Harun bin A. Ghani
Singapore
“Sir, I was surprised when the Acting Minister for the Environment mentioned that the Chinatown area is low-lying. I have found out that many hawker centres, for example, the Adam Road hawker centre and some markets are flooded during a heavy downpour. Could ENV do something about it?”
“A month earlier, a New Paper journalist, Melvin Singh, also raised the same issue regarding the smell in the New Paper of 15th January 2001. He wrote about two of his wife's nephews who are of Chinese descent and aged 3 and 5 years. He said, "Both had hugged me in the same way they have done to their other uncles.”
“The Muslim residents in the Jurong area are grateful to the Government because, for many years, the Government has allowed Muslims to use the land in Jurong to build a mosque, which is the Jalan Majapahit Mosque. Unfortunately, at the end of 1999, the Mosque could not function any more because the site has been acquired.”
“Sir, point of clarification for the Minister. The Assyakirin Mosque is meant for the people who are residing or living in Taman Jurong and the Al-Mukminin Mosque is for those who are living in Toh Guan and Jurong East. So there is no mosque around Jurong West, and the number of dwelling units there is more than 20,000.”
“I hope the Ministry of Finance would consider my proposal so that alcohol consumption could be reduced and our youths will find it a pinch when buying and consuming alcohol. On the other hand, this will increase the revenue of the Government from $343.1 million to possibly $500 million a year.”
“I believe that this amendment is necessary if we were to see stability in our country. Evidently, it is vital that the amendment to the Drug Trafficking (Confiscation of Benefits) Act be amended to include corrupt practices and other serious crimes for the interest of our country.”
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“Sir, I was surprised when the Acting Minister for the Environment mentioned that the Chinatown area is low-lying. I have found out that many hawker centres, for example, the Adam Road hawker centre and some markets are flooded during a heavy downpour. Could ENV do something about it?”
“A month earlier, a New Paper journalist, Melvin Singh, also raised the same issue regarding the smell in the New Paper of 15th January 2001. He wrote about two of his wife's nephews who are of Chinese descent and aged 3 and 5 years. He said, "Both had hugged me in the same way they have done to their other uncles. But one day, one of them told me that my body smells because I have dark skin." This is something that worries me because of race consciousness. If this is not contained, it will bring about adverse effect in the future. Finally, Mr Speaker, the generous Budget which has allowed the Government to share their successes with others is a sign of the Government appreciating the effort of the people who are together with the Government during difficult times. I support the Budget Statement which has been tabled by the Finance Minister, Dr Richard Hu.”
“In fact, one expert, Dr Joseph Ozawa, Director of Physiological Services for the Criminal, Family and Juvenile Justice Centre, said that problems of the family are mainly caused by the husbands who are alcoholics and not those husbands who are drug addicts. He said that this is because it is easier to purchase alcohol than drugs. While I welcome the Subordinates Courts' Family Justice Centre to launch a programme to assist the heads of family who are alcoholics next month in April, I think other measures should be taken and one of them is to increase the duty for alcohol as much as it can so that it is no longer cheap to purchase. In fact, I am the only one who asked it to be increased as compared to the others who did not. I also welcome the Government's measure to top up $500 million into the Lifelong Learning Endowment Fund this year to reach $1 billion, and more than $30 million for the development of Manpower Development Assistance Scheme so as to equip our workers with the necessary skills. As lifelong learning will be a new lifestyle in today's living, $1 billion may not be enough. The Lifelong Learning Endowment Fund should be one-third of the sum allocated to the Ministry of Education, which is $6.3 billion. A new way is for the Government to assist those workers who do not have post-secondary education, as this group will be left behind by the changes in our economy. This group, if not helped, will break our social fabric. Mr Khalid Abdullah, who is of Chinese Indian-Pakistani descent, has written about his surprise when a child who is not more than 10 years old told him and his two children that he could not play at a playground because "you are an Indian and you smell". This is reported in the Straits Times on 19th February 2001.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I welcome this generous Budget as presented by Minister Hu, and as mentioned in a local newspaper, The New Paper, it would certainly bring happiness to the people. There is much to be said about the Budget this year. However, I would mention only three issues. Firstly, on alcohol. I welcome the measures taken by the Minister for Finance, in increasing the tax on tobacco by $30 a kilogram, but it is a wonder how the tax on alcohol was not increased in tandem. Although I do not question the tax increase, I would like to say about the consequences of alcohol which bring about problems to the family and our youths. We sympathise with Mr Tan Boon Hui and Miss Ng Shen Ching who died in a road accident when they were preparing to set up a family. It was reported in the Straits Times on 27th February 2001. Both of them died when their motorcycles went out of control on the PIE on 13th May last year. Late last month, the Coroner's Court found that the blood and urine sample of Mr Tan contained excessive amounts of alcohol. We also read early last month about a 7-Eleven branch in Hastings Road in Little India which stopped selling alcohol because there were a lot of fights and clashes by the customers who purchased alcohol there and from several other shops. Please refer to the New Paper on 3rd February 2001. In fact, according to one of the residents there, they would drink until they were drunk and got themselves into scuffles. Another resident also said that they are not prepared to allow their children to go out on late nights in the weekend, for fear of being involved in the scuffle. We were also told that one in every four husbands who is involved in wife battering cases is an alcoholic. This is reported in the New Paper on 20th February 2001.”
“Sir, point of clarification for the Minister. The Assyakirin Mosque is meant for the people who are residing or living in Taman Jurong and the Al-Mukminin Mosque is for those who are living in Toh Guan and Jurong East. So there is no mosque around Jurong West, and the number of dwelling units there is more than 20,000. For his information, we have about 65,000 units. Could the Minister explain?”
“The Muslim residents in the Jurong area are grateful to the Government because, for many years, the Government has allowed Muslims to use the land in Jurong to build a mosque, which is the Jalan Majapahit Mosque. Unfortunately, at the end of 1999, the Mosque could not function any more because the site has been acquired. Therefore, the Muslim residents in Jurong, Jurong West, Gaik Poh, Nanyang, Old Jurong Road, Boon Lay and the workers in the Tuas industrial area and its surroundings also do not now have a place to go and observe congregational prayers and attend religious classes. So the residents there are appealing to the Government, through the Minister in charge of Muslim Affairs, for a mosque to be built in the Jurong West area because there are now 65,000 residential units in the area. According to the Development Guide Plan, each area with 20,000 units of residential units ought to have one place of worship for each religion. I believe that with this density of population in Jurong, it is timely for Jurong West to have a mosque.”
“Could the Minister tell us how many of the "hardship" cases were not up to standard and they had to give up their stalls? Mr Lee Yock Suan: I do not quite get the question. The policy to allocate stalls to hardship cases was started in 1975 and the policy was stopped in 1990. When the policy was reviewed, it was felt that there was no longer a need for the policy. Maybe I can give an idea of the situation at that time. There were then a total of 648 approved hardship cases on the waiting list. In 1990, when the policy was stopped, a total of 212 vacant cooked food stalls and 1,621 market produce stalls were offered to them. However, there were no takers. In fact, all 648 cases had not selected a stall for nine months and 538 had not selected any stalls for over a year. In fact, most of them were not really in dire need of a stall. Many of them could not operate the stalls. They were hoping to get stalls in good locations so that they could sublet to other people and, indirectly, get a subsidy for living allowance. ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 2000 TO 31ST MARCH, 2001 (Paper Cmd. No. 2 of 2000) Order read for consideration in Committee of Supply [3rd Allotted Day]. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Head I (cont.) - Resumption of Debate on Question [9th March, 2000], "That the total sum to be allocated for Head I of the Main Estimates be reduced by $100." - [Mr Chay Wai Chuen]. Question again proposed.”
“From the administrative point of view, the effort of the Ministry of the Environment is commendable but, in practicality, we find that in recent months, the refuse collection has not been going on smoothly and according to schedule. At times, we find that the collectors were slow in collecting the refuse and the job performed was unsatisfactory. They used to collect the refuse very early in the morning. However, they suddenly did not collect the refuse for one or two days. What worries me is that their inconsistency and slow clearance of the refuse would bring about an unhealthy environment and various diseases. Do the selected contractors lack the experience? Or is it because they lack manpower? In addition, they use smaller vehicles compared to the ones used by the Ministry of the Environment. What action would the Ministry take on the contractors that could not complete their tasks? When will the new tenders be released? During the selection of contractors for this task, I hope the Ministry of the Environment would be more selective and it should impose heavier punishment to be rendered on contractors who could not perform their job satisfactorily so that Singapore's status as a "clean city" is ensured.”
“I would like to know whether the said department has thus far been successful in informing the public on the importance of eradicating dengue fever and malaria? What are the figures for both diseases? At the end of 1999, were the figures going up or down? If it had gone down, what are the contributory factors? If in 1998 malaria had taken five lives and dengue one, what about 1999? Is the death toll increasing? We were informed that 369 malaria cases were brought in from overseas. What measures have been taken to reduce the figure? Lastly, how many researches were conducted by the Ministry of the Environment so that dengue and malaria problems could be overcome, if not eradicated? I hope the Ministry of the Environment will continue to do the necessary to ensure that Singapore is free from dengue and malaria. We do not want our country, known as a "clean and green city" to be otherwise. Not many tourists will come if there is a dengue and malaria epidemic in Singapore. Singapore is well-known for its cleanliness and greenery and her citizens live in comfort. According to WHO, water and air pollution is well under control. The public and private sectors have both actively participated in various projects to enhance our healthy and clean environment such as the "Clean and Green Week 1998". All these activities will enhance public awareness on the importance of living in a clean and green environment. In April 1996, refuse collection has been privatised and taken over by SEMAC Pte Ltd (Singapore Environmental Management Company). I have been informed that to enhance cleanliness, the Ministry of the Environment has introduced competitors to collect 7,790 tonnes of refuse per day.”
“Sir, when we see, read or hear about floods occurring in Africa, Europe, America and China through the print or electronic media, we would be worried and fearful if it would happen here where lives would be lost and properties destroyed. We live in a small island surrounded by water and the fear is more real when heavy rain continues for several days and the tide is high. In the 70s, we saw the development of 3,178 hectares of flood prone land involving $20 million worth of manpower and about $68 million in improving canals in flood prone areas. In 1998, there were 260 hectares of flood prone land left that can still be developed. These flood prone areas can cause difficulties to the public when flood occurs and there would be traffic jams and damage to vehicles and properties. The question is: why did the Ministry of the Environment not develop the 260 hectares of flood prone land? Is it due to shortage of budget or other factors that flood prone areas still exist? Where is the location of the 260 hectares of land? What projects are underway and will be carried out? Can I say that in 10 years' time from today, Singapore will be free from flood? 4.45 pm Sir, it was reported in 1998 that there were about 5,183 dengue cases and 75 cases of dengue haemorrhagic fever. With regard to malaria there were 405 cases, of which 369 were cases reported to be brought in by victims from overseas. Only 36 cases of malaria occurred here. Although the figure is quite high, only one died from dengue and five from malaria. The responsibilities of reducing dengue and malaria cases rest on the shoulder of the Vector Control and Research Department, Ministry of the Environment.”
“I hope the Ministry of Finance would consider my proposal so that alcohol consumption could be reduced and our youths will find it a pinch when buying and consuming alcohol. On the other hand, this will increase the revenue of the Government from $343.1 million to possibly $500 million a year. Otherwise, alcoholism will be a way of life for our youths to show that they are "cool" and somebody. And what will happen to our youths in future when they indulge in drinking alcohol? 5.15 pm”
“It is not my intention to encourage the young generation to place their aged parents in these homes. In fact, I feel that the addition of these homes is necessary to meet the needs in the next five or six years. Hopefully, by encouraging more Singapore citizens to upgrade their skills and secure better jobs with higher income would lower the number of low-income earners among the Malay/Muslim community. Once this is achieved, there is no need to increase the number of homes for the aged. In addition, the proposed Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) would hopefully be able to meet the needs of the retirees. However, this objective may not be achieved in 10 years' time and, as such, I feel that while waiting for a better situation in the next 10 years, the addition of one or two more homes for the aged is necessary. Sir, according to the Monthly Digest of Statistics, it is estimated that about 15,000 Singapore citizens die annually. Their deaths are due to various diseases - old age, accidents, homicides and so on. What I wish to highlight here is the deaths caused by road accidents involving vehicles and innocent people as a result of drunken driving and deaths by accidents. We found that 200 people have died, 396 with serious injuries and over 8,500 suffered minor injuries. From the 200 people who died, we were not able to identify how many were due to drunken driving; and the fights that took place at coffeeshops, hawker centres and at homes which were all due to excessive alcohol consumption. Drug addicts who could not get drugs would indulge themselves in alcohol consumption and when they become drunk, they cause social problems by committing theft, housebreaking and outraging modesty. As such, I wonder why there is no increase in the tax on alcohol.”
“Sir, I support the Budget tabled by the Minister for Finance. I wish to congratulate the Minister for Finance, Dr Richard Hu, on the announcement of this year's Budget Statement in which he announced several measures which I think could foster family spirit among our younger generation. I am referring to the incentives given not only to parents but also to grandparents, and at the same time foster a three tier family unit that includes children, parents and grandparents. If we look carefully at the financial incentives given to children for maintaining their parents and grandparents, it may sound odd. It seems that these measures encourage a materialistic culture among our young generation. In fact, if our children could look after the welfare of their parents and grandparents without the financial incentives, we should be thankful, because it is something ideal that we dream of. However, in reality, it would only remain as a dream because without such financial incentives, I think it is not easy for us to encourage our young generation to shoulder the responsibilities of looking after their parents and grandparents. This, however, should be an embedded value in our young generation. I am also glad that attention was also given to the low-income earners who could not afford or are helpless in looking after the welfare of their parents through the ElderCare Fund. This is because the low-income earners often face hardship in their life. To maintain themselves is already a problem; what more if they have to look after the welfare of their aged parents who require medical attention. In this respect, I would like to propose that more Malay/Muslim homes for the aged be set up in one or two years' time to meet the future needs of the Malay/Muslim community.”
“From Malay sayings, the Malays are called to be loyal to the land where they live, and remember that the grass may be greener on the other side but it is still better here. So, if there are any speeches that question the loyalty of the Malay Muslims, it must be thought out rationally and not emotionally. We must look at our situation. We should not react angrily. We are taught to be patient. Patience is part of our faith. And there might be wisdom in what has been said. There is also evidence that maybe there are some among us who are more loyal to another country or who deride the leadership of a country. A bad apple may spoil the whole basket and it is therefore our duty to prove our loyalty to our country. I believe that this loyalty and love for the nation will be proven in due course, and the world would be a better place if we work together towards it. EXEMPTED BUSINESS (Motion) Resolved, That the proceedings on the business set down on the Order Paper for today be exempted at this day's sitting from the provisions of Standing Order No. 1. - [Mr Wong Kan Seng]. DEBATE ON PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS Debate resumed.”
“If we can adjust this to the needs of today and combine it with the national certification programme, it would enable mothers and also fathers to listen to the radio. By having such radio programmes in all the languages we could have English lessons suited to the needs of today, such as Business English or Cyber English, which would explain the terminology in the Internet world. Wafer fab English, for instance, will explain the terms used in the sector. We can also widen this effort through television. These educational programmes, of course, will not have popular ratings similar to entertainment programmes, but I believe that rating is not the only reason why we have radio and television. The life-long learning culture depends on the effort of individual citizens. They are the main factors, whether they would be able to continue their education or not. But I think there is no loss for the mass media to provide this facility and to ensure that we will provide this facility in full. We are also faced with the problem of drop-outs who are unable to study or who have been trapped in unhealthy activities. I am of the view that if these students are placed in a special school which provides only sports and athletic activities as well as the arts, it would enable them to gain excellence in the fields that they are interested in, apart from providing English, Mathematics and mother tongue lessons for their academic needs. Perhaps from this, we can produce sportsmen or artists who can do Singapore proud. And if these drop-outs are not monitored, they will be a problem to us later on, as we try to achieve the Singapore 21 vision. In conclusion, the Malay Muslims are taught the teachings of Islam which say, to love our nation is part of the faith.”
“Lately, and in recent years, the Government has introduced various programmes to enable every citizen to share in the prosperity of Singapore. For example, the share ownership schemes, the CPF top-up scheme and the Medisave top-up scheme. These are efforts to give Singaporeans a stake in a concrete form that they can see. But if Singaporeans only see the stake in material terms, I think it is a matter of concern for us, compared with the policy of active citizenship. It would be more meaningful if every citizen is invited to share in determining our future. We are all asked to offer our points of view as best as we can to make the Singapore 21 Vision a success. Another point I would like to touch on is the wider definition of success which does not only involve success in academic terms but also in sports and the arts. I welcome this change of mindset, because it will allow us not only to be a prosperous nation but also a gracious nation that we hope for. However, no matter how prosperous a country is, we cannot deny the presence of certain people who are not able to share in the prosperity. There will always be those who are left out and those who struggle to keep up. So, I would encourage all Singaporeans to practise the concept of life-long learning. We know of the difficulties of the workers, especially those 40 years and above, and who have secondary or lower education, to undergo lessons to upgrade themselves. We can perhaps reduce the burden of these workers if we can provide classless learning facilities, ie, capitalise fully the potential of radio and television. For example, not a long time ago, the Malay radio station had a special programme for the teaching of English, which was conducted by Asmah Laili.”
“Mr Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak in support of the motion moved by the Member for Bishan-Toa Payoh, Mr Davinder Singh. Before I proceed, allow me to touch on a newspaper article which somehow or rather belittles the Opening of the Second Session of Parliament which was full of Parliamentary tradition. I believe that each one of us has his own weaknesses but what is important is the content of our speech. We depend heavily on journalists to assist in educating and conveying the intent of our speeches for the information of the general public. We hope that this can be done. Mr Speaker, coming back to the Presidential Speech, I fully support the decision to make people the focus of Government policy. Of course, there are cynics who criticise this effort. In fact, the voices of these cynics is a great concern of mine because it is a sign that shows that our society is still far from its aim of becoming a dynamic society that does not focus on material wealth and where there are children who would no longer remember the deeds of their parents who have brought them up. They would drive away the parents from the homes or abandon them without a place of shelter. If this trend continues, we will have a society that would not know the meaning of responsibility and a society that would forget its origins. So I hope the values of courtesy should be the emphasis of our education in schools right from primary to university levels. When we look at the concept of active citizenship, which is the idea of encouraging every citizen to shape his future, it is a new phase for giving him a stake in the future, as mentioned by the President in his Speech.”
“I believe that this amendment is necessary if we were to see stability in our country. Evidently, it is vital that the amendment to the Drug Trafficking (Confiscation of Benefits) Act be amended to include corrupt practices and other serious crimes for the interest of our country.”
“Sir, thank you for giving me the opportunity to join in this debate. It is timely that the proposed amendment to the Drug Trafficking (Confiscation of Benefits) Act to include corruption practices and other serious crimes be introduced to safeguard the interest of our country. Singapore has come a long way to be what it is today and it is vital that we equip our law enforcement agencies with a more effective legislation to combat corrupt practices and other serious crimes. I believe that with the amendment Bill there will be a positive effect on the political, social and economic aspects of our country. Those who have the intention of committing drug trafficking, corrupt practices and other serious crimes at the expense of the interest of Singapore will have to think twice before committing such crimes. With the amendment Bill, the relevant authorities will have the powers to confiscate the proceeds acquired by the criminals through their criminal activities and hit them hard in their pockets. This will also deter others from committing such offences. Sir, I strongly support the Drug Trafficking (Confiscation of Benefits) (Amendment) Bill on the following grounds: (a) It is hard on the criminals and deters others from committing such crimes. (b) It helps to maintain low crime rate and enhance the confidence of foreign investors. (c) It helps to maintain political, social and economic stability of our country. In doing so, it could help to create more employment opportunities in Singapore. (d) It helps to achieve our vision in making Singapore a safe and best home for everyone. The amendment Bill not only benefits both Singaporeans and foreign investors alike, it also enhances Singapore's image at the international level.”
“Sir, slanted and distorted reports in the newspapers and television in Malaysia, particularly a TV3 programme which was telecast on 30th June 1999, appear to have the objective of bringing about uncomfortable feelings among the Malay community. Also, there will be bad elements from those outside Singapore wanting to shake our racial harmony through their atrocious articles and statements. Those who wish to do such a thing should realise that Singapore Malays value the importance of education and tertiary learning. Do not make the Malays as pawns in their game of chess. We have learnt a lot from past experience where the words "race" and "religion" had been used by certain quarters for their interest. The Singapore Malays are now open-minded and rational in their thinking. The foreign media, whether in print or electronic, should not interfere with the internal affairs of Singapore. When Singapore newspapers made inadvertent mistakes in reporting about their country, not only their media were angry but also their leaders will condemn Singapore and insinuate about our leaders. It is best that the media of the said country find ways to overcome their problems pertaining to housing, drugs or the education of the Malay community as voiced out by their leaders. The Singapore Malay community is aware of the game played by the media of our neighbour. Remember, the Singapore Malays are not the pawns in the game of chess of the said country. Sir, I support the Bill.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for allowing me to join in this debate. I support the Sultan Hussain (Amendment) Bill proposed by the Minister for Law based on the explanation and clarification made by him when he brought forward the proposed Bill in Parliament. After the proposal was read in Parliament, I went down to various coffeeshops, hawker centres and places of worship. I found out that not even one member of the Malay community in Singapore questioned the status of the Istana Kampong Glam. Only a handful of individuals wanted to know the type of compensation to be given to the rightful descendants of Sultan Hussain. The majority of them welcomed the proposal by the Minister for Law because the Malay community had long thought that the Government has to do something about Istana Kampong Glam. They also wanted to know whether the cost for refurbishing and preserving the Istana is sufficient and how the Malay community could raise funds for the Malay Heritage Centre. In the meantime, I wish to pose several questions to the Minister for Law. Even though we have heard about the new payment scheme mentioned by Mr Yatiman Yusof, I believe that it would be much better if the Minister for Law himself could explain further. (1) Am I right that the proposal made by the Minister is in accordance with the law and not based on the whims and fancies without taking any consideration of the interest of the descendants of Sultan Hussain? (2) Is it true that the descendants of Sultan Hussain are forced to move out without being fairly compensated? (3) Is it true that they have been poorly compensated? Perhaps the Minister can give us some information on the resettlement progress.”
“As the Malay saying goes, "Living by mutual help which will help to stabilise our stance to create a one nation and people of Singapore ". Majulah Singapura. Mr Speaker: Order. I suspend the Sitting and will take the Chair again at 3.15 pm. Sitting accordingly suspended at 2.48 pm until 3.15 pm Sitting resumed at 3.15 pm [Mr Speaker in the Chair] SINGAPORE 21 (Motion) Debate resumed.”
“Thus, a part of S21 Vision would have been fulfilled and a more harmonious living is bonded. Mr Speaker, Sir, I am very much impressed and it is therefore incensed in my heart by the speech made yesterday by PM Goh Chok Tong in this House. He spoke at length concerning the Singapore nation. He said that Singapore is not yet a nation and he foresees the possibility that something untoward might happen if we are not on our guard and prioritising our country and society above our own self-interests. I feel that the sense of belonging of Singaporeans has existed and has been proven by the fact that Singapore has participated in every field of activities. The sense of pride of being a Singaporean is more evident when they are abroad. I believe that if this spirit is nurtured and inculcated, the hopes of our Prime Minister will certainly be realised. However, I feel that whilst the national leaders practise the policy of working hand-in-hand, we should be on the look-out and ensure that those entrusted with this policy work together. I fear there may be some of them who are in disagreement with each other. In this event, certain sectors of the population will point a finger at the Government whereas, in fact, the policy of the Government is correct and is made in the interest of the people. When this eventually happens, the scepticism towards the word "trust" will emerge and will become a question mark without a full stop. I urge that Singaporeans use and exercise the word "trust" as a panacea, which can cure all ailments, great or small, in our multi-racial, multi-lingual and multi-religious society. Hopefully, the hopes of our Prime Minister and Singaporeans alike will be realised when we continue to practise our fundamentals of life.”
“Speeches made by our leaders should be used by the Malay community as a yardstick to build a more meaningful and excellent life, especially with regard to the issues of retraining, the knowledge based economy (KBE), lifelong education and others which will enhance the credibility of the Malay society. Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to touch upon the dearth of Malays participating in grassroots activities. For example, on the basis of participation ratio, I think less than 6% Malays take an active part in grassroots activities. Now that we have Vision S21, I hope more Malays will participate in grassroots activities because the People's Association has identified and analysed the reasons for the inadequate participation of Malays in grassroots activities, such as problems of prayer times, halal food issues and the frequent dinners and festivities which they have to pay for to attend. It appears that the obstacles which I have mentioned above have been addressed by the People's Association and local grassroots organisations by providing halal food and holding meetings after 7.30 pm, after prayer times. When Singaporeans, including the Malays, work together as a nation, more benefits will be garnered. Otherwise, the ingredients are incomplete and the end result is simply not delicious. I therefore feel that there is no reason for the Malay community not to be able to work hand-in-hand and to participate in national activities such as in the Residents' Committees, Community Development Councils and others. I believe, with more active participation of Malays in grassroots organisations, many local and national issues can be comprehended and adopted resulting in stronger inter-racial relationship. Besides, more feedback will be made available.”
“When the Malays continue to climb up the education ladder, they will be qualified to fill more and even higher posts in the SAF." Then on 1st April 1999, Berita Harian made a report from Jakarta concerning remarks made by the Singapore Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General Bey Soo Khiang: "In fact, President Habibie has received the wrong information. We practise a system of meritocracy. All SAF staff are accorded equal treatment on the basis of equality, regardless of race. In fact, there are many Malay officers in the SAF and they have made contributions towards national defence like other races." I am deeply touched because I was greatly elated after reading the speeches which I quoted above. Why? Because all this while, the topic of Malays in the Singapore Armed Forces has been a very sensitive issue, a grey area which is difficult to put light in the open, not only by the Singapore community, but even myself; perhaps also my MP colleagues. Such concerns and sensitivities from these speeches, I think, will be a sort of encouragement and stimulant which will spur the Malay community to attain greater heights and work together in the national arena. Scepticism and misgivings, which have abated confidence on meritocracy, are obvious. New horizon has arisen and meritocracy is no longer an instrument to avert misunderstanding but it has been shown to be exercised fully. So I am sure the Malay community, which has always been loyal to this beloved country, will bury any feeling of suspicion and apprehension. We must put our shoulders to the wheel in order to acquire knowledge.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, allow me to join in the debate in respect of the motion moved by the Minister for Education. Mr Speaker, Sir, it is not easy to embark on the task of mobilising the forces of our multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious Singapore society to give feedback, suggestions and inputs which could become the platform for the lives of Singaporeans in the years ahead, namely, Vision 21. It is even more so after having dialogues and interviews with 6,000 Singaporeans to follow up on their ideas and opinions. Therefore, I wish to place on record my congratulations and thanks to the S21 Committee for their unyielding efforts, chaired by RAdm Teo and his Committee members. I am sure the findings and proposals of the Committee will be well received by the people of Singapore and, hopefully, translated into action fully. Mr Speaker, Sir, active citizens will determine the heartbeat of our society. In order to achieve this, we need to give full support and overcome any impediments that could affect the active participation of the people. For the Malays particularly, I wish to quote from the speech of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Dr Tony Tan, as it appeared in the Berita Harian issue of 28th February 1999: "It is not reasonable for employers not to employ persons of suitable skills and talent simply because they are not Chinese or for the SAF not to appoint or award promotion on the grounds solely of being Malays. It is stupid on our part to do such things." Then, on 11th March 1999 in Berita Harian, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Dr Tony Tan further said: "There are many Malay commanders, officers, warrant officers and specialists in the SAF. They serve in the same field as their non-Malay counterparts and others.”
“Sir, it is because of theft that I have asked for a lower fine for motorcyclists.”
“Sir, there is a difference between motorcycles and motorcars. Motorcycles are fitted with IUs but the CashCard can be stolen easily if they forget to take it out. Could the Ministry invent an IU so that the CashCard could be safe?”
“Sir, how many motorcyclists have been summoned up to date?”
“Sir, why can the Ministry not employ Singaporeans, rather than giving a chance to 331 Malaysians to work there? The opportunity for Singaporeans to work there is gone.”
“Sir, how many non-Chinese students are there in that school and were they given a place in the school which they wanted to go? RAdm Teo Chee Hean: Nan Hua currently has 134 non-Chinese students studying in the school across all levels. This is about 10% of the entire population of the school. The existing students will not be disadvantaged in any way and the current arrangement for instruction in the other mother tongue languages will continue. SCHEME B BUS OPERATORS (Amalgamation into a limited company) 3. Mr Shriniwas Rai asked the Minister for Communications if he will consider amalgamating into a limited company Scheme B bus operators so as to serve the public better. The Minister of State for Communications (Dr John Chen Seow Phun) (for the Minister for Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Scheme B bus operators are mainly individual operators whose main business is to provide chartering and school bus services. They also serve some of the scheduled bus routes during peak hours to supplement the two major bus operators, SBS and TIBS. My Ministry does not see the need for them to amalgamate in order to improve their services. Nevertheless, there is nothing to prevent them to amalgamate on their own if they find it advantageous to do so.”
“Sir, why was Nan Hua Secondary School chosen and not some other schools in the northern part? RAdm Teo Chee Hean: We did a study of the pattern of students who may be eligible to take Higher Chinese and we looked at where the current SAP schools are, and we decided that Nan Hua was the school which was in the correct geographical location to cater for these students as well as having the appropriate history, characteristics and community support which would help to make it successful as a SAP school.”
“I would appreciate it very much if DPM could include the reduction of education fees especially for higher learning institutes. So far, the Report does not mention it.”
“Sir, the Ministry of the Environment has implemented various programmes and projects to curb the spread of dengue fever. However, the Ministry's efforts seem to be less effective as the number of people infected by dengue fever from 1995 to 1997 shows no improvement. It has instead increased as follows: 2,008 cases in 1995, 3,128 cases in 1996 and 4,300 cases in 1997. Worse still, recently, the newspaper reported that within the last two and a half months, there were 1,291 cases. I think at the end of the month, there may be 6,000 cases. Based on the figures that I have quoted, it clearly shows that the general public is still not aware of the dangers of dengue fever. Perhaps they believe that it is not as bad as other sickness. In actual fact, if the fever is left untreated, it would make the victim go into shock, as manifested by a rapid and weak pulse rate and low blood pressure. Hence, death can also occur. Therefore, what is the follow-up action the Environment Ministry is planning to take in the future? I hope the Minister will enlighten us.”
“Sir, in the early 70s and the 80s, Singapore citizens who were above 40 years of age and who received social welfare assistance were given the opportunity to get a stall. Through their hard work, we find that their standard of living has changed from non-comfortable to comfortable. I am of the opinion that perhaps this is the way we could narrow the gap between the low and the high income groups. I have mentioned several times that those who receive assistance from the Ministry of Community Development and those who are in the low income group be given a stall so that they could change and improve their standard of living. I still hope that allotting of stalls through the tender system could be modified so that those in the low income group could also have a chance of getting stalls. And I will keep on fighting for this. I hope the Minister could review the system and give consideration. Sir, may I continue with my next topic?”
“I believe the Government has taken the appropriate measures to prepare ourselves for any possibility of the economic situation getting worse. But what are these measures? Can these measures ensure that in Singapore we will not be faced with a shortage of basic necessities? Finally, I would like to touch on the Government's support for the training of our workers so that they can continue to compete in this challenging world. In my opinion, it is necessary for the Government to provide as much financial support as possible to ensure that our workers will continue to be able to compete. In this respect, we all realise that Malay workers form the largest group of workers who are lacking in skills. I fear that the concerns which have been raised about structural unemployment recently will affect more Malay workers. If more financial support could be provided for this purpose, I believe more active efforts can be carried out to assist this group of workers. Sir, I support the motion. 2.05 pm”
“Surely, we realise the ability of Singaporeans to own cars when we notice that our public housing estates are always congested with cars owned by the residents in the area. These vehicles include not only the small cars such as Mazda 1.5, etc., but also luxury cars such as Mercedes and BMW. These luxury vehicles can also be seen in 4-room flat precincts in our public housing estates. So a relief based on per capita income is more appropriate as a criterion for providing rebates to Singaporeans. The second point I would like to raise is on the personal income tax relief. This concerns the relief provided to those who are looking after their parents and disabled siblings. In our effort to encourage children to continue to look after their parents, we should perhaps also extend the relief to the four parents, ie, one's own parents and parents-in-law. In this way, we will be helping to prevent and reduce misunderstanding between parents and parents-in-law because they are given equal attention by their children and children-in-law. The same relief can also be given not only to just one's own disabled siblings but also disabled siblings-in-law and relatives who are unable to go out to earn their own living. I believe this will go a long way towards strengthening family values among themselves, whether between parents and their own children, or between parents-in-law and relatives in the family. Sir, another point I would like to touch on is our state of preparedness in facing the economic turmoil in this region. We have often heard how the people in neighbouring countries are forced to scramble in order to obtain their daily necessities such as rice and sugar which obviously have fallen far short in supply.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, although the economic turmoil in the world has not seen its end as yet, the Budget presented by the Minister for Finance, Dr Richard Hu, has been able to provide the people with a number of reliefs and rebates which are very well received, particularly those that touch or concern their pockets. Although the amounts may be reduced such as the 5% tax rebate which is appreciated by the people who are appreciative of the efforts of the Government, I think in giving the reliefs and rebates, perhaps there might be a more equitable means which we can apply to ensure that those who truly need the rebates and reliefs receive the assistance provided. I am referring to the rebates given for the greatest majority of Singaporeans who live in public housing. As announced by Dr Richard Hu, the Government will be granting rebates to HDB flat owners, including those who live in the larger flats, ie, 4- and 5-room flats. The 4-room flat owners, for instance, will be receiving all the rebates except rental rebates, and this is appropriate because there are no rental 4-room flats. 5-room HDB flat owners will be receiving the S&C rebates. In my opinion, a fairer and more equitable means, although it might be more complicated, would be to give the rebates based on the per capita income of each family, and not on the flat size. This will enable us to provide a better means of assistance to those who truly need them. I do not mean to say that we should not provide rebates to those who earn higher incomes. They should be entitled to such rebates. But I think a more accurate picture of ascertaining the financial ability of Singaporeans would be through their per capita income.”
“Sir, the Minister mentioned that the PSI reading is taken on an average, meaning that in some places, the reading is higher. I understand that the PSI reading in Jurong is always higher than other places. If the average PSI reading is 200 or 300, what would be the reading in my constituency? Can the Minister explain? I am worried about my constituents. Some hon. Members: Hear, hear!”
“Sir, may I seek a clarification from Mr Jeyaretnam? I thought Mr Jeyaretnam said that the Singapore Police and other personnel are not accountable to Singapore. Is he saying that police and uniformed personnel are not accountable to the people of Singapore? He said it in his introduction just now.”
“Sir, why did MUIS not urge the pilgrim agents to use SIA flights?”
“Sir, could the Minister reconsider his decision so that the lower income or hardship cases have a chance to tender for a hawker stall? Otherwise, they would not have a chance to obtain a hawker stall because the present tender prices are very high.”
“Sir, I think the Minister should consider building a polyclinic at Nanyang Estate and Gek Poh Ville, because these are populated areas.”
“It seems, Mr Minister, that our children are at risk of contracting dengue fever. Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, that is why we have been working with the principals. In fact, we have been issuing summonses to principals whose schools are found to be breeding mosquitoes, and we will continue to conduct regular inspections of schools, especially since there are many school children who are susceptible to dengue fever.”
“I wonder why the percentage of the schools found breeding Aedes is very high, at 27%. It is also high in construction sites. The reason given by the Minister just now was because of the litter. But why is Aedes breeding in the schools very high, compared to other premises?”
“Sir, Jurong West is quite far from Jurong West St 42 and there are three primary schools there which are adequate for Jurong West, but they cannot accommodate the children who are living in Hong Kah West 1. We have to face the residents there and in the plan the site was for a school. Who is going to answer them?”
“Sir, in the development plan for the last five years, the vacant land was earmarked for a school. How come it has suddenly changed to some other development?”
“All these people appealed to the Ministry of National Development for justice to be done, but without success. They could not afford the legal cost to take the matter to court. So, I would suggest to the Minister that the Government sets up a special committee to look into cases and complaints from people who are not satisfied with the quantum of compensation. Some people could not find their title deeds earlier on. Now they have found their title deeds, or if they can produce evidence to substantiate their claims to the title, then they should be given compensation with retrospective effect.”
“As for Tan Chiang Nee himself, no flat or compensation was offered to him, even up till today. His two assistants, who had been living there for quite a long time were also not given any compensation. This is because of mishandling of the case by the officials. The whole family suffered as a result, so too their assistants. According to Tan Chiang Nee, he had written to the Prime Minister and BG Lee Hsien Loong, and had met the MP for Toa Payoh, but all to no avail because the case was mishandled by the officials in the initial stages. Tan Chiang Nee's father died in sorrow and anguish, and one member of the family attempted suicide, but was fortunately rescued. There were other unhappy incidents that took place in the family. The second example is the case of Ang Chin Siew. Ang Chin Siew had a property in Sembawang, known as 85 Lorong Pikat. He was resettled by the Government, but was not given any compensation. The reason was that he was not at home when the officials called there. When Ang Chin Siew pursued the matter, the officials told him that he had to write in to make a formal application to re-open his case. He told the officials that he was illiterate, and was thus unable to write the letter. Consequently, he was given no compensation, nor any alternative of a HDB flat. The third case involved one Wong Lee Siong. Wong's family lived in Sembawang. He was also affected by resettlement. He was very unhappy with the quantum of compensation offered to him. He sought the help of MPs, not one but eight hon. Members of this House. But so far, no good news have been forthcoming. We can see from these instances that the people have been very, very wronged, and they have grievances because of these resettlement and compensation problems.”
“For example, when the Government asked the tenants to move out from the 62 plots of land at Woodlands Avenue 9, no alternative site was offered to them. Thus the tenants could not carry out their business as they had no place to store their goods. Another point I wish to bring up is that sometimes a number of Temporary Occupation Licences (TOLs) may be taken out in respect of one site. The compensation given to each holder of a TOL is therefore divided into very small amounts. Another point is that when the people went to the Government department concerned to appeal for higher compensation, they were pushed from pillar to post, from one department to another, or even from one Ministry to another Ministry. Let me give the Minister three real examples in regard to the abovementioned points: First, the case of Tan Chiang Nee. Tan Chiang Nee's father had a number of fish ponds and prawn ponds, and a number of buildings in Tampines. Tan Chiang Nee lived with his parents in this area since he was born. Sometime in mid-1960s, the Government acquired their land, ponds and buildings. In 1967, before they were compensated or offered alternative accommodation, the officials from Ministry of Health, and later Ministry of the Environment, came and filled up their ponds. Because the ponds were filled up with land fill, there was a strong stench coming out from there. Their family, about 10 people including their assistants, had to endure all the flies and stench in that area, from 1967 to 1972. They were living in constant fear and uncertainties, and in extremely unhealthy and unhygienic conditions. In 1972, Tan's father was offered a compensation of only some $36,000 and a three-room flat in Toa Payoh.”