PARTY POLITICAL BROADCAST AND THE CITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Debate resumed.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: There is just one argument which I have heard, an aside during the idle conversation that sometimes goes on outside this Chamber. It is that Radio Malaya is not owned by Singapore alone and therefore if the Federation does not have election broadcasts for their Town Council elections, we should not set a precedent. Sir, I see no merit in that argument at all. There is a medium wavelength for Singapore which need not be re-broadcast either in Penang, Kuala Lumpur or Malacca. If we are afraid to put our political Parties and their programmes over Radio Malaya then our democratic system will perish.

4.01 p.m.

The Assistant Minister to the Chief Secretary (Mr M. P. D. Nair): Sir, the accepted policy now both in the Federation and Singapore is that no radio time should be allocated to political Parties for broadcasting for any election other than the general elections to the Legislative Assemblies. Sir, we all appreciate that Radio Malaya provides a pan-Malayan service common to Singapore and the Federation, and this is a matter which will have to be referred to the Federation. Action is being taken to consult the Federation Government as to what their views are, and all the points raised by the hon. Member for Tanjong Pagar will be duly considered before a final decision is taken.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: Are you in favour? Or are you scared?

Mr Speaker: Order.

The Chief Minister: We are scared.

Mr Speaker: Order.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That this Assembly do now adjourn.

Adjourned accordingly at two minutes past Four o'clock p.m.