Eric Cheong Yuen Chee
Singapore
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head Q be reduced by $10 in respect of Code QI 1000 of the Main Estimates. The Minister has announced the issue of new identity cards. Since it affects the vast majority of the population the registration process should be made more convenient.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as we all know, ambulance services are run by the Singapore Fire Service and also by the Government hospitals. As there is an increasing need for the sick and aged to be transported from place to place, many of these cases are non-emergency cases requiring an ambulance run by the Fire Service.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head Q be reduced by $10 in respect of Code QH 1000 of the Main Estimates. Sir, at present a work permit holder who marries a Singapore citizen without getting prior approval from the Commissioner for Employment is banned permanently from entering Singapore.”
“Sir, my other colleagues have a wide range of subjects on the drug control. I have just one point to make, and that is, whether the Minister will consider the confiscation of vehicles used in the transportation of illegal drugs. This is different from confiscation of assets that may belong to the drug traffickers.”
“Police, because of limited manpower, will emphasize high efficiency and optimum use and deployment for all the various functions, and greater emphasis will be given to mechanization and computerization. But while doing all this, the Police must continue to strive to get public support and community support.”
“Sir, the points that I wish to raise have already been covered by the Member for Boon Teck. But I have just one little point, and that is, to reinforce his argument that there is a reduction in manpower in the NPP. Originally it was eight per shift, now it has been reduced to four.”
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“Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Hon. Minister of State aware that there are occasions where in-camp training was requested twice during the year, a stretch of six weeks at a time, and this has interfered with a reservist's employment. A request was made for a deferment but this was turned down by Mindef.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to seek some points of clarification from the Hon. Minister with regard to car parking spaces. Under clause 3 of the Amendment Bill, it is proposed to utilize any land or premises which may be lawfully acquired or appropriated for use as parking places and also for the collection of fees. Here, I would like to seek clarification from the Hon. Minister. With the levies collected from the building complexes where inadequate car parking spaces are provided, whether such moneys collected have been used to improve the parking facilities in certain areas where there is extreme traffic congestion. Besides the proposed multi-storey car park within the CBD, could the Minister enlighten the House whether there are any plans to provide more car parks in areas like Coleman Street and along stretches of Balestier Road where owing to inadequate parking spaces vehicles are compelled to park along the roadside? As the Minister will recall, Balestier Road was widened several years ago to provide for a three-lane traffic on either side. But after the widening of the road, at least one lane on either side is used for parking. I would also like to clarify whether there is any proposal to develop areas for heavy vehicle parking. As can be seen from the number of accidents that had occurred, some vehicles collided into the rear of heavy vehicles parked on the main road. With all the levies collected, one would have thought that some of these funds should be channelled into improving car parking facilities, especially in congested areas.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, actually the point that I wish to raise has already been adequately covered by my two colleagues. But there is another point that I would like to raise, and that is the application for relief for aged parents. As the Income Tax Act now stands, any applicant who wishes to apply for tax relief for aged parents must have his aged parents living with him, otherwise such relief will not be permitted. I would like to make a request here, that if the taxpayer is able to show proof that he is, in fact, supporting his aged parents, he should be allowed to make his claim for such relief.”
“By force of circumstances, these young people have to get betrothed at an early age. Among those who are getting engaged or married are young girls still in their teens. I wonder how many of them are mature enough to take on the responsibilities of having a family of their own. In subsequent years, when these young couples find that they are incompatible partners in life, family breakups could occur. Has the HDB thought of these potential and undesirable social problems? The HDB is often credited with long-term planning in housing projects. Have they given some thought to such long-term social problems? Asian customs, Sir, frown upon long periods of engagement. Those who are engaged may under parental pressures be forced to contract early marriages. These problems are not unique as other countries have similar problems where young people marry at too early an age. During my meet-the-people sessions, many young couples have approached me for assistance in renting one-room flats temporarily to overcome their domestic plight. Most of them have already registered for purchase of HDB flats. Some of them are living apart because of lack of accommodation. One can imagine the undesirable mental effects such young people face. It is recognized that there are many factors leading to the increased construction cost of HDB flats. But surely the HDB can regulate the increase in selling prices at fixed intervals, for instance, annually, so that would-be applicants would not be faced with sudden financial problems. Another point the HDB could consider is to extend the maximum period of mortgage up to 25 or 30 years. 4.10 p.m.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the views expressed by the hon. Member for Punggol. It is recognized that the HDB has over the years done a sterling job in providing low-cost housing to the masses. Of late, people are wondering whether the HDB has deviated from such a policy. The mood of the people is aptly reflected in a cartoon of the Hon. Minister in a Chinese language newspaper. Sir, no one is quarrelling with any reasonable increase in prices of HDB flats but it is the manner in which such increases are implemented and announced outside the House. The sudden and hefty price increase of 38% upsets many people, particularly those who cannot afford to buy private residential properties. Each time an announcement is made, whether on price increases or some new regulations by the Housing Board, people swarm not only the HDB offices but also the office of the Registrar of Marriages as well. A panic situation is created every time such announcements are made. Sir, has the HDB considered the adverse social impact that such sudden and hefty price increases in HDB flats have on the people, particularly young people? One day, on my way to the Ministry of Labour, I was caught in a traffic jam along Canning Rise which was very unusual. At first, I thought that an accident had occurred somewhere along the road. On passing through, I was surprised to see a large crowd waiting outside the Registry of Marriages. A long line of vehicles were parked along one side of this narrow road, obviously waiting for the newly-weds and their families. This rush by applicants to meet the deadline clearly indicates that many people would not be able to afford to purchase HDB flats in time to come. Many of these applicants are young people.”
“Sir, I would like to join in the argument. With the introduction of the coupon system, I believe the URA and the HDB have saved a tremendous amount of manpower, as indicated by the Hon. Minister. At the same time, the two authorities have indirectly imposed upon the motorists the duty of part-time car park attendants. Basing on the Minister's arguments just now that some motorists may have to pay a few dollars more, the question is: why cannot the two authorities be a bit more flexible? In actual fact, some motorists have been paying more than the actual fee required. Therefore, there is no substantial loss insofar as over-parking is concerned. The coupon itself indicates the actual time in minutes. So what the two authorities should do is to exercise some flexibility in this regard and apply the surcharge only in cases where a car has parked over and beyond, say, half an hour. Below that excess, some flexibility should be given, and I do not think all motorists would want to cheat the URA and the HDB. Let us not assume that every motorist is a potential evader. I think that is wrong. In our election campaign, all of us 75 Members here have been going round our constituencies and asking our citizens to place their trust in us. But here, the two authorities have no trust in the motorists. They should have some trust in them. I do not think every motorist is a potential wrong-doer. I think the benefit of the doubt should be given to them.”
“Sir, in view of the Minister's reluctance to concede, I most reluctantly withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY REPORTING PROGRESS (Suspension of Standing Orders) With the consent of Mr Speaker and the general assent of Members present, Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, "That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, progress be reported now and leave be asked to sit again on Monday, 23rd March, 1981." - [Mr Chua Sian Chin]. Thereupon Mr Speaker left the Chair of the Committee and took the Chair of the House.”
“Sir, I would agree with the Minister that it would not create any hardship, but it has created disappointment and frustration amongst the applicants. It is not hardship that we are arguing about. I think all of us are not quarrelling with the Minister with regard to the necessary policy changes. But what we are arguing is that the policy change should not be made retrospective. From my observation of the policy changes of the Housing and Development Board, there were never any policy changes that were made with retrospective effect. For example, if an applicant with a certain income limit applies for a flat on that particular date and should there be any eventual policy change, his application remains valid. This is what we are asking for, i.e. the change should not be made retrospective.”
“In some instances funds have been wasted as the improvements made are under-utilized, wrongly utilized, or do not serve the purpose. Take, for example, the large scale reconstruction of some carparks by resurfacing the existing carparks with aeration slabs. I believe that these aeration slabs laid at some carparks are superfluous as the adjacent areas are already well-turfed. Therefore, it defeats the purpose of providing better aeration to surrounding turfed areas or plants. The HDB should also look into the possibility of converting one- and two-room flats into larger units to meet the demand of people who cannot afford to purchase HDB flats under the Home Ownership Scheme. There are still many people who, for various reasons, cannot afford to purchase the larger flats. This is evident by the number of applicants still on the waiting list for HDB three-room rented flats.”
“In last year's Budget debate, I brought up the question of the need for the HDB to set up special units in its Area Offices to look after the social problems of residents. I am, therefore, glad to hear that the HDB has finally decided to set up such units. Sir, residents in HDB estates, especially in rented properties, face many social problems: overcrowding, domestic problems, arrears in rentals and service facilities, etc. I was very disappointed with the reply given by the Hon. Minister to the Member for Boon Teck concerning the provision of separate refuse chutes for one-room flats. He apparently does not appreciate the problems faced by residents in one-room flats. I understand that the HDB has introduced a scheme for some of their officers to stay in some Housing Board flats to gauge the residents' demands and responses. It would be a good idea for the Hon. Minister to set a good example by living in an HDB one-room flat for, say, about a week to gauge the reactions of residents in these units. One must not assume that the volume of refuse in one-room flats is less than those in larger flats and, therefore, a common chute for this type of flats will be adequate. He must also take into consideration the number of persons per household. It would not be surprising to find that there are more persons to a flat in a one- room unit than there are in a larger unit. Surely some alternative measures can be found to solve this problem. Sir, I would now like to touch on the provision of better amenities for residents in some of the older HDB estates. Members of Parliament should be briefed before improvements are made, so that they can contribute ideas.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head T be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead TA-01 of the Main Estimates*. *The same amendment also stood in the names of Messrs Tan Soo Khoon and Lai Tha Chai. Sir, the acrobatic policy changes made by the HUDC is a subject of much discussion, both inside and outside this House. The general public is fed to the teeth over the way the HUDC treats its applicants. May I ask the Hon. Minister whether the persons in charge of the administration of the HUDC are members of opposition parties? It appears that they are doing everything in their power to unscramble the good work of the PAP Government. First, the HUDC built some penthouses for more gracious living. Then they label those who bought them as snobs. Secondly, to cater to the needs of this income group, they encourage single applicants to apply for HUDC flats. Later some of them were disqualified on some flimsy grounds. Sir, these applicants were played out by the HUDC. I am astounded to note that the HUDC wants to weed out frivolous applications. Then those who accepted such applications must have accepted them in frivolity. Sir, there is a Malay word for this sort of frivolity - OTC which stands for Otak ta' centre. I would seriously suggest to the Hon. Minister that, when the HUDC seeks to make any policy changes, they should first take into consideration the plight of applicants. Most of them have made domestic, personal and financial arrangements when their applications were accepted in the first instance. The HUDC should have a cut-off date so that only new applicants would be affected by any changes in policy. The second point I would like to raise is on the Housing and Development Board.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment, standing in the name of Mr. M,K.A. Jabbar, was not moved: (2) That the sum to be allocated for Head R be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead RC-03 of the Main Estimates.”
“Sir, the Hon. Minister has omitted to answer my question on the possibility of raising the retirement age for workers.”
“Although retrenchment is not a serious problem when profits are down, employers resort to getting rid of workers who have put in long years of loyal service because of their higher salaries. Some employers are taking it for granted that it is the responsibility of the Government and the trade unions to motivate workers for greater work excellence. Here, I would like to touch on two proposals by the Ministry of Labour to discourage job-hopping. On the one that penalizes a worker by a confiscation of his CPF contributions, the reactions from some employers are, "Yes, that is a good idea." To the second proposal to pay a service benefit for long service employees, their reaction was, "It is a heavy financial burden and unnecessary as job-hopping is now no longer a problem." Of course, to some it is the carrot-and-stick approach. Here, I must say that it is the workers who always get the stick. I now touch on the 1980 NWC recommendations. I would like to ask the Hon. Minister how many companies have implemented the NWC second-tier payment to-date. The NWC will be meeting soon and I am quite certain that many employers have yet to implement the 1980 NWC recommendations. Some employers claim that they do not have any appraisal system and need time to consider. These are lame excuses. Sir, I submit that it requires the combined efforts and the willingness of Government, employers and unions to make the restructuring of our economy succeed. I would also like to suggest to the Hon. Minister to consider revising some of the provisions of our labour laws, with particular reference to the restriction on payment of NWC annual wage supplement and the qualifying period for payment of retrenchment benefits, and the raising of retirement age.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head R be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead RA-01 of the Main Estimates* *The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon. Sir, the Hon. Minister for Trade and Industry had in his Budget statement recognized the contributions made by the Labour movement in the restructuring of the economy and cooperation with management in maintaining harmonious industrial relations. Workers in Singapore have made many sacrifices in the interest of the country. The NTUC and its affiliated unions are not shortsighted and do not resist changes, if changes are necessary, even to the extent of cautioning workers against making excessive and bizarre demands which in the long term will not benefit the country. 3.15 p.m. The NTUC and its affiliated unions have organized courses and seminars to promote work excellence and to adapt themselves to ever-changing economic circumstances. These are positive efforts made by workers in Singapore. Therefore, the recent proposals to introduce measures to curb the so-called job-hopping is really a slap in the face for workers in Singapore. How serious is job-hopping? Has the EDB or other Government ministries made conclusive studies to show that job-hopping is a serious impediment to our economic restructuring? How serious are employers in curbing job-hopping? Do they give due recognition to the contributions made by their employees by providing them with a good working environment and to adequately reward the hardworking and the loyal workers? Here, Sir, I must admit that there are some good employers but there are many indifferent ones too. To many employers, profits are their primary concern. They do not realize that a good and loyal workforce can also bring in profits.”
“Sir, in view of the satisfactory reply, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”
“To ensure that contractors comply with these requirements, my Ministry has a standing arrangement with the Water Department of the PUB not to supply water to any construction site unless adequate toilet facilities have been provided. Of course, we do still encounter problems of workers defecating indiscriminately in and around construction sites and in uncompleted buildings, notwithstanding the availability of toilets. It may be because the toilets are too far from where they work. We will, however, require contractors to locate some of the toilets closer to where the work activity is and make it convenient for the workers to use them. 6.15 p.m. As for the suggestion that one-room HDB flats may be made available to the construction workers, I am unable to answer that point because I am not sure of the availability of such one-room flats and whether they are conveniently located at the construction sites. This is a suggestion which I think the Minister for National Development may look into.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head M be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead MC-01 of the Main Estimates. Sir, I wish to seek clarification from the Hon. Minister whether pollution control measures, such as adequate sanitation requirements, are extended to building construction sites. At many construction sites, one would notice that temporary building quarters have been erected at these sites where construction work is expected to continue for a long period of time. Most of them are make-shift structures, often in a dilapidated condition. In the absence of proper sanitation, workers at these construction sites make use of the uncompleted buildings or the surrounding areas to do their ablutions. This not only poses health hazards but alSO creates a nuisance to the residents living nearby. This practice is prevalent in uncompleted HDB flats and human excrement is often found in the uncompleted flats. I suggest that the contractors should be made responsible for the provision of proper sanitation facilities for their workers at construction sites and they are also made to ensure that the workers comply with the health requirements. Probably these workers could be housed temporarily in HDB one-room flats. Some of these HDB flats could be converted into dormitory type of accommodation and rented out to the construction workers or the contractors. This will not only prevent pollution of the environment but also reduce the number of such unsightly structures. Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, all contractors are required by my Ministry to provide sanitary facilities close to the workers' quarters at construction sites. These include water-closets, urinals, wash-basins and bathrooms.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, first, let me touch on the reply given by the Hon. Minister on the Skills Development Fund. Could an applicant, whose application has been rejected, be informed that if he wishes to submit an appeal, he could be allowed to do so? At the moment, quite a number of companies are not aware of the fact that they can appeal if their applications are rejected. They just take it for granted that it cannot be done and let it rest. This will deprive workers of the opportunities for upgrading. With regard to the second part of my question on the application for liquor licence, as a matter of fact, the present beneficiaries are the newspapers. They are collecting a huge revenue on advertisements, and if one submits an application one has to wait for at least three months for the next quarterly session. This is my own experience when I applied for a liquor licence for the supermarket.”
“In one application by a company, the following terse reply was given: 'Sir, we regret to inform you that our current guidelines on the award of training grants specifically exclude the establishment of demonstration-type training centres. A copy of the guidelines is attached.' This company could well have qualified for a training grant if a proper assessment was made, as one of the reasons given in the application was "for the training of workers for installation and maintenance of highly sophisticated production machinery that are being sold to our industries." Since the SDF was recently set up, not every employer is familiar with the application criteria or procedures. I would, therefore, suggest that the Hon. Minister for Finance consider asking the SDF Council to set up an ad hoc Review Committee or Appeals Committee for companies whose applications have been rejected and who wish to make representation. 3.45 p.m. The second subject I would like to raise, Sir, is application for liquor licences. At pre- sent, applicants for liquor licences are required to submit their application in a very cumbersome way, an antiquated procedure. First, they must submit their applications before the quarterly court sessions. Then they have to take up advertisements in all four language-medium newspapers informing the public of their intended application and whether any persons wish to object to such applications. Sir, this is an old colonial relic designed for purposes and circumstances which are now irrelevant in modern Singapore. Could the Hon. Minister for Finance consider abolishing such requirements other than a straightforward application?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head N be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead NA-01 of the Main Estimates*. *The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr Ho See Beng. Sir, first, I would like to touch on the grant awarded by the Skills Development Fund Council. According to press releases made by the SDF Council in January and February this year, a total of 56 companies were awarded training grants. Out of these, only 10 were from the trading and services sector. The question I wish to raise is, under what criteria are applications approved or rejected? Are applications considered solely on the guidelines issued, or on other factors? If applications are considered solely on the guidelines, then I submit that many companies in the trade and services sector will not qualify for training grants, even though these companies are substantive contributors to the Skills Development Fund. However, the contributions made by the trade and services sector to our economic development is not minimal. As a matter of fact, their contribution to real growth in GDP for 1980 amounted to approximately 69%. Companies in this sector should be encouraged by the SDF Council, and not discouraged, to provide a higher level of training for their employees, and skills which include the introduction of high-skill services and maintenance procedures or applications should be given due consideration. For instance, airlines, travel agencies, advertising and transport companies can upgrade the skills of their workers, if they are given the opportunity to obtain grants from the SDF. Some applications were rejected outright without giving any proper explanation.”
“Sir, for the benefit of the residents affected by resettlement, I hope that the HDB, in dealing with such cases in future, will first measure the residents' houses and tell them the amount of compensation before asking the residents to shift out, so that the residents can leave with peace of mind. The HDB is very efficient in helping the residents affected by resettlement scheme to get their flats or shops so that they can settle or continue with their business quickly. The efficiency of the HDB in this respect is praise-worthy. However, the HDB should note that the complaint of the residents is that they do not know the compensation before being asked to shift. It is also unfair to measure the houses of the residents after they have shifted, as they would then not know what the measurements are and thus the amount of compensation.”
“The last point I would like to raise is in regard to the impending increase in the price of HDB flats and rental of HDB properties. Will the Hon. Minister consider raising the income limit in proportion to the increase in the price of flats? I hope the Hon. Minister will seriously look into the various points that I have raised. Mr Tan Cheng San( In Mandarin): If I may now speak on my amendment. Sir, it is obvious that the Housing and Development Board has gained outstanding achievements in its Home Ownership Scheme. The interior as well as the exterior designs of the HDB flats are also more and more fascinating. Now HDB even plans to build new 5-room split level apartments in Hou Kang New Town so that there will be more and more residents living in luxurious flats. This is the contribution and achievement of the HDB. It is also a breakthrough achieved by the HDB. In spite of these achievements, there are some shortcomings in the resettlement scheme of the HDB in my constituency, that is, Paya Lebar. In the past the HDB would first measure the house of the resident affected by resettlement. Then it would compensate the resident according to the measurement. This is the correct way to solve the problem. However, we do not know why the HDB does not deal with this problem in the same way recently. The HDB does not measure the affected house any more before asking the resident to leave. The residents are very unhappy after they have shifted, as they do not know the result of the measurement. I feel it is not right for the Resettlement Department of the HDB to act in this way.”
“On the question of insufficient number d persons making up a family unit, the HDB has a peculiar way of advising lessees to take necessary steps to comply with the requirements. Sir, I refer to divorce and separation cases. If one spouse is separated from another and the family unit falls short of the minimum number required, the lessee is advised by the HDB to take steps to comply of may have to look for a smaller flat. Although no eviction action has been taken in any of these cases, I feel it is not right for the HDB to treat tenants or lessees in this manner. Separation from one spouse is not something to be relished. To those affected by such domestic problems, it is a traumatic experience. Instead of sympathy, the HDB has added on to their woes. There was the case of a couple who are permanent residents. They went to the HDB to apply for the purchase of a flat. They were told that they could apply only if they had a child. Is this in line with the Government's policy of family planning? Such insensitive advice given by certain HDB officers caused not only embarrassment to the people concerned, but also put the HDB in a poor light. Another point I wish to raise is this: the HDB should give priority to applicants who wish to reside near to members of their family and their place of work. This will help those working parents who have to have someone to look after their children. Secondly, they would not have to travel long distances to work. This could reduce the number of commuters travelling to work. The Hon. Minister has made similar statements in his constituency rounds. This has prompted applicants to see their Member of Parliament to obtain such preferences.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the massive public housing programme undertaken by the HDB since its inception in 1960 will provide homes for nearly 68% of the population by the end of this year. With such a large proportion of the population residing in HDB estates, the social and recreational needs of residents will increase. Since the HDB's housing programme will be slowed down, perhaps some of its resources could be directed to looking into the social problems of residents. Here, I would like to suggest that special units be established in the various Ares offices to look after the social problems of residents. I would also like to bring to the notice of the Hon. Minister some of these problems. In a family, parents and their children may be residing in more than one HDB flat. If one of the parents who is a lessee dies, it is customary for the eldest son or daughter in the family to be nominated an administrator or co-administrator of the estate. If any one of the siblings already owns an HDB flat, will this affect his or her status as a lessee? In one case, the son of an HDB lessee was affected by an HDB redevelopment scheme. He was denied alternative HDB accommodation on the ground that he was a co-administrator of his father's estate. He has no interest in his late father's HDB flat as his brothers and sisters are living there. Another case concerns a rented property. The tenant died but the Board refused to transfer the tenancy to the son, although he is a permanent resident and an approved occupier of a flat. His family has been residing in the flat for many years, and to evict him will be inhuman. 5.45 p.m.”
“Sir, in view of the Minister's reply, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $41,611,250 for Head X ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $346,551,000 for Head X ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY REPORTING PROGRESS (Suspension of Standing Orders) With the consent of Mr Speaker and the general assent of Members present, Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, "That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, progress be reported now and leave be asked to sit again on Monday, 24th March, 1980." - [Mr Goh Chok Tong]. Thereupon Mr Speaker left the Chair of the Committee and took the Chair of the House”
“This not only causes dislocation in employment and career opportunities for local employees but it does not also lead to any transfer of marketing expertise, so to speak, or any technology to local industries. This also causes disruption to established trading patterns. Some of these companies merely set up a small office with a handful of staff, usually key personnel whom they have poached from agency houses. As a result of this, they bring in more expatriates to man these new trading houses. A recent case in point is a Japanese manufacturer who has established trading facilities in Singapore with a capital of $5 million. This was reported in the Singapore Stock Exchange JournaL If this son of situation is allowed to continue, it will not only disrupt the traditional trading pattern which has been operating in Singapore for so many years but also will cause dissatisfaction amongst our workers. On 3rd March, our Ambassador to Japan, Mr Wee Mon Cheng, made a speech at a dinner hosted by the Nanyang graduates. I will not quote the speech because it is too long. I agree with some of the comments he made with regard to the attitude of Japanese employers towards local executives. In most Japanese firms and trading houses in Singapore, the ratio of expatriate personnel to local executives is rather high. These companies should be encouraged to pass on their expertise to local executives rather than staff them with large numbers of expatriate personnel. I would also like to ask the Hon. Minister, what is the present Government policy in relation to allowing overseas principals to take over established agency lines in Singapore?”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head X be reduced by the whole sum in respect of Subhead Code XC-02 of the Main Estimates. Sir, the recent decision by the Hon. Minister for Trade and Industry on the removal of tariff protection for some locally-manufactured goods is indeed a move in the right direction. The general reaction is that this will lead to cheaper imported goods that have been subjected to import duty in the past. Sir, I am not quite sure whether this is true in all cases. It will be recalled that last year the duty on cosmetics and toiletries was abolished. Soon after, an importer of a leading brand of cosmetics and toiletries informed retailers to this effect: 'We should have increased the prices long ago. But because of the withdrawal of duty, we will not increase our prices now.' This is only one instance where I managed to get evidence. But there may be others. I would like to ask the Hon. Minister whether the removal of tariffs would induce importers of goods, on which duty has been abolished, to pass on the benefit to the consumers? I hope that he would take the necessary steps to monitor the situation to see if the benefits of the abolition of import duty are passed on to the consumers. The other point I wish to raise is on the taking over of established agency lines from agency houses by principals. As a matter of fact, this is now the trend among many principals. As we are aware, Singapore has been a well-established place for agency houses for many decades, and many of the lines have been developed successfully for many years. This creates a temptation for principals to take back the agency lines and to trade under their own company's name.”
“(7) That the sum to be allocated for Head I be reduced by the whole sum in respect of Subhead Code IF-06 of the Main Estimates.”
“Sir, may I be permitted to raise a few points in regard to the siting of bus bays at bus terminus? Do the SBS and ROV take into consideration the noise pollution and also the air pollution by smoky exhausts caused by the siting of bus bays near blocks of flats? I refer in particular to the bus terminus in Toa Payoh Central. This terminus has been in existence for many years and there are altogether four bus bays. But it seems strange that despite repeated requests by residents in Block 183, SBS still continues to use the lane nearest to the block of flats and shops. Not only does the noise cause annoyance to the residents but the exhaust fumes cause a lot of dirt and soot to settle on the goods in the shops, the residents' window curtains and so on. Why cannot the SBS use the outer lane, the fourth lane, instead of using the first lane which is about two or three metres away from the block of flats? The other three lanes are not used at all despite the fact that they are there. I am taking this opportunity to raise this matter because the HDB and the PWD are now renovating the bus shelter along this particular lane, and I would like to know whether they could make some arrangement to change the system whereby the outer lane could be used rather than the inner lanes.”
“Sir, it appears to me that all these committees have missed out the points that I have raised, namely, the inadequacy of road signs, poor siting of parking bays, and so on.”
“Then there is the resurfacing of roads. Whenever a road is resurfaced, we find that the road level has been raised to the same level as the central road-divider. This encourages motorcyclists to take a short-cut by riding over the divider. This can be seen in Toa Payoh Central, just to give one example. I am sure there are many other contributing factors leading to road accidents. I would urge the Minister to take steps to prevent and reduce the number of accidents rather than impose severe penalties after the event.”
“Thank you, Sir. Several Members of this House have expressed concern over the increasing number of road accidents. I would like to join them in expressing my concern too. Road accidents are usually caused by careless drivers and pedestrians. To reduce the number of road accidents, the hon. Minister for Home Affairs recently announced the setting up of a special Liaison Committee on Road Safety. I would suggest that representatives from the PWD should also sit on this committee. My reasons are that there are other contributing factors leading to road accidents. For instance, poor road conditions, inadequate road signs, poor siting of pedestrian crossings, and planting of trees and shrubs along roadsides at traffic control systems. I notice that in many of the new roads that are being constructed, shrubs and trees are planted in a manner where they obstruct the view of oncoming traffic as well as litter the road with leaves during the wet season. In some areas it appears that traffic lights are installed only after a series of accidents have occurred in the vicinity. For instance, years ago Balestier Road was only a four-lane traffic, two on each side, and roadside parking was prohibited. But now Balestier Road has a six-lane traffic and roadside parking is permitted indiscriminately, thereby coming back to square one where only four lanes are usable. 3.30 p.m. Then there is the Queen Street/Rochor Road junction, near Rochor Centre, where bus bays and taxi bays are provided close to road junctions. Under the Traffic Rules, no vehicle is allowed to park within 20 feet of any road junction. But here we find taxis and buses parked at both ends of the junction, within barely three feet, thus causing unnecessary obstruction and a hazard to other road users.”
“Sir, may I be allowed to make some clarification on the matters that I have raised? The Minister has stated just now that normally it is the practice of employers to give at least two weeks' notice, in the case of retrenchment. I am afraid I have to inform the Minister that most employers have got round this loop-hole by giving two weeks' notice only on the number of employees who are being retrenched, but not their names. The names are given on the day prior to the day of retrenchment.”
“Whilst doing a good job, conciliation officers are sometimes confronted with the problem of wilful absence on the part of employers at conciliation meetings. By ignoring call notices, employers have not only insulted the Ministry of Labour but also defied the law. Some employers even resort to sending junior executives to attend conciliation meetings without any mandate to make firm decisions. They acted like mail boxes. A recent case involved a cinema operator. Both parties had reached a settlement on wage claims submitted by the union to the Ministry of Labour. The agreement was concluded under the chairmanship of a conciliation officer. The employer, however, refused to turn up on two occasions to sign the collective agreement. The matter was resolved only when the union took a strike ballot. Such irresponsible attitude on the part of employers will erode the confidence of workers in referring cases to the Ministry of Labour. Mr Speaker, Sir, although there is provision under section 22 of the Industrial Relations Act for the Minister to order compulsory attendances, for obvious reasons it is not practical for the Minister to exercise his power in the cases that I have mentioned. I suggest that a provision be made for the Head of the Conciliation Division to enforce compulsory attendances. Finally, Sir, I would like to touch on the policy on marriage of work permit holders. In line with the Government's policy of encouraging skills and the acquisition of higher skills, may I suggest to the Minister to review the policy of granting marriage licences to work permit holders. If a work permit holder has the necessary approved skills, he should be allowed to contract a marriage before completing five years' service in the same establishment.”
“The company retrenched several keypunch operators. After a while they advertised vacancies for the same department. The job specifications could be handled by the retrenched employees. When the union pressed for the re-employment of these retrenched workers, the manager decided to abolish the posts altogether. These are just a few instances of the malpractices carried out by employers. Not every reorganisation leads to increased efficiency and productivity. What is required is an established procedure to ensure that the interest of the worker is protected. It should be made mandatory for employers to notify the Ministry of Labour in any retrenchment exercise. The Ministry should also monitor the situation closely to see whether the retrenchment indeed results in increased efficiency and productivity after a period of time. On the one hand, workers are exhorted to adopt good work ethics and be loyal to their employers; on the other hand, they are not assured of any job security. Although in the past the Ministry had issued some guidelines on retrenchment, they are rarely followed. Adequate notice should be given to the employees affected by a bona fide retrenchment exercise. This will enable them to make the necessary adjustments to their working career. I suggest that the Hon. Minister look into the possibility of amending section 44 of the Employment Act to give effect to the points that I have raised. Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to touch on the Industrial Relations Division of the Ministry of Labour. This Division deserves commendation. Through its efforts the officers in this Division have contributed to the industrial peace that has prevailed in Singapore for so many years. Any person with lesser resolve would not have taken on the job of a conciliation officer.”
“Yes, Sir. Sir, the Hon. Minister for Trade and Industry stated in his Budget statement that higher wages is one of the instruments for economic restructuring. Last year the National Wages Council recommended a high wage policy to induce employers to upgrade their manufacturing and administrative processes. Since the implementation of the 1979 NWC recommendations, few employers have taken such steps. This is evident in the comments made by the Hon. Minister for Trade and Industry in the Budget statement. I quote: 'Economic expansion was achieved more through a quantitative input than through productivity increases.' Some employers took the easy way out. Under the pretext of reorganisation, they resorted to retrenching workers who, with long years of faithful service and experience, happened to be in the higher pay bracket. Most of the workers affected are in the 40-49 age group and therefore will have difficulty in fitting themselves into retraining schemes or in finding alternative employment. This sudden loss of employment causes considerable hardship to them and their families, especially those with children still in school. It is a nightmare for most of them. A few employers even carried out such retrenchment exercises in a blatant manner by giving instant notices. Their contention is that they are paying their retrenched employees wages in lieu of notice: "So what is the fuss about adequate notice?" One employer even came up with the absurd argument that the affected employees might resort to sabotaging the company's operations. This employer even refused to divulge the names of employees who were to be retrenched until the very last minute. A recent case involved employees in the computer services division of a large agency house.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in view of the Minister's reply, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $72,122,480 for Head S ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $245,591,080 for Head S ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head T - The following amendment stood on the Order Paper Supplement:”
“Sir, may I have your permission to raise my amendment (7) together with amendments (8) and (9) as they are inter-related?”
“I hope the Minister will seriously look into the problems affecting these four point-blocks of flats in Toa Payoh Central. The problems have been referred to the Housing Board Area Office three years ago, but nothing has been done since then besides giving the same reasons. I am not blaming the officers of the Area Office as mentioned by a Member in this House. They are efficient and cooperative in all respects. But unfortunately people at the top seems to be dragging their feet.”
“Sir, as a proud house owner, many of them take pride in beautifying their flats, lay special floorings, and so on. But the sad part is that all the floorings that have been done at considerable cost are damaged by the defects in these flats. It is true that the Housing and Development Board has made some minor modifications to the louvre windows. But time and again I am told that an experimental system is being carried out in Marine Parade on similar flats, and until such time as the result of this experiment is made known, the Board is unable to do anything. And only lately, after nearly six years, has the Board put up a tender for the rectification of the defects in these point-block flats. I hope the Hon. Minister will seriously look into this complaint because the residents are totally fed up with the long delay in rectifying these defects. Moreover, these four point-block flats are also known as suicide flats. Over the years there have been at least 10 suicide cases occurring in these four point-block flats. In Block 175, there were two suicide cases; Block 179, two cases; Block 193, three cases; Block 191, four cases, a total of 11 cases. I have raised this matter with the Area Office asking them to consider the need for attractive grilles over the balconies to deter attempts at suicide. I am told that this will mar the aesthetic view of the estate. I am not suggesting that the Board should put up railings like those we find in prison wards. But I am suggesting that the HDB should at least put up some kind of grille work that is attractive and at the same time afford some protection to the residents. Residents find it very disturbing time and again to learn that their flats have been used by people to commit suicide.”
“Would it not be appropriate, therefore, to make it possible for residents to stay in the same locality if they wish to? It is not uncommon in the past to find families living in the same locality for several generations. True, there are some families who like to move out. But if the environment is congenial, as envisaged by the Hon. Minister in yesterday's sitting, why do we not grant long-time residents the choice of living in the same estate? And this should be encouraged not only in Toa Payoh but also in other estates. There are many resale and repossessed three-room and four-room flats in various housing estates. These flats can be offered to long-time residents, say, with at least ten years' continuous residence. They could be given priority as high as resettlement cases, but of course without compensation. The next point I would like to raise is the improvement to existing flats as well as to new generation flats. But in this regard, the Board seems to have overlooked the problems encountered with some of the older flats. Here, I would like to bring the attention of the Hon. Minister to the four point-block flats in Toa Payoh Central. At the time of construction they were supposed to be the best flats available in all the HDB housing estates. They were known as the SEAP Games Point Block flats. I have brought up this matter since 1973. Each year when I bring up the matter, I will get the same reply that consideration will be given to rectify the defects. The defects are pretty serious. More than 100 flats are affected. There is seepage of water not only from louvre windows but from the exterior of the walls as well. As a result of this the parquet flooring which was laid when the resident first moved in was badly damaged.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am glad to hear from the Hon. Minister that the HDB will be taking steps to improve the environment in the old HDB estates. I hope the older parts of Toa Payoh will not be left out in this scheme. I would like to support the suggestion made by the Member for Kim Seng that the local MPs as well as the community leaders should be consulted when plans are made to improve the surroundings. As Members know, many facilities, like playgrounds, concrete benches and tables are put up in various open spaces in the housing estates, and these are put up at great expense. But because of a lack of consultation, some of these facilities have to be dismantled as a result of complaints from residents about noise nuisance. In the construction of concrete benches and tables, we should provide some sort of shade pavilion and so create a kampong effect where residents can gather in more congenial surroundings. This will enhance the beauty of the estate. Another point I would like to raise, Sir, is that the HDB should encourage continuity of residence by giving preference to long-time residents in one and two-room flats to purchase three and four-room flats in the same estate. Since the Toa Payoh estate was set up many years ago, a large number of residents have taken root in the estate. There are some with second generation families. Over the years many of them have taken jobs in nearby industries and hawker centres and the children are attending schools in the vicinity. Many of them prefer to continue living in the same estate. I believe that one of the objectives in building self-contained satellite towns in Singapore is to encourage residents to develop a strong community cohesiveness.”
“Sir, I wish to thank the Minister for his excellent reply, and I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr Eric Cheong Yuen Chee - (8) That the sum to be allocated for Head U be reduced by $10 in respect of Project 8102 of Subhead Code UC-04 of the Development Estimates.”
“So if we have a U-turn along that stretch of Jalan Toa Payoh, people from Jalan Toa Payoh need to travel about only half a mile to St. Michael's Estate. It will cut down the need to travel. Surely these temporary measures can be instituted until such time as the flyover is constructed, which I believe will take a number of years. But I am glad to hear the Minister saying that the HDB road engineers and the PWD will look into the matter. May I suggest that we look at this problem together, so that we can have suggestions from community leaders as well as the Members of Parliament, not only me but also my other colleagues in Kim Keat, Boon Teck, Kuo Chuan and Khe Bong.”
“Sir, I am afraid the Hon. Minister is not very familiar with the traffic system in Toa Payoh. He mentioned the overhead bridge across Lorong 6 to the Toa Payoh Garden or the Swimming Pool. If residents in Blocks 158, 159, 161 right up to 167, want to go over to the garden, they first have to cross Lorong 1 before they can use even the overhead bridge. So the problem is at Lorong 1. Traffic is not very heavy along that side of Lorong 1 leading to the Philips factory. I am not suggesting that we should install a signalised junction, but just a pedestrian crossing so that pedestrians can breathe more easily when they cross the road. As for the U-turn junction, here again, if we were to observe the traffic in Toa Payoh New Town and along Jalan Toa Payoh, we will appreciate that a U-turn will not in any way retard the flow of traffic at the moment. Therefore, may I suggest that until such time as the Pan-Island Expressway is fully implemented and a new flyover is constructed, temporary measures ought to be instituted to build a U-turn half-way between the junction of Kim Keat Road and Woodsville so that traffic coming out from Lorong 8 can make a U-turn up the other way into Thomson Road without converging with the traffic jam at Woodsville. In this way, I am quite sure, from my observation, that traffic congestion will be greatly relieved, at least until such time as the flyover is constructed. What the hon. Member for Whampoa has just said reminds me of St. Michael's Estate. St. Michael's Estate is just across Jalan Toa Payoh. If one has to go to St. Michael's Estate from Toa Payoh, one has to travel a distance of 2 1/2 miles, although the Estate is just across the road.”
“Over the past ten years, traffic in and out of Toa Payoh has increased considerably. To travel to the city from Toa Payoh, there is only one way, i.e. via the flyover at Lorong 1. Of course, traffic can use the Braddell Road flyover or Jalan Toa Payoh near Lorong 8. But they will only get caught in a massive traffic congestion at Thomson Road and Woodsville. I tried on several occasions to get the PWD to consider other measures, but without success. For instance, I suggested that a U-turn be permitted along a stretch of Jalan Toa Payoh so that traffic coming out from Lorong 8 can make such a U-turn to avoid the congestion at the flyover at Lorong 1. But the PWD told me that this would retard the flow of traffic along that stretch of the road. As a result, speeding along this stretch is quite evident. In fact, so far there were at least five fatalities along this stretch of road caused by speeding and other traffic accidents. One has to experience the traffic now in Toa Payoh to realise the inconveniences caused to residents and visitors to Toa Payoh, not only during peak hours. The traffic circus near Lorong 1 is also very close to the Toa Payoh Garden. Sir, residents from one side of the estate, wishing to cross over to the garden for relaxation, have to endure the hazards of moving traffic. I had previously raised the question of having a pedestrian crossing somewhere near Block 158. But unfortunately this was turned down by the then Minister in charge for the reason that this would retard the flow of traffic. If there is a traffic accident along the Toa Payoh flyover or a breakdown of just one vehicle, traffic can be held up for as long as one hour. Sir, I hope the Hon. Minister would look into the question of remedying this traffic problem in Toa Payoh.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head U be reduced by $10 in respect of Project 8101 of Subhead Code UC-04 of the Development Estimates. Sir, in the implementation of traffic measures, several traffic circuses are being converted into signalised junctions to facilitate a smoother flow of traffic. However, there are instances where the installation of traffic lights has resulted in worsening the traffic congestion instead. Take, for example, the traffic lights installed along Orchard Road, the stretch from Scotts Road right up to Clemenceau Avenue. They are in such close proximity that as a result of the lights not being synchronised, traffic congestions are caused because of the frequent operation of red and green lights intermittently. And also along Serangoon Road and Kampong Java Road. I hope the Hon. Minister will look into this problem and take measures to improve the flow of traffic. Another point I would like to raise is about the planting of trees next to traffic lights. For example, at the junction of Lorong 2 Toa Payoh Central, a tree has been planted just next to the traffic lights. Every time a complaint is made, the branches are chopped off. Then another branch shoots out again and blocks the lights. This goes on and on. Another area of traffic congestion that occurs quite frequently is at the traffic circus near the Toa Payoh flyover. The traffic system was originally designed for traffic within Toa Payoh to go out of Toa Payoh in two directions. Due to the takeover of the piece of land by Mindef and the HDB for the construction of the SAFRA House and the HDB Recreation Centre, the proposed plan for the clover-leafed interchange was shelved.”
“Sir, in view of the Minister's reply, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $176,614,600 for Head Q ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $14,673,220 for Head Q ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY REPORTING PROGRESS (Suspension of Standing Orders) 7.23 p.m.”