Joan Pereira
Singapore
“We need to constantly monitor technological developments, assess their military potential and anticipate how adversaries might use them against us.”
“Third, scenario‑based exercises on sensitive issues, such as foreign conflicts involving race or religion, so that leaders can facilitate difficult conversations without letting emotions tear our social fabric.”
“How are we strengthening sustained capacity-building platforms – talent exchanges, not just in education and work but in the sports and arts as well; institutional partnerships and governance collaboration – so that we build enduring networks of trust, not one-off engagements?”
“Thank you, Speaker, and the Senior Minister of State. I seek two clarifications from the Senior Minister of State on border health measures that have been stepped up in view of the disease outbreaks overseas.”
“Thank you, Speaker and I thank the Minister. I have two clarifications for the Minister. I understand that there is a lot of support in kind in collaborating with our cross border counterparts to tackle fire hotspots, as the Minister mentioned. But how about some financial assistance for countries, if they require it?”
“Thank you, Speaker and Senior Minister of State. I have two clarifications for the Senior Minister of State. First, could the Ministry provide additional grants and support, including on a longer-term basis, for smaller drinks producers to help defray the costs of complying with the scheme?”
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“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am confident that this Bill, when enacted, will encourage more food donations, thereby reducing food wastage and increasing the supply of food to our charitable organisations and households who face food insecurity. Last year, Singapore disposed over 1,700 tonnes of food waste daily, including a lot of usable and edible food in good condition. One of the ways to reduce this wastage and contribute to food sustainability is to get suppliers and stores to donate their buffer stocks and surpluses. As storage space is costly, many companies have found it easier to just throw away and dispose of the food. I strongly urge the Government to do more to educate and incentivise them to donate these precious foods. This would require some effort and coordination and, hence, I appeal to the Government to provide the necessary administrative and infrastructural support to help them get started on this journey of donation. The Government, food suppliers and stores, voluntary welfare organisations and volunteers, need to work together to develop an efficient and safe logistical supply chain to effectively channel such food donations to charities and beneficiaries. Sir, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] I hope that the Government will provide more information to suppliers and commercial entities about the benefits of food donation and implement measures to motivate them to donate. As the donation process requires them to provide manpower and other resources and do coordination work, I therefore request the Government to provide the necessary administrative and infrastructure support to help them start on their donation journey.”
“Let us stand united together in defence of our nation's digital sphere and ensure a safer, more secure future for generations to come.”
“Regarding the proposed amendments to allow the authorities to designate computer systems of temporary cybersecurity concern due to certain events or situations, would the Ministry share more details about this? As Singapore is a global hub for key events all year round, it is important to ensure high cybersecurity standards to retain the trust of visitors and investors. Would these powers be applicable to and do the authorities intend to extend these powers to all ancillary or supporting infrastructure, including hotels and event venues, for high-profile or high-level events held in Singapore? As we work to attract more business and activities to Singapore, we must also stay cognisant of business costs that come with shoring up our cyber defences. I support the proposed lighter-touch regulatory regime for ESCI and FDI, which will help to strike a balance between increased compliance costs and high standards of practice. Would the Ministry consider the possibility of industry-wide initiatives that can be rolled out alongside any grants or subsidies, to better support companies in this respect? Madam, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.]: As we work to attract more business and activities to Singapore, we must also stay cognisant of business costs that may come with shoring up our cyber defences. I support the proposed lighter-touch regulatory regime for ESCI and FDI, which will help to strike a balance between increased compliance costs and high standards of practice. Would the Ministry consider the possibility of industry-wide initiatives – that can be rolled out alongside any grants or subsidies – to better support companies in this respect? (In English): Madam, in closing, I would like to express my support for the Bill.”
“With rapid and widespread digitalisation changing how almost every sector operates, from logistics to utilities, healthcare to finance, we see unprecedented opportunities for growth, innovation and progress. However, such hyperconnectivity also exposes us to pervasive and malicious cyber threats. In 2018, we laid the foundations to safeguard Singapore's cyberspace and protect Singaporeans online with the Cybersecurity Act. A year later, in 2019, digital defence was introduced as the sixth pillar of Total Defence. Following up on these, the amendments in this Bill will update and boost current provisions, while expanding oversight by CSA to include Systems of Temporary Cybersecurity Concern and newly created ESCIs and FDI. The changes will strengthen the Government's regulatory powers to ensure that these vital services remain operational and resilient in the face of unrelenting and increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks. For the public consultation on this Bill, there were queries about whether it would be feasible for the Commissioner to require Providers of Essential Services (PES) to cease the use of an outsourced CII in the event the PES is not able to secure a legally binding commitment, given that this may potentially disrupt the delivery of essential services. The CSA's response is that it would proceed to do so if it has ascertained that the PES is unable to meet its obligations. I would like to ask what happens if there are very limited or no comparable alternative solutions? This could be due to the highly technical or monopolistic nature of a particular sector.”
“Thank you, Deputy Speaker. I thank the Minister of State for the reply. I have one supplementary question. Would the Ministry consider requiring the installation of speed limiters on vehicles or drivers new to Singapore roads? For example, within two years of obtaining a driving licence, or maybe for foreigners, within two years of converting a driving licence to drive in Singapore? Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Madam, I thank the Member for the supplementary question. As I have shared in my answer, we feel that it is not necessary at this moment. Nevertheless, we will continue to monitor the situation.”
“Thank you, Chairman. I have a clarification for Minister of State Low. The move to harness the power of arts to improve well-being is laudable. Can the Minister of State share more on this initiative and the benefits that participation in the arts and cultural activities can bring to our seniors?”
“Chairman, Singapore has a rapidly ageing population. It is important for us to age healthily to reduce the growing burden on our healthcare system. Amongst the various measures implemented by the Government, an effective one is using arts to promote and enhance health and well-being. In September last year, the World Health Organization and the Jamil Arts and Health Lab announced a forthcoming Lancet Global Series on the health benefits of the arts. There is a growing body of evidence on how the arts can help improve health and well-being. The arts has a role to play in preventing, managing and treating physical and mental disorders. In a 2019 publication, the medical journal The Lancet stated, "Music can reduce heart rate and blood pressure pre-operatively and decrease anxiety, pain and analgesic use post-operatively. Singing can help patients with respiratory disease. Music and dance can help motor rehabilitation after a stroke. Singing in a choir, making art or group drumming can ease anxiety and depression." Would the Minister provide an update on broad-based mental well-being support in the arts and its role in Healthier SG? Can MCCY share more about the specific art-based programmes and resources that promote health and well-being? For example, festivals, programmes and resources that arts groups can use for selected target segments such as the elderly. What are the initiatives to support and promote the wellbeing of art practitioners, including freelancers?”
“This observation is borne out by the Traffic Police statistics showing a significant increase in the number of accidents where the cause was the motorist failing to keep a proper lookout, failing to have proper control of the vehicle or changing of lanes without due care. Ask any driver too, and they will tell you that on a daily basis, they encounter pedestrians crossing the roads without checking for vehicles or are jaywalking and also many who are engrossed in their mobile phones, or even wearing noise-cancelling earphones. Education campaigns, road design, penalties and enforcement are very critical measures in modifying the behaviour of our road users, but perhaps, we need to address the underlying issues, borne out of life in a busy, urban city where people always seem to be in a rush and have less patience on the roads. How many innocent lives have to be lost before our society realises that everyone – be it pedestrians or motorists, needs to just slow down and pay full attention when on our roads? The time is high for a fundamental shift in mindset, culture and behaviours. The Government cannot do this alone, each and every one of us has an important part to play. Friendly Streets”
“Even if the accidents did not lead to fatalities, a higher-than-usual accident rate may mean that it is probably a matter of time before something really bad happens. Our vulnerable road user groups include motorcyclists and their pillion riders, who make up nearly half of all fatalities last year, and the elderly, who account for 20% of fatalities. For our elderly, LTA is already rolling out more Silver Zones, which have lower speed limits and other traffic-calming measures. With a greying population, we should expect that we may start to need more Silver Zones in the future. It is commendable that LTA and Traffic Police also work closely with the wider community, including our schools and the Singapore Road Safety Council, on road safety campaigns. That must continue. I hope that LTA can expand its very important Safe Route to School projects to work with more schools, including private schools and preschools, as well as locations with a high density of enrichment or after-school care centres, to map out students' walking patterns and identify safe-walking routes. What about illegal vehicle modifications? These modifications include non-compliant exhaust and lighting systems, as well as tinted windows. For illegal modifications that change the speed of or even compromise the handling of the vehicle, I hope that LTA can deploy more resources to catch these offenders. Ask anyone who has been driving regularly on Singapore's roads for the past 20 years and you would likely get unfavourable comments about the behaviours of many of our drivers.”
“Chairman, one life lost is one too many. We should not take road safety for granted. Traffic accidents are avoidable if everyone plays his or her part. The latest statistics published by the Traffic Police are sobering. Traffic accidents claimed the lives of 136 people in 2023, which is a 25.9% increase from the 108 deaths in 2022. We also saw an increase in the number of fatal accidents involving speeding, running red lights and drink driving. As a society, it is time for us to review how we can improve safety on our roads, be it for pedestrians, cyclists or motorists. The Government has imposed stiffer penalties, stepped up enforcement and implemented traffic calming measures, to try to modify the behaviour of drivers. Indeed, with the Traffic Police's announcement that they will be enlisting the help of their network of red-light cameras to catch speeding cases as well, I am hopeful that it can act as an effective deterrent against motorists who decide to speed when it appears that no one is watching. I am also reassured by recent comments by LTA and the Traffic Police that ground assessments, and enforcement actions, are constantly and frequently conducted at accident and violation-prone hot spots. There is now no time to waste. We need to put all errant motorists on guard as soon as we can. Perhaps then, everyone should drive or ride as though there are speed cameras everywhere, if this is what it takes to prevent yet another senseless loss of life or limb. We have deterrent measures, but we also need to implement measures that can modify the behaviour of motorists. Therefore, I would like to call upon the MOT to consider investing more resources into prioritising the roll-out of additional traffic-calming measures, in high-risk or accident-prone areas.”
“Global crises, such as COVID-19, have exposed the vulnerabilities of global supply chains. Countries have reacted by trying to bring critical supply chains closer to home through "near-shoring". Rising geopolitical tensions have also caused countries to look at economic issues through a strategic lens. Countries are increasingly worried that others may weaponise critical supply chains for political leverage. Singapore relies on global trade to survive. We must adapt to an evolving world and find new ways to diversify our supply chains, especially for critical commodities such as food and energy. How has MFA supported efforts to strengthen Singapore's supply chain resilience, especially in the areas of food and energy?”
“Malaysia remains our closest neighbour. We have strong ties at the political, economic and people-to-people levels. Our Government have engaged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim consistently over many years and have maintained regular exchanges between political officeholders and senior officials. As such, we enjoy good relations with Malaysia, with mutual interest and commitment to deepen engagement and expand cooperation. Going forward, there are many areas for our countries to cooperate in, such as the sharing of low-carbon and renewable energy technologies, carbon capture and storage and carbon credits. There are also initiatives, such as the ASEAN Power Grid, which will strengthen regional interconnectivity and enhance energy security for both countries. Would MFA share how we can ensure continuity and growth in our bilateral cooperation with Malaysia? Contributing to Regional Stability”
“This year, we commemorate the 40th anniversary of Total Defence. We are very fortunate to have had decades of peace and prosperity, but we should never take this for granted. Eighty years ago, during the Japanese Occupation, Singapore experienced the horrors of war and suffered extreme privation. It was also a period when remarkable bravery and resilience shone through. Singapore is determined to be well-prepared for self-defence against future aggressions. Forty years ago, around the time the concept of Total Defence was introduced, the world split into two distinct blocs through the Cold War, with the threat of open conflict ever-present on the horizon. Today, we must be cognisant of the fact that the prospect of conflict, no matter how small, always exists. One needs only to look at the Russia-Ukraine war, which shows no signs of ending, and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Even though both are far from our shores, they each have had significant impact on the world we live in and on our lives. Total Defence is an important concept for all of Singapore society to coalesce around, especially in times of crises. Every Singaporean must play our part: as individuals and as part of our community. As we celebrate 40 years of Total Defence, we must ensure that the concept remains relevant and resonant for all Singaporeans from all walks of life. I would therefore, like to ask MINDEF to provide an update on how the 40th anniversary of Total Defence is being commemorated and how do we ensure that Total Defence continues to remain relevant and important? Civic Preparedness”
“In many developed nations, including Singapore, falling fertility has become a challenge. Fewer and later marriages, later and fewer births, a rapidly ageing population – these trends combined will have a significant impact on all aspects of our lives, our social fabric, workforce, economy, national defence and more. Will we be able to sustain our society and our standard of living? Who will look after increasing numbers of elderly? Who will pay taxes? Will we have enough blood donors? How can we continue to maintain a vibrant economy and create good jobs for Singaporeans? We have to keep our country running. Even with advanced technology and artificial intelligence, manpower, especially younger people, are needed. What measures will the Government implement to reverse our falling fertility rate? Are we prepared to consider more extensive and innovative measures to support and encourage dating, marriages and procreation? Accepting younger migrants and having more temporary foreign workers and employees in our workforce offer only a partial solution, as these measures come with their own challenges. There are also issues of social integration, cohesion and stability. Nonetheless, will the Government be reviewing immigration policies to counter our falling fertility rate? Population Projections beyond 2030”
“Thank you, Speaker. I have one supplementary question for the Senior Minister of State. I note that LTA would conduct studies and ground assessments when an accident occurs to ascertain that more engineering measures or enforcement actions are needed. However, would the Ministry of Transport (MOT) be able to share whether it would work with the Traffic Police and commit more resources to implement traffic calming infrastructure at all major accident hotspots to reduce the risk of another accident?”
“Finally, I would like to surface feedback regarding retirees living in landed properties. In recent years, their property taxes have been increasing, which affects this group of senior citizens living off their savings. While the annual value bands will be raised and they will be allowed to pay via a 24-month instalment plan without interest, some of them may still face financial issues. Hence, I would like to propose for an arrangement where IRAS will review, discuss with and advise affected landowners the various payment options and alternative solutions appropriate to their specific cases. Sir, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] I would like to surface feedback regarding retirees living in landed properties. In recent years, their property taxes have been increasing, which affects this group of senior citizens living off their savings. While the annual value bands will be raised and they will be allowed to pay via a 24-month instalment plan without interest, some of them may still face financial issues. Hence, I would like to propose for an arrangement where IRAS may review, discuss with and advise affected landowners the various payment options and alternative solutions appropriate to their specific cases. (In English): This is a forward-looking Budget that is focused on steering the whole nation ahead while not leaving anyone behind. Sir, I would like to conclude with my support for the Budget.”
“Today, I would like to take the opportunity to appeal for more middle- and long-term support for the sandwich generation – whom I would refer to as the group that has to provide for the care and expenses of children and elderly parents, while having to prepare for their own retirement needs. We have to factor in longer lifespans, which mean that they have to support their parents over a longer period even as they themselves become senior citizens. As family is the most important unit of society, we need to continue providing the relevant support needed by this group in order to safeguard our families and our society. The raised per capita household income thresholds for healthcare and associated social support subsidy schemes, will be greatly welcomed by our families as more will be able to benefit from subsidies. I also appreciate the increase in the Silver Support Scheme, which provides quarterly payments to seniors who had low incomes during their working years and have less family support. I hope a similar scheme can be introduced for elderly with similarly low incomes during their working years but who are living with their family members, albeit in the lower- and middle-income brackets. Such a support programme will also help to alleviate the burden on the sandwich generation. I would also like to speak about our families with genuine needs to ferry young children and elderly parents at this stage in their lives – who need cars but find car ownership difficult to afford. Would the Government also consider recalibrating our vehicle COE system to take into account the changing car usage patterns, including the rise in car-sharing services and yet continue to keep car ownership affordable for families who need it?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I appreciate the measures in the Budget to assist our households so that they can tackle immediate challenges and face the future with more assurance. With global tensions and conflicts exacerbating shortages of supplies and disrupting logistic chains, prices of goods and services have risen substantially and are expected to increase further. Unfortunately, it is challenging for our workers' wages to keep up with the pace of price increases and inflation. In the face of an uncertain global operating environment, competing priorities and the need to balance our budget, I welcome the Ministry's decision to provide greater assistance for the lower-income group and bigger households with elderly and children. Lower- and middle-income households would be heartened that the $6 billion top-up to the GST Voucher Fund will secure the permanent defrayment of GST expenses for them. Many will receive further support from the Cost-of-Living Special Payment, the U-Save rebates and Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC) rebates; the additional $600 in Community Development Council (CDC) Vouchers coming on the heels of the $500 recently disbursed, are appreciated. On this note, I would like the Government to consider pegging this or future batches of vouchers to the number of persons per household. If three or four generations or an extended family live at one address, it could be due to financial limitations. Hence, all the more reason for a headcount-based CDC Voucher system. On the other hand, if the reason to stay together is to facilitate mutual care and support, the household should similarly not be penalised for this.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Third time." Sir, at the Second Reading in September last year, the House referred The Society of Saint Maur Incorporation (Amendment) Bill to a Select Committee. The Select Committee received a letter, explaining the amendments to be made by the Bill. The Select Committee requested further details and received a statutory declaration from Sister Lau Wai Leng Maria, which also provided supporting documents. The Select Committee has considered the Bill and has only made minor textual alterations to the Bill to reflect the change in citation year from 2023 to 2024. The Committee’s Report was presented to Parliament on 17 January 2024. I would like to thank the Members involved in the Select Committee, namely, Chairman of the Committee Mr Speaker Seah Kian Peng, Ms He Ting Ru, Mr Murali Pillai, Ms Rahayu Mahzam, Mr Alvin Tan, Ms Jessica Tan and Mr Raj Joshua Thomas. The passing of the Bill, with its update of name references in the Ordinance, will give recognition to the distinct identity of the Lady Superior, and IJ Sisters, in Singapore. This will support them to continue in their mission to provide education and care for children and young ladies. I would also like to personally thank Sister Maria Lau, the IJ Sisters and their legal team, for their work and support on this Bill. Mr Speaker, I beg to move. [(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)] [(proc text) Bill accordingly read a Third time and passed. (proc text)]”
“This review is also triggered after every two years to provide a chance for the offenders to be considered for release. I think we can all agree that in such egregious cases, there needs to be a balance struck somewhere, to allow offenders to have a second chance while also keeping the vulnerable protected. I would also like to echo feedback that I have received from lawyers who regularly handled such cases, that we would need more clarity on how the assessment will be conducted and what are the criteria for an unconditional discharge. I also hope that to be fair to offenders, there can be additional and dedicated resources provided to support offenders convicted under SEPP in their rehabilitation journey while in prison. Sir, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] I think we can all agree that in such egregious cases, there needs to be a balance struck somewhere, to allow offenders to have a second chance while also keeping the vulnerable protected. I would also like to echo feedback that I have received from lawyers who regularly handled such cases, that we would need more clarity on how the assessment will be conducted and what are the criteria for an unconditional discharge. I also hope that to be fair to offenders, there can be additional and dedicated resources provided to support offenders convicted under SEPP in their rehabilitation journey in prison. (In English): I believe that the amendments are much needed and timely, and I stand in support of this Bill.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, almost two years ago in April 2022, I had asked the Minister for Home Affairs in this very House about the safeguards in place to protect members of the public, particularly children and women, from recalcitrant sex offenders and whether the Ministry will consider lifelong counselling and monitoring of these offenders. We have to bear in mind that such cases of sexual abuse or assault on young persons can have a long-term adverse impact on the victims and we must do all we can to protect them and prevent these crimes from even taking place again. When it comes to serious violent offences, such as culpable homicide and attempted murder, the danger posed to society is even clearer and greater. As a country, we would have failed these victims who fall prey to offenders who were released at the end of their jail terms even though they showed signs of reoffending. The Home Affairs Minister, in his response two years ago, had shared that MHA and MinLaw were, in fact, studying a new sentencing option to give more protection to the public. Under this proposal, known as SEPP in short, which we are finally able to debate on today, dangerous offenders or repeat offenders who commit very serious hurt and sexual offences will not be automatically released after serving their sentence, but would be released only after having been assessed as no longer posing a threat to the public. SEPP is not an alternative to life sentencing. Under SEPP, I see that Judges are making their decisions aided by expert risk assessment reports by professionals from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) or others and there is a review built in at their end of their original sentence where assessments are conducted by expert psychiatrists and a detention review board.”
“Sir, I have two supplementary questions. I would like to know, what is the breakdown of the $40 million required to continue to maintain the existing card-based EZ-Link system, alongside the SimplyGo. The second question is, during LTA's initial announcement on 15 June last year, regarding the consolidation of EZ-Link and Transit Link under the SimplyGo branding, was it already known that it planned to phase out the EZ-Link system? And if so, why was it not announced publicly at that point in time?”
“Can a surety object to a licensed moneylender retrieving his or her credit report? Additionally, for cases where applicants have access to a free copy of their credit reports when applying for a credit line, could this be provided to sureties as well? Madam, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Next, I have some concerns about the proposed amendment to permit a licensed moneylender to request from the credit bureau a credit report on a surety without having to obtain the surety's consent. While I am generally supportive of this measure, there may be instances where persons who have agreed to become sureties are not aware that their credit reports can be accessed by licensed moneylenders. Would the Ministry consider building in a process to ensure that this is made known and explained to them before they agree to be sureties for the loan applicants? Can a surety object to a licensed moneylender retrieving his or her credit report? Additionally, for cases where applicants have access to a free copy of their credit reports when applying for a credit line, could this be provided to sureties as well? (In English): Finally, I hope that the Ministry would continue to work with the various stakeholders to build up the professionalism of this sector. The professional standards can be raised, for example, for the engagement of clients and methods of loan recovery without resorting to threatening or unsavoury practices. Licensees can benefit from more support from the Ministry for the training of their staff. Would the Ministry also share about the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) measures for this sector? I support the Bill.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, I would like to begin by taking this opportunity to call for the better protection of all parties – moneylenders, borrowers and their sureties. We need to strengthen our system to boost our protection of licensed moneylenders and ensure that there is an even playing field for them within a healthy business environment and better risk management while holding them up to higher standards. It is also important to protect borrowers and sureties to help them better manage their loan exposures. While they may have access to licensed moneylending services in a fair and equitable way, their personal data, histories and backgrounds should not be used unfairly against them. Would the Ministry share with the House the regulatory and enforcement frameworks to safeguard their data and to limit the usage of their personal information for only approved purposes? What are the safeguards that MinLaw has put in place to ensure that the prescribed credit bureaus will keep borrowers' information secure and confidential? I would also like to ask under what circumstances would borrowers' information be shared with other public agencies? Next, I have some concerns about the proposed amendment to permit a licensed moneylender to request from the credit bureau a credit report on a surety without having to obtain the surety's consent. While I am generally supportive of this measure, there may be instances where persons who have agreed to become sureties are not aware that their credit reports can be accessed by licensed moneylenders. Would the Ministry consider building in a process to ensure that this is made known and explained to them before they agree to be sureties for the loan applicants?”
“I suggest this be a voluntary step to be built into existing immigration and customs processes or more reminders can be put up prominently via QR codes at the airports or border crossings. With that, I support the Motion.”
“It has happened and will continue to happen. Therefore, our psychological defence is most important. Social media content, in its nature, is designed to rile people up, sustain their interest and become viral. Just like how all of us are learning how to deal with scammers, we must also learn how to resist being influenced and blindly led along by social media in this conflict. We must not play into their hands and we must not let ourselves get dragged into the conflict virtually. Beyond the virtual online world, what about in the real world? I want to take this opportunity to talk about the safety and security of Singaporeans who are overseas when emergencies, conflicts or crises strike. When the situations in Ukraine and in Israel deteriorated or when borders were closed and flights were cancelled at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were Singaporeans who were on their travels. Thankfully, there were commercial flights still available, while others were able to get to neighbouring countries before flying out, and MFA was also in touch to help those who faced challenges. However, this was not as straightforward as it seemed, because not every Singaporean travelling overseas had eRegistered with MFA before going on their travels and it was always not easy for MFA to trace and get in touch with every Singaporean who may need assistance. Many Singaporeans travel overseas, be it to neighbouring countries within Southeast Asia or other destinations further away. How can we get more Singaporeans to eRegister before leaving? While many of my residents told me that they do eRegister before leaving, there are still many who shared me with that they had forgotten to do so on quite a number of trips or felt it was not necessary.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to focus on the perspectives of our Singaporeans, on the Israel-Hamas situation, as well as on other geopolitical conflicts around the world. Each of us care and should care because at the personal level, we are all fellow human beings, and the situation now is that numerous innocent civilian lives have been lost and are still being lost as we speak. In conflicts and wars, humanity loses. We need to focus on how we can help save innocent lives and de-escalate the conflict. As Singaporeans, we have a duty to support our country's stance, expressed here in Parliament today. Singaporeans and residents must remain united to uphold our domestic peace, harmony and mutual respect. I want to acknowledge the emotions and reactions of all our fellow Singaporeans, which can be very diverse, with some experiencing stronger emotions than others. I am sure that everyone experiences, to varying degrees, the distress and heartache of learning about fellow human lives being lost. As Singaporeans, we treasure a peaceful world, with many of our older generations still holding memories of the trauma of war and the immense amount of blood, sweat and tears required to rebuild a nation. It is with this shared history and destiny that bind all of us, past, present and future Singaporeans. We have to defend this hard-earned multiracial and multi-religious trust, unity and harmony. We should show empathy for the victims of wars elsewhere, but we must never let such conflicts divide us. In today's modern warfare that is globally televised, and with social media playing a pivotal role in shaping the world's perceptions of the situation, misinformation and disinformation from supporters of all sides will certainly take place.”
“Mr Speaker, I thank the Second Minister for the reply. I have one supplementary question. Can I ask if there are plans to allocate more resources, be it technology, teaching tools or maybe even manpower, to assist our schools in addressing the issue of vaping among our youths?”
“Mr Speaker, as the Bill will be referred to a Select Committee, I beg to move, "That the Select Committee on the Society of Saint Maur Incorporation (Amendment) Bill consists of Speaker as Chairman and the following Members: (1) Ms He Ting Ru, (2) Mr Murali Pillai, (3) Ms Joan Pereira, (4) Ms Rahayu Mahzam, (5) Mr Alvin Tan, (6) Ms Jessica Tan, (7) Mr Raj Joshua Thomas." [(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)] [(proc text) Resolved, "That the Select Committee on the Society of Saint Maur Incorporation (Amendment) Bill consists of Speaker as Chairman and the following Members: (proc text)] [(proc text) (1) Ms He Ting Ru, (proc text)] [(proc text) (2) Mr Murali Pillai, (proc text)] [(proc text) (3) Ms Joan Pereira, (proc text)] [(proc text) (4) Ms Rahayu Mahzam, (proc text)] [(proc text) (5) Mr Alvin Tan, (proc text)] [(proc text) (6) Ms Jessica Tan, (proc text)] [(proc text) (7) Mr Raj Joshua Thomas." – [Ms Joan Pereira] (proc text)]”
“The Bill also makes further amendments so that the references to the “Lady Superior in Penang of the Society of Saint Maur” in the Ordinance refer to the Lady Superior who is appointed for Singapore and not any other successor of the Lady Superior. The Bill also removes the Schedules as they are spent; they contain listings of properties that were vested in the corporation by sections 6 and 7 of the Ordinance in 1923. The properties in Malaysia listed under the First and Third Schedules are not under the Society of Saint Maur in Singapore, and the property in Singapore listed under the Second Schedule is no longer owned by the corporation. The corporation continues to own other properties in Singapore and the Bill also includes the necessary saving provision to ensure that existing property rights and any other rights and obligations will not be affected by the name change. Mr Speaker, I beg to move. [(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)] [(proc text) Bill accordingly read a Second time. (proc text)]”
“Mr Speaker, I beg to move, “That the Bill be now read a Second time.” Sir, the Bill seeks to amend the Society of Saint Maur Incorporation Ordinance 1923. The Ordinance was enacted in 1923 to incorporate The Lady Superior in Penang of the Society of Saint Maur and her successors as a corporation sole, to allow for perpetual succession under the name, “The Lady Superior of the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus in Penang”. The Society of Saint Maur is more commonly known as the Infant Jesus Sisters, or IJ Sisters, in Singapore. The order arose in response to the dire need in those days to provide young girls, especially those from disadvantaged families, with a good education. Arising from this mission, the IJ Sisters arrived in Singapore in 1854 and went on to found 11 Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus schools for girls in Singapore as well as an orphanage, home and children’s centre. They also provide after-school care for children. Over 169 years of history in Singapore, scores of girls have had their lives transformed through the work of the IJ Sisters. As a former IJ girl, it is my privilege to move this Bill. The IJ Sisters approached me to represent them. And we have worked closely to ensure that the Ordinance will be current and relevant to their needs. The Bill updates the name references in the Ordinance, given historical developments and current conventions. Following Singapore’s Independence in 1965, and the eventual reorganisation of the IJ Sisters, the IJ Sisters now have a Lady Superior in Singapore and a Lady Superior in Malaysia. The amendment gives recognition to this independence and allows the IJ Sisters in Singapore to grow with its own distinct identity. The reference to “Penang” in the corporation’s name will thus be removed.”
“Thank you, Speaker. I have one supplementary question for the Minister of State. Would the Ministry consider efforts to encourage our consumers to switch to non-basmati white rice alternatives, some of which may even be healthier or more nutritious, in order to diversify away from our country's reliance on white rice imports?”
“Thank you, Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister how the problem was identified and whether there had been any confusion or problems reported to be faced by affected Tanjong Pagar GRC voters on the actual polling day? And were there any voters who were unable to vote as a result of this issue?”
“Thank you, Speaker. I have one supplementary question for the Minister of State. I would like to find out what is the Ministry's view on requiring the installation of audio recorders, instead of CCTV cameras, to cover blind spots in preschools such as bathrooms and changing rooms so as to detect and even deter cases of mistreatment?”
“Mr Speaker, I beg to introduce a Bill intituled "An Act to amend the Society of Saint Maur Incorporation Ordinance 1923". [(proc text) Bill read for the First time. (proc text)]”
“Mr Speaker, I beg to move*, "That leave be given to introduce a Bill intituled 'An Act to amend the Society of Saint Maur Incorporation Ordinance 1923'." [(proc text) *The Motion also stood in the name of Mr Murali Pillai. (proc text)] The Bill seeks to amend the Society of Saint Maur Incorporation Ordinance 1923 mainly to change the name of the corporation. Sir, I beg to move. [(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)] [(proc text) Resolved, "That leave be given to introduce a Bill to amend the Society of Saint Maur Incorporation Ordinance 1923". (proc text)]”
“Any process presently to monitor the presence of tritium in our environment.”
“Make known to public on the radiation levels.”
“Mr Speaker, I have three supplementary questions for the Minister. I note that NEA operates a network of about 40 ambient radiation monitoring stations in and around Singapore, which provide a daily update on radiation levels. First, may I ask if the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment (MSE) has any plans to increase the frequency of monitoring to more than once a day or to include more monitoring stations? The second question is a request for the readings to be made known to the public; and third, does MSE have any processes presently to monitor the presence of tritium in our environment?”
“Thank you, Speaker. I would like to ask, given the current speculation among the public regarding the nature of the CPIB investigations into Minister Iswaran and HPL, whether there is currently any uncertainty or lack of clarity in the existing Code of Conduct that should be addressed to avoid causing our public servants and even our political office holders to become overly fearful and potentially impeding the discharge of their normal duties?”
“Thank you, Speaker. May I ask the Minister, with the move towards digital payments for disbursements to reduce cash handling, what would be the impact on the elderly who may not own or have use of mobile devices? Second question: are there simpler ways to allow the use of PA or grassroots bank accounts for fund disbursement purposes and disallow the use of PA staff personal bank accounts for such purposes?”
“(In English): Mdm Deputy Speaker, I conclude with my support for the Bill.”
“To safeguard the legislation's feasibility and legality, a line ought to be drawn. While grandparents seeking maintenance from their grandchildren is a legitimate concern, extending their purview to include such claims may result in an inundation of claims from other members of the extended family. This might make the legislation's execution and enforcement more difficult, burdening the system and causing undue hardship on families. We have covered a wide variety of viewpoints and taken into account the different demands of persons affected by the law during the consultation process. While we must accept the limits that we may still face today even with the amendments to the Bill, our objective is to build a framework that is fair, practical and effective. The decision to draw a line in this case illustrates our commitment to preserving clarity and making the legislation as effective and viable as possible for all parties concerned. Madam, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] As one of the members participating in this amendment, I would like to emphasise, that we have made great efforts in the process to ensure comprehensiveness and inclusiveness. We seriously discussed and engage with the public, asked for their opinions and perspectives. The discussion process highlighted several key issues, among them is whether grandparents can claim maintenance from grandchildren. This is reasonable but to expand the scope of the claims under the Bill may result in claims from other members of extended families. After much consideration, we decided not to expand the scope because that would create practical challenges and could make it more difficult to enforce the Act, burden the system and create trouble for families.”
“The Tribunal and Commissioner, responsible for overseeing the maintenance of parents, have implemented trauma-informed practices to manage and minimise distress for the children involved. These practices involve training and educating the staff on trauma-sensitive approaches, ensuring they have the necessary skills and understanding to respond to the unique needs of children who may not have official records, and promoting collaboration between relevant agencies to protect all affected parties. I want to emphasise that our commitment to trauma-informed practices does not absolve parents from their responsibilities. We firmly believe that parents should be held accountable for their actions. However, through trauma-informed practices, we strive to strike a delicate balance, protecting the child while ensuring that the elderly parent also has fair access to justice. As a fellow contributor to this amendment Bill, I would like to emphasise the enormous efforts we have made to guarantee a comprehensive and inclusive process. We have meticulously conducted discussions and engagements, soliciting opinions and perspectives from a wide range of stakeholders. These efforts have aided in the development of the legislation under consideration today. Several key issues were highlighted during these meetings, such as cases of grandparents requesting maintenance from their grandchildren. This was seriously taken into account, as was the possible influence on both grandparents and grandchildren. However, after careful consideration, it was determined that broadening the scope of support claims to include grandparents, aunts, uncles and other extended family members would pose practical challenges, as also highlighted by my hon colleague Ms Tin Pei Ling.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, I am really privileged to be part of this workgroup chaired by Mr Seah Kian Peng and I thank everyone who has participated in the focus group discussions. I want to focus my speech on the issue of trauma-informed practices. In recent rounds of public consultation, we have received feedback regarding cases where children alleged they were abused but whose cases had no official records as they went unreported. How do we strike a balance between protecting these children from claims from their parents and ensuring fair access to justice for elderly parents in cases where no records exist? We recognise the importance of recognising the trauma faced by these children, but we also acknowledge the need to ensure fairness and due process for the elderly parents who may face allegations without substantiated evidence. Striking this balance is crucial to uphold our principles of justice and compassion. In our pursuit of a solution, we have explored various avenues, and one key aspect we have delved into is the implementation of trauma-informed practices within the Tribunal and Commissioner. Now, what exactly do we mean by trauma-informed practices? Let us take a moment to understand this concept, as it forms an essential part of our approach. Trauma-informed practices are an evidence-based framework that acknowledges the prevalence and impact of trauma on individuals' lives. This approach recognises that children who have suffered abuse or neglect often bear the invisible scars of their experiences, which can significantly affect their emotional, psychological and social well-being. By adopting trauma-informed practices, we aim to create a supportive and safe environment for these children within the justice system.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I have one supplementary question for the Minister. With respect to the announcement of STC dated 5 June 2023, whether all relevant stakeholders have been consulted in the decision-making process and, if not, why was it not undertaken in arriving at this decision?”
“She spoke with a student, Ardyani. Ardyani's education therapist, Ms Miranda, had shared with the centre manager, Mr Bala, that since then, she had noticed that Ardyani has become a little bit more cheerful and confident, participating a little more during lessons and also talking a little bit more to her classmates. Ardyani's mother also noticed that her daughter is less shy in engaging others. Ardyani herself shared that she felt very much encouraged by the President's kind words and gestures during their interaction. Leaders should realise that the impact of such small gestures in inspiring others, be it to encourage someone or to provide some form of support, can really go a long way. There are many leaders amongst us – be it in the Government, private sector, social service sector or among community leaders. I certainly hope and urge all our leaders to continue to stay close to the ground and to our people, reaching out, touching lives and building more trust day by day. I support the Motion.”
“We need to identify suitable community leaders, volunteers or private sector helping hands to close the gap in the last mile to ensure that they receive assistance. (In English): One example I know of was that of a family in distress. The head of this family was the eldest of a group of siblings. The family lives in my constituency. The eldest daughter was trying very hard to be independent and cope on her own, while tapping on various assistance schemes. A staff at an organisation providing help was able to earn her trust and managed to persuade her to accept certain changes in the care arrangements for her siblings. Without this particular staff, in spite of the many available assistance schemes, the family would not be able to benefit from them. The ability to plug the gap in the last mile can determine the success or failure of our measures. Very often, the person to bridge the gap is a neighbour or a volunteer who is not as constrained by the rules and regulations of the system and can thus take certain steps to close the loop. We certainly need to nurture and strengthen our social and neighbourhood connectedness to enable the desired mutual help to happen. Of course, the essential ingredient here is trust. Government leaders have to earn the trust of our people so that in times of emergency and crisis, people will trust that they are doing the right thing for the good of the community and country. Leaders also have to be very mindful of how they act and what they say. The impact of even very simple gestures and words can be significant on the lives of the people they interact with. If I may share another example. President Halimah graced the opening ceremony of the Dyslexia Association of Singapore Henderson Learning Centre in March last year.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, I join my Parliamentary colleagues in this Motion of thanks to the President for her Address. Indeed, I agree with Mdm President that Singapore is one of the few countries in the world where trust between the Government and the people had strengthened after emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. The events of the last three years highlight the important role Government leadership plays in unifying people and providing a clear direction forward for a nation to work towards. Not only must leaders be competent, they must also demonstrate in the things they do and say that they have the nation's and the people's best interests at heart. Only by working together can the people and the Government overcome the challenges in their path. Leaders need to understand the big picture, balancing, sometimes, conflicting interests and ensuring that the pursuit of short-term goals do not compromise our long-term prospects. The Government has implemented sound policies and measures but, sometimes, those who need help fall through the cracks for all kinds of reasons and we need to identify local community leaders and helping hands, including those in the private sector, who can close the gap in the last mile of assistance delivery. Madam, in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): Leaders need to understand the big picture and balance, sometimes, conflicting interests to ensure that the pursuit of short-term goals do not compromise our long-term prospects. The Government has implemented quite comprehensive policies and measures, but under certain circumstances, those who need help may not receive assistance for all kinds of reasons.”
“Lastly, will the Ministry also support the adoption of biodegradable alternatives to plastic bags? Such products can be launched on a wide scale through supermarkets and wet markets.”