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 22 of 33.
“Mr Speaker, Sir, action by the Traffic Police against vehicles displaying non-Singapore licence plates which violate traffic regulations depends on the following circumstances: (a) Whether the driver is stopped on the spot by a Police Officer; (b) Whether the driver of the vehicle is a Singapore resident; or (c) Whether the offence is compoundable. If the driver's identity is established on the spot and he is not a Singapore resident, then he will: (i) be brought to either the Traffic Police Station in Maxwell Road or the Bukit Panjang Police Station depending on where the offence is committed. He will be brought to the nearest of these two stations to have the offence or offences compounded provided they are compoundable offences; (ii) if the offence or offences are non-compoundable, then he will be arrested and charged in Court at the earliest opportunity. If the driver of the vehicle is a Singapore resident he will be reported and prosecuted in the usual way for the offence committed. However, under section 6(2) of the Road Traffic Act: `No person who is a resident of Singapore shall possess or use a motor vehicle in respect of which a licence authorising its use is first issued outside Singapore after the 30th day of May, 1966, until such fees as are prescribed have been paid to the Registrar.' A Singapore resident caught using a non-Singapore registered vehicle therefore will, in addition, be prosecuted under section 6(2) as aforementioned. When a report is made by a member of the public of traffic infringements against vehicles displaying non-Singapore licence plates, such reports will be referred to the officer-in-charge of the Bukit Panjang Police Station. He will have the numbers of the vehicle put on a "Stop List" at the Woodlands Checkpoint.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, unfortunately I cannot give the Member for Kim Seng the answer to his question, because they are illegal abortions. But I can say that generally as a result of the passing of the Abortion Act the number of illegal abortions has gone down. This is just an estimate taken from the cases of uncompleted abortions that we have in the hospitals. VEHICLES DISPLAYING NON-SINGAPORE LICENCE PLATES (Action for violation of traffic regulations) 9. Mr J. F. Conceicao asked the Minister for Health and Home Affairs how action is taken against vehicles displaying non-Singapore licence plates which are found breaking traffic regulations; and what course of action is taken when a report from a member of the public is received against such vehicles.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I cannot give the Member for Bras Basah the detailed reasons, which were revealed in private to the Abortion Board. Of course, one obvious reason is that they did not want the babies.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I cannot tell the Member for Anson their exact age, but I can tell him that they are mainly young.”
“PROPERTY TAX (SURCHARGE) BILL "to provide for the levy of a surcharge on property tax levied under the Property Tax Act (Chapter 144 of the Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Finance (Mr Hon Sui Sen); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. SUPPLY BILL "to provide for the issue from the Consolidated Fund of the sums necessary to meet the estimated expenditure for the public services of Singapore for the financial year 1st April, 1974 to 31st March, 1975", recommendation of President signified; presented by Mr Hon Sui Sen; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. SUPPLEMENTARY SUPPLY BILL "for making Supplementary Provision for the public services for the financial year 1st April, 1973 to 31st March, 1974", recommendation of President signified; presented by Mr Hon Sui Sen; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION ON PARLIAMENT STAFF 3.11 p.m.”
“I believe that there is no better way to counter the present rise in prices than by curbing our demand especially on luxury goods; by abstaining from panic buying and hoarding, as well as being more selective in our shopping habits, and in specially bad cases of profiteering or manipulation, by a boycott of the goods or the sellers concerned. 3.06 p.m. BILLS INTRODUCED ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Environmental Public Health Act (Chapter 155 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister of State for the Environment (Mr Wee Toon Boon); read the First time, to be read a Second time on Thursday, 14th March, 1974, and to be printed. MUTUAL BENEFIT ORGANISATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Mutual Benefit Organisations Act (Chapter 254 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister for Social Affairs (Encik Othman Bin Wok); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTION BILL "to provide for the registration and control of martial art associations and instructors and trainees in martial arts and for matters connected therewith", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Health and Home Affairs (Mr Chua Sian Chin); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. NATIONAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the National Registration Act (Chapter 45 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Mr Chua Sian Chin; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed.”
“Sir, although the question was put in three months ago, as the Member for Sembawang has said, the figures given in my answer are up to-date. As far as those sporting long hair are concerned, as I have said, appropriate action had been and is being taken. But in the event that they have escaped the notice of the Enforcement Officer, then if the Member himself has seen any offenders, he can make a report. ANTI-INFLATIONARY AGENCY (Setting up of) 5. Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider setting up a special anti-inflation agency with suitable consumers' representation and armed with statutory powers to investigate into public complaints of unjustifiable price increases and other manipulative practices and to take punitive action against offenders. The Minister for Finance (Mr Hon Sui Sen): Mr Speaker, Sir, a special Anti-Inflationary Agency, as proposed by the hon. Member for Jalan Kayu, will not be necessary at this juncture. My Ministry already possesses the machinery to co-ordinate the formulation as well as implementation of various anti-inflationary measures. An Anti-Inflationary Committee has been formed within the Ministry to look after all aspects of anti-inflation policies. Legislation, such as the Price Control Act and the Control of Essential Supplies Act already enacted, give the Government statutory powers to take drastic punitive action against manipulation by traders. Private consumers associations such as CASE can liaise with my Ministry on various anti-inflationary measures which are being implemented. While the Government has to play the main role in combating inflation, success hinges crucially on the co-operation of all concerned, including employers and employees, manufacturers, traders and consumers.”
“The Member for Sembawang may rest assured that any male civil servant found sporting long hair will be appropriately dealt with.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since May last year, all Government departments and statutory boards have each appointed a senior officer as Enforcement Officer to ensure that the Government's anti-long hair policy is conscientiously implemented. The Enforcement Officer checks (a) on the staff and ensures that appropriate disciplinary action is taken against those who sport long and unkempt hair; and (b) to ensure that the policy that males with long hair will be attended to last is enforced. He also submits monthly reports to the Ministry of Home Affairs, giving details of the number of male officers sporting long hair and the action taken against them. The Ministry of Finance has also issued circulars warning male Government servants that the sporting of long hair constitutes a disciplinary offence and may result in their dismissal. Up to December of last year, more than 4,000 male officers in Government departments and statutory boards have been called up and warned for sporting long hair. Among them were three Division I officers, 25 Division II officers, and the rest were Division III and IV officers and daily-rated employees. All those who were warned did not sport long hair again, except for seven Division IV officers, five of whom were dismissed and the other two resigned. In general, the Government's anti-long hair policy is having its intended effect. There has been a marked improvement in the hair styles of civil servants since the anti-long hair policy was introduced. However, there may be isolated cases of Government employees sporting long hair which may have escaped the attention of the Enforcement Officer. Government departments and statutory boards have been reminded to exercise continued vigilance over all their employees and to take action against them.”
“The information is as follows: - 1971 1972 1973 1st Jan- 31st Oct (a) No, of road accidents which occurred along 361 524 473 Yio Chu Kang Road (b) No, of persons injured in the accidents 108 220 142 mentioned in (a) above (c) No, of persons killed in the accidents 4 3 5 mentioned in (a) above The Traffic Police recognise that Yio Chu Kang Road is an accident-prone area and are stepping up mobile squad patrols along that road. They will also be approaching the URSC to upgrade the lighting along the road. There are plans in hand to widen parts of Yio Chu Kang Road in 1974 and the Traffic Police have urged the PWD to give priority to this. There are also plans to resite some of the bus-stops along Yio Chu Kang Road. ASSENTS TO BILLS PASSED The following Bills were assented to by the President of the Republic of Singapore on the dates stated: 22nd December, 1973 Restrictions on the Supply, Distribution and Use of Petroleum and Electricity Bill. 25th January, 1974 (i) Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Bill; (ii) Prohibition on Smoking in Certain Places (Amendment) Bill; (iii) Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill; (iv) Building Control Bill; (v) Immigration (Amendment) Bill; (vi) Arms Offences Bill; (vii) Penal Code (Amendment) Bill; (viii) Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons (Amendment) Bill; and (ix) Timber Industry Board (Incorporation) Bill. 28th January, 1974 (i) Urban Redevelopment Authority Bill; and (ii) Land Acquisition (Amendment) Bill.”
“The punishment for a repeat offender is also increased by imprisonment for a term varying from two to eight years in addition to caning of not less than six strokes, instead of an imprisonment term of one to seven years as presently provided in the existing Act. Sir, I beg to move. 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; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. FINANCIAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 4.55 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." It is necessary to amend the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act to provide for enhanced penalties for offences under this Act in view of the increase in gang violence and the widespread use of gangland weapons in the commission of crime. Further by enhancing the penalties for arms offences, as set out in the Arms Offences Bill, more criminals may now turn to the use of offensive weapons other than firearms and corrosive and explosive substances in the commission of offences. Clause 2 of the Bill proposes to make caning mandatory where a person is found guilty of possessing any corrosive substances or offensive weapons in circumstances which raise a reasonable presumption that he intends to use these for causing hurt to another person. The offender will be punished with imprisonment of up to 10 years in addition to caning of not less than six strokes for this offence. Where a person is found guilty of using any corrosive substance or offensive weapon or any explosive substance to cause hurt against another person, clause 3 of this Bill proposes that he be caned with not less than six strokes in addition to life imprisonment which is already provided for this offence. The Bill also proposes to increase the punishment for any offender who has in his possession or under his control or manufactures, sells or hires or lends or gives to any other person any scheduled weapon. Any person on conviction of this offence will be punished with imprisonment of up to five years and caned with not less than six strokes, instead of three years and/or a fine not exceeding $3,000 as provided under subsection (1) of section 7 of the existing Act.”
“-[Mr Chua Sian Chin]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. CORROSIVE AND EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES AND OFFENSIVE WEAPONS (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 4.50 p.m.”
“In a robbery, if an offender is armed or uses any deadly weapon to cause grievous hurt or attempt to cause death to any person, the punishment for this offence is increased under clause 19 of the Bill by caning with not less than 10 strokes in addition to the term of imprisonment already provided under the relevant section of the Penal Code. The penalties for gang robbery are also enhanced. In the Bill any person who commits gang robbery will be punished with imprisonment for life or with imprisonment for a term of up to 10 years. In addition he is liable to be caned with not less than six strokes of the rotan. The provision of fining has also been deleted for this offence. Where murder is committed in the course of a gang robbery, every one of its members will be punished with death or imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of up to 10 years. However, if the punishment is other than death, clause 18 of the Bill provides that they be caned with not less than 10 strokes, instead of imposition of a fine as provided in section 396 of the Penal Code. Sections 401 and 402 of the Penal Code, which provide punishment for persons who habitually commit gang robbery or theft, are amended to provide for mandatory caning in addition to imprisonment. The provision of fining is also removed for these offences. The punishment for receiving stolen property is also increased. In the Bill, whoever is guilty of this offence is liable to be imprisoned for five years instead of three years as provided in section 411 of the Penal Code. In addition he may be fined for this offence. Sir, I beg to move. 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.”
“Under this Bill any person found guilty of obstructing a public servant from discharging his duties with intimidation or assault will be punished with imprisonment of up to six years, instead of three years as presently provided in section 152 of the Penal Code. In addition, if the offender inflicts hurt to prevent a public servant from carrying out his duties, he will be punished with imprisonment of up to five years, instead of three years presently provided under section 332 of the Penal Code. He is also liable to be caned for this offence. If the public servant sustains grievous hurt, then the offender will be punished with imprisonment of up to 10 years in addition to caning. Another important amendment involves offences against the person. Under clause 7 of the Bill, any person who voluntarily causes hurt to another person by the use of dangerous weapons or any corrosive substance likely to cause death will be imprisoned up to five years, instead of three years. If this offence results in grievous hurt to the person, under clause 8 of the Bill he is liable to imprisonment for seven years and caning as well. The Bill also seeks to make caning mandatory for robbery and robbery with hurt. Under clauses 14 to 16 of the Bill these offences are punishable with caning of not less than four strokes to not less than six strokes in addition to the imprisonment term already provided in the Penal Code. These offences will no longer be punishable by imposition of a fine.”
“However, in discharging these duties, the Police have often to face dangers of attack and assault from violent criminals. These thugs have no hesitation in using force and violence against the Police when confronted or in resisting arrest. Members may recall the brutal assault on two Police constables by a mob in a firecracker incident in February last year. The constables were discharging their duty to enforce the firecracker ban. One of them was so brutally assaulted and sustained such serious injuries that he now exists almost as a "living vegetable". Since 1972, a total of 31 Police officers were assaulted by thugs in the course of their duties. Of these, eight Police officers (or 25.7 per cent) were injured or killed by the use of offensive weapons or firearms. Thus apart from our law-abiding members of the public, our law enforcement officers who undertake risks in discharging their duties must also be protected from being brutally assaulted by thugs. There is an urgent need to enhance the penalties for the various offences under the Penal Code so that they will act as a deterrent to offenders from maiming or inflicting hurt on any person whether he is a member of the public or any public officer who is discharging his duty. Clause 2 of the Bill proposes to increase the maximum punishment for rioting with violence from two years to five years, and caning is made mandatory. Clause 3 further provides that if any arms or offensive weapons are used which are likely to cause death, this offence will be made punishable with imprisonment of seven years and caning, instead of three years and/or a fine presently provided in section 148 of the Penal Code.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." In moving the Arms Offences Bill, I explained the need to introduce legislation to stop the increasing use of firearms in the commission of crime. I also spoke of the urgent need to make use of the element of deterrence to help cut down crime, especially crimes of violence in Singapore. However, besides firearms, other offensive weapons are also being used in the commission of crime, particularly robberies. Armed with offensive weapons like knives, bearing scrapers or other sharp objects, the robbers would waylay their victims in some quiet street or backlane, or hold them up in their premises, rob them and disappear quickly. Most victims invariably do not resist because they fear injury or being killed. It is well known that these thugs who carry offensive weapons will not hesitate when resisted to cause grievous hurt to their victims. Our records show that these crimes of violence whether they be armed robbery occurring in the streets, or in taxis, or extortions, intimidations and gang clashes by secret society thugs are on the increase. Hon. Members will remember that not too long ago an example of a blatantly inhuman act was perpetrated by thugs on a boy of 14 years when he was set fire upon after kerosene was poured on him. I understand that this boy is now emasculated and his whole appearance is quite hideous. Our law-abiding members of the public have to be protected from this growing threat of brutal assaults and grievous hurt being inflicted upon them apart from being robbed by these violent thugs. The Police have the responsibility of ensuring peace and good order of our Republic as well as the personal safety of our citizens.”
“Clause 4, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 5 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 6 - Amendment made: In page 3, line 30, after "shall", to insert ", until the contrary is proved,".-[Mr Chua Sian Chin]. Clause 6, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clauses 7 to 13 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill. The Schedule ordered to stand part of the Bill. Bill reported with amendments; read a Third time and passed. PENAL CODE (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 4.40 p.m.”
“Sir, firstly, I would like to thank the Member for Kim Seng for his ardent support of the Bill. Secondly, I cannot agree more with the Member when he says that whatever Bills we pass and even whatever action the police take and however efficiently they do their job, the prevention and reduction of the crime rate cannot be achieved until and unless we have maximum co-operation from all members of the public. As far as the Police are concerned, they have been holding "Police Week" yearly to get co-operation from the public. Next year, as some Members are aware, we will be launching a nation-wide campaign called "Keep Singapore Crime Free", and I hope that Members of Parliament, community leaders and members of the public will join in the campaign to rouse the conscience of the public to come out in support of whatever action is taken to suppress crime and criminal acts. 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] 4.36 p.m. Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 2 - Amendment made: In page 2, line 7, to leave out "traffick" and insert "trafficking". -[Mr Chua Sian Chin]. Clause 2, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 3 - Amendment made: In page 3, line 10, to leave out "also" and insert "in any event". -[Mr Chua Sian Chin]. Clause 3, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 4 - Amendment made: In page 3, line 12, to leave out "Any" and insert - " Subject to any exception referred to Cap. 103. in Chapter IV of the Penal Code which may be applicable, any". -[Mr Chua Sian Chin].”
“This new provision is necessary as imitation arms are nowadays so well made that unless they are closely examined, it is quite impossible to distinguish them from the genuine ones. The degree of intimidation on the victim is therefore equally grave. Clause 9 seeks to make the occupier of any premises in which any arm is found guilty of possession of such arm unless he proves that some other person was in possession of it or that he had no knowledge or reasonable means of knowing that such arm was in the premises and that he had taken all reasonable precautions against such arm being kept in his premises. This is also a new provision. Mr Speaker, Sir, caning is made mandatory in respect of all offences except in cases where the offence is punishable with death. In conclusion, as I have stated in a speech before, in our system of criminal justice the raison d'etre of it is that criminal elements are detected and apprehended and through a combination of punitive and rehabilitative measures they are returned to society in a condition whereby it is hoped they are more amenable to abiding by the social norms and restraints necessary for the existence of organised society. This work of ensuring justice is performed by three distinct agencies. They are the police, the courts and the prisons. Any inadequacy or weakness on the part of any one of the agencies must necessarily jeopardise the objective of the entire system. As far as the courts are concerned, the sentences that they impose must be adequate so as not only to act as a deterrent to repeat offenders but also to deter others as well. This is particularly important in cases of serious crimes and crimes of violence. In order to ensure this, the relevant laws where necessary must and will be amended. Sir, I beg to move.”
“Clause 5, which is a new provision, provides the same punishment for an accomplice of a person who, when committing or attempting to commit any offence, uses an arm provided the accomplice was present at the scene of the offence and may reasonably be presumed to have known that the person who had used the arm was carrying it or had it in his possession. This clause provides for joint liability on accomplices without the need to prove common intention on their part to use the arm which would otherwise be necessary if sections 34 and 149 of the Penal Code arc to be invoked. Clause 6 provides as penalties death or imprisonment for life plus caning for any person trafficking in arms. Any person proved to be in unlawful possession of more than two arms shall, until the contrary is proved, be presumed to be trafficking in arms. This is a new provision. At present persons trafficking in arms are only heavily fined or imprisoned for possession of arms. Such punishment is manifestly inadequate. Clause 7 seeks to make a person, who consorts with or is found in the company of another person who is unlawfully carrying or is in unlawful possession of any arm, guilty of an offence and liable to the same punishment as the person with whom he was consorting or in whose company he was found, if the circumstances raise a reasonable presumption that he knew that such other person was carrying or had in his possession such arm. This is another new provision. It is similar in nature to clause 5 and provides for joint liability on accomplices. Clause 8 proposes penalties for exhibiting any imitation arm in a manner likely to put any person in fear of death or hurt when committing or attempting to commit or abetting the commission of any scheduled offence.”
“In the face of this grave threat from this widespread use of firearms in the commission of criminal offences, it was clear that the Government had to find an effective deterrent to this growing menace. It was also clear that the law pertaining to the use of firearms in the commission of offences had to be amended to strengthen its provisions and to enhance punishment so that it could be an effective deterrent. Hence you have before you this Arms Offences Bill. In fact, to give hon. Members a preview of its deterrent effect, let me give the figures of the number of robberies involving the use of firearms after the Bill was introduced in August this year as compared with the figures previous to its introduction. For the three-month period of September to November 1973, that is, after the Bill was introduced and its provisions publicised, there were only 14 cases of robbery involving firearms. On the other hand, from January to August 1973, which is a period of eight months, there were a total of 155 robberies involving firearms. This sharp decline in the incidence of robberies involving the use of firearms after the Bill was introduced in August was quite dramatic. Clause 4 of the Arms Offences Bill makes it an offence punishable with death for any person who uses or attempts to use any arms with intent to maim or cause physical injury to the victim. "Arm" is defined to include firearm, air-gun, bomb or grenade, etc. Under the existing Arms Offences Act, which it is proposed to repeal, the court can either punish the offender with death or with imprisonment for life.”
“This clearly indicates that crimes of violence have become wide-spread in Singapore. What is even more alarming is that the number of robberies in which firearms have been used has also increased sharply. In 1971 there were 93 robberies in which firearms were used, and in 1972 firearms were used in 79 robberies. However, in the first half of 1973 alone there were 127 robberies where firearms were used. This is a staggering increase over last year's figure. This works out to about an average of 21 robberies a month, involving firearms. It has therefore become vital and urgent that something drastic should be done to curb this widespread use of firearms if peace and good order in our Republic is to be maintained. It is well known that those who use firearms in the commission of criminal offences when resisted do not hesitate to open fire to maim or to kill their victims. They have even less hesitation to open fire at the police when they are confronted. Some even shoot to kill in cold blood. Hon. Members may recall the incident in the middle of this year of the detective police constable who intervened in a dispute between a bus driver and a motorist at Katong. The motorist turned out to be one of the top 10 criminals in the wanted list. He pulled out his gun and in cold blood shot twice at the detective constable. He then relieved him of his service revolver and calmly walked away. This year the Police Force lost two of its best officers, shot dead in two separate shooting incidents. Early this year, the police also uncovered a big-time syndicate for the hire of firearms to thugs for use in the commission of criminal offences.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Over the last decade there has been a steady increase of crimes in Singapore. In 1972, 20,208 seizable offences were committed in the Republic as against 15,752 in 1962. This represented an increase of 4,456 cases, or 22.1 per cent. The average number of seizable offences committed over the last ten years, that is, between 1962 and 1972, was 19,776. However, the number of seizable offences for the years 1970, 197] and 1972 were 19,835, 22,564 and 20,208 respectively. There are no signs that this upward trend has abated for, in the first six months of this year, the number of reported seizable offences was 10,611. If this rate continues, the total number of seizable offences for 1973 should be well over 20,000. Mr Speaker, Sir, robbery is one of the prevalent offences in the Republic. The number has increased sharply in recent years. In 1968 there were 1,067 cases of robbery. But within a period of three years this figure has doubled for in 1971 there were 2,146 cases and in 1972 there were 1,715 cases of robbery. But what is disturbing is the rapid increase of robbery cases in Singapore in which offensive weapons were used. These are known as armed robberies. In 1969 there were 473 cases of armed robbery out of a total of 1,009 robberies. This works out to 46.9 per cent. In 1970 the number increased to 821 Out of a total of 1,379 robberies. This works out to 59.5 per cent. There were 1,124 cases of armed robbery in 1971 out of a total of 2,146 robberies and in 1972 there were 939 cases of armed robbery out of a total of 1,715 robberies. The offensive weapons used in these robberies include firearms, knives, bearing scrapers or any sharp instruments.”
“-[Mr Chua Sian Chin]. Brought up, and read the First time. Clause read a Second time and added to the Bill.”
“This amendment is to provide for the seizure, detention and forfeiture of vehicles used in the commission of any offence under the Immigration Act. This is necessary because under existing provisions, although there is power to seize, detain or forfeit vessels below 75 tons used in the commission of any offence under the Act, there are no similar provisions for vehicles. And traffickers have been known to use vehicles to convey illegal immigrants at the point of entry into Singapore to places of hiding and shelter. This amendment will be an additional deterrent against trafficking of illegal immigrants. Sir, I beg to move. 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 C/ma Sian Chin]. Bill considered in Committee. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 4.09 p.m. Clauses 1 and 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill. New Clause A - "Amendment Section 2 of the Immigration Act is of hereby amended by inserting immediately section 2 after the definition of "transportation company" appearing therein the following new definition: - ""vehicle" means any vehicle whether mechanically propelled or otherwise;".".-[Mr Chua Sian Chin]. Brought up, and read the First time. Clause read a Second time and added to the Bill. The Chairman: This new clause A is to be inserted immediately after clause 1. New Clause B - "Amendment Section 49 of the Immigration Act is of hereby amended - section 49 (a) by inserting immediately before the word "vessel" appearing in subsections (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) thereof the words "vehicle or"; and (b) by inserting immediately before the word "vessels" appearing in the marginal note thereto the words "vehicles or".".”
“These penalties under the present law are manifestly inadequate especially for traffickers who prey on these illegal immigrants. As a result, the number of illegal immigrants arrested since 1969 has been increasing. The numbers arrested in 1969, 1970, 1971 and 1972 were 902, 1,128, 1,002 and 1,554 respectively. In the first half of this year, that is, from January to June 1973 alone, there were 1,086 illegal immigrants arrested. These figures, however, do not reveal the true position as there are most probably many more illegal immigrants who have up to-date remained undetected. Mr Speaker, Sir, the purpose of the Immigration (Amendment) Bill is to give more teeth to the law so that it will be a deterrent especially to traffickers and to those who abet another person to enter Singapore unlawfully, or to harbour or employ illegal immigrants. We must enhance penalties to ensure that it does not pay especially to traffic in illegal immigrants. Clause 2 (a) (i) of the Bill therefore seeks to increase the penalties for traffickers to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years and not more than five years and to a fine not exceeding $10,000 and to caning. Thus for the offence of trafficking, a minimum sentence and mandatory caning are introduced for the first time. The punishment for any person who enters unlawfully, or any person who abets his entry or harbours or employs him, is raised to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine not exceeding $6,000 or to both such imprisonment and fine. This is provided for in clause 2 (a) (ii) of the Bill. At the Committee stage I shall be moving a further amendment to sections 2 and 49 of the Immigration Act.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Under section 56 (1) (c) of the Immigration Act, any person who engages in the business or trade of conveying to Singapore in or on any vessel, aircraft or vehicle, any person whom he knows or has reasonable grounds for believing is a prohibited immigrant, is guilty of an offence. This is an offence of trafficking in illegal immigrants. It is, however, extremely difficult to secure convictions under this provision because of the difficulty in adducing evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant is engaged in the business of trafficking illegal immigrants to Singapore. Between 1970 and June 1973, of the 88 traffickers arrested only 35 were prosecuted in court. The other 53 were not charged because it was not possible to adduce the amount of evidence required for a conviction in court. In order to facilitate proof, clause 2 (c) of the Bill therefore seeks to introduce a legal presumption to provide that where, in any proceeding for an offence of trafficking, it is proved that the defendant has conveyed any prohibited illegal immigrant in or on any vessel, aircraft or vehicle, it shall be presumed, until the contrary is proved, that the defendant is engaged in the business or trade of conveying to Singapore prohibited immigrants. The penalty for trafficking illegal immigrants under the existing law is imprisonment for a term of two years and a fine not exceeding $4,000. Further a person who enters Singapore illegally and any person who abets his entry or harbours or employs him is liable, on conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to a fine not exceeding $4,000 or to both such imprisonment and fine.”
“Clauses 6 to 13 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill. The Schedule ordered to stand part of the Bill. Bill reported with amendments; read a Third time and passed. MULTI-LEVEL MARKETING AND PYRAMID SELLING (PROHIBITION) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 3.32 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, In page 1, to leave out lines 16 to 19 inclusive and insert - `a recognized diploma in psychiatry or other equivalent qualification approved by the Director of Medical Services;";'. Sir, the reasons for this amendment and the amendments to clause 5 which I shall move later have already been explained by me in my speech on the Second Reading of the Bill. Amendment agreed to. Clause 2, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clauses 3 and 4 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 5 - Amendments made: In page 2, to leave out lines 38 to 43 inclusive and insert - "without delay to - (a) any medical officer for an examination and such medical officer may thereafter act in accordance with section 34 of this Act; or (b) any medical officer at a mental hospital and such medical officer may thereafter act in accordance with section 35 of this Act.".- [Mr Chua Sian Chin]. In page 3, to leave out lines 10 to 20 inclusive and insert "the charge of him, the Magistrate may after due inquiry make an order for such person to be sent to ". - [Mr Chua Sian Chin]. In page 3, to leave out lines 30 to 34 inclusive and insert "sergeant may visit any person supposed to be of unsound mind in the care of any friend or relative of such person for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not such person is under proper care and control or is cruelly treated or neglected by any relative or other person having the charge of him, and any such friend or relative". -[Mr Chua Sian Chin]. In page 5, line 7, to leave out "medical officer" and insert "registered medical practitioner". - [Mr Chua Sian Chin]. In page 5, line 20, after "shall", to insert "also". - [Mr Chua Sian Chin]. Clause 5, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer is yes. 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] 3.28 p.m. Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 2 - Amendments made: In page 1, line 13, to leave out "medical officer" and insert "registered medical practitioner". - [Mr Chua Sian Chin]. In page 1, line 15, to leave out "disorder" and insert "disorders". - [Mr Chua Sian Chin].”
“With regard to the facilities at the hospital, may I say that, as I have announced in an earlier sitting, we are establishing a half-way home in Sembawang for the slow rehabilitation of mental patients. I think this will meet the problem which the Member for Jalan Kayu has posed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, this point that I have put forward, that mental patients can recover better if they are gradually returned to their own home environment where there is family care and family love, is a modern trend. From the medical point of view, it is a sound one. The Member for Jalan Kayu has brought up some problems, such as the family not being in a financial position to maintain the member of the family who is a mental patient or that the family is quite reluctant to take on their social responsibility of trying to rehabilitate a member of their family. Of course, before releasing the patient, we do send our social workers to go and investigate the family background, and so on. But this responsibility cuts both ways. The public should realise that they just cannot dump on the lap of the Government to take care of everything. That should not be the attitude. They must also play their part. It is a matter of the doctors on the one side and the members of the family on the other, or the social workers coming in between, to see that these mental patients are brought back slowly into the home environment. It is all for the benefit of the patients. But, of course, you do find families who are psychologically averse to taking back a person whom they thought is not in a sound state of mind. If they adopt such an attitude, of course, the patient will never recover. These are the odd cases that have come up. My report is that quite a great number of those patients who have been brought back to a home environment have recovered. But, of course, the odd cases will always come up. When they do come up, Members of Parliament may have to deal with them. And in dealing with them, they will have to put their problems to me, as far as mental cases are concerned.”
“It has been found that in a number of cases, it would be in the interest of the patient to be treated as an outpatient rather than an inpatient of the hospital, so that he could live in an environment which is conducive to his recovery. Under the existing law, the discharge of a person committed to the hospital can be effected only by a Court Order in the case of a person admitted by Court Order, and in all other cases, by a Board of Visitors or the Medical Superintendent. Finally, I refer to some minor re-amendments which I shall be moving in Committee. Section 2 refers to the definition of a psychiatrist. The definition has been reworded to make it more precise. This was made at the suggestion of the Singapore Medical Association; the operative wording being that a psychiatrist is one who has experience and holds qualifications in psychiatry which are approved by the Director of Medical Services. In the original amendment, the reference to psychiatry has been left out and it might presumably be conceived that the psychiatrist could merely, on approval of the Director of Medical Services, be any medical practitioner who is acceptable to him. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 3.16 p.m.”
“To require the extension order of one month to be signed by psychiatrists would be merely requiring a statutory function on the psychiatrists in the service adding to the paper work, without any advantage. The medical officers in the hospital work directly under the psychiatrists. Patients admitted will certainly be brought to the attention of the psychiatrists and if a person requires extended treatment, it will also certainly be with the cognizance or instructions of the psychiatrist. The medical officer on his own would not sign the extension order without first having ascertained the views and obtained the approval of the psychiatrist. Further, there are adequate safeguards in the Act against wrongful detention: - (i) The Board of Visitors have a duty (under section 30) to check on every person who has been admitted to the hospital. Visits are made monthly. (ii) Under section 59 there are penalties for improper detention. Not once has it been necessary for the Board of Visitors to object to the commitment of any of the persons admitted to the hospital and not once has it been necessary to take action against persons for improperly committing a person to the mental hospital. Further protection against wrongful detention is accorded the patient by the provisions of section 36 of clause 5 which prohibit any medical officer from signing any order under the Act who is a relative (defined in detail in that section) or who stands in any fiduciary relationship to the patient. Under section 37 in clause 5, the Medical Superintendent or a psychiatrist at the mental hospital will be empowered to order the discharge of a patient.”
“The suggestions proposed were generally for more stringent provisions under which the extension orders for commitment to a mental hospital are made. Thus, for the initial commitment of 72 hours, the Association proposed that the order be made by two medical officers, one of whom may be a registered medical practitioner. The first extension order extending to one month must be signed by a psychiatrist, not a medical officer, and the second extension order up to one year to be signed by two medical officers, as presently provided, but the difference being that one of the two medical officers should be a psychiatrist different from the first psychiatrist who ordered the extention of the commitment by one month. I have considered the proposals carefully to see if there might be any merit from the view-point of safeguards over the present amendments. I have come to the conclusion that it will not be necessary to provide for the more stringent provisions proposed by the Association. For one thing, they are not realistic, nor do they take into account the organisation of the mental hospital. It must be remembered that a person coming to the mental hospital may do so at any time of the day or at night when there is only a single medical officer on duty. It would be impractical if the person who needs urgent admission cannot be admitted immediately merely because a second medical officer is not available. Even under the existing Act, only a single medical officer's commitment order is required for initial commitment. There has been no occasion where it has been found that this provision has been abused.”
“Such a person can exercise judgement whether or not he wishes to be under treatment in a mental hospital and the police should not be made party to force him to get treatment against his wishes. This is quite different from the case where the person may be a danger to himself as in attempting suicide, or a danger to others and causing destruction to property. Under these circumstances, it is right and proper for the police to apprehend the person and take him to a mental hospital. This duty is provided under section 32. Revised provisions are made in section 35 under clause 5 laying down procedures which are intended to ensure that no person is detained in the hospital for any period longer than is necessary for his treatment. After examination by a medical officer, a person can be initially detained for 72 hours for treatment. Before the expiry of this period, another medical officer must examine the patient and, if he is of the opinion that further treatment in the hospital is required, he may sign an order detaining the patient for a further period up to one month. Before the month is up, two medical officers (one of whom is to be a psychiatrist) will be required to examine the patient separately. If both medical officers consider that the patient requires further treatment as an inpatient, they must sign two separate orders which will allow the patient to be detained in the hospital for a further period but not exceeding 12 months. After the expiration of 12 months, if the patient should be detained for further treatment, then the order for detention must be made by a Magistrate on the application of the visitors of the hospital. The Singapore Medical Association had made some suggestions on this section.”
“The motivation behind the suggestion is understandable. But the practical realities would render the provision a dead letter. If the relatives or persons responsible for the care of the person of unsound mind are already negligent in the care of the person, it will be unlikely that any order made for the cost of the person's maintenance in a mental hospital would be implemented. Further, any such order to pay the Costs of maintenance is an open-ended one as the person's stay in the mental hospital could go on indefinitely. It is for these reasons that I have not accepted the recommendations of the Singapore Medical Association on this section. Section 34 provides for the reference by any registered practitioner of a person of unsound mind to a mental hospital. This provision is found in the old Act. The Singapore Medical Association had made a recommendation on this provision. It recommended that it should be provided that in the event of a person whom a registered medical practitioner believes to be of unsound mind as to require psychiatric treatment and who refuses to go for treatment, the registered practitioner can request and the police officer will have a duty to take such person to a mental hospital. I do not agree to this suggestion. This is because a person who is merely suspected to be mentally ill should not be subject to coercion and the indignity of being taken to a mental hospital by force. The type of conditions requiring psychiatric treatment range from the mild psychogenic headache and fainting attacks to overt insanity. It would be a breach of a person's civil rights for a police officer to send, for example, a person who has a mild psychiatric illness to a mental hospital if he refuses to do so.”
“This is being made on the suggestion of the Singapore Medical Association which has made some representations to me on the Bill since the last adjournment of Parliament. The Association had suggested that there might be the odd occasion where the police, in apprehending a person who is mentally ill and a danger to himself or to others, should have the discretion to take the person to any medical officer first, instead of directly to a medical officer in a mental hospital. While the occasion to take the person of unsound mind to any medical officer first, instead of directly to a medical officer at a mental hospital, will be rare indeed, the flexibility nevertheless should be provided. Subsections (1) and (3) of section 33 will also be re-amended by the amendments which I shall be moving in Committee. This section refers to the case where a person of unsound mind is neglected or cruelly treated. It provides the Magistrate with powers to require the persons who have responsibility for their care to produce the person of unsound mind or to require the police officer to check on such a report. If in his enquiries the Magistrate has reason to believe that such a mentally ill person is indeed being ill-treated or neglected, he can refer the person to a mental hospital for treatment and care. The Magistrate has powers under this section to impose penalties on the persons who are responsible for the care of the person of unsound mind, if they fail to comply with the order to produce the person for examination. However, the Singapore Medical Association has suggested that the penalty imposed should be extended to charge the persons responsible for the person of unsound mind for all medical costs arising from the care of the person in a mental institution.”
“Conspicuously omitted from the amendments are the provisions for the reception of a mentally unsound person into a mental hospital by an order of a Court. In accordance with the changed attitude towards mental diseases, persons of unsound mind are not regarded as "criminals". The person can be received in a mental hospital, as any other sick person, if he comes voluntarily, if he is sent by a medical practitioner or if, being of unsound mind, he is considered a danger to himself and to others or is being neglected or cruelly treated by those who should be responsible for his care. Under clause 5, section 31 is amended to enable a person who requires treatment for any mental disorder to be admitted to or to remain in any mental hospital without any order or directive rendering him liable to be detained at a mental hospital. At present admission to the mental hospital is almost exclusively by a detention order made by a Court or a commitment order for "observation". Both connote incarceration rather than treatment. Under clause 5, the new section 32 will enable and, in fact, require a police officer who has apprehended a person who is reported to be of unsound mind and a danger to other persons to bring such person direct to a medical officer at a mental hospital for examination. At present the procedure to admit such a person is unnecessarily involved. The police officer is required to bring the person, first, to a medical officer and if, and only if, the medical officer agrees, will he be sent to a mental hospital. In practice, this step has been found to be redundant. I shall, however, be making a further amendment to this section in Committee.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This Bill is intended to bring the law up-to-date in regard to the admission and detention, treatment and discharge of persons of unsound mind in a mental hospital. The modern trend is to regard mental illness in much the same light as physical illness and disability. The provisions in the existing Act were laid down as far back as 1934, probably modelled on the provisions of the Mental Treatment Act, 1930, of England and Wales. These provisions were consolidated in the existing Act in 1952. They are, therefore, very much outmoded. The emphasis in 1934 was on the compulsory detention of persons of unsound mind. The main aim was to prevent such persons from causing harm to the community. The role of the mental hospital was mainly confined to one of legal custody for persons of unsound mind. At that time there was no effective or simple treatment for such persons except preventing them from causing injury to themselves or other persons or damage to property. Since 1934 there have been revolutionary changes and discoveries in the treatment of persons of unsound mind. The trend began with the use of Electro-convulsive Therapy (1934), the discovery and use of psychotropic drugs (1957) and anti-depressive drugs (1959) and outpatient treatment. At present, the trend is towards community care and this is provided for by the Mental Health Act, 1959, of England and Wales as far as United Kingdom is concerned. The principal changes which this Bill seeks to bring about are as follows: The new sections 31 to 34 relate to the types of persons who may be sent to the mental hospital for admission for treatment.”
“The expansion of Welcome to other areas is, of course, a matter for the Welcome Board of Directors to decide, for Welcome must compete for its business like any other retail enterprise, and will require good competent management to succeed. If it should decide that its management and other resources will enable it to establish more supermarkets in selected locations, the Government will give its support to Welcome in its efforts to bring quality goods and services to consumers at fair prices. SEMBAWANG CONSTITUENCY (Construction of flats in Naval Base) 7. Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Finance if there is any proposal to build more 4-room and 5-room flats in the Sembawang Naval Base area for the people of the Sembawang Constituency.”
“The Hospital authorities have been active in adopting anti-mosquito measures inside and outside the compounds of the Hospital. In answer to sub-question (iii), it was possible that the two doctors mentioned were infected by the disease-carrying mosquitoes while at work in the hospital. It was also possible that they could have been so infected elsewhere. Although one of them was living in the Housemen's Quarters within the Hospital grounds, the other was living in his own home in Katong. But the Hospital authorities have been maintaining strict vigilance against mosquito breeding. But whatever effective anti-mosquito breeding measures are taken within the compounds of the Hospital, mosquitoes could still come from outside. NTUC CO-OPERATIVE SUPERMARKETS (Expansion of) 6. Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to encourage and assist the NTUC Welcome Consumers' Co-operative to establish more supermarkets in other parts of the Republic in order to curb unreasonable price increases, especially that of rice. The Minister for Finance (Mr Hon Sui Sen): Mr Speaker, Sir, the NTUC is to be congratulated for its initiative in setting up the first co-operative supermarket, Welcome, in Toa Payoh, a choice area for such an enterprise. I am glad that since opening its doors for business on 19th June, 1973, Welcome has been well patronized, and I have no doubt that this is due to its consumer co-operative policy of charging reasonable prices and supplying goods of quality, without wishing to make excessive profit. This must have helped in curbing unreasonable increases in prices of essential commodities, like rice in Toa Payoh.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in answer to sub-question (i), the number of children warded in the Outram Road General Hospital reported to have Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever for the period April to July 1973 was 103. In answer to sub-question (ii), cases of mosquito nuisance have been reported within the large expanse of hospital grounds from time to time. However, previous surveys have shown that mosquito breeding did not necessarily occur within the Outram Road General Hospital grounds but occurred also in building sites adjacent to the Hospital. Towards the end of April 1973, the Commissioner of Public Health was requested to do a survey of possible mosquito breeding within the Outram Road General Hospital grounds. On 7th May, 1973, he reported a hole between Ward 8 and the Radiography building, which has since been sealed with cement. Another report revealed breeding in a discarded plastic basin in an open space at the rear of residential quarters, Houses Nos. 416-21 New Bridge Road. A second report on 31st May, 1973, revealed breeding in Nos. 55A and 55C Sepoy Lane. These were occupied by private tenants on a temporary occupation licence, and the Commissioner of Public Health was requested to deal directly with these persons. Mosquito breeding was also found in a drain at a slope from Sepoy Flats towards Silat School and in a concrete drain at the servants' quarters behind Brebner House nurses' quarters. The Public Works Department had previously been requested to repair this faulty drain. Follow-up action was then taken immediately. A fourth report received indicated that there was some mosquito breeding near the reservoir in College Road. The University of Singapore was informed as this parcel of land was under their control.”
“Dr Tan Eng Liang asked the Minister for Health and Home Affairs if he is aware that in the present Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) outbreak (i) many children had been warded with DHF in the Outram Road General Hospital; (ii) Aedes vector mosquitoes were detected in the Hospital itself; and (iii) at least two doctors who attended to those patients have themselves come down with DHF; and what action the Medical Superintendent of the Hospital has taken to prevent the disease spreading from that focal point.”
“This was for the purpose of identifying areas of Aedes mosquito breeding and for assessing the effectiveness of mosquito eradication measures over a period of time. Generally, the object of making a disease notifiable is one or a combination of the following reasons: (i) in the case of a dangerous infectious disease where immediate steps are required to control the disease. This is required by international agreement. The purpose is to alert the international community to take appropriate steps against the disease. These are mainly steps in sanitation and in protective measures. In the case of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, the only effective measure against the disease is the eradication of the Aedes mosquito vectors. There are no protective measures such as immunisation. Further, unlike Malaria, personal protection by sleeping under mosquito nets, using mosquito repellents are of limited value, as the mosquitoes tend to be "afternoon biters". (ii) for epidemiology studies - mainly the collection and tabulation of figures and statistics. In a limited way the administrative instruction for notification of the disease by the Government institutions is for this purpose. Information is useful for a comprehensive long-term prevention programme of the disease. In the case of dengue fever, there is only one action to be taken, that is, the eradication of mosquito breeding. This is a continuous and continuing campaign taken whether or not the disease is present or peaking. The experts in my Ministry are not yet satisfied that this disease is so easily and quickly identifiable as to make notification in law useful for immediate counter action. DENGUE HAEMORRHAGIC FEVER (Incidence in Outram Road General Hospital) 5.”
“The absence of an official announcement is because of poor communication and co-ordination between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of the Environment. The Ministry of the Environment had taken over the responsibility of public health, which included the Epidemiology Unit from the Ministry of Health when the Ministry of the Environment was established in September last year. This deficiency in co-ordination, however, will be put right by regular meetings of a Co-ordination Committee on Epidemic Diseases which has been formed comprising officials from the two Ministries. In answer to sub-question (b), regarding the discrepancies between the figures purported to be reported by the various authorities, the explanation is as follows. Firstly, no official release on the number of cases and deaths was made by the Ministry of Health. This was because the reports from the hospitals were presumptive and could have included other fevers such as influenza, encephalitis, while the laboratory reports were retrospective. Secondly, figures quoted in the press as coming from the Ministry of Health were probably obtained from unofficial sources. In answer to sub-question (c), regarding the actual figures, both of incidence and mortality, the total numbers for the period April to July 1973 were 207 cases and 20 deaths. These figures were reported by the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of the Environment and should again be regarded as presumptive. Without an autopsy it could not be absolutely certain that all the deaths were due to Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever. In answer to sub-question (d), Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever is not a notifiable disease. It is, however, by administrative directive made notifiable within the Ministry's services.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer to sub-question (a) is yes. The figures on the number of cases and deaths were from a feature article published by a Senior Lecturer of the Department of Bacteriology, University of Singapore. The Department of Bacteriology undertakes the laboratory diagnosis of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever. This is done by way of tests on blood samples sent from the hospitals and out-patient dispensaries from patients suspected to be suffering from Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever. To be certain, the tests are required to be repeated after two to four weeks. It should, however, be noted that the figures from the Department were incomplete as not all suspected cases had their blood sent to the laboratory and a second blood specimen could not always be obtained. The failure to make an official announcement on the outbreak of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever was due to lack of information initially and later by a lack of co-ordination between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of the Environment. The initial lack of information was due to the slow buildup of cases over the average "background" of cases. Since the disease can only be definitively diagnosed by laboratory tests which require two blood specimens taken after an interval of two to four weeks, the outbreak was not evident until a lapse of time. It must be remembered that Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever is endemic in Singapore and cases occur throughout the year as the figures show since 1966. The reports of cases occurring in the hospitals were sent, as is the normal practice, directly to the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of the Environment, which should have been the official source of information when it became evident that an outbreak had occurred.”
“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; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. STATUTES OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) (NO. 2) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 3.18 p.m.”
“Clause 12 prohibits the holder of a private investigator's licence from employing any person who has been convicted of any offence involving fraud or moral turpitude or who is, in the opinion of the licensing officer, not a fit and proper person to be employed to assist in the work of a private investigator. Clause 13 contains the same prohibition in respect of the employees of a holder of a security guard agency's licence. Further, clause 14 stipulates that no person is to be employed in the business of a private investigator or of a security guard agency unless his particulars are first submitted to the licensing officer. These employees are to be issued with identification papers by their respective employers. Effective control over the type of weapons or equipment that employees of private investigation or security guard agencies may use is provided by clause 18. This clause prohibits a person from carrying in a public place any truncheon, handcuffs or such other weapon or equipment as the Minister may from time to time specify in a Gazette notification, unless he has lawful authority to do so. The licensing officer is conferred the power to exempt any person or class of persons from the provisions of clause 18. The Bill confers upon the licensing officer and upon any police officer duly authorised by the licensing officer the powers to search premises, to arrest persons and to carry out investigations into offences under the Act. The Minister is empowered by clause 27 to make regulations generally for carrying out the provisions of the Act. There is transitional provision in the Bill to deal with those persons who are employed in the business of a private investigator or of a security guard agency before the enactment of the Act. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move.”