In his reply, DPM Wong also pointed out that there was no legal requirement for the committee to be set up, meaning an election could theoretically be held without convening the committee. --ST PHOTO: FRANCIS ONG PG
THE Prime Minister has not appointed the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee, nor has he decided when to do so.
Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng yesterday gave this categorical answer to Non-Constituency MP Sylvia Lim, who wanted to know if the committee - seen as a precursor to a general election - had been appointed.
The Workers' Party chairman also asked if it would be set up in the next three months.
In his reply, DPM Wong also pointed out that there was no legal requirement for the committee to be set up, meaning an election could theoretically be held without convening the committee.
But he added: 'PM has done so (appointed the committee) by convention, so one will be appointed.'
The discussion of this issue in Parliament comes at a time when there is intense speculation over whether a general election will be called soon.
Rumours started flying last month when the Elections Department announced that it was updating voter rolls.
While analysts say that it is difficult to read anything into a revision of electoral rolls, a report from the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee is widely regarded as a sure sign that a general election is imminent.
In each of the seven general elections held since 1980, polling day took place within six months of the release of the report. In 2001, that gap was a little over two weeks.
Read the full story in today's edition of The Straits Times.
