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 6 of 33.
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in view of the fact that it is the Member for Anson's maiden speech on the Budget Statement, can you not allow him to continue if he has anything more to say?”
“Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for National Development what his Ministry's plans are for Alkaff Mansion in Kaki Bukit in the redevelopment of the area, whether the Mosque will be preserved for use by the residents in the area or whether it will be demolished along with all the other houses in the area.”
“Enforcement action, coupled with an ongoing road safety education programme, has been and will continue to be taken to reduce the number of accidents on our roads. Yio Chu Kang Road is targeted as a special beat area for patrols by the Traffic Police. Apart from routine patrols, a number of special operations have been mounted along this road by the Traffic Police as follows: a Speed Check Operations Year No. of Operations Results 1979 8 106 bookings 1980 29 423 bookings 1981 66 1,787 bookings b Anti-Hellriders Operations Since 7th July, 1981, operations against hell-riders have been mounted every Saturday and eve of holidays with the following results: (1) 45 motorcycles were impounded for ROV inspection for illegal modifications and engine faults. (2) 8 arrests were made for dangerous driving. (3) 1 arrest was made for rash riding under the Penal Code. The Public Works Department has also been widening Yio Chu Kang Road in stages. Such road improvements are vital in order to reduce the accident rate. The PWD road widening programme over the last few years was as follows: 1979. Widening of Yio Chu Kang Road from Sembawang Hills Circus to Track 24. 1980. Realignment of Yio Chu Kang Road from Track 24 to Lorong Lentor. 1981. Realignment of Yio Chu Kang Road from Lorong Lentor to Jalan Kayu. For 1982, PWD has a scheme for widening Yio Chu Kang Road from Upper Thomson Road to Jalan Kayu, and a scheme for widening of Yio Chu Kang Road from Jalan Kayu to Plantation Avenue. In addition, 5 traffic lights and 2 signalised pedestrian crossings have been installed along Yio Chu Kang Road since 1979. A traffic light at its junction with Chuan Hoe Avenue will be installed later this year. ALKAFF MOSQUE 4. Mr J.B.”
“(iii) Schools: Road safety education efforts are also being directed at the schools. In conjunction with the Ministry of Education, a long-term comprehensive educational programme for teaching school children road safety measures at the Road Safety Park was inaugurated in 1981. To date, about 81,000 students have attended the training. Of these, about 2,500 students were from schools in Ang Mo Kio. This programme will continue to educate 80,000 to 90,000 students a year. c Road Engineering Improvements to road engineering in the form of better-designed traffic junctions, signalised pedestrian crossings and overhead bridges are essential for ensuring road safety. Since 1979,13 traffic lights,4 signalised pedestrian crossings and 4 overhead bridges have been constructed in Ang Mo Kio. The installation of 3 additional traffic lights and 1 signalised pedestrian crossing is still in progress. The PWD has plans to install another 2 traffic lights, 4 signalised pedestrian crossings and 2 overhead bridges in Ang Mo Kio by the end of the year. YIO CHU KANG ROAD (ROAD ACCIDENTS) 3. Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Home Affairs (i) the total number of road accidents at Yio Chu Kang Road for each of the years 1979,1980 and 1981; (ii) the number of lives lost in the accidents; and (iii) the measures that have been and will be taken to reduce the number of accidents. Mr Chua Sian Chin: The accident figures along Yio Chu Kang Road are set out in the table below: Yio Chu Kang Road Accident Analysis No. of Accidents Year Fatal Serious Slight Total No. of Lives Lost 1979 5 22 90 117 5 1980 3 13 82 98 3 1981 3 11 111 125 3 The figures indicate that while the number of accidents has increased, the increase consists largely of accidents resulting in slight or no injuries.”
“The figures for the number of road accidents involving pedestrians in Ang Mo Kio in 1980 and 1981 are as follows:- Fatal Non-Fatal 1980 3 76 1981 4 116 Studies have shown that pedestrians above the age of 55 and children below the age of 14 are most vulnerable to accidents. This is true in respect of the accidents in Ang Mo Kio. Of the 7 fatal cases during the two years, 5 were above the age of 55 and one was below the age of 14. The Traffic Police, together with the Public Works Department and the Registry of Vehicles, have approached the problem of road safety in three ways, viz: a Enforcement As in the other constituencies, Traffic Police and Police Division officers are deployed daily at busy road intersections and places with heavy pedestrian traffic in Ang Mo Kio to enforce the Pedestrian Crossing Rules and also to make sure that pedestrians use the available road crossing facilities. The Traffic Police also carry out selective enforcement against motorists by concentrating on offences that are likely to cause accidents resulting in injury or death. b Education (i) Campaigns and Exhibitions: In view of the high fatality rate among the aged, a "Help the Aged to Cross" campaign was conducted by Traffic Police in 1981 with the help of Residents' Committees in 7 constituencies, including Ang Mo Kio. In addition, 27 road safety exhibitions were held at community centres, schools, factories, SAF camps and HDB void decks. Two of these were held at the void decks of Block 410 and Block 230, Ang Mo Kio in 1981 in conjunction with the Residents' Committees. (ii) Use of Mass Media: The Traffic Police has an ongoing publicity programme which includes a weekly Road Safely Column published in all major local newspapers.”
“As of 15th February, 1982, the number of persons detained without trial under the various laws is as follows: a Under the Internal Security Act Length of Detention Number 0 - 5 years 11 5 - 10 years 4 10 - 15 years 2 ___ 17 ___ b Under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act Length of Detention Number 0 - 5 years 785 5 - 10 years 234 10 - 15 years 0 _____ 1,019 _____ Of the 1,019, 120 have been placed on the Day Release Scheme. ANG MO KIO NEW TOWN (ROAD ACCIDENTS) 2. Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Home Affairs (i) the total number of road accidents involving pedestrians, categorised into fatal and non-fatal, in Ang Mo Kio New Town for each of the years 1980 and 1981; and (ii) the measures that have been and are being taken in the New Town to enhance road safety for all road-users in general and pedestrians in particular.”
“He asked directions from the DPP. RAPE AND OTHER SEXUAL OFFENCES (Deterrent punishments) 11. Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Home Affairs if he will give an assurance that punishments under the law for rape and other sexual offences will be sufficiently severe at all times to serve as a deterrent to likely offenders and that the investigative procedures involved in such cases will not discourage victims from reporting to the authorities.”
“Now the Member's question is clear, and that is whether the officer did ask for directions to impound or not to impound the passport of Phey Yew Kok after he was charged in court. The answer is: yes, he did. The point is this. As I have said just now, it is not normal for the court to impound the passport of a person who has been granted bail and in their opinion, it is not necessary in view of the position of Phey Yew Kok. It may be an error of judgment but it is certainly not negligence on their part.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, before I answer that question I want a clarification from the Member for Anson. What does he mean by saying that before the officer decided not to impound the pass- port of Phey Yew Kok, did he ask for directions from the DPP? As a lawyer, he should know that an officer must complete his investigations before he can consult the DPP. I do not know what the Member means by saying that as soon as a person appears before a CPIB officer, in the course of questioning, his passport is impounded. At that stage, how can the officer ask the DPP whether he should impound the passport? At what stage is the Member referring to?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we do not go around punishing police officers for making an error of judgment. We only punish them if there is negligence on their part. I can assure the Member that there was no negligence on his part, civil or criminal negligence.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer is yes, there are also other means by which a person can jump bail even without a passport.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as a lawyer, the Member for Anson should know that it is not as of right that you can ask for the retention of a passport of a person who has been granted bail. It is a matter for the discretion of the Court whether to allow retention of the passport, and it is not normally given. As to the specific question whether the police officer concerned has made an error of judgment, yes, he has made an error of judgment. Of course, in his opinion it was unlikely that a person of Mr Phey's position would jump bail. It is not something which you can blame the police officer in this case. As I have said, it is not normal to ask to impound the passport of a person who is granted bail.”
“The Immigration Department also cancelled both his International Passport and his Restricted Passport for travel to West Malaysia. All Immigration checkpoints have been told to seize his passport and refer him to CPIB if he were to pass through any checkpoint. Our overseas missions have also been informed of the cancellation of his passports and were instructed not to issue any passport to him. They are to immediately inform the Immigration Department if he tries to apply for one. His present whereabouts are unknown. When Phey Yew Kok eventually returns to Singapore, as he must if he wants to be with his wife and family again, he will have to face the charges against him. Each day he remains a fugitive, is a day of punishment, without it being considered part of the period for remission of any prison sentence he might have received. The Police had not expected him to consider it worth his while to jump bail and be a fugitive for the charges that had been brought. They made an error of judgment in not removing his International and Restricted Passports. It could well be that Phey Yew Kok made a greater error in deciding to jump bail. The question is: does he want to live as a fugitive, on the run and subject to extortion and blackmail for the rest of his miserable life? Or is it not better, like Wee Toon Boon, to face the courts, accept any punishment due, and rebuild his life?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, Phey Yew Kok was charged in court on 10th December, 1979 on four counts of criminal breach of trust (CBT) and two counts under the Trade Unions Act. He was allowed bail. When the case was brought up for mention on 7th January, 1980, he failed to appear in Court. The bail of $50,000 and $45,000 respectively of the two bailors were estreated by the Court. Phey Yew Kok was required to call at the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) on 2nd January, 1980. When he failed to do so, CPIB officers visited his house and spoke to his wife. She claimed that she did not know where he was. At the same time, CPIB officers also kept observation outside the office of his lawyers but could not locate him. They also called on union members who were close to him to question them on his whereabouts but they could not assist. On 7th January, 1980, when he failed to appear in Court, the Police were alerted to look out for his car. On the same day the car was sighted in the car park in front of Hotel Equatorial. Subsequent investigations carried out by CPIB revealed that Phey Yew Kok had left Singapore for Kuala Lumpur by train on 31st December, 1979. From there he went to Bangkok where he disappeared. CPIB had contacted the Thai Police authorities for assistance to locate his whereabouts. However, the Thai Police authorities subsequently reported that they could not trace him. Immediately after he jumped bail, a warrant for his arrest was issued. CPIB also made an immediate appeal in the local newspapers for information on Phey Yew Kok's whereabouts. Interpol Headquarters was alerted and it notified all Interpol countries to arrest Phey Yew Kok. Should he be arrested in a country which has an extradition treaty with Singapore, his extradition will be sought.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, there has been no recent upsurge of snatch thefts in the Radin Mas Constituency. There were nine cases of snatch thefts in the Constituency in the first seven months of this year. There were also nine cases of snatch theft over the corresponding period last year. Radin Mas Constituency is patrolled by a team policing car from the Queenstown Police Station, In addition, there are Police National Servicemen in uniform performing vertical policing during the day and at night. Plainclothes policemen and detectives also make their usual rounds and conduct anti-crime operations from time to time. Snatch theft is a crime of opportunity, The victims are invariably women. Through crime preventive campaigns the Police have repeatedly advised our women on how they should carry their handbags to avoid snatch thefts. This crime prevention message is now being disseminated to the residents of HDB estates through the Residents' Committees and through the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, If members of the public were to take these simple precautions, they can avoid being victims of snatch thieves. ANG MO KIO NEW TOWN (Changes in bus service) 14. Mr S. Chandra Das asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour (a) if he is aware of the inconveniences caused as a result of changes in feeder service 261 in Ang Mo Kio, particularly in Chong Boon Constituency; and (b) if he will give an assurance that, for future changes, there would be sufficient consultation between the authorities and relevant civic organisations.”
“With the consent of Mr Deputy Speaker and the general assent of Members present, Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, "That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, Questions for Oral Answer set down in the Order Paper may be taken after 3.30 p.m. at today's Sitting." - [Mr E. W. Barker]. ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS SNATCH THEFTS IN RADIN MAS CONSTITUENCY (Preventive measures) 13. Mr M.K.A. Jabbar asked the Minister for Home Affairs, in view of the recent spate of snatch thefts in the Radin Mas Constituency, whether the frequency of Police car patrols in the area can be increased.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme was launched in June this year. The objective is to organize neighbours to help one another and to protect themselves from crime such as robbery, housebreaking and thefts. To-date, 23 constituencies have introduced the Scheme and another 10 constituencies will be doing so between August and October this year. It is still too early to gauge the tangible results of the Scheme. Members of Residents' Committees (RCs) are providing the leadership in forming Neighbourhood Watch Groups. Police officers who are members of RCs are spearheading the efforts and providing guidance to other members. There are 3,628 police officers living in public housing estates. To-date, 73 police officers who are RC members have helped to form 74 groups. The rest will soon be forming such groups with their immediate neighbours. The results of the Scheme, in terms of its effect in reducing the crime rate, can only be assessed after the Neighbourhood Watch Groups have had sufficient time to build up and consolidate themselves. The Ministry of Home Affairs is monitoring the progress of the Scheme which is being coordinated by the RC Secretariat in the Prime Minister's Office and the Crime Prevention and Community Relations Department of the Police Force. The plan is to fully implement the scheme by 1st June, 1982 in all public housing estates with RCs. At the same time, the Police will urge residents' associations in private residential estates to form Neighbourhood Watch Groups. My Ministry will continue to monitor the Scheme closely and make whatever adjustments that may be necessary to ensure its success. QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER (Exemption from Standing Orders) 3.20 p.m.”
“Since February 1981, five constituencies have conducted campaigns to help the aged cross the road. More constituencies should hold similar campaigns so that it can become an accepted social responsibility for the young and able-bodied to assist the aged to cross roads. To promote road safety consciousness among motor-cyclists, a Safe Riding Course was initiated in December 1979, Between December 1979 and July 1980, about 1,000 motor-cyclists took part in the courses. Five more courses will be held from August - December 1981. However, this is not adequate. With the transfer of the driving licensing function from the Registry of Vehicles to the Traffic Police, priority will be given to upgrade the riding skills of motor-cyclists. A comprehensive plan is being worked out. One of the measures is to require all motorcyclists holding provisional licences to take their riding tests within a specified period of time. The existing pre-Provisional Driving Licence course will be gradually upgraded to one that will provide a complete training programme on motor-cycle riding. It is planned that, by 1985, only qualified riders will be allowed on public roads. Since April 1980, 27 overhead bridges have been built. Another 45 more will be completed soon. Eighty-one signalized pedestrian crossings are planned for this financial year. The "no crossing zone", which presently extends to 50 metres from a designated crossing under the Pedestrian Crossing Rules, will soon be increased to 100 metres.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, there were 3,397 accidents involving pedestrians and 10,963 accidents involving motor-cyclists between 1st January, 1980 and 30th June 1981. These accidents resulted in the death of 148 pedestrians and 133 motor-cyclists. This adds up to 281 pedestrians and motor-cyclists or 73% of the total of 385 persons killed in road accidents during that period. Pedestrians and motor-cyclists are most vulnerable among road users. Of the 96 pedestrian deaths in 1980, 58 or 60.4% were those aged 60 years and above and children under 14 years of age. As for motor-cyclists, the death toll on the roads was 133 or 34.6% of total accident fatalities for the period 1st January 1980 to 30th June 1981. Accident prevention requires a multi-faceted approach involving enforcement, education, training and provision of adequate road-crossing facilities. These measures must be applied to all road users. However, to reduce accidents involving pedestrians and motor-cyclists in particular, the Traffic Police will concentrate its effort on these two categories of road users. For the pedestrians the target groups are those 60 years and above and children under 14 years of age. The Traffic Police is working closely with the Ministry of Education to make school children more aware of road safety. Since the East Coast Road Safety Park was opened in January this year, some 45,000 school children have undergone the road safety programme there, Another 85,000 students will participate in the programme by the end of 1981. 150,000 primary and secondary school students also attended audio visual presentations on road safety in 1980. This activity will continue. As a result of poor eye-sight and other disabilities, the aged should be helped to cross roads.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the outstanding cases, as I have said, have been drastically reduced from year to year and, as a result, we now have only 1,507 applications which were submitted before 1st January 1981. These cases, hopefully with the cooperation of the applicants concerned, may be dealt with within six to 12 months. ACCIDENTS INVOLVING PEDESTRIANS AND MOTOR CYCLISTS (Particulars) 11. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many accidents involving pedestrians and motor cyclists have occurred since 1st January, 1980, up to the latest convenient date; (b) how many of them were fatal; and (c) what remedial measures his Ministry proposes to take to reduce such accidents.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, we have, in fact, increased the number of criteria in the sense that we are now much more liberal so that we can attract more talent to Singapore. For example, if a foreign student who has studied in Singapore has done very well in the GCE 'A' level examination, that student will be favourably considered first for permanent residence and later for citizenship.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as at 31st July, 1981, there were 6,923 outstanding applications for citizenship. The number of outstanding cases has been drastically reduced in recent years. At the end of 1978, the number outstanding was 24,862. This was reduced to 14,489 by the end of 1979. The number dropped to 8,882 at the end of 1980. Of the 6,923 applications pending, 1,799 applications were received before 1st January 1981. 292 of the 1,799 applications have already been refused and the applicants will be informed soon. The remaining 1,507 applications have been held up for various reasons. In some cases, the information provided by the applicants is inadequate and the Registry of Citizenship has to wait for the applicants to provide further information or clarification. In other cases, the applications have been shelved temporarily as the applicants who do not now meet the criteria for approval are expected to qualify in the near future. These cases are not immediately rejected but are instead kept in view for the benefit of the applicants. Priority will be given to clearing the older applications. All the 1,507 applications received before 1981 should be cleared within six to 12 months, although this would depend partly on the cooperation of the applicants. In the first seven months of 1981, 10,131 persons applied for citizenship. Of these, 3,461 have been granted citizenship and 1,546 have been rejected. The rest are at various stages of processing. Normally, the average processing time of these new applications is about three months.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, to complete an international airport of the size and standard of Singapore Changi Airport from the drawing board to operational status would normally take at least 10 years and much more than $1 billion. That we have been able to do so within a period of six years and at such reasonable financial costs must surely be attributed to the excellent teamwork, cooperation, dedication and effort put in by all involved with this project - both the planners and the builders. I would like to take this opportunity to record my Ministry's appreciation to all officers from the various Government departments, statutory bodies and from the private sector who have contributed to the successful completion of the Phase I development of Singapore Changi Airport.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, we feel that since this new airport is paid out of our people's money, it is only right that they should have a chance to familiarize themselves with its facilities and feel some pride that it belongs to them. Besides, we hope that through these visits to the new airport even before it opens, we would be able to minimize the number of sightseers and visitors when the airport is operational on 1st July. In this way, we would be reducing congestion on the airport roads and in the passenger terminal during the first few weeks of the opening of the new airport. We had earlier estimated that Phase I of the Changi Airport development would cost about $1 billion. During the last two years, the prices of construction materials and labour had increased sharply. However, by calling and awarding as many tenders as possible within the first three years after deciding in June 1975 to go ahead with the development of Changi Airport and by careful planning, coordination and control, I am pleased to report that we have been able to complete Phase I within the original approved cost. The total cost for the Phase I development is slightly less than $1 billion. Under the Phase II Development Programme, we will be building a second runway together with its related taxiway system, a second passenger terminal building and more aircraft parking aprons. All these projects should be completed within the next four to five years. We estimated in 1975 that the total costs for the Phase 11 projects should be about $500 million. However, with the large cost escalations in both labour and materials, the costs for Phase 11 projects will definitely be more than estimated six years ago.”
“Since then, all the essential facilities required to operate the new international airport have been completed. These completed facilities include a 4,000-metre long first runway and its associated taxiway system, 45 wide-bodied aircraft parking bays, a passenger terminal building capable of handling 10 million passenger movements per annum, a 78-metre tall control tower, communications and navigational aids, and supporting facilities such as freight terminals, flight kitchens, fire stations, meteorological and customs offices. The communications and navigational aids were commissioned early this year and the facilities are in full operation. The other airport facilities are being tested. Several test flights have successfully landed at and taken off from the new Singapore Changi Airport. More of such flights have been planned. These test flights will enable us to spot and iron out any weaknesses in the new systems before the airport is fully operational. Our original planning six years ago was to have the first phase of Changi Airport fully operational by December 1980. However, owing to the shortage of labour and construction materials, the operational date of Changi Airport was slightly delayed, Our new airport will now open on 1st July, 1981. Since May this year, members of the public were allowed to drive around the airport to familiarize themselves with the road system and car parks. Since 1st June, members of the public were allowed to go into the Passenger Terminal Building to familiarize themselves with the various facilities in this huge building. To-date, it is estimated that over 250,000 people have visited the airport.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Highway Committee, comprising members from the Traffic Police, Registry of Vehicles and the Roads Branch of the Public Works Department, has drafted the Expressway Traffic Rules, 1981, which will be promulgated after it has been vetted by the Attorney-General's Chambers. The roads which make up our expressway systems have been designed for vehicle speeds of up to 80 km per hour. While parts of the expressways are still under construction, interim speed limits of 70 km per hour and 50 km per hour in some stretches have been imposed for safety reasons. When the construction of the major interchanges is completed, and the East Coast Parkway and the Pan-island Expressway systems are fully operational, the Highway Committee will consider raising the allowable speed limit on suitable stretches of the expressways to 80 km per hour. The policy of the Highway Committee is to allow the maximum speed which is safe for travel on our expressways. CHANGI AIRPORT (Particulars) 8. Mr Rohan bin Kamis asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour if he will make a statement regarding the construction of Changi Airport with particular reference to the following:- (i) when it will be fully operational; (ii) how do the estimated costs and implementation schedule compare with the actuals and with those of similar airports; (iii) what the next phase will include, how much it will cost and when it will be completed; and (iv) any other related information which he wishes to give. The Acting Minister for Social Affairs and Communications (Dr Ahmad Mattar) (for the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, hon. Members were informed of the progress in the construction of Singapore Changi Airport late last year.”
“This is a joint project of the Police Force and the Residents' Committees. In Neighbourhood Watch, groups of immediate neighbours are encouraged to organize themselves to protect each other and their homes from criminals. They can start off by acquainting themselves with each other's routine. If they know when their neighbour is out, they can keep an eye on his vacant flat. They can also be on the look-out for strangers. If all the residents are well organized, they can keep out criminals from their neighbourhood, Police officers who are members of Residents' Committees have been urged to take the initiative and form Neighbourhood Watch groups among their own immediate neighbours. The Neighbourhood Watch project will bring about more personal relationships among residents and greater cohesiveness in an HDB neighbourhood. In the long term, this is the answer to a more secure neighbourhood. Members of Parliament can help by getting every Residents' Committee in their constituency to actively participate in this project. TRAFFIC REGULATIONS FOR EXPRESSWAYS 7. Mr Rohan bin Kamis asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether he will review the traffic regulations for expressways, in particular the speed limit.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in 1980, there were four cases of robbery, five cases of housebreaking, 14 cases of theft of motor vehicles, and one case of outraging modesty in the area which later that year became the Chong Boon Constituency. Two of the four cases of robbery and the single case of outraging modesty were solved. Of the 14 motor vehicles stolen, eight were recovered. In the period January to May 1981, there were three cases of robbery, two cases of housebreaking, eight cases of theft of motor vehicles, and one case of outraging modesty in Chong Boon. To-date, one case of robbery has been solved and two of the eight stolen vehicles have been recovered. The constituency falls under the Police F Division and is covered by the following regular Police patrols: (a) Vertical policing patrols of the HDB flats are carried out daily by Police full-time national servicemen and reservists. Here, coverage is selective. Where crimes have been committed, patrolling is more intensive. (b) A team policing car from the Paya Lebar Police Station is deployed daily in Ang Mo Kio New Town. The officers carry out selective checks on suspicious persons and mount road blocks to check on both persons and vehicles. (c) Two scooter-patrols are deployed daily in Ang Mo Kio New Town. Over and above the regular coverage I have mentioned, 'F' Division also mounts special anti-crime operations in localities in Ang Mo Kio New Town, including Chong Boon constituency, where the incidence of crime is high. Detectives are also deployed to mount observation and gather information in the area. These anti-crime measures have proved to be effective in keeping the crime rate low and will be continued. This month, the Police has started a crime prevention project called Neighbourhood Watch.”
“Sir, the causes of the accidents are quite complex and they can be attributed to many causes. But from the cases of accidents which the Traffic Police have studied, the major fault is attributed to the human factor rather than mechanical. CRIME IN CHONG BOON CONSTITUENCY (Particulars) 6. Mr S. Chandra Das asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what are the types and number of crimes committed in the Chong Boon Constituency; and (b) what steps or additional steps will be taken to minimize them.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the number of motor cars involved in fatal accidents and their countries of manufacture for the past three years (1978-1980) are as follows:- 1978 1979 1980 a. No. of motor cars involved in fatal accidents 101 69 76 b. Country of Manufacture (i) Japan 54 45 57 (ii) Europe 13 16 12 (iii) Britain 30 7 4 (iv) Cars not identified 4 1 3 (e.g. hit-and-run cases, Malaysian cars) 101 69 76 The figures on motor cars involved in fatal accidents, by country of manufacture, are not meaningful unless they are related to corresponding figures on motor cars registered in Singapore. On 31st December, 1980, motor cars registered in Singapore, by country of manufacture, are as follows:- Japan . . 106,170 Europe . . 26,828 Britain . . 16,349 Others . . 3,227 152,574 If we divide the number of cars involved in fatal accidents by the stock of cars in respect of each country of manufacture and multiply the results by 10,000 we then have an index of fatal accidents involvement per 10,000 cars by country of manufacture. For 1980, the indices are as follows:- Country of Manufacture Index (per 10,000) Japan 5.37 Europe 4.47 Britain 2.45 Others 9.30”
“Perhaps we have to involve the Judiciary because, as far as the prisoners are concerned, their term of imprisonment is determined not by any executive authority but by the court. Therefore, if we wish to include the prisoners, we must make changes to the law. As I have said before, we are, in fact, implementing this Day Release Scheme without any precedent to go by. We are doing it slowly, step by step, and learn from experience. I cannot find any precedent in any part of the world where criminal law detainees are being put on a day release scheme. We have only the benefit of our experience with the day release scheme for ex-drug addicts, and so we are now extending it to the criminal law detainees. If it is successful, we will certainly extend it to prisoners. But, as I have said, it is a little bit more complicated because it involves the judicial system as well. Lastly, with regard to incentives, of course, incentive is a very important aspect of rehabilitation, apart from instilling self-respect and discipline. We always have incentives in mind. If the detainees were to work well, behave themselves and demonstrate to the employers and to the rehabilitation officers that they should be released earlier, a recommendation will certainly be made and the detainees will be released earlier. 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. NEWSPAPER AND PRINTING PRESSES (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 5.20 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to thank the Member for Bedok for taking an interest in this Bill and also for his support on the general principles of the Scheme. He has made three very valid points. The first is whether unscrupulous employers will take advantage and exploit the detainees who have accepted employment. As I have said, before we launch the Scheme we had nearly 18 months' experience of a similar scheme for ex-drug addicts. We are, therefore, quite conscious of the fact that such a situation might arise. But as far as ex-drug addicts are concerned, the employers have been fair. They have been on the level and have not taken advantage of them or exploited them. We have a Job Placement Unit as far as ex-drug addicts are concerned, and they have been closely monitoring the whole situation. I am sure that with such close monitoring, any employer would not like to take the risk of exploiting them and then be shown up. The public is very conscious of what is going on with the day release scheme. In fact, the press is quite interested in it and I do not think any employer would be foolish enough to expose himself to adverse publicity if he attempts to take advantage of the ex-drug addicts. I think that is not the problem. The problem is to convince the employers that, whether they be ex-drug addicts or criminal law detainees, they will be good workers; that they will not be a burden but instead make a contribution and, in return, be entitled to a fair wage. The other point is why we have not included the prisoners, as the hon. Member has said, prisoners who have been sentenced for a fixed term. The difficulty has arisen precisely as a result of the conviction. If we want to include them, then we have to make certain changes in the law to vary the position.”
“In fact, the idea of this Scheme for criminal law detainees came about as a result of the success of the day release scheme for ex-drug addicts. 1,145 ex-drug addicts have so far gone through the scheme successfully. Most of them have no difficulty in finding their own jobs after their release from the day release camps. Preliminary results of a comparative study of ex-addict supervisees who have gone through the day release scheme and those who have not, suggest that the recidivism rate of those who had the benefit of day release has gone down by about 25%. Initially, as in the case of ex-addicts, we may have some difficulty getting jobs for the detainees because of the prejudice of some employers who are chary of employing detainees. However, as in the case of ex-addicts, we have to demonstrate to these employers that the detainees are good and able workers. In addition, those who employ detainees will be assured that if any of the detainees misbehave they will be sent back to prison. In such a situation or when a detainee absconds, a replacement will be sent to the employer straightaway. In return, we expect the employers to treat them fairly and no differently from their other workers. Employers who participate in the Scheme will be making an important contribution to the total rehabilitation of the detainees. To implement this Scheme, section 42 of the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act has to be expanded to enable the detainees to be temporarily released from custody so that they can engage in employment outside their places of detention. The amendment is also to enable the Minister to grant them leave, for example, home leave during weekends. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed.”
“However, detainees released from an institutional environment often find it difficult to rejoin society. One of the main obstacles is the difficulty in getting a regular and proper job. They have no difficulty in getting jobs, such as bar bouncers, debt collectors and odd jobs but these soon get them into trouble again. In order to overcome this problem and better prepare the detainees for total release, my Ministry has worked out a Day Release Scheme. This Scheme will bridge the gap between the strictly controlled regime in the prisons and the completely free environment outside. It is based on the principle of a halfway house. Under the Scheme, a Day Release Camp or Camps will be set up. Detainees who are considered ready for day release by an Advisory Committee appointed by the Minister, will be transferred to the camp. They will be found jobs outside the camp by a Job Placement Unit and be paid wages at current market rates. They may also be self-employed provided the work is legal and proper. They have to return to the camp every day after work. If they misbehave at their place of work or breach any of the camp rules, they will be sent back to prison. After about a year's stay in the camp, the detainees will be released under police supervision. This half-way house will enable the detainees to gradually adjust to the environment outside, earn normal wages and thus resume some of the obligations of a free man, such as supporting their families and build up their self-respect. It will be a test of their preparedness to rejoin society as useful and law-abiding citizens. The Scheme will be similar to the day release scheme for ex-drug addicts which was introduced on 1st September, 1979.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act has been an effective piece of legislation in suppressing criminal activities, such as secret society activities and drug trafficking. Secret societies and drug distribution networks have been smashed. However, remnants exist and they must not be allowed to lure others into joining them or ex-criminal law detainees rejoining them. We are now putting greater emphasis on the rehabilitation of detainees. As part of their rehabilitation, detainees have a choice to pursue their studies or work in prison. On 28th February, 1981, 93 detainees were doing full-time studies in the prisons. In the last three years, 96 of them sat for the 'O' level examinations and obtained certificates. Fifty-eight of them obtained three or more 'O' level passes. Another seven detainees obtained partial 'A' level certificates. After an initial period of strict regimentation, those who want to work are given work. On 28th February, 1981, 598 out of 946 detainees or 63% were working in prisons. Of these 598 detainees, 167 were doing maintenance work and 431 were working in the Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises (SCORE) workshops. They made rosewood and rattan furniture, electronic capacitors, digital radio clocks, electronic calculators, etc. This is to achieve two very important objectives of rehabilitation. They are to instil in them work discipline and to enable them to improve themselves through studies or the learning of new skills. This will not only give them a better chance to get a good job and go straight when released but also help them to regain their own self-esteem.”
“As for feeder services, Bedok North, where some 29,300 dwelling units have been balloted and occupied, is presently served by: (a) five feeder services, namely, 221, 225, 226, 227 and 228 from Bedok Interchange; (b) two services, namely, 221C and 223 from Chai Chee Terminal; and (c) ring Service 224 originating from Chai Chee Terminal and linking all neighbourhoods in Bedok North and Bedok South. A total of 38 buses are deployed on these services. During the peak period these services provide a capacity of 120 buses per peak hour. As demand grows, more buses will be added to the relevant services. The SBS is closely monitoring this demand and a survey is carried out every 6-8 weeks, under SBS' Market Analysis Programme (MAP). Service 226, introduced on 22nd February 1981 to serve Neighbourhood 6, is the latest service for Bedok North. On 29th March, Service 227 covering Neighbourhood 4 will be extended both to serve the newly occupied flats as well as Industrial Park E. This extension will require the addition of two buses. SBS will introduce at a later stage a feeder service to Chai Chee Street where a school, some flats and a few factories are being constructed. With the introduction of this new service, the whole of Bedok North will be fully served by feeder services.”
“Encik Saidi Shariff asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour whether there are plans to improve (i) the facilities at the Bedok Interchange and (ii) the feeder bus services in Bedok North; and, if so, how and when the plans will be implemented. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministers for Communications and Culture (Encik Sidek bin Saniff) (for the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour): Mr Speaker, Sir, there are two integrated questions here. The first is the Bedok Interchange and the other is the feeder bus services in Bedok North. Plans to redevelop the existing interchange into a much bigger one with a large passenger concourse have been finalized. Construction is scheduled to begin in July this year. This will be done in stages so as to minimize disruption to present operations. The redevelopment will cost some $3 million and the new interchange is expected to be completed in early 1983. The new interchange will occupy a land area of 1.7 hectares. It will have a 15 metres by 180 metres passenger concourse, 32 end-on berths, seven saw-tooth berths and 33 remote parking bays. For the convenience of passengers, the roof of the concourse will be extended beyond the concourse floor to provide shelter from rain and sun. Queue railings will also be installed to facilitate peak period passenger boardings. Besides crew amenities, there will also be public amenities like toilets, telephones and a sundry shop.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in 1979 there were 17 robberies, 28 house-breakings and 68 thefts of motor-vehicles in Bedok North HDB Estate. In 1980, there were again 17 robberies but only 15 house-breakings and 64 motor-vehicle thefts. These figures indicate that the crime situation in this Estate has been brought under control and the number of incidents slightly reduced in spite of the fast expansion of the estate and population since 1979. The Bedok North Estate, including Neighbourhoods 6 and 7, is within the Police 'G' Division. Two team-policing cars manned by six police officers from the 'G' Divisional Headquarters Station at Joo Chiat cover the estate 24 hours a day. The patrol cars not only respond to emergency calls but also carry out preventive checks on suspicious persons and mount road blocks. In selected areas these patrol teams also patrol on foot. There is also one scooter-patrol manned by two police officers covering the estate between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily. During selected periods, members from the Police Task Force carry out saturation foot patrols. Policemen in plain-clothes are also deployed for observation and intelligence gathering duties. In addition, foot patrols are performed daily by the full-time Police National Service reservists between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and by the part-time SCNS between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. The Crime Prevention Officer of the Joo Chiat Police Station visits residents of the estate regularly to advise them on physical security of their premises. The Police had also organised Crime Prevention Exhibitions to make residents aware of the need and the methods of preventing crimes. Two such exhibitions were held in 1980 and one has just been held this month. BEDOK INTERCHANGE AND FEEDER BUS SERVICES IN BEDOK NORTH 3.”
“In the case of children who were born out of wedlock, their citizenship status should follow that of their natural mother. However, we have conferred citizenship to some illegitimate children whose mothers have left them and their natural fathers are Singapore citizens. As a result of relaxation of the criteria and a flexible application of these criteria, the number of applications for citizenship that have been approved has been increasing over the last three years. The figures are: No. of applications Year approved 1977 5,051 1978 7,589 1979 10,628 1980 18,475 CRIME IN BEDOK NORTH (Preventive measures) 2. Encik Saidi Shariff asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many incidents of house-breaking, thefts and other criminal offences in Bedok North were reported to, and dealt with by, the Police in 1980; and (b) what steps have been taken by the Police to prevent such incidents from happening again, particularly in Neighbourhoods 6 and 7 where the residents have just moved in.”
“This has been further relaxed so that permanent residents are now eligible for citizenship upon their completion of national service. Foreign scholars who are prepared to perform national service will be granted citizenship before they start their national service. In respect of constitutional requirement (v) above, the Honourable Member may recall that an amendment to the Singapore Constitution was introduced on Monday, 16th March 1981. If the amendment is approved by the House, an applicant for citizenship can in future elect to be tested in the other three official languages besides the national language. Citizenship is a privilege, not a right. Apart from the basic constitutional requirements that I have mentioned, applicants must also be an asset and not a liability to the Republic. In applying this criterion we have been flexible. For example, if the applicant is the only member of the family who is not a citizen, citizenship is granted even if the applicant's income is low. Also, aged parents who are not gainfully employed but whose children are well able to support them are also granted citizenship. Applicants such as monks and priests who by their calling are not likely to earn a steady or high income or have family roots are nonetheless granted citizenship if they have been rendering community service. We have also relaxed the criteria for the grant of citizenship to wives and children. Previously, wives of Singapore citizens had to wait for a definite period after marriage before they were granted citizenship. This was to prevent marriages of convenience. Now, wives are eligible for citizenship if they have given birth to a child after marriage.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore requires an applicant for Singapore citizenship to satisfy the Government that he: (i) is of good character; (ii) has resided in Singapore throughout the 12 months immediately preceding the date of his application; (iii) has resided in Singapore for periods amounting in aggregate to not less than 10 years during the 12 years immediately preceding the date of his application; (iv) intends to reside permanently in Singapore; and (v) has an elementary knowledge of the national language if he is less than 45 years of age and is not deaf or dumb. In respect of the period of residence in Singapore, we take into consideration periods of absence too. If the applicant has been away on study or on official business, such as being posted to a foreign branch, the period of absence will be treated as residence. The Constitution also provides for the qualifying period of residence to be reduced to not less than five years out of six years immediately preceding the date of application. The Government has given citizenship under this provision to special categories of permanent residents, such as professionals and university graduates, who are an asset to Singapore. With a view to attracting more talent into Singapore, the very talented is now guaranteed citizenship after five years of permanent residence subject, of course, to their having a good character. Hitherto, wives of Singapore citizens are eligible for Singapore citizenship after two years of permanent residence. Husbands of talented Singapore citizens are now eligible for citizenship after two years' residence. Previously, permanent residents who have performed national service are granted citizenship after five years instead of 10 years' residence.”
“First, the ban applies not only to Hindu processions but also to processions of other religious groups. Secondly, Police experience prior to 1973 showed that music along the route of the kavadi procession aggravated traffic congestion. BUMBOATS (Restrictions on passenger load) 8. Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour whether the Ministry of Communications will review the present regulation which restricts the number of passengers which may be carried by harbour craft plying between Changi Point and Pulau Tekong Besar and Pulau Ubin to 12 persons, as the operators are finding it increasingly difficult to keep their operation viable unless they are allowed to carry more passengers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, music was not permitted in this year's Thaipusam kavadi procession as in the past eight years. The ban on music along the route was introduced since 1973. The ban is not confined to the Thaipusam kavadi procession. It applies equally to all other religious processions. I wish to add that since 1973 religious foot processions, with the exception of Thaipusam, have not been allowed on our public roads and only religious processions on vehicles have been permitted. The exception has been made for Thaipusam because the devotees have to carry the kavadi and walk in fulfilment of their individual vows. The walk is allowed because it is a religious rite. In the years prior to 1973, music en route was permitted for the kavadi procession. However, the Police observed that with the accompaniment of music, the pace of the procession was slowed down. Further, the supporters, relatives and friends accompanying the devotees tended to dance to the beat of the music and occupied too large a portion of the road. The music also attracted large crowds of spectators. The result of this was that traffic flow was completely disrupted, creating huge traffic congestions in the city. Hence, the ban was imposed in 1973. The Police permit for the 1981 Thaipusam procession stipulated as in the past eight years, inter alia, that no music was to be played en route. On 12th January 1981 the Secretary of the Hindu Endowments Board, Mr S. Suppiah, wrote to the Ministry of Social Affairs appealing against the ban on music en route. The Ministry of Social Affairs sought the views of the Police who replied that the ban could not be lifted. They gave two reasons in rejecting the appeal of the Hindu Endowments Board.”
“The answer is "Yes". THAIPUSAM KAVADI PROCESSION (Ban on music) 7. Mr M.K.A. Jabbar asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether the playing of any musical instrument, including the traditional drum, while devotees were carrying kavadis at this year's Thaipusam festival, was not allowed, and whether the Hindu Advisory Board had been consulted on this.”
“of Cases 1976 84 1977 70 1978 97 1979 71 1980 72 Besides enforcing the Rules against indiscriminate tooting, ROV has also advised school bus operators to be more considerate and not to cause a nuisance by tooting unnecessarily, especially in housing estates in the early hours of the day. The Traffic Police's computerised records do not include the offence of indiscriminate use of vehicle horns. Therefore, I am unable to indicate what categories of offenders have been warned or fined for this offence. Action against impatient drivers can be taken only when they are found to have sounded their vehicle horns unnecessarily at give way junctions to force the drivers in front of them to move off without giving way to other vehicles. Otherwise, no action can be taken against them for displaying their impatience. All motorists are advised for their own safety as well as the safety of other road users to exercise patience when driving on the road. The Traffic Police is now concentrating their enforcement on those who do not give way when they should be at street junctions.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Traffic Police has been taking enforcement action against illegal parking along expressways, and it will continue to do so. In the meantime, the PWD and the Traffic Police are in the process of drafting the Expressway Traffic Rules, 1981, to regulate traffic on the expressways. Besides prohibiting parking, the proposed Rules will prohibit vehicles from stopping or remaining at rest on the carriageway, except in the case of a breakdown. "L" drivers and riders will also be prohibited from driving along expressways. The promulgation of the Rules will enhance road safety and facilitate the smooth flow of traffic along the expressways. Heavy and light goods vehicles have speed limits up to the maximum of 50 km per hour, depending on the type of vehicle they belong to. When they travel on expressways, they must keep to their speed limits instead of the speed limit of 70 km per hour for the expressways. These vehicles will also have to keep to the left lane to prevent hindrance to other fast-moving vehicles on the expressways. Traffic Police will take enforcement action against those vehicles hindering the traffic flow or speeding in excess of their vehicle speed limits. Anti-speed devices will, therefore, facilitate enforcement action. The Traffic Police and the ROV Enforcement Unit have been taking enforcement action against drivers who indiscriminately use vehicle horns. Since 1976, an average of 79 drivers have been booked every year for committing this offence. The breakdown is: Year No.”
“Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of Supply has made further progress on the Main and Development Estimates for the financial year 1st April, 1981 to 31st March, 1982 and ask leave to sit again on Monday, 23rd March, 1981.”
“Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of Supply has made further progress on the Main and Development Estimates for the financial year 1st April, 1981 to 31st March, 1982 and ask leave to sit again tomorrow.”
“Sir, of course, it is very nice to zuo hao ren (fit of A ). Everybody wants to be so, but what we must do is to do the right thing and to be fair. But we have tempered our policies with some compassion. That is why we have issued her with a six-monthly renewal social visit pass.”
“Sir, we have already made a concession by giving a six-monthly renewal social visit pass and I do not think we should concede further. Mr Ho See Beng( In Mandarin): If he wants to be a kind man, he should be kind right to the end!”