FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO SINGAPORE CITIZENS ON MECCA PILGRIMAGE

Mr David Marshall asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether Government will consider giving financial assistance to Singapore citizens wishing to go to Mecca on pilgrimage.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Singapore government is already assisting in meeting expenditure on account of Malaysian pilgrimage, i.e., from the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak-k, North Borneo, and Brunei, by sharing the costs of running a Pilgrimage Head Office in Penang, the Office of the Pilgrim Commissioner in Jeddah, and the cost of the Malayan Medical Mission in Mecca, according to the number of pilgrims from each State. For example, in 1960, Singapore's pilgrims numbered 225 out of a total of 5,402, and its share of the cost was $5,426.74.

Mr David Marshall: I am obliged to the Minister for indicating the derisory sums involved. In view of the wealth of this country -

Mr Speaker: Order. Did I hear the epithet derisory?

Mr David Marshall: Yes, Sir.

Mr Speaker: That is completely out of order especially during Question Time. It must be withdrawn.

Mr David Marshall: Would the Minister indicate -

Mr Speaker: Would the Member Withdraw?

Mr David Marshall: I am so sorry, Sir. I did not hear you. Certainly I withdraw. Would the Minister consider making advances to those of our people who are too poor to make the pilgrimage and who wish to make it either by contributing to the running of a pilgrim ship for one trip or by some other means that are practicable?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, it is considered that on principle, no government should give direct aid to persons to perform religious duties. The performance of the Haj is a personal matter for Muslims, entailing as it does sacrifices on their part.

Dato Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: Is the Minister aware that there is a cunning and unhealthy relationship between this question and Question No. 16, and would he not -

Mr Speaker: Order. The hon. Member is completely out of order by using those terms and insinuations, especially during Question Time. Will he please confine himself to a question?

Dato Abdul Hamid: No question.