Ho Geok Choo
Singapore
“I thank the Minister of State for the comprehensive response. Just one question: the public had indeed been expressing reservations about eating seafood and I think we are also seeing Singaporeans shunning Japanese restaurants for fear of contaminated seafood. How safe is seafood imported from elsewhere and in Singapore now?”
“Thank you, Senior Minister of State. I have two supplementary questions. First question: short of sounding ageist, would the Ministry consider introducing an age quotient into the qualification criteria of this grant as such a move would encourage young couples to own a home and start a family of their own?”
“Sir, I would like to ask the Minister for his comments on how the political crisis in the Middle East and the nuclear crisis in Japan will have an impact on our energy needs. In view of these developments, what are Singapore's plans to go nuclear and what are our alternative sources of energy?”
“This is an example of mismatch. First, it highlights the need for course counselling for the individual to ensure that the training to be pursued is relevant. Second, it shows that employers in certain sectors are not ready or willing to accept PMETs who have formal management training.”
“Chairman, Singapore serves as a global and regional hub for several international companies. In the borderless global economy, accounting practices are being outsourced.”
“Mr Chairman, Singapore's 1961 Water Agreement with Malaysia expires on 31st August. As the date fast approaches, can the Minister update on Singapore's water situation and plans for self sufficiency? Mr Chairman, I would also like to find out what other plans does the Ministry have to strengthen the habit of saving water.”
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“Would such persons therefore be more likely to be subject to prosecution for breach of the duty of disclosure? This reminds us of the chaos created during the Cultural Revolution in China, where family members were obliged to tell on one another. The distrust and discord sown as a result of such legislation could lead to a breakdown of the family system. Would Singapore be heading towards such an eventuality if this Bill were passed without a review on its implications? Would it not be better for us to work on the responsibility and conscience of persons to be discerning in these areas? One other concern is that imposing a duty of disclosure on any Singapore citizen outside Singapore may be stretching the clause too wide. Would Singapore citizens overseas be exposed to peril? If a terrorist knew that a particular Singapore citizen, say, in London, had information about his transaction or proposed transaction regarding any property belonging to him or his terrorist organisation, what would the terrorist do with this Singapore citizen in light of this clause? Clause 11 on `Search and Seizure' raises a concern. The proviso permits a Judge, upon the application of the Attorney-General, to issue a warrant authorising any person (usually a Police Officer) to search any building and seize any property which the authorised person reasonably believes may be the subject of an order of forfeiture. What is worrying is that the Attorney-General may make such an application based on mere information and belief. The question is, to what extent can the Attorney-General rely on mere information and belief?”
“Sir, September 11, 2001 has left an indelible impact in the minds of everyone of the evils posed by acts of terrorism. That terrorism has gone global is a fact and its very act is indeed a crime against humanity. Terrorist threats to the public in Singapore are as real as the recent discovery of the network in Singapore and the neighbouring countries has shown. All these acts of violence can only operate with financial backing. The bigger the destruction, the bigger the financing involved. To deal with terrorism effectively, we must therefore strike at its very core, ie, the financing of terrorism. The financing of terrorist act is the lifeline that we will have to choke to disable any opportunity for such acts to be initiated. This Bill represents our contribution to global efforts to combat terrorism. I have no doubt that the Bill will have the support of the House. However, in making laws for this purpose, we need to balance the need for security and preservation of civil liberties. While in favour of the Bill, there are certain clauses that seem too wide or unclear. The Bill imposes strict guidelines on disclosures in two areas, and I would like to seek clarifications as they have implications on persons related to one another or to suspect. Take clause 8(1), accordingly, anyone in Singapore or outside Singapore who has information pertaining to any transaction or intended transaction belonging to a terrorist suspect is obliged to disclose such information. What this means is that any member of the terrorist's immediate family is charged with the obligation of disclosure. Such family members, like the spouse, children, parents or siblings, are more likely than not to have knowledge of the terrorist's affairs.”
“Politicians, judges and the community may applaud the unselfishness of volunteerism, but the values of a fair go and equity are also key elements of our Singaporean ethos and need to be shown to volunteers. Managing volunteer participation to ensure the long-term sustainability of volunteerism, for example, in the emergency services, will become a significant focus for Singapore after September 11. Many of the agencies in which volunteers serve have vigorous volunteer recruitment, motivation and retention programmes, which include suitable forms of rewards and recognition. May I ask the Minister how many individuals, who offer their services in the form of time and effort on a voluntary basis to Institutions of Public Character, are recognised for their voluntary spirit? As for the seniors, would the Minister look into granting some seed funding to support a senior voluntary group which could be the source supplier for volunteer work? This will help to sustain volunteerism in Singapore.”
“Retirement should be a time of economic security and physical well-being and should also provide seniors more opportunities to serve their communities. Singapore should consider the setting up of a national vehicle for senior volunteerism. This senior voluntary programme can work with non-profit self-based groups, schools and other civic organisations to provide opportunities for Singaporeans of all ages to serve their communities. The senior volunteer group can use the talents, skills and experiences of older Singaporeans to help solve problems. Members can help meet a wide range of community needs, serve one-to-one with young people with special needs, and help other seniors live independently in their homes. This senior group can organise themselves into various categories, like the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme, the Foster Grandparent Programme and the Senior Companion Programme. Of course, you may argue that the best volunteers will be the ones who do the job quietly and efficiently, taking the lead without taking public recognition, knowing full well that the hard work and dedication will be recognised in due time, but, until then, happy with the knowledge that a task was completed and perhaps a life enriched, taking satisfaction from the wisdom found. In the first Analect of Confucius, "To remain unoffended, and to feel no discomposure, even one's ability and accomplishments remain unrecognised by others." Is that not, after all, expected of a person of complete virtue? On the other hand, Government and the community must recognise that it costs to be a volunteer. Without appropriate official recognition and support, many volunteers have begun to question whether their commitment and effort are appreciated.”
“Sir, I note with pleasure the budgetary provision for double tax deductions to individuals and corporations who contribute monies to Institutions of Public Character. As I see it, philanthropy extends beyond giving money to the needy. Philanthropy also means giving of our time and energy to cater to the needs of the needy in our society. If a society is to forge those bonds that make for national cohesion, then one of our unsung heroes or heroines is one who makes the time and the effort to volunteer his or her service at these institutions. Volunteers carry a range of out-of-pocket expenses associated with their work. The contributions of time and money made by volunteers in an emergency situation can be considered as endowments bestowed on the community. These endowments are funded by both volunteers and their employers. For those volunteers who are self-employed, their endowment contributions could be substantial. This situation contrasts with the treatment of reservists and the Armed Forces, volunteers of another kind. Where both the participants and their employers get many statutory-based tax concessions and other benefits, these are funded by the community through the tax system to encourage their commitment and continued participation. Volunteerism and community service are a strong and important tradition for our nation to cultivate. Expanding opportunities for senior service befits an ageing population like Singapore's. The population of older adults is growing rapidly, and it is expected that the ageing of the baby boomers will accelerate this growth. Seniors today are living longer than ever before and can often anticipate up to 30 years of productive post-retirement years.”
“Such crisis management programmes are also required in schools and at the workplace. Mr Charles Chong: Sir, Singapore's rate of volunteerism, when compared to the developed countries, appears to be rather dismal. The National Volunteers Centre was formed in July 1999, as a joint initiative of MCDS and the people sector. Its mission is to promote volunteerism as a way of life across all sectors and all levels of society. In so doing, the Centre hopes to root Singaporeans, bridge social stratification, and increase interaction, to foster deeper community bonding, thereby strengthening the heartware of the nation. These objectives sound very similar to that of CDCs when they were formed just two years earlier, in 1997. In adopting the "many helping hands" approach, MCDS should also be careful to avoid wasteful duplication of services and resources. Could the Minister tell us what additional measures have been taken to increase the rate of volunteerism in Singapore? And VWOs also need to upgrade their services and professional standards to meet the new challenges of an ageing population, growing social problems, and higher levels of stress in the family. Given the tough economic climate, more assistance to the voluntary sector is necessary. I was therefore delighted to hear the Minister announced yesterday the additional assistance that will be extended to VWOs. I am also quite amazed that he was able to predict exactly what I was going to ask for in my speech.”
“Prime Minister's Goh initiative of forming the IRCCs has sparked off a number of cultural and bonding programmes, aimed at bringing about cultural and religious appreciation and understanding. Sir, I would like to ask the Minister whether enough measures have been taken to prepare our community leaders and community to cope with the events of a terrorist attack or riot in Singapore. I am well aware that our security forces and civil defence force are fully prepared to deal with such exigencies. Nonetheless, are our ordinary folks prepared to deal with such an occurrence - God forbid - or a terror were to transpire? Could we have a regular television and radio programme to educate our ordinary folks, especially the old and the young, on what they ought to do, and how they ought to react, if such a situation were to take place? For example, would the Minister consider putting out some programmes on how the community leaders and community can manage their emotions in a very tense-filled atmosphere that is normally an aftermath after such an event? Sir, the main point that I would like to raise here is that our community leaders and community need to be aware of, and knowledgeable about, how to respond during any emergency. They cannot completely depend upon the efforts of our civil defence officers to tell them what to do during such times. In this connection, what types of programmes are in place, and are there sufficient funds earmarked for these programmes to raise the awareness level of our community leaders and community so that they will know how to respond? In my opinion, some crisis management education programme must be in place so that our community leaders and the community will know how to react to these crises.”
“--- many of their successful businesses started from home. Our leaders have been hailing Singaporeans to change their mindset. On this premise, I am calling on the Ministry of the Environment to embrace a new mindset. I would like to urge the Ministry to consider granting licences to enable these people to sell their food.”
“What does it take to work in a team? How does one motivate oneself and others? How does one deal with the `difference' in a workplace that has become increasingly diversified? And as we move to strengthen our service sector of the economy, how much do fresh graduates know about the management of emotions that is inherent in the nature of service work? All such knowledge constitutes competencies which can influence significantly individual and organisational performance. They also have a role to play in fostering creativity and an innovative frame of mind. On a larger scale, the possession of such competencies can constitute a competitive advantage. Now, it may be argued that, even without formal learning, employees do, in time, acquire such competencies relating to the wider environment and the conduct of interpersonal relations. I would contend however that rather than waiting for employees to acquire such competencies through what may be painful and costly trial-and-error experiences over time, we can shorten the learning curve considerably by inserting that learning into the curriculum of polytechnic and university graduates. I have in mind the institutionalisation of a course on the management of human relations in the polytechnic and university curriculum. Could the Minister kindly outline what measures his Ministry will take to prepare our graduates for this transition to the work environment in the knowledge economy?”
“Sir, I am indeed heartened by MOS Mr Tharman's enumeration of what is likely to come in the revised syllabus of tertiary students. I would like to take this opportunity though to elaborate on the important economic survival skills that our tertiary students must be equipped with, in order to give them that booster start when they enter their first career. There is no doubt that the educational institutions train and educate our students well in a broad range of subjects, from Mathematics to computing to the life sciences. This education equips our students with knowledge, skills and abilities which enable them to take up jobs in different sectors and thus contribute to the economic life of the nation. It seems to me, however, that there is a missing link. In as much as they are technically competent to take on employment, they are often relatively less well-prepared to transit into the wider work environment. By this I mean that graduates need, on the one hand, to have an awareness of trends and happenings in the wider socio-economic and cultural environment and, on the other hand, the ability or, at the very least, an understanding of what it takes to relate and interact with significant others in the workplace. For example, words like `globalisation', `the knowledge economy' and `continuous learning' are more than buzzwords - they have an impact on organisations and people who work in them. Do our students actually know what they mean, and what their significance is? How does the economic climate impact on jobs and careers and how should these changes be managed? In the workplace, for example, how may one conduct interpersonal relations effectively? How does one communicate with one's superiors, peers, subordinates, clients and suppliers?”
“On a related matter, I would also like to ask the Minister to clarify whether there are measures taken by the hospitals to make sure that patients are not being prescribed drugs which are marginally more effective than other drugs, but for which the price is far higher than the other equally effective drugs.”
“Sir, like my colleagues before me, I am concerned with the way in which the prices of prescriptive drugs are being regulated in Singapore. From anecdotal evidence, and as well as illustrated by Comrade Ong Ah Heng earlier on, we know that the cost of prescriptive drugs in this country can be just as expensive, if not more expensive than similar drugs found in countries such as Australia and New Zealand. As a matter of fact, it is not just patients but even doctors in Singapore are driving up to Johor to buy prescriptive drugs for their clinics because they are cheaper than those found in Singapore. Could the Minister enlighten us as to whether there is a regulatory body in Singapore that monitors prices by which drugs are sold in Singapore to ensure that there is no overcharging? If there is indeed such a body, may I ask the Minister to share the measures that his Ministry has taken to keep drug prices affordable? If there is not such a body, would the Ministry consider setting up one? My question stems from the concern that there is an absence of transparency in the pricing of proprietary medicines and vitamins in Singapore and from the concern that our costs may be too prohibitive relative to that prevailing in developed countries. Just to give two examples on vitamins. For vitamins like Nature's Farm vitamin E 500 soft gel pack of 50 tablets, I know that they can be purchased in Johor at half the price of what we have to pay in Singapore. I was also told by a resident during my meet-the-people session that for calcium tablets that come in a pack of 30 tablets that he purchases from SGH pharmacy at something like 30% discount, he has to pay $21 per pack. For a similar type of calcium tablets, he was told by his son that he needs only to pay A$7.00.”
“But, Sir, if you wish to nurture entrepreneurial spirit, we must surely allow for MOM and top entrepreneurs to mushroom readily and spontaneously from their homes without their often feared cost of capital of doing business. In fact, that was how Bengawan Solo started years back and it was after it had sufficiently built up its reputation and accumulated gains that it turned into a roaring business. Should not the remaking of Singapore stretch the courage and imagination of the HDB to bring spring to the drab weather that we are now in? And let those who have plucked up enough courage to start something on their own so as to spring forward to reach their dreams. Without being disrespectful to one of our MOSs in this Chamber, I recall reading of his mother's food enterprise of satay prepared from her flat dwelling. I have no doubt that that enterprise had contributed to the nurturing and shaping of one of Singapore's sons who, today, is contributing to the nation. I urge HDB to open up its regulations to accommodate such a worthy request to help the needy and remove the OB markers that may snuff out the entrepreneurial spirit, instead of uniting it. Sir, at this juncture, I will not labour over the issue of food preparation, hygiene and standards, which the HDB may raise as concerns and reasons for not supporting my request. I shall be addressing that with the Minister for the Environment. Sir, I will request that the HDB consider granting temporary permits of 6-12 months to unemployed people to operate small scale food business of a specified approved type from out of their homes. In the meantime, these people will have to work hard to look for an alternative job or eventually transfer their home-based business to proper locations once they are successful.”
“She can bake and cook. If she cannot operate a hawker or canteen stall, can she do some home-based cooking and baking as an alternative? As raised by Mayor Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, it is appropriate for an informal sector to be established in Singapore. This sector can also be a spawning ground for the under-employed to unleash their potential, remembering that the giant HP started from the home garage and, closer to the food business, Colonel Sanders of KFC also started from his home kitchen after his retirement. Sir, I am well aware of the possible consequences of nuisance, disturbance and unsightly cluttering of utensils and cartons along corridors. All these could lead to complaints by neighbours. However, such concerns are not good reasons for not exploring ways to address these concerns. Working in concert with the town council and the CDCs, conditions can be spelt out to ensure good housekeeping and orderliness. Vigilant spot checks can be carried out through the CDCs, or town councils, whose set-ups have been premised on the ground as decentralised units. They can therefore be more flexible in serving the needs of constituents under their charge. In fact, to better manage such small-scale food operators, can they not be registered under a central registry for easy access to them? The town councils and CDCs could mount a briefing to inform them of the dos and don'ts. After all, with HDB being an expert in regulations, they should have no difficulty coming out with further rules, except that this time round, the rules may win them better support since they are meant to help create temporary jobs. Sir, I understand that HDB is in the business of housing, and not jobbing.”
“Sir, in the last few days, many cries were heard of need to do more for the jobless. Suggestions ranged from rebates to training to job placements. We all know too well that, for some, the jobs lost are gone forever. We are not just battling with structural unemployment. Increasingly, we will be faced with under-employment. In light of the fact that there are a number of our people who have been displaced by the current recession, I feel it is necessary to help some of them to tide over their temporary difficulties by providing them with the opportunities to earn some income in the informal economy. Despite the proliferation of national efforts expended to train and retrain displaced personnel, we have to contend with the fact that there are pockets of our workforce who are not trainable and therefore not employable, and pockets who despite being trained are not able to find jobs. From what I understand from the ground and from my experience at the MPS, many displaced employees attempt to try another means of living. Many have applied to be hawkers and canteen operators, but since the number of stalls in our hawker centres and schools is necessarily limited, they find themselves waiting a long time for their licences to be granted, only to find out that they may not get a licence after all. There was this Malay single mother who came crying with four young children to see me over her plight. She has been seeing me in the last six months and earlier my predecessor for not less than six months, so I was told. She could not go on living on the charity of MUIS, public assistance and the EDRS, so she said. She has only Secondary Two education and finds difficulty in looking for a job. She needs to earn money for a more definite future. But there is hope.”
“By allocating some space for their use in the NTUC Building, the Government and union movement will be sending a strong signal to PEMs that their needs are being recognised and acknowledged. I would like to request the Minister for Manpower and the Chief of the NTUC to consider setting aside some subsidised rental space in the new NTUC Building to house this co-operative. I urge MOM to do more to help PEMs, in terms of initial seed funding or subsidy in their search for a roof over their heads.”
“As I see it, while the emphasis given to the attraction and retention of international talent is not wrong, I think that more can be done to nurture our own domestic talent by allocating more funds to the training of our own professionals, executives and managers. On my third question, Sir, I note that on page 384 of the Main Estimates the Ministry has set aside some $75 million for the development of a new NTUC Building at the Marina South New Downtown. Sir, I like to applaud the Government for setting aside this sum of money to subsidise the upgrading of the physical infrastructure of workers in Singapore. Since the workforce also constitutes a fairly high proportion of professionals, executives and managers and with increasing levelling up of the workforce to the ranks of PEMs, we must also begin to accord support to PEMs. Last May, the Singapore Professionals, Executives Cooperative (SPEC) was registered as a co-operative to facilitate mutual self help for professionals, executives and managers who have been displaced. Today, SPEC has about 750 members from across the industry. Being relatively young, SPEC's mainstream of revenue is from subscriptions of co-operative shares of members. SPEC is also today engaged in some recruitment, training and consultancy services. Nonetheless, these activities have not earned enough gains for SPEC to be able to afford expanding resources on office space. At this point, Sir, I would like to declare my interest in SPEC, being one of the founders of SPEC. Currently, SPEC is being hosted and housed in the premises of the Singapore Human Resources Institute which is already bursting at the seams. As this new co-operative is envisaged to be an on-going concern, it needs to have access to a more permanent place to house its activities.”
“Today, I would like to ask the Minister, in respect of our Manpower Development Programme, whether there are funds that are specifically earmarked to help upgrade the skills and education of our executives who have been displaced through company retrenchment exercises. It would not be unreasonable to suppose that many of these displaced executives need help either to update or to re-orient their skills. As an example, with the liberalisation of our banking sector, there is an urgent need to upgrade some of the knowledge and skill levels of professionals in this sector so that they come up to par with their counterparts in more developed financial centres. Are there funds from the Manpower Development Programme to help people like them make that critical switch up the knowledge ladder? Sir, I also note in the same page of the Main Estimates that $54.56 million have been earmarked for the Manpower Augmentation Programme. As outlined in the estimates, this programme is primarily meant to attract and manage international talent into this country. I have no qualms about the amount spent on the attraction and management of international talent. The point I like to raise, though, is, if there is provision in the Manpower Development Programme, then whether there are other types of grants earmarked for the development of PEMs, particularly those who have been displaced. If there are indeed such grants set aside for the development of PEMs, are they specifically targeted at our domestic managers, professionals and executives, or are they also made available to the foreign talent in our midst?”
“Since we need to forge a close synergistic relationship between the principal actors of the workforce, it is important for the Ministry of Manpower to also incorporate the concerns and contributions of our professionals, executives and managers. By acknowledging their role and contributions, we will certainly be able to better engage their commitment to propel Singapore in a global competition. In light of this, Sir, I beg to propose that the mission statement takes on a more global tone to read something like this: "To develop a globally competitive workforce and to foster a highly favorable workplace environment, in partnership with workers, employers, professionals, executives and managers, to achieve sustainable economic growth for the well-being of Singaporeans." On my second question, Sir, I refer to Code Head S of the Main Estimates on page 384 of Paper Cmd. 3 of 2002. Looking through the estimates of the Ministry's Manpower Development Programme, I note that the amount earmarked for the operating budget for the next fiscal year is $47.65 million. I suppose that most of that amount would be spent on the Skills Redevelopment Programme and on the implementation of employment assistance and retraining programmes for the unemployed under the Manpower Action Plan. I am given to understand that these two programmes are basically intended to retrain blue-collar and manual workers who have been retrenched, or who need to upgrade their skill levels. Sir, yesterday, I proposed setting up the Higher Education Endowment Development (HEED) Fund for PEMs as we have done so for workers.”
“Sir, I refer to the mission statement of the Ministry of Manpower on page 381 of the Main Estimates, which reads, and I quote: "To develop a globally competitive workforce and foster a highly favorable workplace environment, in partnership with workers and employers, to achieve sustainable economic growth for the well-being of Singaporeans." As it currently stands, the mission statement is indeed a commendable one; one which has served Singapore well for many years. However, in view of the knowledge-based economy that we find ourselves currently in, I wonder whether the statement has missed out a critical sector of our workforce. As I see it, the mission statement makes reference to "workers and employers" alone, while leaving out the entire segment of our workforce that constitutes professionals, executives and managers (PEMs). In light of the critically important role played by this workforce segment in our increasingly sophisticated knowledge-based economy, would it not make better sense to reflect their importance in this mission statement? The Minister for MTI has explained in defence for the change of names of three statutory boards as to better reflect their evolving and changing roles in the current operating environment. Similarly, since the Ministry of Labour changed its name to MOM a few years back, the role of MOM has to evolve and change to reflect its relevance in the operating environment. I am heartened by MOS Ng Eng Hen's acknowledgement of the need to pay more attention to PEMs, in view of their growing numbers in the workforce, constituting something like 40%.”
“The HEED Fund will help to empower professionals, executives and managers, with relevant skills which, in turn, will help to increase their employability and ability to fend for themselves, through self-employment, part-time and flexible work arrangement. The availability of such resource will also help to attract investments towards making Singapore an educational hub. My question really is whether the Government will be positively disposed towards the idea of matching donations for this proposed fund, and whether it will lend a hand in facilitating the setting up of this fund.”
“Sir, I would like to raise an issue with respect to whether enough money has been set aside to train our professionals, executives and managers above 40 years of age who have lost their jobs. There are various funding or training funds and schemes, such as the SDF, SRP, Education Endowment Fund, available for workers. On the other hand, except for some pockets of training fund available under the MOM Work Skills and Self-Employed Training for unemployed executives, there seems to be a dearth of such initiatives for the professionals, executives and managers. For them to survive and progress in the new economy, they must continually upgrade themselves and acquire new knowledge and skills through higher education. While requests to use the CPF fund for such purposes, except only for studies at NUS and NTU, have understandably been frowned upon by Government, especially when the CPF money could be easily lost through poor academic course, we should also not be averse to exploring alternative ways by which funding can be made available to help train our professionals, executives and managers. I would therefore like to propose that the Government facilitate the setting up of what I call a HEED Fund, which stands for Higher Education Endowment Fund, for professionals, executives and managers. The Government can help to encourage employers, employer groups, professional bodies, charitable organisations, foundations and individuals, to donate to the fund and to match such donations, as they have done for the endowment fund for workers.”
“Sir, I would like to raise an issue with respect to the proposed increase in the Medisave component of our CPF to cover insurance premiums that will ensure the portability of medical insurance for Singaporeans. In the report outlining the preliminary recommendations for a portable medical benefit scheme, I note that there is a two-tier scheme being proposed, one covers basic medical insurance, which is supposed to be compulsory, while the second-tier provides for an enhanced and optional medical insurance coverage. The issue that I would like to raise with the Minister pertains to the first-tier basic medical insurance that is supposed to be compulsory. In the proposed scheme, employers will have to pay an additional 1% of the employee's monthly salary as additional contribution to the employee's Medisave account, subject to a salary cap of $6,000. To offset this additional charge, employers will get to enjoy an additional 1% tax deduction of payroll. Could the Minister enlighten the House on whether he thinks the proposed 1% increase in monthly salary is enough to pay for premiums that will ensure a coverage that is sufficiently comprehensive in scope in the event of hospitalisation? May I ask if the CPF Board will come out with a scheme that will ensure that premiums are not only kept affordable, but that they will ensure sufficiently comprehensive coverage for basic medical services? Further to that, on what basis will the deductible and co-insurance elements be calculated? Will it be sufficiently low enough for lower income workers to pay if and when the need for hospitalisation or other needful medical expenditure arises? 5.30 pm”
“Reducing CPF contributions for the 40s age group tends to send the wrong signals to this group of employees, particularly managers, executives and professionals, that they are not being recognised for their contributions to society. In fact, in this age group, they are in the prime of their working life with plenty of experience and skills to give to their employers in particular, and society in general. Reducing CPF contributions as a solution to encourage employers to continue keeping these people on the payroll is an insignificant solution, and a knee-jerk solution. In fact, it is not unknown that a few employers have seen the need to increase the CPF contributions for the over-50s to be in line with the younger employees where they see that these employees' services are required. If we are true to regarding our workers and executives as human capital, then why do we zero in on wages as a cost of doing business? Why do we not look at wages as an investment in building our human capital? There are existing mechanisms that can be fully explored to achieve the same result. For example, we can use the MVC mechanism to the fullest. Why bother to tinker with the CPF again when there is another option? By all means, we should do what we can, and expect older workers to do what they can, to make themselves employable. But, Sir, the proposal may not be an entirely fair nor effective means by which to achieve the goal of employability. As such, I would urge the Minister and all those concerned, to seriously consider the long-range implications of the proposal before even thinking of passing it into law.”
“Sir, an immediate concern over linking a cut in CPF rate to the age of employees rests on the issue of equal remuneration for equal job performed. There is a group of the over-40s whose skill levels may be roughly comparable to those who are younger. If this group of over-40s are doing the same jobs as their younger counterparts, and yet have to suffer a pay cut in the form of a reduced CPF rate, then, we may find ourselves endorsing a discriminatory precedent in the compensation system of our employees. In this knowledge-based economy, knowledge, skills and intellectual capital of our human capital puts a premium on the value of the job. If we say, as a matter of principle that since older workers need to make themselves employable by accepting a CPF cut, irregardless of their contributions, then would this practice not be extended into other areas of compensation as well? Employers may then justify all types of remuneration cuts to older workers in the name of making these workers more employable. If we really want to move towards a compensation system that rewards employees for what they do, and not for their age, then this proposal for a reduction in the CPF rate may actually set a dangerous precedent by endorsing age-based discrimination. This, Sir, would then constitute an instance of reverse discrimination. In Article 12(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, it states: "All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law." If all persons are equal before the law, we should not make laws that discriminate against persons in different age groups. Having different levels of CPF contributions for different age groups is therefore discriminatory.”
“Very often, the recruited bus drivers decide to give up their jobs as they find the waiting period too long and cannot afford to go on without a salary during this period, since they are not yet productive on their jobs. The bus operators, in this instance, would have expended resources that only brought in futile results. Can I request for the Minister to kindly look into shortening the waiting period for conversion of such licences?”
“Sir, I would like to raise a question on what I perceive to be too long a waiting period for conversion of Malaysian class 5 licence to our Singapore class 4 vocational driving licence. Many of our private bus operators employ Malaysians with class 5 licence as bus drivers in Singapore. Upon approval of their work permit, their class 5 licence is converted to Singapore class 3 licence. This is followed by another waiting period of some three months or so before a test date is given for conversion to class 4. Upon successful conversion to class 4, another waiting period of 2-3 months is again required before a date is given for the vocational class 4 licence driving test. By the time the Malaysian bus driver obtains his vocational class 4 driving licence, it can stretch to a 6-month waiting time. I appreciate the need for Malaysians working in Singapore to hold a Singapore driving licence. What I consider as inconsistent is the fact that there are Malaysian-registered heavy vehicles which ply our roads daily. In particular, I am referring to Malaysian lorry and van drivers who come in from the Causeway or the Second Link, and ply their vehicles all the way to our port container terminal. These drivers do not have a Singapore class 4 licence, and yet are considered safe and competent enough to drive on our Singapore roads. That being the case, the long wait for conversion cannot be explained by the fact that these Malaysians waiting to be employed must first be tested to be competent and safe. If this were so, then there seems to be inconsistency in our policy. In fact, the long waiting time has dire consequences on the bus operators.”
“Sir, along the same vein as what my colleague, Mr Heng Chee How, has just spoken about, I would like to touch on another perspective with regard to the need for mediation centres to be set up. Other than tensions or conflicts arising among neighbours, one increasingly common phenomenon is actually the area pertaining to conflict mediation that has to do with school-going teenagers. The police and other community agencies have very wisely recognised this and have organised street soccer and other games to ensure that kids are kept away from unwholesome activities, especially during the school holidays. However, my concern is that while playing these games, kids do get involved in scuffles and fights over the game itself. Since youths are more disposed to outbursts and, if tensions built up are not released earlier, they actually can get very explosive. This, to my mind, is a cause for concern for a community. This is where I would like to urge our grassroots and youth leaders to play a more active role in helping to deal with these problems. But, as things stand at the moment, not all our grassroots and youth leaders are properly equipped with the skills to handle these sensitive issues. Can the Minister consider setting aside more money for the community and social sector development agency or other agencies within the ambit of the Ministry to help fund courses to train our grassroots and youth leaders with awareness and skills programmes? Can the Minister also consider some publicity promotion of existing mediation centres? Lastly, can the Minister review how we can educate and encourage the ordinary citizens to seek the assistance of such centres? All these will work towards fostering a spirit of harmony and neighbourliness in our housing estates.”
“" In light of the above, I would like to ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance the following questions: 1) How will the revamping of the existing incentives be more attractive to existing financial institutions? 2) Does the FSI cover all products or only a few selected ones? 3) Will the proposed FSI attract more financial institutions and advisers into Singapore and, if so, how? 4) Will the proposed FSI result in higher compliance costs, both in the revamp and thereafter?”
“Sir, I am heartened by the various tax incentives in this year's Budget targetted at strengthening the competitiveness of our wealth and asset management industries. If we are seriously going for the goal of building a world-class financial hub, we would need to expand our derivatives market and deepen our existing capital markets. The incentives that have direct impact on taxation of banks are the consolidation of existing financial sector incentives into an umbrella Financial Sector Incentive (FSI). Currently, the preparation of a bank's tax return is complex and time consuming, due to the application of different tax rates to different products and units. The new scheme is supposed to simplify the tax system and should, therefore, reduce compliance costs. I also understand that, at present, the regulatory returns and tax returns do not provide a seamless transference of information from one return to another. For instance, revenue from financial institutions comes from multiple sources, both on-shore and off-shore. To qualify for the concessionary rate of tax requires administrative time and cost in splitting incomes. I am mindful of the intention to merge several of the 11 existing incentives into a single umbrella scheme. The scheme, as the Budget Statement says, will offer a concessionary tax rate of 5% for "qualifying high growth and high value-added activities", and 10% for "mature but tax-sensitive activities." It does appear that financial institutions may have to grapple with further regulatory and definitional issues, like "qualifying high growth activities" and "mature but tax sensitive activities.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State what is the success rate of such counselling programmes that have been instituted in schools.”
“Sir, I would like to end here by saying that in this time of great change and in the midst of the terrorist threat and political instability in the Middle East, it is important that Singapore continues to surge forward with both political and economic strength. The Finance Minister deserves appreciation from all in this House for presenting a Budget which pulls no punches in laying out a strong and sound launching pad by which the economy will find the ballast to thrust us upwards into higher global reaches. Like Mdm Halimah and Ms Irene Ng, I look forward to the Finance Minister's pro-women policies in order that more Singapore women will be convinced to come forward to serve in this august Chamber. Sir, I join my colleagues in supporting this Budget.”
“I continue to encourage and support Government private joint ventures in order to further consolidate social construction and welfare services. I trust hon. Members would agree that the hard work of our people and the wise leadership have enabled resource scarce Singapore to grow into an economically strong and prosperous nation within a short period of its independence. We must therefore continue to nurture our national capitalists through business opportunities and, at the same time, grow the State coffers from the profits derived from the GLCs. These profits can be used to initiate programmes to help the aged and the handicapped. Sir, coming to the increase in parking charges, I fear that the cost will go up for those who use their vehicles for carrying out their work activities, eg, taxi drivers, bus operators, heavy vehicle operators, salesmen and technicians. Unlike those who use their vehicles for convenience and comfort, these vehicles are essential to the livelihood of these Singaporeans. Is the increase on vehicle usage aimed at those in the second category or the first category? Should we have a differential in the rate of charges for the two categories in order to achieve a more equitable imposition of such increases? Another concern arising from the increase in parking charges is the issue of illegal parking in private estates near to HDB estates. Our successful integration of HDB dwellings with private residential estates has made it convenient for vehicle owners, including goods vehicles from HDB estates, to park their vehicles in these residential estates, often causing inconvenience. Will the Finance Minister kindly look into some of these implementation issues so as to minimise negative consequences?”
“Can I therefore humbly request that this group of affected Singaporeans be helped in the transition, as they do not benefit from the tax-saving and road tax saving, and yet they have to meet additional expenses due to the higher GST, transport and parking charges? Will the Finance Minister consider making an exception for displaced PEMs to enjoy the higher tranche of the ERS, if at the point of issue they still have not found employment, and not subject them to the criterion of housing type? Next, taking care of the elderly and needy requires sacrifices and resources. With GST and other increases associated with ferrying them around, people who do not qualify for the offset measures need to be helped, especially when they are affected by difficult economic situations, such as unemployment and its accompanying effect. The Budget is silent on the assistance measures. I would like to urge the Government to consider the plight of people who have to take care of the less fortunate, especially when they are handicapped or are suffering from illnesses requiring regular treatments, and thereby having to incur non-healthcare related expenses. Sir, the highly anticipated changes to the role of Government-linked Companies (GLCs) were not mentioned in the Budget. Generally, the feeling of the small-time business players is that they relish being courted or invited to participate in the business of the GLCs. I recognise that this should not be too great an issue if the SMEs can prove that they have value added contribution to make. No one begrudges the GLCs of their right to compete for business, especially in those areas that are their forte.”
“Sir, the hardest hit in this downturn is the cohort of displaced professionals, executives and managers I label PEM. Unlike the unskilled lower income and older workers who touch at the heartstrings of the Government, PEMs do not do that well. Many retrenched PEMs have heavy commitments incurred during better times, eg, mortgages, loans, children's educational expenses. Yet, when they are out of work, they are not considered "poor enough" to qualify for the offset measures spelt out for the lower-income groups. Along the same vein as Mr Iswaran who has treaded on the subject of the ERS, I offer another perspective. Some of these displaced PEMs reside in residential dwellings and, as such, will not be eligible for the higher tranche of the Economic Restructuring Shares (ERS). Therefore using the criterion of housing type or value may penalise those in need of real help. To extend the argument, one may say, then downgrade. But, Sir, this may be painful as residential property prices were much higher in the past and it just makes no economic sense to sell at a loss. Now, let me turn to some other areas where further strengthening of our social fabric can take place. The bulk of the displaced PEMs, if they remain unemployed, will not gain from any income tax deduction in 2003, whereas in 2002, when they lost their jobs, they had to fork out their savings to pay tax for income earned in the year 2001. The increase in GST will be an additional burden compared to those who are gainfully employed. They need some financial assistance.”
“The IT world has taken away too much of the human touch and face to face encounter, and we need to bring back these old but results-winning formula. Again, the Ministry of Education should seriously consider incorporating such a programme into its syllabus. This programme is about "Hui Zhuo Ren, Hui Yong Ren", a phrase used by shipping tycoon, Li Ka Shing when asked what was the secret of his success. This phrase means, if we do it right from here on the way to deal with people, we would have equipped ourselves with a powerful tool for survival. It is no point remaking Singapore in all the 5Cs if we cannot recognise that the fundamental C is your customer, both internal and external, whom you must win over. When that happens, then all the Cs of cash, condominium, car, credit card, club will be yours with the wink of an eye and the smile of the lips. Sir, we need to learn the finesse of winning people in this competition, and we must start with our students. Sir, I have mentioned in the beginning that some have felt the pain of this Budget. I agree with the Finance Minister's sentiments that this is not a give-away but an encouragement to help Singaporeans remake themselves. The pro-business strategy of our Government all these years has been necessitated by our geographical size and fate and this year's Budget continues to aim at attracting investments plus global talents. The shift to an indirect mode of taxation is in the right direction. The increase in the GST, which is meant to make up for the loss in revenue as a result of the reduction in corporate and income taxes, is well cushioned by the offset package which ranges to about 10 years for some categories. As can be expected, there are Singaporeans in our midst who will be left out totally.”
“To many of them, the world of excitement and progress is still America and Europe. I would like to propose that the Ministry of Education sets aside a budget to organise more subsidised educational-cum-trade missions for our students from secondary and tertiary institutions. Sir, such educational-cum-trade missions will provide a melting pot into which distances, differences, prejudices and even self-interest are integrated, mixed and brewed into mutual beneficial arrangements. What I saw during this trip, in the world's largest dam construction of the Three Gorges, will amaze Singaporeans of the engineering prowess and feat of the Chinese civil engineers. The dam site takes 17 years to construct. 28,000 people involved in this project have been living in this isolated site since 10 years ago and will continue to live there till 2009, the expected date of completion. All these will be a reminder to Singaporeans that, at the end of the day, it is a flexible, adaptable and enduring attitude that will make us a winner, granted that all other qualities are a given. It is also timely that a national customer service programme be mounted to start inculcating service attitude and service skills in our students who are the future service leaders of tomorrow. Sir, it is not enough to have the knowledge of the product. That is going to be a given. But the service attitude and skills will make that difference in whether customers choose to patronise the business again and again. In inculcating such values and attributes, we need to start early. Sir, my proposition for such a programme is premised on practicality and what is much needed in the real business world.”
“It seemed as though they had learnt "by heart every phrase and choice of word," to demonstrate that I can do just as well, if not better. They even delivered their services beyond what was normally expected of them. For example, when you ask for the directions to the washroom, the service provider will walk you all the way. Such is the kind of service excellence that will make a delightful service experience and provide the cutting edge in the competition. The whole attitude displayed was one of eagerness to show their feats and their readiness to embrace foreign investors. Customer savvyness seems to become more and more an ingrained part of the Chinese psyche. Sir, in remaking Singapore, our ultimate aim is to thrive and prosper in this global competition. Our long-standing principle "to make as few enemies but as many friends as possible" is worth revisiting. By this principle, we will make more friends amongst men and nations, and our personal and national prestige can be expected to grow. No doubt the pedagogy of engaging Singaporeans from all sectors of our society in this remaking is a resounding move. Nonetheless, our policy makers and leadership must be able to convince and win the hearts and minds of our people. China's economic involvement will increase in this part of the world. It is to our advantage that we start preparing our young for more involvement with China, as the majority of our students still betray very scanty knowledge of the Chinese. Some of our students have even expressed disbelief at reports of the rapidity with which the Chinese people have made economic progress. What is even more disturbing is that some of our students have shown a marked reluctance to monitor and keep up with developments in China.”
“Under the farsighted and dynamic leadership of the present Government and with the unanimous support of the people of Singapore, this little island with no resources has made quantum progress in various fields, much to the discomfort of our Malaysian neighbour. I am sure Singaporeans are proud to belong to a nation whose future is promising and a Government that has always come good on its promises to the people. As we all know, today, Singapore is operating in a very competitive business environment, but some Singaporeans do not seem to grasp the momentous and dramatic changes going on around us. Singapore faces increasingly fierce competition from China, which today offers a haven for investors. But are we prepared to take the Chinese on in terms of creativity, entrepreneurship, and sheer diligence? Even our much vaunted advantage over the Chinese in the area of services may now be under threat. Prof. Michael Porter has recently pointed out that our nation needs to work on some of our competitive strengths, one of which is in the area of services. However, if we are not careful, we may even lose this edge to China. As a point of illustration, Sir, I had an opportunity last month to attend the Assembly of the Asian Parliaments in China. Prior to this visit, my last visit to China was two and a half years ago. I must say, the first thing that struck me this time round was the tremendous change in the attitude of the Chinese people. What I could literally feel was their hunger for knowledge, friendship and the desire to want to please and serve their foreign guests from both young and old, men and women alike. Many of the Chinese people, attending to the Assembly, spoke grammatically flawless English.”
“This time, the Government has heard their voices, and has made the necessary adjustments to make the distribution of the Economic Restructuring Shares more widely acceptable. Overall, as the Finance Minister has put it, Singapore has to make painful but necessary adjustments now so that we can sharpen our competitive edge in an increasingly unpredictable world. This year's Budget must be understood in this context. While the Government has made these unavoidable adjustments less painful, Singaporeans must fully accept the surgical act when it comes, as otherwise the patient cannot recover. Let us therefore take comfort in the assurance given by Government that we are in their good and competent hands, that Singaporeans will be widely consulted and that ramifications of any measures are clear. As with any major operation, life-supporting and life-saving equipment as well as contingency plans must be in good working order before the surgical knife is delicately applied. The pronouncements in this year's Budget have all the makings of a successful operation. But until Singapore fully recovers from the operation, ie, the remaking of our economy, external global viruses and infections can still attack us with impunity, often without warning. I urge all Singaporeans to accept some of the painful adjustments such as the GST increase as a necessary vitamin pill to strengthen our competitive immunity. Sir, we all know that a key fundamental that has helped Singapore make economic progress in these last 37 years has been the vigilant and robust promotion of wise economic, social and political policies. These policies have brought about political stability, racial harmony, industrial advancement and a secure livelihood for our people.”
“Mr Speaker Sir, I rise to congratulate the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister for his courage and vision in outlining for us a pragmatic and competitive strategy in this Budget that will see through the remaking and survival of Singapore in these highly volatile times. This year's Budget has been labelled "pro-individual". It has also been called "pro-business". Many agree that it is indeed a "balanced" Budget. The need to enhance business competitiveness in the country by reducing the cost of doing business in Singapore is balanced off by mitigating the impact of the associated measures on the economically disadvantaged consumers and businesses, as well as by the need to meet the concerns and aspirations of its citizens. It is noteworthy that the Finance Minister has actually, after taking into account relief packages, budgetted for a small deficit of $190 million. For a country used to enjoying surpluses in excess of $10 billion, this is symbolic and could be viewed as an indication of the resolve of the Government to increase Singapore's competitiveness. Although not an entirely painless budget for some, the keywords used by the press to describe the Budget Statement were "bold and competitive." There has been applause from businesses, and even Mr Chiam See Tong from Potong Pasir has been positive in his response to the press after the budget announcement. Nonetheless, the reactions of the men-in-the-street - the workers, the wage earners and the displaced professionals, executives and managers - have yet to be digested. Sir, some Singaporeans, especially the middle-income groups, have expressed their displeasure at the allotment formula used in the first distribution of the Singapore Shares.”
“It has been able to maintain its economic development by carving certain niches in the European and world economies. Its small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) produce special and world-class goods. You may have heard the term 'boutique chocolate'. It is a special chocolate, delicious, unique but the price is ten times that of ordinary chocolate. Many people love it. So is the case with its restaurants. It has one-star to three-star restaurants. The three-star restaurants are not big restaurants. Some are run by couples with an assistant. But I have been told that the cooking is delicious and the ambience is fantastic. Diners pay premium amount to enjoy the service. In Sydney, there are also similar restaurants which are extraordinary. Those who want to go to the restaurants have to book three months in advance. There is only one menu and it does not change but the restaurants are crowded with customers every night. What I want to stress here is that we should not blame costs only. Generally, to compete with our rivals, we need to lower our costs. But for special high-cost industries, we can still increase demand by being creative. Mr Speaker, the oasis which is called Singapore has to get a formula and model from the experience overseas. The formula and model are like underground water that gives life to the oasis. If this can be done, I am confident that the ship which is called Singapore will continue to sail in the sea of success. Mr Speaker, I support the motion.”
“All these and many more that I am unable to mention form 60% of the factors that contribute to Singapore's survival. Mr Speaker, we may not be able to change the external factor. It is beyond our control. But this does not mean that we should not do anything and let it grip us. We should make efforts to make them work in our favour. I studied geography. Those who are familiar with the topography of a desert know that an oasis does not exist on its own. Its existence and greenery are due to the underground water that flows hundreds of kilometres to it. The water flows slowly and though we cannot see it, the water flows non-stop. Singapore is like an oasis. To remain as an oasis, it needs to create a network which channels sources of production and expertise from all over the world. Through the external wing, regionalisation, the carving of niches in external markets, the setting up of strategic branch offices overseas, the entry of talent and our networking with post-industrial countries, we create a network which becomes the lifeline of our country. We also need to concentrate on the other 40% - the internal factor. We need to rediscover our strength, explore new areas, change our way of analysing and solving problems. We have to strengthen our unity, increase our sense of belonging and stakes of our people. We need to have confidence in ourselves and our capability. It is a factor that can prompt us towards progress. The Singapore brand enjoys an international standard. We should fully use it. The success of SIA and PSA in airline and port industries can serve as a model for other industries. We should have more models of this kind. Mr Speaker, two years ago I was in Belgium, a European country which has a high cost of living.”
“In our country, the events sparked by the Jemaah Islamiyah incident, the emergence of KMM in Malaysia and Laskar Jihad in Indonesia as well as Abu Sayyaf in the Philippines show that the threat of global terrorism affects us and our neighbours. Mr Speaker, what is the link between the geopolitical development in the world and Singapore? If a major part of Singapore's future is determined by external factors, it means that we have to think about it seriously and rationally. Singapore is a secular country. Muslims form 15% of its population. It is surrounded by Indonesia where Muslims form 88% of its 228 million population and Malaysia where Muslims form 53% of its 22 million population. Events that take place in the world and our neighbouring countries will have effects on Singapore. Does this mean that Singapore should be suspicious of Islam? Statements made by our leaders are clear. Singapore is not suspicious of Islam. But it is worried about militant Islam. Mr Speaker, this is not only the concern of Singapore, but also other countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. Likewise with Muslim majority countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan and Algeria. They are also fighting to contain the influence of militant Islam. We should expand our network and cooperation with mainstream and moderate Muslim countries. They can become our friends. At the same time, we must stop the inflow of militant Islam and prevent elements of militant Islam from spreading in our country. It is the seed of division which can threaten our racial harmony. Economically, we are facing China with its formidable economic challenge. Many Members of the House have touched on this matter. In this region, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia can offer an alternative with much lower costs.”
“The political challenge of militant Islam to the US began when Iran fell into the hands of the mullahs. Its attempt to make Iraq a buffer against Iranian influence ended with the emergence of Iraq under expansionist Saddam Hussein. Now Iraq has still not been completely crippled after Operation Desert Storm. In Afghanistan, the government power fell into the hands of the Talibans who opposed Soviet occupation of the country. The new Afghan leadership later provided safe haven to Al Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden, the person responsible for the attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is actually political in nature. George Habash of the People's Liberation Front of Palestine is a Christian. So are several other Palestinian senior leaders. However, the existence and violent profile of Hamas, Hizbollah and Al-Aqsa groups have placed militant Islam as a challenge to the US. The western media is also responsible for such portrayal. The flow of migrants from Muslim countries in North Africa, Middle East and Pakistan to France, Britain, Germany, Denmark, and the social conflicts which have arisen from it have also increased the concern of European countries on the phenomenon called Islam. These countries, though well-known as protectors and advocates of human rights, have taken measures to protect their respective interests. Turkey, since Mustapha Kamal Attaturk's era, has been practising secular policy and identifies itself as part of Europe. Until now, its attempt to become a member of the European Union has still not become a reality. A line seems to have been drawn by the western world against Islam.”
“The situation three decades ago is different from the present. The bipolar world and the Cold War of the 1960s were to our advantage when we were viewed as supporters in the Western powers' struggle against communism. Hence, we enjoyed the inflow of capital which developed our industries, and this region saw support for anti-communist governments. Such strategic considerations have helped the economies of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Brunei to grow. ASEAN has been hailed as the unmatched shield of stability in the region. The basis of development which began from these strategic considerations has produced a circle of dynamism which benefited the region. Singapore, which has more obvious internal advantages and adopts correct policies and approach, has been able to move far ahead. The world is now a unipolar one. The struggle against communism has ended. The concern of the West has shifted to tackling their biggest political and economic rivals. Who is considered as a side which is able to pierce the unipolar comfort of the United States? Although Europe is seen as an economic rival, it is still counted as its political ally. So is Japan. This puts China and militant Islam as the biggest challenge to US world supremacy. Based on the way the US conducts its international relations, many are of the view that the challenge from China is a long-term concern while the challenge by militant Islam is more pressing. Mr Speaker, let me explain. In its effort to counter the threat of the Soviet Union, the US rallied its allies among Muslim nations. It helped Iran under Shah Phalavi and strengthened groups opposed to the Soviet Union in Afghanistan apart from cooperating with several Arab countries.”
“We have an educated and capable population. We have national reserves which can be used in difficult times. We have leaders of calibre. We have an excellent defence. What matters is that we have a brand name. The Singapore brand is a very valuable capital. All these are the capital we have. However, we are still handicapped by several factors. We are small. We have only 682.3 square kilometres of land bereft of natural resources, and a tiny population of 3.26 million. Mr Speaker, I do not in the least doubt that we can and certainly will overcome the difficulties facing us now. When Singapore was born as a nation 36 years ago, these limitations were already there. In fact, a large part of the capital that I mentioned earlier were absent then. We have succeeded in creating the Singapore that it is today despite some quarters predicting that we would fail. In fact, some even hoped that we would collapse. However, a historical abnormality happened. We have survived. And what is more, we have prospered. We can be thankful and proud because Singapore is an oasis in a troubled region. Why and how did this happen? Singapore's survival depends on two factors - external and internal factors. As is the case with other small nations, Singapore's rise or fall is determined to a large extent, about 60%, by external factors and 40% by factors within the country. We are not the United States of America, or China which are sufficiently large to depend on the people's sources of wealth and dynamism of efforts. America's economy forms 27% of the world's GNP. China, with its population of 1.29 billion and vast land rich with natural resources, can depend on the efforts and wealth within the country to support itself in hard times. Singapore cannot.”
“The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts (Encik Yatiman Yusof)(In Malay): Mr Speaker, I support the motion moved by Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Member for Marine Parade GRC, to thank the President for his Speech. I agree with the view of the President and some other Members of the House that Singapore is now at a crucial crossroad. I also agree with the President's view that the choices we will make will determine our future, our success or failure, our progress or decline, in fact Singapore's very survival as a nation in a turbulent world. We have our meeting here as the world is still trapped in economic slowdown. This is exacerbated by the black September 11 incident. The contemptible terrorist attacks on the New York Twin Towers, the United States' reaction on the Al Qaeda terrorist group in Afghanistan, the unending bloody conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in the Middle East, the threats from the Kashmiri dispute, all create a really horrifying global political climate. In this region, the political atmosphere is no less worrying. Threats from the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group have not abated in the Philippines. In Indonesia, political developments have yet to move towards improved prospects. Malaysia is facing challenges from the Umno-PAS power struggle. As a global city state which is open and exposed, we are not spared the sparks of the conflicts and the winds of uncertainty. Is Singapore able to overcome the difficulties? This is the question playing in the minds of every one of us. We can feel confident because we have the capacity. We have the people rallying firmly behind the Government. We have among the world's best infrastructure for which we spent decades to build.”
“These philanthropists have set up foundations and built institutions that have benefited many Singaporeans. Witness the former Nanyang University and The Chinese High. Sir, while we should celebrate Singaporeans who do well, let us also urge those who are well-off, to take a leaf from the great American tradition of charity and generosity and from our Asian philanthropy values, in reaching out to the less fortunate in our society. In so doing, social cohesion will be strengthened. In closing, Sir, we are all aware that Singapore is at the crossroads. The challenges we are facing are daunting, but by no means insurmountable. As a nation and a people, we have been at the crossroads and turning points many times in our history. Yet, each time we have overcome the odds and emerged stronger. I am confident that we will rise to the occasion and emerge victorious again. Strong leadership, transparency, meritocracy, hard work and flexibility will continue to give us the extra edge, not only to survive but will keep us ahead of many of our competitors. As a nation, we must soldier on with a positive mindset. As the Government, we must provide bold initiatives that will facilitate the PEMs and budding entrepreneurs. And as good corporate citizens, we must always remember to give back what we have reaped. In a nutshell, the President's vision must become a shared dream of all Singaporeans. I urge that there will be fuller discussions and public debates on this vision, so that all of us will own this vision and be inspired to always be hopeful. For in hope, we find the way to remake Singapore into a fine nation, not just in form but in spirit and soul as well. On this note, I support the motion.”
“Amused by the query, my friend replied "Well I have made enough money for the year and have decided to quit my job." In fact, she had just quit her dotcom company that went bust. The pre-conceived notion here is that she had time to ferry her daughter because she may have lost her job. But the principal may or may not be having this notion that my friend thinks the principal has. The point really is that the meaning of success is relative and a matter of choice. Singaporeans must look at the entrepreneurial world through experimental eyes. Give room for trials and courage. Courage does not mean having no fear. Courage is taking action despite fear, and this, to me, is success. Sir, the President has also spoken of the need to maintain and strengthen our social cohesion, as we upgrade our economy, and the income divide widens between those at the top end and the lower end. The world's wealthiest country, the United States, is also a country of great income divide. But the social cohesion of American society is strong, partly because of their great charitable institutions and the generosity of America's rich, in reaching out to help their less fortunate compatriots. The spirit of the American charity is best illustrated by Bill Gates, the world's wealthiest person with a reported net worth of US$56 billion, but who has also given away US$20 billion to charity. I am no fan of Bill Gates, but here is an example of a businessman supporting the community in which his business thrives. Our Asian values of philanthropy are not lacking in the least. The first generation of Overseas Chinese in Singapore like Lee Kong Chian, Tan Kah Kee, Tan Tock Seng and Run Run Shaw were all charitable towkays who had given back much to society, especially to help the less privileged.”