ALL-PARTY COMMITTEE REPORT ON CHINESE EDUCATION (White Paper) (Statement by the Minister for Education)

The Minister for Education (Mr Chew Swee Kee): At the last sitting I indicated that a White Paper would be tabled before this House in connection with the educational policy to be formulated on the recommendations made by the All-Party Committee on Chinese Education. That White Paper is in the process of finalisation.

It should be appreciated that only recently I have read in the local papers comments by certain sections of the Chinese educationists, and I should like to give those comments their due consideration. When the White Paper is ready, I should like to table it through you, Sir, so as to give Members of this House full opportunities to study it.

I would also indicate to the House that I will have that White Paper translated into Chinese and other languages for the benefit of the public. I will give full opportunities for a debate on a motion on that White Paper.