ALL-PARTY COMMITTEE TO FIX CITY COUNCIL ELECTORAL DIVISIONS

Mr Lim Choon Mong asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing whether Government will set up an all-party committee for delineation of the City Council electoral divisions.

Inche Abdul Hamid: The reply, Sir, is 'No'. In view of the Government's decision to hold the City Council elections in December this year, it was a matter of urgency that the boundaries of electoral divisions for the City Council elections should be delimited in order that the electoral rolls can be prepared and that all the other statutory requirements can be fulfilled before the elections in December. For example, it is necessary for claims and objections on revision of the register to be proceeded with in August. The local government boundaries were delimited by an official committee taking into account such factors as population, voters' strength as well as community interest. Government has accepted the recommendations of these boundaries in toto. The boundaries have, in fact, already been referred to the All-Party Committee to give it an opportunity of discussing them in relation to the Legislative Assembly electoral divisions.

Mr Lim Choon Mong: Mr Speaker, Sir, when was the scheme referred to the All-Party Committee?

Inche Abdul Hamid: Mr Speaker, Sir, I cannot give the exact date. I can only assume that it was within the last one month.

Mr Lim Choon Mong: Probably, a few days ago.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Mr Speaker, Sir, if the answer is 'No' how can the Minister expect candidates to prepare for the City Council elections?