P. Govindaswamy
Singapore
“Sir, the purchase of SBS shares should not be made compulsory. It should be voluntary. If a poor man were to use all his $5,000 CPF savings to buy SBS shares, he will not know what will happen to his shares in one or two years' time.”
“Sir, we know that Singapore Government Officers' Cooperative Housing Society has been in trouble for many years. But I fail to understand why when members write in for a refund, they do not even get a reply. Nobody seems to know exactly what is happening with this society.”
“In the past few years and even now, every Malaysia Cup soccer tie that is played at our Stadium, the tickets are sold out within hours and many fans are disappointed. Even ugly scenes have happened, to the extent that one soccer fan fell dead whilst trying to buy tickets.”
“If the Minister approaches the Finance Ministry for extra staff, he must press on with his request. Anyway, Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have forgotten one point. Regarding the word "million". can the Minister please give instructions to the RTS staff not to use the English word "million" but to use the Tamil word for it? If they do not know the Tamil word for it, they can ask the people from the higher institutions.”
“The Minister must think it over. Mr Ng Yeow Chong: Sir, can the acting Minister give me an assurance that my request for the re-naming and for the re-location of the creche within the constituency's housing estate will be brought up when his Ministry starts negotiations with the NTUC for the taking over of the creches?”
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“Then I would like to know why this item is shown in the Estimates.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Government running this restaurant and this liquor establishment?”
“That is right. I am not moving. The following amendment, No. (6) , stood in the name of Mr Tang See Chim - That the sum to be allocated for Head 1002 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2297.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture has, to some extent, given satisfactory answers to my questions, and I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the sum allocated for subhead 2251 is for Acquisition of Programmes. Another sum allocated for subhead 2260 is for Programme Production - Expenses. The sum allocated for subhead 2261 is for Programme Production - Fees. These three sub-heads are more or less the same. What I want to know is why do we not produce the same programmes in our own country? The expenses could then be reduced and our economic situation would be improved. Can the Minister inform us whether that is possible?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1002 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2251. Mr Speaker, Sir, may I be allowed to speak on amendments(4)* and (5)+ together? * Amendment (4) reads as follows: That the sum to be allocated for Head 1002 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2260. + Amendment (5) reads as follows: That the sum to be allocated for Head 1002 be reducedby $10 in respect of subhead 2261.”
“Let us consider the tremendous amount of capital needed for such buildings. If the same capital could be provided for the farmers, it is easy to imagine the tremendous expansion in production which could be achieved. While we are carrying out many improvement projects in the city, we should keep in mind the needs of the rural dwellers as well. This Government has a duty to look after the welfare of the poorer sections of our community. It is these poorer sections who live in the villages. Therefore, if the Government is not showing sufficient interest in their problem, I feel it will be an inadvisable course. The rural folks are in a position to help us. Their productivity means a great deal for the city dwellers. In this connection, if the Government is indifferent, the people in the rural areas may one day be compelled to leave their place and come to the city to look for jobs. As the Minister for Labour has said, 69,500 people are now unemployed and this figure may easily rise up. To prevent such a situation the Government has to devise ways and means to tackle the problem right now. It should, as far as possible, assist the farmers to their satisfaction. This is my submission to the Government. May I repeat again that we should not be indifferent in this matter? 6.20 p.m.”
“When I speak on this motion, I would like to refer to some of the notes which I have made. Government has a bounden duty to work for the welfare of the rural folk. Only if the rural people have a fair livelihood will city dwellers have an equally good livelihood. We put up so many buildings in the city area. We construct and widen our roads. Nevertheless, we must remember from where we derive the foodstuffs for the city dwellers. Ours is a very small country. We do not produce enough food for our own consumption, but have to import it from abroad. We have to use our land not only for the benefit of the rural dwellers, not only for better farming conditions, not only for poultry and dairy farming and pig rearing, but we have also to make the best use of it. If such improvement projects are undertaken, then the produce will be of great benefit to all the people of this country. We will be able to produce enough to export. The Minister of Defence has brought forward some facts. He says that poultry production has increased a great deal and that pig rearing has also increased, so we are able to export farm produce. From the Digest of Statistics of 1960, he will note how the cost of living has been rising. Since this is the case, and since only two acres of land are being allotted to the farmers by Government, what can they do with two acres? Can they farm on it? Can they build anything to live on? If we cannot provide such facilities for the farmers, then in what manner are we practising democratic socialism? It is only when we raise the living standard of the lower income groups that we can have a secure future for our succeeding generations. The Minister of Defence has also suggested that farming could be carried out in flatted buildings.”
“If we note the debate that we have just heard, Mr Speaker, Sir -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in connection with clause 28 of this amendment Bill, if a man has been separated for seven years, what will happen to his life? The period of separation is not proper, because if a man and a girl want to live properly, then the number of years of separation should be reduced. Only then will their future be happy. My request is that the period of separation should be reduced or deleted.”
“Is the administration of the University going on properly, and will the Government appoint a Commission of Inquiry to look into it?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, my friend has stated his facts. I am saying that strikes are now conducted by a secret ballot. I am not saying that they are being staged without a secret ballot. I am asking why there is such a Bill when there is such a situation in Singapore. And whenever there is a law, there should be a reason for it. But this time I am asking whether there is any reason for it. There is no confusion in this country, and it is only when there is confusion that such a Bill should be brought in. If there is confusion, you can say that that is a good reason to bring in a Bill. But we should not bring in a situation which will demand such a Bill. This Bill is favourable to unions which abide by the law. I am saying that this Bi11 is favourable to unions which carry on legal activities. What I am asking is whether this Bill is important and necessary. We have to work hard for the trade unions and we have to treat employees properly. Therefore, by bringing in this Bill, we should not make it difficult for the workers, employees and the trade unions. We have to find some other way. We may not be able to do any good for the people. What I think is that this Bill is not a suitable one. Therefore, it should be re-examined and action should be taken in the proper way to give benefit to the employees. Therefore, the Labour Minister has to think carefully and come to a conclusion in the right way.”
“My colleagues have spoken on this amendment Bill. I would also like to express my views. Generally, for those union leaders who can act in a lawful manner, there is no difficulty. In this country, for those who treat the workers well and who want to work for their welfare, there is scope. We cannot expect progress and prosperity by suppressing the workers and reducing their affluence. Production will go down. The country's affluence will also go down. For example, today the labour unions, through the labour movement, often resort to strikes. I do not know which law they follow. It is, therefore, necessary to restrict these activities. The unions are meant to lift up the workers. When they see such a severe law, they will think that they have to work for the trade unions and work for the labour movement. And they will then come to the stage to take further action. Before a law is made, the situation should be carefully examined. We should know which are the countries where there is confusion, and when there is such confusion, the country or the people may suffer; and when there is such a situation, a law similar to this is necessary. My friend the Member for Bras Basah has stated that it is not easy to stage a strike. When there is a strike, we have a law and we can deal with that. We have to follow the proper way and exercise control, and if workers do not come under control, then we will have to take further action. When we think of all these things -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have gone through the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill. It appears to me that there is not enough provision in the Bill for the benefit of the people, but it seems to me to impose an extra burden on the people. In this connection, the Government must seek an alternative solution. There should be no ill-effects on the people. There should be other constructive means. That is my desire. The population of Singapore is increasing and if the transport system is not efficient, there will be difficulties. The Government must take the necessary steps to see that the people are not over-burdened and that they are well looked after. Therefore, they should increase transport facilities. Only then will there be a solution. I urge them to take the necessary steps to solve this problem. The changing of laws, the imposition of $1,000 fines or three years' imprisonment and heavier penalties will not lead us to any proper solution. Therefore, it is the Government's bounden duty to look after the welfare of the people. We must find ways and means which will benefit the people in future. The Government should make appropriate laws. The increase in population will bring about difficulties in the transport situation. Therefore, we should see that proper remedies are brought about if we want our country to progress. We have introduced this Bill today, but I have certain doubts as to whether it will bring about good results. Therefore, if there are difficulties, the law may be changed. I feel that there is a necessity for the Government to reconsider the Bill.”
“The Minister has replied that there is no interference at that place. But I say that when the school is erected, the school children will be going to the playground and I think that it is not a proper place to carry out the tests.”
“There is a school erected at the place where the community centre is situated now, and school children may be playing in the field in future. At the time when the tests are taken there, the children will not be able to take a short cut. That is why I say that it is necessary to change the venue.”
“There are lorries and other equipment which belong to us. There are boats also which belong to us. Has the Malaysian Government given them back to us? If they are not returned to us, what action is the Minister going to take? Will he explain this?”
“I wish to ask the Minister of Defence one question. I know there are British troops in Singapore. But are there Malaysian troops? Why are Malaysian troops in Singapore? Will the Minister explain? Secondly, our citizens are in the Malaysian army. What is their position? Will they be recalled to our country? When will this happen? And will their equipment be brought to Singapore? Thirdly, there are lorries -”
“I beg to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I refer to the centres where children are looked after when parents go to work. Those are the particular institutions I am referring to. I am not talking about children's centres which cater for education. What I mean are creches where the parents leave the children when they go to work. These children are taken away by their parents later in the day when they return from work. I am saying that these centres will be beneficial to the parents. I feel that all community centres should run this sort of centres, thereby making it convenient for parents to go to work. I hope the number of creches will be increased. I was not referring to other matters. I was referring to creches.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Hon. the Parliamentary Secretary has given an adequate explanation and I, therefore, beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1002 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1371. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government has given equality of status to all the four languages. I am pleased about it. It has also provided certain facilities in the National Library. I wish to applaud the Government for that. But I wish to comment on one point. There are only old books in the Tamil section. This situation should be remedied and newer and better books beneficial to the country should be added. Further, there should be a Tamil clerk to look after the Tamil section. The Ministry should arrange for such things so that these defects will be rectified. The National Library is in the centre of the city. Therefore, those who are in the rural areas find it difficult to go there. So mobile libraries and branch libraries should be opened up. There is another point. Those who have completed their education should not waste the knowledge they have acquired; and children, in order to improve themselves, should go on reading. If they continue with this habit of reading, they will be able to contribute better to society. Therefore, the Government should not concentrate the National Library in just one place. There is no point in looking after the books in that particular library alone. We should teach the people how to make use of the facilities of the library. Branch libraries should be opened up. A sufficient number of books should be supplied to those branches. People and children and the future generation should be provided with books for their education and knowledge.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Kampong Kapor, who spoke before me, talked about political Parties. It is a fact that communal Parties will always cause trouble to the people instead of giving them good services. We do not know whether we need such Parties. Can the Minister tell us something about this? If communal Parties are formed, they will create all sorts of disturbances in this country. All communities should be joined together to make a political Party. If there are communal Parties, then it is no good for the people. Instead trouble will be created. So I want to know whether the Minister will change the rules.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not wish to move my amendment.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not wish to move my amendment.”
“I am very happy to hear that, and so I withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $45,136,710 for Head 0801 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 0804 - The following amendment stood in the name of Mr S. V. Lingam --- That the sum to be allocated for Head 0804 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2482.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 0801 be reduced by $100. Mr Speaker, Sir, the lower income group of civil servants, that is, the Division IV civil servants, do not have quarters. Only very few people enjoy this privilege. Most of the Division IV employees are in the lower income group. There are statutory board employees who are given quarters. So I hope that Division IV employees of Government will also get these facilities. If there are not enough Government quarters for Division IV employees, they should be given S.I.T. flats - Housing Board flats.”
“I did not say that mosquitoes do not breed in water. I said that they also breed in rubbish. I am not well up to date in scientific knowledge or in health knowledge. All that I said ---”
“I feel that all the Members of this Parliament should volunteer to go and sweep the streets on a Sunday and set an example to the people of Singapore. Further, Mr Speaker, Sir, in Narcis Street, there are no rubbish bins available. In Wallich Street, there are rubbish bins. Those hawkers who ply along these roads go and dump their rubbish in one particular place. If proper bins are available, then the rubbish can be dumped into these bins. The Ministry of Health has said that mosquitoes breed in water. But I beg to disagree. Mosquitoes breed on rubbish. There are plenty of mosquitoes all over. I do not know where they come from. There are even mosquitoes in running water. One wonders where they come from. In Thomson Road, there was a case where a child died as a result of mosquito bites. Therefore, I request the Minister for Health to consider this matter carefully. I do not wish to elaborate very much on this because my colleagues have spoken on it.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, my colleagues who spoke before me were unanimous about one thing. They gave an adequate explanation of the health conditions in our State. I wish to add a bit to that. For example, in big streets one does not find much rubbish. This rubbish is gathered in one corner and taken away in vans. If one goes there in the evening, one sees a big rubbish dump. The next morning too, one finds the same rubbish dump there. The Minister for Health is fully aware of what the consequences will be if this rubbish is left there. If one takes Tanjong Pagar Road for example, there are stalls along the roadside. Even then the place is clean in the morning. But at five or six, there is a lot of rubbish in the centre of the road. We want those who visit Singapore to speak highly of it. If they were to see this rubbish, they would be very much ashamed of it and we should feel disgraced. We would like others to come and say that Singapore streets are clean and well-kept, but this rubbish is a setback for us. We shall be insulted as a result of this rubbish. There are smaller streets as well, I remember one thing. During the colonial days, all rubbish was swept up, kept in dumps and taken away. But nowadays I do not see this happening. I do not know whether the Cleansing Department employees are sweeping up the rubbish at all. If you go to the small streets, you can see for yourself, Mr Speaker, Sir, what happens to this rubbish. Even the people who live in those streets are not the least bothered about it. If such is the state of things, what will happen to the health of this State? We must know how to remove rubbish and how to get rid of all the dirt and filth.”
“I am not moving. The sum of $43,625,820 for Head 0702 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 0703 -”
“I beg to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn, The sum of $129,240,690 for Head 0601 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 0601 be reduced by $100. The Minister for Education spoke at length on the education policy. But recently certain things have come to be published where parents who are not Singapore citizens have to pay extra fees. But where the parents are Singapore citizens but the children are foreign nationals, the position is not clear. Will the Minister please clarify?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0601 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2124.* *The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr S. V. Lingam. Sir, I am glad that all schools receive aid, but certain schools find it difficult to get aid in time. Certain schools might have land given to them by some benefactors, but if they do not have a proper title to it, action is taken against them. This should be looked into.”
“Perhaps the Minister did not quite understand what I meant. When I referred to very modern dress. I think most people would realise, including Members in this House, what I meant. I referred to what is called "Yankee" dress. If a teacher wears this type of dress, we can imagine the effect this will have on his pupils. He has to set an example and then only will his pupils dress correctly. Now, some inconvenience may be caused to teachers in this respect, but they must fully realise the implications of living in a democratic society: they must behave according to the circumstances. As school teachers, they have a special responsibility. All of us in this Assembly are here today because we were educated by our teachers. It is through their exemplary behaviour that we achieve what we have achieved. It was in this respect that I spoke. I am afraid the Minister has misunderstood me. I did not refer to women teachers. I doubt very much that women will behave in this manner. I was referring to men teachers. Women teachers are hardly likely to behave in such a manner. However, I am glad to note what the Minister has said, and I hope he will look into the matter. I beg leave to withdraw the amendments. Amendments, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Inche Mohd. Ariff bin Suradi - That the sum to he allocated for Head 0601 he reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1219.”
“Mr Speaker, I am very glad that the Government has constructed many schools to cater for children of various communities. Although many difficulties are encountered, I suggest that children should be admitted to schools in their respective areas. Certain difficulties may be encountered by the Ministry in making these arrangements, especially in regard to transport facilities, but, as far as possible, arrangements should be made for children to enrol in schools in their own areas. Parents should also be privileged to enrol their children in schools of their preference and such requests should not be refused. Now, regarding School inspectors. In schools of all language streams, proper supervision should be maintained. School Inspectors should visit schools to see for themselves how they function and make out their reports. Experienced teachers should he transferred to the higher classes according to their merits, as this is the way in which we will be able to improve our education system. Now, while beating of students should be barred. I feel that students should respect and fear their principals. Teachers, however, should behave with due consideration. They should not adopt modern ways and modern styles of dress. They should remember that they are Asians at all times. The Chairman: The Question is: "That the sum to be allocated for Head 0601 be reduced by $10 in respect of sub-head 1005." In discussing this amendment, the debate may range over the second amendment.”
“Sir, I move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0601 he reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1005. And I also move my second amendment, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0601 he reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1019. I wish to have these two amendments considered together, Sir.”
“I hope the Minister will give consideration to this, so I do not want to prolong it any more, and I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“In small post offices there are clerks who work for about 50 hours. The headquarters clerks also do the same work, but they also do not get overtime. I have to emphasise on the delivery postmen because they are doing outside work. If they work four hours, they are given preference for two hours' work. They say that the overtime they receive is worthwhile and we want people to investigate whether the overtime they receive is worth it or not. The Minister should look into this and do the needful.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the reply is not satisfactory. There are delivery postmen -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for head 0307 he reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2006. In the Postal Services, employees who work more get more money. This is appreciated, because the Postal Services are an important service and we have to give overtime for this purpose. But in certain places, the postmen do not receive any overtime. Certain postmen only receive this. I hope the Minister will look into this and give equal overtime to all postmen.”
“I am happy to hear the Minister of giving that assurance. So I beg to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to he allocated for Head 0307 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1022. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government have provided many amenities for the people and we have to praise the Government for that. But if we take the case of the postal employees, they have not been provided with sufficient quarters, and most of them do not enjoy these facilities. I do not think it is fair to criticise the Government for this. The main reason for it is the shortage of houses. Most of the quarters for the postal service were built by the colonial masters. They were built 40 or 50 years ago. They are not fit for use today. I hope the postal employees will be given more facilities. I suggest that this should be done. Wilkinson Road, Geylang, Paya Lebar, Maxwell Road and Choon Guan Street are the areas where these quarters are situated. The people living in these quarters use common water-meters and, as a result, they are wasting their money. Water-meters should be fixed to individual houses, so that it would be economical to use water. The Government should also look into the facilities for the postal employees just as they look after the facilities for their other employees. The authorities have not taken any action in this direction so far, but I hope it will be taken very soon. In 1962, the Postal Services accepted the policy that quarters would be provided for postmen. But it has not been implemented, and I do not know the reason for it.”
“The Minister has announced that 50 cents and $1 will be collected for the issue of identity cards. There are certain people who receive public aid from the Social Welfare Department, and I wonder whether the Government will grant an exemption to them from paying these fees. They get $46 a month as public assistance for the family. If there are four members in the family, they have to pay -”
“Mr Bernard Rodrigues asked the Minister for Culture and Social Affairs if he will give the reasons why unemployed holders of Second Class Hackney Carriage Driving Licences are denied social welfare benefits.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as Mr Chia Thye Poh is not here, I am asking this question on his behalf. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Affairs (Mr Chan Chee Seng) (for the Minister for Culture and Social Affairs): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am instructed by my Minister to answer. In January and February food parcels consisting of rice, sugar, milk and flour of a total value of $2,967.97 were distributed to 224 fishermen families comprising 1,249 persons in the Southern Islands. Special assistance grants have been paid to fishermen both on the mainland and in the Southern Islands, with effect from May 1965, as follows:- Month No. of fishermen families Amount $ May 154 (comprising 809 persons) 3,495 June 185 (comprising 989 persons) 4,289 July 204 (comprising 1,103 persons) 4,805 August 229 (comprising 1,244 persons) 5,445 Month No. of fishermen families Amount $ Sept. 240 (comprising 1,285 persons) 5,655 Oct. 247 (comprising 1,331 persons) 5,875 Nov. 249 (comprising 1,345 persons) 5,945 In addition, there are 140 fishermen families, both on the mainland and in the Southern Islands (comprising a total of 696 persons), who had been receiving Public Assistance from the Social Welfare Department before the curfew, and are still doing so. After further investigation following upon the imposition of the curfew, a certain number of these families was given increases in the P.A. payments with effect from June; the total P.A. payments, including the increases, average $4,700 per month. UNEMPLOYED SECOND CLASS HACKNEY CARRIAGE DRIVING LICENCE HOLDERS (Denial of Social Welfare benefits) 15.”
“There are very few Asian countries which have good health facilities and our Singapore is one of the very few countries. We have more and more clinics now, but the crowds are getting equally big in number. `To overcome this difficulty, I hope the Government will increase the number of doctors working in the clinics. As far as Social Welfare is concerned, our Government is competing with the more advanced countries. Destitute and disabled persons are given aid by the Government. This is not found in most countries. We have welfare homes for aged persons and boys and girls. This is one of the duties which the Government has to perform for the people, and it has shown that it does not forget the people and its duties. Regarding Community Centres, I wish to state that these are good in bringing people of all races together. They have facilities to exchange views at these places. I wish that the Government will extend these good facilities to all the constituencies. And with this remark, I conclude my speech. 5.50 p.m.”
“Even our hostile neighbours do not hesitate to praise our efforts here. Our Government which has increased the housing facilities should also look into other fields. I am now talking about agricultural land. We have limited agricultural land in Singapore. The Government, which is encouraging the building of more factories to give employment to the increasing population, should also concentrate its efforts on reclamation of land for agriculture. We cannot be looking for favours from other countries to supply us food. We should be self-sufficient in this respect. So I hope the Government will concentrate its efforts in this field. In this connection, Mr Speaker, I wish to touch on rural development. The Yang di-Pertuan Negara in his Opening Speech has stated that the Sungei Poyan and Sungei Pandan areas will be reclaimed for agriculture. I think this will not satisfy our needs. We should reclaim more land for agricultural purposes. If we go on concentrating on other programmes without concentrating on this problem, the other problems will become less and less, whereas our food problem will become bigger and bigger. We have to raise the living standard of our rural population. I know that our Government has not forgotten them completely. What I wish to state here is that the facilities or the privileges that the urban population are getting from the Government should also be made available to the kampong people, who should be supplied with more water and electricity. Farmers should be in a position to bring their products to the markets, and lot this, agricultural roads should be made for them. The Veterinary Department should serve all corners of the State. The Government should be very careful in this respect. I wish to touch on Health now.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am here to speak only on a few selected items. Economically our State has achieved praiseworthy progress. Apart from that, I have nothing to say regarding Economics. In Foreign Affairs, the Yang di-Pertuan Negara has not mentioned anything in detail and I think there is a good reason for that too. Our State, after achieving independence, is going to function independently for the first time in this field. After fighting colonialism successfully, the Afro-Asian countries are struggling hard to establish a new society, and we should co-operate with them. At the same time, we should also respect the countries which like to establish friendly relations with us. We have a non-aligned policy and our status here is very important. We are in a very strategic position; so if we get involved with the big powers, it will bring ruin not only to us but to the whole world. Our Government, which has already announced its policy very clearly, will, I hope, establish foreign missions in friendly countries. Mr Speaker, Sir, next I wish to touch upon Security and Defence. We have already overcome the pro-Communist elements and the anti-national elements internally, but this alone is not enough. We have to fight against the external enemies. In order to facilitate this, the Government has already tabled an Army Bill. I know this is going to cause a burden to our citizens, but as an independent State we have to bear this burden since it is our duty to defend our country. I wish also to speak about the duties of our Government. In Housing we have achieved very much success, and we are among the advanced countries in this respect. Foreign visitors who come to our State are praising our housing programmes.”