HOSPITALS BOARD (REPEAL) BILL

Order for Second Reading read.

7.27 p.m.

The Minister for Health (Inche Ahmad Bin Ibrahim): (In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."

The Hospitals Board was established to determine fees on condition that the Minister concerned confirmed them earlier, and to receive such fees. Among its functions, the Board is to determine the income approved by the Government. This Board advises the Government in matters relating to hospitals under its jurisdiction. The establishment of the Hospitals Board was in line with the policy of colonial governments, because colonial governments used the experience and expert services of people serving in the hospitals. The Hospitals Board played the role of a middleman - between the colonial government and the people who were oppressed. Such a role is outmoded now.

Under existing conditions, where a People's government is elected to power, the Hospitals Board is outdated. This new Government has been elected to serve the people, and therefore, it is necessary for the Hospitals Board to play the role of a middleman. The general policy of the present Government concerning hospitals is to centralise all their activities, draw up plans, make inspection and control hospitals - all in the power of the Minister and his officers. Therefore, it is suggested that the Hospitals Board Ordinance be repealed, and a central body of hospitals be established under the Ministry of Health.

Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole Assembly.

Assembly immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill.-[Inche Ahmad Bin Ibrahim].

Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read the Third time and passed.