Chua Sian Chin
Singapore
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to speak on this Bill as a person who had been in Government for many years and before that in legal practice for more than eight years and now back in legal practice. While I was in Government, I had cognizance of the shortcomings of the legal profession.”
“It is 62 members out of a total of 1,335 practising lawyers. This has brought about a situation which no responsible government can let it pass in the public interest. The Government has good reasons to deal with this situation firmly. In fact, the present amendments have only made a small inroad in self-regulation.”
“At the same time, a minority group of activists has also chosen to take on the Government by calling an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Law Society to pass fierce resolutions against the Government. This group comprised only 62 members.”
“Though he has only limited Constitutional powers and acts on the advice of the Cabinet, he is the symbol of the unity, loyalty and aspirations of the people of Singapore.”
“- to hold classes for children of his constituents. What right has he got? The PAP MPs equally have no such rights. It is the right of the Government, if they think so, to have such classes. In fact, through the People's Association, they have been holding kindergarten classes in the community centres.”
“It is the Government who says that, and the Government has the right to say it because they are responsible for the Government of Singapore. And it is not what I say or what you say. Let me turn to the Member for Potong Pasir. He also produced some exhibits which are equally bogus.”
The complete record
Every one of 1,639 lines we hold for Chua Sian Chin, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 14 of 33.
“And I can assure this House, the Member for Punggol in particular, that we are very conscious of the fact that there could be abuse of power or a mistake made at the lower level of enforcement officers, and that is the very reason why we have taken the trouble to have these built-in safeguards. If ever there is such an abuse there is recourse, a remedy, and the persons responsible for the abuse will be brought to book.”
“If he is deep on drugs, then he will suffer acute withdrawal symptoms. If he is just an experimenter or has just started taking drugs, then the withdrawal symptoms will be quite mild. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Punggol has brought up the question of suspects being handcuffed. Well, Mr Speaker, Sir, there is no alternative. When an officer makes an arrest, he has to handcuff the suspect, who will otherwise run away. There have been cases where Customs officers, who had no handcuffs had been given the slip by their suspects who scooted off. In fact, some of the suspects were not only drug addicts but pushers as well. So these pushers had escaped arrest. With regard to the number of drug addicts in Singapore, I have stated that we estimate it to be around 13,000 of which we have arrested 6,000. The other question is: what is the percentage of hardcore addicts? Sir, from our statistics and from our experience of those 6,000 who have been arrested and have undergone "cold turkey", I am glad to say that most of them are not hardcore addicts. In other words, they had only mild withdrawal symptoms. Only a small percentage are hardcore addicts. Many of them have just started on drugs. This means, Sir, that it is incumbent upon us to go all out at this moment to prevent others from getting hooked on drugs, and to prevent known addicts becoming hardcores. If we move now and move effectively, I believe that we have a chance in controlling the problem. That is the reason why, Mr Speaker, Sir, I have come to this House to seek all the powers necessary for these effective measures that we are going to implement.”
“That is the reason why to-date there has not been any execution. There are also other cases still awaiting trial. They number about more than 10 to 15 persons and their cases involve the death penalty. Mr Speaker, Sir, although it is too early to say whether it has a deterrent effect, we can safely say that without the death penalty drug trafficking would have been more rife. With regard to close cooperation between Singapore and its neighbouring countries in connection with the drug trafficking menace, I can say that the enforcement agency in Singapore is in close cooperation with the enforcement agencies in our neighbouring countries. In fact, some joint operations have been conducted and there has been some success in the detection and arrest of some quite big-time traffickers. With regard to ASEAN, sometime last year we had a conference of drug enforcement officers from ASEAN countries. I think it was held in Hyatt Hotel here in Singapore. So there is close cooperation and exchange of intelligence between the enforcement agencies in Singapore and the neighbouring countries, particularly between ASEAN countries. The other point is about the number of cases under "cold turkey" treatment. May I just explain what "cold turkey" treatment is? Everybody who is a drug abuser or addict would have to undergo cold turkey. Cold turkey simply means that the drug abuser or addict is put in a room. He is not given any drugs, and he begins to suffer from withdrawal symptoms. That is all. There is no medicine. There is no treatment. He is just denied drugs. This is a very good way to try to wean a person from drug addiction. Of course, the withdrawal symptoms will depend on the particular individual, and how hardened he has been on drugs.”
“We are also building in the safeguard against a mix-up or abuse of power on the part of enforcement officers. The aggrieved person can go to a Magistrate and swear in a complaint, whereupon the Magistrate shall inquire into the allegations. However, Sir, this is not a court of law where the aggrieved person may need lawyers to represent him. It is just an inquiry. So my reply to the Member for Whampoa is that he does not need a lawyer for the inquiry. As for the Member for Punggol, his first point is that I had found it necessary to move amendments to the Bill in 1975 to introduce the death penalty for trafficking more than a stated amount of heroin or morphine. He asked whether this has got any deterrent effect. Mr Speaker, Sir, I cannot give the exact number, but round about eight or nine persons have already been sentenced to death to-date. As you know, Mr Speaker, Sir, in accordance with our judicial system, the trial takes place in the High Court, and if the person who is found guilty of this offence is sentenced to death, there is a recourse for appeal. From the High Court the case goes to the Court of Criminal Appeal. That takes some time. From the Court of Criminal Appeal, if it is a case involving the death penalty, the appeal will go to the Privy Council, which is in London, and that also takes time. So the period between the actual death sentence and the appeal being disposed of in the Privy Council may be from 18 months to two years. As the House knows, since this death penalty was introduced in 1975, only one case for appeal went to the Privy Council and the Privy Council had turned it down. And even if the Privy Council should turn down an appeal, there is yet another avenue - the aggrieved person can appeal to the President.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, if I may reply to the Member for Whampoa first. He has mentioned about the wide powers of arrest, the taking of a urine test by a Police officer not below the rank of sergeant, and the possibility of a mix-up, and what would happen if there had been a genuine case of mix-up. Sir, I have dealt with this point generally in my speech. We have studied this matter very carefully and, as a result, we are putting in safeguards to ensure that, first of all, there will not be any mix-up. But should there ever be a mix-up, there is a remedy, a recourse to a Magistrate for the aggrieved person. Mr Speaker, Sir, the fact that we have provided that the officer taking the urine for a test should not be any officer but an officer not below the rank of sergeant indicates that we are aware of the possibility of an abuse or a mix-up. Now, in the amendments to the Bill, which are being proposed, we are providing for the possibility of an application for a second urine test. In other words, if there has been an error or a mix-up in the first urine test, then a second urine test will be done to prove it one way or the other. As I have said in my speech, what we are proposing to do, as soon as the Bill is passed, is to promulgate detailed regulations to enable such a procedure to be implemented. In other words, instead of taking one urine specimen, we are proposing to take two urine specimens. The first urine specimen will be sent for analysis by the Department of Scientific Services, while the second specimen will be stored under lock and key. If there is claim of a mix-up in the first specimen, then we can fall back on the second specimen. In that way, we can ensure that any possibility of a mix-up is reduced to the minimum.”
“These amendments are contained in the Notice of Amendments which I shall move at the Committee Stage of the Bill. However, Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to give a brief explanation on the amendments now. The further amendment to clause 6 of the Bill will enable any person whose urine specimen is found to contain a controlled drug and who is dissatisfied with the result the right to apply for a second test of the specimen which will be stored for the purpose. This is to give the person a recourse if there is a mix-up of his urine specimen in the course of its taking, transportation and testing. Detailed procedures for the taking, collection, delivery and storage of urine specimens from suspected drug addicts will be promulgated in the form of regulations after the Bill has been passed. It also provides for the immediate release of such a person if the second test of his urine specimen is found to be negative. Further amendment to clause 9 seeks to provide yet another safeguard against wrongful detention of a person in an approved institution for treatment and rehabilitation. An aggrieved person may lodge a complaint to a Magistrate that he is improperly detained by mason of misconduct or breach of duty on the part of any officer in the discharge of his functions under the Act or the regulations made thereunder. The Magistrate acting on such a complaint may himself inquire or direct a Police Officer to inquire into the complaint. On the basis of the inquiry, the Magistrate may order that the aggrieved person be discharged from the approved institution if he is satisfied that the person should not be detained. The Magistrate's decision shall be final. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 4.25 p.m.”
“But for relapse cases and hardcore addicts, the period of treatment and rehabilitation may have to be extended beyond six months up to a maximum of two years for any one admission. The Bill also provides for the appointment, by the Minister, of a Review Committee headed by a medical doctor for each DRC to review the progress of treatment and rehabilitation of each drug addict or abuser. In exceptional cases the Committee can direct releases earlier than six months. It has also powers to extend the period of detention after six months and up to two years. The functions and the manner of working of a Review Committee are spelt out in clause 9. While under detention, drug addicts and abusers can be transferred from one DRC to another to undergo the treatment and rehabilitation programme in stages. The authority to transfer is also provided for under this clause. Clause 10 seeks to provide for the making of regulations relating to the management, maintenance and inspection of the DRCs; the control, discipline and occupation of inmates of DRCs, and the supervision and aftercare of those who have been discharged from DRCs or who have been convicted for an offence of consuming drugs. Compulsory supervision and aftercare will be extended to those who are convicted in court for consuming drugs and have been sent to the prison or have been fined. Following the tabling of the Bill for First Reading, a further study of the Bill was made with a view to providing safeguards for any possible abuse or errors by enforcement and other officers in the taking and handling of urine samples and in their analysis. As a result, further amendments have been proposed to build in these safeguards.”
“The power of arrest has, therefore, to be extended to members of the Special Constabulary and the Vigilante Corps. Clause 6 seeks to extend the power to require a person to provide his urine specimen to a Police Officer not below the rank of Sergeant. Clause 7 of the amendment Bill seeks to provide for a deterrent sentence of a minimum of three years' imprisonment on any person who has a previous conviction for consuming a controlled drug and who again commits such an offence while under supervision. A previous conviction for drug consumption includes that imposed by a Military Court constituted under the Singapore Armed Forces Act, 1972. This deterrent sentence is necessary to bring the message to recalcitrant drug addicts that the Government does not intend to see that time, money and efforts spent in rehabilitating them should go down the drain. Further, it would also put these recalcitrant drug addicts out of circulation for a longer period, thereby reducing the demand for drugs as well as preventing them from contaminating and influencing others into drug addiction. Owing to the large number of drug addicts and abusers who have to be sent to DRCs for treatment and rehabilitation, it is necessary that the Director of the Central Narcotics Bureau has the power to delegate part of his responsibility to his Deputy Director. Clause 8 gives him that power. Clause 8 also provides for a person who has been ordered by the Director of the Central Narcotics Bureau to be admitted to a DRC to be detained in the DRC for a period of six months for treatment and rehabilitation. This period is normally considered the minimum period required to treat and rehabilitate a drug abuser so that chances of relapse will be minimised.”
“The Operation has been highly successful, as reflected in the large number of addicts and abusers being arrested and sent to the DRCs. While in the DRCs, the addicts and abusers are given cold turkey treatment, and then physical exercise to tone up their bodies. They are then given work to inculcate in them work discipline and then counselled on the evils of drug abuse. On their release, they are put under compulsory supervision and aftercare to reduce their chances of relapse. In order that these measures could be carried out more effectively, the Misuse of Drugs Act was reviewed to make it more comprehensive. Hence we have this Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill before the House. Clause 3 of the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill seeks to provide for the appointment of Advisory Committees for the purpose of assisting in the administration of the Act. The drug problem is multi-faceted and its solution requires the contributions and actions by various Government departments and bodies as well as voluntary organisations outside. The Advisory Committees will help in coordinating the various departmental functions and also in identifying new measures in tackling the problem, particularly those relating to treatment and rehabilitation. Clauses 4, 5 and 6 are amendments required to bring about more effective and efficient operation by enforcement agencies in detecting and arresting persons who have committed offences under the Act. Since the drug problem has spread to every sector of the population, officers of the Central Narcotics Bureau have to be assisted by the regular and special Police Officers (SCs) and members of the Vigilante Corps to saturate areas and haunts where drug addicts and abusers congregate.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." It is in the last few years that drug abuse and addiction has developed into a serious problem in Singapore. In 1972 there were only a few cases of heroin addiction. Today it is estimated that there are as many as 13,000 heroin addicts and abusers. For the seven months since Operation Ferret was launched on 1st April this year, a total of 6,540 addicts and abusers were arrested and most of them were on heroin. 5,108 of them have been sent to the Drug Rehabilitation Centres (DRCs) for treatment and rehabilitation. We are now embarked on an all-out effort to tackle the problem. We are attacking the drug problem on two main fronts, namely, the supply and the demand. On the supply side deterrent penalties, including the death sentence, have already been introduced under the Misuse of Drugs Act. A number of drug traffickers have already been convicted and sentenced to death. The enforcement agencies will continue to intensify their enforcement action against drug traffickers, pushers and pedlars. We have just introduced the use of dogs to detect and sniff out drugs. More dogs are now being trained and will be deployed. A Steering Committee has also been formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs which is working out concerted counter-measures against the problem. There will be no let-up in the efforts to eradicate the illegal supply of controlled drugs in Singapore. However, equally important in this war against the drug problem is the need to curb the demand for the drugs. As long as there is high demand, there will be some people who will continue to risk the heavy penalties. to meet the demand. It was to curb and cut down this demand that Operation Ferret was launched on 1st April 1977.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, that is a very good question. In fact, the only solution to the problem of getting pedestrians to brisk up when crossing is to install red-and-green man signals at these junctions. Once these red-and-green man signals are installed, we can regulate the time for crossing. When we want the pedestrians to cross briskly, we introduce the blinking sign, and when it blinks the pedestrian will have to cross briskly. At the present time, with resources permitting, every week and through every month we are installing more and more of these red-and-green man signals at the various road junctions. PUNGGOL ESTATE (Building of primary school) 20. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education whether he is aware that the population of Punggol Estate will be 15,000 or more by the end of 1977; and whether the Ministry of Education plans to build a primary school in the vicinity of the Estate and when the school is expected to be ready.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have already said that the existing way is the best way. I do not think we should alter for the sake of altering because there may be more trouble.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not think confusion is caused by the way the pedestrian crossings were drawn up. I think the confusion may be partly caused by the fact that there are too many intersections at that road junction. But as far as the Traffic Police is concerned, they have drawn these signs in the best way possible to minimise the confusion. They have done so. But, as I have said, they will review the situation and if they find that there is a better way of doing it, they will make the necessary alteration. I should be glad if the Member for Anson would take me there one day to view the intersection.”
“The training also emphasised the need to exercise discretion and commonsense in enforcement as well as to be courteous at all times. From then on, further in-service training sessions for enforcement officers were held periodically to review and acquaint them with the various problems that were learnt from hindsight. Like most intersections, the junction at Maxwell Road/Wallich Street/Anson Road is boxed by pedestrian crossings on all sides. However, the roads do not intersect at right angles and it is, therefore, necessary to put up additional signs. Apart from these there is no unusual marking that is likely to be a source of confusion. There are, however, complaints from motorists that. Vehicles approaching Wallich Street from Anson Road would have to stop twice to give way to pedestrians. In situations such as the junction in question a trade-off is often unavoidable. In this case, the convenience of motorists has to be partly sacrificed to ensure the safety of pedestrians. Nonetheless, the Traffic Police will keep the matter under review, to see how this inconvenience on the part of the motorists can be kept to the minimum without sacrificing the safety of pedestrians.”
“Opportunity was also taken during the night to take statements from eye witnesses, the pilot and co-pilot on what actually took place in the aircraft when it was hijacked. At 0814 hours after breakfast, the passengers were taken to the aircraft for boarding. At 0937 hours the aircraft departed for Ho Chi Minh City and arrived there at 1346 hours Singapore time. The Police were there at the Aerodrome when the hijacked plane landed. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING RULES, 1977 (Enforcement) 19. Mr P. Govindaswamy asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education (a) what was the number of pedestrian offenders under the Pedestrian Crossing Rules, 1977, up to 31st October, 1977; (b) what is the extent of discretion and courtesy training given to the uniformed personnel who are enforcing the aforementioned Rules; and (c) whether he is aware that the many road markings and signs at the junction of Maxwell Road, Wallich Street and Anson Road are causing confusion to pedestrians, and if the matter will be looked into. Mr Chua Sian Chin: Mr Speaker, Sir, since the enforcement of the Pedestrian Crossing Rules, 1977, took effect on la September, 1977, there were a total of 16,239 pedestrian offenders booked up to 31st October, 1977. While the Traffic Police requires its enforcement officers to be firm in enforcing the law, it also expects them to use their discretion. It requires the officer to enforce the law with commonsense, judgment and understanding. This policy applies equally to enforcement action against pedestrian offenders. In preparation for the enforcement of the Pedestrian Crossing Rules, in-service training sessions were held to impart the various complexities of the law to those who were to enforce the rules.”
“At 1758 hours the pilot of the hijacked aircraft relayed a message seeking contact with government authorities. He confirmed that there were 34 passengers on board and two crew members were dead. Following exchanges between the pilot and the Control Tower, two persons from the aircraft and two government representatives met on the tarmac. The Permanent Secretary (Home Affairs) had as Chairman of this group of officers taken decisions on the courses of action to be taken, in the light of the facts then available. Negotiations continued until the hijackers agreed to surrender their arms. They surrendered their arms at 1945 hours. Immediately after that the injured person was brought down for treatment. After initial medical attention at the tarmac and the Base Sick Bay the injured person was taken away and admitted to Toa Payoh Hospital. The passengers who had in the meanwhile come down were then moved to the Airport Terminal Building where they were given refreshments before being transported to the dining hall of a SAF Unit in Seletar Airport to be fed and subsequently bedded in the barracks for the night. The four hijackers were placed under guard and subsequently taken away by officers of the CID Special Investigation Section for questioning. The aircraft was thereafter cleared by the Bomb Disposal Unit. At 0130 hours on 30th October 1977 the pilot and co-pilot were offered to the press for an interview on the hijack incident. Meanwhile, Civil Aviation officials with the help of the staff of several companies engaged in refuelling, servicing and ground handling of aircrafts in Seletar Airport, worked through the night to prepare the aircraft for take-off. A post-mortem on the two dead bodies was also arranged and conducted during this time and completed by daybreak.”
“Sir, at 1522 hours on Saturday, 29th October, 1977, Paya Lebar Airport received a message from the Kuala Lumpur Air Traffic Control Centre to the effect that Bangkok had informed it of a hijacked aircraft which had taken off at 1210 hours (local time) and was heading south. No other details were then available, either about the aircraft, hijackers or how it all arose. At 1624 hours the hijacked aircraft established radio contact with our Joint Air Traffic Control Centre (JATCC) and identified itself as belonging to Air Vietnam. Its position was then reported as 40 miles north of Mersing. The pilot requested for permission to land at Singapore Airport. When JATCC refused their request to land, the pilot pleaded that he must land at Singapore Airport because the aircraft was short of fuel. At 1657 hours the pilot reported that he had only 35 minutes of fuel left and repeated his request to land in Singapore. At this point the pilot also informed our JATCC that there were four hijackers armed with knives and pistols, two dead bodies and 34 passengers on board. As the aircraft was observed on radar to be still heading towards Paya Lebar, it was directed towards Seletar Airport. The aircraft landed at Seletar Airport at 1730 hours after landing instructions and weather information were given to the pilot. It was directed to park on the northern- most taxiway facing west. Immediately after the aircraft was parked, Police Reserve Unit troops who had arrived earlier at 1706 hours at Seletar Airport took up position surrounding the aircraft. After the aircraft landed, several government officers, members of a committee to handle such emergencies, arrived and proceeded to the Seletar Airport Control Tower and were in communication with the pilot.”
“Second, the voluntary counsellors of the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (SANA) will provide counselling to the supervisees. SANA has to-date 600 volunteers trained or being trained. I am informed that many more from religious and social organisations are coming forward to volunteer their services. The supervision officers will work closely with the voluntary counsellors from SANA. In this way we should be able to monitor adequately the progress of the large number of supervisees. HIJACKING OF VIETNAMESE AIRCRAFT (Landing in Singapore) 18. Dr Ong Leong Boon asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education if he will (i) give a detailed account to the House of the hijacking of the Vietnamese DC-3 Aircraft that landed at Seletar Aerodrome on 29th October, 1977; and (ii) enlighten the House if the police were at the Aerodrome when the hijacked aircraft landed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, during the first seven months of Operation Ferret launched on 1st April, 1977, a total of 5,108 addicts were sent to the drug rehabilitation centres for treatment and rehabilitation. Of these cases, 897 have been released and placed under compulsory aftercare in addition to those cases arrested and placed under supervision, before 1st April, 1977. As more drug addicts are released, the pressure for aftercare service will increase. To meet this increased demand for aftercare service and further reduce the relapse rate, compulsory aftercare will be provided in two ways. First, supervision officers will see to it that the supervisees strictly observe the conditions of the Supervision Order. One of the conditions which supervisees have to comply with is to present themselves for weekly urine tests at police stations. This will be supplemented by surprise urine tests. These checks will enable those who have relapsed to be detected quickly so that they can be straightaway sent back to the drug rehabilitation centres or prosecuted in court. The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill now before the House provides for a mandatory sentence of three years' jail for those who were previously convicted for consumption of drugs if they were found to have gone back to drugs while under supervision. For those supervisees with no previous conviction for consumption of drugs but who have relapsed will be re-admitted to the drug rehabilitation centres for a longer period of up to two years. Proposals for additional staff for the Probation and Aftercare Service and the Central Narcotics Bureau to carry out this supervision function have already been submitted to the Ministry of Finance.”
“The Government accepted the wage increase recommended by the NWC and the principle of group offsetting for employees in the Civil Service. The percentage wage increase for offsetting purpose for the Civil Service was computed in the manner recommended by the National Wages Council and it worked out to be about 4.05%. This is derived from available figures on substantive salaries of $16.712 million and $17.389 million for the months of December 1976 and June 1977 respectively. A 4% wage increase is therefore used for purpose of group offsetting for the Civil Service. The full offsetting was implemented on a group basis and does not distinguish between civil servants earning increments on a salary scale and others who are on fixed salaries or who are on the maximum of their salary scales. As for the Superscale Officers, there were different considerations in the determination of their wage increase. The concern here is to retain these senior officers in the service. As in 1976, it has therefore been decided that for 1977 these Superscale Officers be given the full wage increase recommended by the National Wages Council.”
“As far as the construction industry is concerned, the public sector is taking up the present slack. While the building programme of the Housing and Development Board continues unabated, the Urban Redevelopment Authority will continue to tender out cleared sites for suitable commercial development. There is therefore no lack of jobs for Singaporeans who are prepared to work in the construction industry. The restrictions imposed on ownership of residential properties have already been relaxed. Under the Residential Property Act, non-citizens can now freely purchase flats in buildings of 6-storeys or more, or purchase units in approved condominiums. In addition, non-citizens, permanent residents and foreign companies making an economic contribution to Singapore, are normally granted permission under the Residential Property Act to purchase residential property within a land area of not more than 15,000 sq. ft. for their own occupation. These relaxations are more than adequate for a non-citizen who wishes to own residential property in Singapore. 1977 NATIONAL WAGES COUNCIL RECOMMENDATIONS (Clarification) 26. Mr P. Govindaswamy asked the Minister for Finance if he will (a) give some facts and figures on how he arrived at the quantum of 2% and 6% wage increase for civil servants of different grades in respect of the 1977 National Wages Council's recommendations; and (b) explain why a flat rate of 6% has not been awarded to civil servants who are on fixed salaries or are on the maximum of their salary scales. The Acting Minister for Finance (Mr Lim Kim San): Mr Speaker, Sir, the National Wages Council after much thought and deliberation recommended a 6% wage increase for 1977 with full offsetting against all forms of increases in remuneration on a group basis.”
“Finally, regarding the Member's suggestion of an amnesty for defaulting taxpayers, I would like to point out that income tax has been in operation for about 30 years and people are all aware of their responsibility to declare their income annually and pay their taxes accordingly. There is, therefore, no valid reason for anyone to plead ignorance. Mr Speaker, Sir, Singapore prides itself on the fact that its taxes are levied fairly and applied firmly. Granting one amnesty may lead to expectations of more amnesties in the future, and taxpayers would then prefer to wait and pay their taxes during such amnesties. I would rather keep faith with our honest taxpayers who have complied with the tax laws. However, I will say this to those who now wish to come forward and declare their income, that they will be subject to lesser penalties than would be imposed if they are subsequently found to have avoided tax. OWNERSHIP OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES (Relaxation of restrictions) 25. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Finance whether he will consider relaxing the restrictions imposed on ownership of residential properties under the Residential Property Act with a view to activating the sluggish market in the private housing development sector and encouraging the development of this sector of the economy. The Acting Minister for Finance (Mr Lim Kim San): Mr Speaker, Sir, the sluggish market in private housing development at present is largely due to over-building in the early 1970's. This is the result of the euphoria created by the boom conditions prevailing then. With the world economy still growing at a slow pace, boom conditions in residential property are unlikely to come for many years.”
“Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Finance whether he will consider introducing legislation to amend the Income Tax Act with a view to (a) directing all employers to pay to the Comptroller of Income Tax the necessary annual income tax deductions in respect of their employees who are liable to pay such tax, on a fixed periodic basis instead of the present system of individual submissions and settlement in one lump sum or by instalments; (b) directing all financial institutions, namely, banks and financial companies to deduct a certain percentage of the interests earned by depositors from time deposits placed with them; and (c) allowing all those who are liable to pay income tax but have not done so to declare their income and pay whatever taxes are due without fear of harsh penalties or prosecution. The Acting Minister for Finance (Mr Lim Kim San): Mr Speaker, Sir, in answer to the first question posed by the hon. Member, I would say that there is no necessity to make legislative amendments in the Income Tax Act for this purpose because there is already in force, for many years now, a system whereby employees can pay their income tax through their employers by monthly deductions from their salaries. This achieves the objectives which the hon. Member has in mind. On the second suggestion by the hon. Member, I must say that from available records, most taxpayers and their wives declare the interest they receive from time deposits placed with financial institutions. It would, therefore, be inappropriate to create extra work for all financial institutions and penalise all taxpayers by withholding tax from interest, on account of a few errant taxpayers or their wives who fail to declare such interest.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in October/November 1976, the Housing and Development Board allocated a 2-acre site at the Ang Mo Kio New Town to the Police for the building of a new Police Divisional Headquarter Station. However, in April/May 1977 the Master Plan Committee disapproved the use of this site as a Police Divisional Headquarter Station because it was near to a proposed Mass Rapid Transit Station. In July 1977 the Housing and Development Board offered another 2-acre site at the Ang Mo Kio New Town and the approval of the Master Plan Committee is being sought for the use of this site as a Police Divisional Headquarter Station. It is expected that the Station will be built and completed in 1980/1981. The Police recognise the need to provide quick and efficient service to the growing population in the New Town and have already approached the Housing and Development Board to convert one of the existing HDB units or void decks for a Police Post until such time as the new Police Divisional Headquarter Station is completed. Details are now being worked out with the Housing and Development Board. PAYMENT OF INCOME TAX (Request for Legislation) 24.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have already answered that question. As I have said, each case will be considered on its own merit. If some of them have factors which merit special consideration, they will be given special consideration in the granting of permanent residence. The fact that they were former permanent residents will be a factor to be taken into consideration. POLICE STATION FOR ANG MO KIO NEW TOWN 23. Mr Yeo Toon Chia asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education when a police station will be constructed at the reserved site in Ang Mo Kio New Town and whether it will be completed within the next two years; if not, whether a police post can be temporarily established there as soon as possible for the security of the residents in the area.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I say that they are responsible for their own livelihood. If they are children, of course, their parents will be responsible for them. I do not agree that these Special Pass holders cannot get employment. In fact, many of them are employed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I think I have already answered that question. It is not that the Government does not want to give them permanent residence. I have said that each case will be considered on its merit, Some of them will be given consideration for permanent residence if they merit it, while those who do not merit consideration will not be given permanent residence. As regards repatriation, if we had wanted to repatriate them, we would have repatriated them and would not have given them the Special Passes.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, a total of 1,106 persons are in Singapore on Special Passes. Of these, 472 are males and 634 females. Special Pass holders are normally persons who are unable to prove their lawful presence in Singapore. They would in the first place have been in Singapore for at least 10 years. They are issued Special Passes purely on compassionate grounds. Bearing in mind these two factors, Special Pass holders should not be granted permanent stay merely because they have been living in Singapore for 10 years or more. However, the Government has dealt with sympathetically and given special consideration to applications for permanent residence from Special Pass holders who have special skills, contributed to the well-being of the country or who otherwise merit special consideration. During the last 4 1/2 years, 378 persons who were previously on Special Passes were granted permanent residence, primarily on grounds that they have acquired technical skills or because of special compassionate considerations.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, G. Raman has not retracted any other part of his statement. SPECIAL PASS HOLDERS IN SINGAPORE (Policy on permanent stay) 22. Mr Ho See Beng asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education the number of persons living in Singapore who are on special passes and whether he will consider granting permanent stay status to those who have resided in Singapore for 10 years or more.”
“He must have known that the Attorney-General wanted to use his evidence for legal action against Dr Poh Soo Kai. Raman being a lawyer must have also realised that his own part in the Masai episode could be reported to the Law Society for disciplinary action against himself.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, G. Raman is presently detained under an Order of Detention for two years. The Government's policy is to release political detainees who have renounced their communist involvement and denounced the use of violence as advocated by the Communist Party of Malaya to topple the elected Government. Many including those involved with G. Raman who have satisfied these conditions have been released. However, in the case of G. Raman, detention for further interrogation is necessary. After his arrest he gave a handwritten statement of his pro-communist activities. In one part of his statement he described how he accompanied Dr Poh Soo Kai to Masai, Johore, in December 1974 to treat an urban guerilla who was injured in the bomb explosion at Still Road, Singapore, on 20th December, 1974. Members will recall that after that bomb incident the Police had issued a statement requesting doctors and hospitals to report any person seeking treatment for injuries from the incident. This was reported in the Straits Times on 21st December, 1974. For a doctor to have clandestinely gone to the aid and treat the injured terrorist was a very serious matter. On 28th February, 1977, G. Raman was brought before a District Judge before whom he made a voluntary statement re-affirming his allegation that Dr Poh Soo Kai had gone to Masai to treat the injured terrorist. As both statement and confession by G. Raman reflected upon the propriety of Dr Poh's professional conduct, G. Raman was brought before the Senior State Counsel to enable the Attorney-General's Chambers to lodge a complaint with the Medical Council against Dr Poh Soo Kai. At this juncture Raman retracted that portion of his statement relating to Dr Poh Soo Kai and the Masai trip.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am glad to say that I am in a position to throw some light on the point raised by the Member for Toa Payoh. He did make a representation to the Income Tax Department on the point about retrenchment gratuity given as a result of a negotiated agreement with a trade union or as a result of a contract signed between the parties. Hitherto this retrenchment gratuity is subject to tax. But following the representation by the Member for Toa Payoh, the Income Tax Department has agreed to make it non-taxable. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Mr Chua Sian Chin] Bill considered in Committee. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 3.41 p.m. Clauses 1 to 8 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 9 - Amendment made: In page 5, line 34, after "such". to insert "dividend," [Mr Chua Sian Chin]. Clause 9, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clauses 10 to 16 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill. Bill reported with an amendment, read a Third time and passed. PARLIAMENTARY PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 3.44 p.m.”
“Sir, this is not a simple problem. It is a complex problem. It is a question of supply and demand. If we want to solve the problem, we must not only tackle the demand side but also the supply side. With heavy penalties and strict enforcement, we are able to contain the trafficking to some extent. But at the same time if the demand for drugs increases, it means that more and more drug addicts get into the scene. Then, of course, trafficking will also increase, as there is money to be made. Therefore, it is not possible to quanti!v, in answer to the Member for Kuo Chuan, whether as a result of these punitive measures on drug traffickers, including introducing the death penalty, that drug trafficking has decreased. I can safely say that if we had not introduced these strict penalties and had not enforced the Act strictly, the situation would be very much worse than it is today. NWC ALLOWANCES (Consolidation into basic salaries) 28. Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi asked the Minister for Finance whether and when he intends to consolidate the various NWC increases into the basic salaries.”
“There are no soft options in solving the problem.”
“Third, the addicts if not assisted to get rid of their drug habit in a drug-free environment and through a proper course of rehabilitation including compulsory aftercare, will never do so successfully on their own. Drug addicts are rehabilitated in the Drug Rehabilitation Centres through a phased programme. Initially, through 'cold turkey' treatment, the addicts rid their bodies of the toxic drugs. After a short period of rest they are put through exercises to tone up their bodies and make them mentally more alert. Then they are taught discipline, particularly work discipline, so that they can carry on normal working life when they leave. Upon their discharge, they are put on compulsory aftercare for two years to prevent them from re-establishing contact with undesirables and relapsing into the drug habit. They are given constant counselling by probation and aftercare officers and periodic urine samples are taken from them for analysis to discourage them from resuming their drug habit. Operation Ferret which commenced on 1st April this year has for the first 56 days, that is up to 6.00 a.m. this morning, resulted in 1,531 drug addicts and abusers being sent to the Drug Rehabilitation Centres. As Operation Ferret progresses, more will be sent for rehabilitation. The number of persons with positive urine tests arrested in Operation Ferret reveal that we are facing a very serious drug problem which is rapidly deteriorating. It also proves that treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts and abusers on a voluntary basis is ineffective. If the drug problem is not to get out of control, the measures to deal with it must not only be effective and flexible but also swift. The Misuse of Drugs Act will be further amended to strengthen its provisions.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Kuo Chuan has not stated clearly whether he refers to drug traffickers or drug addicts when he alleged in his question that the 1975 amendments of the Misuse of Drugs Act have in practice been found to be more punitive than preventive. Members will recall that when I moved the Bill to amend the Act on 20th November, 1975, in this House, I said that unless drug trafficking and drug addiction were checked, they would threaten our national security and viability. To do this, both punitive and preventive measures must be taken. The Act was thus amended to provide enhanced penalties for traffickers, including mandatory death penalty for drug trafficking and manufacturing, and to give the Director of the Central Narcotics Bureau power to send persons whose urine specimen contained controlled drug to a Drug Rehabilitation Centre for treatment and rehabilitation. I do not think the hon. Member for Kuo Chuan is referring to illicit drug manufacturers and traffickers because they deserve to be punished. Indeed they must be punished so severely as not only to deter them from persisting in their evil activities but also others from joining in. On the other hand, if the hon. Member is referring to drug addicts, the measures which have been taken so far can in no way be considered more punitive than preventive. Sending drug addicts to the Drug Rehabilitation Centres is a preventive move in more ways than one. First, the demand for drugs will be reduced. Second, the addicts, whilst undergoing treatment and rehabilitation in the Centres, are prevented from getting others into drug taking and aggravating the problem.”
“It could be three weeks. It could be four weeks. It could be one month or more. 3.30 p.m. MISUSE OF DRUGS ACT (Review of enforcement) 27. Mr P. Selvadurai asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education if he will review the working of the Misuse of Drugs Act (No. 5 of 1973) as the recent amendments of the said Act have in practice been found to be more punitive than preventive.”
“Sir, it will depend on the nature of the case. Mr Ho See Beng: One month, two months?”
“Sir, I have already answered that question. It all depends on the nature of the complaint and how serious was the assault. If the assault results in serious injury or death, of course, it will take a longer time because we have got to be fair to all parties concerned. I do not believe in giving a reply unless a proper and thorough investigation has been carried out.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, to answer the question adequately it would be necessary first to study the time lag between the receipt of each query and the despatch of the relevant reply. This is a simple though time- consuming task because quite a number of letters are received every day. However, it would almost be impossible for me to identify which query was dealt with under normal circumstances and which was not, because normal circumstances defy a workable definition. The time taken to reply to a query depends very much on the nature of the query. For example, routine enquiries regarding the arrest of particular individuals should normally not take more than a week. Enquiries about the likely time of release of detainees would take a little longer as more checking is involved. However, enquiries in which there are serious allegations of abuse of power, assault or even death resulting from assault, will take even longer because to be fait to all parties concerned the allegations must be thoroughly investigated before a reply is given. All officers in my Ministry have been given instructions to attend promptly to queries from Members of Parliament and the public. Generally, they should not take more than two weeks to give a reply unless it is a case requiring further investigation.”
“However, to prevent martial art instructors from conducting gradings at will and to protect martial art trainees from being exploited, no instructor is allowed to conduct any grading without the prior permission of the Controller of Martial Arts. This condition. Mr Speaker, Sir, is stipulated in every instructor's certificate issued. Failure to comply with this condition is an offence punishable by fine and/or imprisonment. Permission to conduct grading is given only if the application is supported by the Singapore Sports Council which in turn consults with the Federation of Controlling Bodies of the various forms of martial arts and they review such applications. This practice, in actual fact, places the control of grading of trainees by instructors within the powers of the Singapore Sports Council in consultation with the Federation of Controlling Bodies. MACU therefore merely acts as a vehicle in the exercise of this control. With regard to the suggestion by the Member for Serangoon Gardens about the formation of an advisory committee, we have already got this machinery of consultation with the Singapore Sports Council which in turn consults the Federation of Controlling Bodies.”
“Sir, may I explain the position to the Member for Serangoon Gardens. The primary purpose of the Martial Arts Instruction Act is to provide a system of control of martial art associations, their instructors and trainees and to ensure that those who learn the art are not likely to abuse it. The control of martial art associations is. therefore, achieved mainly through two measures: (a) licensing of martial art instructors and, (b) screening of those who wish to learn martial arts. Within this broad framework, the Martial Arts Control Unit (MACU) exercises the supervision over all martial art bodies in the Republic with, I would like to emphasise, the active support and cooperation of the Singapore Sports Council. The Singapore Sports Council is consulted on every application for registration of a martial art association or instructor. Since July 1976, field officers of MACU have been visiting martial art associations to check whether the provisions of the Martial Arts Instruction Act and the regulations made thereunder are observed. During their visits the field officers also ensure that the conditions of registration of the instructors and trainees are complied with. The Member for Serangoon Gardens referred to gradings of trainees. May I explain that MACU is concerned mainly with the background and character of martial art instructors and trainees and the purpose for which the trainees in the art is given or acquired. MACU itself does not have the expertise to evaluate the professional competence of the various types of martial art instructors. 5.45 p.m.”
“My answer is that each case should be considered on its own merit. However, in all cases where the children say that they are in a good financial position to support their old parents, it is necessary to ascertain that the children are not only able to support their aged parents but will continue to support them, and that the applicant will not become a burden to the State in future. For example, we must make sure that the children are not, in fact, making use of this grant of citizenship as a device to dump the old parents in an old folks' home, which usually takes in only citizens. As a matter of policy, applications from retired persons who had made economic or social contributions to the economy are given sympathetic consideration provided they have strong family roots in Singapore and are unlikely to become a liability to the State.”
“Sir, the Member for Anson has again brought up this point - that the grant of citizenship is a privilege and not a right and that the main basis of granting citizenship is that the applicant will be a national asset and not a liability. Sir, I agree with him entirely. However, the Government policy on citizenship as enunciated from time to time is that the criteria for citizenship are always kept under constant review, but there is no basic change in the policy itself. Some modifications have been made over the years to give favourable consideration, for example, to the only non-citizen in the family and to former minor citizens who have failed to take the oath of allegiance. In addition the processing of citizenship applications has been speeded up. All these have cumulatively resulted in more persons being granted citizenship last year. A total of 7,806 applications were approved last year compared to 6,347 in 1975 and only 3,989 in 1974. With regard to applications from people who have been living in Singapore for many years, most of these people could have acquired Singapore citizenship years ago without any difficulty because in those days granting of citizenship was much easier. But these people would rather keep their option open then, and as such elected to take their chances. Sir, most of them are therefore responsible for their own plight. The Member for Anson quoted the case of an old lady with property and sound financial support. I cannot specifically comment on this case from the scanty facts he has given me, However, I would like to clear the air again regarding the question why some old people are not granted citizenship even when their children are in good financial position to support them.”
“Sometime last week I think I have answered in Parliament that when we carried out a recheck we found that certain card holders were not actually born in Singapore.”
“Sir, the answer is quite simple. It is to double check. If the person was really born in Singapore, the only way to check is from the birth certificate. 5.30 p.m.”
“Sir, in reply to the Member for Anson, before the National Registration Office issues a Singapore identity card to a person who has been granted Singapore citizenship, the particulars in his or her documents have to be verified with the respective foreign mission in Singapore to ensure that there was no falsification. The verification requires reference to the issuing authorities. Therefore, some delay in the issue of the Singapore identity card to her was unavoidable. However, Mr Speaker, Sir, I agree with the Member that it is not a good practice to verify documents after the grant of citizenship. Since the beginning of this month, therefore, this practice has been stopped. A person's particulars are now verified before he or she is granted citizenship. On obtaining citizenship, he or she can now be issued with a Singapore identity card immediately.”
“Sir, on the last point, the Member said that he will be writing to me about this case. If he had written to me earlier, then he would not have wasted the time of the House. I would have given him a satisfactory explanation for that particular case. The other point is that the Member has now clarified that he was passing through the Woodlands checkpoint not after midnight but at 6 p.m. I do not know why he appeared so keen to clarify about the time. In any case, if the Member for Sembawang were to give me the particulars of this specific case because I am hearing it for the first time, then I will cause an investigation to be made and I am sure I shall give him a satisfactory answer. Mr Teong Eng Siong(In Mandarin): Sir, before I withdraw the amendment. I would like the Minister to listen to me further. I hope that he will notify the officers concerned in the Immigration Department of what he has said here, that is, from now on they have to open eight car lanes. Otherwise I will be going there to make an on-the-spot check to see whether they have done so. Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn,”
“Two channels were opened. Perhaps the Member was returning from Johore Bahru after midnight. I can quite understand his predicament if he was in a hurry to go back to his wife and family! Sir, statistics however show that during these hours an average of 20 cars pass through the lane per hour. Experience shows that there is no queuing of cars during this period. The hon. Member is assured that the senior officers at the Woodlands checkpoint keep a constant watch of the traffic situation and sufficient car lanes are always provided for speedy clearance. The Member's third question on applications by Singapore citizens for permanent residence (not citizenship) for their foreign wives are considered on the merits of each case. Under the Immigration law, the foreign wife of a Singapore citizen is eligible for consideration only if she has not at any time after the marriage been living separately from her husband for a continuous period of more than five years. Besides income level there are also other guiding factors such as the family size, the roots and whether the couple has a genuine desire to make Singapore their permanent home. I should stress that the grant of the status of permanent residence, Mr Speaker, Sir, is a very important matter and cannot be taken too lightly because it is the first step to application for citizenship. I can assure the Member for Sembawang that each application by a Singapore citizen for permanent residence for his foreign wife will receive careful consideration by the Immigration Department and the deserving cases will be approved.”
“During the greater part of the day, Sir, six or eight car lanes are opened to handle traffic through the Woodlands checkpoint. Eight car lanes are maintained during peak hours. However, between midnight and the early hours of the morning two car lanes are opened, i.e, after midnight and the early hours of the morning. Sir, I do not know at what time the Member for Sembawang was returning from Johore Bahru.”