DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER (Cabinet member vis-a-vis member of University of Malaya academic staff)

Mr A. P. Rajah asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Deputy Prime Minister is still a member of the University of Malaya academic staff, that he occupies University staff quarters at a subsidised rent, that he is still a contributor to the University of Malaya Academic Staff Provident Scheme at the rate of 5 per cent of the salary last drawn by him and that the University is still contributing for and on his behalf at the rate of 15 per cent on his said salary to the said Provident Scheme; and whether, in view of the position the Deputy Prime Minister holds in the Cabinet, he will make a statement and say what action he will take in the matter.

The Prime Minister: Mr Speaker, the Deputy Prime Minister has been granted unpaid leave by the University of Malaya for an indefinite period not exceeding five years. The University has agreed that he should be allowed to continue his work, in particular his research work as Reader in the University. He is not paid for this.

He continues to occupy his old quarters and the rent is $115 a month with maintenance charges of $25 a month. Similar quarters are being let out to members of the public at the same rent. It is incorrect to imply that the Deputy Prime Minister is being subsidised in his rent. Moreover, the Deputy Prime Minister, if he so wished, could have occupied official quarters whose rent would have been subsidised, but he has chosen to continue to stay in his old University quarters.

The Deputy Prime Minister is not a contributor to the University Academic Staff Provident Fund, but the University has on its own account continued its contributions as part of the terms of the unpaid leave granted him.

I am satisfied that the work of the Deputy Prime Minister in the University does not cause any conflict between his public duty and his private interest. I am also satisfied that such work can be carried out without prejudice to his duties as Deputy Prime Minister.

I am advised by the State Advocate-General that the Deputy Prime Minister's position is perfectly constitutional and proper and I propose to take no action in the matter.

Mr Rajah: Mr Speaker, Sir, in view of the practice that Ministers should not derive any benefit from their previous employment, would the Minister issue a directive to the University of Malaya that they cease to contribute to the Fund?

The Prime Minister: May I refer the Member for Farrer Park to a simple exposition of the constitutional position which is contained in the book by Sir Ivor Jennings called "Cabinet Government"? He will find there a chapter on Cabinet and Ministerial responsibilities which sets out the position clearly and succinctly.

The State Advocate-General has been apprised of the facts. The files have been referred to him. He has advised me that the position is proper. If the Member for Farrer Park considers it improper, he knows what his legal remedies are.