Ho See Beng
Singapore
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to ask the Minister of State whether he is aware that each time re- settlement takes place, the business houses or firms suffer a terrible loss. Although the HDB could provide them with alternative shop premises, they have to rent them from the HDB.”
“Sir, I want to ask a supplementary question with vested interest. This concerns a teacher who upgraded himself or herself and got admitted into the University, but the teacher has got to forgo his or her salary. In the case of an SAF officer, if he is sent to the University, he does not have to sacrifice his salary.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I ask whether the Minister will consider giving incentives to consumers who read their own meters?. I ask this question because it will save PUB a substantial amount of money by way of salaries for meter readers, if the PUB succeeds in teaching consumers how to read their own meters.”
“But before I could explain the relevancy, I was interrupted by the Member for Anson, who stood up and denied that he had ever said anything about supplying me with such a list.”
“Sir, as I have said, I intend to appeal to the Minister for National Development whether he will consider giving priority allocation of flats to the Blair Plain residents who will be resettled by PSA soon.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, when the House adjourned at 8.00 pm last night, I was reminding the Member for Anson that I have yet to receive his list of Blair Plain residents whom he claimed to have attended his meeting and approached him for assistance on the matter pertaining to resettlement.”
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“Mr Speaker, Sir, would the Minister not agree that the need of a swimming pool in rural areas close to the seaside is lesser than such a need in the urban areas?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I know whether by and large there is any relaxation on the issue of work permits?”
“Sir, I have discovered that in the factories there are a lot of work permit holders from Malaysia, who have no skill.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I ask the Minister what are the criteria for accepting applications for work permits for foreign workers, particularly Malaysian workers?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I agree with the Minister. But I still think that we should write it into the Bill. Otherwise it is very vague. I do not think the Commissioner of Buildings is likely to take such steps, and this is exactly what I fear will arise later.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it seems fair enough for a Bill of this nature to be introduced. But there are certain defects in the Bill. I do not know whether the definition of "owner" of property would also include the Government. The Government owns a great number of buildings and properties, and I do not really know whether the intention of the Bill is to include the Government in the definition of "owner". If the Bill is meant for owners of properties in the private sector, then if any such owner infringes the provisions of this Bill, he may be sued by Government in court. But if the Government itself is guilty of such offences, who will serve the summons on the Government to appear in court? I am therefore a bit puzzled as to whether the definition of "owner" in this Bill includes the Government. If it does not include the Government, then I think it is necessary to look further into the matter to see whether there is any need to include the Government in the definition. Otherwise the people will say that the Government is allowed to get away with all sorts of infringements but the common people are not.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, no matter how we put it, it boils down to a question if money. Since it is a question of money, I think the matter can be solved easily. Sir, I endorse the view of the Minister of State that it is good for teachers to help students to cross the road. It can be their duty too. That being so, why cannot we pay some kind of allowance to the teachers, so that this problem can be solved?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am not working in the educational field, but I often hear that people working in the Education service complain that Taiwan graduates, who were recruited and trained at the Teachers' Training College in Singapore, were not given the opportunity to teach in a secondary school. The salaries of these Taiwan graduates are also lower. I wonder why a University graduate is asked to teach in a primary school. Is this not an under-use of his talent?”
“Sir, I do not wish to participate in this debate, but I just want to make a point of clarification. I think the Minister had side-tracked his answer to the question of the Member for Paya Lebar. What the Member for Paya Lebar asked was that since the standpipe has been removed, the villagers were not able to get any water. So they asked the PUB to supply them with water. But the PUB said. "You do not have a number to your house, and therefore we cannot supply you with water." So under the circumstances how are these villagers going to get their supply of water?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since we are ahead of guillotine time, I wonder whether you will permit mc to say a few words.”
“Since this one single move will serve several useful purposes, why not do it? Sir, while supporting the Government's financial policy as presented in the Budget, may I congratulate the Minister for Finance who has acquitted himself creditably, and may I also hope he will remain in the same Ministry for a long period to present us next year with another painless budget which will continue to reflect his ability to take the nation along the highway towards economic progress. 4.04 p.m.”
“Some of their parents might have already passed away while others may have means to support themselves, thus leaving a small number of taxpayers who qualify for this tax relief. Finally, Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to say something about government-private joint ventures in industrial development. I trust that all hon. Members are aware that it is mainly due to Singapore's excellent geographical location, the hard work of its people and the wise leadership of its government, that Singapore, as a country lacking in natural resources such as gold and silver, has been able to develop into an economically strong and prosperous country within a short period of a few years. On this basis, it is worthwhile for us to encourage government-private joint ventures in industrial development in order to further consolidate social construction and welfare services in the State. This is not only a proper way of nurturing the national capitalists through the business channel, but also serves to enrich the coffers of the State from the profits derived from the joint ventures which contribute immensely to social welfare projects. Although it will be too naive to speak of the doctrine "From each according to his ability, and to each according to his needs" at the present moment, nevertheless, as a democratic country it is fitting that Singapore should be developed into a welfare State, where the helpless aged and those born handicapped are taken care of. By investing in some major industries, the Government will be able to earn large sums of money annually for its various welfare projects as well as helping these industries to improve and succeed. It will contribute immensely towards revenue, social construction, the nurturing of national capitalists and the welfare of the people.”
“Sir, with regard to the income tax relief, the rates of income tax and tax relief in our country are virtually the same as those of ten years ago. The personal reliefs for the tax-payer and his wife remains at $2,000 and $1,000 respectively, notwithstanding the well-known fact that commodity prices and the cost of living have all gone up over the past ten years. In these circumstances, there should be a corresponding increase in personal tax reliefs. A new tax relief was announced by the Finance Minister in his Budget speech. Taxpayers who support their aged parents or grandparents can now claim a tax relief of $300 per person. In my opinion, this amount is inadequate. The people of our country bear the responsibility of maintaining their parents, irrespective of whether they are Chinese, Malays or Indians. This is their ethnical tradition. Mr Speaker, Sir, our income tax system, though based on the principles of the British system, is quite different from it. The British Government allows a wide scope of tax relief for maintaining close relatives. It is not confined only to parents but is extended to cover other close relatives as well. The tax relief, however, is based on certain principles set out by the government. By these principles, tax relief is only allowed in respect of dependent relatives who are physically weak, in old age, widows or divorcees without their own income or the means to support themselves. This is a logical principle we must follow. I am, however, of the opinion that the amount of relief should he increased to $750 per dependent parent, making a total of $1,500 for two dependent parents. This increase is reasonable and will hardly affect the revenue. Not all taxpayers have dependent parents to support.”
“It is a melting pot into which distance and differences, self-interest and even mutual dislike are being tossed and remoulded into mutual beneficial business arrangements. Evidence of this mutual beneficial arrangement is seen in the trading partnership which comes into being between erstwhile enemies and between capitalists and communists. Therefore, there should be even more beneficial business arrangements between Singapore and China, and I quote the Minister for Finance [col. 450]: `With the better opening up of China to international trade, there is the possibility that Singapore can serve as a base for multi-national firms for manufacture and exports to China. Conversely, China may find Singapore a useful outlet for its products.' I am in full agreement with the Minister that there will be greater economic, social and cultural involvement by China with South-east Asian countries, and we should take advantage of the geographical position of Singapore which is situated in the centre of the trade routes between the East and the West. In the 70's trade and industries will become more competitive and complex, and there is a need to step up our exports and to improve the quality of our manufactured goods. We will not be in a position to meet this challenge to export our manufactured goods and other cargoes economically, unless we can reduce freight charges and in the meantime increase the number of our own ocean-going vessels. The need for increasing and strengthening our merchant fleet has become very evident and it is a step in the right direction for the Minister for Finance to have given a $50 million loan to the Neptune Orient Lines for the purchase of more ships.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, one of the magical ingredients that helped Singapore to make rapid economic progress is the vigorous promotion of wise economic, social and political policies, which have brought about political stability, racial harmony, industrial advancement and a secure livelihood for the people as we have witnessed today. Just over a decade ago, a turbulent political situation with racial animosity, industrial unrest and mass unemployment was the order of the day. However, under the dynamic leadership of the present Government and with the unanimous support of the people, our Republic has made significant improvements in the various fields. We should be proud of ourselves to belong to a nation with such great promise for the future. As you know, Mr Speaker, Sir, the world is rapidly changing and it appears difficult to grasp with certainty the way the world changes and develops. But what one can predict is that peace will triumph over war. Peace and righteousness will be credibly extended. Once China played the role of an extremist in world drama; now she approaches her foreign affairs with a moderate attitude. This trend in world affairs is favourable to our foreign policy of non-alignment. Our foreign policy is based on the principle of "making as few enemies but as many friends as possible." By this principle, we are able to befriend more and more countries and our national prestige is growing day by day. We can forecast that there will be increased economic involvement by China in South-east Asian countries. Therefore, we should take this opportunity to increase trade between the two countries by organising more and more trade missions to China. Mr Speaker, Sir, trade has become universally necessary for progress.”
“On the other hand, if they are willing and ready to co-operate and assist in ensuring the smooth implementation of the provisions of the Bill, they will do a good service to the national economy and the interests of the people, including themselves. As a global city and a prosperous society, Singapore cannot go without an active Stock Exchange in operation. The Stock Exchange provides the vital link in a prosperous and economic society. An economically prosperous country, without a share market in operation, will be just like a modern city without electrical currents. Therefore, while the activities of the share market should be strictly regulated, I believe it can be made even more active and booming through sound and proper administration, so that the people will be able to enjoy a more wholesome atmosphere of investment in stock and shares.”
“Current developments, however, have given rise to a misconception among some people that they can reap handsome profits just by dumping their money into the share market; just like a gold mine. Actually, an active and heated share market is not in itself an undesirable phenomenon, but the question is whether this sort of frenzy has been the work of speculators and manipulators and not the result of normal development. The idea of getting easy money in this way, instead of through normal hard work, has attracted many people to try their luck at the Stock Exchange. If the situation is allowed to continue, unchecked, it will not only weaken the will and spirit of our people to work hard but it will also impede our industrial development. Take Hong Kong, for example. There, the share market is probably more active and more heated than that in Singapore. Professional people, and even domestic servants, have seen fit to abandon their regular jobs and take to share speculation. As a result, Hong Kong industrialists have expressed concern over the industrial future of the colony. This may well be a good lesson for us. In order to protect our people's interests and to encourthem to make bona fide investments, the introduction of this Bill is absolutely necessary. In order to implement this piece of legislation in accordance with its true spirit, the co-operation and assistance of the responsible officials of the Stock Exchange and the sharebrokers will be necessary. They will play an important part in this respect. If these people were to go their own ways without regard for the true spirit of the Bill, they will do no good to themselves and to the people in general.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, before I make my observation on the Securities Industry Bill, I would like to make a proposal concerning the requirement of investment advisers and stock and share journalists to declare their interests before they can comment on the stock and share market. My proposal is that all Members in this House who wish to make a speech today against this Bill should also declare their interests, otherwise it will give rise to suspicion. In this way we would be fair to the investment advisers and so on. In so far as I am concerned, I speak in support of the Bill. So whether or not I have got any shares is a matter inapplicable to my proposal. It is my belief that whatever legislation is introduced by the Government, it is always done in the best interests of the people. That is the first consideration. Any proposed legislation that is at variance with the basic interests of the people will never get the support of the people. This means that it will be difficult for us to achieve our desired objective. The introduction of this Securities Industry Bill will, I believe, benefit the people in general, and the investors in stocks and shares in particular. The introduction of this Bill is timely. As we all know, the present boom in our economy has attracted increasing foreign interest in the local market. Coupled with the success of industrialisation in recent years, this has attracted the massive inflow of foreign capital. Our Republic is regarded by foreign industrialists and investors as an ideal place for investment. It is against this background that our Stock Exchange has become so active and the market heated up.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in view of the booming economy and the affluence that we are experiencing now, we are faced with a certain degree of inflation at the present moment. Therefore, I would suggest that rather than go on increasing the workers' salary, the Minister for Finance should look into ways and means to reduce the cost of living.”
“Sir, this practice of the Mobile Squad arresting the drivers and so on has been in existence from time immemorial.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in view of the seriousness of these accidents, we would like to know what steps have been taken by the authorities to remedy the situation?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in principle, I agree that we Singaporeans should have a small family, but the method of introducing this disincentive to a big family is, I think, not fair and practical. I always believe that birth is accidental and not incidental!”
“Finally, Sir, I would like to touch upon the reorganisation of the road traffic system. It cannot be denied that since the reorganisation of our public transport, the bus services are much better than before. This, of course, is a mailer for joy. Today, many people need to spend a few cents to travel by bus from one corner of Singapore to another. However, this reorganisation has brought about many problems. First of all, it adversely affects the livelihood of the taxi drivers because with so many buses running along so many roads and with such convenience and cheap means of transport many people want to travel by bus. As a result, the income of the taxi drivers has dropped very badly. If this trend were to continue further, the difficulties now faced by the taxi drivers would become worse. Therefore, I would like to remind the Government to pay attention to the problem of the livelihood of the taxi drivers. Secondly, the bus services along so many roads, big or small, have caused greater congestion along these roads. For instance, in MacPherson district there is a small road called Circuit Road which is not very wide. Originally, the vehicular traffic there is already quite heavy. But now, with buses running along this road, the traffic is even more congested. This is only one example. There are many other streets and roads in the same situation. I hope the Minister for Communications will pay attention to this undesirable situation and try to rectify it so that our road system can be improved. 3.35 p.m.”
“I think it might be because the Government in implementing its policies had been too harsh or hasty and neglecting the basic livelihood of the people. For example, in implementing our urban renewal programme the Government has given priority of Housing Board flats to people affected by the resettlement programme. The Government has also given them compensation and removal expenses. In view of this, the Government can be said to have done its best to help the people to resettle comfortably. However, the Government has not gone a step further to resolve the problem of livelihood of these people. Because of this they are dissatisfied with the Government. For instance, those who were affected by resettlement were originally sub-tenants, and many of them are families of six or seven each. They had been paying rentals of $15 or $20 per month, but upon resettlement in Housing Board flats they had to pay double or even treble the rate. This had inevitably increased their burden. They had no choice but to move out. However, it was difficult to remove, and thus their cause for dissatisfaction. Here I would like to suggest that in future whenever the Government implements any policy that affects the people, it should give the people ample time to adjust to the changed situation. Secondly, there should be co-ordination between Members of Parliament and local leaders, who could make on-the-spot investigations so that they could better understand the actual living conditions of the general populace and to enable the Government to draw up plans and policies in accordance with the surveys obtained. This would meet the requirements of the people and would facilitate persuasion, so that the people would not have any reason to complain against the Government.”
“Civil servants in the lower ranks did not benefit by the adjustment. Therefore, I would like to suggest here that the re-adjustment of the Civil Service salary structures should not be discriminatory, benefiting only the senior officers, and not the lower ranks of civil servants. In actual fact, the re-adjustment in salary structure is more pressing for the lower ranks than for senior officers to whom a small adjustment is insignificant. It is just like a drop of water in the ocean to senior officers. But to officers in the lower ranks, it is like a dewdrop in a season of drought: or it is like providing them with charcoal during winter. The re-adjustment will benefit them very much. Therefore, a comprehensive salary re-adjustment is very necessary and this is also a pressing requirement of the general rungs of the civil servants. Secondly, I would like to look into the question of why some people are not satisfied with the Government. We all know that although the present Government won a decisive victory in the last general elections, there are still about 30 per cent of our electorate who cast votes for the opposition. There must be some reason for this. Sir, I remember that when we separated from Malaysia, our Government had to make the people struggle very hard for their survival. And now we have achieved definite results. At present, it is not a question of survival of our people as our prosperity has topped the whole of Southeast Asia and it can even compare very favourably with that of the Western and American countries. Living in this fortunate environment, except for a very few extremists, chauvinists, and racialists, why should they want to oppose the Government?”
“Sir, first, allow me to express my thanks to the President for his Speech. Secondly, let me at the same time express my satisfaction of the policies contained in the Speech. The President has pointed out that: `when the last Parliament was convened, the prospects were grim. We faced the stark question of survival: how to hold up the economy, to generate jobs, of any kind, to mop up massive unemployment... Today's continuing and controlled boom is giving Singapore that glow of success. There is a bloom which will spread from the city to the new towns, and through to the villages and kampongs in the rural areas.' That we have achieved the good results today is due entirely to our decisive will to succeed, sheer determination, hard work, and realistic planning. We have overcome the many difficulties then facing us, and have achieved the targets we set out to accomplish. Sir, there are several points arising out of the President's Speech which I would like to raise. Firstly, it is about the re-adjustment of the salary scales and terms and conditions of service of civil servants. The Addendum to the President's Speech pointed out that: `It is necessary to re-examine once again the structure of pay and service conditions and to make the rewards in certain departments, ministries, grades and professions more comparable to what they can get in the private sector.' This suggestion is very good. However, the question is whether this adjustment will involve only a small group of senior officers or all civil servants, including those in Divisions II, III, and IV. Several years ago, the Government set up a Civil Service Salary Adjustment Committee. They submitted their recommendations which benefited only a few senior officers.”
“Sir, there is another complication after acquisition, and that is the condition of these premises is far from satisfactory for many of the premises are 50 to 60 years old and are in need of major repairs. But the occupiers are placed in a dilemma because they are wondering whether it is worth their while to repair. They are afraid that their money spent on repairs will be wasted if they were asked to quit shortly after the repairs were done. And this is possible since the Government has not been able to inform them as to when the urban renewal project will take place. In this connection, Sir, I would therefore like to ask the Minister for Law and National Development whether he will be able to inform them as to when the urban renewal project is likely to commence, so that the occupiers will be able to decide whether or not to carry out those necessary repairs to the old houses. Secondly, will the Minister be prepared to waive those regulations which prohibit the subletting of the vacant rooms? If so, this will greatly relieve the financial burden of the occupiers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to raise certain matters connected with the urban renewal project in my constituency. I think the Minister for Law and National Development is aware that about 150 premises in my constituency are on temporary occupation licences. Quit notices have been issued to chief tenants and subtenants alike after the acquisition of these premises, and these tenants have been been told to apply for Housing and Development Board flats. Some applied and got it, but some did not get it. Those who were allocated flats have moved out, and those who were not, continued to stay in. Among those who were given Housing Board flats were `chief tenants. When the chief tenants moved into the flats, the subtenants will have to take over the responsibility of the premises in the sense that they have to pay the temporary occupation licence fees plus water and light charges, which were previously paid by the chief tenants. Although the subtenants do not mind paying the water and light charges, they are prohibited from subletting those vacant rooms after acquisition, because these are not premises or flats built by the Housing Board, but premises previously owned by private individuals. `Sir, the point is that these people are mostly wage-earners in the low income group. It is impossible for them to bear any additional financial burden unless they are allowed to sublet the vacant rooms. Before the acquisition of these premises by the Government, the sub-tenants paid only $10 to $15 a month as rental, including water and light charges. But now they have to pay very much more.”
“Examinations in these subjects should continue in the lower standards in which these subjects are taught. An overall suspension of these examinations may lead to its total neglect in the other extreme and defeat the very purpose for which it is intended to achieve. I think the Minister for Education will agree with me that history is an important subject in our school curriculum for it records the events of a nation's past. If students do not know the events of our nation's past, then there is hardly any chance to build a nation's future. And more so, our future generation will not be able to know, for instance, who is the Minister for Education in the year 1972! Whether or not there is merit in abolishing examinations on history, I strongly urge the Minister for Education to seriously consider it before taking steps to implement this policy. 6.00 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it is praiseworthy to note that the Ministry of Education is continually making efforts to improve the quality of education. The recent decision to abolish examinations in History and Geography in the primary schools is an example of such effort. However, this decision has been questioned in some quarters and the validity of some of the criticisms merits close attention by the Ministry. The main reason for abolishing these examinations seems to be the heavy learning load on children and the lack of time or the teacher to cover the syllabus for these subjects. The pressure of time in the learning of these subjects has caused students to commit to memory a mass of facts which have no meaning to them, who only present them out of context. With History and Geography becoming non-examination subjects, it is hoped that children will be able to learn at their own leisure, thus ensuring a comprehensive grasp of the subjects in their totality so that learning becomes meaningful and directional. However, the mere abolition of examinations on these subjects may not help to achieve this objective. Children in the Primary School Leaving Examination classes tend to be over-examination conscious, and may not pay due attention and interest to non-examination subjects. This frame of mind applies with equal truth to the teachers teaching in these classes. So it may perhaps be more feasible to revise the syllabi of these subjects by reducing their content so that they do not impose a burden upon the children's capacity for learning. However, if it is intended to carry through with the decision to suspend examinations, then this should be confined only to the P.S.L.E. classes.”
“I welcome the setting up of the National Wages Council with tripartite representation which will provide assistance in the formulation of general guidelines on wage policy, and recommend necessary adjustments in wage structure with a view to developing a coherent wage system consistent with a long-term economic development. Finally, Mr Speaker, Sir, let me express the hope that the Finance Minister, who has not held this portfolio for a long period, has acquitted himself creditably, and I hope he will be in the same Ministry to present us next year with another painless Budget which will continue to reflect his ability to take the nation along the highway towards economic progress. 6.30 p.m.”
“Nevertheless, I am afraid I cannot rule out the possibility that sharp increases in accommodation charges and prohibitive prices of other facilities to the tourists, including food and beverages, with additional taxes over and above the exorbitant prices, might have had a negative impact on the inflow of tourists especially in the middle and lower income brackets. I might add that while providing first-class amenities comparable to New York and Tokyo might be a desirable objective, it would simultaneously be equally desirable to keep the hotel industry under constant check, at least as a temporary measure, so that tourism can catch up at a faster pace. It is not out of place to refer to the spate of criticism in the press, including one from a Hong Kong businessman, that even a mild breakfast with coffee in one of the first-class hotels in Singapore cost him a substantial amount. Further, I would also like to stale that a congenial political climate both internally and in the surrounding regions is essential for economic advancement notwithstanding all other pre-requisites. Here too the domestic situation is comparatively calm with a stable Government on the saddle. On the labour front too, although a strike here and there might be considered as flexing a muscle, by and large, workers have responded enthusiastically by maintaining industrial peace. But it need not necessarily mean that we should hold on for a longer period with regard to the division of the "National Cake". In this connection.”
“S, dollar would, in fact, keep prices down while, at the same time, pegging down the cost of production of those goods which require raw materials from the United States, especially in the case of the electronics industry. If the Minister is thinking in terms of invisible items, like tourism and insurance, to jack up the balance of trade accounts favourably, then he should have definitely noticed that tourism has increased its share of the Gross Domestic Product from $30.5 million in 1960 to $323 million in 1971. It is indeed a general indication that earnings from invisibles have increased substantially. The Minister has also stated that invisible items like ship repairing might also bring in more on the credit side. I might also add that freight insurance and building a nucleus of merchant fleet to transport our goods as well as the cargo of other countries across the seas might add up to the invisible items in the balance of payments accounts in terms of transportation charges. It is a long-term approach. There is no necessity to overstress this aspect of the problem since the Government is aware of the heated debate in domestic shipping circles over the alleged monopoly of some members of Far East Freight Conference who periodically appeared to be increasing their freight charges apart from creating problems relating to rights of cargo handling by national shipping lines. The question of tourism and its contribution to our foreign exchange earnings have received sufficient attention in the Budget. But I also notice that with regard to the hotel industry, the occupancy rate has fallen from 73.5 per cent in 1969 to 65.4 per cent in 1971. The expansion of hotels may have been one of the reasons for this decline.”
“Hence, I might say that diversification of industries on a nationality basis should be considered as a healthy sign. While analysing the manufacturing and construction sectors, we cannot afford to overlook the fact that of late both shipbuilding and ship repairing have made substantial strides. But the shortage of skilled manpower continues to be a serious threat to accelerated expansion and although inviting foreign nationals might be considered as a temporary measure. I might say that we have to expedite with our programmes relating to training within industry along with overseas training with the parent concern. The shortage of labour, if I am not mistaken, appears to have created the twin problems, namely, on the one hand it has pushed up to an appreciable level the wage rates with sophisticated pinching among the different groups and, on the other hand, it has created minor bottlenecks in the expansion programme. Nevertheless, with all these drawbacks, it is rather interesting to note that the shipbuilding yards have continued to receive a stream of orders for tankers as far away as the Continent while the repairing yards appear to be fully booked for a longer period. Incidentally may I add, Mr Speaker, Sir, that we must continue to assure our workers employed in this sector and who contribute to our valuable foreign exchange that the Labour Ministry will continue to enforce maximum industrial safety so that the price paid for rapid industrialisation will not be that heavy in terms of human sacrifice. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister has also referred to trade deficits by the high cost of import of goods. I wonder whether the devaluation of the U.”
“Further, Mr Speaker, Sir, it appears from information furnished to this House that the manufacturing sector has registered the fastest growth rate, and we cannot rule out the significant role played by the electronics industry. Incidentally I might say that this industry, which employs a very high percentage of labour force at competitive wage rates, is expanding its export markets substantially. At the moment there is a ban on the exports of strategic goods to Communist countries by the United States and if the prevailing political climate improves for the better between East and West, the further possibility of substantial increase in exports of electronic goods can be expected in the near future with Singapore too sharing a part of that boom in terms of additional employment and additional positive points to our balance of payments. In making a reference to the manufacturing sector, the Minister has stated in general terms about the prospects of multi-national manufacturing concerns. It is perfectly true that we cannot expect a complete diversification with regard to the establishment of foreign-owned industries in terms of nationality of the industrialists since only matured economies with a high level of technology and expertise can cope with our requirements for industrial expansion and sophisticated international markets for finished products. Nevertheless, it has to be understood if our industries and manufacturing concerns are oriented in one or two foreign countries, then stress and strain in the parent economy might be transposed to a limited extent to our domestic economy. Leaving economics alone even from political angle. "cornering of economy" by one or two countries might eventually lead to undesirable pressures when we are facing an economic turbulence.”
“5 per cent, while that of the trade sector has dropped from 70.7 per cent to 55.5 per cent. The manufacturing sector alone has made substantial progress over the decade. The sudden spurt appears to have taken place during the last three to four years from $716 million in 1968 to $1,490.9 million in 1971. The entrepot and domestic trades together are maintaining an average growth rate of approximately 14 to 16 per cent during 1966-71 while there appears to be a marked drop, that is, 9.6 per cent in growth rate during 1971. The Minister has maintained that domestic trade fared better and that it was entrepot which has, due to logical circumstances, declined. Here, progressively direct trade link improvements maintained by our neighbours had a negative impact on the entrepot sector. Leaving alone their changing role in trade patterns, even our approach during the last few years has been to promote a structural transformation and, therefore, not to continue to serve as out-posts of a decadent economy which used to he subjected in the past to violent fluctuations, depending on the rise and fall in rubber and tin prices in the international markets. Hence, I might say that it augurs well that a modest rise in domestic trade and overall accelerated progress in manufacturing and construction sectors will go a long way in assisting us in attaining the desirable objective of full-employment with one of the highest per capita income in Asia. Apart from that, may I also add that those employed in the entrepot sector could be eventually absorbed into the growing domestic trade sector with minimum dislocation. From that point of view also expanding domestic trade sector is a healthy sign.”
“As against neX1igib1e natural resources, substantial reduction in British military expenditure, the necessity to explore new and highly competitive international markets, the turbulent political situation around with extra demand on our defence, and a young and restive population demanding new horizons in development planning and employment along with a highly volatile international monetary situation, it is rather a pleasant surprise that our G.N.P, rose by $860.8 million to reach $7,000.8 million- an increase of 14 per cent- within a period of twelve months. The Finance Minister would prefer to call it a non-inflationary growth since, according to him, the general price level has not increased appreciably. However, the latest issues of the Monthly Digest of Statistics' for January and February 1972 do not appear attractive with regard to consumer prices. There appeared to be an overall increase of approximately three to four per cent. But in the general context of an overall growth as related to the general price level, I do agree that there has not been an appreciable increase. Nevertheless, it is not out of place to suggest that constant vigilance has to be kept with regard to price levels so that the growth is not retarded by inflationary pressure. As stated by the Finance Minister, the structural transformation of the economy from an entrepot trade to an industrial society appears to be moving at a desirable pace. It is rather sheer necessity. prevailing opportunity, long-term requirements, along with the spirit of entrepreneurship which have accelerated this process. I observe from the figures that over the decade the share of the manufacturing sector, as related to the Gross Domestic Product, has increased from 11.2 per cent to 28.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, when Finance Ministers present surplus budgets to Parliaments, Members need not necessarily offer bouquets to them since in modern welfare states surplus budgets are considered more as a pedantic luxury which developing nations cannot afford. But in the case of a nation like Singapore while maintaining the high tempo of development activities with a 14 per cent increase in Gross National Product, thus raising the per capita income from $2,960 to $3,317 in 1971, together with a surplus budget, we cannot help expressing our appreciation of the Finance Minister as well as those who assisted him in this task. While simultaneously stressing the need to maintain the same high standard, we should not hesitate to adopt a constructive and critical outlook in this Budget debate so that the upward trend is not deflected by unforeseen errors, even of an insignificant nature. Hence, the Government's financial policy statement and the Estimates of Expenditure for the year 1972-73 presented to the House should be viewed in this perspective. May I, at the outset, state in categorical terms based on my personal experience in this House, that I would not hesitate to appreciate the basic approach of our Finance Minister who has exhibited in the past a readiness to listen to criticisms from all sections of this House, and many suggestions which can be implemented were accepted without any reservations. Mr Speaker, Sir, no one will dispute the fact that the economic and political problems which confronted the Republic during the past few years have to form the backdrop before we are in a position to view the economic achievement in any perspective.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am not asking a supplementary question. But I would just like to mention a case to the Minister as proof.”
“I agree with the Minister that the answer is "no", but before removing these hawkers from the five-footways, will he consider, on humanitarian grounds, providing some other site for them before he takes action against them?”
“Sir, from the answer of the Minister, am I correct in saying that, firstly, the Minister must have been informed by the shopkeepers that their business has been taken away by the hawkers who are selling on the five footways, and that this is unfair? How many complaints has he received so far? Secondly, if the hawkers do not cause obstruction to the pedestrians, will they be allowed to do their business on the five-footways?”
“Has the Minister ever issued instructions to the Hawker Inspectors that goods can only be taken away from the hawkers under certain circumstances when serving them with notices of offence.”
“Sir, how many times has a hawker to be served with notices of offence for obstruction before he is termed "incorrigible"? Has that occurred to the Minister?”
“They lack the ultimate weapon of self-reliance, and their future will be decided between Washington and Peking in accordance with the convenience of these two super powers. Singaporeans must realise that Singapore should not be trapped in a similar situation if they wish to continue to live with respect and dignity in the future. They should ensure that we have our own defence force capable of ultimately defending our own sovereignty, and not allow some other foreign powers to take charge. We should not expect any foreign powers to intervene on our behalf in the case of any armed conflict. No foreign power will be in the least interested to help us unless its own interest is at stake. Some Members in this House may have read about the Pentagon Papers in the June 28th issue of Time magazine. For the benefit of those who have not, they may be surprised to learn that a top U.S. official in the Johnson Administration was quoted as having expressed U.S, objectives in the Vietnam War in the following order: "70 per cent -X to avoid a humiliating U.S, defeat, 20 per cent -to keep South Vietnam territory from Chinese hands, and 10 per cent - to permit the people of South Vietnam to enjoy a better, freer way of life." This, Mr Speaker, Sir, serves to sum up the moral of my argument, that self-reliance should underlie our defence and foreign policies. 3.34 p.m.”
“This body can also seriously look into the possibility of providing alternative employment and controlled hawking sites for those petty hawkers who are gradually taken off the streets as a result of urban renewal. Sir, in short, I am for the establishment of a permanent body to minimise the hardship of those affected by our urban renewal programme in whatever way the Government can afford to do. Such a body, I believe, can more effectively handle the present and future resettlement problems of the people. Sir, I would also like to touch on the very important issues of defence and foreign policies. I am in agreement with the Foreign Affairs addendum that our foreign policy in the past has been relatively inward-looking out of necessity to ensure domestic stability and to aid Singapore's economic and industrial development. I do agree that we should in the future be more outward-looking by reacting more consciously and realistically to bigger power and super-power manoeuvres in the Pacific region. Perhaps we may have already begun in this direction by our efforts in promoting regional co-operation through ASEAN and the Five-Nation Defence Pact. However, Mr Speaker, Sir, while foreign diplomacy is an important weapon in ensuring our sovereignty, it is my belief that in the ultimate analysis reliance on our own ability to defend ourselves will be the decisive factor in deciding whether we keep or lose our sovereignty, in this respect, there is much for us to learn from the recent development in relations between Washington and Peking and in the revelations from the Pentagon Papers Affair. Although the Taiwanese and Vietnamese today have their own Governments, they do not have sovereignty over themselves, as they are not in a position to decide what their future will be.”
“It is true that the Government's urban renewal programme has inflicted considerable economic and social hardships on those sections of our people who have been affected by it. A large proportion of these people are small businessmen, workers, petty traders and farmers who find their livelihood and traditional environment threatened by the upheaval of urban renewal. However, while I believe that a certain amount of sacrifice for the good of the country should be forthcoming from these people, I feel that the Government is duty bound to act judicially in the interest of these people. I must commend the Government for its intention to increase the rate of compensation to property owners affected by urban renewal schemes. I wish, however, to bring to the Government's attention the plight `of the tenant shopkeepers and the petty traders who find themselves gradually pushed out of the streets where their source of livelihood comes from. As these people are considerable in number, especially in the city areas, I am in favour of the Government setting up a permanent body to look after the resettlement problems of these people. Hitherto, the piecemeal efforts of different Government departments like the H.D.B., the Hawkers' Department, etc., to resettle these people have been far from satisfactory, as complaints of high rentals or alternative Government accommodation and other problems abound. Among the matters which this proposed body can look into are more `economic rentals for the poorer classes in H.D.B, flats and a longer period of rent subsidies for tenant shopkeepers provided with alternative H.D.B. accommodation for their shops.”
“Sir, an analysis of the wage revision for teachers by the Education Ministry would reveal that there is no immediate incentive whatsoever conducive to attracting and promoting higher standards of performance in the ranks of the teaching profession, especially in respect of the ordinary teachers. What should be given to these teachers should be immediate benefits in the form of higher salaries comparable to the best in other Government establishments and not marginal increases in their maximum pay over an increased timescale period,, which is the main characteristic of the Education Ministry's so-called salary revision scheme. Sir, I am also particularly perturbed by the illogical distribution of remuneration in this salary revision wherein the small group of senior assistants and principals are given immediate salary increases while the bulk of the ordinary teachers, especially those in the primary schools, are not given an additional cent. This is indeed ironical when we realise that it is the rank and file teachers who really perform the actual function of teaching, while the senior assistants and principals are mere arm-chair administrators, and that it is the teaching standard of the ordinary teachers that we seek to improve. In view of this, I submit that the Education Ministry should re-study its proposed salary revision scheme so as to provide a more equitable and effective salary structure to generate a higher standard of performance among the teachers directly responsible for the education of our young. Sir, I wish also to touch on other problems confronting Singapore which, if not effectively handled, will seriously threaten the stability and progress of our society.”
“Are they suggesting for a moment that those who are defeated in elections and others who hesitate to face the electorate should be invited to take their seats in Parliament? Do they demand constitutional changes to that effect? If not, in what other manner do they seek accommodation in our political set-up? Further, how best do they expect the P.A.P, to assist another political organisation within our democratic framework, especially when that party has expressed no belief in true democracy? Sir, I would also like to touch on the Education Ministry. Despite the commendable proposals of the Ministry contained in the addendum to the President's speech to improve the quality of education through increased emphasis on bilingualism, technical training and a more flexible system to meet individual student needs, I remain unconvinced that these noble objectives can be achieved without an efficient and highly motivated teaching force. The bulk of our teachers today are far from motivated, a good number of them far from efficient, and will remain so if they are not adequately rewarded for the important and arduous role which they are expected to play in educating the young of our society. The Ministry of Education seems to have realised this problem by its recent attempt to revise the salaries of teachers, although by some mysterious act, it has not mentioned this in the addendum to the President's speech. Perhaps it fights shy of the fact that its proposed wage revision scheme is ineffectual and no more than a mere token.”
“There is indeed a touch of humour when we are informed that those who forfeit deposits in general elections and by-elections despatch memoranda to Buckingham Palace complaining of the alleged absence of democracy in Singapore. It might perhaps provide merriment to Her Majesty over the breakfast table to read such amusing messages from one of her ex-colonial possessions, especially when most of John Bull's previous possessions are steadily resorting to one-man rule through not infrequent coup d'etats. Those who are vociferously expressing their "displeasure" in the emergence of "dictatorship" in Singapore basically consist of three groups. In the first category, you can spot the individuals who have been defeated in general elections and thus deprived of the opportunity to warm the seats of Parliament. The second group are those who do not subscribe to democracy but believe in their own concept of "people's democracy", which obviously refers to a one-party state. The last group applies to those who, while hesitating to step forward to meet the challenges of democracy, content themselves by giving frequent advice to all and sundry on how to conduct themselves, while completely ignoring their own responsibility to society and the nation. They are the "escapists" who live in a world of their own creation while not hesitating to provide frequent "intellectual" solutions to the political and economic ills of the nation. If a few pertinent questions are directed towards this minority group, it would thoroughly expose them as men with ambition but with no substantial support from any section of the population. What exactly do they expect from the P.A.P.?”
“Singaporeans should rightly take their cue from this policy and intensify their own efforts in combating the destructive forces from within and without by containing and isolating them. In the meantime, no effort should be spared in promoting other positive measures to enhance the self-reliance and cohesiveness of our people. Mr Speaker, Sir, we know that of late there has been an insidious campaign by certain mass media and racialists to create unrest and instability, through exploitation of race and language issues and the promotion of destructive forms of Western permissive philosophies. One English newspaper during the last months of its existence did in fact succeed to a certain extent in arousing emotionally the feelings of a small section of our people over inconclusive issues like freedom, rights of the newspapers, and a host of other abstractions related to decadent Western permissiveness. Sir, while the recent steps taken by the Government have undoubtedly thwarted the growth of this cankerous development, some scathing criticisms have been made of the ruling party by individuals or groups representing a small section of the opposition to the effect that the P.A.P, has become dictatorial and that the Republic has become a one-party state and intolerant of any opposition. However, the common man, who periodically reviews his early decision and continues to send the P.A.P, to Parliament, is unlikely to hesitate to question the motives of this motley crowd, who represent none but themselves in airing such views with no relevance to reality.”