FOREIGN HONOURS OR TITLES (Use by Singapore citizens)

Mr Sim Boon Woo asked the Deputy Prime Minister whether he is aware that several Singapore citizens with foreign honours or titles are still using them; what is the Government's attitude in this regard and whether the Government proposes to take any action in the matter.

Dr Toh Chin Chye: Mr Speaker, Sir, Singapore Government Departments have discontinued the use of foreign honours and titles for Singapore citizens. All foreign missions in Singapore have also been informed and have noted that it is not the practice in Singapore to use any foreign titles, including that of Malaysia, when addressing or referring to any Singapore citizen. I hope also to take the opportunity to inform the Press that this is the ruling of the Singapore Government and we would be obliged indeed if Singapore papers in particular would remember the instructions that we have given not only to our own departments but also to foreign missions based in Singapore. However, it is the common practice that foreign titles and decorations can be used at any function given by or in the country of origin. And in any case, I do not believe that those Singapore citizens with any self-respect, while they cherish the honour bestowed on them by past colonial governments or by foreign governments, will want to distinguish themselves from the rest of the people of Singapore by being publicly referred to by their title.