NATIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING INSTITUTE (Admission of expelled secondary school students)

Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister of Defence (a) how many students, who had been expelled from secondary schools because of their anti-national activities, have been admitted to the National Youth Leadership Training Institute; (b) what is the syllabus and the content of courses of instruction arranged for them; and (c) whether they are satisfied with the reformative course.

Mr Wee Toon Boon (for the Minister of Defence): Mr Speaker, Sir, of the students expelled from secondary schools because of their anti-national activities, 15 were admitted to a special course at the Institute on 14th August, 1967.

The course of instruction includes the study of Communist ideology, systems and organisations, and methods of subversion. In addition, provision is made in the syllabus for physical and cultural activities, and tuition in secondary school subjects.

The students are satisfied with the reformative course. This is substantiated by the collective statement produced by them on 11th October, 1967, whereby they renounced Communism, expressed gratitude to the Government for giving them a second chance in life, and pledged loyalty to the Republic.

Mr Sim Boon Woo (Changi): Can the Minister assure us that they will not be detrimental to the National Youth Leadership Training Institute?

Mr Wee Toon Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, in my reply, I have indicated that they have finished their reorientation course and they are going back to school. Some may be seeking employment. Therefore, the chance of any damage to the Institute does not arise.

Mr Teong Eng Siong (Sembawang): (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, can the Minister state why courses on subversion should be taught to these students?

Mr Wee Toon Boon: The answer is very simple. It may have been due to their ignorance that they have been exploited by the Communists. For that reason, they have been given a chance to study the course.