10

result, I have come to the view that instead of attempting

to devise a comprehensive set of legislative provisions to

cover all eventualities, it may be better to remind

potential sponsors that they can and should impose

reasonable conditions to their written consent.

In other words, it should be left

should be left to the sponsor

and candidate to work out the terms of the giving of

written consent by way of an agreement between them. I

would suggest that before a sponsor gives his written

consent to a candidate, he should ensure that there is no

other candidate who is more worthy of his support in that

particular constituency. In normal circumstances, a

sponsor would be well advised to wait until after the

nomination period is closed before giving his written

consent. As for the candidate, I would suggest that he

should not approach any public figure for support unless

he is sure that the sponsor would not withdraw his support

in mid-stream and lend his support to an opponent because

that might cause irreparable damage to the candidate in

question.

Sir, I had thought of opposing this Bill as a

matter of principle becuase of the

unreasonable

haste

created by the Government. But ultimately I have reminded

myself that we are now in the season of good will and have

to

:

decided not say 'no' to the Bill but to say 'Merry

Christmas' to the Secretary for District Administration.

Xram

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