E.W. Barker
Singapore
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This is a simple Bill which seeks to amend section 33 of the Land Acquisition Act on the amount of compensation payable to owners of land compulsorily acquired under the Act.”
“For the five-year period from 1st July, 1981 to 30th June, 1986, the HDB demolished a total of 8,098 units. As the HDB's new accounting system was only implemented from 1st April, 1985, the Board does not have ready information on the value of flats demolished prior to 1st April, 1985. RELOCATION OF CREMATORIUMS 4.”
“The HDB did not allocate any MP's office to the previous PAP MPs for Anson and Potong Pasir constituencies. NUMBER OF H.D.B. UNITS DEMOLISHED 3.”
“I would not know. Why don't you ask them? I don't know. Sir, to put things in a nutshell, it is the legal profession amongst all the professions that help in the administration of Singapore. Doctors help to cure you of diseases.”
“I am not saying it's wrong. I am not telling you stories. I am relating. So they decided to take us on. When we went into Select Committee, the first day and the later part of the second day, there was confrontation between the Committee and the lawyers.”
“As the Member for Anson would know, the Minister for Law is not in charge of prosecutions or the conduct of any criminal proceedings in court, nor does he give any directives on these matters.”
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“Resolved, That this Parliament in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Ordinance (Chapter 246) approves the reclamation by Government of that portion of the foreshore and river bed containing an area of approximately 387 acres at Kallang Basin as delineated on the plan, marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 4/65", which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. EARTH DAM AT MOUTH OF SUNGEI POYAN AND SUNGEI BERIH”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the motion standing in my name, That this Parliament in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Ordinance (Chapter 246) approves the reclamation by Government of that portion of the fore-shore and river bed containing an area of approximately 387 acres at Kallang Basin as delineated on the plan, marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 4/65", which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. Mr Speaker, Sir, an estimated 25 per cent of the total area of our Republic consists of swamps or waste lands which can be reclaimed for development. Some of these swamp lands fall within the Kallang Basin, and a scheme costing an estimated $24.5 million has been prepared by Government for the comprehensive re-development of the Basin. Its implementation includes the realignment of Kallang River and the reclamation of tidal swamps along the river banks. These swamps are coloured green in the Land Office Reclamation Plan No. 4 of 1965, a copy of which has been deposited in the Library of this House. When completed, this reclamation will make available an additional 387 acres of land within the Basin for more industrial and residential development. The scheme will enable syphoning of some of the families residing in urban areas affected by urban renewal in this area. About 2,518 families are affected by the reclamation works, of whom about 1,525 have already been resettled mainly in Housing and Development Board flats. The resettlement of the remaining families will be undertaken as reclamation work progresses. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to.”
“The next available sitting day of Parliament.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have the President's recommendation to introduce a Bill intituled "An Act to amend and consolidate the law for the protection and conservation of fisheries, and to make provisions for the control of fishing, the control of the marketing and distribution of fish and the use and control of fishing ports and harbours, for measures pertaining to the general welfare and improvement of the fishing industry in Singapore and for purposes incidental thereto." Bill read the First time. Second Reading”
“The next available sitting day of Parliament.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have the recommendation of the President to proceed with this Bill. I beg to introduce a Bill intituled "An Act to amend the Bankruptcy Ordinance (Chapter 11 of the Revised Edition) and to repeal the Bankruptcy (Statutory Discharge) Ordinance, 1948 (No. 8 of 1948)." Bill read the First time. Second Reading”
“The next available sitting day of Parliament.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have the recommendation of the President to proceed with this Bill. I beg to introduce a Bill intituled "An Act to amend the Civil Law Ordinance (Chapter 24 of the Revised Edition)." Bill read the First time. Second Reading”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have the recommendation of the President to proceed with this Bill. I beg to introduce a Bill intituled "An Act to make provision for the preparation and publication of a revised edition of the laws of Singapore." Bill read the First time. Second Reading”
“Clause 14 enables the Official Assignee to conclude the administration of an estate within a reasonable time by paying the undistributed funds to the Public Trustee. Mr Speaker, Sir, this Bill has been referred to the Singapore Bar Committee who support all its provisions. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. -[Mr Barker}. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment read a Third time and passed. INCOME TAX (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 3.19 p.m.”
“Clauses 9 and 10 propose to introduce detailed provisions for the administration of the assets of a deceased person whether the estate is solvent or insolvent at the death of the deceased, and to provide for the manner in which charges on the property of the deceased are to be paid. These provisions are taken from the United Kingdom Administration of Estate Act, 1925. They also appear in the Probate and Administration Ordinance, 1959, of the Federation of Malaya. Under section 60 of the Probate and Administration Ordinance, the Official Assignee may administer the estate of any person who dies leaving property in Singapore not exceeding $2,000 in value, as though letters of administration had been granted to him. Since the introduction of the Central Provident Fund Ordinance and other legislation for the benefit of the workers, most people in Singapore die leaving property worth more than $2,000. Clause 12 provides for the summary administration of estates not exceeding $10,000 in value by the Official Assignee. Clause 13 proposes to give the Official Assignee power to pay for a minor's maintenance, education or benefit out of property not exceeding $10,000 in value held by him upon trust for such minor out of income or capital in his sole discretion. At present, the Official Assignee has power to pay for a minor's maintenance, education and benefit when the property so held by him does not exceed $1,000. Clause 13 also gives the Official Assignee exemption from the necessity of giving notice of distribution of property of less than $5,000, but such exemption will not free the Official Assignee from any obligation to make the usual searches.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." After Singapore became a sovereign Republic, independent of Malaysia, certain amendments have become necessary to the Probate and Administration Ordinance, and these are contained in clauses 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 11, and 15 of the Bill. The opportunity has also been taken to make other long-awaited amendments to fill in some gaps in the law relating to probate and administration. Mr Speaker, Sir, at Common Law the personal estate of an intestate in England vested in the church and realty vested in the heir-at-law till letters of administration were granted. The Administration of Estates Act, 1925, of the United Kingdom, which is not applicable in Singapore, vests the real and personal estate of an intestate until administration is granted in the Probate Judge. In Singapore it is assumed that the estate of an intestate vests in all the Judges of the High Court pending the grant of administration. Clause 5 will clarify the legal position by vesting the estate of an intestate in the Chief Justice between the death of the intestate and the grant of letters of administration. Clause 8 proposes to add to section 54 of the Ordinance a proviso to make it clear that the Official Assignee can, in urgent cases, apply for letters of administration within six months of the death of the deceased. At present it would appear that he has to wait for six months to elapse from the death of the deceased person before applying for probate or letters of administration.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, the existing Orchard Road with traffic flowing in either direction is getting very congested and is, in fact, hardly capable of taking any further increase in traffic. Traffic jams are particularly severe during the rush hours, and for this reason it is proposed to convert this road into a one-way system by routing the other one-way traffic along one or more of the many roads running in line or somewhat parallel to Orchard Road, for example, Somerset Road, Devonshire or Grange Road. There are, in fact, two or more alternative routes which are being investigated by the Public Works Department in conjunction with the Planning Department. It is only after these investigations have been completed that I will have more details for the hon. Member for River Valley. But it is only after the investigations have been completed to the satisfaction not only of the P.W.D. and the Planning Department but also of the Traffic Police that the one-way system will be implemented.”
“If, as the hon. Member says, the money remains in the fund, then that is money that will not be available until the contributor reaches the age of 55 and retires from work or retires earlier; which means the money is there, but the Housing Board has to wait for the money. However, there is no provision in the Ordinance for contributors to withdraw the money or for the contributors to charge or mortgage the money which belongs to them in the Fund. However, Mr Speaker, the Government is of the view that in order to make anything worth while, it is necessary that the person who benefits must make some effort by himself to obtain this something. Free gifts are seldom appreciated, and it will be wrong to make it too easy for anyone to own his house without some effort on his part. It is for this reason that there are schemes to encourage savings so that down-payments for Housing Board flats can be made. Mr Speaker, Sir, with a little effort, I believe the intending purchaser can surely save $900 or $1,200 as a down-payment required for a two-room or a three-room flat. Besides, he will also learn to appreciate his purchase much better if it is obtained by some effort on his own part.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the vote for allowance to these penghulus and ketuas was decided after very careful study of the monthly expenses incurred by each of them by way of launch fares and other incidental expenses, like the cost of lunch in Singapore and soft drinks. The Government considers that the existing rate of allowance is fair and reasonable. But, as my Parliamentary Secretary has pointed out, if either the penghulus or the ketuas or the hon. Member for Changi can somehow prove that these allowances are, in fact, very inadequate, then I can assure them that we will increase these allowances. The Chairman: It seems a fair answer. Is the Member withdrawing his amendment?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I can assure the hon. Member for Mountbatten that it is the Government's policy to provide employment rather than to pay overtime allowance. But, in fact, there is no increase in the overtime allowance for 1966 as compared with 1965. In past years, overtime allowance was included in the individual items of expenditure, such as labourers' wages and allowances, daily-rated staff, watchmen, etc. In 1966 the Budget section of the Ministry of Finance decided that overtime allowances must be taken out of the individual items of expenditure and put into one lump sum under one separate subhead, as a result of which $51,470 was entered in the 1966 Estimates. I can assure the hon. Member that there has, in fact, been no intention to increase the overtime allowances. Mr Ng Yeow Chong: I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in answer to the Member for Punggol, I do not intend to tell a fishing story, but there is a little history behind all this. Whilst we were part of Malaysia, certain Singapore boats preferred to obtain their fishing licences from the State of Johore, because boats registered in the States of Malaya were given preferential treatment by the Malaysian Navy Patrols, and it was for that reason that the boats from Punggol obtained their registration in Johore and left their nets in one of the coastal towns in the east coast of Johore whilst operating and selling their catch in Singapore. With the separation, however, the position has now changed, and the owners of these boats have been informed that at the end of this year their licences, on termination, will not be renewed in Johore. As from the 1st of January next year, these boats will have to be registered in Singapore. As for the revenue, I would like to point out to the Member for Punggol that the amount of licence fees involved is negligible, but I agree with him on the principle of his speech.”
“WIDOWS' AND ORPHANS' PENSION (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 2.41 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The existing Guardianship of Infants Ordinance (Chapter 16 of the Revised Edition), is based on the United Kingdom Guardianship of Infants Act, 1885, and is out of line with modern trends in family law, as exemplified, for example, in our Women's Charter, 1961, in that it gives the father a superior right to the mother in the matter of the guardianship and custody of children. The Ordinance applies to Muslims but would appear to be contrary to the Muslim law which, in this respect, gives equal rights to the father and the mother of the child; and in fact, in many cases, gives the mother a prior right to the care and the custody of very young children. It is, therefore, proposed to adopt the provisions of the more recent Guardianship of Infants Act, 1925, of the United Kingdom, which makes the welfare of the infant the paramount consideration in making orders for the guardianship and custody of children and gives the mother an equal right with the father in applying for such guardianship and custody. This Bill will remove the discrimination against married women and will be in line with the resolution of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations of 3rd August, 1955, which recommends that State members of the United Nations should take all necessary measures to ensure equality as between parents in the exercise of rights and duties with respect to their children. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. [Mr E. W. Barker]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed.”
“Finally, Mr Speaker, the Bill provides for the repeal of the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance and for the cesser of application to Singapore of the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance, 1948, of Malaysia and the Modification of Laws (General Provisions)(Singapore) Order, 1964. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole Assembly. Assembly immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Mr E. W. Barker]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. NATIONAL REGISTRATION BILL Order for Second Reading read. 4.46 p.m.”
“Part III, head "Subsidiary Legislation", deals with that subject, and it is now expressly provided that authority to make subsidiary legislation ipso facto carries with it the power to provide penalties for contravention up to a maximum of $2,000 in case of a fine or one year in case of imprisonment or both the fine and imprisonment. Similarly, authority to provide for reduction, waiver or refund of fees or charges is to be read into any authority to impose these charges. Powers and appointments form the subject of Part IV, and a new provision in this part is to the effect that the powers of a board, commission, committee or similar body, whether corporate or un-incorporate are not to be affected by any vacancy in membership, or by the fact that it is afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment or qualification of a person purporting to be a member, or again that there was any minor irregularity in the convening of a meeting. Part V is concerned exclusively with the reprint of Acts and expands the existing provisions of the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance. The provisions of this part lay the foundation for the next Revised Edition of the Laws of Singapore, for reprints often come in the vanguard of law revision. Parts VI and VII re-enact in the main the parallel provisions of the present Ordinance except for two new clauses. Clause 46 provides that any official act or service for which payment is required need not be performed until the fees are paid or the payment made for it; whilst clause 47 states that the general power of reduction, remission, or refund of any prescribed fee or charge in whole or in part is vested in the appropriate Minister.”
“Another example, "Singapore" means the "Republic of Singapore" and shall be deemed to include the island of Singapore and all islands in places which on the 2nd day of June, 1959, were administered as part of Singapore and all territorial waters adjacent thereto. Mr Speaker, Sir, in consequence of Singapore's independent status, certain definitions, such as "Assembly", and the "Yang di-Pertuan Negara", which are no longer to be used, are excluded and are substituted by a new set of definitions. For example, the term "Acts", Acts with a capital "A", is defined because the laws of Singapore will no longer be known as Ordinances. It is also expressly provided that in every written law prior to the enactment of this Bill, references to the Assembly or the Legislative Assembly are to be construed as references to Parliament; references to the Yang di-Pertuan Negara as references to the President, and references to the Federal Minister as references to the appropriate Minister of Singapore, and references to the State Advocate-General as references to the Attorney-General. Part II, Mr Speaker, relates to the general provisions regarding written law and follows in general the parallel provisions of the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance as the Comparative Table shows. Provision is now made in clause 9 for references in Acts to sections, Parts, Chapters or Schedules by numbers or letters only as this follows the current drafting practice elsewhere of avoiding the repetition of phrases such as "of this section", or "of this Act" and so on in legislation, when the omission of these phrases would cause no ambiguity in the context.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." In most statutes, there is a section which sets out the meanings which are to be attached to the particular words used in that statute. Such a section, the Interpretation Section, supplements for each particular statute the functions performed for all statutes by an Interpretation Ordinance or Act. The existing statute relating to the interpretation of certain expressions used in our laws is the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance and Chapter 2 of the 1955 Edition of the Laws of Singapore. The Interpretation Bill now under consideration by the House re-enacts the provisions of the existing Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance making such amendments as are necessitated by Singapore's status as an Independent Republic together with certain other amendments considered desirable. In general, it is the object of this Bill, like all enactments relating to interpretation, to shorten the language of the statutes and to provide in our legislation uniformity of expression, thus avoiding superfluity of language. Within the compass of a single Act are contained provisions pertaining to the definition of terms and expressions used in all our laws, definitions which would otherwise have to be specified separately in many different Acts, Rules and Regulations. For example, Mr Speaker, a "monogamous marriage" is defined to mean a marriage which is recognised by the laws of the place where it is contracted as a voluntary union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others during the continuance of the marriage.”
“(c) To consider what remedies should be provided for any citizen or group of citizens who claim that he or they have been discriminated against by any act or decision of the Government or the administration or any statutory board or public body constituted by law, and to recommend the machinery for the redress of any complaints. (d) To consider how such provisions can be entrenched in the Constitution. The Government has given this matter careful consideration and has decided that this Commission shall consist of legally qualified persons, who will know what is feasible and practical of constitutional guarantee. They represent various communities in the legal profession. They are:- Chairman: The Chief Justice Deputy Chairman: The Speaker Members: Mr C. F. J. Ess Mr M. J. Namazie Mr Geoffrey Abisheganaden Mr C. C. Tan Syed Esa bin Syed Hassan Almenoar Inche Manap Ghows Mr Graham Starforth Hill Mr S. H. D. Elias. It is expected that the Commission will complete its work before September next year. CONSTITUTION (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 2.50 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, one of the cornerstones of the policy of the Government is a multi-racial Singapore. We are a nation comprising peoples of various races who constitute her citizens, and our citizens are equal regardless of differences of race, language, culture and religion. Whilst a multi-racial secular society is an ideal espoused by many, it is a dire necessity for our survival in the midst of turmoil and the pressures of big power conflict in an area where new nationalisms are seeking to assert themselves in the place of the old European empires in Asia. In such a setting a nation based on one race, one language and one religion, when its peoples are multi-racial, is one doomed for destruction. To ensure this bias in favour of multi-racialism and the equality of our citizens, whether they belong to majority or minority groups, a Constitution Commission is being appointed to help formulate these constitutional safeguards. The terms of reference of the Commission are: (a) To receive and consider representations on how the rights of the racial, linguistic and religious minorities can be adequately safeguarded in the Constitution. (b) To consider what provisions should be made to ensure that no legislation, which by its practical application is considered likely to be discriminatory against members of any racial, linguistic or religious group, should be enacted before adequate opportunities have been given for representation from parties likely to be aggrieved.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Kampong Kapor has made somewhat serious allegations against the Registrar of Co-operative Societies. At one moment, he referred to the Registrar of Societies. I would like to make it clear, however, that the Registrar of Societies does not conic under my Ministry but, I believe, under the Ministry of Culture and Social Affairs. I am responsible for the Registry of Co-operative Societies. The Member quoted a newspaper report of early March stating that investigations were being made into these allegations, and then quoted another report of the 20th of March which denied that these investigations were in fact being made. What the truth of this matter is, I do not know, but if the learned Member is prepared to supply me with more particulars and information in respect of his allegations, I assure him that proper investigations will be made and appropriate action taken against anyone who has committed a breach of trust or run away with any part of the Society's funds. May I point out, Mr Speaker, Sir, that these co-operative societies must file audited accounts every year, and unless these accounts are correct, someone must explain.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, with your permission and with the general assent of the House, I would like to move, That notwithstanding the Standing Orders, this Assembly doth adjourn this evening at half-past Six.”
“This will only create instability and chaos. This will give a very good opportunity to the Communists to wreck our democratic way of life. This is not only a danger to Singapore, but it would also be a danger to other countries in South-East Asia. Mr Speaker, when Singapore was expelled from Malaysia, the Malaysian leaders declared that the separation of Singapore from Malaysia would bring about a better understanding between the two territories. We agree to what they said. But since we have achieved independence, what is the true situation? It is a matter for regret that the Malaysian leaders have not practised what they have said. I have to point out that since Singapore is a neighbour of Malaysia, the relationship should be close. Anything which happens here will have repercussions in Malaysia. Therefore, we should progress in a spirit of competition arid strive to achieve a common prosperity for the two territories by economic co-operation. 4.35 p.m.”
“In view of this, I am confident that in our economic development, we will be able to bring about a better and higher living standard for our people. This is not a mere slogan. I would like to make an earnest appeal to our people here in order to ensure our independence and survival. Our entrepreneurs should have a new understanding of their role. Mr Speaker, Sir, allow me to say that the entrepreneurs should not be concerned with their own interests and their own dividends only. They should also be concerned with the overall interests of the whole society. They should not be concerned with their market and the curve of their production. They should take a similar interest in the overall interest of our nation. On the economic development problem, I am glad to note that certain leaders in Malaysia have realised that closer economic relations between Singapore and Malaysia is a necessity. If I am allowed to quote certain statements made by the Malaysian leaders, 1 think I can make clear what I am going to say about the economic relations between Singapore and Malaysia. This relationship should be based on mutual interest and benefit. The Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister on the 24th of November said that the Western countries should give aid to Malaysia. Otherwise, they would lose their desire for the democratic way of living. If they have a better living standard, they would not turn to Communist countries for aid. Similarly, on the relationship between Singapore and Malaysia, our stand is that we want trade. We want to survive. If our neighbouring country is not able to give us aid and, in fact, go one step further to foil our attempt to increase our trade so that we can ease our burdens and difficulties, instead of incurring a loss of trade for ourselves.”
“These are the important factors by which we may achieve prosperity and progress. Industrialisation is to be the base of our economic progress. This, in fact, is a very important factor. But that is not enough. We must also have a very enlightened economic policy. I believe that with a very enlightened economic policy, we shall be able to make progress with our programme. The maintenance of a good labour and management relationship is very important too. We must also see that the purchasing power of our workers, our businessmen and the whole society in general, must be maintained. In this respect, I would like to mention some aspects dealt with in the policy Speech of His Excellency. We must make our goods competitive in the international market. Our prices must be competitive enough to enable us to capture some part of the international market to provide an outlet for our manufactured goods. This, of course, will depend on the political consciousness as well as the discipline and efficiency of our workers. They should have high efficiency and effectiveness in their work. Given this effectiveness and efficiency, I am sure they will put forward their best effort so as to implement what is being stated in the policy Speech. The main factor of our industrialisation is a big consumer market. Apart from this, we should also have two prerequisites. As stated in the policy Speech, we must establish trade relations with all countries in order to get a share of the international market. The only correct policy in our trade relations is that we want trade, not aid. Internally, people from all walks of life should make a concerted effort to ensure the success of our industrialisation and to take active and positive part in all economic activities.”
“I hope that by so doing I shall he able to correct the erroneous attitude and ideas of some of the obscurantists in their attempt to hinder our economic progress. I do not wish to spend the time of this I louse in trying to recall the dramatic experience that we had in achieving independence. But I would like to say that ever since we were forced to leave Malaysia, there have been some feudalistic rulers who have harboured the intention to hinder our economic development. They are of the opinion that by so doing they will he able to make it difficult or even impossible for Singapore to survive as an independent nation. There are several reasons for them to harbour this idea. Firstly, they think that without a densely populated market, Singapore would not be able to strive economically. As a matter of fact, we do not think that our economic foundation depends on whether we have a densely populated market or not. This fact of a densely populated market is not the important factor to determine our economic progress and prosperity. We can see that China and India are very densely populated. They are, in fact, a densely populated market. But these countries do not enjoy a very high standard of living. What is more important is that the mere existence of a densely populated market is not the determining factor to provide us with any economic prosperity. What is the determining factor then? Let me tell you. Mr Speaker, it is the purchasing power of the people that counts. I would therefore warn those ultras and shortsighted people that although the people of Singapore are without natural resources or perhaps without a densely populated market, they have a higher purchasing power. In fact, our own population can be considered a kind of natural resources.”
“Mr Speaker, whether our people will have any well-being economically, can well he seen from the non-Communist democratic socialist policies of the Government. The experience in implementing these policies is that the well-being of the people must not he sacrificed on the altar of a totalitarian government. That means their personal freedom and political freedom must not he sacrificed. In fact, whether politica1ly, culturally or religiously, the people must be allowed to progress in all respects. This means that the future of the people must of necessity depend on the manner in which the people try to solve their economic problems. Mr Speaker, I would like to crave your indulgence to speak with some certainty that in an ever-changing developing country and society, obstinacy, totalitarianism and feudalism are some factors which will arrest the progress of our society and will hinder our endeavour to solve our own economic problems. So the manner in which we try to solve our economic problems, in fact, is a reflection of the soundness of bankruptcy of our political and economic system. Talking about the concrete contents of our political ideology, we can see very clearly what kind of political line we are taking through our foreign policy and political contentions. On the other hand, we can also see our own political stand from the reflection and reception given to our foreign policy. These facts are very concrete and I believe many of us have already been acquainted with them and I do not therefore wish to spend any more time in this respect. Mr Speaker, please allow me to speak as a representative of the people and, in this capacity. I would like to speak with some clarity and frankness on our economic future.”
“It is the Government's intention, as stated in the speech of His Excellency the Yang di-Pertuan Negara, to set up a Constitutional Commission to consider the safeguards which should be inserted in the Constitution to protect the rights of minorities and to ensure that the rights of all citizens shall be equal not only in law but also in practice. Pending the deliberations and the conclusions of this Constitutional Commission, it is proposed that the provisions of the Constitution of Singapore and of the Malaysian Constitution shall continue to apply in Singapore subject to such modifications, omissions, and amendments as are necessitated by the independent status of Singapore and its ceasing to be a part of Malaysia. The amendments which the Government considers immediately necessary are contained in the Constitution (Amendment ) Bill and in the Republic of Singapore Independence Bill. And further formal amendments will be made by Modification Orders. After the Report of the Constitutional Commission has been received and considered, those provisions which have been accepted by the Government will become part of the Constitution. 4.15 p.m. Madam Chan Choy Siong (Delta)(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am standing here to express my sincere thanks to His Excellency the Yang di-Pertuan Negara for his fine delivery of our policy Speech in the first Session of Parliament. Our country is standing up in the turbulence of South-East Asia as an independent nation fully fortified with the determination to survive. As an independent nation in the world, we are laced with some common problems in life, and one of the problems is that we must try to solve our economic problem which represents two schools of political philosophy.”
“These Orders cannot, of course, be published until after the Independence Bill has been enacted. Mr Speaker, Sir, in order to facilitate the reading of the laws modified during the Malaysian period and in consequence of our Independence Act, it is proposed to publish reprints of such laws incorporating not only all such modifications but also all amendments made to them whether before during, or after the Malaysia period, so that any reprinted legislation may be read as a connected whole without reference to several books or documents. The Interpretation Bill provides for such reprints, and many of these reprints will form the basis of the next Revised Edition of the laws of Singapore, provision for the preparation and publication of which will be made in the Revised Edition of the Law's Bill. The need for a new Revised Edition is apparent even if for no reason other than that a decade has passed since the publication of the last edition of the laws of Singapore during which momentous constitutional changes have taken place. Mr Speaker, Sir, the State Advocate-General and I ate mindful of the task of providing the Bench, the Bar. Government offices, and the public generally with readily available laws in a connected readable whole with the inclusion therein of all the amendments and modifications made to-date. It is for this reason, Sir, that the publication of every Modification Order made under the Republic of Singapore Act is to be followed shortly, after by a reprint of the legislation in question. These reprints will form the prelude to the Revised Edition of the laws, and when the Revised Edition is completed. Singapore will have a self-contained consolidated compendium of all statutes.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the result of all these changes and manipulations is that our laws are by no means as clear or as easily ascertainable as they should be. It is inevitable that mistakes are being made not only by the administration but even by trained lawyers; and the layman has every reason to complain that the law is veritably an ass. In these circumstances, it will be one of the major tasks of my Ministry and of the State Advocate-General's Department to try to bring some order, coherence, and certainty to our laws. The Republic of Singapore Independence Bill provides that all existing laws shall continue in force on and after Singapore Day, and that they shall be construed as from that day with such modifications, adaptations, qualifications, and exceptions as may be necessary to bring them into conformity with the Act and with the independence status of Singapore upon separation from Malaysia. The Bill also provides that the President may, by Order made any time during the period of three years after the Act comes into force, make such modifications in any written law as appear to he necessary or expedient as a result of the passing of the Act and in consequence of the independence of Singapore upon separation. The term "modification" in this context includes amendments, adaptations and repeals, and in relation to any law of Malaysia or of the United Kingdom for the time being in force in Singapore, includes power to declare that such law shall cease to apply to Singapore. In anticipation of the enactment of this provision, the State Advocate-General has already commenced preparing Modification Orders to restore the laws to the position in which they were before Malaysia.”
“Unfortunately, with the coming of Malaysia, the position was worsened and it has become more and more difficult to ascertain the law through the multitude of Modification Orders issued mainly in Kuala Lumpur, but also in Singapore, and the various amending Acts and Ordinances that have been enacted. The Malaysia Act, as well as the Constitution of the State of Singapore, provided for the continuity of all laws which were in force or which had been passed but not brought into force before Malaysia Day. After the establishment of Malaysia on 16th September, 1963, laws which could not be enacted by the Singapore Legislative Assembly in so far as they were laws which could not be passed after Malaysia Day by the State Legislature, were treated as Federal laws by virtue of the provisions of section 73 of the Malaysia Act. The Malaysian Government, acting under powers given under section 74 of the Malaysia Act, made amendments by means of Modification Orders to such of the laws of Singapore as were treated as Federal laws. In the same manner, laws which before the 16th September. 1963, had application only to the States of Malaya were extended to apply to Singapore with or without amendments. Certain Singapore law's which were treated as Federal laws were also repealed by such Modification Orders. The Singapore Government, in exercise of powers under Article 105 of the Constitution of the State of Singapore, made consequential amendments to such Singapore laws as were treated as State laws to bring them into conformity with Singapore's status as a component part of the Federation of Malaysia. The laws enacted by the Malaysian Parliament up to the 8th August. 1965, which had application to Singapore, also form part of the laws of Singapore at present.”
“When the Government of the Straits Settlements Act, 1866, was brought into force in 1867 by an Order of the Queen-in-Council, certain islands and territories which were previously under the East India Company jointly became a separate colony known as the Straits Settlements. The first meeting of the Legislative Council was held on the 1st of April, 1867, when certain laws were passed. And in the following year was enacted the interpretation (Amendment) Ordinance, 1868, which provides that the legislation of the Colony shall be called Ordinances. The Ordinances of the Colony were reprinted by Government in two volumes in 1886 and again in 1898. In 1910 a thorough revision of the whole body of written law was begun, and a Commission appointed to prepare a new and revised edition of the Statute Laws of the Colony. The new edition, which was published in 1920, dealt with all legislation from 1835 to the end of 1919 exclusive of war and emergency legislation. The Second Revision of the laws of the Colony was published in 1926 and contained the law's enforced on the 31st of December, 1925. The Third Revision, the 1936 Edition, was prepared under the authority of the Revised Edition of the Laws Ordinance, 1935, and contained the Ordinances amended to 31st December, 1935. The current edition of the laws of Singapore, which run into eight volumes, was brought into force from the 1st July, 1956, and annual supplements for the years 1956 to 1962 were subsequently issued. This then, Mr Speaker, was the position prior to Malaysia Day. It could have been said that whilst the laws were not available in one set of volumes, they could at least be ascertained with reasonable diligence and care.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as you are well aware, ten years have elapsed since the publication of the last edition of the laws of Singapore. During the latter part of this period Singapore became a State of the Federation of Malaysia, as a result of which many of our laws were either amended or repealed, and many Federal laws were extended here. On the 9th of August this year. Singapore became separate from Malaysia, and though the Separation Agreement makes provision for all present laws in Singapore in force immediately before Singapore Day to continue to have effect according to their tenor, some of these laws will now have to be changed. The publication of the new edition of our laws at the earliest possible moment has now become a matter of necessity and some urgency. The work of reviewing all existing legislation with the object of making such modifications as are necessary to bring the laws into conformity with Singapore's status as an independent Republic, as well as fusing amending legislation with principal legislation, would constitute a real contribution to those who have to find their way about our laws. To read the law as it is at present is now often a tiresome task, involving references to several books or documents. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government, therefore, intend shortly to introduce in Parliament a Bill to provide for the appointment of a Law Revision Commission whose task will be to prepare and publish a Revised Edition of our laws. This will afford us an opportunity to take stock of our legislation by briefly surveying our laws as they existed from the days of the Straits Settlements and through the period when Singapore formed part of Malaysia to the present day with an indication of law revision plans for the future.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am aware that some approved projects for Trafalgar Estate were not implemented because of objections from the previous owners, Cable and Wireless. The licence of this Company has now been terminated and the Company was taken over by the Malaysian Government on the 1st of January, 1964. The House is well aware of the dispute over the Company since the separation. The installation of standpipes and provision of improved services in the property will have to be postponed until the position is clarified. YANG DI-PERTUAN NEGARA'S SPEECH Debate on the Address 3.18 p.m. (Fourth Day) Order read for resuming adjourned debate on Question [14th December, 1965], `That the following Address in, reply to the speech of the Yang di-Pertuan Negara be agreed to :- "We, the Legislative Assembly of Singapore, express our thanks to the Yang di-Pertuan Negara for the speech which he delivered on behalf of the Government at the opening of the present Session of this Assembly.".'.-[The Prime Minister]. Question again proposed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, electricity supply under the Rural Electrification Scheme will he extended to the residents along the main Punggol Road including Tracks 12, 13 and 17 in early 1966. A water main in Track 12 off Punggol Road has already been laid. Proposals to lay water mains in Tracks 13 and 17 off Punggol Road have to he deferred so that the houses which are unauthorised can have their positions legalised. TRAFALGAR ESTATE (Repairs and Installations) 32. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether he is aware that approved projects for the repairs of tracks and drains and the installation of standpipes in Trafalgar Estate were not executed due to objections by the authorities of the Trafalgar Receiving Station (which was known as the Cable and Wireless Station), and whether he will look into the matter with the view to executing those projects; and whether and when electricity supplies will be extended to the farmers living in the area.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, this area will come under the Rural Electrification Scheme in 1966. The houses in the Malay kampong at Lorong Pelasari off Jalan Greja were officially numbered two months ago. Electricity and water supply will he extended to this area in early 1966. ELECTRICITY AND WATER FOR TRACKS OFF PUNGGOL ROAD 31. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether and when electricity and water supplies will he made available to the residents of Tracks 12, 13 and 17 off Punggol Road.”
“About one-half of Siak Kuan Road from Koh Sek Lim Road is being metalled. The road surface and drains along the remaining section of the road up to Somapah Road may be improved next year when funds are available. Approval has been given by the Urban and Rural Services Consultative Committee to improve the road surface and drains along Windsor Drive and work will start in February 1966. The road surface and drains along the track off No. D-1 Gulega Road leading to houses Nos. 786-59 may be improved should funds be made available in 1966. ELECTRICITY AND WATER FOR KAMPONG GULEGA AND JALAN GREJA 30. Mr Sim Boon Woo asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether and when (a) electricity supply will be extended to Kampong Gulega; and (b) electricity and water supply will be extended to the Malay Kampong at Jalan Greja where these utilities are not available.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am aware that there was a 12-inch sewer built in 1938 up to the Singapore Swimming Club only. In 1964 plans were drawn up by the Public Works Department for the extension of this sewer up to Rhu Cross. The estimated cost of this extension is about half a million dollars. This is a large sum of money relative to the number of people that will benefit from the project. There are many areas in Singapore with denser populations and more urgent needs, and so this project has to be given low priority. The working drawings are ready and it is hoped that funds will he available within the next five years to proceed with this project. But I would like to point out to the hon. Member for Mountbatten that all the factories and many private houses in that area have their own septic tanks and only about 60 premises depend on the nightsoil bucket system. IMPROVEMENTS TO ROAD SURFACES AND DRAINS 29. Mr Sim Boon Woo asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether and when the Government will improve the road surfaces and drains along Siak Kuan Road, Windsor Drive and a track off No. D-1 Gulega Road (leading to houses Nos. 786-59).”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am aware that there is traffic congestion at Tanjong Katong Road during school hours. This congestion is aggravated to some extent by cars which stop to let down or pick up school children. This problem has been looked into and it is proposed to widen the actual roadway in order to provide a lay-by lane for cars bringing school children to and from school. The road will be widened by six feet for a length of more than 1,000 feet at the cost of about $7,500. This proposal will be submitted to the Urban and Rural Services Consultative Committee for its consideration and approval, and as soon as funds are made available, the work will be carried out. SEWERAGE SYSTEM IN TANJONG RHU (Extension to Rhu Cross) 28. Mr Ng Yeow Chong asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether the existing sewerage system in the Tanjong Rhu area, laid pre-war up to the Singapore Swimming Club, will he extended to Rhu Cross to provide sewerage facilities to the factories and residents there, and when the work will be carried Out.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, proposals to install two stand pipes in Kampong Water House, off Bukit Timah Road, 6½ m.s., were approved by the U.R.S.C. three years ago. But the scheme has been delayed because of objections by the landowners, Messrs. Fred Waterhouse Co. Ltd. Answer to part (b): the houses in Kampong Tani are unauthorised and no standpipes can, therefore, be installed. ROAD REPAIRS TO KIM PONG VILLAGE AND HOLLAND ROAD MARKET 25. Mr Chow Chiok Hock asked the Minister for Law and National Development when the Government will repair (a) the road leading to the Kim Pong Community Centre; (b) the track in Kim Pong Village; (c) the timber bridge along the road leading to Kim Pong Village; and (d) the road leading to the Holland Road Market. Mr Barker: Mr Speaker, Sir, all these proposals have been approved and work will commence in early 1966. UNPAVED DRAINS IN KAMPONG KEMBANGAN (Maintenance)”
“To ask the Minister for Law and National Development in regard to land around 8¾, m.s. Tampines Road (Sembawang Estate or Ban Kok Estate) and at 10 ms. Tampines Road (behind the Nankin Theatre), (a) whether the Government intends to acquire the land and for what purpose; (b) whether the Government has any plans to resettle the residents now on the land, and where; and (c) when did the Government give notice to the occupants to remove. ELECTRICITY FOR PENG GHEE AND PENG ANN ROADS REPAIRS TO GOH HUP ROAD 23. To ask the Minister for Law and National Development whether and when the Government will (a) provide electricity to residents at the upper parts of Peng Ghee Road and Peng Ann Road; and (b) repair Goh Hup Road off Tampines Road, 9¼ m.s.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am aware of traffic congestion during rush hours at the 5th and 6th m.s. Upper Serangoon Road, particularly at the 5th mile where the restricted junction of two major roads with heavy traffic converge. Consideration has been given to proposals for overhead pedestrian bridges to be constructed to assist pedestrians crossing the road at this point, but it is not likely to be a measure that will contribute to alleviating the traffic congestion. It is also very doubtful if the pedestrians will use the overhead bridge when they can quickly cross the very narrow stretch of road. The question whether overhead bridges should he constructed at this and similar junctions in Singapore is under serious study. A few overhead bridges will be built to test reaction and, if found inappropriate, will be dismantled. One such overhead bridge has been proposed at this point. The Public Works Department has been working on a proposal to ensure the smooth flow of traffic at this junction by widening that stretch of Upper Serangoon Road between Paya Lebar Road and Yio Chu Kang Road to accommodate six lanes of traffic instead of the present four. Another proposal under consideration is the construction of a new stretch of road between the 5th and 6th m.s. Upper Serangoon Road and running parallel partly to Upper Serangoon Road towards Paya Lebar Road to meet that road near the Singapore Telephone Board Exchange. This, however, is a long-term solution which can only be constructed in stages and will probably be slow because it involves land acquisition and resettlement. The following Question stood in the name of Mr Poh Ber Liak :- LAND AT 8¾ m.s. AND 10 m.s. TAMPINES ROAD (Acquisition and Resettlement) 22.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, this question is in three parts. The answer to (a) is: the repair of Brahmaputra Road and drains has been approved, and work is expected to he carried out in the first quarter of 1966 when funds will be available. The construction of three timber bridges at Brahmaputra Road has been completed. Answer to part (b): the repair of Zion Close has been completed. Answer to part (c): the installation of a standpipe in front of houses Nos. 545A and 545D, Havelock Road, was approved some months ago. Work has been completed and, in fact, water supply was turned on the 3rd of July this year. TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT UPPER SERANGOON ROAD (Measures to ease congestion) 21. Mr R. A. Gonzales asked the Minister for Law and National Development (a) whether he is aware of traffic jams in the morning and evening at the 5th mile and 6th mile, Upper Serangoon Road: (b) whether and when the proposals made to him in 1964 by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health who is the Member for Upper Serangoon, that two overhead bridges for pedestrians be constructed, one at the 5th mile and one at the 6th mile, Upper Serangoon Road, will be implemented: and (c) what other measures does the Government intend to take to ease the traffic congestion at the 5th mile Upper Serangoon Road, and if he will give details with an indication when they will be put into effect.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That under Standing Order 10 (2) the introduction of Government Bills today be taken before Questions. Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That under Standing Order 10 (2), the introduction of Government Bills today be taken before Questions. BILLS INTRODUCED MEDICAL (THERAPY, EDUCATION AND RESEARCH) BILL "to make provisions for the use of parts of bodies of deceased persons for therapeutic purposes, for purposes of medical education and research and with respect to the circumstances in which post-mortem examinations may be carried out", presented by the Minister for Health, Mr Yong Nyuk Lin; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting day after the 28th of December, and to be printed. REGULATION OF EMPLOYMENT BILL First Reading”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to move, That, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of Standing Order 23, and notwithstanding the Orders of the Assembly on 13th December this year that the under-mentioned Bills be read a Second time on the first available sitting day in January 1966, the undermentioned Bills be read instead a Second time on the first available sitting day after 21st December, 1965:- (1) The Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill, (2) The Probate and Administration (Amendment)Bill.”