Hwang Soo Jin
Singapore
“I remember that soon after the Blue Paper was published, a career woman came to see me at one of my Meet-the-people sessions. Speaking for some friends, she complained to me that after hearing the news concerning the Blue Paper, they could not sleep for several nights as they were apprehensive that they would not be able to maintain their…”
“To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether he will direct the Housing and Development Board to look into the need to construct more public lavatories in that part of Ang Mo Kio New Town which falls within Jalan Kayu Constituency, especially in areas where senior citizens regularly meet: (b) what is the number of complaints o…”
“Sir, permit me to just make a short observation. Listening to hon. Members, it gives me the impression that maybe we should forget the whole MRT study and save all the millions of dollars and instead spend it on carrying out a study on the operational efficiency of SBS, Like the Member for Serangoon Gardens, I thought that the answer give…”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I think there is still too much of a delaying tactic here as far as I can see. Probably next year the same words will be said again. I just like to remind the Hon. Minister for the second time that the police post at Ang Mo Kio is the result of the closure of the police post in Yio Chu Kang in my constituency.”
“Sir, a rather more pertinent question to ask is whether the handcuffing procedure should not be looked into or reviewed so as to make sure that it is not applied indiscriminately and causing unnecessary embarrassment. I think this is the point of the Member for Radin Mas.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, whether you call it an impasse or foot-dragging or whatever, we have been hearing the same words for more than a year. Last year, the Minister said exactly the same thing. Last year he said that we gladdened his heart, and again this year he says we gladden his heart and we are on his side.”
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“Sir, during the debate on the Environmental Public Health Bill, I put a question to the Minister which was not answered. I think we were getting on rather late that evening and it must have escaped his attention. My question is on the disposal of rubbish in the rural areas. I was just wondering whether any plan has been drawn up in this connection.”
“In our agricultural development, I think we can draw inspiration from the success of Israel. If the land-hungry Israelis can, out of waste land, produce and export the world- famous Jaffa oranges, I am quite sure we can rear enough pigs and poultry in multistorey flats to export them to neighbouring countries.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not entirely share the views expressed by my colleague, the Member for Jurong. But I think some of his points are quite valid. As far as agricultural research is concerned, I think we are doing quite well and the Primary Production Department should be congratulated. I am also inclined to agree with the Member for Jurong when he said that there is some thing lacking in the liaison between the Primary Production Department and the farmers. At times, the officials responsible for the so-called extension services do not appear to understand fully the mentality and outlook of the farmers. The Parliamentary Secretary mentioned the Bulletin published by the Primary Production Department. I think we must bear in mind that the majority of the farmers are not sufficiently educated to be able to understand it. This is the point made by the Member for Jurong. I also agree with the Member's suggestion that in order to remedy the position, there should perhaps be regular discussions between the senior members of the Primary Production Department and the farmers. I am quite sure this will go a long way towards promoting better mutual understanding. Such sessions can be held at community centres and I am quite sure the rural Members of Parliament will be very happy to participate in them. Adequate research and proper liaison is still not enough unless the farmers have the means to carry out the new methods and techniques which we are trying to introduce to them. The results of extensive research might very well be wasted. Hence the need for the setting up of a credit agency to serve the needs of the agricultural sector. I am very pleased to hear that we are going in for multi-storeyed farming.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I support the suggestion made by the Member for Sembawang that we should set up creches in the rural areas, because the rural folk are financially worse off than those in the urban areas. Also they have more children. I feel there is a need to build creches for the children of these people in the rural areas.”
“I did not suggest that we condemn old cars. I suggest that old cars should pass a road- worthiness test once a year. If they do not pass such a test, they should be condemned.”
“On a point of clarification, Sir. Mr Yong Nyuk Lin resumed his seat.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to take the opportunity to ask the Minister whether he will consider introducing legislation requiring all vehicles that have been on the road for, say, 10 years, to undergo a road- worthiness test annually. I am quite sure a great number of accidents are caused by faulty brakes, steering and poor mechanical maintenance. The breakdown of such vehicles very often causes road congestion. I think this is one aspect into which we should look. 7.30 p.m.”
“On the question of disposal of rubbish in the rural areas, I understand that the matter is being considered by the Minister, and I shall appreciate it if the Minister can advise the House whether any plan has been formulated. [Mr Lim Cheng Lock temporarily in the Chair] 8.53 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, like the Member for Jurong, I feel compelled to voice my apprehension over the likely adverse effects upon the agricultural sector if certain clauses of the Bill are to be enforced immediately. The Member for Jurong has touched upon clause 24 and other clauses in the Bill where the farming communities are likely to be affected. I would request that a period of grace be allowed after this Bill has become law, during which time the attention of the communities may be drawn more closely to the changes under the law. In this regard, perhaps some arrangements can be made with the various centres of the Primary Production Department and the community centres in the rural areas whereby they will help in explaining to the farmers the practical implications of the relevant sections under the law. In all cases of offences in the rural areas, warnings should preferably be issued first before any punitive action is taken during the initial period of implementation. In putting forward this appeal on behalf of the rural folk, I should perhaps mention that in a number of areas in the rural districts there are still inade quate sewerage and drainage systems. The disposal of rubbish is also a headache in the absence of provision for a collection service by the Public Health Department. I fully appreciate that with the process of redevelopment going on continuously it will be wasteful to spend vast sums of money on the improvement of sewers and drains in areas which are scheduled for redevelopment shortly. But in those areas which are unlikely to be redeveloped in the foreseeable future, perhaps something can be done to carry out the necessary improvements which will have a direct bearing on en vironmental health.”
“Sir, as you are aware, the Royal Air Force Seletar Base is in the constituency of Jalan Kayu. I understand it is the first base to be affected by the British projected withdrawal. In order that those of my constituents who are likely to be affected either directly or indirectly may start preparing for any change and adjustment necessary in their economic activities, I should appreciate it if the Acting Prime Minister would inform the House whether plans have now been finalised concerning the conversion of Seletar. I appreciate that conversion of the base is a major undertaking and calls for the most careful consideration and planning. But I do hope that the people can be kept informed of progress from time to time.”
“Will the Minister consider making it compulsory by law for scooterists and motor-cyclists to wear crash helmets'?”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, will the Parliamentary Secretary please give the reasons for the urgency to bulldoze the Bill through the House?”
“However, in perusing the Bill, I do feel that whilst certain disciplines and sacrifices are required of our workers, they should not be left without safeguards entirely in certain areas, bearing in mind that not all managements are enlightened, and not all managements are conscious of their social responsibility and are capable of identifying their long-term interests with those of the people and the State. There are bound to be some who will see in the Bill a long-awaited opportunity to exploit the employees for their immediate gain. In this connection, I feel that the provision for the payment of bonus as contained in the proposed legislation does call for amendment. In conclusion, Sir, I am pleased to note that the Central Provident Fund Ordinance will be amended to permit members of the Fund to utilise the amounts standing to their credit in the Fund for the purchase of houses or flats for their own occupation. It appears, therefore, to me that whatever the employees may lose on the swings, they will gain on the roundabouts. 4.34 p.m.”
“With the projected withdrawal of the British Forces and the constant population pressure upon our very limited natural resources, as I see it, our economic security is being seriously threatened, and unless something is done about it within the short time available to us, between now and 1971, I am doubtful that we would be able to maintain the high per capita income. The direction and the manner in which we are to counter the anticipated recession have been made abundantly clear by the Prime Minister, the Minister for Finance, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Labour on more than one occasion and I would not, therefore, elaborate. Suffice it to say here that for our national survival and economic well-being, the emphasis for the years ahead of us lies in raising the economic productivity of our people. It is only through a reputation for high productivity that we can hope to attract more foreign investors to participate in our industrial programme. It is only through higher productivity that we can hope for our existing industrial concerns to secure a fair share of the fiercely competitive world market. But so long as anomalies are allowed to exist in the area of industrial relations, it will be difficult for productivity to be raised beyond a mediocre standard. With the passage of the Bill, some of the anomalies that have arisen during the past years will be regularised. This, I feel sure, will in time help to put us on a stronger footing both in the race to attract more investors and in the fiercely competitive world market.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as you will recall, one of the most popular slogans in Britain in the late fifties was: "You have never had it so good!". It is perhaps not inappropriate to apply this to Singapore today. We boast of the highest per capita income in the region. We have a strong currency and our balance of payments is extremely healthy. In short, we are going through a period of prosperity. Perhaps some people may be wondering, what have we to worry about? Indeed, if we are and can afford to be complacent, we have nothing to worry about, at least for the time being. However, we are no longer a subjugated people who have no control over our own destiny, nor are we a soft-headed people who are incapable of planning or anticipating events beyond tomorrow. We are committed to building a nation of our own which we are determined should last not for the present generation alone but for generations to come. As such, we must constantly look forward and plan ahead making the necessary material sacrifices and re-adjustment in our mental attitudes from time to time so as to ensure that our children and grandchildren will enjoy, if not a higher standard of living, at least a standard equal to our own. As responsible citizens and parents, I am sure that this is one commitment we are not afraid of and should have no hesitation in entering into. Sir, it is in this context that I feel that the Employment Bill should be considered. [Mr Yeoh Ghim Seng temporarily in the Chair] 4.30 p.m. The choice before us is the choice between temporary higher income and long-range economic security.”
“I hope also that the Board will be given a clear picture in regard to this matter, especially when there is no appeal against the final decision of the Board.”
“If the law is put into effect, I hope the Tenants' Compensation Board will consider every case with sympathy and consideration and not stick always to the minimum rate of compensation. Moreover, the sub-tenants and sub-sub-tenants in the building should be given due consideration. We all remember that during the years of the Second World War when there was a housing shortage many chief tenants made use of the opportunity to exploit their sub-tenants and extract money out of them. They disregarded the Rent Control Ordinance and other relevant laws, if any. In the law in existence up till now, no protection whatsoever is given to sub-tenants. Although according to the proposed Bill sub-tenants may get some compensation from the chief tenants, many members of the public think that the protection and the benefits given to sub-tenants under this Bill are not sufficient. I feel that in stipulating the compensation to be given by the Board to the chief tenant, consideration should also be given to the amount of compensation to be given to the sub-tenants. With regard to the amount necessary for the development of premises, the Bill does not stipulate a maximum. It is therefore not possible to assess the position. But the Bill provides that when an application is made for the development of premises, the owner has to prove that he has sufficient funds to develop the site and furnish the necessary funds. This is what the Bill stipulates. But this is not very clear and I hope that when the Bill is referred to Select Committee, a more definite picture on this matter can emerge and more clear cut provisions will be put into the Bill.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in the wake of city development and the British withdrawal from Singapore, the introduction of this Bill is very timely and necessary. With the passage of this Bill I think many developers will be able to take part in the Government's urban renewal programme. In the long run this Bill will bring about a better and more aesthetic looking city. It will resolve many problems, such as the congestion in certain streets and areas. There will also be more employment opportunities and economic growth. We can say that the persons who drafted this Bill have done their best to look after the interests of both land-owners and tenants. But some people consider that the compensation stipulated in the Bill to be paid to tenants and sub-tenants is rather low. Take, for instance, the case of a three-storey building. If the premises come under the Rent Control Ordinance, then the rent would normally be not more than $150 per month. If the premises are used for residential purposes, then under the Bill the tenant can only get a minimum of 150 times 12 times $6, namely, $10,800. If there are three tenants occupying the same building, then each household will be getting only $3,600. That is not too bad. But, in fact, these premises would normally have been in existence for quite a long time and not many people are staying in the same building. So each household will be getting only a very meagre sum as compensation. In addition to this, they will have to move house within a short time. So there is a great difference between the benefit they can get as compensation and the loss they will have to incur and the inconvenience suffered. According to my calculation, the situation is like this.”
“These financial institutions will soon have -the opportunity of demonstrating their patriotism or their support for the Government's policy by subscribing to the new and attractive Government securities to be introduced by the Ministry of Finance. In perusing the outlined policy of each of the Ministries, one cannot but sense the cohesiveness of purpose in the planning. The overhauling of our educational system with greater emphasis on technological and vocational training, the expansion and improvements proposed for our transportation and communications, and the numerous other plans envisaged by the various Ministries will, I feel sure, jointly contribute to the economic well-being and security of our country. Finally, as a Member from a constituency essentially agrarian in nature, I am pleased to note that particular emphasis will be laid by the Primary Production Department of the Ministry of National Development on the promotion of intensive and diversified farming to make maximum use of our limited land resources. I will watch with the closest interest the efforts made in this particular direction by the Primary Production Department, particularly in Jalan Kayu in the next five years. 6.45 p.m.”
“It is not sufficient that those in power alone continue to provide the lead, as unless all the people are geared to a continuous process of adaptation in a changing world, we shall soon be left behind. The timely and welcome change in the attitudes of union leaders has signified a healthier climate conducive to greater economic growth. It remains for these attitudes to be applied and practised. It is heartening to see that a comprehensive and undoubtedly revolutionary Employment Bill will be introduced aimed at increasing productivity and promoting more industrial growth. However, as has been pointed Out by the hon. Member for Bukit Ho Swee, productivity is the concern not only of those who are managed but also of those who manage. It is imperative, therefore, if the congenial atmosphere is to be maintained at all, management in general should equally play their part. Apart from developing more efficient management techniques and expertise, it will be their duty to ensure that appropriate incentives are devised and offered to the employees. Greater appreciation of life in and around Singapore is important, and it would be disastrous for all concerned if employers were to exploit the situation. In this connection, Sir, it occurs to me that as the major part of our national savings are in the hands of financial institutions, this particular sector, although by the very nature of their business must be international in their outlook and operation, should perhaps begin to divert and harness a greater part of the substantial wealth in their hands to the more pressing needs and requirements of the country, particularly in the context of industrialisation.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in the President's Speech to the House he has outlined the objectives ahead which, to my mind, are a logical sequence to the events taking place during the past years. In -the past five years, one of the most significant developments has been the dynamic outlook of our political leadership in maintaining and improving the infrastructure necessary for greater economic growth. The skill, ingenuity and persistence demonstrated by those in office in the formulation of policies have been matched by the same skill, ingenuity and persistence of our people in -their response and in the implementation of such policies both in the public and private sectors. Within a comparatively short span of time, we have achieved what many sceptics consider to be impossible in our attempt to strengthen and diversify our economy. Today Jurong is a thriving industrial estate of more than 50 factories. Our port and air travel facilities are far more superior to what they were five years ago. What is more, we are already getting ready for -the container ships and the jumbo jets. Instead of higher wages and a wider range of fringe benefits, our union leaders have taken to talking in terms of productivity. The pre-conditions, both material and social for greater economic growth, have thus been set. In looking forward we have, however, no cause for complacency. We have been warned of external forces at work which are likely to have far-reaching effects and repercussions upon our sensitive position, politically and economically, and which will render our tasks ahead more difficult. If we are to survive and prosper, the dynamic outlook will have to be maintained and sustained.”