GOLF-LINKS IN ISTANA NEGARA GROUNDS

Mr S. V. Lingam asked the Prime Minister (a) what is the total monthly cost of maintaining the golf-links in the grounds of the Istana Negara, indicating details of such cost; (b) what is the nature of responsibility of the Botanic Gardens Department and the City Council Cleansing Department in maintaining these golf-links; and (c) the names of the persons who have played golf there.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development (Inche Yaacob Bin Mohamed) (for the Prime Minister): (In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, I have been asked by the Prime Minister to reply to this question.

There are no golf-links as such in the grounds of the Istana Negara. The lawn, gardens and flower-beds of the Istana Negara are maintained by the Botanic Gardens. There are several greens in the grounds and no extra cost is incurred to maintain these.

The City Council Cleansing Department does the cleansing of the City area, which includes Istana Negara.

The Prime Minister, with His Excellency's permission, hits practice balls on the playable greens if and when he is free in the evenings.

Mr Lingam: Mr Speaker, Sir, could the Parliamentary Secretary say by which British Governor were these golf-links made?

Inche Yaacob Bin Mohamed rose -

Mr Speaker: Does the Parliamentary Secretary wish to assume responsibility?

Inche Yaacob Bin Mohamed: (In Malay): Because there are no golf-links as such, we cannot go into the matter further.

Mr Ong Eng Guan: Mr Speaker, is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that it is not only the Prime Minister who plays golf there, but also his British friends?

Mr Speaker: The question is strictly out of order, being outside ministerial responsibility.