SINGAPORE CONSTITUTION EXPOSITION (Participation by Government) (Statement by the Chief Minister)

The Chief Minister: Mr Speaker, Sir, with your permission I wish to make a statement on the participation of the Government in the Singapore Constitution Exposition which is being organised by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in celebration of the achievement of a new Constitution next year giving birth to a self-governing State of Singapore. The emphasis of this Exposition is national, instilling loyalty and pride in Singapore and in its constitutional development, for at this time of the celebration it must be the wish of everyone of us that every citizen in our predominantly young population should share the significance and exhilaration of that event.

This new Constitution is coming to us because of our own unity, determination and steady constitutional efforts, and it gives us the reality and the substance of freedom in our internal affairs. To change the title and status of Colony for that of a State is a major and irrevocable step in our history and a matter of great pride and joy for our people.

The emphasis of all exhibits in the Exposition will be on the achievement of self-government, but it was clear that, without major Government participation, the emphasis would not be readily understood. It is essential that there should be a Government Pavilion to emphasise the fact, nature, extent and reality of the constitutional change and to show the advances already made under the impetus of an elected government which we expect will be the greater when the fully elected Government under the new Constitution takes over.

Moreover, it is important to emphasise the wide range of services which the Government provides for the welfare, prosperity and security of the people of Singapore. The Government Pavilion will come as the climax of our activities in civic education whose aim has been to ensure that the fullest and widest use is made of the opportunity to vote, which has been conferred by our citizenship legislation last year.

100,000 square feet have been reserved free of charge for the Government within the demarcated area of the Exposition. The Committee under the chairmanship of the Assistant Minister to the Chief Secretary (Mr M. P. D. Nair) has been preparing plans and estimates in consultation with the Ministries. It is proposed to build a covered space of 60,000 square feet. It will be in two parts, each facing on to the main axis of the Exposition; one showing the Government's part in increasing the wealth and economic prosperity of the country, and the other showing the wide range of social services in health, education and welfare which the Government provides for the people. Details of cost have not yet been worked out to an extent which allows the Govermnent to ask for a specific sum to be voted, but every means is being sought to achieve economy by using materials which will be required for other purposes next year and by borrowing of material and equipment. Moreover, exhibits are being designed in such a way that they can be of long-term use for departmental activities afterwards.

For the need to win the unity, understanding and co-operation of our citizens is a task as continuous as the democratic process itself, and I am sure this Assembly will wish that this exhibit should be of a standard to match not only the general standard of the Exposition but also of the theme of the new Constitution.

Sir, I have another statement to make clear the policy of the Government in relation to the recent ban on the importation of publications from certain publishers -

Mr Lee Kuan Yew (Tanjong Pagar) rose -

Mr Speaker: Point of order?

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: On a point of order, Sir. Surely the Chief Minister does not wish us to be inundated by a series of statements before we have recovered from his first one?

Mr Speaker: Actually I take it that the Chief Minister would welcome questions on his first statement, and therefore, perhaps he will pause now and if hon. Members wish to ask questions on his first statement, they may do so.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: Am I right in believing, Mr Speaker, Sir, that this Exposition is being organised by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and not by the Singapore Government?

The Chief Minister: The Exposition is being organised by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and the Government is taking part in it and so is the City Council.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: Am I right in believing that when the Chinese Chamber of Commerce mooted this idea, the purpose was not as stated by the Chief Minister today?

The Chief Minister: When they mooted this idea, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce thought of a trade fair on art international basis, and when they saw me they felt that a better emphasis would be on the achievement of self-government. Hence the name of that trade fair has been changed to that of Constitution Exposition.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: Am I right in believing that, as a result of the persuasive powers of the Chief Minister, he has successfully engaged the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in politics?

The Chief Minister: I have not endeavoured to persuade the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Perhaps it is surprising to the Member for Tanjong Pagar that there are citizens in Singapore today who have a keen desire to show their loyalty to Singapore.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: No one doubts the desire of everybody to evince their loyalty. I am asking the Chief Minister whether this political slant that has been given to the trade exposition is a result of the intervention of the Chief Minister?

Mr Lim Cher Kheng (Changi): Nonsense!

The Chief Minister: Nonsense!