Abbas Abu Amin
Singapore
“I believe that sports activities play also a very important part in building up our national consciousness. When we send our competitors abroad to compete in international competitions, they do more than competing in skills, sports and physical fitness but, more importantly, they represent our whole nation, irrespective of their racial, c…”
“The MediShield Scheme was introduced in July 1990. I would like to know the number of members who have benefited from such a scheme. It was reported recently that members between 50 and 60 years of age form 20% of all those members who have opted out of the MediShield Scheme.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head P be reduced by $10 in respect of Code PA 1500 of the Main Estimates. Sir, the statistics available tend to suggest that there is an increase in the utilisation of health services.”
“In my view, MUIS could provide assistance to the Islamic schools in the following areas: firstly, getting qualified people as teachers, secondly, professional training for teachers to upgrade their performance, thirdly, streamlining a curriculum of equal standard to that of secular schools for all madrasahs, and, fourthly, financial assis…”
“Sir, I thank the Minister for his reply and beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $30,208,500 for Head S ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $3,585,000 for Head S ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head O -”
“Sir, since many speakers before me have already expressed their concern regarding the redevelopment and restructuring of Government acute hospitals, I would just like to get clarification or assurance from the Minister on two matters. First, would the interest of the poor patients be safeguarded?”
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“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head R be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead RD-03 of the Main Estimates. Sir, the importance of safety of the workers in industry need no further elaboration. Any accident in the workplace would not only cost the loss of manhours, thus affecting productivity but also the lives of the workers. It is inevitable, therefore, that there is a need to continue to maintain a high standard of safety consciousness among all concerned, management, supervisors and workers. In this respect, I would like to commend the efforts of the Inspectorate of the Ministry of Labour for constantly striving to upgrade safety measures in the industrial environment. I understand that in some shipyards, safety consciousness is so ingrained in the employees that a safety committee is formed for every vessel under repair. I feel that this idea of self-regulatory measure is praiseworthy and should be extended to the woodwork, construction and metal industries which are heavily accident prone. At this juncture, I would like to know if there are sufficient inspectors available to check and monitor the effectiveness of the safety measures implemented at the various factories or industries. It is vital that courses on industrial safety be conducted to enhance the level of safety consciousness among workers and man- agement. In this connection, I gather that the Inspectorate from the Labour Ministry had done yeomen's services, especially to Advisory Committees, to plan and organize safety instruction courses. Unions have also been conducting on-going courses on safety. But due to the large number of personnel involved, the courses could not possibly be conducted with the desired intensity.”
“The Workmen's Compensation Act does not cover injury sustained whilst an employee, representing the enterprise or company, participates in organized activities, such as games, tournaments, etc. after working hours. As part of the welfare benefits for workers, it is my considered view that provision should be made in the Act for this. I feel that this would further promote a deep sense of pride and loyalty to the company.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it is gratifying to note from the Ministry of Labour Annual Report for 1980 that the Workmen's Compensation Act was reviewed and amended to increase compensation to injured workers and dependants of deceased workers. I would now like to comment on the disbursement of workmen's compensation. I understand that the payment of compensation is slow and sometimes disbursed in instalments. Sir, when workmen's compensation is to be paid, either the worker has already suffered permanent injury or he has already died. It seems only proper that compensation be paid as speedily as possible so as not to aggravate the sufferings of the worker or the sufferings of his family as the case may be. With changing trends in employment as a result of newer techniques, lists of occupational diseases should be reviewed constantly. Newer areas of hazards to be looked into could possibly be noise, vibrations, visual fatigue, scope work and work on display terminals in the work environment. Mr Speaker, Sir, in the 1980s we have begun concentrating on tertiary industries on the so-called brain services like medical specialists, engineering consultancy, computer software and other professional services. Occupational hazards in these areas would be different and employees employed in this sector need to be adequately protected. Perhaps a committee could assist in monitoring the prevalence of these new industrial diseases as new chemicals are introduced in the work places. I would like to recommend that such a committee be a tripartite advisory committee composed of representatives of the Government, unions and management. Representatives of professional associations could also be included for expert advice. I would like now, Sir, to touch briefly on the welfare of the workers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, will the impending legislation on the use of metal scaffolds impose an unnecessary financial strain on the construction industry owing to the high capital cost involved in the use of metal scaffolds?”
“I am grateful to the Minister of State of Defence for the answers given, and I would like to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $1,549,970,000 for Head K ordered to stand part of the main Estimates. The sum of $150,000,000 for Head K ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. [Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair] 6.43 p.m. Head Q -”
“Sir, a further clarification. Am I to understand that the courses for the instructors are available locally or overseas?”
“Sir, I would like to get clarification again on the opportunities available for the instructors to upgrade their performance and the possibility of introducing new activities.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head K be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead KB-03 of the Main Estimates. Sir, the Outward Bound School run by the Ministry of Defence is unique in that it is the only institution in the Republic that provides opportunities for a combination of adventure and leadership training. It is laudable that Mindef is also providing this rare service to the Ministry of Education and civic organizations, for I believe that the school is a good place for character building for our youths. All these, of course, entail manpower - skilled and experienced. My concern is about such trained personnel in the School. Do we have sufficient trained instructors in the School and, if so, what are the opportunities available for these instructors, who conduct courses throughout the year, not only to upgrade their skills but also to introduce new activities? Are there any plans to improve the existing facilities and to expand the school?”
“I am grateful, Sir, for the assurance given by the Minister of State of Defence and strongly supported by the Minister himself. I am quite confident of the capabilities of our Armed Forces. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head K be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead KB-01 of the Main Estimates*. Sir, it has often been asserted that our reservists form the very backbone of our defence capability. They form the bulk of our trained servicemen. Besides combat readiness for operational duties, an essential factor that enhances the performance of these reservists is the continued esprit de corps among the members. There should also be rapport, understanding, mutual trust, and confidence as well as camaraderie among each reservist unit. These basic tenets of unity are instilled in them during the course of their full-time National Service training. My query now is what further steps are being taken to ensure that this spirit of devotion and dedication is sustained and enhanced while the men are in the Reservist Units. I believe that there should be occasions for this group of devoted servicemen to meet one another not only during in-camp training but also on other informal occasions where besides the reservists themselves, members of their families could also be present. Thus the bond of comradeship can be further strengthened.”
“When a country is in such a plight, what human dignity and basic rights can one talk about? It is not slogan-shouting, it is not fantasy, or clamouring for human rights that can provide us with a job for everyone, decent housing and health care. The only way that a people can ensure welfare for themselves is for them to work harder in order to create wealth. The Government's duty is to provide effective infrastructure, sound planning and political stability and a good investment climate and employment opportunities. Facts have shown that the Government has already achieved such objectives. But I regret to say that even today there are people who, under the pretext of safeguarding the workers' interest, viciously attack the Government by saying that the Government is a repressive and exploitative regime. We need only to make a comparison between what a Singapore worker earns and the standard of living he enjoys today and what he earned 20 years ago to come to the conclusion that such criticism is nothing but rubbish. Facts are indisputable, and the fact staring into our eyes is that the standard of living that the people of Singapore enjoy today is one of the highest in Asia. This further illustrates the success and soundness of the Government's strategy in economic development. Mr Speaker, Sir, I hereby give my fullest support to the financial policy of the Government for 1982. 7.35 p.m.”
“However, this is only confined to women who are University graduates. The Government should see to it that more personal reliefs or reliefs for children should be given to working women in general. Another point is that in most private firms, employees retire at the age of 55 which is too early. I believe that Singaporeans are now enjoying a longer life span. So whether you look at it from the perspective of personal interest or national interest, we should encourage employers to extend the retirement age beyond 55 years. In this respect, various measures and incentives should be adopted by the Government to encourage the employers to do so. Our national wealth has been created by the hard work of the people. We do not have to depend on others to give doles. We do not harbour any unrealistic fantasies. Our Government and our people are not magicians. We do not create wealth by waving a magic wand. If we look around us and try to gauge what we have achieved, be it housing, schools, health care, roads, parks or skyscrapers, we realize that all these are the fruit of our people's labour and hard work. We are not going to allow anyone to undermine what we have achieved or to poach our hard-won fruit. Some people have suggested that having a proper job and a good house are the fundamental rights of our citizens. But in actual fact when a country is on the brink of bankruptcy, its people do not even have the right to three meals a day. We learn from recent newspapers reports that even the most developed countries are faced with serious unemployment problems. In Europe alone, the number of jobless people will reach 16 million. The situation in other developing countries is even worse. People in a certain country even pick grain from cow excrement.”
“Therefore, they remain illiterate and unskilled. According to the latest statistics, in 1980 alone, about 17,000 students left school before completing Secondary IV. Another 9,000 did not obtain three passes in 'O' level examinations. Out of this total of 26,000 school leavers, only 5,000 enrolled in various VITB courses. The rest left school without acquiring any vocational skills. This is a serious loss to our society as well as to our nation. I therefore urge the Government to seriously consider implementing a system of compulsory education to ensure that our people do receive a certain level of formal education to help them acquire certain skills. It may be claimed that compulsory education infringes upon human rights. If a citizen does not wish to be educated, why should he be forced to do so? We are aware that, in implementing policy, the Government may have to take certain unpopular measures, but they are for the good of the nation and for the good of the people. On the issue of compulsory education, I believe the majority of the people will support it. According to statistics, 37% of our population aged 15 and above are economically inactive. Most of them are housewives, students and pensioners. Now that we are facing a labour shortage, the Government should try every way to induce these people to come out to work. The Government should give incentives not only to the professional women but also to womenfolk in general. Therefore, I would like to make two proposals to the Government: (1) to give full support to the NTUC, management and voluntary organizations to set up creches; (2) through tax reliefs, to induce women to come out to work. For example, the current Income Tax law allows professional women to increase the tax relief for children to up to $2,000.”
“At this point I would recommend that the VITB, the National Productivity Board, the Economic Develop- ment Board and the Skills Development Fund, together with the NTUC, should jointly determine the types of skills that are required and to formulate some plans to enhance the skills of our workers, with particular attention to those who are facing retrenchment. I would like to point out that the courses offered by the VITB are conducted in English while most of our workers, particularly the elderly workers, are not conversant with English. The VITB should consider conducting some of their training courses in Mandarin. The use of English in industry and commerce and as a medium of instruction in technical training and education is a right move. However, in the matter of providing training courses for our existing workers, we have to be flexible. If a worker aged 30 to 40 years wishes to take up a technical skill, let us say, carpentry or plumbing, why should we compel him to learn English first, before giving him a chance to be trained? The ancient master of carpentry in China, Lu Pan, did not learn English, and yet that did not prevent him from being an outstanding carpenter. Of course, from a practical viewpoint only certain trade courses can be conducted in Mandarin, thus narrowing down the scope of the courses available. I do not deny that it is more practical to conduct most of the industrial skill training courses in English. The only resources the Republic possess are human resources. Therefore, we should spare no effort to upgrade the quality of our manpower through better education and training for our next generation. What is regrettable is that in a progressive society like ours, we still find some school children who drop out halfway through their education.”
“Yet, at the same time, extensive construction programmes are being carried out. With the rise in our standard of living, the demands of our people are also increased. With inflation, the Government's expenditure has increased from year to year. Despite such circumstances the Government is able not to increase the tax rates. This is indeed a very good gesture. I sincerely hope that the Government will continue with its policy of not increasing the tax rates for the next few years. But, of course, if the Government can give us further reduction on the tax rates, it will be even better. There is no doubt that the major tax concession announced this year would benefit those people in the higher income group more than those in the low income bracket. I would like to take this opportunity to invite the Minister's attention, when planning future Budgets, to the fact that the interests of the people from the lower income group should also be considered. Mr Speaker, with economic restructuring and the phasing out of the labour-intensive industries, we have to pay particular attention to the retraining of our present workforce. If we do not raise the educational level and upgrade the skills of these workers, then once they are retrenched they will not be able to find alternative employment. Of course, our factories today also require workers who are better trained. The qualities of a worker that the industries are looking for today and in future are quite different from those in the 1960's.”
“From our experience we know that so long as there is close cooperation between the Government and the people together with a policy of pragmatism, we are able to clear all the obstacles and to continue to forge ahead. It has been proved that the shouting of slogans alone will not bring wealth to our people. It can only create disturbances in our nation and society. According to studies carried out by a number of international authoritative organizations, our Republic has been listed as one of the few countries with the most favourable investment climate. There are very detailed analyses based on the political situation, the administrative efficiency and the productivity of people in various countries. From their studies, the United States and other international organizations concluded that they should single out Singapore as a model for the other developing countries to emulate. These reports are certainly a great help to our Republic in the promotion of trade and the attraction of investments. Unfortunately there are some people among us who are using all sorts of methods to undermine the reputation of the Government. They even adopt unscrupulous methods, such as spreading rumours, to deliberately cast unfounded slander on us. If their plans were to succeed, then the confidence the foreign investors have in us will be shaken. We must do something to hit them back good and proper. Mr Speaker, Sir, in many countries the people are very anxious and worried whenever the government announces its financial policy. Their fear is that the government will impose new taxes. But in Singapore the situation is just the opposite. Because of our fast economic growth, the Government has not found it necessary to increase the tax rates for a number of years.”
“The special recognition accorded to the long-term needs of the pensioners in the lower income group, who are heavily burdened by the high cost of living, is, indeed, timely. Such concern and care has helped much to eradicate the general feeling among pensioners of being neglected and disregarded. It is also praiseworthy that the Hon. Minister has found it fit to increase the tax relief for aged dependants from $750 to $1,000 per aged parent. But with the current inflationary trends, I feel that this increase is still not sufficient. I would like to suggest that the tax relief for the aged parents be raised to $2,000 per aged parent, which sum is equivalent to the relief for the maintenance of handicapped dependants, I feel that the maintenance and care of aged parents is not an easy task to shoulder, especially by workers in the middle or lower income groups. Sir, on this note, I support the Budget Statement by the Hon. Minister for Trade and Industry. 7.20 p.m. Mr Goh Chee Wee (Boon Lay)( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, despite the deep economic recession facing various countries throughout the world, particularly the advanced countries in Europe and America, Singapore still managed to achieve an impressive economic growth last year. There are many factors contributing to the rapid economic growth of our Republic, the most important of which are the enlightened economic policy of our Government, our political stability and the diligence of our people, together with the confidence that foreign investors have in us. With such economic growth, the standard of living of our people is enhanced. We are also particularly glad in that we have been able to achieve full employment at a time when the European and American countries are facing serious unemployment problems.”
“Minister has emphasized that the construction industry is of vital importance to the economy of the country. It is heartening to note in this regard that positive steps are being taken to build more flats in the next two years to meet increasing demands. However, there is still concern about the continuous supply of skilled construction workers, as we still need to employ foreign workers from non-traditional sources. The long-term plan for the establishment of a Special Training School for construction workers is indeed laudable. In the meantime, more young Singaporeans should be encouraged to become construction workers, so that eventually a permanent pool of such a workforce could be set up. Efforts should also be made to enlighten both trainees and parents on the relevant advantages of pursuing a career in the construction industry. They should also be assured that such a career is relatively safe, challenging and rewarding. In this context, I would like to refer to the SAF Boys' School that is run by the Ministry of Defence. In the school, youngsters between the ages of 14 and 16 and who are of average ability not only learn a trade and receive continuation education but are also instilled with a deep sense of loyalty and discipline. The vocational training they receive equips them with sufficient skills in the Technical, Combat and Logistics fields for a fruitful career in SAF. Perhaps a similar scheme could be devised for the training of skilled workers for various categories of jobs in the construction industry. Pensions Mr Speaker, Sir, I am not glorifying the Budget but I feel that one particular concession deserves mentioning.”
“Members for West Coast and Geylang Serai on ways and means of upgrading the performance of this category of workers. The NTUC has taken steps to re-educate and retrain these workers through the various education and training courses. I urge the Government to give full support to this good gesture. Job-hopping Mr Speaker, Sir, it was indeed heartening to hear the Hon. Minister state that in the year 1981 there were lesser instances of job-hopping. This goes to prove that the average Singapore worker is maturing fast and has realized the potential advantages of a steady career in a good enterprise. These positive attitudes could be further enhanced if the management or employers take the lead in creating a more conducive industrial environment so that workers could feel that they are part and parcel of the enterprise. Some companies, however, have already taken the lead and formed Quality Control Circles or Work Excellence Committees. The Government and statutory boards have Work Improvement Teams (WITs). All these committees have been formed with the main objective of improving productivity, staff morale and team spirit. However, the success of such committees attaining the desired objectives depends to a large extent on the interest, enthusiasm and encouragement shown by the top management and employers. Employers have the responsibility to ensure that they continue to motivate these committees to succeed by sending the members to appropriate courses organized by the National Productivity Board. Perhaps the Government should encourage more such committees to be formed, and also to step up on the number of NPB courses available. Housing and Development Board (HDB) Mr Speaker, Sir, in the Budget Statement, the Hon.”
“Our workers must become more competent in their jobs, if we are to succeed in meeting the challenges from a competitive world. lb this respect, I am glad to note that great efforts have been made by the Government to increase the student population in the technical field, both i-n the vocational institutes and tertiary institutions. Training of unskilled workers In promoting the acquisition of higher technical skills, emphasis has been placed on the skilled workforce to further their levels of attainment. But in our keenness to do this, we must never lose sight of the plight of the unskilled and semi-skilled workers who are at the lower rung of the economic ladder. They form the bulk of the older group of workers; and in the early days of industrialization process, it was they who formed the very backbone of our manpower supply. We cannot ignore them now. These workers have been side-tracked from this race for acquisition of new skills for a variety of reasons, one of which is educational disability. If nothing is done to uplift this body of workers, they are doomed to continue to work in lowpaying, unskilled jobs which could one day even become obsolete with greater technological advances. If these unskilled or semi-skilled workers are not helped to advance to higher level skills, I am afraid they will increasingly constitute a drag on the rest of the society and undermine all the previous socio-economic gains made in the Republic. It is our duty and responsibility, therefore, to take adequate measures to help them to upgrade their knowledge and skills. Thus, they will become more productive and consequently improve their material well being. I fully support the recommendations made by the hon.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to offer my congratulations to the Hon. Minister for Trade and Industry for once again presenting what has been generally,acknowledged as a "very reasonable and cautious budget with something for everyone". Although it is difficult to please everyone, the Budget appears to have achieved the impossible. In the preparation of the Budget, the Minister has taken into consideration the prevailing turbulent world economic conditions and, rightly so, decided not to "rock the boat" any more by levying new taxes or raising the rates of existing taxes. Mr Speaker, Sir, it is gratifying to note that productivity, in the past year, increased by 5.4% as a result of the business enterprises taking a judicious view of the potential of our economic restructuring and consequently investing in mechanization and automation. This was complemented by the efforts of union leaders and workers. Our disciplined workforce led by able, positive-thinking union leaders, has always been one that responds to the nation's call for survival and progress. The exhortations and call for improved productivity, better work attitudes and better people-management have been successful largely through the Government's efforts and Labour's cooperation. With economic restructuring, the enhancement of the quality of the workforce becomes essential. Economic restructuring is often equated with the adoption of higher technology and modern methods of production. However, for mechanization, automation or computerization to be effective, our workers must adapt to the new work environment. They will have to be trained or retrained to man the new and sophisticated machinery and software.”
“Sir, I would like to seek some clarification on the number of times the Workmen's Compensation Act has been reviewed. Are there any provisions made for the rehabilitation of workers who are unable to continue with their normal work due to accident or other mishaps?”
“I believe, Sir, that physical education is an essential attribute in the growth of children. It is also part and parcel of education. It assists not only in the physical development of students, but also caters for the development of character through the inculcation of teamwork, esprit de corps, tolerance and sportsmanship. I believe the Armed Forces have in the past provided assistance to secondary schools in providing instructors for certain games, such as rugby. One way to alleviate the shortage problem of physical training teachers is to call upon the SAF to continue to assist schools in providing instructors for manly games, such as rugby, soccer and perhaps hockey on a part-time basis. Another alternative, Sir, would be to encourage sports organisations in the Republic to assist secondary schools particularly in providing qualified coaches to train young boys on a voluntary basis as part of their service to the community. Finally, Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to express once again my sincere thanks to the President for his vivid Address. Being a new Member, I intend to hear and learn, especially from the more experienced and senior Members. I know there is much to learn in this field and I hope to contribute positively to maintain the high traditions of this House in the future. 3.27 p.m.”
“It is also reassuring to be informed that effective plans are in the pipeline to upgrade quality of training, at all levels and disciplines, for both regulars and reservists, in keeping with current trends. As the maxim goes, "The more we sweat during training, the less we bleed in war". Mr Speaker, Sir, after some 15 years of independence, there is evidence of the emergence of a Singaporean life-style. This, no doubt, incorporates the best elements of both Western and Eastern cultures. A trend like this is good, especially with regard to the acquisition of knowledge and technology. While those are essentials for our material success, they should not, however, be allowed to cloud the spiritual and moral needs of every individual. It is necessary, therefore Sir, that a concerted effort be made by all quarters to promote moral and spiritual well-being amongst our people. This, I am sure, Sir, would go a long way to create a more accomplished individual. Singaporean Attributes Mr Speaker, Sir, it is an undeniable fact that the history of Singapore's industrial progress is also the history of the determination and grit of its leaders and citizens. Singaporeans since historical times have believed that hard work, thrift, self-reliance and honesty are the pillars of success. These attributes should be fostered and always be implanted into the hearts and minds of Singaporeans, particularly the younger generation. With these virtues, we would be able to overcome any problems in the future. Physical Training in Schools Sir, great concern has been expressed in the Ministry of Education Addendum to the President's Address as regards the shortage of younger male teachers in our schools to handle certain sports activities.”
“The relationship between management and labour should be one that promotes an atmosphere of mutual co-existence. The workers should aim at enhancing their skills through improved training facilities which should be the responsibility of the management to provide. Singapore Armed Forces It must be emphasised, Mr Speaker, Sir, in no uncertain terms that the very success of our nation at industrialisation has been largely due to Singapore offering the much desired security for our overseas investors. To cater for this we have a unique system of national service by which thousands of citizen-soldiers are trained each year. But there is still the misconception amongst our youths especially that their duty to the nation ends with their stint at national service full-time training. Therefore, Sir, firm action must be taken at all levels to eradicate this notion. One of the effective ways to act upon this is to educate our youths on the need for national service. We have to educate them prior to their enlistment through a series of activities to promote greater awareness while they are still in school. Attempts should be made to open the channels of communication for students to clear their doubts and correct any misconceptions about national service. To achieve this, the best way is to establish a link between MINDEF and secondary schools and colleges. This link could be established by sending officers to give talks and, if need be, go into the Advisory Committee of the schools and through making available informative films. By the same token, it is enlightening to note that MINDEF has taken positive steps to enhance the quality of our regulars and have taken action to attract the best personnel to join the regular forces.”
“Therefore, Sir, there is a crying need to instil in our youngsters, the majority of whom have been the beneficiaries of our national affluence, the correct attitudes of perseverance and diligence for the achievement of our national goals. And I would say, Sir, that the prime and basic element to be inculcated in them is a profound sense of discipline - as the hallmark of a progressive society is a disciplined people. Discipline, Sir, to quote a brilliant military man, is the sacrifice of a man's comfort, inclination, safety, even life for others, for something greater than himself. It is the refusal to be the weak link in the chain that snaps under strain. Mr Speaker, Sir, now in all humility to our President's rather apt and clear-cut Address, I wish to add a few comments. Three Major Tasks The three major tasks that confront our Republic, as outlined in the address, are clear, precise facts which have added reality to the problems ahead. They pose as life-saving beacons for our society to reach the shores in total safety in what is likely to be troubled waters. Management and Labour Sir, it is evident that the coming years would see a gradual retardation in the process of economic growth. As such, it is in the best interests of both management and labour to come to grips with the problems, from all angles, as quickly as possible and jointly work towards harmonious and fruitful relationships. Besides diligence and efficiency, the quality of high professionalism coupled with a deep sense of commitment should prevail. These would, I am sure, go a long way to tide over any unforeseen obstacles and help to foster a climate of achievement both in the organisation and the nation.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Motion moved by the Member for Mountbatten in thanking the President for his lucid Address outlining the national objectives and guidelines for this Parliament. Sir, before I touch on some of the aspects of the President's Address, I wish to seek your indulgence to say a few words of tribute to our mentors - the older and more seasoned MPs. I dare say, Sir, that we in Singapore are fortunate to have been under the care and comfort of proven leadership of men who, over the last 21 years, have led our island Republic to both fame and prosperity. They have not only charted a well-designed course for the future, but have also guided and motivated our people to react to the guidelines and policies by consensus of opinion. Under the circumstances, Sir, this trend of understanding should, by all means, be strengthened to the extent of creating an atmosphere of alertness and awareness, amongst the masses, or political, economic and social developments in the local, regional and international scenes, that affect their lives in one way or another. This would certainly enhance their sense of appreciation of the need of certain legislations and policies that are formulated from time to time. The Government, on its part, should do its best to inform the public, well in advance, as to the reason for the creation of such legislations and policies, in order that the people understand and assimilate the implications. Sir, the road to progress and nationhood as experienced during the last two decades has not been a smooth one and it is not going to be any simpler in the future either.”