MEMBERS FOR TOA PAYOH AND NEE SOON (Absence in Parliament)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Madam Chan Choy Siong asked the Deputy Prime Minister if he is aware that the electors in two constituencies, Toa Payoh and Nee Soon, remain unrepresented in this House as a result of the failure till today of the two Members elected for those constituencies to take their oaths and their seats; and whether he considers any amendment of the law necessary to remedy the situation.

The Minister of State for the Prime Minister's Department (Tuan Haji Yaacob Bin Mohamed) (for the Deputy Prime Minister): (In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, I have been asked by the Deputy Prime Minister to give the answer. The fact that the two constituencies of Toa Payoh and Nee Soon have not seen their representatives since 1963 is, of course, a lesson that the public must be careful about in electing those who hang up a sheep's head but sell dog's flesh. The two constituencies have, however, not been neglected by The Government and many projects have been completed in both since the last elections and the disappearance of the two elected representatives. So long as they do not resign from Parliament, no by-elections can be held in those constituencies until the next elections.

This is a constitutional matter and will be considered when the new constitution is drawn up.

Mr Teong Eng Siong (Sembawang): (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to ask a supplementary question, and that is whether these two M.P.s have been receiving their allowances? If not, can we put the allowances to better use, say, provide better services for the two constituencies concerned?

Mr Speaker: That question does not come within the responsibility of any Minister of the Government and accordingly, under Standing Orders, is not permissible.