COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S LIBRARIES AT POTONG PASIR AND TOA PAYOH

Mr Chiam See Tong asked the Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts whether he is willing to set up two community children's libraries, one at Potong Pasir Estate and the other at Lorong 8 Toa Payoh both of which are within walking distance of the HDB flats in those two areas.

Mr David Lim: Sir, Mr Chiam is asking for two community children's libraries (CCLs) in Potong Pasir.

I have stated the criteria for the National Library Board to consider setting up community children's libraries in this House on 14th May this year. These criteria are that there must be demand for such a facility and sustainable support from a broad-based community organisation to share the building and running costs.

Mr Chiam See Tong (Potong Pasir): Sir, I expected the answer. Again, it is a refusal. The refusal has been so consistent that I am beginning to wonder whether or not Opposition constituencies are discriminated against.

Mr Speaker: Mr Lim, do you want to reply to that?

Mr David Lim: He did not ask a question.

Mr Chiam See Tong: My question is whether or not Opposition constituencies are discriminated, as libraries are not allowed to be built there.

Mr David Lim: I am sorry, Mr Speaker. I mistook Mr Chiam's wondering for just thinking aloud. The criteria are objective and apply as much to PAP wards as they do to Opposition wards. The PAP wards have been able to meet these criteria, and I would urge Mr Chiam to consider. I have not said "no". I have just said that there are criteria. Others comply with them. Perhaps he should try to.