UNIFORMED CIVIL SERVANTS (Change of uniforms)

Mr P. Govindaswamy asked the Minister for Finance whether it is intended to change the uniforms of the other uniformed civil servants besides Police and Customs officers.

Mr Tang See Chim (for the Minister for Finance): Mr Speaker, Sir, uniforms are issued to civil servants who are required to wear uniforms for easy recognition or identification by the public to prevent undue wear and tear to their own personal clothing, or for reasons of prestige and ceremony.

In the case of the Police and Customs, uniforms are provided mainly for purposes of easy recognition and identification. As they belong to law-enforcing forces, their uniforms should have the appearance of smartness and dignity to command better respect, it is with this object in mind that their uniforms were changed.

Where a similar need exists, the uniforms of a particular group of officers will be changed, but uniforms will not be changed just for the sake of a change.

Mr P. Govindaswamy (Anson): Mr Speaker, Sir, may I know which particular group of officers' uniforms will be changed?

Mr Tang See Chim: Mr Speaker, Sir, as far as I know, no other group exists which needs a change of uniforms. But if the Member can make out a case for a change, his suggestion will be considered and, if found necessary, the uniform will be changed. But as I said, the uniform will not be changed just for the sake of a change.

Mr N. Govindasamy (Telok Blangah): Now that a change of uniform for the police has been enforced, will the Minister also change the uniforms of police cadets in schools who are still using the same old uniforms?

Mr Tang See Chim: There is no plan just now to change the uniforms of school police cadets.