Ch'ng Jit Koon
Singapore
“Sir, the Member wants to know the future commitment of the Government. I can assure him that the Government and NCSS have and will continue to assist all the VWOs to extend their reach and enhance their service delivery to individuals and families in need. The Member asked why the report cannot be disclosed.”
“As I have answered earlier, this is a confidential report and is meant for internal reference. All the recommendations in the Report of the Master Plan are already being implemented. What we are doing first is to implement the recommendation in the Report on the computerisation programme which I have already mentioned just now.”
“No. I have to continue with my answer. (In Mandarin): I feel that this question need not be repeated. We do not have to argue over and over again because all this is in accordance with the original plan of the PA formulated a few years ago. We cannot change our original plan just because the Member for Potong Pasir has objected to it.”
“Sir, as from 1980 the number of campaigns organized has been actually cut down, a lot. Those mentioned by the hon. Member just now were actually campaigns from 1980 onwards. All campaigns are organized for specific purposes.”
“To ask the Minister for Labour (a) what is the rationale for the stipulation that an undischarged bankrupt is not allowed the use of his Central Provident Fund contributions to purchase a Housing and Development Board flat; (b) what is the number of persons affected; and (c) whether he will consider amending the aforementioned stipulation…”
“Sir, what I actually intend to touch on are matters relating to the Housing and Development Board. I notice there is another amendment to consider the HDB's allocation. It is on amendment (10) under this Head. I propose to speak when that amendment comes up for debate.”
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“(12) That the sum to be allocated for Head R be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AAA 8201.”
“Sir, on behalf of my constituents, I would like to thank the staff of the Queenstown Police Station for their good work in preserving law and order in my constituency and for speedily solving a number of crime cases in the area. They have also acted in time to smash a newly formed secret society in my constituency. Sir, I support the Motion. 4.31 p.m.”
“Very often they mix with the wrong company and commit crimes; and this is how juvenile delinquency comes about. Therefore, the Ministry of Labour intends to amend the legislation in this respect. This is the correct thing to do. I believe this will help to reduce the rate of juvenile delinquency and also increase the supply of our labour. Mr Speaker, Sir, about 45% of our people are now living in Housing Board flats and the demand for these flats is increasing all the time. However, there are many people living in these flats who do not know one another. This is especially so in the case of young working couples. The Government is trying to encourage young couples to live with their parents. This will not only solve the problem of the old people but it will also provide the opportunity for working parents to get somebody to look after their children. This will also help the people to cultivate the virtue of filial piety and encourage the development of traditionally good family concepts. This will help to reduce crimes in our Housing Board estates. Mr Speaker, Sir, the task of the Police Force is to ensure the safety of our people and to act against crime. This task is sacred as it protects the lives and property of our people. But all along the Police Force has been undermanned. Its task is indeed very difficult because with increasing urbanisation the crime rate rises. In the recent past, without the help of the CSF National Servicemen the situation would have been much worse. Therefore, the policy to take full-time National Servicemen into the Police Force is a wise one. Undoubtedly this will increase the strength of the Police Force in combating crimes which are on the increase.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, allow me to rise in support of the Motion moved by the Member for Kim Keat to thank the President for his speech. Since independence we have been actively engaged in industrialisation in order to meet the economic problems of our country. Today the whole world has been affected by the economic recession and naturally we have also suffered the effects of this recession. But we are fortunate in that we have managed to achieve a 7% growth rate in our economy last year. This is the result of the enlightened leadership of our Government and the hard work of our people. Had it not been for the foresight and drive of our Government, the situation today would have been a very difficult one indeed. A new era and a new situation require new policies to meet new problems. In order to promote the economic development of our country so that we can meet the recession, we have to extend the period for tax exemption relief from five to ten years. This is indeed correct. It is only by doing this that we can promote the most deserving types of new industries. But in taking this measure we should not overlook the existing small-scale and medium-scale industries which are also full of potential. We should do our best to help these industries to develop so that we will be able to achieve economic recovery. Mr Speaker, Sir, the present Employment Act stipulates that youths of 14 to 16 years must obtain the permission of the Commissioner for Labour before they can be employed in a factory. This is to ensure that their safety and health are protected. But facts tell us that a social problem has been created. Those who have stopped schooling and with nothing to do tend to waste their time on the streets.”
“ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS PROVISIONAL DRIVING LICENCE HOLDERS AGED 17 TO 21 (Particulars) 1. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Communications if he will give (i) the number of applicants for provisional driving licences in the 17 to 21 year age group as at the latest convenient date; (ii) the number of accidents, fatal or otherwise, involving motor vehicles driven by provisional licence holders and licence holders within that age group in 1971, 1972, 1973 and the first nine months of 1974; and (iii) the number of owners of classes 2 and 3 motor vehicles who are in that age group.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, allow me to second the motion moved by the Prime Minister to re-elect Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares as the President of the Republic of Singapore for a further term of four years. Sir, the President is the Head of a State. In external and internal affairs he symbolises the dignity and the prestige of a country. At the same time he is the highest and model representative of the people. He has to shoulder onerous and important missions of state. Hence, it is very important to choose someone with profound learning, good character and quality, and eminent reputation as President. Looking for such a person may not be too difficult a problem with big countries, but to a small country with a small population such as ours, it really is not an easy task. Since assumption of office of the President of the Republic of Singapore, Dr Sheares has fully demonstrated his fine qualities in this appointment. His efforts over the past few years have won for our country a high reputation and prestige abroad. His contributions are what we all can see and praise, with appreciation. From his performance in the past few years, we have reason to believe that Dr Sheares will be able to continue leading our country to march towards a better future. Therefore, Mr Speaker, Sir, I am glad to second the motion re-electing Dr Sheares as President of the Republic of Singapore for a further term. We can also assure him here that we will give him our full support and co-operation. Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Parliament, in accordance with Article 1 of the Constitution of Singapore, elects Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares as President of the Republic of Singapore for a further term of four years to commence immediately after the expiry of his present term of office.”
“The Minister has given a detailed explanation on this point. The idea is to exercise some control over these people so that they may not utilise their skill for criminal purposes. Therefore, the registration of trainees is very important. I remember that in the past, when one wished to be enrolled for the boxing or weight-lifting classes run by the community centres, one's name would be sent for screening. But such practice has ceased now. I think it is necessary to revive such practice. Another aspect is that if a community centre wants to provide instruction in certain forms of martial art, the centre concerned must first take its environment into consideration whether or not such form of martial art is worthwhile to be introduced to the people around. For illustration purposes, I would like to quote one example of the community centres in my constituency. Martial art classes, such as karate, etc, are conducted in the Tiong Bahru Community Centre, and many people have been taking part in these classes. A number of people who live around the Kim Tian Community Centre have also requested for such classes to be conducted there. But I opposed the suggestion because we frequently read in the newspapers about gang fights among secret society members around that area. So I feel that martial art classes should not be allowed in certain areas.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, following the call by the Government to all citizens to be strong and healthy, many martial art organisations have sprung up, and more and more people are joining these institutes to take up martial arts. But these people have different motives. Some learn it as a form of exercise to improve their health; while others have ulterior motives. So the introduction of this Bill is very timely and also very useful. However, there are several points which I would like the Minister to clarify. First, the definition of martial arts. For instance, the so-called kung-fu, as I understand it, is a Chinese form of pugilistic art. However, its connotation is very wide. There should be a more clear-cut definition of kung-fu. Another instance is tai-chi. It should be made clear whether or not tai-chi, or shadow boxing, is to be classified under this definition. There are many old folks performing the tai-chi in the parks and other places. They even include old crones, grandmothers and grandfathers, and they go to the Botanic Gardens as well. Therefore, there should be a proper definition of martial arts so that the Director of Botanic Gardens will not mistake the exercises of these old people for something unlawful. Secondly, with regard to instructors which the Member for Sembawang has also touched upon, they have to apply to the Controller for an instructor's certificate. Before the Controller of Martial Arts issues such certificates, he has to be satisfied with the applicant's character and morals. But, in addition to this, the Controller should also make sure that the applicant is well qualified in the particular martial art in which he wishes to instruct. The third point is about registration of trainees.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I do not intend to participate in the argument. But the Minister has not answered certain points which I have raised earlier on. I would like to ask him again: what was the criterion used for the conversion into the new salary scales for the academic staff in the Nanyang University? Was it based on their academic qualifications and teaching experience, or was it based on the salaries that the staff concerned are currently drawing? The Minister also said that after the conversion the number of professors in the Nanyang University would drop and that new professors would have to be appointed or recruited. My question is, among the present professors in the Nanyang University, I think most of them, if not all, have the required qualifications and experience, otherwise they would not have been allowed to teach in Nantah. In the circumstances, will they be allowed to continue holding the posts of professors?”
“(4) Regarding Honours degree courses, will general degree graduates of the two universities, if qualified, be encouraged to continue their higher studies in the other University? If so, what will be the time needed for such purpose?”
“Recent trends seem to indicate that in order to better develop our educational resources to train our limited manpower resources to meet the needs and development of our society and to provide university education for more people from various language streams, our two universities have taken several steps of co-operation between them. This is the turning point, and I hope that they will co-operate on the basis of quality and of mutual benefit, while at the same time preserving their individual characteristics and traditions. In order to enable the public to better understand the co-operation between the two universities, I would like to ask the Minister for Education a few questions. (1) About the Joint Admission Committee of the two universities, I would like to ask who are the members on the Committee and what are their functions and duties? Do they include the selection of new students for all the faculties in the two universities? (2) About the University Service Commission, what is the purpose of setting it up, and what are the objectives, functions and duties? Who are the members, and to whom is this Commission responsible? (3) About new salary scales and designations for teaching staff of Nantah, I would like to say that Nanyang University had adjusted the salaries and also the designations of its teaching staff in 1970. And it is going to do the same exercise again on par with the University of Singapore. I would like to know what is the standard or criterion for this exercise. Is it based on qualifications, experience or present salaries? How many people in Nantah will be made professors, assistant professors, senior lecturers and lecturers after this exercise?”
“However, today the situation is different. Singapore and Malaysia have become separate independent countries. In recent years, our Government has been trying its best to promote industrialisation and to modernise. In order to match our development and practical needs, our educational system has changed basically. The Government has been implementing the policy of bilingualism and technical education in all schools. The University of Singapore and the Singapore Polytechnic are also opening their doors to students from Chinese middle schools. Thus, Nanyang University is no longer the only institution of higher learning for Chinese school students. Nantah has also provided a large number of teachers It should adapt itself to the needs of our society. Otherwise Nantah would be wasting its resources and producing manpower that does not meet the requirements of our new society. So, suitable development of human resources should be the new mission of Nantah. Recognizing the value of Nantah, and in order to make Nantah an important link in our educational system, the Government has positively assisted in its development and has, in the short period of nine years since Singapore's independence, granted more than $27 million financing the recurrent expenditure of Nantah. During the period, donations from Singapore and Malaysia totalled only $5.05 million, almost 90 per cent of which came from supporters in Singapore. Sir, our two universities are important links in our educational system.”
“However, we know that there are many school students who, because of poor results in examinations, cannot pursue their studies and have become drop-outs. These youngsters have not reached the age for national service and they are too young to be suitably employed. So without anything to do at home they roam about in the streets, visiting the different places, going to shopping centres and coffee shops and mixing up with bad elements in anti-social activities. Thus, they become a social problem and increase the burden of our society. I would therefore suggest that the Government should try its best to arrange for these youngsters to be trained in some industrial training centres so that they can learn some kind of skill to enable them to earn a living and to contribute something to our society. Of course, there is a need to further improve the training facilities and contents in these centres. On the other hand, parents should also change their attitude and send their children to such centres for industrial training because in the long-term it would benefit them and the country as a whole. 5.30 p.m. Sir, a higher institution of learning is a very important link in the educational system of any country for the training of better personnel. Therefore, our college and university education should be in keeping with the needs and development of our country in order to educate more useful citizens to enable them to help build our country and contribute to our society. Nanyang University is one of our higher institutions of learning. It was built in the colonial days. At that time, the purpose was to provide higher education for Chinese middle school graduates in Singapore and Malaya and also to provide teachers for Chinese middle schools.”
“Sir, Singapore is a small island country with no natural resources. The only resource that we have is our limited manpower. In order to make full use of our manpower and to nurture every individual to be a useful citizen, the Government is allotting large sums of money every year for education. In the estimates for the coming financial year, the Government has greatly increased its allocation for this purpose. I am glad to note that the Government intends to build four new secondary schools and eight primary schools in the next two years. There are also plans to build 28 new primary schools and 26 secondary schools. In order to ensure and match the speedy and progressive development of our economy and industrialisation programme, the Government is paying great attention to the task of technical education and training. The Government has allocated large sums of money for the Industrial Training Board, the Singapore Polytechnic and the Ngee Ann Technical College. At the same time the Government has also increased the votes for industrial training abroad and industrial development scholarship schemes. With all these, we hope that the votes can be usefully spent to realise our intentions and that the industrial circles will also sincerely participate in the Government's efforts in providing the technical education needed for our economy, and in striving for the development of industrial groundwork and technological skills of our new country. From these we can see that the Government is paying much attention to the education of our people and is trying to help train our people to become skilled workers so that they may be able to contribute towards industrial development of our country.”
“Sir, in view of the Minister's reply, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $5,112,570 for Head KA ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $4,746,000 for Head KA ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.”
“The total amount that has been loaned to the Singapore Sports Council to date is $12 million. There has been no repayment by the Council so far, because they cannot afford it. Since the coming into operation of the Singapore Sports Council, the takings at the gate of the Stadium amounted to only $41,000. So you can see, Sir, that it is insufficient to cover the cost of maintenance of the Stadium, which averages slightly over $400,000 annually. From the start, it is never intended that the entire proceeds of Singapore Pools (Pte) Ltd, are to be used for the construction of Phase II of the Stadium. In fact, the Singapore Pools (Pte) Ltd, started operations even before we thought of Phase II. Therefore, the change of plan in the construction of the Stadium does not affect in any way the use of the profits of the Singapore Pools (Pte) Ltd.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head KA be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AA 3002. Sir, this amendment is moved merely to seek information from the Hon. Minister. I notice that a sum of $4 million is to be allocated as a Government loan to the Singapore Sports Council to meet final payment for the cost of Phase I of the National Stadium complex. I would, therefore, like to ask the Hon. Minister what is the total amount of money that has been loaned to the Singapore Sports Council, and how much has been repaid so far? Sir, I remember, when the Hon. Dr Goh Keng Swee was in charge of the Ministry of Finance, he once mentioned in this House that the income to repay the Government's loan to the Stadium would come from two sources, i.e, the profits of Singapore Pools (Pte) Ltd, and the takings at the gate of the Stadium. Since there will be no Phase II development for the National Stadium Complex construction, I would like to ask the Hon. Minister whether his Ministry is planning to make use of the profits of the Singapore Pools (Pte) Ltd, for other purposes, such as sports promotion. Encik Othman Bin Wok: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, to answer the question of the Member for Tiong Bahru, let me first dispel the impression that the entire proceeds of Singapore Pools go direct to the Singapore Sports Council or the National Stadium. The financial procedure adopted is for the SSC to put up to the Government a budget for the year, and this will be duly processed by the Ministry of Finance. After the usual pruning down to bare essentials, a certain sum is allocated to the Council either in the form of a loan for capital expenditure or in the form of a grant for sports promotion.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in the coming financial year, the Government has allotted more than $10 million to promote colour TV, and there is also a plan to have a trial run of colour TV before the end of the year. I remember last year Backbenchers raised the question as to when colour TV would be introduced, and the Minister answered that the Government could introduce colour TV at any moment. The Minister also stated that if we did so, we would only increase our social burden. But at the time when the Minister gave such a reply we were in a state of prosperity economically. Now, however, we are under inflationary pressures and our economic progress will be slowed down. Therefore, I wonder whether it is timely to introduce colour TV within this year.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I raised a question here yesterday concerning the setting up of the motor insurance bureau, but it was not answered. Perhaps it was due to the heated debate on the bus services. May I raise it again and ask the Minister when will the motor insurance bureau become a reality? I am very concerned about this matter because I read in the newspaper today that another victim has just been awarded by the High Court a sum of approximately $110,000 as compensation. I just wonder whether he can really get this money.”
“Sir, it was my intention to raise a question concerning the setting up of the Motor Insurers Bureau when we come to the Head, Registry of Vehicles. However, since previous speakers have already touched on this subhead, I might as well do it now. Sir, the matter of setting up the Motor Insurers Bureau was raised in this House sometime ago. I remember the Minister of State giving his promise that the matter will be looked into. I just wonder when will this Bureau become a reality.”
“Sir, in view of the fact that many officers have not been able to get Housing Board flats upon retirement, is it not necessary to advance their priority by one year?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I feel that it is very necessary to give priority to retiring public officers one year before their retirement, because some of them have lodged certain complaints to me on this matter.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. In the absence of the Members concerned, the following amendments standing in their names were not proceeded with -”
“They would like to ask the authorities concerned to make arrangements with the Housing Board so that they can move into Housing Board flats. From my investigations, among these people who live in these quarters, the majority of them have already applied either to buy or to rent Housing Board flats. But the Housing Board will not give priority to them. So they are requesting the authorities concerned to liaise with the Housing Board in order that priority can be given to their applications for flats, so that the Government could demolish the old quarters and use the land for some other purposes.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1202 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001*. (*See footnote, cols. 935-6.) Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of my constituents, to make a request to the authorities in charge of the Outram Road General Hospital. This request comes from people who live in Hospital quarters. They are Grade III Medical and Health servants living in the quarters at Outram Road. These low-salaried staff occupy quarters at a low rent, which is a very reasonable move of the Government. But the problem is that these quarters are too old, and the facilities are too basic and inadequate. Those who live there have to share a communal kitchen, a communal toilet and also a communal bathroom for their showers. There are many other inconveniences in these quarters. Very often they quarrel among themselves over the use of these communal facilities. Another problem is that if one occupant unfortunately passes away, or is dismissed from the service for one reason or another, or retires when he reaches the age, then his family cannot continue to occupy the quarters. Mr Speaker, Sir, we all know that in Singapore today it is not easy to look for alternative housing. If a person applies for a Housing Board flat, he will have to wait for a few years before he gets his chance. But we know that the Housing and Development Board does give priority to certain applicants under special circumstances. In any case, at very short notice, it is not easy to look for a place to live in. Accommodation is one of the most important things in life. Under the present circumstances, therefore, these people whom I have mentioned have this request to make.”
“(8) That the sum to be allocated for Head 1001 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2029. Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1001 he reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2029. Sir, from what the Minister has told us earlier, we learn that for the coming SEAP Games, a number of existing sports venues, in addition to the National Snorts Stadium, will be utilised for the various games. The facilities in these other sports venues are not up to standard, and I would like to ask whether the Government is going to improve these facilities. Moreover, if a sports venue is privately-owned, is it the responsibility of the owner to improve the facilities there? And what about safety measures and security measures? Will they also be considered by the Government? About two years ago, during a basket-bail tournament at the Gay World Stadium, a fan dropped from the ceiling and its wiring hit the steel pillar and caused electric sparks. In another incident, the match was so exciting that it nearly caused a riot, and the doors of the entrances were forcibly broken. I am therefore quite concerned about the security measures and safety measures at these various privately-owned venues. I would like the Minister to give consideration to this matter.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister said in his reply that in order to encourage players and representatives to represent the national teams in competitions, permission will be granted to them to take unrecorded leave for training in such activities. I wonder whether the Minister concerned is aware that there are some national players who work in Singapore Pools (Pte) Ltd. When the national team requires these people to take part in centralised training in preparation for competitions, their applications to the company for permission to leave the office one hour earlier were turned down without any consideration. If a Government-owned company can adopt an attitude like this, how can we expect other companies in the private sector to co-operate by giving unrecorded leave or time off for the promotion of sports?”
“On the question of the Organising Committee of the Games, there is a so-called Executive Secretary and also a Secretary-General. What are the duties and responsibilities of these two posts? How do you differentiate the two posts? I hope the Minister concerned can give us a satisfactory reply.”
“Mr Speaker, we are very fortunate to be able to host the SEAP Games in our country for the first time. When preparing for such an important event, we have to be very careful in dealing with the various problems. The Government itself is actively engaged in planning the Games. This is a good indication. But I have some doubts here which, although might have been brought up already, still give rise to some confusion. So I would like to bring them up for clarification. I think that in planning for the SEAP Games, the National Sports Promotion Board and the Singapore National Olympic Council seem to have some confusion over each other's duties and responsibilities. As we understand it, the NSPB is the official body for the promotion of sports and is responsible for the implementation of the policy of Government, for example, in respect of financing sports, provision of facilities for the various games, and in the welfare of sportsmen and budgetting. All these are the responsibilities of the NSPB. I think it should not directly control or intervene in the activities of the various sports associations. The SNOC, however, consists of members from various sports associations. Each member is responsible for the membership of his own sports association. That is why they should play their part in the Council. Members of the SNOC should be asked by the NSPB to do something positive. They should not play a passive role. They should act under instructions. From what we can see, the various sports associations have been receiving certain questions and queries from the NSPB. But they did not know whom to refer to. And when there is a real problem to be solved, and they are given specific instructions and orders, all they could do is to pass the buck.”
“It is only with such encouragement that there can be adequate co-operation, better division of work and full exploitation of resources between local industries and their ancillaries to make them the mainstays of our industries, and be competitive in international markets. An enlightened leadership, political stability, and a progressive society with a hardworking people have already created great confidence among the industrialists of many countries. We must take full advantage of this climate of confidence to study the changes and trends prevailing in international markets. Although we have made mistakes in the past, we should not continue to make such mistakes. We must be extra cautious in our development planning and its effective implementation. It is only then that we can hope to be able to reap the desired objectives and benefits in the years to come. 3.52 p.m.”
“On the other hand, a prospective investor from this region, with an earning power in terms of $100 million, requested to see senior EDB officials, but he was turned down. When it was realised that this prospective investor, who was a man of high potential, was about to leave for a neighbouring country, the EDB then sent men out to get in touch with him. This idea of "foreign worship" should be discarded. We should give fair treatment to all genuine investors. However, investors from advanced countries who come to Singapore with the intention of exploiting our facilities for their own selfish ends should not be welcomed. Some of these selfish investors had been given the best terms for their investment in exchange for the technological training that they could give to our technical personnel. But after several years, facts have shown that we have not reaped the expected benefits from such investors. As regards overseas training schemes, joint training schemes and so on, what are the criteria for such agreements, and what are the expenses involved? How many people have benefited from these training schemes, and what are the results of their training? What is the price that we have paid for all this? Is it justifiable? Although we are a developing country, and needing foreign aid, we must realise that such aid must be given on the basis of mutual benefit. We should not allow lop-sided co-operation. We must ensure that the money from our people are spent wisely on the development of our country. In my view, Sir, we should also pay adequate attention to the existing industries in Singapore. We should give them whatever aid that is necessary, and also to the ancillary industries which are useful.”
“Besides the Industrial Development Scholarship Scheme, we now have the Overseas Training Programme, the Joint Training Programme, the Apprenticeship Training Scheme and the Training Subsidy Scheme for sophisticated industries. The Government on its part has earmarked $8.7 million for industrial training for the next financial year.' I endorse this approach of the Government as it aims to enhance and to diversify our industrial and technological skills, and at the same time to provide opportunities for our people to acquire skill and industrial training. Under this policy, the EDB will play a very important role although there was some blunder previously. Henceforth, the EDB must pay special attention and exercise great caution so that the people will not be let down. The era of industrial revolution first began in Europe. It is therefore quite natural that there are technological and scientific advancements in Europe and America. It goes without saying that we have to learn from their experience and expertise. However, we should not overlook the existing industrialised countries in our region, because their technology is not entirely lacking in development for us to learn. We need not go too far away to learn when we have some good neighbours from whom we could learn. I hope that the EDB will be able to identify these industries and firms, instead of taking the wrong concept that "the moon shines brighter in foreign countries". There should not be any discrimination between local and foreign investors. I can quote a case. There was a visitor from Euro-America and he was well received at the airport and taken to the hotel by officials of the EDB. He was treated as a guest of honour.”
“5 per cent in 1972, an increase of 20.1 per cent compared with 25 per cent in 1971 and 27.5 per cent in 1970. The growth rate has, in fact, slowed down. The Minister also pointed out that this was because of stagnation in the investment of petroleum industries and shipbuilding. In spite of all this, he does not show any pessimism over these two industries. I would like to quote from the Budget Statement [Hansard, Vol 32, No. 10, col. 466]: `For these two industries our locational advantage will continue to favour maximum development. The future of Singapore is correlated to its being considered an ideal offshore manufacturing base for multi-nationals and their subsidiaries. In our overseas investment promotion, the Economic Development Board (EDB) will not overlook the smaller but no less important manufacturing firms. To encourage them to diversify their activities to Singapore, my Ministry will be prepared to invest equity up to 50 per cent, with the option for them to buy back a substantial portion later. The EDB will identify these firms and the Development Bank of Singapore Limited (DBS) will manage our investments. A fund of $100 million will be provided for this purpose to serve as a catalyst to use to best advantage our vast expenditure on training.' Because of the short supply of trained personnel, there has been a slowdown in our high technology industries. On this matter, the Minister said [col. 467]: `The Government will continue to allocate a large part of its resources to technical education. Since 1962, and more actively in recent years, the Government through the Economic Development Board has been engaged in a multiple-programme approach to develop industrial training in modern manufacturing skills.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am glad that the Minister for Finance has given us another painless Budget. In this new Budget, there are no new taxes or increased taxation. On the contrary, the Minister even announced seven items of tax reliefs. We all know that Singapore is a small country without natural resources and quite heavily populated. It is also in a turbulent region. In spite of all this, we have made achievements, and it is something that we should be proud of. Of course, all these achievements are attributable to the enlightened leadership, the co-operation between the Government and the people to ensure that these hard-earned achievements will continue to grow. We must also enhance our concerted efforts, work harder to ensure that we have a better future for Singapore. Sir, economic development is a matter of great concern to every developing country. The formulation and implementation of economic policies determines the success or failure of a national economy, which in turn will affect the future and the destiny of a people. In the Budget statement, an extensive and comprehensive review has been made of the economy of Singapore. The Minister for Finance pointed out that there was a growth rate of the GNP of 13 per cent last year against an annual growth rate target of 15 per cent. He pointed out that this shortfall of 2 per cent was the result of external events, the international monetary crisis, and the internal factor, i.e, the completion of the British military pullout. Although we can do nothing about the external factors, something can be done about the internal factors. Sir, the Minister for Finance has also pointed out in his Budget statement that the contribution to total GDP by the manufacturing industries accounted for 23.”
“Some of these foreign investors even played foul to achieve their selfish interests. Not long ago, the Minister for Labour spoke at the annual dinner of the Singapore Employers Federation, appealing to our small and medium-sized enterprises to speed up modernisation to create keen competition. He also urged the Chinese educated senior personnel to take part in management training in order to make further contributions to the prosperity of the country. In its wake, I am glad to note that next month the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Faculty of Commerce of the Nanyang University will jointly hold a series of vocational training courses in management and administration for the Chinese educated personnel who serve in medium and small industries to provide them with opportunities for further education. No doubt, this is most timely. We hope it will really serve the purpose of training more managerial personnel for our country to meet our needs, and we also hope that from now on Nanyang University will take fuller initiative to establish closer links with the society in order to make greater and more positive contribution to the advancement of our nation and our society. Sir, I support the motion moved by the Member for Bukit Batok thanking the President for his speech. 4.11 p.m.”
“' Sir, with the remarks made by these innocent children of five or six years of age, we can at once know what their thinking is. I wonder if the teachers had inculcated in them the right thinking. Our Government does not seem to have done enough to curb yellow culture and to check the spread of inimical western fads. Many films, which have been banned in our country, have been allowed to be advertised in the local press. The campaign to curb long hair announced by the authorities and launched with all seriousness appears to he short-lived. Even today we can see posters on the walls of Government offices saying that those who sport long hair will not be welcome and will he dealt with last. Yet we often see many people sporting long hair and in odd clothes roaming about the streets, and going in and out of Government departments. Even some Government servants are sporting long hair, many of whom are office boys in uniform. Sir, industrialisation and economic development is the life-blood of our country. In the past few years our efforts and achievements in economic development have become a fact and is open for all to see. As the President has pointed out in his speech, in order to maintain the economic momentum the policy of quantitative achievement is no longer adequate to meet our present needs. He also said that we could now afford to select those industries which would not ruin the environment. It is time now for us to take stock and to rectify and adjust any errors. Some foreign investors have made use of our industrialisation policy to benefit in the transitional period. They exploited the weaknesses in our immigration policy and monopolised high technology and managerial administration, so that our citizens are denied the opportunities arising therefrom.”
“All this shows that the Ministry of Education has been too rash in making decisions. In the Addendum on the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Social Affairs, the President stated that the mass media, both Government and private, must help to inculcate the virtues of patriotism, pride in the national effort and achievement and the importance of teamwork and national endeavour as necessary for group success. The inculcation of national consciousness for the building of a rugged society is one of the pressing tasks ahead of us. On one occasion, I met a student leader of an institution of higher learning. He told me that most of his university mates were rather depressed and downhearted, devoid of fighting spirit. He said the society was to be responsible for all this. Sir, is it not a pity that even among the future stalwarts of our society there could be such thinking? Moreover, among our young people today a great many of them are still dependent on their parents, and it is also a pity to see that they have taken deeply to a life of decadence. Last weekend I had the opportunity to see a show provided by children of kindergarten classes run by the People's Association. The programme was very attractive and entertaining, and it was very meaningful in content. It was a very praiseworthy performance. What was regrettable was that in the souvenir magazine for this occasion. I noted the following remarks in the "What we say" column: `I must study hard in order to become a rich father in future; I must study hard so that when I grow up I can make more money for my father and mother to fatten them. I must study hard now in order to be first in the class and win a prize.”
“As far as know, there was one secondary school with about 70 teachers in both sessions. Before the term was out, there was a turnover of more than 40 relief teachers in this particular school. For some subjects, the students had to wait for more than a month before they could get relief teachers. These relief teachers only stayed for a short while. Sir, I have also been informed that this also happens to some other schools in Singapore. What we fail to understand is that while, on the one hand, there are many trained teachers waiting to be recruited or appointed, on the other hand, there are many vacancies yet to be filled. Sir, the Government should think very carefully and analytically before a decision is made or implemented. It seems to me that the Ministry of Education is one particular Ministry which has frequently changed its policies or decisions. As in the case of the secondary technical school which I have just referred to, initially this school had both technical and academic classes. In the beginning, the students and teachers were all very devoted and hardworking, and within a few years they had created a fine tradition of devotion and hard-work. But shortly after that, the Ministry of Education converted this school into a pure technical school and abolished the first and second year classes. Because of this, students' stay in the school was shortened. Thus the students had no feeling of attachment for the school and the teachers also could not understand the students well, resulting in poor performance. The fine tradition was thrown overboard. In view of this, the Ministry of Education allowed the school to recruit first year students at the beginning of this year. I understand the school is also going to have academic classes next year.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, on the 12th of this month the President delivered his Address on behalf of the Government, in which policy statements were made. In his Address, the President charted the various tasks and measures to be taken for further improvement of the country over the next five years. Undoubtedly, with the fulfilment of all these measures, Singapore will certainly become a more progressive, stronger and more gracious country, with a better and happier life for all. Sir, I am glad to note that in the Addendum on the Ministry of Education, stress is made that the quality of trained teachers will be enhanced and the contents of textbooks improved. It is also stated in the Addendum that: "As more qualified teachers become available, the teacher-student ratio will improve, reducing the number of students per class to provide more individual attention for each student." This is a very encouraging and praiseworthy policy. As we all know education is the foundation of nation-building. If we can really ensure that students are given more individual attention, then there is no reason why we cannot produce much better students. Sir, in the past few days, several Members of this House have expressed their views on the administration of the Ministry of Education. I would like to take this opportunity to reflect to this House on matters that I have observed. Sir, it is quite usual for the Ministry of Education to send relief teachers to schools when for some reason or other the regular teachers have left or are on leave. This is only a temporary measure, in my view. At best, it is an expedient, because relief teachers can only be temporary. But sometimes this causes dislocation, particularly to those students who are in the final year.”
“I beg leave to withdraw, Sir. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon- (7) That the sum to be allocated for Head 41 be reduced by $10 in respect of item 002 of subhead 401.”
“And there is a total number of eight secondary schools, housing 231 classrooms with accommodation for 18,480 students. It would appear, therefore, that there is an acute shortage of secondary schools for these five constituencies, it means that there is only one place for every two students in these five areas. I hope the Minister concerned will look into this.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 41 be reduced by $10 in respect of item 001 of subhead 401*(* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr Cheong Yuen Chee). Sir, I note that although a sum of $1 million has been allocated for the construction of new secondary schools, none is to be provided for Tiong Bahru constituency. I am jealous about this. In his answer to my question just now, the Minister of State for Education said that his Ministry was still considering the 10-year development plan in which the building of new secondary schools would depend on the needs of the various constituencies. Sir, I would like the Minister of State to take note of the statistics I am going to quote, which I hope will help him in his consideration of the 10-year development plan. According to the census taken in 1970, Bukit Ho Swee had about 7,363 children between the ages of 10 and 14; Delta 6,385; Bukit Merah 9,039; Queenstown, 5,993; and Tiong Bahru 8,094. In all these constituencies, Sir, Bukit Ho Swee has two secondary schools with 60 classrooms; Delta, two secondary schools with 46 classrooms; Bukit Merah, one secondary school with 25 classrooms; Queenstown, three secondary schools with 100 classrooms. In Tiong Bahru, there is none. Sir, by giving all these statistics, I am not complaining that there are more secondary schools in other constituencies. But the Minister of State concerned has answered me earlier that schools are built according to the needs of the area as a whole. That being so, according to the 1970 census, there are altogether 36,874 children in the correct age group for admission to secondary schools in the five constituencies.”
“In view of the Minister of State's reply, I beg leave to withdraw, Sir. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 41 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 301*(* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr Cheong Yuen Chee). I am glad to note, Sir, that the Government plans to build three primary schools, one of which will be in Tiong Bahru. I would like to ask the Minister concerned where will the new school be built, and when will construction commence? I hope the Minister will not consider my request as excessive. Sir, according to the 1970 census, there were in Tiong Bahru about 7,652 children in the age group of five to nine. These children should by now already be in primary schools. But this figure does not include those children who have moved into the Housing and Development Board flats in my constituency in the last two years. At the present moment, there are 33 classrooms in the three primary schools in my constituency, and they can accommodate a maximum number of 2,640 students if there are double sessions running with an accommodation of 40 students per class. I hope the Minister concerned will sympathetically consider the urgent request of my constituents to build a school early.”
“Sir, in view of the satisfactory answer given by the Minister, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. 4.00 p.m. The following amendments standing in the name of Mr J. F. Conceicao were not moved - (12) That the sum to be allocated for Head 1401 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (2) of subhead 2101. (13) That the sum to be allocated for Head 1401 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (6) of subhead 2101. (14) That the sum to be allocated for Head 1401 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (7) of subhead 2101.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I thank the Minister for his reply. But what I mean is not centralisation at Empress Place. What 1 requested was for Government to grant registration facilities at Empress place to those parents whose babies were born at the K.K. Hospital. I know the Government has done a lot in improving the registration of births. This is a clear example of providing better service to the people by the Government. But I feel it would be better if registration service can be provided at Empress Place to those who want to register the birth of their babies who are born in the K.K. Hospital. The reason is that it is usual for mothers to be discharged after a stay of one or two days in the K.K. Hospital. The law allows registration of births within 42 days from the date of birth. The husband will have to take all the trouble to go back to the hospital to register the birth if he happens to be working in the City. It is inconvenient for him. So. I hope that registration of births at the Empress Place office for the category of persons just mentioned can be allowed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1401 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1801. Sir, in moving this amendment, I wish to ask the Minister concerned if he will consider allowing parents of children born at the Kandang Kerbau Maternity Hospital to apply for their children's birth certificates at the Registry of Births, Empress Place. As far as I know, the office of the Registry of Births in Empress Place will only accept applications for registration of birth of babies who are born in their homes or in private hospitals. As for those born in the K.K. Hospital, the parents will have to do so at the K.K. Hospital. Because of this, those parents who work in the City area find it inconvenient to go to the K.K. Hospital. This means that they might have to take one day's leave to go to the K.K. Hospital for this purpose. Administratively, if it is not too difficult, I hope the Minister concerned will allow them to do the registration at Empress Place.”
“I looked around for a few minutes but I could not locate the attendant. I could not help but walk back along the parking lots hoping to find a parking attendant. Finally, I saw one hiding behind a wooden box on the five-foot way eating kachang puteh. Sir, in this instance, the parking attendant should be considered as being negligent of duty. But we should not be too particular about it because she was the only attendant in charge of the whole stretch of parking lots. If we want her to go up and down all the time attending to all the parking lots, it would be too much to expect of her. I feel that it is also a matter of shortage of staff and the situation is the same as in some of the other car parks. I would therefore request for more staff to be employed by the Car Parks Division.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to give my views regarding car parks. Recently, I received a complaint from a friend of mine who said that one night he went to the Airport to see his friend off. He was in a hurry and he parked his car in one of the parking lots. After he had seen his friend off, he returned to the parking place and found a parking attendant. When he wanted to pay the parking fee, he found out that he had parked his car in a prohibited lot. At the Airport, there are three types of parking lots - hourly parking season parking and reserved parking lots. But the signboards for the three different kinds of parking lots are all the same - blue background with white lettering. If one does not pay attention to them, one will make mistakes by parking in a wrong place. Under the circumstances, my friend made a mistake. So he apologised to the parking attendant and wanted to pay for parking his car there. But the attendant said that he could not do anything because another parking attendant had already taken down the number of my friend's car and asked him to go home and wait for the summons to come. I have given this example not because I want to accuse the parking attendant for his attitude, but because I intend to request the authorities concerned to consider using different and brighter colours for the signboards for reserved and season parking or any other type of parking in order not to confuse the public. In fact, the parking attendant concerned was not wrong. There is another case which I myself experienced. One afternoon, I parked my car in a parking lot in Niven Road. As I could not see any parking attendant around, I went off to attend to my own business. After 20 minutes I returned to my car.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there is one matter which is not satisfactory. The Government has just set up the National Sports Promotion Board for the purpose of promoting sports activities in our country. The Government has also given some money as financial assistance to the other sports organisations in our country. These individual sports bodies, such as the Basketball Association of Singapore, also need to have sufficient funds to promote their activities in particular sports under their charge. If there is any surplus of funds raised, the Government will levy tax on the surplus, which is regarded as profits. I think, in the view of these sports bodies, this is not a reasonable attitude.”