Administration of Oath

Mr Speaker, standing at the Table, made Affirmation of Allegiance.

Mr Speaker went to the Chair and sat down.

Then the Mace (which before lay below the Table) was placed upon the Table.

Dr Toh Chin Chye: Mr Speaker, Sir, may I say a few words of congratulations to you on behalf of the Government Benches on the occasion of your election as Speaker to the House?

The House might want to know that Mr P. Coomaraswamy was born in Johore. He comes from Malaya as his predecessor did, was educated in the English College in Johore Bahru, and subsequently studied law at Nottingham University where he was an active member of the Students' Union and also the President of the University Law Society.

In 1956, Mr Coomaraswamy was called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn and on returning to Singapore he entered into private practice as a member of the Singapore Bar. It might interest Government Members also to know that while in Singapore Mr Coomaraswamy did considerable public service in the interest of his profession. He was a member of the Law Faculty at the University of Singapore. He was also on the editorial board of the University Law Review and other bodies. Moreover, he was the Chairman of one of the many advisory committees on the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Ordinance.

Mr Coomaraswamy was also recruited as a member of the advisory committee on the P.P.S.O., and his services as a member of the public are perhaps best remembered as Secretary of the Singapore Bar Committee. In fact, I myself first met him in Select Committees of the House when he, representing the Singapore Bar Committee, came forward to give evidence on behalf of his colleagues.

We are now very happy indeed that Mr Coomaraswamy, arising out of his legal expertise and experience, has been able to resign from his private practice in order to take up full-time duties as Speaker of this Parliament. You can be assured, Mr Speaker, Sir, that our side of the House will give you all the co-operation that you require, and I only wish that a Member of the Opposition were here today to say a few words on your election. But, unfortunately, their absence in this House is entirely beyond my control.

Mr Speaker: Mr Prime Minister, the Leader and Members of the House, I thank the House for the honour it has done me and the confidence it has shown in me in electing me to the Chair of the House. That the House and each Member present here should think me worthy of the office makes me most humble.

In becoming the Speaker, I am very conscious of my shortcomings. I am aware that I suffer by comparison with my distinguished predecessors. I have much to learn. Since you elected me as Deputy Speaker last February, I have received helpful and friendly guidance in very full measure from my immediate predecessor, Mr Speaker Rajah, and I have no doubt that you will join me in wishing him well in the new duties he has undertaken for the nation. For myself, I acknowledge my indebtedness and gratitude for his kindness to me both as a friend and mentor.

In the performance of my duties, I will, as a new boy, ask you for your indulgence at all times and I trust you will show me every kindness even if I have from time to time to draw your attention to the provisions of the Standing Orders. However, in doing so, and at all times, I shall be, first and last, the servant of the House administering the rules of debate that the House has set for itself. I will uphold the dignity of the House and guard its privileges and those of its Members. I will endeavour to discharge my duties with patience and, if necessary, with firmness and at all times with impartiality. I shall ever be conscious that Government must get on with the vital business of governing, that Back-Benchers have their rights and that minorities must be heard. I have had in the last six months every help from the Clerk and the staff of the House. Let me say how much I appreciate the very efficient work done by them, in large part unseen and unheard. I know I can count on them for their continued good and loyal work.

I thank you, Mr Deputy Prime Minister, for the very kind words that you have said.

Let me once again, sincerely and in humility, thank Members for the great honour they have done me in calling me from outside their ranks, in more senses than one, to this distinguished seat.