COMMITTEE OF SELECTION (Filling of Vacancies)

Filling of Vacancies

4.12 p.m.

The Deputy Prime Minister (Dr Toh Chin Chye): Mr Speaker, I beg to move,

That this Assembly, pursuant to paragraph (1) (b) of Standing Order No. 93, appoints the following Members to fill two vacancies in the Committee of Selection : -

Enche Baharuddin bin Mohd. Ariff.

Mr Ong Chang Sam.

Mr Speaker, the present Committee of Selection consists of you as Chairman and five other Members. Of these five Members, two come from the Opposition Benches and the other three from the Government Benches. It is stated in the Standing Order that representation in this Committee of Selection should be such that there should be proportionate representation from both sides of the House. I would like to remind the House that the ratio of Opposition Members to Government Members is approximately 1:8. With this motion that I am moving, the Government will now have five Members, and the Opposition two Members. So, I am quite sure the House will agree that the Government is generous and is acting in compliance with Standing Orders.

Mr Rajah: Over-generous!

Question proposed.

Tun Lim Yew Hock: Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the motion. While it is true that in the present Committee of Selection, there are only three Members representing the Government. I must say here that the number was agreed to by the Hon. the Deputy Prime Minister in our discussions. There is no intention on the part of the Opposition to see that Standing Orders should not be observed. In fact, even if seven persons were wanted on the other side, we would also accept it.

Mr Speaker: Mr Deputy Prime Minister, in reply?

Dr Toh Chin Chye indicated dissent.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That this Assembly, pursuant to paragraph (1) (b) of Standing Order No. 93, appoints the following Members to fill two vacancies in the Committee of Selection:-

Enche Baharuddin bin Mohd Ariff.

Mr Ong Chang Sam