Christopher de Souza
Singapore
“I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. My supplementary question arises out of our deployment of our Multi-Role Tankers Transport. I think our airmen and soldiers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and MINDEF should be commended. It was a complex high-altitude mission, and it was successful.”
“Much obliged, Sir. My supplementary questions draw from the fact that the situation displays: one, how Singapore has agency; and two, how Singapore can use the situation as a catalyst.”
“It cannot be allowed to be the master. It does not moralise. Thus, as we embrace AI, we must do so with discernment. We should use it to the extent that it facilitates decision-making, but it cannot be allowed to usurp our decision-making. Innovation cannot come at the expense of trespassing on some existing IP rights.”
“In relation to the study on the drug trafficking and the death penalty. In fact, in response to that, I think there is a very good statistic that we should elaborate on in this House and also out there in education that 15 grams of diamorphine feeds 180 drug abuses for one week.”
“The Singapore Land Authority plays an important role in unlocking the value of state land for community use. As a sportsman, I have personally seen with immense joy how underutilised spaces, such as areas under flyovers, can be transformed into safe and vibrant places for sport and recreation, whether for pickleball, futsal, badminton, te…”
“To propel our status as a hub, Singapore will need infrastructure, such as exhibition facilities, to showcase mediation capabilities, breakout rooms, bilateral mediation hearing rooms as well as printers, laptops and screens for settlement agreements to be typed out.”
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Every one of 1,264 lines we hold for Christopher de Souza, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 4 of 26.
“I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs for his comprehensive answer. My supplementary question refers to two instruments: the ASEAN Charter and the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration. In the discussions with Minister's counterparts in ASEAN, would reference be made to both those instruments and the general principles elucidated in those instruments, to have some level of forbearance over the actions of the military in Myanmar? My view is that the actions do go against the whole tenor and principles laid down in the ASEAN Charter and the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration.”
“As long as we disinfect the book, yes. And I should disinfect my rostrum, Sir. That is my short clarification.”
“Thank you, Mr Chairman. My short clarification is in relation to the digitalisation of libraries, my request is that we do not overdo this. Because there is something about flipping through a hardcopy book, bringing your family and your children and introducing them to the library where you go and pick a book according to the author, and return the book according to the author, keeping quiet, it is a communal space; and reading a book that has been read before and the pages have been touched before. I think that is something very intimate and special. That is something unique to the reader and unique to hardcopy books. So, in as much as we try to digitalise the reading of books, can we do this in a very calibrated fashion so that we pass on to the next generation the love for holding a hardcopy book and taking in the story physically as it were.”
“I would like to thank the Minister and the two Senior Ministers of State for their very thoughtful clarifications. I would like to ask the Minister, in particular, whether he sees opportunities arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic for digitalisation in Singapore such that we can garner a reputation for being the Silicon Valley of Asia, whether we can bring the best digital minds and the best digi-tech minds to Singapore and have economies of scale here such that we can replicate or even advance a reputation of being the Silicon Valley of Asia. That is my clarification number one.”
“The SolarWinds cyberattack highlighted the danger of supply chain attacks and the abuse of authentication mechanisms to gain access to a victim's internal network. To continually combat cybercrime and cyberattacks, how is MCI working to ensure that Singapore's critical information infrastructure and government systems, and user data, are secure and not exposed to backdoors for future attacks. Cybersecurity”
“Mr Chairman, we have created a great start-up eco-system through innovative policies to attract many global firms to establish their headquarters in Singapore. With global tech giants like Google, Bytedance, Tencent, Microsoft, all having significant operations in Singapore, Singapore could become the Silicon Valley of Asia. In fact, Singapore could try to compete with Silicon Valley as the top place for start-up talent. 4.00 pm With the influx of billion-dollar companies providing stiffer competition, how is MCI continuing to develop and build the local eco-system for digital innovation to support home-grown start-ups? Privacy of and Accountability for Data The growth of the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, the gig economy and global tech giants, means that the race for data and data-centric technologies firmly puts the issue of privacy in the spotlight. We have been cognisant of this and recently this House passed the Personal Data Protection Amendment Bill 2020 to hold organisations accountable for the data they handle. However, we still have a long way to go in finding that balance and calibrating between individual privacy and creating more connectivity and enhancing our quality of life. With the digital landscape evolving rapidly, how are MCI and PDPC continuing to ensure that organisations respect privacy and are accountable for the data they handle? Cybersecurity of our Critical Systems My third and final cut, Sir. In mid-December 2020, it was discovered that SolarWinds Orion's business software updates had been trajonised. Due to SolarWinds' widespread global usage as a network management software, thousands of organisations, both private and public sector customers, were exposed to the malicious software update.”
“So, while I support access to justice for the vulnerable, indeed, I support it greatly, I think we should move towards this gingerly and ensure that there is no abuse of the system, both for the sake of the litigant as well as the overall judicial system. These are my three clarifications. 12.00 pm”
“Chairman, I first thank the Minister for his elucidation on many aspects that his and Minister Shanmugam's Ministry run. I have three clarifications. The first is the framework of the legislation. I would say that, as I had said previously, excellent moves, timely, needed. I want to pick up on the point that I made about small landlords because I do feel that some are kept in the lurch and are vulnerable because the depreciation in profit of that tenant is actually felt even more so by the small landlord in the rebate that the small landlord gives to the tenant. So, I think there needs to be a level of deftness and nimbleness with which an Assessor assesses whether a small landlord needing this income for rental retirement merits giving a rebate or not. That is the first point that I would like to make in clarification. The second point – I thank the Minister for his explanation on the IP regime. My points were really about how we need to be able to protect IP regime in Singapore and how we must have a dispute resolution mechanism in Singapore for IP. I should declare that I am a practitioner in IP law. But the third point really is how we can monetise that intellectual property, how we can monetise that invention in Singapore, in the overall scheme of IP protection. My third and last clarification, Sir, is about the caution with which we should approach the funding or over funding of criminal legal aid. In 1997, the Law Chancellor, Lord Irvine, in England characterised legal aid as a leviathan with a ferocious appetite, that is, it was sucking up so much money, so much of the government's budget and it lent itself to abuse.”
“Sir, Singapore has a reputation for being a global city that attracts both individuals and corporations. In tandem with that reputation, we strive to provide a strong regime of intellectual property (IP) protection within our jurisdiction and have consistently ranked among the top in the world. At this stage, I should declare that I am a lawyer who practises intellectual property law. A strong IP regime provides an incentive framework in which innovation can be encouraged. However, IP protection can be a barrier in extreme circumstances such as what we currently face in the race for vaccines against COVID-19. Hence, we must find the right approach, calibrated to Singapore's context, to affirm companies and inventors that their IP is safe here and can be defended in the event a dispute arises out of IP rights such as patents. Optimising Land Resources When the pandemic was at its worst in Singapore and we needed temporary buildings to house our essential foreign workers, I must state on record that SLA did excellent in converting under-utilised buildings into temporary dormitories. I had the pleasure of working together with SLA officers and officers from related agencies on the conversion of the old Nexus International School in Ulu Pandan into a temporary dormitory. This is the type of innovation that we should continue to promote and prompt agencies to maximise their venues of under-utilised plots land in land-scarce Singapore. We need to consistently review our usage of land and see how we can renew and optimise our land resources, whether it is for housing, sports and recreational activities or commercial and industrial purposes. Digitisation Efforts of Singapore Land Authority”
“Sir, the response by MinLaw to the pandemic through the series of Bills and legislation displayed how MinLaw, along with the relevant agencies, are in tune with the ground. The response was timely, effective and I commend it. In short, they were excellent legislative moves. This included legislation to assist tenants in the payment of rental. Having said that, small landlords need to be helped too because the rental relief given to tenants can be overly onerous on them. While many landlords have diversified income, many rely heavily on the rental yield as retirement income. To be subject to the rental relief, an additional rental relief scheme places a heavy burden on landlords running SMEs who do not have the same capacity as larger companies. Access to Justice for the Vulnerable My second cut, Sir. The pandemic has shown us our common humanity and has not differentiated between the affluent and the vulnerable. Having said that, it has certainly placed vulnerable people in an even more precarious situation, and often they do not have the same means to let their voice be heard in Court. How does MinLaw intend to provide more support and create more channels for the vulnerable to have access to justice? We should not have too high a barrier to entry to allow anyone equal access to the Courts. Nevertheless, neither must we become overzealous about providing funding for the defendant to criminal cases such that the process would be abused. Everyone should have access to the courts to bring rightful claims and to properly defend themselves. Access to Justice for Vulnerable Groups”
“I thank the Minister of State for that. In fact, it is a very interesting development because if I may suggest, it need not just be restricted to new psychoactive substances. If there is going to be a policy shift to look at the effect or the outcome of a drug on an abuser, there is no reason why to restrict it only to new psychoactive substances. That philosophy or that policy could also extend to more traditional drugs such as heroin, opium, cocaine, ketamine, ice and so on. Because if we are looking at outcomes, then I think it makes a little bit easier to deter the supply you can get purer and purer forms of traditional drugs which then render the weight, the previous formula of deciding the danger of the drug, renders it outdated. So, would you consider this new approach to even traditional drugs, is my question to the Minister of State. Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: If you look at the current situation as in what is happening around the world, for the more traditional drugs, it is very clear. It is easy for us to determine the outcome. The challenge has always been NPS. You get the list being updated and if you try to use different combinations, chemical structures, you realise that it is a chasing game. So, we feel that while we will study all the other developments, including the traditional drugs, but one thing that we want to really catch on is how we can address the issue NPS effectively and better, in the name of protecting our people, especially our young people. Nevertheless, I will take on board the suggestion that the Member has made.”
“How they have done so in terms of striking a balance between legitimate business and also commercial and scientific interest and target NPS that have been developed to exhibit properties similar to controlled drugs – and are meant for abuse. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] So, our legislation that we will be sharing and placing in the next few months, we will share some elements found in this law. So, we will share more details in the Second Reading for the Misuse of Drugs Bill soon.”
“Thank you, Mdm Chair. I was very interested in the development that Minister of State Faishal stated about how to determine the danger of new psychoactive substances through the avenue of their outcome or their effect. I think this will be a major advantage because, up to this stage, it has been decided via what is under the Schedule of drugs as being illicit and the weight of the drugs. If we are now looking at new psychoactive substances ill effects, and then calibrating punishments according to that, I think is a major development. 7.00 pm So, I am actually quite interested to learning a little bit more about how this is going to translate into the punishment regime for those who traffic in new psychoactive substances, and also in the regime for those who abuse new psychoactive substances. And in effect, it is a tool that I am quite excited about, because it is a new tool in the arsenal of the MDA. Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: I thank the Member for the questions. Essentially, we know some of the limitations or constraints of the current approach and we are looking at how we can empower CNB to take enforcement action against illicit activities involving NPS that are not yet listed as controlled drugs, by criminalising all such activities involving substances capable of producing a psychoactive effect, unless they are exempted. So, essentially, the exemption clause will cover substances that are already regulated under the existing regulation or those with legitimate uses. So, legitimate business, commercial and scientific interest will not be affected by the NPS legislation. And in doing so, we have also looked at other legislation.”
“Seeing as there are many drug abusers who are youths and that number seems to be growing, from the statistics, how are we rehabilitating them and how successful has the rehabilitation initiatives such as peer support been? "Fitrah" – Supporting Inmates' Families”
“With such a wide range of possible new psychoactive substances that could potentially appear on the Singapore market, our existing drug laws such as the Misuse of Drugs Act must be flexible enough to incorporate the new psychoactive substances and make them illegal to consume or traffic before or very soon after they appear within Singapore. This means actually having to make very quick amendments to the Schedule in the Misuse of Drugs Act to catch out drugs that were not previously on the market. Drugs – Deter Supply into Singapore Next, Sir, Singapore has had a long battle against drugs and drug traffickers. We have had to battle international criticism in continuing this policy. Yet, because of the heinous consequences to society and families, and our success – or relative success – in dealing effectively with the drug problem, our firm and relentless stance on traffickers must remain because we need to deter the international flow of drugs into Singapore. Continuing to keep Singapore drug-free is a growing challenge and to that end, we must continue to be vigilant in apprehending and anticipating drug traffickers and their movements even outside Singapore and, obviously, within Singapore. Drugs – Rehabilitation of Drug Users My fourth and last cut, Sir, on drugs. Despite our hard stance against drugs, we want to rehabilitate and assimilate drug users back into our society and allow them reconnect and reunite with family. I would like to seek an update on the Prison Service's policy of segregating the users who are less likely to reoffend from those who are multiple repeat offenders. Furthermore, I would like to ask if such a system has been beneficial in reducing the incarceration rate.”
“First, let me state that I completely agree with the hon Member, Mr Sitoh Yih Pin. I have seen this shift in culture of more tolerance towards drugs, especially in the last 15 years. I used to volunteer with SANA, the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association, and there was not such a high degree of tolerance towards drugs 16 years ago as we are seeing here today. So, I want to first and foremost second what Mr Sitoh Yih Pin has just said. We are seeing the shift in culture among youths to a more relaxed attitude towards recreational drug use. Among youths between 13 and 21 years old, there has been an upward trend in a more liberal approach towards drugs as an experience. Furthermore, due to online sources and social media being the primary medium and source for information, a significant proportion of the youth perceive wrongly that cannabis is less harmful or non-addictive because of its medicinal uses. With more youth acknowledging that legal consequences are a strong deterrent, we need to assist the CNB in the fight against the growing tolerance for recreational drug abuse and to raise awareness about the legal and health consequences. Drugs – Fight New Psychoactive With new psychoactive substances constantly emerging, we must be proactive in recognising and banning such substances within Singapore. This assortment of drugs, such as synthetic cannabinoids, stimulants and opioids can be introduced to individuals willing to experience in order to discover possible new effects.”
“Terrorism is a global threat with links throughout the world, with many terrorist networks and infrastructures stretching beyond a single continent and its ability to influence individuals and affiliated groups to stage attacks. Our response must be a global one and in partnership with other jurisdictions. Notwithstanding the strains, COVID-19 has placed on operational capability, how are our agencies keeping up with ties, with like-minded agencies from other jurisdictions to fight the global threat of terrorism? Fighting terrorism is not a singular effort, but one that requires a similar network to create the capability to make Singapore safer and less penetrable, especially in the age of cyber terrorism.”
“Thank you. In light of recent high-profile detentions in Singapore, our ability to recognise and apprehend threats at an early stage is extremely crucial. With potential threats coming from self-radicalised individuals who can hide their motives even from friends and family, the nature of the fight against terrorism is evolving. Furthermore, with the advancement of technology and artificial intelligence, cyber terrorism is very real and multiplies the threat because potential threats are no longer local. We must then operate within the international realm to combat alongside other jurisdictions. How are we improving our ability to detect threats both domestically and in the international theatre? Terrorism – Rehabilitation of Detainees ISD and the related agencies should be commended for their swift and prompt action in apprehending terror suspects and their effective tracking down of valuable leads. The recent attention of a young 16-year-old boy who intended to attack two mosques is an example. Having said that, after suspects are detained, the best course of action to take for the detainee and Singapore is to deploy resources to try to rehabilitate them. While such detainees might have been radicalised through what they have watched and heard via the Internet, the process of rehabilitation can correct these views and allow them to become part of society again. What are the rehabilitation efforts that ISD and other related agencies have taken to bridge such a gap to detainees to help them reintegrate into society and reunite with their families? Anti-terror – Building Intelligence My third cut on terrorism, Sir.”
“Sir, may I take all my three anti-terror cuts together?”
“Mr Chairman, across the world, we have seen attempts by hostile foreign actors trying to interfere with trying to interfere with other countries' domestic affairs. We have seen efforts to meddle with US elections, possibly even in the UK referendum leading to Brexit, and in many other aspects of domestic affairs. Around the globe, many countries are stepping up their response to growing hybrid threats and disinformation. Because of the great security threat, such interference can pose. Singapore is especially vulnerable because of our openness, our multi-racial society and global interconnectivity. What will MHA do to ensure that our domestic politics continues to remain free from such iniquitous influence? Battling Foreign Interference Domestic politics and issues sensitive to Singaporeans should always be for Singaporeans alone to decide. There have been reports that foreign interference can sway political and social outcomes in other jurisdictions. How is MHA equipping itself to stave off and deter such foreign interference and influence in our domestic affairs? Singapore politics should always be the domain for Singaporeans alone. Youth Radicalisation and Disinformation”
“Mr Chairman, the Singapore Police Force should be commended for its professionalism and hard won trust among Singaporeans. Especially in a COVID-19 environment, there will be greater stress and strain on operations. However, with less public gatherings and less large MICE events, the police force now have an opportunity to evaluate how technology can be better utilised in the day-to-day ops of the force. These can include the usage of robots, drones, biometrics and artificial intelligence to assist in investigations and also daily patrolling. More such steps are needed to make our law enforcement system efficient and Singapore even safer. So, my question is, what steps have been taken in that vein? Police – Operations Capability and COVID-19 My second cut, Sir, with COVID-19 disrupting many traditional methods of police work, there must have been strain on the effectiveness of certain ops. Especially those that require physical contact and apprehension. Furthermore, the pandemic might have exposed key obstacles in relation to alternative methods of communication, resource management and crime, and service patterns. Particularly, the safety and security of police officers and the communities they serve would be affected by the heightened risk of its exposure. How has the police force tapped on technology to overcome any operational constraints presented by the pandemic, and how can this be continued to be developed and improved on as we move into a post-pandemic world? Border Controls amidst COVID-19”
“They do not vote but they, too, need a voice in Parliament. Many have grown up in Singapore and many were even born in Singapore. They live here, work here and have families here. Yet, because their parents failed to register their birth at the time of their birth, some are denied citizenship and live their lives as stateless people. This impacts them in their daily life as some struggle to open bank accounts, buy or rent houses and even find a job. Such difficulties present a very real challenge for them. It leaves them in the lurch and vulnerable. Today, I have spoken a lot of what it means to be Singaporean. I believe giving stateless people living in Singapore citizenship or at least PR status would go a long way in giving them something to be rooted in – the identity of being a citizen. Allow me to conclude, Mr Speaker. This pandemic has brought the best out of Singapore. We have something precious here in Singapore. First and foremost, our people. Secondly, our Government working with the people, like a formidable aerobatics team weathering the storm in tight formation. The pandemic has not deterred Singapore's determination to build a better future for our children. The Jewel still stands at Changi Airport. Olive trees still grow on the equator at Gardens by the Bay. And we are not done turning a mudflat into a thriving metropolis. And inch by inch, yard by yard, we strive in this House – and out there in the streets – to become a more united country, regardless of race. And that is a future worth fighting for. [Applause.]”
“So, when I say being Singaporean is the pre-eminent identity marker of a citizen and that race is a secondary identity marker, I believe that firmly. There is no binary lens with which one should view race such that race completely does not matter or always matters to the discount of everything else. It is a spectrum – a spectrum that is a continuum within which my daughter, of Singaporean Chinese lineage and living in a Singaporean Eurasian home, is completely comfortable. Race is an asset to make the tapestry of Singapore culture richer and our identity fuller. So, let it not divide us but unite us in always choosing the right person to lead our Government. The next point I want to make relates to adoption, a point which I have shared, I care deeply about. If we can create an environment in which couples who are unable to have their own children but who would love to have children and want to adopt can be placed in touch with the database of prospective mothers in Singapore, wanting to offer their babies for adoption, this would benefit both parties. But for this to happen, the pregnant women must be told of this option. I have had discussions with MSF over many years and I hope they will close the loop with me and inform me how the counselling for pregnant women, to ensure that they are aware that adoption is a good and feasible option, has improved. Mr Speaker, I return to my point about our common humanity. As I have said, the pandemic has shown the strength and depth of our community bonds, as people reached out to those around them and blessed their neighbours and helped the vulnerable. But there is a particular group of vulnerable people who are not afforded the same protection that other citizens have. These are the stateless people living in Singapore.”
“Her ethnic lineage is pure Chinese and we adopted her at birth in Singapore. What happened was that there was a young Singaporean Chinese woman who found out she was pregnant. She decided to carry on with her pregnancy, delivered the baby and put the baby up for adoption. She got in touch with a Christian charity who helped place babies with adoptive families. My wife and I had put our names down with the charity as potential adoptive parents. And then, we received the phone call. My wife and I prayed about it and took the leap of faith in adopting this little Singaporean Chinese baby girl. Today, my daughter is completely part of our family. She is the younger sister to our first daughter and dotes on her two younger siblings. All our children are loved and treated equally, and are being brought up first and foremost as Singaporeans first; and secondly, as Singaporean Eurasians. So, what then is race? If it is merely defined by virtue of blood lineage, our second daughter would be Chinese. But if it was also defined by culture, then living experience would play a part too. My second daughter put up the Chinese New Year decorations made up of hongbaos around our house this year. But during the Christmas season, she would eat all the Eurasian fare on the dining table, including sugee cake and even ask for seconds. To pre-empt her wondering why she looked a little different from her older sister, my wife and I told her when she was very young, "You came from your tummy mummy; but you were born in our hearts." It is the same way I view Singapore – we are all given life from our mother's wombs but we are all born with Singapore in our hearts.”
“But when it comes to leadership of government, we should not discount anybody because of their race, but instead evaluate the candidate based on who is best for the job. I hold this belief. I know many in my age group and younger hold this belief firmly too. Maybe this will happen in 15 to 20 years' time when the party holding the majority of the House chooses the 5G or 6G Prime Minister of who the 5G or 6G Prime Minister should be. However, it being 20 years away should not deter us from having such conversations now. I do not want any room for my speech to be misinterpreted. So, let me say categorically that I do believe that our Prime Minister is the best man for the job. And I also do believe that the 4G Ministers have chosen the best man for the job to eventually lead their team. So, nothing in my speech should distract from those conclusions. The point I am making in this speech is that it should be the best man for the job regardless of race, or dare I say the best person for the job regardless of race, for I do not see why a woman with outstanding leadership ability should be discounted. Look at Angela Merkel – a woman leading a solid government. Singapore is small. If we were to straightjacket our perception of talent, we could very well lose out on the best person for the job. Being a Singaporean is the key identity marker in Singaporeans of my age group and younger. The second identity marker – that of race – comes after the first identity marker – which is, being Singaporean. I mean this personally. It comes from deep within and I would like to share a story that speaks to the heart of these beliefs of mine. My wife and I have four children aged between one and 12 years old. Our second daughter was adopted.”
“Leadership within the Government comes with years of experience and years of being an elected Member within this House. It could easily be 20 years before an elected Member becomes a Prime Minister and, by that time, the familiarity and connection that people would have with the Minister would count for more than just his race. COVID-19 has shown, more than ever, the need for good government and good leadership of and in government. I know many people my age and younger do want the best man to lead the Government, regardless of race. Some may say I am being overly idealistic, to the discount of pragmatism. I beg to differ. Why? Because the very idea of a multiracial, multicultural Singapore was an ideal, an aspiration, born, literally, from the tears and the sweat of our founding fathers. And inch by inch, year by year, we grow closer to making it a reality. Are we there yet? I believe we have some way to go. But my wish for Singapore is that, one day – perhaps when deciding the 5G or 6G Prime Minister – race is not used as a trump card or a disqualifying criterion. We are too small a nation to discount a man based on his race. This is my view, based on my personal belief. Mr Speaker, I hope this House can understand the point I am getting at. I am not saying race is not important. Neither am I saying race should be used to dichotomise and polarise. I am firmly of the view that multi-racial Singapore is important and we should not dilute the significance of race and what it can bring to the table. In fact, it brings such a rich tapestry such that many parts of the world can see themselves in us, in Singapore.”
“This helps foster both the bonds within each individual community and also the bonds in the larger Singaporean context. Another example is the Ethnic Integration Programme within HDB estates. I support this as it is in line with the spirit of enhancing ties between people of various ethnic backgrounds who become neighbours and who then share common environments. I believe that as we continue to strengthen and understand different ethnic communities, and as our diverse culture and heritage become more and more a part of Singapore, race will become less and less a factor in evaluating a person. In fact, I would dare say that race matters less in the minds of Singaporeans, especially those who are younger, in comparison to their nationality, than that of being Singaporean. I think the identity marker in my age group of Singaporeans and younger is: Singaporean first, and ethnicity second. But what does that mean for politics? I think that means that when choosing a candidate to lead the Government, the choice must be the best man for the job, regardless of race. Instead of being evaluated based on race, we can evaluate based on more robust factors, such as the person’s character, abilities, values and experience. Politics is about leadership. In my personal view, ceteris paribus, when it comes to leading the Government, I think it should be the best man for the job, regardless of race. So, if there is a Singaporean Chinese candidate of the right age and with the right character and the right skillset making him the best man for the job, he should be chosen for the job. If there is a Singaporean of a minority race of the right age and with the right character and right skillset to be the best man for the job, I think he should be chosen for the job.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, what does one say as the last speaker – sandwiched between the second last speaker and the Deputy Prime Minister? So, I must thank the Leader of the House for giving me this unenviable task. But I will do my best. Mr Speaker, last year, through the four Budgets, we assisted many Singaporeans in their time of need. I believe this year’s Budget is a continuation of that spirit, that is, timely aid to citizens and companies in need. Sir, Singaporeans have risen up to the occasion and taken ownership and responsibility in this crisis, helping their neighbours and friends, and giving to those who need it more than themselves. I believe that COVID-19 has shown the world the best of Singapore and how we have stood together to overcome. The pandemic has revealed our common humanity. It is with this spirit – of a common humanity and our common identity as Singaporeans – that I wish to speak today. My first point is how we should strive towards becoming one united Singaporean family. Multi-culturalism is a significant ingredient in our Singapore tapestry. Unity does not mean homogeneity. In fact, as we continue to embrace multi-culturalism and diversity, and the more we understand the differences and the richness of each culture, the tighter our social fabric becomes. We do value the diversity in our ethnic heritages. The self-help groups, such as CDAC, SINDA, Mendaki and the Eurasian Association, play important roles in keeping ethnic heritages alive in modern day Singapore. It shows that we value the different cultures inherent in our society and aid each subsequent generation to become familiar with the traditions and outlook of each ethnic group. These self-help groups help their individual communities while also carrying out joint inter-racial events.”
“I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs for his comprehensive reply. There are many moving parts for Myanmar – the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, the ASEAN Charter, a potential collective position of ASEAN on the recent developments and how the military coup will impact the goal of the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. I want to ask the Minister what are his and MFA's view on the more strategic aspects of the unfolding developments, especially on the goal of a democratic transition in Myanmar. I appreciate there are many moving parts, but what are the strategic aspects and the Minister's predictions, if one can call it that, in light of the military coup ensuing in Myanmar presently?”
“Sir, I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. On the one hand, a 16-year-old wielding a machete can cause serious harm, what more in a religious worship place. Therefore, taking this seriously and the detention was the correct thing to do. On the other hand, he is just 16 years old and he has a 16-year-old mind. So, I would like to ask the Minister of State, as part of his rehabilitation, of his re-intergration and re-inclusion into multiracial, multicultural Singapore, what would ISD do and the stakeholders do to rehabilitate him, especially given the fact that the Minister of State has disclosed that he is the youngest detainee under the ISA to date. So, my question is really about the rehabilitation of this young man.”
“Because for the reasons I have presented, the Bill still preserves contact tracing as the greater purpose. Containing a pandemic through contact tracing and solving serious crimes are both – are both – virtuous exercises. The seven categories listed in the Bill strike the right balance. And for these reasons, I support the Bill.”
“So, it is really only when he has been apprehended with the drugs and the drugs have been weighed and found to have attracted a potential death sentence, for example, an arrest involving more than 15mg of diamorphine, that the CNB can retrospectively use the TraceTogether data of the suspect. This, in my view, restricts CNB far too much. What I am getting at is that I would have thought that the more efficient method in which the TraceTogether data could be used by CNB would be before the apprehension so that the source of the drug could be ascertained upstream, that is, further up the chain of trafficking. In effect, the Bill may have the unintended effect of only allowing retrospective tracing and not real time tracing of known drug trafficking whereas, in my view, real time tracing could create more leads thereby making CNB operations more efficient and productive. That is my own view. My guess is that CNB was consulted in this along with the stakeholders – AGC, MHA, MCI and SNDGO, and the collective decision was to restrict it to only to death sentence for drug-related offences. If my guess is correct, this signals to me a judicious exercise of self-restraint, that is, the lesser the sacrifice to privacy, the better, out of respect to Singaporeans – and I dare say a sacrifice to privacy, to some extent, that the Workers' Party, is willing to accept. So, I go back to this theme of balance. The overarching raison d’etre of this app is contact tracing; a lesser, ancillary consequence, is the ability to fight serious crime. And why not allow for that positive ancillary consequence if indeed it can solve crime and alleviate much distress suffered by the victims of crimes, and their families? On balance, I think it is worth it. Why?”
“So, supporting seven categories, it must follow that the Workers' Party accepts the sacrifice to privacy is justifiable, at least, insofar as this Bill is concerned. Because the sacrifice to privacy is a basic ingredient to the Bill. To support the ancillary purpose of fighting serious crime, it is an ingredient. Now, what is the basis of that ingredient? Mr Pritam Singh calls it privacy and I would say an element of sacrifice of privacy is needed. And let me make a case for that. I do want to say something in favour of Home Affairs and MinLaw and AGC and the Police, when they were looking at the seven categories of offences. I do think that they were judiciously exercising self-restraint in not broadening the categories further, that is, they were trying to make the sacrifice of privacy as least painful as possible. Let me give you a reason why I say this. If you look under the fourth offence, which is the drug-related offence, the TraceTogether data can only be used if the offence attracts a death sentence. Personally, I think this is overly restrictive. I know I am pushing the envelope here, but because of my strong stance against drug trafficking, the heinous nature of the offence and the multi-generational effects it causes on families, if it were up to me, I would not have restricted it to only crimes which attract a death sentence. I would have extended it to all types of drug trafficking, whether or not the offence attracted the death sentence. And allow me to explain why. The ability to intervene or apprehend a suspect has, in part, to do with pre-arrest intelligence work. CNB may know that a known drug trafficker is going to do another drug delivery but until he is apprehended, they will not know the exact weight of the drug on him.”
“I support this because in limiting to these seven categories, it allows the raison d'etre continues to be contact tracing. So, the fact is that we only have seven categories out of a vast number of offences in Singapore. And if you can go through the Penal Code, the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Misuse of Drugs Act, you will realise that there are many other offences outside the scope of these seven categories, including offences such as theft, battery and assault, and possession of a controlled drug which TraceTogether data cannot be used for. Here we are only carving out seven and I think this indicates that it is most certainly geared towards contact tracing. It is essentially a balancing exercise. We are in the midst of a pandemic and TraceTogether saves lives but we must also balance that with its ability to trace suspects for serious crimes. I have been the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) Chairman for Home Affairs and Law all of last term – and I know the threats we face. They are real, especially terrorism, especially drugs. I know how important it is to have the Police be given the tools to fight serious crime and I do know that the Police Force is a professional and judicious one and therefore notwithstanding the sacrifice of privacy the Bill envisions, I think on the grand scale of things, it should be supported so as to achieve the greater aim of containing a pandemic and the ancillary consequence of fighting crime. I also listened intently to Mr Pritam Singh's position just now saying that, after speaking about privacy, the Workers' Party, notwithstanding, still supports the carve-out of seven offences.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for allowing me to join this debate. I think the legislation is timely, speaks of transparency and is needed. Following my question to MHA in January, it was announced that data collected through the TraceTogether app could be used for criminal investigations. That was on a Monday. The day after, which was a Tuesday, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan provided a clarification that he had not considered the CPC when he spoke in June 2020 about the ambit of the usage of TraceTogether. I want to say that I listened to every word that he had said and I believe him; and I want to have that stated on Hansard. I also remember Mr Pritam Singh saying in that debate that he accepts that the CPC was not in the Minister's contemplation at that time and that the remarks were made in good faith. Again, today, presumably consistent with that position of Mr Pritam Singh in January – the consistent position being the consistent position in January – that there is no imputation of dishonesty or malice on the Minister. I think he had quoted several groups that he had spoken to. But, in his view, there is no imputation of malice or dishonesty. And I think that is something very important to clear up because it is consistent with his initial position in January that he accepts the remark was made in good faith. As a result of my clarification, which is really clarification, which is really an answer to my question from the day earlier – I am talking about the January sitting – we are in double quick time, debating this Bill under a Certificate of Urgency. What this Bill does is ensure that only under these seven categories of offences can the Police use the TraceTogether data.”
“There are other proposals obviously, which I may not have time to go into, but these also include how we can bring nature, greenery and greater amenity to our residents living in Farrer Gardens, building a jogging and cycling flyover over Clementi Road to link the Park Connector from Pine Grove Estate to the Sunset Way Estate, and also allowing Ulu Pandan residents in the Sunset Way HDB blocks to access the green corridor behind them that will link to Clementi Forest. I hope MND will consider these proposals, aspirations, hopes and dreams for Ulu Pandan. In conclusion, Sir, it is with all this in mind, that is, the environmental baseline study, the desire of many Ulu Pandan residents to retain Dover Forest, the idea of it being a part of a nature loop around the constituency and the longer term aspiration for Ulu Pandan as a constituency that I stand today in the hope that the planners will revisit and will come up with solutions, some of which I have suggested, so as to preserve the Dover Forest.”
“My hope is that we will be able to have a footpath that connects Holland Green Linear Park to Clementi Road through the scenic route of Clementi Forest which, I should state, I would like preserved, where possible. In fact, there is a whole belt of condos along Bukit Timah Road that will be able to link up to the Rail Corridor, through the sky walk above Bukit Timah Canal as part of the Bukit Timah-Rochor Green Corridor Initiative. So, if you can picture a satellite’s view, that would mean everyone living in between King Albert Park and Sixth Avenue, both condo-dwellers and house-dwellers, will be able to walk down, connect to Bukit Timah Railway Station, link to the Rail Corridor, head south, head to Ghim Moh and down to Dover Forest. So, Mr Speaker, the idea is to have Ulu Pandan residents live within a landscape of lush greenery. In order to do that, I have to be able to provide alternative sites and alternative solutions to protect Dover Forest. This aspiration for the constituency I serve, especially the phased rejuvenation of major towns, will take 20 years or more from today – very likely, beyond my time as a Member of Parliament in this House. But that should not stop me from aspiring for my residents today. What I am trying to get across today to the planners is the need to think long and hard before making irreversible decisions. A 40-year-old forest is home to creatures over many life cycles. Many life cycles of creatures and species create an eco-system. That eco-system has been adopted and made to become part of the wider shared landscape of Ulu Pandan residents.”
“It was worded such because it is part of a wider aspiration for residents and it is not constrained to residents living in Ghim Moh. If you can picture it from a satellite view, if we were to retain Dover Forest, it would mean that we have a wonderful loop of nature around the whole constituency. Dover Forest links up all the way to Clementi Road, where if you cross Clementi Road, the Ulu Pandan park connector runs along and links up to my residents in Sunset Way. And there is a railway bridge that connects to an expanse of green land that goes behind the Sunset Way HDB estate and eventually leads to Clementi Forest, which then eventually leads out to the Rail Corridor and Bukit Timah Railway Station. If one comes back down the Rail Corridor and Bukit Timah Railway Station heading south, you will go through the estates of Old Holland, Greenleaf, Mount Sinai and then back to Ghim Moh. So, a loop of greenery within Ulu Pandan itself. Parallel to this vision of keeping Ulu Pandan as green as we can was our effort, together with NParks, to create as many access points into the Rail Corridor for the residents in Ulu Pandan. So, actually we have managed to secure access at eight points. These points are at Holland Green, Greenleaf, Ghim Moh, Ulu Pandan CC, Mount Sinai, Bukit Timah Road, Ewart Park, Holland Road. And there are other estates within Ulu Pandan that will be able to link up to the Rail Corridor, especially through the Holland Green Linear Park, which we recently opened. For example, for residents living in Namly Estate and Coronation Estate, all they have to do is cross Sixth Avenue, walk down Laurel Wood Avenue and they will get to Holland Plain which will link up eventually to the Rail Corridor.”
“In the end, it worked out to the benefit of everyone. It also built mutual trust and respect between residents and workers. We – the residents of Ulu Pandan and I – did not take a NIMBY approach to the workers and have welcomed them to the Nexus site. In fact, we were discussing that it being called the Nexus International School, how wonderful it would be if, after our essential workers came in and occupied the dormitory, there will be a nexus created between the workers and the residents. And I dare say there has been, fortunately. So, the point that I am making is, if more BTO flats need to be built, we have a solution in Ulu Pandan. I am not taking the easy way out by saying "go build in someone else's constituency." The solution I am offering ties in with my longer term aspiration to both develop and rejuvenate Ulu Pandan while preserving greenery. That solution involves using vacant or under-utilised plots of land around Ghim Moh to accommodate new residents in BTO flats, as well as to rejuvenate Ghim Moh through a deliberate and phased SERS exercise. This allows for a compact community allowing for the inflow of new residents to live alongside existing Ghim Moh residents. Some of the new residents will be the children of existing Ghim Moh families who will be able to buy BTO flats next to their parents. But this idea of conservation and having residents live within a green environment surrounded by greenery and nature is not something that has been crystalised by virtue of what we are debating today. This has been my long-term aspiration for Ulu Pandan residents I serve. Allow me now, Sir, to expand on this long-term aspiration as it foretells or provides insight into why the Motion was worded as "Preservation of Dover Forest in Ulu Pandan".”
“My response, if I may, to that point is that there are two other under-utilised plots of land in Ghim Moh that we can use for planning purposes. The first is MOE's Language Centre, which was the old, now defunct, Ghim Moh Primary School. Residents of Mount Sinai, as well as residents of Ghim Moh, would know that there is a huge old unused field there lying fallow. So, that also allows for space for additional housing. If MND's view is that this is still insufficient land, although I do not think it is insufficient, but if MND is of the view that it is still insufficient, I have an additional solution to propose. This involves questioning whether or not we need the old sprawling RJC campus to remain. In my view, it is under-utilised. In fact, it is not housing any school now and its fields are unused. According to the Master Plan, the campus is subject to detailed planning. I am offering a proposal for that "detailed planning" today. So, I come here with solutions – vacant plots of land next to the CC, using the old RJC campus site and the big field next to the now-defunct Ghim Moh Primary; all of these are under-utilised. Such a holistic rejuvenation of Ghim Moh Town will allow it to flow seamlessly into Holland Village with the rail corridor being the natural green valley between the two towns. So, one can picture that – a rejuvenated Ghim Moh with a green valley being the rail corridor seamlessly linking on to Holland Village and that town. Mr Speaker, I am also making a broader point. I believe in providing alternative plans and solutions within my own constituency. For example, when the former Nexus International School campus was transformed into a temporary dormitory to house essential migrant workers in June 2020, we welcomed these workers in Ulu Pandan.”
“So, when I say that the two plots completely vacant now can be used for both BTO as well as, subject to MND's clearance, for SERS, I do not say that in a flippant manner. The older flats in Ghim Moh, which were built in 1976, are 45 years old. One such group of flats is a group of six blocks of 3-room flats on the other side of the Ulu Pandan CC. The current gross plot ratio for those blocks – being blocks 1 to 6 Ghim Moh Road – is 2.8. I ask that the gross plot ratio be reconsidered so as to increase it. There could be a selective en bloc of these six blocks to the vacant plot of land next to the CC. This then will release the whole plot where these Blocks 1 to 6 currently sit on, thereby releasing another jigsaw piece, another plot of land, for my other residents who are living around Ghim Moh market, that is, in Blocks 7 to 21, to be rehoused into that vacant plot of land, possibly through SERS. The vision is to continue to keep the market as the heart of Ghim Moh while, at the same time, rejuvenating the whole of Ghim Moh town through a deliberate and phased SERS development and the use of high gross plot ratios. The land around the market can then be redeveloped for more and taller housing, if my idea of offering SERS to Blocks 1 to 21 is accepted by MND. This will mean the ability to accommodate new residents in BTO flats as well as provide new flats with new leases for existing Ghim Moh residents, through SERS. This is my suggestion as an alternative, instead of felling Dover Forest. I can anticipate that there are constraints. One constraint that MND may tell me today in response is that the pieces of land I have in mind are insufficient to accommodate BTO and SERS flats.”
“So, in the spirit of partnership and transparency, I would like to share with URA and MND some possible alternative sites and, in so doing, also share the long-term aspiration for Ulu Pandan and how this fits in. I have given a significant amount of time thinking about how to preserve as much of the forest as possible. One way to achieve this is through the use of vacant sites. In considering possible alternative locations for the development of BTOs, I would like to propose the vacant plot of land next to the Ulu Pandan CC. In fact, in the Master Plan 2019, it is publicly stated that those two vacant plots of land have a gross plot ratio of 4.6 and 4.9, respectively. That, to me, is a golden opportunity to have a serious rethink about how we can grow, enhance and rejuvenate Ghim Moh Town. My idea is to use the 4.6 and the 4.9 gross plot ratio sites as BTO plots as well as possible SERS plots in rejuvenating some of the older blocks in Ghim Moh. I can appreciate that SERS is a sensitive topic. Although I am not expecting an answer today, given its sensitivity, I would like to put on record that my long-term aspiration, which I have given a fair amount of time thinking about, includes both an influx of BTO flats and also the rejuvenation of Ghim Moh for the existing residents living there. When Ghim Moh Link was built some years ago, the residents from the old Blocks 9 to 12A, through SERS, moved to Ghim Moh Link and the old blocks were demolished. That land which the old blocks stood on, is now the vacant plot of land beside Ulu Pandan CC. This vacant plot of land opens the door to unprecedented possibilities of how we may use the land in as creative a way as possible.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for allowing me to speak on this topic. I would first like to record my appreciation to the Singapore city planners and the MND planning team that have really allowed Singapore's reputation as a City in a Garden to flourish in the minds of so many who look to our city for urban planning ideas. This Motion is meant to support that vision of Singapore being a City in a Garden and, by extension, being a place where people live around lush greenery, nature and wildlife. It is with such a spirit that I wish to deliver this speech. Of particular importance to me is Dover Forest, which is a 33-hectare forest within my ward. I have looked very carefully at the Environmental Baseline Study which I must thank MND and HDB for so openly sharing with the public. But if one looks at the study, you will see vast numbers of plant and animal species, including species that are critically endangered. This has caused me some concern if we were to demolish the forest. Now, this forest is also between Ghim Moh, Mount Sinai, Pine Grove and Holland Grove estates. So, it is not just a forest but a shared and extended green landscape that the residents have, for a long time, admired and grown used to. Ulu Pandan residents know that I have a record of both developing the land in Ulu Pandan to make the best use of it but also, where possible, to preserve an environment of greenery to surround their estates. When Ghim Moh Link was being built some years ago, I walked the ground along the canal and worked together with different agencies to get signs hammered into the ground to state "protected tree". It would be too easy to just say "halt and do not demolish Dover Forest" without giving alternatives.”
“One aspiration I have for Ulu Pandan is to partner with NParks in building a nature trail from Holland Green Linear Park that will weave its wave through the contours of Clementi Forest all the way to Clementi Road. This will not only create a link between the estates along Sixth Avenue and Greenleaf to Sunset Way, but allow the residents in this area to have a convenient way into Clementi Forest. This is not the only on-going partnership. We are working with SFA and HDB to explore the possibilities of urban farming sites. A commercial operator would run the farm, but allow the community to be a part of it as we revamp community gardens to include growing more edible vegetables, fruits through hydroponics. Furthermore, in partnership with NEA, we can introduce food composting to the community and we plan to introduce that to Ghim Moh Market and Food Centre. In conclusion, Sir, even as we continue to develop and grow this country, let us advance the legacy of investing into the nature around us and encouraging sustainability as a fact of life so that we may do our part in domestic and regional urban sustainability.”
“With Dover Forest, Clementi Forest and the Rail Corridor all within the area, these ecological assets have produced great biodiversity value to Ulu Pandan residents, especially during the pandemic. During these past few months, when everyone had to work from home and stay indoors a lot more, many people felt a nature deficit for a prolonged period which led to greater appreciation of our forests and parks. I might note that when the news that Dover Forest might be developed to build BTO flats, I received many emails, dozens and dozens of emails and Facebook messages and WhatsApp and in conversations, person to person conversation at Meet-the-People Session, from residents expressing their concern at the loss of the forest. So, following my discussion with MND, I am very happy that Minister Desmond Lee has extended the deadline for public feedback to the Environmental Based Study by a full four weeks. I am very appreciative of that and I will go into more detail in my Motion. In fact, residents pointed out how they appreciated the privilege of being able to enjoy the forest alongside the various plant and animal species that reside in there. Residents even sent me pictures of migratory eagles, allegedly from Russia and Japan who had sought shelter in Dover Forest during the wintry season. Mr Speaker, my hope is to transform Ulu Pandan into a nature-surplus neighbourhood. As we intensify the use of our land to fit our growing population, it is similarly important to continue providing access to nature for our residents so as to counter a nature deficit. Let me give you an illustration.”
“On that note, I would like to have it stated on record that I believe HDB and MND have already started to embody this concept of biophilia that has led to reports like the Environmental Baseline Studies, for which I am appreciative. Mr Speaker, there are many other aspirations I have on this point, but I will speak more on this and other topics during my Motion to preserve Dover Forest. The second point I want to make is about how we can continue to develop ground-up initiatives to cultivate a culture of biophilia. By this, I mean that sustainability should not be just a conversation or creed, but sustainability by deed. It should be a fact of life. In everyday living, residents should be reducing, reusing, recycling and even upcycling. In my ward in 2019, we held a series of events at Old Holland neighbourhood aimed at reducing the use of plastics, especially single-use plastics. All the residents were encouraged to bring their own water bottles and no disposable cutlery was used at the event. There are many other avenues and initiatives aimed at reducing use of plastic. The Bring Your Own or BYO Singapore movement encourages consumers to bring their own reusable bags, bottles and containers. Mr Speaker, all these initiatives are in line with the vision of biophilia and I would like to share how this has manifested in Ulu Pandan, which brings me to my third and last point. Mr Speaker, Ulu Pandan is privileged to have much greenery within its surroundings that makes it appropriately placed to envision what a sustainability community can look like and support the wider national movement of sustainability.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for allowing me to speak on this topic. I want to thank Mr Louis Ng for raising this Motion as I believe it to be particularly important. Singapore has long been renowned globally for being a City in a Garden and that status allows us to play our small part on the world stage. For example, Singapore played an instrumental role behind the scenes in the build-up to the signing of the Paris Agreement in December 2015. In fact, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan played a major role in that. This was recognised by then President of the United States Barack Obama when Prime Minister Lee made a State Visit to Washington DC in 2016. Furthermore, we are known for our efforts in promoting regional sustainability. In 2014, during the peak of the haze period, we passed the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act that allowed regulators to prosecute local and foreign companies that engaged in illegal forest burning that causes severe air pollution. So, in partnership with other countries in Southeast Asia, we can strive towards regional sustainability that protects not only our own forests, but the forests of surrounding countries. We can do our part, our small part to arrest climate change. Mr Speaker, Singapore, as a global city, is poised to play a critical role toward regional urban sustainable development through a more comprehensive ecological assets and biodiversity value framework. To realise this vision, we must think out of our island-box when it comes to climate change impact and possibilities. Instead of approaching this as a dichotomy between conservation and development, we must become a biophilic country that views its forests as assets to not only protect, but to grow and invest in for its biodiversity value to our residents.”
“The third clarification is, will the data be deleted at the end of the investigations?”
“I had wanted to ask if there was a protocol for officers to use the data reasonably. I think that has been answered by Minister, and whether the data can be collected for all crimes or just serious crimes and that is already been answered. My remaining clarification is, will the data be deleted at the end of the investigations, if it does not yield anything or at the end of the case?”
“Mr Speaker, first, let me say that I am pro-vaccine. We have learned quite a lot about new strains or mutations across the globe. Look at UK. My question is, does this vaccine we have subscribed to anticipate resistance to future strains or are we to get further vaccinations over and above what we have subscribed to? So, is this a moving target, over and above what we are going to get vaccinated for?”