PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION (AMENDMENT) BILL

Order for Second Reading read.

The Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office (Mr Chan Soo Sen): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."

The People's Association Act was enacted in May 1960 and, over the last 40 years, it has been amended on a few occasions. This Bill now seeks to amend the PA Act to facilitate the introduction of the new PA symbol, commonly called the PA logo, and to update the mode of operation of bank accounts.

The original PA logo was introduced in 1963. This was the first logo which was on the paper that the Clerk has distributed earlier to all hon. Members. It was incorporated into the PA Act as the Second Schedule. After 40 years, it is timely to refresh the logo in order to keep up with the time. And the new logo, which is the second logo at the bottom of the page, has retained the essential characteristics of the previous logo, but now instead of our four circles, we see one continuous element running through the four circles. This represents the PA's mission of connecting Singaporeans from all ethnic backgrounds to promote active citizenry and multi-racial harmony. The vision is one of all communities bonding closely together, increasing the common space and strengthening the nation.

The Bill also proposes to delete the Second Schedule to the PA Act and to make the necessary amendments, so that there is no need to amend the Act whenever the symbol is changed in future. In order to protect the integrity of the new logo so that it will not be misused, the penalty for infringement has been increased from $500 to $10,000. This proposed penalty is in line with that of symbols of other Government statutory authorities.

Section 13(3) of the PA Act governs the operation of the bank accounts of the People's Association. Cheques have to be signed by two members of the Board of Management. This provision was enacted 40 years ago. Over the years, the PA has grown in size with increased volumes of financial transactions. Like other statutory boards, the task of signing cheques and the operation of bank accounts can be delegated to authorised officers of the People's Association by the Board of Management. The Bill, therefore, seeks to amend the existing provision to give effect to this.

Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House.

The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Mr Chan Soo Sen].

Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed.