LEGISLATION FOR ADMINISTRATION OF HINDU RELIGIOUS AND CHARITABLE ENDOWMENTS

Mr S. Rajoo asked the Minister for Culture and Social Affairs whether and when he will introduce legislation for the specific administration of Hindu religious and charitable endowments.

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Mr Speaker, Sir, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the Muslim and Hindu Endowments Board, appointed under the Muslim and Hindu Endowments Ordinance, is responsible for the administration of both Muslim and Hindu religious and charitable endowments. With the recent passing of the Administration of Muslim Law Act, 1966, the administration of Muslim endowments will be taken over by the Majlis Ugama Islam, which will be set up under that Act.

A separate Bill to set up a Board to look after Hindu endowments has been prepared, and it is hoped, after consulting the various Hindu interests in the State, to introduce the Bill soon in Parliament.