CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS (Admission to Public Gallery by Admission Orders)

Mr Lee Choon Eng asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing if the Government will consider introducing legislation to amend the Local Government Ordinance, 1957, whereby admission to the public gallery at City Council Meetings will only be by Admission Orders issued by the Chief Administrative Officer in accordance with provisions to be laid down in the legislation, and the Chief Administrative Officer will be empowered to remove or arrest any member of the public who misbehaves or creates unruly scenes during the proceedings of any City Council Meeting.

Inche Abdul Hamid: No, Sir, It is considered that all the necessary powers exist under the present legislation for the City Council to keep the necessary order and to ensure the proper conduct of business in the City Council. Section 40 (1) of the Local Government Ordinance reads:

"Subject to the provisions of Standing Orders, all meetings of a local authority shall be open to the public unless the local authority by resolution at any meeting otherwise decides." Therefore, Sir, it would be possible for the Council to provide by Standing Orders for the regulation of admission to the public gallery at City Council meetings in the manner suggested by the Member for Queenstown.