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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“However, if under-projection becomes the norm, then we know that the formula and those providing the scenarios may need to be fine-tuned. Sir, the real area for concern is when the mismatch between projection and outcome is due to over optimism and Singapore is spending more than its investments are yielding. Even then, the 50% bar will ensure that overspending will not be to an extent that eats into the capital and the capital gains within the reserves. Perhaps one way to even out the feast or famine situation and also to reflect that in international markets where high volatility is currently the norm and where it is not always possible to make long-term projections with nano accuracy is for us to have an equalisation fund. Such a fund, Sir, would drain off the excess from under-projected returns in years of plenty to supplement the lean years when projected returns are far above what materialise eventually. However, given that long-term rates covering 15 to 20 years will be used, representing, as the Minister had earlier mentioned, several business cycles of today's fast-moving business world, it is likely that the outliers would be moderated and there would not be wild swings between actual and projected returns from year to year. Sir, I would also like to suggest another potential alternative for the use of Net Investment Returns as a formula for budgeting due to the risks involved. To address the volatility of earnings and, hence, its impact on Government's spending, perhaps we can retain the use of Net Investment Income as the basis for our budgeting. However, capital gains and losses could be included in the calculation of net investment income.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Bill as the new approach to calculating what is available for expenditure by the Government is based on sound premises. Firstly, the new approach could make the investment of GIC and MAS more transparent, a path that benefits Singapore to take, as it is a significant player among the sovereign wealth fund investors. Secondly, by including capital gains in the calculation, it will turn Singapore from a typically cash-rich, comfort-deprived individual who prefers money in the bank to a standard of living that a more generous use of savings can buy to one who lives comfortably yet continues to live within his means. Thirdly, there are enough safeguards against overspending, namely, (i) President has to assent to the long-term rate used for estimating what's available to be spent; (ii) only 50% of what is available will be spent as the 50% cap on maximum spending is retained even within the Net Investment Returns model; and (iii) not all the Net Investment Returns will be used for current expenditure for improving the hardware, such as transport infrastructure, and software, such as healthcare, education and to give more assistance to the low-income group of Singapore, and could be regarded as capital investment for the future with their own future returns. Sir, there is some concern, as expressed by some colleagues before me, that long-term rate used to determine what is available for spending may over-shoot or under-shoot the real outcomes, and, hence, Government could be spending more than is available in bad years and underspend in good years. Sir, underspending should not be any reason for concern if it means that the future turns out to be more bountiful than projected.”
“I would like to thank the Minister for the very comprehensive response. Two questions for the Minister: I would like to find out how will the increase in borrowing cost affect especially the small businessmen, and in what way would MTI come up with programmes to help them better address the increase in the borrowing cost; and c aveat emptor may be the principle that we are trying to encourage among the consumers, but is enough being done to educate our consumers on basic financial skills and knowledge for the principle to operate effectively? In fact, for that matter, what are the current programmes that are being run in schools, if any, to educate children and youths with financial planning?”
“Mr Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister whether he has any statistics on the number of males on work passes or Social Visit Passes who were arrested for vice-related activities and how is enforcement on anti-vice activities actually conducted and coordinated within the heartlands. Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee: As far as the figures go, all the figures are for female foreign sex workers. As far as the heartlands go, in fact, the number of foreign sex workers arrested in the heartlands is very small. It is actually only about 1% of all the foreigners arrested in Singapore. So, it is not a large number.”
“The Senior Minister of State mentioned that home ownership in a way is the cornerstone of public housing. It was actually recently reported in the Straits Times dated 30th August that some Singaporeans would prefer to rent a flat as it is more liquid and does not subject a person's wealth to property cycle, so to speak. Is home ownership policy today still relevant, given that 90% of Singaporeans already own their homes? Can the Ministry comment on why it is more advantageous to own a HDB flat rather than rent one in the open market? Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Mr Speaker, Sir, with your indulgence, I would like to refer this question to a subsequent Question which will be answered on rental flats.”
“Three supplementary questions for the Minister. As Singaporeans are encouraged to use public transportation, are there measures to review our Park-and-Ride Scheme? Second supplementary question would be: how does the Ministry propose to fund the support measures that were announced, such as increasing the number of full-day bus lanes, managing demand for road space through congestion pricing and making travel information more accessible? The third supplementary question would be: when will these support measures be installed?”
“Thank you, Minister, for the very comprehensive answer and it is very comforting to know that we will be ready, when the time comes. Sir, I would like to check to what extent will the local workforce that we are gearing up be sufficient to adequately fill the vacancies needed in the IRs? Secondly, in the event that there is a gap, in terms of the manning levels, how are we to fill up these gaps? Are we opening up to the foreigners and, if we are, how are we going to ensure that these foreigners will come in with the same standard of service that we have been training our people for?”
“I would like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary two questions. Firstly, can the Ministry comment on the sudden surge of rental flats in recent months? Secondly, going forward, for those who cannot even afford a rental flat, what alternative accommodation can we provide for these people?”
“Sir, two questions for the Minister. (1) In augmenting the Ministry's manpower stock, is the Minister also looking into tapping the back-to-work housewives, the programme that was mentioned earlier by the Minister for Manpower? (2) Of the overtime hours chalked up, I am just wondering whether these OT hours are being evenly distributed across the staff strength of the Home Team or are they attributed to just dedicated teams of people?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to ask the Minister whether he could update the House on the status of the Train and Place and Place and Train, in particular, with respect to the perception of employers that to recruit our own locals may actually end up in a loss of productive time because of the fact that once the local recruits have entered the workforce, they would have to be sent for training and therefore there is this tendency amongst the employers to go for the foreign workforce.”
“I want to thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for his very comprehensive answer. But I just want to check whether we have statistics to show the extent of participation by employers in the re-employment of the older workforce. I appreciate the range of programmes available. It would seem that if there are employers who are keen to take the older workforce, they can go and apply to the available schemes. Is there any demonstrated effort on the part of MOM to engage employers to really "walk the talk", so to speak.”
“Three supplementary questions. My first question is with regard to the Re-employment Act. I am just wondering whether, as it stands, it is sufficient to protect the older workers. There are fears actually among older workers that they might be discriminated against, especially when it comes to the payment of wages. I would like to have his comments here. Secondly, I am also wondering how we can actually encourage employers to be more embracing of this older workforce. To date, are there statistics to show that indeed we have been quite successful in encouraging employers across the board to employ the older employees? The third question really has got to do with the fact that, given the higher illiteracy of those in this higher age group, how are job creation opportunities and the relevant training programmes that are available being communicated to this group of people?”
“Sir, clause 6 is an interesting clause because it places the onus of proving compliance with the statutory regulations on the supplier where there is a dispute. If I understand it correctly, the current position is that in a lawsuit, the party alleging the fact has to prove it. With the implementation of this clause, the consumer can allege unfair practices on the part of the merchant without having to prove it while the merchant will have to scramble to prove that he has in fact complied with the CPFTA. This seems to place an onerous burden on the supplier and may not be the best balance between protecting consumers' rights and not impeding businesses or business practices through over-regulation. Suppliers may feel threatened by this clause and thus take more precautions in their business dealings which may lead to increased cost of compliance. Such cost could either reduce the competitiveness of a business or end up in higher cost for the consumers if the costs of compliance are passed on. But, Sir, there is one bright spot in this clause, which is that the Minister retains the discretion to specify the regulations to which this reversal of the burden of proof will apply. Ideally, it should only apply to those where the customers will find it difficult to prove lack of compliance while it is easier for the suppliers to prove compliance in order to ensure that this clause is fair to both sides of a consumer transaction. In the light of the foregoing, Sir, I support this Bill. 5.28 pm”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of this Bill. I would like to comment on clause 2 of this Bill which extends the protection for consumers under this Act to include certain financial products and services. This is timely because of the high pressure and sometimes misleading sales tactics used in the financial services and beauty industries. While we must remember the principle of "caveat emptor", at the same time we must try to protect the most vulnerable to unfair sales tactics. Currently, the financial services sector is to a certain extent regulated by the Financial Advisers' Act but there are still financial services which do not fall under the stringent regulation of the Financial Advisers' Act, such as moneylenders. For instance, consumers aggrieved by a particular moneylender would have no civil remedy against the moneylender. The changes to the CPFTA will strengthen the remedies that consumers have against errant merchants and send out a strong deterrent message to would-be crooks. Clause 3 of this Bill increases the cap on the amount that can be claimed via an action brought under this Act from $20,000 to $30,000. I see this as a welcome change. While this Act was initially introduced for the benefit of small-time consumers, there is no reason that we should not protect big-time consumers as well. If allowing a claim through the Small Claims Tribunal under this Act would save much of the Courts' time, why not extend this to larger spenders? Also, with inflation and increased consumers spending, it is good that the cap be raised so that the remedies under this Act can be made used of by more consumers.”
“While it seems to me that this section was aimed at giving the operators a chance to explain their apparently errant behaviour before the PTC imposes a sanction and to do so efficiently, I wonder if there could be a slightly fairer way of doing so, for instance, by asking a third-party to decide if sufficient cause is shown. Clause 5 of the Bill empowers the PTC to initiate reviews and fair changes to the fare structures. It is good that the PTC can take the lead in ensuring fares are fair for all parties. However, it sounds rather draconian to allow the PTC to impose new conditions, especially those suggested in the Explanatory Statement that public transport operators may be required to enter into agreements with each other on terms specified by the PTC regarding the re-allocation of revenue on public transport operators before fare changes are approved. This is especially so in light of the proposed section 24AB where the PTC only has to consult and give notice to affected public transport operators before they impose decisions made under the new power to initiate fare reviews. While I have every belief that the PTC will arrive at its decision fairly, there is no requirement that the PTC has to accept the views of the public transport operators. Therefore, if the public transport operators feel aggrieved by the decision, what recourse will they have? This Amendment Bill is timely, especially in light of public sentiments that fares have only been going up and never down, despite temporary declines in oil prices. Perhaps, more transparency in the review process and public disclosures of review reports would help the public better understand how fares are decided upon. Sir, on this note, I support the Bill. 4.50 pm”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of this Bill. Sir, I note that this Bill is about empowering the PTC and indeed it is a very good idea to protect our public transport users against unjustifiable fare increases. However, I am concerned about the avenues through which the transport operators could seek redress should they feel that their proposals for fare increases have not been considered thoroughly. The proposed clause 4 empowers the PTC to enforce compliance with certain conditions. My concern is that there seems to be no avenue for the public transport operators to appeal if they should feel that approval for fare changes was withheld unfairly or revoked unfairly. Currently, an appeal to the Minister is available under section 22(1), but only for certain decisions made by the PTC as listed in section 22(1). Could the Minister clarify if the decision to limit appeals to the Minister is deliberate? If so, what can public transport operators do if they are dissatisfied with a decision handed down by the PTC? It should not be that operators have to take the PTC to court over such decisions because the cost of doing so could result in unnecessary expenditures for both the PTC and the operators. Alternatively, if costs are passed on, law suits could result in increased cost for commuters. The above scenarios would not benefit commuters in the long term. Also, the proposed section 24(7) seems slanted in favour of the PTC because the PTC is empowered to decide if sufficient cost is shown by the operator threatened with a sanction when in the first place the PTC was the body intending to issue the sanction.”
“In view of the two earlier questions with regard to specific expectations versus job responsibilities, and conformance to SOP versus empowerment to job incumbents, how would we take these two questions in the context of reviewing the circumstances that have led to the punishment that is meted out to the culprits, whether there would be some mitigating measures to be taken from the two questions asked?”
“Sir, I would like to ask DPM, going forward, for the benefit of the remaining staff, how does the management intend to distinguish the following in staff policy: (a) Clear expectations versus job responsibilities; and (b) conformance to SOP versus empowerment. Hence, Sir, what mitigating measures will be considered to review the punishment that has been meted out to the culprits?”
“Sir, three supplementary questions. I would like to ask the Minister whether there is a clear economic argument from MOF that can be carried to the masses, to assure them that this policy has indeed protected them from some form of inflationary erosion and is probably the best approach that we can take for now. The second question is: are there any foreseeable downsides of maintaining a strong Singapore dollar? For instance, how is a strong Singapore dollar affecting our exports? The third question is: has strengthening the Singapore dollar actually affected our tourism industry in any way?”
“Sir, I want to thank the Minister for the report. I suppose at this point, Singaporeans cannot expect to cover all their questions, and I would like to urge Singaporeans to move on. Sir, I would like to, however, make one suggestion and ask three supplementary questions. One is that, further to acknowledging the NSmen, in the interest of boosting morale, would the Government consider a national appreciation programme that gives all servicemen who have contributed in the search for Mas Selamat a symbol of the nation's appreciation, be it in the form of a full-page advertisement in the paper, a small pay bonus or a minted token of their participation in the search? My questions are: (1) Also, in light of the fact that many of those who are searching for Mas Selamat are in their late teens or early 20s, what measures are being taken to ensure that they are not harmed by Mas Selamat or his accomplices, if there are any, in the event that he is apprehended? I would like to ask the Minister whether the Government is satisfied with the way it had communicated information to the public and, if not, are there ways in which this communication could be improved in the event of a similar crisis. (2) What are the measures being taken to help Mas Selamat's family re-integrate into the community after this episode? (3) Going forward, what kind of risk management process and procedures would be installed as a check-and-balance for the SOPs that have been put in place, as recommended by the COI?”
“I would like to ask the Minister whether such a fine as the one levied in January 2008 is considered an increase in operating costs and, if so, whether it is factored in the computation of fares for consumers. Second question: what are the processes that are in place to make transport providers account for fare increases besides the annual review of maximum fare increase allowable by the PTC? Can the Minister elaborate on these safeguards and the enforcement mechanism for them? And the last question: given the rapidly increasing inflation rates, would the Ministry be reconsidering the formula for the PTC's review of fares, which currently factors in the CPI and the change in monthly wages?”
“Sir, I would like to ask the Minister, for obvious reason, whether we should actually be waiving the entire TV and Radio licence fee. I think the administrative hassle may not be worth it given the fact that we are soon to be a wired-up nation. RAdm [NS] Lui Tuck Yew: I think it goes back to the purpose of the fees altogether. There are certain programmes we know which are beneficial to different segments of the population, whether it is the different races or different age groups. And these programmes do need to be supported, and many of them are supported by fees that we collect from Radio and TV licences. If I were to take the example of other countries, whether in the region or beyond, as far as I know, all countries collect fees. Certainly the fees that we collect in Singapore are a very small amount compared to some of those in Europe, for example. But the point is that the fees serve a very important purpose in order to help support programmes which would otherwise not be commercially viable. Mr Low Thia Khiang: Sir, actually I have the same question as Mdm Ho, but a clarification from the Minister whether there is a need for TV licence fee. Can the Government pay for whatever programmes to serve the social purpose? Why must it get the audience to pay for licence fee? RAdm [NS] Lui Tuck Yew: I think at the end of the day, those programmes need to be paid for. If they are not paid as a result of the licence fees that are collected, then they will have to come from other means like, for example, raising taxes. And, certainly, to me, this is not as desirable as the non-users of such broadcasting services will also be required to pay for these services as well.”
“Sir, I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State whether there are plans to change and influence the consumer habits of Singaporeans where staple food is concerned, and whether his Ministry is looking into alternative sources of staple food so that in the event we are faced with a crunch we are ready for such a switch in consumer behaviour.”
“Sir, in line with the objective of CET for all levels of the workforce and in view of the new SDF levy payable for PMETs, what plans does the Ministry have for the training and upgrading of the PMETs? Are these changes going to encourage employers to send PMETs for further training? Employers may be reluctant to send staff for further training and, if so, what measures can the Ministry suggest to persuade employers to provide executive staff, in particular, with training opportunity? The second point, Sir, is the Prime Minister, at the launch of the CET Masterplan, has said that no matter how much money is pumped into this programme, for it to work, employers and employees alike still need to change their mindsets. Does the Ministry have any specific ideas as to how this can be achieved? Lastly, since one of CET's tasks is also to offer a way to enable those who have missed out on academic pursuits to have a second chance to level up, I urge MOM to be nurturing and to grant subsidies to those students in such pursuits in private institutions, especially those run by credible and established setups. We have been around running these academic programmes in the last 20-30 years. Examples of these setups are MDIS and Singapore Human Resources Institute. Improving Service Culture”
“Sir, I understand that individuals who do not qualify for the four universities programme cannot make use of the CET fund. From the perspective of the industry players, this actually could be seen to be undermining their competitiveness. Therefore, can the Minister consider allowing the subsidies to be used for those taking part-time degree programmes at other approved private institutions? RAdm [NS] Lui Tuck Yew: Sir, I am not sure I got Mdm Ho fully on this. The CET, in the sense of allowing students who had not gotten a degree but who wish to take part-time degree programmes at UniSim and the three autonomous universities, this was something that was recently announced in the Budget debate. Those who may not qualify for the three universities and the fourth university now have an additional option. Instead of only looking to private institutions or institutions overseas, they are now able to work and yet at the same time avail themselves of the opportunity to do a part-time degree at UniSim, NUS or NTU, because SMU currently does not offer this. Why are we confining ourselves to these institutions for the time being? I think we have the assurance of quality. Here, we are having this long discussion and debate over private educational institutions and how we can have a better handle on their quality. Right now, I think there is no certainty that all the institutions out there are going to be able to provide quality. In time to come, as MOS Mr Gan has just proposed for us to do, that may improve significantly. But as at this particular point in time, as we introduce this new programme, we want to make sure that we confine it only to those institutions where we have a greater assurance and where we are sure of the quality of the programmes that they offer.”
“Sir, I would like to ask MOS whether there is any difference between private schools and training institutions for adult students, and whether the training institutions providing education for adult students would also be similarly subject to the EduTrust and the new regulatory framework.”
“Madam, MOF and PSD are joining hands to promote greater efficiency in the Government. Headcount numbers have been falling since 2004 as a result of the implementation of the Manpower Management Framework Reduction plan. This manpower reduction has been partly achieved through outsourcing specific services. I would like to ask the Minister what is the profile of those who have been asked to leave, eg, age, skills, and the cost-effectiveness of this approach. It has been suggested that outsourcing is being implemented not to just private sector firms, but to GLCs and statutory boards. While there is no indication that this is the case, it has been suggested that some functions that used to fall within the ambit of MINDEF have been transferred to DSTA. Could the Government clarify how rationalisation and outsourcing has helped to raise cost-efficiency in the Government? It has been suggested that public money is just moving from one hand to another, that is, there has not been a serious revisitation of how we can make our Government leaner, not just in terms of manpower size but also in terms of cost. Can the Minister also elaborate on the Manpower Management Framework in the Civil Service and how this contributes to making the Government more efficient? Government E-services”
“Sir, I agree with the means testing proposal in principle. With this proposal, the means test will be less mean. The means test will use the patient's average monthly income as a criterion if he is working. If he is not working, the criterion will be the housing type. Sir, as for the reduction in subsidy for higher income earners for B2 and C wards, one wonders whether this will really deter them. The overall reduction in cash terms may not deter those in the top 20th percentile of income earners, though it may deter those between the 20th and 50th percentile. Perhaps a better gauge of financial ability would be the household income per head. This would be more accurate in determining if a subsidy is necessary. A patient earning $3,000 a month, for example, may have children and parents to feed as well. He may not even have medical insurance. To deprive him of subsidies because he is not in the bottom half of all workers will be counter-productive to the aims of the subsidies in the first place. Another problem relates to the choice of criteria for means testing for the unemployed. Housing type may not be the best indicator because some Singaporeans may be asset rich but cash poor. These Singaporeans may also need help from subsidies to get by. Today, healthcare costs are rising at a time when we are implementing a means testing system. Can the Ministry conduct a study on the cost breakdown in healthcare for us to better understand what are the contributing factors to healthcare costs and formulate cost-cutting measures accordingly? Means Testing and the Disabled”
“I would just like to seek a clarification from Minister of State Lee Yi Shyan. I am indeed heartened to note that WDA and SPRING Singapore will be rolling out the HR Capability Programme for the SMEs. I would like to understand how this plan will be implemented in the industry, given the fact that the SMEs are so dispersed and they do not enjoy economies of scale.”
“30 pm Sir, SPRING Singapore should again be commended for its journey of partnership to make for a more vibrant SME sector. In its network are the Government agencies comprising EDB, IE Singapore and A*STAR; and from the private sector, SBF and ASME, and the list goes on. However, starkly absent are the professional bodies, which are also making huge contributions to the economic growth of Singapore. SPRING would be justified in embracing a third category - the professional body. With Singapore evolving as a human capital hub and with human capital being acknowledged as a strategic asset in our knowledge-based economy, human capital competencies and expertise should be recognised as performing a pivotal role. Therefore, I urge that this category be eligible for the same level of support and assistance, specifically support should be provided to SMEs to help them professionalise their HR practices and management. Given the lack of resources for domain experts with each SME, I would urge SPRING to explore setting up an outsourcing agency, specialising in HR and organisational improvements, to take the SMEs one step further in their pursuit of HR and organisational effectiveness. Consumer Protection”
“Sir, SPRING Singapore must be commended for its efforts in cultivating young leaders. I believe SPRING can go further and nurture entrepreneurial instincts among our youths and get them more involved in entrepreneurship at much younger age. As it is, MOE has tied up with Citibank to teach our youngsters in school how to be more money savvy. There can be tie-ups between SPRING, MOE and other institutions to sharpen the business acumen of our younger Singaporeans. Industrial attachment programmes that polytechnics have been doing can be replicated in JCs. SPRING can develop partnerships with industry leaders and JCs to let their first-year JC students gain some industry experience through structured programmes as opposed to private internships that can have an ad hoc quality. Sir, I declare my interest here. A recent HR Challenge, the first of its kind in Singapore, was organised by SHRI and attracted some 300 applications from ITEs, polytechnics and universities. I was impressed by the many ideas put forward by the participants. Furthermore, they also completed case studies on companies in Singapore and focused on specific business issues, such as sourcing, talent management, succession planning and compensation. To support this event, SHRI had to approach companies in Singapore for sponsorship. It was well supported, indicating the level of interest on the part of Singaporean companies. To take this successful event further, I would like to urge SPRING to embrace HR Challenge as its main sponsor and collaborate with professional bodies like SHRI, whose initiatives in building human capabilities for the human capital industry must be encouraged further. SPRING Singapore Partnerships 1.”
“Sir, what more can be done to deter the problem and improve Singapore's image of a clean city. HDB void decks are the most common areas where litter abounds with unwanted flyers casually lying around. Town Councils have helped by placing litter bins near mailboxes, but some residents still do not make use of these bins. What plans does the Ministry have to combat this menace and anti-social habit and educate residents on being responsible and gracious. How do we deal with those who litter at void decks where bins are readily available, and those who repeatedly commit the offence? What reformative programmes are available? There are also those who spit indiscriminately. How will the Ministry and relevant agencies work with grassroots organisations to advise or educate recalcitrant litterbugs and spitters on the potential health hazards posed by their irresponsible behaviour? Related to the problem of littering is the improper dumping of bulky refuse at lift landings and rubbish chutes. While on one hand we can wish for residents to take responsibility for removing their own refuse by arranging with Town Councils, unfortunately, not everyone is so cooperative. What measures can the Ministry or NEA implement to curb this problem?”
“Sir, as we know, behind our galloping economy is an enormous amount of resources like electricity and water utilised daily. Can the Ministry provide information on which industries are the most pollutive and which are the most energy-consuming per dollar of revenue, and in absolute terms? This will make it more efficient to tailor an approach for each industry in conserving our environment. Other than the grants mentioned, are there incentives available to encourage the private and public sectors to be more environmentally-friendly? Can tax rebates be considered, for example? Perhaps more emphasis should be placed on conserving resources and electricity in our public sector. Organisations can also be encouraged to implement, on a permanent basis, campaigns like "Bring your own mug" or "Switch off all lights when not in use". Another issue is that environmental awareness should also be instilled in the young for them to play their part. Recycling bins can be made available in all schools. Instead of throwing textbooks away, schools can organise to collect these textbooks and hand them down to maximise the life of the textbook. Environmental Protection and Sungei Road”
“Sir, during my house visits, I have discovered that many of the rented flats are not just in a mess on the inside but the mess is also spilling out into the corridors. Strings and strings of clothes blocking the corridors, piles of shoes are strewn all over the floor and flats that seem overpacked with occupants. I also get complaints of merrymaking late into the night and drunkards loitering around the premises, instilling fears in parents for their young children, even adult daughters. The above posed several risks - modesty risk, safety risk, health risk and fire risk as well. How is the Government planning to improve this situation? Also, some of the sold HDB retail outlets are in a dilapidated condition. To what extent do conservancy charges and property taxes collected go towards upgrading and maintenance of these retail outlets? What happens when tenants and owners are not receptive to upgrading and improvement plans that will help to uplift image and safety, and what incentives or financial assistance are there to motivate owners who have become landlords or tenants to upgrade and upkeep their retail outlets?”
“Sir, public rental housing is needed by the poor and needy, but is it adequate? There are 3,000 households waiting and this number is growing. Waiting time ranges between five and 11 months, with 400 applications but only 170 allocations monthly. This is unsustainable in the long run as a backlog is slowly building up. What plans does the Ministry have to increase the percentage of allocations in a shorter time frame? Would the plan for more public rental flats be adequate to address the truly needy? What would happen if more households begin to fall into the truly needy classification, in view of the current inflation and generally stationary salaries for the lower-paid? What are the plans for the less deserving, especially the elderly who cannot get along with their family members and are left alone? Are there plans to help the sandwiched middle class of Singaporeans in view of the increasing numbers of applications growing from these two groups? The current criteria for public flat rentals are very stringent - a household income cap of $1,500, for instance. I would like to suggest using a per capita cap instead of a household income cap as a more accurate representation of the extent to which the household needs the rental flat. Can the Minister also elaborate on how the truly needy are differentiated from the less deserving and those in the middle ground?”
“Sir, I am glad that MND sustainable development plan for our infrastructure will also include sustaining our software, especially our elderly, in their sunset years. Sir, on the Scheme of Buy Back, the tail-end of the lease of a flat was mentioned by the Minister. I would like to ask the Minister to kindly provide an update on this scheme with regard to its implementation plan, the profile of eligible households and how is the equity value to be unlocked from the flat calculated in a volatile property market. Will inflation which is becoming an increasing concern be incorporated in the monthly payback under the Lease Buy Back Scheme?”
“Sir, what more can we do to prepare Singaporeans for major and small emergencies that may arise at home or at public amenities. I would like to suggest teaching basic first-aid and CPR to as many residents as possible. Are there plans to train female home and caregivers and the elderly; extend the teaching and practice of first-aid to all student groups in schools and consider implementing a short stint of national training for females, where they will learn nursing care? On the episode of Mas Selamat Kastari, MHA has been very swift to comb him down. But how else is MHA preparing Singaporeans and other residents on this alert and on emergencies that may arise, especially when there is a possibility that there may be a network operating in the background in Singapore for Mas Selamat to be able to slip away so easily? How can Singaporeans be prepared for possible pervasive forces? Public Safety and Security”
“Sir, Singapore is aiming for a population of 6.5 million. What will be the projected ethnic make-up of this 6.5 million? What proportion will likely be citizens, as opposed to PRs and foreigners? This will have important implications on social cohesiveness and managing race relations in Singapore. There are two types of risks, Sir, which foreign workers may pose to Singapore's national security. Singapore's social make-up is still very fluid, and we are vulnerable to racial and religious tensions. No doubt foreign workers contribute to the success of our economy, but they may have had bad experiences back home which developed racial bias. The bulk of our foreign workers are probably not racially antagonistic, but there may be a small fraction of them who are dissatisfied with their experiences here. If these foreign workers are not smoothly assimilated into our society, tensions with other racial groups may influence them to spread their dissent to others from their hometowns and this could escalate into racial conflicts. Good work done over the years to make Singapore a cohesive multi-racial society could be undone quickly. What can the Government do to ensure that this does not happen? 3.45 pm”
“The key difference between a home and a hotel is the amount of control you have over your surroundings. In a hotel, the management has the final say, although the customer comes first. In contrast, a man's home is his castle. Give Singaporeans involvement, and attachment will form. Give them ownership of the country's destiny, and they will stay for life. That is the key to making Singapore a home. Sir, the solutions and thoughts on the four points I have raised are not going to come out of the mill just like that. Indeed, to be Singapore number one, means weaving all the disparate threads of our social, economic, and political policies into a unifying theme that will keep our country ahead. More important than staying ahead is the question of how we want to live. Singapore cannot be number one in all economic indicators, and still have unhappy citizens with poor quality of life or feeling dissatisfied or feeling the lack of opportunities. What do we do then? Well, Singapore must continue to strive in its pursuit to be number one in liveability, graciousness, consideration and compassion, as I have highlighted in my speech. The litmus test for all Parliamentarians and Singaporeans to use is this: what type of society do we want our children to grow up in? Sir, it is by no accident that we won the bid to host the YOG. The entire spirit of the nation has propelled this flight this far. It has to do with a sense of pride and ownership. We have not lost them all and we must continue to kindle them. With this most important of indicators in mind, we can then truly say that we have arrived. On this note, I support the motion. 12.38 pm”
“Perhaps we could solicit more feedback from the yearly 1,000 students who study overseas and decide not to return to Singapore. The renowned magazine, The Monocle, and a survey commissioned by the Hub Culture recently ranked Singapore the 17th city in terms of liveability. Singaporeans used to seeing Singapore at the top of international charts were shocked: why are we a paltry 17, far behind 10th placed Hong Kong? Why, when we rank as one of the top three places in the world to do business, are we so far down the charts in liveability? These are hard questions about the soul of Singapore we have to ask in the years ahead: is the key to loyalty merely economic, or is there something more to encouraging our best and brightest to stay? A look at the Hub Culture indices provides an interesting insight into why we only rank 17 in liveability. The survey ranks cities according to 'innovation, change and vibe'. Under the section on Singapore, the survey highlights the Government's good efforts in 'innovation at the macro level and providing economic security'. However, it still begins the section by the familiar caveat: 'Singapore might seem boring'. Could it be that despite the Government's best efforts, our citizenry still feels uninvolved in the success, growth, and vibe of our country? Could it be that the more our Government does, the less our citizenry feels engaged and involved? Perhaps it is time to consider engineering an engagement innovation with the young, and allow change to occur organically, from the ground. Encourage community bonding, independent thought, social vibrancy, but let people on the ground take the lead. Is Singapore merely a transit hotel to our very own sons and daughters?”
“For how long can the Government ensure that the frozen food stockpile will stabilise food prices for a while and that our neighbours, whom we depend on for some basic food items, will not take this opportunity to squeeze us further, further aggravating our vulnerability as a country? Sir, imitation is the highest form of flattery. Our closest neighbour has recently declared that they will be following in our footsteps – our tried, tested and proven method of growth. I, however, fear the day that the politics of envy replaces the politics of imitation. What is worrisome is when our neighbours decide to further increase the price of their food supplies. Is our Government prepared for such an eventuality, and how could such a scenario be countered? Sir, the fourth point is about our future. As Singapore moves towards our target population of 6.5 million, we are increasingly faced with the question of what type of society do we want our children to grow up in. As urban congestion rears its ugly head, the slogan 'gracious society' is no longer a platitude: it is an urgent call to arms. Unless we step up efforts to make this a reality and change our attitudes and adjust our way of living, growing up in a city of 6.5 million will be almost intolerable. Our ideal tolerance level should be on par with the Japanese: even in sashimi packed subway trains, tempers seldom flare, and a business-like but not unfriendly amiability is the defining characteristic of that country. For the longer term, the Finance Minister has shown the way to cope is to build up our capabilities and a resilient Singapore. The key to this is retention. MM Lee recently asked: where have all the bright and young Singaporeans gone?”
“It can also tell me the level of subsidy that I am entitled to under the means test if I wish to know my subsidy eligibility. This information data bank will complement the general information that is disseminated through the mass media. Yes, we have the media that reports the macro stuff of the policy or scheme; we have the cartoon brochures to simplify, explain and clarify. But we do not have the customised individual information that you and I and the man on the road would want to know. Perhaps the Government should start looking into a department that will make communication of such information better understood by Singaporeans so that we reach out to every nook and corner. Depending on volunteer grassroots leaders to do the job of outreach is not enough. A good example is the ComCare Scheme. It is not simply dishing out money to those who step forward. We need to comb out many who are still in hiding because they would not or do not know how to step forward. Perhaps it is timely to bring in the professional marketers, campaigners and counsellors to do a better job. The third point is about inflation and our food supply. Sir, inflation is likely to increase relentlessly despite the slew of strategies that the Finance Minister has announced. With food prices going up, the hardest hit will undoubtedly be those who can least afford these increases – lower income families with little produce substitution choices. If they are already eating chicken instead of pork or mutton, will they be left eating vegetables and rice if the price of chicken or mutton increases any further? We will switch to frozen food, but to what extent will frozen food bring down food prices before price increase catch up with frozen food?”
“Our newspapers are very good at reporting a scheme in great details. For example, the recent announcement of the transport policy by Minister Raymond Lim was well covered in the Straits Times. The report was a very comprehensive summarised version of the complete policy paper. It was a useful reference for those who wish to study transportation policy but the message to many readers was that they have to pay more to commute. Sir, what is needed is to customise the message for a targeted audience instead of a message for all. Let me explain this further. For example, if a resident approaches his community leader to find out his eligibility under the means test or the Budget handout or the policy guidelines applicable to him under the CPF lifelong plan, the resident cannot expect to have a very helpful answer from his community leader unless the community leader was involved in the formulation of the policy. What is needed is an information databank that can extract a subset of specific information and rules of schemes that are relevant and applicable to the personal profile of the enquirer. The process sieves out the relevant information needed. For example, if I wish to find out more about my CPF contributions, Medisave and lifelong policy, I would go to a specific website. I would key in my name and NRIC number. I will be prompted to key in other profile as needed, such as my birthday, gender and income. The computer will return with specific information applicable to me in that age group. It will tell me all about the status of my CPF account, the Minimum Sum and so on. I would not need to plough through the information that is not applicable and that does not concern me.”
“If the Government so wishes to encourage and switch the mindset of the entire nation, to commute by public transportation, then, as in the words of the Minister for Transport, seamless commuting from point to point is the answer. As an interim measure to prepare Singaporeans to take public transport, I urge the Government to introduce more shuttle bus services to link up terminals and stations to educational institutions, retail hubs, heartlands and private estates. These could be implemented straightaway without having to wait for the completion of the major transportation network. The second point, Sir, is on how we can have a better communication process through an information databank. The Government has introduced many good schemes to help Singaporeans. Although many of these schemes were well published in full in the mainstream newspapers and communicated through channels including grassroots dialogues, many on the ground still cannot grasp the key intention of the schemes. With so many schemes rolling out, one after another, many are confused with what they are eligible for. Try asking any grassroots leader or MP who is charged with disseminating information and the mechanics of such schemes, and I can say the majority will not be able to tell from the A to Z of such schemes, unless you are the author. Even the most zealous of grassroots leaders trying to help a resident will be greeted with information overload. And this explains how some join the complain camp – because if you cannot win them, you better join them. So the complaints will fester and the misunderstanding of the good intentions of the Government gets more serious. What is wrong with the current communication process and what can be done to improve it?”
“Next, I would like to propose a few out-of-the-box solutions and thoughts. I call them out-of-the-box because they may not be the norm of the Government's way of doing things or thinking. The first point I wish to raise is about improving connectivity in our transportation. How do we ensure that whilst battling with road congestion through more ERP gantries and hikes, there are adequate interim measures put in place to facilitate connectivity from one point to another point? Many private operators have put up feeder buses to link MRT stations and bus terminals to shopping hubs. It is in their commercial interest to do it, so as to bring the shoppers to the shopping hubs by creating convenience and accessibility. This in turn benefits the commercial operators. Private condominiums operate scheduled free shuttle service from their condominiums to nearby MRT stations. Alexandra Hospital also operates a shuttle service from the hospital to an MRT station. These shuttle services provide the convenience with better connectivity for those who rely on public transportation. The Government has never really felt a great need for such intervention as arrangements such as these are purely premised on commercial motivation. However, I would venture to say that such connectivity is very much part and parcel of our transportation infrastructure that the Government should look into providing. For example, traffic congestion around schools can be improved if there were shuttle services to take students from and to the MRT stations, bus interchanges and major transport routes to and from schools. This could be the tipping point for students to use public transport more frequently.”
“In Singapore, emerging sectors, such as hospitality, will provide some jobs but, at the same time, the IRs could prove to be a double-edged sword. More money coming into Singapore could have the effect of pushing up the cost of living and those at the bottom will be hit the hardest. So, the sooner we help this group to help themselves, the better off it will be for us all lest they add on to the increasing pool of PA recipients. A policy framework to deal with the problem of wage stagnation at the bottom rung and a rising cost of living may be one of the biggest challenges that Singapore has faced to date. Sir, we need to reconcile our response with our tradition of non-welfarism. At the same time, the challenges that are confronting us today are very different in terms of their shape or magnitude from those that have confronted us before. We need to be creative and innovative and to focus upon areas such as fine-tuning the Workfare provision, the retirement benefits, and developing a well-integrated continuing education and training system. Help does not just come in the form of financial subsidies and incentives, it also comes in the form of opportunities and special help for the bottom of the bottomest. It is equally important to remember that most other advanced economies are facing the same problem. Fortunately, as a country, we have the human capabilities to deal with the issue. Also, unlike the UK and many of the European countries, we do not have an existing debilitating welfare infrastructure nor have we nurtured a welfare-centric culture. Whatever approach we adopt, it can be designed from scratch or, to put it another way, from the centre outwards. We can customise it and make it compatible with work incentives and human capital investment.”
“We know that looking at the newspapers and going to MPS is not the solution and referral to the job distribution centres sometimes also requires a fair bit of commuting. To incentivise this group to look for a job and take up even a low-paying job, I would advocate for a work transport pass, to be issued to them for so long as they are on the job and their income is below the threshold of $800. Such a work transport pass will improve the "circulation" of those at the bottom of the pyramid and benefit them as well as the larger society. This is because we will have more of them finding it meaningful and possible to re-enter the workforce and be less reliant on PA. It is a stimulus that is needed to bring back the zest for work in this group. Sir, at the heart of Singapore's economic success is its social compact. Since independence, the majority of our citizens, including those at the bottom, have enjoyed a steady rise in living standards. This can be attributed to sound fiscal policies and economic planning. The long-term economic future may be rosy but, for the short-term future, more help is needed for those at the bottom. Emerging global challenges are putting pressure on the sustainability of the standard of living to which we all have become accustomed. Technological development resulting in the outsourcing of services and processes away from developed countries as well as cheaper IT-driven processes have proven to be a cheaper source of business operations than semi-skilled and unskilled labour. In the immediate term, it will result in widespread job losses and income attrition in developed countries and this will hollow out the earning capacity of many semi-skilled and unskilled workers, leaving them stuck at the bottom rung.”
“With rising inflation and higher transport costs, commuting with their legs seems to be the only viable option for many at the bottom of the pyramid. This reminds me of my MPS where, among those who came for help, I have probed into why they are choosy about taking on jobs and would not take on those further away from home. This is what one of them told me: "The salary as an operator is only about $600. I live in Boon Lay and work is in Loyang Changi. I have to take MRT and two buses to get to work. Daily, it costs me $5.72, almost 25% of my daily salary. Cheaper for me to declare I can't work and go on the PA scheme." Sir, if we want to truly encourage this group of low income Singaporeans who are at the margin to re-enter the workforce, we need to help them "circulate" around Singapore. To look for a job you need to go out and find one. Sir, the Government has introduced many good schemes to incentivise these marginal workers back to work, such as retraining and re-skilling and the Workfare Income Supplement. Yet, we have not reached this group. Let me give an analogy of their situation. It is very much like a condition of colic that many of us would have experienced some time in our lifetime. The only way to ease the cramp in your stomach because of the built up gas is to get off your butt and move about or, better still, run a few good laps to let go of the gas. We burp the colicky babies and massage their stomachs to help get rid of the gas. What do we do with this group? They are not moving and continue to fester that wind in the stomach, which when it becomes a time bomb, will stink everyone around.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in the last three days, we have heard from cheerleaders and worried ones as well. Some cheered the Budget for the goodies that met their expectations, whilst others worried at the grow-at-all-costs Budget philosophy. We have been enjoying stellar economic growth that is the envy of many countries around the world. The respected Economist magazine marvelled at our ability to generate third world growth rates while maintaining first world economic development. Sir, 2008 will be remembered by posterity as the year of price increases. But I urge the Government to make its mark in 2008 and be remembered for casting a net that covers all Singaporeans and taking a step to roll out out-of-the-box solutions and thoughts to sustain our economy and instil ownership of our beloved Singapore. A special group that this net will reach is the group of Singaporeans who, if given the correct stimulus, can enter the workforce and help themselves eventually. I wish to advocate issuing them with a work transport pass. Two months ago, I met an old family friend, in his 70s. He lives in Tiong Bahru and walks six days a week to and fro to PSA in Tanjong Pagar where he works as an odd job worker. I asked him whether there was a direct bus that he could take. He answered that it would be too costly. At his age, he relishes a hot drink or soup during lunch, though he may be supplementing that with food and water from home. With a meagre salary of $600 a month, if he wants his hot drink or soup, he will have to walk to work and home. There are many others like this old friend, whose meagre income would not afford them the luxury of taking public transport except jalan kaki sendiri or zi ji yong jiao zou (自己用脚走).”
“I would like to ask the Minister of State what has been the experience of MOE in attracting and retaining the SPED teachers.”