J.F. Conceicao
Singapore
“Sir, first of all, I would like to express my agreement with the expression of sympathy, almost sorrow, expressed in this House for those people living in the older estates, especially in the one-room flats. I merely rise to seek some information.”
“Sir, I am very gratified that the Senior Minister of State will convey my sentiments to the Board. I think the matter is of great importance that more and more people are brought to the realisation, as I have said, of their past. And it is not just a question of a small number of people working on the Board.”
“I take the point, Sir. And I also take the point of his reference to the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board. This is the whole point. It is not to the tourists that we want to give an impression of what Singapore is. It is our people that we want to give the impression to, of what Singapore is and how they are related to Singapore.”
“(v) What is the actual extent of the Centre's contribution towards the solution of the drug problem in the Republic? (vi) Are there plans to shift the present Centre somewhere else in a better and more conducive environment for such rehabilitation work to be carried out?”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head U be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead CBA 1101. I would just like to reflect a problem which has repeatedly been brought to my attention by my constituents. The drainage in the Tanjong Katong/Mountbatten Road as well as Poole Road, Parkstone Road, Goodman Road area is poor.”
“Sir, I suppose I shall have to do with the Minister's sympathy. With that I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr Ng Kah Ting - (7) That the sum to be allocated for Head U be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead BGA 8401.”
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“Mr Speaker, Sir, among the courses for Estate Officers would the Minister also consider including courses in public relations, so that unnecessary misunderstanding between the Housing Board officials and the public may be avoided?”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, can I obtain from the Minister a more specific assurance that a creche will be built to serve the people living in the Tanjong Rhu housing estate, because the sea front is still a couple of miles away from where I would personally like the creche to be? Inche Othman Bin Wok: Mr Speaker. Sir, will the Member put in an application and send it to me? WOODLANDS NEW TOWN (Facilities and amenities) 5. Mr P. Selvadurai asked the Minister for Law and National Development to give details of the proposed educational, social and other facilities and amenities that will be provided by the Housing and Development Board in the new Woodlands New Town now being built.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, can the Minister tell us how long it will take for the long-term development plan that he has described to mature in respect of the development of more creches'? This need is especially felt in view of our intention to encourage more women to join the work force.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to take this opportunity to bring to the Minister's notice a certain oversight in the building of an overhead bridge in my constituency, which I am sure is not characteristic other overhead bridges - I hope not anyway. The overhead bridge I am talking about is the one standing across Mountbatten Road from the vicinity of the Jalan Batu housing complex on one side to the vicinity of Tun Sen Lanang School on the other. The steps leading up to the bridge on the Jalan Batu side are very well constructed, and there seems to he logic in the construction of two stairways down to the pavement. But on the other side of the bridge at Tun Sen Lanang School, there is only one stairway down leading to within one and a half feet of the road. One would imagine that the stairway of an overhead bridge should open out on to the pavement away from the road, and not immediately on to the road. The whole purpose of the pedestrian bridge is to get pedestrians away from the road. But this bridge seems to be leading pedestrians back on to the road. I had occasion to talk this matter over with one of the Minister's officials, and as a result a railing has been placed to protect the pedestrians, should a bus or a vehicle come too close to where the pedestrian bridge ends up on the road. But I would imagine that if such a thing should happen, this railing will not be very much of a protection to pedestrians. I would urge the Minister to ask his officials to consider working out a safer way for my constituents to go from one side of Mount-batten Road to the other.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am sure the Minister will give consideration to the proposal that we will put forward later on. I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $5,492,000 for Head 51 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 52 - The following amendment stood in the name of Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon - (1) That the sum to be allocated for Head 52 be reduced by $10 in respect of item 001 of subhead 101. Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon: I am not moving, Sir.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, all I am saying is that, since both Siglap and Joo Chiat have each a library, can the provisions of this new central library be extended by way of a better mobile service to the Tanjong Rhu area, which is in my constituency? Never mind if Katong cannot get the same provision a the other constituencies, but at least he can afford the provision of a mobile library service. Otherwise, it is very unfair; but as the Member for Anson would say, "What to do!"”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, with respect to the Minister's view that we should not site a library in each constituency, I would like to point out that, apart from the establishment of this new library in the new development area, there is also, already, a library in the Too Chiat constituency serving the people in that area. Too Chiat constituency is in very close proximity to this new library. If this is so, I would suggest that perhaps we could have a small library in the Katong constituency too, or at least extend some kind of service from this new district centre to the Katong constituency. Sir, the point 1 would like to raise is that the development of this new housing estate would be finer than that which is characteristic of the Tanjong Rhu Housing Estate, The majority of people in the Tanjong Rhu Housing Estate are living in one-room and two-room flats, and it will therefore be more convenient if some provision not necessarily such a library - were made for them. This would be better than to site a library close to an area where the characteristic of the housing is large bungalows and houses that belong to the more affluent people. In view of what I have said, perhaps the Minister will consider extending at least some sort of service to the people in the Tanjong Rhu Housing Estate. If the Minister does not wish to answer, but wishes to consider - Mr Jek Yeun Thong rose -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 51 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 404. Sir, I merely wish to ask the Minister where will this Katong Library he sited. The Memorandum on the Development Estimates says "it is proposed to build another branch library in the Katong/Joo Chiat/Siglap Area." Presumably the designation of these districts refers to constituencies. I would like to know what is the estimated population that will benefit from this provision, and what sort of investigation or data has led to the siting of this library. I reserve further comments for the Minister's reply.”
“I thank the Minister for his reply, and beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. In the absence of Mr Sim Boon Woo,, the following amendment, standing in his, name, was not proceeded with - That the sum to be allocated for Head 51 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 104.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 51 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 103*. (* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr Ng Kah Ting) Sir, I would like to ask the Minister for Culture for further details about the capital development aspect of this subject. The Memorandum on the Development Estimates says that an amount of $500,000 is provided for work to commence on the Adult Education Production and Training Centre. Sir, could we be informed what will be the total capital development cost for this project? In respect of contributions to this project, what will be our share of responsibility, as against the responsibility of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung? Perhaps the Minister could also touch on the benefits that will accrue to Singapore with the physical location of the Centre here.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in view of the Minister's answer, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $3,500,010 for Head 01 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 31 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 01 be reduced by $10 in respect of item 001 of subhead 101. Sir, during the debate on the Development Estimates last year, the Minister for Law and National Development said that he hoped the Member for Katong would support his project for the building of the new subordinate court complex. In view of the remarks I made regarding the slow progress d building that was going on, I would certainly support this project wholeheartedly, because a place where justice is administered should reflect the fresh, crisp, and clean atmosphere and appearance which characterises Singapore. I hope that it will not be necessary before long for those who are required to appear in court for one reason or another to experience the gloomy atmosphere of dilapidation that characterises the present subordinate courts. It is, therefore, with some dismay that I note that of the $2 million voted for last year, a large sum has been re-voted this year, the actual amount spent being less than $200,000. Last year we were promised that piling work was scheduled to begin early in 1971. Now we are told that the same piling work will begin in early 1972. Perhaps the Minister could give us a progress report on this development, and assure us that steps will be taken to expedite the development of this project.”
“Sir, I was first under the impression that perhaps this increased vote has indicated a greater interest in educating the public towards greater consciousness in road safety. However, since my impression does not seem to be correct here, may I just express the hope that such efforts may be intensified in the future until greater success is reached in making our roads much safer, and with conditions reflective of greater courtesy. With that hope, Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $60,589,890 for Head 1401 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 1402 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1401 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (11) of subhead 2120. Just a matter of information, Sir While I applaud the Minister for any efforts that aim at bringing about greater safety and courtesy on the roads, may I specifically ask what will the greatly enhanced sum for this item be spent on? Can we have further details, Sir?”
“(4) That the sum to be allocated for Head 1401 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1339.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1203 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1071. I merely wish to ask the Minister for Health to what extent do these Inspectors of Factories, Industrial Health Unit, who are under the Senior Health Officer, have duties and functions similar to or different from those Inspectors of Factories in the Factory Inspectorate of the Ministry of Labour, under Head 0601 subhead 1104. Furthermore, in what way is liaison and co-ordination achieved between the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Health in this important sector of industrial health?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $13,807,580 for Head 1108 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 1110 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1108 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1581*.(* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr P. Govindaswamy.) Sir, may I take this opportunity to congratulate the Trees and Parks Unit for the great energy it has put, and generally put happily and successfully, into making Singapore a green and pleasant place. Every encouragement should be given to the programme to' make Singapore cool and shady and a city characterised by a bland, garden and park atmosphere. But a few points of restraint should also be observed. For example, where trees may have to be planted on the sides of roads, care should be taken to see that pavements are not unnecessarily ripped off and the trees become an impediment to pedestrians. Mr Speaker, Sir, it is possible, especially in our suburban areas, but including those even in town, that people might like to go for a walk in the evening or early morning. However, walking becomes hazardous if one has to constantly step down from the pavement on to the road because of trees blocking the way of pedestrians. Another hazard, Sir, is the planting of trees at junctions, or at certain locations by the roadside which block the view of' motorists, thereby increasing the danger of road accidents. Having said that, Sir, I must revert once more to my note of general congratulation to the Trees and Parks Unit.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Primary Production Department is in charge of several primary production projects, and these have resulted in the gathering of much useful and interesting knowledge and expertise. Examples of such projects are fish rearing, including edible species as well as tropical aquarium fish, mushroom cultivation and hydroponics. I would like to suggest that this knowledge and expertise be made available to interested members of the general public through appropriate courses. `They could be organised either by the Primary Production Department itself or in collaboration, possibly, with the Adult Education Board. I am sure the Minister will agree that, for example, orchid cultivation and, indeed more recently, the, breeding of aquarium fish have become quite significant commercial activities. In the case of orchid cultivation, quite an important factor in its development has been the interest of private enthusiasts. 4.15 p.m. I would not be at all surprised that in the case of tropical fish also, recreational activity has turned out in the end to be quite a profitable activity for many people. It may be possible that with more people being interested in mushroom cultivation and hydroponics as recreational activities, such enthusiasm may also turn out to be profitable activities; even, in the monetary sense, for the individual; and useful for the national economy in a humble yet significant way.”
“Sir, in view of what the Minister has said about industrial accidents and in view of the attention we are giving presently to this matter of industrial safety, can the Minister get the Legal Aid Bureau to categorise industrial accidents separately from ordinary accidents? The people will then know more accurately what is happening and will, therefore, be more disposed to take advantage of the facilities offered by the Legal Aid Bureau.”
“Sir, I wanted to ask the same question as the Member for Jalan Kayu in respect of workmen's compensation claims that might be processed by the Legal Aid Bureau. Perhaps I could ask the Minister, therefore, to quote how many instances of claims of such nature that the Legal Aid Bureau has succeeded in.”
“Many pilgrims from Singapore were ignored by the pilgrim agents in Mecca who have contacts with one or two pilgrim agents in Singapore. Most of the pilgrim agents are concerned with their own welfare and with making a lot of profit. As such, it is important to provide assistance and amenities to pilgrims of Singapore at Mecca and Medina. Sir, another matter, which I would like to bring to the attention of this House is that the Majlis Ugama Islam or the Minister for Social Affairs should consult the Central Provident Fund anti the Ministry of Labour to allow Muslims who have got funds in the CP.F, to withdraw part of their contributions and deposit it in the Pilgrimage Fund in order to enable them to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca. Sir, I would like to stress that it is only a part and not all of their contributions or an amount which is sufficient for their fare to Mecca. I hope that the proposed Pilgrimage Fund will get a good response from Muslims in Singapore and, in this way, will allow Muslims, while they are still young and strong, to go to the Haj when they are fit to do it. Sir, I would also like to know how many mosques and suraus are under the administration of the Majlis? Are all the mosques and suraus under the administration of the Majlis, and are they allotted funds for extension and improvement purposes? What steps are being taken by the Majlis for the smooth administration of the mosques and suraus in the Republic? Finally, Sir, I would like to know how many kathis and assistant kathis there are at present, and how were they recruited by the Majlis Ugama Islam.”
“Sir, I am very grateful for the Minister's reply, and I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi (Kampong Kembangan)(In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1001 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1141*.(* The same amendment also stood in the name of Inche Rahmat bin Kenap Al-Haj.) Sir, of late, prospective pilgrims from Singapore faced a lot of difficulties, particularly those who wanted to go to Mecca by ship. In previous years, prospective pilgrims can board their ships at Singapore. But last year they had to go to the Port of Klang. They made no preparations for the trip to the Port of Klang as they were first scheduled to board ship in Singapore. However, because of their great desire to go to Mecca, they faced the problems and difficulties with patience and with the full conviction that they would definitely reach the destination. To assist future pilgrims of Singapore, the President of the Majlis Ugama- Islam in his press statement recently said that a Pilgrimage Fund would be established in Singapore. I would like to know what plans have been made to assist prospective pilgrims. To obtain the support of Muslims in Singapore, the Majlis Ugama Islam should make the scheme attractive and provide amenities to the prospective pilgrims. Apart from providing amenities and facilities for the prospective pilgrims, the Majlis should encourage Muslims to save mores- through the proposed Pilgrimage Fund for their journey to the Haj, in which they would have to face all sorts of difficulties in Mecca and N4edina, particularly in respect of welfare and health.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1001 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1101. Sir, I would just like to know what sort of complaints the Director of the Central Complaints Bureau receives. Perhaps these complaints would fall neatly into certain categories. It will be interesting to know what sort of complaints people lodge with this Bureau, and how are these complaints solved, and what steps are taken to meet the needs of the complainant.”
“The work of the Psychologist also includes conducting psychological tests and observations, counselling, operating a classification system for the purpose of grouping, placement and reliefs, providing consultation service for social case workers and participating in training and research projects. The provision of $8,550 in the Estimates is for a nine-month period. The salary scale is the same as that for the post of Psychologist, Woodbridge Hospital. We expect to fill the post as soon as possible through normal recruitment channels. Mr Conceicao: Sir, I thank the Minister for his reply, and I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1001 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1008. Sir, I am rather curious as to what a Psychologist is doing in the Ministry of Social Affairs headquarters. Perhaps the Minister can enlighten us on this score. What are the duties of the Psychologist, and is he operating in an advisory capacity or in a professional capacity? Inche Othman Bin Wok: Mr Speaker, Sir, obtaining the services of a full-time Psychologist is part of my Ministry's plan to improve the adjustment and rehabilitation programme operating in both the Social Welfare Department and the Probation and Aftercare Section. The Psychologist will not only deal with the problems of children and young delinquents but also normal children who sometimes need guidance to ensure the full development of their personalities and the formation of wholesome attitudes, outlook, habit and adjustment to the institutional setting in which they find themselves, as well as their adjustment to society and life. Even adults who have approached the Counselling and Advice Section for assistance sometimes require the help of a Psychologist in view of their deep-seated emotional conflict and personality problem. In the treatment of young delinquents, especially those who take drugs and are put on probation, the rehabilitation team requires the services of a Psychologist to conduct a psychological examination to enable the Probation and Aftercare Section to plan the offenders' future adjustment while under probation or aftercare; to the Prisons Classification Board to decide on an effective adjustment and training programme; and to the Parole Board to decide on the suitability of the offender's release on parole. 6.30 p.m.”
“In as much as I have spoken about the necessity to encourage the industrial and applied aspects of art, I hope that where schools are concerned, every encouragement will be given so that the function as well as the aesthetic aspects of art could be emphasised to benefit not only school children, but the Museum itself.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to support what the Member for Jurong has said with regard to the Education Officer in the new Art Gallery and Museum. I agree with him that one Education Officer is not adequate because we have to cater for different language media schools. The past staff position in the National Museum, where its natural history responsibilities were concerned, was to have two Education Officers seconded from the Education Ministry and paid for by the Science Centre Board. I would recommend that some move be worked out so that there can be two Education Officers. I would imagine that it is important to involve schools in the Art Museum, which is in the process of being set up. I would imagine also that it would be good if the Education Officers of the Museum staff could organise a special section in the Museum related to interests in art and craft in the schools, in the same way as such a section has been organised with special attention to the interests of schools in natural history, especially as laid down in the syllabuses for schools. It would be a good idea to emphasise early school activity in art, both in the primary and later stages of education because a love for, and an interest in, art must be inculcated at a very young age, and one wants to tap the potential, at as early an age as possible. Apart from this special section to encourage art expression emanating from the schools, other activities can also be carried out, like seminars, film shows, courses for art teachers, guided tours of the Museum itself, in such a way that a constant activity is taking place, and that there is not a passive response to art.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, if I may offer some clarification to the point that has been raised. The reorganisation is not the responsibility of the Ministry of Culture. The Member for Anson is talking about the Museum as it was two years ago. The Museum was then under the Ministry of Science and Technology. In respect of reorganisation, the different method of presentation of exhibits is a reference to the reorganisation of the natural history exhibits of the Museum, and this aspect of reorganisation is taking place in that the exhibits are being shifted to the Science Centre in Jurong. The other aspect of reorganisation, namely, in respect of Art and Anthropology, will be the responsibility of the Ministry of Culture.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, if the Ministry of Culture feels that there is too much diffusion of responsibility where Broadcasting staff are concerned, and that this does not contribute to quality, then I hope something will be done to improve the position. However, in view of the Parliamentary Secretary's explanation regarding training, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Mr P. Govindaswamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0901 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1551. Sir, although the National Library is doing a magnificent job, it can still further improve the facilities it offers through its mobile library service. At present too many areas are completely neglected, so much so that many children of school-going age are deprived of the library service. I quote, for example, Thomson Road, Nee Soon, Sembawang, and Naval Base area.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0901 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1301. Sir, the Broadcasting Division of the Ministry of Culture has by this time, despite a few resignations, gained considerable resources in terms of experience and expertise of its senior staff. I wonder. Sir, what training opportunities are being organised to give the younger staff members the benefit of the knowledge and experience garnered by older staff members. From what may be observed of broadcasting programmes, I am sure that the Programmes and the News section staff, like Programme Assistants, Comperes, Interviewers, News-readers, and the like, can improve their performance through exchange of views, supervised guidance, seminars, special training programmes organised on an in-service training basis, and so on. I would like to know what is being done in this regard to make the presentation of both entertainment and news more lively and polished. Apart from the local training of personnel, it will be useful to send them abroad, or to take advantage of visiting experts. The T.V.-radio media, as-entertainment and educational media, are constantly undergoing rapid changes-and are exposed to constant changes in style and selection of themes for presentation. We have to keep in constant touch with what is going on in the-international broadcasting scene. I would like some elucidation from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture in respect of training overseas-as well as locally.”
“I would imagine I have to give support to the Ministry of Culture in any of its future attempt to get more money for the encouragement of arts in Singapore.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to refer to the Parliamentary Secretary's statement about the proposed Art Gallery, especially to what he said regarding the exhibitions of paintings and sculptures. I would imagine that there should also be some emphasis on participation in art, not merely on a passive spectator-approach to art. In that respect, I think there should be greater encouragement of response from schools. In relation to this, I think there should not be simply encouragement given to exhibitions or expression in paintings and other forms of art, but there should be some emphasis on art in relation to industry. In this way, and in order to bring about this relation, there are materials in the forthcoming Art Gallery that could lend themselves to a highlighting of such a relationship between art and industry. By placing emphasis on this relation, such as encouraging design competitions, competitions in respect of motifs for silverware, ceramics, and so on, one can make this relationship clear, so that ultimately there may be some support from the industrial sector for this Art Gallery, which otherwise would remain unrelated towards what is going on around us. In respect of what the Parliamentary Secretary has also said that there should be greater public support, I think the point that I have made is relevant. At the same time, I feel that Government should more actively encourage cultural expression in general. Ten thousand dollars as contribution to cultural organisations, as we have heard a while ago, is chicken-feed in relation to what the Minister of State for Finance has said regarding grass-roots. If you want to fertilise grass-roots, $10,000 will not be enough even for fertilisers in a good orchid industry in Singapore!”
“Sir, in respect of the subsidy to the Housing and Development Board, I also presume that, as the Minister has said, this sum is being used for certain amenities - in the case of my constituency, the construction of a swimming complex. However, the Housing and Development Board has written to the Ministry of Finance to get clearance with regard to additional land - and perhaps the demolition of a couple of houses belonging to the Government - in order to accommodate this swimming complex. The Housing and Development Board has not yet received a reply for a few months now. I wonder if the Minister for Finance could look into this matter on behalf of my constituency.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, would you allow me to ask the Minister a favour on this same subhead, please?”
“Sir, in view of the Minister's reply, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1301 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1501. Sir, I bring up this matter in order to assure myself of the quality of the goods supplied by the Central Supplies Office. A few months ago when I had occasion to be in hospital for a short time, I was surprised to hear complaints made by senior staff members about an item of furniture, namely, armchairs, supplied by the Central Supplies Office to the Ministry of Health. They were complaints that the item of furniture received showed early signs of deterioration, and on one occasion a chair collapsed under the weight of a patient. The question I would like to ask is whether Government departments are forced to accept the goods provided by the Central Supplies Office, even if they are reluctant to accept the goods because they are able to get similar items of equal or better quality and at a cheaper price than those supplied. Is adequate care taken to ensure that the quality of the goods supplied conform to reasonable expectations of those who place orders for them? In any case, I would imagine also that when orders are placed with the Central Supplies Office, quality specifications are also given. Can the Minister enlighten me on this score?”
“I am not moving my amendment, Sir. 7.00 p.m.”
“Sir, we are all very impressed with the eloquence with which the Minister has defended the public transport system, and we must certainly agree with him on the conclusion that he has reached, without the aid of the article in the New Nation. At the same time, I feel that there are little points which show that the system is not all that perfect. There can be no system which is perfect, and it is the job of the Backbenchers here to point to the need for one or two small things, not in the spirit of carping criticism, but in the spirit of constructive contribution. 4.30 p.m. For myself, may I say that I would like to correct any impression that I may have made in the debate just now that I feel that one should resort to legislation at the drop of a pin. I would like to clarify that there is educational value in legislation, provided the time is opportune for its implementation. But in respect of jaywalking, apparently the Minister wishes to wait for yet another year.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I clarify? My view is that one of the best forms of education is legislation.”
“It is high time that companies were fined for taking such an irresponsible attitude towards the safety of the ordinary road user. Furthermore, there is an acute shortage of buses running certain routes. It is high time that more buses were put into operation. On the other hand, bus drivers should be given better conditions of service, such as vacation leave and medical benefits. May I also know whether the increase in fines for traffic offences has proved to be a deterrent, and has it in any way produced better standards of driving and ease on the roads? It is my view that this is not so. Has the Registrar of Vehicles exploited the possibility of using television as a medium for instructing and educating Singaporeans in better standards of driving? There seems to he a great lack of courtesy and goodwill on our roads at present.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it has been frequently declared that a large proportion of those killed and injured in road accidents consists of pedestrians. 4.00 p.m. In view of this, special measures have to be taken to protect pedestrians. The Minister will recollect the extent to which our legislation on safety helmets for scooterists and motor-cyclists and pillion riders has helped to reduce injuries and even the number of deaths arising from accidents. Of course, Mr Speaker, Sir, the real answer to the problem is education - to persuade people to be more careful and to be more conscious of pedestrian hazards, and so on. We hear that solution quoted again and again. But the time may be ripe for measures dependent on education .and social persuasion to be, strengthened by legislation. Perhaps the Minister would like to enlighten us on that point. Mr P. Govindaswamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, when the reorganisation of the motor transport system was implemented last year, drivers and conductors of buses behaved, to everyone's surprise, marvellously. Unfortunately, time has proved what they really are. Daily, our travelling public have to put up with rude conductors, inconsiderate drivers who fail to stop at designated stops, and thereby causing great inconvenience to the travelling public. The buses too are not maintained properly. Quite often these buses break down at odd places and cause great inconvenience to other road users. The bus companies should be pulled up for allowing faulty buses to run on the roads. Many of these buses run around without any petrol filler caps. As such, when they negotiate turns, they leave a trail of oil on the roads. Any motor-cyclist will know what this trail of oil will lead to eventually.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in the last Budget debate in 1971, the Minister for Communications informed the House that steps would be taken to improve the standard o, driving in respect of buses in the public transport sector. The Minister informed us that courses on courtesy, first aid, etc., would be run. Since that time we have heard a suggestion that one of the reasons why our bus drivers seem to be in such a hurry to get from one place to another is that their schedules impose a pressure on them. If this is so, can the Ministry not take such steps that will result in more reasonable requirements for bus drivers to keep to time schedules for bus routes? The Member for Mountbatten has raised a matter which I would like to endorse. It relates to the standard of maintenance and operation of buses. I agree with him that one notices too frequently buses breaking down and holding up traffic. They also caused inconvenience to bus users. I am sure that bus drivers will feel more disposed to listen to advice given in courses on proper bus driving, if pressure of route schedules was not so great and if buses were better maintained. In respect of these two points, can we be informed of (a) the progress of educational courses for bus drivers, and (b) the extent to which the Registry of Vehicles has a say in the proper maintenance of buses, and to what extent is this right exercised? Sir, we were also told during the last Budget debate that the Ministry of Communications was observing the extent to which pedestrian facilities, for instance, overhead bridges, zebra crossings, and so on, were used. I recollect that it was stated that consideration would be given, if necessary, to legislation against jay walking - legislation, of course, that would concomitantly protect pedestrians.”
“Sir, I thank the Minister for bringing me to a better understanding of the principle behind recruitment to the Foreign Service. I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister has not touched on the possibility of a proper cadre of ranking Foreign Service officers at ambassadorial level for the Foreign Service. Perhaps this would be a better scheme than getting people from various walks of life and post them overseas on a temporary basis.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0501 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1051*.(* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr P.Govindaswamy.) Sir, I merely wish to express my curiosity as to whether or not the salaries as indicated by this vote for our Ambassadors and High Commissioners are really enough to enable them to perform their functions without too much worry over expenditure. I know that there is another item showing the payment of overseas allowances to our representatives abroad, but despite this allowance I have the impression that total emoluments for our Heads of Missions are still not enough. One point that springs to mind is what is the criterion used to determine the grade of allowance that a particular Head of a Mission is entitled to? Here again, perhaps there is no relationship between the cost of living for an Ambassador and the allowances that he actually gets. Sir, we are supposed to be a Republic with the second highest per capita income in Asia. Under these circumstances, our overseas Heads of Missions should receive emoluments commensurate with their importance and dignified calling to meet the financial demands of their office. I do not know if it is about time we looked into the matter of getting a cadre of full-time Foreign Service officers at Head-of-Mission level who are prepared to serve on a permanent basis. But this cadre should not be seconded from among Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, University staff, etc. With the possibility of the emergence of this cadre of Foreign Service officers, could not a new scheme of pay be devised?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in the last fortnight or so, a phenomenon has been reported a number of times in several newspapers about the so-called "squall" over the Straits of Malacca. There were arguments as to whether it should be internationalised, or whether certain limitations should be imposed on navigation through the straits, and a decision over this matter may have some important consequences for us. I wonder whether it is opportune and appropriate at this time for the Minister to comment further on this issue.”
“If I may quote from Shakespeare: `In peace there's nothing so becomes a man As modest stillness and humility: But when the blast of war blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the tiger;' -Henry V. Act 111, Scene 1, lines 3-6..”
“In my own constituency, we have received help in cleaning-up operations after serious flooding. We have received help in the planting of trees. We have received promise of such cooperation any time we call upon the help of the military in the vicinity of my constituency. Furthermore, there was a warm response to the military static display which was held at the Katong Community Centre. The behaviour and the initiative shown by officers have been generally exemplary on such occasions. It would be good to reiterate that under all circumstances the behaviour of S.A.F. officers should be considerate and gentlemanly. When he appears in public places of entertainment, for example, an officer should not forget that he represents the Armed Forces, even though he is not in uniform. When driving on the roads, he should always show courtesy, even if courtesy is distinctly lacking in others. The point I am trying to make is that not only should an Army officer set high standards of behaviour for himself, so as to show a leading example to his men but, wherever possible, also show such example to those who may not be in the Armed Forces. In this way, if there is something wanting in the behaviour of non-S.A.F, members, this should not be found wanting too in the standards of the officers. Respect may then be won, and an appropriate status found for the S.A.F, in our society. Therefore, when the soldier, especially the officer, undergoes training, he should, in addition to normal military training, perhaps at some stage of his army career, be exposed to knowledge and experience that would have a fine and civilizing influence over him, not to make him less of a soldier, but more of a gentleman.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0401 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 3005. Sir, first, I would like to express my basic agreement with the view expressed by the Minister of Defence at a commissioning ceremony a few months ago. He said that in order to attract men of high calibre into the officer-cadre ship of the Singapore Armed Forces, a status has to be accorded to this officer corps by way of perquisites like housing, provision of motor vehicles, and so on. I think there should be a general acceptance of this principle. In modern warfare, it is not the man of brawn, the brawler, the tough, one of the Dirty Dozen, so to speak, who really contributes to victory - except perhaps in television performances - although soldiers should certainly be tough fighters. Marshal Georgi Zhukov, perhaps the Soviet Union's greatest soldier in the last war, was said to have expressed the view that war is a science, a series of mathematical problems to be solved through proper integration and co-ordination of men and weapons in time and space. The soldier, and especially the officer, is not the kind of metal out of which rough nails are made. He has indeed to have a fine intellectual temper. This being the case, the Singapore Armed Forces has to be seen as occupying an appropriate position in our society. However, it should be easily agreed also that status is won as much as it is accorded, is worked for as much as it is given. In this respect, the S.A.F., especially its officer corps, has a big role to play. In fact, it has already begun this role for some time past and should continue to play it more vigorously. The S.A.F, has participated in many community projects.”