PARTAI RAKYAT, SINGAPURA, BARISAN SOSIALIS, AND PANMALAYAN ISLAMIC PARTY, SINGAPORE (Compliance with Societies Act)

Inche Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi asked the Minister of Defence whether Partai Rakyat, Singapura, Barisan Sosialis and Pan-Malayan Islamic Party, Singapore, still exist and whether they have complied with the Societies Act.

Mr Wee Toon Boon (for the Minister of Defence): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Partai Rakyat, Singapura, the Barisan Sosialis and Pan-Malayan Islamic Party are still in existence in Singapore. The Pan Malayan Islamic Party has changed its name to Angkatan Islam and has indicated that it will comply with the provisions of the Societies Act. The Partai Rakyat and the Barisan Sosialis have not indicated that they will comply with the law. Everybody is aware that they are now openly scornful of constitutional democratic processes and are concentrating on illegal activities. It will be some time before the folly of their ways will be apparent to them and the wisdom of retiring to the constitutional arena commend itself to their leaders. It is in order to leave this option open to them that the Government is exercising forbearance and restraint.

Mr Lim Guan Hoo: (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Minister of Defence say whether there is a new Right-wing Party in Singapore and whether it has been registered?

Mr Speaker: This is hardly a supplementary question arising out of the question on the Order Paper. But if the Minister wants to answer it, he may.

Mr Wee Toon Boon indicated dissent.

Mr Speaker: Mr Lim, I am afraid your question, not being a supplementary properly arising out of the question, will have to go unanswered.