Volume ID Tuesday No.2 2nd May, 1961

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES

DEWAN NEGARA (SENATE)

OFFICIAL REPORT

CONTENTS MOTIONS: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Spee~h-Address of Thauks [Col. 143] Committee of Sele~tion [Col. 169] The Revised Edition of the Laws Ordinan~e, 1959-Draft Order, 1961 [Col. 170] BILLS: The Penal Code (Amendment) Bill [Col. 150] The Criminal Pro~ednre Codes (Amendment) BUI [Col. 152] The Eledions Often~es (Amendment) Bill {Col. 154] The Corrosive and Explosive Substan~es and Offensive Weapons (Amendment) Bill [Col. 156] The Loan (International Tin Butler Stock) Bill [Col. 158] The Loan (Lo~al) Bill [Col. 161) The Lo~al Government Ele~tions (Amendment) BUI [Col. 163) The Life Assurance Companies (Amendment) Bill [Col. 165] ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE {Col. 171)

Dl•CHETAK Dl-JABATAN CHETAK KER.UAAN OLEH THOR BENG CHONG, PEMANGKU PENCHETAK KER.UAAN PERSEKUTUAN TANAH MELAYU 1962 FEDERATION OF MALAY A DEWAN NEGARA (SENATE) · Official Report

Vol. III Third Session of the First Dewan Negara No.2

Tuesday, 2nd May, 1961 The Senate met at Ten o'clock a.m.

PRESENT: The Honourable Mr. President (DATO' HAn ABDUL RAHMAN BIN MOHAMED YASIN) S.P.M.J., P.I,S., J.P. (Johore). the Minister of Justice (TuN LEONG YEW KoH, S.M.N.) " (Appointed). TuAN HAJI ABBAS BIN HAJI MoHAMED (Trengganu). " ENCHE' ABDUL HAMID BIN MAHMUD, J.M.N. (Appointed). " ENCHE' AHMAD BIN SAID, A.M.N. (Perak). " ENCHE' ABDULLAH BIN ISHAK (Pedis). " ENCHE' ABDUL WAHAB BIN IDUS, P.J.K. (Negri Sembilan). " ENCHE' AMALUDDIN BIN DARUS (Kelantan). " ENCHE' CHAN KWONG HoN, A.M.N., J.P. (Selangor). " ENCHE' CHEAH SENG KmM, J.P. (Penang). " DATo' DR. CHEAH TooN LoK, J.M.N., J.P., DATO' MAHA " KURNIA (Appointed). ENcHE' CHOO KoK LEONG (Appointed), " DATO' J. E. s. CRAWFORD, J.M.N., J.P., DATO' KURNIA lNDERA " (Appointed), ENCHE' DA ABDUL JALIL BIN HAn A WANG (Trengganu). " ENCHE' HASIDM BIN AWANG, J.P. (Penang). " ENCHE' KoH KIM LENG (Malacca). " DATO' LEE FooNG YEE, J.M.N., P.P.T., J.P. (Negri Sembilan). ENcHE' LIM HEE HONG, A.M.N. (Appointed). " ENCHE' MoHO, SALLEH BIN MOHAMED ARlFF (Malacca). " ENcHE' MoHO. ZAHIR BIN HAJI IsMAIL (Kedah). " ENGKU MUHSEIN BIN ABDUL KADIR, J.M.N., P.J.K. (Appointed). " ENCHE' ATID NAHAPPAN (Appointed). " ENCHE' S. P. S. NATHAN (Appointed). " TuAN HAn NIK MoHO. ADEEB BIN HAJI NIK MOHAMED • " (Kelantan). ToK PANGKU PANDAK HAMID BIN PurEH JALI, P.J.K. " (Appointed). RAJA RASTAM SHAHROME BIN RAJA SAID TAUPHY (Selangor). • " DAro' SHEIKH ABu BAKAR BIN YAHYA, D.P.M.J., P.I.s., J.P. " (Johore). 143 2 MAY 1961 144

The Honourable DATO' G. SHELLEY, P.M.N., J.P. (Appointed). , TUAN SYED AHMAD BIN SYED MAHMUD SHAHABUDIN, J.M.N. (Kedah). ENCHE' T. H. TAN, J.M.N. (Appointed). " ENCHE' S. 0. K. UBAIDULLA, J.M.N. (Appointed). " WAN AHMAD BIN WAN DAUD, P.J.K., J.P. (Pedis). " DATO' WAN IBRAHIM BIN WAN TANJONG, J.M.N., P.J.K., " ORANG KAYA INDERA MAHARAJA PuRBA JELAI (Pahang). ENCHE' YAP KHEN VAN, A.M.N., J.P. (Pahang). " ABSENT: The Honourable ENCHE' A. M. ABu BAKAR, J.M.N. (Nominated). , ENCHE' NIK HASSAN BIN HAJJ NIK YAHYA, J.M.N. (Nominated). , DATO' E. E. C. TlluRAisiNGHAM, D.P.M.J., J.P. (Nominated). , ENCHE' YEOH KlAN TEIK (Perak).

IN ATIENDANCE: The Hono~rable the Minister of Finance, ENCHE' TAN Srnw SIN, J.P. (Malacca Tengah). the Minister of Labour, ENcHE' BAHAMAN BIN SAMSUDIN " (Kuala Pilah). the Assistant Minister of Education, ENCHE' ABDUL HAMID " KHAN BIN HAn SAKHAWAT Au KHAN, J.M.N., J.P. (Batang Padang). PRAYERS menyentoh hal buroh. Saya mendapat tabu Yang Berhormat Enche' Amalud­ (Mr. President in the Chair) din bin Darus telah menyatakan bahawa dalam chadangan meminda Undang2 (MOTION) Mahkamah Perusahaan Buroh jangan­ lah kata-nya membuat pindaan bagi THE YANG DI-PERTUAN AGONG'S menguntongkan capitalist sahaja dan SPEECH menudoh Kerajaan sekarang ini Kera­ jaan Capitalist. Tuan Yang di-Pertua, Address of Thanks saya suka menegaskan di-sini bahawa Order read for resumption of Debate Kerajaan Persekutuan Tanah Melayu on Question (1st May, 1960)- sekarang ini ia-lah Kerajaan kebangsaan "That a humble Address be presen­ yang di-pileh oleh ra'ayat mengikut ted to His Majesty the Yang di­ Perlembagaan. Menteri2-nya ia-lah dari­ pada berbagai2 chorak, lawyer, doctor, Pertuan Agong, bekas MCS, guru, pekebun2, orang2 'To beg leave to offer His Majesty surat khabar, ahli perniagaan dan lain2. the humble thanks of the House for the Gracious Speech with Tuan Yang di-Pertua, jikalau Yang which the Third Session of the Berhormat itu membacha benar2 Parliament has been opened'." Uchapan di-Raja itu ia akan dapati Question again proposed. bahawa tindakan yang di-chadangkan­ nya itu bukan-nya bagi keuntongan The Minister of Labour (Enche' capitalist, tetapi ia-lah bagi faedah Bahaman bin Samsudin): Tuan Yang orang ramai. Tujuan-nya ia-lah untok di-Pertua, saya suka mengambil peluang mengekalkan perhubongan yang baik menjawab uchapan2 Ahli2 Yang Ber.. antara pekerja2 dan majikan2. Sikap hormat dalam Dewan ini semalam yang Kementerian Buroh ia-lah sa-bagai 145 2 MAY 1961 146 orang tengah sahaja dan akan champor Cheah Toon Lok yang telah memuji tangan ia-itu apabila di-fikirkan per­ bahawa oleh ada-nya keamanan pada balahan akan mengancham keselamatan masa ini antara majikan dengan pekerja dengan perbalahan ini berjalan ber­ maka tiada pemogokan yang besar lanjutan dan akan merugikan besar terjadi. k:edua pehak dan harus menimbulkan kekerasan atau tumpah darah saperti The Minister of Finance (Enche' Tan yang telah terjadi di-Seremban sedikit Slew Sin): Mr. President, Sir, in the masa dahulu. absence of my Honourable friend, the Deputy Prime Minister, it has fallen to Saya suka memberi jaminan bahawa my lot to wind up this very interesting Kementerian saya tidak menyebelah and instructive debate on behalf of the pada mana2 pehak dalam sa-suatu Government. perbalahan, tetapi ia-lah menchuba menchari berbagai2 ikhtiar supaya per­ At the outset, I should like to say how balahan dapat di-selesaikan dengan pleased we are, how delighted we are chepat dengan tidak memberi akibat to see that the Royal Address has been yang burok. Satu daripada ikhtiar itu given such a warm and enthusiastic ia-lah mengadakan Jawatan-Kuasa welcome from nearly all quarters in this Penyiasat Bebas. Saya perchaya Yang House. In fact, the Honourable Mover Berhormat itu bersetuju dengan of the motion, my Honourable friend chadangan ini. Dato' Thuraisingham, was so enthusias­ tic in his welcome that, I think, he almost Yang Berhormat Enche' Da Abdul allowed his enthusiasm to run away with Jalil telah menyebutkan bahawa Ke­ him. I refer in this respect to his state­ satuan Sakerja Sharikat Bus Trengganu ment that the Government has promised tidak di-iktirafkan oleh Sharikat Bus itu to give free primary education by 1962. dan di-chadangkan mengadakan As my Honourable friend, the Assistant undang2 untok memaksa majikan meng­ Minister of Education, has already iktirafkan-nya. Tuan Yang di-Pertua, pointed out, the words in the King's semasa lawatan saya di-Trengganu Speech do not quite tell the same story. dalam bulan. yang lepas saya telah Ifl may be permitted by you, Sir, to read memanggil ketua2 kedua pehak: Sharikat out the exact words, I would like to do Bus dan Kesatuan dan telah menerang­ so, so that there should be no misunder­ kan da~ar Kerajaan pada mereka itu. standing in this respect- Melihat pada sambutan yang di-beri "Consideration is being given to the intro­ oleh mereka itu saya ada harapan baik duction as soon. as possible of free primary dalam sedikit masa lagi Kesatuan itu education and the decision whether this is to be akan di-iktirafkan oleh Sharikat Bus. done in 1962 or later will be made when the 1962 Budget is being prepared for presentation to Saya suka menerangkan kapada Yang Parliament". Berhormat itu dan juga Ahli2 Yang It is the Government's firm intention Berhormat yang lain bahawa dasar that the recommendations of the Kerajaan dalam memperbaiki per­ Rahman Talib Report should be carried hubongan majikan dengan buroh ia-lah out as soon as practicable-and one of tidak menggunakan · kekerasan atau them, in fact, one of the most important paksaan, dan mengadakan perundingan of them is the introduction of free antara kedua pehak dengan chara suka­ primary education-but _this will ~ave, rela, dalam bahasa Inggeris-nya as I have stated on preVIous occasiOns, "Voluntary system of negotiation". to be subject to the availability of Chara ini telah di-akui baik dan di­ finance. I should also like to make it terima oleh pertubohan majikan dan clear, in view of a certain misunder­ pekerja dan saperti yang kita dapati standing with regard to this, that t_he sekarang ini keadaan dalam perusahaan2 function of a Royal Address to Parlia­ ada-lah tenteram. Oleh itu tidak perlu ment is not so much a comprehensive di-adakan undang2 saperti yang di-shor­ review of Government policy during the kan oleh Yang Berhormat itu. coming year as the high-lighting of Penyudah-nya saya uchapkan terima changes in policy or new developments; kaseh kapada Yang Berhormat Dr. that, in practice, would mean that only 147 2 MAY 1961 148 changes of policy or new developments, speech delivered in Jinjang New Village, which would be rather different from had this to say- existing policy, would be mentioned in "1 am sorry, as are all the members of the the King's Speech. It would obviously Commonwealth, that the Cuban rebellion has be impossible in the course of a 90- taken place at this time, particularly when some minute Address-that is the usual length blame .can be put at the door of America. It cannot be denied that the rebels used as their of a Royal Address-to touch upon base of operation American territory, and when every facet of Government policy during confronted the President used strongly the past year or during the forthcoming challenging words to Russia". year, because that would involve not a few minutes of speech making but a few And he went on to say that this abortive· days of speech making. And, therefore, revolt might prejudice the forthcoming Honourable Members should not deduce disarmament talks. I do not, therefore, from any omission that the Government think that the Honourable Member can does not pay particular attention to any say that the Alliance has got no foreign aspect of Government policy however policy at all. It has a completely inde­ important that may be provided no pendent policy, for although we are change is contemplated. sympathetic to the Western world, we My Honourable friend Enche' do not hesitate, when we think that the Amaluddin bin Darus has dwelt at very moment is opportune, to criticise the great length with the policy of the West for their actions in connection with Alliance Government towards the East foreign affairs. Coast States, in particular Kelantan and I think he also said that the Govern­ Trengganu. My colleagues have already ment might be involved in Laos in case replied to this at great length, but I S.E.A.T.O. decides to take strong action. should like to say that co-operation is a This, again, is not quite correct, because two-way traffic and the Alliance Govern­ although we have this Anglo-Malayan ment has always reiterated its policy to Defence Treaty, our relations with the co-operate, if co-operation is forth­ United Kingdom in all matters of coming from the other side. In the case defence will be strictly governed by that of the East Coast States, there is no Treaty; and as my Honourable friend, question of shortage of land and, if they the Deputy Prime Minister has reiterated are prepared to alienate land on reason­ on a number of occasions in the past, we able terms, I see no reason why finance have no intention whatever of getting should be a prohibitive factor. On a involved in the affairs of S.E.A.T.O. number of occasions in the past, I have I would advise my Honourable friend stressed in the National Finance Council not to accuse the Government before that the State Governments can do it has committed an offence. I think in something to help themselves in the this respect he has more or less taken matter of finance, and they should not the line that we are bound to commit depend entirely upon the Federal the offence and, therefore, it is only right Government for their sources of deve­ that we should be criticised even before lopment finance. Under the Constitution we have committed it. · they are given certain rights of taxation and there is no reason why they should My Honourable friend Mr. T. H. Tan not exercise those rights. As far as I referred to the question of Government's know, not a single State so far has intro­ policy in regard to the ratio of advances duced any new tax or raise existing taxes to deposits in the commercial banks. since 1959. The Government feels that the ratio of The same Honourable Member also 60 per cent is desirable, because it is very criticised the Government for its alleged important to distinguish the operations lack of policy in matters of foreign of a bank from that of, say, a limited affairs. I do not think that is quite liability company. A limited liability correct. In particular, he referred to the company employs its own resources, lack of any Government policy in regard namely, the resources of its own share­ to Cuba. About a week ago, my Honour­ holders. In the case of a bank, it has got able friend the Prime Minister, in a two sources of funds: firstly, its own 149 2 MAY 1961 150 capital drawn.from its shareholders; and and one of the criteria is that it must secondly, the deposits made by members adopt a sound lending and borrowing of the general public, and in nearly every· policy. case the amount of deposits is far greater My Honourable friend Dato' Dr. than that of its own capital. To put it in Cheah Toon Lok referred to the another way, whereas an ordinary question of judges' remuneration. I have commercial company uses its own funds, every sympathy with members of the the funds employed by a bank-or at Bar who have been recruited to the least a high proportion of the funds Bench, because I realise that in every employed by a bank-usually come case probably they have to be satisfied from tlie members of the outside public with a greatly reduced level of earning. and are therefore not its own. It is, there­ But we must remember, Sir, that for fore, the duty of the Government to the foreseeable future at least the ensure that the banks are properly run, Judiciary will have to be staffed from because if they are not so properly run, the ranks of the Legal Service, and that they will fail, and if they fail, it is not in tum means that the scale of salaries they who will suffer. It is the members paid to judges must have some relation of the general public who will suffer, to the scale of salaries paid to the rest because quite often they use money of the Public Service. So I think we have which is not their own-to put it bluntly. to reconcile this question of being fair This ratio therefore does ensure that the to the judges to the desirability also of banks do not over-trade, or do not lend maintaining a proper balance between more than is considered prudent by judicial salaries and the salaries paid to normal banking standards. He says that the rest of the Public Service in general this rule is only enforced· in Malaya. and the Legal Service in particular. I do not think that is quite correct. It is I do not think the time has come yet enforced in nearly every civilised country when the Judiciary can be separated that I know of, although not quite in from the Legal Service because the the same terms. To put it in another way, demands in the immediate future are in most countries the Government so great that it would not be possible, or requires commercial banks to deposit desirable perhaps, to fill the ranks of liquid assets with the Central Bank. But the Judiciary solely from members of the effect is exactly the same. He also the Bar-that I believe is the position in wonders why a ceiling of 4 per cent has the U.K., but conditions here, I think, been put on time deposits. That again are different. is essential because if we allow a free for all-and there are 23 registered banks Question put, and agreed to. in the Federation today-there will be Resolved, cut throat competition, and what will That a humble Address be presen­ happen 1 Every bank will try to get more ted to His Majesty the Yang di­ business by trying to pay more. Well, Pertuan Agong, if it pays more for deposits, it has got to lend at a higher rate. And if it lends To beg leave to offer His Majesty at an exorbitant rate of interest, it can the humble thanks of the House only do so by lending to unsound for the Gracious Speech with enterprises, and that again might have which the Third Session of the the effect of making the bank less secure, Parliament has been opened. and when it is less secure the danger is BILLS that the public will eventually suffer. Therefore, this ceiling of 4 per cent on THE PENAL CODE (AMENDMENT) deposits is a very sound rule. He also BILL· suggested that Government accounts should be distributed among the local Second Reading banks as well. I agree that is a reasonable Tile Minister of Jm~tice (Tun Leong suggestion, but at the same time I should Yew Koh}: Mr. President, Sir, I beg to like to emphasise that Government move that a. Bill intituled "an Act to accounts can· only be deposited with amend the Penal Code" be read a local banks which are soundly managed, second time. 151 2 MAY 1961 152 Sir, a brief explanation of this Bill, Dato' Dr. Cheah Toon Lok: Mr. and of the Criminal Procedure Codes President, Sir, then I presume that it (Amendment) Bill which I hope to take does not cover your coins-only notes. through all stages today, may be of So the forgers could forge the coins if assistance to members. they want to! For many years, it has been an offence Enche' .J. E. S. Crawford: Mr. under sections 230 to 263 of the Penal President, Sir, I think coinage is already Code to forge, mutilate or otherwise covered. So in this Bill the intention is tamper with coinage, whether the coinage only to cover notes, because notes have is domestic or foreign. The reasons for not been covered now. The coinage is this are purely historical-coinage is already covered in this country and almost as old as mankind, whilst elsewhere but notes were not covered­ currency notes are of relatively recent that is my understanding. introduction. When these latter came into circulation many years ago, the Question put, and agreed to. Penal Code was amended to make forgery of bank notes and currency Bill accordingly read a second time notes an offence under sections 489A to and committed to a Committee of the 4890. It has transpired that this sanction whole House. applies only against forgers of domestic House immediately resolved itself currency notes, and that forgers of into a Committee on the Bill. foreign currency notes can ply their trade with immunity. The same applies BiU considered in Committee. in many other countries. (Mr. President in the Chair) To correct this state of affairs, an International Convention has been Clauses 1 and 2 ordered to stand part drawn up by the United Nations of the Bill. Organisation, and the Member Nations of U.N.O. have been invited to sub­ Bill reported without amendment: scribe to this Convention. In order that read the third time and passed. we may do so, it is necessary for us to amend our law. I am sure that Honour­ THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE able Members will agree that this is a CODES (AMENDMENT) BILL wholly laudable objective: once the Member Nations of the U.N.O. have Second Reading subscribed to the convention, the Tun Leong Yew Koh: Mr. President, currencies of the world will be less Sir, I beg to move that a Bill intituled subject to forgery and their integrity "an Act to amend the Criminal Pro­ will be the better ensured. For that cedure Codes" be read a second time. reason, I invite this House to approve the second reading of this Bill. I would refer Honourable Members to my introductory remarks in moving Sir, I beg to move. the second reading of the Bill which has Enc.. e' T. H. Tan: Sir, I beg to second just been passed. the motion. Section 63 of the Criminal Procedure Dato' Dr. Cheah Toon Lok: Mr. Codes of the States (and section 72 of President, Sir, I would like to know the Settlements Codes) permits a police whether the expression 'currency note' officer, with the sanction of a Chief means note only, or does it include Police Officer, to enter and search a coinage also. When you say 'currency premises if he has reason to suspect note' you may mean only the notes, i.e. that the premises contains stolen the five dollar and one dollar bills, etc. property. We now seek to enhance the power of entry and seizure to include Tun Leong Yew Koh: Sir, we are forged coinage or currency notes. making the section only referring to Because forgers are notoriously sus­ notes. · picious people whose feet are as nimble 153 2 MAY 1961 154 as their fingers, it is generally not THE ELECTION OFFENCES possible for a police officer to obtain (AMENDMENT) BILL a warrant or the Chief Police Officer's sanction in time. We accordingly Second Reading consider that the power to enter a Tun Leong Yew Koh: Mr. President, premises should be given to police Sir, I beg to move that a Bill intituled officers not below the rank of Inspector. ..an Act to amend the Election Offences We also propose that any forged coinage or currency, together with any plant Ordinance, 1954'" be read a second time. or equipment used for making it, · Sir, I do not propose to speak at any should be seizable forthwith. I do not length as the Explanatory Statement think this is unreasonable. Once the at the end of the Bill is quite precise. forged money and the equipment used The increase in election expenses men­ for making it bas been seized, it will tioned in the Bill is recommended in the require an order of a Magistrate as to light of experience by the Election its disposal. Honourable Members will Commission. lt is known that during note the courts have the power to order the last Election, the maximum expenses forfeiture or destruction of these allowed to be incurred by candidates materials whether or not a conviction and their agents were too small for their has been ordered. This again is, I think, requirements, and hence it is reasonable reasonable. The fact that insufficient for more realistic maxima to be per­ proof has been adduced against an mitted. The maxima have therefore been individual to secure his conviction is no increased in respect of all elections, that reason why forged currency should be is to say, the elections to the Dewan released and allowed to recirculate. Ra'ayat, the Legislative Assemblies, the Local Authorities and the Local As I have stated earlier, all this is a Councils. part of the United Nations' drive to make counterfeiting more hazardous. The other fact of the Bill is to abolish If and when this Bill becomes law, it will the alternative method of calculating then be possible for the Federation of the maximum expense based on per Malaya to accede to the International capita amount in respect of each elector. Convention for the Suppression of The reason for this is that it has been Counterfeit Currency-an accession found that the total arrived at by this which, I am sure, will commend itself to alternative never amounts to even half this House and to the nation. the maximum amount being in respect of the various kind of elections. Sir, I beg to move. Sir, I beg to move. Endle' T. H. Tan: Sir, I beg to second Engku Mubsein bin Abdul Kadir: the motion. Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya menyokong. Question put, and agreed to. Enche' Amaluddin bin Darus: Tuan Yang di-Pertua, Bill yang di-hadapan Bill accordingly read a second time kita pada hari ini ia-lah mengenar Rang and committed to a Committee of the Undang2 Kesalahan (Pindaan) Pilehan whole House. Raya yang di-pinda sa-hingga mem­ House immediately resolved itself bolehkan chalun2 mengikut kawasan into a Committee on the Bill. pilehan raya yang membelanjakan lebeh daripada biasa daripada yang di-tetap­ Bill considered in Committee. kan dalam undang2 yang lama. Saya hanya mahu mengingatkan, sekali pun Dewan ini tentu akan meluluskan (Mr. President in the Chair) undang2 ini, tetapi masaalah-nya ia-lah Clauses 1 to 4 inclusive ordered to dengan pindaan ini di-buat yang mem­ stand' part of the Bill. bolehkan chalun2 membelanjakan lebeh banyak wang untok pilehan raya. Bill reported without amendment: Saolah2 kita menggalakkan sebarang read the third time and passed. pilehan raya ini akan di-hadapi dengan 155 2 MAY 1961 156 kekuatan wang semata2 dan dengan not force any party to raise any amount membolehkan ~halun2 membelanjakan of money they want. wang lebeh besar sampai $10,000 untok Question put, and agreed to. Dewan Ra'ayat dalam Fasal (a) nyata­ lah pada masa badapan murigkin Bill accordingly read a second time democracy di-negeri kita akan menjadi and committed to a Committee of the muram sadikit sabanyak ia•itu apabila whole House. wang telah menjadi pokok, sa-hingga jikalau tidak sechara langsong chalun2 House immediately resolved itself itu dapat membeli undi ra'ayat, tetapi into a Committee on the Bill. dengan tidak sechara langsong melalui Bill considered in Committee. kaki-tangan yang di-upah dengan wang yang bagitu banyak, maka boleh-lah (Mr. President in the Chair) di-katakan sechara indirect dengan Clauses I to 3 inclusive ordered to mengupah pengundi2 itu arti-nya stand part of the Bill. membeli undi untok kepentingan chalun dalam sebarang pilehan raya · dalam Bill repQrted without amendment: Iiegeri ini. read the third time and passed. Jadi sa-kali pun saya tidak bersetuju THE CORROSIVE AND EXPLOSIVE dan tidak hendak membangkang, tetapi SUBSTANCES AND OFFENSIVE ini harus menjadi peringatan dalam WEAPONS (AMENDMENT) BILL Dewan ini bahawa' sa-barang pan­ Second Reading dangan yang merupakan bagi memper­ banyakkan perbelanjaan sa-barang cha­ Tun Leong Yew Koh: Mr. President, lun dalam Pilehan Raya mungkin akan Sir, I beg to move that a Bill intituled menjadikan suatu yang akan meng­ "An Act to amend the Corrosive and hilangkan nilai demokrasi dalam Pilehan Explosive Substances and Offensive Raya dalam masa kita mendidek dan Weapons Ordinance, 1958," be read a menimbulkan kesadaran ra'ayat menge­ second time. tahui perkembangan demokrasi dan Under the Corrosive and Explosive memahami sa-benar2-nya atau memberi Substances and Offensive Weapons sadar kapada mereka sa-bagai suatu hak Ordinance, 1958, the carrying or posses­ mereka itu sendiri. sion of offensive weapons attracts · Tuan Yang di-Pertua, dalam peng­ penalties only if these are carried out in alaman PAS sa-bagai parti yang kechi! a public place. pada masa dahulu dan sa-buah parti It is considered that there are certain yang miskin boleh di-katakan tiap2 types of weapons, such as knuckle­ chalun berikhtiar mendapatkan wang dusters, chainwhips, flick-knives, etc., , . belanja sendiri dan tidak ada fund dari­ which are of no use to anyone except pada parti, tetapi telah mendapat ke­ criminals, and the possession of which jayaan saperti yang terbukti, sekali pun creates a reasonable presumption that tidak mempunyai jumlah mata wang they are to be used for offensive pur­ sebanyak 10 ribu itu. Tidak-lah dengan poses. It is the object of the above Bill, kenyataan ini erti-nya PAS yang maseh therefore, to create special penalties in I1iiskin akan gentar untok menghadapi relation to such weapons as set out in Pilehan Raya. Saya mengulas masaalah Clause 3 of the Bill: the weapons in ini kerana takutkan belanja yang besar question being scheduled in the Second itu akan di-belanjakan oleh chalun2 itu Schedule set out in Clause 5, which may dan akan membolehkan dengan sa-chara. be amended by the Minister from time tidak langsong membeli pengundi2 to time. melalui' orang2 yang beket:ia dengan The provisions of Clause 3 of the Bill chalun itu. are derived from the United Kingdom Tun Leong Yew Koh: Mr.. President, Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act, Sir, this Bill has been drawn up according 1959, and the Minor Offences (Amend­ to the experience of the Elections Com­ ment) Ordinance, 1959, of the State of mission. It is a permissive Bill. It does Singapore.. 157 2 MAY 1961 158 Engku Muhsein bin Abdul Kadir: Sir, Court, because his explanation is not I beg to second the motion. convincing. Here I would like to mention the case of a person whose hobby was Enche' Athi Nahappan: Mr. President, fishing and he had been fishing for Sir, this is an Amendment which should about 20 years: while he was near the be welcomed by those who are familiar Maxwell Road river after fishing, he with the Ordinance. There were a had a fishing rod and a small knife for number of cases which were rather cutting wood, the Police arrested him, harsh when especially the phrase "the even though he gave the explanation possession of" was interpreted. There that he was having it for the purpose of was one particular case where a school­ cutting wood for use as a fishing rod. teacher, who happened to have a pen­ His explanation was not accepted and knife in his pocket, was arrested and he was convicted. The matter went up to brought to Court and charged for being the Court of Appeal. in possession of that knife. The Ordi­ nance as it stood merely said that any Sir, there were many instances like offensive weapon includes any instru­ this, where the Ordinance, I should say, ment which if used as a weapon of was not properly interpreted, and to offence is likely to cause hurt-in which some extent there was abuse. Therefore, case even a penknife if it is used as a Sir, I hope that in future there will not weapon of offence is likely to cause hurt. be room for abuse and the citizens will The result was that this school-teacher, not be put into unnecessary difficulties who lives a quiet life, just because he had or hardship merely because a good the penknife in his pocket, was arrested number of hoodlums or gangsters are and brought to Court and charged. carrying about other weapons and that Finally, when it was argued how innocent people should not be put into absurdly this Clause could be inter­ difficulties for the sake of other bad preted and stretched, the charge was elements. withdrawn. Question put, and agreed to. Sir, there was another case where a hawker who, after his work, was taking Bill ae«<>rdingly read a second time along with him his knife, which he used and committed to a Committee of the to chop his meat, while he was returning whole House. home at night; he was arrested for being House immediately resolved itself into in possession of that knife, because if a Committee on the Bill. that weapon were used it could cause hurt. Bill considered in the Committee. Sir, it is a good thing that this Amend­ (Mr. President in the Chair) ment is being introduced, because in the Clauses 1 to 5 inclusive ordered to Second Schedule, "an offensive weapon" stand part of the Bill. is given some kind of explanation and definition. I hope that when this Amend­ Second Schedule ordered to stand part ment is put into practice, there will be of the Bill. some direction to the Police Department that the Police should use its discretion Bill reported without amendment: in arresting people merely because they read the third time and passed. are in possession of weapons which are likely to cause hurt, as these weapons THE LOAN (INTERNATIONAL TIN are easily purchaseable in the open BUFFER STOCK) BILL market and in shops where these things are sold: I say this because if a person Second Reading buys, say, a knife for a lawful purpose Tun Leong Yew Koh: Sir, I beg to and keeps it in his possession, when and move that a Bill intituled An Act to if he is arrested the onus of establishing authorise the borrowing of a sum not that he is carrying it for a lawful purpose exceeding the sum of sixty million dollars falls on him-and very often the excuse in order to finance the payment of the put forward is not accepted by the share of the Federation in the Buffer 159 2 MAY 1961 160 Stock to be established under Article from one or more of the Malayan Ex­ VIII of the International Tin Agreement, change Banks. Agreement has been 1960, and for purposes incidental reached with the Malayan Exchange thereto, be read a second time. Banks Association that the rate of interest on the loan shall be the best Enche' T. H. Tan: Sir, 1 beg to second minimum debit interest rate as agreed the motion. between the Bank Negara and the Malayan Exchange Banks Association Enche' Tan Siew Sin: Mr. President, from ·time to time. This Bill seeks the Sir, the purpose of this Bill is to enable necessary statutory authority for the the Federation to borrow up to $60 raising of the over draft. million in order to finance its contri­ bution to the International Tin Buffer Repayment of the overdraft and Stock to be established under Article interest thereon together with the VIII of the International Tin Agreement, administrative expenses involved will be 1960. made from the proceeds of a levy to be imposed on tin concentrates mined in Honourable Members were informed this country. Provision for such a levy in a White Paper Command 55 of 1960, will be made in the Tin Control (Buffer tabled in this Dewan on 21st December, Stock} Regulations, 1961, which will be 1960, that the Federation Government gazetted shortly. The tin industry has would ratify the International Tin been consulted and has agreed that the Agreement, 1960. This Agreement, full cost of the overdraft together with which will replace the 1953 Agreement, the administrative expenses involved has since been ratified. Article VIII of should be reeovered in the manner the Agreement makes provision for the proposed, which is in general similar to establishment of a new tin buffer stock that used in respect of the overdraft equivalent to 20,000 tons of metal. The previously arranged for the purpose of Federation's share of the buffer stock paying the Federation's contribution to will be 38 %. Contributions to the buffer the First International Tin Buffer Stock. stock are due on 3rd July or such later Clause 4 of the Bill states that the date as the new Tin Council may decide. principal moneys together with all It is not possible at the present time to interest thereon shall be charged on and predict the precise amount in terms of payable out of the Consolidated Fund. tin metal and cash which we will be This is a constitutional requirement as required to contribute to the buffer the Government will be the bor­ stock, as these matters are to be decided rower. Nevertheless, I wish to emphasise by the new. International Tin Council. that the proposed borrowing of up to It is estimated, however, that the $60 million will not in any way constitute Federation will be called upon to pay a burden on the general revenues of the the equivalent of not more than $60 country. million in tin metal and cash. This is a maximum figure and the actual contribu­ Clause 6 (2) provides that all sums tion may be appreciably lower. borrowed under the provisions of the Bill shall be repaid within a period of 4 The International Tin Agreement, years. It is anticipated, however, that the 1953, expires on 30th June, 1961, and repayment of all sums raised under the the proceeds of the First Tin Buffer provisions of this Bill together with Stock will be repaid to contributing interest thereon will be repaid within a cou~es. Here it has been decided that period of 2l years from the proceeds of our share of the proceeds of the liquida­ the proposed levy on tin concentrates tion should be returned to the miners mined in the Federation. Repayment of who contributed to the Buffer Stock as the overdraft will be made daily on the has been requested by them. It will not basis of the sums received by Govern­ be possible, therefore, to utilise the ment in respect of the levy on tin con· proceeds to finance the country's contri­ centrates. In this way the interest which bution to the Second Buffer Stock. Such will have to be paid by the tin industry a contribution will in fact be financed on the overdraft will be kept to a mini­ by means of an overdraft to be obtained mum. · 161 2 MAY 1961 162 Dato' Dr. Cbeah Toon Lok: Mr. of between two to five years, should be President, Sir, may I ask what is the issued and this Bill will enable such loans amount passed in the Lower House 1 to be issued. The stock will be trans­ It is printed down here as fifty-five ferable in the normal manner, such million dollars, but we are now asked transfer being free of stamp duty. There to approve sixty million dollars. is no active market in Government Mr. President: An amendment was securities at the present time but the made in the Lower House and an short life of the loans and their market­ amendment slip has been circulated to ability should encourage investors, the Honourable Members to the effect. particularly the banks and other insti­ Sixty million dollars is the correct tutional investors, to employ their figure. surplus funds in taking up such stock rather than remitting them overseas for Dato' Dr. Cbeah Toon Lok: l have not investment as is done at present to a got it, Sir. Thank you. great extent. Question put, and agreed to. The purposes for which the monies Bill accordingly read a second time received by the issue of loans under the and Committed to a Committee of the provisions of this Bill may be used are whole House. set out in Clause 4. Whilst it would be House immediately resolved itself unsound practice to rely heavily on into a Committee on the Bill. short-term loans to finance development, it is considered that at least a proportion Bill considered in Committee. of the money raised by the issue of such (Mr. President in the Chair) loans can be devoted prudently to the financing of long-term investment, Clauses I to 6 inclusive ordered to especially as the maximum sum which stand part of the Bill, may be raised at any one time is limited Bill reported without amendment: to $100 million. Clause 4 (b) therefore read the third time and passed. provides for payment of the proceeds of the loans into the Development Fund to the extent that such payment is THE LOAN (LOCAL) BILL authorised by resolution of the Dewan Second Reading Ra'ayat. This provision will ensure Tun Leong Yew Koh: Sir, I beg to effective Parliamentary control over the move that a Bill intituled "an Act to use of the funds for development. authorise a sum not exceeding one No provision has been made for the hundred million dollars at any one time creation of a sinking fund as it will not to be raised in the Federation by way of be readily practicable to redeem such loan" be read a second time. short-term loans by means of a sinking Endle' T. H. Tan: Sir, I beg to second fund. Clause 4 (c) therefore provides the motion. that loans can be redeemed from the proceeds of other loans issued under the Encbe' Tan Siew Sin: Mr. President, provisions of this Bill. It is anticipated Sir, this Bill authorises the Minister of that the total amount of loans issued Finance to raise local loans not will increase gradually to $100 million exceeding $100 million at any one time, and that it will normally be possible to the period of any loan not to exceed re-finance maturing issues having regard 5 years. to the gradual development of a Honourable Members are aware that domestic money market. it is the policy of the Government to stimulate the interest of domestic inves­ The Bill otherwise follows the common tors in Government securities. The Bank form of legislation authorising the Negara has advised that in order to raising of domestic loans. stimulate the interest of institutional Dato' Dr. Cheah Toon Lok: Mr. investors, in particular banks and President, Sir, if you will read clause 9 (I) insurance companies, it is desirable that of this Bill you will notice that the short-term loan~, i.e., loans for periods interest upon the principal moneys 163 2 MAY 1961 164 represented by stock issued under this 5 of the Local Councils Ordinance, 1952, Act shall be paid half-yearly at the office there is provision only for an informal of the Bank. But there is no authority method of election of members of such given to any person to charge any Councils. Elections to these Councils interest. Well, I want to know whether have been conducted on simple rules of power has been given or decided to be procedure devised by the Government given from time to time to the Minister of each State for the guidance of the to charge interest for this loan, as there District Officers. Whilst these rules is no clause in this Bill saying that the might have been adequate in the past Minister has the right to charge interest when it was difficult to get persons to for this loan. stand as Councillors, the recent increase in political activities has led to a large Enche' Tan Siew Sin: There is no number of people coming forward as question of the power of the Minister candidates for Local Council elections, to decide as to what rate of interest which they regard as the first step in should be charged on this loan. In fact, their political careers. Unfortunately, in clause 6 does give that power. It says many cases, this political enthusiasm that the stock shall be issued· "upon such has sometimes led to local disturbances, terms as may be approved by the which have in some cases been caused Minister". I think the word "terms" by the lack of appropriate legislation covers interest. dealing with the conduct of elections and Dato' Dr. Cheab Toon Lok: Thank the qualifications of the electors. The you. Local Government Elections Act, 1960, provides for uniform qualifications for Question put, and agreed to. Councillors and electors and enables Bill accordingly read a second time the Election Commission to assume and committed to a Committee of the responsibility for the supervision of the whole House. conduct of the elections. By this measure, House immediately resolved itself into electoral procedure at the Local Council a Committee on the Bill. level will be assimilated with that in Bill considered in Committee. force in relation to Town and Rural District Councils. (Mr. President in the Chair) Under the proposed Section 5A, the Clauses 1 to 14 inclusive otdered to Ruler or Governor of a State may stand part of the Bill. provide fof the election and appoint­ ment of members of a Local Council Bill reported without amendment: in that State. Orders must be made read the third time and passed. under that section within three months of this Act being brought into force by THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT such particular State Government, and ELECTIONS (AMENDMffiNT) BaL elections will then follow. The remaining Second Reading provisions of the Bill are of a formal nature. Tun Leong Yew Koh: Mr. President, Sir, I beg to move that a Bill intituled The object of Clause 3 is to meet the "an Act to amend the Local Govern­ case where a State Government wishes ment Elections Act, 1960" be read a to set up a new Council which cannot second time. properly be called a Town Council or a Rural District Council. Enche' T. H. Tan: Sir, I beg to second the motion. Clause 5 provides for the use of current electoral rolls for the purposes The Assistant Minister of the Interior of election. (Enche' Mohamed Ismail bin Mohamed Yusof): Mr. President, Sir, the main Clause 6 repairs an omission in the object o.f this measure is to bring Local Act of 1960. Councils within the scope of the Local Clause 8 restricts non-resident Government Elections Act, 1960. The property owners to only one vote in the House may be aware that under Section local area of a Council and provides for ----~----~---~--~----~------

165 2 MAY 1961 166 the abolition of the non-residential appointment is essential if the pro­ qualification, if the Ruler or Governor visions of the proposed legislation are so desires. to be enforced effectively. Clause 9 disposes of Parts of the In the last year there has been a Local Authorities Elections Ordinance, spectacular growth in the number of new 1950, which no longer has any appli­ insurance companies registered for the cation. purpose of undertaking life insurance Finally Clause 10 makes a conse­ business, no less than 17 companies quential amendment to the Election having been registered. These companies Offences Ordinance, 1954, so applying have very limited capital resources, and that Ordinance to elections to Local inadequate experience in the conduct of Councils. insurance business, the principal safe­ guard for the interests of policy-holders I would like to inform the House being the $200,000 security deposit that the terms of this Bill have been required to be made by each company discussed in the National Council for by virtue of Section 4 of the Life Local Government and have been Assurance Companies Ordinance, 1948. agreed to by the Council. This rapid growth in the number of Question put, and agreed to. companies will inevitably result in fierce Bill accordingly read a second time competition which will in all probability and committed to a Committee of the lead to the adoption of unsound whole House. practices, and the eventual failure of some of the weaker and more inex­ House immediately resolved itself perienced companies, the real losses into a Committee on the Bill. being eventually sustained by the holders Bill considered in Committee. of policies issued by such companies. (Mr. President in the Chair) It is therefore very necessary to check this unhealthy growth until compre­ Clauses I to 10 inclusive ordered to hensive legislation to control the conduct stand part of the Bill. of insurance business generally can be Bill reported without amendment: introduced. read the third time and passed. I consider it essential that the conduct of life insurance business should, with certain exceptions which are provided THE LIFE ASSURANCE for in this Bill, be confined to those COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL companies that have adequate paid up capital resources. Clause 2 of the Bill Second Reading therefore provides that only companies Tun Leong Yew Koh: Mr. President, having a paid up capital of not less than Sir, I beg to move that a Bill intituled $1 million may conduct life insurance "An Act to amend the Life Assurance business. Companies already registered Companies Ordinance, 1948" be read and conducting life insurance business a second time. prior to 20th April, 1961, will not be affected but I should like to emphasise Enche' T. H. Tan: Sir, I beg to second that such companies will be made the motion. subject, in due course, to the provisions Enche' Tan Siew Sin: Mr. President, of the new Insurance Act including Sir, as Hon'ble Members are aware, those provisions relating to the minimum the Government intends to introduce amount of paid-up capital required. comprehensive insurance legislation to Life insurance is at present also ensure not only the sound growth of the carried on by certain societies which industry in the Federation but also the provide what are known as "death maximum protection of the interests of benefits". Such societies if properly policy-holders. The introduction of this registered under the provisions of the legislation has been deferred pending Societies Ordinance and falling within the recruitment of an experienced the definition of "Death Benefit Insurance Commissioner, whose Societies" as contained in that Ordinance 167 2 MAY 1961 168 will not be subject to th~ provisions of di-te!lgah jalan. Kerajaan patut meng­ this Bill. Nevertheless the need to ambil perhatian tentang perkara ini. increase control over the conduct of Yang ketiga, berhubong dengan these societies is being examined with insuran motokar. Sa-siapa yang me­ a view of determining whether or not makai motokar mesti membayar 'insu­ they should be brought within the scope rance first atau thjrd party'. Apabila of the proposed insurance legislation. berlaku satu2 kemalangan pehak insuran Co·operative insurance societies in ini tidak memberi perhatian penoh existence before 20th April, 1961, are tentang bayaran ini. Mithal-nya, moto­ exempted from the provisions of this kar itu di-baiki dengan harga $100 Bill, and provision has also been made pehak sharikat tidak dapat memberi for His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan dengan sa-pe!loh _kehendak orang itu, Agong to grant exemption to individual kadang2 shankat ttu bayar lebeh dari­ companies or societies already in ~ada yang patut di-bayar dan kadang2 existence should this be considered tidak patut dan ada masa-nya tidak desirable in any particular case. mahu bayar. Hal ini berlaku bukan sahaja satu dua tetapi banyak. Oleh This Bill should be regarded as an sebab mereka terpaksa membayar in­ interim measure to increase the degree suran, saya harap Kerajaan patut of protection afforded to policy-holders mengambil perhatian yang berat di-atas pending the introduction of compre­ insuran yang di-kenakan kapada hensive insurance legislation. motokar. Pada fikiran saya di-masa yang akan Enche' Abdul Hamid bin Mahmud: datang ini Kerajaan, patut menimbang­ Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya suka memberi kan sama ada patut Kerajaan menuboh­ sadikit pandangan berkenaan Rang kan 'corporation' bagi menjalankan Undang2 ini. Dalam negeri kita ini insuran motokar ini sebab perkara ini mengikut keterangan daripada Yang ada-lab sangat mustahak bagi ra'ayat Berhormat Menteri Kewangan tadi ada dan bagi Kerajaan negeri ini. banyak sharikat insuran nyawa. Saya Keuntongan yang di-dapati daripada dapati pehak yang menjalankan sharikat insuran motokar itu saya perchaya ini di-pantai timor khas-nya, wakil2 dari sangat besar, dan oleh itu sa-elok-nya­ Life Assurance ini memujok orang lah Kerajaan sendiri mengambil tang­ kampong supaya masok insuran nyawa. gong-jawab dalam usaha menjalankan Orang kampong tidak chukup faham · insuran motokar ini. tetapi mereka bayar insuran nyaw~ mereka itu, mithal-nya $1,000 dalam Enche' Tan Siew Sin: Mr. President, masa beberapa tahun, tetapi mereka Sir, I can appreciate the anxiety of my yang masok itu tidak faham 'premium' Honourable friend Enche' Abdul Hamid mereka mesti bayar bulan2 atau 3 bulan in regard to those who are gullible sa-kali dengan mengambil masa yang enough to be persuaded to take out panjang. Oleh kerana tidak faham, policies fr?m insurance companies when, apabila mereka masok sa-tahun mereka perhaps, tt may not be so desirable or berhenti membayar. Jadi wang yang di­ necessary for them to do so. I think the bayar itu hilang bagitu sahaja. Yang moral of that story is that one should be kedua, apabila orang membayar insuran very careful in choosing an insurance itu mati, warith2-nya susah hendak company from which to take out menerima semua wang bayaran daripada policies. As I have already stated, it is . sharikat ins.uran itu. Ada sa-orang telah Government's intention to introduce pernah berjumpa saya, mengatakan ia comprehensive legislation to control patut menerima $1,000 daripada sharikat insurance business generally in this insuran kerana bapa-nya mati, tetapi country and that legislation, when susah hendak mendapatkan wang itu, introduced, will take care of some of the terpaksa pergi High Court, mengambil problems raised by the Honourable L.A. dan sa-bagai-nya. Jadi orang2 Member. kampong yang tidak mempunyai wang He also stated that Government ten.tu-la!t wang . y~g mereka patut should form its own insurance company tenma 1tu sa-bahag~.an besar-nya habis to deal with the insurance of motor 169 2 MAY 1961 170 vehicles. As we have stated repeatedly, . Dato' Wan Ibrahim bin Wan Tanjong: both inside and outside this House, it is Sir, I beg to second the motion. not the intention of this Government to indulge in private enterprise-! hope Question put, and agreed to. I will be excused if I use the word Resolved, "indulge.,-as I· think that is an ex­ That, in pursuance of paragraph (1) of tremely expensive pastime; and if past Standing Order 70. a Committee consisting of experience is any guide, it will also be the President as Chairman and the followina a disastrous business, particularly for Senators of the House, be appointed to serve the Government. Even if it is decided as the Committee o.f Selection: that Government should participate in The Minister of Justice private enterprise. I would say that the Enche' T. H. Tan last form of business which it should Nik Hassan bin Haji Nik Yahya take part in is the insurance of motor Raja Rastam Shahrome bin Raja Said vehicles. Even insurance companies do Tauphy not find it a lucrative business, and if they with their experience and technical THE REVISED EDmON OF THE know-how find it difficult to carry on LAWS ORDINANCE, 1959 this business, I think that is the last form of private enterprise Government Draft Order, 1961 should take part in. I am sure there is Tun Leong Yew Koh: Mr. President, no money in it and it will only result in Sir, I beg to move, heavy· bills which will eventually have That pursuant to the provisions of sub­ to be paid by the taxpayers themselves. section (1) of section 7 of the Revised Edition of the Laws Ordinance, 1959, the alterations and Question put, and agreed to. amendments specified in the Revised Edition of the Laws (Draft) Order, 1961, tabled as Bill accordingly read a second time Command Paper No. 13 of 1961, being and committed to a Committee of the alterations and amendments desirable in the whole House. opinion of the Commissioner of L8w Revision in the preparation of the First Volume of the House immediately resolved itself Revised Edition of the laws, be approved. into a Committee on the Bill. Sir, this motion is of a largely formal Bill considered in <:;ommittee. nature, and I need not detain this House for long over it. (Mr. President in the Chair) The first volume of the Revised Laws· Clauses 1 to 3 inclusive ordered to is now about to go to Press. As the stand part of the Bill. House is aware, the Commissioner for Law Revision has certain powers to Bill reported without amendment: tidy-up and consolidate the various laws read the third time and passed. and so keep them up-to-date. The Commissioner has however no power to make any substantive amendment to MOTIONS the laws-be is not permitted to change their meaning or import. This can only COMMI'ITEE OF SELECTION be done by Parliament. Tn the ordinary course of events, any amendment would Ton Leong Yew Koh: Sir, I beg to require an amending Bill taken through move, all stages in both Houses; but for the That, in pursuance of paragraph (I) of Standing Order 70, a Committee consisting of purpose of revision, the Revised Edition the President as Chairman and the following of the Laws Ordinance of 1959 permits Senators of the House, be appointed to serve as certain consequential amendments to be the Committee of Selection: made by resolution in both Houses. The Minister of Justice This is an economical and expeditious Enche' T. H. Tan method of making minor adjustments Nik Hassan bin Haji Nik Yahya without the pomp, pother and time­ Raja Rastam Shahrome bin Raja Said consuming procedure which is inherent Tauphy in an amending Bill. 171 2 MAY 1961 172 Honourable Senators will see from the Resolved, explanatory statement that all these That pursuant to the provtstons of sub­ amendments are of a minor nature and section (1) of section 7 of the Revised Editiot1 are in no way controversial. Indeed, of the Laws Ordinance, 1959, the alterations and amendments specified in the Revised most of them might have been made by Edition of the Laws (Draft) Order, 1961, way of modification of the laws during tabled as Command Paper No. 13 of 1961, the first two years of Merdeka. His being alterations and amendments desirable in Majesty has been graciously pleased to the opinion of the Commissioner of Law Revision in the preparation of the First Volume give his sanction that the present draft of the Revised Edition of the laws, be approved. Order, tabled as Command Paper No. 13 of 1961, should be presented to Parlia­ ment, and it now only remains for me to ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE ask this House to approve its terms. I (Motion) should however emphasise that approval of this Order is merely a preliminary to Tun Leong Yew Kob: Mr. President, the actual printing of the first volume Sir, I beg to move, of the Revised Edition; once the volume That the House do now adjourn sine die. has been printed it will be laid on the Enche' T. H. Tan: Sir, I beg to second table of both Houses of Parliament and the motion. can only come into force following a further resolution by the two Houses. Question put, and agreed to. Enche' T. H. Tan: Sir, I beg to second Resolved, the motion. That the House do now adjourn sine die. Question put, and agreed to. Ac(iourned sine die at 11.40 a.m.