The bill will reverse legislation passed in April which allowed Singaporeans to vote at diplomatic missions in Washington, London, Beijing, Hong Kong and Canberra.

The bill, introduced by Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng, called for the "temporary suspension of overseas voting" and was expected to be read at the next parliamentary session. No other details were given.

The Singapore parliament is called together at random and no date has been announced for the next sitting.

A statement from the office of Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong on September 29 overseas voting would be suspended because of security fears in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, by suspected Islamic extremists.

The announcement caught Singaporeans by surprise because it came just a day after the government opened the election registry for overseas voters.

"The government, after careful reconsideration, decided that there will be no overseas polling for the coming general election," the statement said last week.

"In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, all countries including Singapore, have stepped up security measures to protect their people and vital installations and offices," it said.

"As events unfolded over the last few days, all Singapore overseas diplomatic and missions have been advised to enhance security measures.

"These measures have seriously circumscribed the facilities for overseas voting at the five diplomatic missions concerned."

The statement appealed to overseas Singaporeans to "understand the extraordinary international security situation which has made this decision necessary."

The government stoked speculation for an early election when it announced late last month it was opening its register of electors and that registration for overseas voting can be made.

The government is not due to go to polls until next August, but speculation of a Christmas election is rife in the city state.
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