TERM "SQUATTER" OBJECTIONABLE

Mr Mak Pak Shee asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the term "squatter" is objectionable to those who can not accurately be so described; and whether he will arrange that the term "Squatters" should not be associated with the Working Committee which he has recently appointed.

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer to the first part of the question is "Yes"; and the answer to the second part of the question is also "Yes".

Mr M. P. D. Nair: Mr Speaker, Sir, could the Minister inform this House what is this Working Committee and when was it appointed?

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: Mr Speaker, Sir, this Committee was appointed about a fortnight ago on my instructions, and the object of the formation of this Committee is to go thoroughly into the question of those people who live in semi-permanent houses in Singapore.