SEAMEN'S REGISTRY BOARD (Protest over composition)

Mr Lee Choon Eng asked the Minister for Commerce and Industry if he has received a letter of protest from the Singapore Chinese Seafarers' Association regarding the composition of the Seamen's Registry Board; what action he has taken or will take in the matter; and, in particular, if he will consider taking action whereby a Chinese from the Seamen's Unions and Associations may be included on the Board.

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: Sir, I have received such a letter protesting that no Chinese has been nominated to represent seafarers on the Seamen's Registry Board. Incidentally I may say that I have received a similar letter from the Malay Seamen's Union, I believe, protesting that no Malay has been nominated to represent its seamen on the Board. Whilst I am willing, Sir, to consider proper representations at all times, I am disturbed at the communal line taken by the Chinese Seafarers' Association. However, for the information of the hon. Member, I may add that every effort was made to ensure that the seamen's interests as a whole receive the best representations possible on the Board. The hon. Member must realise that the law permits only three representatives of seamen on the Board, and it is my duty to ensure that persons best suited to advance the interests of seamen as a whole are put on the Board.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Sir, is it not possible to widen the representation of this Board so that it may be fully representative, be he a Malay or a Chinese; and by the fact that there is no representation of a Malay or a Chinese, is that Board fully representative?

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: Sir, it was the duty of the hon. Member when the Bill came up to this Assembly to point out that three members would not be sufficient to represent all races of seamen. However, Sir, the basis on which the Government always works is a non-communal basis and I always take into consideration the interests of seamen as a whole rather than the interests of any section of seamen.