 higher learning began and where does Dato' Dr Ismail: He who has the it end? youth has the future. Earlier on today I have also indi Dr Lim Chong Eu: Sir, I admit I cated that the certificate of suitability am less conversant with Lenin than the is a very difficult certificate to award, Honourable Minister of Home Affairs. and certainly from the statement made "He who has the youth"—Sir, the by the Minister of Home Affairs the question is, how can we have the youth final arbiter as to whether a person on our side? How can we win them? is suitable or not suitable is clearly And I speak with some reference to the to be made by the security officers. context of the pre-Education of Malaya Sir, I raised one other point. If any era, that is to say, the end of the student, and obviously this student colonial period, and also of the Federa would have already clearly indicated tion of Malaya context referred to by that he has achieved scholastic the Honourable Minister of Finance. achievement higher than the general During those years—the last ten average in this country because he years—we had considerable trouble would have gone through School in our secondary schools. The battle Certificate and Higher School Certifi against subversion was conducted in cate before he applied to enter the the secondary schools and in trying to university, if such a student were win over our students, Government was refused entry into a university, there forced to adopt measures which very are two problems that arise. That is necessarily took away the rights and to say, if a certificate of suitability is the liberties of larger numbers of not accorded to such a student, sus persons than those who are really picion of that student immediately subversive. Sir, this is quite clearly begins. First, the great problem is— proven, because once a student by any can such a person who has been misfortune, whether by conscious refused a certificate of suitability for contact with a communist group or by admission to higher education find unconscious, indirect contact with a employment in the normal walks of communist group, gets his name into life? We all know that the qualifica the list of the Security Police, that tions he has as a student would nor mark against him is kept without his mally have entitled him even to become knowledge, without the knowledge of a teacher in the secondary schools. the parents, and held against him for Will this denial of a certificate of all time. Sir, this is one of the suitability then curtail his right for iniquities, one of the dangers of having employment? That is the first point. a Bill of this type, because we, who believe firmly that in the end The second point has been ably democracy must triumph and shall brought up as a tailpiece by the prevail in our country, are not quite Honourable Member from Singapore, so frightened of the challenges that Enche' Abdul Rahim Ishak, who spoke are made by the overt or subvert just before me, and that is, has the communist elements. But we must Government any intention to give these provide an alternative to this challenge. students a second chance. Sir, I realise Sir, it would be, to my mind, an that here we have a situation where we alternative method, and I mention this are fighting and we are engaged in a alternative method because earlier in battle not only for the minds but also the day when the Honourable the for the hearts of our students. Earlier Prime Minister of Singapore was on today, the Honourable Minister for making his very eloquent speech he Home Affairs referred to a quotation referred to the fact that we have had by Lenin. I am not conversant with to accept the Bill because under the Lenin, so I hope I quote him rightly. present circumstances and under the He said that Lenin said that if whoever present context there was no other wins control over the youth, will win way. However, he advised the Govern control over the political situation, or ment that we should refer the Bill to whatever it is. a Select Committee, so that the other 1383 13 JULY 1964 1384 bodies outside this House, who are student bodies as a whole. It is because protesting against the democratic spirit of this fear, that the student bodies of this Bill, will at least have a chance as a whole will have the Sword of to get explanations and at least Damocles hung over them, that I sug contribute some measure to provide gest that this Bill, in its final analysis, some less drastic method than the for all the good that it seeks to achieve, method that is provided for by the is unnecessary, because the powers the Bill. Sir, wouldn't it be to the are already with the Minister for Home interest of the nation at large, wouldn't Affairs to act under the Internal it be to the interest of the spirit of Security Act itself, and this Bill carries democracy in our country, that should with it again overtones of constitu any student by any chance, during the tional restriction. course of his secondary school career, long before the time comes for him to Sir, that is one problem which we apply for entry into institutions of have to face, and I hope that when the higher studies, should his name ever Minister gives his reply he can give us come under the scrutiny of the Security further assurance that, as he has Branch, wouldn't it be better, Sir, already tried to, the denial of a under those circumstances, for us to certificate of suitability of a student provide some instrument or some will not mean the curtailment, will not measure whereby the Minister for mean the end, of the life of the student, Home Affairs or the Minister for either as a useful citizen or as a Internal Security can act under those potential academic talent in this circumstances to contact not only the country; and that having denied the school board but contact the parent of student a certificate of suitability the student involved, and contact the proper steps will be taken to win him student himself, confront him with the over and to give him another chance position that he is faced with and try, in his life. under those circumstances, to teach Sir, it is because of these intangible, him and win him and develop him imponderable, circumstances that from the views that he professes? Sir, student bodies, trade unions and that type of preventive measure, I responsible bodies throughout the feel, at least is more liberal. But country have expressed great concern accepting the fact that we have over the passage of this Bill. conceded this point of view, we still have the situation that once you deny Sir, I have given notice, under a student a certificate of suitability, S.O. 57, when the House goes into then the future of this student is Committee, to make certain amend involved to an extent that he cannot ments to certain Clauses of this Bill, truly and earnestly say to himself that because I realise now quite clearly that he is enjoying the full rights of a there is no possibility that this Bill citizen as provided by our Constitution. will be referred to a Select Committee. But, Sir, in regard to the influence on Therefore, the other issues that we the student, the Minister for Home have to consider are the issues of how Affairs may well say—it is natural— this Bill is to be implemented. "If he wants to enjoy the full rights, Earlier, in this sitting of the House do not get involved." Sir, that inference (last Friday) when we were discussing may be of importance to the individual. the amendments to the Constitution, But the influence to other students who and also earlier today, members from are not involved, the fact that a close the Government benches have reiterated friend of theirs, who is known to them that the Alliance Party is a party which as a good friend, known to them as an wants to do things openly, clearly ordinary person, known to them as a and without hoodwinking anybody. person of good character, is not known But, Sir, the provisions of the amend to them as a subversive element, for ments under Clause 2 (2) refer to the such a person to be denied a certificate fact that the certificate of suitability of suitability will create eddies of will be issued by the Chief Education doubt—increasing doubt—amongst the Officer, Director of Education or Chief 1385 13 JULY 1964 1386

Education Adviser, as the case may be. therefore, cover both the Minister in Sir, earlier on, when the Minister of the Central Government as well as the Home Affairs initiated this debate, he Minister of Education in the State of clearly indicated that the case of Singapore. whether a student should be given the certificate of suitability or not, will The other point is one which arises only arise when a security officer from a question to which I have not points out that the student has his yet had an answer, namely, whether in name in the security list. Sir, under the the normal implementation of the circumstances, if the security officer, Internal Security Act, security officers, with all the special amenities of the before taking action, report to the Special Branch, finds it difficult to Minister of Internal Security and investigate over the suitability of a obtain his approval before they so act. student, how, I wonder, can the Chief If that were the position, then it is Education Officer or other Govern quite clear that the denial of a ment officers, who are not so equipped, student with a certificate of suitability examine the suitability of the student! must stem to some extent from the We have had some assurance in the Minister of Internal Security or the statement by the Minister of Home Minister of Home Affairs directly. Affairs that if an appeal were to be Therefore, it would be invidious in the sent to him and if he were in doubt, he case of an appeal to appeal to the very will give the benefit of doubt to the body which has ruled against the student. That is one assurance given to acceptability or the suitability of the this House. But the assurance would student. Under those circumstances read better and would sound better and and without any opportunity for would give the country a feeling of discussion in any Select Committee, I greater security if it is incorporated in consider that it will be a good thing if the Bill itself. However, Sir, I do say the appeal were directed to the that, even from the explanation by the Honourable Prime Minister. Sir, every Minister of Home Affairs, it is quite body knows in this country that when clear that the Chief Education Officer there is any quarrel anywhere in this and the Chief Education Adviser country, even amongst the Alliance should not properly be the persons members and even amongst the who should investigate into the Cabinet Ministers themselves, even suitability of the students. If any tually it is the Prime Minister himself person and if any member in the who has got to give the last word Government Service should be so and his blessing. It is true, Sir, that this entrusted with this unpleasant business, country is happily in a position where it should be the security officer. we have Tunku as the Prime Minister, However, Sir, in view of the fact that and everybody generally agrees that the Bill seeks to thrust a very whatever the difficulties he presents as unpleasant job to the Ministry of the leader of the Alliance, nobody has Education, and in view of the fact that anything to say about his leadership the Government servants involve the as the Prime Minister of this country. Chief Education Officer and the Director of Education who are not Sir, the other point which I have answerable to this House, I believe raised earlier today is that if this Bill, that it would be useful for us to which deals with the five institutions consider whether or not the certificate named in the Bill and, in particular, of suitability should not be entrusted with the Nanyang University and the to the Minister charged with the Ngee Ann College, goes through—and responsibility for education. I presume the Minister of Home Affairs and the that the words "Minister charged with Government feel that they now have the responsibility for education" are the power really to control, direct and used with the specific idea that guide the student bodies in this Singapore enjoys autonomy in educa country—whether or not, under those tion and that the Minister charged with conditions, subject necessarily to the responsibility for education would, improvement of standards in these two 1387 13 JULY 1964 1388 institutions of Nanyang University and sistem University dan lain2 pusat pe the Ngee Ann College, the Government ngajian tinggi di-negeri kita ini hendak has any intention to recognise these di-hanchorkan oleh Kerajaan. lni-lah institutions at a later date. If the yang chuba di-gambarkan oleh Ahli2 Government so has that intention and Yang Berhormat yang tersebut itu. therefore has mentioned them in the Pada hal Pindaan Rang Perlembagaan Bill, at least to some extent the ini ya'ani an Act to amend the bitterness of the Bill will be Internal Security Act, 1960 ini yang ameliorated. sa-benar-nya ia-lah hendak menyela I repeat, Sir, that om objections to matkan University2 dan juga hendak the Bill stem directly from the fact that menyelamatkan pusat2 pengajian tinggi the rule of law, which Government daripada menjadi pusat gerakan sub advocates that our citizens should versive oleh gulongan kominis. Ini follow, is further encroached upon sudah ·jelas di-nyatakan oleh Menteri people who are detained against their yang berkenaan pada masa mengemu rights under the Constitution. It has kakan Rang Undang2 ini tadi. Tetapi, already provided us with sufficient Tuan Yang di-Pertua, sa-belum saya fears that the rule of law does not melanjutkan bahathan saya, izinkan properly prevail in our country. The lah saya menegor atau menunjokkan fact that we are now going to kejahilan Ahli Yang Berhormat dari discriminate against students whose Batu yang · pagi tadi menda'awa activities do not qualify them for bahawa beliau lama menjadi Anggota detention further gives us great fear Council University Malaya dan men that steadily the Government by da'awa bahawa beliau tahu banyak amendments to the Internal Security tentang University Malaya. Jangan-lah Act is impinging· upon the rights di-sangkakan orang lain tidak tahu embodied in our Constitution and sampai tidak dapat menunjokkan ke cutting into the meaning of the rule of jahilan-nya. Dan sekarang saya akan law. tunjokkan kejahilan Ahli Yang Ber Secondly, we feel that the admini hormat itu. strative procedure provided makes it Ahli Yang Berhormat dari Batu invidious for a Government officer not menyebutkan bahawa Kerajaan me directly responsible for the investiga maksa University menerima maha tion to be held responsible, and siswa2. Saya ingin merujokkan Ahli invidious from the point of view of Yang Berhormat dari Batu itu kapada Parliament that an officer not answer University of Malaya Act ya'ani Fede able to this House should be chosen to ration of Malaya Act of Parliament enact or carry out the implementation No. 44 of 1961. Di-sini ada di-nyata of this Bill; and thirdly, that appeal of kan bahawa dalam sekshen 47, kalau the students should be given to a body hendak tahu lagi di-muka 307: which certainly will make every "47. A student shall not be admitted to opportunity to give the students a the University to a course of study for a second chance, a second lease in life. degree unless he ...... shall have satisfied 5uch requirements as may be Sir, under those conditions, and prescribed by Act : seeing that we are taking the Bill under Provided that, except with the agreement its amended form,. I am forced in a of the Minister, students who have been position to support the amendment to awarded Federal or State scholarships or the motion. other similar :financial assistance from public funds for University degree courses, shall Enche' Ali bin Haji Ahmad (Pontian not be refused admission if they satisfy such Selatan): Tuan Yang di-Pertua, kalau requirements". kita mendengarkan bantahan2 dari Erti-nya pehak Kerajaan memberikan pada Ahli2 Yang Berhormat daripada scholarship kapada bakal mahasiswa parti2 Pembangkang khas-nya Ahli dengan sharat mereka ini mempunyai Yang Berhormat dari Batu, Ahli Yang sharat yang chukup untok memasoki Berhormat dari Barisan Socialist, maka University dan pehak Kerajaan tidak kita mcndapa.t kesan sa-olah2 seluroh memaksa dan tidak berhak memaksa 1389 13 JULY 1964 1390 mengikut Undang2 ini kalau sa-kira· pengetahuan dan dari segi lojik pehak nya bakal2 mahasiswa2 itu tidak mem Kerajaan sudah tentu tidak me punyai sharat yang chukup untok nangkap. Tetapi kalau-lah di-dalam belajar di-University. Tetapi Ahli Yang University itu akan di-adakan indoctri Berhormat itu tadi, di-dalam kejahilan· nation untok menegakkan subversive nya, mengatakan bahwa Kerajaan kominis di-dalam negeri ini, maka memaksa University menerima bakal2 itu-lah yang akan di-bataskan oleh mahasiswa. Jadi ini menunjokkan Kerajaan dan yang akan di-bataskan bahawa Ahli Yang Berhormat itu ber oleh kita semua. Jadi di-sini ada dua chakap sa-bagai burong nuri di-dalam perbezaan besar, kebebasan ilmu pe Dewan ini, tidak tahu apa yang di· ngetahuan dengan kebebasan menjalan chakapkan-nya tetapi berchakap terus kan gerakan subversive--dua hal yang menerus menghentam Kerajaan. Ini penting. Ahli2 Yang Berhormat pehak lah dasar parti2 Pembangkang yang Pembangkang yang tersebut tadi me tidak bertanggong-jawab di-dalam nyamakan antara kedua-nya ini bukan Dewan Ra'ayat ini. lah kerana mereka itu jahil; di-sini mereka pandai, saya akui mereka Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya ingin pandai, saya akui mereka tahu tetapi lah sa-kali lagi menegaskan kapada mereka di-pergunakan oleh gerakan2, Ahli Yang Berhormat dari Batu itu untok memperjuangkan kepentingan kalau sa-kira-nya Ahli Yang Berhor kominis di-dalam Dewan Ra'ayat mat itu rapat hubongan-nya · dengan yang mulia ini. University maka jangan-lah. di-katakan orang lain tidak tahu-orang lain tidak Mereka Ahli2 Yang Berhormat tadi rapat dengan University. Bahkan sa mengatakan tentang academic freedom tiap gerak geri Ahli Yang Berhormat di-University. Patut kita ketahui itu sendiri di-dalam University saya bahawa sistem University kita yang ikuti satu . persatu dan saya tahu apa ada di-negeri ini ia-lah sistem Univer yang di-katakan-nya di-mana2 persi sity yang kita terima daripada sistem dangan di-dalam · University. Jadi University di-Barat. Sistem University jangan-lah di-sangka orang lain jahil di-Barat sama ada di-England, sama dan jangan-lah di-putar balekkan ke ada di-Pranchis atau di-mana pun, nyataan dalam . masa .hendak meng bermula ia-lah sa•bagai lanjutan dari hentam Kerajaan. pada pergerakan University di-negeri Italy. Jadi keadaan yang menyebabkan Ahli2 Yang Berhormat pehak Pem pada masa itu orang2 menegakkan bangkang terutama sa-kali daripada University2 ini berlainan daripada parti Socialist Front, Barisan Socialist keadaan yang ada sekarang. Pada membuat2 tidak tahu, membuat2 tidak ketika itu mereka menghendakkan faham dan chuba mengelirukan kebebasan ilmu pengetahuan kerana Dewan Ra'ayat yang mulia ini, tetapi kongkongan sistem pemerentahan kita nampak di-dalam kilat ada kilau. pada ketika itu tidak memberikan Mereka itu, Tuan Yang di·Pertua, kebebasan ilmu pengetahuan yang sa menchampor adokkan di-antara aca benar-nya. Kalau kita tinjau kembali demic freedom atau kebebasan ilmu sejarah sain dan saya perchaya Ahli pengetahuan dengan freedom to sub Yang Berhormat dari Batu itu tahu, vert-mereka satukan ini. Jadi, Tuan kita tengok-lah Galileo, Copernicus Yang di-Pertua, Undang2 kita ini yang sa-bagai chontoh-nya, yang mengata sa-benar-nya bukan-lah hendak menye kan bumi ini yang mengelilingi mata kat kebebasan ilmu pengetahuan . . . hari dan bukan mata hari mengelilingi not to curb academic freedom but to bumi. Mereka ini ya'ani Galileo, curb the freedom to subvert the very Copernicus dan lain2 lagi, tidak di existence of the university and other berikan kebebasan ilmiah. Tetapi di higher institutions of learning in this dalam negeri kita ini bukan itu soal country. Sa-bagai chontoh-nya kalau nya. Siapa hendak mengatakan, kalau ada Maha Guru di-University hendak ada Professor atau ada Maha Guru mengajar A champor A jadi B, sa-lagi hendak mengatakan bumi ini 4 persegi dia boleh membuktikan dari segi ilmu tidak akan di-tangkap. Kalau Ahli 1391 13 JULY 1964 1392 Yang Berhormat itu hendak mengata Kerajaan Perikatan sudah mendapat kan, kawasan Batu itu lebeh luas mandat sa-besar2-nya daripada ra'ayat daripada bumi ini tidak ada orang negeri ini, maka sndah sa-patut-nya-lah hendak menangkap-nya juga. Jadi berhak mengawal University2 itu, ber yang rnenjadi soal sekarang, sejarah hak mengawal kebebasan ilrniah di perkembangan University2 di-Eropa University2 daripada di-peralatkan, atau sejarah tertuboh-nya University2 daripada di-perkuda2kan oleh gu di-Italy, Peranchis, di-England de longan2 yang anti-national, kalau ngan University Oxford dan University mengikut istilah P.A.P. Jadi pada Cambridge berlainan keadaan-nya. hakikat-nya pindaan yang di-kemuka Di-sana ketika itu masa mula2 penu kan di-hadapan kita ini ia-lah untok bohan ini ia-lah kebebasan ilmiah di menyelamatkan University2 dan juga batasi sebab itn mereka menegakkan pusat2 pengajaran kita. Ini soal University2 yang lain kerana hendak utama. Ahli2 Yang Berhormat dari menegakkan kebebasan ilmiah. parti2 pembangkang yang saya sebut Tetapi, di-dalam negeri kita ini kan tadi mengatakan kita hendak kebebasan ilmiah itu tidak pemah di rnenghanchorkan University, tetapi ganggu. Sa-siapa juga boleh mengguna pada hakikat-nya pindaan ini ia-lah 2 hendak rnenyelamatkan University2 kita kan pendapat atau theory2 dan pehak 2 Kerajaan tidak pernah mengganggu dan juga pusat pengajian kita daripada dan menahan mereka. Yang di-ganggu rnenjadi sarahg kominis, sa-bagairnana oleh pehak Kerajaan Perikatan ia-lah yang telah berlaku di-University Nan kebebasan untok menjalankan gerakan yang sa-hingga pada rnasa ini. subversive di-dalam negeri ini yang Saya sudah melawat Nanyang Univer akhir-nya akan menghanchorkan the sity, bahkan selalu juga saya rnelawat. very system that we exist that we see Suasana di-dalam-nya itu tidak ada in this Parliament . . . . . Saya harap suasana ilmiah, hanya suasana gerakan Ahli Yang Berhormat dari Batu dan subversive. Bila saya masok di-dalam Ahli Yang Berhormat dari Barisan University Nanyang itu pelajar-nya Socialis, faham perkembangan Univer bukan-lah rnementingkan soal ilmu sity, jikalau tidak faham betul jangan pelajaran, tetapi soal gerakan soal hendak berbichara tentang kebebasan politik. Bahkan sa-rnasa rusohan pe ilmiah, dan tentang kebebasan apa nuntut2 Sekolah Menengah China juga. dahulu, pelajar2 dalam Nanyang Univer Sekarang saya pergi kapada soal sity sibok dengan lobby ka-sana ka perbandingan. University2 yang di mari, dan sa-tengah-nya pada ketika tubohkan di-Eropa pada masa awaF itu sibok chuba lobby mengkehendaki dahulu, bukan di-tanggong oleh pelajar2 Gabongan Melayu Semenan ra'ayat. Ini ada-lah perbezaan besar. jong menyokong gerakan subversive Jadi, kalau-lah ra'ayat tidak berhak kominis; Ini bokti-nya, bukan bokti mengawal atau pun mengkontrol daripada bachaan, bukan bokti dari University itu, maka sesuai-lah. Tetapi pada pendengaran, tetapi bokti dari University2 kita di-sini ia-lah di pada pengalarnan. tanggong oleh ra'ayat, erti-nya ra'ayat Sa-orang daripada Ahli Yang Ber membayar chukai dan duit chukai itu hormat . dari Barisan Socialis, saya di-pergunakan oleh Kerajaan untok kenal benar2 di-masa bersama2 di membantu University2 itu. Sa-bilangan University dahulu. Saya tahu gerakan yang terbesar daripada wang Univer nya sa-masa dia di-University. Sa sity Malaya dan University Singapura bagaimana kita ketahui, masaalah ada-lah daripada wang yang di-berikan sekolah China di-Singapura dahulu oleh Kerajaan, ya'ani wang ra'ayat, ada-lah kelulusan pepereksaan Se dan mulai: dari sekarang ini lagi Kera kolah2 Menengah China bukan sahaja jaan P.A.P. akan memberi bantuan tergantong kapada basil kejayaan di yang besar kapada Nanyang Univer dalam pepereksaan, tetapi tekanan sity. Jadi Kerajaan sudah sa-patut daripada gulongan kominis : luluskan ! nya-lah mempunyai kuasa untok luluskan orang itu atau ini ! J adi, mengawal University2 itu. Erti-nya walau pun pada hakikat.nya taraf 1393 13 JULY 1964 1394 pelajaran kanak2 Sekolah Menengah menghanchorkan negara kita, dan yang China di-Singapura itu rendah, tetapi akan menghanchorkan system peme- oleh kerana tekanan dari gulongan rentahan demokrasi berparlimen sa- kominis kapada Guru Besar itu, maka bagaimana yang ada pada hari ini. di-luluskan. Itu-lah bukti Nanyang 2 University, as-tengah2-nya. Dan apabila Saya tahu bahawa Ahli Yang sampai kapada policy Nanyang Univer Berhormat daripada Barisan Sosialis sity itu, bagitu-lah juga, bukan-lah dan juga daripada Socialist Front, pada academic standard yang di-perlukan hakikat-nya bukan-lah mereka itu benar2. Kalau kita fikirkan benar2, memperjuangkan system pemerentahan tidak pernah kita berjumpa sa-suatu democracy berparlimen. Mereka hanya- University dalam mana 99% penuntut lah menjadi dalang kapada gerakan yang masok pepereksaan itu lulus. Saya kominis. Mereka memainkan lagu, belum pernah mendengar lagi, kalau mereka bertingkah laku berlakun di- 100% tidak lulus itu ada, ia-itu Se pentas Dewan Ra'ayat ini sa-bagai kolah Menengah Melayu di-Singapura. perkakas, atau bonika kapada kominis Tetapi 99% lulus dalam satu peperek yang berdiri di-belakang mereka itu. saan, saya belum pernah dengar lagi. Sa-lain daripada itu, saya ingin Ini membayangkan hakikat yang sa- menarek perhatian Kerajaan ia-itu benar-nya di-dalam Nanyang Univer bukan sahaja bakal2 pelajar dan juga sity. pelajar2 di-university itu yang harus di-awasi, tetapi pensharah2, penolong2 Tetapi, di-sabalek itu apa-kah yang 2 menyebabkan hakikat itu berlaku? pensharah dan juga professor perlu di- Tidak lain ia-lah manoeuvre dan awasi, sebab saya tahu di-dalam University Malaya, ada sa-tengah2 gerakan kiri anasir kominis dalam 2 University itu-lah. Itu-lah yang di- professor dan juga pensharah di-dalam pertahankan oleh Ahli Barisan Socialis. kuliah-nya memberikan ilmu penge Bukan itu sahaja. Untok menjadi tahuan bahwa apa juga yang di-buat Pensharah di-University Nanyang, soal oleh Kerajaan Perikatan itu semua-nya ilmiah dan soal ilmu pengetahuan tidak salah. Itu salah, ini salah, itu salah, kira. Lulus dalam ilmu kimia boleh ini salah—erti-nya sa-chara ta' langsong pensharah2 atau professor2 itu meng- menjadi Pensharah dalam Bahasa 2 Melayu. Kalau di-University Malaya indoctrinate-kan mahasiswa supaya atau di-University di-Singapura, hen- menentang Kerajaan. Ini sa-benar-nya dak menjadi guru di-dalam Jabatan berlaku dalam university kita. Jadi, ini pun perlu di-ambil perhatian dan Pengajian Melayu, mesti lulus M.A.; 2 itu pun di-katakan tidak layak itu, dan dalam masa hendak mengambil tenaga tidak layak ini. Lulus dalam ilmu che baharu untok menjadi guru di-univer mistry boleh menjadi pensharah dalam sity pun, perlu soal ini kita ambil Bahasa ini membayangkan taraf pe perhatian. Kita ta' dapat—kalau saya ngajian di-University Nanyang. Ini-lah di-benarkan memberi pendapat—kita dia yang di-pertahankan oleh Ahli ta' dapat memberi kebebasan sa- penoh2-nya kapada pehak university Yang Berhormat dari Barisan Socialis. 2 Jadi, kita nampak-lah belang per- untok mengambil tenaga guru yang juangan beliau itu dan kunchu2-nya sudah pasti menentang kepentingan Socialis Front di-Malaya ini. (Tepok). kita. Di-dalam University Malaya, ada sa- Kalau Ahli Yang Berhormat itu ber- tengah2 pelajar yang membuat post kehendakkan lebeh banyak lagi kete- graduate studies, bertahun2 ta' tamat2 rangan2, nanti satu masa kita berbi- kursus M.A.-nya, pada hal biasa-nya chara dan berdebat lebeh panjang lagi. kursus M.A. sudah tamat dalam dua Saya boleh membongkar lebeh banyak tahun, tetapi ada sa-tengah2 pelajar lagi, Tuan Yang di-Pertua. Jadi pada daripada gulongan yang tertentu, khas- hakikat-nya Undang2 ini ia-lah hendak nya gulongan Ahli Yang Berhormat menyelamatkan University2 dan juga dari Batu, ta' tamat2 M.A.-nya sampai pusat2 pengajian kita daripada menjadi hari ini. Jadi, apa yang sa-benar-nya pusat gerakan subversive yang akan yang di-buat oleh orang ini di-dalam 1395 13 JULY 1964 1396 university, belajar? Menamatkan kursus Communist Russia—balek-lah, tetapi M.A.-nya yang ta' tamat2? Sudah kita harus mempertahankan system tentu-lah ada udang di-sabalek batu. pemerentahan democracy di-negara kita Mengapa mereka mahu dudok lama2 ini". Biar 10-15 orang itu ta' dapat di-university menjadi professional masok di-university, biar mereka students? Ini juga saya perlu menarek menjadi "disgruntled group in this perhatian pehak Kerajaan, bukan country"—kita ta' peduli, tetapi soal sahaja sa-takat Undang2 ini yang saya yang penting sa-kali ia-lah kita hendak sokong, tetapi ayoh! kita maju ka- menyelamatkan bangsa kita, kita hadapan lagi untok menyelamatkan hendak menyelamatkan negara kita— negara kita. Jadi, sa-benar-nya ini-lah bukan soal 10-15 orang yang sudah juga masaalah-nya. Sekarang dalam tidak dapat kita berbuat apa2 sa-bagai recruitment staff2 baharu di-university kominis di-negeri kita ini. Jadi, kita, kita perlu perhatikan. Apa-tah kesimpulan-nya, saya menyokong Bill lagi mungkin sa-tengah2 orang yang ini dengan conscience, dengan perasaan baharu balek dari Negara Kominis dan fikiran yang tenang dan saya yang konon-nya dahulu hendak lari ka- perchaya akan kebenaran ini. Bill ini negara kominis, balek ka-mari me- ia-lah di-kemukakan untok menye ngajar di-university kita. Bagitu juga lamatkan—saya tegaskan, untok me komplot2 Ahli Yang Berhormat dari nyelamatkan bangsa dan negara kita. Batu itu dudok di-university bertahun2 ta' tamat2 M.A.-nya. Kursus M.A. apa, Enche' C. V. Devan Nair: Mr sampai berpuloh2 tahun? Ini-lah dia Speaker, Sir, first of all, I would like yang harus kita ambil perhatian. Elok- to take issue on this question of lah saya tambah lagi ia-itu sa-masa academic freedom about which there mereka dudok di-university menamat has been a great deal of claptrap talked kan kursus M.A. itu, penyelidekan in this House. Sir, as I understand it, untok M.A. itu tidak-lah di-buat-nya academic freedom is the freedom to sangat, tetapi dudok di-canteen, dudok study, to learn and to conduct research di-sana, dudok di-sini, berbual dengan without being inhibited by any mahasiswa2—chuba indoctrinate sana, doctrinaire or dogmatic presumptions chuba pujok sana, chuba pujok sini, or assumptions or pre-conceptions. pengaroh sana, pengaroh sini dengan I fail to see, Mr Speaker, Sir, what perlindongan guru2, atau professor2 legislation, like the internal security yang tertentu. legislation, so far has had anything to do with academic freedom. There Kemudian, saya pergi kapada satu would be aspects of security Bills and soal lagi. Ahli Yang Berhormat dari laws which would be obnoxious to Tanjong yang berchakap sa-belum saya many people, but one must confess that tadi, mengatakan kita mengorbankan it is difficult to see what connections anak2 kita, kalau kita jalankan undang2 these aspects have with academic ini. Tetapi sekarang ini keadaan sudah freedom. The real danger to academic mengemukakan sa-macham ultimatum freedom in this country would come— kapada kita—mana kita mahu, mana if I may take up some hypothetical cases—if, for instance, one of these kita kehendaki? Kita korbankan, atau days the University was ordered by the kita tahan beberapa orang yang sudah Alliance Government saying that the pasti kominis, yang sudah pasti akan only book on Shakespeare, which menghanchorkan, yang sudah pasti would be permitted in the University, akan berbuat sa-suatu untok menghan would be one on the correct interpreta chorkan system negeri ini, atau pun tion of Shakespeare by, let us say, kita akan di-korbankan, seluroh Enche' Ja'afar Albar (Laughter); or— negara akan di-korbankan. Kalau saya God forbid that such a day should di-benarkan memileh: "Saya kata come—or, say, if the Vice-Chancellor 10-15 orang kominis ini, biar mereka and the Council of the University were ta' dapat pergi ka-university, kalau told that the only text-book on mereka hendak balek, balek-lah ka- Economics which would be permitted negeri kominis—Communist China, would be one by Enche' Tan Siew Sin 1397 13 JULY 1964 1398

(Laughter) and that no other text-book munist agitation in the past and who would be permitted—that would be a today quite naturally oppose the Bill sad day for academic freedom in this prating about academic freedom and country. But to date I think every man, so forth, I would say this: the com who is intellectually honest must munists and their allies have the least concede that there is basic freedom to to grouse about against the curtailment study, to learn, to teach, and to conduct of democratic liberties for, if they had research without Stalins behind the their way, the people of this country professors and the University in would be given up lock, stock and structing chaps how Shakespeare ought barrel to their Indonesian friends. Sir, to be interpreted, how to interpret the bitterest indictment against the Hamlet, and so on—that has not taken communists and their Indonesian- place. So all this prattle about academic loving allies in this country comes freedom, Mr Speaker, Sir, must be from the democratic socialist camp. dismissed as quite utter rubbish. The responsibility for every piece of (AN HONOURABLE MEMBER: Hear, repressive legislation in this country hear!). must be laid at the door of our com munists. The challenge that they have Sir, the critics of the Bill would come made to our democratic way of life under a wide spectrum. At one end of and the treasonable challenges they the spectrum, the extreme end of the offer today to the security, the spectrum, we would have the liberal sovereignty and the territorial integrity libertines the lunatic fringe of the of the Malaysian nation, on behalf of liberal group. One of the ironies of our the aggressive policies of the Indone struggle against the communists in sian confrontationists, are the basic Singapore has been that, at every step cause of the grim laws that this House of our struggle against the communists, has been asked to enact from time to we had to be inhibited by liberals, who time. But let us take care, Sir, that we were not at all co-operative, who did do not fall completely into the com not understand what the issues at stake munist trap while arming ourselves were, who talked a lot of liberal with all the necessary instruments and nonsense; and the irony of the situation weapons of protection. Let us not, Sir, was that we had to fight and to take unwittingly and unconsciously appear unpleasant steps and actions, in order to don totalitarian uniform ourselves to make Singapore safe for these and this is where we come to the liberals to liberalise in. middle group of people—patriotic, Then, at that end of the spectrum, responsible, sober Malaysian citizens— you would also have opportunistic who have got genuine qualms about players up to the gallery. But in the this Bill. middle, Sir, there is a fairly wide group of people who are patriotic citizens No one will quarrel with the of Malaysia, who are genuinely proposition that the preservation of perturbed that this Bill might be national security is the paramount abused. I will come to this group of concern of any Government. Malaysia people, and I would submit, with all today has a Government which respect to the Government and to the undoubtedly enjoys the overwhelming Minister of Home Affairs, that they mandate of the people. We have a should consider with respect and hostile neighbour who continues to sympathy the genuine fears that this pursue relentlessly and without abate group of people entertain about the ment his "Crush Malaysia" policy. We implementation of this Bill. also have internal enemies who, for all practical purposes, act as "fifth At the other end of the spectrum, column" agents of a hostile foreign Sir, before I come to the middle group, power. In the circumstances, any the genuine group, would be the Government, anywhere in the world, communists. Sir, to those in this House must necessarily be obliged to enforce and the country at large, who have stern action against the internal associated themselves with pro-com enemies of the State. 1399 13 JULY 1964 1400

But, be all that as it may, it must be exists that in the name of national pointed out that laws designed to security, the law may be used against protect the State against internal patriotic citizens of the State, for no subversion may also lend themselves other reason than that they may have, to abuse. I do not say that the Internal for a variety of reasons, incurred the Security (Amendment) Bill, if passed, displeasure of the powers-that-be. And will be consciously and deliberately the argument goes, Sir, that it would abused by the Honourable Minister of be the simplest thing in the world for Home Affairs. But many of us on this the Government to disallow, by the side of the House are painfully aware stroke of a pen, educational opportu that not everybody on the Government nities in our universities on the grounds benches comes up to the same high of narrow, petty, non-security consi standard of public conduct as is shown derations. In that event, which I hope by some of the Ministers and that not is extremely unlikely, democratic everybody on the Government benches liberties would suffer serious harm in are equally men of vision and enligh the name of national security. The tenment. There are those, Sir, unfortu paradoxical consequence, Sir, would be nately, who appear to fall considerably that in seeking to protect our national below the high standards of public security and democratic way of life, conduct which we would expect from we would have succeeded in shaping a ruling party. In these circumstances, ourselves in the image of our totali responsible members of the Opposition, tarian enemies. One question may be who support the Bill, must feel obliged as to how far it is really possible to to bring to the attention of the leaders fight the enemies of democracy by of the Government the genuine fears, using indiscriminately weapons from real, honest and sincere fears, that exist the totalitarian armoury. These are the among large sections of the people, arguments which exist in the minds of that the Bill if passed into law may several decent, honest, citizens of this conceivably lend itself to abuse. I country, which will have to be met by might enumerate some of these this Government. genuine fears which have been expres sed to me personally by several Stern action against the anti-social responsible and patriotic citizens of criminal can easily be justified. And Malaysia. Parents, especially, are so can stern action against those who genuinely concerned as to what it endanger national security. But, Sir, would mean in terms of the educational the argument goes that legislative future of their children. I am stating repression of anti-national elements, their fears, and I am not putting them security risks, is also subject, beyond forward as an argument. So, I hope a certain point, to a law of diminishing that the Government will take into returns. Much more than that, it is serious consideration this general argued that it will also be subject to background of opinion against which the law, probably, of boomerang this Bill will be enacted. returns. Sir, great powers are asked for under Here is a law which claims and this Bill, and the powers that are which no doubt has been formulated asked for can usefully be employed— on security grounds; and it is intended I have little doubt about that—to to keep out undesirable elements from strengthen national security. They can infiltration into our institutions of also—and it must be granted at least higher learning. Sir, there can be little theoretically—they can also be grossly doubt that if greater care had been abused if those who are responsible taken in the selection of students in the for enforcing the law do not take the Nanyang University, that University trouble to maintain a very high stand would not have become, as it did, the ard of dedication to the democratic happy hunting ground of vicious anti- ideals of this nation. Offensive weapons national forces, who unashamedly can do great damage to society as a espoused the cause of external enemies whole in the hands of the wrong of Malaysia. However, Sir, the fear people. A gun in the hands of a good 1401 13 JULY 1964 1402 and trusted man is not likely to cause sion of an Appeal Committee would unease to his neighbours and to his afford some protection against such fellow citizens. But the gun in the eventualities which are bound to arise hands of an irresponsible, wild man in some cases. can cause considerable unease to his Lastly, Sir, the vital assurance must fellow citizens. be given that this necessary but essen Sir, my appeal to the Honourable tially obnoxious piece of legislation will Minister of Home Affairs is that the be repealed the moment the security Government should, as a matter of situation facing the country diminishes wisdom, go out of its way to give to a safe degree. Let it never be forgot categorical assurances now, and con ten, Sir, that we in this House, as crete assurances in practice, that these elected representatives of the people, fears, which exist genuinely in the are the ultimate guardians of the demo minds of decent citizens, have got no cratic liberties of our people. Let the grounds whatsoever. Parents, Sir, will leaders of the Government, Sir—let all have to be assured, and, no doubt as of us remember—that we would be time goes on in the implementation of betraying the trust of the nation and the Bill, they will have to be completely the democratic basis of the nation's life assured that this Bill is directed solely if the grim powers with which we are against enemies of the nation and not vested are not used with circumspection indiscriminately against the educational and a sense of high responsibility. Let future of their children. it never be said by historians of the future that the net result of our fight Other assurances, Sir, would also against the communist enemies of de have to be given. Administrative pro mocracy was, as I said earlier, to shape cesses for the securing of suitability ourselves in the image of our totalita certificates by students must be smooth rian enemies. Thank you, Sir. and should never be subject to bureau (Applause). cratic delays. Certificates should not be withheld for longer than necessary. I Enche' Tajudin bin Ali (Larut am aware that we have the assurance Utara): Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya to this effect from the Minister, but uchapkan terima kaseh kapada Tuan great vigilance must be exercised to Yang di-Pertua kerana memberi saya ensure that corrupt practices do not peluang berchakap. Hari sudah hampir arise in connection with the issue of jauh malam maka saya mengambil such certificates. Again, Sir, once a peluang di-sini menguchapkan banyak certificate of suitability is issued, there terima kaseh kapada pehak Pembang- must be no question of subsequent with kang—P.A.P. ia-itu Petir yang menyo- drawal of that certificate. kong di-atas chadangan yang telah di-majukan oleh Menteri Dalam I do not wish to touch on the other Negeri. Terima kaseh juga kapada measures which have been suggested by U.D.P. tetapi, Tuan Yang di-Pertua, other Members of the House but I saya ternanti2 bukan main lama lagi would submit, Sir, respectfully to the mengapa PAS tidak dapat berchakap. Honourable Minister of Home Affairs Jadi saya ternanti2 juga, chadangan that there would be a greater sense of saya hendak berchakap lama tetapi security all round if he could consider nanti2kan PAS tidak berchakap saya making provisions for appeals to a pun bangun berchakap. Saya rasa disinterested and impartial tribunal perkara ini kapada saya sangat-lah against any decision to withhold penting-nya tetapi apa pula kata bagi certificates of suitability. It is quite pos pehak PAS. Apa pendirian mereka itu sible, Sir, and no doubt it happens with ada-kah mereka suka sa-kira-nya Bill distressing frequency, that Special ini tidak di-kemukakan—di-terima Branch reports on particular individuals menjadi Undang2 negara kalau sa- are wrong. Like the rest of us frail kira-nya pehak kominis datang di-sini human beings, Sir, the Special Branch boleh-kah mereka berlindong di-bawah officers are also fallible and prone to sayap kominis?—saya bertanya ka making wrong judgments. The provi pada diri saya sendiri, Tuan Yang 1403 13 JULY 1964 1404 di-Pertua. Saya tengok dahulu, Tuan penting dan saya ibaratkan sa-bagai Yang di-Pertua, apabila kita binchang- kita sediakan payong sa-belum hujan kan Rang Undang2 Keselamatan turun. Dalam Negeri, PAS telah menentang Kita tahu, Tuan Yang di-Pertua, dengan hebat-nya, pindaan ini juga menerusi akhbar2 dan cherita2 yang saya sangat terkejut daripada mula boleh di-harapkan di-Singapura, apa tadi lagi .... bila wakil Kerajaan Indonesia ia-itu 2 Tuan Haji Ahmad bin Abdullah General Jatikosomo, tidak putus (Kota Bharu Hilir): Tuan Yang di- beliau berhubong dengan mahasiswa Pertua, on a point of explanation. Universiti Malaya dan Singapura. Jadi, PAS menyokong—bukan menentang— saya rasa Kerajaan kita sangat-lah dahulu, tetapi dia terlupa. baik budi terlampau berfikir di-atas Undang2, maka selalu Kerajaan me- Enche' Mohamed Asri bin Haji nyatakan kita ini berkerajaan ber- Muda (Pasir Puteh): Tuan Yang di- chorak demokrasi, dan saya rasa Pertua, untok penjelasan. terlampau baik. Perkara ini saya telah nyatakan di-dalam Dewan ini terlebeh Mr Speaker: Dia minta penjelasan. dahulu. Kita tengok pergadohan dan Enche' Tajudin bin Ali: Boleh, sila- hampir bertumpah darah di-Nanyang kan. Universiti. Kita telah tengok "the writing is on the wall." Kita mesti-lah Enche' Mohamed Asri bin Haji mengambil pandangan yang jauh yang Muda: Saya telah katakan tadi, Tuan Undang2 ini sangat-lah baik. Baik-nya Yang di-Pertua—PAS ini menentang pada negara kita, Tuan Yang di- waktu membahath Internal Security Pertua, kita patut berterima kaseh Act, itu tidak betul—PAS menyokong yang tidak terhingga pada pehak dahulu. Colonial Government ia-itu dahulu Enche' Tajudin bin Ali: Jadi saya dengan ada-nya Universiti Malaya dan Universiti Singapura, Universiti2 silap (Ketawa); saya minta ma'af-lah. 2 Tetapi apa pula, Tuan Yang di-Pertua, itu telah pun mengeluarkan orang di-atas satu Rang Undang2 yang yang terkemuka, dan mentadbirkan sangat penting bagini juga sedang negara kita ini. Hasil-nya, Tuan Yang di-binchangkan hebat di-luar dan di-Pertua, kita dapat satu pentadbiran di-dalam Dewan ini. Jadi saya tengok negara kita menchapai taraf kemer- daripada pagi tadi Yang Berhormat dekaan yang sangat memuaskan ra'ayat wakil Bachok dia berdiri sa-kerat jelata sakalian dan telah menjadikan sahaja kemudian terus hilang tidak sakit hati kapada negara yang berjiran nampak sampai sekarang. Tuan Yang dengan kita. Kapada mereka, Tuan di-Pertua, tetapi sa-malam kita dengar Yang di-Pertua, senang sahaja mana- Yang Berhormat dari Besut kata, kala masok Universiti itu, maka "saya di-lantek oleh ra'ayat dan saya senang-lah mendapat ijazah. Pergi datang di-sini hendak berchakap bagi ka-India balek dapat jadi doktor, pergi ka-Netherlands balek dapat menjadi pehak ra'ayat". Hari ini dia senyap 2 sunyi demam kura-kah (Ketawa). Jadi doktor. Jadi, senang sahaja doktor ini-lah yang kita hendak tahu. yang sa-macham itu saya katakan doktor chelup, Tuan Yang di-Pertua, tidak memberi faedah kapada negara, Enche' Muhammad Fakhuruddin bin 2 Haji Abdullah (Pasir Mas Hilir): Tuan tetapi kita mesti jaga baik kedudokan Yang di-Pertua. untok penjelasan. Universiti kita, oleh sebab itu-lah saya memberi sokongan yang penoh kapada Mr Speaker: Yang itu jangan-lah 2 2 Rang Undang yang ada di-hadapan di-kuit kan, biar-lah dia diam sahaja. kita ini. Enche' Tajudin bin Ali: Bagus, Tuan Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya ingat Yang di-Pertua (Ketawa). Mereka organisation kominis ada dua pehak mengambil resmi penyu bertelor ber- yang tertentu ia-itu pehak Russia dan kali2. Tuan Yang di-Pertua, bagi pehak pehak subversive. Kalau di-tanya saya saya, Rang Undang2 ini sangat-lah sendiri, Tuan Yang di-Pertua, mana 1405 13 JULY 1964 1406 yang lebeh merbahaya sa-kali. Saya menjadi orang2 yang tidak berguna, katakan pehak subversive yang saya maka wang ra'ayat menjadi hampa telah nyatakan terlebeh dahulu ber- sahaja. tahun2 yang lampau barangkali mereka itu ada bersama2 kita di-dalam Tuan Yang di-Pertua, pagi tadi saya Dewan ini. Itu-lah pehak yang kita dengar soal daripada rakan saya dari 2 Ipoh, bertanya ada-kah Undang2 ini takut sangat dan Rang Undang ini 2 apabila telah menjadi Undang2 negara di-jalankan di-mana negara di-dalam kelak kapada mereka itu-lah yang Commonwealth, atau pun di-Russia? Memang Undang2 ini sudah berjalan akan kita hadapkan. Tuan Yang 2 di-Pertua, tidak menjadi takut atau di-Russia, kerana orang Russia itu pun bimbang pada mana2 pehak semua-nya kominis. Jadi, pertanyaan kerana Undang2 ini, kerana kita maseh itu tidak-lah besar ma'ana-nya kapada ingat apabila Rang Undang2 berkenaan saya. Tuan Yang di-Pertua, wakil dengan keselamatan negara telah di- daripada Ipoh itu sikap-nya berlainan kemukakan dalam Dewan ini, heboh sangat. Saya tidak suka hendak sangat-lah dalam Dewan ini apabila menudoh dia ka-barat sangat, terpaksa- divide. Tudohan kapada Kerajaan lah saya berchakap sadikit kerana dia akan mempunyai kuasa gestapo, akan tidak ada di-sini, kalau dia ada di-sini, menjadi polis state dan sa-bagai-nya, saya akan buat tudohan yang berat. tetapi apabila Undang2 itu berjalan, Dia itu berani bila ada abang-nya, kita hendak menangkap Enche' Ahmad jadi dia itu macham "Siamese twins". ada abang-nya dia berani (Ketawa). Bustamam itu pun, kita ikuti jejak 2 langkah dia baharu kita tangkap, Jadi, apa fikiran, dia menentang berbulan2 dan bertahun2 apabila bukti- Kerajaan tidak ada keluar daripada nya telah nyata, baharu-lah kita hati-nya yang suchi, apabila abang dia tangkap. Bagini-lah juga Undang2 ini ada berani-lah dia bahath kuaP sadikit. Apa2 perkara yang di-keluar- pehak yang bersalah sahaja kita akan 2 2 tahan bagi melanjutkan pelajaran me kan itu atau apa Undang yang akan reka itu ka-Universiti kita. di-bahathkan atau di-kemukakan oleh Kerajaan (Ketawa). Barang di-ingat, Tuan Yang di- Pertua, negara kita ini kechil dan Mr Speaker: Saya beri awak ber baharu sahaja mendapat taraf kemer- chakap dalam masa satu minit sahaja dekaan, kita ada hanya dua Universiti. lagi. Nanyang Universiti tidak tentu lagi Enche' Tajudin bin Ali: Jadi, bagi sama ada kita i'tiraf atau tidak. Jadi, 2 2 penutup-nya, Tuan Yang di-Pertua, kita mesti jaga baik kedua Universiti orang2 yang bertanggong-jawab pada ini, kerana untong nasib negara kita negara itu tidak heboh saperti orang pada masa akan datang ia-lah kapada yang di-katakan oleh Ahli Yang orang2 yang akan mendapat kelulusan 2 Berhormat daripada Ipoh dan sa- menerusi pintu depan dalam kedua bagai-nya. Kita Kerajaan Perikatan Universiti itu. Kalau mereka itu akan ada-lah satu Kerajaan yang bertang menerima hasutan atau pun ajaran gong-jawab pada beliau, dan kapada kominis, maka negara kita akan men 2 jadi hanchor lebor-lah. Jadi, saya rasa rakan sa-jawat-nya itu, pandai ber molek-lah sangat kita jaga sa-bagai- tanggong-jawab terhadap negara dan mana pepatah Melayu, "sa-ekor kerbau bangsa buat-lah rombongan terus pergi membawa lumpur, habis-lah semua berjumpa dengan Menteri yang ber kenaan, perkara itu binchang-lah sa- terpalit". Jadi, kita mesti jaga 2 sangat-lah orang2 yang akan masok dalam -nya, dan saya tidak suka-lah ka-Universiti2 itu, dan lagi, Tuan Yang kerana hendak mendapat tidak lain di-Pertua belanja sangat banyak bahkan publicity sahaja. Jadi, saya untok kita hendak mendidek anak2 mengambil peluang bagi mengingatkan kita dari tangga yang bawah sa-kali pada hari akan datang jangan-lah sampai mereka hendak masok ka- chari cheap publicity, tetapi kesela Universiti. Jadi, kalau sudah masok matan negara dan bangsa itu perlu-lah ka-Universiti, manakala lulus mereka di-jaga. 1407 13 JULY 1964 1408 ADJOURNMENT submit his request with details such as availability of land, prevailing social Bato' Br Ismail: Mr Speaker, Sir, I conditions, number of units required, beg to move that this House do now etc., to the State Government of Perak. adjourn. If the State Government considers the Bato' V. T. Sambanthan: Sir, I beg scheme worthy of implementation it to second the motion. would forward a request to my Ministry for consideration. ADJOURNMENT I would like to add, however, the new Ministry of Local Government SPEECHES and Housing has been created to LOW COST HOUSING SCHEMES— intensify Government's efforts in the ULU KINTA fields of low cost housing. In the past other priorities enabled Government Enche' Chin Foon (Ulu Kinta): Mr only to provide housing on a scale Speaker, Sir, my constituency com which gave relief rather than alleviate prises of farmers engaged in various the housing shortage. It is Govern types of cultivation and they have been ment's intention to carry out a survey residents of that area for generations. so as to define more accurately the During the Emergency, Sir, these proportions of the housing shortage residents were resettled from their throughout the country and then to plan traditional place of abode to resettle a programme geared to actual needs. ment areas which are congested and Action is being taken to procure the with no prospect of increasing their services of two experts who, among standard of living and improvement in other things, will conduct a housing their condition of health. I wish to survey. The Ministry and the Housing enquire from the Honourable Minister Trust as organised at present will not concerned what allocation or what be able to cope with a programme provision has already been made for which we envisage will be completely my constituency so as to enable me to out of proportion to the existing get details to submit my quota for programme. Serious thought is being allocation for such low cost housing given to the centralisation of all low schemes in my area. Thank you. cost housing activities in a strong Federal Housing Authority. In view of The Minister for Local Government the magnitude of the problem, and Housing (Enche' Khaw Kai-Boh): the attendant complexities, and Mr Speaker, Sir, in reply to the Honour the need for careful planning the able Member for Ulu Kinta, it is not future housing programme will take the procedure under existing policy for sometime to implement. I should my Ministry to make an allocation of perhaps mention that the need for funds for any particular constituency housing is greatest in the larger urban or town or place. Under the existing centres and therefore these centres will procedure carried over from the former receive highest priority. It is not Ministry of Interior, State Govern intended that semi-urban and rural ments are requested to submit bids for areas should be left out but as the low cost housing schemes in their housing need will not be so pressing respective States. These bids are listed in these areas they will merit lower in order of priority. The Ministry then priority—the pace of housing develop considers all these bids in the context ment in such areas will be more of the financial provision available, leisurely. I hope what I have said gives fair distribution of funds, past per a broad picture of the future low cost formance by State Governments in low housing development. cost housing projects, the economic and social need for a housing scheme and so on. If the need for a low cost SOCIO-ECONOMIC ILLS OF housing scheme in the Honourable TELUK ANSON, PERAK Member's constituency is a vital social Dr Ng Kam Poh (Teluk Anson): Mr need, then I would request him to Speaker, Sir, I crave the indulgence of 1409 13 JULY 1964 1410 this House for prolonging this meeting among the first. Only last month, Sir, and I hope you will excuse me for we had two hundred applicants for two bringing up this matter at this late hour. vacancies for temporary clerks in the Town Council. Unemployment is Sir, the object of this adjournment rampant and the youths are leaving speech is to bring to the notice of this Teluk Anson to look for jobs else august House the socio-economic ills where. Industrialisation might be the that confront my constituency, Teluk answer, but then, Sir, we are off the Anson. To obtain first hand knowledge beaten track. Perhaps the Minister for of my constituency, one must go back Commerce and Industry can give us into the history of Teluk Anson. The some valuable advice. I do understand, town itself was the centre of trade and of course, that, as he says, industriali commerce for the whole of Lower sation must come from the bottom, Perak and a part of Selangor. It is the and he will provide the funds. third largest town in Perak, and before Merdeka it was the main, if not the Sir, housing is another problem, but only, port, through which the produce I have already had the assurance of of Perak was channelled. Now with the Minister for Local Government Merdeka, the produce of Perak need and Housing that he will try his best not be channelled through Teluk to do what he can for us. By compari Anson, and as a consequence only a son, Sir, Taiping, which is said to be a few ships now call at this port. With dying town, Teluk Anson is dead. the resultant loss of trade, the liveli hood of not only the port workers but The Hospital there is about fifty that of the whole town is affected. So, years old, and was built beside the as you see, Sir, Teluk Anson, once a river. There are not enough beds to prosperous and happy trading centre, serve the whole of Lower Perak with is now stagnating in the doldrums. a population of one hundred and fifty thousand. Though there are estate Teluk Anson was famous for its hospitals we need a new hospital. The oranges, but with the root disease that Hospital Attendants quarters are fre struck the orange groves, the export quently flooded during the tidal season trade from Teluk Anson ceased and a up to a level of three feet, and faecal million-dollar industry ground to a matters from the nearby river often halt. Sir, in those days, an acre of flow into the quarters. We are really a oranges cost a thousand dollars more neglected lot. than the best acre of rubber, even when rubber was in boom. It is also one of My constituency also includes four the centres for tobacco growing, and new villages with a number of rubber while the farmers still plant tobacco, estates and kampongs. The New the price of tobacco is poof, and the Village of Chuichak, Sir, needs a grant- farmers there barely eke out a living. in-aid for its primary school which has only six classrooms and all of We also have a pineapple industry them are in a dilapidated condition— in Teluk Anson but with the closing they were not repaired since twelve down of the cannery in Jenderata, just years ago; and the school has recently outside my constituency, there is no sent an appeal to the Minister of market for the produce, resulting in Education. I hope he will listen to our the people there finding it extremely appeal. Also to serve the four new difficult to make both ends meet. villages, Sir, we need a Chinese Mr Speaker, Sir, to add to the ills, secondary school in Langkap, the the town itself suffers from soil erosion centre, as these villages are situated which brings to the people of Teluk between Kampar and Teluk Anson, Anson fear, and anxiety of losing their sixteen miles either way, and the cost homes. This, Sir, is the condition of of bringing the children to a secondary the town in which I live. If there is a school is extremely high. place in Malaysia where there is a gap Under these circumstances, Sir, I will between the "haves" and "have-nots", appeal to the Minister of Finance for Sir, Teluk Anson must surely rank the abolition of tax on local tobacco 1411 13 JULY 1964 1412 to encourage local industry. The tax, industries that were flourishing there though light, is nevertheless a strain at one time, have, through the fortunes on the farmers who live from hand to of commerce, been in the doldrums. It mouth. I will also appeal to the other is true that due to the poor marketing Ministers concerned to lend a helping conditions during 1958, the pineapple hand to Teluk Anson, so that the industry met its worst crisis ending in people in my constituency might live the closing down of the pineapple again, and their future assured. Sir, cannery there. But to compensate for fate has decreed that Teluk Anson must that, the expansion in the rice industry suffer, but surely the destiny of Teluk has attracted the Government's atten Anson lies in the hands of the Central tion such that we have now put in a Government and the State Govern Government Rice Mill to create new ment. Thank you, Sir. employment for that area. The Minister of Education (Enche' There is hope for Teluk Anson to Abdul Rahman bin Haji Talib): Mr become an industrial area, simply Speaker, Sir, 1 would like to reply, because it has the advantage of that particularly, to the request of the little port, small though it may be, and Honourable Member for a Secondary perhaps most of us in Malaysia do not School at Langkap. Under the Com realise that in Teluk Anson there is prehensive Schools Programme, one a match factory—something which secondary school will be set up in 1964, Teluk Anson can boast whereas in under the Supplementary Estimates, Taiping we still do not have a factory. comprising eight classrooms at Lang Be that as it may, I would ask the kap. The Chinese pupils from the Honourable Member not to be too Chinese Primary Schools in that area pessimistic. There is a future for Teluk will be directed to this school once it Anson. But the important thing is that is set up. the Local Government and the people in that area must do something them The Minister of Commerce and selves and not expect too much from Industry (Dr Lim Swee Aun): Mr the Central Government. Speaker, Sir, I must congratulate the Honourable Member for Teluk Anson The Minister for Welfare Services who, in a short speech of less than ten (Tuan Haji Abdul Hamid Khan bin minutes, has been able to pin down Haji Sakhawat Ali Khan): Tuan Yang his fire on so many Ministers who have di-Pertua, Yang Berhormat dari Teluk to reply to his points. (Laughter). Anson di-dalam Uchapan Penang- gohan-nya telah juga menarek perhatian Coming from a constituency such as pada penderitaan petani2 akibat dari- mine, which has been described by the pada kerosakan tanaman limau manis Honourable Member as a "dying yang di-serang oleh penyakit. Dengan town", I fully sympathise with him, arahan saya perkara ini telah pun di- and I can fully appreciate the socio siasat oleh Pegawai Kebajikan economic ills of his constituency which Masharakat Negeri Perak dan hasil he has described as "dead". However, daripada penyiasat itu nampak-nya he has appealed to the Central Govern petani2 yang menanam limau manis itu ment to revive the dead. (Laughter). tidak-lah menganggor sama sa-kali atau Sir, physicians can only give life when pun menderita. Mereka chuma telah there is still life, but if it is already mengalami pendapat yang kurang. dead, it is just too bad! But, knowing Tidak sa-orang pun daripada mereka the difficulties that are existent in telah membuat permohonan kapada Teluk Anson, I do not think the socio Pejabat Kebajikan Masharakat untok economic position is really that bad. mendapat bantuan. Saya juga di- There is still hope for Teluk Anson, beritahu ia-itu sa-tengah2 daripada in that it can still—perhaps, some petani yang lebeh berusaha telah pun day—regain its importance as one of mengubah mata pencharian mereka the main trading centres of Perak. kapada pekerjaan2 yang lain yang Teluk Anson has a port, which is lebeh mendatangkan hasil dan telah still functional. But, unfortunately, the berjaya mendapat pendapatan yang 1413 13 JULY 1964 1414 lebeh baik untok penghidupan mereka. perchaya Ahli Yang Berhormat itu Sunggoh pun bagitu, jika ada yang tentu bersetuju dengan sa-mata2 mem lain2 yang memerlukan bantuan boleh- beri bantuan wang dalam keadaan lah mereka membuat permohonan yang tidak boleh di-atasi merupakan kapada Pejabat Kebajikan Masharakat satu tindakan yang negative. Apa yang dan saya memberi jaminan kapada di-kehendaki ia-lah satu chara yang Yang Berhormat itu bahawa per lebeh membena daripada petani itu mohonan2 mereka itu akan di- untok mengatasi masaalah ini dengan timbangkan berdasarkan kapada ke- mengikut nasihat2 yang telah di-beri dudokan dan keperluan masing2. oleh Jabatan Pertanian. Mengikut apa yang saya tahu The Minister of Health (Enche' masaalah ini telah timbul semenjak Bahaman bin Samsudin): Mr Speaker, tahun 1958 dan Pejabat Pertanian telah 2 Sir, the Honourable Member ropes in pun memberitahu kapada petani itu my Ministry also. (Laughter). He has yang Jabatan Pertanian tersebut tidak mentioned that he would like to have dapat mengubati penyakit pokok limau a new hospital and some Attendants' manis dengan serta-merta dan telah Quarters for Teluk Anson. Sir, I wish menasihatkan mereka supaya menanam 2 to inform the Honourable Member that lain jenis tanaman. I shall be visiting Teluk Anson on the Kedegilan petani itu yang maseh 17th of July, and I shall see for myself meneruskan tanaman limau manis ada- whether there is any need for such a lah menunjokkan sikap yang negative hospital and the Attendants' Quarters. oleh kerana mereka sedar yang per- usahaan itu tidak mempunyai harapan Question put, and agreed to. yang baik pada masa akan datang. Saya Adjourned at 8.28 p.m.