TRANSFER OF CHRISTMAS ISLAND TO AUSTRALIA

Mr Lim Choon Mong asked the Chief Minister whether he will make a statement regarding the transfer of Christmas Island to Australia.

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat (for the Chief Minister): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Christmas Island referred to lies in the Indian Ocean some 800 miles to the south of Singapore. This island does not belong to Singapore. The Singapore Government was notified of the decision of the United Kingdom Government to effect the transfer, and accordingly noted the position.

Mr Lim Choon Mong: Mr Speaker, Sir, does Christmas island not come under the definition of the "islands of Singapore" and is it not a fact that it has been administered by the Singapore Government?

Inche Abdul Hamid: Mr Speaker, Sir, for administrative reasons, Christmas island was transferred to the administration of Singapore in 1900, but I should like to draw the attention of the Member for Serangoon to the fact that Christmas Island is outside the present constitution, having been excluded from the Rendel Constitution Commission's Report. The hon. Member will no doubt be aware that Members of the former Progressive Party were represented on this Commission and were signatories to that Report.

Mr Lim Choon Mong: Mr Speaker, Sir, this island is under the jurisdiction of Singapore, and giving it away to another country is, in fact, ceding away part of the territory. Is that not so, Sir?

Inche Abdul Hamid: Mr Speaker, Sir, as I have said just now, this island does not belong to Singapore, it belongs to the United Kingdom Government.