Irene Ng Phek Hoong
Singapore
“Mdm Speaker, elder abuse may be more common than is recognised, particularly amongst seniors with dementia or other cognitive impairments. Does the Minister agree that the barriers to recognising and reporting elder abuse should be addressed? One of them is the lack of a clear definition of elder abuse.”
“I am heartened by the Minister's reply. In my duties as a Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) Member for Defence, I have interacted with many women officers, including commanders in combat units, and they hold their own in a male-dominated workforce.”
“Madam, my condolences again to the families and friends of those who lost their lives at the Sabah Earthquake. I thank the Minister for his reply and we support the Ministry's approach to outdoor adventure learning and its continuance.”
“Thank you, Madam. It is heartening to see how readily Singapore responded to the disaster in Nepal. I would like to ask the Second Minister: now that the disaster relief phase is coming to an end, how would Singapore contribute to the long-term reconstruction phase that follows?”
“This will help to sustain the practice and tradition and increase appreciation of their artistry within the community and beyond. We should also conserve the unique tools of traditional art forms, such as the last remaining dragon kiln in Singapore, and protect it as part of our heritage.”
“I would like to ask about the stress levels on the students. I welcome the Ministry of Education's (MOE) shift to go beyond grades. But, on the ground, Page: 123 the reality is that there is increasing pressure on the students to chase good grades, given the very competitive system and also the high expectations of parents.”
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“With each of us playing our part, I am confident that, over time, we will be able to develop a much better road-use culture in Singapore. Page: 30”
“I see that the first and second supplementary questions are similar in terms of asking for interim measures. Although we will only share the new rules and norms next year, I want to assure the Member and also other Members here that we will still continue to enforce and educate the public about safe cycling, and we will also engage the motorists. We will take a holistic approach in engaging road users. Our roads are not only for cyclists, they are for all road users. At times, we will engage them together to make them understand one another, the needs of all the different users. Over the years, and especially in areas where we have completed the cycling paths, we have observed an increase in terms of the harmonious use of these spaces. Residents are able to use this space well together, share them and, at the same time, have adequate space to move about, which enhances their mobility. We want to assure the Member that we are currently working, and have been working, together with the community, to see where the spots are where we need to enhance our enforcement. And where we have done so, certain areas have improved; in other areas, we can do better, and we will do so. With regard to the Member's third question, as I mentioned earlier, we take a holistic view. Even motorists today, when they take the Highway Code, are informed about the existence of cyclists. They are also informed about how to make sure that all road users are able to use the road harmoniously. So, at the end of the day, road safety is a shared responsibility. It is not only to be done more by the cyclists, pedestrians or motorists. All of us here in this House, as well as fellow Singaporeans, have a role to play.”
“Madam, I understand that it will take time for the cycling network to be completed and for the advisory panel to complete its report by next year. But in the interim, would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that there is an increasing danger of conflict between cyclists and pedestrians on footways as more cyclists go on footways and that there is a need to address this issue in an urgent way? I would like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary three supplementary questions. First, in the interim, while waiting for the advisory panel to present its report in the second quarter next year, are there any plans by LTA to ensure that footways remain safe for pedestrians and that they have right of way even as cyclists continue cycling on footways, as it is not being enforced right now? Second, while the rules and norms on cycling on footways and pedestrian crossings are being worked out, how will LTA ensure that safe cycling is being observed? What guidelines can cyclists follow on footpaths in the interim? Can the Parliamentary Secretary consider having interim guidelines so that, in the meantime, the conflict between pedestrians and Page: 29 cyclists will not escalate to the point where negative stereotypes and attitudes towards cyclists will harden and make it more difficult for the Government to promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transport? Finally, while it takes time to build a cycling network with segregated cycle paths, can I ask the Parliamentary Secretary to look into how we can educate motorists to look out for cyclists on roads, as more cyclists will also go on roads, and also educate motorists that cyclists have a right to be on the road? Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Madam, I thank the Member for the supplementary questions.”
“Mdm Speaker, elder abuse may be more common than is recognised, particularly amongst seniors with dementia or other cognitive impairments. Does the Minister agree that the barriers to recognising and reporting elder abuse should be addressed? One of them is the lack of a clear definition of elder abuse. Other barriers to reporting elder abuse include lack of knowledge, denial, fear of making the situation worse, desire to maintain family relationships, fear of ending up in Court or a lack of belief that the situation will improve. Can I ask the Minister how does the Ministry plan to deal with these barriers? What are the Ministry's plans to increase the public's awareness of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, and to educate people on detecting, intervening in and responding to such cases? Madam, elder abuse is associated with increased use of health services. Health professionals are thus well positioned to spot elder abuse. Would the Minister also consider making it mandatory for health professionals to report cases of suspected elder abuse?”
“I am heartened by the Minister's reply. In my duties as a Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) Member for Defence, I have interacted with many women officers, including commanders in combat units, and they hold their own in a male-dominated workforce. Can I just ask if the Minister would agree that Page: 30 military promotions tend to be highly structured and officers have to serve a series of appointments to move up the ranks? If that is the case, would the Minister agree that there is a need to make sure that there are gender-neutral standards that are also rigorously validated at every point? Can I have the assurance of the Minister that SAF implements a policy to ensure that no woman who is best qualified is denied access to an assignment that is open to both men and women?”
“While the Greek crisis will have negligible direct impact on Singapore's financial markets and banks, can I ask the Minister for his assessment of the risk of contagion?”
“Madam, my condolences again to the families and friends of those who lost their lives at the Sabah Earthquake. I thank the Minister for his reply and we support the Ministry's approach to outdoor adventure learning and its continuance. The Minister mentioned that he will announce at an appropriate time the details on how to honour those who had sacrificed and showed courage during the incident. It has been more than a month since the Sabah quake disaster. Can I ask the Minister when will be the appropriate time and why is this Parliament sitting not a good time for this news to be announced?”
“Thank you, Madam. It is heartening to see how readily Singapore responded to the disaster in Nepal. I would like to ask the Second Minister: now that the disaster relief phase is coming to an end, how would Singapore contribute to the long-term reconstruction phase that follows? Nepal is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world and needs international support to carry on its work to reconstruct the whole country. Singapore has expertise in various areas, especially in masterplanning and housing. Can I ask the Second Minister if Singapore would be contributing to the reconstruction efforts in Nepal?”
“As the Prime Minister said, there needs to be not only a detachment of time but also a detachment of emotion in going through all the proposals and deciding which ones should be kept, with a clear view that this is for the future generations.”
“Mdm Speaker, we should be very proud that we have a founding leader who did not want or need monuments to himself or encourage a personality cult. We should honour that. Madam, I have two points. One is on 38 Oxley Road. Personally, I feel that we should respect Mr Lee's wishes to demolish his house. Once, I personally approached him on the topic and I remember what he told me – that he believes that we should not allow sentiment to get in the way of progress. But given the significance of the house, especially the basement of the house, where more than 50 years ago, a group of people gathered frequently to discuss the formation of a mass-based left-wing political party and their struggle for Singapore's autonomy and subsequent Independence from British rule, I wonder whether there is a case to be made for a greater effort to preserve its heritage value for future generations, while respecting his wishes to demolish the house. I support the call by the hon Member Mr Ang Wei Neng to document the house using paper, photographs, films and digital media formats. And perhaps the furniture in the basement can be considered as historical artefacts, which can be donated to the Museum for a replica of the basement to be put up. My second point is a wider one; it is on the Committee that is being set up under Mr Lee Tzu Yang. I support the proposal, but its remit seems to be rather narrow, focused on the Founders' Memorial. As there has been a great movement towards wanting to preserve our memories and the past for future generations, can I ask the Prime Minister whether he could widen the remit to consider the various proposals put up by the public and also to involve curators, historians and heritage specialists?”
“Thank you, Madam. I have three questions. The first two are on cycling. At last year's COS, I proposed building a velodrome for cycling. In fact, in the Minister's speech just now, he mentioned our national cyclist, Dinah Chan, who was involved in a road accident while training for the SEA Games. We need to protect them and make sure they have a safe environment for training. Can I ask the Minister what is the outcome of the study because the last time he said that he would study the proposal of building a velodrome seriously? Second, in Parliament several times, I have asked for a replacement site for the world-class BMX track with the demolishing of the Tampines Bike Park. Last year, the Minister said that the replacement site will be provided by the end of last year. That timeline has passed. Can I ask the Minister when will he be ready to announce the venue of the replacement site and the plans for it? And, finally, it is about traditional arts. I mentioned in my speech Japan's tradition of honouring national treasures and also individuals who have mastered their craft and calling them "living national treasures". Several countries have adopted that scheme – the United States, South Korea, France and Australia. I would urge the Minister to explore whether Singapore should also adopt a similar scheme to make sure that the best of our local traditions are preserved and passed on to the next generation.”
“Given the changing landscape, Singapore should strengthen its image as a modern multicultural nation in a quest to build a uniquely Singaporean Singapore – but with a twist: it is creative, forward-looking and edgy. It is also colourful – it has the most diverse people living in HDB blocks. The HDB block can well be a cultural icon. Our multicultural project can provide a platform for exchange and debate in international circles and act as a beacon and a magnet to others. Much of cultural diplomacy involves building relationships and influencing people in other parts of the world over the longer term; there is no quick return. To be effective, there needs to be more focused leadership and a stronger infrastructure with staff well-versed in foreign policy strategy, in culture and, ideally, also history. We should go beyond just signing cultural agreements with various countries and think more strategically on how to leverage on them to achieve our foreign policy objectives. An MOU is worthless if no follow-up action is taken and no resources allocated to maximise the opportunities. How is the new $20 million cultural diplomacy fund being used so far? Page: 38 I would like to ask how MCCY is developing Singapore's strength in cultural diplomacy, especially since this is our golden jubilee year and also our 50th year of diplomatic relations with many countries. Also, what are its plans to further project and sustain Singapore's image and reputation as a global arts city?”
“Madam, I first raised the issue of Singapore's international arts engagement in 2006, under MFA. I had argued then that cultural diplomacy should be an integral part of foreign policy. The upshot of Minister's reply was that the then-MICA was Page: 37 leading our international cultural cooperation. Hence, since then I have been directing my efforts at MICA, and now MCCY. I recognise the progress made in this area. Singapore's participation in the Venice Biennale late this year – after skipping the last one last year – is a step forward, as is the Singapore festivals held overseas. But occasional forays are insufficient. I feel that there is a need to strategise Singapore's global arts engagement and cultural cooperation. As we mark SG50 this year, let us seize the opportunity to re-imagine our national branding to the world. Our global arts engagement should evolve beyond scattered projects that do not add up to a larger and more strategic and coherent whole. If done well, it should present to the world a more nuanced and multi-faceted view of Singapore and its authentic values. Singapore is gloriously culturally diverse. It irks me that in some parts of the world today, people still mistake Singapore for being a part of China, or think it is a "Chinese" city given its Chinese majority. Perhaps more worrying is the underlying presumption by some Chinese nationals in China that Singapore, especially its own Chinese, should more readily identify with China's national interest as it rises on the global stage. All over the world, China has been quite aggressive in its charm offensive deploying the tools of cultural diplomacy.”
“This will help to sustain the practice and tradition and increase appreciation of their artistry within the community and beyond. We should also conserve the unique tools of traditional art forms, such as the last remaining dragon kiln in Singapore, and protect it as part of our heritage. I would like to ask the Minister on the efforts to support our artists, arts groups and to preserve our heritage for posterity.”
“Madam, the Esplanade has come a long way since April 2002, when there were concerns over its sustainability. Over the years, it has won a place in the hearts of many with its vibrancy and its iconic durian shape. It has also become an important incubator for home-grown artists and content. The pace of its artistic growth has outstripped its infrastructure. Two mid-sized theatres were in the original Esplanade plan. It is critical to build them soon. With the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall just refurbished and the National Gallery opening this year, it is also important to ensure that the Esplanade does not lose its lustre and preeminence. Can the Minister update us on the plans to refurbish Esplanade, and beyond that, to keep the Esplanade ahead of the pack as a world-class arts venue? Aside from the arts infrastructure, there is a need to also develop the arts software. In the face of the homogenising forces of globalisation, it is critical that we build up our heritage resources which differentiate us from other global arts cities. I urge the Ministry to take a bolder approach to identifying what counts as our national heritage. In Japan, it has a tradition of recognising National Treasures – the highest honour in the folk and traditional arts. Japan also honours masters of traditional art forms such as paper-making and pottery, and a select few are named Living National Treasures. Their mandate is to pass on their craft to the next generation. In this way, Japan ensures that the Page: 35 best of its traditions are preserved and with that, its national identity. Given Singapore's shift towards a mastery of skills, it would be timely to adopt a similar approach, and identify our own Living National Treasures before it is too late.”
“I would like to ask about the stress levels on the students. I welcome the Ministry of Education's (MOE) shift to go beyond grades. But, on the ground, Page: 123 the reality is that there is increasing pressure on the students to chase good grades, given the very competitive system and also the high expectations of parents. I am worried about those who find it hard to cope with stress and become exposed to problems like depression and low self-esteem, who may then be vulnerable to suicidal thoughts. 5.30 pm Can I ask the Minister how the Ministry is building up the emotional resources of students to cope with the pressures, given the rapid pace of change and also to work with parents to manage their expectations and to be open to the multiple pathways that the Minister has just talked about?”
“The role of parents is also crucial in character-building. I would like to ask the Minister how it will engage parents in character-building. Humanities and Social Sciences Research”
“Schools should make better use of Literature, History and Sports to discuss human nature, to look at a problem from different angles and to think through carefully before taking action in stressful situations. Being in a caring school community would help students to develop their sense of self and also a sense of civic consciousness. The school itself must have character and the students must feel a sense of belonging to it. We cannot afford to have anonymous schools and anonymous principals – which we are in danger of inculcating if we continue to rename schools and change principals rapidly. In this regard, I welcome the $20,000 grant to each school to use for the causes that they identify. I urge schools to use this wisely, to build on its own school character and, at the same time, channel the students to worthy causes that will imbue in them a sense of personal responsibility for the wider community around them. If they feel a sense of real responsibility towards the school and the community, some behavioural changes should follow: they will be less likely to litter, for one, less likely to blame others for problems and more likely to want to be part of the solution. I am also concerned about the tuition mentality and how that affects character development in our young. Even students who are doing well in school feel the need to go for tuition. I fear that this will breed in them a crutch mentality, erode their sense of self- Page: 58 confidence in their own abilities and feel the need to go for more courses just to feel they can make it when they should feel confident in their own abilities, in their abilities to reach high. I am also worried that excessive tuition —”
“Madam, the word "education" comes from the Latin root words which mean "to lead out". To support our students' social and moral growth, the process of learning requires that they be given the opportunity to make sense of such concepts as fairness, courage and resilience. They must be invited to reflect on complex issues, to figure out for themselves – Page: 57 and with one another – what kind of person one ought to be, why this is worth striving for and how to stay the course when things go bad around them. No character awards can help them. In this way, through the process of learning, they learn to be self-motivated, self-directed and be anchored in the truth that they have control over the kind of person they want to be. One thing I have found in my chats with young people is that some tend to pick up news from the social media, quite uncritically, and repeat the problems highlighted, asking for solutions. Sometimes, I feel that they expect a model answer from me, like an examination question. I often ask them back, "Well, what do you think? What can you do about it? Let us discuss." It may not give them the satisfying pat answer that they seek and, for some who are unused to this approach, they may find it disconcerting. But such critical thinking and self-awareness is important if we want to help our young become moral people, as opposed to people who follow blindly what they are told or reflexively rebel against what they are told. That is why I believe our education system should put greater focus on developing critical judgements, fostering individuality as well as an interest in the community, national and international problems.”
“Madam, in this year's batch of Edusave Character Award presentations, I went around asking some students why they thought they won the awards. A common response is: "I do not know" or "I am not sure". I know the intentions behind giving the Edusave Character Awards are noble when introduced in 2012, but it would be useful to take stock of the usefulness of the awards at this stage. Is it really helping the moral development of our young? What sort of values and traits are the schools actually rewarding in their selection of the winners and how is this being communicated? And more fundamentally, should we scrap the cash element to the Character Awards altogether? I urge MOE to subject the scheme to careful scrutiny and explore better ways to signal the importance that MOE places on character and values. Various studies have shown that when it comes to character education, extrinsic motivation is not only quite different from intrinsic motivation but, actually, tends to erode it. Individuals who have been rewarded for doing something helpful become less likely to think of themselves as caring people and more likely to attribute their behaviour to the reward. Hence, researchers have found that children who are frequently rewarded are less likely than other children to keep doing those things. In short, it may be counterproductive to dangle cash rewards in front of children for displaying good character. And, even worse, when their numbers have been artificially limited to only 2% in each school. This sets the stage for a competition and I wonder if this has resulted in them being held up as role models that others want to emulate or if it has led to the perception that these are just the lucky ones who got spotted by their teachers.”
“I just thought that I should make clear that when I said to involve the PDF volunteers who marched in the first NDP in this year's NDP, I did not mean to ask them to march. I meant to invite them and to give them the due spotlight so that they Page: 135 will feel that they are being appreciated.”
“His military did not have the advanced technology that we have. He knew that his military is not as capable as ours. But he looked me in the eye and told me that should anyone dare to come into his motherland uninvited and mean them harm, he will personally chase them out – even if he has only a bamboo spear in his hand. I respect this young soldier's spirit and determination. I think there is much that we can learn from this young soldier. Yes, today, the SAF is a capable military and we can defend what is ours. But this capable military will come to naught if we do not have the gumption, will, determination or unity to defend what is ours. On the other hand, if we can couple our advanced military capabilities with steely determination, if we can engender the commitment of our people, our entire society – our NSmen, all Singaporeans, businesses and social civic organisations – then I must say we have a formidable, if not invincible, defence machine. Mr Chairman, let me now invite Minister of State Maliki to provide further updates on the work of ACCORD. Page: 128”
“Hence, MINDEF and the employers have agreed to work together to let the employers better know the talent and attributes of our NSmen, who are their employees, so that they can better appreciate the talent of their employees – our NSmen – and better make use of those talents within their organisations. Page: 127 The Employer and Business Council has also recommended for MINDEF to work closer with the employers to keep them informed of their employees' upcoming in-camp training schedules. This will allow employers to better forecast their employees' work responsibilities to afford our NSmen peace of mind in preparing the discharge of their National Service duties. The outreach done by the Employer and Business Council has also provided many employers fresh perspectives on the work of our National Servicemen. Many of them have given me positive feedback on what they have learnt about their employees – our NSmen – what they do in camp, the level of commitment that they demonstrate in their recall exercises and so forth. All these have generated a fresh sense of commitment towards our national defence because now our employers better understand how their employees – our Servicemen – work not just for their respective companies in peacetime, but also for the collective defence of our country, without which, their businesses would not be able to flourish. Knowledge and understanding are the first steps in our societal support. We will continue to strengthen this partnership with the employers and businesses to provide the strongest support possible for our National Servicemen in the discharge of their duties to the nation. Mr Chairman, the most powerful weapon of the SAF lies in the commitment of our people. I once met a young soldier from another country.”
“We will progressively put in place the many good ideas that they have recommended. Let me provide some updates on the Employer and Business Council while Minister of State Maliki will provide updates for the other two Councils subsequently. The Employer and Business Council has recommended that we revamp the Total Defence Awards to recognise more people and organisations across different sectors who have contributed to the defence of Singapore. For example, instead of just recognising the employers and companies, we should also recognise the colleagues and immediate superiors who have been supportive and who have made a difference to the National Servicemen when they answer the call of duty. Another example – we know that different industries and different sectors face different challenges in supporting the National Servicemen. Somebody in the trade sector will need quite different support from somebody in a factory. We also know that the challenges of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the big multinational corporations (MNCs) are quite different. Hence, we will work with the respective trade associations and business chambers to revamp their awards and to recognise more from the different sectors and different sizes of companies. The Employer and Business Council also recognises that many skills – especially leadership, organisation and management skills – picked up by our NSmen are invaluable to their business operations. The performance of our NSmen in the SAF also provides valuable signals to the companies on the potential, the energies, the capabilities and the commitment of their employees.”
“The first intake of the SAF Volunteer Corps will begin training in March 2015, and it is this month. Since recruitment started last October, we have close to 900 applicants. We expect to take in 100 to 150 volunteers this year. They are a good mix of Singapore Citizens and first-generation Permanent Residents. They will also serve in a variety of roles alongside our National Servicemen. What they bring to the table is not just operational capabilities for the defence of this country. As importantly, if not more, they bring a new dimension of commitment to defence of our country. Through their actions, they have demonstrated their willingness to go the extra mile to defend what is ours. In response to Mr Low Thia Khiang's question, different SAFVCs will have different capabilities and they will be matched according to their capabilities where their deployment is effective and safe. We will also security-clear all SAFVCs, as what we will do for all our National Servicemen. No difference. Page: 126 Mr Ong Teng Koon asked about ACCORD. Societal support forms the final pillar in our commitment to defence. Since last August, we have revamped ACCORD to form three Councils – the Employer and Business Council; the Family and Community Council and the Educational Institutions Council. This is to provide greater representation across different sectors in society and to tap their ideas and network to strengthen our commitment to defence. Let me also at this juncture thank the three co-chairs – Mr Tony Chew, Ms Claire Chiang and Ms Indranee – and their many sub-committees who have worked very hard over the last few months to come up with the many recommendations that we have before us today. MINDEF has accepted all their recommendations for this year.”
“SAF works on the principle of meritocracy, we deploy soldiers to vocations based on merit and that which best makes use of their capabilities, aptitude and commitment. It does not make sense for us to do otherwise because people are the most precious resource that we have. MINDEF and MHA will continue to recognise our National Servicemen. The NS Recognition Award, or NSRA, will now evolve into the NS HOME Awards. "HOME" stands for Page: 125 "Housing", "Medical" and "Education". Previously, a National Serviceman would receive $9,000 to $10,500 across the three milestones in his NS journey. Going forward, he will receive an additional $6,000 for MediSave grants. From September 2015 this year, we will advance part of this additional grant to help cover our NSmen's MediShield Life premiums while they are serving full-time National Service. Since implementation in September 2014, more than 56,000 National Servicemen have benefited and about $270 million has been disbursed under this scheme. Mr Sitoh Yih Pin, Mr Low Thia Khiang and Mr Alex Yam asked about the Volunteer Corps. Mr Chairman, let me now touch on engendering the commitment of Singaporeans for those who do not directly serve in the SAF. Actually, to be frank, all Singaporean families contribute to SAF directly and indirectly. Generations of parents, spouses, girlfriends who have encouraged and supported their sons, husbands and boyfriends in National Service have contributed directly and indirectly to our defence. Come March, another group of people will demonstrate their commitment to our defence in a different way. They will form the SAF Volunteer Corps, or SAFVC, as we call them, continuing the proud tradition of the Singapore Volunteer Corps way before the SAF was even in existence.”
“To be good stewards of our National Servicemen's time and talents, and, as part of the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNC)'s recommendations, MINDEF and the Ministry of Home Affairs will be adjusting our pre-enlistment medical screening and administration schedule. Today, 45% of our pre-enlistees enlist within four months of graduation from their post-secondary education. In future, 90%, double what we have today, will enlist within four months; the rest will enlist within six months. This will impact more than 20,000 enlistees each year. Let me now touch on time management. The learning style of our youths has changed. We must similarly evolve our training pedagogy. MINDEF will continue to widen the use of LEARNet to save an estimated 15% to 20% of training time to be reinvested into hands-on practice for our soldiers. We are also redesigning our training equipping system to allow our National Servicemen to focus more time on their training, rather than on administrative duties. For example, we are currently building a new tactical engagement system equipping station that will come online this year. This new station will allow us to fully equip an infantry or armour battalion with the tactical engagement system for training within half a day, much less than the 24 hours required previously. For mobilisation and equipping, I have shared last year that what used to take 24 hours to equip a brigade size force will now take much less time than that. And the time saved can be used by the soldiers to conduct their refresher training as their commanders get their battle plans ready. MINDEF also engenders commitment in our people by being good stewards of our Servicemen's talents and energies.”
“We did all these to partner our NSmen in their fitness journey even as they meet their other family and economic responsibilities. All these measures will also complement the SAF's vocational fitness regime to prepare our NSmen and NSFs for their operational demands. Dr Intan also asked for an update on our safety system. In the area of training safety, we have made various improvements to our training and medical systems to better take care of our National Servicemen. The SAF medical service is working closely with the National Health Systems to leverage each other's capabilities to care for all Servicemen and for all Singaporeans as a continual. For example, we recently opened the SAF Cardiac Fitness Centre and this is integrated with the National Heart Centre. Such collaboration would allow us to leverage each other's resources and benchmark the SAF's health and medical standards to the wider national system. From January 2015, the SAF has also put in place the Emergency Ambulance Service which works with private ambulance operators to allow serious casualties to be directly evacuated to hospitals while receiving treatment en route. Page: 124 At the tactical level, we have leveraged the soldier tracker system to keep track of our soldiers on difficult terrain and small unit operations. This system is not just operationally useful; it also provides greater confidence to our evacuation system. The SAF is also working behind the scenes to evolve our work-rest cycle to better manage physical demands on our soldiers. This will regulate their physiological strains while achieving optimal performance in their operational duties. To reduce heat injuries, heat stress monitors have also been introduced to closely monitor localised weather conditions.”
“I would like to ask the Minister whether he could consider making this a part of this year's NDP. I would also like to call for the new SAF Volunteer Corps, which is really a reincarnation of the PDF, to take part. It is to show a line of continuity between the Pioneer Generation and the new one and bridge the generation gap. The Second Minister for Defence (Mr Chan Chun Sing): Mr Chairman, the cornerstone of our defence is our commitment to defend what is ours. What we cannot defend and what we are not committed to defend will not be ours. This commitment depends not just on the generations of National Servicemen who have served in SAF. It also depends on all Singaporeans who may not directly serve in SAF. It further depends on all institutions and organisations in our society. To engender the commitment of our National Servicemen, we must train our Servicemen well, train them safely, be good stewards of their time and talents and, last but not least, to give due recognition to our National Servicemen where it is due. Dr Intan asked about our fitness regime. Fitness is the basic building block of our National Servicemen's capabilities. We want our National Servicemen to be fit for their operational duties, for themselves, for their families and for the country. We have announced that, from 1 April 2015, the IPPT system will evolve to a three-station regime to make it easier to train and to encourage our NSmen to excel. Since last year, we have also provided our NSmen more time – 12 months – to train, prepare and meet their fitness requirements. We have since introduced "IPPT in the Park", to make it more convenient for our NSmen to access training. We have also trialled the use of iDAT and Fitbit for NSmen to take greater ownership of their own fitness training.”
“The NDP, held at a low point when the people's morale was sliding dangerously low, boosted their faith in the country and its leaders. At that time, Singapore had just two infantry regiments, both under Malaysian command, and no regular army of its own to speak of. Our Pioneer leaders sweated blood to build up SAF from scratch. How far we have come today. Our SAF has proven to be a strong and credible military force and the pride of our nation. As we celebrate Singapore's 50th year of Independence this year, let us not forget our Pioneer Generation, especially our founding leaders, who have struggled against mighty odds to get us to this point. In the spirit of honouring our Pioneers, we should involve the PDF volunteers who marched in the first NDP if they are still with us and are able to come. We should invite them and give them their due spotlight in our Jubilee parade, now back at the Padang where it all began. There is also an extra Pioneer leader, whom we must honour: our founding Premier, Lee Kuan Yew. It is also right that we, as a nation, pay him a special tribute in this year's NDP. Without his strong and visionary leadership, without his determination and gumption, Singapore would certainly not be where it is today, a country free and strong, as we often sing in our community song. I fear that if we let this moment pass, we would become desensitised to the notion of sacrifice and service, and take the tears and sweat of those who have gone before us for granted. To pay tribute is to show the grateful heart of the nation. If there is time for a nation to make room for remembrance and sentimentality, it is this NDP. Even if Mr Lee may not Page: 123 want it or expect it, I feel it is important that we, as a nation, honour him during this special occasion.”
“Listening to the Minister's sneak preview of the NDP, it sounds exciting, but I hope it will not become a grand spectacle, a multimedia concert or just a TV extravaganza with bells and whistles. I feel that this NDP should be unique and special in another way. It should be a real experience for everyone there and everybody watching. It should stir our emotions, inspire our imagination. Sir, Singapore held her first national day parade in 1966 at the Padang. Although still reeling from the trauma of Separation and anxious over the country's survival, our Pioneers managed to muster the courage and imagination to put up a parade with the theme: Page: 122 National Pride and Confidence in the Future. One of the highlights was the 19-minute march-pasts of 23,000 men, women and children. The march-pasts was held by six contingents of the volunteer force, People's Defence Force (PDF), which was just formed on 30 December 1965. The PDF, including its women's contingent, were on public parade for the first time. Also in the PDF's contingent were several Ministers and Members of Parliament, all wearing, for the first time, the uniforms of officer cadets. Our founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, recorded in his memoirs: "They put up a brave show and were cheered enthusiastically by those behind the saluting guys and by the crowds lining the streets as they recognise their sun-tanned Ministers and MPs in uniform, eager in their stride if lacking in martial bearing." In his aural history, Othman Wok, one of the Ministers who marched in that parade, revealed that it was Mr Lee who had gone around persuading the Ministers and Members of Parliaments to take part in the PDF contingent.”
“ASEAN countries can leverage on the bigger market of 600 million people to attract international investments and power global growth, thereby strengthening the grouping's bargaining position in dealing with the international community. The AEC can also narrow the income gaps that remain between the original ASEAN members and the new, through building a more deeply integrated ASEAN economy nested into global markets. Viewed from these angles, the AEC project is very important not only for the growth of ASEAN, but also for managing economic and geopolitical uncertainties. These are major issues. However, I am not sure if many people in the region, not even in Singapore, understand what the AEC is about or how it benefits or impacts them. It is important for Singapore to also do its part to explain to the people and businesses, so that they can buy into this important project and not view it as just another pronouncement from ASEAN, nothing to do with them. Page: 66 Madam, I wish to ask the Minister the following questions: What is the state of ASEAN today? How is Singapore's relationship with the member countries, especially with Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos? Can the Minister give an update on ASEAN's community building and integration efforts? Is Singapore ready for AEC and how does it plan to plug into it? How does AEC benefit Singaporeans and what will it mean for them in terms of jobs and opportunities? And finally, what are ASEAN's future plans once the AEC is established in 2015? ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC)”
“Madam, ASEAN, formed in 1967, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in two years. It has played a significant role in promoting the habit of Page: 65 cooperation among its member countries and developing a common strategic outlook, especially in the earlier decades, with the original ASEAN 5. Strengthening ASEAN was a top priority for the ASEAN leaders in their underlying drive to build a level of strategic stability and power balance in the region. They overcame their differences to ensure regional stability and prosperity. Since the grouping's expansion to 10 countries, however, there have been concerns whether ASEAN could be as united, given the diverse levels of development and strategic outlooks. In recent years, some countries were also distracted by internal political problems and leadership changes, while others were caught up with rising tensions over the competing territorial claims in the South China Sea. Hence, there were doubts expressed in some quarters if ASEAN could focus on its integration agenda, maintain its centrality in the region and fulfil its dream of establishing an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by the end of this year. Unless there is political will among ASEAN leaders to put ASEAN as their top priority, I am worried about its future as bigger powers seek to exert their influence over this region. The AEC is an important project, not only in terms of the economic benefits, but also from the strategic point of view. Closer economic integration within ASEAN will not only raise living standards but also contribute towards greater regional stability and resilience.”
“Madam, in conclusion, as we celebrate SG50 this year, I believe that the fundamental challenge for Singapore lies in accommodating two identities – the global and the local one – and how it serves both the global economy and local needs, taking into account the changing lifestyles and concerns of its citizens. As Mr Rajaratnam warned in his Global City speech, "Laying the economic infrastructure of a Global City may turn out to be the easiest of the many tasks involved in creating such a city. But the political, social and cultural adjustments such a city would require to enable men to live happy and useful lives in them may demand a measure of courage, imagination and intelligence which may or may not be beyond the capacity of its citizens." It was up to us, he said, to equip our people "intellectually and spiritually" to make the transformation. Page: 63 In this regard, I support the point made by Nominated Member Prof Tan Tai Yong on the need to build up the resilience of our people to make sure that our people are able to have that robust and tough attitude to life to make difficult transformations to ensure progress for our future. Madam, 50 years from now, may the future generation of Singaporeans look back upon this period and similarly find inspiration in our foresight and determination to tackle the challenges ahead. On that note, I support the Budget. 2.39 pm”
“One encouraging aspect is that he came to see me not to ask for financial assistance for himself; he came to ask for free home nursing service and community help for his mother. We will help him. But his case highlights how our policies need to provide greater support for single caregivers. The same goes for single parents. In 2011, 26% of households with children under the age of 18 were headed by single mothers. I have formed a single mothers' group in my constituency to support this growing group. One of their biggest challenges is raising their children on their own and supporting the family with only one income. They are divorced from their husbands for various reasons – their husband was abusive, had a mistress, left them in the lurch, or the relationship had become so toxic that the children were being affected. They would rather have stayed married and had a wholesome family. But it was not to be. It is not that they did not value the institution of marriage. It is hard for them to understand why they are being penalised for their misfortune to stay married. Because of the current official stand on marriage and family, Government policies discriminate against single mothers. They receive less paid maternity leave and are not entitled to tax incentives that married mothers receive. Madam, one theme that runs through the Budget Statement is the importance of building a fair and inclusive society. This spirit should be extended to singles and single parents. We can send pro-family signals in other more positive ways, without penalising singles and their children who require our support, not our condemnation.”
“This group does not have income security and many do not have sufficient CPF. They are not entitled to employer's CPF contributions, annual leave or medical leave. This is also a problem faced by other self-employed workers, such as taxi drivers. We need to tailor our various schemes and programmes to take into account this growing sector. Our current system is heavily geared towards people working in conventional ways – from applying for housing to preparing for retirement – and all these must change. Our support mechanisms must also develop greater flexibility to respond and adapt quickly to these new trends. Another area that requires a policy change relates to the changing norms in our society, which brings me to my third point. As in other developed countries and major global cities, Singapore is seeing a rise in the number of singles and single parents. Many of them are not "swinging" singles but "stressed" singles, who are juggling work and care-giving responsibilities. Some had to give up work to cope with their care-giving duties. This includes singles who took over the care of their aged parents on behalf of their married siblings. A case in point is Mr Seah Chin Pang, who came to see me at my Meet-the-People session this Monday. He is 56, single. He used to work as a security guard and took the night shift so that he could care for his elderly parents. His father, aged 92, was suffering from brain cancer. His mother, 88, is suffering from colon cancer. As their health worsened, Mr Seah had to stop work in October last year to care for them. His father died in December Page: 62 2014. His mother remains bedridden and requires a maid and home nursing. All these have taken a toll on Mr Seah personally and also on his finances.”
“Now, with the focus on productivity, many workers report even greater stress at the workplace. For some, especially the middle-level workers, their salaries have stagnated or moved up only very slowly. They feel hard done by and tend to blame the foreigners for their plight. On the other hand, employers often complain that Singaporeans are reluctant to work long hours, weekends or night shift. We hear this very often when we ask employers why they are not hiring Singaporeans or it is hard to hire Singaporeans. Hence, the paradox: increasing job vacancies in the market but Singaporeans, especially those in the PMET group, complaining there are no suitable jobs for Page: 61 them. This has driven an increasing number to try out freelancing or contract work. Companies should take advantage of this new pool of labour and view it as a possible solution to the labour crunch. They should offer more jobs that can be performed remotely and independently. On its part, the Government should do more to ensure a supportive business environment for those who want to just work for themselves. The SkillsFuture initiative is a useful measure to deepen the skills of freelancers. They do not have the luxury of being sent for courses on the company's expense. But it is important to ensure that the courses available would cover a wide range of subjects across disciplines. Some of the most sought-after freelance jobs in developed countries involve infographic design: the skill of presenting complex information in a sharable way. Another is writing – compiling analysis or writing for publications and blogs. These are specialised skills. Our policymakers must review how the greater use of contingent work arrangements affects income, consumption and access to health and retirement benefits.”
“One of the greatest changes is the growth of independent and contingent workers. These workers go by many names – contractors, freelancers, consultants, portfolio workers, temps and the self-employed. Their growth is driven by the development of tools that allow people to work independently across industries, such as software, design, journalism, marketing, legal services and architecture. This has opened up huge opportunities for project-based work. Leading companies in other global cities are taking advantage of this entrepreneurial shift to be more precise in when and how they engage labour – moving closer to making labour a variable cost, rather than a fixed one. They bring in talent as needed and to acquire the services of people with highly specialised expertise that many companies could not afford to hire full-time. These virtual work arrangements appeal to mothers who need more flexibility, older workers who want to be active but not strapped to the desk and young "Generation Y" professionals who want flexible lifestyles. This trend is apparent in developed countries, such as the US and UK. According to research, one-third of Americans are estimated to be freelancers. By 2020, freelancers are expected to make up 50% of the full-time workforce. In the UK, freelancers have become the fastest growing group in its labour market, with a surge in home workers. In Singapore, I have met many professionals of various ages opting to work as freelancers, rather than as full-time employees. They put a high value on freedom, flexibility, purpose and meaning. Work-life balance is important to them. Madam, in my previous speeches, I have called on companies to provide more flexibility and work-life balance, but progress has been slow.”
“We need to continue to be world-embracing. Indeed, it is far from given that Singapore would continue to retain its high rankings as a leading global city, as fast-growing emerging market cities strive to leapfrog its peers. The ongoing shift towards a more knowledge-based economy is exacerbating this process, with human capital playing a key role in the relative competitiveness of cities. Singapore has to watch this very carefully. Its ranking has fallen over the years in AT Kearney's Global Cities Index. This examines how globally engaged cities are across a broad set of measures, including human capital and cultural experience. New York has topped the rankings since the first report was released in 2008. However, Singapore's ranking has fallen, from No 7 in 2008 to No 9 last year, overtaken by Chicago and Beijing. Singapore and Singaporeans must recognise this stark reality of the global race for talent, even as the Government addresses their concerns on foreigners and finetunes the numbers. The public concern over the foreign influx speaks to a deeper insecurity in citizens of their place in this country. The Budget measures targeting at empowering them, such as the SkillsFuture initiative, would go some way in assuring them. But it is important to guard against xenophobic and racist sentiments from taking hold in our national psyche. Every critic of our foreign talent policy is not a racist or a xenophobe, but the racists and xenophobes among them must be identified and isolated. While we cannot control the global forces, we can shape the kind of society and people we want to Page: 60 become. This leads me to my second point, on the future of work. Madam, cities will play a leading role in nurturing changes that will support the changing landscape of work.”
“We need to ensure that these trends do not overwhelm our local cultures or our national identity. For Singapore is both a city and a country. In London and New York, their unhappy residents can shift to the suburbs or smaller cities in their countries. Singaporeans do not have that option. To preserve the feel of Singapore as a familiar home, we need to invest more in our local arts and heritage and in conserving our distinctive landmarks and localities even if they do not seem to make immediate or obvious economic sense. Page: 59 We should jealously guard our few remaining sleepy hollows, such as our outer islands, with their small local businesses and rustic charm. May Starbucks never set up shop in Ubin. Given the polarising pressures of globalisation, it has become even more urgent for us to strengthen the people's sense of collective responsibility and common destiny. If groups of people feel that the deck is stacked against them, that through no fault of their own, they are consigned to a desperate life, resentment will build up at the unfairness of it and be our constant companion. In this regard, I welcome the Budget's initiatives in strengthening the social compact and raising the taxes on the super-rich and providing more help to the poor and middle-income and giving everyone a fair stake in the country's growth. Can Singapore be both a just city and a global city? I believe it can. In Singapore, the role of the Government differentiates its trajectory as a global city from New York and London. While the world beckons, we are masters of our own destiny. Indeed, we have proved this to be so over the last 50 years. That said, we cannot run away from the fact that Singapore needs to continue to be, as Mr Rajaratnam put it – world-embracing.”
“Today, the Singapore passport carries weight all around the world. The Singapore brand is highly regarded internationally and doors open readily for our businessmen overseas. But its growth as a global city has come at a price. This came to the fore in recent years when public unhappiness over immigration, income inequality, pressure on infrastructure and rising property prices became political hot potatoes. These issues, however, are not unique to Singapore. They are also faced by other major global cities to varying degrees. The problems are most marked in the top cities, such as London and New York. In these cities, the rapid rise of wealthy elites has led to what economist Ajay Kapur calls a "plutonomy", an economy and society driven largely by the very rich. While these cities boast areas with the highest concentration of billionaires, they also see a growing underclass with rising poverty levels. At the same time, the middle class is fast shrinking as white-collar jobs move out and the working class move to suburbs. These trends could shape the future of cities, both socially and politically. It is important to factor in these trends when thinking about Singapore's strategies as a global city while also tackling the problems that could endanger it. Even as Singapore becomes more cosmopolitan and glitzy, we have to guard against becoming a luxury city, or a generic city with little to differentiate it from the others around the world. Madam, I took a stroll along Orchard Road recently and most of the shops fronting the street are no different from those in London, Paris, New York or Hong Kong – luxury fashion shops selling branded goods which are beyond the budget of the average Singaporean.”
“He also used another name: ecumenopolis, or the world-embracing city. He believed that the transformation was necessary for Singapore to overcome its inherent vulnerabilities and to succeed in a harsh world where small states often end up as pawns of bigger powers. At the time, British troops had just withdrawn from Singapore. The Indochina conflict was festering with no clear outcome in sight. It was an unstable period during the Cold War, with the great powers vying for influence in the region. To cap it all, relations with neighbouring countries, especially Indonesia, were difficult and unpredictable. Mr Rajaratnam believed that, by becoming a global city, Singapore would become a key node in the international system coordinating global flows of trade, money, materials, goods and people. Singapore's hub status in maintaining the smooth functioning of the global economy would also enhance its strategic relevance. Multiple major powers would have a vested interest in the country's survival and success. This would give Singapore more room to manoeuvre and it could then better protect its national interests and bring security and progress to its people. The Government's concerted and consistent efforts over the years to make Singapore a global city have paid off, as Singapore made its presence felt on international indices that measure global city performances. The 2012 Global City Competitiveness Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Singapore as the third most competitive city in the world, Page: 58 after New York and London. Singapore's trajectory to its status as a leading global city was neither smooth nor inevitable. Fundamental to its competitiveness has been its openness to the rest of the world and the quality of its human capital.”
“Mdm Speaker, first, I would like to commend the Finance Minister for a forward-looking and fair Budget. Its strong focus on building Singapore's future and ensuring a fair and just society provides both a springboard for our country to reach the next frontier of growth and the safety net for a more compassionate society. By contrast, many developed countries are grappling with unsustainable budget deficits, with a growing number at risk of defaulting; cutting back on infrastructure projects, rather than putting growth and development at the top of their agenda. As I listened to the Finance Minister's speech, I could not help but feel a surge of pride in being Singaporean and also of humility. Proud because it bore the hallmarks of good Page: 57 government – far-sighted, responsible, inclusive and responsive. Humbled because we know that such a Budget would not have been possible without our pioneer leaders who established an uncompromising ethos of high standards, financial prudence, incorruptibility and progress for all. Another crucial feature inherited from our pioneer leaders – the unflinching attention to hard realities and the political will to confront them. That clear-eyed approach to Singapore's challenges and concerns is apparent in this year's Budget. Madam, in my speech, I would like to discuss three challenges facing Singapore. First, becoming a necessary global city, as opposed to being just one out of many in the world. Second, embracing the future of work – the rise of the freelance economy. And, third, responding to changing norms, with the rising number of singles and single parents. Madam, in 1972, our founding Foreign Minister S Rajaratnam used the word "global city" to describe his vision for Singapore's transformation.”
“Mdm Speaker, I share the concerns raised by the hon Member Yeo Guat Kwang on the need to have a more comprehensive regulation that encompasses as well the smaller dormitories. I understand the Minister's point that the smaller dormitories are already governed by the existing regulations. But the concern that many Members here share is that while we have tough laws for the smaller dormitories, the enforcement may not have been as tough. That is why one of the questions I raised in my speech was: within the last two years ever since the Act was tightened and penalties increased for housing violations, how many cases have been brought to bear and with deterrent penalties on errant employers? While we have this new tough Bill for 1,000-bedders and above, we would like an assurance that the smaller dormitories will not escape the gaze of MOM. My other question is to clarify whether the Minister is saying that the direction where MOM is moving is towards encouraging, or maybe a gentle persuasion for, employers to go into PBDs; or is he tightening the screws in terms of tightening permits for new quarters, squeezing out available options in the market for smaller dormitories so that they will be herded into PBDs?”
“Mdm Speaker, I support this amendment Bill. 4.58 pm”
“Some have taken to going to HDB void decks and commercial buildings to tap on the free wi-fi, for example. Mdm Speaker, in Mandarin, please. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mdm Speaker, in the past few years, Yishun Group Representation Constituency (GRC), especially Yishun South, saw many new construction projects and Build-To-Order (BTO) flats coming up, very much like bamboo shoots springing up after the rain. While it is good to help young people to fulfil their dream of home ownership, some residents are disturbed by the constructions. Residents often told me that, every night, they would see foreign workers lingering around their void decks. Some workers would leave a large amount of trash behind, such as cigarette butts and beer bottles. As Singapore's largest developer, HDB perhaps should take the lead to ask the contractors to provide free Wi-Fi at the workers' dormitories and some basic recreational facilities. These will not only keep the workers at their dormitories but also reduce the inconvenience to nearby residents. We can also provide training and seminars for foreign workers to better understand and integrate into our culture. For example, short courses on not littering, safety guidelines for pedestrians and cyclists, laws and customs, will reduce the friction between the locals and Page: 71 foreign workers. I also received a number of feedback on foreign workers driving on our roads. Many residents feel that it is too easy for foreign workers to convert their driving licence into a local one. They feel that due to the differences in driving behaviour, culture and road conditions, foreign workers should take some driving tests before they are allowed to convert their licence. This will improve our road safety.”
“Without proper supervision, there may be some errant dormitory operators who will comfortably slip past licensing requirements. There is certainly nothing to stop an operator from putting 999 workers there and thus escape scrutiny. Last October, there was a report in The Straits Times on the living conditions at some factory-converted dormitories. There were workers who complained of being plagued by mosquitoes, rats and ants. I would be surprised if the dormitories are not infested with cockroaches and bed bugs. They had nowhere to store their groceries and food. There was Page: 70 no proper space to dry their wet clothes and uniforms. Windows are sometimes boarded up, which meant poor ventilation. Will this Bill cover such dormitories? Will this Bill prevent such things from occurring again? Definitely not, as most such factory dormitories are less than 1,000-bed capacity. Let us take this opportunity to examine the overall welfare of our foreign workers. Next, not all employers are open to housing workers in PBDs. It is more cost-effective to house them in cheaper onsite facilities. Due to the limited space and lack of amenities, these facilities tend to become cramped and unsanitary. Thus, I believe such facilities, though they house fewer foreign workers, would still need to be subject to monitoring as well. I propose making it compulsory to provide additional frequently used amenities, such as free wi-fi, TV and proper storage facilities, and recreational corners if space permits. Many own smartphones to keep in touch with their families back home. Free wi-fi would certainly come in handy and save them some expenses. Instead we often see them squatting along the roadside or areas where they can tap on free wi-fi.”
“This Bill will certainly home in on the current shortcomings in housing for foreign workers who come here to work, and also ensuring that the concerns of Singaporeans who live near to these dormitories are also looked into. In Chinese, there is a saying, “又要马儿跑， 又要马儿不吃草”. It means that "You can't expect the horse to run fast when you don't let it graze". But let me clarify that the reference to horses is not meant to be taken literally. Rather, it is to appreciate the hard and long hours that these workers have been putting in each day to help us realise our infrastructure developments. If we want our construction projects to be completed on schedule and with efficiency, it only makes sense that we protect the basic rights of these contributors with adequate and proper living quarters where they can rest well after a day's hard manual work, relax and be comfortable. I am in support of the Bill, but I believe we can do more. Firstly, why are only large dormitories with 1,000 or more beds subject to licensing? How did this magic figure come about? I would think putting a few hundred people under a roof is a sizeable crowd. It poses challenges to manage even with just 50 people under one roof, from fire safety, cooking area, toilets to space for clothes. Failure to manage the living quarters of a few hundred people can certainly give rise to problems in terms of public health and safety, security and public order. I wish to ask the Minister how many percent of our workers are living in large dormitories with 1,000 or more beds. I strongly believe that we should lower the threshold for the Bill to include smaller dormitories to ensure that these workers have a safe and hygienic accommodation during their stay in Singapore.”
“Already, there seems to be an increasing divide between Singaporeans and foreign workers in our midst. Nasty comments both ways are not uncommon in the social media. These should be discouraged and the deeper issues addressed. The Government is already tightening the inflow of foreign workers, to the point that some companies have to close shop in Singapore and move elsewhere. Despite the pain felt by businesses, the Government must press on with the economic restructuring to operate at a higher level with higher productivity. To attract more Singaporeans into the industries which rely on foreign workers, such as construction and F&B, the wages must be increased and the working conditions and processes improved. It is also important to change the public perceptions towards these jobs as low status jobs. With these changes, attitudes towards foreign workers and the jobs that they do will also change. This will make for a more united Singapore: open, decent and fair to all. In conclusion, Madam, as we celebrate Singapore's 50th anniversary and look with some pride at all that we have achieved, let us recall the role played by foreign workers over the years. Let us ensure that they are trained well, treated well and housed well. Hopefully, when they go back to their home countries eventually, they will have good memories of working in Singapore and be our ambassadors in portraying a good image of us as a society. With that, I support the Bill. Page: 69 4.50 pm Er Dr Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon) : Mdm Speaker, I am pleased that the Government is addressing the concerns of poor living conditions and overcrowding in foreign worker dormitories.”
“But MOM needs to beef up on its enforcement, so that the public can have confidence that it will also take prompt action on a tip-off. That said, it is unrealistic, however, to rely on tip-offs for large dormitories which are closed to members of the public. Even I, as a Member of Parliament, have no access. I tried to gain access to a large dormitory recently with a polite Page: 68 request for a visit to discuss community engagement but was denied. This leads me to my other concern: that PBDs may become very restrictive places for foreign workers to live, confining them with strict rules governing their hours and their behaviour, especially with the additional licensing requirements under this Bill. It is important to guard against the danger of PBDs becoming more like a prison or a labour camp, rather than a temporary home for guest workers. We know that there is resentment among some quarters in Singapore against the presence of foreign workers in shared public spaces. But we must send a very clear signal to all that the construction of PBDs is to provide more decent housing for Work Permit holders with better facilities and space; it is not to render them invisible to the public eye or to completely cut them off from society. Already, it is a tough life for them here: they work six to seven days a week, often under hot and difficult conditions that not many Singaporeans would put up with. They are entitled to their rest, with some freedom of movement. We should shape the attitudes of employers towards them with all the levers that the Government has at hand. They are guest workers. They are not slaves. Negative attitudes, if left to persist, would also have repercussions in the wider society.”