REGISTRATION AS CITIZENS (Hardship and inconvenience)

Mr Lee Choon Eng asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware of the hardship and inconvenience experienced by people seeking registration as Singapore citizens by allotting certain days for people with only certain surnames; and whether he will take early action to open registration on all days and at all centres irrespective of the surnames of the applicants.

The Acting Chief Secretary (Mr R. C. Hoffman): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am not aware of any hardship or inconvenience caused by the system of regisration by surnames. This system is in operation in two centres only, namely, the Central Registration Office in Fort Canning Road and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce premises, where registration is heaviest. The system is working well and ensures a speedy handling of applications. In all other centres where registration is not as heavy, the surname system has not been introduced. It is not proposed to change the present arrangements.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Sir, will the Hon. the Chief Secretary care to make a personal call at these two centres and make enquiries from those who queue up whether they are happy about the present system?