SATURDAY POST (Application for circulation in Singapore)

Mr David Marshall asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether he has received an application from the Saturday Post, a Malayan weekly, for circulation in Singapore, and what action he has taken or proposes to take thereon.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, an application was received on 24th January, 1962, from Mr James S. David of Kuala Lumpur for a permit for the distribution in Singapore of the Saturday Post. Mr David has been informed that the application could not be approved.

Mr David Marshall: Would the Minister care to enlighten us on the reasons for the refusal of a permit to circulate in Singapore a publication that is accepted in the Federation?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the application was refused because of the background of the applicant and the scurrilous nature of the previous Saturday Post in the past.

Mr David Marshall: Has the Minister read the Saturday Post of the present, and would be reconsider his decision?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have been reading the Saturday Post since it reappeared, and I would say that there is not only no reason to reverse decision but I think it is most justified that the permit should not be issued.