Goh Chok Tong
Singapore
“This is what your father said during the debate on the Nassim Jade episode: "The proudest thing (for your mother) are her three children − upright, well-behaved and honourable... They are brought up straight, they are likely to stay straight. It is like, as I have said, a code of honour. If you break that code, you have brought shame...”
“They are not just the headaches of the Prime Minister and his team. They are not just the headaches of the PAP. They are also the headaches of the Workers' Party and every Singaporean. On their own, the Prime Minister and his team cannot resolve them. They require us, the Members of Parliament, and the people, to work with them.”
“The national financial education programme, MoneySENSE, continues to work with partners such as the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) and the media to educate consumers on the responsible use of credit facilities and the factors consumers should consider before taking on debt. PROPERTY AGENTS' COMMISSION RATES 2.”
“Mdm Halimah Yacob asked the Minister for National Development (a) in 2008, what is the takeup rate for the interim rental housing scheme that is provided to those without homes; (b) what are the reasons given for rejections under this scheme; (c) whether the rental rates were affordable; and (d) how many applicants had rejected the rental…”
“MAS is working with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to study the issue carefully, and to consider the various proposals that have been raised, including the feasibility of introducing a no-fault regime.”
“Mdm Cynthia Phua asked the Minister for National Development (a) if he will provide an update on (i) the use of sustainable alternative materials in the construction industry and (ii) the cost of construction materials in view of increasing inflation rates and rising oil prices; and (b) how will the high material and labour cost impact on…”
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“those pensioners who are not paying tax do not enjoy this particular concession, and arguments have been advanced that they are, in fact, the people who should also enjoy similar recognition from the Government for their hard work in the past. The answer to that is that if they do not pay tax, it is not possible to exempt them from paying tax. Our first step in granting some tangible recognition to those who have served is not to take away from them. At a later stage perhaps, when we can afford it, we could consider a further step, i.e. giving something to those who deserve it. This was done in 1974 when the new Singapore allowance was introduced for pensioners with a monthly pension of less than $650. They were given an ex gratia payment, having taken into account the steep rise in the cost of living following the oil crisis. I can assure Members of the House that my Ministry monitors the plight of these pensioners, and if later events prove that a similar ex gratia payment is necessary, I am sure the Government will not be hard-hearted. On estate duty, I notice that the increase in the exemption limit was welcomed by Members of the House. But two points were made by the Member for Punggol. The first point was whether the exemption cannot be extended to more than one house. I think that point can be considered. If we were to exempt, as was intended in my Budget statement, only the first house up to the limit of $200,000 there is a possible interference with ownership pattern. Husbands and wives normally would have joint ownership of a piece of residential property. Some families are fortunate to be able to own two pieces of residential property.”
“On concessions, reservation was expressed by several Members of the House on the budget not taking into adequate consideration the lower income workers who did not enjoy the benefit of an increase in the exemption limit for CPF contributions, I also had to sit through some embarrassing moments listening to my own arguments when I was on the other side of the House arguing for a case for personal and earned income reliefs to be upped. I would like to explain that I was convinced by the Minister for Finance as to the logic for not increasing the personal and earned income reliefs and I hope, in the course of the next few minutes, to be able to convince them so that this issue would not be raised again and again. If we were to increase the personal and earned income reliefs by $1,000, the loss of revenue would be $26 million, and the tax base would be narrowed by about 10% to 20%. It is not possible to give an exact figure because there will be newcomers to the tax range and we cannot accurately pinpoint how many newcomers will get into the tax bracket. Also, if we were to increase the personal relief by $1,000 everyone will benefit but not by the same absolute amount. Those in the lower income group, whom Members of Parliament feel passionately for, will benefit by $50 because their tax rate is 5%. But those in the higher income group who have a marginal tax rate of 40% would benefit by $400. The measure will therefore appear to be regressive. On pension, I am happy to note the general support for the concession given to pensioners. There was, however, again criticism of the sin of omission on the part of the Finance Ministry, i.e.”
“the Members of Parliament, but also the people of Singapore. The television forum is only one additional step taken by me to explain through the mass media to the people through a panel of experts certain logic or rationale behind the Budget. I recognise the problem, however, that the Budget could forestall discussion by Members of Parliament but I have faith in the Members of Parliament that the forum would not deprive them of issues to raise just as they have done today despite the forum. It is a question of timing. It is not possible to have the television forum after the Budget debate because the Budget statement would have undergone thorough examination after a session in this House. In fact, even among the members themselves, one member felt that the hour-long discussion was not long enough. I hope he did not mention this with tongue-in-cheek. But the fact is true that an hour-long discussion would not be sufficient to pre-empt issues that would be raised by Members of the House. So I trust Members of the House understand the logic behind the television forum. I trust that the television forum, while discussing various issues of importance to the people of Singapore, has not robbed any Member of the House of the capacity to debate, to make reservations, or to criticise the Ministry. I would like to divide my reply into two sections, one dealing with concessions and the other on general economic matters.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, had the Budget which I described as painless received nothing but pleasurable tributes, I would have been sorely disappointed: first, at the lack of mental vigour and the inquiring spirit of the MPs and, secondly, I would have considered the Budget to be somewhat of a failure, that is, if I had not received any reservation or comments on the Budget. In presenting the Budget, the Finance Ministry and I have to take into consideration past performance, present situation and future imponderables. The Budget has therefore to be objective and to be aware of imminent difficulties in the world economy. Thus, even though the Budget is painless, it is not aimed at gaining complete popularity. It is not possible. No Finance Minister, and certainly not the Finance Minister in Singapore, is a Santa Claus distributing goodies to each and everyone in the country. What we can do is wherever possible to take a little sometimes and give a little wherever we can. Therefore the Budget, as Members have correctly expressed their reservations which I shall answer in due course, is not one that can please everybody even though it is completely harmless. Before I come to the specific points raised by several Members of the House, I would like to dispose of the criticism that a television forum was held even before the representatives of the people had a chance to debate the Budget. I make no apologies for the forum. I regard the Budget as a document of national interest, and it is important that as many people as possible are given a chance to debate the budget as soon as the Budget statement is made. The Finance Ministry or the Finance Minister, or I myself who had a hand in the Budget statement this year, not only have to face the representatives of the people, i.e.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that Parliament doth agree with the Committee on the said resolution. Question put and agreed to. Resolution accordingly agreed to. ANNUAL BUDGET STATEMENT 3.48 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of Supply have come to a certain resolution. Resolution reported - "That the sum of $445,570 shall be supplied to the Government under the head of expenditure for the public services shown in the First Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 1st April, 1978 to 31st March, 1979 contained in Paper Cmd. 3 of 1979."”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member is assuming that there is a prejudice on the part of the Government in employing reformed drug addicts who had never been in the service of the Government in the first place. UPPER THOMSON CORRIDOR (Measures to relieve traffic congestion) 12. Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for National Development what is the target date for the completion of Avenue 6 Ang Mo Kio, and, in the meantime, what immediate action is being or will be taken to alleviate the deteriorating traffic congestion along Upper Thomson Road.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not know whether or not the question is directed at drug addicts who were never employed in the civil service in the first place.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, all applicants for appointments in the public service must declare whether they have been convicted by a court of law. This is so in every country. Conviction for a drug offence has, therefore, to be declared. This is necessary as it has a bearing on the suita6ility of the candidate for public service and the type and nature of the job he will be given when he is appointed. Any officer in the Civil Service who volunteers for rehabilitative treatment because of drug addiction is helped and guided. He is granted sick leave followed by no-pay leave for the period of rehabilitation. The existing procedures of recruitment and treatment of drug offenders are necessary and I believe they meet the points raised by the hon. Member.”
“I thought I have answered the Member's question in the first part. The answer is no. JOB APPLICATIONS BY DRUG OFFENDERS IN PUBLIC SERVICE (Declaration of past convictions) 11. Mr Ho See Beng asked the Minister for Finance whether he will consider asking Government departments, Government -owned companies and statutory boards to remove the requirement, if any, in job application forms for applicants to state whether they have been convicted of drug offence in the past, and if he will consider offering amnesty to civil servants and employees of Government-owned companies and statutory boards, who are drug addicts and wish to be cured of drug taking but dare not disclose their addiction for fear of dismissal.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer is no. The matter has been spelt out clearly in the option given to the officer serving at that time. Once he makes his option, it is irrevocable. But, as I explained just now, the matter is under review and it will take one to two months to finalise an improved leave scheme for the civil service.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, Members will recall that the late Member for Anson, Mr P. Govindaswamy, asked a similar question when the NWC wage increases were consolidated into basic salaries. I explained at that time that to revise leave allowances would be to leave the matter open for all time and so place an onerous burden on public funds. However, views of serving officers and choice of leave options of new recruits have led me to believe that our present leave scheme is not entirely satisfactory. Our experience since implementing the 1973 Leave Scheme shows that some revision will improve the Scheme. This is being considered and it will take some time to finalise. Mr Ho See Beng: Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State for Finance this question. If a senior officer, whose compensation is, say, $150 for a period of 19 days, wishes to take unpaid leave for the same number of days, can he reimburse the Government with the same amount of compensation, that is, $150?”
“This is not an area for enforcement action by the authorities but rather one which shareholders should enforce their rights themselves under the very provision which he has mentioned. It is strange how sometimes the original "sin" comes back to visit you again after many years. I was the Secretary of the Notional Statistical Commission ten years ago. And today I am here to give a report on the progress of implementation of the recommendations of the NSC to the Member for Kampong Kembangan. I do not propose to burden the House with a lengthy report. May I refer the Member for Kampong Kembangan to the Annual Report of the National Statistical Commission which was presented to Parliament on 16th November, 1978. I believe I have covered most of the questions and points raised by Members. If I have not, there is always the occasion during Budget time for them to raise their questions again. 4.00 p.m.”
“The Member for Serangoon Gardens has asked the Ministry of Finance to ensure that "a clear and fair set of criteria is formulated to assess the earned income of the self-employed workers" because the income of these workers varies with individuals. At present, only 28.7% of the labour force is included in the tax net. Government's policy in broadening the tax base is to ensure that the social responsibility of tax burden is shouldered by more of those people constituting the labour force who have incomes within the taxable range. The self-employed who do not keep accounts and are not declaring their incomes are among those who have not been contributing their fair share to tax. This means that those of us who are earning a salary and whose income can be made known to the Tax Department easily are carrying more then our fair share of tax. In broadening the tax base to include this group of self-employed people, the tax assessment will be equitable and according to their earned incomes, and I can assure the Member for Serangoon Gardens that realistic and fair criteria will be adopted to determine the earned incomes. The Member for Alexandra has asked the Ministry to take steps to ensure that the provision of section 107 (1) of the Companies Act, regarding the delivery of shares to investors within a month, is strictly followed. Section 107 of the Companies Act concerns the rights of a shareholder vis-a-vis his Company. The Act lays down the remedies that are available to a shareholder if his company does not comply with the provision of section 107. He should avail himself of these remedies. If shareholders remain apathetic, companies will naturally take advantage.”
“Moreover, the earned income relief was increased from $1,000 to $2,000 for pensioners over 55 years of age but below 60 years, and to $3,000 for those above 60 years of age, to assist those who work after retirement. Most pensioners therefore are liable to pay income tax on low chargeable income, unless of course they have other substantial means of income. The Member for Kampong Kembangan, in his speech to the House on 11th January, 1979, mentioned that he had occasion to give his comments to the Head of the Civil Service on improving the staff evaluation system. He has asked whether any progress has been made on this matter. The Prime Minister's Office, in close consultation with the Public Service Commission, has reviewed the present staff evaluation system for Administrative Officers. Permanent Secretaries are now required to give supplementary information and assessment of the officer's potentials and weaknesses in addition to the existing staff confidential report so as to enable the PSC to better assess individuals for promotion. In addition, a separate report format for the assessment of professional officers has been devised. The new format would give greater weightage to the professional skills of the officers in addition to their administrative abilities. The draft format has been circulated by the Prime Minister's Office to the respective Ministries and departments for their views before implementation. I now come to the last category, which is Miscellaneous. Under this, there is the question of tax on self-employed, delivery of share scrips and a report on the implementation of the recommendations of the National Statistical Commission.”
“Anything is possible, but the point is whether you believe in the conclusion. May I move on to the second category on Civil Service staff matters. The Member for Kolam Ayer, in his speech to the House on 10th January, 1979, asked for a review of pension rates because of the ever-increasing cost of living. It will be recalled that a similar suggestion was made by the Member for Potong Pasir in this House in July last year. The House was informed that in March 1974 Government approved the grant of an exgratia allowance of a minimum of $15 per month and a maximum of $30 per month to pensioners resident in Singapore whose pensions are below $650 per month. Payment of this allowance was in recognition of the abnormal inflationary situation at that time. Some 5,300 officers were awarded the allowance which cost approximately $120,000 per month. It was noted that there had not been such a similar situation since 1974. There has not been any change in the position since July last year to warrant a review of the existing policy. The Member has also remarked that it was "immoral to ask the pensioners to pay income tax on their monthly pensions." It would appear that most countries in the world are "immoral" because they, like Singapore, impose tax on pension. But there is no real immorality because pension is payment for services rendered in past employment. Nevertheless, in view of their special position, resident pensioners have been given a measure of relief since half their pension is already tax exempt. Under the existing tax laws, pensioners also qualify for normal tax reliefs such as relief for himself, his wife and his children.”
“Another question raised by the Member for Whampoa which was also brought up by the Member for Kampong Kembengan is the optimal level of tourism and the limit of tourism in Singapore, i.e. whether there should be an upper limit to the number of tourists that we should encourage into Singapore. I do not quite understand the fear of the two hon. Members. We might have two million visitors last year which is near the population of Singapore but fortunately for us they do not stay 365 days in Singapore. On the average of three days per tourist staying in Singapore, the physical presence of the tourist in Singapore is only 16,500 tourists on any one day. This is only 0.7% of the total local population of about 2.3 million. Even if the industry were to grow by two or three times in the next ton years, the presence of tourists in Singapore will still be small. Frankly, we have not done any calculation on the optimal level of tourism. Tourism is a dynamic situation, and the hon. Member for Whampoa will know that in a dynamic situation we will not be able to quantify a fixed limit.”
“He has asked the Ministry to provide the House with an evaluation of the performance and cost-effectiveness of the joint industrial training centres. The establishment of the Japan-Singapore Government Training Centre will not be a white elephant. It is in line with the Government's policy to expand industrial training to meet the increasing demand. From a survey conducted by EDB on the demand for skilled manpower in precision engineering, it was found that even with an expansion of Tata-and Rollei-Government training centres, there will be an annual shortage of about 184 trainees up to 1982. The Japan-Singapore Government Training Centre will initially have a total enrolment of 200 trainees with an annual output of 100 on a single shift basis. The courses offered are instrumentation, mechanical, such as mould-making and maintenance, electrical and electronic trade. These are new courses that will be taught for the first time in the Joint Industrial Training Centres. In terms of cost-effectiveness, the training cost per trainee per month has declined by about 25% for all three existing centres since their establishment because of the economies of scale associated with larger enrolment. The unit cost per trainee per month is $563. As for the benefits, EDB has no problem in placing all the past graduates in industry for on-the-job apprentice training. Dialogues with employers in the industry have indicated that employers are satisfied with the skill, performance and working attitudes of the graduates. Annual evaluations are being made by EDB to ensure that course contents are constantly updated to meet the changing demands of industry.”
“Few will be found in the manufacturing industry, where skills of production and organisational ability are needed and where investments require a longer time to bear fruit. Partly because of the disinclination of our traditional entrepreneurs to venture into the manufacturing industry, it is necessary for public policy to be directed towards the promotion of local industrial entrepreneurship. The lack of industrial entrepreneurs could be due to the short history of our industrialisation. Fortunately this is being changed, as our younger generation workers in many of the multi-national companies in the manufacturing industries acquire marketing skills and production expertise. Among these will be some who have the entrepreneurial ability and, with the necessary assistance, might be able to become the force of Singapore. I am sure the House will agree that entrepreneurs cannot be created solely through the efforts of Government. Entrepreneurial talent is probably innate. The Government can, however, facilitate the development by financial and other support. And this is what we are trying to do in EDB. I would like to dispel the impression that EDB takes care of only foreign investors, Under the Economic Development Board Act, EDB is responsible for promoting all forms of investment in the manufacturing industry. Because of our need to be export-oriented and because the world markets are mostly in the hands of foreign multi-national companies, the thrust of EDB's programme and organisation has naturally to be directed abroad. However, the resources of EDB are available at all times to local investors who should not hesitate to make use of them. Another query from the Member for Whampoa is this.”
“It comprises members from the various Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Singapore Manufacturers' Association. One of the terms of reference of this Committee is to look into the desirability and feasibility of and to work out the organisational and financial proposals for a permanent Trade Development Council to take over the export promotion functions of the Department of Trade. The Committee has not yet come up with proposals for a Trade Development Council. I must emphasise that active participation by the private sector is a prerequisite for the success of a trade promotion body. I might add that although a full-fledged promotion body has not yet been formed, trade promotion activities are not lacking in Singapore. The Export Promotion Section of the Department of Trade liaises closely with our exporters and has been organising trade missions and providing training and trade information to them. One such mission at this very moment is now in West Asia. It is being led by my colleague, Dr Tan Eng Liang. Double Tax Deductions for participating in trade missions and for establishment of trade offices overseas are also given to our exporters. Both the Members for Serangoon Gardens and Whampoa have addressed themselves on the subject of encouraging entrepreneurship, a subject very much in the mind of my Ministry at the moment. Local entrepreneurs are not lacking in Singapore, as otherwise we will not be where we are. If asked to name some of them, both Members would probably come up with the same list as I have and these are the entrepreneurs from the traditional activities of trading, banking and financial services and properties development.”
“It is some consolation perhaps that many countries are realising the adverse international implications of protectionism, if left unchecked. But this is a poor man's consolation, as the developed countries often do not match deeds with words. Take, for example, the Australian protectionist policy in the air. The Minister for Communications has dwelt at some length on this subject. But I would also like to say that I share the concern and disgust of this House at the unilateral act of Australia to impose its selfish view on ASEAN countries, despite its awareness that its new civil aviation policy will damage the interests of ASEAN airlines and tourist-related industries. It is not just a question of SIA's wings being clipped. It means that ASEAN airlines will never grow to be international trunk route carriers. If the Australians are allowed to get away with their new civil aviation policy, it may herald a new regime of air services agreements where there will be no fifth and sixth freedom for airlines. Such a regime will benefit only the airlines of the bigger developed countries and stunt forever the growth of airlines from developing countries. This is an issue of principle, a North-South Dialogue issue, and to bring home the point to Australia, they must be hit where it hurts. Australia's new protectionism in the air must be exposed at international fora, such as UNCTAD, and frustrated by collective ASEAN and developing countries' counter actions. The Member for Whampoa has asked why there was not yet a full-fledged trade promotion body, in view of the need for us to explore new markets. The answer is simple. The Trade Development Committee was established only in August 1978.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in the last debate on the President's address in 1976, my Minister received a volley of some 20 questions. This year the volley has been reduced to about one half. I would like. to think that this is a reflection of the performance of the economy, if not my Ministry. But I suspect that the gun powder is being kept dry for the Budget session. I would like to divide the questions into three categories: (1) Economic Policy and Development; (2) Civil Service staff matters, and (3) Miscellaneous. On economic policy and development, several hon. Members of Parliament in their statements on our economy have shown that they have a clear grasp of the problems facing us: trade protectionism, the insidious Australian aviation policy, the recently announced 14.5% increase in oil price and the likelihood of an economic recession in the United States and other developed countries. I think this House generally understands the harsh realities facing us, but I am not sure if most of our population understands what a recession means, especially the younger workers who have not really up to now experienced economic difficulties. Members of Parliament could help by periodically explaining to their constituents the problems ahead, the need to work hard and save more and warning them against complacency and unreasonable expectations of high economic growth. The Member for Whampoa with his usual clarity has reiterated for us the dangers of protectionism. We recognise the need for multi-lateral solutions to protectionism and we are strongly supporting efforts being made at the multi-lateral trade negotiations. We have ourselves been practising liberal trade policies.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, could I suggest that he bring up the matter again - to the Director-General this time? 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 Goh Chok Tong]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. ADJOURNMENT TO A DATE TO BE FIXED (Motion) Resolved, "That at its rising today Parliament do stand adjourned to a date to be fixed." - [Mr Sia Kah Hui]. ADJOURNMENT MOTION”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we will leave the details to the department concerned. I think the Consumers Association itself has a duty to help in this instance.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, although I was not able to follow which section the Member was talking about, I think the answer is obvious. It will be yes.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I think the hon. Member is aware that recently departmental officers have been given titles or designations to reflect better the nature of their work. It depends on the Comptroller of Income Tax himself whether a change of name would more suitably reflect the kind of work that he is doing.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, two reasons have been offered for a change in the name. One is that it is to conform with our own internal departmental terminology. The other reason offered is to fit in with international requirement, in the sense that if we do attend international conferences other countries do have such names. Maybe some other countries do not have such names but that is only one of the two reasons.”
“The other amendments in the Bill are either, again, to tighten Customs administration or consequential in nature. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed.”
“A new section 61A provides that no person, unless he is licensed, shall knowingly keep or have in his possession any utensil, apparatus or material for bottling, blending, compounding or varying any intoxicating liquor and section 123 provides for penalty of imprisonment for a term not exceeding 18 months or to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to both such imprisonment and fine for an offence under the new section 61A. Another new section 61B provides the exempting provision. A new subsection 68(1)(c) requires owners of licensed premises to display notices stating that no person under the age of 18 years is allowed to buy or consume intoxicating liquor in the premises. This is consonant with requirements under the Liquor Licensing Regulations, 1974. The amendment to section 75 makes it an offence for any person, other than those authorised to sell duty-free goods, to advertise that he is selling duty-free goods in his premises. The amendments to sections 94, 96 and 98 widen the powers of Customs officers conducting investigations or arrests of person(s) connected with any offence under the Customs Act. With the amendment to section 106, a Magistrate's Court can now impose a sentence of imprisonment for any offence for a term not exceeding two years, instead of 12 months as at present. This is in line with the enhanced powers of a Magistrate to impose sentence as provided for in the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act, 1976. Section 121 is amended by making the possession of uncustomed goods an offence. A new section 121A provides for the imposition of penalties for offences connected with the addition of deleterious substances to intoxicating liquors for consumption or for sale.”
“Section 21 (1) is amended to provide for the value of any imported goods to be determined at the time when duty is payable, and not their value at the time of importation. The amendment to section 25(2) provides for the import of "manufacturers' samples" without payment of duty in the same manner as "trade samples" and the import without duty of "samples for the purpose of soliciting orders from local manufacturers". Under existing provisions, only "trade samples" are allowed to be imported without duty for the purpose of being demonstrated in Singapore for the soliciting of orders from abroad. The amendments will facilitate trade. The amended section 29(a) provides that no permit shall be required if a person brings into Singapore dutiable goods, the duty of which does not exceed $300. This amendment will again facilitate trade and administration. The existing section 34 of the Act requires the Director-General to be supplied with a full manifest of goods in transit. The amendment to the section makes it mandatory for the Director-General to be supplied with a statement only when the goods in transit are temporarily discharged in Singapore. The requirement is to enable the Customs Department to keep track of all goods which are temporarily landed and ensure that they are eventually shipped out of Singapore. The amendment also allows the Director-General, if he considers it necessary, to ask for a manifest of all goods, notwithstanding that the goods are not landed and are only in transit through Singapore.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The Customs Act is amended principally to strengthen the legislation for effective enforcement and to improve administration as well as bring the provisions of the Act in consonance with the changes or requirements in other legislations. Under section 3(1) of the Act, the term "manufacturer" is re-defined and a definition for the term "bottling" is included in order to remove the ambiguity and contradiction between sections 58(1), 58(4) and 61 (1) of the Act. The contradiction exists because the existing definition of "manufacture" includes blending, compounding and varying of any intoxicating liquor. However, section 58(1) excludes from the licence to manufacture intoxicating liquor, the blending, compounding and varying of intoxicating liquors. Again, section 61(1) requires a licence to be taken out for the blending, compounding and varying of any intoxicating liquor. The new definition of "manufacture" includes the process of distillation, fermentation and any process of converting raw materials into intoxicating liquor but does not include blending, compounding and varying of the intoxicating liquor. The term "bottling" is defined to include blending, compounding and varying of intoxicating liquors. Another amendment to section 3(1) changes the titles of Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller, Senior Assistant Comptroller and Assistant Comptroller to Director-General, Deputy Director-General, Senior Director and Director respectively, to conform with international practice and recent changes in departmental titles which were effected to enable the public to identify the hierarchy in the Service.”
“Regarding giving them powers to draft regulations and financing of some of their activities, I would suggest that the Committee sit down and perhaps ponder deeper into their terms of reference. They could get the necessary guidelines from the members on the Committee and submit their recommendations to me and we will consider them.”
“Sir, I share the Member's concern on profiteering and its deleterious effects on the welfare of Singapore consumers. I do not feel that the establishment of a Prices Control Council to control prices or to set guidelines for changes in prices of consumer goods and foodstuffs is necessary. The bulk of our consumer goods and foodstuffs has to be imported. The prices must be able to respond quickly to changes in the world market place. The evils of speculative hoarding, artificial shortages and black-market operations will not wait for the Council to ponder over the wisdom of a price change. For most consumer products and commodities, a free market system with minimum intervention achieves optimum results. However, because of our concern for the welfare of consumers for essential commodities, my Ministry coordinates a governmental committee on profiteering and inflation to monitor price trends of essential commodities to help stabilise prices and minimise shortages. The committee has been set up since 1974. So we have the machinery to monitor prices for essential commodities. By and large, the free market system that encourages imports from the cheapest sources has served us well. My Ministry will continue its efforts to monitor closely the price trends of essential commodities, and I look forward to the continuing active participation of the Member for Potong Pasir in his capacity as Secretary of CASE to help ensure that fair prices are charged to the consumers and end-users. The Member also suggested that the Chairman of the Committee on product safety should not wait for other members to goad them on. I shall pass on the message to the Chairman accordingly. I see no problem in including a representative from the Industrial Health Department of the Ministry of Labour.”
“Sir, the breakdown is as follows: $100,000 to continue construction of the promenade from the Japanese Garden to Jurong Park; $20,000 for general improvement to existing facilities such as upgrading of existing playgrounds, play equipment and so on. Mr Ho Kah Leong: Sir, I thank the Senior Minister of State for his most satisfactory reply, and I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”
“The delay has been noted and JTC has taken steps to expedite the release of these title deeds. Sir, I think the matter should be solved within a year. I share the Member's concern regarding his cautionary note that non-citizens should not be grouped in housing estates. The policy remains the same, i.e. they would not be grouped together. They would be interspersed with citizen tenants for the reasons advanced by the Member for Jurong. This policy based on distribution on an apartment block basis will continue.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Member for Jurong has raised four points. The first point is in regard to recreational facilities. In the coming financial year, $120,000 has been allocated to improve recreational facilities in JTC estates. In addition, there is at present a scheme to provide funds at the rate of $1 per flat per year up to a maximum of $10,000 for a constituency for the improvement and maintenance of common areas in the housing estates. Requests from MPs through the Urban and Rural Services Committee will be considered. On the second point about prior notification of MPs regarding changes in certain policies, I have been told that JTC officers work closely with MPs through the Citizen's Consultative Committees and that there is at present prior consultation in many matters such as in the demarcation of wayang sites, shop obstructions, paying car park schemes for housing estates and so on. This arrangement will continue. From time to time, meetings have also been held with MPs to consider specific matters. Policy matters affecting hawkers are governed by the unified policy for all hawkers laid down by the Ministry of the Environment. Sir, the point is taken and the JTC officers would continue to work closely with the MPs and where necessary. If there is no breach of confidential information or if the timing is correct, MPs will be apprised of developments. The Member for Jurong has also made observations regarding the need to expedite the release of title deeds to the flat owners who have completed payments. The deeds will be released as soon as they have been finalised with the Land Titles Registry. Title deeds for some 2,000 units will be issued within the next three months, with the remainder to be issued within one year.”
“The question is whether the needs of the industrial estate or other areas in Sembawang are being adequately met by the Jurong Town Corporation. We should identify the basic cause. It is not necessary to plump for a grandiose solution by setting up another town corporation. The Member also wanted an assurance that tax should not be increased to finance development expenditure of some $200 million. I do not think any Finance Minister could give such a guarantee. But I can assure the Member for Sembawang that this particular expenditure would not cause a serious drain on Government's resources. The total provision for the items under Public Sector Planning has decreased from $319 million to $197 million. That was the reason which caused the Member for Sembawang some concern. I could perhaps touch on the use of this particular sum.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, first, on the Member's observation regarding the vast piece of barren land in Senoko. It is not entirely correct to say that there has been no development or factories built in the Senoko industrial estate. So far, seven lessees have been allocated sites in the estate. Two of them have completed construction of their factory buildings and they are in operation. In addition, four factory buildings are nearing completion. Members may be pleased to note that the Jurong Town Corporation has also taken the following steps to expedite the development of the Senoko industrial estate. First, the investment requirements for the issue of leases will be relaxed. For wood-based and certain local industries requiring less than three acres, the investment requirement is only $100,000 per acre for the issue of a 30-year lease, instead of the requirement of $300,000 per acre for wood-based industries and $450,000 per acre for other industries in other industrial estates. Second, the scope for siting different types of industries has been extended. A food zone has been included within the estate. Of the seven lessees in the estate, four are food industries. It is true that progress in this particular industrial estate has been slower than we ourselves would like it to be. But this is due principally to the lower economic growth compared to the days before the 1974-75 recession. The slowdown in the world economy has affected our industrial development as well as the development of Senoko industrial estate. As to his suggestion for the setting up of Sembawang Town Corporation, so long as the same purpose is being served by the Jurong Town Corporation there is a danger of proliferating similar corporations.”
“In borrowing funds, I think the important point to remember is that one should go into the market when one is in a strong position and not when one requires funds from the banks. They would not lend him, or even if they lend, the interest rates will be different. As we are in a strong position it is a good time for us to establish our credit standing in the foreign capital markets. The second reason is to take advantage of the favourable terms which prevail in the market, including low interest rates and the length of maturity of the loans. I believe I have covered most of the points, if not all the points, raised by Members.”
“These are on-going processes in the Civil Service and, therefore, we have the necessary machinery to enhance the effectiveness of officers in the Civil Service. I think the existing machinery will meet the need of his suggestion to have a separate supervisory committee because part of the work of his intended committee is, in fact, done by the Management Services Department. The Member has also asked for some details of the joint venture between Singapore and Thailand. The first joint venture company with Thailand, the Sin Thai Grains (Pte) Ltd. was established in Singapore in June 1977, on a 50-50 share basis between the Primary Industries (pte) Ltd. of Singapore and the Thai Marketing Organisation for Farmers, which is a public enterprise of the Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The company has an authorised capital of S$l million and a paid-up capital of S$50,000. The objective of this trading company is to promote trade between Thailand and Singapore, focusing initially on the export of Thai agricultural products to Singapore on the one hand and the export of fertilisers, insecticides, agricultural machineries and related goods from Singapore to Thailand on the other. The Member also raised the question of Singapore issuing bonds abroad. I cannot quite recall whether he has asked for figures of the foreign loans raised abroad. Anyway, the total amount of foreign loans raised to-date is $535,507,886. At the moment there is no proposal to raise further loans in other countries. As to why Singapore should raise these foreign loans, there are two principal reasons. One is to establish Singapore's credit standing in the foreign capital market.”
“I do not think that is correct because our figures show that the average tax benefit per taxpayer (for those within the bracket of $5,000 and $10,000 chargeable incomes) varies from 13.3% to 16.7%. This is considered equitable bearing in mind that the average as a whole is 14.6%. Comparison in tax reductions in absolute terms, as we all know, is not meaningful, as the lower income groups pay much less tax. Indeed, the objective of the income tax revision is to make income tax less inequitable to all categories of taxpayers. On manpower policy, the Member touched on the need to have a supervisory committee to review the performance of those in the Civil Service. In brief, the objective is to find ways of raising the efficiency of the Civil Service. I share the concern of the Member for Sembawang. The need to enhance the effectiveness of the Civil Service is recognised and efforts are constantly directed towards this. Ministries and departments, with the assistance of the Management Services Department and Computer Services Department, undertake reviews of their organisational setup and work procedures constantly with a view to improving their working arrangement to meat changing requirements. Where feasible, work processes are computerised or mechanised to improve efficiency. Apart from sending officers abroad for training, which will improve the efficiency of the officers concerned, in-service courses are also conducted at the Civil Service Staff Development Institute for serving officers, especially those in supervisory and managerial positions. These courses aim at imparting the basic supervisory and managerial skills to the officers to better equip them in the discharge of their duties.”
“Sir, there is no reason why members who are on the Committee cannot suggest to the Chairman that meetings should be held more regularly if there are matters to be discussed. So I would leave it to the Member, if he thinks that the Committee needs reviving, to take the initiative to revive the Committee. The Committee is not deed. 6.30 p.m. The Member for Potong Pasir mentioned about certain anomalies resulting from the consolidation exercise, that for certain grades in the Civil Service figures were rounded upwards while for other categories figures were rounded downwards. He wanted an assurance from the Minister that the matter will be corrected. I am not aware at this stage that for certain grades the figures were rounded upwards and for other grades the figures were rounded downwards. If these anomalies are there, I would give him my assurance that we will take the necessary stops to correct them if we are convinced that they need correction. The Member for Sembawang raised a number of matters which were raised by other Members and also by himself during the debate on the Budget Statement. For those particular issues, I do not propose to repeat the answers that have been given. I will leave out his observations on licence fees, colour television, tax and driving licence. But I will go on to touch on his other observations. The Member for Sembawang touched on the income tax rates and the benefits for those with chargeable incomes between $5,000 and $10,000. He seemed to give the impression that this particular group of income taxpayers did not benefit very much from the new income tax rates structure.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Member is asking a number of questions by way of making a clarification. The short answer is that there is no need to revive the committee which the Member mentioned. The committee is actually the Consumer Protection Co-ordinating Committee which has representatives from the Ministries of Health, the Environment, Science and Technology, the PUB, the Department of Trade, SISIR and CASE, I believe the Member himself, or his representative serves on the Committee. It is true that the Committee has not met as often as the Member would like it to be.”
“The responsibility allowance scheme introduced only very recently delineates levels of responsibility in the civil service and accordingly distinguishes three levels of command and control in relation to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. In fact, these matters are fully spelt out in the circular and I think it would not do the House much good by my going through the various definitions and terms in this circular. The Member has asked for some figures of Division I, II and III officers of those posts listed in Appendix A. Before I give Members the necessary figures, it must be emphasised that the gradings were worked out by matching the appointments to the gradings as in the FY 1976 Establishment List. As Members know, since FY 77, the establishment List has been presented by personnel groupings and posts failing within each individual personnel group are no longer graded. For those posts listed in Appendix A, there are 591 posts in Division I plus the Heads of Missions for which we have not counted the number of posts; 40 in Division II and nil in Division III. On the Member's observation on the need to protect consumers from certain aspects of advertisements, he has mentioned that there are some grey areas for which no single authority appears to be responsible.”
“This is because the Government policy on restructuring of salary scales or schemes of service is that this will be considered only if they are intended to rectify anomalies, to facilitate staff deployment or improve career development prospects. The Member has quoted some figures to show the alarming situation in the Customs Service. Perhaps the intention was to emphasise the need to revise the salary scales as the turnover was high. But then I think there are other factors behind the turnover. I would not at this stage know what the factors are but this could be the nature of the job, the harsh conditions of the job, perhaps the salary scale. But the high percentage of turnover does suggest that we should look into the situation seriously and that will be done. We would, of course, examine the salary scale and see whether that is in fact the cause for the high turnover. Sir, I would next move to the observations of the Member for Potong Pasir. First, he made some observations regarding acting allowances and responsibility allowances. Second, he spoke on consumer protection before he was "guillotined". The subject of acting allowances and responsibility allowances is a complex one. One of the reasons for the abolition of acting allowances was that the whole nature of officers acting in higher grades was getting out of hand. Each time an officer goes on leave or goes abroad, not only would the officer below him act in that capacity, but we find that there is a whole string of people acting because when one moves up, the one at the bottom would move up to his position to act. And it is therefore thought more equitable if we were to define "responsibility". Hence the introduction of the scheme to replace the acting allowances.”
“Its function is to investigate and evaluate the facts and circumstances of the case as put to it during its inquiry. At the end of its inquiry, the Committee submits its report to the Commission setting out its findings. The officer under inquiry has to be present at the inquiry. He is permitted to cross-examine witnesses, to give evidence on his own behalf, to have such witnesses as he may wish to call upon on his behalf and to have access to information contained in any documents at a reasonable time before such documents are tendered in evidence. Also he may be permitted at the discretion of the Committee to be represented by another public officer who could also be a union officer or an advocate and solicitor. The Public Service Commission decides on the culpability and the punishment to be imposed on the officer, taking into consideration the report of the Committee. The present arrangement on the conduct of disciplinary proceedings therefore accords an officer the fullest opportunity of being legally represented and heard. Experience has shown that the arrangement has given officers a fair and unbiased hearing. It has worked satisfactorily and in the interest of the civil service. There are therefore no grave circumstances to change the existing procedure. On the Member's observation regarding the salary scales of Customs and Immigration Officers, it is true that these scales have not been revised for quite some time. BUt the non-revision is also true of several other grades. Other categories of Government officers also do not enjoy revision in salary scales.”
“First, the representation of union officials in disciplinary committees and, secondly, the salary scales of Customs and Immigration Officers. Perhaps it would be useful if I were to recount briefly to the House the procedures for disciplinary proceedings in the Civil Service. The arrangement for the conduct of disciplinary proceedings in the Civil Service is laid down in the Public Service Regulations (Disciplinary Proceedings) 1970. Under the arrangement, the Public Service Commission may cause disciplinary proceedings to be instituted against an officer when it is represented to the Commission by a Permanent Secretary that the officer has been guilty of misconduct or neglect of duty and if the Commission is of the opinion that the subject of the complaint warrants proceedings with a view to dismissal or reduction in the rank of the officer. The officer is then notified in writing by his Permanent Secretary of the grounds upon which it is intended to dismiss him or to reduce his rank. The officer is also informed in writing or any other circumstances which it is proposed to take into consideration. He is given not less than seven working days within which to exculpate himself in writing. If the Public Service Commission finds the exculpatory statement submitted by the officer unsatisfactory, the Commission will appoint a Committee to inquire into the matter and to submit a report to the Commission. The Committee appointed by the Public Service Commission consists of three members, two of whom are public officers. The other member is not a public officer but is chosen from a panel of persons nominated by the Public Service Commission. The Committee is not a judicial or quasi-judicial body.”
“The rates of transport allowance for civil servants were, in fact, reviewed only recently, in October last year. The review indicates that the current motor-cycle and scooter rates are fair and reasonable. Others would say that they are unfair and unreasonable. One can always have differences of opinion. The current motor car rates are, in our opinion, also fair for small cars. But I concede that they are slightly low, but only slightly, for the bigger cars. However, it is not 'the intention of the Government to encourage ownership of bigger cars. The rates of transport allowance will be reviewed periodically and adjustments made whenever necessary. The merit increment scheme for good-performing officers, which the Member has touched on, has ceased to apply in the Civil Service. If the Member has any questions to raise on the scheme, I would suggest that he address them to the Prime Minister's Office as the scheme is under its purview. With regard to the observations about the "sick" Ministry of Health building and also the need to maintain other Government premises, funds are provided in two block votes shown under the PWD for such a purpose. A sum of $6 million is included in Head N, Subhead NB 07, item 2110 for the maintenance of all Government premises. Another sum of $3 million is provided under Head N, Subhead NB 01, item 8102 for, amongst other things, renovations to Government buildings. The maintenance of all Government buildings is undertaken by the PWD. There are, therefore, funds available for the Ministry of Health premises to be improved. 6.15 p.m. I now come to the two observations made by the Member for Serangoon Gardens.”
“The Member's suggestion has also been taken into account in the existing practice. He has asked for some figures on the re-employment of pensioners. I am sorry that I do not have the figures as pensioners who are re-employed from year to year are being handled by the individual Ministries concerned. The Member has also suggested that cut-off dates for the payment of the Non Pensionable Annual Allowance should be 30th November instead of 31st December as at present. This matter has been discussed in previous sittings of Parliament and it has been explained to the House that the allowance is intended to be a 13th month salary supplement to be paid to officers still in the service at the end of the year. There is therefore no reason to change the cut-off date. Once you change the cut-off date to say, 30th November, there is bound to be suggestions from other MPs for other cut-off dates. For example, we could have cut-off dates as at the end of January. The reason for payment to be made on 31st December, or a few days earlier, the cut-off date being 31st December, is that December is usually the festive season and that is the most appropriate time for the 13th month salary supplement to be paid. 6.10 p.m. [Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair] The Member has also made some observations on the retirement of officers. Again, here I am unable to provide figures on the number of officers who are not eligible for the non-pensionable annual allowances due to retirement last year. This is because the retirement of officers is dealt with by the Ministries concerned. On the consolidation of the NWC allowances of daily-rated employees, this matter is under consideration. When a decision has been made, instructions will be issued to the Ministries.”
“The ATM, in simple language, is a sophisticated cash dispenser. It is activated by a depositor's personal plastic card. But unlike the ordinary cash dispenser it is on-line to the main computer and also allows for the withdrawal of cash in varying denominations. This added self-service banking facility will provide a new convenience to depositors. It will also serve as queue breakers during the lunch hour period and during other peak periods of the month. The bank had, in fact, already organised two demonstrations of ATM facility at two of its branches recently. While it is impossible to eliminate queues entirely, the implementation of the foregoing measures will undoubtedly ease the congestion at the POSB counters during lunch hours. On medical benefits for the families of statutory board officers, I have to inform the Member for Anson that statutory boards have their own schemes of medical benefits for their employees and their families. If the Member has any specific statutory board in mind, I would suggest that he raise the matter with the Minister in charge of that body. Regarding the shortage of staff in the Ministries of Health, Education and Home Affairs, the Ministries concerned will be in a better position to enlighten the Member on the steps that are being taken to recruit the necessary staff. I have no doubt that they are aware of the problem and are doing their utmost in consultation with the recruiting authority to overcome the staff shortage. The Member has suggested the recruitment of foreigners to fill vacancies. In fact, this is being done. For instance, professional officers, like engineers and architects, have been recruited from abroad. Existing practice also does allow for the re-employment of pensioners where their services are required.”