SINGAPORE (Plans for commemoration of 150th anniversary)

Mr Ng Yeow Chong asked the Minister for Culture (a) whether exhaustive plans are being worked out to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the founding of Singapore next year; and (b) whether such plans will be coordinated with the industrial and commercial sectors so as to achieve the maximum world-wide publicity of the event.

Inche Sha'ari Bin Tadin (for the Minister for Culture): Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer is "Yes". Plans have been worked out to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the founding of Singapore next year.

The answer to the second question is also "Yes". Such plans will be coordinated with the industrial and commercial sectors and, when finalised, will be locally and internationally publicised. The programmes will be a national effort spread over a period of time with a wide cross-section of institutions and individuals in the public and private sectors involved. The whole object of the celebration will be to evoke emotional and permanent responses of patriotism in the people. The emphasis will be on youth drawing inspiration from the past in the development of this vibrant society and dedicating themselves to the future with confidence and resolve.

Mr Ng Yeow Chong (Mountbatten): Sir, will the Parliamentary Secretary indicate when these nation-wide celebrations will be held and whether it is possible that this 150th anniversary can be held in conjunction with the National Day celebrations?

Inche Sha'ari Bin Tadin: Mr Speaker, Sir, the 150th anniversary will be celebrated on a nation-wide basis and will be spread over next year, though officially sponsored events will be concentrated: during the period June to September 1969. It is expected that cultural and other organisations will organise their own activities in different parts of Singapore and all forms of celebrations, including those held indi vidually or collectively by constituencies, will be encouraged.