Alex Yam
Singapore
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I know the Minister of State indicated that while it is still undergoing investigation, we should not speculate. I know also from her reply that they have removed the wrong classification of our trade deficit with the US.”
“Thank you, Speaker. Building on the point that the Minister-in-charge of energy had raised earlier about fixed rates. There is concern amongst consumers that the gencos and the electricity suppliers may, at some point, invoke a force majeure, and that would affect the supply contracts that are signed with consumers.”
“Chairman, therefore, I look forward to hearing how MCCY intends to further embed the ethos of "we first" across multiple aspects of society so that our national identity is formed through participation, not just persuasion.”
“Thank you, Chairman, 41 questions and 330 minutes later, I certainly think the Ministry deserves the $100 back. So, I seek leave to withdraw my amendment. [(proc text) Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. (proc text)] [(proc text) The sum of $2,407,711,100 for Head X ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates.”
“Thank you, Chairman. The Minister updated the House earlier about the importance of keeping pace with technological advancements as well as hybrid threats, especially in the cyber domain.”
“If we are intentional in leveraging the reach and influence of institutions like SAFRA, we can ensure that Total Defence can remain a lived national commitment and not confined to the uniformed services or to our schools.”
The complete record
Every one of 592 lines we hold for Alex Yam, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 10 of 12.
“Dr Goh Keng Swee said in 1976 that, "The security of every society must always depend, more or less, upon the martial spirit of the great body of the people." Our SAF is the representation of that martial spirit of our people. For the last 50 years, it has been a bulwark against aggression from external parties. While challenges have evolved, our need for defence is perhaps even stronger today than ever before due to the now asymmetrical threats. Our demographic challenge weighs heavy on us as we seek to maintain a well-disciplined effective armed forces. It is with this that I firmly welcome the introduction of the SAF Volunteer Corps. I have asked for a number of updates in 2014 and welcome the Page: 117 progress made with the launch of the SAFVC applications in October 2014. SAFVC provides opportunities for the broader Singapore community to make their contributions to defence. Colonel Mike Tan, Commander SAF VC, in his invitation to volunteers, said that many work tirelessly to ensure the peace and security of Singapore, calling it "a noble and onerous duty". Therefore, I seek the Ministry's update on the progress made in the recruitment of volunteers, the profiles and eligibility of those who have volunteered, as well as how training will be conducted. Have there been any challenges in the process and what safeguards are there to ensure that safety and security are not compromised?”
“Therefore, I would like to seek the Ministry's update on the progress of our relationship with our two biggest neighbours and how we can continue to maintain mutually beneficial relationships with one another. ASEAN”
“With Indonesia, our ties may have been fraught due to Konfrontasi, but since Indonesia recognised Singapore in 1966, we have also progressed by leaps and bounds. Singapore remains Indonesia's biggest foreign investor in 2014. Singapore also continues to play our part as a good neighbour. With recent incidents, such as the Asian Tsunami, the Bali bombings, MH370, as well as the most recent 2014 Malaysian floods, the relationships are not without road bumps, however. From time to time, Singapore was still a convenient bogeyman. Recent accusations of Singapore stalling on the development of the Mass Rapid Transit Link, of being too much of a complainer of the haze, the naming of the KRI Usman Harun, are just some examples to show that foreign relations are often a careful balancing act. Mr Lee Kuan Yew wrote in his memoirs of the abang-adik relationship, but he emphasised very strongly that when non-vital interests were at stake, Singapore is prepared to humour those who see themselves as our abang, or elder brother. But not when the adik has legitimate interests to defend. As we mark 50 years of our relationship with Malaysia and 49 years with Indonesia, we have come a long way. While we treasure and should maintain good relations, there will be challenges. How we keep on an even keel and continue building on the strong bilateral ties between our two neighbours will have implications, not just for us but for the wider region as well. As Mr Sitoh Yih Pin has mentioned, we are a small state. But although we may be a small state, we have to build an equal and mutually beneficial relationship on the world stage with our neighbours and other regions as well.”
“The Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore from 1992 to 1996 once shared that when he was assigned to Singapore, he was told that he was going to a country where he was going to work among friends and that his mission was to further improve the existing relationships for the benefit of both countries. He also revealed that the Indonesian Chancery in Singapore is the biggest mission in the world for Indonesia – a sign of the importance placed on Singapore as well as the role that Singapore plays as a confluence of relations with other countries. Dato' N Parameswaran was High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore from 2003 to 2008 at the height of some of the testiest relations between both countries since Separation. He referred to his period of service as being his toughest diplomatic assignment, but cherished the people of goodwill on both sides of the Causeway who were keen to see better relations between Malaysia and Singapore. Indonesia and Malaysia are our closest neighbours in the region and we share much of our recent history. The past, however, was not always pleasant, from Konfrontasi to Separation, and to some of the hangovers from the 1960s. Yet, in the last 50 years, relations between Singapore and our two neighbours have progressed rapidly. This is perhaps testament to the importance of personal contact and Page: 64 camaraderie between leaders from both sides, something which Dato' N Parameswaran summarised in the Malay idiom, "Tak kenal maka tak cinta", I do not love what I do not know. Building the personal ties and having the personal touch make a difference in diplomacy. We have made good progress with relations with Malaysia: the railway land issue, Pedra Branca, overflights, for example.”
“So, the idea of inclusivity must not be one where everyone eventually ends up being in equal misery, but one where consistency of ideas exists Page: 127 for the good of all Singaporeans. To end off, the singer Beyonce had a hit song from 2006 called "Irreplaceable". I would not attempt to sing it – I do not have her voice – but I will paraphrase its opening hook. It reads, "To the left, to the left, everything you own in a box to the left." Social spending signifies our commitment to improving the lives of Singaporeans, especially those who are in need. But we must guard ourselves against any irresponsible shift too far to the left which will find ourselves out-of-pocket, out of Budget, out of home, with everything we ever owned left out the door in a box to the left. Mdm Speaker, this is a good Budget, a Budget that tries to find that fine balance of pragmatism without stepping into populism. Notwithstanding the concerns I have raised, I support this Budget fully.”
“Our inheritance was built up by a generation that knew and understood the value of saving for rainy days and doing away with the many trappings of luxury. Mr Lee Kuan Yew pointed out as early as in 1984 that the Pioneer Generation provided "a very firm, solid base for high endeavour; that generation has grown old, will continue to grow old and diminish in numbers. A younger generation has got to find its own goals, decide what it wants out of life in Singapore and what there is to put it in." The memory of the hard times is disappearing rapidly. Perhaps, too, at times, people do point out that the gumption and tenacity that have brought us to where we are are also being traded for the easy path. Collective responsibility fades away through individual demands. The Budget, that annual exercise of prudent government, is suddenly being turned into an annual family gathering with the patriarch, hoping that, in his moment of generosity, he may decide to wink at you and hand you a big fat red packet. So, those who receive are happy, those who do not are decidedly unhappy that they were passed over this year. The Budget is more than that; it is not a moment of portioning out the family fortune. The vast majority of the Budget looks at the critical services and the business of government, issues that will affect each and every one of us, even if it does not affect our bank accounts or wallets directly. Mdm Speaker, some countries go over their Budgets very carefully every year, others just go over them. I hope that we remain in the first category for a long time to come and not fall into the slippery trap of populism.”
“Other times, seniors come to us saying that the flat is their children's and although they are living together, they feel bad to ask them for money. Although it is administratively expedient to judge eligibility by flat type, I hope the Ministries managing our social support schemes can exercise discretion and flexibility in appeals on special grounds and circumstances. That being said, the family is still an important pillar of social support that we should continue to enhance and encourage. Duty to take care of seniors should not fall solely on the shoulders of the Government, but is a collective Page: 126 responsibility. More importantly, our social support schemes need greater dignity for our beneficiaries – fewer hoops, more heart. Madam, at the start of my speech, I mentioned that inclusivity comes at a cost. In his Budget Statement, the Deputy Prime Minister has set out plans to increase revenue sources. I caution; if we are going to turn left and go down this road of large social spending and investments on infrastructure, there may come a point where we are unable to turn back. It may be easy for us to promise now, while we still have the ability and avenues to increase revenue sources but, in the future, it will be hard to decrease spending. We are setting expectations that will only go up. Spending is justified, but can we sustain this kind of exponential spending for the long term? Even as we strive to be inclusive, there will always be a cost. We have been prudent thus far in spending within our means, but I rue the day that, rather than saving for posterity, we begin to rob the trust funds and leave the dregs for future generations to pick up.”
“With this improvement comes a need to review current policies. I am, therefore, glad that the CPF salary ceiling has been raised to coincide with higher salaries. I also welcome the restoration of the contribution rates for older workers, something that my Labour colleagues have called for in the last few years. As the Deputy Prime Minister has mentioned, our social security system consists of four main pillars, namely, home ownership, CPF, Healthcare and Workfare. This Budget features plans to enhance these four pillars and improve collective responsibility – the introduction of SkillsFuture, enhancements to Healthcare, changes to CPF, increases in social spending. Much has been said of the various schemes. So, I shall focus my attention on just the Silver Support Scheme. To start with, we must make it clear that it is not intended to be a way to achieve "equality in outcome". The Silver Support Scheme will be an outstretched helping hand to those who face financial difficulties in their old age. In principle, we should help those that need it most, but that brings another problem of identifying those who actually need it. Residents do occasionally come to me and fellow Members with appeals saying that they have no income and need help but are unable to get it because of various circumstances, including their housing type. It may be easy for us to tell them that the most logical thing to do would be to downgrade from their current house but, in reality, their flat is more than a flat. It is a home filled with memories and we want to encourage our seniors to age in place, in an environment that is comfortable and familiar to them.”
“Mdm Speaker, it is never easy to speak close to the end of a debate. You either think of something fresh to say, or you resign yourself to agreeing with the speakers before you. So, let me begin by first echoing most of my hon colleagues in saying that I support this Budget and that there is certainly something for everyone – from workers to students to households and companies. Before we look forward, perhaps it is also timely to look back at where Budget 2014 has taken us. I am heartened to see many of the Government's commitments to our people bearing fruit. The Pioneer Generation Package was a big initiative last year to look after those who have helped build Singapore into what it is today. Unemployment remains low, social infrastructure has increased and progress is being made in housing, healthcare and many other areas. So, we have a good foundation for Budget 2015. The fundamentals are right and the economic situation remains less challenging for now. President George Bush was once quoted as saying: "This is clearly a Budget. It has lots of numbers in it." Page: 125 Indeed, there are a lot of numbers. Deputy Prime Minister Tharman has given out various ang pows, as mentioned in the press, to everyone in Budget 2015. An inclusive Budget, something for everyone, a move to the left even, higher social spending: these are all by-words and oft-repeated phrases that have been bandied about since the Budget announcement. More importantly, perhaps, is that Budget 2015 builds on the foundation of Budgets in the last few years, as the Government recommits itself to a strong, resilient economy and a strong resilient people. Our median wage has increased by 36% over the last decade and this has improved the lives of Singaporeans across all income levels.”
“At the same time, many residents, including residents in my ward in Yew Tee, will find great relief as the minority who drink irresponsibly and create problems today will be curbed. This Bill allows us to take one big step forward and allows ourselves to learn and calibrate the response and the regime along the way so that we can achieve the desired outcomes. It leaves me now, Mdm Speaker, to thank the Ministry and all who have worked very hard on this Bill and taken on board all the feedback so that we can have a safer environment and also allow for space for responsible drinkers in Singapore. Mdm Speaker, I support this Bill.”
“But in the same vein, I echo the call made by the hon Member, Mr Hri Kumar, as well as the speaker before me, Er Dr Lee Bee Wah, that our foreign workers should not be unfairly targeted by the specific provision in section 29. I, therefore, urge a review of this particular section, where possible. Overall, I hope the Police will continue to take a light touch approach, especially with the applications of permits or exemptions to be made less onerous. I met with temple representatives over the last two weeks and they have concerns that are valid. Therefore, it will be helpful for the Ministry to assuage their fears and to assure them that they would not be too onerous. Ultimately, individual responsibility is the key factor to the success of these measures. The measures set in place clear norms for responsible drinking in public. It is important for the law to be effective, together with public education and outreach. Retailers themselves must also do their part. Anyone who has recently called by convenience stores at Clarke Page: 61 Quay, River Valley or Boat Quay would perhaps have taken a double take and thought they had entered a liquor store with the wall-to-wall display of everything from alcopops to much harder stuff. I, therefore, reiterate my view that most Singaporeans are, at the end of the day, responsible drinkers and the measures are unlikely to affect most people. We just really need to ask ourselves, when was the last time you held a can of beer or a bottle of alcohol and drank it on the streets late at night? And the answer is, perhaps, not many of us. Life will go on as per normal for many of us who either do not drink or do so responsibly.”
“Page: 60 There have been strong calls from the public to protect their neighbourhoods from alcohol-related harm. Our towns have developed quite a fair bit over the years. Our landscape has changed. The distinctions between residential and commercial areas are getting blur and they have started to merge as well. This really means that it will be difficult at times to designate clear zones. We, therefore, need a model that really makes sense. It, therefore, bears repeating that the general restriction at night proposed in this Bill is not uncommon. A number of major cities have already introduced similar or tougher measures. Nice in France and Beer Sheva in Israel are two cities that have most recently implemented similar restrictions as we have seen in this Bill. In my recent discussion with residents, there were concerns raised that this Bill may mean that the Police will have a field day in enforcing the law and issuing summonses. I am, however, confident that the Police will enforce this in a calibrated way and enforcement will only target problematic areas. With this Bill, Police will also be given additional powers and tools to deal with various situations that they were powerless to act on before. This will help the Police to conduct enforcement far more effectively. The agencies involved in enforcement, especially the Police, have adopted and, I truly believe, will continue to have a balanced and calibrated approach. Such powers that exist and have been provided to them before them have not been abused. This has been seen in the way Little India zoning was managed by the Police to work with grassroots leaders as well as local stakeholders.”
“We have had cases of Police Officers unable to act or even if they are able to ask drinkers to leave the spot, they may just move to another void deck or come back the next day. Therefore, we really do need to take a more comprehensive, proactive and preventive approach to deal with these issues. Having said that, no one really wants to be accused of being a party pooper. As such, calibrating the restriction measures is definitely not an easy process. Stakeholders' needs need to be balanced and the interests are quite diverse and sometimes conflicting. Having been involved in the focus group discussions from the early stages, trying to find a balance definitely has not been easy. The two-stage public consultation by MHA and REACH ended in August 2014 and the feedback obtained called for "measures to reduce threats to public safety and order, and mitigate disamenities associated with the sale and consumption of alcohol in public places". With that in mind, I am glad that the Ministry's proposed measures in this Bill have been formulated after extensive consultation and balancing the needs of all. I am also glad that rather than a far more restrictive system that exists in other legislation, this Bill has taken on feedback and calibrated it as such. For example, there has been concern by organisers of Seventh Month events as well as temple groups that a formal restrictive system would curtail their activities. Therefore, I am glad that the 10.30 pm timing matches the permit that is given to them to organise their activities. I am also glad that despite our lack of any famous nightspots in Yew Tee, our friendly neighbourhood coffee shops are not adversely affected by this Bill.”
“Mdm Speaker, I rise in support of the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Bill. There has been an intense furore online and in the media since this Bill was introduced 10 days ago. There have been accusations of it being a killjoy Bill, a modern day prohibition in Singapore and along with the weather changes that Singapore is now going dry. But let us be clear, this is not a simplistic Bill but one that has been well researched and consulted on. It needs to be read through carefully to gain a full understanding. We must not succumb to judgement based on headlines alone. Page: 59 This Bill is not about curbing anyone's wish to have a drink but about public order, especially for many neighbourhoods in Singapore who face real problems from binge-drinking and drunken and disorderly behaviour. The problems are real. We have heard the numbers: 47 cases of rioting, 100 cases of affray and countless number of other disamenities that residents face. In my block visit just this Sunday past, residents were worried about the constant stench of urine at the stair landing because people were drinking at the foot of the block late into the night and wanted somewhere "convenient" to relieve themselves. Therefore, they have gone for the stair landing. This may be a problem for the Town Council to clean up. But if people were not drinking late into the night and relieving themselves, we would not have got into this stage. Yew Tee, the estate that I Iook after, does not boast of any well-known nightspots but, like other neighbourhoods mentioned by hon Members before me, residents have legitimate concerns over irresponsible drinking within their estates. To be honest, existing laws and police powers are not sufficient to deal with these issues.”
“It is a piece of legislation that will go a long way towards creating a more equitable society and one where no one is left behind – Better Protection, For Life, For All! Mdm Speaker, I support the Bill. Page: 106”
“The Ministry and the Council will have to take a firm administrative look at how to avoid overburdening the healthcare system and the fund without compromising on the quality of care. The fourth issue that has been touched on by many has to do with privacy. A sizeable chunk of the Bill is devoted to the disclosure of information, and I think there is a significant amount of public attention that has been focused on this. But it is somewhat unfortunate because it distracts from the huge amount of good that this Bill is trying to achieve. I believe that there are already stringent checks in place to safeguard the privacy of information. Singaporeans have put their trust in the Government for the past 50 years. While a good apple keeps the doctor away, one bad apple in the system could undo all the goodwill accrued and the promises made will go to waste. I do urge the Ministry to look in-depth into the protection of privacy. My last concern will have to do with effective implementation. Good intentions are easy, good implementation is hard. Take, for example, our CHAS as well as our PG Cards. Till today, there are still those who are not entirely sure which combination of cards to be used where and when. Concerted, sustained effort is required, especially for something even more complex than CHAS and PG which is the MediShield Life. The setting up of a MediShield Life Council is most welcome. I urge that the Council be more than administrative in terms of reviewing premiums, but also serve as an appeals panel, much like that of the Pioneer Generation Appeals Committee so that those with special circumstances have a specific body to appeal to for consideration. The success of MediShield Life requires all of us to take responsibility.”
“While there are no lifetime limit differences for both MediShield Life as well as the IPs, there is a marked difference in the annual limits without even considering additional riders. While the intention of MediShield Life will be to provide social equality in terms of healthcare affordability, we cannot ignore the fact that there may be perceptions of service gaps between those who opt for Class B2 and lower as well as perceptions that the quality and type of care may not be the same as those who are paying a premium. I am glad that Dr Lam Pin Min has shared earlier that the details of the discussions with insurance providers will be made available soon. I do hope that the claim processes will ensure that better protection continues and does not translate into bothersome paperwork. My third concern has to do with artificial supply and demand. As we already see with existing comprehensive insurance schemes both locally and overseas, there is an Page: 105 unfortunate conundrum that since you have already paid for something, you should use it more. For healthcare service providers, it may also encourage them that since this is being paid for by something else or someone else, the maximum value should be extracted from the Scheme. This results in a buffet mentality in all sense of the word. One that patients may choose to go to the buffet line more often than actually required and for providers to charge a premium on ingredients and treatments since someone is already paying for the meal. We have seen this to a certain extent with Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) as well as the Pioneer Generation (PG) Package.”
“Other people who would fall through the cracks and this has been mentioned by a number of hon Members earlier would include stay-at-home mothers, single elderly and those with disabilities including mental illnesses. Another part of the premiums that I would like to enquire on has to do with Singaporeans who are living overseas or are intending to leave the country. The Scheme has been designed as being compulsory; however, are there exceptions? Under what circumstances will specific exemptions be granted; that is to say that premiums will not be required to be paid? And if the exemption is granted, can the person who has applied for this exemption plead for reinstatement into the Scheme and when will this be made possible? More importantly, what is the basis for granting absolute exemptions if the Scheme is compulsory and for all? Because this will then detract from the mission of the Act to provide "Better Protection, For Life, For All". Recovery of dues is also one area that I hope the Ministry will take a light touch on. The appointment of agents seems to call to mind debt collection agencies. As such, I do hope that this is the very, very last resort for the recovery of dues. The second clarification is on Integrated Shield Plans (IPs). Dr Amy Khor, the Senior Minister of State for Health, in July 2014, announced that the Ministry is in talks with the Life Insurance Association and Dr Lam Pin Min has addressed this issue. The system of payment has been, of course, well addressed by the Ministry through various announcements and publicity but again, it bears repeating so that the record can be set straight.”
“There is much information to digest and to get right. But credit must go to those drafting it for being as comprehensive as possible. I remember a particular section of the Bill that even mentions those whose birthdays fall on 29 February. That is the amount of details that the Committee that drafted this Bill had gone into. There are a few areas, however, that I hope to seek clarification on. These are namely (i) premiums; (ii) the Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) that Dr Lam Pin Min has just mentioned; (iii) preventing artificial demand and supply; (iv) safeguards on privacy and (v) effective implementation. First on premiums. Much has been said on premiums as well as the various subsidies put in place to soften the impact upon implementation of MediShield Life. Look at all the charts. I believe we can all be heartened that the subsidies do go a long way towards making it affordable. However, I would like to seek the Minister's opinion on the possibility of further segmenting one group for Additional Subsidies, and this would be those in the one- to 20-year-old age group. At the moment, dependants below 21 years of age from lower-income families are grouped together with everyone up to 40 years of age. While the premium payable is lower, the current subsidy is pegged at 25% which is the same for working adults and everyone who has a young family. Even if we were to take the premium after subsidy as being $60 annually, this works out to $1,200 over 20 years which, though payable from the initial Medisave grant, is almost half of the $3,000 provided. Page: 104 Therefore, I suggest that the subsidy level for those aged one to 20 be raised.”
“Mdm Speaker, as the 20th speaker of a very important Bill like MediShield Life, I run the risk of repeating everything that the hon Members before me have already mentioned. However, there are key points that bear repeating, so I do beg the indulgence of the House. MediShield Life has loomed large on the landscape for some time. This is perhaps one of the rare pieces of legislation where the recommendations and publicity have been ongoing for more than six months since the adoption of the recommendations by the Government on 27 June 2014. I think it signifies two things: one, the importance that the Government places on this particular Bill, as well as the complexities of implementing it. It is a Bill that is at once straightforward in its aim to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage for all Singaporeans, thus the tagline "Better Protection, For Life, For All." At the same time, the details are not that easily understood, much like any other insurance scheme Page: 103 that we have. I first applaud the effort by the Ministry to really put out good quality publicity to engage especially those the Scheme aims to benefit most first – our Pioneers, the lower income, the uninsured and uninsurable. Secondly, I think it is important to recognise that as a start, the Government is putting in an immense amount of effort to ensure that subsidies to lower- and middle-income families will mean two out of every three Singaporeans and permanent residents (PRs) will already benefit from universal coverage at lower premiums. The burden of costs is also addressed through the Transitional Subsidies for premiums over the next four years, thus taking much out of the sting of suddenly having to pay for much higher premiums overnight. The Bill does not make for easy reading.”
“Mdm Speaker, I thank the Deputy Prime Minister for his re-assurance. However, as we have seen from the recent Japanese hostage situation with regard to ISIS, threats can happen not just on our home soil but overseas as well. So, I have one supplementary question for the Deputy Prime Minister. Is he aware of any Singaporeans who are perhaps contractors in Syria, Iraq or Egypt, and does the Ministry have any specific recommendations for their safety?”
“Mdm Speaker, as the Member of Parliament for Yew Tee division, we have quite a lot of biodiversity sitting within our division and this project would have a major impact on some of them. Therefore, my question to the Second Minister would be, if this project would go ahead unilaterally, is there anything that the Singapore Government can do to stop this project from proceeding without the conclusion of the EIA?”
“Madam, I thank the Minister for his response. It is important that the SAF and Singapore have committed ourselves to this important effort to target and combat ISIS. As the Minister has mentioned in his preamble, some recent tragedies in different countries, including, most recently, in Paris and Belgium, have been linked to these countries' participation in the fight against ISIS. With regard to this, does the Ministry detect any heightened risk to Singapore since our early deployment and what are some of the efforts to prevent this from occurring in Singapore?”
“I take the opportunity to thank all the members of the MSCC for their dedication towards animal welfare, I also thank my fellow members of the AWLRC for the hard work in bringing this Bill to Parliament, especially under the able leadership of the hon Member Mr Yeo Guat Kwang. Most of all, I thank all the members of the public for the support and suggestions that have made this Bill possible and close to reality. With that, Mdm Speaker, I support the Page: 31 Bill. 2.48 pm”
“The most crucial aspect of the MSCC's work going forward will also be education and I am thankful for Er Dr Lee Bee Wah's emphasis on this point as well. How do we educate the public on the importance of animal welfare as well as balance the welfare of the community at large? The day that we can ensure that animal welfare, just like any other form of right behaviour, becomes the norm, will be the mark of our success. A working group comprising representatives from the animal welfare groups as well as the grassroots will be looking in this area. To this end, even the subtle signal of changing the title of Part IV of the Act to include animal welfare is important because this reflects the intention to move from a reactive mode to being one of more responsive and preventive, such as addressing the welfare of animals in the way that they are cared for and not just limited to punishment after the fact. To this end, I would like to seek AVA and MND's continued support for the MSCC as well as the other recommendations of the AWLRC, so that the work does not end simply with the passage of this Bill and its amendments. The Bill is simply the beginning of a longer journey. I would also urge AVA to also consider the other recommendations proposed by the AWLRC, such as the licensing framework for the pet breeders and boarding activities. These are important for us to look into over the long term as well. Mdm Speaker, it is not often that many of us get to help to introduce a Private Member's Bill to Parliament and to speak on two Private Member's Bills in the same sitting.”
“How do we find the balance between the needs of the community, with its vibrant mix of people and views, including those who are passionately in love with animals and those who are not and how do we allow them to coexist peacefully is perhaps the greatest challenge that we all face. The MSCC will, at the passage of the Bill, undertake its next two important tasks. One is to introduce a set of training requirements that can be applied to the entire pet industry, including animal welfare groups, so that all permanent employees have the basic skills and know-how in handling different pets and to provide the right balance of welfare in caring for the animals. Under current requirement, only pet shops are required to send their permanent staff for training. We are extending this to all who are involved in the pet industry. Page: 30 This in itself will need careful balancing. We must irrevocably emphasise the need for basic training standards to be met while, as Er Dr Lee Bee Wah had mentioned earlier, not make it too onerous for businesses. But I would like to add that just as we do not leave our computers to be mended by untrained technicians, more so for living creatures like pets that they should be taken care of by trained professionals. At the current moment, Temasek Polytechnic currently runs a skills certification course for pet shop employees. We will be interested in exploring how this course can be built upon to expand for all involved in the pet industry. I must emphasise that this training will help to foster greater responsibility within the pet industry to ensure better animal welfare rather than it being an additional burden for business.”
“The MSCC recognised that the codes cannot be too prescriptive or onerous for pet owners and businesses and there is a need to balance between what the Singapore society reasonably expects and supports to be the standards of animal welfare vis-a-vis those viewed by passionate animal lovers. Thus, the codes comprise of guidelines that establish what is deemed necessary to meet the basic needs of the animals and the best practices that the pet owners and the pet industry are encouraged to adopt. This is to further raise the standard of animal welfare in Singapore. Just as the codes are the result of intense discussion as well as the need for strategic compromises, so too this Act. Mr Yeo had pointed out that the Bill took longer than expected to arrive in Parliament, not because the changes were so onerous but because we needed to ensure that we consulted as widely and as extensively as possible. Even so, we were unable to incorporate every single proposal or suggestion. The long-term success of this Act, should it be passed, will not be counted by how many cases it successfully punishes or brings to task. It should be judged on its eventual uselessness. The reason I say this is that the day we do not need to bring anyone to task would perhaps mark the point that basic levels of animal welfare have become the norm in Singapore. Although it is likely to be a long way off, we can start certainly by trying. A lot of what the hon Member Mr Gan Thiam Poh had indicated in his speech earlier is about compromise.”
“As one of the recommendations borne out of the Animal Welfare Legislative Review Committee, we felt that a proper set of codes will be required to give structure to the amendments to the Animal and Birds Act. The development of codes of animal welfare is therefore a significant milestone in the animal welfare scene in Singapore. The codes will serve as an important document on the minimum standards of animal welfare that various stakeholders, such as the pet owners and the pet industry, can agree on and provide pertinent information to those who are responsible for animals on how they should provide care for them. Drafting the codes was one task, but getting buy-in was also equally important. As the codes are applicable to a wide spectrum of people who interact with pet animals in Singapore, it was imperative that we obtained the views of the public on the formulation of these important documents. To this end, the MSCC launched a public feedback exercise on the REACH website lasting from 28 January 2014 to 28 February 2014. Page: 29 In the space of that one month, over 2,000 comments from nearly 600 respondents were received. I am also glad to note that for welfare standards highlighted for public consultation, on average, at least 90% of the respondents agreed with them. After going through the comments and rounds of additional meetings with members of the MSCC, approximately two-thirds of these comments from the respondents have been incorporated into the draft codes which we submitted to AVA for consideration and adoption.”
“Mdm Speaker, the philosopher Immanuel Kant said: "He who is cruel to animals also becomes hard in his dealings with men. Therefore, we can judge Page: 28 the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." It is therefore opportune that we see before this House the Animal and Birds (Amendment) Bill up for Second Reading. I was invited by the hon Member Mr Yeo Guat Kwang to join him on the Animal Welfare Legislative Review Committee (AWLRC) when it was formed. Through it, I eventually came to chair the Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration Committee (MSCC) when it was established on 1 October 2013 to serve as a platform for various stakeholders to share their views and build up mutual understanding on animal welfare and to enhance collaborative efforts in promoting animal welfare in Singapore. Although the name itself is already quite a handful, the work that went into the committee was no small feat either. I am honoured that I had the opportunity to work with a team of passionate individuals representing different sectors and interests. We had representatives from various Animal Welfare Groups, such as the Cat Welfare Society, SPCA, Save our Street Dogs, ACRES. We also had representatives from the industry, such as PETAS and SVA as well as hobbyist groups, such as the Singapore Kennel Club. On top of these, we have representatives from various grassroots organisations to give voice to ordinary Singaporeans on this issue. I must say that some of the intense and passionate consultations we held were on occasions hotter than some of the debates that we have had in this House. The work we went through may have been tough but we felt it was for a good cause. Our first task at hand was to draft the codes of animal welfare for pet owners as well as the pet industry.”
“I, therefore, also urge that, apart from the Bill, the Ministries overseeing the care of victims consider a formal shelter under the authorities to give greater formal support to shelters run by VWOs so that victims not only have a safe place to stay, but one with the right environment and support as well. Mr Deputy Speaker, by some estimates, human trafficking is worth more than $36 billion a year, making it the second most lucrative international organised criminal activity. And that money also goes on to feed other transnational crimes, such as drugs and even terrorism. This Bill takes a historic principled stand to enshrine in law, for the first time, measures to specifically combat the scourge of human trafficking. Whatever criticisms it may come under in its current form, I applaud it for the major leap it is taking. I believe it is not the last we will see of the Bill in this House and it will serve as a solid foundation for future amendments to build on. I, therefore, give my full support and will continue to push for greater emphasis on victim rights. Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the Bill. 5.45 pm”
“This should apply where a trafficked victim has committed an illegal act as a direct consequence of being exploited or trafficked, so that no prosecution, conviction or imposition of penalties should occur if the victim was compelled to commit the act or if the victim was a minor at the time of the illegal act. This serves to protect victims who fear that escaping from their traffickers could lead to their own prosecution as well. Ultimately, this will allow victims to raise it as their defence to a charge that they committed as a direct consequence of their trafficking. The burden of proving the illegal act would otherwise lie upon the prosecuting authorities. The UK Department of Justice lists the following as part of their working arrangements for victim welfare: (a) safe accommodation; (b) one-to-one support with support workers; (c) help with living, travel costs; (d) help with access to healthcare; (e) signposting to immigration advice; (f) independent legal advice; (g) help to access counselling or other services; and finally (h) interpreter and translation services. While not all will be applicable or suitable to our local context, it is perhaps useful for us to ponder that there are areas for us to expand on for victim support. And there are Page: 88 already two listed in the Bill. One area of particular concern for me is accommodation. There have been discussions on the setting up of a formal shelter for some time. The current shelter run by a group of religious sisters has perhaps, at best, a maximum capacity of 20 beds. If cases do pick up because of the introduction of this Bill, I fear that safe accommodation will be sorely lacking for victims. Safe, dedicated accommodation.”
“With the threat of harm coming to them or their families back home, we certainly need to improve Page: 87 our work at immigration by training our officers to identify the signs of human trafficking and perhaps develop specialist teams to directly combat organised immigration crime. We should also enhance our ability to act early and help other countries to deal with the issue at source before it reaches our shores. In speaking to volunteers on outreach in places like Geylang, Desker and Joo Chiat, many victims have an innate fear of any authority figure, especially those in uniform, perhaps because of experiences that they have had in their own countries. Even with stricter laws and protocols, they may not surface as many are coerced into saying only the right things during raids. They fear that, even if they report that they have been trafficked, they may not be believed or may be betrayed. It does not happen in Singapore, but they fear it still. Cases, on average, take 1.5 to two years and this time is difficult as victims have families back home to provide for. They need care and support during their time here. And I applaud the various schemes that are already in place. While I agree that not every clause for victim protection needs to be codified, not doing so will run the risk of victims under-reporting crimes due to fear of prosecution themselves. There is also the institutional fear that too much victim rights may compel more to cry wolf and seek protection. However, this is a burden that needs to fall on the authorities to establish the facts. I propose that a section for statutory defence to a criminal charge be included under Part 4 of the Bill. This may not be done now but it is something for us to think about over the long term.”
“While we see some of the most vivid cases in terms of trafficking of persons for sexual slavery, labour cases exists as well. Foreign domestic workers tied in servitude, construction workers, fishery industry workers, they all exist. It is perhaps comforting that the recorded numbers are not high but, if we sit back and do nothing, we will have to live with the burden that a modern society like ours has allowed such acts to persist. We have the case last year of a foreign domestic worker locked in a luggage bag while her employers were out. We also read of cases in the region, most recently of Bangladeshi men beaten and kidnapped to work on fishing vessels, rescued in dire conditions in south Thailand. These are some, just some, of the terrible experiences of the voiceless. I am proud to say that our Police Officers work very hard to do their level best to assist, but the cases do take time and this is perhaps an immense luxury that trafficked women and men have very little of. The enforcement powers provided under sections 8, 9, 12, 13, 14 and 16 give more bite to the officers. I hope, too, that the heartless and soulless traffickers like that in the Police case will be sent away for much longer because that is certainly what they deserve. Some of the cases take place on our soil, but we are also sometimes accused of being a transit centre for trafficking of persons because of the gold standard of our immigration stamp. We hear of safe houses north of our border and south of our shores where traffickers train and condition their victims on what to say and how to behave at immigration.”
“Yet again, as fate would have it, she did not realise that the $1,000 did not include deductions for meals, lodgings, transport. And she was coerced into doing more than she was comfortable with. The five men became 10 on weekdays and up to 45 on weekends, starting from 2.00 pm in the afternoon to 6.00 am in the morning. She aged dramatically in those two months. Page: 86 Another case from the Police files: a male PRC trafficker and 26 male customers were arrested and charged. The victim, a 17-year-old PRC girl had come under-aged and had been forced into prostitution. Investigators revealed that the victim was tricked into meeting the trafficker in Zhuhai, China, on the pretext that the accused would find her a good job in Macau in the service industry. She was drugged, however, and raped. Subsequently, the trafficker repeatedly asked her for sex and, if she refused, he would beat her up or threaten to do so. He then decided to bring the victim to Singapore to work as a prostitute. The victim refused and tried to escape by jumping from a fifth-floor unit. In her words, "Unfortunately, I survived." She was caught and threatened, as well as her family. On 16 May 2013, this victim was transported to Singapore and forced to work as a prostitute. For a period of 15 days, the victim was made to service 150 clients. That is an average of 100 a day. The trafficker took all the earnings. He was charged on seven counts under the Women's Charter and the Penal Code. He was sentenced to six months in prison. Just six months. Therefore, I certainly welcome the stiffer punishments under clause 4 of the Bill, as proposed by the hon Member. Even as I relate all these cases to you, I feel this emptiness in my gut. It is something that most of us are not aware of.”
“Closer to home, there are stories as well and these are some that volunteers who are out doing the difficult task of outreach on the streets have shared with me. One lady, J, was an attractive young lady with a good singing voice. She packed her bags, ready to leave home for an exciting stint as an entertainer in Singapore. She had a six-month visa and the promise of good pay. With this, she should be able to provide a better future for herself and her disabled son back home. Yet, on arrival, she discovered that she was not going to be an entertainer of the usual sort. On her arrival, her employers stripped her and confined her to a cold room, forcing her to agree to prostitute herself. Fortunately, she was rescued. Yet, she was to be dealt a bad deck of cards as, during her medical checks, she was discovered to have cancer and did not have much time left. She was told that she may have to stay for up to two years to assist with investigations but, after a long struggle of a year, she decided that she would have to forfeit her right to justice and compensation so she could return home and spend her remaining time with her son. She, too, passed away soon after she returned. There are also two young cousins, one under-aged, and they would probably have an experience that would horrify anyone. On arrival in Singapore, they were raped to break them mentally into accepting that sexual relations with strangers were "normal". I was told of another Bangladeshi sex worker who, in this case, came willingly to work on the promise of $1,000 a month for two months of work, a sizeable income for her to bring home. She was told she only had to service five clients a day.”
“By a cursory look of the Bill itself, it is perhaps understandable – and Mr de Souza had alluded to this – why it stands accused in certain quarters of being thick on punitive measures but thin on victim protection. An activist pointed out to me that there are 11 clauses under Part 3 in relation to enforcement and, yet, only two clauses under Part 4 of the Bill for victim protection and assistance. Let me state clearly that the punitive stance of this Bill is not a bad thing. I welcome any action to punish and put a stop to anyone perpetrating trafficking. But I also hope for more focus on the rights and protection of victims. We cannot rely on the silenced to tell us of their suffering, I, therefore, beg the indulgence of everyone in this House to allow me, for the moment, to lend my voice to the Page: 85 voiceless, as Mr de Souza has also pointed out. This is, after all, a Bill of the voiceless. I met Mya, a 21-year-old girl who came from Mong La in Myanmar. This was in 2009. Despite her youth, she already had the weight of the world on her shoulders and she looked as if she was already in her 40s. She was born blind and was sold by her aunt to traffickers at the age of four. Hers is perhaps a heart-wrenching story like no other. She was held captive in a brothel far away in a neighbouring country, she serviced up to 15 clients a day from age six. By the time she was rescued, she was 16 and her first instinct was to try to run back to the brothel and the captors she was rescued from because it was the only reality that she knew of, the only "home" she was aware of. By then, she, unfortunately, had contracted AIDS and she passed away two months after I interviewed her.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, the anti-slavery activist William Wilberforce once said that, "You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know." Today, we look back at the dark history of slavery all across the world and we continue to say, no more, no more to enslavement, no more to the demeaning of another. Proudly, we point to the history of the emancipation of the slaves and say we have changed the world. Yet, perhaps by glorifying the end of old slavery, we may have sadly ignored the reality that slavery has evolved and is still as insidious and abhorrent as before. Even in this city we call home, this clean, safe, secure country that takes pride in our laws, efficient judiciary and safe streets, we are similarly unable to avoid the scourge of modern slavery in the form of human trafficking. Whether it is trafficking of persons into sexual slavery or labour abuses, whether it happens on home soil or existing as a transit point, we need to admit that the problem does exist in Singapore and we have to solve it. It is easy to gloss over the problem and just focus on our economic growth, our standard of living. But just as we can choose to look the other way, it certainly does not stop the problem from staring right back at us. Mr Deputy Speaker, I support this historic Bill. I congratulate the hon Member Mr Christopher de Souza on his passion and drive in pushing this Bill to fruition. I support its noble intentions to punish the perpetrators of depraved and heinous crimes of trafficking of the innocent. And I look forward to Singapore playing a bigger role in ending the possession of persons as mere commodities, to be traded and denied their basic rights. But I also hope to see the Bill humanised.”
“Thank you, Mdm Speaker. I thank the Minister for his reply. It is, indeed, a big decision that we are taking here today. There are four supplementary questions I would like to ask the Minister. One is that the Minister has reassured the House that at no point are any of our servicemen actually involved, but would there be any scenarios where they might? The second question is, while the offer is yet to be accepted by the coalition, what is the Ministry's estimation of the length of time that this operation will be required? Thirdly, in terms of the scope of assistance, which is largely confined to non-combat roles at the moment, does the Minister think that over a longer term, there may be an expansion of the scope of assistance? Lastly, as this is an issue of national importance and it affects every single Singaporean, what plans are there in place by the Ministry and the rest of the associated Ministries to engage Singaporeans on this important decision?”
“I would like to first thank the Senior Minister of State for assuring us that there has been an improvement in the survival rates for premature births. If the numbers continue to improve further down the line, it brings me to a fundamental question of whether the Ministry would also consider lowering the terms within the Termination of Pregnancy Act to reduce the term limit from 24 weeks to 20-23 weeks. My second supplementary question relates to an announcement made earlier this year on public consultation for reviewing the guidelines on the termination of pregnancy as well as the proposal that all women seeking abortion should be counselled. Could the Senior Minister of State provide an update to the House as to the progress as well as the timeline for the consultation? I know that I have asked this on a number of occasions. So, I would ask the Senior Minister of State to indulge me.”
“Mdm Speaker, I beg to introduce a Bill intituled "An Act to amend the Animals and Birds Act (Chapter 7 of the 2002 Revised Edition)." [(proc text) Bill read the First time. (proc text)]”
“The second is requiring staff working with animals in animal-related businesses to be trained in animal care and handling. This requirement for training would extend to animal welfare organisations and facilities and help to safeguard that carers and handlers in these businesses and organisations have a certain level of training. Finally, to underscore the severity of animal welfare offences and to increase deterrence, higher penalties are proposed for businesses and repeat offenders to better distinguish between the nature of the offender – whether individual or animal-related – and the type of offence – whether it is first-time or repeat offender. The Bill will also strengthen Page: 51 the enforcement powers of the Government. Mdm Speaker, I beg to move. [(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)] [(proc text) Resolved, (proc text)] [(proc text) "That leave be given to introduce a Bill to amend the Animals and Birds Act (Chapter 7 of the 2002 Revised Edition)." (proc text)]”
“Mdm Speaker, I beg to move*, "That leave be given to introduce a Bill to amend the Animals and Birds Act (Chapter 7 of the 2002 Revised Edition)." [(proc text) *The Motion also stood in the names of Mr Alex Yam, Mr Gan Thiam Poh, Mr Vikram Nair and Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai. (proc text)] Some brief comments, Madam, please. Mdm Speaker, I speak on behalf of the hon Member Mr Yeo Guat Kwang who had accepted Minister Khaw Boon Wan's suggestion for him to set up the Animal Welfare and Legislation Review Committee (AWLRC) in February 2012. I had accepted Mr Yeo's invitation to be part of the AWLRC, as well as to be part of the team of Members in drafting this Bill. I am happy to say that we are now ready to move the Bill following many months of hard work. Madam, beyond strengthening the legislation, the primary aim of our review is to emphasise animal welfare as a shared responsibility amongst all stakeholders and to continue the ground-up approach taken by the AWLRC. I also chair the Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration Committee (MSCC), which arose as a recommendation of the ALWRC, to have a platform for stakeholders to share their views, build mutual understanding on animal welfare and collaborate together in promoting animal welfare in Singapore. Ensuring and strengthening animal welfare should not be seen solely as the responsibility of the Government, but the responsibility of everyone who plays a part in an animal's life cycle. To this end, there are three main areas to call attention in this Bill. The first is requiring owners and persons in charge to provide reasonable care for animals placed under their charge. Those who own and care for animals must bear the responsibility of ensuring the welfare of the animal.”
“Thank you, Mdm Speaker. I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. Two supplementary questions. First, on 14 August, there was a brief scare. We saw a Nigerian woman who was at Gleneagles Medical Centre, subsequently placed into isolation at the Communicable Diseases Centre. The news release triggered some amount of public alarm. Can I ask what plans does the Ministry have in place to coordinate the media aspects of such a medical emergency so as to reduce and prevent undue public alarm? Secondly, it is with regard to the experimental drug ZMapp. I would like to ask if the Ministry does hold stock of such medication in case of an outbreak.”
“Therefore, I eagerly await the Government's response to the recommendations and the details of how these recommendations will be implemented. The recommendations, though difficult to formulate, may pale in comparison to the tough work in seeing through the details and implementation. In conclusion, we have "tukar langkah", we have changed our step; and we continue to cepat jalan, to forward march; and we certainly cannot afford to "hentak kaki", to march on the spot; to "berhenti", to stop altogether; or to "kebelakang pusing", to U-turn! So, Onward We Must Go! 6.08 pm”
“A Caring Society – a continued emphasis on professional training and a robust safety culture coupled with the upholding of the Care for Soldier values of the SAF will place people at the heart of the NS institution. An Endearing Home – where the needs and aspirations of every servicemen are given due consideration and in-camp experiences become better ones for all reservists. And, of course, Good Governance – that prudent budget allocation, above-board system of tenders, and remaining open to suggestions and feedback that have contributed, for example, to the CSNS recommendations, will ensure a robust and trusted NS system. The community will also have to play a far greater role. Total Defence cannot just be a day we celebrate but it must be a way of life for us. A greater emphasis on the shared sacrifices of the pioneers before us and the current generation of NSmen should be recognised not just by the state but also by the wider community. For while we talk about a Page: 91 Nation of Opportunity, fostering a Caring Society, having a Liveable City, Endearing Home and ensuring Good Governance and Constructive Politics, all of this may not be possible without a Safe and Secure Singapore. I am, therefore, also glad that defence and foreign affairs perhaps enjoy the strongest bipartisan support within this House. The smallest kid in the room always risk becoming the target of bullying. So, we need our wits about not just to always practise good diplomacy to make friends but, at the same time, carry a big enough stick for any potential bullies to know that they are in for a hard fight and would think more than twice about picking on us.”
“So, we should not debase it by simply over- Page: 90 monetising it and putting a material value to the sacred duty of defence. So, the recommendation should be seen more as recognition of the efforts and the sacrifices made. At the same time, another group of National Service personnel require greater recognition and continue to need our attention, though this group may lie beyond the current ambit of the CSNS. And that is the important role that mothers, especially stay-at-home mothers, play for our nation. Much like National Servicemen in uniform, mothers go through the strain of combat over 37 weeks and beyond, wrestling morning sickness, bloating, swelling, aches, pains, then comes the actual outfield exercise of pushing and straining for hours. Even the miracle of birth does not mean you have successfully ORDed from your commitments because reservist liability starts immediately after and you start the battle with diaper changes, milk feeds, guard duty every night and many, many other duties as well. Certainly, no chance of being a lobo soldier or to chao keng in this vocation. So, perhaps, it is also timely for us to address the sacrifices of these National Service women as well through similar recommendations. Overall, I am heartened that the proposals of the CSNS address a number of fundamental issues that mirror the broad themes of the President's Address. A Nation of Opportunity – that our servicemen are gainfully deployed and the entire NS experience is not just a rite of passage but one which is productive and fruitful, where opportunities are there to excel and to gain valuable life experiences.”
“It must make the biggest positive impact on the institution as a whole. Which brings me to a subject closer to my heart – R&R (Reservist & Recognition). The NS HOME Awards is perhaps the recommendation that has garnered the most interest and has been one that most have been on the lookout for. Minister of State Dr Maliki Osman, who chairs the Recognition & Benefits for NS Working Group, has led significant discussion on recognition for NSmen who, beyond the 2.5 years or two years of National Service, spend minimally the next 10 years having to balance not just family and work but also annual ICT commitments. I have just come out of my last high-key In-Camp Training, Exercise Golden Sands. I had the honour over the last many years of serving with a great band of brothers in the Transport company of the 328SCE (Singapore Combat Engineers). And, amongst them, you have men of many stripes – different backgrounds, different jobs, different families but bound together for two weeks by a common uniform and friendship forged through the years. But, again, each one of them has multiple commitments – looking after young kids, making sure that that important contract goes through and all pressures are made larger by being away in camp. So, the recommendations on providing greater flexibility in terms of IPPT/RT, overseas notifications and the use of tablets and laptops during ICT will definitely be welcomed, as will support for healthcare, housing and educational needs after active National Service. But beyond the details or monetary quantum, the recognition of the contributions of both men and women in the force are important signallers that the venerable institution is made venerable by the people who serve in it.”
“I had also previously asked the Ministry about plans for the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC). Therefore, I am delighted that the recommendation has also made it to the list for the Government's consideration – to enable women, first-generation PRs and new citizens to contribute to defence. At the same time, there are obvious concerns on how a SAFVC will impact on the broader discussion on an inclusive NS as well as an integrated and united society here in Singapore. How and where volunteers will be deployed form one of the levels of complexity. The training and management of volunteers are often difficult enough in the social sector, and I believe it will be even more challenging within a regimented organisation, such as the uniformed services. But I do see great potential for this to contribute further towards the inclusivity of NS, as well as to address the issue of long-term falling enlistment due to population dynamics. Page: 89 I, therefore, also propose that, should the scheme prove successful, for the Government to take a long hard look at the possibility of expanding National Service beyond just male citizens and PRs – this was something that the hon Member Mr Sitoh Yih Pin had also alluded to. The role of National Service is manifold, and one key role is to bring people together for a common purpose, the defence of our land and the safeguarding of our future. This, of course, requires much careful thought. But I believe it is in the long-term interest of Singapore. Just as we need to ensure the gainful deployment of Servicemen into the right and fitting vocations, we need to avoid the pitfalls of a SAFVC that is nothing more than a dolled-up showcase of inclusivity or an exercise in public relations.”
“Therefore, I further propose that the hard lessons of our history not be glossed over Page: 88 and this should start early on in our education. Our Total Defence commemorations cannot risk becoming a Disneyland version of reality. Basic Military Training (BMT) brings me to the point on trainers for our men and women in uniform. Having been part of that conversation hosted by the Second Defence Minister Mr Chan Chun Sing, I am heartened that the recommendation to have regular professional trainers has made it to the list. A 10% increase to a 40% cohort of officers and specialists will also give National Servicemen more leadership opportunities and, of course, the additional 1,100 regulars in SAF and 230 in SPF and SCDF will certainly improve training and inculcate values more effectively. I am, therefore, interested in how the assessment of leadership will be further enhanced in the SAF to once again ensure that we do so from a position of strength rather than to simply fulfil a need. Forming a professional corps of trainers would also mean ensuring that a lifelong career in the SAF and other uniformed services is not just materially rewarding but intangibly as well. Safety in training is something that I have asked about on numerous occasions in this House, and it has seen improvements over the last two years. A Safety Inspectorate has since been set up and a re-emphasis on the culture of safety has borne fruit. Yet, safety is perhaps the subject that still weighs most heavily on the minds of parents. A safe and professional training team, supplemented by the provision of life and personal accident insurance for all Servicemen, will go towards engendering greater confidence in National Service.”
“More so because, since May 2013, over 40,000 have been consulted by the CSNS. Having participated in some of the sessions, the process has been robust and many ideas had been put forward for consideration. I can only imagine the difficult task of the Committee in shaping the many, many ideas into workable recommendations. What is obvious to me is that simply having a strong national institution to start with does not mean that everyone takes to it like fish to water. In my encounters with young Singaporeans awaiting their two-year NS stint, the biggest challenge is seeing beyond the cosy regional relationships that we have today and continuing our emphasis on the merits of defence. We only have to look at Ukraine, Nigeria and our region to realise that things can change very rapidly and very dramatically in the shortest timeframe; what more for a small nation like ours, sitting at a strategic crossroads? If not, we risk becoming victims of our own long-term efforts in good diplomacy and strategic defence. We risk becoming a bright strawberry in a basket full of durians. If we take defence for granted, then none of the success we enjoy today will last. We must never forget that our small size also means that the moment our enemies set foot on our shores, it really marks the beginning of the end. Even for the graduands from BMT that I had the pleasure of meeting just last month, they had discovered the camaraderie of being in uniform, of training together, but perhaps, the importance of defence itself requires just that little bit more work. The presence of our veterans at that event was a good start and I hope more will be done to push home that point.”