PEOPLE'S DEFENCE FORCE (WOMEN) AND POLICE FORCE (WOMEN)

Madam Chan Choy Siong asked the Minister of Defence whether he is satisfied with the overall performances of the People's Defence Force (Women) and the Police Force (Women) at the National Day March Past, and whether he intends to increase and expand both Units.

Mr Wee Toon Boon (for the Minister of Defence): Mr Speaker. Sir, the Minister was very satisfied with the People's Defence Force (Women) on their outstanding performance at the National Day March Past. There are no immediate plans to expand this unit.

The Police Force (Women) did not participate in the National Day March Past. This was due to their numerous rehearsals in connection with the Police Military Display, which was another highlight of National Day Celebrations. There are no plans to increase this component of the Police Force.

Madam Chan Choy Siong (Delta): (In Mandarin): I would like the Minister of State to clarify whether those women soldiers who took part in the National Day March Past were holding real rifles or fake ones, because many people, especially the male population, tend to say that women soldiers are not capable of carrying such big guns.

Mr Wee Toon Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the weapons carried by the women P.D.F, on the National Day Parade were, of course, real ones and serviceable. In fact, many of the women P.D.F, have used them. However, as the Member for Delta has raised this point, I would like to say that I had occasion to go along with the Minister for Education to see teachers who went through a brief course of drill instructions, and we were told that many women had fainted during the course of training. So I would urge that while we, the male members of the country, including even Members of this Parliament, have volunteered for military training, the female Members of this House should do their part. While we may not have the facilities to provide training for women generally in the country, I would like them to indulge in more sporting activities and respond to the call of building a robust and rugged society, that is, take more part in outdoor games and do not just cover themselves when they are asked to do some training in the sun.

Madam Chan Choy Siong rose -

Mr Speaker: Please make sure, Madam Chan, that it arises out of your original question and answer and not the Minister of State's second answer.

Madam Chan Choy Siong: (In Mandarin): Does the Minister agree that the People's Defence Force (Women) has been admired and appreciated by the Ministers, because it is said that the male members of the Force were sleepy on that day when they were marching along the road?

Mr Wee Toon Boon: That was the first time that the women P.D.F, participated in the National Day Parade and no doubt they put up a very smart march past. But to be fair to everyone, I would not dare to say that they were the best among the whole lot. I would like to say, however, that their turn-out at the Parade was very much above the average standard.

The Minister for Culture and Social Affairs (Inche Othman Bin Wok): I think the men did the best on that day, Sir!

Mr Speaker: Order. We must not allow domestic squabbles to come into the House.