APPLICATIONS FOR SINGAPORE CITIZENSHIP BY NATURALIZATION

Mr Low Por Tuck asked the Minister for Home Affairs how many applicants for Singapore citizenship by naturalization since 1st January, 1961, were unable to obtain Singapore citizenship because of their failure in the Malay language test.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: For the period 1st January, 1961, to 30th September, 1961, 3,366 applicants for Singapore citizenship took the elementary Malay language test. Of this, 2,875 applicants passed the elementary Malay language test and 491 failed.

Mr Low Por Tuck: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Minister aware that on 28th October this year the Prime Minister made an official state ment which was only published in the local Chinese Press to the effect that if the people of Singapore applied for citizenship, they need not have to take the Malay language examination?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Can the question be repeated again?

Mr Low Por Tuck: (In Mandarin): Is the Minister aware that on 28th October this year the Prime Minister made a special official statement which was only published in the local Chinese Press. The statement was this: if the people of Singapore applied for Singapore citizenship, they need not take the Malay language examination.

Mr Speaker: It is a statement of alleged fact. What is the question?

Mr Low Por Tuck: (In Mandarin): Is the Minister aware of this statement?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, if the Member for Havelock will put the question again and if he will give me the date of the newspaper re port, I shall look it up.