COMPULSORY PRIMARY EDUCATION (Introduction of legislation)

Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for Education if he will consider introducing legislation to make primary education compulsory for children who are citizens and resident in Singapore and have attained the age of six years.

The Minister for Education (Mr Lim Kim San): Mr Govindasamy, our records show that more than 97 per cent of the children who are citizens and resident in Singapore and who have attained the age of six years on 1st January each year attend either Government or Government-aided schools. There is, therefore, no need to introduce legislation to make primary education compulsory.