ADMINISTRATION 
I. FUNCTION 
To conduct research into the regional flora and to provide a taxonomic 
service in support of technological activities concerning Malaysian plant life: 
to conduct research into tropical horticulture. 
II. STAFF 
2. There has been no change in establishment. The Director was away 
on 144 days overseas leave, February to July during which time Dr. Chew 
Wee-Lek, Botanist, was Acting Director. The post of Laboratory Assistant 
(Lower Division), vacant since 1st June, 1964, was at last filled on 20th 
September, 1965 by promotion within the Botanic Gardens service. Such a 
prolonged vacancy on the staff is a nuisance, and the recruitment procedure 
required is unnecessarily ponderous. 
III. LABOUR 
3. The Gardens labour force started the year at a strength of 81 on 
Category A, and 8 on Category B terms, and at the end of the year was 
86 and 5 respectively in each category. Health was good, and the year passed 
without any notable incident. Istana Negara Domain labour force averaged 
59 employees throughout the year, with no change in strength from the 
previous year. (But see also paras. 12 and 13.) Labourers employed in the 
Nature Reserves numbered 9 (7 at Bukit Timah, 2 at Kranji) as in previous 
year. 
IV. WATCHMEN 
4. The strength of watchmen remained at 18 throughout the year. 
Nine were employed on monthly terms, and nine on daily terms. One 
watchman was suspended from duty pending an inquiry into his cutting of 
firewood in the Gardens. All other watchmen gave good and conscientious 
service. (See also Botanic Gardens Ordinance, paras. 10 and 11.) 
V. STUDY AWARDS TO STAFF 
5. Miss Chang Kiaw Lan, Botanist, who was awarded a scholarship by 
the United Kingdom Government under the Commonwealth Scholarship and 
Fellowship Scheme at Cambridge University commencing in October 1962, 
continued her studies till 21st September, 1965 when she returned to duty. 
She completed her course with credit and she gained the Doctor of Philosophy 
degree of the University. This Department acknowledges with gratitude the 
assistance afforded by the British Government and the Cambridge University 
authorities. Professor Harry Godwin, Professor of Botany, and Mr. E. J. H. 
Comer, Reader in Botany (now Professor of Tropical Botany of Cambridge 
University) who was her Director of Studies. 
