§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what request has been made to him to make Election day 27th July a national holiday in the Federation of Malaya; and if he will approve this proposal.
§ Mr. HopkinsonIt is for the Government of the Federation of Malaya to decide whether to make polling day on 27th July a public holiday. The suggestion that this should be done was debated in the Legislative Council on 5th May, 1955, and was not adopted by the Council.
§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make sure that facilities to hold political meetings are given to the political parties who are sponsoring candidates in the Federation of Malaya elections for 27th July.
§ Mr. HopkinsonThe Government of the Federation are giving all necessary facilities.
§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will ensure that all employers in the Federation of Malaya grant every reasonable facility to employees to vote on Election day, 27th July.
§ Mr. HopkinsonThis has already been ensured by the Federation of Malaya Election Offences Ordinance, 1954, which provides that every employer shall, on polling day, allow every elector in his employ a reasonable period for voting and shall make no deduction from his pay in respect of his absence.