Arthur Beng Kian Lam
Singapore
“Sir, the aim of the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) is to encourage optimal road usage so that car ownership can be increased. My questions to the Minister are (1) what is the estimated cost to a motorist, ie, the median, that the Ministry of Communications is expecting?”
“Sir, one point of clarification, please. I am very pleased to hear the announcement made by the Senior Minister of State about the very comprehensive way in which IT is going to be applied in schools. I am also very glad to hear that six more computers are going to be added to the existing five for administration.”
“Sir, my topic is on public transport in mature HDB estates. Sir, we are all excited about the plans to achieve a world-class public transport system. However, as many of the mature towns have little or no reserve land, it would seem that the bus will still be the mainstay of transportation. I would like to ask the Minister two questions.”
“The Minister has implemented a paradigm shift in his approach to personnel management. The new salary scales announced are welcomed and will do much to raise the morale of the teachers. I am glad to hear that the Minister recognises the principal as the CEO of a school. This gives a significant recognition to the role of the principal.”
“Sir, I am glad to know that the Minister will be taking active steps to implement the IMC and that he himself will be chairing the Ministerial Steering Committee which will include the Minister for Education and the Minister for Home Affairs.”
“However, upgrading is necessary as the business of the centre will be affected if the town is not upgraded, and experience has shown that the business in upgraded town centres indeed improves. Sir, the HDB or MND earns from the sale of shops. Should not a sum from this be allocated to town councils for the upgrading process?”
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“It is important therefore for my Ministry to ensure that the available staff that we have, whilst we are shorthanded in many places, are still able to perform effectively and efficiently. We can help them do this by providing them with adequate training. In this regard, we have been sending more of our staff for training in management and supervision. We will be holding more inhouse courses to ensure that a broader level of supervisory staff are trained. This will help us strengthen the administrative capabilities in the Ministry and also will help us to take short-term measures to overcome whatever manpower shortages we face. With regard to the specific shortages of nurses and physiotherapists, as I have informed the House recently, we have been taking several measures to overcome this problem so I will not repeat them. With regard to therapists, the Member is wrong in quoting the number in terms of percentage of vacancies. Actually the vacancy rate is much higher. I am sorry to inform the House that in the area of therapists, the vacancy rate is actually about 40%, not 12%. There are many reasons as to why this has happened. The Member for Changkat has put her finger at the right place, namely, there is no local training available. Therefore, Singaporeans who wish to take up this career or profession have to be trained abroad. But if they are going to spend so much money in being trained overseas and on coming back, finding that their salary is equivalent to that of a General Science graduate, they may find that it is not really worth their while to invest that much money and not be able to get an equivalent pay-back. They might as well stay in Singapore and do a Science degree at the local university.”
“Transporting an ill patient from one hospital to another is dangerous and undesirable. Transporting ill patients from Toa Payoh Hospital to Singapore General Hospital while I was a medical officer in Toa Payoh Hospital is still very fresh in my mind. If the chronic sick ward is within the same hospital compound, this problem is lessened considerably. My final comment, Sir, is with regard to the status of the hospital. Being by nature less than glamorous, it may be regarded as a second-class hospital. Many may shun it. Staff morale will be affected and not many doctors and ancillary staff may want to serve in it. There is no question of right or wrong regarding this. It is a reality that we had better realize before we spend millions of dollars for a project that few, neither patients nor professionals, may want. The Acting Minister for Health (Mr Yeo Cheow Tong): Sir, first, I would like to thank all the Members for their views. There are many proposals and questions. The Member for Changkat raised the question of the manpower resources in my Ministry. Members will be aware that in health care the level of labour intensiveness is very high. Manpower resources therefore are very important and to continue providing a high standard of health care, my Ministry will strive to ensure that all the essential services are not only adequately staffed but are staffed with appropriately qualified and trained personnel. However, the achievement of this objective of providing a high level of service must take into consideration Government's policy of restraining manpower growth on the one hand and on the other hand, the need to cap the very rapid increases in health manpower expenditures experienced over the last 10-15 years.”
“Sir, I would first like to declare my pecuniary interest as I am a medical practitioner. Sir, in an answer to a Member of the House last week, the Acting Minister for Health announced that a community hospital will be set up as a trial project in Ang Mo Kio. May I respectfully suggest to the Minister that further study of the concept of the community hospital is needed. I fully agree with the need to release beds in acute hospitals for the acutely ill which are presently occupied by the chronic-sick or aged sick. But is the setting up of a separate hospital necessary or cost effective? Sir, once a hospital is set up, a whole medical team together with ancillary staff and equipment will be required. For example, laboratory and X-ray services, a department for rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and occupational therapy and, of course, an accident and emergency department and outpatient services will be required. Would it not be more economical to provide these services as a separate chronic sick wing of a general hospital? For example, I understand that Toa Payoh Hospital is undergoing an extensive upgrading exercise. Will it not be better to include in Toa Payoh Hospital a wing for the chronic sick? If I heard the Minister correctly, this is what is envisaged for the community hospital in Bedok that they will have a wing for the community hospital. Adjustments can be made to the staffing ratio in the various disciplines and with much less expenditure. The same aim can be achieved. Mount Alvernia Hospital will be doing exactly this but, of course, for a hospice, something quite different from a community hospital. Furthermore, the Minister, I am sure, is aware that even a chronic sick patient can suddenly develop an acute medical problem or complication.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $20,792,700 for Head R ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $11,512,700 for Head R ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head S - The sum of $69,486,140 for Head S ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $19,409,000 for Head S ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head P -”
“The younger and more robust workers are therefore foreigners. Sir, I understand that since last year, PSA and the Ministry of Labour have been discussing the question of issuing more work permits for stevedores due to the acute shortage of workers. What is the outcome? It is important to resolve this problem speedily. The problem of a shortage of stevedores is more acute as the stevedore can be considered as a semi- skilled worker. Before anyone can be allowed to work in the port as a stevedore, he has to undergo a one week orientation course by PSA. Only after this course will he be issued with a pass. Thus, a stevedoring contractor cannot just hire any available odd-job worker and put him on the job. I hope the Ministry of Labour will issue work permits more liberally so as to ease the acute shortage of labour in the stevedoring industry.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head R be reduced by $10 in respect of Code RK 1500 of the Main Estimates. Sir, here I would like to speak on the topic of work permits for the stevedoring industry. Before I speak, I would like to declare pecuniary interest as I am on the panel of doctors of some of the stevedoring companies. Sir, I would also like to express my thanks to the GPC Chairman for Labour for withdrawing his amendments and allowing me to speak. Sir, stevedores are workers carrying out vessel operations, berthing and unberthing, godown work, lashing and unlashing, stuffing and unstuffing, at PSA gateways. Singapore is the world's busiest port. Although a very high percentage, 75%, of PSA's cargo are containerized, stevedores are still needed to handle the residual volume of conventional cargo and perform some manual work associated with container handling, especially the lashing and unlashing and the stuffing and unstuffing of cargo. Sir, there are 5,500 stevedores licensed by the PSA. 40% of these stevedores are foreign workers and the rest are Singaporeans. One can thus see a heavy dependence on foreign workers in this industry. Stevedoring is gradually being privatized, with PSA playing a smaller role as a direct employer. Stevedoring work is not attractive to young Singaporeans. This is understandable because of the rigorous nature of the job and the fact that it involves servicing the ships at port 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, throughout the year. This problem is compounded by the fact that the majority of the Singaporean stevedores are in the older age group, above 40 years. 61% of the Singaporean workers are above 40 years compared to 37% of the foreign workers in the same age group.”
“Sir, I wish to make only three brief points. Firstly, I would like to commend the Minister for his fair attitude on the issue of CPF for tertiary education. He has stated categorically that he is prepared to study the paper submitted by the GPC for Education. He has taken Members' concern expressed in this House seriously. I give my support to the GPC for Education. Sir, the Minister mentioned the figure 2,000-3,000 students going overseas annually for studies. He considers this as a small number. I beg to disagree. I feel strongly that this is a large number for we are talking of 2,000-3,000 lives. It is the future of 3,000 people that we are talking about. Finally, Sir, I echo the views of the Members for Changkat and Ayer Rajah as regards the labelling of this issue as a popular issue. May I respectfully remind the Frontbench and some Members of the Backbench that Backbenchers have on many occasions supported unpopular but correct Government policies. Just because a much discussed issue is brought up in the House by a Backbencher should not be seen as Backbenchers lobbying the popular line or even playing to the Gallery. After all, are we not representatives of the people?”
“Are most of these cases referred to the clinic by the teachers, parents or by GPs?”
“As mothers, they will encourage their sons to serve well and strive for excellence in their national service duties. This is part of Social Defence. As I mentioned earlier, Sir, the NCC fully appreciates the help given to it by both the Ministry of Education and Mindef. However, both MOE and Mindef have other priorities to attend to, and rightly so. To be able to expand our membership and increase the quality and quantity of our activities, we need more financial support. The NCC Council has deliberated on this. We feel that to meet these objectives, the Council and students should learn to be self-sufficient if they want the "extras". However, I am advised that the Council cannot on its own raise funds or seek sponsors for its activities, except for the welfare fund. May I respectfully request the Minister to look into this matter.”
“Thank you, Sir. I rise in my capacity as Chairman of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Council to express the gratitude of the Council to the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Defence for their continuing financial and moral support to the NCC. Sir, the Corps was set up by an Act of Parliament in 1972. It started in the early days of Independence as a broad-based organization. At its peak in 1981, there were 20,000 students in the Corps. In 1982, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Dr Goh Keng Swee, called for a review of the activities of the Corps. It was decided that the Corps would concentrate on quality training. Subsequently, the membership was trimmed, and today we have a corps of just slightly over 10,000 students. Through the years, with the support of both the Ministry of Education and Mindef, the activities were widened. They now include affiliations with SAF land units, the Navy and our Air Force. Airborne courses including parachuting and scuba diving were introduced. This year, the first NCC '(SEA)' Girls Unit was formed. And I am told that despite the initial teething problems, the unit is doing well and morale is high. Sir, the NCC must now see its relevance in the context of the total development of the student and as a part of Total Defence. Thus, there is a review as to whether we can increase the enrolment and especially to recruit more girls into the Corps. Why girls? This is because these girls who are our women of the future will have no chance to have hands-on experience of the SAF. Through their exposure to the SAF in the NCC, they will in future be able to give their boyfriends and husbands moral support in their reservist duties.”
“From this - of course, a long-term study - we can also decide on the use of CPF for education. My second suggestion is this. Will the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Trade and Industry consider making manpower projections widely known to parents and students? They can then make their own choices. The final responsibility will then rest on themselves, not on Government or University.”
“Sir, our parents and students must also take heed of the advice from the University. They should especially take heed of advice regarding courses available. Faculty staff have told me that there are students who will accept nothing less than their first choice. Perhaps the faculty staff and parents should have more discussions before a second or other choice is rejected. Perhaps with good counselling, the student can be convinced to accept a faculty other than his first choice. Sir, in my mind, the greatest dilemma is that of manpower projections. Should University admission be linked to manpower projections? Logically, yes. But are manpower projections reliable? To quote the Business Times editorial of 24th February: 'It is arguable, for instance, as to how closely university admission policies should or indeed can be tied to national manpower needs. Manpower planning is not a precise science; the planners can only operate in broad strokes.' We do not want to have a situation of having unemployed graduates or under-employed graduates. This is unhealthy economically, politically and socially. On the other hand, if the manpower projection tends to be too conservative, some may well "miss the boat". They have no second chance. In addition, others who can afford it can go overseas. Here lies the anomaly. In conclusion, Sir, I would like to make two suggestions. One, we should keep statistics, make it compulsory if necessary, of students going overseas to study. From this we can see if they are doing well, what types of universities they are studying in, that is the question of standards. We can also determine their career success or failure and also know whether they are actually coming back to Singapore or whether they emigrate.”
“There is basically nothing wrong. What it needs is a little fine-tuning. Do we have the leeway to fine-tune without sacrificing standards? The answer is "maybe". "Why?", one may ask. This is because, firstly, we have a very low failure rate and these are mainly first-year students. For this, of course, the University and faculty members must be congratulated. This is a reflection of good academic standards. The question is whether we can allow those on the "borderline" a chance to prove themselves in the first year in faculties they are able to cope with an increased intake. We now have a staff to student ratio in the University equivalent to that of many good universities in the West. I am not asking for the floodgates to be thrown wide open and to accept every one with the minimum qualifications. Give those on the borderline a chance. Each faculty can satisfy itself by having a special entrance examination, if necessary, for this group of students. I am here unable to agree with my very good friend, the hon. Member for Ayer Rajah. There are those with good 'A' levels who subsequently do not do well in the University and vice versa. I believe that we should increase the intake in the first year and accept a higher failure rate, if necessary, at the end of the first year. Sir, we all have friends or relatives who have sent their children overseas, after being denied a place in NUS. They have been sent to good universities and come back with good degrees recognized by the PSC. Let us try to see if we can accommodate a few more in the first year. The failure rate may be slightly higher at the end of the first year. Parents must be prepared to accept this. The students must accept this. Faculty staff should not be blamed.”
“Sir, admission into the university and other institutions of higher learning is difficult to debate because it is an emotionally-charged issue. To the parent who has seen his children go through six years of primary education, four years of secondary education, pass the 'O' level well enough to go to a junior college, then two years of junior college, the expectation that his child will be admitted to university is, of course, extremely high. If the child cannot make it to the local university, the pressure to send the child overseas, finances permitting, is of course even higher. Sir, we can all be proud of the standards of NUS. It is high and well respected internationally. Thus, there is no question whatsoever of lowering the standards of NUS to permit more students to enter the university. The question is whether the standards are too high or whether there are other factors which prevent a child being given a chance to be admitted to NUS. The minimum criteria for the university have been set at two 'A' level and two 'O' level passes, including a pass in GP. Are all these students able to gain a place? The answer is no. Only about 50% of them will be given a place. This is because the next factor comes into play, ie, competition in the cohort. For example, in a particular year, if there are many students doing very well, with many As and Bs, then those who meet the minimum requirements will not have a chance. The next factor is that of choice of faculty. If there is a great demand for Law or Medicine or Computer Science, then of course only the best can be admitted. Another important factor then comes into play - manpower projections, that is, how many graduates in a particular field are required. Is there anything wrong with this process of admission?”
“Sir, I thank the Minister for all his replies and beg leave to withdraw the motion. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“The time taken to get to Boon Lay station via Choa Chu Kang station would be a lot shorter than via Yishun. May we respectfully suggest that the MRTC carefully ascertain the travel demand of the residents of Woodlands and provide the appropriate link. Consider also land available in Choa Chu Kang and Sembawang and HDB's plans in the future so that the MRT can be made good use of. Furthermore, as we continue our development of Tuas, both our factories and HDB flats, can we also consider extending the MRT beyond Boon Lay to serve future workers and residents in the western sector of our population?”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head I be reduced by $10 in respect of Code IH 5200 of the Main Estimates. Sir, I would like here to speak on the operational problems and future extensions of the MRT. Sir, as I mentioned earlier, the MRT has had a successful launch. Most of the teeth- ing problems have been corrected. I only wish to highlight the noise problem. The MRT has responded very quickly to the complaints from residents. For this they must be commended. A $3 million grinder was brought in to smoothen the track and reduce noise levels. Has this been effective in reducing noise levels? What further steps can be initiated to reduce this problem? Sir, next I move to the extension of the MRT. My GPC has discussed with the Minister and officials of MCI on future plans of MRTC. We have impressed upon them the importance of extending the MRT system in order to best service our entire population. An obvious example is the extension to Woodlands. This can be either by way of Yishun or Choa Chu Kang station. The distance between Yishun station and Woodlands is about 7 km whilst that between Choa Chu Kang station and Woodlands is about 11 km. The terrain along both the routes appears to indicate that an elevated line or even grated level system is possible. The former is considerably cheaper than an underground system. If the majority of residents in Woodlands want to go to Orchard Road or to the City, then it would appear that an extension via Yishun is preferable. The time taken to travel by MRT to Orchard Road via Yishun would be shorter than via Choa Chu Yang. However, the extension to Choa Chu Kang is more appropriate for workers going to Jurong industrial estate.”
“I thank the Minister for his reply and beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head I be reduced by $10 in respect of Code IG 3000 of the Main Estimates. Sir, I would like to speak briefly on the Public Transport Council. Since the setting up of the Public Transport Council, we have not heard much of the activities of the Council in the media. The GPC on Communications and Information understands that the Council has been very active and diligent in carrying out its duties. Could the Minister please update the House as to (1) the activities of the Council; (2) the issues of public interest discussed by the Council; (3) the controversial issues of public interest discussed by the Council; and (4) whether the Council has commissioned any studies of the public transport system in Singapore, especially with the MRT coming into operation.”
“Sir, I thank the Minister for his reply and I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, could I ask the Minister that if we could convince him that there is a need, will he give us his support?”
“My own personal reaction would be that I do not think there are sufficient numbers of such personnel required on an annual basis, year after year after year, for such an institution to be started. But I am quite happy to pass that suggestion on to the Minister in charge.”
“The Ministers have also got a press secretary. Some Members of this House would probably have seen the writings of some of the press secretaries over the last few months. Sir, the Ministry is strongly supportive of the point mentioned by the Chairman of the GPC for Communications and Information that the Government should establish close rapport with the media. I think that is useful because in Singapore we are still in the process of building a nation, of trying to bring together people from diverse cultures, people from different backgrounds, to attain the ultimate objective of one nation, one people. To that end, Government officials are available in a number of different ways to interact with the people from the media. For example, Ministers, senior officials, PROs, press secretaries, wherever possible, make themselves available when important issues are being discussed at the national level. Where the media find that there is insufficient background information for them to fully understand the issues at stake, background briefings are often given. Other means of assisting the media include also interviews given by Ministers and senior officials or press conferences when issues are being discussed or when certain Government policies are announced. The GPC Chairman asked whether it is possible for extramural courses to be conducted for the journalists. Sir, I believe the newspapers themselves are doing an excellent job training their own staff. The media is a private sector activity. They should look after the vocational development and training of their staff. I will be happy to convey to the Minister in charge, the Minister for Education, the Member's point regarding the possibility of our starting an institution in one of our institutes of higher learning.”
“If I may quote from a senior journalist, "Explosion is no exaggeration. The staff of this newsletter are plucked from personnel of somewhere and told, "From Monday, you are an editor." Sir, the training of middle level and senior journalists also needs looking into besides providing only basic training. Here, the University could help by conducting extramural courses on specific subjects of interest. Even our Ministers, politicians and senior civil servants, together with specialists in the private sector could be tapped for their specialized knowledge and experience. This could complement the vocational type of training provided by the School of Journalism by providing the academic or philosophical realities of journalism in Singapore. Sir, in view of the importance of the media communications, it is now timely to consider the setting up of an institution to meet our national needs. This could be set up along the lines of Shatec which receives Government assistance through VITB. Or it could be a department in one of the institutions of higher learning. Combining the resources of the private and public sectors would be in our national interest. With time, this institute could develop into a regional centre for the training of journalists. Will the Minister please comment? Dr Yeo Ning Hong: Sir, I am happy to report to the House that all Ministries now have got a Public Relations Officer (PRO). The Ministries are appreciative of the fact that it would be useful to have a Public Relations Officer who would then be able to establish rapport with the public. And whenever there are issues of concern to members of the public, there is a simple route, a simple line, for them to get in touch with somebody in the Ministry and convey their concerns or complaints.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head I be reduced by $10 in respect of Code IE 1000 of the Main Estimates. Sir, I would like to speak here on the topic of enhancing the effectiveness of Government media relations. In this context, I will confine my remarks to only the local media. Sir, good government media relations is something which we now enjoy and is something which we need not make any apology for. But it is something which we should never take for granted. Each must know and understand the other's point of view. This is especially important when we come to discussing sensitive issues and issues of national importance. To this end, I am glad to note that it is the Information Division's desire to staff every Ministry with a well-trained Public Relations Officer and each Minister with a Press Secretary. Has the Ministry been able to achieve these objectives? Sir, to make the system work, journalists must also be well trained and well informed. In Singapore the Times Press Foundation School of Journalism was founded in 1977 and it is licensed by the Ministry of Education. I believe that this is the only school of its kind in Singapore. The emphasis is on practical training and so the School of Journalism is a vocational rather than an academic operation. The initial objective of only training journalists has been enlarged over the years. As the public and private sector realize the importance of media communication skills, the School of Journalism is now catering for private sector companies, statutory boards and even government agencies. To quote from the School of Journalism, "There has been an explosion of demand." One area of demand that has been identified is that of getting trained personnel to run in-house newsletters.”
“Sir, in view of the enlightening reply, I beg to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I find that Telecoms holds the key to it all. Telecoms approves or disapproves the equipment. So you can make this part of the package when you approve or disapprove the equipment - that they must maintain it for a certain or reasonable length of time.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, may I ask the Minister whether he will be willing to ask the private companies also to do this.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head I be reduced by $10 in respect of Code IA 1000 of the Main Estimates. Sir, I wish to speak here, first, on the topic of Teleview and then on the use of telecommunications equipment. First, Teleview. Telecoms has reached an advanced stage in the development of Teleview. In its publicity brochure, Teleview is described in this way: 'Teleview is unique. It is a revolutionary, new, two-way, videotext system that is unlike any other available in Singapore or elsewhere in the world.' My questions to the Minister are: (1) how much, to date, has it cost Telecoms to develop Teleview? (2) when will it be introduced? (3) Will SBC Text run by SBC be outmoded or become redundant when Teleview is introduced? Next, I come to the topic of the regulations on the use of telecommunications equipment. This is the era of telecommunications. Telecoms has introduced and will be introducing many new equipment to the public. With privatization, the public can also buy TAS approved models from private sources. My fear here, Sir, is that of maintenance of these equipments. As new models come on line so quickly, many of the agents and TAS may not keep much spares for repairs. Thus after buying, say, a new telephone system, one may find that due to the inability to repair it because no spare parts are available, say, after two years, the system has to be changed and this will be a waste. Will Telecoms consider this point when approving equipment for sale to the public. The agent should be made responsible for maintenance and providing for spares for a reasonable period, eg, five years.”
“Sir, I thank the Minister for his very comprehensive reply although I still disagree with him about the point on road tax. I however welcome his assurances that the diesel tax will not be implemented till the full impact of the MRT on taxi drivers has been assessed and that, when diesel tax is implemented, this time in stages, all will benefit. Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“What are the plans to market these productions more aggressively overseas? SBC has also done well in its coverage of current affairs and local news. The SBC staff work hard to provide interesting coverage of the ministerial visits to constituencies to discuss the National Agenda. What are the plans to further upgrade news presentation and to train TV and broadcasting journalists?”
“The Ministry must be congratulated, but why now pass on this tax to taxis? The taxi population can be controlled through the number of licences issued and the taxi fares will adjust according to market forces. The Minister should seriously consider scrapping the taxi diesel tax as taxis at affordable rates are still part and parcel of the land transport system. Finally, Sir, I turn to the private motor cars. I am disappointed that no park and ride scheme has been introduced in any MRT station. Land cost is cheaper in the suburban areas than in the central business district. Would it not be better to allow motorists to park outside town and travel by MRT to town? There are successful models of this in other countries. Why do we not give this a try? Traffic circulation should also be looked into so that private motor vehicles can be used to drop off MRT passengers without causing traffic congestion at MRT stations. It would be a major achievement if through these measures the private motorist decides to give up his car or for a start even his second car. Sir, I next turn to the subject of future plans for SBC. The GPC on Communications and Information and some members of the resource panel visited SBC on 16th November 1987. We noted at first hand the very crammed premises in Caldecott Hill. We noted how every inch of available space was used. We are glad to note that for FY 88, $56.6 million has been set aside as development expenditure for SBC as compared with that of $4.6 million for 1987. Will the Minister enlighten us as to how this new allocation will be used? Sir, the success of the Chinese Drama Unit is something that the SBC can truly be proud of. What is the outcome of talks to link up SBC with other TV stations in some of its productions?”
“The Bukit Batok and Jurong East shuttle services have just started about a week ago but the initial response has been good. The success of the shuttle service reinforces my point for integration and is further evidence that the question now is: how do the passengers get to the MRT station? What has the impact on the MRT been to the bus services so far? I am told that the success of the bus shuttle services is a double-edged sword. While they may make up for discounted fares, it is actually depriving its own services, ie, the buses, of passengers as they are transferred to the MRT. I would say that this speaks well for the social and civic-mindedness of the bus operators in this transition stage but presses home the point that integration is the final answer. I am also glad to note, both from TIBS and SBS, that there is no imminent problem of retrenchment of bus drivers. Next, I come to taxis. We are all glad to know that to-date taxis have not been adversely affected. The increase in short trips is an indication that they are also complementing the MRT. I asked a taxi driver regarding this. His answer was that they should be all right as long as, I quote, "Government does not play dirty." I was surprised and asked him what he meant. He reminded me of the diesel tax on taxis. Sir, a diesel tax of six times the annual road tax was levied on diesel-powered private motor cars in 1971. The reason for this was to restrain the growth of the motor car population, especially that of diesel-operated vehicles. In 1971 no similar diesel tax was imposed on taxis. What is the number of diesel private motor cars today? According to the ROV Annual Report, 1986, there were only two diesel private motor cars. Thus, the aim of the diesel tax in 1971 has been achieved.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head I of the Main Estimates be reduced by $100. Sir, I will first speak on the topic of integration of the land transport systems. May I first congratulate the Minister on the successful launching of Phase I of the MRT. The price of fares has been realistic. Except for minor initial teething problems, the MRT was smoothly introduced. It is indeed the pride of our nation. Sir, with the investment of $5 billion in the MRT, one can perceive the MRT as the centre or the hub around which the other modes of land transport would supplement. Due to technical problems, through-ticketing will be postponed for about three years till the equipment is ready. Thus, the inconvenience of having two tickets will still be present. This is somewhat alleviated by the stored-value tickets sold by the MRT. Sir, the main problem now is to make it convenient and economical for the train user to get to the MRT station. The main choices available to him are: bus, taxi, private motor vehicle and, of course, walking for the fortunate ones staying close to the station. First, the buses. Since the introduction of the MRT, SBS has withdrawn five services and amended two services. This was done in stages as the demand for service fell. SBS has also started two shuttle services to convey passengers from Bukit Batok and Jurong East to the Clementi MRT station. TIBS has also since December started a shuttle service specially for Yishun residents to convey them to the Yio Chu Kang MRT station. Both bus companies, I must emphasize, are running the shuttle services at discounted fares. The Yishun shuttle service has enjoyed good patronage over the last three months.”
“If town councils, especially those in the older estates are to succeed, extra funds and expertise will have to be provided right from the outset. The HDB must be fair and provide a premium grant for this purpose. Money alone will not be enough. The various HDB Area Offices must do a block by block and even floor by floor assessment to identify problems so that a fair grant can be provided. For example, water seepage through the walls during heavy rains is a problem in the older estates. Water proofing is already underway in some blocks but not yet completed in others. Peeling of the ceilings in common areas is also increasing as the blocks get older. Provision must be made for problems such as these. May I propose to the Minister that a block by block analysis be made before the transfer of responsibility is assigned to the town council. In areas of disagreement, an independent opinion may be sought and a realistic quantum worked out. Unless we are given a chance to start off on a right footing, the town councils especially those in the older estates will be doomed to fail. Given a fair chance, and I believe the Minister is a fair man, we will endeavour to do better. The PAP MPs together with the community leaders are ready to meet this challenge.”
“Sir, I wish to focus on only one aspect, and that is, on the formation of town councils. This has been touched upon by the Member for Yishun and I wish to support him on this. I would like to ask for clarification from the Minister as to how funds and revenues will be allocated in view of the fact that the needs of the older HDB estates and newer HDB estates will be very different. With the establishment of town councils, the responsibility and maintaining the estates to the people's satisfaction within the limited budget will shift from the HDB to the town councils and community leaders. Will this be an easy task? The answer in my mind is that it will be a challenging task but by no means an easy one. Why? Firstly, the residents will be comparing the task carried out by the HDB in earlier days when the estates were new with the task before the town council, ie, to manage ageing estates. Is this comparing like with like? The answer here is a definite no. Secondly, the residents will be comparing their estates which may be an old estate with a new estate, especially those of their friends or relatives. Expectations will rise but may not be achievable. Because again, here we are not comparing like with like. Thus, right from the outset, the older estates will be disadvantaged. For example, the overhaul or changing of lifts over 10 years old will not only be a costly affair but it will also cause much inconvenience. Likewise, the maintenance of the roofs of the flats. Then there will be the inherited problems. The old flats were built at a time when quality control and design were inferior compared to the newer estates. As the years went by, HDB learned from its earlier faults. Town councils will have to live with these faults.”
“Sir, does the Member accept the contents of the Agenda as being for the national good of Singapore?”
“The other clipping. This morning you said that you were not asked to give your opinions on the National Agenda.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, may I ask the Member for Potong Pasir to clarify whether he was actually invited to make representations on the National Agenda? Does he still deny it?”
“You can see from these two pictures, and these are pictures which will be made available to the Press. As to the human touch ---”
“I did not mention anything about Jihad. Maybe the Minister for Trade and Industry would like to comment on that.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, these two pictures speak for themselves.”
“Do you want me to read the whole article?”
“Do you want to comment on the other cutting?”
“Amongst others, I have two particular groups in mind. Firstly, the HDB shopkeepers and, secondly, those who are in the middle-age group, above 45 years old, and are unable to find suitable employment. Sir, the HDB shopkeepers are now facing tremendous competition from large supermarket chains and departmental stores. Ten years ago when they were thriving and prosperous they were amongst the most generous supporters of our grassroots activities. Here we should not look at this problem from the point of view of whose fault is it, but instead ask ourselves as to what can be done to help them modernize and stay competitive. They deserve our sympathy and help because many of them are staying above their shop units. Closing their business will also mean losing their home. Sir, finding suitable employment for the retrenched worker in his 40's is a real problem. Many of them are unskilled and have very low educational qualifications. Previously we could help them by giving them hawker licences or taxi licences. However, even these two avenues are now closed. Even those with taxi licences are unable to find a taxi to rent and drive. Will progress mean unemployment for these persons? Sir, in closing, I would like to call on the Government to pay special attention to the needs of those who may be unable to cope for one reason or another with the pace of change. We should strive to achieve the goals that we have set for ourselves but this should be done in a way that the majority can accept. The way to achieve these goals is as important as the goals themselves.”
“In our housing estate, in each block, Malays, Indians, Chinese and others, must learn to live harmoniously. We must respect one another's cultural and religious beliefs and practices. We must learn to be more considerate and tolerant in our daily living. The grassroots organizations, such as the Block Committees, Residents' Committees, Community Centre Management Committees, Citizens' Consultative Committees, have an important role to play here to provide for social inter-action. We are indeed fortunate that we have so many volunteers in our grassroots organizations. We must remind ourselves that they are volunteers. They have limited time to spare for community work. Should we not, recognizing their importance in the role of nation building, make their load lighter by at least helping them in fund raising? The Ministry of Community Development should make available some funds, for example, $5,000 per Resident Committee per year, so that the volunteers can concentrate more of their time on activities and programmes rather than on fund raising. This will not detract from the aim of making the RCs self-sufficient, as I believe that each RC serving 15 to 20 blocks of flats spends more than this in a year. As I mentioned earlier, this grant will lighten the work of the volunteers and allow the members more time to spend on other activities other than fund raising. Let us not only pay lip service to community development and welfare. Let us invest in this area in real dollar terms. Changing life-styles. Sir, as we continually evolve into a modern city state, there are certain segments of our population who find themselves struggling to keep pace. Unless we lend them a helping hand, they will feel that what we consider as progress is actually a nightmare to them.”
“My apologies, Mr Chiam. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. Sir, the Agenda has been set before us and it is an extensive and a very important document. However, as the saying goes, it is easier said than done. The goals that we have set for ourselves have set the compass to correct us, to direct us. However, as in all things, there are many ways to achieve a goal. We must thus translate into practical terms the steps that we will take to achieve these goals. Sir, I would like to discuss only two topics, namely, nation building and the changing life-styles in Singapore. Sir, of all the goals that we have set for ourselves, the most fundamental is nation building. Ours is a nation of approximately 20 years of age. In this short period we have transformed ourselves from a largely immigrant society into a cohesive society. Approximately 85% of the population are home owners. We have been able to convince our citizens of the importance of national service and total defence. Our reservists take their training seriously and mobilization exercises also very seriously, for they know that in an emergency the reservists will be the front line soldiers. However, can we claim to have arrived in nation building? The answer is that we have achieved much compared to the time of the Maria Hertogh's riots. Here again, the Member for Potong Pasir claims that the Maria Hertogh's riots are not racial. May I again, Sir, with your permission, give the Member the newspaper clippings for his perusal in the conviction and hope that I may be able to change his mind. [clippings handed to Mr Chiam See Tong]. Sir, we are a multi-racial, multi-religious society, living in a small country. To achieve harmony, we must start at the grassroots level.”
“I assume that he accepts the contents. Mr Chiam See Tong rose ---”
“Thank you. Well, in that case I will assume that he accepts the contents of the Agenda.”
“Government has ensured through this amendment that Singapore will remain an Information Centre. Singaporeans, the business community, and expatriates will continue to have access to information. This amendment also serves to remind those who try to circumvent our laws passed in this House that loopholes in the law will be sealed. Consistency and the spirit and intent of the law will always reign supreme.”