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.”
The complete record
Every one of 521 lines we hold for Hwang Soo Jin, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 5 of 11.
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as a piece of official propaganda. I think the Hon. Minister has done a good job. But how near it is to the truth, I have my doubts. I am not convinced. Just by looking at the number of staff shown in the Estimates. I really have my doubts. There are only three Division I officers and seven Division II officers. I cannot imagine that with this very small number of staff they could undertake so many things. This is the first time that I have heard about the community centres being made use of. I have not received any pamphlets. On reorganisation, as I have pointed out, for many years now they have been using the same yellow card. Have they not considered computerising the system? By computerising the registration and the matching of jobs to seekers, that will surely speed up the processing. But with such a small establishment of staff, how are they going to do that quickly? The Minister mentioned about the Kallang Office being closed down very soon after it was opened. I suspect it is because the people felt that they were not getting anything out of it. So they did not want to go there. Their feeling is, "What is the point? Why should I come to you? You are not doing anything at all." As I pointed out and, in fact, the sentiment was expressed when Members discussed the earlier subhead on the Factory Inspectorate, that if it is not a revenue-generating department there is that tendency for the Government to say, "Let us save while we can." The Minister also mentioned about Bukit Panjang being close to an industrial estate. Where is the industrial estate? It is not even close to any centre of population. The centres of population are in Toa Payoh and Queenstown.”
“At present as far as I am aware, career guidance is not given much emphasis by the Ministry of Education. In any case, with the state of confusion in that Ministry. I do have my doubts as to the capability of that Ministry being able to do the job well.”
“There is I feel a tendency for some of our Government departments to stand still in terms of upgrading the standard and quality of services where the types of services are not considered to be revenue-generating. This mentality has led to an inward looking approach on the part of most of these so-called non-revenue-generating departments whereas, considering the nature of the services they are supposed to offer, they should really attempt to reach out to the people. We complain about the tendency among our young workers in hopping from job to job. Financial inducement may well be one of the reasons or even the main reason, but have we not also considered that if we provide them with better career guidance and assistance to find the jobs that they are best suited, it may help them to overcome the frustrations on their part because of their being in the wrong jobs. Admittedly some may be too choosy and will never change but I firmly believe that with proper guidance and assistance our younger generation of workers will be able to develop the correct job attitude. One of the Employment Service's announced objectives is to maximise the efficient utilisation of the Republic's labour force through improved matching of workers' attitude with job requirements. Quite frankly. I do not think this objective has beer or will ever be achieved given the existing outdated organisational structure. To achieve it, radical changes in the set-up are necessary. Perhaps it would even be useful to extend the function of the Employment Service to include career guidance aiming not only at job seekers but also school children so that by the time they are ready to seek employment they will have some ideas as to the direction in which they may proceed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head N be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AKA 1111*. (* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr Sia khoon Seong.) Sir, the Employment Service formerly known as the Employment Exchange was, I believe, reorganised in 1972. It is not clear to me in what way reorganisation has substantially affected the standard of service and the organisational structure of that department, except for the fact that there has been a change in name. It leads me therefore to wonder whether this is not just a case of what the Chinese describe as "old wine in a new bottle". Week after week during my meet-the-people sessions, I continue to see the all too familiar yellow registration cards issued by the department to job-seekers. The majority of these people have been on the waiting-list for months, if not years, and in many cases they have got tired of waiting and simply let the registration lapse without renewal. Over the last 10 years our country has undergone tremendous change in our economic structure and the entire pattern of population distribution has also altered radically but the Employment Service of the Ministry has remained essentially what it was when it was first established after the 2nd World War. The department at present maintains three offices at Havelock, Jurong and Bukit Panjang. Except for Jurong which is obviously an ideal location, the other two situations would appear to me to be totally out of place. One could easily think of many other suitable places where the demand for the services of the department will be the greatest. For example, the new towns at Kallang. Toa Payoh, Queenstown and Kampong Chai Chee.”
“It is not so much the question of tailors or barbers. The point that I was trying to make is the question of distance. Jalan Kayu, or Chua Chu Kang for that matter, is so far away from town that local people are just not keen to work there.”
“My question still remains unanswered, Sir.”
“Sir, my point has still not been answered. The point I made was that the problem arises on account of the distance away from town. No local citizens want to take up jobs in Jalan Kayu. As I see it, it is not a good idea to judge on the basis that if a garment factory is export-orientated it can have the workers. I think that is oven-simplifying. The way I see it is that we should also think of its effect on the cost of living of the people. If we make it unduly restrictive, then the cost of tailoring goes up. Everybody knows that today if we want to make a pair of trousers, it will cost a lot more and the reason is that there is an acute shortage of skilled tailors. I emphasise the word "skilled". I think the present approach seems to be rather hard-and-fast without proper consideration given to the circumstances. Take tailoring, for instance. There are lots of little tailor shops. They do export. They might not export directly but they sub-contract from bigger shops in town which provide a 24-hour service to tourists. So in a way this is an invisible export. 7.45 p.m. Their contribution is just as great. The fact that all these little shops are in the rural areas, their overheads are kept low. Because their overheads are low, they are able to sell at a competitive price, lower than that in Hong Kong. I do not think we have looked into this problem in sufficient depth. There seems to be the tendency for civil servants to say. "Well, the rule says this type of work is not on. No. That type of workers is on." As I say, that is not doing our economy and our standard of living any good at all.”
“Sir, I just like to take the opportunity of asking the Minister whether, in considering all these applications for work permits, he would also take into consideration the situation on the place of work. Take Jalan Kayu, for instance. I think the residents there quite often find that local citizens do not wish to take up jobs of tailoring and domestic help in that locality because its distance from town is pretty fan. In most cases, people do not stay on the job for very long, especially local people. And as a last resort, they have to go and try to get non-citizens. I have a few cases of tailors who, in fact, have difficulty getting local people to fill the jobs.”
“First of all, may I suggest that proper communication be established between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Finance. On that note. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. 7.00 p.m.”
“Businessmen who have travelled to Indonesia have all said that Mr Lee has given tremendous help. In every case they have expressed them appreciation. But we are talking of Ministries on the Government, not of individuals. We are talking of the organisation. How we can improve the organisation, and how to institutionalise the arrangement so that there is continuity? We just cannot depend on a few bright officers, those that the Minister of State just quoted, who can use a bit of initiative to go out and give pamphlets and in that way promote the image of Singapore. That is not what I am thinking. What I am thinking is a rather more fundamental issue of institutionalising our system. I think we have got to that stage, and we must think seriously.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker. Sir, before I withdraw my amendment. I feel that I ought to make one or two clarifications. I am appreciative of the very responsive manner I have received, but I do not think that at any time did I suggest that the present commercial secretaries are of no use. I am not suggesting that. All that I am suggesting is that greater importance should be attached to such appointments, and I think we ought to upgrade their position so as to carry sufficient weight. Given the right type of officer and the right measure of training, they could perform more effectively. Certainly I did not suggest that we should send commercial secretaries round the world. I did not say that. What I was saying is that we should make the best use of the existing facilities. At present I think there is unnecessary duplication. As I have mentioned, DBS got their own men. MAS got their own men, and the missions have them own men. So do SIA and NOL. In London town I think we probably have 10 to 20 people from the different Government agencies. Obviously this is a sheer waste of money. So when the Minister of State talked so much about not getting enough money, he has my sympathy. At the same time, somewhere along the line the thinking is quite wrong. On the one hand we try to stinge but on the other hand we let all this money go down the drain. I feel that this is a very serious matter. Notwithstanding the limitations that his Ministry is working up against, the Minister of State has done a very good job. To the Minister of State, in particular. I would like to place on record that what he has done on the question of our relationship with Indonesia is. I think, generally known. He has done a first-class job there.”
“At present I do not think our business community knows what sort of services or assistance our overseas missions are able to offer them. The Government has been exhorting the private sector to innovate and to improve, but are we satisfied that the Government is also doing the same? Are we making the best use of available resources and facilities at our disposal?”
“I also suspect that most of them are probably not suitably qualified or trained as to be able to function meaningfully in serving the needs of a trading nation, which is what we are and have always been. In any event, considering the relatively junior position of such commercial secretaries, how much importance do we attach to their work at present? The limited usefulness or importance of such appointees can be gauged by the fact that a number of our Government agencies involved in economic affairs also have their own men abroad. Take London, for instance. Although I believe that we have a commercial secretary at the High Commissioner's Office, EDB and MAS have thought fit to have their own men on the spot, not to mention the representatives of other Government-owned enterprises. All this seems to me to be an unnecessary waste of money and manpower. Surely if the post of a commercial secretary is upgraded as to carry sufficient seniority and weight, the person, given the right calibre and training, could quite easily take care of the affairs of both the EDB and MAS. If need be, he could have a highpowered team working under his direction, rather than to have several sets of people doing roughly the same thing at present and, quite rightly, all providing conflicting feed-back to their own respective departments or superiors at home. Once we are assured of a more efficient and centralised system in the collection of commercial and industrial intelligence abroad, the information can be fed back home for use by both Government and the private sector. When our businessmen travel abroad on business, they can also rely upon our embassies for guidance and assistance which could be invaluable.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head M be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead BAA 1105. Sir, quantitatively, I would say that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not done too badly since its establishment. Although we have been independent for slightly more than 10 years, we are physically represented by Ambassadors and High Commissioners in most of the major capitals of the world. However, having overcome the preoccupation of making our physical presence felt, I feel we should now aim to give broader meaning to and redefine the role of our overseas missions. 6.45 p.m. What do we expect them to do? How best can we make use of their presence abroad so as to benefit the country in more tangible terms? These are, to my mind, some of the rather relevant questions. In saying so, I am not thinking so much of the traditional role of just maintaining good relations with the host countries, which we are already doing quite well. I am thinking more in terms of what these missions abroad can do to serve the needs of our commerce and industry at home. At a time when we are placing so much emphasis on export drive, both in respect of goods and services. I feel that our overseas missions can make a positive contribution towards our efforts in this direction, provided they are suitably orientated. Up to this point of time, I have my doubts as to whether this is the case, notwithstanding some of the pre-emptive statements made by the Minister of State. Whilst we do have commercial secretaries in some of our embassies abroad, I rather suspect that their presence is no more than an ornament.”
“Sir, this is an item on which I intend to speak at a later stage. I would rather have my say now before the Minister of State replies to me.”
“If it is such a rarity, surely they should all be allowed deferment.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, on a point of clarification. If my memory serves me right. I think the Minister's announced policy on deferment from full-time national service is that only the sole breadwinner of the family will be exempted. I believe he made that statement in this particular House. But what he said earlier on does seem to suggest that there could be some change in the consideration of application for exemption from full-time national service. Would the Minister please clarify that point? In addition, I would also like to ask the Minister whether he would consider exempting construction workers from full-time national service. We are still not getting enough of this type of workers, and the majority of them are work permit holders. For those who work in high-rise buildings, I think the hazards that they are exposed to are surely much greater than in the national service. So if they are prepared to take a more hazardous job. I feel that we should give them the deferment.”
“The original intention in setting up that company was that the money made therefrom was to go towards the construction of the National Stadium and to promote sports in Singapore. But from what I have been able to find out although Singapore Pools has several million dollars of surpluses lying idle in their bank accounts, it has to-date only given a sum of approximately $800,000 to the Singapore Sports Council whereas the Council still carries on its books a repayable loan of $3.15 million. Sir, there are other examples but I think one is sufficient to illustrate the point that I am trying to make. In conclusion, Sir, I would like to join my colleagues in congratulating the Minister for Finance for taking us through a truly difficult year and of a sensible and down-to-earth budget which, if properly implemented, should go a long way towards consolidating our position economically. 5.39 p.m.”
“In studying the Economic Survey Report, I cannot help but feel that our economy, up or down, has over the last few years become more and more dependent on the public sector; activities of Government departments, statutory boards and Government-owned enterprises, such as SIA and NOL, have provided the main thrusts and stimuli to our economic growth, with the private sector playing a decreasing role. This development although inevitable to some extent is to my mind not entirely healthy and may in time lead to loss of entrepreneurial enterprise and skills in the private sector. Many enterprises have been embarked upon by Government, initially with the primary objective of providing the necessary lead and encouragement to the private sector but as time goes on the original objective is lost sight of and what is left of the motivation is no more than just profit-making, at times at the expense of and in conflict with private sector development. Perhaps, if we are not already doing so, we ought to periodically review thoroughly the activities of all Government-owned enterprises not just to assess their viability or profitability but also to ascertain to what extent the primary objectives set for them have been fulfilled and whether their activities have not resulted, and will not result, in disincentives to the private sector to either enter o expand in the same directions. An example of the primary objectives not being pursued by a Government-owned company is to be found in the operation of the Singapore Pools Estimated Expenditure Actual Under- Voted by Expenditure Difference utilisation Parliament Million$ Million$ Million$ 1972/73 $ 784 $ 665 $119 15% 1973/74 $1,326 $1,107 $219 17% 1974/75 $1,562 $1,132 $430 28% (Private) Ltd.”
“In view of the Minister's announced intention to be less lavish in the area of manpower, I am wondering to what extent recruitment of Division I officers will now be affected. As I see it, whilst it is, essential to ensure adequate numbers of officers in all levels of the civil service, numbers alone will not in itself bring about better efficiency. The inculcation of correct attitudes, sufficient exposure to the practical realities of life, coupled with proper training programme, organisation and methods that are constantly reviewed and kept up-to-date with changes, should be the correct emphasis in ensuring effectiveness in the Administration's use of budgetary allocations. In this connection, it is perhaps relevant to draw the attention of the House to the fact that year after year there has been substantial shortfalls in actual development expenditure as against provisions voted by this House. The comparative figures for the last three years will be of interest to Members (See footnote). This only serves to demonstrate that the Administration's ability to use budgetary allocations approved by Parliament is perhaps not as effective as what we would like it to be. Bearing in mind that Government spending is increasingly being resorted to as a fiscal measure to stimulate the national economy or to counter-inflation, there appears to me to be an urgent need for the Government to ensure that the administrative machinery is adequately geared to respond quickly to the demand of changing economic circumstances at all times so that money voted by this House may be efficiently used and controlled in order to achieve the direct as well as the indirect objectives of Government without undue delays.”
“Sir, I cannot agree with him more, but to his observation I would add that to maintain our competitive position the Government should also strive to achieve greater productivity rate in the civil service through constant improvement in the standard of administration and the quality of service. It may be wishful thinking on my part but I do sincerely hope that we can look forward to the days when increased Government revenue will be achieved not so much by the jacking up of rates and charges but rather as a result of greater efficiency in Government administration and that Government expenditure of a recurring nature may be kept constant, if not reduced, by minimising unnecessary wastage either in terms of materials or manpower. In this connection, I am therefore pleased to note that frank admission of the Minister that a recent analysis by his Ministry revealed that both the Government and statutory boards had been too lavish in their use of professionals and technically trained men (Sir, these are the exact words of the Minister). He has promised to reverse the position. To the private sector, this is indeed welcome news as the competing demand from Government for such categories of persons over the last few years has not only reduced the supply but also contributed to the rising costs of such personnel to the private sector. Consequently, it has considerably slowed down the management's efforts to carry out any measures aiming at modernisation or innovation. Sir, in the latter part of the Minister's speech he refers to a total number of 2,414 vacancies in Division I of the civil service when he speaks of more effective use of budgetary allocations.”
“In urging our workers to tighten their belts, it is in my view imperative that the Government should take every step to ensure that the purchasing power of our workers will not be eroded by unjustifiable price increases in goods as well as services of an essential nature in the forthcoming months. Whilst the Government has done reasonably well in bringing inflation under control, the various measures taken by the Government to stimulate the economy in the months ahead may yet spark off another round of inflation, if we do not watch out. For a start I would urge the Government to keep a closer watch on all Government and statutory charges. The Budget this year, as in the previous year, may be considered to be relatively painless, but experience has taught us that this state of painlessness may not last too long before we are treated to a whole series of shocks by way of higher taxes and charges. The combined sum total of such revised taxes and charges, taking into account both the direct and indirect effect, quite often far exceeds the wage increment of an average worker in any one particular year. Such frequent increases have also contributed in no small measure to pushing up the costs of our manufacturing products and to that extent reducing our competitive edge in the export market. In emphasising the importance of improving the quality of our workers, the Minister has said that this must be matched by better entrepreneurs and managers and that thorough continued modernisation and innovation, management must improve production and administration, financial control, personnel management and marketing methods.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister for Finance has described his Budget Statement to the House as "a relatively unexciting" one, This may be so if you are not a smoker or you have not been expecting either shocks or surprises. However, to the large majority of wage earners, the announcement first of all by the Secretary-General of the NTUC and now the Minister of the need for an adjustment in our wage policy must certainly cause a certain amount of unhappiness. For a number of years now our workers have come to expect a substantial annual adjustment in wages. Such expectation in the past was not unjustifiable. considering the fierce rate of inflation prevailing and the satisfactory rate of growth in our economy. As things stand today, we are suddenly awakened to the fact that unless something is done and done quickly to relate wage increases rather more closely to the rate of productivity, particularly in the manufacturing sector, we shall soon lose our competitiveness in the export market. The gravity, of the situation has been very eloquently put forward both by the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Labour and the Secretary-General of the NTUC. I have no doubt that the message will have been driven home loud and clear to all unions and their members affiliated to the NTUC. With a responsible and enlightened union leadership such as we fortunately have in Singapore today, I feel sure that the position will be accepted by all workers even though some may take it somewhat grudgingly.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, just a matter of clarification. I am wondering whether the Minister would care to give a few examples of what he means by "satisfactory documentary proof".”
“Sir, we cannot just wait until 1977 because in the meantime cars seem to crash into one another. As an interim measure, can the Minister not direct his department to give the situation further consideration as to whether some short-term preventive measures can be taken?”
“Sir, on the face of it, it sounds very good. But it is still rather vague to me. In this particular instance, the Minister does seem to be aware of the circumstances. Would he, therefore, consider that that particular case warrants a waiver of the transfer fee?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, at the risk of allowing my personal integrity to be questioned once more, I would nevertheless ask the Minister concerned whether there is any reason why we should not refer this Bill to a Select Committee, in view of the evident concern and interest shown by the students and some of the academic staff.”
“Sir, I am just wondering whether the Minister will inform the House of the interim report from the Inspector when it is available, or whether it would be made public immediately?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am just wondering whether the Senior Minister of State could inform the House how permanent would the areas in Jalan Kayu and Punggol be acquired as an agricultural area.”
“Sir, in the light of an increasing crime rate, the intention of this Bill before the House is obviously a good one and will make the job of the police much easier in bringing criminals to book. By delegating the power of search, without warrant, to police officers below the rank of sergeant as provided under clause 2, it is to my mind important for the Government to ensure that there will be no abuse of such power and that all junior officers do understand that the power delegated to them will be exercised only with very good reasons and under fully justifiable circumstances. Sir, in implementing the law it will perhaps be desirable for proper guidelines to be laid down and their practical implications fully explained to all junior officers so that in the course of carrying out their duties they would not, by their rash action, antagonise members of the public unnecessarily and so lose the confidence and support of the public, which is so vital in our efforts to combat crime. Mr Barker: Sir, I would like to thank the Member for Jalan Kayu for his valuable contribution. Unfortunately, the Minister in charge of the Police is not present here, but I will convey his remarks and the reservation which he expressed, to the Hon. Minister. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time. Resolved, "That the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill be committed to a Select Committee consisting of Mr Speaker as Chairman and seven Members to be nominated by the Committee of Selection."-[Mr E. W. Barker]. RECLAMATION AT PULAU DAMAR LAUT 6.32 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am just wondering whether the Hon. Minister would care to inform the House of the reason for the urgency in taking the Bill through all its three stages today.”
“Sir, I am appreciative of the Minister's reply. But on the first point it still seems to me that perhaps a more direct form of contact could be established, especially when we have been talking of ASEAN cooperation and so on. If it were only as a matter of courtesy to establish direct contact, it will not cost us anything and I am quite sure that that will remove quite a lot of unnecessary speculation or misunderstanding.”
“Sir, in view of Malaysian interest in this matter, apart from the very brief contact with Tengku Razaleigh, I am just wondering whether the Minister has es- tablished any other form of official contact with the Malaysian Government so that our intention will not be minister pretend as to strain the relationship. Furthermore, in the light of the evidence which has been unearthed so far, I am just wondering whether the Minister is satisfied that the present Board of Directors is still effectively in control and able to supervise the day-to-day running of the various managements within that group so as to make sure that whatever there is left of shareholders' interest will not be further squandered away.”
“We can go on and on arguing as to who is right and who is wrong. Well, the test of the pudding is in the eating. It is too early to say. So I think it is a waste of time and waste of breath. I can only urge the Hon. Minister, as a parent: "Please, for goodness sake, whatever you are going to do, look into it very closely." And in its implementation, has he got the manpower, and whether the staff and teachers understand what is going on? Sir, I like to be down to earth about this matter. As I say, I do not know anything about education. But this is causing general frustration among parents. I must give credit to our youngsters as many of them do not suffer nervous breakdowns. I have seen many cases of parents suffering from examination jitters. Each time there is a change of syllabus, or a change in the policy, it is the parents who suffer. Poor thing. Sir, I think I have said enough, and thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak.”
“Sir, as a simple-minded parent with school-going children, I have often felt rather confused about the direction of our education system, and listening to my learned colleagues here today, I must profess that I am becoming even more confused. I do not know anything about education, least of all education policies. I think it is not so much a question of whether a policy is right or a policy is wrong. As far as policies are concerned, I am quite prepared to leave it in the very capable hands of our Hon. Minister. But I think it is more a question of implementation and we should look into it more closely. Many of our policies have started off with a big bang. It sounds good on paper and it is very difficult for a layman to quarrel whether it is good or bad. If we take the restructuring of our primary education, which instead of six years we now have seven years, I am just wondering what is wrong with six years. We have all gone through six years of primary education, and during our time we did not even have kindergarten experience. So we can say that today the primary education is not six but eight years, if we count the two years spent in kindergarten. In fact, we are now going to have nine years' primary education. Anyway, as I said, I am not going to quarrel with that. The main problem really is implementation. How do we go about it, and is the policy formulated being understood both by the officers in the Ministry and the teachers themselves? In fact, many teachers have told me that they are so confused with all the chopping and changing. I do not blame them. I think this is really a matter which we should look into very closely. We can argue on policy with a great number of learned colleagues here, who are all professional teachers.”
“I will be very happy to do that. There is perhaps a breakdown in communications. It might be that the officer lower down the line is given a certain order to carry out, and he is anxious to push it. But in the meantime he has forgotten that, those individuals affected are also human beings. We have to try to minimise the inconvenience to them. Naturally we have to look after the majority of people. To that extent, the minority might be affected. But in the process it is our job to make sure that we minimise the sufferings and inconveniences. This is not asking for too much, is it?”
“Sir, I think I ought to make further clarification. I did, in fact, write to the Ministry on the 3rd December, 1974, asking for details as to the development. I did not get a reply till February this year. In the meantime, before I got my reply, letters were sent Out by the Resettlement Department. The letters state very clearly: If you do not turn up for registration within 24 hours, it will be presumed that you will take care of your own alternative accommodation. The letter is a printed, standard form of letter. It is in black and white. How do we expect the people to feel? They naturally feel nervous. The Government always mean business. Does the Minister mean to say that what is stated there does not mean anything? That is not our Government. Whatever we say, we mean it. It is stated in black and white, and I still have a few copies in my possession.”
“For some of these people, their menfolk were away from home at work. How were they going to get their menfolk to come back for registration? Surely 24 hours is too short a time. As for the support given to Members of Parliament, I think the Minister is aware of the case I mentioned here. I said that recently when I heard of some projects going on I asked for plans to be supplied, and I was told that I would be given the plans if I paid $30. Well, we are not asking for the plans to do our own business. We are asking for plans to serve the people and to help the Department to explain to the people what is involved. We are not even given this support. I finally got the plans and I said I would take up the matter of the payment of fees with the Minister. Sir, to be fair to the officer, he was very sympathetic. Unfortunately, when the matter was referred to the Ministry of Finance - the Minister for Finance is here today and I think it is an appropriate occasion for me to raise it --- the Ministry of Finance said, "No, the MP should pay for the plans." It is a very simple photostat plan costing $15 a copy. Does it make sense? A similar photostat document costs only 50 cents if you get it done in a shop outside. I think I have stated enough, Sir. 5.30 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to support what the Member for Paya Lebar has just said. Last night I also had the same experience. When I turned up at my Meet-the-People session, some constituents in my area reported to me that they were forced to sign a certain document by officers of the Ministry. All those poor people are not literate in English. They were not even told what that document was supposed to be. When they put it to the officer concerned whether they were to be evicted or to be resettled and whether the Government would provide them with alternative accommodation, the reply given, to my mind, was unfortunately a very heartless one. There was an elderly lady. She has got only a daughter, and the reply given to her was, "No, you are not going to get any accommodation. We would only allow you to apply if you can get two more elderly ladies or persons, and then we would consider your application." Well, this is not the only complaint. Two weeks ago I had a similar experience in another part of my constituency. Some of my constituents were presented with blank forms. I was shown one. It was supposed to be a form used for an offer of compensation, but that part where the quantum of compensation was supposed to be indicated was left blank and the people were asked to sign the blank forms. Thus they did not know how much they were going to get. I think this is quite unfair. Surely the person who signs should be told how much he is going to get. Another point is this. The Member for Paya Lebar was not exaggerating when he stated that there was a lack of consideration. I had an experience recently. Quite a number of families were suddenly served with notices advising them to register for alternative accommodation within 24 hours.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I just like to seek clarification on this particular amount. According to the Memorandum on the Main and Development Estimates, this amount of $1.15 million will be subsequently recovered from SBS. Will it be recovered at cost or cost-plus?”
“I do hope that this wisdom on his part will be shared and borne in mind by all his Cabinet colleagues as well as our civil servants in the months ahead so that hopefully we can look forward to a really painless year. 3.50 p.m.”
“I also find it difficult to agree with the Minister's statement that all items affected by higher taxes are "not basic to life for the average family". What is our definition of an average family? Take the item, cars for example. In our efforts to discourage ownership, it appears to me that we do wield the big stick of taxation rather too often, too soon and indiscriminately, without carefully considering and offering the carrot of suitable alternative. The livelihood of many families depends on their ability to get around quickly but our public transport system at best is still inadequate to satisfy this need. It is, therefore, in my opinion unfair to raise road tax further at this juncture, particularly on the less expensive small capacity cars which are more functional than prestigious. The cubic capacity of a car should not be the sole criterion in determining the rate of road tax payable. If our intention is also to tax more heavily on those who are better able to pay, then, it is only logical that we should also have regard to the value of a car. Taxing more heavily on hard liquors, such as whisky and brandy, is fair enough as quite apart from their harmful effect on health they are also entirely imported. The same cannot be said for beer. This is fast gaining popularity even among our working class, it is wrong to deprive them of one of the very few legitimate poor pleasures left in life, which is comparatively inexpensive up to now. The proposed increases are therefore to my mind rather harsh and will put this item beyond the means of many. Perhaps the Minister does not enjoy beer! Finally Sir, it is reassuring to note the Minister's reluctance to increase taxation, to quote his words "Lest it should raise the prices of essential goods and services".”
“In looking at our international trading position it is disturbing to note the widening trade gaps with our three major partners, namely, Japan, America and the EEC countries. The gap between Singapore and Japan is parti cularly alarming, amounting to some $2,000 million in Japan's favour, followed by EEC's $900 million, and thirdly USA's $757 million. We do not ask for the so-called "most favoured nation" status. All that we want is equity and reciprocity in international trade. I do like to know what the Minister proposes to do to narrow the trade gap in each case, especially in the case of Japan. Surely they cannot take us for granted just because we do not show our dissatisfaction in a violent manner as some people do. The fact that part of the imbalance may be due to our increased spending on capital goods does not in my opinion lessen the obligation on the part of our trading partners to try to correct the unsatisfactory position. Sir, turning now to the proposed tax increases, I think you will agree that the Budget this year cannot be described as a painless one. What little concession offered has limited appeal, and appears to contradict the announced intention to make it more attractive for young couples to have their parents stay with them. On the one hand we say that it would be good for the younger generation to have their old folks live with them so that the parents can help look after the children's children, and towards this end we are offering incentives. Yet, on the other hand, we are enticing the old folks to stay on in their jobs beyond 60 years of age. Basically, I am not against extending retirement age well beyond 55 years of age which, I think, is a good move, but I am somewhat puzzled by the apparent contradiction in our policies.”
“With improved relations and the general realisation of the need and the importance of interdependence throughout the region, we can look forward and should work for the closest cooperation. We should join our friends in identifying areas that are capable of coordinated developments. In the area of industrialisation there is a growing public sentiment that in recent years the Government does not appear to have done enough in promoting local participation. Whatever incentives that have been formulated with the foreign investors in mind, I feel it is important to ensure that a fair balance is struck between foreign investments on the one hand and local on the other. The setting up of a bureau for joint ventures is therefore to be welcomed, but in all joint ventures we should ensure that the arrangements between the interested parties are such that our own nationals will have an opportunity to participate actively in the day-to-day affairs of the companies so that over a period of time they will be able to acquire the necessary expertise and the managerial skills which are so essential to our further growth. Past years' experience has shown that over-reliance on multi-nationals tied to only one or two major markets abroad does not do us much good from a long term point of view but it is likely to cause social and economic instability from time to time. In our continued endeavours to attract foreign investment, we should therefore aim for greater diversification not only in terms of the types of operations but also market dependencies. At present we seem to be concentrating our investment promotion efforts rather too heavily in the United States. This is reflected by the fact that out of a total of nine centres three or four are in the United States.”
“In welcoming this move, may I suggest that apart from any other purposes contemplated the Committee be directed to review Government policies or the lack of policies towards some of our traditional activities, with a view to ensuring that they do receive adequate support and incentives if need be and that such activities are not unduly disturbed or disrupted on account of thoughtless action on the part of any particular Government or quasi-government departments. May I also suggest that any future increases in Government charges or any official measures likely to result in heavier financial burdens to the public be referred to the Committee so that the question of justification as well as their wider implications may be more thoroughly and objectively assessed. In this way perhaps we can look forward to a better co-ordinated approach on the part of the Government in all matters affecting the growth of our economy and the cost of living of our people. I should clarify that in putting forward my views I have no intention of seeking subsidies for our business community. Our businessmen are hard-headed and certainly not without backbone, initiative or drive. What they ask for is fairness, better understanding and greater appreciation on the part of the Government of the mounting problems encountered in an increasingly more difficult and competitive world. Some of these problems are beyond them and do call for Government support and attention. Sir, despite our global concept in economic development it is evident that the ASEAN community of nations will remain our most important partners in our continued endeavours for greater economic growth in the years ahead.”
“For an organisation whose primary function is public relations, I would have thought that the publication of annual reports is a matter to be taken seriously and not just perfunctorily. A well prepared and up-to-date report I should imagine can be used most effectively for publicity purpose abroad and may save us some money on the production of other promotion brochures. There is I feel an urgent need to re-examine the role and function of the Tourist Promotion Board. In the area of entrepot trade, traders have also experienced much higher running expenses: just to mention a few - higher storage charges both at PSA and private godowns, higher transportation charges and much higher bank interest rates during the year caused by tight credit squeeze. The last item has squeezed the life out of many traders and the high cost of money has affected all and sundry, whatever their activities. Surely it is possible, and in my opinion necessary, for the Govern- ment in introducing any fiscal or monetary measures to differentiate those making a positive contribution from those making a negative one to our economy. Any hasty decision aiming at internal administrative convenience without an in-depth study of the possible adverse consequences is likely in the long run to result in disincentive and to cause loss of confidence on the part of the people. The Minister has touched on the setting up of the Economic Activation Committee.”
“For example, in the case of hotel trade, the increase in PUB and other government charges has imposed quite considerable financial strains on the management, especially bearing in mind the already substantial increases in wages in recent years. From enquiries made I have been told that there are altogether some 20 items of licences and other fees payable to approximately nine to ten Government and quasi government departments by a hotel in the course of any one year. Some of these fees and charges are payable yearly whereas a number of them are on a monthly basis and require personal visits to the departments concerned. You can well imagine the inconvenience and the time involved in attending to all these payments. And what is the Tourist Promotion Board doing in living up to its name? According to the Minister, a sum of $3 million has been collected from hotel cess. I do like to know how this amount is being spent in promoting tourism. Incidentally, according to the Tourist Promotion Board's report for the year 1971/1972, the total cess collection for that year was estimated to be in the region of $5.9 million. What has accounted for the substantial drop some three years later'? Frankly I have my doubts as to the effectiveness of the Board. The increase in the number of visitors to Singapore - I agree with the Member for Katong ~ has perhaps been due more to the promotion efforts of SIA and other private organisations than to the efforts of the Tourist Promotion Board. If this is the case, then what is the justification for the cess? The ineffectiveness of the Board is amply demonstrated by the fact that the most up-to-date report of the Board is for the year 1971/1972, three years behind time.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to join my colleagues in congratulating the Government for guiding the nation through a very difficult year. Although we have been affected by worldwide inflation and a slowing down in economic activities, our economy has nevertheless emerged with an impressive gain of 6.8% in GDP and we are still able to show a surplus of $708 million in our balance of payments. This is impressive by any standard and has been due largely to the far-sightedness of our political leadership in embarking upon the restructuring and diversification of our economy over the past decade so as to give it a broader base. It is this broad base that has provided us with the cushion to withstand the series of shocks generated by external forces. The tough-mindedness and resourcefulness of our business community with their traditional "do or die" attitude have also contributed in no small measure to our success. In going through the economic survey one cannot help but feel that, in out enthusiasm for industrialisation and in developing Singapore into a financial centre over the past few years, we might not have given sufficient attention and credit to some of our traditional economic activities. It takes a difficult year such as the one just passed to impress on us the important role played by some of these traditional sectors of our economy. I have in mind particularly tourism and entrepot trade. In both areas, I submit, Sir, encouragement and incentives have not been adequately provided in recent years. If anything, the combined effect of the series of unilateral government departmental actions has resulted in drastic increase in day-to-day running expenses, much to the dismay and distress of the people concerned.”
“On the other hand, we should all firmly bear in mind that the stability of a country depends on the close tripartite coordination of the political leadership, the Government administrative organisation and all the people. If one of the three is missing, then the development of the whole will be seriously hampered. Therefore, we must oppose bureaucratism and avoid unnecessary political ill-feeling. We should strengthen the education of the civil service, irrespective of whether one is of a higher rank or lower rank. We must establish in the civil servants a healthy spirit and attitude for service. Sir, I support the Motion. 4.05 p.m.”
“Besides, if faced with somewhat complicated matters, some executors usually evade their duties and resort to their usual tactic of playing Tai-chi boxing, shifting the problem to some other department or saying that they are going to see a certain MP. Even on an obviously simple matter of principle, they will likewise push the responsibility to a third person. Mr Speaker, Sir, all these incidents that I have pointed out are actual facts. I believe many fellow Backbenchers feel the same as I do. This is bureaucratism on the growth. If we do not destroy it in time, if we do not rectify this undesirable manifestation quickly, then we will face the increasing ill-feeling of the people, and consequently the political confidence that the people have in the Party in power over the past decade will certainly suffer unnecessary damage. During last year's debate on the Budget, many Backbenchers made some criticisms on the organisational structure and spirit of service of the Central Complaints Bureau. I hope the Government will take positive action to deal with this matter to enable this organisation to shoulder the duty of supervision more effectively. Under the shadow of world economic depression, future conditions will be more complicated and more unpredictable than in the past. Therefore, the Party in office should review and reassess its dealings in internal and external affairs. The future administrative slogan should be anti-wastage and improving efficiency. Therefore, we must take practical steps to strengthen and promote the coordination among various departments and organisations so that the whole Government service system may continue in a more rational way.”