ANGULLIA MOSQUE (Acquisition and Replacement)

Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for National Development if he will state (a) why the land on which the Angullia Mosque stands was compulsorily acquired for the "comprehensive development of the Orchard Road area", explaining in what way the Mosque interfered with the "comprehensive development"; (b) how is the land proposed to be developed; (c) why was it not possible to allow the Mosque to remain on the land, if necessary, re-built; and (d) whether the Minister is aware that there will be no Mosque for Muslims residing in a substantial area when the Mosque is demolished.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: It is the Government's intention to maximise the use of land near MRT stations. Angullia Mosque stands on a piece of land near the Orchard Boulevard MRT Station. To allow the Mosque to continue will mean under-utilisation of valuable land. The site was therefore acquired to amalgamate with the adjoining parcels of land. The amalgamated site, bounded by Paterson Road, Orchard Boulevard, Anguilia Park and Liat Tower, will be developed into a commercial centre to take maximum advantage of the Orchard Boulevard MRT Station.

URA has been working with MUIS to provide a prayer hall at the nearby URA Cairnhill Place project, to be completed by mid 1986. The 1100m prayer hall will serve the needs of Muslims in the Orchard Road area. The Angullia Mosque will not be demolished until the prayer hall is completed.