Ho Tat Kin
Singapore
“The only other stadium with a retractable roof in Europe is the Amsterdam Arena, which has a capacity of 50,000. The stadium has an adjoining retail, leisure and pleasure development, including shops, restaurants, pubs and hotels. There is a full year-round programme of international and local activities.”
“For example, NAC did not fund the musical Rent as it presented homosexuality and alternative lifestyles as an accepted way of life. I would like to reiterate that MITA has clear guidelines and criteria for the support of art productions. They include artistic merits and track records of applicants.”
“Preparing for retirement with sufficient money is only one important aspect. There are many other variables to take care in ageing. Sir, the Ministry has over the years spawned a whole new industry in childcare centres. These childcare centres provide good care for children with working parents.”
“What is the Ministry's plan on this? To give our sports a boost and lift it to higher levels, foreign talents would have to be imported. While they can play a supporting and aspiring role with local athletes, challenging and motivating them to excel, they should not replace our local talents.”
“Sir, MCD reviews the public assistance given to the poor and needy once every two years. I believe, this year, public assistance will be up for review also. I would like to ask what adjustments will be made to increase the amount given out under the Public Assistance Scheme.”
“May I ask what progress has been made by this Inter-Ministry Committee? Sir, in dealing with juvenile crimes, we should focus on the child and to see how best to reintegrate the kids back into society.”
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“Sir, the Government adopts a many helping hands approach in the provision of social service. This approach harnesses the collaborative efforts of Government agencies and non-government organisations in the provision of social welfare and community support services and programmes for the less fortunate in our society. Sir, although a wide range of services has been put in place by various organisations, the general public or even social service agencies may not be aware of the availability of the full range of services. MCD could perhaps identify specific target groups which would be most likely to need such social service. I believe the group that needs this service most are usually low income families staying in the 1-room or 2-room rental units. I understand there are about 100,000 households in this category. MCD, together with CDC volunteers, could target this group for an extensive outreach programme. CDC volunteers could first be trained to understand the entire scope of social services available. The volunteers in their encounters with these families would then be able to explain, and also assist those who need such service, to apply for them or help to refer them to the relevant authorities. Sir, may I ask what measures will be taken to provide greater publicity on the different types of social service available so as to reach a wider audience?”
“There should be a one-stop service point set up in MCD and all the CDC service centres to explain policies and provide services to senior citizens. This can be easily done through IT and the different Government computerised networks. Sir, in our Asian culture, the family is expected to look after the elderly. In encouraging families to take care of the elderly, the Government and the community have to provide options to help such families cope with the elderly and at the same time maintain and strengthen family links between the generations. With advance in modern medicine and longer life-span we now have the old in their 60s looking after the yet older parents in their 80s, and many of these people in the 60s themselves need care. Families who have to cope with work and at the same time take care of frail elderly parents can certainly need information, guidance and training on care giving as well as different support services to help them. Sir, I would like to ask the Minister what services are available now to address these needs. Are these needs sufficient? And what plans are there to meet the increasing demand for such services as our population ages.”
“Sir, ageing is not just a problem of the poor who are being well taken care of by the service of MCD. Ageing and how to cope with the problems of ageing and how to care for them is a major issue. The best care for the aged is to help them to continue working and to help them to care for themselves. Many senior citizens, who are still healthy, want to carry on working. Employment services for senior citizens are taken care of by the MOL, PA, MCD, SAGE and others. The demand for retirees seeking full-time or part-time employment will increase. But currently, there are problems such as employer's attitude towards employing retirees, the elderly's salary expectation and other demands which are not realistic. Sir, there should be job counselling for older job registrants but I understand this is lacking. Providing a second career for retirees would be a major challenge. Currently, different Government ministries handle different services for the aged. MCD looks after the aged and the destitute, while MOH looks after health and home nursing needs. Volunteer welfare organisations look after senior citizens, day-care centres, befriender networks and meal deliveries. Of course HDB looks after the housing needs. The elderly are a very diverse group of people with different needs. There is therefore a need to provide a total approach in the care of the elderly so that the needs of the various groups of elderly can be addressed. Many of the aged find it very confusing to have to go to different agencies to apply for various forms of assistance. Care for the aged can be better coordinated and improved so as to avoid duplication of resources. MCD with its wide experience in looking after senior citizens could be the lead agency to handle all issues relating to the elderly.”
“Sir, since last year, many Chinese-based Internet sites have been developed. According to the China Net Information Centre, there are over 49,000 homes and 250,000 PCs connected to the Chinese Internet. Meanwhile, Chinese Internet has grown into bandwidth to accommodate an increasing number of users, estimated to hit some three to four million in China by the year 2000. With this development, many large databases with important business and education information and a vast pool of knowledge are now available on Chinese Internet sites. With the rapid growth of on-line networking for Chinese-based information, Chinese Internet becomes a whole new field of opportunity, especially for many Singaporeans who are today effectively bilingual. SBA could encourage the development and expansion of usage of Chinese-based Internet services, so that Singaporeans will be able to tap two huge reservoirs of knowledge in English and in Chinese. Sir, encouraging the development of Chinese-based Internet will also speed up the development of double-byte computing technology, extending our development capability beyond the single-byte computing technology used in English-based Internet. May I ask the Minister what measures will be taken to drive this development and provide the direction for technological research in this area?”
“Just as my colleague, Mr Peh says, film companies feel that shooting movies in Singapore has many complications and they complain of difficulties in getting permission or permit for location shooting, lack of supporting infrastructure, post-production and animation facilities. Film companies feel that there are too many permits to apply from too many different Government and statutory bodies before they can start shooting. Sir, MITA could consider setting up a one-stop service centre, as Mr Peh has suggested, which will help film production houses obtain all the necessary permits and clearance, such as closure of roads for location shooting, getting loan of equipment and props from Government bodies like MINDEF and the Police. MITA could perhaps look into the provision of grants to assist local film companies to bring in talents from overseas for local production. This could include grants for hiring directors, art directors, music directors, special effect technicians and any other talents or skills lacking here. The technology transfer will help our local talent pool to develop faster.”
“Sir, as Singapore moves towards high value-added industries, there should be a more concentrated effort to develop film as a core art form and a major drive to make Singapore a film industry centre in the region. With economic problems in the region, in South Korea, with recession in Hong Kong and Japan, the timing looks correct for this push. Unlike other high value-added industries, the film industry has low education entry barriers. A wide spectrum of jobs could be created for a wide range of age groups from the young to the old. Sir, ACCESS, the Advisory Committee on TCS Chinese Drama and Variety Show, in its February 1998 Report, also felt that TCS had an important role to play in the development of a full-fledged TV Centre and went on to say that TCS support was crucial for the development of an educated, mature film and TV profession in Singapore. ACCESS observes that the recruitment of creative talents continues to be a concern. The Committee hopes to see a long term solution to this issue. The Committee also recommends TCS to widen its search for instructors from England and the United States instead of focusing only on those from Hong Kong, Taiwan and China. The same report also recommends TCS to open some of the more general training workshops to non-TCS staff as well so that wider interests could be attracted and potential talents nurtured. Sir, may I ask what measures will MITA take to implement these recommendations? Sir, for the film industry to take off, there must also be alternatives to TCS productions. More production houses should be invited to Singapore.”
“Under MITA, the National Heritage Board and the National Archives Board have a wealth of collection that could serve as valuable useful reference materials for both teachers and students. I would urge both MOE and MITA to organise these useful materials into related CD-ROMs and publish them with interactive games so as to make National Education lessons more interesting. Sir, I would also suggest that teachers could be trained by the Singapore History Museum to be part-time guides of the gallery so that when pupils are brought to the museum, they will not be brought round to rows and rows of old photographs but be guided through with proper explanations relating to the National Education lessons.”
“Sir, since the announcement of the National Education programme, parents and teachers have expressed concern over a number of issues that need clarification. These issues are: what is the coverage of the subject? What additional load will this subject add to the pupils? Should National Education be taught separately or should it not be integrated in Social Studies? What textbooks and reference materials are available? How many teachers have been given the relevant training to equip them to teach this subject? I understand that many teachers do not feel comfortable in teaching this subject as they believe they have not been adequately prepared or trained. I understand some tertiary institutions also have difficulties finding suitable teachers. Is this subject examinable? If it is not examinable, there are concerns that some teachers may devote the curriculum time to teach examination subjects as teachers, pupils and parents today are very conscious of the school ranking. If this subject is examinable, how much weightage will the examination carry in terms of promotion prospects of the pupil. In the case of tertiary institutions, will the students be allowed to graduate if the students fail the National Education paper? Will the same policy apply to foreign students? Will National Education be taught by non-Singaporean teachers? If so, will such non-Singaporean teachers be able to impart the correct message and the correct lessons? Sir, while the Ministry of Education looks after the implementation of National Education in the schools and educational institutions, I believe the Ministry of Education must work closely with MITA which is the coordinating body for the National Education programme nation-wide.”
“Sir, I thank the Minister for his clarification and beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“MCD's Homepage should also be updated regularly with the various assistance schemes so that the community clubs and the VWOs can get immediate updates. In such assistance programmes, Sir, I understand some means test is always applied. There is a general perception that the means test is very stringent and is difficult to qualify for the assistance and the application process requires many forms to be filled. May I ask the Minister what measures would be taken to correct these perceptions and what measures would be taken to simplify the application process? Sir, public assistance rates were last revised in May 1995. In today's living standards, these rates need to be revised. May I ask the Minister when will he consider an increase in the public assistance rates?”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head J of the Main Estimates be reduced by $10 in respect of Code JD 1500. Sir, MCD's Family Support Division administers various schemes to help low income and destitute individuals and families. While most low-income families are aware of the public assistance scheme, many are still not aware of the other forms of assistance being given to the public, schemes such as the Small Families Improvement Scheme, interest free loan scheme for skills training and upgrading, or even the Rent and Utilities Assistance Scheme, or outreach programme for low-income families. The Report of the Cost Review Committee has highlighted the need to reach out to low-income families. The National Survey of Senior Citizens 1995 also indicated a lack of awareness of community-based services. Sir, I would like to ask the Minister what measures will be taken to publicise these schemes so that those who really need them can have access to their assistance. Sir, I would also like to make some suggestions in this area. Many of our poorer citizens still cannot afford to buy newspapers. They often come to the community clubs to read them. MCD could perhaps train the community club staff to help explain the various assistance schemes. Simple leaflets can also be placed at the community clubs for distribution to hardship families. MCD and HDB are now refurbishing 1-room apartments for senior citizens. In these refurbished apartments, VWOs could set up an office with full-time staff to look after the senior citizens. VWOs and their staf should be properly trained to advise on the various assistance schemes as they are usually the first-line of assistance.”
“Housewives and retirees can be encouraged to participate in a wide range of sports and recreational activities according to their interest and ability on a regular basis. Sir, may I ask the Minister what is the progress made in the setting up of the Regional Sports and Fitness Centre and whether more funds would be made available to the CSCs to assist them in promoting and carrying out the Sports for Life programme?”
“Sir, the Singapore Sports Council's survey on sports participation rate shows that 83.3% of housewives and 85.1% of retirees do not participate in any sports at all over a three-month period preceding the survey. Regular participation rate was very low, only 10.7% for housewives and 12.4% for retirees. Sir, in view of the rising cost of health care in Singapore, it is important for everyone to keep and remain fit and healthy. In September last year, the Prime Minister launched the Sports for Life programme to set a new direction needed to enhance the quality of life in an aging population. Its aim is to promote sports by making it more affordable and easily accessible and encourage more women, particularly housewives and retirees, to become physically active and to take up one sport for life. May I ask the Minister what progress has been made so far and what are its achievements? Currently, at the constituency level, sports are promoted through the Constituency Sports Clubs (CSCs). But the CSCs are made up of volunteers doing community work on a part-time basis. While they have done a good job and their contributions have been significant, my concern is whether there are enough activities to sustain the Sports for Life programme. This is basically due to the shortage of manpower, particularly trained manpower, and the shortage of funds. I would like to suggest that the Singapore Sports Council employ full time sports managers and locate them at the various community clubs to help promote this programme. The sports managers can plan, coordinate and organise in conjunction with the CSCs sports activities for the whole constituency on a regular and structured basis. Training can be arranged regularly for the residents at nearby regional sports and fitness centres.”
“Twenty years later we had another one, The Black Gold. Further in the seventies, we had another local movie, The Bridge, and during this period Shaw Brothers produced many Malay films. In the fifties, Li Li Hua and Yan Jun also came to Singapore to shoot on location, Kreta Ayer and Nonya and Baba. And after that, in the last 20-30 years, local films disappeared completely. We have, because of economic development, produced a lot of experts for our financial and other services. A lot of our developers have gone overseas to develop hotels and holiday resorts. But for local films, nothing. In fact, we have a lot of talents in this field. Some of them like Chua Lan and Robert Chua left Singapore in the seventies for Hong Kong where they made their names and became household names in the movie and TV industry. The time has come for us to develop Singapore into a movie and TV hub for Asia. We have an excellent distribution network to help in the production and distribution of local movies. We have the human resource advantage because our polytechnics and universities are producing talents in mass communications and related studies. The EDB, STPB and MITA have also made their efforts to promote the development of local movies. I think we should endeavour to let our local movies go regional and international. We would require the help of foreign talents, and we should also make use of our own talents who have gone overseas to develop their careers in film-making and television productions.”
“Towards this direction, there is a need to put in the right infrastructure and the correct incentives to attract the film production houses, post-production houses, animation producers, distribution channels, and create a whole new range of supporting industry. But currently the manpower to support the film industry is very limited. Training for acting is available only at TCS training school. For technical supporting staff, only two polytechnics have related diploma courses. There is no facility at all for teaching of film and video music. TCS would have an important role to play in the development of a full-fledged Singapore film and TV industry. TCS could expand its training school with some tertiary institutions into a full-time structured training programme, benchmarked against some international standards. A whole range of related training courses could also be set up at different educational levels to provide a complete range of training, ranging from film directors to script writers, film and editing, audio music editing to props, costume designers and fabricators. Sir, I would like to ask the Minister for his vision of Singapore as a film centre. But on what schedule are we working on to achieve this vision? Mr Seng Han Thong (Ang Mo Kio)( In Mandarin): Sir, recently local movies have been screened in some of our cinemas and feedback from the audience is favourable. But some commented that local filming has its own limitations. Nonetheless, we should encourage and support films like 12 Storeys and also encourage our local film makers to carry on producing quality movies. We want to see our own films. The first local movie was introduced soon after the Second World War. It was a film called Blood and Tears of Overseas Chinese.”
“Sir, I support the views of my GPC Chairman, Mr Chew Heng Ching. Sir, this year's Singapore International Film Festival was very successful with 200 films being screened for an audience of about 47,000 people. It has become one of the most significant film events in the region. But unlike the Hong Kong Film Festival which is funded by the Hong Kong Urban Council, and the Pusan Film Festival which is funded by the Municipality of Pusan, Korea itself, , the Singapore Film Festival is run only by volunteers. Sir, the NAC should assist in funding the Singapore International Film Festival and help the Festival consolidate its position and project Singapore as a regional film centre. NAC should help in the training of talents, promotion of arts, films, while the STPB could assist by upgrading and publicising the film festival. Sir, the Singapore Film Festival, besides screening artistic films, has since 1991 provided a venue for young Singaporean film makers to premiere their works. It has encouraged a lot more young Singaporeans to venture into this new field. As Mr Chew said, with the return of Hong Kong to China, there is concern among the film and arts circles that China's strict film censorship and political control may not allow Hong Kong to continue playing a role as a film centre. Many directors and artistes who prefer more open and less restricted working environment have left Hong Kong. With strong Singapore Government support, we can develop into a film centre of Asia. A whole new industry could be developed with many more high value- added job opportunities. It will be an important step towards making Singapore a media hub and an arts centre.”
“Before the start of the baseball World Series or the Superbowl, popular singers will be invited to sing the anthem. In Japan, on the other hand, history buffs would stage key historical events of the country for the public to view and learn. And they do this, as I understand, at their own expense. In other words, the symbols, songs, history and other associated materials are brought down to the general level for all to appreciate and understand. I believe such efforts must be spearheaded by MITA but with private groups contributing in that effort. Hence, the need for a fund for National Education. Sir, the popularising of our history can be done through story telling. Our oral history tradition is in fact quite strong. Many of us remember our grandparents and parents telling stories of the past during dinner and bedtime. My late grandmother was an avid reader of the Malay daily, the Utusan Melayu which was in Jawi. She would read it while we had our dinner. On many occasions, she would tell us the stories and the associated history. Here, Sir, MITA could consider working with the People's Association (PA) to start story telling nights at RCs and CCs in order to popularise our history. Senior citizens could be roped in. They could tell stories to the younger generation of the period when they were growing up. I am sure some would enjoy a night of story telling. Hence, Sir, I wish to ask the Minister whether MITA has plans to expand its current National Education programme to include private groups and others who are interested.”
“This is where I believe that private groups and organisations can offer a multitude of approaches appealing to different audience groups. It is also equally important to tell the story of Singapore without arousing emotions and even suspicions among the different races. This is not an easy task. For example, how can we tell the story of Maria Hertogh and its attendant lessons without rousing emotions? Can the events associated with Maria Hertogh be presented in a popular medium such as a musical? In the recently concluded Festival of Asian Performing Arts, the Shiki Theatrical Company of Japan staged a musical entitled Ri Koran. I understand the Minister actually attended the performance. This play is based on a true story of a Japanese girl, born and raised in China, who became a star in several Japanese propaganda movies made during World War II. Although the material was highly controversial, the musical has been well received in both Japan and China. Hence, I believe that efforts by private groups in showcasing our history, though difficult, can be done successfully. Sir, National Education should also be about popularising symbols, stories, songs, poems and other activities associated with this country such that it becomes embedded in our psyche. My GPC Chairman, Mr Chew Heng Ching, lamented that not many Singaporeans would recite the National Anthem when it is being played. DPM BG Lee Hsien Loong, during the launch of NE, cited two examples of strong nationalistic pride: the Americans and Japanese. The Americans, for example, are proud of their anthem and they know the words very well. This comes about because the anthem is played at every major sporting event in the country.”
“Many Members of the House have spoken about the need for us to remind the younger generation and succeeding generations about how this country came about. I suggested during the debate on the Budget Statement that the Government consider setting up a fund to attract private groups to participate in the promotion of National Education. The Finance Minister replied that National Education will be disseminated through the schools and that private groups can be roped into the development of materials. I welcome this move. However, the NE programme in schools will only have an impact on school-going children and teens. I am concerned about the availability of NE programmes aimed at the general public. I understand MITA will undertake a variety of projects, including staging exhibitions at the museums to promote NE. Perhaps the Minister may want to enlighten us further on other initiatives being taken by MITA. I would also like to suggest that perhaps MITA consider my suggestion of setting up a fund. MITA has in fact successfully drawn private groups into a variety of public-related projects, for example, the Arts Festival. In a similar manner, I wonder whether MITA could consider tapping the resources and expertise of private groups and organisations in its effort to promote National Education. For NE to become successful, and, in this instance, I would define success as taking place when the sense of being a Singaporean is present in almost everyone, NE projects would have to be carried out across all sections of society. These projects need to reach out to the young, the not-so-old and the old. But the approach for each of these groups cannot be the same. A variety of presentations is needed.”
“00 pm In the area of conventional films and video tapes, I understand the Board of Film Censors has 16 full-time censors who went through more than four-and-a-half million pieces of films and video tapes last year. If full-time staff cannot be dedicated for the purposes of the Internet, perhaps the finder's reward system can be started under which Internet surfers who give information leading to the blockage of undesirable websites can be rewarded with a small memento. But if for the technical reasons I mentioned earlier, we take the approach that censorship of the Internet cannot be carried out effectively on a national level, then at the very least, protection should be accorded to our children. The Internet is like a television with 100 channels - 80 with good educational programmes and 20 channels with undesirable contents. Our children are encouraged to use the Internet for its educational benefits. But they can easily at any time while surfing the Internet, at the mere click of the mouse, switch to the undesirable channels that bring them straight into the red light district. I am advocating that in the process of connecting every school in Singapore to the Net, we must put in place some way of making the Internet safe for our children. To do this, all schools, colleges and libraries should be connected to the Ministry of Education server, which must be beefed up to add as an Internet Service Provider to serve their needs for access to the Internet. This Ministry of Education server must then enforce the highest standards of decency so that offensive materials may be kept away from our children. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim (Jalan Besar): Sir, National Education has been given a lot of importance lately.”
“I believe, Sir, that the Internet, if not regulated properly, poses a danger of greater magnitude because of how it is weaving its way into our daily lives. Surfing the Internet can bring us effortlessly or even accidentally face to face with pornography, fraud, gambling, sedition and other distasteful topics. It is also common knowledge that information transmitted through the Internet are merely bits and bytes and therefore even with the use of electronic filters, comprehensive blockage of undesirable materials coming through cyberspace, it is impossible without, in the process, filtering out materials which the public has the right to see. Nevertheless, this Government has opted for the use of proxy server as a means of control. Having decided on this option, I believe that it is in our interest to make it effective. I share Mr Peh's concern that the present controls are not as effective as it should be. An ineffective proxy server can be counter productive because parents may mistakenly believe that the proper controls have been set up by the Government and hence they can dedicate less care and attention to what their children are viewing on line. If the proxy server is not effective, then we should openly admit so and encourage parents to either use a software fix of their choice or resort to the old fashioned solution or supervising their kids' time on line. However, I am sure that if we want to, we can make the proxy server more effective. In the longer term, we should look at the development and use of content rating software. In the near term, before the perfection of such software, the appropriate resources must be committed to manually identifying these undesirable websites and blocking access to them. 1.”
“Singapore as they actually believe that MITA and the ISD will trace them if they say something bad about the PAP or the Government. So today we have more discussions on Singapore in Soc.Culture.Malaysia. Sir, the number of Internet subscribers in China is expected to jump by 100,000 to 250,000 by the end of 1997, as Chinese businessmen and families become more aware of the benefits of being able to access a network of global communication. As China opens up, there will eventually be a big Chinese Internet community. We have the advantage of a bilingual education. Singapore should also develop its Chinese language Internet capability in tandem with China's Internet development so that our Internet users will have the advantage of tapping on to another big network rich in information and resources. This will complement our development as a media hub. Sir, may I ask the Minister what efforts will he make towards this objective. Mr Ong Kian Min (Pasir Ris): Sir, I wish to support the Government's programme to have computers accessible to all our students. This is a step in the right direction as we enter the millennium where the acquisition of knowledge and its proper application will put Singapore at the cutting edge of progress and development. Whilst we encourage Singaporeans to access the information super highway, we are faced with a problem that will destroy the moral fibre of our society if we do not address the issue, and that is the question of pornography on the Internet. Over the years, this House has debated at length the prohibition of satellite dishes for households and control over what comes into our homes through the air.”
“The introduction of the Internet Class Licence Scheme (CLS) last July was the first step to set up a regulatory framework for Internet in Singapore. However, with the use of proxy servers, Internet users continue to complain of slow access and the ISPs' reluctance to upgrade their equipment to increase transmission speed. Last August, the NIAC was formed to advise and give feedback to SBA on how to promote Internet development and fine-tune the regulations. As technology changes very rapidly, MITA must continue to review and assess the scope and focus of the regulatory framework to ensure that regulations and policy developments move in tandem with technology. Sir, one of the more important issues to consider now must be the safeguard of individual privacy on the Internet. The other concern which requires urgent attention is how to control gambling on the Internet. Sir, this morning's Straits Times carried an article "Internet gambling booms: `Ignorant' US authorities urged to regulate unstoppable trend." Sir, may I ask the Minister what measures would be taken to address these two issues of individual privacy and controlling of gambling on the Net? Sir, I would also like to ask the Minister what changes will be made to the CLS and how will the changes affect the Internet community. MITA should spare no effort to develop Singapore into an Internet hub for the region. We have the right infrastructure and the supporting technical people. To facilitate this development, MITA must ensure that our regulations do not inhibit the development of local web sites on the Internet. They must not be seen to be over-strict with censorship as this is still the perception. Users are reluctant to discuss Singapore issues in Soc.Culture.”
“For example, I have received feedback from my constituents that the story usually revolves round two men and a woman, or two women with one man, or rejected females will commit suicide, or turn to alcohol, or pick up some other man in the bar. These are not true reflections of life in Singapore. [Interruption]. Or maybe I am out of date. Sir, TCS could also produce socially worthy programmes which highlight youth involvement in community work, promote a gracious society, show retirees how to stay active and contribute to society. Sir, on public holidays, TCS should schedule more first-run movies. Repeats should be done selectively outside prime slots which should be reserved for news and good programmes. Sir, I hope the Minister could consider this feedback.”
“Sir, there are some attempts by TCS to inject more info-educational programmes for children in the mornings. But, as a whole, there are still too many cartoons in the schedule. There should be a better balance in the mix of children's programmes. Too many cartoons in the morning will distract children's attention from their homework. Besides, some of the cartoon series such as Street Sharks, Ninja Turtles, and so forth are too violent. TCS should instead produce children's programmes that reflect local culture and values. They could consider highlighting school concerts, school drama festivals, arts and craft achievements, school sports competition finals in the local children series. If TCS is unable to get suitable cartoons, then they should shorten the cartoon broadcast schedule and instead use the time slot available for something more useful, for example, showing some dialect series of movies in the morning for the entertainment of senior citizens. 5.45 pm There are still many senior citizens who can only speak dialect. In the morning, there could be news, for example, in dialect which gives a summary of the important local news broadcast the previous day. After all, news is already broadcast over radio in dialect in the evenings. In this way, Sir, senior citizens who could not understand English or Mandarin could also be kept informed of the important developments in our country. This would prevent many misinterpretations of important Government policies through wrong translation or hearing from a third party. Sir, local Mandarin dramas, particularly on Channel 8, still tend to be very melodramatic.”
“How do we avoid advertisements for banned goods like drugs, pornographic materials or even explosives on the Internet? Overseas mail order is readily available and also gaining popularity in Singapore. What is to stop certain individuals from placing an order for a supply of drugs, for example, Ecstasy, or even banned medicine from dealers who supply them via the Internet? Finally, by what means can the Government shield the average Singaporean from unscrupulous sales persons who peddle bogus or defective wares and services through the Internet? Consumer awareness groups, such as CASE, guard Singaporeans against being taken advantage of by the local businesses. But what about Singaporeans who get swindled over the Internet by a dealer who operates outside our local jurisdiction? I hope to have the Minister's response.”
“This problem has to be solved or software errors in financial, taxation, insurance, hospitals and aircraft operations will lead to some of the most expensive litigations in human history. Mr Kenneth Chen Koon Lap (Hong Kah): Sir, as Singaporeans embark onto the age of information technology, the significance of the Internet is spreading rapidly. This powerful and fast growing arena is becoming as common as the media, TV or radio. At present, pornography as well as other undesirable and subversive materials are banned on TV and from the news-stands. Offensive and misleading advertisements on goods and services are being somewhat regulated. For example, the recent advertisement selling apparels using models which resemble drug addicts has been taken off from all publications. But the intrinsic nature of the Internet is that of self-expression. An infinite number of websites and even individual Home pages contain opportunity for self and for groups to express their own personal beliefs and philosophies. The same opportunity is open for unscrupulous dealers to peddle questionable goods freely. Even groups that are outlawed in Singapore such as religious cults, racist associations like the White Supremacists, product associations and other fanatics can, and do, possess their own websites. In their websites, they are able to announce and promote whatever views they like and attempt to sell anything they want. The most obvious of these negative and harmful organisations are screened out by the relevant authorities. But the complexity of the Web is that it would be impossible to identify each and every single illegal site. I want to know to what extent can the Government prevent these groups from corrupting the moral well-being of our youth and our unsuspecting consumers.”
“In the United Kingdom, it was estimated only 10% of British companies have programs in place to tackle this problem. It was also estimated that the cost to defuse this bomb will come to an amount of o13 billion. Recent surveys conducted in Singapore by the Singapore Federation of Computer Industry suggest that more than 60% of the respondents would be affected in the year 2000 conversion. We do not have to wait for the year 2000, Sir, to see the problem taking effect. Several cases have been reported. One of the British gas trading computer systems crashed when they tried to enter a customer's five-year payment plan as the system could not cope with any year beyond 1999. In another case, in Kansas, USA, a 104-year old lady was issued a computerised instruction to report for kindergarten. Sir, while the National Computer Board has been doing a good job in leading the Government and statutory boards in solving this problem, the private sector needs a lot of help from the Government to solve this problem. I strongly urge the Government to set up a Year 2000 Task Force. There is a need to inform, to educate and to raise awareness of the problem and to assist computerised organisations to tackle this issue. The British Department of Trade and Industry has issued a six-volume guide advising business people and the computer professionals how to prepare for this crisis. I would like to ask the Minister what measures will be taken to help IT installations to solve this problem. I would also like to ask the Minister to provide grants and financial assistance to assist IT installations and set a deadline by which all computer software and hardware must be Year 2000 compliant. Sir, the millennium time bomb is now a crisis.”
“Sir, come 1st January 2000, all computers will be affected by what is commonly known as the "millennium bug" or the "Year 2000 Problem", as we call it in the IT industry. This problem, if not resolved, would create havoc on all our computer systems. This problem is caused by computer chips embedded in all computers, from mainframes to PCs, to all electronic equipment and devices which use chips to keep time. In the old days when computer memory space was limited and expensive, programmers used only two digits to capture the year. 1997 is stored in the computer with two digits "97". The result is that in the first second of a new century, the computer will not be able to understand that the two digits "00" stand for the year 2000, but instead read it as "1900" and change all programs accordingly. The result will be chaos, especially in the banking and the financial markets. For example, Sir, a time-locked bank vault that has been pre-programmed to open only on Mondays, which is normally a working day, would open by itself on Saturday, 1st January 2000, when the bank is not working. This is because the computer would interpret that day as 1st January 1900, which was a Monday. Sir, this "Year 2000 Problem" is not just an IT problem but also a business problem, a manufacturing problem and a consumer problem. It is the most serious technical and operational problem confronting business today and the solution has a deadline that cannot be extended. It is a time bomb waiting for midnight, 31st December 1999. The "Year 2000 Problem" will be one of the most expensive problems in human history. In the United States, which is most advanced in dealing with this problem, it was estimated that the US organisations will spend US$71 billion to make the application Year 2000 compliant.”
“This will affect the physical growth of the children. As parents and Members of Parliament, we have to share our concern and responsibility on this problem. Sir, I hope that the over-weight school bags will not lead to a series of problems which may affect the physical development of our young school children.”
“We should try at least to reduce the physical stress on the students so that the school days can be an enjoyable experience. Mr Choo Wee Khiang( In Mandarin): Sir, unfortunately, I am not like Mr Peh Chin Hua who is very good in graphics, otherwise I can also show some cartoons to indicate the plight of children carrying their heavy school bags. I think this burden can be avoided. In 1994, I also raised the issue. At the time, the then Minister of State, Dr Ker Sin Tze, did not give a satisfactory answer. I think what Mr Peh had said is something that should be taken seriously. Maybe the Ministry of Education can reconsider the scheduling of lessons, and the weight of the textbooks should be reviewed. The thickness, the kind of paper used, the cover, etc can be looked into. Better still, lightweight paper can be used to replace the present type of thick paper, and it can certainly help to reduce the weight of the school bag. But I hope that the use of new materials will not cause the prices of textbooks to go up. Otherwise, this again will become another burden, a financial burden, particularly to the low income groups. Sir, Mr Peh and other MPs have already raised the question of heavy school bags for many years. It is a very realistic problem that we cannot afford to overlook. I do not know whether the Ministry of Education can cooperate with the Ministry of Health to conduct a survey on the weight of an average school bag in Singapore and elsewhere. What kind of effect will heavy school bags have on the school children in their physical development? Children are the future masters of Singapore. If they have to carry very heavy school bags, they may become hunchback, their spinal cords may be affected and they may have all kinds of elbow problems.”
“Sir, many parents who have children in primary schools have complained to me about heavy school bags that their children have to carry to school each day. Parents are concerned with the stress that children are facing from the high standard demanded of the school curriculum. To them the heavy bag is an additional but avoidable stress. I believe this problem can be easily solved by a two-pronged approach. Teachers can help by giving more precise timetables with more specific instructions on what books will actually be used for a particular subject. In this way, students need not worry about bringing all the books in case the teachers want to use a particular book and if they do not have it, they will be punished. Teachers can also help by regularly checking the school bags to ensure that the pupils are not bringing unnecessary items to schools. Sir, schools can also assist by providing lockers to students. My colleague, Mr Peh, has given us examples. Of course, schools will reply that they do not have such a budget. Schools may be unduly concerned with the maintenance and replacement costs of lockers and also additional administrative chores. Sir, one way to go round this problem is to out-source the lockers to a service provider. I understand that there are service providers who are willing to place lockers of different sizes in schools for rental directly to the students. Students then pay direct to the service provider. All the school needs to do is to provide the space. I am sure parents will be most happy to pay for the rental of lockers for their children if the schools make such arrangements. Sir, heavy school bag is not just a syndrome of kaisu students. It is a strong indication of the increasing stress that students face today in schools.”
“Sir, the amount of refuse produced by factories, offices and households has been doubling every 10 years. In 1995, this reached a record of 7,315 tonnes a day. Even a fourth incineration plant costing an estimated $1 billion by the year 2000, this will only provide temporary relief in getting rid of rubbish here. We therefore need to encourage households, factories and offices to reduce waste at source. While eliminating household refuse at source is more difficult to achieve, it may be easier to start with the factories and manufacturing plants. To improve their competitive position, not incrementally but theoretically, forward-looking companies from around the world are embracing the ultimate environmental goal, ie, zero emission of waste. This means no smoke up the stack, no toxic chemicals down the drain and no trash to the dumping ground. This is not just a public relations move to support the green environment. It is also a cost saving and quality enhancement move for the company. By doing this, the factories eliminate waste before it is created. Two well-known Japanese companies, Nissan and Hitachi, are achieving this standard. Retail business will need to re-engineer their service and eliminate unnecessary carrier bags and packaging, as well as other methods which would not lead to extra waste. Sir, I would like to suggest that the Ministry form an advisory committee to advise retailers, factories and manufacturers on how to reduce waste at source. The Ministry can also consider various incentive schemes to help and motivate local factories to go for zero emission of waste.”
“Sir, I was told that each day about 6,000 people approach HDB to file applications and make enquiries about different HDB policies. While HDB has helped to make it easier for people to make enquiries by allowing people to phone in or to check on the waiting time through Teletext, I believe more can be done to make it easier for those who need to check various information of HDB. HDB has started its own Web site on Internet. Will HDB now allow applicants to check the waiting time and find out other information through Internet or communicate with HDB through electronic mail? This method would help many young applicants who have Internet access. However, Sir, those without such on-line access, they still have to use the phone or visit HDB to make personal enquiries. I understand, currently, HDB does not practise a one-point enquiry system. A person making enquiries on rental matters need to get a number and join a queue. If he needs to find out something about purchase flats, he has to get a new number and join another queue, and so on. So making enquiries at HDB can be a half-day leave affair. I would like to suggest to HDB to consider implementing a one-point service for all matters, whether it is filing an application or making enquiries. Not only will this be more convenient to the HDB applicant, it will also improve productivity of HDB and improve HDB service to the public. With distributed computing technology, HDB could even consider allowing applications or enquiries to be made at the Branch Offices in the future.”
“Will HDB be able to widen the choice and expand the availability of apartments under the transitional rental scheme? The Government has started the buy-back of 3-room flats from the open market which is then sold at a discount to low-income families. This scheme is very well received. But the income ceiling for the scheme was raised only to $1,200 in January 1996. Many of the low-income families feel that the ceiling is too low. For a working couple, they can easily earn a combined salary of $1,500 per month. Will HDB be able to adjust the income ceiling higher so that more low-income families can benefit from this scheme?”
“Sir, there is a general concern among young couples that HDB is not providing affordable housing for them. Prices of current 5-room apartments and executive condominiums are out of their reach. HDB flat prices, including resale flats, have been rising rapidly in the past few years. There is a real anxiety that their earnings and savings will never catch up with the prices of these properties and the gap gets wider very fast. Will the Government consider building more basic 4-room apartments which can be cheaper and therefore affordable to the young applicants? Being affordable means the prices need to be about 60-70% of what is being sold at present. Although the CPF Housing Grant Scheme has been improved, the $40,000-$50,000 for first-timers to buy a resale flat is not able to help much, as the initial outlay for resale flats is quite hefty now. Even though the CPF Housing Grant Scheme was extended to buyers of 2-room flats from the open market, the number of 2-room apartments available is also very limited. Will the Government consider giving these first-time buyers, who are willing to go for re-sale flats and hence get out of the HDB queue, additional help? Since the biggest obstacle is the initial cash outlay, will the Government consider some form of bridging loan to help them top-up the initial cash payment for a resale apartment? Many applicants for HDB apartments are concerned with the long waiting for new apartments. Some complain that the wait can be as long as seven years. If they want to start a family, the long waiting time for an apartment will pose a lot of difficulties. HDB has a transitional rental scheme which helps those on the waiting queue, but the choice of apartments available for transitional rental is very limited.”
“We would have better results by implementing some technological solutions ranging from software that filters out possibly objectionable materials to special services from service providers that could be used to protect junior Web service. A group of high-tech companies is joining forces to develop a system to code indecent materials in cyberspace. This group will comprise approximately two dozen organisations, including Microsoft, Apple, AT&T, Time-Warner, and others. It intends to develop a rating system for materials and this rating system is entitled, "The Platform for Internet Content Selection". This group is led by the World Wide Web consortium at MIT. Then, Sir, we must not forget the all important parental guidance. Any parent who provides Internet access to the children must exercise responsibility in providing guidance to their children. It is true, Sir, that many of us who have contributed to the explosive growth of the Internet have been turned off by some of the tasteless access. But anyone who has spent time using this marvellous communication system, its massive education and research capabilities, also understand that this is only a minor annoyance compared with the Net's many positive contributions.”
“However, access providers, software companies and Internet users contend that the Internet can regulate itself, and the existing laws can handle situations which emerge. Until the Minister's announcement on 5th March regarding SBA's regulations, there were no legal guidelines regarding the responsibilities of service providers on what happens on the network. What about service providers who use servers located overseas? How do we regulate them? I believe the relevant authorities will have to work closely with foreign regulatory agencies to map out more clearly regulations to bring some order to cyberspace, as the network is spread across to not less than 160 countries. In Canada, people feel that their privacy is under threat as more tasks such as banking and shopping are carried out using electronic networks. But their government wants to ensure that confidential information does not fall into the wrong hands and it is seriously considering options from tougher regulations to electronic codes to protect the privacy of the citizens on the information super-highway. Sir, may I ask the Minister if MITA is considering such measures? While some form of regulation on the Net would definitely evolve, however, I must hasten to caution that any regulation on cyberspace should not be an overkill. In fact, anything that is allowed on other forms of media in the street should not be regulated on the Net. Above all, we should not waste valuable manpower and resources trying to implement censorship on the Net as that is practically impossible. While we must protect the children from pornography and undesirable discussions and rough language that currently dominate Internet, we should not cripple one of the best communications successes in decades.”
“Sir, many logging on to Internet for the first time will feel that there are no concrete rules concerning the network. There are fears that the lack of rules protecting individual members will inhibit the expansion of on-line service. Some fear that the openness of Internet could be a deterrent to those wary of losing control over creative works and information. Beyond the legal implications, many Net users are concerned with the relative anonymity provided by on-line communication. If a conversation is started by someone on the network, the possibility of getting involved in a quarrel or seeing offensive words is high, because people using code names, not real names, are just not afraid of being offensive to others. Those who have joined discussion on the Internet understand what I mean. Crimes taking place on the Net are not easily dealt with by existing legal infrastructure as Internet legal issues are largely in a formative state. Many people on computer network actually believe that the laws in the real world do not apply to cyberspace, and that the law cannot catch up with them. In some instances, our current legal framework appears to sufficiently address certain legal issues arising on the Internet. These issues are similar to events already occurring in the real world. The problem is that there are many additional and developing Internet issues which our existing legal framework is ill-equipped to address. Our current laws either did not contemplate the existence of these novel issues or are not broad enough to adapt to the complexities of this new medium of communication. Sir, legislators in many countries feel that the current system of laws will be unable to handle the dynamic Internet and digital transmissions.”
“Sir, I understand the American Copyright laws are being updated to make them relevant to the digital age and that under the revised law it will also be a crime to disable anti-copying technology that is being used with information transmitted on-line. Sir, I would like to ask the Minister if our existing copyright laws are adequate to deal with enhanced information technology in the digital age and whether any reviews are being undertaken currently to update these laws.”
“Sir, digital technology for on-line computers and for off-line products like CD-ROMs is spreading so rapidly that it is creating a host of legal complications, ranging from the spread of pornography to copyright disputes and fraudulent sales. Copyright experts believe that existing laws have not kept pace with technology, especially with digitisation. With digitisation, it is now possible to create an infinite number of copies of a book, a music piece or a movie or a combination, and distribute them all over the world at very little cost. Unlike photocopies of books or pirate audio tapes, digital copies are virtually identical in quality to the original. Advances in digital technology now enable users to freely capture graphic images from original photos or pictures and easily modify the colour, the tone and the shapes of graphics. Computer artists are interested to know how much of modification, or what percentage of alteration is needed before the work is no longer considered a copy. Sir, a new form of piracy is hurting PC software suppliers in a very hard way. Cases have been reported in Britain where 120,000-pound worth of business software have been bundled into a CD-ROM and sold in the black market for only 50 pounds. It is now common to pirate computer software by bundling them together to make full use of the mass capacity of CD-ROMs. As CD-ROMs are cheap to manufacture, copyright owners of software would suffer as a result of copyright infringements. It is impossible to say how much money publishers are losing now.”
“Sir, this House will recall in 1990 a Committee called RECORD was chaired by BG George Yeo. This Committee made various recommendations, such as public recognition, policies to improve communications, strengthening the command chain, motivating key appointment holders and other measures which will help NSmen in their daily work. One of the Government's gestures to recognise the contributions of NSmen was the preferential tax rate for NSmen. A two-tier tax relief for NSmen in recognition of their contribution to the nation was introduced. NSmen who performed any of the approved NS Service activities were given $1,000 of tax reduction. This and other recommendations were accepted by Mindef and subsequently implemented. Many of our NSmen were very encouraged by this gesture of recognition. But in the case of the $1,000 tax rebate, with the implementation of GST last April, 71% of the population do not have to pay income tax any more, as a result of personal income tax being substantially reduced. In view of this change, what measures will Mindef now implement to return the benefits to the NSmen? Sir, four years have passed since the RECORD Committee made the recommendations. There may be a need now to revive the RECORD Committee to provide a follow-up and to review what other measures can be taken to help the NSmen further in their daily life.”
“In mid-November last year, the Malaysian press ran a series of reports detailing the case of a Chinese teenager staying in Johor who was called up by Singapore for National Service. He was a Malaysian citizen and had lived in Johor nearly all his life. The case of Tan Chin Hock was discussed vigorously and also emotionally by the Malaysian press. This sparks off much debate about citizenship and national loyalty. But it also caused much confusion to our own people on why a Malaysian boy was called up for National Service by Singapore. Sir, may I ask the Minister for the facts so as to put the record straight and to allow our own people to understand better the rules in regard to National Service liability. Then there are cases of Singaporeans who have migrated overseas and are now holding foreign citizenship. There are also cases of young Singaporeans who were brought overseas to study by their parents when they were still young. Some are keen to come home but are not sure what to do regarding the National Service liability. Sir, Singapore is actively attracting talented manpower from overseas. Where possible, we should encourage former Singaporeans to come home, in view of their early ties with Singapore. With the support from friends and relatives in Singapore, ex-Singaporeans will find it easier to settle in than other immigrants. We should also have some system that can help former Singaporeans sort out their National Service problems with the proper authorities and to help them re-integrate back into our society.”
“Our armour and tank units have also been given access to other training areas in Australia. Sir, may I ask the Minister for an update on the training development in Australia and what are the difficulties faced by our men and their families in relocating overseas? What about training opportunities in friendly countries nearer home, such as Bangladesh, India, Vietnam or even Myanmar which is now opening up? Sir, my next amendment is on Productivity in the SAF. With an armed force comprising many NSmen, Singapore maintains only a small peace time standing force. The primary duty is to train thousands of conscripts coming in to the camps and base each year, and the tens of thousands of Operationally Ready National Servicemen returning for their annual refresher courses. In order to make the most out of NSmen's in-camp training, the SAF has to be very productive in all spheres of activities so as to ensure minimum wastage of time, manpower and resources. To ensure operational readiness with minimum manpower, training must be realistic and efficient. The SAF has invested heavily in simulators and other forms of computer-aided training. Such training aids can be extremely effective in shortening the time required for soldiers to acquire a particular skill. Sir, may I ask the Minister what measures would be taken to expand the use of electronic training in the SAF? May I also ask the Minister how successful has the SAF been in implementing WITs and suggestion schemes? What are some of the success stories? Are the NSF and NSmen actively participating in these productive activities? What additional measures will be taken to encourage better participation in the productivity movement? Sir, my last amendment is on National Service Liability.”
“Sir, Singapore with its high built-up ratio is unable to release too much land for military training. But to maintain the efficiency of our Armed Forces, the NSF and NSmen need to be properly trained and well-trained. To provide realistic training for our Armed Forces, the SAF has utilised training grounds made available by friendly governments in Brunei, Taiwan and Thailand. The visit by South Africa's Defence Minister in early January this year has resulted in an agreement on forging mutually beneficial defence and technological cooperation between Singapore and South Africa. South Africa has also offered training opportunities for the Singapore Armed Forces. Would the Minister elaborate on the cooperation measures that could take place between Singapore and South Africa and the feasibility of training our army over there? Sir, the importance of air power in our defence strategy is very clear. Air power enables us to intercept the aggressors before they strike. A modern air force, well trained and equipped, provides creditable and effective deterrence while making relatively small demands on our limited manpower. But our small 620 square kilometres of land, which makes air power a necessity, also creates serious problems in flying and air training. As the sky around Singapore gets crowded with the increasing commercial traffic, the air space available for RSAF training progressively diminishes. Many friendly countries have been kind enough to make available training opportunities for our SAF units. Australia, in particular, has been especially helpful. They have allowed our air force to be attached to various air bases and allow our RSAF to set up a flying training school in Pearce.”
“Sir, Indonesia last year, as the APEC host, took the initiative of liberalising foreign direct investments in June. Its action helped generate the atmosphere that led to the adoption five months later of the Bogor Declaration with its objective of free trade and investment. The outcome of the 1994 APEC meeting was a declaration that trade and investment within APEC would be completely liberalised by the year 2020. But specific measures to achieve this objective were conspicuously absent from the declaration, leaving the details to be worked out at this November Osaka Summit. The advancement of APEC really now depends on how the Japanese would manage the meeting. Sir, may I ask the Minister: Is there a likelihood that Japan will follow Indonesia's example? Or will Japan, notorious for its restricted markets, drag its feet in pushing for the important objective of trade liberalisation and instead push this issue to a back seat? Following closely will be the ASEAN Summit scheduled for December this year in Bangkok. May I ask the Minister what is the progress of the ASEAN Regional Forum? Then there is the idea of an Europe-Asia Summit which was first mooted in October 1994 when the Prime Minister visited France and proposed the establishment of a link between Europe and Asia through a summit meeting of Asian and European leaders. Sir, may I ask the Minister what progress has been made since? What are some of the problem areas Singapore will face in launching this Europe-Asia summit? Will ASEAN represent Asia in this case? Or will the other economic powers such as China, Japan and South Korea be invited to take an active part?”
“Question No. 1, Sir. The Acting Minister for National Development (Mr Lim Hng Kiang): Mr Speaker, Sir, road openings are carried out by the various services departments, such as PUB, Telecom and the Sewerage Department to lay their services. The PWD regulates and coordinates the road opening activities of these services departments. The Road Opening Coordination Committee (ROCC), chaired by PWD, meets monthly to coordinate all road openings. This Committee comprises members from various authorities, such as the Traffic Police, PUB, Telecom, Environment and MRTC. Repeated road diggings are sometimes unavoidable. Firstly, many services cannot be laid close to one another. For example, a sewer line cannot be laid next to a water main. Similarly, an electrical cable cannot be laid next to a gas line. Secondly, the total closure of a road or the closure of many traffic lanes along a road is not permitted, to minimise inconvenience to road users. Hence, the services departments are not allowed to carry out more than one trench opening along a road at any one time to minimise road congestion. The ROCC coordinates their work programmes so that only one road opening takes place at any one time. This may have given the public the misconception of repeated road openings along the same road. The PWD does not have the cost incurred by the various services departments on road openings. ARTICLE BY MR CHERIAN GEORGE IN STRAITS TIMES (Statement by the Leader of the House)”
“Sir, what I have just said is very well and fine to the informed and those in the business of international relations. Without being snobbish or condescending, I believe the former will be able to appreciate Singapore's participation in international cooperation such as APEC, ASEAN, ARF, etc. rather than to the average man-in-the-street. It is all right to feel proud to see our Prime Minister standing tall amongst the various Heads of Government. The fact that the average Singaporean does not know about the various international organisations that Singapore is part of or affiliated to underlines the problem. Not enough information is shared on our participation in international cooperation for Singaporeans to appreciate the good work done by the Foreign Ministry and its very capable officers. Hence, the Foreign Ministry needs to tell the people in simple layman's terms the rationale for our participation in international organisations. But more to the point, what does Singapore stand to gain from all this participation, be they APEC, ASEAN, ARF and all the other meetings?”
“Sir, last November was a proud moment for Singapore, according to some Singaporeans that I spoke to. They say that Singapore stands as tall as the most powerful nation on earth. Sir, they were talking about the APEC meeting in Seattle, USA, last year. The national pride was aroused by the picture of the gathering of the various Heads of Government. The interest was especially focused on Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong standing next to President Bill Clinton. They say that among the various Heads of Government from Asia, only PM Goh is as tall as President Clinton. If that makes them proud and happy, I say good for them. However, I believe the Prime Minister's participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum is more than a symbolism that makes these people proud. Far from it, I believe there are significant reasons for our presence there. In a nutshell, and risking over-simplification, the variables governing international relationship have changed dramatically since the end of the Cold War and the collapse of Communism. I believe what drives nations to cooperate or to conflict is due to very different reasons than was before. Nations' behaviour is now less driven by the quest for survival of its territorial frontier than its economic viability. With more competitive actors coming on to the international arena competing for a slice of the economic pie, traditional friends, such as the United States and Japan, are threatening to become rivals. Old scores which have hitherto been suppressed, because of common interests of survival, are threatening to brew over. The need to make more friends around the world has just grown more urgent. This, I believe, Sir, is the most important pillar of Singapore's foreign policy.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $624,582,900 for Head Q ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $200,000,000 for Head Q ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.”