DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTIONS (Date)

Mr Lee Choon Eng asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing if he will give a definite date for the District Council Elections.

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: Hon. Members will observe that a new Bill intituled the Local Government Elections (Amendment) Ordinance, 1958 is being introduced today. This Bill embodies recom mendations made in the Elias Report with regard to the conduct and holding of elections. As soon as after this amending Ordinance is enacted and comes into force, it is intended that elections to the District Councils will take place according to the statutory timetable pro.vided for in the Local Government Elections Ordinance, that is by the issue of writ followed by nomination day and finally polling day. The definite timetable will be announced once this amending Bill becomes law.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Sir, can the Minister tell us how long it will take rather than to give a vague reply that it will take place in accordance with the timetable provided for in the Ordinance?

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: Mr Speaker, Sir, this amending legislation will go to Select Committee and I therefore cannot anticipate how long the Select Committee will take in its deliberations but soon after the legislation becomes law, only then can the Government give a definite date.

Mr Lee Choon Eng: Is this to give cause for the delay of the District Council Elections which will again give cause for the delay of the General Elections?

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: I am afraid I do not understand the question, Sir.