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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“Some Singaporeans and several foreign journalists doubted whether on a political issue the Whip will be ever lifted. Today, the Whip is lifted and the sceptics will be silenced. The onus is now on us, the elected MPs, candidates chosen by the Party, to respond in a manner which will show all the sceptics (within and outside the Party) that political stability and the cohesiveness of the Government and party can remain intact despite the Whip being withdrawn. Indeed, it will make for better Government. I have mentioned on 29th November 1989 in this House that given "more flexibility in this House" we can have better debate. No one should doubt the PAP MPs' commitment to nation and party. Now that the Whip is lifted, I will not say "Yes", but will close ranks with my comrades in the Party.”
“It is no longer the role of the GPCs to "play opposition" and relieve them of their duties. It is no longer the role of the NCMPs to do this, and we have none in this House. Likewise, it is not the duty of this Parliament to appoint Nominated MPs to play this role. We, as PAP MPs, will heed the Prime Minister's advice, and will express our views, more often, in private and at party meetings. The GPCs will continue to be active but behind the scene. The Leader of the House has reiterated yesterday, and I agree, we will close ranks. I will refrain from giving my own views of the NMPs for very obvious reasons. Sir, let me say that before we agree to nominate NMPs we must consider NCMPs. If this House feels that it needs more views, then the Non-Constituency MPs who stood for elections have more of a right to be in this House than the Nominated MPs. Sir, we should allow this Parliament to show the effectiveness or otherwise of the Opposition Members. One only needs to turn to the Hansard and the media's review of the Budget debate to know how they fared. Let us put NMPs aside for this Eighth Parliament and watch the Opposition perform. Then the people can decide. This will be a good exercise in political education. To me today, the urgency to have the additional NMPs to voice alternative views is not necessary. Sir, today is the most significant day, not because of the issue of NMPs, but because of the lifting of the Whip on a political issue which, I believe, is for the first time. For me, the Prime Minister and the Party's integrity, sincerity and honour have been reinforced even further. Every word that was uttered by the then First Deputy Prime Minister, now Prime Minister, has been delivered today.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the issue before the House today is whether this House, the Eighth Parliament, should have NMPs. We have debated on this before, and the Bill was sent to a Select Committee. In March 1990, the Report of the Select Committee was debated. The concept of NMP has been accepted by the House, and this still stands. Sir, my personal stand is clear. I have stated on 29th March 1990 that I had reservations on the NMP concept. The fundamental rule of democracy that MPs should be elected must be adhered to. The Prime Minister (then First Deputy Prime Minister) was very persuasive, sensitive to feelings of Members of the House and very accommodating. He urged that we give the scheme a try, and I quote him: "... I urge, give this a try ...". He also said, and I quote: 'And if you are not convinced after trying out this scheme for the remaining period of this Parliament, in the next Parliament you decide.' He went on to reassure us, and I quote: 'The Whip will be lifted and you can decide how you want the NMP Scheme to go in the next Parliament.' Based on these reassurances, many of us agreed to try out the scheme. I am indeed glad that the Leader has announced that the Whip has been lifted for today's sitting. Today is the day for decision for the Eighth Parliament. Sir, I remain unconvinced regarding the need for NMPs in this Parliament. Unfortunately, the concept of NMP has been accepted by this House and is thus not the subject of debate. It is now in the context of this House, that is of the Eighth Parliament, that we are discussing the NMPs. In this House today we have four Opposition Members. They were returned at the elections by their respective constituencies. It is their responsibility now to show that they can do better than the PAP.”
“This, however, must also be a team ever aware of the sovereignty, security and other essential interests of Singapore. Sir, I would next like to turn to the Confiscation Order. In our local context, where home ownership of HDB flat using the CPF mechanism is a cornerstone of our way of life, I would like to seek clarification from the Minister regarding this. Should a HDB flat be in the joint name of the husband and wife, and the husband is found guilty of drug trafficking, maybe, without the knowledge of the wife, what is the status of the flat? Will the whole family be evicted? We know that the HDB home is protected from seizure due to bankruptcy. Will such a similar protection be extended in the case of drug offences? Finally, Sir, the question of the burden and standard of proof. One is usually presumed to be innocent unless proven guilty. It is the duty of the prosecution to prove that a person is guilty of drug trafficking. However, after conviction, the onus is then placed on the offender to show which of his assets were not derived from drug trafficking. This seems to me to be unusual. While I will not support the guilty, is this not an "overkill"? The Minister must have good reasons for this clause. Can he explain? Mr Speaker, Sir, in closing, I would like to say that I am glad that this complicated Bill is being sent to a Select Committee.”
“I had a personal experience which I will never forget. A few years ago, I presented a paper on the drug scene in Singapore. One of the suggestions made by the Singapore delegation was the sharing of intelligence information. The next morning, a gentleman, a delegate from another country, joined me for breakfast. He was a Member of Parliament from another country. Over breakfast, we discussed the international drug scene and he brought up the subject of intelligence information sharing. Whilst he agreed that it was a good idea to share intelligence, he told me never to do this with his own country. Why? He felt strongly that the Commissioner of Police of his own country was deeply involved in the drug trafficking trade. I thus agree with the approach of our Government to this Bill; indeed, we must take a very cautious approach. The main concern of this Bill is in the implementation. Whilst we must do all that we can to ensure that no drug trafficker will benefit from his ill-gotten gains, we must protect the confidentiality of the innocent. We must always be on guard that this Bill is not abused. We must not fall into the trap of allowing third parties to pry into a customer's confidential accounts and transactions with financial institutions. I welcome the safeguard that all foreign requests will be channelled to the Attorney-General who will act in consultation with experts from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Central Narcotics Bureau and the Monetary Authority of Singapore. I am glad to hear from the Minister that a multi-disciplinary team would be formed to meet this new challenge, a team conversant with international law, international banking, and of course specialist narcotic officers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the Bill. Sir, the problem of drug trafficking cannot be over-emphasised. We have been very severe in our dealings with traffickers. We make no apology for imposing the death penalty under certain circumstances. In spite of this, the use of Singapore as a transit point continues. This is simply because drug money is "big money", and traffickers are willing to take the risk. In the past four years as Chairman of the GPC for Home Affairs and Law, at practically every diplomatic function and when especially overseas, I have been consistently asked as to why "efficient Singapore" is so slow to legislate on an asset seizure law. There was a lack of an attempt to understand what we wanted: (a) laws that were enforceable; (b) that we wanted to ensure that the new laws enacted would not hamper the development of our financial institutions; (c) that we wanted to ensure confidentiality of the banking and other financial institutions; (d) we are committed to fighting drug addiction and drug trafficking. It was not a case, and it is not a case, of delay tactics. We wanted a law that works, but a law that will not work against us. In the community of nations, Singapore can be proud that we are amongst the few countries that practise compulsory drug rehabilitation at the State's cost. This Bill shows how complicated the whole issue of drug asset seizure is. I welcome the Minister's move to send the Bill to a Select Committee. We will be dealing with foreign drug enforcement agencies and local and foreign individuals. Do we entertain all enquiries? How do we even know that the agencies or the officers of the agencies are not interested parties as whole governments are sometimes implicated in the drug trade?”
“However, there are some lawyers who have expressed their concern whether this will be an effective check. Will the Minister please comment? Secondly, avenues for appeal. The appeal will be to three judges in the Court of Appeal and, unless all three judges are unanimous, there is a further appeal to the Privy Council. This, I believe, is a good safeguard. Mr Speaker, Sir, in supporting this Bill, I would like to commend the Chief Justice and his brother judges on the Bench. As a doctor, I know how heavy the responsibility and burden it is when it comes to making decision regarding life and death, for example, in cases which require dialysis, cancer treatment and in certifying death and turning off the respirator. It is indeed commendable that the Chief Justice and his brother judges on the Bench have agreed to accept this onerous responsibility of sitting singly in capital cases, which is essentially carrying on themselves the burden of pronouncing death or innocence in capital cases.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the changes that are proposed, that is, we have one judge for capital cases is a move that has merits but also has its dangers. However, the Chief Justice and his colleagues in making this proposal have been mindful of these and have built in safeguards. What are the merits? Firstly, waiting time is shortened. Today, the situation is such that the inflow of capital cases is much more and much faster than the clearance of the backlog. If we remind ourselves, as the Minister has told us, while awaiting trial an accused person may spend several years, unnecessary years in prison, before his acquittal, this proposal has merit. To the innocent, this will be welcomed. Secondly, more judges will be available to clear the backlog, not only capital cases, but all cases of the High Court, that is, more judges will be free to hear other cases and make the more efficient running and managing of the courts here a real possibility. What are the dangers? When two judges are sitting on the Bench, the responsibility is of course shared. The combined knowledge and wisdom of two persons would definitely be more comforting than that of one single person. This is the obvious danger. However, at the end of it all, the main question that must be addressed is, will the accused person have a fair trial? Here, if the answer is yes, then the proposal becomes acceptable. Two amendments, I believe, will help to achieve this aim, firstly, two DPPs for the prosecution and two defence counsels. Thus, more minds are brought to bear on the case to compensate for one person being on the Bench, instead of two. In this connection, I would like to ask the Minister whether the cost to the accused will be doubled.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the recent decision by principals of junior colleges to block out their 'A' level results from the press is an expression of their concern of the image of their schools. There is an impression that neighbourhood schools are inferior in standards and facilities to the traditional premier schools. Today's press highlighted the fact that parents are changing homes just to get their children into the so-called correct schools. This is an unhealthy state of affairs, as it makes good sense that the child should not waste precious time and money to travel to so-called good schools a long distance away from home. Sir, on 9th February 1992, the Senior Minister mentioned the need for a good school in every ward. The Senior Minister also mentioned that the target was a good school in every ward in 5-7 years. He mentioned that more responsibility for the running of schools could be given to principals, parents and grassroots leaders. Sir, grassroots leaders are ready and willing to play their part. In my discussions with them, they even mentioned that they would like to see a good primary school, a good secondary school and even a good junior college in their ward. This makes good sense, for the children would then be able to progress without having to move to a school a long distance from their homes. What does the Ministry have in mind to allow for more involvement of grassroots leaders in schools, so that grassroots leaders can play a positive role to help these schools achieve these standards in 5-7 years?”
“I would like to ask the Minister for Finance if we want to maintain the strength of the Singapore dollar, whether the MAS will adjust the interest rates to reverse the trend of the capital outflow. (2) We forecast an economic slowdown this year. The financial surpluses of the Government will also be lower. Will this cause any speculative activity in the expectation of a weakening Singapore dollar to force the Singapore dollar exchange rate down?”
“This will depend on the price elasticity of demand for our export goods. Furthermore, if the Singapore dollar is allowed to weaken, then the prices of our raw materials, spare parts, machinery and equipment, will be increased. Therefore, our value-added per unit will correspondingly be lower. Another impact of a weak Singapore dollar is that if there is an increase in our volume of export, then the demand for labour will also increase. Given the present tight labour market, this will further result in higher wages. Furthermore, if the Singapore dollar is allowed to weaken, then the inflation of imports will cause a rising cost of living for Singapore workers, who will then ask for higher money wages to maintain their real income. In this way, the profits of our export business will be lower and it will affect our export competitiveness in the long run. If Singapore wanted to adjust the exchange rate of Singapore dollar, then as far back as 1985 or 1986 when we had economic recession, the Government could have devalued the Singapore dollar to avoid the painful measures of lowering the employers' CPF contribution rate and wage restraint. Over the past five years, Sir, our steady economic growth shows that the painful measures adopted at that time were correct ones. On the question of maintaining the exchange rate of the Singapore dollar, I am in full support of the Minister for Finance. Here, I would simply ask him two questions: (1) I notice from the capital accounts in the balance of payments, that our surpluses have dropped from $12 billion in 1990 to $5.4 billion last year. I think the main reason is the outflow of capital.”
“Sir, I am glad that the Minister has a permanent solution to these problems. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $603,056,900 for Head Q ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $208,414,800 for Head Q ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head N - Dr Ow Chin Hock (Leng Kee)( In Mandarin): Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head N of the Main Estimates be reduced by $100. Under this amendment, I would like to talk about the Singapore Dollar Exchange Rate. In discussing whether the exchange rate of the Singapore dollar is on a high side, we should carefully weigh the pluses and minuses of the strong dollar before we can come to a conclusion. People, in general, welcome a strong Singapore dollar. If the Singapore dollar is stronger, then the imported food and so on will be cheaper for Singaporeans. Also, when they go overseas or travel in neighbouring countries, a stronger Singapore dollar will give them higher purchasing power. I know that many individual Singaporeans and community organisations have organised tour groups to our neighbouring country to buy Chinese New Year goodies during the festive season. This is the advantage of a strong Singapore dollar. On the other hand, people in business and industry feel that a strong Singapore dollar is unfavourable to our export competitiveness. If the Singapore dollar is allowed to weaken, then our export prices will be correspondingly lower and this will increase our export competitiveness. Personally, I feel that if the Singapore dollar is allowed to weaken, it may increase our volume of exports, but it will not necessarily increase the value of our exports.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head Q be reduced by $10 in respect of Code QH 1500 of the Main Estimates. Sir, I would like to ask the Minister what new measures will be introduced at the Woodlands Checkpoint to more efficiently clear the heavy traffic of railway travellers and the measures that he intends to introduce to curb drug trafficking via this route.”
“Sir, then I would like to thank the Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary for their very detailed replies and beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, as the Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary have given us very detailed answers to our questions, my colleagues and I would like to pursue them with further clarifications at the next sitting, and with your permission, I would prefer to withdraw my amendment at the next sitting.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head Q be reduced by $10 in respect of Code QC 1500 of the Main Estimates. Sir, I would like to speak on the role of the Civil Defence Reservists. Sir, reservists form the bulk of the manpower resource in the Civil Defence Force for handling any civil defence crisis. The Gulf War last year indicated the kind of suffering that a country has to bear if there are not enough human resources and preparations to protect, save and sustain the civilian population in an emergency. Peacetime disasters can also happen. In 1986, we had the Hotel New World disaster. We must not be complacent because, even in a country like Singapore which believes in emergency exercises and prevention, major crises can still occur, for example, a major industrial fire affecting many workers and residents. Therefore, the role of reservists in civil defence is critical. The public needs to know more about the responsibilities of these CD reservists so that their families and the public can support the Civil Defence Programme more wholeheartedly. What is the role of our civil defence volunteers in the emergency plans? As you know, Sir, in every constituency there is a Civil Defence Coordinating Committee. Sir, in particular, I would like to know what is the progress of the Officer Conversion Programme. How many NCOs among the reservists have been converted to Commissioned Officers? What is the kind of training and responsibility that these reservists are put through?”
“Sir, what I wanted was an assurance that there will be sufficient time for the publicity to take place. I thank the Minister for it. Sir, it is indeed interesting that the Director of Public Affairs in the Police Force himself disallows his 8-year-old son to watch violent scenes on television. Coincidentally, last night, in my meet-the-people session, a mother brought her 6-year-old child and drew my attention to his violent behaviour and attributed it also to watching too much television. Sir, as parents, we also have a responsibility, and the blame is not entirely SBC's. Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I would like to seek some clarification from the Minister. When he mentioned the restraints regarding the seat belts, he mentioned those below 8 years, but this is a large group. Surely, he has some ideas about those who are toddlers versus those who are 7 or 8 years old. Would there be different forms that are required?”
“For example, I have received feedback recently concerning whether, under the proposed rules, a family will be penalised if it has three or more passengers in the rear seat which has only two seat belts, as most cars in the rear would have only two seat-belts. So, if there are three children, what happens to the third child who is not belted up? Others are worried that they might be required to retrofit rear seat-belts to their existing cars. Vocational drivers, such as taxi drivers and bus drivers, will also be concerned whether they need to carry child harnesses for their passengers. I hope that the Minister would take such concerns into account when finalising the rules. While I am satisfied that the Traffic Police is doing a good job, I hope that the public relations programme within the Traffic Police will be further improved and that there will be no let-down in this. A good relationship will do much to enhance the Republic of Singapore Police's relationship with the public, as it is in the traffic laws that one is most likely to flout in the daily routine of life.”
“There were also cases of small children who suffered serious injuries when the cars they travelled in met with accidents. The Ministry of Home Affairs has earlier indicated that it was planning to introduce the requirement of rear seat belts and child restraints. When I first read of this, I must admit that I was cynical. However, I was convinced after watching a video on the need to buckle up, both in the front seat and in the back seat. It was a new revelation to me to find out that when a vehicle impacts at a speed of 60 km per hour and a child is in the back seat, the impact of the child on the dashboard is equivalent to that of a child falling from the fourth floor. And if the vehicle is travelling at 40 km per hour, it is like falling from the second floor. I was also of the view that a child in the mother's lap was a very safe practice. However, after watching the video, I realised that it was a double injury on the child, in that the child would now be crushed between the mother and the dashboard. I thus urge the Ministry to put this public education programme into effect as soon as possible, to educate the members of the public, so that everyone will be aware of these dangers. The introduction of the front seat-belts has been very well received. We should aim at education in the first instance to convince all our parents, all our travellers, that there is a need for child restraints, and there is a need for the rear seat-belts. However, while I am for strong measures in the interest of safety, we must also see that such laws do not unwittingly bring about unnecessary inconvenience.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker, Sir. On the subject of traffic safety, I am pleased to note that the Traffic Police has been introducing various measures to improve traffic safety. The Demerit Points System (DIPS) was recently reviewed. Serious parking offences that cause obstruction now also attract demerit points. Public education programme has also been stepped up to bring about greater awareness of road safety. The Traffic Police with the Singapore Automobile Association has even offered tips to Singaporeans driving up to Malaysia. All these are laudable efforts. I also read in the Ministry of Home Affairs' Addendum to the President's Address at the Opening of Parliament that the Traffic Police will be introducing incentives for drivers who have good records. This is certainly most encouraging, because it shows that the Ministry also believes in the carrot approach. I would like to know what is the type of incentives envisaged by the Minister, whether it would apply to all categories of drivers and motorcyclists and when the scheme will be implemented. A combination of reward and punishment is required, because as we make the demerit system more severe, those driving as a career, eg, taxi drivers, bus drivers, may have their livelihood affected. I am not for one moment suggesting that they be given the licence to drive dangerously. But what I am saying is that the more they are on the road, the more likely it is that they will commit offences. So a carrot and stick approach is correct. In working out new measures, the Traffic Police ought to pay special attention to young children who are more vulnerable to accidents. It saddens me to read recent press reports about young children killed on the road, even at pedestrian crossings in school zones.”
“The movie then developed along the line of how the Singapore Government tried to save him. Almost half of the playing time of the movie, I am told, portrays scenes of violence, such as fights, gun battles and the use of explosives and pyrotechnics. The Republic of Singapore Police and the Singapore Armed forces were depicted in an unflattering manner in that the Police and the SAF personnel were very easily killed off by the terrorists. Violent scenes took place in very familiar settings such as Changi International Airport, and the MRT Station at St. Andrew's Road. Is Singapore a city of violence? What ideas are we instilling into the minds of our young regarding our own country, our mother land? Again, besides violence, what image are we portraying of the Police and the SAF in this film? Can we now expect our young to respect our men in blue, or want to serve in the NS with pride? 3.30 pm I think we need to take a second look into this. I have discussed this matter with the Minister and with the officials in the Ministry of Home Affairs and I would like to know what is the professionals' view on this matter, what is the potential effect of the media on our young? The Police should consider better and more innovative educational programmes to deter children and students from being drawn into crime and other undesirable activities such as secret society activities, bullying and gangsterism. My colleague in the GPC, Mr Choo Wee Khiang, will have more to say on this. On the issue of rehabilitation, will the Minister comment on the results of the use of electronic surveillance in the drug rehabilitation programme? Is there any plan to extend it to other areas? I would like to know what plans the Ministry has in this regard.”
“I would like to know from the Minister what the Police sees as new challenges in crime control and what new measures are being contemplated to ensure that while we keep our internal crime situation under control, Singapore can continue to deter international crime. The Ministry also needs to take a longer term view so that Singapore will have the right foundation for a crime-free environment in the next generation and beyond. In this regard, I feel that more attention should be paid to our young who can be easily influenced into a life of crime if our affluence as a society and our openness as a global city erode our traditional values. I am perturbed when I read of teenage prostitution and street corner gangs in our newspapers. Furthermore, I am also perturbed by scenes of extreme violence, and gory and bloody scenes especially on TV. Let me just draw two examples. The first example is the movie "Shattered Dreams" screened on SBC on 1st February 1992 in English. In this movie, there were scenes of marital disharmony, with the wife being abused, and sometimes brutally; scenes of the husband breaking into the home to beat up the wife in the presence of the children. Besides violence, what values does this film portray of the family, as we believe it? We all hold dear the belief that the family is the basic building block of society. The second example is the film "The Last Blood", a Hong Kong production, screened on SBC in Mandarin on 29th January 1992. This was an action movie that was produced by Hong Kongers, but filmed in Singapore. The movie plot essentially revolved around the visit of the Dalai Lama to Singapore, when an assassination attempt was made on his life by the Japanese Red Army.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head Q of the Main Estimates be reduced by $100. Sir, Singapore enjoys the reputation of being a country with a very low crime rate. We should be proud to live in one of the safest developed cities in the world, safer even than Tokyo. Even more importantly, the crime rate is also dropping. In 1991, the overall crime rate went down for the third successive year. Significant reductions were achieved in the more serious crimes resulting in the snatch theft and robbery rates being the lowest in 12 years and 9 years respectively. I commend the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Police for their excellent policies and programmes which made this possible. The cooperation of the public has, of course, played a vital role in bringing us to this happy state of affairs. However, we must not be complacent. The current situation can only be sustained and improved if both the Police and the community continue to work closely at crime control measures. The Police should continue to exploit new technology in crime fighting and investigation. There is also a need to use improved systems of policing such as better coordination with other law enforcement agencies, both locally as well as abroad. I see a growing need to be on guard against regional and international criminals who are attracted to Singapore because of our prosperity. Because we are a communications hub, there will be the constant threat of Singapore being used by syndicates in all sorts of crimes, including drug trafficking, illegal migration and money laundering.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I thank the Minister for the reply and beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $116,816,270 for Head T ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $118,620,000 for Head T ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head Q --”
“In the case, Sir, I would be very brief. I would just like to ask the Minister what his plans are to revise the present patent system?”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head T of the Main Estimates be reduced by $100. Sir, the starting time for this Head has been changed and the total discussion time has been reduced by 20 minutes. Is there any change in the "guillotine" time?”
“But whatever we can do in the prevention of illness in encouraging healthy lifestyles we should. Government has and always will be a key player in the provision of health care - and thus the public and professionals will always look to the Government to provide the leadership. This is one area that "market forces" alone will not suffice to provide all the answers. Subsidy is a necessity and not a dirty word in health care. The quantum of subsidy required is, however, always open to debate. I am sure that the Minister for Finance will always be sympathetic to the needs of the Ministry of Health.”
“Medisave Mr Speaker, Sir, Medisave has been the cornerstone that has kept our health structure in good stead. It is indeed our life saver. It is obvious that the older person needs to spend more on health care. The younger person needs to spend more on housing and other needs, eg, children's education. Thus, a spread of the CPF contribution to different areas of needs at different eras of one's working career makes good sense. I, thus, agree that should the need arise to revise the Medisave rate, this principle should be followed. Sir, as the trend in patient care is towards ambulatory care (ie, reduce hospitalisation to the shortest period possible), it is now the correct time to look into how Medisave can be extended to cover outpatient treatment for chronic illnesses. Medisave has kept up its time in that in many cases of day surgery, Medisave can be used. This is a correct way. You do not admit a person for surgery if he does not need to stay overnight. So likewise, there are many chronic illnesses for which a person need not be admitted but can be treated as an outpatient. Can we extend Medisave to cover this group? This will encourage patient compliance and reduce expensive hospitalisation. However, as this is the fear of the Ministry of Health, and a very rational fear, this should not be done until a system of checks and medical audit is set in place so as to prevent wastage and abuse. In summary, Sir, the problems of health care will escalate, especially with an ageing population. No one wants to be ill, but get sick we all will. Prevention will help reduce illness, but there are many illnesses for which there is no preventive programme. There are many cancers for which we do not know the cause yet.”
“Depending on the direction of restructuring, one must also keep a check on the real dollar cost to ensure that services remain affordable. Sir, it has also been recommended that "service in Government and restructured hospitals should cater mainly to the lower and middle income groups. Facilities for private patients should not be expanded any further". I could not agree more with this statement. In this context, I would urge the Government to consider the reclassification of Government hospital wards, as mentioned in the report. There should be only two main types of wards: full paying wards and subsidised wards. As mentioned in the report, within each type, room rates can be varied accordingly to the level of privacy and comfort that the patient wants. In this manner, the services provided by a hospital can be subdivided into, firstly, pure medical care - the medical care that the patient came for in the first place - and secondly, the hotel-type or lodging facilities which the patient wants. The standard of medical care given should be appropriate to the illness regardless of the type of ward in which the patient is in. However, the patient is free to choose the type of accommodation that he desires. Some patients, even though they can afford it, may not want a single room. For example, when they are warded in the hospital many will prefer the companionship of someone, ie, to have a room mate. In this scheme, it is also my hope that patients in the subsidised wards can choose a specialist of their choice. A properly advised patient would rather save on lodging and spend on medical care. This is what we should encourage. In this way, I believe health care costs can be significantly reduced.”
“In summary, Sir, I look forward to these benefits being made available soon to more shops, and especially to the shops in my own constituency, Bedok GRC, of which you, Sir, are also a Member of Parliament. Health Care Sir, much has been said on subsidies, health and doctors. I would like to focus on health care financing and managing health care costs. I will make reference to the Main Report of the Review Committee on National Health Policies. As the practice of medicine has changed world-wide, we have not been spared. However, in Singapore, we can still hold our heads up high. Overseas, we hear of cuts in health care, closure of facilities, unemployed or under-employed doctors, wasteful practices and poor doctor-patient relationship as reflected by high litigation costs and the practice of expensive and wasteful defensive medicine. Yes, we have our problems but they are not of the magnitude of that in many other countries. We are still in the happy situation where we can rationally plan for new hospitals and services. Health Care Financing Sir, the Review Committee supports the principle of cost-sharing to curb excessive demand for health services. This is correct. However, what is affordable in terms of cost-sharing is another matter. That Government should ensure that basic health care is accessible to all is correct. However, what is basic? Basic is different to different persons and to different illnesses. There must be flexibility in the implementation of this policy. Sir, first the issue of the Class C patients. It has been suggested that the cost recovery should remain at around 20%. However, as hospitals are restructured, 20% in real dollar terms will not remain static but will increase.”
“(c) Selling of HDB shops to sitting tenants Sir, this is welcome news, and tenants are anxiously awaiting the prices, schedules and methods of financing available. One question that is in the minds of the tenants is the period of the remaining lease for the shops as this will affect financing. (d) Liberalising the foreign worker policy It is stated in the report that the Ministry of Labour will be more flexible in administering the 20% dependency ceiling for small retailers. When will this take place, when will the levy be reduced, and will the levy be reduced to assist an already "sick" sector? (e) Improving productivity and efficiency The provision by the National Productivity Board of structural training programmes is most welcome. This will also help alleviate the employee problem in the HDB retail shop as on-the-job training will make it more worthwhile to work in a small enterprise. (f) Promoting computerisation I am sure that the NCB with all its expertise and experience will be of great assistance to the neighbourhood store. I am sure that the NCB will also be mindful of the special needs of an affordable and user-friendly system for this special group of clients. (g) Concept plan for physical upgrading of HDB retail centre Sir, Tampines and Toa Payoh have been chosen as models for the pilot project. Whilst awaiting for a full evaluation of this project, could something else not be done for other estates? As I have mentioned earlier, there is urgency in this matter. (h) Other assistance I am glad that the EDB will be making available its whole infrastructure to help the "small retailer" as for too long the EDB has been seen to only care for the MNCs, although we know that this is not the total truth.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I join my colleagues in endorsing the fiscal principles as enunciated by the Minister for Finance. I would like to take this opportunity to discuss two areas of concern, namely, that of shopkeepers in HDB estates and the issue of health care costs. HDB shophouses Sir, first, on the issue of HDB shophouses. Mr Speaker, Sir, on 2nd March 1992, Mr Lim Boon Heng, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry announced the Retail Sector Development Plan. This together with the announcement by the Ministry of National Development on the sale of HDB shophouses brings new hope to the local small retailers. The Government's development assistance package for the retail sector, as well as the concept plans to upgrade existing HDB towns and neighbourhood centre, is timely. However, there is an urgency to this matter because, for many, it is indeed a matter of the "rice-bowl". Sir, in the Retail Sector Development Plan, eight key recommendations have been made and I would like to comment on some of them. (a) Promoting Economic Groups The National Productivity Board (NPB) will set up a Franchise/Cooperative Centre to help small retailers organise themselves into economic groups and benefit from economies of scale. This will indeed be welcomed by our small retailers as many now resort to buying from the large stores when certain items are on special offers to resell in the neighbourhood shops. (b) Providing front line business guidance and consultancy services Here, the Economic Development Board (EDB) will form an Enterprise Promotion Centre (EPC) to provide direct assistance to the small retailer. Here for the first time, the small retailer will receive professional advice and I am sure that this is much appreciated.”
“One, there will be services as usual in 1992 for all our kindergartens. Two, a review will be conducted by the PCF regarding our own resources and strength. Then only will we decide how we can best distribute our limited resources in 1993, with priority of course being given to our own PAP wards. Any big crime in this? Miss Tan Sai Siong, a Sunday Times feature writer, on 16th November 1991, had this to say: "... a party which is not in control of a constituency cannot be expected to pour its own funds and resources into improving the quality of life of that place. If these voters want to blame anyone for their plight, then they should blame those who had helped deliver their ward to the opposition. As for those who voted for the opposition, they have no right to be aggrieved by Dr Tony Tan's news which confirmed a warning given by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong before the August election - that certain PAP services might be taken away in wards won by the opposition. They cannot say they were not given ample notice of the possible consequences." The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has run Potong Pasir now for three terms. Can they not provide a similar service? Remember that the PAP received its first Government grant only in 1991, some 30 years after starting its first kindergarten. Russell Heng, in another article in the Straits Times entitled "You win but you don't win fair", had this to say: "By all means, let the PAP warn voters that they must live with what they voted for. But that lesson should go no further than for the party to stop servicing opposition wards."”
“This was because the PCF is the single largest provider of kindergarten service and because the Ministry of Education believes that the PCF could deliver the improved programme by January 1992. Dr Tony Tan, then Minister for Education, made it amply clear that this was a pilot project. If the programme was successful, then it would be extended under the very same terms to other private, non-profit, non-political organisations. If we fail, the Ministry of Education will have to carry the responsibility of the pre-school programme at the expense of its primary school programme. The grant was 80%, not a 100% grant, up to a maximum of $210,000 per centre. Our cost per centre far exceeds this by about $100,000 because we have exceeded the standards laid down by the Ministry of Education. This was, and is, an awesome responsibility. We have to provide for 20 centres, now minus Bukit Gombak, 19 centres scattered around Singapore. Thanks to the whole project team - all our contractors, all our dedicated branch members, all our teachers and administrators, and especially the parents who have trusted us. We have delivered this programme successfully, intact and up to standards on 2nd January 1992. What is the bottom line? The bottom line is that 7,000-plus children are now able to benefit from this programme. Should we have left it to the Ministry of Education? Should we have left it to the Opposition to do this? Have we, the PCF, committed any big crime? I do not think so. At the press conference on 15th November 1991, at the opening of the demonstration centre in Fengshan, Dr Tony Tan, Chairman of the Management Council, Dr Tay Eng Soon, Chairman of the Executive Committee, and myself explained our position very clearly.”
“Sir, can I correct and enlighten him by telling him that first and foremost the PAP has been providing kindergarten services since the 1950s. Kindergartens were started on wayang stages, shophouses and on rented premises. This was, and is, our way to show the Party's commitment that education is the key to social mobility and personal improvement. Today, two thirds of the children attending pre-school classes are studying in this year's kindergartens. Sir, in 1986, I was appointed Chairman of the PAP Community Foundation (PCF) Kindergarten Committee. The PAP has set up the PCF as a non-profit, charitable organisation registered with the Commissioner for Charities. The Foundation, besides providing kindergarten services, also engages in other charitable and welfare activities, such as book grants, scholarships, the running of child-care centres, student-care centres, or latchkey programmes and family service centres. The provision of pre-school education is a major activity of the Foundation but by no means the only activity. From 1986 to 1988, under Project Kindergarten, every single one of our more than 200 education centres, serving more than 50,000 children, was upgraded physically - equipment wise, curriculum, teacher upgrading, etc. The cost came close to $2 million. Not a single cent of this came from any grant from the Government. It was PCF's money, from generous PCF's donors, well-wishers and from the PAP. Let the Opposition take note of this. In April 1991, the Ministry of Education, wishing to upgrade pre-school education, approached the PCF to participate in the Preparatory Year (PY) programme and upgrade some of its centres to the Ministry's PY programme standard.”
“The first thing when I reached Singapore, a good friend of mine told me this, "Do you know that the Minister is on record as saying this?" I said, "Wah, that is a really good wish that he has made and I fully share his wish." I hope that he will really look into this and see how he can fine-tune the whole quota system and the COE. The issue of time-based telephone charges is now on a pilot run. The Minister has heard all the arguments. I am hopeful that he will fine-tune this system accordingly, or even scrap it when the data is made available. Home Affairs and Law Singapore is a "fine" country. The sceptics say this in jest or contempt. They do not understand our special circumstances and never will want to understand us. They think that we enjoy imposing fines on people. We need make no apology to them. However, as the GPC Chairman for Home Affairs and Law, I am glad to note that the Traffic Police will be giving incentives to drivers with good records. Instead of talking of demerit points and fines, we are now moving to positive reinforcement of good behaviour. We are, indeed, a fine country, are we not? The GPC looks forward to discussing this totally new concept in policing with the Minister, and who knows, we may even have merit points for drivers with good records and driving habits! We can then say that we have indeed moved into a new era, and made a giant leap into the next lap. Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like now to turn to the comments made by Mr Cheo Chai Chen with regard to the PAP Community Foundation kindergartens. He has said that we have mixed up education and politics and that the PAP has used the kindergartens to threaten the electorate.”
“MediShield and Medifund are examples of fine-tuning. The initial concept of privatisation of hospitals became unacceptable, and the concept of restructuring of Government hospitals is a step in the right direction. In the next lap, more choices in service and the education of our population regarding personal responsibility and proper utilisation of the health service will be our keys to success. More fine-tuning will be required and the affordability factor must be kept in mind constantly in all services provided. Communications Sir, the completion of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system introduces a totally new way of life. However, as has been mentioned by my other colleagues, we need to fine-tune the feeder services to and from the MRT stations to make the system even more user-friendly. The quota system and the Certificates of Entitlement (COE), in particular, need to be fine-tuned. As the Housing and Development Board has fine-tuned its ballot system for flats, so should the Ministry of Communications look into ways to assist the "hard-luck" cases who even after five to six times are unable to find the correct bids. Yes, I accept and I agree that this would be tampering with a tender system. But we should recognise that these are the persons who are not speculating in the market. They are representative of those who are saying to us, "I really need a car for my daily business, but I just cannot match the big boys!" Can we fine-tune in some ways to meet their needs? I hope the Minister will not dismiss this, but at least ask his officials to look into it. The Minister is on record to have said (and I have checked this with him because I was away) that his New Year wish was to see that as many Singaporeans as can be own cars. This was indeed a breath of fresh air.”
“Each family has its own needs, eg, the Chinese child from the English-speaking home requires help in Mandarin while the Chinese child from a dialect or Mandarin speaking home requires help in English. The total study load on our children is increased because of the bilingual policy, and all that the Ministry can do to make the learning process more pleasant will be much appreciated by the parents. Health Sir, Mr Ling has said that he would like to see that the Government charge only the running cost to A and B1 class wards. But the Government is now charging the running cost plus the capital cost for A and B1 class wards. I believe that this is the way to ensure that more money is available to help the B2 and C class wards. If those who can pay for A and B1 class wards, they should be allowed to pay for the full cost of A and B1 class wards and enjoy the luxury and pampering that they want in A and B1 class wards. But let us save the extra money for the B2 and C class wards, those people who are ill and who need help. Let us help those people with the money that would otherwise, in his scheme, be spent on the A and B1 class wards. Mr Speaker, Sir, in the last lap, we have seen the transformation of old hospitals and outpatient clinics to sparkling new buildings, with the latest state-of-the-art equipment, and staff who are trained to be second to none in the world. Most importantly, whilst we see the whole health systems overseas on the brink of collapse, we are fortunate that we have the luxury of time to have a Health Review Committee, under Dr Aline Wong, Minister of State, to sit, re-examine our past performance, and fine-tune for the future. The main issues are, of course, costs and standards of service. Medisave was our key to success in the last lap.”
“Does he want them to have a means test? What would be the cost of maintaining the database for the means test for the students, for the aged and for the sick? If we were to move in this direction, Mr Speaker, Sir, I submit that the cost of maintaining this database for the means test would be so overwhelming that all that we want to give to help the poor and needy would be lost in the administrative cost. Sir, in the area of education, it is my belief that we have started the Next Lap on the right footing. More opportunities for tertiary education, a second university today, a third in the pipeline and a fourth, the Open University, on the drawing board. We have a third polytechnic and a fourth is in the pipeline. The improvements in the primary school system will give parents more choice in streaming and Day Schools will meet the needs of the working parents. Edusave is a major Government commitment to all students and assist the development of both independent and non-independent, or neighbourhood schools. Here, I think, again Mr Ling should have a good look to see how Edusave is now going to help the neighbourhood schools which will benefit the majority of Singaporeans. This, to me, is welcomed. This is not elitism. This is levelling up. With this additional assistance, I believe that we will be pleasantly surprised to see (in contrast to paragraph 9 of the President's Address) that some very innovative and creative programmes will emerge from non-independent schools, or neighbourhood schools. What is the fine-tuning that is required in education? Parents are looking eagerly to the Ministry for assistance in the policy of bilingualism.”
“In the main, our people are satisfied that the PAP Government has done a good job, or they would not have returned us to power with such an overwhelming majority, albeit a smaller majority with three fewer seats. This also signals their confidence in the Government's agenda for the Next Lap. What is also implied is that they expect the Government to fine-tune the less popular policies. I do not believe that the population expects a populist government. If that is the case, the PAP would have fared badly. However, it is the fine-tuning that is expected so that Government's policies and people's expectations can truly fit snugly "hand-in-hand". This will be no easy task, but one which we should be able to achieve through thorough planning, through an educated guess of the people's pain threshold, accurate feedback, better packaging of less popular policies (especially those that hurt the pocket), and sometimes even through trial and error. We should be able to achieve this, and achieve we must, not for the survival of the PAP, but for the survival of Singapore, for we have no other home. Mr Speaker, Sir, let me now turn to some specific issues. Education Sir, Mr Ling How Doong, the Member for Bukit Gombak, has said that elitism at its worst is practised by the PAP Government in education. I wonder what he means by this, when today one in three students in the independent schools is receiving financial assistance under the Financial Assistance Scheme. He talks of elitism; he talks of means test. But he contradicts himself. He talks of the means test with respect to health. He says that there are too many busybodies asking questions. But at the same time he is not happy that the Government is giving the top 25% in independent schools the scholarship to study.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the motion. Sir, Singapore has done well in its first lap in the last 25 years. Under the PAP Government, the farsightedness of the policies of the leaders has resulted in a better life for the people. Furthermore, the foundation has been laid for future development. In the Next Lap, the challenge will be to fine-tune our whole system so that the Government's agenda for our future development and the expectations and aspirations of the people will indeed match. This will be no easy task, as the political leadership must work and plan not only for today, but also for the next generation, and generations to come. However, the present generation has its own expectations, and problems, and may not be totally convinced or aware of the need for sacrifice at this time, to insure for the future. The political leadership that will be able to carry the ground, and convince the ground of the problems and challenges ahead, the leadership that will be able to find the correct balance, is the one that will be able to enthuse our people to greater achievements. In the Next Lap, the basic fundamentals have not changed. Economic survival, national security and the development of one united nation from the first generation of immigrants, remain the cornerstone and concerns of everyone. We have made important and sometimes radical, unique but necessary changes to ensure this. For example, many visiting Parliamentarians have asked us to share our experience in ensuring minority representation and rights with regard to Group Representation Constituencies and the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act. These were unique pieces of legislation to meet our own unique situation. These lay the foundation for nation building in the Next Lap.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I join my colleagues in congratulating you on your re-election as Speaker of Parliament. Since your election as Speaker in 1989, you have guided this House fairly and with wit and wisdom. Your eyes are sharp and your timing very sharp. I am sure that under your leadership and shining example, this House will indeed benefit from your chairmanship. I would also like to congratulate Mr Chiam See Tong on being appointed the unofficial Leader of the Opposition in this House.”
“The Prime Minister has said that he intends to have at least four to six after the next general election. The present amendment before us proposes to enable the President to increase the number of NCMPs through an Order made between the time of dissolution of Parliament and nomination day. Each order will lapse at the next dissolution of Parliament. Sir, I would like to seek clarification as to what are the guiding principles for fixing this number. I agree that for the number to be set between the dissolution of Parliament and nomination day is an appropriate time and is fair play. However, I believe that there must be some set criteria by which the number is fixed. If it is the intention to err on the side of caution, then we should at this time categorically state this to be the reason. Alternatively, the number could be increased by one NCMP per general election over the subsequent general elections till the maximum number of six is reached, and then review the success or otherwise or relevancy of the NCMP system at that time.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the amendments. Elected President Sir, the amendments relating to the Elected President bring into line the conditions for disqualification to be in line with that of all Members of Parliament. It is indeed right that such a prestigious and important office as the President will also be subjected to the same conditions for disqualification. Election expenses Sir, this change is timely. It was in 1954 that the expenditure during the general election or by election was set at the limit of $6,000 or 50 cents per elector, whichever is the greater. It is obvious that this is insufficient at today's prices. Indeed, it is my observation that many of the volunteers and party supporters have spent money out of their own pocket during election campaign, for example, in relation to meals. To them, we owe a vote of thanks for their commitment to democracy, be they in the PAP or Opposition parties. The proposal to double this expenditure limit to $12,000 or $1 per elector is realistic but not excessive. Sir, in our meetings with parliamentarians from overseas, they have often remarked on the low cost of electioneering in Singapore and applauded us for having the foresight to introduce this legislation. I believe that the new limits will be sufficient yet still not allow money to be a barrier to any potential election candidate. It will at the same time not be excessive to allow for unnecessary expenditure. NCMPs Sir, in 1984, the Constitution was amended to provide for a maximum of six NCMPs. Section 52 of the Parliamentary Elections Act currently fixes that maximum number of NCMPs at three, that is, three less the total number of Opposition Members elected under the first-past-the-post system.”
“Sir, can I make some clarifications on affordability? The Minister gave us some average cost figures. Referring to B2, he said that the average cost was $1,850 and that the subsidy was $1,350, giving us an average bill of $500. May I point out to the Minister that this average cost will not be reflective. At least he should give us the median cost. Then the cost in relation to the types of disciplines. For example, in a surgical discipline, in operations, if you take an average cost of a person's overnight stay for observation versus that of a person who stays for about two weeks it is, of course, not comparable. But I do not expect the Minister to give all these figures now. It would be unfair of me. But I hope at some future date when we have more time, he could give us some breakdown of how he arrived at this average bill of $500 which I am sure many of us at our Meet-the-People sessions know that it is higher than that.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, just a point of clarification. When I asked for updating it is not only with reference to those on long-stay, because we would not know whether a patient is on long-stay or not, but they should be updated frequently right from the beginning.”
“Sir, the by-words of today are privatisation, market forces and deregulation. While this may work in most sectors of the economy, this may not apply in totality to medicine or the health care industry. Sir, in a small nation state like Singapore, we cannot afford expensive duplication in the purchase of expensive equipment either in the public or private sector. There must be cooperation instead of wastage, as all "new" equipment is dated, and will be superseded by "newer" second or third generation equipment in cycles that run approximately 3-5 years. Besides cost, there is also a danger of creating an unnecessary demand for services should there be an over-supply situation. This will result in a lowering of professional standards. The problem should be addressed now, as we are beginning to see a race on the installation of multi-million dollar machines for diagnosis and treatment of various diseases by the various restructured hospitals and private hospitals. The Ministry of Health should now take on a regulatory role which oversees the installation of the equipment and audits the usage of these equipment. The personnel using these equipment must be properly trained. Perhaps a committee comprising members from the Ministry of Health, Medical Council, Singapore Medical Association and the Academy of Medicine should be formed, and the installation of all equipment in excess of $500,000 should first have the approval of this committee.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, first, I would like to declare pecuniary interest as I am a medical practitioner. Sir, the rising cost of health care has been a cause for concern. The patient has been blamed for this, the doctors have been blamed for this, and so has the Government. In the defence of his Ministry, the Minister for Health has stated that: 'The Government policy has always been that the low income group who uses B2 and C will be heavily subsidised and therefore the bills in these wards would be highly affordable.'”
“Sir, can I clarify with the Minister whether the criteria are exactly the same for the men and women, except that if the foreign husband can show that he can be gainfully employed and that he has the means to look after his family, he will be given equal opportunity? Is that right?”