ROYAL MALAYAN NAVY (Personnel welfare)

Inche Ahmad Bin Ibrahim asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists among Malayan Royal Navy personnel; and whether he will (i) approve the establishment of a civilian advisory board to assist the relevant authorities with a view to reviewing the Royal Malayan Navy regulations dealing with personnel, welfare and conditions of service; and (ii) consider the employment of a capable professional interpreter not only to interpret in cases of personnel charged with offences, but also to convey to the relevant authorities any complaints or representations the personnel might wish to make, in the interest of better relations between personnel and their superior officers.

Mr A. A. Williams: The Honourable Member has not indicated the nature of the dissatisfaction he has in mind. On the specific points raised, the answer is that:

(i) officers and men of the Royal Malayan Navy, unlike members of Volunteer and Cadet Forces, are subject to the Naval Discipline Act, and general regulations governing their discipline, organization and administration must conform with that Act. It would be contrary to established practice to consider setting up a civilian advisory board for any regular force;

(ii) the Royal Malayan Navy has a Malay Welfare Officer whose services are always available to assist ratings. A Malay Regulating Petty Officer or other senior rating normally acts as interpreter in all cases involving charges or requests. The question of need for an interpreter will, however, be kept under review.