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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“The language of the economy places strong emphasis on the individual - mainly as the consumer of goods and services - and it is often an individual divorced from the wider social and political context. You do not feel rooted if the country only appeals to your salary packet and your pocket. Many Singaporeans have expressed the hope for a less stressful society, as Mr Gan has pointed out. The stress factors often cited include the rising cost of living, and a pressuring education system. Rather than dismiss such concerns or defend the status quo, I would urge the Government to conduct a transparent and open-minded study on these issues and see how these concerns can be eased. Revive the Cost Review Committee, if need be. Of late, the Government agencies have been justifying some price rises by saying, well, prices have to go up because Singaporeans want a higher standard of living and Singaporeans just have to learn how to pay for the higher quality of services that they want. Such arguments treat Singaporeans like consumers with endless wants, while they have been trying to respond as citizens wanting to have a say in the pace of change at this difficult time. There is a disconnect. Their increasing frustration with the system arises from a sense of impotence, a lack of control over the future. A consequence is the increasing clamour for political reform which we have been hearing, such as that put forward by the Political Matters and Media Group of the Feedback Unit. Such ideas are worth engaging and exploring with respect, not because these are all good ideas, but because they reflect the emerging debate about citizenship.”
“To deny that is to rob ourselves of the richness of the Southeast Asian culture and heritage. And to allow either the bland, shallow sameness of cosmopolitanism to take over, or the narrow sectarian pressures of ethnic identity to take hold. My second suggestion is to review our policy to ensure that our social and political development is not out of step with our economic development. For instance, women have made great strides in Singapore and yet the Government insists in upholding and preserving the patriarchal system, choosing tradition over civic values enshrined in the Constitution and embedded in our national pledge. Despite the commitment to a more just society upholding equality of opportunity, some Government policies seem to cast women in a secondary role, as submissive, passive women whose paramount mission is to fulfil the roles of a wife and mother. They could be deprived of an opportunity to become a doctor just because they are women; they could be deprived of equal medical benefits just because they are women. A national identity that is based on patriarchy excludes women. Gender equality issues that we raise in this House repeatedly should not be treated as separate "women's issues", as they tend to be in this House. These are structural questions which confront society in general. Another fundamental question is whether Singaporeans feel that they are being treated as citizens in this country, or as consumers of goods and services. Since independence, Singapore has implemented rapid economic reforms, which brought us great progress. But the pace of economic reform is often out of step with our social and political development. This has profound consequences for the notion of citizenship.”
“Such kneejerk responses and our less than coherent multi-cultural policies leave new Singapore citizens with no clear vision of the country they have joined. I suspect that this is because we ourselves are not clear about it. In the absence of a compelling, all-embracing vision, parochial and sectarian interests are filling the void. This brings me to our common cultural heritage. We are Southeast Asian, and yet we do not highlight or inculcate this as a common cultural heritage. We encourage Singaporeans to trace their roots to their ancestral homelands, saying that such Asian traditions anchor their sense of identity. But we are not the same with the Chinese in China and we know it, and the same goes for the other races, like the Indians in India - they are quite different from the Indians in Singapore. We have more in common with our Southeast Asian neighbours than China and India and far-off places that we call ancestral homelands. Just observe Singaporean students abroad. Whatever their race, their instinct is to group with Malaysians and other Southeast Asians when they go out. We say that our national language is Malay, yet we put little effort in getting all Singaporeans to learn it and speak it, other than the Malays themselves as their second language. We may rationalise that it may be expedient to signal to the world that we are different from the region - after all, some countries in the region are not the best advertisements for secular progress. But national identity is not to be dictated by short-term expediency or to be manufactured just to attract foreign investors. It is a question of who we are and our common destiny. And our destiny is in Southeast Asia, whether we like it or not. We might as well embrace it and make the best of it.”
“For instance, take the announcement that the Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim and his team of Malay MPs want to build a community of excellence for the Malay/Muslim community. This is a laudable goal and I am sure Singaporeans of all races and religions would support this. But I would think this is also a national goal, to help each other achieve excellence. Yet, all the discussions on achieving a community of excellence for the Malay/Muslims have not included the other races, as if they are a group apart. Even as a Member of Parliament, I have not been briefed on what this community of excellence for the Malay/Muslim community means, what does it entail, and if my multi-racial grassroots organisations and I can play a role in helping my Malay residents to achieve that. There is nothing wrong with setting different goals for the different communities, but I would ask for a more inclusive and multi-racial approach to helping the groups achieve these goals. We must give each group a sense of sharing a full and equal membership in the nation-state and not let anyone feel singled out. Sir, there is an overwhelming constituency in this country, especially the younger generation, who would like to see the ideals of multi-racialism and aspirations for racial equality upheld. But as ever with race, such conclusions must be tempered by complexities and contradictions. Progress towards racial harmony is often uneven. Attitudes towards foreign talents provide an example. You can be a Chinese Singaporean and yet still very unhappy if a Chinese athlete from China wins medals for Singapore under a Singapore passport.”
“The problem with such a view is that, other than being simplistic, it renders any soul-searching about national identity as an unearned luxury. The fact is that the attitudes of the younger generation towards the country has changed because the world has changed. The question before us is how to strengthen their sense of belonging to Singapore given all the uncertainties and complexities of the present. In our Motion, we called for a thorough review of policies and programmes and for "meaningful changes" to be made. I would like to highlight three reviews in three distinct areas. First, at a time when our separate ethnic identities are advancing to the fore, we should review our multi-cultural policies and programmes to ensure that greater stress is placed on our common civic identity and our common cultural heritage. Our civic identity refers to a way of life where citizens define themselves and pursue commonly-held goals. It includes fundamental values such as equality of treatment, equality of opportunity, meritocracy and multi-racialism. This is what citizenship in Singapore is about - who we are, how we live together, what type of people we want to become. It defines to what or whom we give our loyalty, how we relate to other citizens. It is a normative concept, and stems from a moral point of view. The arrests of the Jemaah Islamiyah members recently highlight how conflicting loyalties and subscribing to a very different moral view of the world can threaten the viability and security of our nation. Yet, at a time when we should be forging common goals as Singaporeans, my feeling is that we seem to be dealing with the Malay community more and more as a separate group, to be led by their Malay/Muslim political leaders.”
“Advanced IT has given ethnic and religious movements new opportunities for spreading their message and the tribal conflicts that they sometimes spawn. Groups which do not benefit from global capitalism seek to retreat to a simpler world, often offered by the ancient religions and traditions. With increasing democracy, some ethnic and religious groups are questioning the way their country has constituted itself and what it means to them as its members. We can see this debate being played out in our neighbouring countries as Muslim groups questioned how Islamic their country should be. In that sense, globalisation and increased democracy in this post-Cold War world have given a particularly sharp edge to identity. In a world and in a region that have lost the old order, Singaporeans cannot escape the question of what their statehood is made of. This question rings louder as, in a globalised world, countries seem to become increasingly similar in the political and economic sense through the adoption of democracy and a market economy. It is as if the world is shrinking into a giant McDonalds restaurant. Mass migration is another aspect of globalisation. People are increasingly mobile and they go where the opportunities are. This interplay of trends forces Singaporeans to ask themselves who they are, where they belong and what makes their country special. One Singaporean puts it very simply: "The world is getting more global, so there is nothing that sets Singapore apart from other places." I feel that it is important to paint this complex backdrop during this debate because it is too easy to frame this debate as only a problem with soft 3G generation born with a golden spoon in their mouth.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I decided to move this Motion together with the hon. Member, Gan Kim Yong, because I sense increasing frustration among the younger generation with the state of our society, and a feeling of disconnection with the present system. Based on the various surveys and my own dialogues with the younger Singaporeans, it is clear to me that there is a profound longing for a new kind of society. A society that will listen to their voices, and respect them as partners in the development of policy. A society that is rooted in a strong sense of national identity and community, and guided by a vision of a renewed society in which all count and none is excluded. This sense is reinforced by the recent debate on "stayers" and "quitters" which was sparked off by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong's National Day Rally speech. Some say that it is a not a new debate. Indeed, as far back as 1967, Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, then the Prime Minister, had used such terms in his speech at a convocation dinner of the then University of Singapore. His main message to the younger Singaporeans at that time was: "The future is what we make of it." Well, that future is now here. We are advanced in social and economic terms. We enjoy peace and relative prosperity. But something is missing. We are not sure who we are and what being a Singapore citizen means. What are we staying and fighting for? The terms used - "stayer" and "quitter" - may be the same as those used in the late 1960s, but the debate today is not the same. In this post-Cold War world and a very rapidly globalising one, politics has become dominated by the more complex questions of identity. We can see this in the rise in ethnic and religious clashes within states, and the revival of global religions in the world.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it is my understanding that maid agencies themselves are sometimes guilty of abuse of maids. I wonder how the accreditation system will be able to weed out such maid agencies. Dr Ng Eng Hen: Mr Speaker, Sir, if the hon. Member knows of any specific instances where an employment agency has abused a maid, please let us know and we will take the employment agency to task. How do we ensure that the maid accreditation system weeds out employment agencies which are not performing up to par? As I said, accreditation is not a specific programme but more a general one. We think that if we raise the level of performance of the maid employment agencies and have minimum standards and programmes which will raise their level of professionalism, a number of leaders will emerge who will give value-add to those employers who want foreign domestic workers and who will also be more responsible for the foreign domestic workers. So the answer is that it does not quite prevent specific abuses. If there are specific abuses, we will deal with them legally. If we wait until they happen, then it is really too late.”
“Would the Minister agree that as long as these terrorists are out there, our security is still at risk?”
“Are the regional authorities in Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines cooperating with our security agency in trying to detain and question them?”
“Sir, there have been reports that two main ring leaders like Bashir and Hambali are in Indonesia. What efforts are there to bring them back?”
“Sir, our nation has built up considerable strengths, capabilities and resources in the past 30 years. The older workers have contributed to these achievements and resources. I urge the Government to provide special assistance to them. Earlier on, Dr John Chen has mentioned that the Government could top up the CPF of such older workers, and I support his call. The Government should explore topping up, if not in full, at least in part, to help such workers. Sir, I have a specific request for DPM to consider. Yes, reducing the employee's CPF contribution for those aged 50-55 years old by 4% will enhance their spending power, but it will also erode their CPF savings in the long term. They may have to pay higher taxes and lose out in the CPF interest of their savings. Sir, I suggest that the Government consider giving an option to the employee either to take the cash or let it remain in his CPF account. Finally, Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to stress an important point which Mr Lim Boon Heng had earlier touched on. CPF cuts have been used in the past to pull us out of recession. Every cut is painful for workers. Employers should not expect another CPF cut if a recession occurs. It is time that employers built up the flexible component of wages, especially MVC without any further delay. Sir, the Government has accepted the CPF recommendations and it has announced some measures to help workers, especially the older ones. This is encouraging. As the CPF recommendations will be implemented gradually, I urge the Government to monitor the situation closely, as it has many implications, and do more, if necessary. Sir, I support the changes to the CPF system announced by the Deputy Prime Minister.”
“But if that is not sufficient, then I think the Government should monitor the situation and, as Members have suggested, if necessary, we can incentivise good employers and disincentivise bad employers. If, eventually, legislation is needed, then we can explore it. But right now, we need to immediately introduce some measures, and this measure of freezing the CPF for those aged 50-55, we believe, will help. Sir, I strongly urge employers not to treat these measures as a cost-cutting exercise. They must take the ERC recommendation seriously and pass back part of the savings to deserving employees, either in the form of bonus or monthly variable payments. I am glad that the Government as an employer will be setting an example. I urge private sector employers to do the same. Forms of payment can be flexible depending on the company. As this is a recommendation, there may be employers who are doing well and yet keep all the savings to themselves. If this happens, it will be unfair to this age group of workers. Hence, I call upon the Government to set up a tripartite committee to monitor the situation and, if necessary, introduce appropriate measures against such bad employers. Sir, the move to freeze employer's CPF contribution at 16% for those aged 50-55 years old will cause some hardship. These older workers have made sacrifices and contributed significantly to our nation's early years of economic development and nation building. Many workers in this age group have skills and experience. They should not be made to feel useless. Their concerns are real and they rightfully deserve more help. Will they be able to service their mortgage loans? Will they have sufficient funds for their retirement? These are fundamental questions.”
“This freeze should achieve the desired effect of retaining older workers, improving their employment prospects, and I agree that these measures to achieve greater wage flexibility would help preserve jobs. Sir, we can choose to do nothing about it and let events unfold. Mr Chiam has mentioned that a couple of years ago, the Opposition had called for a cut in CPF. I was one of them who objected to the proposal. He is right - time has changed. Of course, time has changed right now. And we are calling for this freeze because, as trade unionists, day to day, we have to help workers who are unable to find jobs, and for those who are out of the job market, to bring them back into the workforce. These are the difficulties we face today. As responsible trade unionists, we have to do something. Of course, any freeze will hurt, but there are other measures to help them, which I will touch upon later. But doing nothing will actually put the older workers into a greater pain and, without jobs, actually there is no CPF at all. They and their families are going to go through a great extent of suffering. Each day, when retrenched workers approach us, especially the older ones, we have great difficulty to find them jobs. Of course, I do agree that employers should not discriminate against older workers. But we just cannot live with statements without doing anything. So, we need to do something concrete, and we hope these steps will help. The world has changed. Time has changed. With globalisation and competition from the region and other newer economies emerging, there are greater difficulties, especially older workers face more difficulties. So, we believe that with this freeze, and with other measures which are in place, it would definitely help them to get back their jobs.”
“But raising the CPF band alone will not solve the problem. We should find ways to redesign jobs that are currently done by foreign workers to make them more attractive to our local workers. There is also an urgent need to educate our local workers not to shun these jobs, through the media or grassroots organisations. Other than the CPF changes, the Government should implement a complete set of packages to reconcile the housing, medical and retirement needs of the lower income workers and their families. This would ensure that they are not worse off in the longer term. Sir, now, I would like to touch on the recommendation to freeze the employer's CPF contribution at 16% for those in the 50-55 age group. In the debate yesterday, 25 MPs spoke. In today's debate, Dr Maliki, Ms Irene Ng and Mr Chiam See Tong also spoke on it. It may seem to the outside observer that the NTUC MPs are for the freeze, and everyone else is against it. I too support the freeze. Why do we support it? The other solutions proposed by the MPs are all very good solutions - retraining, upgrading of skills, more productivity and value added merit-based wages. These are all sound solutions and proposals. They have been around for years. They are not new proposals. But let me ask hon. Members: how many employers send their workers for retraining, not just for their present jobs but to prepare them for long-term employability? How many employers have implemented base-up wage system, which was proposed by the labour movement in 1986? The reason why we need to introduce a freeze now is not because we do not know the solution. It is that those who should implement the solution are slow and reluctant to do so.”
“And there is a danger that our social compact that has been built between the people and the Government through the many decades may be fraying. Even as it is being restructured, I urge the Government to take steps to strengthen this social compact, and build on the trust that the people have on the Government. Mr A. Nithiah Nandan (Nominated Member): Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for allowing me to join in this debate. I have been a union leader for the past 26 years. All these years, my top-most priority is job preservation and creation. Hence, it pains me when I see workers retrenched. The pain gets worse when retrenched workers are unable to find new jobs. Older workers are hardest hit. In my own union experience, especially in the past few years, I have noticed that older retrenched workers have greater difficulties in finding new jobs. In my experience, the challenges we face now on the economic front and job market are the most severe. As a union leader, I am equally concerned of the other basic needs of workers, ie, adequate housing, healthcare and a decent living standard in retirement. In addressing these concerns, I welcome the Economic Restructuring Committee's recommendations on changes to the CPF system. Its objective of refocusing the CPF is timely and necessary. I welcome the intent that the changes to the CPF will be gradual. Sir, I wish to express these views on the proposed CPF changes. First, the raising of the employees' CPF contribution wage band to $500-$750. This means that workers earning within this wage band and below would have a higher take-home pay from now on. It is also an incentive to encourage those who are economically inactive to enter the job market. Relatively, it will help the lower income households more.”
“But if it is introduced together with other measures directed at employers to change their mindset towards the older workers and with legislation to protect older workers, it would give a more accurate signal of the Government's intent, which is to help them stay employed and that the Government has their interests at heart. The Manpower Ministry, on its part, has put in extra effort to help older workers but I must say that this is often lost on the public. It has put in place very good programmes like providing higher level funding support for the training of older workers. I would urge the Government to pull together all these schemes and to set up a comprehensive national programme for older workers to address the problem of unemployed older workers and to send the signal that they are valued as assets. This is what Finland has done with some success. Finland is one of the rare countries to have taken a comprehensive grip on age policy. It launched a national programme for older workers in 1997 and this is implemented in cooperation with various Ministries and its social partners. It serves as a good example of Finnish tripartite cooperation. The partners have tried to improve the position of older workers at their workplace and there has been extensive commitment to this goal on the employers as well as the employees' side. The goal of the programme was to improve the employment rate among older workers as well as to influence people's attitude towards aging and older workers. The measures of this national programme are focused on helping to solve the problems of unemployment through training, information and legislation. Sir, in Singapore, we are going through a period of rapid change.”
“These cooperatives would be able to negotiate a better deal with the banks on behalf of their tenants and to also safeguard their interest as a group. For example, in Canada, non-profit housing cooperatives receive money from the Government to help the cooperatives subsidise a certain number of housing units or apartments. The housing charged for this unit is adjusted to the income of the household. If a household qualifies for a subsidy, their rent is usually set at 30% of the household income plus charges for utilities. It is a model worth looking at. Another change which troubles me is the CPF cut for workers above 50. I understand the rationale of the Government and support its aim to increase the employability of the older workers. I also applaud the move of the civil service to take the lead in giving back cash to its older workers, part of what they would have to forgo because of the CPF changes. However, I question if this is the best way to go about it. I have argued against cutting the CPF of older workers in the Budget debate at length, so I will not repeat my points. But I just want to add one more point. So far, the proposals introduced to help older workers stay employed are often piecemeal and ad-hoc, introduced separately, one at a time, without an overarching framework. Seen separately, it can send a wrong message to the public. For instance, the CPF freeze for workers above 50 can be read by many as a move to make life harder for the older workers. And it is no surprise that people look at the policy in isolation and question if it is effective in encouraging employers to hire older workers.”
“This may well be the knock-out blow to Singaporeans hit by hard times and who are forced to downgrade. Their options for rental housing are presently limited. To qualify for HDB rental flats, the applicant must have a combined income of less than $800 a month. In addition, the applicant must not have sold an HDB flat within 30 months at the point of rental application. I urge the Government to review the HDB rental policies and to also look at how the non-subsidised rental housing market in Singapore can be encouraged to provide rental housing for a wide range of income groups, especially the lower income. That said, I am aware that we also have to examine the larger implications of this. In Singapore, it is almost a sacred tenet that each Singaporean should own a home to give him a stake in the country. But in many other developed countries, such as America however, renting is a lifestyle decision for many Americans who do not want to be burdened with mortgage payments. Some of them would rather save the money for investing in new businesses and to give them greater mobility to travel abroad to work in different cities and countries. Another aspect of the changes announced which worries me is whether our banks are up to the challenge of providing loans to the lower middle-income and the lower-income groups. The buzzwords for banks today are profitability and efficiency. I am not sure how ready they will be to cater to the lower-income individuals affected by the changes. And with the change to allow banks to have their first-charge on mortgage loans, I am not confident how readily they can listen to the lower-income's pleas for compassion. Perhaps, it is time for us to look at encouraging the establishment of non-profit housing cooperatives.”
“Sir, take the changes to the use of the CPF for property purchases and the divestment of HDB market rate loans to banks. This will take effect on 1st January 2003 at the same time as the GST increase. I am especially concerned about the impact on HDB flat owners who had over-invested in their properties during the boom years. Often, I meet residents who continue to live in five-room or executive HDB flats when they cannot afford to do so, and often because they have been hit by the economic downturn. Many residents have come to see me to write to the HDB to defer payment of their mortgage loans. An increasing number has sought help to downgrade to a smaller flat or a rental flat. Some are divorcees who have just sold their matrimonial flat or widows who no longer need a big flat. They want to live more prudently in a smaller flat. Some just want to cut their losses earlier after realising that the burden is too heavy for them and they want to sell their flat before the required five-year period for minimum occupation is due. But HDB has strict laws on this. When I asked them why they sought to buy such big flats in the first place, they often replied that it was because the Government had encouraged them to upgrade, and also because they thought they could rely on their CPF for most of the payment. They took the Government's word on this with simple faith. Now with the new changes, HDB flat owners who want to downgrade, can no longer go to the HDB for market rate loans and they can no longer enjoy the flexibility of the HDB in deferring payments. They now have to go to banks for loans and need to pay 10% of their 20% downpayment in cash before they can buy a flat, when before they could pay the 20% downpayment entirely from their CPF.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the changes to the CPF rules announced yesterday signal a fundamental change in the social compact between the Government and the people in some important aspects. For a long time now, the Government has been described as an over-protective nanny. The Government looks after the people in almost all aspects and the people trust the Government to look out for their interests, almost unquestioningly. This is especially so when it comes to planning for their housing and retirement needs. Now it seems that the Government has taken out the scissors to cut some apron strings. Sir, I support the principle of encouraging greater personal responsibility which is behind some of the CPF-related changes announced yesterday. The question is whether the people are ready for it and whether they understand why this is necessary at this particular time. There have been so many major changes announced in quick succession, a whole slew of them, and this has left many workers, especially the less-skilled and the older workers, reeling with confusion and anxiety. They do not know what to make of the changes, or how to adjust to them. They certainly do not understand the term "bank origination". The Government needs to simplify its explanations and pitch it at the average Singaporean. It needs to assure the public that these changes are necessary at this time and that the Government will help them through this transition period, holding their hands merely for a while more before leaving them on the other side of the busy street. And that the Government would put in place pedestrian crossings and covered linkways so that they can go about their own way, come rain or shine.”
“The PTC, in reviewing fare prices, should take into account the state of the economy, the unemployment rate, and also the affordability of public transport to the masses, especially the lower-income. I support the motion.”
“There should be a body separate from operators and regulators to act as an appeals body. It would help ensure that the system works, that the process is transparent and, at the same time, assure the public that they can get a fair hearing before a fare hike is implemented. Finally, with all these fears about price increases, especially in public transport, I want to bring up a cheaper alternative to public transport and cars - and that is cycling. Sir, I declare my interest. I am the patron of the Singapore Amateur Cycling Association. Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in Singapore, both on and off-road. But our road transport system gives little thought to their use. On-road cyclists find their enjoyment and safety jeopardised by sharing roads with motor vehicles, and off-road cycling may conflict with the interests of pedestrians. Sir, there was a time when I cycled to work from Upper Changi Road to Times House, then in Kim Seng Road, and back. But I stopped after I was knocked down by a taxi. Sir, there are local grassroots and environmental groups, all trying to promote cycling. I urge the Minister to consider providing a bicycle lane on roads that can be used by two-wheelers, including motorbikes, for safety and as well as an alternative mode of transport. Such lanes can be found in many developed cities, even those which experience winter. These bicycle lanes are not used in winter, but that does not stop the authorities from providing them. What more for a country with tropical weather all year round? Sir, in conclusion, public transport must be guided by its over-riding social mission.”
“There is potential for lowering costs by introducing competition in awarding contracts to run zonal services within a planned and coordinated network, as has been adopted in other countries such as Scandinavia. On this matter, perhaps more weight should be given to committees, like the Estate Coordinating Committee of a GRC. These committees, which can be found in Tampines and Pasir Ris GRCs, coordinate estate development and include LTA and SBS representatives as well as grassroots leaders and MPs. Perhaps more authority and powers could be given to this Committee to push forward the agenda for competitive tendering. Sir, some Members argued that this House should not undermine the credibility and independence of the Public Transport Council by urging it to review or reverse its decision on fare increases. While I agree that we should not politicise the PTC and its work as far as possible, it is important to assure the public that they have recourse in such matters. This is the case with the Judiciary. Our Judiciary is independent, and it guards its integrity jealously and fiercely. No MP is allowed to ask the Judiciary to reverse its decision. But it has an internal appeal mechanism which makes sure that the system works. If one disagrees with the judgment passed down by the courts, he can appeal to a higher court. But in the case of public transport, there is no higher body outside of Parliament. Moreover, as this case shows, Parliament may not be able to react fast enough to appeals from the public. This sitting is taking place after the fact, after the fare hike has already been implemented. I would urge the Minister to establish a public transport ombudsman as a mediator or assessor of last resort for users, and perhaps for public transport operators as well.”
“Public transport should be exempted from the ERP, which is meant to ease congestion and to encourage cars to use alternative routes. Buses have no choice but to ply the routes that they have to. Sir, there is a fear that ERP will only continue to push up the cost of public transport further, especially with night ERP being discussed. As for SMRT, it cited energy cost as one factor leading to rising operating costs. Energy cost has risen as a result of electricity tariff hikes. For TIBS, one of the factors cited, among others, is diesel cost. But why should these factors be cited as reasons to raise fares when electricity and diesel costs should be addressed by the Fuel Equalisation Fund (FEF). This Fund was set up in 1992 to address volatile fuel prices and to curb fare increases due to fluctuations of fuel prices. The operators should be allowed to draw from their FEF to cushion the impact of increases in electricity and diesel costs, without a fare increase. As at 31st March 2001, the balances in the FEF are $39.8 million for SBS, $8.7 million for SMRT, and $8.4 million for TIBS. They can draw from this rather than raise the prices. I also query the argument that restriction in the number of operators allows them to achieve economies of scale and to balance the profitable routes with the unprofitable ones. Some MPs have repeatedly asked for bus routes within their estates. I myself have represented my residents in asking for Bus Service 292 to link two zones tucked in a far corner of my ward directly to the Changkat Community Centre, but the response has always been, "It is unprofitable. Hence, we can't give you that service." I propose that competitive tendering be extended to certain zones.”
“As for service standards, yes, as I have said, they have increased, but commuters do not want to be made to pay for unnecessary frills. The airconditioned bus interchange is a frill. Why the need to aircondition it when the idea of a quality service is that commuters do not have to wait too long at the interchange for their bus to arrive? True, this interchange is not factored in the recent fare increase, as the bus operators do not have to pay for the capital cost of building the airconditioned interchange. It is paid for by the Government. But they have to pay for the cost of maintaining the interchange. This will surely add to their operating cost. Will this lead to bus operators asking for more fare increases in future, especially as I hear that more airconditioned interchanges are on the cards? Sir, the Transport Minister has defended the hikes by saying that transport companies must be allowed to make reasonable profits. It is not clear to us or to the public what are the criteria for deciding if operators are making reasonable or unreasonable profits. In particular, how does the Minister measure viability, given the current economic conditions and the social mission of public transport? Moreover, the operators are operating in a privileged situation, with limited competition. The reasons given by the operators for the fare increases are not compelling. SBS Transit cited increases in statutory costs, such as ERP, as one reason for the fare increase. I know the Government has more than compensated SBS for the ERP charges by lowering the road tax significantly. But given the social mission of public transport, there is also a case for the Government to ease the cost burden by examining if the statutory costs, such as the ERP for buses, can be reviewed.”
“And we also know that this economic downturn has hit them the hardest. The Government says that it helps them with the Economic Downturn Relief Scheme, the New Singapore Shares and other such financial schemes. But these are often once-off affairs, or for the EDRS, up to three months. But the psychological blow, not to mention the financial impact, of a price increase for something as basic to them as public transport is felt on a regular basis. Sir, I do not drive and I do not own a car. I take public transport everyday. I know the service of the public transport has improved over the years. But I also know how it feels to be squeezed in a bus, with no elbow room, and to have to wait for more than half-an-hour for buses that arrive so packed, you have no choice but to wait for another, which comes another half-an-hour later, just as packed. The commuting masses, by and large, do not want frills. They want an affordable but an efficient and convenient public transport. I heard the Senior Minister of State Khaw Boon Wan talking about buses being made more sophisticated, so that they can be "mobile offices". Frankly, I dread the day. I find the TV mobile enough of a nuisance. Commuters often use the travelling time on buses to rest, take a nap or just unwind, not as a place to start work. I urge the Government and the PTC not to forget the social mission of public transport as they tinker with fancy and costly ideas that the public does not want. Sir, the Transport Minister was reported as saying that the commuters should expect fares to rise because service standards and wage expectations keep going up. I question this. In times of recession, all workers, including bus drivers, have been told to moderate their wage expectations.”
“Sir, according to the latest Annual Report of the Public Transport Council, the PTC is driven by the mission to balance the need for public interest to be safeguarded and for public transport operators to remain financially viable. With the fare hikes, coming at a time when Singaporeans are hit by job losses and pay cuts, the feeling on the ground is that the PTC has put the interests of the public transport operators over that of the public. The PTC has lost sight of the larger social mission of public transport. Most Singaporeans use public transport today because cars are priced out of their reach, with the Certificate of Entitlement and the taxes on road usage. Public transport is the only affordable means to get to where they need to go, to work, to the market, to get home. It gives them access to employment and, hence, income. As an MP, I sometimes hear jobless residents not wanting to take jobs far away from their homes because it means taking two buses and an MRT ride, which means waking up at 5.30 am to get to work on time. The cost of travelling itself can also be a disincentive, especially if the take-home pay of the job offered is already low. The pricing of public transport has a major impact on the lives of disadvantaged people. The household expenditure surveys conducted by the Department of Statistics consistently show that it is the lower-income group, especially those in 1- to 2-room flats, who spend most on public road transport, compared to the other groups. Indeed, the latest survey shows that public road transport takes up 6.8% of the household expenditure of those living in 1- to 2-room flats. This is higher than the average 4% for all households. Any price changes will hit the lower-income most.”
“If we do not bridge this age divide, but instead enlarge it by policies and approaches which encourage age segregation and bias against the elderly, we will only breed a younger generation who has little understanding and value for the experience and wisdom that comes with age. There is a pressing need to bring the generations together, through inter-generational strategies. This means engaging the young and old in cross-age activities where both are valued as active and contributing members. The more common approach in Singapore today is to cater to the different groups separately, with programmes organised for senior citizens as a group and the young as another group. This will segregate them further. I would urge the Ministry to take a more inter-generational approach in framing public policy for the youth and the elderly. Today, more than ever, there is a need to take an inter-generational perspective to create policies that unite, and not separate the generations.”
“Sir, the elderly have the highest rate of suicide among all age groups in Singapore. The rate of suicide is increasing, as more people live past the age of 75. Singles are the most vulnerable. Sir, the elderly in Singapore face the prospect of isolation and loneliness in this fast moving society. First, there is the trend of the younger generation wanting greater independence and privacy. They prefer to live on their own, away from their aged parents. Indeed, in the last decade, the fastest growing type of living arrangement for old people was that of living alone, or with their spouse only, away from their children. And second, the increasing number of singles means that Singapore will see more elderly singles living alone in the future. Already, we can see the trend towards one-person households. The percentage of one-person households rose from 5.2% in 1990 to 8.2% in 2000, with singles who have never been married before making up more than half of such households. At the same time, we have a whole generation of young people who are growing up without much contact with the elderly in their daily lives. Often, their caregivers are foreign maids. This is a society that celebrates youth, the creators of today's fast-changing technology and who are plugged into the globalised world. They have little regard for the wisdom passed down through generations. In such a society, the elderly face the risk of feeling useless to this society and that life is meaningless. Put these trends together and you will see a society suffering from the effects of an age divide. It also points to a fraying social compact, with the expectations and obligations of the different generations to support and nurture each other becoming more and more unclear.”
“In so doing, it should also take a realistic account of women's increased participation in the labour force - women make up 54% of the public sector workforce as in the national workforce. It should also recognise the trend towards a greater sharing of family responsibilities between the men and women. Against this background, I would urge the Government to remove the contradictions in its system. If I may cite an example, married women officers are allowed paid child leave to look after their sick children below six years old, but not the male officers. It is as if the Government believes that it is not the responsibility of the fathers to care for the children when they are sick. I am sure many fathers will disagree with this. Another contradiction, while married women officers are entitled to take child leave, their children are not entitled to medical benefits, while those of their male counterparts do. I would urge the Government to develop measures to enable parents, both women and men, to discharge effectively their working and family responsibilities equally.”
“Sir, many parents in dual career families find it increasingly hard to combine work and family life as the pace and complexity of life increase. Women continue to bear the main responsibility of childcare at home, and often need support if they are able to have productive and satisfying careers. Indeed, one reason couples are not having more babies is because they do not feel they can cope with their family duties, on top of their careers. Sir, flexible work arrangements are the most common way to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities. The experience of other countries is that such work-life programmes do help in recruitment, increase staff productivity and morale, and actually save cost, as they reduce absenteeism. Yet, in Singapore, companies have been slow to offer flexible work arrangements. Today, only about 3% of Singaporeans are on flexible work arrangements. There is also little progress in the provision of childcare facilities or childcare leave for both men and women at the workplace. A survey two years ago by the Singapore National Employers' Federation found that three in four companies do not give their staff paid time-off to care for their sick children. And this is despite all the work and effort by the Work-Life Unit set up under the Ministry. I am sure that the Ministry has studied the experience of other developed countries with more success in this area. 5.45 pm I would like to ask the Minister if the Ministry has any more plans to encourage Singapore companies to adopt flexible work arrangements and work-life programmes. And as the biggest employer in Singapore, I would urge the Government to take the lead in adopting work-life strategies and flexible work arrangements.”
“No. It is a clarification. The single is faced with the possibility of losing the flat, unless she can find another single to share the flat. But it is not because the single is not pro-family that she finds herself without a mother or a father. Can the Minister consider reviewing this policy? In fact, many singles tell me that HDB has been quite compassionate in their appeals. But I thought if it can remove the uncertainty, and reconsider this policy, it would be good.”
“Sir, in the Minister's reply earlier, he said that the housing policy is pro-family. Many singles are pro-family and indeed take care of their aged parents almost single-handedly. Often, the parent, usually the mother, is the co-owner of the flat with a single. But when the parent passes away, a traumatic experience in itself, the single finds herself or himself ---”
“Sir, my question was not answered, whether there is a mechanism for the Ministry to ensure that employers, who apply for work permits, do so only after they have gone through MOM's bank of jobless workers who can do the job.”
“Sir, I would like to ask the Minister how these cases were resolved. The only way to fight age discrimination, short of legislating it, is to make clear that our labour mechanisms do not tolerate bias against older workers.”
“But it will send a strong signal to employers that we take seriously our mission of creating jobs for Singaporeans. This is not to discourage employers from hiring foreigners that they need to run their businesses. Rather, it is to encourage them to give Singaporeans an equal chance to get a job. There is a difference in nuance. The Minister earlier said that the Ministry had received only a few complaints from older workers regarding age discrimination. He said that in 2000 and 2001, there were four and five complaints respectively.”
“But in the case of an age barrier, older job seekers have no recourse, no matter how willing they are to adapt. If this problem is not addressed, it will become even more severe in time, as our population continues to age. Sir, just last week, an employer came to see me to seek my help in getting 20 work permits for foreign workers to work at his food stalls all around the island. He asked me to write to the Ministry of Manpower. I dutifully did so but, at the same time, I also grilled him about why he did not employ Singaporeans who are out of work. I told him I have many residents who do not have a job and asked if he would consider them. I asked him what were the criteria for the job. Is there an age limit? He said, yes, below 45. He said that frying over a wok requires a lot of energy. I was not persuaded. It so happened that the very next resident who came to see me was looking for a job, any job. He looked strong, he is able, but he is 48. I dashed out of my MPS office, grabbed the employer, who was on his way out, and made him give an on-the-spot interview to this resident. The employer was not obliged to hire this older worker, but I think I registered my point with him - older Singaporeans should be given an equal shot at the job. Economic growth will not take care of the situation completely, as it has to do with employers' perceptions of the elderly. And it is particularly during a downturn that older workers need extra protection. Is there a mechanism for the Ministry to ensure that employers who apply for work permits do so only after they have trawled from MOM's bank of jobless workers who can do the same job? It is true that even this will not mean that older workers will be hired.”
“Sir, first, I want to take up what the Manpower Minister said yesterday about the proposed CPF cut for workers above 40. He argued that it should not be viewed as introducing age discrimination. He pointed out, rightly, that the CPF rate for workers above 55 was already lower than the rate for younger workers. This is true. But, if I recall correctly, the main reason why the CPF rate was lowered for workers above 55 was because the Government wanted to extend the retirement age from 55 to 60, and then to 62. It would be raised to 67 eventually. At that time, 55 is considered the age when all workers would stop work and retire, with zero employment income. And, therefore, it is at this age that they can start withdrawing from their CPF for retirement purposes. In this context, reducing the employer's CPF rate to keep these workers employed past 55 was considered reasonable, and does not offend our sensibilities. But this is not the case for workers below 55. Many in their 40s are still in their prime, and still saving for their retirement years. To cut the CPF rate of workers between 40 and 55 is to send the unintended signal to the market that this group of workers can be discriminated against. Sir, many unemployed people above 40 say that they find it very hard to re-enter the job market because of age discrimination at the hiring process. This is a very serious issue for middle-aged and older workers, a barrier that cannot be removed simply by offering more job-matching schemes or excellent training programmes. Older job seekers who cannot find work because their wage expectations are too high can learn to reduce their expectations. Those who lack the required skills can retrain. In both cases, they can adapt and find work.”
“And he is working next to younger reporters eager to prove themselves. I asked him why he wanted to take on such a daunting challenge. He replied that he wanted to be relevant to society, and the way to be relevant is to be around people who are younger and who are at the centre of things. Then you would know how you can contribute and the role you can play. Sir, negative attitudes towards older adults are a major barrier to moving forward. Many employers view them as problems to be solved, rather than resources to be tapped. Older adults themselves often believe these stereotypes and are consequently fearful of making changes and seizing new opportunities. The employment system should change and so should the compensation system so that, as much as possible, age is not a factor in employment.”
“Sir, the Manpower Minister earlier told us about the problems faced by older workers to find jobs in today's market. It is true that one reason older workers find it harder to get a job is our seniority-based wage system. First of all, I would like to put on record that I do not support the idea of lowering the CPF contribution for older workers. You may be older, but if you can do the same job just as well as a younger person, why should you take a CPF cut for it? What is needed is not a cut in the employer's CPF but a change in the compensation system under which workers are paid - make sure that they are paid not according to their age but according to their specialised skills and their contribution to the company. Like my colleagues before me, Mr Gan Kim Yong and Mr Heng Chee How, I would urge the Manpower Ministry to look at the flexi-wage system and see how it can be implemented and restructured, rather than cut the CPF rate for older workers. The result would be that companies would no longer assume that they have to pay older workers more. Our older workers should also get used to this. But the employers must give them that chance. Sir, it is a misconception to say that older workers are reluctant to take on new challenges or harder work. Let me cite an example of my office colleague, K.C. Vijayan. K.C. Vijayan was a Prison Officer for 24 years and he retired when he was 50, about two years ago. Conventional wisdom would say that, well, most people would want to take it easier after retirement. But, no, at the age of 50, he became a crime reporter for the Straits Times. Those of us in the news business know that the job of a crime reporter is quite demanding and to write for a daily newspaper is also very taxing, with tight deadlines to meet.”
“Outsiders have also acknowledged that it is the leading military force in Southeast Asia and is a significant deterrent force. We should continue upgrading our SAF and to give the men and women of our Armed Forces the support and recognition that they deserve. The people who make up our Armed Forces make an enormous contribution to Singapore's place on the world stage. The budget allocated to the Defence Ministry is money well spent. My own view is that Malaysia and Singapore are unlikely to go to war, as long as strong and rational leaders prevail from both sides. However, a geopolitical setting that is fluid and uncertain in itself also poses a threat to stability. This is because countries will then want their armed forces to be primed in such a way that prepares them for worst-case scenarios. While this psychological priming is almost inevitable, it is important that Singapore continues to widen and deepen its bilateral and multilateral defence relations to promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Confidence-building exercises are also important for managing the undercurrent of tension and suspicion between regional states. I would like to ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence what is the state of defence relations with Malaysia, and for an update of Singapore's efforts to promote regional peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.”
“The dispute over bilateral issues between Malaysia and Singapore has led to the word "war" being bandied about recently from across the Causeway. Such talk of war should not be taken lightly, even if it is just talk. It could heighten tension and suspicion between the two countries. It could also give foreign investors the wrong signal about the stability of this region, already troubled by terrorist threats. Madam, in February, when the Malaysians were unhappy over our water supply agreement and the unhappiness was at its peak, the retired General Zaini Mohamed Said wrote in Mingguan Malaysia that the dispute over water supply was the "most serious" among potential regional threats to Malaysia, as it could lead to war with Singapore. He advised that the issue be handled carefully by leaders on both sides. He also reminded Malaysians that the Singapore military was stronger and more sophisticated. Later, in another column, he warned about a "small nation with a powerful army" and said that Malaysia must prepare itself to give any attacker "a bloody nose". This phrase was repeated by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad last month when he spoke about Malaysia's recent arms purchases. He said, "We are buying weapons only for our defence. Those who want to attack us, we promise we will give them a bloody nose." Malaysia recently sealed its largest defence deal in a decade for Russian and European missiles worth about S$674 million. It signed several multi-million dollar contracts for weapons, including a rocket-launching system, submarines and tanks. Singaporeans were not rattled by the war rhetoric or by these arms purchases by Malaysia because they were confident of the capabilities of the Singapore Armed Forces.”
“Madam, Foreign Minister Jayakumar, GPC Chairman Ong Chit Chung and my colleagues before me have provided a good overview of the strategic situation in the region. I just like to add one point very briefly that, although the situation has changed since September 11 and the US relations with China have improved and the regional picture is stable, there are still several uncertainties that we have to bear in mind. First, as pointed out by Dr Ong, is the uncertainty over whether Indonesia can contain its separatist pressures and the agitation of its increasing number of Islamic groups. Second is the uncertainty over the future intentions of China, whether it will assert itself more vigorously in this region in the future. The third area of uncertainty is whether there will be US military action against Iraq or new pressures on North Korea as part of its "Axis of Evil". This will have implications on the regional situation here. I hope the Defence Minister can give his sense of how regional security will shape up given these uncertainties and MINDEF's response to this new situation.”
“After all, the Points of Agreement on railway land, signed in 1990 between Senior Minister Lee and the then Malaysian Finance Minister Daim Zainuddin, was supposed to be binding. Yet it had to be varied now to accommodate requests from Malaysia. I think, before any deal can be reached, confidence must be built on both sides, based on mutual respect and reciprocity. But, from the barrage of one-sided criticisms from across the Causeway, my guess is that it will take a long time - or, at least, some time. Sir, Dr Mahathir was reported as saying that the 1963 water agreement with us was unfair to Malaysia because "it states that there can be no changes unless both countries agree." This statement worries me, because it seems to indicate that he prefers an agreement which can be broken unilaterally, then only it is fair. Sir, it is important that our package deal with Malaysia, if it is at last made, be sealed so tightly that it would not unravel just because someone wants to pick fault with any one of the issues down the road, like a cat playing with a ball of thread. The future generations should not be bequeathed with such extra historical baggage. Sir, as a younger MP, my hope is that, when the agreement is done, the younger generations of both countries are able to view the agreement as a positive symbol of our interlocking destinies. Then, we can move on and build on this legacy.”
“Sir, the negotiations on our bilateral package with Malaysia show no sign of real progress. On the contrary, they seem to have regressed. In September 2000, when Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew visited KL, there was hope of a deal. An in-principle agreement was reached in skeletal form, with differences narrowed significantly between the two countries. This was despite the fact that Malaysia introduced new issues to the package, such as the building of an underground tunnel and a bridge, and the demolition of the Causeway. Singapore had made concessions to reach the skeletal agreement, such as offering 12 parcels of land in Bukit Timah. Many Singaporeans had then queried whether Singapore had given too much. Then, instead of seizing the moment to narrow differences further, Malaysia suddenly upped the price of water being negotiated many times, and everything is now back on the drawing board. Sir, in most parts of the civilised world, this would be considered a breach of good faith. Since then, heat was generated in the Malaysian media over issues such as land reclamation, Pulau Pisang and Pedra Branca. Sir, this does not help to improve the climate for negotiations. My concern is that Malaysia might use any of these new issues to pressure us during our negotiations over the bilateral package. Indeed, can the Minister assure us that no more new issues will be added to the already unwieldy package? And, since everything is so fluid now, it is also worth asking if it is wise for us to be even negotiating the issues at all as a package. It has so many issues tangled up together. It is so unwieldy, and it seems to be so dependent on the temperament of Malaysian leaders that I feel it cannot hold together as a stable agreement, even after it was signed.”
“What happens in Indonesia is beyond Singapore's control but ASEAN can launch initiatives designed to help Indonesia to become involved more effectively in regional affairs and to assist them in their economic recovery. One laudable move on Singapore's part was the proposed Free Trade Agreement with the US. It will extend the benefits of the FTA to Batam and Bintan and ASEAN, in sectors such as information technology. With that, ASEAN will become a more attractive place for investment by American and Singaporean companies. However, there are signs that Malaysia does not see the benefit of such FTAs. Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was reported as saying earlier this month that Singapore would not be able to take advantage of its membership in ASEAN if it continued to sign bilateral trade pacts with nations outside the region. Sir, this is the time to be strengthening the investment climate in ASEAN. Such comments would not be helpful. ASEAN has played a useful role in engaging major powers, such as through the ASEAN Regional Forum, the ASEAN+3 and the ASEAN+10 processes. But it lacks strong effective leadership and solidarity as a grouping to take full advantage of that. I am not sure how long it can determine the agenda for these multi-lateral forums involving these big powers if it continues to appear weak and disunited. I would like to ask the Minister how Singapore proposes to play its part in strengthening ASEAN in the face of these challenges.”
“Sir, ASEAN faces grave challenges today. It is seen by outsiders as fractured, weak and leaderless. Some of its states are constantly quarrelling with each other and let us not name names. There is an urgent need to revive the spirit of ASEAN, the spirit that once made it strong as a regional voice. In its early years, ASEAN states considered internal communist insurgencies to be the most immediate threat. This was the threat that bound the states together and made ASEAN united and a strong voice to be reckoned with. Today, the ASEAN states face another internal threat, and that is, terrorism. Terrorism provides ASEAN with the new opportunity to demonstrate its relevance to regional and international security. It should be seized. ASEAN's greatest potential as an international actor lies in its abilities to coordinate responses to the challenge of terrorism. I am glad to note that ASEAN Ministers will meet soon to discuss signing a pact on terrorism, although it is a little late, but better late than never. The pact should not involve only grand pronouncements of cooperation, as it is so often associated with ASEAN, but should also come accompanied with some clear and decisive action. Sir, Indonesia has played a key role as a stabilising force in ASEAN in the grouping's first 30 years and was seen as playing a leadership role in its grouping's development. But today, Indonesia's preoccupation with its domestic politics and economy has unfortunately diluted its role in ASEAN. Indonesia's revival is necessary to revitalise ASEAN. Singapore needs to engage Indonesia more during this period.”
“We cannot tackle all the problems that we face, if we do not include women in all levels. Sir, I would urge the Deputy Prime Minister to consider setting up a national women's council, in the same way as we have set up a National Council for Youths to engage young Singaporeans. 1.00 pm”
“Sir, this policy, whether it is the old scheme or new, affects a big number of women. There are 33,000 women in the civil service. That is 54% of the public-sector workforce. But its impact goes far beyond the civil service. We know that the private sector looks to the public sector to set the tone for society and sees the Government as a role model for staff and welfare benefits. I would urge the Government to remove this anachronism. It does not do justice to the progress of Singapore women over the years, nor to our fine Singapore system which has allowed many women to compete with men on an equal basis. If the Government still refuses to change this policy, I am sure many women would appreciate it if the Deputy Prime Minister can provide a very detailed explanation as to why this policy needs to stay in the national interest. Sir, it is in our national interest to involve women more at all levels.”