ELECTION OF SPEAKER

The Leader of the House (Mr E. W. Barker) stood up, and addressing himself to the Clerk of Parliament said: Mr Lopez, I propose,

That Dr Yeoh Ghim Seng do take the Chair of this Parliament as Speaker.

Mr Hwang Soo Jin (Jalan Kayu) stood up, and addressing himself to the Clerk of Parliament said. Mr Lopez, I support the proposal.

There being no other proposal, the Clerk then declared Dr Yeoh Ghim Seng to have been elected as Speaker of Parliament.

Mr Speaker, standing at the Table, made an Affirmation of Allegiance.

Mr Speaker went to the Chair and sat down.

Then the Mace (which before lay below the Table) was placed on the Table.

2.32 p.m.

The Leader of the House (Mr E. W. Barker): Mr Speaker, Sir, may I, on behalf of all the Members of this House, extend to you our congratulations on the occasion of your re-election as Speaker.

It was my pleasure, Sir, in January, 1970, on your election to this high office for the first time, to extend to you the congratulations of the House. I stated then that you were the fourth person to hold this high office since the introduction of parliamentary government, and that you had broken what could have crystallised into a convention that the office of the Speaker should fall on the shoulders of those with a legal training. Over these last two years and ten months, you have ably demonstrated that legal qualifications are not a sine qua non for wearing the mantle of this office. The aplomb, dignity and mariner in which you have so ably discharged your responsibilities amply confirms you as the one most fitted to guide our proceedings.

Sir, you will be presiding over deliberations of an enlarged Chamber of 65 Members, of whom no less than 11 will be taking their seats in this House for the first time. I have no doubt that you will give these new Members the same considerate guidance that you have shown to all of us in the past. You may be assured, Sir, that for our part, we will continue to give you all the co-operation necessary for the speedy despatch of parliamentary business.

Mr Speaker: I would first like to thank the Leader of the House for his kind words on my re-election as Speaker.

Mr Prime Minister, honourable Ministers, honourable Members, you have greatly honoured me by re-electing me as Speaker of this House and I feel very privileged to continue to serve the House in this high and responsible office.

My first election to this Chair on the 27th of January, 1970, was a proud moment in my life though I must say it was not without some trepidation as I appreciated then, as I do now, the responsibilities of this office. However, the unstinted co-operation of honourable Members of the House greatly lightened my task in the Speaker's Chair. The majority of you here now were then with me in Parliament and I would like to express my gratitude to you for your kindness and indulgence at any of my shortcomings and also for your loyalty to me. If I had seemed on occasions to have been stern, believe me, I was striving to adhere strictly to the rules of the House.

I wish to welcome the new honourable Members who have joined us. I have no doubt that the older Members will be happy to advise you on procedure not only in this House but also in the Committees of the House. Do remember that Mr Speaker is your friend though he may at times not appear to be so. I may add that my staff will also be ever ready to assist you.

In conclusion I would like to assure honourable Members that I will do my utmost to be worthy of your confidence in me and to uphold the rules, dignity and decorum of this august body.