Choo Wee Khiang
Singapore
“Sir, bearing in mind the problem we have with Malaysia pertaining to the CIQ matter, would the Minister envisage any problem with our negotiations with Malaysia and will the Minister tell us whether there is going to be a deadline in terms of finalising the negotiations?”
“Sir, in today's Straits Times, it is reported that, "Singapore should not decide unilaterally on the relocation of CIQ facilities from Tanjong Pagar to Woodlands." It was mentioned by UMNO Vice-President, Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak. I take it that Dato Sri Najib had said that we should not move to Woodlands.”
“That is most important and let us not take the emotional aspect of it in dealing with this particular Bill. Let us be really focused. Let us take into consideration the well-being of the great majority of Singaporeans and the progress and prosperity of Singapore into consideration.”
“I thank the Minister for his reply. If we recognise the importance of sports, I think he should consider re-naming his Ministry to "MCDS", Ministry of Community Development and Sports. Dr Vasoo: Sir, as usual, Members have stretched their viewpoints. The Minister has given very elaborate replies.”
“Sir, I will be equally brief. The Singapore Sports Council has done a very good job and it has been transformed. But I understand from many National Sports Associations that they are all running into financial difficulties. They have a lot of good and great plans, but they need funds.”
“If they are working in the city, and you want them to buy a flat in the suburban area, they will have to spend a lot of time travelling to-and-fro. It is too troublesome and inconvenient. I have also come across a case where a resident wanted to sell back the 3-room flat to HDB in order to buy a bigger flat.”
The complete record
Every one of 264 lines we hold for Choo Wee Khiang, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 4 of 6.
“Sir, in our pursuit of medical excellence, it is inevitable that we need to continuously upgrade our medical technologies and equipment so as to enable us to pitch the standard of our health care to that of the other developed countries. However, in so doing, we should not lose sight of the primary consideration of containing medical costs, ie, to ensure the continued affordability of health care to the general public. Would the Minister inform the House on how they intend to strike a balance between cost containment, on the one hand, and the need to introduce more advanced medical technologies and equipment on the other? How much did the Government and restructured hospitals spend on upgrading medical technologies and equipment over the last five years, for example, as what Dr Wan said, MRI and laser equipment? Another question is: how does the Ministry ensure that there is no duplication of resources among its Government and restructured hospitals when acquiring new technologies and expensive medical equipment? My last question is: how does the Ministry monitor the use of these expensive equipment at its hospitals to ensure that they are fully utilised?”
“Thank you. Sir, the large majority of Singaporeans will not be able to afford private medical care. Instead they would continue to look to the Government and restructured hospitals to meet their health care needs. To maintain the high standards of medical care provided in the Government and restructured hospitals, we need to ensure that a serious brain drain of specialists from the Government and the restructured hospitals to the private sector does not occur. Could the Minister inform the House on the attrition trend of doctors, particularly of the senior specialists in the Government and restructured hospitals? How does the Ministry plan to maintain a critical pool of senior and experienced specialists in the Government and restructured hospitals?”
“Sir, I have three cuts under this subhead. May I take the three together, please?”
“Just a very quick point. Sir, Whampoa was absorbed into Kallang and it has become part of Kallang division. In Whampoa estate now, they all know that it is part of Kallang division. It is a matter of getting used to it. Sir, anyway, I am still not happy. But I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Can I make a clarification? Sir, actually, I fail to understand what the Minister was trying to explain. Because for the retention of name, I think one has to take various factors into consideration. What is wrong with Whampoa? Whampoa is a good name. It is a sound name. If you move it to Bukit Batok, people still know what Whampoa is all about. They do not think of Whampoa as one in my constituency nor do will they think of the one in China. Likewise, Tanglin Secondary School is already in West Coast and River Valley High School is along Ayer Rajah. So what is wrong with retaining the name? I think it does not mean that rules and regulations laid down in 1986 have to be rigid. So I beg the Minister to rethink about it again. Please retain Whampoa Secondary School wherever it is going to be.”
“From what I understand, the school is promoting Confucianism and they do not seem to be taking all these factors into consideration. It is also stated that we must build the spirit of cooperation, good moral, good conduct and good learning. So we must work for the school, work for yourself, work for the country. So this is the spirit of Whampoa Secondary School. It is very good. I hope that the Minister for Education can accept the request of the Old Boys' Association and look for a new building and name it as Whampoa Secondary School, so that the new school can inherit the tradition of the school, ie, the same badge, same school anthem, and same uniform. I hope the officials of the Ministry of Education will not treat education as a form of business.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head L of the Development Estimates be reduced by $10 in respect of Code LD 5100. (In Mandarin): Sir, the important objectives of the Ministry of Education is to educate the future masters of Singapore, not to do business. Recently, it was reported that a secondary school in my constituency, the Whampoa Secondary School, was to be closed down by the end of this year. I think it is regrettable. At the same time, the principal of the school told me that the Old Boys' Association felt great regret about it. On 10th January this year, the Old Boys' Association wrote a letter to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education but it has not received a reply so far. I do not know whether there is any new development on this matter. Whampoa Secondary School has a history of over 30 years. The building may be old but it does not mean that the school is useless. When we decide whether a school should be closed or not, I think it is not so simplistic. We must consider all factors. We must consider whether the school has got its own tradition, its value, as Mr Peh has pointed out. Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew has said that the traditional system is better than the modern system. So respect to teachers is very important. When you decide to close a school, have these factors been taken into consideration? Whampoa Secondary School has few students. Business is no good, so chop, cut it off. When McDonald opens an outlet and business is no good, they can go to another place to start another outlet and it is still called McDonald. The Education Ministry should consider this. If you consider that it has a history of over 30 years, it has a tradition.”
“I am still not very satisfied with his answer. However, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“I am not quite happy with the answer from the Minister of State. What does he mean by "preferences", if a student has met the minimum entry requirement? I see no reason why we should not actually admit that particular outstanding sports person.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head L of the Main Estimates be reduced by $10 in respect of Code LA 3200. Sir, the Ministry of Education has been very supportive of the Sports Excellence 2000 Programme (SPEX 2000). However, I find that our two tertiary institutions, namely, NUS and NTU, are not really very supportive of it. The reason is this. All our polytechnics are very supportive and they have special admission scheme for all the outstanding athletes and coaches. I wonder why NUS and NTU are not prepared to do so. Maybe they think that having such a special scheme will lower the quality and standard of the university. But if the polytechnics have been doing that and the standards have not been compromised, I do not see why the two tertiary institutions have not been able to do so. Now that the NUS has introduced the new modular system, I believe it would certainly benefit our outstanding athletes and coaches who could then spread their course work, all training very hard, competing hard and bring about glory for our country. So I urge the Minister to look into this matter seriously and show us his support.”
“I wonder whether the Minister will consider increasing the quantum of CPF contribution for those non-employee CPF members, ie, the sole proprietors or people who are in partnership.”
“In relation to the measures to reduce molest cases, I am happy that the Parliamentary Secretary is concerned about the softer crimes, such as outraging of modesty. I would like to ask whether the Parliamentary Secretary agrees with me that when the Ministry, together with MITA, reviews the levels of violence on TV and in the cinemas, this aspect should not be ignored. Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee: Sir, first, let me take the point by the GPC Chairman. I think any measure that is practical or workable that can help to bring down the rate of molest cases should be considered. Of course, in this instance, we have to get the cooperation of MND and the Town Councils. And in fact, I think the Member is right. Some of our lifts already have this device in place. With regard to Mr Choo's point, we have to look at the bigger picture when we talk about bringing down the instances of molest cases. Again, like the earlier point, any measure that is workable or practical should be considered. I am sure MITA will take the Member's suggestion in tow. However, I am not sure if the Member can draw a direct connection. I think we cannot draw a causal connection and say that because people watch sexy scenes on TV, they are influenced by what they see on TV, therefore, they go out and commit molest cases. But on the broader point whether or not MITA should be open to considering this when we review our TV programmes, that is a good point.”
“Sir, the Police is the main law enforcement department of the Ministry. And as the Minister said recently (at the SPANS first anniversary celebration), every man counts. In order for the Police to continue to be effective, it must have its fair share of good officers in every recruitment exercise. Currently, the job market is very tight and I understand that in the past the Police often faced manpower shortage in both the junior and senior ranks. I am aware that much effort has been put in to make the Police more attractive and to intensify recruitment efforts. I would like to know whether manpower shortage is a significant problem in the Police today and what has been the result of the recent recruitment exercises.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I want to thank the Minister for his answer. But I also hope that the Minister will look into upgrading the guns and weaponry of the Police Force and also the outfit, like training shoes which were newly intro- duced by Mindef, and better vehicles, so that they can be even more operationally ready.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head Q of the Main Estimates be reduced by $10 in respect of Code QA 1500. Sir, the Departments of the Ministry of Home Affairs are operational in every sense of the word. They are responsible for law and order in Singapore on a 24-hour basis. The police keep our streets crime-free at all times. The Immigration Department runs our checkpoints to control the entry of visitors and their exits too. CNB mounts constant operations against drug traffickers and drug addicts. The Civil Defence is ever on the alert to respond to fire and emergency ambulance calls. Given the critical functions of these departments, the Ministry must ensure that the physical infrastructures necessary to support operations are adequate and up-to-date. A number of new police division HQs, for example, the ones in Ang Mo Kio and Geylang, have been completed. The NPP construction programme has come to an end and many new fire stations have been built in strategic locations. But I note from the Budget that the Ministry continues to have many on-going projects. I would like to ask what are the long term plans to ensure that our men on the ground are sufficiently provided with good operational infrastructure, including training facilities to meet their needs into the next century. For example, what are the plans for Civil Defence HQ and Police HQ in the long term? What has been the progress in the planning of the new Police and Civil Defence Academy? Is the new Immigration Building project on schedule? With better operational and training infrastructure, I believe the departments of the Ministry of Home Affairs will be able to work more effectively. They will also be able to give even better quality service to the public.”
“Mr Speaker Sir, I absolutely disagree with him.”
“Does he think that by so doing it will be in the interest of the Singaporean workers? Please illustrate. Mr Cheo Chai Chen( In Mandarin): Sir, I have already mentioned just now that Singaporean workers' interest and wages will not be affected, if the Government handles the matter properly. Moreover, I have made a few suggestions on how to control these foreign workers. Perhaps, Mr Choo did not hear me just now. Dr John Chen Seow Phun (Hong Kah GRC)( In Mandarin): Sir, let me ask Mr Cheo one question. If in a factory, you have some Singaporean workers and some foreign workers, and if we do not have the foreign workers' levy, then may I ask Mr Cheo who will the employer choose to employ? In other words, if a Singaporean worker applies for the job and asks for $800 a month, whereas a foreign applicant is only asking for $300 to $400, may I ask Mr Cheo who will the employer employ? Mr Cheo Chai Chen( In Mandarin): Sir, I think even a secondary school student can answer this question. I have already said just now that in the industries which need to employ foreign workers, there are many jobs which our Singaporean workers do not want to take up. Furthermore, when we approve the import of foreign workers, we are already adopting a ratio system. There should not be any problem here. Dr John Chen Seow Phun( In Mandarin): Sir, I want to ask Mr Cheo this question. Which industry is relying 100% on foreign workers?”
“What Mr Cheo has just said is indeed very regrettable. Is he speaking for our Singapore workers or is he speaking for the foreign workers? Mr Cheo Chai Chen( In Mandarin): I am speaking for the Singapore citizens. But I am also saying a few words of justice for the foreign workers, on moral ground. If he does not agree with me, then he is entitled to his own opinion. Mr Choo Wee Khiang( In Mandarin): The Member said that he was standing on moral ground. He feels that foreign workers in Singapore are being exploited. Can he give us some concrete examples in this House to show us how Singapore has exploited the foreign workers? Mr Cheo Chai Chen( In Mandarin): Has Mr Choo heard carefully what I said just now? I said "indirect exploitation". Perhaps, the word "exploitation" which I used was too strong a word. But I have already explained earlier on. Because the Government has imposed foreign workers' levy, many employers have asked the foreign workers to pay their own foreign workers' levy. So their salaries are affected. Their take-home pay becomes lesser and lesser. Mr Choo Wee Khiang( In Mandarin): I would like to ask Mr Cheo this question. First, he said that the word "exploitation" which he used was perhaps too strong a term. But what I want from him are actual examples. Sir, he is unable to give us any single example on how Singapore is exploiting the foreign workers. Secondly, if he thinks that he is speaking for Singapore workers, then let me tell him this: If we allow foreign workers to work in Singapore without controlling their basic wages, then the wages of our Singaporean workers will be pulled down because of them. Singaporean workers will not be able to maintain their basic salary at a certain level.”
“Sir, may I clarify my point? I was rather disappointed with the Minister's reply. We have been trying and trying to raise more funds for our own sports association but to no avail. This is why we come to our big brother to ask for more money. Instead, the Minister is asking us to go back and raise more funds. I think the Minister should help us by appealing to the Minister for Finance for more money.”
“Sir, the National Sports Associations in their pursuit for excellence in sports often face tremendous difficulties in sustaining their programmes. Such programmes include, firstly, centralised training under the charge of experienced coaches. Secondly, participation in regional or international tournaments for big match experience and exposure for the athletes. Thirdly, staging of regional or international tournaments to give greater exposure to the sports and hence increasing spectator support. Such programmes require substantial funds. These funds come partly from grants from the Singapore Sports Council, commercial sponsorship and donations from well-wishers. In fact, a greater part of these funds come from commercial sponsorship. Sir, may I declare my interest. I am the President of the Singapore Table Tennis Association. Sports which have strong spectator support do not have problems in securing commercial sponsorships. There are willing sponsors. However, for some sports where, for various reasons, spectator support is lacking, such as table tennis, it is impossible to obtain any sponsorship. Officials in such National Sports Associations who are volunteers, and who have to divert their energy and attention to fund raising activities, instead of concentrating in sports administration, would be relieved of this onerous task if a bigger grant is given for sports promotion. This would help towards achieving sports excellence. Sir, would the Minister consider increasing the existing grants given to the National Sports Associations in line with the Government's policy to achieve excellence in sports? If so, would the Ministry also indicate the criteria for the quantum of grants given to sports associations?”
“Sir, on donations made to community centres' extension or upgrading funds, both of which are currently enjoying IPC status. Here, I hope that the Minister will support my appeal and convince the Minister for Finance that well-wishers and benefactors who have bought dinner tables in support of the aforesaid function be given full tax exemption instead of partial tax deduction whereby two receipts have to be issued, one accounting for the dinner cost and another for the difference which shall be treated as outright donation. Frankly speaking, it is rather untidy and distasteful to the donors and well-wishers. It would have been neater and more straightforward if the donor or the well-wisher could be given one full tax exempt receipt for the entire amount he had paid for a dinner table. In fact, we can treat the amount the well-wisher paid for a dinner table as outright donation and in return we host the dinner for them. With this arrangement, it goes to show that we are appreciative of our benefactors' financial support.”
“Thank you very much. (In Mandarin): In this TV serial, Angel of Vengeance, there were violence and some sex scenes. I think such scenes should not be allowed. SBC should be very careful and they should not allow such things to happen again.”
“Sir, with the large number of arrests of drug traffickers in Singapore and the seizure of large quantities of narcotic drugs, they should have a dampening effect on the drug abuse situation. I would like to know whether this has resulted in a decline in the drug addict population. Sir, glue-sniffing is another problem that we must continue to monitor as it affects children. The danger to health and life caused by glue-sniffing is well-known. Not much has been heard of such problem lately. Would the Minister give an update on the glue-sniffing situation?”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head Q of the Main Estimates be reduced by $10 in respect of QD 1500. Sir, the Singapore Civil Defence Force conducted an island-wide test of its newly installed public warning system (PWS) last year. The public then were only advised not to be alarmed by the sirens. There was insufficient education for the public to know what the different signals meant nor how to react or respond to these signals. May I know what the SCDF's plan is to educate the public on the PWS and whether the schools would be advised to educate students on the public warning system? Sir, I am aware that in some countries with civil defence programmes, the public warning systems are put to good use during peace-time. In Singapore, we can do the same too. For example, PWS can be used to give safety instructions to the public during a major blackout, if we ever have another one. I would therefore like to know whether the Ministry has a plan to use the public warning system for such emergencies.”
“If tougher action is not taken to deter such "extreme form" of bullying, we may well end up in a situation like that in the city of Liverpool where recently two teenagers kidnapped and killed a two-year old child for no apparent reason. We must avoid heading in that direction at all cost. I therefore welcome the recently introduced programme where the CID would bring wayward kids for free "guided tours" of our prisons. This must be continued, and the Police must send more problem kids of this kind on such visits, if necessary, so that they know what is in store for them when they break the law. I would like the Minister to inform the House about the progress of this programme and whether it has had a salutary effect. The Chairman: Order. I propose to take the break now. Thereupon Mr Speaker left the Chair of the Committee and took the Chair of the House.”
“Sir, Dr Arthur Beng, Chairman of the GPC has touched on crimes such as loan-shark activities, granny bashing and teenage gangs. I agree with the view expressed that these activities must be strongly deterred and we must send a deterrent signal to potential culprits. My concern is that this may be an indication of a worrying trend among our present generation where bullying now manifests itself in many other different ways. More worrying is the growing involvement of youths in gang activities. I expressed my concern during the last Budget debate, and I would like to reiterate this point. I wonder whether this is the result of our highly urbanised living where the pressure of life and work results in less attention being paid to the upbringing of our children and they grow up with the wrong social values. I recall that in our younger days, our parents used to threaten that the "Mata" would come after us if we got out of line. I am not suggesting that this is how we should bring up our children. Our police officers today are friendlier and closer to the community than in the past. I think this should continue. How we bring up the younger generation will depend on our school system and the attitude of parents. For the Police, they have a role to maintain law and order. I think we must ensure that this continues to be so. Here, I would suggest that the Police spare no effort to give the right signal to youngsters to deter them from acts such as taking part in teenage gangs and secret societies. In a recent case, a group of teenagers beat up and eventually killed an innocent youth who was resting at a bus-stop.”
“Can I reply to Mr Low? The Chairman: You have missed your turn. Mr Robert Chua.”
“I would just like to seek clarification from the Minister. I understand that the Ministry of Education is supportive of such training scheme. But I would like to know how far can it go. Would the Ministry be considering allowing all these students to be exempted from other types of ECA activities?”
“Even though their number is small, the Ministry of Education has made arrangement to offer suitable courses for them in ME3 stream. If there is a sufficient number of students opting for ME3, then we will start a class for them. The Ministry of Education accepts the suggestion of Mr Peh to explain to parents the difference between EM3 and ME3, but, of course, the final decision should still be left in the hands of the parents.”
“The reason is that for EM2 students in Primary Five, they need to obtain 50% in only any two of the four subjects, namely, English, Chinese, Mathematics and Science in order to remain in EM2. If they have better results, then they can go into EM1. Those who score less than 50% will be streamed into EM3. We take into consideration the students' learning capacity and make this arrangement in their interest. The Ministry of Education, therefore, feels that in Primary Five, we should not allow parents to exercise the choice of streams for their children or to switch from one stream to another. Mr Peh's view is slightly different. He feels that if a student is not so good in his performance in EM3, then, as far as possible, we should allow only the borderline cases to switch over to EM2 and the others should continue to stay in EM3. Mr Peh has also asked the Ministry of Education to encourage or counsel parents to allow their children to go to ME3 where lessons are taught mainly in the mother tongue. A related argument which is shared by many is that some students may not be good in their English, but they are doing well in Chinese and the other subjects, then they should be allowed to study Chinese and other subjects in which they are strong. According to a survey done by the officials of the Ministry of Education, such cases are very few indeed. In the 1991 PSLE examination, out of 31,552 candidates, only six students obtained distinction in Chinese with good passes in Mathematics and Science, but only a "C" or "F" in English. In the 1992 PSLE, only 19 out of over 30,000 students obtained distinction in Chinese and good grades in other subjects, but did badly in English.”
“However, the potential and ability of the students vary, their family backgrounds vary and, therefore, their academic performance must also vary. It is, therefore, necessary for us to teach them according to their abilities, as suggested by Mr Peh. This is the reason why we use the streaming process to ensure that the various students go into the right stream according to their ability to learn the language at the best possible pace. In the Primary Four streaming exercise, we allow parents to make the final choice. In 1992, based on the PSLE results, 4,278 pupils were streamed to EM1, 3,234 pupils to EM2, and 5,029 to EM3. However, after the parents had exercised their choices, the final figures were 6,288 for EM1, 3,172 for EM2, and 3,167 for EM3. It can thus be seen that parents, based on their own judgement, prefer their children to go to EM1 or EM2 courses. But at the same time the number of those who remain in EM3 still exceeds more than half of the actual figure. This goes to show that many of the parents were able to assess the ability of their own children objectively. This kind of flexible system allows some students to change the courses they were streamed to, bearing in mind that some students may not have done well in that particular examination for some reasons, or because they are late developers. So, we allow them such changes at the Primary Four stage. However, in the case of students going from Primary Five to Primary Six, a further choice by parents is not necessary. If we also allow the parents to have such a choice, it will most probably lead to a lot of confusion.”
“Sir, extracurricular activity is one important aspect of our educational system. In order to get admittance into junior colleges and tertiary institutions, students are required not only to have good academic results but also good ECA records. In fact, ECA records are also taken into consideration in determining scholarships and other awards. Participation in sports is part of ECA. However, it is only recognised if it involves participation within the school. National athletes, including trainees, who are undergoing structured centralised training would not earn any points for their ECA records. This may not be fair. If such training is considered as part of the ECA, there would be less pressure on the student's time. They can then concentrate in the centralised training conducted by the national sports associations (NSAs), instead of the present situation where these students are also required to turn up in their respective schools for the officially recognised ECA. Sir, I would like the Minister to consider directing his Ministry to consider centralised training conducted by the national sports associations which is structured, properly supervised and attendance authenticated be recognised as a major part of the ECA. And if we want to perform well internationally, we must start our athletes from young. Would the Minister therefore direct his officials to communicate with the NSAs to map out long-term training schedules and strategies? 2.00 pm Dr Ker Sin Tze( In Mandarin): Sir, on the question of streaming, two MPs have spoken and they do not seem to share the same view. The main objective of streaming in education is to make sure that students can give full play to their potential.”
“Sir, I agree with Mr Chin Harn Tong's point of view. But I am more interested to know about noise pollution created by vehicles. Sir, for your information, the Central Expressway (CTE) cuts my Kallang Division into two parts. On the one side, you have Kallang Estate and, on the other side, you have Whampoa Estate. I have been receiving complaints from residents that the vehicles plying up and down the CTE have created unbearable noise. I am sure this kind of noise pollution is not peculiar to my constituency. I would like to know whether the Ministry has any plans to tackle noise pollution problem, apart from planting more trees along the expressway, and whether the Ministry will conduct any spot checks on excessive noise created by vehicles, especially motor-cycles.”
“Sir, I just want to clarify. If that is the case, Mr Low Thia Khiang should not have raised this point. It is understood that private hospitals will not allow their patients to apply for such fund.”
“Clarification, Sir. The Minister has not replied to my point on whether the Ministry will consider employing part-time nurses and para-medical staff and also whether he will provide ample retraining opportunities to the older staff.”
“Training in communication skills should therefore form part of the training for nurses and paramedical staff alike. Despite MOH's commitment to control expenditure on expensive and sophisticated medical equipment, I have no doubt that technology will continue to make its inroads into the health care services. The nurses training programme should therefore equip them with the skills to cope with advanced technology. More retraining opportunities should also be given to the older staff to cope with the changes. The quality or calibre of the nursing and paramedical staff should also be progressively upgraded to meet the changing needs and rising expectations. I welcome the fact that we are now offering nursing diplomas in our polytechnics. This is a move in the right direction. But in addition, Sir, the nursing profession should also commit to a regular review of its basic training programme to match the changing time. One good example that the nursing training is responding to the changing needs is the fact that they are now offering a gerontological nursing course, or a course on care for the aged. I would like to suggest that MOH consider incorporating this training as part of the basic training for all nurses, if they have not already done so. 1.45 pm”
“Sir, the shortage of nursing and paramedical staff is not new to us. Could the Minister enlighten the House on the current manpower situation of the nurses and the paramedical staff? How would this impact on the situation with the restructuring of hospitals and the opening up of more polyclinics and community hospitals? How do we make up for the gap in our supply and demand of nurses and paramedical staff? My concern is whether we are over-stretching our nursing staff and paramedical staff at the expense of good patient care. Attrition is natural of any occupation. As the majority of the nurses and paramedical staff are female, it is not surprising that some will eventually leave the profession due to domestic reason. This is understandable as nurses who have to work shifts, will have more difficulties in juggling their families with their career. In order to attract more trained female nurses to stay in or return to the workforce, the Ministry should consider various schemes to allow nurses to work part-time either on certain days of the week or certain hours of the day. Moreover, if we can tap on the part-time nurses or even the paramedical staff to meet the demand of peak hours, without having to increase the number of permanent staff drastically, this would also help to curb the rising health costs. We should also ensure that optimum use of nursing resources is applied in order to keep down expenditures. Experienced skilled nurses should not be over-burdened with non-nursing functions and paper work. It is too expensive to utilise their services in this manner based on their salary and experience. Sir, I also think that our nurses should be trained to deal compassionately with sick people.”
“I read with concern about various incidents of thefts, robberies and fights involving very young persons. These are street-corner gangs as well as secret society members. Recently, a dispute between gangs resulted in a young man being attacked by a lorry load of youths armed with sticks and other weapons seeking revenge. I am also aware of instances where students, even in reputable secondary schools, take part in secret society activities and terrorise fellow students. It is not just bullying. Sir, I would like to know from the Minister the extent of secret society activities involving young persons, especially students, and what measures are being taken to deal with the problem and to prevent more youngsters from becoming gangsters or being traumatised by gangsters.”
“The Police reviewed and restructured its junior officer ranks in 1990 to improve the career prospects of these officers and to help improve the service of junior officers who form the bulk of the manpower of the Police. They are the ones who are mostly on the ground to tackle daily incidents. I would like know what is the outcome of the restructuring so far. Has recruitment been more successful, and other officers more motivated and has their performance improved? The Police should constantly monitor the career needs of all its officers, especially the junior ranks who are the frontliners at NPPs and the various Police divisions and departments, if we are to further improve on the healthy crime situation, as we have today. I was informed by the Ministry that the crime rate went down in 1991 for the third consecutive year, and much of the credit must go to junior officers as well as senior officers. I believe we can further enhance the performance of junior officers. The rate of technological progress is very rapid. Junior officers performing duties in the frontline will also be facing increasingly complex and difficult situations. For the Police to continue to be effective, for example, it must have officers who are specialists in the various fields of crime prevention and control. Sir, I see the need for Police to consider having a system of identifying suitable junior officers for training to upgrade their skills and the system of developing specialists. Will the Minister comment on what measures are being considered to further improve the motivation, performance and career prospects of junior officers? Lastly, Sir, may I touch on Youth Involvement in Secret Societies.”
“Sir, allow me to touch on, first of all, the Review of Neighbourhood Police Posts (NPPs). Sir, NPPs form the backbone of our community policing system which started almost 10 years ago. The setting up of NPPs in various constituencies is now completed. The NPPs have been instrumental in bringing down crime in HDB estates. Because of their close rapport with the community, residents are also more willing to report crimes and cooperate in criminal investigations. We have much to thank the Police for making the system work so well. Sir, I know that the Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the Police to review the NPP system in order that it can contribute even better to crime control. In this regard, allow me to make some suggestions. First, I think the Police should take a very broad view in such a review. For example, we should consider extending the concept of community policing to commercial complexes and to involve the management of public buildings and private residential buildings and condominiums in crime control and prevention in a formal way. While the crime rate in public housing estates has gone down, we must ensure that those responsible for security in commercial, industrial and other areas also play their part in improving the crime situation in Singapore. There is also a need to review how private security agencies could work more closely with NPPs to improve crime prevention. Sir, I would like to ask the Minister whether such review is in place and whether the Minister would take my suggestions into account so that our NPPs and community policing system will be enhanced to help make Singapore an even better place to live, do business and raise our families in. Sir, my next cut is on Restructuring of Junior Police Service.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. 4.00 pm”
“I would like to know from the Minister what are the principal features of the computer misuse legislation and whether the inputs of the various bodies dealing with computer information systems are being sought in preparing the new legislation.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head Q be reduced by $10 in respect of Code QA 1500 of the Main Estimates. Sir, I note from the Ministry of Home Affairs' Addendum to the Presidential Address at the Opening of Parliament that the Computer Misuse Bill will be introduced this year. This is most timely, as Singapore is becoming increasingly dependent on computerised information system in almost every area of our economy and our daily lives. We need laws to deal with those who abuse the computerised system for criminal gains. Without such a law, we will not be able to win the full confidence of the business community, including foreign investors in Singapore as a global, financial and business capital. Sir, computer technology has also brought about a new fear - computer virus. According to newspaper reports, we are in the midst of a computer virus alert - Michelangelo just struck, tomorrow the world faces yet another virus, Friday the 13th. These viruses are on the loose and are threatening computer systems worldwide. Confidential data can be compromised. Damage to systems can be insidious, widespread and irreparable. Communities that depend on computer systems for their day-to-day business and administration activities can be held to ransom if the laws are not adequate to deal with such new threats. Sir, I therefore hope that the proposed computer misuse legislation will provide sufficient deterrents to deal with all kinds of criminal abuse of computer information, including the menace of computer virus. Sir, Singapore may not have people who generate these viruses, but we need to also ensure that distributors of software take reasonable care to ensure that their products are virus-free.”
“Yes. Could the Ministry consider, instead of charging a flat rate of 20 cents per minute, a two-tier charging system, like in the case of residential telephones, ie, to differentiate between off-peak and peak periods?”
“Sir, I must declare that I am a handphone user. I pay the bills every month and I know there is a flat rate charge. But what I want the Minister -- Mr Speaker: Mr Choo, could you ask your question?”
“Will the Ministry look into the existing private dialysis centres as well?”
“Sir, with regard to the dialysis centre, I am more concerned about the private dialysis centres. I have only one question to ask the Minister and, that is, how does the Ministry intend to control the setting up of private dialysis centres, or private dialysis clinics, in terms of its location and convenience to meet all medical and nursing standards and to ensure that there are adequate equipment, facilities and manpower to protect our patients?”
“Point of clarification, Sir. Will the Minister of State consider bringing this particular issue up to the PSD so that sports medicine specialists will be given due consideration? Also, I would like to ask the Minister for Health whether he is aware of the fact that there is a huge price difference between standard drugs and non-standard drugs, and whether the Ministry will find a way to inform a patient of the charges of drugs before he gets to the Pharmacy Department. Also, how will the Ministry attempt to avoid patients being stranded at the Pharmacy Department because of insufficient funds to pay for the drugs?”
“2) Recognition of the need for other sports medicine specialists and specialist qualifications, for example, fitness instructors, sports/athletic trainers and physiotherapy assistants, and other degrees in exercise physiology, bio-mechanics, sports psychology, etc. 3) Inclusion of sports medicine in the training curriculum of doctors and other para-medical personnel. Sir, in Singapore, if we want to maintain our health cost low, one of the main things we must pursue is to make sure that we have adequate sports medical personnel and sports medical care. 12.45 pm”