COMPULSORY VOTING IN ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS

4.23 p.m.

The following motion stood in the name of Mr Lim Cher Kheng-

That this Assembly holds the view that, with the introduction of Singapore Citizenship by this Assembly in its effort to secure the loyalty of the people to this country, Singapore citizens have a bounden duty to vote at elections held under the provisions of the Singapore Legislative Assembly Elections Ordinance (Chapter 53) to ensure that the Legislative Assembly is fully representative of the electorate; and calls upon the Government to introduce legislation to provide for compulsory voting in Legislative Assembly elections.

Mr Lim Cher Kheng (Changi): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the reply from the Hon. the Chief Minister to the debate on the Governor's Speech clearly indicated that the Government is in favour of compulsory voting. I take this to indicate also that the Government will soon introduce legislation in connection with-

The Minister for Commerce and Industry (Mr J. M. Jumabhoy): Point of order, Sir; the hon. Member has not moved his motion.

Mr Lim Cher Kheng: The Hon. The Minister is very quick, Sir. - certain necessary provisos and make this compulsory voting more workable. Therefore I do not propose to take up more time of this House just to debate this "hot" motion. Sir, I beg to withdraw the motion standing in my name.

Mr Deputy Speaker: The motion is therefore not before the House.