Ho Cheng Choon
Singapore
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the portion of Balestier Road from Serangoon Road junction to Moulmein Road junction is well planted with trees and is quite shady and green. The portion from Moulmein Road junction to Thomson Road junction has no trees because no planting can be done on the road divider which is only about 0.4 metres wide.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as soon as the Ministry of Finance approves the project, work on the Sembawang Park will commence and development is expected to take two years. The Member also asked what kind of facilities will be provided.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Punggol has suggested that the authority concerned should undertake park development and ensure a speedier completion of the projects.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the proposed site for the Centralised Motor Repair Workshop is at 19.3 km Woodlands Road. Plans and cost estimates for the project have been completed. The Ministry will proceed with the implementation of the project as soon as funds are available.”
“We will give every encouragement and assistance if the private sector is prepared to go into deep-sea fishing. Sir, the Member for Punggol asked whether it is possible to have a joint venture on deep-sea fishing between the ASEAN countries.”
“Resolved, That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the reclamation by Government of that portion of the foreshore at Labrador/Tanjong Berlayer containing an area of approximately 11.80 acres as shown coloured yellow on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO.”
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“Sir, let me first deal with the problem raised by the Member for Sembawang. Water mains will be extended to rural areas if there is an express need for them. Since the Member for Sembawang has made a request for such facilities in the Jalan Ulu Sembawang area, the matter will be looked into by the Urban and Rural Services Committee. The URSC has and will always continue to pay special attention to the rural constituencies to improve the basic facilities like road improvements, street lighting and other amenities for the rural people. As regards the provision and improvement of public facilities, as mentioned by the Member for Punggol, street lighting for the farmways in the Punggol pig farm will amount to about $751,000, and the URSC will try to implement as many projects as possible but these will have to be carried out in stages. For FY 78 the Member may wish to note that a sum of $300,000 will be set aside to cater for improvements of existing roads and installation of street lighting and other amenities in the Punggol and Jalan Kayu pig farm resettlement areas. Mr Teong Eng Siong( In Mandarin): Sir, I thank the Parliamentary Secretary for his reply, and beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Dr Ong Leong Boon: Sir, I hold the distinction of having to speak in the last five minutes of both Sittings of yesterday and today. I really do not know where to begin and where to end because I do not expect a reply in so short a time. Could I continue with it tomorrow, Sir?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as soon as the Ministry of Finance approves the project, work on the Sembawang Park will commence and development is expected to take two years. The Member also asked what kind of facilities will be provided. The facilities that will be provided in the Park include picnic areas, beach shelters, toilet facilities, benches, footpaths and car parks. Of course, the Member's suggestion for a jogging track, fishing pond, and a stage for cultural activities to be included in the development plan will be considered.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the portion of Balestier Road from Serangoon Road junction to Moulmein Road junction is well planted with trees and is quite shady and green. The portion from Moulmein Road junction to Thomson Road junction has no trees because no planting can be done on the road divider which is only about 0.4 metres wide. Furthermore, as this stretch of Balestier Road is an old road, there is no provision for tree planting along the sides of the road. However, the Public Works Department will investigate to see if the centre divider can be widened to provide space for tree planting without adversely affecting traffic flow.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Punggol has suggested that the authority concerned should undertake park development and ensure a speedier completion of the projects. However, in order to speed up the development of such parks, the Ministry will consider asking the Parks and Recreation Department, which has the requisite expertise in the form of landscape designers. horticulturists as well as the resources, experience and supporting facilities, to develop certain parks.”
“Nothwithstanding what we have done. there is still room in the rural areas which merit further consideration and attention from the URSC and further efforts will be made to improve such areas. On the 16th of this month when the House was debating the estimates for the Ministry of Culture. the Member for Boon Lay raised the question as to why the URSC had not held press conferences as in the past. I would like to take this opportunity to give him a brief reply. In the past, because the Urban and Rural Services Committee was just a newly established Government agency, the people in Singapore did not quite understand the objectives, plans and the work procedure adopted by the URSC. There was therefore the necessity for frequent press conferences to be held to keep the people informed of the detailed work-objectives, the procedure and development plans of the URSC. After several years of work the rural people have improved in their living conditions. The living environment in the rural areas has been improving all the time. The people not only have better roads, brighter lights but they also enjoy modern living facilities. Subsequently, we have the Citizens' Consultative Committees and the Management Committees of Community Centres set up in the rural areas. The URSC has often come into contact and liaise with such committees. The needs were brought to the attention of the Government and the people also know what the Government is doing for them. Under the circumstances there is no longer the need to hold press conferences which would be amounting to drawing a snake and adding legs to it, which is unnecessary. The more important thing for the URSC is to keep on with its effort to improve the living conditions of the people.”
“They find that the new type was eight times brighter than the old ones and they could last two to three years. This means a greater consumption of electricity. The URSC has decided to improve the existing lamps gradually over the next few years. In the more densely populated areas or in areas where there are community centres, priority will be given in the replacement of old lamps. If the rural roads built earlier are found to be in a very serious state of disrepair, the URSC is ever ready to consider taking immediate action to repair such roads as soon as possible. The Member for Punggol wanted to know the work of the URSC in the past 14 years from 1963 to 1976, in the improvement of public facilities in the rural and urban areas. Over the 14 years, the URSC has spent a total of $48,144 million for the improvement of the living environment of the rural people. This amount of money had been spent on the provisions for the following separate items: First, on rural roads, the expenditure amounted to $15.691 million. Second, the provision of street lighting which took up $8.96 million. Third, the provision of water pipes $6.288 million, under this scheme 11,542 households have been provided with water supply. That is to say, more than 103,800 people have benefitted. Fourth, rural electrification scheme which was completed by 1972 accounted for $13.624 million, benefitting about 1 62,000 people involving about 23,000 households. Fifth, improvement of jetties and other works $3.551 million. All these facts and figures show that of the $48.144 million mentioned earlier, about 74% of the money was spent on rural constituencies. This shows that the Government has done a great deal in improving the living conditions of the people in the rural areas.”
“As regards the work for the new resettlement areas, such as the resettlement area in Jalan Kayu and Punggol, the pig farms, etc., the URSC will very soon make a careful study and survey of these two Constituencies to understand and to find out which public facilities need further improvement or greater attention. At the same time, the URSC will also make an estimate of the amount of money required for these facilities and action will be taken to ask the Ministry of Finance for the appropriation of funds. So the hon. Member can rest assured about this matter. As regards the matter raised by the Member for Punggol that the street lights in the rural areas provided by the URSC are not bright enough and should be improved, my answer is that his criticism is quite correct. As a matter of fact, Sir, the Urban and Rural Services Committee as far back as three years ago, looked into this matter very carefully. But, because in certain rural areas there were still no street lights available, so they could not as a matter of priority improve on the lighting conditions of the earlier existing lamps. 3.15 p.m. Now, because most of the roads in the rural areas are equipped with street lights, the URSC is now ready to do something to improve the poor lighting. In the past the street lights installed in some rural areas were 100 watt metal filament lamps. That was one type. The other type was the 40 watt flourescent tubes. The common feature of these two types of lighting is that they will only last two to three months. The maintenance cost therefore is very high. Three years ago the Urban and Rural Services Committee on an experimental basis used the 125 watt high pressure mercury vapour lamps and they found that this kind of light was much better.”
“Here, Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to express my thanks on behalf of the Government to all the rural people, the CCC, the MPs, national servicemen and the undergraduates of higher institutions of learning for their participation in these gotong royong projects. Sir, I can assure the Member for Sembawang that these collective gotong royong projects will continue to be encouraged by the Government and will receive all the necessary support of the Government. The Member for Sembawang has also asked for an increase in the provision of funds for the URSC. As a matter of fact, Sir, over the past few years, the Urban and Rural Services Committee has been given increasing funds from year to year. For example, in FY 1974-75, the provision for the URSC was $3.3 million whereas in FY 75-76 the provision was increased to $3.6 million. There was an increase of 9.8%. In FY 76-77, the provision was $3.98 million, an increase of 9.7%. For the new financial year of 77-78, the provision is $3.94 million. This may appear to be slightly less than the previous provision but, in actual fact, it is not so. I say so because in the previous provisions for the URSC there was included a sum of $1 million for the improvement of street lighting in the urban areas, and this amount has now been transferred to the PWD fund from the total allocation to the URSC. So if we were to include the $1 million for street lighting improvement in the city area, then the total allocation can be said to have increased by 25% over the previous year's provision. Mr Speaker, Sir, I agree with the view expressed by the hon. Member for Punggol that the U RSC annual allocation of funds can only be used for the improvement of public amenities within the various constituencies.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, first of all, I would like to thank the Member for Sembawang and the Member for Punggol for their remarks on the Urban and Rural Services Committee and for making suggestions to the Committee. The Member for Sembawang has said that after repair of construction of roads in the rural areas, further repairs often become necessary and he has expressed the view that this was due to the lack of strict supervision. As a matter of fact, Sir, all road construction undertaken by contractors is supervised by officers of the Public Works Department very strictly. There is no need for us to worry about this aspect. Furthermore, Sir, it is also written in every tender contract that for the first six months contractors are held responsible for any defects or disrepair of the road after completion. The crux of the matter is that the newly completed metalled roads very often attract a lot more vehicles. As a result of excessive use of such roads, the neighbouring rural roads are also affected and become damaged. As soon as the URSC has got information of such a state of affairs, the PWD will be told to carry out immediate repairs to prevent further deterioration of the roads. The Member for Sembawang has also suggested that we should encourage more people to participate in road construction under the gotong royong scheme. As a matter of fact, Sir, this has always been encouraged by the URSC. In 1976 alone, in Chua Chu Kang. Punggol, Nee Soon, Jurong, Tampines and Kampong Chai Chee, we launched a gotong royong campaign for road construction in these areas. As a result, 18 rural roads were repaired or improved at a cost of $638,000. All these road construction works and improvement were completed according to schedule.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the proposed site for the Centralised Motor Repair Workshop is at 19.3 km Woodlands Road. Plans and cost estimates for the project have been completed. The Ministry will proceed with the implementation of the project as soon as funds are available. Sir, the delay to implement this scheme was due to the fact that we had to get approval from the Development Planning Committee of the Finance Ministry.”
“We will give every encouragement and assistance if the private sector is prepared to go into deep-sea fishing. Sir, the Member for Punggol asked whether it is possible to have a joint venture on deep-sea fishing between the ASEAN countries. As Members are aware, we have several economic cooperation ventures with the ASEAN countries underway and perhaps the Government would explore the possibility of having deep-sea fishing ventures with the other ASEAN countries in the near future.”
“Sir, the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre (SEAFDC) is a regional organisation established in December 1967 under the auspices of the Ministerial Conference for Economic Development of Southeast Asia. The agreement establishing the Centre was signed by the Governments of Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore which are member countries of SEAFDC, The Centre's objective is to promote fisheries development in Southeast Asia through mutual cooperation among the member governments and through collaboration with international organisations and other governments. To meet this objective, the Centre has established three departments, namely, the Fisheries Training Department in Thailand, the Aquaculture Department in the Philippines and the Marine Fisheries Research Department which is located at Changi in Singapore. A major research and development programme, improved harvest, technology of fish and fishery products was undertaken by the Marine Fisheries Research Department with the cooperation of the Japanese government. This programme is of immediate benefit to us as we are largely dependent on imported fish for consumption. Singapore also participates in the activities of the other two departments located in the Philippines and Thailand through exchange of research data and training. The Member for Jurong wants to know why the Fishery Training Centre at Changi was closed down. The answer is quite simple. It is because in Singapore we still do not have the deep-sea fishing industry. So the trainees after graduation could hardly find employment in the fishing vessels. Of course, we encourage deep-sea fishing. This is Government's policy. But the initiative must come from the private sector.”
“Sir, they are not bonded by the Government. Usually after the training they will stick to their jobs either working for the contractors or working for statutory boards or Government departments.”
“Another batch of about 90 trainees will be selected for training in April 1977. Mr Goh Chok Tong: Sir, are the trainees bonded by the Government after the period of training?”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Member for Marine Parade wants to know what is the National Economic Service Training Scheme all about. The National Economic Service Training Scheme is designed primarily to provide apprenticeships and artisan training to school leavers between the ages of 14 and 18. The Scheme started in April 1 975 and is operated jointly by the Public Works Department and the Industrial Training Board. Under the Scheme school leavers are given two years' training in the various construction trades and are taught various skills. For instance, bar bending, carpentry, masonry and painting, are some of the construction trades which are being learnt by the trainees. Moreover, trainees are also given the opportunity to learn different skills on electrical workshop practice, mechanical workshop practice, traffic survey, land surveying, road works, horticulture and landscaping. The Scheme is divided into two categories. The first category allows the trainees to do on-the-job training with contractors who undertake Public Works Department projects at various worksites. This practical training is limited to four days a week during the first year. The trainees spend the other one and a half days in the week at Punggol Vocational Institute for theoretical training. During the second year, the trainees spend five and a half days a week with the contractors. The other category allows the trainees to spend full-time learning various skills in PWD branches. Trainees receive an allowance of $100 per month during the first year and $130 per month during the second year. Since the Scheme started in 1975, three batches of trainees have been recruited. The total intake for the three batches is 207. So far, 25 of them have terminated their training.”
“Last year, the Ministry of Health set up a Home Nursing Fund to look after the poor and needy old people, but this scheme is still in its infancy. Apart from this, every year we have this exercise of giving out ang pows or gifts to old people in the various constituencies. This is all that we have done and are doing for the old people or senior citizens who have given their best lives to the country and the society. Recently, Sir, the question of old people has aroused the attention of the knowledgeables of our society and discussions of their problems have become more and more frequent. But the problems of old people cannot be solved by mere academic discussions. I feel that there are two aspects to the problems of the aged. First, apart from food, there is the need for medical care and healthy recreation. Second, I think we should also give them some meaning in their lives so that they may feel they are still capable of contributing to our nation and not be a burden to it. The Ministry of Social Affairs, besides giving assistance, should look into the question of what the old people can do to contribute to society. No doubt, old people may not be capable of high productivity but some productivity is definitely better than no productivity. So we should not allow old people to sit down idling and doing nothing. We can find some kind of work to keep them occupied and to let them prove that they can do something useful for the society and the country. Sir, I support the Motion moved by the Member for Ulu Pandan to thank the President for his speech.”
“Similarly, since inflation has brought about an increase in the cost of living, the Government should correspondingly raise the personal relief and earned income relief. Otherwise, it will not be fair, It will be "heads I win, tails you lose." Sir, on the question of taxation again, we have the past experience of the right hand giving out the money only to be taken away by the left hand, We have noted, Sir, that in the past when the NWC recommended wage increases, they were immediately followed by tax increases of one kind or another. I am not against taxation as such. But I am earnestly suggesting that when tax increases are being considered the interests of the middle and lower income groups should be taken care of so that we will not give the people the impression that we are giving away money with the right hand and taking it back with the left hand, Finally. Sir, I would like to deal with the problem of assisting old people. As a result of scientific research, there have been discoveries and inventions in the fields of medicine in the form of new drugs and clinical instruments. Besides there was the unprecedented economic development accompanied by an improvement in the livelihood of our people, and the life span of our people in general has also increased, According to statistics, Sir, there are at present thousands of old people in Singapore. This figure will increase from year to year. Those who are fortunate may be taken care of by their children, But those who are not so fortunate, being forsaken by their children or senile or widowed, will have to depend on public assistance provided by the Social Welfare Department.”
“Recently, our country has come into an agreement with the Philippines on an across-the-board 10% tariff cut and a partial 10% tariff cut with Thailand, This is a step forward in the economic cooperation among ASEAN countries, It is our hope that in the near future similar agreements can be extended to other ASEAN partners, Mr Speaker, Sir, it is also our hope that there will be more multilateral and bilateral trade agreements among ASEAN countries in order to bring about a break-through in the tariff barriers, thereby extending and expanding trade on a mutual benefit basis, In this way, the greater the prosperity of ASEAN, the greater the improvement on the livelihood of the people and thereby the greater the ability of ASEAN countries to combat the threat of communism. Sir, I would like to deal with the question of personal relief and earned income relief in our tax system, Several Members have raised this question earlier and I do not want to repeat their arguments here, I have noted that the present rates of $2000 for personal relief and $1000 for earned income relief were fixed as far back as 1948. It is therefore my hope that the Minister for Finance would ask his officers to calculate on this basis, that is, using 1948 as the base year, what should be the cost of living index for 1977. Once this cost of living index has been worked out, then you will know how unrealistic the present system of tax reliefs can be. Mr Speaker, Sir, the PAP Government is noted for its hard work, efficiency, farsightedness and fairness. The so-called fairness means the fairness with which the Government accords to the people. When inflation brought about an increase in the cost of production, the Government raised various taxes and rates. The people accepted this.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, henceforth we have to make better use of available economic structure to seek development on a broad basis, As the President has stated in the Addendum on the Ministry of Finance, the policy is to give special help to manufacturing industries and, through the Economic Development Board to assist investors who set up new industries or expand existing factories or industries, The Government is also arranging with the Development Bank of Singapore to assist our ship-building and ship-repairing and labour intensive industries in their development with better facilities. Mr Speaker, Sir, to be competitive we must achieve better quality and lower costs in our manufactured products, in order to secure a foothold on foreign markets. So on a long-term basis, the Ministry of Labour has to seriously study the success factors of the work system in Japan and South Korea, to find out how the workers there have contributed to the development of their countries. We must learn from their experience and fit into our context the best points and good factors so that we will be able to formulate a suitable work system with the various schemes of reward and incentive so as to increase productivity. Mr Speaker, Sir, because of economic pressure, economic protectionism has more and more been adopted in many Western countries. This is becoming increasingly clear. Such a trend is unfavourable to developing countries. Therefore, closer economic cooperation in developing countries, particularly among ASEAN countries, is most important and necessary.”
“But such a disadvantage is not felt in Singapore because of the limited road space and the smallness of our island. There is no need for our motorists to go over long distances from one city to another or from one state to another. Therefore, electric cars in Singapore are useful. They can be used without the disadvantage that may be found in the larger countries, Thirdly, with solar energy, electricity bill for lighting and' air conditioning in offices and hotels will be greatly reduced. Fourthly, this will also reduce our consumption of oil. Some people may think that I am making a fantastic proposal on the ground that since Western scientists have not been successful in this field, how can we ever hope to succeed? To them, I will say that this is a manifestation of defeatism and that they possess the mentality of a WOG. Mr Speaker, Sir, I feel that the Ministry of Science and Technology can collect data and mobilise the physicists and electrical engineers in our universities, and in our Government and quasi-Government bodies for this kind of research. Mr Speaker, Sir, I am only making this suggestion for the reference of the Ministry of Science and Technology. Mr Speaker, Sir, as I have already pointed out, the fantastic rise in oil prices has caused not only economic recession in the West but slowed down its recovery. Future trends will depend on the recovery of the economy in the United States. Japan and the nine countries in the EEC, As is generally known, the rate of economic recovery in the United States is rather slow, Coupled with the recent increase in the price of oil, the slow economic development has already got a shadow cast over it. These are factors which will have great repercussions on our economic growth.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, Singapore is a country lacking in natural resources. Unlike other countries, we do not have hydro-power, coal mines, oil and other energy resources. But what is important is that as a result of technological and scientific advancement there are some important natural resources which can possibly be made use of for man's continued existence, Obvious examples are the ocean's resources and the solar energy resources. Solar energy can be better used instead of going to waste. In my view I would suggest that the Ministry of Science and Technology should perhaps undertake research on the conversion of solar energy into electric energy, thereby inventing some kind of small scale solar energy electric generator. I lay stress on solar energy, because it is an infinite source of energy. Singapore is so geographically situated near the Equator that out of 365 days per year it has over 300 days of sunshine, Compared with other countries in the West which are not so favourably located, we are much better off in our geographical location to make good use of solar energy, The small scale solar energy electric generator I have in mind is in terms of its energy capacity, Such a generator can be employed on the basis of one generator to one block of HDB or urban flats, or you may have a few such generators to serve a whole housing estate, Mr Speaker, Sir, if such research is carried out successfully it will bring about the following advantages. First, the electricity consumption will be reduced year after year. Secondly, our main form of transport, that is, the motor car, may resort to the use of solar energy battery, Electric cars have one disadvantage, and that is, they cannot run over long distances or at high speed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since 1973 when there was a 400% rise in the price of petroleum, the world economy has run into a state of difficulties. Many economists have long predicted that as a result of the uncontrolled deficit budgetting adopted by western countries to maintain employment and stimulate economic growth, cyclical economic recession is inevitable and will take place sooner or later. Coupled with the substantial increase in the price of oil, economic recession has been precipitated much earlier, enhancing the slowness and difficulty in economic recovery, This is somewhat unexpected. Mr Speaker, Sir, I have noticed that over the past two centuries there have been two breakthroughs in world civilisation and economy. Each time there was a breakthrough, it was closely related to the discovery of a source of energy. The first breakthrough came when the use of coal led to the discovery of the steam engine. This in turn led to ,the first industrial revolution, The second breakthrough came when oil was first utilised as a source of energy. This led to the rapid development in world civilisation and its economy over the last 100 years. This development has come to its complete stage in 1973 when oil ceased to be a cheap source of energy, According to experts the rate at which oil is being consumed shows that the available sources of oil will be exhausted in the next 25 years. At the moment world energy scientists are endeavouring in the following fields. First, to explore new sources of oil. Second, to improve nuclear generators and the safe disposal of nuclear wastes. Third, to study and obtain from sea water the heavy hydrogen as fuel to drive the nuclear energy generator. Fourth, to research on converting solar energy into electric energy.”
“Sir, kampung roads are constructed for the use of residents only, and therefore can take only light traffic. However, once the roads are completed, heavier vehicles and higher volume of traffic are attracted to the area and this causes the road to break up relatively quickly. Rural roads constructed by contractors normally have a four-inch thick crusher run aggregate covered by 1k-inch thick asphalt. The standard roads have a four-inch thick quarry waste sub-base under an eight-inch layer of crusher run aggregate covered by a two-inch asphalt premix. The latter, of course, cost very much more. Roads constructed under gotong royong projects use PWD machinery and workmen and voluntary assistance by members of the public, resulting in a saving in cost, and normally used to incorporate a sublayer of quarry waste. I support the suggestion of the Member to encourage more gotong royong road projects. However, there is a limit to which the PWD machinery and workmen can be deployed for this purpose as their routine work of patching up potholes and repairing minor damages to other roads would be affected.”
“Resolved, That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the reclamation by Government of that portion of the foreshore at Labrador/Tanjong Berlayer containing an area of approximately 11.80 acres as shown coloured yellow on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 1/74", which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. ADJOURNMENT”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the motion* standing in the name of the Minister for Law and National Development, as it appears on the Order Paper. * The motion reads as follows: `That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the reclamation by Government of that portion of the foreshore at Labrador/Tanjong Berlayer containing an area of approximately 11.80 acres as shown coloured yellow on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 1/74", which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore.' Sir, the Port of Singapore Authority proposes to reclaim about 11.80 acres of the foreshore at Labrador/Tanjong Berlayer as shown coloured yellow on the plan marked as "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 1/74", a copy of which is displayed in the Library of this House for the information of hon. Members, for parkland development. The reclaimed area will be integrated with the adjoining land shown edged in green on the plan proposed for development by Government as the Labrador Public Park scheme to create an attractive promenade with sea frontage for the public with a portion thereof, about 5.5 acres (shown coloured yellow and edged in blue on the plan), to be used for port purposes on integration with the adjoining area shown edged in red on the plan. The cost of the reclamation is estimated at $2,152,000 and will be borne by the Port of Singapore Authority which will carry out the reclamation as agent of the Government. Fill for the reclamation will be obtained from the former Alexandra Brickworks' land at Pasir Panjang/Alexandra Road, where some 400,000 cubic yards of earth are readily available. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to.”
“Resolved, That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the construction by Government of a jetty within the foreshore at Kranji industrial Estate as shown coloured red on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE PLAN NO. 2/74", which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. RECLAMATION AT LABRADOR/TANJONG BERLAYER 6.06 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the motion* standing in the name of the Minister for Law and National Development, as it appears on the Order Paper. * The motion reads as follows: `That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the construction by Government of a jetty within the foreshore at Kranji Industrial Estate as shown coloured red on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE PLAN NO. 2/74", which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore.' Sir, hon. Members will recall that in June, 1965, this House approved the reclamation of about 213 acres of the swamp land in Kranji for development by the Jurong Town Corporation as an industrial estate for sawmilling. On completion of the reclamation, the reclaimed land was proclaimed as State land on 13th August, 1971, and subsequently alienated to the Jurong Town Corporation for 99 years to enable the Corporation, in turn, to sub-lease the land to the various sawmilling operators on 30-year leases. The land shown edged in red on the plan marked as "LAND OFFICE PLAN NO. 2/74", a copy of which is displayed in the Library of this House for the information of Members, is one of the lots sub-leased by the Corporation to Kwang Maw Sawmill Limited. The Corporation has now applied for approval to construct a jetty measuring about 430 feet by 25 feet terminating in a platform about 50 feet by 50 feet as shown coloured red on the plan, to be used in conjunction with the sawmilling and woodworking operations of Kwang Maw Sawmill Limited. On approval of the construction of this jetty being given by this House, the Land Office will issue a foreshore lease to the Corporation pursuant to section 9 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270). Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Housing and Development Board will be developing in each New Town some motor repair garages to serve the motorists. The development of suitable complexes to resite motor garages in the Central area, including the areas around Serangoon Road, Lavender Street and Jalan Besar, is being looked into. A suitable site in Kallang Basin will be selected for this purpose. DENGUE HAEMORRHAGIC FEVER (Incidence and mortality) 4. Dr Tan Eng Liang asked the Minister for Health and Home Affairs (a) if he is aware that the University authority has reported a total of about 370 notified cases of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) with at least 10 deaths for the period April to July 1973, whereas his Ministry has not officially reported any outbreak and has only published four deaths; (b) why is there such a discrepancy; (c) what are the actual figures, both of incidence and mortality; and (d) in view of the seriousness of this disease, if he will consider making DHF a notifiable disease by law as in the case of malaria.”
“This is not a question of the demolition of unauthorised houses. But if the Member has any difficulty we are prepared at any time to give him assistance.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I think the answer is a very simple one. If these attap house dwellers at the moment have no house numbers with which to apply to the PUB for water supplies, then the simple thing for them to do is to come to the Ministry of National Development, Building Control Division, for assistance in applying for house numbers to be given by the Property Tax Division. That is the proper way to solve the problem. If the Member has any special difficulties, he can write to my Ministry for attention.”
“If the Member would give notice of a question, we can try and get the necessary information on the extent of the problem and the steps taken to reduce the accident rates.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the amounts incurred over the last three financial years in settling claims arising out of accidents involving Government vehicles in cases which did not go to trial, and the number of such cases are: 1970-71, there were 224 cases in all, and the amount paid out was $87,667.89. 1971-72, there were 194 cases in all, and the amount paid out was $72,091.92. 1972-73 (March), there were 237 cases in all, and the amount paid out was $124,742.87. These figures show that the number of cases that have been settled remains at a steady level, although the amounts expended have increased. This is attributable to the fact that the average sum involved in each case has increased rather sharply. Drivers of Government vehicles involved in accidents through their negligence are subject to departmental proceedings with a view to disciplinary action in cases of proven negligence. In the case of the Ministry of Defence vehicles, the drivers are not only liable to disciplinary proceedings but may also be ordered to pay or contribute towards the cost of the repair of their vehicles. Improvements have also been made to the training courses which these drivers have to undergo. All these measures to try and reduce the number of accidents arising out of negligence are additional to the work planned by the National Safety First Council, the Traffic Police, and the Registrar of Vehicles, to obtain a better all-round standard of driving, courtesy and safety on our roads. However, these figures do not cover the position in respect of the various statutory boards which come under the general direction of various Ministries.”
“It is also a sign of democracy at work, because it involves the direct participation of the people in the important affairs of state. Through these very strict provisions in our Constitution, the foreign ambitious plotters will have their efforts cut short. It is also a blow to our own internal servile politicians who try to please the foreigners. This amendment Bill will make our Constitution more perfect, thus ensuring the integrity of our independence and sovereignty. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to support the amendment Bill. 3.20 p.m.”
“But Norway did not join the Common Market, because most of the people were against the idea. Although participation in the European Common Market is in appearance, only related to economic issues, however, once a country is in the Common Market, certain prerogatives of the country such as those relating to customs, trade, finance, and immigration will be affected by decisions of the Common Market. Therefore, because this question is too important, the countries decided to hold a referendum before going ahead. In 1958, when General De Gaulle took over power in France, he wanted to abolish the old Constitution, and held a referendum to decide on the issue. In our own case in 1963, before we decided to join Malaysia, although there was no provision in our State Constitution at that time, we nevertheless proceeded to hold a referendum to decide on the form and the conditions of merger. The other provision in this Constitutional amendment Bill is also very important. It provides that unless a two-thirds majority is obtained in a referendum, the control of the Armed Forces and the Police Force cannot be relinquished. All of us know that the Armed Forces are the protectors of the sovereignty of our country. We therefore cannot allow any foreign forces, through their local agents to take over control; otherwise, the sovereignty of our country will be undermined and the designs of the foreigners will be successful. I believe that the majority of our people possess the correct decision-making capabilities and will be in favour of resorting to a referendum on important issues such as this. These measures providing for a referendum are also in keeping with the principles of democracy.”
“' This amendment Bill provides that unless a two-thirds majority is obtained at a referendum, no part of our sovereignty may be surrendered or transferred through merger or otherwise with any other country. It also provides that unless a two-thirds majority in a referendum is obtained, any proposed amendment to this Part of the Bill cannot be effected. Sir, there are many examples in history to show that these provisions are essential. The British constitution is the result of several hundred years of constitutional struggle. Parliament is the highest authority in the country. There, the traditions, customs and practices are held in great respect and are not amended very frequently in Parliament. In the United States of America, it is a, different case. It is a comparatively new country. From the very beginning, the American people even provided for the basic human rights in their constitution. In order to preserve these basic rights, the procedure for the amendment of the American Constitution is very complicated and difficult. Any amendment must be approved by a two-thirds majority in both Congress and the Senate. In addition, three-quarters of the states must approve the amendment. Alternatively, the amendment must be introduced by two-thirds of the states' legislatures and must be approved by two-thirds of both the Upper and Lower Houses in America. In the rest of the world there are similar examples. For instance, in the merger of Egypt and Syria, a referendum was held before it was carried out. Recently in the Scandinavian countries, both Norway and Denmark held a referendum to decide whether to join the European Common Market. In the case of Denmark, because the majority of the people supported the idea, they joined the Common Market.”
“They think that with their vast financial resources they can achieve this through their local agents and so manipulate our political power, and then perhaps eventually completely usurp our sovereignty through some changes in the Constitution. This is very dangerous. We must expose and check these attempts. The purpose of the introduction of this amendment Bill is to put a stop to all these wild dreams. At the same time, opportunity is taken to remedy some of the existing loopholes in our Constitution. According to Article 90 (1) of the Constitution, constitutional amendments may be legislated by Parliament. In Article 41 (1) a simple majority of those present in the House is all that is necessary to pass any legislation. This is a loophole in our present Constitution, because any political party may make use of its majority in Parliament to amend the Constitution according to its wishes. If every political party adopts the way PAP is working, i.e, to examine any proposed legislation in detail and with great care before introducing it, then there will be no danger of the Constitution being desecrated. But all these preventive measures are still necessary. As the President has pointed out in his speech: `it would be criminal negligence to allow foreign interests with large financial resources to manipulate our internal politics, by financing Singapore political parties, professional, academic and other groups to try to beguile domestic opinion . . No foreign interests can be allowed to take over Singapore through financing and manipulating political parties through their naive or vain, self-proclaimed leaders.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it is most appropriate to introduce this amendment Bill at present when we have just begun the First Session of the Third Parliament. The First Parliament had the main tasks and responsibility of consolidating and strengthening our political stability, economic expansion and a defence capability, because from these efforts the independence of our country is ensured and our sovereignty preserved. Basically, it was a struggle for survival. The Second Parliament had the main responsibility of solving the various problems of defence and economy brought about by the withdrawal of the British Armed Forces. In the last few years, not only have we solved all these problems, but we have also managed to achieve a great deal in all fields. Our economic growth rate has been maintained at above 10 per cent. The value of industrial production has been increasing continuously. Urban renewal is progressing very well and the environment of our city is becoming prettier and cleaner day by day. All in all, our efforts in industrialisation and modernisation have been extremely successful. However, all these prosperous signs have inevitably created jealousy and a feeling of insecurity on the part of some outside ambitious people. They are jealous of and perturbed by our achievements because our rapid rate of development brings out their deficiency and at the same time it reflects their slow rate of growth, which will make their own people disenchanted with them. As a result of this jealousy and feeling of insecurity, some people attempt through various means to manipulate some of our political parties, perhaps with the intention of taking over the sovereignty of our country.”
“This reclamation, which will also be undertaken by the Port of Singapore Authority on behalf of the Government, is expected to cost approximately $2.5 million. On completion of the reclamation, the land will be utilised by the Urban Renewal Department for tourist projects and for the resettlement of the existing auction centres in urban areas. The area to be reclaimed adjoins land on which are private residences. The Authority will be requested to take all the necessary precautions to ensure that the reclamation will not cause undue nuisance or inconvenience to the occupiers of these properties. However, about nine temporary structures on the foreshore, falling within the area to be reclaimed, will have to be demolished. These temporary structures are licensed by the Land Office and are occupied by about 23 families. Arrangements will be made to resettle these families. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the reclamation by Government of that portion of the foreshore and sea-bed at Pasir Panjang containing an area of approximately 20 acres as shown edged in green on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 5/72" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. Resolved, ADJOURNMENT "That Parliament do now adjourn to the 3rd November, 1972."-[Mr Sia Kah Hui]. Adjourned accordingly at Twenty-four minutes to Seven o'clock p.m. to Friday, 3rd November, 1972.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the motion+ standing in the + The motion, standing in the name of the Minister for Law and Home Affairs, and National Development, reads as follows: That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the reclamation by Government of that portion of the foreshore and sea-bed at Pasir Panjang containing an area of approximately 20 acres as shown edged in green on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATIQN PLAN NO. 5/72" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. name of my Minister, as it appears on the Order Paper. Sir, in July 1971 this House approved the reclamation of about 91 acres of the foreshore and sea-bed at Pasir Panjang, as shown edged red on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 1/71", a copy of which was displayed in the Library of this House for the information of Members. This reclamation, undertaken by the Port of Singapore Authority as agent of the Government, is in progress. It is now proposed to extend the reclamation by filling up the area shown edged green (about 20 acres in area) on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 5/72", a copy of which is now displayed in the Library of this House for the information of Members. The proposed development by the Housing and Development Board at Telok Blangah requires urgent earth works to be carried out within the next three months, and the surplus earth will be used as fill for the proposed reclamation. In fact, in order not to hold up earth works at Telok Blangah, approval, under the proviso to section 4 of the Foreshores Act, has been given to the Port of Singapore Authority to reclaim, in the first instance, the five acres shown edged red on the plan.”
“On completion of the reclamation, the reclaimed land will be proclaimed as State land and will be alienated to the Corporation on terms and conditions to be agreed with the Land Office to enable the Corporation to issue subsequently its own sub-lease to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the reclamation by Government of those portions of the foreshores and sea-bed off Tuas, Jurong, containing a total area of approximately 135.9 acres as shown coloured pink on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 4 /72" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. RECLAMATION (PASIR PANJANG) 6.32 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the motion* standing in the name of my Minister, as it appears on the Order Paper. * The motion, standing in the name of the Minister for Law and Home Affairs, and National Development, reads as follows: That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 270), approves the reclamation by Government of those portions of the foreshores and sea-bed off Tuas, Jurong, containing a total area of approximately 135.9 acres as shown coloured pink on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 4/72" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. Sir, you will recall that in June this year, this House approved the reclamation of about 974 acres of the foreshore and sea-bed at Tuas, Jurong, by the Jurong Town Corporation to meet the increasing demand for sea-front lands by marine and marine-orientated industries. The Corporation now proposes to reclaim a further 135.9 acres of the foreshore and sea-bed in this area, as shown coloured pink on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 4/72", a copy of which is displayed in the Library of this House for the information of Members. It is proposed to allocate the reclaimed site to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. For ship-repairing and ship-building industries. Negotiations are now taking place between the Economic Development Board, the Development Bank of Singapore and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, for the project to be undertaken as a joint venture at a total initial investment of about $88 million. The proposed reclamation is expected to be completed by May 1974 at an estimated cost of $12 million. The fill required for this reclamation, about 12 million cubic yards of earth, will be obtained by cutting down nearby hills.”
“Sir, surely I cannot promise to allocate more funds for Kampong Kembangan or any other constituencies. Basically the principle of the allocation of funds is based on population and the size of the constituency. In any case the decision for the allocation rests with the Ministry of Finance. There is nothing much we can do for the Member for Kampong Kembangan in this respect. Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff(In Malay): Sir, although the assurance is not convincing enough to satisfy me, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $3,250,000 for Head 78 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 81 -”
“Sir, regarding the road in Kampong Pachitan, I am not aware of this request, but I presume the reason for not approving the request could be due to a lack of funds last year. Perhaps I might just give a rough idea of how much was spent on Kampong Kembangan. Out of an actual provision of $12,000 for last year, we only spent $8,300. The vote was under-spent by approximately $4,000. But the whole project may cost more than this amount. However, I would suggest to the Member to resubmit his application to the U.R.S.C, for consideration next month. I have taken note of the complaint raised by the Member for Anson. He has brought up the question of overhead bridges and street lighting, which I will certainly look into.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, owing to lack of funds, the construction of the covered shed on the jetty at Simpang Sembawang has not been approved. The Urban and Rural Services Committee will again consider the proposal when funds are available. APPLICATIONS FOR CITIZENSHIP BY SINGAPORE-BORN RESIDENTS WITHOUT BIRTH CERTIFICATES (Request for favourable consideration) 6. Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi asked the Minister for Home Affairs, in view of the political and economic stability in Singapore, if the Government will consider favourably granting citizenship to applicants (i) who were born in Singapore on or before August, 1945, hut who do not possess birth certificates: (ii) whose spouses and children are citizens: or (iii) whose brothers, sisters and parents are citizens.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I think the letter has not yet reached us. JETTY AT SIMPANG SEMBAWANG (Construction of covered shed) 5. Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Law and National Development when work will commence on the construction of the covered shed on the jetty at Simpang Sembawang.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Urban and Rural Services Committee has not yet received any proposal for the installation of street lights along Andrews Avenue. When such a proposal is made to the Committee, due consideration will be given to it. A proposal for the installation of street lights along Jalan Hikayat, from Sembawang Road to Jalan Sajak, has been received and will be considered at the next U.R.S.C, meeting. Mr Teong Eng Siong (Sembawang)(In Mandarin): Sir,I would like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether he has checked with the members of the Committee to see if they have already received our proposal on this matter. To my knowledge, the proposal has already been sent in.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, when proposals for the making up of these roads were received, funds for the financial year 1971-72 had already been exhausted. These proposals will be considered by the Urban and Rural Services Committee at its next meeting, when the Development Estimates for the financial year 1972 -73 have been approved. JALAN HIKAYAT AND ANDREWS AVENUE (Installation of street lights) 4. Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Law and National Development when street lights will be installed along (i) Jalan Hikayat, from Sembawang Road to Jalan Sajak: and (ii) Andrews Avenue.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, altogether eight trawlers were arrested for operating in shallow waters between 1st January, 1971 and 7th February, 1972. In two cases the offences were compounded. In another two cases the offenders were prosecuted and convicted in court and fined. The remaining four cases are pending a hearing in court. The Primary Production Department, together with the Marine Police, have already stepped up raids against illegal trawlers, and such raids also covered the Sungei Seletar area. BRITISH FORCES' HOSPITALS HANDED OVER ON WITHDRAWAL (Adequacy of staff) 13. Mr P. Govindaswamy asked the Minister for Health whether there are adequate staff to run the hospitals which have been handed over by the British Forces on their withdrawal from Singapore; and, if not, if his Ministry is taking steps to recruit more staff for those hospitals.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Housing and Development Board will continue to let out for rental at least 20 per cent of the new 3-room flats. COASTAL FISHING OPERATIONS (Interference by deep-sea trawlers and measures to safeguard) 12. Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Law and National Development the number of deep-sea trawlers arrested and prosecuted in court for operating in shallow waters and interfering with the operations of coastal fishermen between 1st January, 1971 and the latest convenient date, and if he will direct the Primary Production Department to step up raids in conjunction with the Marine Police against such trawlers in the Sungei Seletar area in order to safeguard the interests of coastal fishermen.”
“Sir, a hawkers' centre and a market are under construction at the Toa Payoh Town centre. There will be 33 footstalls in the hawkers' centre and about 55 footstalls and 219 other stalls in the market. Another hawkers' centre is also being planned in Neighbourhood I to the north of Lorong 7, Toa Payoh. This hawkers' centre will have about 80 footstalls and about 150 other stalls. HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD (Eviction of tenants breaching Board's regulations) 15. Mr J. F. Conceicao asked the Minister for Law and National Development (a) whether it is the policy of the Housing and Development Board to evict a tenant it a member of his household is convicted of an offence which, if committed by the tenant, would constitute a breach of the Board's regulations; and (b) whether, if such a policy exists, it could be rescinded or be appropriately altered.”