MUSLIMS (AMENDMENT) BILL (As reported from Select Committee)

Order for Third Reading read.

3.46 p.m.

The Minister for Labour and Law (Mr K. M. Byrne): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Third time."

The report itself is very voluminous, Mr Speaker, Sir, extending to 168 pages and 1,301 questions and answers. I do not propose to add to the difficulties of the Member for Mountbatten by trying to say anything further on this report this afternoon.

Question proposed.

3.47 p.m.

Dato Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat (Geylang Serai): (In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, I was one of the Members of the Select Committee. When the Muslims (Amendment) Bill was discussed, many questions concerning payment to the kathi were asked by various sections of society. According to the directive issued by the Minister, the kathi is empowered by the Shariah Court to charge a fee of $30 if the marriage is held in the house of the bride or the bridegroom, and $15 if it is held in the house of the kathi. But, Mr Speaker, unfortunately, there are many kathis in Singapore who do not make proper assessments because, according to the rules, $15 and $30 are the maximum amounts, which means that a lesser amount could be paid, but some of the kathis in Singapore demand the full payment, that is, $30 or $15 as the case may be.

This is a serious matter from the point of view of Malay opinion in Singapore, and I hope the Minister concerned will give consideration, if possible, to amend the rules of the Shariah Court.

3.49 p.m.

Mr Byrne: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have noted what the Member for Geylang Serai has said about the need to have a second look at the fees that are paid to the kathis in respect of the solemnization of Muslim marriages, either at the homes of the parties or at the kathi's residence. I can assure him that the Government will be prepared to have a second look at these rules.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a Third time and passed.