SPECIAL UNARMED COMBAT COURSE AND SPECIAL FIREARMS COURSE FOR MINISTERS

Mr S. V. Lingam asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what was the total cost, inclusive of the total remuneration and other benefits paid to the police officers concerned, (i) of providing the Special Unarmed Combat Course for Ministers; (ii) of providing the Special Firearms Course for Ministers; giving in each case the breakdown cost of such training; (b) which Ministers have been given such training and how many hours of their office time had they devoted to such training; and (c) whether the Government will consider giving such training to businessmen and other members of the public who wish to undergo such training.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, to the question as to what was the total cost of providing the Special Unarmed Combat Course for Ministers, the answer is nil. The police officers concerned conducted the Special Unarmed Combat Course when they were off duty. No cost was involved in respect of remuneration and other benefits.

In answer to the question regarding the total cost of providing the Special Firearms Course for Ministers, the answer is that no cost was involved in respect of remuneration and other benefits, as the police officers concerned conducted the Special Firearms Course when they were off duty. The only cost incurred was in respect of the ammunition used, amounting to $461.40.

The following Ministers attended the Special Unarmed Combat Course:- The Prime Minister, The Minister for Finance, The Minister for Home Affairs, Ther present Minister for National-Development.

The following Ministers attended the Special Firearms Course:- The Prime Minister, The Deputy Prime Minister, The Minister for Finance, The Minister for Health, The Minister for Home Affairs, The Minister for Labour and Law, The Minister for Culture, The Minister for Education, and The Minister for National Development.

Mr Speaker: The whole Cabinet!

Mr Ong Pang Boon: The Ministers underwent training outside Government office hours and on Sundays. It is to be noted that the ex-Minister for National Development was also provided with a small firearm like the other Ministers until June this year when the small firearm was withdrawn from him. He did not attend the Special Firearms Course because he told me once that -

Mr Speaker: Order. I do not think the question has pinpointed the ex-Minister for National Development. If the Minister for Home Affairs will concentrate on the question, I think he will be in order.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: With regard to the last part of the question, Mr Speaker, Sir, the police will not undertake the training of businessmen and other members of the public in unarmed combat. Where special circumstances exist, the police will provide training in the use of firearms to members of the public, as has been done for several years past.

Mr Rajah: Mr Speaker, Sir, would the Minister use his good offices in persuading the members of the police force to provide Members of this Assembly with a Special Unarmed Combat Course, including the Member for Hong Lim and the Member for Farrer Park?