OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF STATE OF SINGAPORE

Inche Mohd. Ali Bin Alwi asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will make Malay as the only official language of the State of Singapore; when will that be done; and for how long will English be retained as the official language in the administration of Government Departments.

The Prime Minister (Mr Lee Kuan Yew): (In Malay): It is at present impossible for the Government to say whether, or when, Malay will be the only official language of the State of Singapore. Until Malay has become sufficiently understood and adequately mastered by the civil service and political leaders, it is not practical to talk of Malay as the only official language. In these matters, we shall closely watch and learn from the progress and experience of the Government of the Federation of Malaya.

Suffice it to sum up, "It is the heart's desire to embrace the mountain, but of no avail as it is beyond arm's reach."

Inche Mohd. Ali Bin Alwi: (In Malay): The answer is ambiguous. Could I receive a definite reply as to why it is impossible for the Government to implement the policy of making Malay the official language?

The Prime Minister (Mr Lee Kuan Yew): (In Malay): Sir, I have explained just now that, at the present moment, it is impossible to say whether, or when, Malay will be the only official language of the State of Singapore.