SINGAPORE'S ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL RELATIONS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA

4.01 p.m.

Mr Lim Cher Kheng: Mr Speaker, Sir, the topic of my speech today is "Singapore's economic and cultural relations with other countries in South-East Asia."

Sir, Singapore is on the threshold of self-government, but unfortunately, even under this coming Lennox-Boyd Constitution, Singapore's foreign policy and defence will still remain in the hands of the British, and Singapore can only have a voice in its cultural and economic relations with other countries. Therefore, it is of vital importance that Singapore should play her role most carefully and intelligently. Singapore should not only seek co-operation with the British Commonwealth and other countries, but, because of our historical, economic and cultural relations with other Asian countries, every step that Singapore takes must be taken in the full interests of Asia as a whole.

Let Singapore proudly declare, "We want to follow the path which has been opened for us by our great Asian leader, Pandit Nehru." That is to say, all Asian countries must be able to gain their political, economic and cultural independence.

Last week in Singapore, there was a conference of British diplomats from South-East Asia. Undoubtedly, the object of this conference was to formulate the British policy for this area. Let it be remembered by the people who participated in this conference that, in formulating the British policy for the East, the wishes and aspirations of the people of Singapore particularly, and Asian countries as a whole, be given more adequate consideration.

Today, the real issues threatening Singapore and other Asian countries are well known-corruption, poverty and industrial and social backwardness. Therefore, if the Western powers are sincere in their pledge to Asia, let them start by wiping out corruption, alleviating poverty and raising the standard of living of Singapore and Asia as a whole. This help will be more appreciated by us than the empty shouting and the ineffective so-called action against Communism in this area.

With all the pros and cons, we are, however, pleased with the recent visit of the Prime Minister of the Federation of Malaya to the Philippines. During that visit, we were informed that the Tunku had urged that there should be established close economic and cultural ties between Asian countries. Almost immediately our Chief Minister, Tun Lim Yew Hock, echoed his hearty support for such a suggestion. According to Press reports, we even offered Singapore as the ideal place for such a conference. Of course, Singapore is a natural venue for such a conference, as it is the connecting link between East and West. Besides being known as the Gibraltar of the East, it has always been felt that Singapore is also an important place, especially in the economic and cultural field.

The people of Singapore and the Federation of Malaya, under the able leadership of Tun Lim Yew Hock and Tunku Abdul Rahman, fully realise the fact that they do not want to have any connection with any military organisations such as SEATO. SEATO has not won nor could it be able to win the support of the people of Singapore and Malaya.

As Singapore is still a British Colony with Britain controlling our foreign affairs and defence, it would appear that the British Government has committed Singapore to SEATO automatically. Whatever they do in this respect, it is against the true wishes of the people of this island.

We, Singaporeans, are proud and happy at Tunku Abdul Rahman's suggestion for close economic and cultural ties between South-East Asian countries. At the same time, we are aware of the fact that the Philippines, under President Garcia, is a strong supporter of SEATO. No doubt the Philippines will take to heart the Tunku's wise suggestion. Eventually, the Philippines will find closer cultural and economic ties with other countries answering more to their own need than SEATO are able to offer. This is the national outcome for the people of Asia, including Singapore - our peace loving people. Therefore, any military pact like SEATO will prove to be far below the value of Tunku Abdul Rahman's wise suggestion.

Singapore should grab this golden opportunity to play her important role in promoting closer relations and strengthening her economic ties with other Asian countries. This will not only benefit Singapore most, but Asia as a whole.

4.08 p.m.

The Chief Minister: Mr Speaker, Sir, the hon. Member who spoke just now gave us a piece of his mind as to how he thought the trade and cultural relations which will be given to us under the new Constitution should be operated. He has not spoken on anything in regard to the policy of this Government and I say that there is therefore nothing for this Government to reply to.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That this Assembly do now adjourn.

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