TALKS WITH MR. CHIN PENG (Party Representation of Chief Minister)

Mr Lee Kuan Yew asked the Chief Minister whether he will represent the Labour Front only or the Labour Front and the UMNO-MCA-Malay Union Alliance at the proposed talks with Mr Chin Peng.

The Chief Minister: Mr Speaker, Sir, I shall be going as Chief Minister of Singapore on the suggestion and at the request of the Chief Minister of the Federation to the talks with the Communists arranged by the Chief Minister of the Federation. I think I ought to add, for the information of hon. Members, that the Chief Minister of the Federation has told me that he would not welcome the presence of the questioner or any other person whom he has not invited to the meeting which he is arranging.

Mr R. Jumabhoy: Sir, will the Chief Minister be good enough to tell Mr Chin Peng, if he meets him, that he does not represent the majority of the elected Members?

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: Is the Chief Minister aware, Mr Speaker, Sir, that Mr Chin Peng has indicated that he does not want to meet the Government or Government representatives? Mr Speaker, Sir?

Mr Speaker: There is no answer.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: May I then put to the Chief Minister this question? What is his mandate in going to these talks? No answer?