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.”
The complete record
Every one of 228 lines we hold for Ho Cheng Choon, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 5.
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Paya Lebar raised matters concerning attap huts in the rural areas. He suggested that attap huts which are in existence for more than 10 or 20 years should be given special consideration without having to comply with the normal procedure of application for repairs. I am afraid I am unable to give a definite answer to this query. But, generally speaking, the age of attap huts in the rural areas can be proved by the owners by way of rent receipts. 6.15 p.m. If they are more than ten years old and require repairs, we will give consideration to the merits of each case, depending, of course, on whether the structures were put up legally or whether special permission ha-d first been obtained. I do not think it is difficult to get approval for repairs to be carried out if the procedures have been complied with. In the case of damage to huts as a result of natural calamities, I think prompt permission is given for repairs to be carried out. This, of course, will depend on whether or not the houses are numbered. Usually special permission is given in the case of numbered houses.”
“Therefore, they cannot blame the Housing Board if they make a wrong choice of locality where there are not many people and their business is adversely affected. I would like to reiterate the policy of the Housing Board - 5.05 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am afraid there is not much time for me to reply. The Member for Delta is worried that some people who do not contribute to the Central Provident Fund cannot afford to put down deposits for the purchase of Housing Board flats. I will enlighten her by saying that the Government will not force the people to buy their rented flats if they are not in a position to do so. Of course, the Housing and Development Board will reduce the difficulties to the minimum. The sale of flats in Delta is now in an experimental stage and has not been finalised yet. Only a proportion of the flats are being offered for sale. At the moment, we have 100,000 Housing Board flats of which only ten per cent have been sold. The Government does not adopt a rigid and harsh attitude towards the occupiers of the flats which we intend to sell. We welcome those who are able to buy the flats in which they are staying. But the Government will not force the people to buy such flats if they cannot put down the required deposits from their contribu tions to the Central Provident Fund. We can offer alternative accommodation to those who cannot afford to buy such flats. The Member for Delta has also said that the owners of shops affected by the urban renewal scheme were offered alternative premises in out-of-the-way places and that they suffered a loss in business. I would like to state the policy with regard to the allocation of alternative accommodation. Generally speaking, the affected shop-owners are given the choice of locality to which they want to remove. Normally, we do not force them to remove to localities which they do not like.”
“Sir, the projects which are expected to be officially opened in 1969 are as follows: (1) Jurong Abattoir and Quarantine Station; (2) Fishing Port and Auction Markets at Jurong; (3) Fishing Training School at Changi; (4) Pig and Poultry Research and Training Institute at Sembawang; and (5) Southeast Asian Fisheries Research Development Centre at Changi. Some of the above projects have already been started but have not been officially opened. A sum of $1,000 has been provided for these official openings but this sum is hardly enough for one official opening.”
“I feel that the expenditure on this school is worth while.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the farm school organised by the Primary Production Department started in August 1965. Since July last year, there have been 63 graduates from this school. Forty-six of these youths were from the rural areas. They received one year's training. The other 17 were trainees from the Teachers' Training College. 4.30 p.m. They were given a two-year training course. After this, they returned to the Teachers' Training College to do one more year's training. Now they have already become qualified teachers and have been posted to the vocational schools in the rural areas teaching subjects on agriculture. As regards the other 46 graduates, namely, those youths from the rural areas, the employment situation is as follows. Thirteen of them returned to their farms. Seven were employed in farms doing farm work. Another seven were engaged in the fish-rearing business. Two were engaged as phar-maceutical salesmen. Six of them got other jobs. Ten of them took up jobs relating to farm work. There was one whose occupation was not clear. This is how the graduates from the farm school were employed. The expenditure on the farm school for the three years 1965 to 1967 amounted to $200,000. On the average, for every student we have to spend about $2,232. This shows that the Member for Jurong was dreaming when he said that $8,000 was spent on every student. This is too large a figure. There is a great difference between $2,232 and the $8,000 quoted by the Member. I do not think that the running of the school is a waste of public funds. I feel that the farm school, under the supervision of the Primary Production Department, is able to impart agricultural knowledge to our rural folk and that it is very popular with the farmers.”
“The Member for Sembawang complained of the one-year or more delay in the commencement of work after plans have been approved. We have approved seven plans in 1968 for the Sembawang area. Six of these schemes have already been completed. The remaining one is about 80 per cent completed. One scheme has not been completed. It was approved only on 6th October this year. They allegation of the Member for Sembawang is therefore totally unfounded. On the other hand, I must admit that he has made a very good suggestion on another aspect. He said that the roads built by the contractors are not as durable as others. If Members of Parliament or members of the Citizens' Consultative Committees in their constituencies should come across work undertaken by a contractor on tender, then I would urge them to supervise the work from time to time. They could make a spot check, and the contractor would therefore do more satisfactory work. I have to remind the Member for Sembawang on one point. When a road has been repaired, the contractor doing it has to guarantee for a period of six months that any damage to it would be his responsibility. If the Member has come across any such cases, he can draw our attention to them. We will then make the contractor pay for it.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, on the question of gotong royong raised by the Member for Jurong, the explanation is this. In the past, gotong royong members were charged with the responsibility of road building in the rural areas. The enthusiasm shown by the volunteers was very impressive. We were very appreciative of such enthusiasm. But the making of roads by the gotong royong members was not properly organised. For instance, in the first two days, the performance would be very impressive. But after the third day on the job, which would require a week to complete, there would be less and less workers. And the people who deserted their jobs included the M.P.s! So what did you expect us to do? The work was only half done when the workers started running away. As a result, we had no choice but to get in touch with the P.W.D. to engage casual labourers to complete the work. This was the problem we had to face. Of course, gotong royong by itself is good and it has significance. But the members of gotong royong were not able to sustain their enthusiasm throughout the period needed to complete the work. There was a lack of organisation. If the Member for Jurong can assure us that he can start gotong royong in his own constituency and make sure that the work can be completed according to schedule without any problem, we will have no objection. In fact, we will give him all the necessary encouragement. We will also encourage the Members of Parliament in the other rural constituencies to carry on with their gotong royong. As for the allegation that we are not encouraging gotong royong because we are afraid of trouble, this is unfounded. As I have already explained, there is a good reason why gotong royong can not be encouraged further.”
“They said that they might take a tourist to Arab Street where there are no taxi-stands around and that therefore they should be allowed to park in places where you and I park our cars. So the Car Parks Division relaxed this rule some time this year and allowed taxi-drivers to park in places where the law does not allow them to park. But they abused this privilege. Instead of parking there and doing nothing, they parked there and plied for hire from those spots. There are places provided for them to ply for hire. They abused the privilege after the rules were relaxed. As a consequence, the privilege was withdrawn. But the taxi-drivers continued to park in places where they should not park and, as a result, about 255 summonses were issued and now there is a lot of correspondence between their solicitor, the head of the Taxi-Drivers' Association, the Traffic Police and the Car Parks Division. Hence the query in Parliament.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, ever since the completion of the new shopping building in the People's Park, many people have been attracted to this area. We have provided about 63 parking lots there. The original provisions of parking lots was 63, but because of demands from various quarters, we have increased the number of parking lots and also introduced a paying parking system in this area. 4.00 p.m. We have extended the time of pay parking from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m, for the first shift and from 4.30 p.m. to 11.00 p.m, for the second shift. As a result of the pay parking system which was introduced in October last year, we have collected about $40,000 in parking fees up to November this year. We have also been able to provide employment for about ten parking attendants. Mr Barker: I will deal with the queries raised by the Member for Serangoon Gardens on behalf of the Member for Changi. I was asked whether I had a rational answer. My answer is, "Yes, I have a rational answer." But perhaps, as the Minister for Defence is not here, I should state in this House that the Government is indeed grateful for the $100,000 or more which was raised by the taxi- drivers. But I am sure that the taxi-drivers, who are reasonable men, will understand that because they made a generous gift to the Defence Fund, it does not mean that they should be allowed to flout the rules of the road. Sir, the law lays down that taxi-drivers are not allowed to park in places where the ordinary man parks his car. The reason is quite simple. Taxi- drivers are given their own taxi-stands and you and I park in different places. When you want a taxi, you know where to find one. But the taxi-drivers com plained.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, if the Member for Jurong has paid attention to my reply and grasped my point, he need not have to raise minor points. If I were to give in detail the kind of assistance rendered by the Primary Production Department to the farmers in the teaching of scien tific agricultural methods, we might not be able to finish by 8.00 p.m. If he wants details, I may oblige him on some other occasion. On the point that no forums have been held in his constituency and that improper services have been rendered, if the Member can supply me with the necessary details, these matters will be looked into.”
“Sir, I missed the point about tenants, not being able to buy Housing and Development Board flats. The Board has always taken a very liberal attitude' in this matter. For instance, if a tenant is unable to buy the flat he is occupying, the Board will allot him accommodation in some other housing estate. Generally, the Board will not force him to buy the flat he is occupying. THOMSON ROAD GENERAL HOSPITAL (Extension of boundary to serve Jalan Kayu) 11. Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Health whether he will consider extending the boundary of the area served by the Thomson Road General Hospital to include the Constituency of Jalan Kayu in view of its nearness to that Hospital.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I will clarify certain points raised by the Member for Ulu Pandan on the action taken by the Housing and Development Board to evict tenants who have engaged in gambling and also those who have bought their own houses. The Member should understand that the flats rented out by the Housing and Development Board are meant only for dwelling purposes. If they are used for any other purposes, the Housing and Development Board will take action to evict the tenants. This is expressly provided in the tenancy agreement. If the tenants of the flats have the financial means to buy their own houses, then they should give up their flats to the Housing and Development Board so that the vacated flats can be allotted to other applicants. On the question of tenants not being able to pay their rentals and have been notified to move out, I must explain that the Board has to collect rentals from the tenants because it is not a charitable organisation. If the tenants are in financial difficulties or are unemployed, they should seek assistance from the Social Welfare Department.”
“Sir, normally the Housing and Development Board, in dealing with tenants who have infringed any conditions of rental or are is arrears in rent, will carry out investigations into these cases before action is taken. So far, the measures taken in dealing with these cases have been very reasonable. I am of the view that my Ministry does not have reason to believe that it is necessary to ask the Board to adopt a more reasonable attitude in dealing with these cases. When a tenant contravenes any tenancy conditions or is in arrears in rent, the Board do not usually evict him immediately. As usual, the Board will issue a notice of warning to him and ask him to comply with the necessary requirements within 10 days. If after receiving this notice the tenant still persists in contravening the said regulations, then the Board will ask him to move out from his flat.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the total number of housing units built by the Housing and Development Board up to 30th November, 1968, is 89,166. The total number of housing units planned to be built in 1969 is 16,000. HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD (Eviction of tenants) 10. Mr Lee Teck Him asked the Minister for Law and National Development (a) if he will ascertain from the Housing and Development Board whether tenants are, as a rule, evicted from the Board's flats for contravening any of the tenancy conditions or being in arrears in rent; and (b) whether he will issue a directive to the Board to adopt a more reasonable attitude in the eviction of tenants.”
“Sir, the answers to the Member's questions are as follows: (a) the number of shop premises completed between 1st January and 31st October, 1968, is 315. (b) (i) the number of these premises taken up by persons on resettlement is 97. (ii) the number of these premises taken up by public tenderers is 177. (c) the number of premises which remained vacant on 31st October, 1968, is 41; and (d) the number of outstanding applicants who have already vacated shop premises on clearance sites and are awaiting offer of new shop premises is 27. They will be offered new shop premises as soon as suitable vacant ones are available. HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD (Number of housing units built and target in 1969) 9. Mr N. Govindasamy asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he will ascertain from the Housing and Development Board (a) what is the total number of housing units that have been built by the Board up to the latest convenient date; and (b) what is the total number of housing units planned to be built in 1969.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Public Works Department has plans to erect overhead pedestrian bridges along New Bridge Road. Two sites have already been selected: one is in front of Hong Lim Park and the other near the People's Park. Work is expected to begin in January next year. ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST JANUARY, 1969, TO 31ST MARCH, 1970 Order read for consideration in Committee of Supply [1st Allotted Day]. 3.08 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as soon as the Director of the Public Works Department was informed of the decision of the Projects Com mittee, a further investigation was carried out. I cannot tell the hon. Member the exact date the P.W.D. informed us.”
“Sir, I did not mean to say that Members of Parliament of the rural constituencies are lazy. It is because they asked for more funds for their constituencies that I suggested to them to redouble their efforts and organise more work teams to implement all the projects and expend the votes allocated; and perhaps get more funds for their constituencies. Comparing of votes expended is not much of a criterion. The most important thing is for the projects to be approved so that funds will be provided. The Member for Bukit Merah has never mentioned to me what he has just said. My impression is that certain requests by Bukit Merah related to areas which the Housing and Development Board wanted to develop. Certain areas are affected by proposed development and, therefore, the requests have to be thoroughly investigated before Government allocates funds.”
“For instance, 30 miles of agricultural road have been built this year in the Choa Chu Kang Constituency under the planning of the Member concerned and the Citizens' Consultative Committee. If this work had been undertaken by the Government, it would not have been completed within one year. The expenditure for making up this 30 miles of road was very small. If other Members of Parliament can follovv this example, I believe it vvill go a long way towards reducing their own difficulties. And Members can also make use of this opportunity to have more contact with their electorate. The Members for Punggol and Thomson have also raised the question of transferring part of the vote allocated to the urban areas to the rural areas. I feel it is rather early for them to raise this matter but I think this suggestion merits some consideration. Perhaps when the Economic Planning Unit of the Ministry of Finance considers the allocation of funds to the 58 constituencies, I will ask them to consider this suggestion.”
“But they missed this opportunity. We gave it to them because we wanted to accommodate them and in order to reduce some of their troubles. We also approached the Ministry of Finance on this matter. Yet these Members of Parliament did not make use of this opportunity given to them. Now they want to ask for more funds. When we offered them this sum of money which they needed, they did not want to take it, and now they turn round and ask for more funds. Let me quote an incident. This year Sembawang could make use of $75,000 and yet only five projects were suggested. It made use of only $55,000, thereby saving $20,000. In the case of Paya Lebar, we gave them more funds than they needed to complete their projects. Paya Lebar completed only $35,000 worth of projects. They were allotted $56,000 and yet they spent only $35,000 on their projects. The Members have claimed more money under these circumstances. If they could only redouble their efforts and be more efficient in carrying out the various projects, I think they would go a long way towards getting more funds. Let me quote an example in Choa Chu Kang Constituency. This year --- 7.45 p.m. Mr Lim Guan Hoo rose --- Mr Ho Cheng Choon remained standing.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, having heard the Members of Parliament of the rural constituencies vent their grievances here, I can sum up by saying that they are merely asking for more sums of money to be allocated to the rural constituencies for development projects. They want the Urban and Rural Services Committee to allot more funds to them. I sympathise with the situation of these Members of Parliament. But sometimes when I consider this matter 1 could not sympathise with them. Thc reasons are that at the beginning of September this year, when there was still a substantial amount of funds in the Urban and Rural Services Committee, my Minister wrote a letter to Members of Parliament of the rural constituencies, requesting that if there were any projects in the rural areas which needed to be completed within this year, then they should, within one month, put their suggestions to the Urban and Rural Services Committee. This was a good opportunity for them and yet they missed --- Mr Ho Kah Leong rose --- Mr Ho Cheng Choon remained standing.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the short answer is yes. But they are likely to be implemented in the later part of the Five-Year Development Plan, in the case of Old Thomson Road between 7½ m.s. and 9 ms., the proposal is complicated by the fact that it forms part of the Grand Prix circuit. BILLS INTRODUCED 2.41 p.m. SUPPLY BILL "to provide for the issue from the Consolidated Fund of the sums necessary to meet the estimated expenditure for the public services of Singapore for the year 1968", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Finance (Dr Goh Keng Swee); read the First time, to be read a Second time on Thursday, 21st December, 1967, and to be printed. SUPPLEMENTARY SUPPLY BILL "for making Supplementary Provision for the Public Service for the year 1967", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Finance (Dr Goh Keng Swee); read the First time, to be read a Second time on Thursday, 21st December, 1967, and to be printed. LABOUR (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Labour Ordinance. 1955 (No. 40 of 1955)", presented by the Minister for Labour (Mr Jek Yeun Thong); read the First time, to be read a Second time on Thursday, 21st December, 1967, and to be printed. FINANCE COMPANIES BILL "to license and control finance companies and for matters connected therewith", presented by the Minister for Finance (Dr Goh Keng Swee); read the First time, to be read a Second time on Thursday, 21st December, 1967, and to be printed. CURRENCY (AMENDMENT) BILL First Reading 2.44 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as far as I know, work on the cutting of lallang and weeds along Upper Thomson Road is now in progress. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT (Tender and contract system) 11. Mr S. V. Lingam asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether the present system adopted by the Public Works Department of inviting tenders and giving out contracts is satisfactory; and whether he plans to reorganise it.”
“Sir, though the request for the two projects may have been made to the hon. Member for Paya Lebar more than a year ago, both were submitted to the Urban and Rural Services Committee by the Citizens' Consultative Committee of Paya Lebar only on the 31st March this year. After investigations, both projects were considered by the Urban and Rural Services Committee at its meeting in July last. Both projects were approved by the Projects Committee at its meeting on the 7th August this year. Work on the making up of Lorong Dendam to kampong road standard at a cost of $8,000 has already commenced and is expected to be completed shortly. Tenders for the improvement of drains at Jalan Telega and the road off Jalan Telega have already been called for. The work is expected to begin and be completed by the end of September this year.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there are 12 standard street lamps in Northumberland Road and two standard street lamps in that section of Gloucester Road between Race Course Road and the Farrer Park athletic centre. That section of Gloucester Road between Dorset Road and the Farrer Park athletic centre, which is still a private road, is lighted by three kampong street lamps. Further, other roads, such as Hampshire Road and Dorset Road, around Farrer Park are also ade- quately provided with street lights. Adequate lighting has, therefore, already been provided around Farrer Park. REPAIR OF LORONG DENDAM AND IMPROVEMENT OF DRAINS ALONG JALAN TELEGA 28. Mr Tay Boon Too asked the Minister for Law and National Development when work will commence on (i) the repair of Lorong Dendam off Bartley Road; and (ii) the improvement of drains along Jalan Telega and along the road off Jalan Telega, which had been requested more than a year ago.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have just now given my answer that the parking lots provided for scooters and motor-cycles are not fully occupied. Only 66 per cent of these parking lots are occupied. I do not see any justifiable reason for increasing the parking lots for motor-cycles and scooters. STREET LIGHTS ALONG NORTHUMBERLAND ROAD AND GLOUCESTER ROAD 27. Mr S. Rajoo asked the Minister for Law and National Development if consideration will be given to the installation of street-lights along Northumberland Road and Gloucester Road so as to light up those areas around Farrer Park and to make it safer for the people living there against robbery.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Car Park Division has to date established 347 bays in which about 2,594 motor-cycles and scooters can be parked. A survey was recently carried out in respect of parking lots for motor-cycles and scooters. The survey indicates that the bays provided have not been fully used. For example, in the City centre only about 66 per cent of the space provided is occupied. Apparently motor-cyclists and scooterists prefer to park their vehicles as near to their destination as possible on verandahs and side-walks.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the widening of Yio Chu Kang Road between 8� m.s. and Sembawang Hill Circus 12� m.s. by 30 feet is expected to commence some time this month. In order to provide sidewalks, some land has to be acquired and consideration is now being given to such acquisition. PARKING LOTS FOR MOTOR-CYCLES AND SCOOTERS IN CITY AREA 26. Mr Teo Hup Teck asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he will consider the provision of more parking lots for motor-cycles and scooters in the City area.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, construction of a jetty at Simpang Sembawang (Muslim Cemetery), costing approximately $5,005, was approved by the Urban and Rural Services Committee on 20th March, 1967. The construction started on 11th August this year and it is expected to be completed by early November this year. IMPROVEMENT OF YIO CHU KANG ROAD BETWEEN 8� M.S. AND 11 M.S. 25. Mr Teo Hup Teck asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he will consider the improvement of Yio Chu Kang Road between 8� m.s. and 11 m.s., including widening of the road and provision of side-walks.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, Jalan Maha was approved by the Urban and Rural Services Committee on 24th April, 1967, for metalling at an estimated cost of $30,634. Work on the metalling of the road started on 26th July this year and it is expected to be completed by the end of September this year. WOODEN JETTY AT KUALA SIMPANG (Muslim Cemetery) 24. Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether and when a wooden jetty will be constructed at Kuala Simpang (Muslim Cemetery).”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, so far seven overhead bridges have been erected: at Collyer Quay, Tiong Bahru Road, Upper Serangoon Road, near Lim Tua Tow Market, 5th and 6th milestone Bukit Timah Road, Geylang Serai and Tampines Circus. Two additional overhead pedestrian bridges are now in the course of construction at Kallang Road near the Gas Works and at the Old Airport Road over the existing zebra crossing. METALLING OF JALAN MAHA IN ULU SEMBAWANG 23. Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Law and National Development when Jalan Maha at the Indian Village in Ulu Sembawang will be made up.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, our records show that many people, particularly those in the suburban area, do not take the trouble to use the overhead bridge to cross the road. This is so at the Upper Serangoon Road where more than two-thirds of the pedestrians crossing the road do not use the bridge erected there last year.”
“So if a Bill were to be introduced into the House every year to amend the Constitution, and the people were required to vote on it, then it would be rather troublesome and it would also incur a lot of expenditure. The result would be contrary to what we would expect. 2.39 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government has already announced the acceptance of certain recommendations of the Commission, particularly the second method of entrenchment of the provisions to protect fundamental rights. I would also urge the Government to accept the first method of entrenchment, namely, that a Bill altering the Constitution shall not be passed by Parliament unless it is expressed to be one that amends the Constitution and contains no other provisions. Sir, this will help Members of Parliament understand better that the Bill is meant for the purpose of altering the Constitution, because not all people know the niceties of the law. So this first method will help us to grasp the situation. Let me take you, Mr Speaker, as an example. If a Bill is introduced in the House specifically stipulating that it is meant to alter the Constitution, then you will know that under the Constitution it needs the support of two-thirds of the Members of Parliament to vote on it before it can be passed. About the third method of amendment to the Constitution which provides for a referendum to decide on the adoption of the Bill altering the Constitution, in my view, this third method is redundant and, in fact, rather cumbersome, because there will be difficulties if we implement it, especially in regard to the assessment of public opinion. We are a very small country and newly independent. We have elections once every five years. In 1963 we had a general election. We have also had a few by-elections since then. Even then the electorate had grumbled about being required to vote at the elections, especially the by-elections. In some constituencies the electorate had to vote only once, but in other constituencies they had to vote twice.”
“So if Members representing rural constituencies feel that the funds allocated to them are insufficient, I would suggest to them to make out a case to the Minister for Finance. If he agrees, my Committee is willing to provide more amenities for the people living in the rural con stituencies. In any case, funds allocated to constituencies have been decided and it is up to hon. Members to make recommendations to the Government on which projects should be carried out first. As soon as the Government receives such a list of priorities, I can assure them that all the projects recommended by them will be carried out. An hon. Member: But the funds are insufficient!”
“--- and the funds were allocated on the basis of the size of constituency, of population, and so on.”
“--- in the spirit of gotong royong. I will quote one instance. Recently in Choa Chu Kang, the residents of Ama Keng did a very good job of repairing Ama Keng Road (8th m.s. to 9th m.s.). Sir, Rome was not built in one day. [Interruption] Improvement works in Singapore, in like manner, cannot be completed within a short period. It will take a number of years before all improvement works in Singapore can be completed. A few Members representing rural constituencies have complained that the funds allocated to the constituencies are insufficient. Sir, the allocation of funds to each constituency was worked out by a Committee of experts --- An hon. Member: Not so expert!”
“Sir, Kampong Kembangan Constituency and Geylang Serai Constituency are below sea level and, therefore, flooding occurs when it rains for a long time. I think there are two methods of alleviating the floods in these areas. The first method is to fill up both these areas, to make them higher than sea level, and the second method is to pump out the flood water from these areas into the sea. However, these two methods are very expensive and virtually impracticable as they would entail the wholesale shifting of houses to allow the work to be done. One method of alleviating the flood is to destroy and clear overgrown vegetation from drains so that storm-waters can flow freely without obstruction. This work is usually carried out by the Work Brigade which, unfortunately, has been reduced in size to some 500 members and they have some other important work to attend to. But I suggest to the Member for Kampong Kembangan that the people in this area can do a lot by self-help and community work --- Some hon. Members: Hear, hear!”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker, Sir. There is no doubt that during the last six or seven years, very many development projects have been carried out in Singapore, as anyone can see. In addition to the building of schools, factories and multi-storey flats, electricity and water supplies have been extended to kampong areas, roads have been made up in the kampongs, and street lights have been installed in the kampongs. All these projects have been carried out for the benefit of the kampong people. For projects carried out by the Urban and Rural Services Committee, a total sum of. $22 million had already been spent from 1961 to 1966. Out of this amount, $1 million was spent on Kampong Kembangan as compared with $0.66 million spent on the neighbouring constituency, Geylang Serai. From this figure, it can be seen that Kampong Kembangan Constituency was not neglected, An hon. Member: What about the other constituencies?”
“People can lodge their complaints about administrative faults with this Central Complaints Bureau with a view to redressing their grievances, if they could not get their remedy at the courts. This Bureau would be something like an Ombudsman. The Director of the Central Complaints Bureau has powers and facilities similar to those provided for the Ombudsman, except the power to call for evidence and witnesses. When necessary, he can suggest to the Prime Minister to adopt certain measures. In the fifth chapter of the Report, three methods are suggested in relation to the entrenchment of certain provisions in the Constitution. Firstly, a Bill altering the Constitution should not be passed unless it is expressly stated therein that it is introduced with a view to making such amendments only. Secondly, the Bill amending the Constitution should, in the final voting, have received at least a two-thirds majority of the elected Members of Parliament before it can be passed. Thirdly, any provisions amending the Constitution should be presented and approved by the majority of those who are qualified to vote, both inside and outside the House. The Government has adopted the second method, which is the most appropriate in our present situation. 7.15 p.m.”
“In principle, this system is laudable because the Ombudsman can supervise the various administrative organs and make them more effective and efficient. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 7.09 p.m. This system has been in practice in Sweden for more than 100 years. In the British Commonwealth, Britain has only recently considered the adoption of this system. In 1962 New Zealand made use of this system. So far this system is still in an experimental stage there and the result is still not known. Britain adopted this system by an Act in 1966. But so far it has still not put it into practice. Other Commonwealth countries like Australia, India and Canada, whose history of independence has been longer than ours, have not adopted this system. Singapore has been independent for not more than two years. It would be appropriate if we were to describe it as a baby. For a baby to learn every act of a grown-up is not logical. Therefore, the Government can only accept this suggestion in principle. This is the correct attitude. Let us look at the results of the countries which are implementing this system before we decide to adopt it. Let us see during the next five or ten years what contribution this system can make in other countries. If it is practicable, then we can consider whether the same results can be achieved in our country. This is another point that merits our consideration, not to say that our environment and our situation and position are entirely different from those obtaining in New Zealand and other countries. Though at present we do not have the Ombudsman, yet we have the Central Complaints Bureau.”
“We find that: (1) The composition of this Council of State, according to the Report, should be of citizens who have contributed to public service, and have distinguished themselves in their own walks of life. We have general agreement on this point. Inevitably there can be diverse views in the Council, and if their views differ from the views of the people, we doubt whether the views held by the members of the Council can be representative of the views of the people. (2) The number of members in the Council is 21. With such a large number of members, it will be very difficult to arrive at unanimous agreement in any matter. I feel that if such a situation happens, then this House will be faced with various diverse opinions. (3) The Government will incur additional expenditure by setting up this Council. For instance, if every Councillor were to draw $500 allowance every month, the Government would have to spend more than $100,000 every year. Whether this is worthwhile or proper will have to be considered. (4) The Constitutional Commission, in considering the setting up of this Council, took into account the present situation in the House where there is no Opposition. When there is an Opposition in this House, what would be the position of this Council of State? This might be an interim measure recommended by the Commission. But nobody can guarantee that there will never be an Opposition in this House. So we should consider this point and see whether it is appropriate to have such an institution. The next point I would touch upon is the system of Ombudsman. The tasks of this Ombudsman are, namely, to supervise the administration of various administrative institutions and deal with complaints against them.”
“Firstly, the Constitutional Commission, after considering all factors, have suggested for inclusion in the Constitution provisions for the setting up of an advisory body called the Council of State comprising 21 members to guard against the passage of any discriminatory legislation affecting the interests of any minorities with a view also to ensuring that, in the present situation where the House has no effective Opposition, the Council of State can provide some supervision over Government legislation. In other words, this Council of State may be able to exercise the duties that an Opposition Party should exercise in this House. This Council of State lies somewhere between Parliament and an Upper House. In our country, this institution will be something like the House of Lords of the British Parliament. As far as I understand, the British House of Lords is a characteristic monarchic institution in that it is merely an aristocratic Council for the purpose of emplacing people who have contributed to that country and providing them with a means of livelihood in their old age. The House of Lords actually has not much power or effect over the passing of laws. So there has been controversy over the need of the House of Lords. Some people have proposed its abolition, but without avail. But the present situation obtaining in our country is different. Because of the inefficiency of the Opposition and their boycott of this House, a situation is created where we should have somebody to take their part, hence the Council of State. As to the merits and demerits of this Council of State, I will touch on several points.”
“Sir, the Report of the Constitutional Commission, 1966, can be described as a very valuable and far-sighted historic document ever presented to this House since independence. Most of the recommendations contained in the Report have been accepted by the Government and are intended to be written into our future Constitution. The majority of the constructive recommendations will undoubtedly become the basis of the new Constitution of our independent country, and this Constitution will become an example, we hope, to independent countries in this part of the world. I should say that the Constitutional Commission have lived up to the expectations of all the people. They have recognised our present situation and have recommended the constitutional provisions which take into account our ideal for a multi-racial, multi-religious, and multi-cultural society, and have provided safeguards to be entrenched in the Constitution. This will provide for the peace and security and for the maintenance of law in this society and ensure the perpetuation of our independent Republic. Compared with other countries, ours is one that is standing on firm ground and our Government is one that is working for the benefit and in the best interest of the people, leading the country on to the correct path towards a better and brighter future. Sir, I would not like to touch upon every aspect of this Report. I will merely touch upon several important points in the recommendations, namely, the setting up of the Council of State, the Ombudsman, and provisions to be entrenched in the Constitution.”
“Also the community leaders living around these community centres can also come out to help and simplify matters. 5.46 p.m.”
“Ever since the last time when the Government called upon the people to join the Vigilante Corps, the people have duly responded by also joining the People's Defence Force. This goes to show that they have a clear understanding of their duty to the country. I am confident that they will also respond well to this call to serve the nation. We cannot depend on those who only want to enjoy the benefits and rights given by the country hut who are not willing to shoulder their responsibilities and carry out their obligations. So this Bill is necessary to ensure the survival of our country and it is the duty of every citizen to ensure this. I hope that in the implementation of the call-up, we will pay attention to the fact that it will not be carried out to the detriment of our economy. According to the Bill, all youths in the age group of eighteen will be called up. Some of these youths are at an age when they are about to enter Universities after leaving higher secondary schools. I feel that higher education is important to the youths as well as to the country. Therefore, we must provide some means of resolving the problems of those youths who are attending higher education. For instance, in the University of Singapore and Nanyang University, there are several periods of long vacation in a year and perhaps we can make use of these periods to call them up for intense military training - say, for a total of three or four months of the vacation periods. The Government has already allotted four recruiting centres. I think they are not enough, and I suggest that the Defence Ministry should consider an increase. If the community centres in the various constituencies can be made available, it will be most ideal. It will then be convenient to most of the called-up youths.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I fully support the National Service (Amendment) Bill. Looking at the Bill as a whole, every one can understand that it is meant to defend our territorial integrity and sovereignty against any invasion or subversion. All independent countries, whether big or small, know that the successful defence of a country is the means of preserving their independence. Service to the country is not only a glorious task but it is also a great contribution by a citizen to his country. Sir, Singapore is a newly independent country and our citizens have a duty to shoulder the responsibility of defence of our country. Since the history of man, in whatever situation, place and development of society, the duty to protect one's country is absolute. This is true in all cases, be it in a capitalist country or a dictatorial country. Singapore has struggled to get rid of colonialism at great sacrifice and in the end we have achieved independence. Independence, sovereignty and "master of ourselves" mean that we have to decide our future for ourselves. This also implies that we have to manage our own defence problems. Therefore, following the independence of Singapore, the defence of this country will naturally fall upon the shoulders of all our citizens. We cannot deny that Singapore is a small country with very limited economic resources. Therefore, it is quite a problem to build up a large standing army in the economic sense. But we have to train and prepare our citizens in military affairs and some of them in military training so that they can take up arms in the defence of their country. Everyone knows that the National Service (Amendment) Bill is very necessary at the present juncture.”
“Mr Speaker, all the projects approved by the Urban and Rural Services Committee have to be carried out. It may be a matter of three months or six months. But I want to bring to the attention of this House that the Member for Sembawang is a member of the Committee. So proposal he wants to put up is welcome. But I had better advise him to speak to the Committee. Mr Teong Eng Siong(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am not representing my own constituency. I am speaking on behalf of all the areas concerned. But in any case I withdraw my amendment. I must thank the Parliamentary Secretary for the reply. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $2,715,000 for Head 68 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.”
“Half a year. If he could bring me this particular case, I will look into the matter. This year we have spent $40,237 on the Paya Lebar Constituency and the projects include making of roads, drainage, putting water mains and installing street lighting. Mr Speaker, I would suggest that Member concerned should, when putting up a proposal, send me a copy of ii that I can keep track of it and officer concerned should submit report directly to me.”