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, I would like a specific assurance that the Minister's instruction will go down the line. From my own experience, I was chased by one of the unmarked cars without any blinkers at all. 4.15 p.m.”
“Sir, as I have pointed out earlier on, the Hon. Minister has been denying this year after year, but somehow members of the public are not convinced that there is no such system.”
“The Traffic policeman got down from his motor-cycle full of smiles, but passed a sarcastic remark, "How is the car? Is it running well?" I think that is uncalled for. Having taken down the particulars, we find that they themselves then move away at great speed. Surely that is not the right thing to do. I do not see what is the great hurry. Over the years, the Minister has always denied the fact that there is such a thing as the "quota system". I believe it still exists today. Every morning before a Traffic policeman goes out he is probably given a certain quota to book. Only recently, I was told by a young man that he was caught riding a motor-cycle without a licence and he pleaded with the traffic cop. After pleading, I suppose the traffic cop felt a bit sorry and said, "Never mind. I will think about it. If I could catch a few other chaps at the end of the day, I will forget about your case." I can go on and on, but I do not think it is necessary. I think it is right to say that we must make sure that our roads are safe. But I think it is a sheer waste of public funds when our Traffic policemen are unable to behave and to conduct themselves in a reasonable manner, because it is counter-productive. I simply do not understand why they lay their traps at some of these places. They go to some relatively remote area where the traffic is very light, and this is the point which the Member for Changi did make earlier on. When we do need them during the rush hour when the traffic is so congested, we do not see any Traffic policeman around to help ease the congestion. Where are they? They are probably somewhere out in the rural areas of Chua Chu Kang, Lim Chu Kang or Jalan Kayu laying traps to nab offenders. An hon. Member: Something wrong somewhere.”
“Sir, thank you for this opportunity to join in the debate. I have no intention to compliment the Police Force. They have obviously carried out their public relations so well that we have so many Back-benchers complimenting the Police. One could say that the image of the Police may have improved a little but I do not think it has got to a stage where we should be so profuse with our compliments. Now, to speak on the Traffic Police. Over the years our Traffic Police has been up to all sorts of tricks to trap motorists. They hide behind trees, bushes and side-lanes, and one Hon. Minister's predecessor went so far as to say that if they could catch erring motorists he would not care whether they hide behind trees or up in the trees or around trees. Adding to their bag of tricks, I notice that lately the Traffic Police is also using unmarked cars to trap motorists. I have two questions to pose to the Minister here. Firstly, is it legal to use unmarked cars? Secondly, would he not agree that this could be a rather dangerous practice because if a motorist is being chased by an unmarked car he might mistake the Police car to be a robber or kidnapper going after him. So, instead of slowing down, he might step on the accelerator. To that extent, it could be dangerous. Perhaps he would care to answer these two points. The other aspect of enforcement which has often been complained by the public is the attitude of our Traffic policemen. I do not think they are really that polite. They seem to take great delight in catching motorists, and when they do their attitude is invariably arrogant and sarcastic. I experienced it myself on one occasion. I was travelling a little faster and I was caught.”
“Sir, I cannot help making a little comment. I think the Backbench would only be too happy to offer a challenge trophy for an Inter-Ministry competition on road safety! ARMY DRIVERS (Training and tests) 8. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister of Defence what is the duration of training and what tests are conducted for a National Serviceman before he is allowed to drive heavy vehicles on public roads.”
“Thank you for the opportunity, Sir. I am just wondering whether the Hon. Minister would like to take this opportunity to inform the House whether he is now in a position to give details as to the manner in which it is proposed to extend the CPF scheme to provide an element of life assurance scheme. The reason is that since the announcement made in this House a few months ago, there has been quite considerable speculation in the papers. There is even the suggestion that the life assurance business is going to be nationalised. Sir, I must declare my position. I am in the insurance business but I do not underwrite life assurance business. But this fear is very real, Sir, and I think the sooner a statement is made the better it is for the industry. I do not know whether it is intended that the CPF would provide the insurance scheme itself or whether it is going to be done in conjunction with the private sector. The Minister should give an indication at this stage. Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am afraid I cannot give a definite indication to the Member for Jalan Kayu regarding the use of CPF money for life insurance purposes because the matter is still under deliberation and a decision has not yet been made.”
“Sir, could I just make an observation? The Senior Minister of State seems to give the impression that the objectives of the CCCs and the RCs are to serve Parliamentarians. Surely this is not the case. I think the objectives of the CCCs and RCs are to serve the people, and not Parliamentarians.”
“Sir, in view of that clarification, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $2,717,870 for Head D ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $191,410 for Head D ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. 3.00 p.m. Head I -”
“Sir, I certainly do not expect this debate to end up as another one of those passing-the-buck sessions. I find the Hon. Minister's explanation not unsatisfactory though, but he seems to convey the impression that the Standing Orders are meant to frustrate the Opposition in this House. Surely that is not the case.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, can I just interrupt here? I do not think I used the word "restrictions" at all. I do not think I used the expression "free-for-all" either.”
“What I have in mind, Sir, is the need for us to continue to evolve and refine our own system to meet the challenge of the fast changing circumstances so that we, as Parliamentarians, would be able to discharge our duty to the best of our ability in serving our people.”
“In short, what is the objection in allowing a question to develop into a debate. This is one example of what we could do with our existing Standing Orders. On Committees, it is time to re-examine the continued effectiveness of the various standing Committees of Parliament in the light of changed circumstances. We inherited from the British the Committee system which is basically a good system. However, owing to the lack of modifications and adaptations to meet the changing needs of our own particular environment over the years, I submit that we have only made very limited use of the system. Although the Estimates Committee and the Public Accounts Committee have endeavoured to make their presence felt over the years, the objects, the rules and the guidelines regulating the conduct of business of the two Committees are somewhat vague and largely, in my view, outdated by changes in Government administration. Members appointed to the Estimates Committee have often felt uncertain over the exact nature of the Committee's functions. The line of demarcation between the work of the Public Accounts Committee and that of the Estimates Committee is also somewhat blur. In the British Parliament the Estimates Committee has long since disappeared and it has been replaced by a Committee known as the Expenditure Committee. Even this, I believe, will soon give way to more radical changes. I am not suggesting that we should follow blindly developments at Westminster as events in recent years have cast doubts over the effectiveness of the sort of parliamentary system operating at Westminster as one that is able to provide and ensure political stability in a country.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head D of the Main Estimates be reduced by $100. Sir, I would, first of all, like to compliment you and your staff for taking the initiative to cause the various renovations to be effected on Parliament House. Although the improvements can only be considered adequate and not lavish, as it should be, Members ought to be happy that we now have much better facilities to meet formally and informally. The library is now more presentable and soon we will not have to conduct Select Committee meetings in the very cramped and stuffy little room that served as the Committee Room for the past 20 years. To do justice to the more congenial working environment, parliamentarians should perhaps give consideration as to how we can conduct our business even more efficiently and effectively. There are two areas which I feel may be given careful review. These are (1) the Standing Orders, and (2) the Select Committees. Insofar as the Standing Orders are concerned, I am sure Members will agree that some of the existing provisions could be improved upon. For instance, as things stand at the moment, Question Time is limited to only one hour per sitting and Question Time is strictly for questions only. The relevant provision stipulates in no uncertain manner that "A question shall not be made the pretext for a debate". Sir, in this regard Members are only too familiar with your admonishment from time to time in your conscientious application of the Standing Orders. With due respect, Sir, as I see it, Question Time could be made more meaningful if more time is allowed and Members are permitted to put forward arguments in support of their questions.”
“" Let us hope that full advantage will be taken of the incentive offered and in the process greater sophistication will be introduced in all promotional exercises abroad. 3.28 p.m.”
“To assist our local contractors to establish a reputation at home that will help penetrate into overseas markets, in-depth study needs to be conducted into their problems, particularly the organisation and capital structures and the standard of management of local construction firms. In our anxiousness to encourage the export of local expertise, it is important to bear in mind that conditions prevailing in other countries are bound to be different from our own and in some cases the differences can be so vast as to render our local expertise inadequate or totally irrelevant. There have been stories of local businessmen losing their pants in West Asian markets owing to ignorance of local conditions. Sir, be it the export of service or commodity, market research is vital and it is in this area that extensive assistance should be extended by the Government to the private sector. There is need to upgrade the standard of commercial secretaries attached to our various overseas missions and to open up more trade representative offices. There should be better coordination among our various Government and quasi-Government bodies represented abroad in the collation and dissemination of commercial and industrial intelligence for the use of our own businessmen. It goes without saying that the ultimate success or failure will depend on the determination of our own businessmen to help themselves. In this regard they should be happy to note that, "to encourage more aggressive marketing overseas, the double tax deduction scheme will now also apply to expenses incurred in advertising and promotional campaigns overseas, the production of sales literature and brochures, and the undertaking of market surveys.”
“Reading between the lines, I gain the impression that the Government is only prepared to play a supporting role. Given the rather dim outlook of world trade for 1979, I would have thought that the Government would stop dragging its feet and, as a matter of urgency, take over the initiative in the formation and day-to-day running of the proposed Council. (3) Services Development In the area of tourist promotion, I think it will be to our advantage and indeed to the advantages of other member countries that we should increasingly think and act in terms of ASEAN. There are sufficient attractions in all the five ASEAN countries. What is required is closer cooperation in the promotion. I have read the Annual Report of the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board for the year 1977/78 but I can find no evidence of efforts being made to bring about closer cooperation with our ASEAN partners. Sir, the reduced taxation of 20% as an incentive to encourage the export of our professional and technical expertise seems to aim primarily at the construction industries. However, I have my doubts as to whether the preferential margin for local contractors of up to 5% with regard to government tenders for building projects will be sufficient to enable our own contractors to successfully compete against foreign contractors, particularly those from Japan, who have allegedly been "dumping" their services locally for the past several years. Far from being encouraging, some of our departments I gather are notoriously slow in making progress payments to our own contractors for jobs done. This has placed a great number of contractors in financial difficulties.”
“Sir, the somewhat lukewarm response to the Product Development Assistance Scheme could well be the result of inadequate study of the needs coupled with inflexibility on the part of those responsible for the processing of applications. At the last Budget, this House was kept informed of the financial assistance scheme to small industries. This year there is a total silence on the subject. Has that scheme turned out to be a flop? Perhaps the Hon. Senior Minister of State would like to enlighten the House. Over the years there have been numerous incentive schemes introduced for the manufacturing sector. I am just wondering how thorough the problems and the needs are researched into prior to the implementation of a scheme, and how closely the effectiveness of each of such schemes is monitored. The Government has time and again reiterated its support for local industries but to date development in this direction has remained slow. Whilst the Government is not entirely to blame. I do feel that the EDB should be directed, preferably in conjunction with the relevant bodies in the private sector, to carry out a comprehensive survey to identify the problem areas and to propose measures that will encourage greater local participation in industrial development. It is ironical that although we have been extremely successful in attracting foreign investments in this direction, we seem to have failed miserably in getting our own entrepreneurs to commit their capitals to industries. (2) Trade Development Here I would like to register my disappointment over the long delay in the formation of a Trade Development Council. Members will recall the idea was first mooted during the Budget Debate some two years ago.”
“I do not know when the scale of allowances and the conditions of our public assistance scheme were last revised, but I strongly feel that the time has come for us to adopt a much more sympathetic approach. Whilst I agree that we ought to guard against abuse, I also believe that we should not lose our sense of compassion for those genuine hardship cases badly in need of assistance. The total sum expended by Government for the year 1978 amounted to $3.6 million and I see that the same amount is being budgeted for 1979. Surely we can afford to increase this amount to take into account the effect of inflation and the generally higher standard of living without unduly straining our financial resources. Turning now to the various measures proposed to sustain or stimulate growth in the various sectors, I would now like to offer my observations. (1) Industrial Development It is interesting to note that the Ministry is drawing up plans to embark on research and development, albeit on a limited scale. From a long-term point of view, it will be useful to our industrial development if we could actively nurture a spirit of inventiveness among our people. Over the years. there have been a few isolated cases of local inventions reported. In one particular case involving a constituent of mine, I do know that he had had to go through untold frustrations and difficulties in order to get an invention of his evaluated for commercial viability. Perhaps the Government should consider giving encouragement and assistance to individuals with original ideas. We should not under-estimate the ingenuity of our own local talents. The marketability of the gold-plated orchids of SISIR has amply demonstrated the potentials and benefits of product related type of research.”
“Be that as it may, it is equitable that the contributions of people in this category should not go unrecognised as they have for many years borne the brunt of the tax burden. One disappointment is that, except for the pensioners who are now granted the long overdue tax exemption which they rightly deserve, nothing has been proposed for the less fortunate amongst us. In saying so, I have in mind the financially distressed, the aged, the chronically sick, the widows and orphans who depend on public assistance for their livelihood. With all the apparent signs of an affluent society around us, it is only too easy to forget that there are still poverty-stricken people who need help. The fact that the have-nots constitute only a very small number among us is no consolation to them. If anything, by contrast their miseries are magnified and seem more acute. According to the Social Welfare Department's report for the year 1977, there is still an average of well over 6,000 cases per month of people depending on public assistance. The existing rates of allowances are appallingly low. The scale is as follows: Maximum per household $100 per month For head of household $ 40 per month For the wife $ 26 per month For each dependant $ 17 per month Sir, can you imagine a family of, say, three persons - a widowed mother with two school-going children - trying to make ends meet with a meagre sum of $74 per month? The means test applied by the Department is also extremely stringent. The recipient is not permitted to look for even a lowly paid part-time job to supplement the limited assistance extended.”
“This has led some observers to predict that now, as in 1973-74, the danger is, that rocketing oil prices will aggravate inflation, force governments around the world to fight back by clamping down on domestic growth and for the second time in a decade plunge the world economy into a slide. In his speech, the Hon. Senior Minister of State did express concern in this direction and his call for economising the use of oil and electricity should be taken most seriously. It is a pity that the euphoria generated by the so-called painless Budget has almost completely over-shadowed the real threat looming ahead. In view of the fact that the uncertainty over the price and the supply of oil is likely to become a permanent feature, I do like to know whether the Government has formulated a long-term energy policy with a view to reducing our dependence on oil. Sir, to the average man-in-the-street the various concessions are quite meaningless. It is highly unlikely that many of our working population will ever reach the sort of income levels as to benefit by the increase from $4,000 to $5,000 in allowable tax deduction in respect of CPF contributions and other approved schemes. A more meaningful exercise from their point of view would be to raise the personal relief and earned income deduction from its present level of $3,000. Relatively few people are staying in houses in excess of $100,000 in value as to benefit by the revision in estate duty. Fewer still will benefit by the increased capital allowance for company-owned cars. All in all, the concessions can best be described as "bourgeoisie" in character, appealing to the minority of middle and upper-middle classes in our society.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, before proceeding to deliver my speech, I think it is pertinent to mention that I have prepared my text before the televised discussion on the Budget on 12th March, in which the Senior Minister of State for Finance took part. it seems to me that in future this House will have to debate not only the Budget speech delivered in the House but also a supplementary one delivered outside the House. The televised discussion, which took place before Members could have an opportunity to debate on the Budget speech, gives the impression that the Senior Minister of State is perhaps more interested in the reactions from a handful of selected individuals than from the elected representatives of the people. I am sure this is not the case and maybe the Hon. Senior Minister of State would, in his reply later on wish to give the rationale behind his action. I will now proceed to deliver my speech. Mr Speaker, Sir, to the majority of our working population the so-called painless Budget is neither pleasurable nor surprising. From past experience they know only too well that there is no absolute guarantee that in the course of the next few months some items of Government taxes, fees and charges may not go up. In the light of recent oil price increases and events in Iran, I do not think we can rule out completely the possibility of a hike in PUB charges. There are already indications that the self-imposed price restraint exercised by OPEC countries for the past few years might soon come to an end.”
“Just one additional observation, Sir. Why should we not simply call it commercial and industrial training?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would just like to make a very brief comment, in view of the rather important objective of this Bill. Clause 4, paragraph (a), outlines the objects of the Board. Among other things, it seeks to regulate the training of persons employed in both commerce and industry. Judging from the very long statement just made by my colleague, the hon. Member for Punggol, once this Bill becomes law, it is evident that it is going to have very far-reaching effects on the training of personnel in both commerce and industry. I wonder whether those people in the private sector have been given the opportunity to give their views and whether the hon. Minister has consulted the employers as well as the employees. If there is no great hurry, I would suggest that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee so that the various Chambers of Commerce, the NTUC, and a number of professional bodies who are conducting their own training could all be invited to give their views. On that basis perhaps we could achieve this very noble objective of upgrading the skills and regulating any training programme as outlined in clause 4. paragraph (a), of the Bill. 6.00 p.m.”
“All this would undoubtedly benefit our workers and give them more confidence and a feeling of security which would make them apply themselves more conscientiously to their work with greater zest.”
“On the other hand, there are others who set down certain penal codes but without counter weighing stipulations for meritorious awards for workers. This is an aberration and should be corrected. If unchecked, it would make our workers lose confidence in their job, which is possibly one reason why our workers job-hop. As a result of the rapid growth of our economy and commerce and industry, many factories need more workers. Therefore, we should encourage more housewives to join in the development of our national economy. The Government should consider building more creches for the female workforce, and also give more tax concessions to encourage civic organisations and commercial and industrial establishments to share in management. The Government should also consider raising the social status of our blue-collar workers so as to narrow down the difference in working conditions and remuneration between the blue-collar workers and the white-collar workers. This would further encourage our youths to take up blue-collar jobs. The CPF insurance scheme is being contemplated should a worker die while on employment. This scheme will ensure that his family will have a better assurance of a livelihood; perhaps the unpaid balance of the flat would be covered under the scheme. This is undoubtedly good news to them. The Government is also going to amend the Workmen's Compensation Act so that should a worker die or is injured on duty, his family would get more equitable compensation. The Government is also continuing to attach importance to improving the safety measures taken by shipbuilding and construction industries.”
“To take positive measures to promote industries of higher technological content and to enhance the quality of our products or to improve the production procedures are all beneficial measures conducive to our economic growth. With increased productivity, all workers will be able to reasonably share in the fruits of their labour. On our workers' future pay rise, in order to ensure our competitiveness in the international market, we will continue to adopt an orderly and regulated wage policy formulated by the National Wages Council, under which those hardworking workers will be appropriately rewarded while the lazy ones will be suitably penalised. Since 1972, the National Wages Council, formed by the tripartite cooperation of the representatives from the workers, employers and the Government, has carried out its mission effectively. The NWC recommendations have enabled our workers to obtain fair and reasonable wage increases, suitably sharing the fruits of prosperity. The moderate increases in wages have not only strengthened the competitiveness of our industrial products in international markets but have also served to attract more foreign investment. The facts over these few years have proved that our National Wages Council has effectively demonstrated the concept of tripartite cooperation of workers, employers and Government, and this innovative concept has made many countries all over the world to look at our growth with wonder. However, I must point out that although in the last two years the National Wages Council has proposed the practice of the merit and demerit systems, a small group of employers have still been indifferent and aloof.”
“In view of the complexity of the world economic, political and military situations, particularly the rapid changes in this region in recent years coupled with the OPEC countries increasing oil prices by 14.5% over several stages, and of protectionism by Australia, the United States, and some other developed European countries, it is imperative for us to review our situation constantly. The repercussions out of these changes could not be accurately forecast by mere conjecture or imagination. Therefore, it is necessary to train more talented or knowledgeable personnel and to recruit more professionally qualified people to help the Government formulate various fitting policies and measures to meet such changing situations and to minimise such implications or even turn the table round. Mr Speaker, Sir, in his speech the President has pointed out that at least one-third of the top talents of the younger generation must be absorbed into our Administrative service and the statutory boards. Our Police and Armed Forces, the trade union movement, civic organisations and quasi-Government enterprises must also strengthen the quality of their leadership in order to meet any future challenges and changing situations. Manpower is the only wealth and resource we have. Our continued development depends on several important factors, one of which is foreign investment in our industries. We all know that our industrialisation programme must succeed because it is only through industrialisation that we are able to further provide our people, especially our youths and school-leavers, with secure employment, thus helping to raise our living standard.”
“For those younger colleagues who have over the past two years demonstrated the capacity to meet the intense demands of leadership, I wish them well, and I hope you will not think me immodest to suggest to them that the continued well-being of Singapore in the long term will to a very large extent depend upon their ability to emulate and to learn from their seniors - their sustained sense of commitment and self-sacrifice, their courage of convictions to do what they believe to be right, their pragmatism and their meticulous skill in managing the affairs of state developed over a period of two decades. As our young friends increasingly share in the responsibilities of government, they will do well to remember the following passage which I am again quoting from the 1959 speech of the Prime Minister [Vol. 11, col. 374]: 'if the power of the State which we now control is used not to enrich the lives of many of its people but to line the pockets of a few of the ruling hierarchy, then verily we shall all perish.' Finally, Sir, I would like to join my colleagues in congratulating the President on his re-election. 3.25 p.m. Mr Tan Cheng San (Paya Lebar)( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Motion thanking the President for delivering his speech in this House on 26th December 1978. We are all aware that as we are lacking in natural resources our future and the future of our development are closely affected by world economic trends and the political and military situations in this region. Of course, how to meet such rapid changes in order to survive and prosper will depend on the farsighted policies formulated by our political leadership and how these policies are implemented by our able administrators.”
“An example in the economic sphere is the detestable Australian aviation policy. The incident illustrates only too clearly that we have to be constantly on guard against growing protectionism being practised by developed nations. However, I share the sentiments expressed by the Member for Serangoon Gardens that the united stand being taken by ASEAN nations in their negotiations with Australia is definitely a source of satisfaction and underscores the importance of ASEAN solidarity. In this regard, I am pleased to note in both the Finance and Foreign Ministries' Addenda, the emphasis on promoting closer cooperation with our ASEAN partners. The destiny of our nation is inseparably linked to that of the entire region. Let us, therefore, take ASEAN even more seriously than we have had hitherto. Since the formation of ASEAN, much has been achieved at the political level. There exists today a meaningful dialogue and goodwill among ASEAN leaders. However, in the light of recent regional and international events, it is my view that there ought to be a much greater sense of urgency among all partners - the urgency to translate words into action, the urgency to achieve cooperation in real and practical terms. Although the extent of success in any one area of cooperation depends ultimately upon the degree of political will, the speed with which such cooperation can be achieved in practical terms will be determined by the ability and the willingness of civil servants in the different member countries to work closely and effectively together. Sir, it is most reassuring to observe that the task of ensuring the continuity of a creditable political leadership is being given top priority and pursued in great earnest.”
“I believe, however, in giving credit where credit is due. The opening of this Session of Parliament is, to my mind, of special historical significance. It ushers in the 20th anniversary of a PAP-dominated Legislature. It also marks 20 years of an excellent relationship between Government and the people. The success of Singapore is the success of a wonderful partnership between the two. It was in 1959 in this same august Chamber that the Prime Minister, speaking soon after assuming office, stated and I quote [Hansard, Vol. 11, col. 375, 21.7.59]: 'This is a Government consisting of people who put their ideas, their ideals and the welfare of their people above themselves. This is a Party which has the courage of its convictions, which is prepared to pursue what it believes to be right in the interest of the people without deviating for opportunist reasons.' In another passage (col. 376) he went on to state: 'Judge our performance in the context of our objectives and the realities of our situation, and at the end of five years you will certainly not find us wanting in courage, in skill, and in sincerity.' Almost 20 years have passed since those words were spoken and it is evident that our political leadership has lost none of the realism and the deep sense of concern for the welfare of the people as reflected in the President's Speech and the various ministerial Addenda. The years ahead will not be smooth-sailing. Fortunately, we can take comfort in the thought that the Ship of State will continue to be under the stewardship of steady and experienced hands. Internally, it is safe to say that most things will be within our control, perhaps even the problem of flooding. Any threats to our stability and progress will almost certainly be from external sources.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Motion moved by the Member for Serangoon Gardens. It is customary for one taking pan in this debate to attempt to be critical of Government policies, past, present and future; to scrutinize not only the substance but also the manner of implementation. Indeed, I have studied most carefully the President's Speech. I have also searched my memories for issues to speak on in order to play the traditional role expected. Yes, Sir, I did not think of voicing the unhappiness felt over the frequent and the recent changes in our education policy, the oft-repeated complaints against the not-so-civil Civil Servant, the PUB charges, the expensive rental of HDB shophouses or perhaps the environmental pollution. But, alas, I find it extremely difficult on this occasion to bring myself to speak on any of these topics. This inability on my part, I can assure you, Sir, is not due to a reduced sense of responsibility to my constituents or a diminished sensitivity caused by partisan sentiments for the Front Bench, but rather in preparing for the debate I have been distracted and disturbed by both the number and the magnitude of international events taking place in quick succession in recent months. The increase in the price of oil, the continuing uncertain prospect of the world economy, the political upheavals in Iran and a number of other countries, the radically changed patterns in international relationships and nearer home the dramatic turn of events in Kampuchea and the plight of the so called "boat-people" - all these and many others have wakened me to the reality that in a world full of calamities, both man-made and natural, we are singularly fortunate in being blessed with peace and prosperity. I am not here to praise the Front Bench.”
“I am afraid this is not very responsible press reporting and I certainly hope that after today's session, we will see something more accurate tomorrow so that members of the public would not think that we are trying to do ourselves great favours here.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I had not intended to speak on this Bill, but, having listened very carefully to the Minister concerned and the Member for Whampoa, I do agree that if we do not speak up, members of the public will think that we are trying to sneak through this House extra perks for MPs. As the Minister puts it, we are trying to rationalise and make the pension scheme more attractive so as to be able to attract the best brains. I am afraid this is rather misleading, as very eloquently put forward by the Member for Whampoa. If anything, I find that the Bill is rather more restrictive than what it used to be. The pensionable age used to be 45 but now it is 50 years. As pointed out here again by the Member for Whampoa, quite a few Members, in fact, would suffer very badly. I also share his sympathy for the Member for Katong who is away in the cold of Moscow. [Interruption]. I do not know about Bonn but I think it is quite a pleasant place. Nevertheless, I think it would be wrong to say that the "service of Ambassadors cannot be equated with service as an office-holder." These are the words of the Minister. I certainly hope that he will think over that clause again. I think it is unfair to our friend who has uprooted the family by going abroad and there are all the attendant difficulties and problems associated with having to move house and finding appropriate education for the children and so on. This is one aspect which has been very eloquently pointed out by the Member for Whampoa. All that I am concerned is this. I still remember that after the First Reading of this Bill in this House, the next day the press seemed to give the impression that a whole series of new perks were being introduced.”
“Sir, in view of the harsh action taken, would the Hon. Minister ensure that all notices are issued within, say, a fortnight? Although the Minister mentioned that there is better coordination now, but from my own personal experience I have just been issued with a notice alleging that I committed a traffic offence more than three weeks ago, which I cannot remember.”
“I would rather think this is a case of a rose by another name.”
“If that is the case, presumably the Comptroller of Inland Revenue will be known as Director-General of Inland Revenue and so on, to ensure consistency.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I just want to raise a small point here. I note that, under clause 2 of the Bill, the title of "Comptroller" is being changed to "Director-General". The Hon. Senior Minister of State mentioned that this is to conform with international practice. I am just wondering whether this is really so, or is this not an attempt on the part of bureaucrats to satisfy their own ego.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, clause 4 of the Bill exempts bequests to certain institutions from estate duty. On referring to the Twelfth Schedule, I see that at present only four institutions are in the privileged position of being able to receive bequests which are not subjected to estate duty. These four institutions are (1) University of Singapore, (2) Singapore Society of Accountants, (3) Board of Legal Education, and (4) The Law Society of Singapore. Sir, while I can understand the justification for treating the University of Singapore in a special position, I do not really see any justification for giving this privilege to the legal and the accountancy professions. I would say that these two professions have done much better than any other profession over the last few years. They are in a very good financial position. I do not see why we should give them special treatment as such. In the last few days we have heard so much about the need to pay a bit more attention to cultural activities. Why cannot we include in the list institutions such as the National Museum, the Science Council and various other statutory bodies? I am sure they deserve our support much more than those two professional bodies.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we must thank the Member for Potong Pasir for treating us to a lecture on the importance of industrial safety. While looking at the Explanatory Statement attached to the Bill, I have my doubts as to whether it is really the intention of the Ministry to go ahead and enforce the various measures proposed with a view to improving the standard of industrial safety. According to the note, it is stated that "this Bill will not involve Government in any extra financial expenditure". If I remember correctly, looking at the staffing strength of the Factory Inspectorate as contained in the Estimates for the year 1978, if anything, it shows a reduction in the number of inspectors. With all these additional measures, how is the Ministry going to raise the standards? There is therefore no point in talking about safety in principle when they do not have the intention to enforce it.”
“The Ministry of Culture is supposed to coordinate the activities of cultural developments, or at least one would like to think that they are supposed to be involved in coordinating. But I rather have my doubts as to whether or not there is any coordination at all. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to suggest the setting up of a Cultural Development Board. Is there any reason why we should not have a Cultural Development Board, in the same way as we have the Economic Development Board, so that our cultural activities can be more properly coordinated and more effectively promoted?”
“Sir, what is our cultural policy? This is a question that has been asked time and again in this House. I remember, when it was last raised, the Minister informed the House that our cultural policy is to build on what we have. What do we have? And are they all worth preserving and good enough to be built upon? These are questions which need to be answered. At present our cultural development, as I see it, is being left to run very much on its own. There are numerous different agencies involved in the promotion of cultural activities. Just to mention a few, these are the National Theatre Trust, the People's Association and even the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board. Are their activities consistent? Are they all striving towards the same objective of developing a culture which we can truly call our own? Or are they going in a different direction? Take the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board, for instance. I think their brand of cultural development is generally described as "Instant Asia". Anything that is described as "instant" always reminds me of instant coffee. It is synthetic. It does not quite taste the real thing. I rather suspect that they promote culture not really for Singaporeans but they promote culture for commercial reasons - to entertain the tourists. Very soon the sort of culture we are going to have may best be described as Chop Suey culture; in the same way when one goes to any Western city, if you look at the Chinese menu in a Chinese restaurant, the first item is invariably Chop Suey. I am afraid that unless we do something about it, very soon we are going to have a Chop Suey culture here.”
“Sir, when the Senior Minister of State spoke on the question of raising the standard of English in Chinese schools, he stated that the Ministry would give every assistance, including financial assistance. He also suggested that schools themselves might set up language laboratories and take all such other steps, such as encouraging a greater use of English. But I notice that he very carefully steered away from committing himself to the question of sending more English Language teachers to Chinese schools. Recently, 28 Chinese primary schools were selected. I think we all know that these are presumably guinea pigs, and some English Language teachers were sent to these schools. I would just like to know whether the same treatment will be extended to the other Chinese primary schools. Only yesterday, in the Straits Times, we were reminded of the shocking standard of English in English schools. This seems to imply that the standard of teaching of English in English. schools is perhaps far from satisfactory. That would also seem to imply that there is a shortage of good English Language teachers. That being the case, how is he going to get sufficient teachers to be sent to Chinese schools, and how is he going to raise the standard of English in the Chinese schools? An hon. Member: 10 years more.”
“As we put on the extra gallop in the Year of the Horse, let the gallop be not only energetic but graceful. 3.55 p.m.”
“A case in point is the telephone tax. I do like to question the rationale behind it. A telephone has become very much a part of our daily life and bearing in mind the substantial capital investments that the Government has already committed on exchange installations and equipment, not to mention the very substantial profits being made by TAS from year to year, one would have thought that our policy should be to encourage even greater use of telephones and not to discourage. In selecting items for application of consumption tax, we must not overlook also the social and cultural values that we are trying to cultivate and how our efforts in this direction may be affected. Take, for example, the increase in entertainment duty introduced for FY 78. It would have been more logical to treat stage plays, concerts, recitals, music performances and dances of significant cultural worth on a different basis entirely from, say, nightclub acts and shows. As things stand, they are all lumped together, giving the impression that we are totally indiscriminate in our cultural and artistic tastes. If it is not too late, I would urge the Minister to seriously consider granting special exemptions to all cultural activities aiming at qualitative improvement of our life-style. We talk so much against "moneytheism" and of the need to guard against the emergence of the "ugly Singaporean" and yet, in practice, we do not seem to take quite seriously what we preach. Only too often we have shown our pre-occupation with revenue generation for the purpose of economic development almost to the total exclusion of social and cultural activities. This unbalanced attitude should be corrected. This is, I feel sure, well within the capability of the Hon. Finance Minister to do so.”
“Surely there must be many more small industries worthy of help but due perhaps to inadequate publicity given to the scheme and the lack of promotion efforts at the administrative level, many industries which would otherwise have benefitted were either not aware of the existence of the scheme or simply they were not sufficiently encouraged to come forward. For the ensuing year, six types of tax concessions will be extended to the corporate sector. I can only hope that the performance of those responsible for implementation will parallel the excellent intentions behind all incentive schemes, otherwise they will remain forever incentives on paper. Let us hope also that red tape will be kept to the minimum and a good common sense approach will prevail throughout the civil service. Turning now to the change in the personal income tax structure, I have a feeling that the year 1978 will go down in history as an important turning point in our basic thinking on taxation. It signals a gradual shift in emphasis from our traditional approach of taxing on incomes to taxing on consumption. It is, in my view, a much better system in that the high spenders who obviously belong to the more affluent will have to pay more for their higher standard of living. This is socially equitable. Unlike the Member for Khe Bong, I feel sure that the change will continue to ensure a more even distribution of wealth provided, of course, that we take care to differentiate between luxury and necessities. For items failing under the category of luxury, I do not think many people will be too unhappy if heavier taxes are imposed, but to tax on items that have universally come to be regarded as necessities there should be sufficient reasons on the part of the Government before doing so.”
“For the financial year 1978, on the face of it, there are plenty of tax concessions and incentives for the corporate sector. But if these well meaning measures are to achieve their desired objectives, then I submit there is need for those responsible for implementation to be much more responsive and sensitive to the problems faced by the business community. I am saying this upon the reflection of a number of instances of delays in the implementation of the announced policies of Government. For example, during last year's Budget debate, the Hon. Minister accepted quite enthusiastically the need for the setting up of an Export Promotion Agency or Trade Development Council as it is now called. There appears to be quite a bit of feet-dragging in this connection. After a lapse of exactly a year the matter is still under discussion with the various Chambers of Commerce. Although we now have the Export Credit Insurance Scheme, Members will recall that the idea was mooted at least some five or six years ago but it did not take off until quite recently. Some few years ago the Export Incentive Scheme was introduced. I believe it is still in existence but I understand that in practice the system is so complicated and the requirements so stringent that only a handful of companies were able to qualify. The Small Industries Finance Scheme, which has been paraded as a shining example of Government's efforts to assist industries in export promotion, has only granted loans totalling $9 million to 60 establishments. This works out to be a meagre $150,000 per establishment and the disbursements and approvals of the $9 million have taken place over a period of, I believe, more than 12 months. Sir, I do not consider this to be an impressive record.”
“It leads me therefore to wonder whether there is not a better way to report on our economic situation from year to year so that it can be seen more realistically, not in isolation but very much more in the context of the entire world, that over-emphasising GDP growth as an indicator of growth does not, to my lay mind, put things in their proper perspective and is extremely misleading. A cursory glance at our balance of payments position for the year 1977 shows us that we are in surplus by $717 million. However, the capital inflows have amounted to approximately $1,500 million, that is, more than twice the sum total of the surplus in 1976 which was $737.4 million, as against capital inflows of $2,097.7 million. Are such inflows of a portfolio nature, or are they direct investments? To what extent do these capital inflows contribute towards our diversification programme and our exports earnings? To what extent do direct investments from external sources result in transfer of technology in real terms benefiting the indigenous sector, and for how much longer do we have to go on relying heavily on these inflows to produce the surpluses for us? These are in my humble opinion some of he pertinent points that need to be examined in much greater detail than hitherto. The present analysis as contained in Chapter VI of the Economic Survey of Singapore 1977 is, to my mind, far too brief to be meaningful. There will come a time when the level of capital inflows will reduce drastically, and it is then important for us to ensure that at that point of time our export trade does pick up sufficient momentum and that our invisible earnings increase to the extent that the combined earnings from these sources are more than sufficient to offset any reduction in capital inflows.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in 1976 we had a GDP growth rate of 7% and in 1977, which is generally considered a difficult year, we have bettered our economic performance to finish up with a growth rate of 7.8%. Little wonder that with such consistently good track record we are having difficulties convincing people that we are still a developing country. Our position is an exceptional one, so we say, and we should not be judged on the sole criterion of per capita income level. We have a good cause and let us hope that we succeed in our arguments with the world at large. However, what I am concerned about is not so much what outsiders come to regard us although this is important; what is equally, if not more, important is how our own citizens view the economic situation. Despite forecasts of difficulties, we have had good news year after year of continued growth so much so that I suspect that a large number of our citizens do not really take seriously the repeated exhortation to work hard and to prepare for hard times ahead. They have come to take for granted, "Come what may, the political leadership will be there to take care of things". To these people, 'energy crisis', 'stagflation' or 'protectionism' are no more than meaningless jargons. Frankly I do not blame them for their indifference to the economic realities and the difficulties that are being experienced elsewhere in the world, when we take note of the obvious signs of affluence around us. Our success is paradoxically also our dilemma - the dilemma of having to go on satisfying the rising expectations of our people on the one hand and yet making sure that they do not become soft and opt for a hedonistic attitude in life.”
“Sir, I agree that on any matter there are always different points of view. But when it comes to managing public funds, I think it is always better to make sure that we consider all possibilities and alternatives beforehand rather than to go on a trial and error basis, as suggested by the Hon. Senior Minister of State. As in the case of the housing development programme of JTC, I think experience has already shown that perhaps through mismanagement it has now been put under the control of the Chief Executive Director of HDB. Mr Goh Chok Tong: Sir, just as we have different Ministries and departments dealing with different matters, we have statutory boards which were created for the purposes of having more discretionary powers for ease of administration on a decentralised basis. I do not think I have suggested that the administration is progressing on a trial and error basis to arrive at an optimum administration. In fact, it is to have greater flexibility in administration that we have different statutory boards looking after different geographical or physical areas. It is a question of proper coordination between the various statutory boards so as to arrive at a consistent administration. We admit that there might have been lapses in the past. But it is for us therefore to learn from the lessons of the past to arrive at a better administration.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, another purpose of the Bill is to introduce further restrictions on the purchase of low-cost JTC flats so that the conditions applicable to the sale of JTC flats will be identical to those imposed by HDB. This seems to indicate that because of the different administrations, obviously certain confusion must have been caused before. So does it not support my argument that there ought to be perhaps unified control and management?”