FORMULA 1 RACING IN SINGAPORE

FORMULA 1 RACING IN SINGAPORE: The following Question stood in the name of Mdm Ho Geok Choo -

2. To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry what is his Ministry's position on the recent comment by the Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister that Singapore should not establish Formula 1 racing in view of the fact that it will be competing with Malaysia.

Er Lee Bee Wah (Ang Mo Kio): Question No. 2, Sir.

The Minister of State for Trade and Industry (Mr S Iswaran) (for the Minister for Trade and Industry): Mr Speaker, Sir, it has been widely reported in the media that Mr Bernie Ecclestone, Chief Executive of the Formula One Group, is keen to increase the number of races per season from 17 currently to 20. So, just like Abu Dhabi and Seoul, the possible addition of a race in the F1 calendar in Singapore would not necessarily be at the expense of any of the existing races. Moreover, we do understand from public information sources that Sepang’s contract provides for a race to be held each year until 2010.

Having said that, it is natural for some competition to exist between all F1 races. However, we do not see competition arising or being disadvantageous just because of geographical proximity. In fact, there are several F1 races that take place in the same region, such as those in Monaco and Monza, which is in Italy, and in Fuji in the Shizuoka Prefecture of Japan, and Shanghai. There are also several other factors that should be taken into account. For example, each race is unique in terms of its character and circuit design. Sepang has a dedicated circuit, while we are looking at a street circuit in Singapore. Should Singapore host the F1 Grand Prix, there will indeed be much scope for both countries’ events to complement each other.

Er Lee Bee Wah: Sir, if that is how Singapore sees opportunities for our neighbours with this win-win situation and we can work with each other, would our neighbour respond in the same positive manner with this mentality and this desired outcome?

Mr Iswaran: Mr Speaker, Sir, based on media reports, the Chairman of the Sepang International Circuit, Mr Mokhzani, has, in fact, said that he welcomes the proposition of a race in Singapore because he sees this as creating a greater level of interest in the region and more avenues for collaboration. So, taking that as a benchmark from the private sector in Malaysia, I would assume that they do see the potential for a win-win collaboration, as the Member has put it.

Er Lee Bee Wah: Mr Speaker, Sir, I think we also read from the newspapers that there are quite a number of Malaysian politicians making negative remarks on this. So, has the MOS had any opportunity to have a discussion with them?

Mr Iswaran: No, I have not had any personal discussion with any of the particular politicians the Member was referring to.