Legislative Assembly (Membership) (Hansard, 17 June 1958)

§ 8. Mr. Rankin
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the clause insisted upon by the Government banning people concerned in subversions from taking part in the next Legislative Assembly in Singapore will apply to by-elections or only their participation in the general election; and to what extent objections were raised to this clause by the recent Singapore delegation.

§ 10. Mr. Awbery
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if full agreement was reached in the recent discussions with the representatives of the Singapore Government on the category of people to be included in, or excluded from, membership of the first Legislative Assembly to be elected in the Colony when independence has been established.

§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd
This ban is to cover the whole term of the first Legislative Assembly under the new constitution. At the recent talks, the Singapore delegation repeated its objection and I maintained my opinion that this temporary restriction is essential to safeguard the orderly development of democratic government in Singapore against the danger of Communist subversion.

§ Mr. Rankin
In view of the fact, according to the report in The Times, that Lim Yew Hock seems to be coming to the same view as Lee Kan Yew, will not the Minister reconsider his attitude? Does he really believe that it helps others to copy the British way of life, which we want to see them doing, when we put people in gaol for political offences and refuse to allow them to contest elections?

§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd
I am not prepared to vary my decision at all. It was arrived at after a great deal of consideration. I am convinced that if we are to give privileges to democratic communities in the Far East or anywhere else, we should see that they are provided with the means of defence against those who are contriving their subversion.

§ Mr. Awbery
Am I to understand that the Minister has come to an agreement with Mr. Lim Yew Hock on this question? Is there an arrangement that the constitution shall be revised after a certain period of time in the light of experience?

§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd
Of course, the constitution was negotiated. This particular provision was not negotiated but was imposed by myself on behalf of the British Government.