Ho Kah Leong
Singapore
“Sir, the Member is right that the sewerage fees comprise two components, a fixed fee and a variable one. The sanitary appliance fee, which is the fixed fee component, is based on the number of sanitary appliances. It is a charge towards the cost of providing the sewerage infrastructure which I think the Member should have no quarrel.”
“Sir, we do not require canned food to be date marked because they are sterilised during canning and will not spoil over a long period of storage. These foods have a long shelf life. Sir, My Ministry does not intend to date mark all foods since there is no need to, from public health considerations.”
“After months of hard work and with the full cooperation of the Joo Chiat residents to spruce up the neighbourhood, the situation showed immediate and impressive improvements. The number of premises found breeding Aedes mosquitoes dropped. Correspondingly, the number of dengue cases also dropped from 28 in 1993 to 11 in 1994.”
“Yes. The Member also touched on malaria disease. Although Singapore has been declared free from indigenous malaria by the World Health Organisation since 1982, Singapore will always be under the threat of malaria because we have many visitors and foreign workers from malaria-endemic countries in the region.”
“My Ministry will continue to educate the public on how to prevent the Aedes mosquitoes from breeding in their homes and properties. My Ministry will also continue to seek out breeding grounds in public places and tighten our control, surveillance and enforcement measures.”
“Let me now turn to the Member for Jalan Besar GRC. Let me first tell the Member that in the business called "promotion of the arts", even if you have done a lot, there is still a lot to be done.”
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“From the reply given by the Parliamentary Secretary, we can see that the Ministers concerned started considering this problem from the beginning of this year. But what is the date today? Has not half a year gone by with no decision? I believe our Government is still an efficient government. Can the Parliamentary Secretary assure the House that the Ministries concerned will take speedy action?”
“Thus it will lead to a licentious, laissez-aller relationship between the male and the female. Libertines and promiscuous women will give full vent to their feelings. In such circumstances, will the Minister for Health be able to ensure that impressionable youths will not be uninhibitedly and wantonly more unscrupulous in their behaviour and that the standard of social morality will not deteriorate? On the one hand, we are determined to build a rugged society, but, on the other hand, we are indirectly encouraging a libertine relationship between the male and the female and thus allow social morality to degenerate. Is it not contradictory and ironical? Sir, I am a free thinker. The views I have put forward have emanated from my conscientious rationalisation, although some of the points expressed therein might inevitably be similar to those expressed by others. Finally, I sincerely hope that the Minister for Health will reconsider whether there is an imperative need to bring up this Bill.”
“What is more, in these countries there are tens of thousands of bastards born every year of unwed mothers. Mr Speaker, Sir, if we deem, like many other scholars, that the moment the foetus is formed inside the mother's womb it is a human life, then abortion will virtually amount to the taking of life. I think the Minister for Health has no intention of making himself the number one executioner by legislation killing a life which is absolutely unable to defend itself inside the mother's body. Moreover, in the United Nations Code of Children's Rights, it is stated that a child should be given adequate legal protection before and after its birth. This illustrates the fact that before a child is born it should also have its human rights. Human life is sacrosanct and inviolable. The process of evolution from the primeval age to the present state of civilisation has been long and arduous. The concept of the absolute sacredness of human life has also been established through a similar arduous process. These are the fruits of civilisation and should on no account be easily allowed to be damaged. Once the law on abortion is liberalised, it will mean that life can easily be killed. Human life will then become as valueless as a piece of waste paper. What is even worse is that it may shake the foundation upon which mankind has maintained its social order. Once the law on abortion is liberalised, one of the obvious consequences will be the degeneration of social behaviour. This can be evinced from the social behaviour of those countries which have liberalised the law on abortion. Legalised abortion will easily be misunderstood by people. They will think that pregnancy does not matter. After all, it can be aborted at will.”
“It is fortunate that there are already some countries in the world which have introduced a law to liberalise abortions. Their actual implementation and result can serve as lessons for our reference. The first question that merits the reconsideration of the Minister is whether the liberalisation of the law on abortion will actually solve our problems. The second question is, when the law on abortion is liberalised, what effect will it have on our society? In fact, in recent years, as a result of the successful implementation of family planning, the rate of our population growth has been effectively checked. According to statistics based on the present trend of a decreasing rate of population growth, by 1971 the rate of births will be only 17 per 1,000. We should actually strengthen our efforts in implementing family planning and not allow the liberalisation of the law on abortion to defeat or weaken the practice of family planning. The reason is very simple. Once the liberalisation law on abortion is passed, women will generally be less keen on family planning. They will have the idea that if they do not want the baby, the foetus can easily be aborted. If their application is not approved by the Termination of Pregnancy Authorisation Board, they can still go for illegal abortions. As the Minister has admitted, legalised abortions may not displace illegal abortions. In countries where the law on abortion has been liberalised, such as Sweden, America and Japan, abortion is regarded as an ordinary domestic chore, as the Member for Punggol pointed out yesterday. Many women have had three or four experiences in abortion. They substitute abortion for family planning. They take abortion as a means of population control.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, ever since the Abortion Bill had its First Reading in Parliament, it has stimulated keen discussion in our society. Members of the public, whether from medical, religious or educational circles, have come out with various views on it, both divergent and controversial. This can be said to be the first time that any Bill introduced in Parliament by the present Government has been keenly discussed outside Parliament. This spirit of taking part in the study of a Bill introduced by Parliament really merits our encouragement. This is just where the precious spirit of our democratic system lies. Today, when we debate this Bill in Parliament, we have naturally taken note of such public views. Whether or not the law on abortion should be liberalised is certainly a highly controversial question. This must necessarily arise in a great metropolis. Singapore has reached a stage in its development where its population growth cannot be allowed to increase without a check. Yesterday the Minister spent much time and trouble in this House quoting extensive references in support of his arguments for this Bill. We, of course, have taken note of the good intentions of the Minister in introducing it. In view of the fact that our land area is limited and our population is increasing continuously, we must, therefore, ensure that babies born will become useful elements in our society in the future and not become scums and a burden to society. Moreover, in view of the prevailing practice of illegal abortions which have caused traumatic damage and harm to ignorant women, we must legislate to correct the situation. But the Minister seems to see only one side of the question and has neglected to see the other side.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 93 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 204. Sir, it is understood that in a small country like ours, the available land for agriculture is limited. Yesterday, when I spoke on agriculture, I did mention that due to industrial development, there is less and less agricultural land. In this respect, I think it is a bright idea to develop our neighbouring islands for agricultural purposes. Sir, can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether a survey has been carried out in Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong for the purpose of developing these islands into agricultural fields and, if so, what is the outcome of the survey? 6.30 p.m.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“The quality of imported seeds will be examined to ensure that high-yielding and disease-resistant varie ties are available. The Pest and Disease Control Unit will investigate the problems of vegetable crops infected with pests and diseases and the correct use of agricultural chemicals to ensure the maximum return from each planting. It is proposed to build a single-storey building at Sembawang to provide a laboratory and offices for the intensive farm improvement scheme. Although the scheme was approved in April 1967, funds were only available this year. To date, the construction of the laboratory has yet to commence as a revision of the cost of construction is necessary. Part of the equipment required has already been purchased and put to use. Research work is now in progress. It is envisaged that the construction of the laboratory can commence early next year.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 93 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 202. Sir, the sum is intended for "Intensive Farm Improvement Schemes". I am keen to learn what are the schemes the Primary Production Department has in mind and whether they are helpful to the ordinary farmers. Perhaps the Parliamentary Secretary can enlighten me on this. Mr Ho Cheng Choon: Mr Speaker, Sir, in Singapore, it is estimated that some 25,000 families are engaged in agricultural activities. Farming in Singapore is extremely intensive and many varieties of vegetable crops are grown in rapid succession each year in very small units. Under such a system, an efficient crop, husbandry and farm management are of the utmost impor tance. In the intensive farm improvement schemes, the basic objectives are: (1) to carry out a programme of applied research into problems of vegetable farming with a view to increasing agricultural productivity; and (2) to find ways of improving the fertility of swamp land reclaimed for agricultural purposes. To achieve these objectives, three research units will be established: (1) a Soil and Fertiliser Unit; (2) a Plant Breeding and Soil and Seed Selection Unit; and (3) a Pest and Disease Control Unit. The Soil and Fertiliser Unit will undertake investigations into the feasibility of using reclaimed swamp land for agricultural production, soil improvement and deciding fertiliser regimes to increase production. Allied problems like cultivation techniques will also be investigated. The Plant Breeding and Soil and Seed Selection Unit will conduct research into different types of vege tables with a view to improving quality and quantity.”
“Sir, I would like to clarify that in future there will be no resettlement area in my constituency, but there will be people who will be affected by resettlement. I am satisfied with the reply of the Parliamentary Secretary and I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 92 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 501. Sir, I would like to talk on matters relating to resettlement. I think Members will agree with what I am going to say about the resettlement of farmers who have been affected by the Government's redevelopment scheme and have to be resettled in some other areas, thereby causing them inconvenience and difficulties. I hope the Government can help them to resolve this problem. According to my understanding, when a certain area is delineated as a resettlement area for those farmers who are affected by redevelopment, the authorities do not consider whether the land is suitable for resettlement. They merely build roads but totally disregard the provision of water and electricity, and applications for such facilities are of no avail. For instance, in my constituency, applications have been made for the supply of water by residents of Resettlement Areas Nos. 5 and 5A, but so far, these areas have not been supplied with electricity and water totally. I appeal to the Minister to consider providing the necessary amenities such as water, electricity and communications before the farmers are resettled in the delineated areas.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I very much regret that the Minister for Defence has a different idea from mine. I said that the People's Association has all the prerequisites to run kindergarten classes. Also the people at large can request the People's Association to run them. Sit', everything depends on our doing things ourselves. For instance, if there is a shortage of kindergarten teachers or if they are under-qualified, we can improve their training by asking the Ministry of Education to help train them. If the equipment and facilities for the classes are insufficient, we can try to expand them.”
“At the same time, they can ensure that what the teachers have learnt theoretically will be put into practice properly. Only along these lines can kindergarten education be put on the proper track. Sir, with co-operation from the people and the People's Association, kindergarten education will be successful.”
“The advisory committee should consist of experts from the Ministry of Education on pre-primary education and representatives from educational bodies, the People's Association and teachers of kindergarten classes. Thirdly, in my view, the present facilities in the community centres are inadequate for kindergarten classes. We should buy more teaching aids and educational toys for the children of these classes, because children of this age learn better through the play-and-learn method and free activities. They should not be confined to rigid formal teaching throughout the three hours. The Minister may be worried about the expenditure. I think his worry is unfounded. It can be overcome. In my view, there are many members of the public who are always ready to donate money for a good cause. If any additional expenditure is necessary, we can even go to the extent of increasing the school fees for these classes. So long as the classes are properly run, I believe that the parents will not mind an increase in the fees. Fourthly, in my view, teachers in the kindergarten classes should be given professional training. They should be given an opportunity to study child psychology and children's habits and special teaching methods. 4.30 p.m. At the present moment, the teachers in the community centres have weekly discussions on Saturdays. This is very good. But I think more can be done to improve the teaching methods and the curriculum, and perhaps kindergarten teachers can be sent on a study tour abroad. On the other hand, steps should be taken to strengthen the supervision of kindergarten classes by sending qualified instructors to supervise the teaching of the kindergarten teachers.”
“Thirdly, the People's Association has more than 180 community centres throughout the island and a nominal fee of $1 is charged per pupil per month. These classes are very popular amongst the parents. Furthermore, the community centres are not being made use of in the mornings, other than the running of kindergarten classes. Therefore, with the installation of some equipment and facilities the space available can be converted into very useful kindergartens. Sir, the People's Association has the basic facilities for the promotion of kindergarten education. This is clear to us. I now wish to raise some matters of detail in regard to the implementation of the scheme I have in mind. Firstly, legislation should be introduced to ensure that kindergarten education becomes part and parcel of our educational structure to be undertaken by the People's Association. We are aware that special classes to cater for the failures in the Primary School Leaving Examination are conducted by the Adult Education Board because the Ministry of Education is unable to conduct these special classes. Therefore, on the same basis, we can ask the People's Association to run kindergarten classes. In fact, it should be proud to be able to do this. [Mr Lim Cheng Lock temporarily in the Chair] 4.28 p.m. Secondly, at the present moment, there is only one committee in the People's Association to attend to the affairs of kindergarten education which caters for 12,000 pupils. This is obviously inadequate. Therefore, an expansion is necessary. First, we must form an advisory committee. We should also strengthen the administrative organisation of the People's Association.”
“Firstly, we all know that pre-primary education plays a very important part in the education of children. This is because at this tender age, children are most impressionable and whatever is taught to them will have a great impact on them in later years. The father of kindergarten education, Mr F. W. A. Froebel, has said that with children of tender age, you can achieve with an effort as light as a feather what you cannot achieve with an effort so heavy as 10,000 pounds in later years. Therefore, children of tender age should be given proper kindergarten education. In fact, in advanced countries, preprimary education has been put in as an integral part of the whole education system in order to cater for the needs of the children in the age group of four to six years who should be developed intellectually, spiritually, physically and morally. As the Member for Paya Lebar has mentioned a few days ago, they should be given a proper linguistic start. Therefore, we should not allow kindergarten education to sink or swim by itself. It should be given proper guidance and assistance. The next reason is that, from the Estimates presented by the Minister for Finance, we can see that defence occupies the most important part and, as a result of the increase in defence expenditure, other estimates are put on a standstill basis. We know that the Ministry of Education requires a great deal of money for educational reforms. Therefore, there is little money left for the development of kindergarten education. As a matter of expediency, we can make use of available facilities. Organisations which already have the facilities should expand kindergarten education and the People's Association, in my view, is the most ideal choice.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the views expressed by the Member for Sembawang. In addition, I wish to take this opportunity to deal with the expansion of kindergarten classes run by the People's Association. We know that the People's Association was established on 1st July, 1960, with a view to serving the people. After a period of eight years, the People's Association has been able to make use of more than 180 community centres all over the island to serve the people by promoting various useful activities which are very popular with them. At the same time, the community centres have also achieved the aim of becoming a bridge between the people and the Government. Therefore, we can say that community centres have already gained a place in the social structure of our country. In fact, in the eyes of the people, community centres have also taken root in the daily life of the people. It is because of these achieve ments by the People's Association that we can make further demands on the Association. We ask for further expansion of the activities to be undertaken by them. On the 17th of this month, the Minister for Defence, in reply to a question by the Member for Sembawang, disclosed that the People's Association have been conducting 132 kindergarten classes in the various community centres with an average yearly enrolment of 12,000 students who pay about $1 each per month. These kindergarten classes are very popular with the parents of the pupils. At the present juncture of its development, the People's Association cannot turn away from the duty of further developing kindergarten education which should become a link in our whole education structure. My opinion is based on the following three reasons.”
“I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. 3.30 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 41 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 402. Sir, in my constituency, there are about nine primary schools of various streams and the pupils come to about 1,000 per year from these schools. In this respect, there is nothing for me to quarrel about. But there is only one secondary school, the Jurong Integrated Secondary School, in my constituency. This school was set up as a result of the Prime Minister's visit to Jurong Constituency and at the request of the people. Members should not be surprised when I say something about this school. There are only eight classrooms and it is without a hall, or a library or laboratory facilities. Obviously, Sir, in terms of capacity, this school is inadequate for the needs of my constituency and is unable to absorb the number who passes out from the primary schools in my constituency. Furthermore, it does not have all the necessary facilities that a secondary school should have. Notwithstanding the lack of these facilities, there is an advisory committee and, with the cooperation of the principal, the students and other people, they have been able to carry out a great deal of extracurricular activities. They have been awarded a prize in the recent beautifying school campus campaign. [Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair] 3.28 p.m. Sir, several requests have been made to the Ministry of Education for further improvement of the school. I do not know whether there is provision to extend this secondary school and I shall be much obliged if the Minister can enlighten me.”
“From the reply of the Minister, it appears that he is still interested in looking after Nanyang University. I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“If the answer is in the negative, will there be any plans for its improve ment? Secondly, I wish to know whether there is any training scheme for higher studies for graduate assistants to take over those departments in Nanyang University which are overwhelmingly staffed by oversea personnel; such as the Department of History and the Department of Government Administration. With such a training scheme as part of the development programme of Nanyang University, there will be a sufficient supply of highly qualified local staff to man the various departments. Thirdly, as a portion of the sum allocated for this subhead is intended for the purchase of library books, I wish to know whether the Minister is convinced that the present librarian of Nanyang University is able to maintain the balance of books concerning Chinese culture published in Nationalist China and the People's Republic of China.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 41 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 203*. * The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon. Mr Speaker, Sir, although I am moving a cut in the allocation, in my view the allocation is not enough. An increase should be made. As a graduate of Nanyang University, I have the responsibility of looking after its expansion. Twelve years have elapsed since the inception of Nantah in 1956. The number of graduates has already exceeded 3.700. At least 240 Nanyang graduates have returned from abroad with higher degrees. Some of them have returned to Nanyang University to take up teaching posts. The Government announced the recognition of Nanyang University degrees sometime this year. Next year there will be honours degree courses in Nanyang University. All this is very encouraging. In other words, Nanyang University is up and coming. In a matter of time it will definitely be able to make a more significant contribution in the field of higher education. But, unfortunately, the allocation for next year is only $100,000. I wonder whether such a small allocation is enough for the expansion of Nanyang University. I hope the Minister for Education will be able to persuade the Finance Minister to make a bigger allocation. It should be at least ten times as much as what is being given now, in order to meet the expansion needs of Nanyang University. Mr Speaker, Sir, I have several questions to ask under this subhead. Firstly, it is understood that the Language Centre of Nanyang University was set up with Government funds. I want to know whether the present language laboratory has six-channel facilities as originally planned.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 21 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 101. This subhead relates to "Loan to Jurong Town Corporation". Can the Minister say in what way will the allocated sum of $30 million be used to develop the Jurong Town Corporation in order to supplement the various amenities and facilities?”
“These places are occupied by large business enterprises, but the small businesses are found in Chinatown, in areas surrounding Kreta Ayer. The small businessmen in these areas have a long-established business inherited from their ancestors, and they depend entirely on their business for a livelihood. The premises in which they operate their business are very old and the rent is therefore very cheap. There are some misgivings among these small businessmen because they fear that their places of business will be affected by the urban renewal scheme. They are worried that if a certain area in the city is zoned for urban renewal, they will have to be resettled elsewhere. Where they will be resettled remains a question. In other words, there is no prior indication of where they will be resettled. Mr Speaker, Sir, we know that socialist democracy means that the people must work for what they get. As the urban renewal scheme is being undertaken vigorously, these small businessmen have to be resettled elsewhere. If we do not pull down the old buildings, we cannot have new ones. I wish to elaborate on this point. On the principle of socialism -”
“The people are allowed to make use of their deposits in the Central Provident Fund to buy flats constructed by the Board in order that those in the lower income group may own their own houses. However, I wish to raise one point. Not everybody in Singapore has sufficient deposits in the Central Provident Fund to buy a flat. For example, those hawkers who are self-employed do not have any deposits in the Central Provident Fund and so they cannot buy their own houses. The same also applies in the case of widows who are riot working. Furthermore, those who are casual workers may not necessarily have C.P.F, contributions. As far as I know, the Government's policy is that all the flats, if possible should be sold. In these circumstances, I wish to ask the Minister what consideration will be given to the categories of people that I have mentioned. Will they be allowed to continue their tenancy in the Board's flats if they are unable to buy the flats they are occupying? If they are not allowed to continue tenancy in their flats, will they be asked to leave the flats they are occupying and move to some rural area far away from their places of work? in my constituency, about 90 per cent of the tenants living in these flats are rather worried about this policy. I hope the Minister will answer the queries I have raised. Sir, the next point I wish to deal with is in regard to the urban renewal scheme now being undertaken by the National Development Division. No sane person will oppose this scheme, but the question is this. How are we to improve the technical aspects of the urban renewal scheme? This question deserves our attention. We all know that most of the people in Singapore are concentrated in the city, in areas around Robinsons and Collyer Quay.”
“I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. 4.45 p.m. Madam Chan Choy Siong(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 1207 be reduced by $100. I wish to speak on the National Development Division, particularly in regard to the Housing and Development Board and the urban renewal scheme. I wish to express my views and also make some criticisms on these topics. No one can deny that the Government has achieved great success in its housing programme. Even some members of the Barisan Sosialis have admitted that the Government has been successful in this field. This success can be attributed to the efforts of the National Development Division and the Minister for National Development. The Housing and Development Board has built thousands and thousands of flats all over Singapore. Generally speaking, the flats constructed by the Board are of the low-cost type and people in the middle and lower income groups are able to enjoy modern housing facilities. We can now see the materialisation of the Government's programme in providing low-cost housing for the lower income group. The Government has fulfilled its promise. Since the standard of living in Singapore has improved, it is probable that those in the middle or upper middle income groups will be able to buy their own houses, and, in view of this, the Housing and Development Board has started the home ownership scheme. The tenants of Housing Board flats can either buy or lease their flats. But beginning from this year there has been a slight change in the Board's policy. I understand the Board have decided to sell as many of their flats as possible to the people, irrespective of whether they are new applicants or existing tenants.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1207 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 3203. Sir, this expenditure is for the Fishing Training Centre. I think the centre will be giving courses on deep-sea fishing. I want to know whether it will be giving instruction to the trainees on the use of weapons because, in the past, our fishermen have been threatened by pirates when they have gone out to sea.”
“I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1207 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 3103. Under this subhead, I would like the Minister to supply me with certain facts. I want to know on what new primary production projects will the expenses be incurred and what good will these projects do to the farmers?”
“Sir, the Parliamentary Secretary said that $2,232 was spent on each student. But I understand that ten of the graduates did not take up farm jobs. In this respect, we have wasted about $20,000. I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1207 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 3101 Sir, we all know that a farm school was set up in August 1965. The main purpose was to give farm youths basic training in agriculture. With the knowledge and skill acquired, they could impart their knowledge and train the farmers as well. I understand that the Government is spending about $90,000 per year on the school. About a dozen graduates are produced every year. On the average, about $8,000 is spent on each graduate every year. This school also trains teachers in the rural areas. However, the expenditure on these teachers is borne by the Ministry of Education. I would like to ask whether it is worth while to use this allotment on this farm school. I have a few more questions to ask the Minister. First, can the youths who have acquired a knowledge of agriculture from this farm school put it to good use? If so, can the Minister tell me how? Second, has the farm school taken any measures to enable the graduates of the farm school to return to their former work, that is, to engage in agricultural activities? According to my understa.nding, as I have stated a while ago, these youths for various reasons try to seek other jobs. This means that the $8,000 that is being spent on each graduate is wasted. I would like to ask the Minister to look into this problem.”
“I withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I am still not satisfied with the reply given by the Parliamentary Secretary. He alleged that people started to run away when the work was only half done. I do not think this can he the general situation. There may be one or two such cases, but he cannot generalise and make a sweeping allegation. As for his allegation about gotong royong, I would say that in my constituency we have on two occasions completed the work according to schedule. What is wrong with that? Madam Chan Choy Siong: Sir, on a point of information. I have many amendments which I did not move just now. I was hoping that the time saved would enable me to speak longer on Head 1207.”
“If the people make up their own roads and drains, they will naturally pay special attention to maintain them in good condition, and the Government will therefore save a lot of public funds of maintenance. Fourthly, the collective effort of villagers of different races in a common endeavour will promote better understanding among them and help to establish a multi-racial society. [Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair] 4.09 p.m. The people in the rural areas have responded in great numbers to the call made by the U.R.S.C, for the setting up of gotong royong. The people living in Bukit Timah, Bukit Panjang, Tampines, Sembawang and other areas have already, on their own, undertaken road repair schemes and the results have been very satisfactory. But, unfortunately, I have recently been given to understand that the U.R.S.C, will no longer encourage gotong royong. I do not know why there should be a change of mind on their part. My guess is that probably the people in charge want to avoid the work that they will have to put in. They will have to liaise, organise, supply tools and take part in opening ceremonies. All this takes a lot of time and trouble. It is easier for them to ask for tenders. As I have indicated earlier, gotong royong is of great significance, particularly at this juncture when we are faced with a standstill Budget. Gotong royong is, in fact, necessary. Therefore, I appeal to the U.R.S.C, to continue with it. They should not be afraid to face any difficulty. I hope the Minister will explain why gotong royong is not being encouraged further.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1207 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1551* * The same amendment also stood in the name of Madam Chan Choy Siong. I wish to speak on the subject of gotong royong. We know that the Urban and Rural Services Committee is responsible for construction work all over the island. We also know that a lot of money has been allocated for construction work, including road repairs, bridge construction and water and electricity supply to the rural people because of the Government's determination to improve their lot. The roads in the rural areas are normally longer than those in the city areas. Laterite roads are in a worse state of disrepair than metalled roads. The roads in the rural areas are not always kept in a good state because of the limited sum of money allocated for road repairs in the rural areas. As a result, the U.R.S.C, started on a campaign of gotong royong, which means the undertaking of voluntary road construction and road repairs by the rural people. The advantages of gotong royong are as follows. Firstly, if the people are engaged in voluntary rural construction work, the Government will be able to save some money which can be used for other more urgent projects. Secondly, gotong royong will promote a sense of national consciousness and patriotism and foster friendship among the rural people. As a result of toiling and sweating on construction work in the rural areas, the people will develop a particular love for their areas as well as for the country as a whole. Thirdly, we know that the state of disrepair of rural roads is due to lack of care and maintenance. The drains are clogged and the water in them overflows on to the roads which are further damaged.”
“Sir, though I am not satisfied with the reply, I am withdrawing my amendment due to shortage of time. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Yes, Sir. Thank you for your indulgence in providing me with two minutes. The Parliamentary Secretary seems not to have understood my point. I was saying that although we are industrialising at a quick pace, we must also at the same time pay attention to the development of agriculture and not neglect it. 3.45 p.m. The Parliamentary Secretary has said that there has been a great amount of agricultural produce every year. This shows that the Primary Production Department has helped the farmers a lot. I would like to ask him what kind of assistance the Primary Production Department has rendered to the farmers in the teaching of scientific methods of agriculture. He has also mentioned the improper management of the agricultural cooperative society which was set up some time ago. That is why I have suggested that a new agricultural co-operative society should be set up with the assistance of Government. No forums have so far been held in my constituency.”
“Sir, I merely want to say something briefly.”
“Sir, I am not quite satisfied with the reply given by the Parliamentary Secretary as he has not answered my various points. Perhaps he was not paying attention when I spoke.”
“As regards the agricultural co-operative society, I must say that the Primary Production Department did encourage the farmers to form such a co-operative society. This met with some success. But, unfortunately, the organisers lacked experience. There were also some irresponsible people in the society and, because of their improper activities, the society was not successful. Generally speaking, the Primary Production Department provides the farmers with the latest techniques in agriculture mainly through farmers' forums, radio broadcasts and also through the Bulletin published by the Primary Production Department. This has benefited the farmers very much.”
“Our discussions should not be based on that and we should not view Government's measures from the point of view of agriculture alone. Unfortunately, Singapore has only 224 square miles of land. She needs more and more land for industrialisation which is more important than any other project. Therefore, the land that can be allotted for agricultural purposes is limited. This means that resettled farmers who are affected by our various schemes can only be allotted up to a maximum of two acres of land each for their agricultural activities. The farmers should not be dissatisfied because they must understand that land is limited in Singapore. In future, the Primary Production Department will introduce farming in multi- storey flats. This is one of the measures to remedy our shortage of land. The Member for Jurong has just now mentioned that our farmers are quite backward in their method of agriculture and that the Primary Production Department has not looked after their interest and welfare. He also says that the total agricultural produce per year amounts to $200 million. If our agricultural production is backward, how is it that it can amount to so-much a year? This clearly disproves, what the Member has said. The reason is that we have been providing the farmers with modern scientific methods in agricultural activities. With the rapid progress in industrialisation, many youths from the rural areas will have to give up agricultural activities and take up jobs in the factories. I feel there is nothing wrong in this. The Member for Jurong has also-suggested the setting up of a financial organisation to give interest free loans to the farmers and the setting up of an agricultural co-operative society.”
“Sir, thank you for your indulgence. Just now I was talking about the assistance given by the Primary Production Department to farmers. This has not been without any faults. The Primary Production Department has not done well in disseminating agricultural knowledge to the farmers. Take, for example, the articles in the Bulletin published by the Department. They are normally quite specialised in nature. Radio broadcasts to the farmers are also quite sophisticated and the farmers do not understand them. I suggest films should be made showing the technique of agricultural production. These films should have an accompanying commentary in simple local dialects so that the farmers can benefit from them. There should also be frequent exchanges of opinions and views between the Primary Production Department and the farmers. In order that the farmers are not exploited by middle men, I suggest that an agricultural co-operative society be set up. The Government should assist in the organisation and administration of the society as the farmers lack experience in these matters. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Law and National Development (National Development Division) (Mr Ho Cheng Choon)(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, first of all, I feel that Members of Parliament of rural constituencies should understand that, in the past, our country depended on entrepot trade which provided us with the sinews of economic life. But because of the growth in our population, we have to industrialise at a quick pace in order to create employment for our people. We should not be under the wrong impression that Singapore's economy is dependent on agriculture.”
“According to my understanding, the Primary Production Department is also in charge of agriculture. I was merely trying to advance my suggestions on agriculture for the Minister's consideration.”
“Consequently, agricultural produce will also decrease in quantity. Secondly, because of the backwardness of their agricultural production and the unscientific method of selling their produce, many farmers who depend solely on farming as their livelihood are living at a subsistence level. Many of their children go out to seek other employment. For instance, many of them in my constituency have gone to work in the factories in order to get additional income for their families. It takes almost the whole day, from four or five o'clock in the morning until seven or eight o'clock at night, for one to engage in agricultural activity. Modern youths find that they can get a better income from other jobs than farming. They have, therefore, given it up. Consequently, there are fewer and fewer people engaged in agriculture. All this shows the retrogressive state of our agriculture. If this condition continues, then I dare say that our agricultural production will deteriorate. If the Government is really sincere in wanting to assist the development of agriculture, then it should take measures to stop the drift into agricultural retrogression. The least the Primary Production Department can do Is to help the farmers to modernise their agricultural production and introduce a more scientific method of selling their produce. This is very necessary In the light of our local conditions, and is the only way to get the best returns from our limited land. The Government has given great assistance in industrialisation, for instance, by setting up a Development Bank. The Government can also set up a financial organisation to assist the development of agriculture. This organisation can provide farmers with interest-free loans so that they can modernise their agricultural equipment.”
“As for staple items of food- like rice and wheat, we have to depend on imports. The supplementary foodstuffs we produce are vegetables, fruits an-d tobacco. Our livestock is poultry, pigs, cows, goats and other farm animals. These are what the people need for their food. As I have pointed out, this agricultural produce is worth $200 million per year. If our agricultural production is in a retrogressive state, not only will we have to import our staple food, but we may even have to import our supplementary food. Every year there will be a loss of $200 million. If there is a change for the worse in our situation, we may not even have tapioca to eat. There are 20,000 people engaged in agriculture. How can our industry absorb all of them? I feel there is a retrogression in agriculture. There are two signs to show this. First, our land is limited and land for agriculture is also limited. According to the 1967 statistics, the acreage of land taken up by the planting of fruits, vegetables, potatoes and tobacco is only 12,240 acres. This is about 19 square miles. The land used for animal husbandry is slightly less. There are no statistics on this. But, generally speaking, land for animal husbandry should be about six square miles. We can see from these figures that the total land taken up for agriculture and animal husbandry is about 25 square miles. More and more land is being acquired for industrialisation and for military purposes. There is also the question of urbanisation. There will then be very little land left for agriculture. Even the land allocated for each resettled farmer cannot be more than two acres. As far as I know, most of the farmers are allocated about one acre of land each. The land area for agriculture is, therefore, decreasing day after day.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 207 be reduced by 510 in respect of subhead 1101. In speaking on this head, I would like to range over the general development of agriculture in our country. I understand that our national policy is to industrialise speedily and only thus can we have a future. At the moment, there are still about 20,000 people engaged in agriculture in our country. Agricultural produce is worth about $200 million per year. Of course, the actual figure will have to be estimated by the Primary Production Department when they have gone through the farm licensing exercise. However, agricultural activity should not be neglected in our economic development. My point is that while we are industrialising, we should also pay careful attention to the development of agriculture. All along the Government has not been paying equal attention or given equal emphasis to the development of agriculture. There is a Primary Production Department but it is always passive. It may be of benefit to large-scale farmers, but it is not so to small farmers. The present farming methods are very backward and the method of selling farm produce, too, is not scientific. May I ask what kind of assistance has the Primary Production Department given to the farmers in this respect? At present kelong fishing is in a retrogressive state. Fishermen get very little fish from off-shore shallow waters. Many farmers and fishermen have been forced to change their means of livelihood and seek employment elsewhere. What kind of assistance has the Primary Production Department given to them? Mr Speaker, Sir, I am quite aware that because of the weather and the condition of the soil, we can only produce certain crops to supplement our food.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Parliamentary Secretary has spoken quite a lot, but he has not replied to a particular point of mine. I do not wish to waste time arguing with him. I wish to ask him a few questions. The first question relates to the allocation of land by the Commissioner of Lands to those affected by resettlement to Pulau Ayer Merbau. Does the Commissioner of Lands know that this island will be used for industrial purposes when he allocates land to the affected family in Pulau Ayer Chawan? 3.15 p.m. The second point is that he said that the Land Office has nothing to do with the repairing of roads. I think he has been sleeping. I have said just now that part of the land in my constituency has been earmarked for industrial purposes. Before any repairing of roads can be undertaken, clearance must he obtained from the Commissioner of Lands.”
“As a result, more repairs have to be carried out and this means more expenditure by the Government.”