Charles Chong
Singapore
“I am interested, however, to hear what the experiences of the 28 pilot schools are and how they have found the move to FSBB. Could the Minister give an update on the pilot and how successful or otherwise this has been? Finally, Mr Chairman, I would like to address the need for support of children from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
“I know that we are very appreciative of the support provided by the Australian government and the Australian defence force. However, with the recent bush fires in the east coast of Australia, could the Minister let us know if the Shoalwater Bay training area has been affected and whether this has had an impact on the SAF's ability to full…”
“Mr Chairman, even as we aim for zero training fatalities, it inherent in the nature of the SAF that accidents will probably happen and the challenge for us then is to ensure that when they do happen, that our service personnel have the very best medical care which we can provide for them.”
“Finally, could the Minister provide details on the number of calls which have been made to the Army, Navy and Air Force safety hotlines, and whether this has increased since we have enhanced our emphasis on training safety and whether concrete action has been taken following the making of these reports? Safety Consciousness”
“Mr Chairman, a number of speakers before me have already raised most of the points which I have, so I will not repeat them and will be very brief. As Singapore's population ages, one of the issues which will be of increasing concern for our citizens is the affordability and accessibility of healthcare.”
“00 pm These days, however, the US appears to be focused on other regional matters, such as the denuclearisation negotiations in North Korea. While on trade, a comprehensive and progressive agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership came into force at the end of last year, with the conspicuous absence of the US, which withdrew from its pr…”
The complete record
Every one of 474 lines we hold for Charles Chong, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 7 of 10.
“This is a welcome amendment that will provide some financial relief for families who support their grandparents. Hopefully, this amendment will also create an additional opportunity for people to financially assist their aged grandparents and promote stronger bonds within the extended family unit. Sir, I support the proposed amendment to section 29 of the Act that will raise the age limit for the Home Protection Insurance Scheme from 60 to 65 years of age, which is in line with the rising life expectancy and health standards of Singaporeans, and the extension of the age limit for granting HDB loans. However, clause 14 of the Bill will exclude claims made under the Home Protection Insurance Scheme and Dependant's Protection Insurance Scheme should death or permanent disability of the insured arise directly or indirectly out of suicide, a deliberate act of self-injury or an intentional criminal act within one year of the date of the commencement of the policy. In addition to these exclusions, capital punishment of any criminal act committed within one year from the date of the start of the policy also voids any claim. Sir, I am able to understand and support the rationale for such exclusions but would be more comfortable if there is also a provision in the Bill that empowers the Minister to grant exemptions should the circumstances of a case warrant such an exemption. Finally, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, clause 18 of the Bill receives my strong support. This clause, amongst other things, will empower the CPF Board to recover money owed for CPF contributions from errant employers who fail to pay CPF contributions to the employees. The current legislation provides a fine and/or a jail term but does not have any provision to enable recovery of money owed for CPF contributions.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I support the Bill moved by the Minister for Manpower and would just like to comment briefly on several clauses in the Bill. Sir, clause 4 of the Bill proposes to amend section 13 of the CPF Act to enable CPF members to withdraw funds from their Special Account for approved low-risk investments. This amendment will provide CPF members greater flexibility to manage their own funds and, hopefully, maximise returns on the investments. However, CPF members should be reminded that money in the Special Account is risk-free and tax-free, and currently attracts an interest rate of 1.5 percentage points more than the interest rate for savings in the Ordinary Account. This means a minimum of 4% interest per annum, which is higher than most fixed deposit rates and some low-risk investments. Sir, it may not be practical for the Government to legislate all the safeguards on CPF investments such that there will be a 100% protection for investors from the consequences of their own investment actions. However, the Ministry of Manpower and the CPF Board should, wherever possible, provide sufficient warning to CPF members that the majority of investments carry some degree of risk and that members should seek professional advice if they are in doubt. For those who are not savvy in investment strategies, it may well be worth their while to keep their money in the Special Account for the low risk and the respectable interest rate it currently attracts. Clause 7 of the Bill proposes to amend section 18 of the CPF Act to enable CPF account holders to transfer funds into their grandparents' retirement accounts, in addition to their parents' and spouse's retirement accounts.”
“Sir, I support what has been raised by Dr Ong Chit Chung and I appreciate that SAF training has to be realistic enough to prepare our servicemen for actual combat situations. I understand that the SAF has very comprehensive safety measures already established. However, could the Minister tell us what additional measures have been initiated to enhance safety in training, especially at unfamiliar overseas training areas and whether these measures are indeed effective?”
“Sir, most of the points that I had intended to raise have already been said by Dr Ong Chit Chung. I will therefore not repeat them, other than to state that the problem of piracy is a regional problem. It requires the coordinated effort and the cooperation of regional countries in order to address this problem. Could the Minister tell us if there has been any collaboration with the regional armed forces to eliminate or at least to control piracy in our regional waters?”
“Sir, I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $110,142,220 for Head T ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $59,876,800 for Head T ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head U -”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head T of the Main Estimates be reduced by $10 in respect of Code TM 1500. Sir, could the Minister give us an update on the progress of the Construction 21 plan launched in October last year and if any of these measures implemented have led to a reduction in the number of unskilled foreign workers in Singapore, and to the raising of skills and productivity in the construction industry? Have any of these measures such as the reduction in the man-year entitlement adversely affected the construction industry?”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head T of the Main Estimates be reduced by $10 in respect of Code TD 1500. Sir, the issue of discriminatory job advertisements was raised in this House some years ago by the Secretary-General of NTUC, when he was still a backbencher. It was pointed out then that there were many job advertisements that specified preference for a particular race, age or gender. This issue has been raised from time to time since then and again during the recession. Could the Minister give us an update on the current situation on discriminatory job advertisements and let us know if his Ministry will consider legislation against such advertisements?”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head T of the Main Estimates be reduced by $10 in respect of Code TA 1500. Sir, Singapore has been a member of the ILO for some time already. And as mentioned by Mr Thomas on Saturday, Singapore may already be in compliance or will have little difficulty in complying with the requirements of several ILO conventions. However, we have still yet to ratify them. Could the Minister tell us his Ministry's policy with regard to ratification of ILO conventions, especially the conventions pertaining to the minimum employment age and equal remuneration, and also the ILO convention on the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining.”
“Sir, I thank the Minister and the Minister of State for their responses and I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, the 10% CPF cut was made on 1st January last year in an environment of economic and regional recession. Since then, there has been a sharp rebound in the regional economies, and the Singapore economy has emerged well placed for expansion in the next few years. A 2% restoration will be made on 1st April this year. However, many companies are well able and some may even be willing to restore the 10% cut at a faster rate than that announced by the Government. Is there any reason why the Ministry of Manpower should not permit a faster restoration of the employer's CPF contribution by companies that are able and willing to make such restorations? And will the Ministry consider granting such restorations the usual income tax exemptions?”
“Could the Minister tell us what measures are being taken to reduce the number of unskilled foreign workers in Singapore and also what incentives are being provided to ensure that employers bring in better skilled workers, and indeed if these measures are effective?”
“In many areas such as financial services, IT, communications and leading-edge manufacturing technology, there may not be enough Singaporeans yet and there may never be enough Singaporeans with the required skills to compete in the global market against the most advanced countries and emerge as winners. Singaporeans must accept the fact that we need a healthy infusion of foreign talent to raise our competitiveness and to create more job opportunities for Singaporeans. In fact, there is now a global war for talent and Singapore may be left far behind if we are unable to attract our share of international talent. Even in the field of sports such as football and table tennis, clear examples can be seen on how the infusion of foreign talent raises standards and competitiveness, and also how countries around the world scramble for such talents. Could the Minister tell us what measures his Ministry is taking to attract more foreign talent into the country, and whether the figures indicate that these measures are indeed effective? Lower down the scale, there are also many areas of employment that there are just not enough Singaporeans who seem inclined to undertake. Consequently, we now have large numbers of less skilled foreign manpower in occupations such as construction and cleansing services that Singaporeans seem unwilling to do. With such large numbers of low wage and low skilled workers available, there is little motivation for employers to raise productivity and professionalise such occupations. Wages in these occupations would also remain depressed and continue to remain unattractive to Singaporeans.”
“The Ministry of Manpower should therefore develop a national manpower planning framework that can quickly anticipate and identify key manpower trends in this fast changing environment, and also ways to get this vital information effectively and in a timely manner to our workforce, so that informed decisions can be made on the type of training and upgrading courses that workers should undertake in order to enhance their employability. I understand that the National Manpower Council had its inaugural meeting just last month. Could the Minister tell us whether the Council has made any projections and recommendations? Could the Minister also inform the House what initiatives and strategies his Ministry has taken with regard to manpower development in the face of this fast changing economic landscape? While it is well and good to study trends and anticipate changes in the labour market and advocate relevant skills upgrading, we should also be realistic enough to realise that there are many in our workforce, especially older, less educated workers, who may not be able to upgrade due to lack of literacy and numeracy skills and therefore are unable to benefit from the skills redevelopment programmes. Could the Minister tell us what measures his Ministry would take with regard to professionalisation of certain industries and occupations, and the redeployment of such workers, so that they too can have dignified employment, earn decent wages and be made to feel that every Singaporean indeed matters? Finally, Sir, with regard to the management of foreign manpower, Singapore needs to augment its indigenous workforce with foreign manpower for our continued economic progress.”
“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 labour market is changing more rapidly than most workers realise. Advances in technology, especially in IT and communications, are already revolutionising the way we work and the way business is done. Many traditional occupations that older Singaporeans were trained for when they commenced employment may become extinct in the knowledge-based economy. Also, in an era of globalisation where capital and production can move rapidly to virtually any part of the world, our workers must be able to hold their own against the best and the cheapest in the world. It is therefore vital that our workforce be trained and equipped with skills and knowledge that will enable them to remain competitive in this new environment. Many workers are unaware of current trends in the labour market that may have serious consequences on their current employment and future employability. Even as the economy recovers and more and more jobs are created, many workers learn about KBE and structural unemployment the hard way when they face retrenchment, as their skills become outdated or when they are no longer competitive. Some still do not know what hit them, as factories closed down or relocated to countries with cheaper labour. The new jobs that are being created usually require skills that they do not possess and are invariably filled by younger, better educated workers or foreign talent.”
“Sir, I share the concerns of Dr Ong Chit Chung on the future of ASEAN. I had recently browsed through several news databases to read up on recent developments concerning ASEAN. And what surprised me was the number of articles written in the past year which questioned the credibility of the organisation and its continued cohesiveness and relevance. These articles have appeared in various newspapers in Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, France, among others, and many were blunt in their analyses, highlighting the so-called serious weaknesses in ASEAN and casting doubts on ASEAN's potential to act positively to meet future challenges. ASEAN's credibility had been dented as a result of its failure to respond to the economic turmoil in 1997-1998 and was an issue our own Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister had publicly alluded to at ASEAN meetings. It is essential and urgent that all 10 ASEAN members address the problem head on to restore confidence in the organisation and the region. This will reassure investors who are beginning to return to the region to take a longer term view of their presence here. Sir, I would like the Minister for Foreign Affairs to update the House on the steps ASEAN had adopted in the past year to rebuild its credibility and salvage its international image. What are some of the problems and obstacles that ASEAN faces in its effort to restore and strengthen the grouping's reputation. At the same time, will the Minister also give an assessment of the success of the measures implemented by ASEAN thus far?”
“Worse, Mr Malik's letters give the impression that Singapore-Malaysia relations are perceived by Malay-Malaysians in racial terms. His use of emotive words and phrases like khianat (treason), high animosity, high level of hatred by many Malay-Malaysians towards Singapore and his pointed emphasis that Singapore would always be a younger brother to Malaysia and his undisguised threat that Malaysia should terminate the water agreement and any other contract that are good for Singapore, certainly make it difficult for Singaporeans to respond in any other way to his letters except in annoyance and anger. Sir, I was and am still disturbed by Mr Malik Tahir's letter. Because of the depth of the emotions expressed, I cannot help but wonder if Mr Malik's letter typifies the general feelings of Malay-Malaysians towards Singapore. Perhaps, the Minister for Foreign Affairs might be able to give this House his Ministry's assessment of this question. If Mr Malik Tahir's letter did typify the general feelings of Malay-Malaysians towards Singapore, surely, this must have implications on the way Singapore deals with Malaysia. In addition, I would like the Minister to keep this House current on the present state of Singapore-Malaysia relations, particularly with respect to the latest development on the CIQ issue and also on the Singapore-Johor bridge that the Malaysians propose to construct. I understand from press reports that the Prime Minister has been briefed by the Malaysians during his recent visit to Johor. Perhaps, the Minister could give us some details on the proposed Johor-Singapore bridge as well as to give us an idea whether Singapore can expect any improvement in the bilateral relations with Malaysia in the foreseeable future.”
“Sir, since last year, various leading indicators reported by Malaysia clearly suggested that our neighbour was on the way to robust economic recovery. This heartening news was boosted by the latest impressive growth figure of 5.4% which further confirmed that the Malaysian economy did well in 1999 and the positive trend is expected to continue. Sir, such good news certainly puts all of us in an optimistic mood, including Mr Chiam. But will Singaporeans be overly optimistic to look forward to improvement in bilateral relations with our neighbour now that the Malaysian economy is looking bouyant? In the last couple of years, we have been at the receiving end of too many incredulous accusations and allegations thrown at us from across the Causeway. We were blamed for Malaysia's economic woes, blamed for economic sabotage, blamed for the CIQ issue, blamed for the CLOB issue, blamed for giving too much publicity to the Anwar case. The list simply goes on and on. In fact, Singapore has become such a regular bogeyman in the Malaysian political landscape that I am not surprised if Singaporeans have actually come to expect Singapore bashing to be in the nature of bilateral relationships between the two countries. Sir, I would very much like to take a more optimistic approach in Singapore-Malaysia relations. I would like to think, as the Malaysian economy improves, our neighbour would see benefit in establishing a win-win relationship with us, based on mutual cooperation and mutual respect. I was therefore greatly disappointed to find my optimism misplaced. The recent spate of strongly worded letters from Mr Malik Tahir of Malaysia was a rude shock and a timely reminder that some Malaysians still view Singapore with deep acrimony.”
“Workers should also be made aware of safe work procedures, safety precautions and actions to be taken during an emergency and they must be provided with proper personal protective equipment. But most importantly, every person must observe and comply with the safe work procedures in a potentially hazardous work environment. Sir, I strongly support the legislation of safe work procedures in such work environment. But I share the Minister's view that the problem of safety in the work place cannot be resolved solely by enactment and strict enforcement of the law. The efforts of the Government must be matched by a strong determination by employers and management to ensure the safety of their workers through self-regulation. Unions and workers must also play their part by adopting safe work procedures complying with safety regulations and by taking an active part in creating a safe work environment at their work places. With that, Sir, I support the Bill.”
“A revision of these outdated penalties would make them more effective and relevant to present day situations. Sir, new sections 71A, 71B and 71C empower the Minister to make it mandatory for occupiers of any factory to implement safety management systems and also to employ competent safety coordinators and appropriately qualified safety auditors and to carry out regular inspections and audits to ensure the safety, health and welfare of the people employed in the factory. The safety objectives of such provisions in the Bill are quite obvious. However, the provisions should not be so onerous that it would hinder operational efficiency and add unnecessary costs. Requiring factories that engage in relatively low hazard activities to implement sophisticated safety management systems and employ safety coordinators and safety auditors, adds very little value to the safety of such factories but may add significantly to the cost of its operations. I would therefore like to urge the Minister to be judicious in gazetting factories that would be required to comply with the provisions of new sections 71A, 71B and 71C. Consideration should be given not just to the size of the factory and the number of workers it employs, but also, more importantly, to the hazard level of its activity. Finally, Mr Speaker, Sir, new section 47A of the Bill stipulates that safe work procedures must be employed before any activity can commence in any factory or potentially hazardous work environment specified in the Twelfth Schedule of the Bill. Among the safety measures listed are that hazards and potential harm to which persons at the work place could be exposed as a result of such work have to be identified and that appropriate measures must be taken to eliminate these hazards.”
“Sir, thank you for allowing me to join in this debate. Sir, I support the Bill moved by the Minister for Manpower. The amendments to the Factories Act, in order to expand the coverage of this legislation, in areas not previously covered, such as MRT and LRT tracks, and warehouses where mechanical power is used, are indeed timely. The work environment is changing rapidly, with development of new technology and the creation of new types of occupations, the existing legislation will therefore need to keep up with these changes. However, I would like to urge the Minister to consider eventually transforming the Factories Act into an Occupational Safety and Health Act so that all work areas, and not just factories and the limited areas currently defined in the Factories Act, can also be covered by the relevant safety provisions in the Act. For example, new section 27A of the Bill regarding the provision of safety training for employees could then be applied to cover domestic workers at their work places in high rise homes in order to reduce or eliminate mishaps involving falls from windows or balconies in the course of their work. There has been a sharp rise in the number of such mishaps. We are aware that the Ministry of Manpower has already taken measures to promote safety awareness among foreign domestic workers and their employers. However, if these measures do not achieve their desired results, then mandatory safety training, as stipulated in new section 27A of the Bill, should be considered. Sir, I support the revision of the penalties imposed for the various offences under the Factories Act. As mentioned by the Minister, many of these penalties were enacted more than 20 years ago, and it has not been updated.”
“Sir, in the last two years, Singapore-Malaysia relations have been through many rough patches. And it takes no small effort to keep track of the bewildering swings and turns that add confusion to critical issues such as the Points of Agreement (POA) and Malaysia's CIQ facilities in Tanjong Pagar. On the POA, it would be helpful if the Minister for Foreign Affairs could update the House on its latest status. What would happen to the POA and the provisions contained in the original document, after the new once-and-for-all package settlement of all outstanding bilateral issues mooted by Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir and concurred by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong last December? Will there be a new package agreement drawn up between the two governments? And how can Singapore ensure that any new agreement drawn up will not again be subjected to the kind of contentions and disputes that afflict the POA, which is an official document signed between Singapore and the Malaysian government? Both Prime Ministers have not attached a deadline or timeframe on the conclusion of the package deal. While we do realise that a package deal of such magnitude should not be rushed, it would not serve in the interest of either country to do a marathon with the package. Would MFA consider putting forward to its Malaysian counterparts a reasonable time-table that maps out in phases the discussions and settlements of the respective issues, so that both sides can arrive at a package deal in good time? 4.15 pm”
“Is the Minister satisfied that enough is being done for this category of Singaporeans who may not be able to take advantage of the skills upgrading programmes such as SRP? In areas where lower skilled foreign workers are being used extensively, such as commercial cleaning and domestic services, what measures are being taken by the Ministry of Manpower to encourage employers to enhance professionalism in these areas in order to make these occupations more productive and better paying and, consequently, more viable for less skilled unemployed Singaporeans?”
“Sir, the average unemployment rate in Singapore has risen from 1.8% in 1997 to 3.2% in 1998. I understand that the seasonally adjusted figure for December 1998 has already reached 4.3%. In absolute numbers, this translates to about 89,000 being out of work. However, there are more than 450,000 foreign workers in Singapore in occupations across the skills spectrum, from 80,000 professionals and highly skilled workers to about 100,000 less skilled domestic workers. Theoretically, there should be little reason why unemployed Singaporeans should not be able to find employment if they are willing to moderate their expectations, or upgrade their skills to take on jobs that currently have to be done by foreigners. The figures and projections also indicate that there will always be a need for foreign talent and less skilled foreign workers to supplement the local workforce. Sir, I am glad to note the formation of the Manpower Planning Committee by the Ministry of Manpower. But could the Minister explain his Ministry's current policy, specifically on the issue of work permits versus the need to ensure that unemployed Singaporeans are able to find jobs? Sir, much has also been said and done about skills upgrading and retraining of lower skilled workers in order for them to take on higher skilled jobs. While I fully agree with my GRC colleague that we should not aim to be a nation of tuckshop girls and taxi drivers, I think we must also be realistic in our expectations. There will always be a proportion of Singaporeans, especially older and less educated workers who, despite their best efforts, will not be able to make the grade into highly skilled professions due to lack of literacy skills or ability. Decent jobs will also have to be found for them.”
“Sir, during this period of economic downturn, many employers and employees, who are National Servicemen, are facing economic difficulties in their business earnings as well as their job security. Their situation may be further exacerbated by the untimely call up for in-camp training. Could the Minister tell us whether there has been an increase in the number of applications for deferment from in-camp training, and what measures are being implemented to reduce the inconvenience of our NSmen without compromising our operational readiness? I would also be grateful if the Minister could give us details on the current MINDEF's policy on granting deferment from in-camp training to our NSmen.”
“Sir, the Minister for Defence had previously informed this House that MINDEF takes training safety in the SAF very seriously and has implemented measures to further enhance safety. Could the Minister provide figures on training related injuries in the SAF to indicate whether these measures have indeed been effective in reducing such injuries? And what has been done in the area of search and disposal of unexploded ordnance at our live firing areas to enhance safety of our servicemen? Sir, with your kind permission, I would like to speak on my next cut.”
“Such technology can also be used as a tool in training and simulation. With our purchasing power, and highly skilled-technical manpower, we can have the competitive edge through technology and the use of IT. It is not just muscle and brawn in warfare. It is the age of electronic warfare, and the IT battlefield. It is indeed a technological contest. What we lack in numbers, we can more than make up for in terms of technology, IT, firepower and mobility, whether it is air, sea or land operations. IT is being actively promoted in our schools and Singapore is moving rapidly towards a knowledge-based economy. Our National Servicemen are now more prepared than ever to use IT. I therefore wish to ask the Minister whether we have done our utmost to maximise our cutting edge in technology and IT, and whether we are leveraging to the fullest the IT skills of younger Singaporeans in enhancing our defence capability. Sir, safety in training is of great concern to both parents and National Servicemen. Indeed, it is of vital importance to all Singaporeans as each National Serviceman is precious to us. After the artillery bomb explosion in New Zealand and the anti-tank round explosion in the combing of blinds in the Pasir Laba area, MINDEF has reviewed and revamped the safety measures and procedures. I therefore wish to ask the Minister to update this House on the steps taken to ensure safety in training, to promote a culture of safety consciousness, to ingrain safety in all aspects of our training, so that safety becomes second nature to all our servicemen.”
“Sir, in view of the prevailing economic and political uncertainties and the possibility of further deterioration in the security situation in this region, as already mentioned by several speakers before me, could the Minister provide Singaporeans with some assurance on the capabilities and the operational readiness of the SAF in addressing any possible scenario in the security situation in the region? Dr Ong Chit Chung: Sir, there is a saying that old generals always fought the last war. They were not prepared for the next war. Drilled in the old methods of warfare and schooled in the old doctrines of war, they could not grasp the impact of the new dimension of technological warfare. They were like ostriches with their heads stuck in the sand of time. In World War I, for example, thousands lost their lives in the Western Front as the generals could not fully understand the deadly impact of the rapid-fire machine gun, nor thought of ways to overcome it. In World War II, the tanks made its greatest impact, as the Germans demonstrated in the Blitzking campaigns very successfully. The Germans of all people realised the power, shock effect and mobility of the tanks and fully exploited their potential. In contrast, some armies were still training with horse calvaries on the eve of World War II. At the start of the war, the Polish Army, for example, sent its horse calvaries against the German tanks. In Singapore, technology is indeed our friend. I am sure our highly-skilled and technologically competent SAF officers will maximise to the fullest the use of technology in the selection, purchase and application of military hardware. Sir, being small and with limited manpower and resources, we have all the more to focus on and to harness technology to our advantage.”
“However, this section may not have gone far enough to prohibit employers not affected by the seniority-based wage system from using provisions in this amendment Bill to reduce wages of their workers purely by them attaining the age of 60 years. Mr Speaker, Sir, on balance, I support the amendment Bill as it will remove one more obstacle and one more excuse given by some employers for not wanting to employ older workers, and it will also enhance the prospects of further extensions of the retirement age for workers who may want to work beyond the current retirement age without imposing too onerous a burden on employers, especially in these difficult times. However, I would like to request the Minister to consider further refinements to the provisions of the Retirement Age Act in subsequent amendments after more companies modify or discard the seniority-based wage system for alternative systems.”
“New section 4A(3) of the amendment Bill stipulates that the employer has to give reasonable prior notice to the worker before reducing his salary, and that the worker must be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard. After the worker is heard, new section 4A(3) implies that he is then left with two choices, if he is not happy with the reduction in his salary. He can either retire or be retired by his employer. In effect, it is really no choice, and the worker has to retire. Whether it is voluntarily or involuntarily, it is really quite academic. Sir, I would like to have seen a provision in the Bill that would provide the worker an exemption of the 10% reduction in the salary after he attains 60 years of age if he or his union is able to establish that his cost to his employer is no more than that of younger workers with equivalent job performance in similar jobs in his company, or that his wage is at or below the market rate for this job. Sir, I would also like to urge the Minister to prohibit employers who are not affected by the seniority-based wage system from invoking the provisions in this Bill in order to reduce the salaries of their older workers. For example, if an employer pays his workers a fixed hourly rate for the job, regardless of the seniority of the worker, should the employer still be permitted to reduce the salary of his employee by 10% once he attains the age of 60 years? To permit employers to do so without other valid grounds would tantamount to discrimination against the worker purely by virtue of his age. New section 4A(5) permits an employer to reduce the wages of the older employees differently for various reasons other than age.”
“It is therefore imperative that measures be taken to ensure that our older workers stand an equal chance of remaining employed and not be placed in a more disadvantaged position compared to younger workers. Implementation of such measures becomes more critical in these economically difficult times, as companies look at ways to trim costs. Reduction in the rate of employer's CPF contributions for older workers had previously helped to keep the cost differential of retaining older workers compared to hiring younger ones manageable. The employers' contribution rate for younger workers until recently stood at 20% while employers pay only 7.5% or less for workers over 55 years of age. However, with the impending reduction in employer's CPF contribution rate by 10% for younger workers, but only by 3.5% or less for older workers, the comparative cost advantage afforded by lower CPF contributions for older workers will be eroded. Adjustments will have to be made in order to enhance the viability for employers to retain or employ older workers while ensuring that workers, regardless of their age, continue to receive a fair wage for their experience, skills and performance, and not to be discriminated against purely by virtue of their age. Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the amendment for the reasons that have been stated. However, I would like to urge the Minister to consider safeguards that would ensure our older workers, whose salaries are at or below the market rate for the job, would not be adversely affected by this amendment where their salaries can be further reduced by 10% when they attain 60 years of age.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the amendment in the Retirement Age (Amendment) Bill, moved by the Minister for Manpower, and I also support the raising of the retirement age for the reasons stated by the Minister and Dr Vasoo. Sir, the seniority-based wage system, practised by the vast majority of employers in Singapore, increases the wages of most workers every year through service annual increments. As a result of these increments, older workers generally receive higher wages compared to younger workers who are still at the lower end of their salary scales even for doing the same job. This may create a situation eventually where it becomes less and less viable for companies to retain the services of their older workers compared to the younger ones. Employers may also resist attempts to raise the retirement age as it will become progressively more expensive to retain an aging workforce. The situation for older workers is especially precarious during periods of economic downturn, as companies retrench and restructure their operations in order to remain competitive and to survive the recession. Higher-paid workers are more likely to be axed if their jobs can be taken over by less expensive younger workers. Our older workers will find it more difficult to hold on to their jobs in companies that are facing difficult times, as the cost differential of keeping them on the payroll compared to younger workers becomes too wide. We have heard from several Members in the last few days, including NTUC Secretary-General, that older workers generally experience more difficulty obtaining and fitting into new jobs, requiring new skills and offering lower salaries, when they are retrenched compared to younger workers.”
“Sir, ours is a small military force and with falling birth rates, we need to augment the effectiveness of our citizens army with the best defence technology, equipment and training available. But the best defence technology, equipment and training do not come cheap. However, in order to ensure that we continue to live in peace with everybody, we must be prepared to defend ourselves against anybody and that nobody should doubt that Singaporeans have the capability and the will to defend themselves if the need arises. I would therefore like to request the Minister for Defence to review the 6% of GDP cap on our defence expenditure to ensure that the SAF will continue to have the best defence technology, equipment and training even during economically troubled times and especially during periods of uncertainty.”
“Sir, as mentioned by the Chairman of the GPC for Defence, our long standing policy on defence expenditure has been to cap it at 6% of our GDP. This would have been an adequate level as long as the economy continues its healthy growth enabling our expenditure to keep pace with inflationary increases without compromising the quality of training and equipment of our armed forces. However, with the economy now facing uncertainty as a result of regional crisis, our GDP growth is projected to slow down. This would have a direct and immediate impact on our defence expenditure which will decline correspondingly. Sir, development of a well-trained and competent defence force and the acquisition of defence assets are usually long-term processes. If we subject our defence expenditure to the mercy of economic cycles, we may be compromising the effectiveness of the SAF in building up and maintaining itself as a credible defence force. Having a strong defence force is essential not only for our national sovereignty but also for our continued economic well-being. Foreign investors are here because we offer them a safe, secure and stable haven for their multi-million dollar investments. The relationship between our sovereignty, our prosperity and our stability is an indivisible one and a strong SAF is the linchpin in this situation. Because without a strong SAF to protect our sovereignty, stability and prosperity all talk about more money being allocated to education, workers' training, healthcare, social welfare or even helping the businesses would merely be academic. Older Singaporeans who have lived through the Japanese Occupation and other periods of hard time may be well aware of this.”
“Sir, I thank the Minister for his response and beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $153,802,170 for Head O ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $47,307,100 for Head O ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head O of the Main Estimates be reduced by $10 in respect of Code OA 1500. Sir, first of all, I would like to congratulate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence for a very efficient and successful evacuation operation to fly more than 450 Singaporeans and other nationals out of Cambodia. In particular, I would like to commend our Phnom Penh embassy staff for carrying out their duties with professionalism and courage in the face of danger. Many of our embassy staff, I understand, are still in Cambodia doing an outstanding job. From media reports, the Singapore embassy in Phnom Penh seemed to have been well prepared for such a contingency, and months of careful planning ensured the Singaporeans in Cambodia knew exactly what to do even before the first shot was fired. These well-coordinated efforts have not gone unnoticed. However, Sir, I understand that there are still some Singaporeans who have chosen to remain in Cambodia. I would like to ask the Minister if his Ministry is aware of the exact number of Singaporeans who are still there and what steps are being taken to ensure their safety. Are there also contingency plans to bring these Singaporeans home should the situation in Cambodia take a turn for the worse?”
“All Singaporeans know that they can count on them in a moment of crisis, and we would not be left stranded in a foreign country. I would therefore like to ask the Minister whether he would expound the ASEAN position on Cambodia, and whether the door is still open in the future for the admission of Cambodia into ASEAN when the circumstances are right. I wish also to ask what has come out of the meeting between the Cambodian leaders and the ASEAN delegation of Foreign Ministers? Can ASEAN play a useful role in this context?”
“Sir, like the GPC Chairman for Defence and Foreign Affairs, I would also like to ask the Minister about Singapore-Malaysia relations. The Singapore-Malaysia relations have gone through a difficult period over the last few months. However, the situation appears to have quietened down lately. Our Foreign Minister has reiterated that it is important to keep the lines of communication open between the two countries. I understand from media reports that he has met his Malaysian counterpart, Mr Abdullah Badawi, on several occasions in the past few months and, more recently, during the ARF in Kuala Lumpur. Could the Minister update Members on recent developments in bilateral relations and relate the steps taken by both sides to put the relationship back on track? Dr Ong Chit Chung: Sir, Cambodia almost became part of ASEAN. Many were indeed looking forward to ASEAN being a group of ten, some would say a perfect ten. But, unfortunately, this was not to be. At the 11th hour, with the turbulence and upheaval in Cambodia, the ASEAN countries decided not to admit Cambodia at this juncture. Some ask whether this is double standards, of admitting some while denying entry to Cambodia, whether this is an instance of ASEAN interference in the internal affairs of another Southeast Asian country. I think not. If anything, we should applaud the ASEAN leaders of having the courage to make such a difficult decision and that good sense prevailed. We must also take this opportunity to commend and applaud the Singapore Armed Forces and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for doing such an excellent job in planning and implementing the evacuation of Singaporeans from Cambodia. The SAF and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs diplomats made us all proud to be Singaporeans.”
“Is the Minister willing to consider imposing penalties similar to a Corrective Work Order, in addition to jail sentences against those who physically injure their maids but, by virtue of their sex and age, are able to escape caning? Such cruel employers should be embarrassed by a CWO-type punishment because they are indeed an embarrassment to all Singaporeans, the vast majority of whom are humane to fellow human beings, whether foreign or local.”
“Sir, before speaking on my cut on foreign workers, I would like to say that I am glad to hear the Minister's assurance that every encouragement will be given to employers to retrain their workers who are retired prematurely. The Minister also mentioned a recommendation of the Tripartite Committee on the outplacement of older workers. I understand that the recommendation in the Tripartite Committee states that such outplacement should be confined only to employees above the age of 60. The Minister must surely be aware that there are companies that retire their workers between the age of 40 and 55, and therefore would not be eligible for these outplacement programmes, as recommended by the Tripartite Committee. I therefore urge the Minister to review carefully this recommendation on limiting the outplacement programmes to workers over the age of 60 only. With your kind permission, Sir, I would like to get on to my actual cut. Sir, in view of the recent reported incidents of some foreign workers being housed in rubbish bin centres and the number of fatal accidents at worksites, is the Minister satisfied that there are sufficient provisions in our labour laws that provide protection to foreign workers from unscrupulous and unsafe employers? The Minister must also be aware that certain categories of workers, such as maids, are also not covered by the provisions in the Employment Act. The Ministry of Labour should therefore create avenues for workers, such as maids, to enable them to seek assistance and redress against errant employers. Finally, in the light of recent reported cases of abuse of maids by the employers, is the Minister for Labour satisfied with the current penalties in the law for those who abuse their maids?”
“As a labour MP, I would also like the Ministry of Labour to formulate policies and measures to ensure that the working conditions are appropriate to those who may need to do more physically-exerting work. I think we should urge the employers to adjust their work rather than just replacing them. If necessary, they should also give them proper training or retraining to ensure they meet the needs of the workplace. Medical benefits are also very important. It is a matter that deserves our special attention, especially at a time when medical costs are rising. There is need for us to prepare for the rainy days and to do something for the older workers. I hope that the employers will put aside their prejudice and consider engaging older workers and giving them proper remuneration to earn a living for themselves. Older workers are experienced. I think it is much better to employ them than to rely on foreign workers.”
“Sir, with the impending extension of the retirement age for workers in Singapore, would the Minister for Labour review all the exemptions of the Retirement Age Act previously granted by his Ministry in order to ascertain if the reasons for exemptions are still valid. If the reason given by companies on why they must retire their workers prematurely is still applicable, then I would like to urge the Minister to make it mandatory that such companies institute programmes that would facilitate the retraining and preparation of their workers for alternative careers before their early retirement. Programmes, such as the pre-release employment programme, have already been implemented by the Singapore Armed Forces. This programme allows servicemen to receive 50% of the SAF pay for six months while they receive training and on-the-job experience in civilian companies prior to their early release. I would therefore like to urge the Minister for Labour to ensure that companies that do not have similar programmes in place would not be easily granted exemptions from the Retirement Age Act. Mr Yeo Guat Kwang (Cheng San)( In Mandarin): Sir, I support the proposal of the Member for Bukit Timah, Mrs Yu-Foo. In 1993, retirement age was raised from 55 to 60 and in 1995, a Tripartite Committee was set up to consider further extension of the retirement age. But up till now, we have not heard of its recommendation or implementation. I would like the Government to consider extending the retirement age beyond 60 so as to enable the older workers who are willing to work to continue to work, become self-reliant and make a contribution to our economy.”
“We should also make use of the episodes on the formation and incidents leading to the separation of Singapore from Malaysia and the background and contents of the Water and KTM Railway Agreements between Singapore and Malaysia. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, if our schools, Government Ministries, statutory boards, private companies and grassroots organisations successfully carry out their duties in National Education, we will be able to strengthen our national awareness and identity and to enhance our national solidarity. In the event the prestige or image of our national leaders is attacked by foreign forces, our people could close rank and stay united against any infringement of our sovereignty or attack on our national esteem. In this way, a Singaporean Singapore idea could be further strengthened and consolidated.”
“National Education was formally launched on 17th May this year, and it has become a very hot topic. Schools ranging from primary and tertiary institutions will be carrying out these programmes through their formal and informal channels, namely, through ECA and subjects such as moral education, history and geography to inculcate among our students national consciousness. This is laudable. But what about those young people who are not in school? How are we going to help them to inculcate national awareness? I believe the following could be adopted to imbue national consciousness in young people who have left school. (1)Government departments and private institutions. All citizens who are working now whether in Government Service or in private companies must continue to receive National Education. National awareness could be instilled through talks, forums, exhibitions and the activities must be as effective as the WITs scheme. And it should be one of the items in work performance evaluation. (2) Grassroots organisations. Grassroots organisations could play an important role in promoting National Education through talks, forums, exhibitions, debates and quizzes. The ultimate objective is to foster national identity and social cohesion among the various races so that they are loyal to the community and our nation. (3) Mass media. The mass media has an influential role to play in inculcating national consciousness. They could do this through telecasts of historical drama series to enable our citizens to better understand our history and to foster a sense of patriotism. For example, episodes during the Japanese Occupation and other programmes like the return of Hong Kong to China are very good materials.”
“If this scheme is successful, then the 10% of our flat dwellers will be able to enjoy a better service. When we enter the 21st century, all dwellers would have been looked after by the Government. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to touch on another problem, namely, application for a flat. At present, an applicant has to pay a downpayment of 20% of the purchase price when he is invited to select a flat. This regulation has been in force for a number of years. Ten years ago, a 4-room flat was priced at $30,000-$40,000. 20% of this amount is $6,000-$8,000. But now, a 4-room flat is sold at an average price of $130,000. 20% of this amount is $26,000. I understand that because of the shift in demand, HDB has stopped building 3-room flats. The only choice for the low income group is the 4-room flats. It is the same for first-time applicants. Thus, it is a big burden for them to fork out $30,000 as a one-off downpayment. According to the HDB's statistics, there are 38,625 applicants for 4-room flats. Since the Government wants to help the low income group to own their flats, and to encourage young people to set up families, I suggest that the downpayment should be reduced from 20% to 10%, and the rest of the money to be paid later on in order to lessen their financial burden. In this way, we could encourage young couples to apply for 4-room flats. Therefore, we will be able to help those who cannot afford such a big sum of money as downpayment. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I hope the Minister for National Development could consider my suggestions and make some modifications to the housing policy so that we could build Singapore into the best home for our people. Next, I would like to touch on National Education.”
“The President in his Speech has also stressed that we have to find ways and means to tackle such problems before they become intractable. As there are no lifts, these senior citizens have to put up with the effort to climb the stairs every day. On my routine visits, I have taken some photographs of these elderly people. They are old, feeble and sick. They drag themselves up the staircases with two hands clinging to the railings for support. Today, while most of our people are enjoying a high standard of living and staying in good and comfortable housing, there are still a minority of our citizens who live in old and low rise flats. There are two reasons why these people are reluctant to move out. One, they have built up close neighbourly ties with their neighbours. Two, some of them belong to the low income group, hence they cannot afford to upgrade themselves and move into bigger flats. Therefore, I would like to plead for this group of residents and hope that the Government could install lifts for them soon so that they will be able to enjoy good facilities like other HDB residents. I suggest that HDB treat this matter with some urgency and find out how this can be done. Perhaps, a pilot scheme could be carried out first. I am willing to help by identifying these flats in my constituency for such a pilot scheme to find out whether it is feasible. If it is, then this can be extended to other constituencies. In this way, such elderly and sickly people can be better looked after. To others, this may be a small problem. But our President has mentioned specifically that the older generation has helped to build up today's Singapore and we owe it to ourselves to repay them for their contribution. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I think now is the time.”
“That our public housing policy has achieved tremendous success should be attributed to MND's careful planning and its vigorous implementation of the housing policy. Since the 90s, HDB has shifted its emphasis from quantity to quality in its public housing. To meet the demand of the people, HDB has improved both the exterior and interior designs of the flats and built many new facilities in the neighbourhood so as to build the best homes for the people. Thus, today's HDB flats are much better looking and comfortable than before. They are even comparable to private housing. The new generation flats are not only better designed and varied in their appearance, the lifts are also of better quality. Every floor is served by a lift. In order to improve and enhance the living environment of the people, the Government has carried out massive upgrading projects for the old housing estates. In the recent upgrading programme, one of the items is to provide a lift exit for every floor. This is a boon for the elderly and handicapped residents. The HDB has spared no effort in bringing improvements to its housing estates. However, it has neglected the problem faced by about 10% of the residents who live in 4-storey flats. These flats are scattered in old housing estates, such as Clementi, Toa Payoh, Bukit Merah, Bukit Batok, Bukit Gombak, Jurong and Yishun. At present, these flats have no lifts. Recently, I carried out a survey among the residents in 27 blocks of such flats and found that around 58 of them are over 50 years old. They account for 14% of the residents. With the greying of our population, the number of aged people will become greater. This is a problem that merits our close attention.”
“I would therefore like to urge the Government to clear the air on KTM land and also to submit for adjudication to the international court of justice the Pedra Branca case as we have agreed to do so with the Malaysians. Finally, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, if both Singapore and Malaysia, despite our historical baggage, can accept the principle that relations would have to be conducted in a rational manner and on an equal basis between two civilised and sovereign countries, then there is hope that the situation can improve over a very short period of time, if not immediately. Mr Ang Mong Seng (Bukit Gombak)( In Mandarin): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak on the motion moved by the Member for Bukit Timah, Dr Wang Kai Yuen. I fully support this motion. The President's Speech is a signpost towards our goals in the 21st century, as depicted by the Prime Minister. He emphasises the development of the various fields and outlines the actions to carry out projects whose ultimate object is to promote national cohesion and build the best home for Singaporeans. Now, I would like to voice my opinion on public housing and National Education. Ever since the founding of our nation and in order to improve the housing conditions of the people and to realise the goal of home ownership for the people, the PAP Government launched a vigorous housing programme. In the past 32 years, the HDB has built more than 730,000 housing units, of which 660,000 are owner-occupied, achieving a home ownership rate of 90%. Right now, 88% of our people live in HDB flats. Singapore is well known for its achievement in public housing.”
“The other example quoted was that of Malayan Railway (KTM) land in Singapore. We believe there was an agreement signed on this issue by the then Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, and the then Finance Minister of Malaysia, Tun Daim Zainuddin, in 1990. However, we are puzzled by recent letters in the press on the subject. Datuk Abdul Rahim Osman, Managing Director of KTM Berhad, in his letter to the Straits Times on 13th May this year took issue with an article written by the Straits Times' journalist, Miss Chua Lee Hoong, on KTM land in Singapore. Datuk Abdul Rahim wanted to point out what he termed as a factual error made by the journalist in the interpretation of when the 1990 agreement on KTM land would come into effect. Several days later, there was another letter to the Straits Times by Mr Goh Kim Leong, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Law, Singapore, taking issue with Datuk Abdul Rahim's interpretation on the effectivity of the 1990 agreement. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, there appears to be some disagreement over the agreement, and I feel that this matter should be resolved as expeditiously as possible in order that it does not become a stumbling block in Singapore-Malaysia relations. I therefore support the call by the Member for Marine Parade, Mr Mohamad Maidin, that some clarification of the 1990 agreement would be in order. Sir, it is my belief that all potentially troublesome issues that could affect bilateral relations with our nearest neighbour should be addressed as soon as they arise and be settled as expeditiously as possible. If an early settlement is not possible, then the problem issues should be discussed and desensitized as much as possible and not left to fester only to emerge again when new problems arise as they would from time to time.”