STOCK EXCHANGE OF SINGAPORE (Suspension)

Mr Chng Hee Kok asked the Minister for Finance if he will (i) explain the rationale for the suspension of the Singapore 0Stock Exchange from 2nd to 4th December, 1985; (ii) give an assessment of the damage done to our reputation as a financial centre arising from this suspension; and (iii) elaborate on how this suspension has served the best interests of the public.

Dr Hu Tsu Tau: Mr Speaker, Sir, because of the constraints of time, I would ask the Member for Radin Mas's indulgence if I did not answer his question now. Instead I will answer the Question and give a fuller background information on the whole issue of the Pan-Electric problems and the Stock Exchange of Singapore in a Ministerial Statement after Question Time, so as to allow time for other Questions to be answered during Question Time.