CITIZENSHIP (Bilateral arrangement with Malaysia)

Mr Low Guan Onn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Labour, in order to alleviate the human hardships, sufferings and frust rations of persons affected on both sides of the Causeway and to bring about better understanding betwen the two countries, whether the Government will consider a bilateral arrangement with the Malaysian Government whereby a citizen of one country having a permanent job and at least ten years' residence in the other be granted citizenship of the country in which he now resides on a reciprocal basis and in return for a grant of citizenship to his counterpart with similar qualifications in the other country subject to such persons being willing to take up the citizenship of the respective countries.

Mr Sia Kah Hui (for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Labour): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government does not intend to vary the policy on the grant of citizenship which was enunciated by the Minister in this House on 21st May, 1968. By the end of 1971, when the British completely pull out from Singapore, a great number of our citizens will become unemployed. In addition, more and more of our young citizens will be coming into the labour market, thus aggravating the unemployment situation. The hon. Member will agree with me that our primary responsibility is to our citizens. The Government can only consider relaxing its present policy on the grant of citizenship when the economic effect of the British run-down has been resolved.

Mr Teong Eng Siong (Sembawang): (In Mandarin): Sir, when does the Parliamentary Secretary expect some im provement in our economy in order to vary the policy on the grant of citizenship?

Mr Sia Kah Hui: Mr Speaker, Sir, it is always our hope that the sooner that happens, the better.

Mr Low Guan Onn (River Valley): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour has not fully answered my question. I am asking about a reciprocal arrangement with the country across the Causeway and whether such an arrangement can be made.

Mr Sia Kah Hui: Mr Speaker, Sir, the policy on the grant of citizenship has already been enunciated by the Minister in this House on several occasions, and I do not think we need elaborate further on the subject.

Mr Ho See Beng (Bras Basah): Mr Speaker, Sir, it appears that the Parliamentary Secretary is stressing on the point that granting citizenship to the applicants might deprive Singapore citizens of jobs. What happens if the applicant does not seek a job or depend on one in Singapore? Will the Government consider his application if he has the qualifications to apply for citizenship?

Mr Sia Kah Hui: Sir, this is only a hypothetical case and I think we can only consider each individual case on its own merits.

Mr Ho See Beng: Let us assume that I can bring forward a person with sufficient proof to the Government. Will the Parliamentary Secretary then give an assurance that this man's application for citizenship will be sympathetically considered?

Mr Sia Kah Hui: Sir, I cannot give a categorical answer to a hypothetical question. If the hon. Member can set out the particular case in writing, we shall certainly give him a satisfactory answer.