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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“After all, the Government gives funding assistance to existing dormitory operators to retrofit their dormitories to meet the Government's new higher standards. To add another safeguard, it should be made illegal for employers to pass on the cost of accommodation to the Work Permit holders, just as it is now illegal to pass on the cost of the foreign worker levy and insurance premiums to them. There should also be a tightening of the permits granted for new quarters on construction sites and factory-converted dormitories. MOM should also conduct regular spot checks and enforce stringent standards with deterrent penalties imposed on housing violations, whatever the size of the dormitory. These penalties were doubled only two years ago, when the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act was amended in November 2012. Employers found guilty of failing to provide acceptable accommodation can be fined up to $10,000, and/or jailed for up to 12 months. But since then, how many employers have been prosecuted under the Act with deterrent penalties? I am aware that checks and inspections are labour-intensive and MOM's manpower resources are stretched. But I echo the concerns expressed by other Members on the need to pay even closer attention to smaller dormitories where the most egregious housing violations tend to take place in tandem with these additional regulations for larger dormitories under this Bill. In other words, pay more attention to the smaller dormitories even as we enforce this Bill. It is good to see the media taking on the role of watchdog on this issue, staking out suspicious sites and exposing them. The newspapers seem to have received quite a few tip-offs from members of the public. I hope that this will have a salutary effect on employers.”
“So, for example, if you take the construction sector, it is much cheaper to house them onsite in uncompleted buildings or temporary makeshift quarters. MOM, in fact, allows this, as long as they comply with the various requirements, such as fire safety and providing adequate and proper sanitary and bathing facilities. This is an entirely rational decision, especially for large projects involving thousands of workers, as it reduces the need for the workers to be ferried to and from their workplaces and also reduces traffic congestion on the roads. It also makes economic sense: the average salary for foreign construction workers is between $450 and $600 a month. Very low pay, with very low status. Their foreign worker levy ranges from $300 to $950, depending on their skill levels. The numbers add up. What incentive does the employer have to house their low-wage foreign workers in the high-cost PBDs when they can get away with cheaper if sub-standard ones? This is especially so for subcontractors involved in smaller-scale projects operating on tight margins. Page: 67 I would like to ask the Minister: given the current realities, what assurances are there that, first, employers would house them at PBDs even if more were built; and second, that the employers would not try to pass on the higher cost of such housing to the foreign workers by squeezing their salaries? How would the market equilibrate? Evidence suggests that, for such matters, it cannot be left to the dictates of the free market. One way is to regulate the fee structure of PBDs so that prices will come down to a level that will provide a level playing field.”
“We continue to read reports of such abuses today, as highlighted by other Members before me. I know that MOM takes seriously any breach of the various regulations which protect the rights of our foreign workers. It is, indeed, assuring to know that MOM has been conducting inspections of foreign workers' dormitories and cracking down on housing Page: 66 violations. I share the Ministry's stand that, in the longer term, it is better to house Work Permit holders in PBDs where there are self-contained facilities to meet their social and recreational needs outside work. Such well-equipped dormitories, if run well, will provide foreign workers with a better living environment and the motivation to give of their best in their jobs here. Like other human beings, they have their legitimate needs and aspirations, to rest, play and be treated with dignity and respect. This Bill is a significant move in laying the groundwork for realising this larger vision. But in the short term, we have to address the fact that, despite the availability of such PBDs for years, some employers have shunned them, preferring to house their foreign workers elsewhere, including rat-infested makeshift shelters. One obvious reason for this is cost. Employers are, above all, driven by cost considerations, especially given the significant increase in foreign worker levies over recent years. They keep costs as low as possible to maximise profits. It costs $300 to $350 per head for PBDs, without including transport. It costs much less to house them anywhere else, especially onsite. Currently, about 200,000 foreign workers are housed in smaller dormitories below the 1,000-bed threshold, including those situated within worksites.”
“Madam, Singapore depends on foreign workers for many jobs, especially in the construction, process and marine industries. Most of these are jobs that Singaporeans do not want to do, but which are necessary for providing the services and infrastructure that help improve the quality of life for Singaporeans and to keep our economy growing. Many Singaporeans take pride in the magnificent skyline of Marina Bay and the country's iconic buildings, such as the public housing project Pinnacle@Duxton, the first one in the world to have two sky bridges linking the seven towers. Indeed, most Singaporeans live in HDB flats which are continuously being upgraded. But we know that these would not have been constructed in the first place had it not been for the thousands of foreign workers toiling day and night to build them brick by brick, sometimes, risking life and limb. We owe it to our foreign workers to ensure they are provided with decent living conditions in Singapore and are not vulnerable to exploitation on account of their weak bargaining power and their willingness to suffer hardships just to work here. Their main purpose of coming to Singapore is to earn money to create better lives for themselves and to send back the money to their families in their home countries. With this as their top priority, many of them are reluctant to report any abuse of their poor living conditions, out of fear of losing their jobs and being sent home. Many of the foreign workers here have no problems with their housing but it is unconscionable that, despite Singapore's progress as a First World city and their contribution to its growth, over the years, a proportion of them have been found holed up in cheap and makeshift shelters with conditions akin to a Third World slum.”
“Madam, Singapore prides itself for its efficiency for being well organised, for being forward looking. But some of the comments arising from the problems affecting the National Stadium pitch have led to international sports groups questioning the ability of our National Stadium to produce world-class conditions. Can I ask the Minister what is his assessment of this on Singapore's reputation as well as its ability to attract world-class sports tournaments to Singapore?”
“" There are many challenges facing MOT. I am certain that, with an integrated cycling strategy, Singapore can keep its balance and move forward to become one of the most liveable cities in the world. 7.56 pm”
“A major public education campaign should be mounted to instil in motorists an understanding of the rights, needs and vulnerability of cyclists. The Highway Code should be amended to reinforce the rights of cyclists to share the road with drivers. Cyclists' safety should become a core part of the driving test. As part of their Highway Code, drivers should be tested – in the practical as well as theory tests – on their approach to sharing the road with cyclists. This should be supported by a programme aimed at cyclists – to give them training, to educate them on what the various path types are, as well as the rights and obligations of cyclists. Page: 131 There are many barriers that need to be overcomed. It needs to be overcomed in a coordinated approach. To be effective, there is also a need to evaluate the national policy framework and to monitor the success of the measures as they are implemented. I would suggest that one target needs to be set for the cycling modal share. I propose that Singapore aim for cycling to account for 5% of trips, especially short trips, by 2020. Singapore prides itself on its organisation, innovation and forward-planning. It is known to be at the leading edge of sustainability. I am sure it is more than up to the challenge. The world's most friendly cities may offer the best practices but Singapore, being small, compact and better-organised, can leapfrog them and be an even better model with a fully integrated sustainable transport system at the cutting edge. In this way, Singapore can be an innovative model of how a high-density city in the tropics promotes sustainable development. In conclusion, Sir, I would like to end with a quote from Einstein: "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
“We need to address that problem as well and take enforcement action against those who flout the rules and to review our laws to make sure they are updated for the new cycling landscape. This leads me to my second point on legislation and enforcement. There should be clear rules on footways that have been converted into shared paths, as in Tampines. The rules should require cyclists to give way to pedestrians at all times and prohibit cyclists from cycling two abreast – and these should be actively enforced. Driving offences, especially those resulting in death or injury of cyclists or pedestrians, should be treated seriously by the Police, prosecutors and judges. Relatively light punitive measures undermine the importance of the motorists' responsibility to ensure the safety of vulnerable users. A case in point: in 2010, a doctor, Teo Tiong Kiat, knocked down two cyclists, Benjamin Mok and Bertram Leong. Teo fled the scene and did not render assistance. Mr Mok, an experienced cyclist, died. The other cyclist was seriously injured. And what was the sentence meted out to Teo? Four weeks in prison and a five-year driving ban. Such cases highlight the need for the penalty and sentencing regime to be reviewed. Finally, education.”
“Which agency should take action against reckless cycling on these paths, especially the shared paths? There was to-ing and fro-ing among the relevant agencies, but as timely enforcement is necessary for safe sharing, our Town Council decided to just hire Auxiliary Police Officers to do the job although, strictly speaking, the paths and the laws concerned do not fall under the Town Councils' remit. Another issue: because cyclists use footways, they naturally join up to pedestrian crossings. In a bid to make the paths and crossings safer for pedestrians, the LTA put up signposts asking cyclists to dismount and push at regular intervals along the paths, especially at pedestrian crossings and bus-stops. These signposts are most assuring to pedestrians but an irritant to cyclists. MHA says it is not illegal to ride across pedestrian crossings. So, when our volunteer cycling wardens advised cyclists to follow the LTA’s signs to dismount and push, they face the ire of cyclists who argue it is not against the law. But pedestrians who see cyclists ride across them perceive it as a flagrant disregard for LTA's sign to dismount and push. This Page: 130 reinforces negative stereotypes of reckless cyclists and also causes some to unfairly question the effectiveness of our cycling wardens. There needs to be greater coordination among the Ministries and agencies on such issues. I am pleased that LTA has piloted a few signalised bike crossings in Tampines and I look forward to more. Sir, all over Singapore, more cyclists are riding on roads and footpaths. Every so often, people complain about cyclists who disregard the rules by running red lights on roads and speeding on footpaths.”
“If I may give an example, Tampines is the only town which is exempted from the provision in the Road Traffic Act which bans cycling on footways. This exemption was, unfortunately, not part of a great national integrated plan for cycling as a mode of transport. The background of this is that Tampines got this exemption largely because of the speeches I made in Parliament in 2003 and 2005 on the dangers of cycling on roads and the trend of more residents – housewives, students, the elderly – cycling on footways because the roads were just too dangerous. We felt that to force them to brave the risky road conditions would be wrong and to force them to become lawbreakers whenever they ride on footways seemed equally wrong. This concern was shared by our Tampines Members of Parliament who were equally passionate about the issue. Our Tampines Members of Parliament, grassroots leaders and residents were willing to give it a try to turn Tampines into a cycling town, despite the obvious obstacles. But it was clear to us that, in the longer term, there needs to be a seamless cycling network for Tampines to be a great cycling town. But until that network is built, the ban on cycling on footpaths would be dysfunctional with very poor compliance. So, a code of conduct is required and this was what we set out to achieve. The trial officially started in 2007, although our groundwork began in 2005. We learnt the hard way, each step of the way. When we legalised cycling on footpaths, we stressed that this was for novice and slower cyclists. The fast and experienced cyclists should go on the roads. Pedestrians have right of way on any shared path. This is the intent. But that is not easy to enforce, given the lack of coordination and clarity among the relevant agencies.”
“As their speed does not go beyond 15 km/hr to 20 km/h, they offer minimal risk to pedestrians. However, a cautious note about shared paths – they should not be considered as easy fixes. Their design is crucial. Poorly designed and poorly signposted paths can make conditions worse for both cyclists and pedestrians. Many footways would need to be widened before they could be converted to shared paths. The second group of cyclists consists of faster riders who are competent and assertive. They cycle from 20 km/h to 40 km/h. They put a priority on speed for commuting over longer distances. They should use the roads rather than the off-road paths. But how to make our roads safe for the faster cyclists? This is an issue that must be addressed. Some measures could include traffic calming, protected bike lanes or priority space for cyclists on selected roads and junctions; and effective road signage. Different streets require different solutions, but they must be consistent at the national level. There is no single solution and there is also no single model. Each city has to find its own tailor-made solution according to its geographic, urban and traffic features. Singapore is no different. One universal principle applies, however: it is this. In developing cycling networks, the designs should be created with the principal aim of preserving cyclist momentum and safety. Apart from a cycling network, it is also important to plan for secure bike parking and to develop better integration with public transport. Page: 129 Sir, there are various initiatives implemented in different towns. Their experiments can lead to a national strategy if the right lessons are learnt.”
“To achieve this, they need to give consideration to cycling right at the start of all developments and make it an integral part of the design for all new infrastructure projects. Given our space constraints in Singapore, it will be a challenge to build segregated cycling paths everywhere to link up every HDB block to key destinations. This means that, at some point in their journey, cyclists will have to go on footways and roads. The Government must Page: 128 confront this reality and tackle the issues related to cycling on footways and roads in a coherent and coordinated way. It should also innovate new ways of creating continuous cycling tracks that do not take up space from either walkways or roads, such as creating long overhead cycling bridges and overhead cycling boulevards. We can draw from the experience of advanced cycling cities and adapt them to our conditions. In many cycling cities, such as Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Bogota, where cycling is more established and road traffic is better calmed, cycling on bike lanes on the road is the norm. Shared paths with pedestrians are viewed as the last resort, with segregated cycling paths filling the gaps. Here in Singapore, roads are generally wider, faster and motorists are not conditioned to look out for cyclists. Hence, cyclists, unless they are experienced and confident, consider the use of off-road paths essential. Tampines is Singapore's first cycling town and, from our own experience, it is clear that the design of cycling networks has to accommodate two major groups of cyclists. One is novice cyclists – the juniors and the elderly riders. For this group, shared paths with a minimal width of three metres linked to off-road segregated cycling paths is a good solution.”
“There is enormous scope to increase the modal share of cycling, particularly for those making short local trips. A target in cycling modal share should be spelt out, as well as for walking. This would show the Government's seriousness in promoting sustainable modes of transport. It is clear that a more decisive national commitment to cycling and a more comprehensive approach would be required for Singapore to catch up with international best practices. In my speech, I would like to focus on three key areas: first, infrastructure; second, legislation; and third, education. First, infrastructure. It must be understood that providing stretches of cycling paths alone does not create a cycling town. Cycling tracks which are fragmented could not be described as a cycling network. The urban cycling network must consist of a broad variety of measures, including traffic-calmed streets, cycle-friendly junctions and a coherent policy on shared paths and footpaths. The bicycle network should be part-and-parcel of the integrated approach to urban traffic solutions and urban town design. In designing such a network, it is useful to understand the psychology of cyclists. A cyclist has to pedal hard to produce a steady power to propel oneself on a bicycle. The average commuting rider produces no more than 100 watts of propulsion power, or about what it takes to power a reading lamp. Stopping and starting at frequent stop signs waste momentum. That is why even the most considerate residents are reluctant to dismount and push across road crossings. And that is why planners have to understand the need to design a cycling network that can connect origin and destination as directly as possible.”
“In this regard, I welcome the URA's Draft Master Plan 2013 which sets out the National Cycling Plan to build a cycling network of 700 km by 2030 and to transform all HDB towns into "cycling towns". I thought that the recent report by the Centre for Liveable Cities, which examines the best practices from cities around the world, offers useful ideas and much hope. The question now is how to move from good intentions to coordinated policy and from policy to practice. The answer lies in an integrated cycling strategy which has specific, measurable targets, fosters cooperation between Government agencies and supported by adequate and sustained funding. International experience and also our experience in Tampines as Singapore's first cycling town suggest that having such an integrated framework can be a powerful tool for action across Government on this vital agenda. This framework can provide a common basis for the long-term development and implementation of coordinated cycling policies among Page: 127 the different agencies, as well as among the national and local authorities and in partnership with industry, cycling groups and other stakeholders. It can also demonstrate political will and commitment at the national level, thereby pushing cycling policies higher up the policy agenda and mainstreaming it. Sir, planning for cycling cannot be addressed in isolation. While there has been a range of separate initiatives on cycling in Singapore, it is hard to make real headway unless cycling policies are integrated with wider transportation and other policy fields, such as town planning, road safety, education and enforcement. Today, bicycles account for only 1% of all trips.”
“Now, that is actually against the law – the Road Traffic Act Page: 126 specifically bans people from cycling on footpaths, except in Tampines. But, often, it seems the safest option and, sometimes, they really have no choice. Their quest to seek safety on footpaths puts them in conflict with pedestrians. Hence, as the number of cyclists rises, so, too, the number of complaints by pedestrians against cyclists, leading to mounting pressures on the authorities to summon cyclists for riding on footpaths. But we have to ask ourselves: is the problem the cyclist, or is it the lack of infrastructure and a coordinated strategy for the bicycle as a mode of transport? It is important to address this issue urgently. The whole set-up, as it is, pits cyclists, pedestrians and cars against one another. If the situation is allowed to persist, the negative attitudes of motorists and pedestrians towards cyclists will harden. This will just sour the ground for any Government plan to promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transport. Sir, I am a pedestrian, cyclist and motorist. In fact, many cyclists own cars and many pedestrians own bicycles, so let us not encourage the divisive false dichotomy between cyclists versus motorists, or cyclists versus pedestrians. Community is not built by isolating segments of society. Community is built by making it possible for people to share common space peacefully and safely. Cities which strive to be great create green, smart and sustainable urban areas and do not pit one group against another. I believe Singapore can be such a great city, great for cycling, walking and living. Sir, MOT and MND have been active in engaging cycling groups and other stakeholders and have made good efforts to improve the cycling network.”
“Thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to speak on developing a National Integrated Cycling Strategy and Policy Framework. This is an issue that I have been raising for many years. It is gratifying to see progress over the years, with cycling gaining greater support in and out of this House as a mode of transport. Cycling offers people a cheap and convenient mode of transport. It means healthier citizens, less congested roads and a more sustainable city. We worry about haze pollution but, on a daily basis, road transport is one of the biggest sources of pollution in Singapore. In contrast, cycling reduces carbon emissions. It also offers benefits for a range of wider public policy concerns. They include those concerned with promoting public health, reducing reliance on cars, easing pressure on our infrastructure and improving urban design and building a community's social capital. The good news is that more people in Singapore are cycling for leisure, sport and their regular commute. The bad news, however, is this: anecdotal evidence suggests that cyclists suffer somewhat from an image problem among some motorists and pedestrians. Some motorists believe that cyclists should not be on the road. The fact that road and traffic design do not cater to cyclists' safety reinforces this perception. But this view – that cyclists should not be on roads – is patently wrong. Bicycles are legally classified as vehicles and entitled to use the road. Some motorists seem oblivious to this fact, leading them to show insufficient care, even aggression, towards cyclists, resulting in avoidable collisions and a road environment hostile to cyclists. Given the danger on roads, many cyclists, especially the novice, the juniors and the seniors, ride on footpaths.”
“Thank you, Madam. On a regular basis, many Internet users face phishing attacks from cyber criminals who seek to steal personal credit and banking information, and some fall prey to the scams. Not all victims report it because of the perception that our law enforcement agencies can do little, especially if the phishing attacks seem to come from overseas accounts. I have three supplementary questions. First, are our existing laws and our investigative processes evolving fast enough to deal with cybercrimes that cross national boundaries, and is the Police actively gathering data and transforming them into actionable intelligence that can lead to the capture of cyber criminals? Second, can the Ministry encourage victims to report cybercrime not only through the regular channels available now, but also by providing a central point of contact for information on Internet fraud – where they can go to, to report on any attacks that they may have on the Internet and to also provide updates on the latest phishing websites and scams so as to warn online users? Finally, is the Police enlisting the help of Internet security experts to tackle this threat of cybercrime and to work with institutions that are often targeted, such as the banks, online Page: 34 trading platforms and the various organisations, to better protect themselves against cyberattacks?”
“There is a recent report that says that 35,000 older workers today earn less than $1,000 a month. I would like to ask whether the Ministry is making sure that our older workers who are employed or re-employed are not being paid unfairly compared with those who are younger but are doing the same job.”
“There has been a recent report saying that 35,000 older workers earn less than $1,000 a month. Can I ask the Senior Minister of State whether the Ministry is concerned whether our older workers are being paid unfairly compared to those doing the same job but who are younger?”
“Thank you, Madam. Our thoughts go out to the families of the victims of MH17. I think we should learn the lessons from this tragedy as it highlights the vulnerability of carriers flying over conflict zones, especially those with sophisticated weaponry. Can I ask the Minister, according to the flight tracking website, Flightradar24.com, SIA is one of the most frequent operators flying over the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine. It flew 75 times in a week before MH17 was shot down, in contrast to 48 times by Malaysia Airlines. Would the Minister agree that SIA should have tightened its own risk assessment earlier and adopt a stricter protocol on flying over conflict zones, given that several airlines, such as British Airlines, Korean Air, Qantas and China Airlines had all re-routed flights from as early as March when Russian troops invaded Crimea? I understand the Minister's point that the authorities have to take the signals and the advisories from the national authority overseeing the conflict areas. But can I ask the Minister whether it is possible for our Singapore aviation authorities to improve their intelligence on the ground, so that they can assess the safety of the conflict zones and avoid those where there are potential hazards?”
“Madam, we have heard companies saying that they are closing down or restructuring because of the tighter supply of foreign manpower. Can I ask whether this has also resulted in more Singaporeans losing jobs and this could be one factor why the unemployment rate for citizens has been rising? My second question is whether the Minister is concerned that there might be a looming problem of structural unemployment as our industries continue to restructure to higher value-added companies?”
“Can I ask the Minister, from my understanding, the unrest in Vietnam is directed against China, it was an anti-China protest. Why was the Singapore flag burned in this instance, because it has nothing to do with Singapore?”
“Madam, the Syrian conflict has been described by counter terrorism experts as "an incubator of new terrorists" with combat skills. Can I ask the Deputy Prime Minister, given the serious threat to national security, whether he is disturbed that there has already been a handful of Singaporeans who have answered the call for militant jihad, and how we can take steps to ensure that the numbers are kept down, and whether new measures will be taken to enhance surveillance of radical Islamist websites that recruit fighters, and to track Singaporeans and also those in this region travelling to Syria or who plan to? Page: 13 My second question is: what efforts will be taken to sensitise the wider community to alert the authorities early of those who plan to travel to Syria or who are influenced by the recruitment videos online? My third question is: what is MHA's assessment of Singapore's readiness to tackle the potential fallout from the Syrian conflict?”
“Can I urge the Minister to carefully review the data of the HDB loan obligations of this lower-income group, of those aged 50 and above, and balance that with their retirement adequacy so that the CPF policy can be tweaked and fine-tuned further to take into account Page: 30 their concerns?”
“I thank the Minister for Manpower for his assurance that flexibility will be exercised for low-income workers caught by the CPF policy to lock up their funds in their Retirement Account at the age of 55. I want to echo Mr Ang's appeal for greater flexibility as we continue to see residents coming to see us at the Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS) with such problems and at their wits' end because their Housing and Development Board (HDB) arrears are accumulating on account of this policy. I know the Minister cited that the CPF receives only 500 appeals a year from those affected, but can I ask the Minister to also look into the fact that entire households of these residents are also affected at the same time? If we multiply those affected, it would be more than 500 people. Would the Minister agree that, sometimes, it takes quite a lot of "to-ing" and "fro-ing" among the relevant agencies before an appeal is approved? In the meantime, it can mean that the HDB arrears are accumulating with late payment charges. This might leave the residents in a state of uncertainty and turmoil. Can I ask the Minister, if it cannot be made automatic for their appeals to be approved, can he, at least, make it less of a hassle and ensure that meritorious appeals can be approved more speedily so that such problems do not occur and cause them greater hardship? My third question is that while I appreciate the Minister's point that families should not over-extend their retirement savings with large HDB loans, can I ask the Minister whether he would agree that it may not be fruitful to preach this to the current generation of older workers with existing HDB loans to service as their ship has sailed?”
“I would urge the Minister to beef up the community resources available to residents and to mount a campaign on this. Disputes can get more complicated, however, when it involves people with mental illness. Some cause their neighbours grief by constant abuse and other Page: 12 behaviour which can make life quite miserable for them. I would urge the Minister to strengthen the mechanism for managing disputes which involve residents with mental illness, ensuring that residents are protected and also that proper diagnosis and treatment be made mandatory for those who need it.”
“At my block visits and Meet-the-People Sessions, it is not uncommon to hear residents complain about their neighbours. For many, their relationships with their neighbours have become so toxic, having festered for so long, that they just want their neighbours to suffer, sending the Police to warn them, sending the Town Council staff to warn them, sending the HDB staff to harass them, and now, hoping to also send their Member of Parliament. Often, the issues which triggered the disputes appear quite minor: flower pots cluttering the area, dog urine, dripping wet clothes, noisy children. By the time their disputes come to us, they would have escalated to the point where it would often be too late. Some, stewing in anger, would refuse mediation. If such a situation is left to fester, however, it not only makes life quite unpleasant for themselves, but also affects other residents and damages the community spirit in the neighbourhood. In this regard, I welcome the move to set up a tribunal with the power to order both parties to go for mediation and to impose judgements and sanctions. But sending disputes to the tribunal should only be a last resort. While it would restore a semblance of peace in the neighbourhood, it would probably destroy the possibility of them having any kind of relationship after that. We need to focus on educating people to take early steps to try to resolve their disputes and to do it in a positive and constructive way. We should also train more people in the neighbourhoods to help those involved in conflict, and to facilitate processes that enable each person to understand another's perspective. But how do we encourage residents to take greater ownership for private disputes?”
“Such a Singapore Cycling Centre with a velodrome would transform the long-term development of cycling, a sport in which Singapore has proved that it can do well. It would also attract and produce more youngsters with potential. Our BMX riders also need a place to train once the Tampines Bike Park is closed this year. I would like to ask that the replacement site be in an area where there is space for a future Singapore Cycling Centre with a velodrome next to it. I hope that the Minister would consider this seriously and not put the brakes on this idea.”
“Sir, I would like to declare my interest as Patron of the Singapore Cycling Federation. There has been a spate of national cyclists hit by cars while training on our roads. National cyclist Dinah Chan was one of them. Despite her injuries, she managed to bounce back to win a historic cycling Gold for Singapore at the last SEA Games. Another national cyclist, Ho Jun Rong, was not so lucky. He was hit by a car while training for the SEA Games in 2010. It left him with a broken collar bone and ended his dreams for a medal. National cyclists Benedict Lee and Travis Woodford were also hit by cars while training last year. There are others. It is unacceptable to expose our national cyclists to such unnecessary risks to train for Singapore's sporting glory. It is like asking our swimmers to train in shark-infested waters, or our sprinters to run on a minefield. It is our moral responsibility and duty to provide them with safe training venues. Our national cyclists are serious about winning medals for Singapore. Dinah, for example, is taking a one-year leave from work to train so that she can Page: 157 win medals for Singapore. Can Singapore match their level of commitment? Is Singapore serious about training them up and making a mark in international competitions? Given the danger of training on Singapore roads and the expense of extended overseas training, it is crucial to provide a high quality local training base for our cyclists. To that end, I would propose a Singapore Cycling Centre featuring an indoor velodrome. The velodrome would not be just for elite cyclists but, like those in Hong Kong, UK and Australia, offer a wide variety of public sessions that cater for all ages and abilities and also to different sports in the centre of the velodrome.”
“I have met many cyclists and my counterparts from other parts of the world. They shared with me – we are actually on the right track. They shared with me the mistakes that they have done in their countries which many of us thought would be a good thing for Singapore. But they realised that, by having it off the roads, cycling tracks are the right way to go because they have problems that they face with the road users in their country. What we need to do is – I would like to urge Ms Ng to continue to work with us – to see how we can facilitate this culture. For the other aspects relating to her second question, I think I have answered Dr Janil. It remains the same.”
“Mdm Chair, I want to thank Parliamentary Secretary Faishal for the progress made on cycling infrastructure. But it does seem to me that the approach is still quite piecemeal; more pieces but still piecemeal. Can I ask the Parliamentary Secretary two questions? One is whether MOT could review the transport policy which now seems to favour motorists on roads and to set out a more integrated and coordinated strategy for cycling as a mode of transport which would include the roads. My second question is also related to what the Member Dr Janil raised, which is to set a target for the modal share of cycling for all trips in Singapore. Right now, the current level is about 1%. Can I ask the MOT to set the target by a certain date, for instance, to reach 4% or 5% by 2020 but to set a target so that we can monitor the progress and also to spur this coordinated approach towards cycling as a mode of transport? Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Madam, I am very surprised by the Member's comments that it is piecemeal. I think the efforts that Page: 113 we have taken are an integrated one whereby – as I shared with Dr Janil earlier – we are looking at developing all the different towns and it will be connected together. And it is not happening at one region but across Singapore. One thing that we have done is that we have integrated it with the park connectors, and not only park connectors, but also with the works by the Town Council, the local agencies, and see how we can connect all these cycling networks. At the same time, we also look at the educational and enforcement perspectives and see how we can make cycling a culture in Singapore. So, I hope Members will also look at all these things that we have done.”
“I call on MOT to take urgent and effective measures to address cycling safety on roads and to put it at the top of its agenda.”
“Madam, there have been too many road accidents involving cyclists. Just two weeks ago, another cyclist was killed. He was only 18. We should not wait for more deaths before being galvanised into action. Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in Singapore, with many riding on roads. This is a good thing, a form of sustainable transport that many Page: 86 forward-looking cities in the world are promoting. The Transport Ministry is doing a good job of building off-road cycling paths but I fear that its infrastructure policy is not keeping up to address the cycling influx on roads. It needs to do a better job in normalising cycling as a legitimate form of transport. Urgent action must be taken to make our roads safer for cyclists. The Ministry must study accident hot spots to identify solutions for safer roads. It should be open to a broad range of solutions: bike lanes, road markings, signages, junction designs. Space is not the issue. Our roads are often wide. A bike lane or a junction box does not take up much space. The real issue is being convinced of the imperative to aim for zero deaths on our roads. I call on the Transport Ministry to adopt the international best practice as defined in the OECD landmark report titled "Towards Zero: Ambitious Road Safety Targets and the Safe System Approach". This approach represents a significant shift in thinking about road safety, and envisions a safe road system increasingly free of death and serious injury. Under this approach, it is unacceptable to trade off human life and health for other benefits of the transport system. Indeed, Madam, it is unacceptable to trade off human life for a car-dominated transport system in Singapore.”
“Thank you, Madam. I just want to clarify that I did not ask for an amalgamation of all agencies but I am asking for a centralised film body to drive the development of TV and film content. That can mean an existing agency to do that – it could be the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) – but it should be given the role of leading the development and strengthening the capacity for TV and media content.”
“I welcome the statement by Senior Minister of State Lawrence Wong that he is open to reviewing the need for a centralised body on film and TV content. Can I ask the Senior Minister of State when the review will take place and when it is expected to conclude its findings?”
“Raising the quality of scriptwriting is essential. For example, a murder thriller based on the Singapore F1 race would be a promising pitch, but, without a talented scriptwriter, it could flop. We need to bridge that quality gap between a good idea and successful production. We should also look at adapting evocative Singapore-based novels into movies. Page: 73 As Singapore turns 50 next year, there is a hunger for more documentaries on Singapore's complex history. A commendable effort in this direction is CNA's recent series, "Days of Rage". We should increase the funding support for more high-quality historical documentaries and encourage international corporate co-productions so that they can reach a wider audience beyond our shores. Anthony Chen's recent success is an inspiration to our film industry. We should build on this success, pour in more resources and pursue a more integrated approach to put Singapore firmly on the creative path. I would like to ask the Minister his plans for promoting our film and TV industries. A New National Centre for Film”
“Imagine this: Tom Cruise on a speedboat chasing down Singapore River; Daniel Craig skydiving into Marina Bay or Jackie Chan somersaulting on a HDB rooftop. These need not be the stuff of fantasy. Such scenes can appear on our movie and TV screens if we put our minds to developing an integrated strategy to strengthen Singapore's capacity for producing film and TV content. 2.15 pm A key component would include promoting Singapore as a film location internationally. Some cities, such as New York and London, have done this well. They have proven that films make the key contribution to their economy and their creative buzz. Films also promote tourism and provide exposure to the country's culture. I am aware that there is a HBO series titled "Serangoon Road" which is set in Singapore, but would you believe that it was filmed mostly in Batam? Why not in Singapore? Of course, we cannot force film-makers to shoot here but we can actively encourage them and create a welcoming climate for this. In other cities known to be film-friendly, they have set up a centralised film body backed by the government which offers free information service, helping film-makers with all aspects of filming – budgeting, studios, crew, locations, permissions and services – ensuring that filming happens as smoothly as possible. For example, in New York, the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting provides a one-stop shop for all production needs in the city, including permits, free exterior locations and free police assistance. Let us think big and set up such a one-stop agency for film and television for Singapore. It seems ridiculous that, today, even local producers find it hard to shoot a scene on a HDB rooftop. At the heart of a good film is a good story.”
“More focus should also be given to the professional development of history teachers, especially those who teach in Secondary 1 and Secondary 2. These two years in Secondary school where history is compulsory are crucial, as after that history becomes an option and many students abandon it. Not many Secondary schools teach "O" level History. In fact, only about 20% offer it. Besides teaching our history well, we should also equip our young with the resilience that they will need to persevere in the fact of future challenges. Unlike the parents and grandparents, many of them have not had to struggle for what they need. We should expose our students to challenge and let them learn how to handle obstacles and to learn from mistakes, without shaming failure. Schools should tie up with the community on projects outside their comfort zone and also work with parents whose instincts are to protect their kids from setbacks. But as Singapore's history teaches us, a setback may not be the end of the world. It can spur us to greater heights and make us stronger. I would like to ask the Minister for his assessment of the effectiveness of our Character and Citizenship Education and its efforts to develop in our young a sense of national identity and values. Class Sizes and Standardised Testing”
“It is said that those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it. In Singapore, we have our own history from which we can draw many lessons, but I am not certain that we are taking full advantage of this. Just recently, Singapore reacted strongly to the Indonesian naming of its warship KRI Usman Harun after the two marines responsible for the MacDonald House bombing during Konfrontasi. The bombing was part of a spate of attacks that also included hits on schools and other civil institutions. For those living through that period, it was a vivid and painful lesson on how vulnerable Singapore was; a small state bullied by a belligerent bigger neighbour and on how vulnerable it remains. But the powerful lessons of this period in history and the relevance of it seem to have escaped much of our young, which have led to some wondering what the big fuss was about. Their lack of historical perspective worries me. Madam, we should ensure that our young people learn the lessons of our history well. History not only helps us to understand our past, but also the Page: 128 values and principles that shape our nation. It plays an essential role in developing a sense of national identity among our young. While the history syllabus covers our history, we need to ensure that the teaching is effective in conveying the deeper significance of events and their relevance. I appreciate that it is not easy to teach and engage our students on our historical past and our teachers have a challenging task. And the amount of time dedicated to the subjects is also limited. Inevitably, teachers are likely to choose topics that are well-resourced with materials appropriate to their pupils' ages. We need to resource them better.”
“Madam, many low-income workers live on a very tight budget and rely on their CPF to pay for the HDB loans and the education loans. And after they hit 55, their fund transfer goes into the Retirement Account and they find themselves finding it difficult to meet their obligations. Can I ask the Minister whether he would review the amount of the funds transfer at the age of 55 from the OA to the RA to take into account their existing loan obligations so that they would not have to be in greater hardship after they hit 55?”
“Chairman, I have two questions for the Defence Minister. Before that, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Minister of State, Dr Maliki Osman, on the passing of his father two days ago. I thank him for being here to answer our questions during this difficult time for him. Questions for the Minister: China's increased defence spending of 12.2% this year comes at a time when it is taking a more assertive stance in territorial disputes in this region. It also comes at a time when the US is cutting back on its defence spending. Can I ask the Minister for his assessment, first, on the impact of these trends on regional security, given the rising tensions over territorial disputes in this region; and, second, the impact on our defence planning and strategies, especially defence diplomacy on how to build more confidence and trust among emerging powers and established powers during this historic juncture?”
“Regional countries have been increasing their defence spending. China leads the pack by increasing its defence budget by 12.2%, reflecting its military ambitions to play a more assertive role in Asia. Tensions in this region have shot up in recent years over claims to disputed territories in the East and South China Seas. At the same time, nationalism has been on the rise, resulting in a more nationalistic approach to foreign and defence policy. The danger then is that the nationalist sentiments that are feeding the desire to flex military muscles would lead to a test of wills between powers and, if there is a miscalculation, to conflict. Closer to home, several ASEAN countries have also been spending more on defence. For example, Indonesia has posted an average annual increase of 8% over the last decade. What impact will these trends have on regional security and on Singapore's defence and strategic planning? As a small state, it is crucial that Singapore maintains a strong and credible defence. The evolving geopolitics reinforces the need for continued and steady investments to ensure this. We must never lose the ability to stand up for ourselves and to defend ourselves. Russia's invasion of Crimea in Ukraine is yet another reminder of that lesson. The younger generation in Singapore, however, has known only peace. As a result, some may have been lulled into a false sense of security, as mentioned earlier, and this has led to calls for a reduction in NS and defence spending. Page: 154 It is crucial that Singaporeans show an iron will to support a strong SAF and to show no weakness as a united nation when tested by any country. I would like to ask the Minister how MINDEF ensures that Singaporeans continue to remain committed to defence and a strong SAF.”
“The invasion of Ukraine by Russia is yet another reminder of vulnerabilities of small states. It is a reminder to Singapore, especially, on how harsh the world is, that size, economic strength and military power do matter in international relations. This is precisely the point I will be making in my defence cuts. The younger generation has grown up knowing only peace. This may have lulled people like the Nominated Member Laurence Lien into a false sense of security in believing that the narrative of vulnerability is only rhetoric and not reality. Can I ask the Minister how can MFA ensure that Singaporeans will support Singapore's foreign policy and its fundamental tenets, and to be united when any country, no matter how large, tries to intimidate or put pressure on Singapore?”
“At this historic juncture, Singapore has to stay nimble and seek to bring to bear its soft-power resources to influence the course of events, through regional cooperation and dialogue for peace and stability in this region. Its soft power draws mainly from its economic strength and its ability to find ways to add value and be useful and relevant to the world. It is crucial for MFA to have resources to flex its muscles in support of its ideas and to have a top-notch professional diplomatic corps at its bidding. I would like to ask the Minister for an assessment of our relations with our neighbours and of key geopolitical developments, how our foreign policies have evolved in response and how we are building the capacity of our Foreign Service to pursue Singapore's long-term interest in an increasingly complex and dynamic environment. Relations with Southeast Asia”
“Singapore cannot escape the vulnerabilities of being a small state – it is often subject to pressure by bigger countries. But as it has proved since independence, it can stand up for its own interests. It has established a record of firmly setting and following its own agenda. It has pursued a rational and consistent approach in foreign relations. This has been tested many times, including recently. One was Indonesia's naming of its warship KRI Usman Harun, which showed its complete insensitivity to our feelings. It is important that we continue to stand firm on this issue. With Indonesia, there is also the recurrent issue of transboundary haze pollution. We need to work with Indonesia to resolve this haze problem. A constant challenge is how Singapore can strike a balance between working with our neighbouring countries to form areas of common interest as well as standing up for our rights especially when we feel we are being pressured. And this challenge extends to Malaysia. The Malaysian media recently reported that Johor wants to review the price of raw water sold to Singapore. But I thought the issue has long been settled with the water Page: 122 agreement. What are the implications of this move? We can expect such pressures from time to time, but thankfully with our own sources of water, it no longer gives unnecessary hostages to fortune. But we must stand firm. The most important challenge of the future is the rise of new centres of power, particularly China. This geopolitical shift will have major repercussions on relations between the big powers and their allies and also with our neighbouring countries. And small states like Singapore are not immune to the pressures.”
“This is no time for negative talk, the kind of talk we see on some websites. Not here, not today, not when previous generations have worked so hard to get us this far, not when there is so much at stake. In conclusion, in my speech, I emphasised the need for better communication and service delivery of social assistance. I also stressed the need for preventive health measures backed by cash incentives, and more funding for wellness programmes and on the importance of preparing our younger generation for an uncertain future and building their trust in the Government. The problems of higher inequality, slowing incomes and ageing populations are testing social systems all over the world, leading to a search for new solutions. Even in relatively egalitarian places like Sweden, inequality among the employed has risen sharply. This Budget highlights our unique Singapore formula which is constantly evolving with changing times and circumstances. And I commend the Finance Minister for his reformist attitude towards our challenges. In this Budget, this Government's sense of responsibility towards future generations continues to inform the long-term reforms to our schools, investment in national infrastructure and in the imperative of having a sustainable budget position. In a political climate dominated by immediate wants and demands, the importance of longer term planning cannot be underestimated. It is only through such long strategic lenses that we can meet the challenges ahead and grasp the opportunities which will shape the coming decades. On that note, I support the Motion. 1.19 pm”
“Rapid technological progress would bring profound change to all sorts of work, and it can be very disruptive. Many occupational categories, including white-collar jobs, are at high risk of being automated. Most of the jobs that people now in school will be asked to do in 10 or 20 years' time have not yet been invented. They will have several different careers in one lifetime, demanding huge flexibility and competence. What they need is that one thing that is obsolescence-proof. And that is the ability to think and to adapt quickly. It is important to prepare our young for the changes and the challenges and to build up their resilience. I would like to ask for the Finance Minister for his assessment of the sort of jobs coming to Singapore in the future, and how does the Budget prepare our citizens, especially our younger generation, to seize these opportunities. Though the future for the young generation of today is uncertain, uncertainty alone should never be cause for pessimism, as has been shown by the previous generations. Many Singaporeans take the current higher living standards for granted in part because they have come to view the country's growth as a given. Yet, the road to riches was rockier and paved with more pain and sacrifice than is often appreciated. In the past, the older generation accepted difficult changes as the price for progress, and for ensuring Singapore's enduring sustainability, and trusted a visionary Government to lead them through it. We need to renew that trust with the younger generation to deliver a better future for all. Page: 39 As daunting as the future might seem to young people sometimes, we should help them acquire an outlook of optimism and hope. This positive and stoic attitude is crucial for them to succeed.”
“Similarly, for the pioneers, we give them cheques but we encourage them to use the cash wisely for their own health and well-being, and with an incentive to put it into their MediSave accounts, if that is the concern of the Government. For example, they will be given $100 cash each, but if they put it into their MediSave account, the Government will top up with another $100, and so on. My third point relates to the younger generation. Many have expressed concerns about the cost of living and the competition for jobs in an increasingly globalised world. Some wonder whether they would enjoy the gains that the previous generations did. Madam, it worries me that, in some circles, it has become somewhat fashionable to go around expressing pessimism for the future of our youths. The question is, are our youths set as a generation to prove the cynics wrong? The previous generations which have transformed our country did that, not by pessimistic chatter, but by defying the odds and believing that they could do it. Page: 38 This resilience and confidence come from a strength of character and unity that is built over time, and renewed by practice. Madam, let us talk frankly about the challenges we face. Across the richer countries in the world, the wages of the typical worker, adjusted for cost of living, are largely stagnant. In America, the real wage has hardly moved over the past four decades. Even in places like Britain and Germany, where employment is reaching new highs, wages have been flat for a decade. In Singapore, we have had real wages going up over the years, but how long can this be sustained? This Budget rightly puts much emphasis on transforming our economy through innovation and productivity to counteract these trends.”
“For this, I propose that the CHAS medical subsidy card, which all our Page: 37 pioneers will now be eligible for under the PGP, be turned into a special identification card for our pioneers. We can call it the Pioneer card. This Pioneer card should have a distinctive design and colour – perhaps the colours of the flag – half in red and the other half in white. This card can then double up as a distinctive identification card for them, while still being a CHAS card. Such identification will make it easier for other organisations to play their part to also honour them with discounts or special treatments for various services and programmes. For example, the community can then extend to those with the Pioneer card special discounts or even free access to some of the community activities and wellness programmes. Such a move will also ensure that honouring our pioneers is not just a package in the Budget, but an ongoing and continuous lifetime whole-of-society effort. With many organisations stepping up and helping the seniors in this way, the worry of many of our elderly over the rising cost of living can also be mitigated to some extent. Having said that, I wish there was a cash element in the PGP. Some elderly, especially those who are cash-strapped, would appreciate cash instead of MediSave top-ups. In future, perhaps the Finance Minister can consider giving them a cash cheque, much like the way MOE gives eligible students Edusave cheques every year. For these students, we encourage them to use the cash for their education, or to save it up for a rainy day.”
“But it will help if the terms or the names will be simpler, like "MediLife". It makes a difference. It may seem like a small step but, to the elderly, to say "MediShield Life", it is quite a mouthful. My second point is on preventive healthcare. While ensuring that public concerns over healthcare costs are addressed, we should step up our focus on preventive healthcare for our active elderly, and provide more funding for wellness centres and programmes. To motivate our seniors, we should find meaningful ways to reward those who take care of their overall well-being, not only their physical health but also mental, emotional and social health, because these tend to be linked. Madam, I was having my regular swim the other day and met a neighbour in his 80s. He swims more than I do. He works hard at keeping himself fit – swims twice a day and also goes to the gym. As we got out of the pool, I told him about our Pioneer Generation Package, and I found myself having to knock on wood when talking about hospital bills and such, because he is such a healthy person. His first response was, "Oh, that is good, but nothing for me when I am fit and healthy?" Indeed, a few other seniors who join my constituency's wellness programmes also echoed that view, "Why must we wait until we are sick or dying before enjoying the benefits of being a pioneer?" Indeed, while I understand the reasons for focusing the PGP on healthcare, it would be meaningful to complement that with schemes that can improve their quality of life while they are still healthy. It need not be a top-down Government approach, from this Budget alone; it can be a ground-up whole-of-society approach.”