John Chen Seow Phun
Singapore
“Sir, Singapore has signed FTAs with a number of countries, including the developed nations, such as the US and Japan. These FTAs give us better access to these developed markets compared to other countries for goods that need the rules of origin.”
“Sir, I thank the Minister for asking the HDB to relook at the case I brought up, but I hope that he would not rule out providing the same loan amount to the family. I understand the need for credit assessment policy, and so on. But I think the policy should not be applied blindly.”
“It can also be stipulated that the grants can only be used to pay part of their mortgage loan monthly. I think this will go a long way in helping these families pay for their flats. I hope the Minister can look into this and see whether these families can be given such help.”
“My point is that the Minister should reconsider this case and exercise flexibility, so that the family will be helped. Otherwise, if the family was asked to sell their flat, it could be negative equity and the problem would come back to HDB. And HDB would be owed money and I do not think that is good for HDB as well.”
“We need to come up with a regular mechanism where older and lower income workers can benefit without the pitfalls of a crutch mentality. I think, in this regard, the Government has not spent enough time or thought to look into what other mechanisms that we can have.”
“On the other hand, at best, we get one Singapore pavilion with a dozen or so companies, and that is about it. If we are really serious with our globalisation effort, our Government agencies must put in more resources to encourage more companies to participate in such events.”
The complete record
Every one of 741 lines we hold for John Chen Seow Phun, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 8 of 15.
“A motorist who has at least two previous convictions for dangerous or reckless driving can be punished up to three times the penalty that he would otherwise have received, subject to a maximum jail term of 10 years if a jail term is imposed. If he had caused serious injury or death when he is convicted of dangerous or reckless driving for the third time or more, the Court may also impose caning of up to six strokes. The Road Traffic Act was also amended in 1996 to ensure that any person who is convicted of dangerous driving, but has two previous convictions of driving under the influence of drink or drugs or failing to give blood or breath specimen, or driving while under suspension or disqualification, is liable for the same enhanced penalty as one who is convicted of dangerous driving for the third time or more. Sir, more recently, the Road Traffic Rules were amended to further deter dangerous driving. With effect from 1st June 1998, a motorist will be given 24 demerit points instead of the previous 12 points for the offence of dangerous driving. In addition, his driving licence can be suspended for up to a period of three years. Any motorist who is suspended or disqualified from driving for at least one year will lose his driving licence, and will have to re-sit for, and pass, a new driving test to regain his licence. Sir, we are also currently reviewing the Road Traffic Act, and target to introduce the Amendment Bill in Parliament later this year. We are considering empowering the Deputy Commissioner of Police to immediately suspend the driving licences of those who cause death by dangerous or reckless driving even before they are charged in court.”
“Sir, as far as I know, there is no immediate plan. But we will look into whether we can improve the safety of the stretch of the road and see what we can do. Those measures that I have mentioned are ongoing and they will be implemented. DANGEROUS DRIVING (Enhancement of penalty) 24. Mr Goh Choon Kang asked the Minister for Home Affairs if the maximum penalty for dangerous driving needs to be enhanced for more effective deterrence. The Minister of State for Home Affairs (Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee) (for the Minister for Home Affairs): Sir, existing penalties for dangerous driving are adequate. Police takes strict enforcement action against motorists who endanger the lives of other road-users by driving dangerously or recklessly. In 1996, the Road Traffic Act was amended to enhance the penalties for dangerous driving. We tripled the maximum fine and doubled the maximum jail sentence for this offence. Hence, anyone who drives a motor vehicle dangerously or recklessly can now be fined up to $3,000 (up from $1,000) or jailed up to one year (up from six months), or both. The penalties for a second-time offender are more severe. He can be fined up to $5,000 (up from $2,000) or jailed up to two years (up from one year), or both. Sir, anyone who causes the death of another person by dangerous or reckless driving will be jailed for up to five years when convicted. Imprisonment is mandatory. Regardless of whether he has any previous conviction for dangerous driving, the Court has the power to ban him from driving for life, depending on the severity of the case.”
“Sir, as explained in my answer, those bollards or markers are not designed to withstand the impact and the purpose of those markers or bollards is actually to guide the drivers as they approach the bus bay so that they will not get too close to the kerb and pose a danger to the commuters. From our study, it has been very useful for bus drivers to know how far to keep away from the kerb and, in fact, there are over 100 bus stops in Singapore with such bollards.”
“Sir, the LTA will survey all bus stops and areas where there is a bend, and so on. Of course, we will put up additional signs and measures on the road to prevent speeding. But let me point out that the root cause of all these safety problems is really the driving habit of motorists. Therefore, I would urge the House to really help the Government to send a strong message to Singaporeans that such behaviour would kill lives. The motorists are given a machine which can take away lives and, therefore, it is more important for us to tell the motorists that such reckless behaviour would not be tolerated.”
“Sir, we have looked at many countries - UK, Australia, US - and we have not found any country which has barriers in front of the bus stops. In fact, if you look at the features of our bus stops, I would say that the features that I mentioned earlier are more than those implemented by other countries. So rest assured that we have not been found wanting in implementing all these safety measures. We have looked far and wide for all the possible ideas.”
“Sir, as I said, bus bays depend on whether we have enough space. So that is the criterion. If we have, we will do it, especially along busy roads. As for bollards, they are also barriers in a certain sense and, therefore, they create a danger. We have to be mindful that we do not introduce something which will create other dangers because if commuters were to stand in front of the bollards or sitting on the bollards, when the buses come and if they are too close, there will also be a danger. So we are mindful that we should not create other dangers just because we want to have these barriers. Assoc. Prof. Low Seow Chay: Sir, I would like to ask the Minister of State regarding the international standards of the bus stops. May I ask him to enlighten the House which one of the standards he has chosen and what are the key safety features which have been adopted? Also, would the Ministry take action against any organisation which builds makeshift bus stops for whatever purpose?”
“Sir, if you build the barrier in front of the bus stop, what happens is that, especially when there is a crowd, the passengers will tend to flow on to the road. So that itself will create a danger and it will also impede the flow because they will not be able to get to the bus fast enough and that would not be acceptable.”
“To further emphasise and clamp down on those drivers with careless and dangerous driver behaviour, the Traffic Police has introduced regulations to suspend extreme speedsters and penalise those using handphones without hands-free car kits. The success of these moves would enhance road safety for all pedestrians.”
“Road safety at bus stops depends on both design and driver behaviour. Our bus stops are designed to international standards. Like pedestrian footpaths, bus stops are segregated from the road carriageway by raised kerbs. Where space permits, we provide a bus bay so that commuters waiting at the bus stop are even further away from the road. A "yellow band" is drawn along the kerb at the bus stop as a visual guide to commuters to stay away from the kerb, much like that on MRT station platforms. This yellow band has already been painted at more than half of the 4,200 bus stops in Singapore. The rest should be completed in a few months. At certain bus bays along very busy roads, markers have been erected on the kerb before the approach to the bay. These are designed to guide bus drivers to stay clear of the bus stop when they pull into the bay. There are suggestions that barriers be set up at the bus stops. These have been previously tried out. Our experience is that these barriers impede passenger flow and result in commuters moving into the bus bay or road itself. Worse still, commuters may find themselves sandwiched between incoming buses and the barriers, especially when there is a rush. In such instances, barriers can become an obstacle and a danger. On balance, it is not advisable to install barriers at bus stops. We will continuously look out for new ideas to enhance the safety of our bus stops but, ultimately, it is the behaviour of drivers and road users that determines safety along the roads and the bus stops. All drivers bear a great responsibility in ensuring safety when they drive. They should pay careful attention in the way they handle their vehicles and keep a proper look out for pedestrians.”
“Sir, I beg to move, In page 4, line 18, to leave out "telecommunication" and insert "postal". This is because clause 7 proposes to amend section 42(2) to impose additional conditions on a postal licensee, and not a telecommunication licensee. Amendment agreed to. Clause 7, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clauses 8 to 34 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill. Bill reported with an amendment; read a Third time and passed. PRINCESS ELIZABETH FUND (REPEAL) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 3.47 pm”
“Sir, there is a typographical error in line 7 of this clause. "section 115" should read "section 115A".”
“As for loss due to the fault of the telecommunication licensee, it is a commercial matter between the provider of the service and the consumer. Sir, Mr Chay also raised a concern about giving new entrants the opportunity to compete with SingTel when SingTel itself is not given the same treatment overseas. I would like to say that Singapore's competitive edge hinges on our ability to continually respond to technological changes and provide an efficient and innovative info-communication services. Liberalisation of the telecommunication industry will help us maintain our competitive edge and entrench Singapore as a global business centre, besides encouraging SingTel to get ship-shape for its competition both here and overseas, as pointed out by Mr Chay. This is also in accordance with our commitment to WTO group of basic telecommunications to help achieve a liberalised global telecommunication market. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. [Dr John Chen Seow Phun]. Bill considered in Committee. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 2”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to thank the GPC Chairman for his support of the Bill. He touched on the safeguarding of the interest of consumers. Indeed, safeguarding the interest of consumers is one of the key objectives of TAS' function as a regulator. In order to ensure that consumers are able to realise the benefits of effective and sustainable competition in a multi-operator environment, a framework for fair competition has been established. TAS is mindful that there must be a level playing field for all operators. This would be done by establishing the relevant codes of practice and standards of performance for the operators to comply under the proposed revisions to the TAS Act. As mentioned by Mr Chay, consumers have been the main beneficiaries since competition was introduced in the telecommunication industry last April. With further liberalisation of the telecommunication industry, they can look forward to enjoying the wider range of new and innovative products and services offered at competitive prices and a high quality of service standards. Mr Chay also commented on clause 26 which seeks to amend section 114. He has rightly pointed out that we have to look at the implication of this clause and I would like to assure the Member that where there is loss from error or omission in information transmitted through telecommunication, the public telecommunication licensee is not liable where it is due to the fault of another person or causes beyond the control of the public telecommunication licensee. We do this because, in order for e-commerce, for instance, to thrive, we need to have this protection so that the telecommunciation licensee will be able to provide good quality of service standards for transmission of electronic data, and so on.”
“Sir, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has assessed that an MRT line extension from Boon Lay Station to the Second Link in Tuas is not operationally viable at the moment. Neither will any benefit outweigh the high costs of the construction of such an extension. Nevertheless, LTA will continue to monitor the situation and review the feasibility of this line regularly as part of its long-term rail development plan. Under this plan, LTA has also been studying the feasibility of operating LRT systems in various parts of Singapore. The Jurong West housing estate is included in this study. Results of the study are expected to be ready in two years' time. CHINESE AND JAPANESE GARDENS (Free use by members of the public) 3. Mr R. Ravindran asked the Minister for Trade and Industry whether his Ministry will consider opening up the Chinese and Japanese Gardens for free use by members of the public. The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade and Industry (Mr Tang Guan Seng) (for the Minister for Trade and Industry): The Chinese and Japanese Gardens are managed as a business by Singapore Leisure Industries Pte Ltd (SLI), which is a subsidiary of JTC. SLI has invested $12.5 million in the Gardens and incurs about $1 million a year in operating expenses. Despite the admission charges of $4.50 per adult and $2 per child, the revenue is insufficient to defray the operating expenses and SLI has incurred a deficit of $240,000 in FY 97/98. To encourage the public to visit the Gardens more frequently, SLI introduced in August 1997 a scheme of unlimited entry, except during special functions, at a nominal rate of $20 per annum per person. SLI will continue to review the existing scheme and look into further measures to encourage public usage of the Gardens.”
“That is one possibility but we have not finalised yet. HDB EXECUTIVE FLATS IN NORTH-EAST ZONE (Selling price) 4. Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister for National Development (a) why is the selling price of executive flats in the North-East Zone for the first quarter of 1998, as announced by the Housing and Development Board (HDB), lower by more than $12,000 compared to the last quarter whilst at the same time the selling prices of four-room and five-room flats are increased by $8,200 and $9,100 respectively; and (b) what contributed to the much higher selling price of HDB flats in the North-East Zone compared to other zones.”
“The agreement was that each government would set the rates independently although a joint committee was set up very early, I think, in 1994. The discussions were on various aspects, but the actual discussion on the rates itself was only in the last few months.”
“Both at the official level and also in our public comments. I think Mr Lim Boon Heng said that. I have said that in public also.”
“Sir, when we determine the toll rates, we have to look at two considerations: the investment made by the Singapore Government and also the traffic objective. Since it is a joint project, it is in our interest to make it successful. And I am sure it is also in their interest to make it successful. So let us do not prejudge that it would not be a successful project. We are hopeful that it would be successful.”
“Sir, this is also our concern and this is why I said publicly that we hope the rates would be reasonable. We have not finalised the rates. So we will have to look at what the actual rates are and, as I said, initially we will match the rates and we will decide later on what the rates would be in order to optimise traffic flow.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we have made known to the Malaysians that we will match their toll rates and I have also commented publicly that the Malaysian rates, as reported by the press, were too high and expressed the hope that they be lowered. So let us wait for their announcement.”
“Definitely. SHOPHOUSES AT BLOCK NOS. 440 TO 446 PASIR RIS CENTRAL (Sale by tender) 14. Mr Ahmad Mohd Magad asked the Minister for National Development if there are any plans in the near future to sell by tender or otherwise, the shophouses located at Block Nos. 440 to 446 in Pasir Ris Central.”
“Sir, I do not have the details with me, but I would envisage that there may be some acquisition of land. As to what extent, I do not have the ready answer with me.”
“Sir, the LTA will build an elevated semi-expressway along Pasir Panjang Road and West Coast Highway as part of an overall plan to increase the traffic capacity of the roads along the west coast of Singapore. This elevated semi-expressway will be the westward extension of the Telok Blangah Semi-Expressway which stretches above Telok Blangah Road from Kampong Bahru Road to Alexandra Road. Implementation of this road project will be staged. The stretches along Telok Blangah Road, Pasir Panjang Road and West Coast Highway are scheduled for completion in mid-2001, end-2001 and mid-2003 respectively.”
“Not likely to be in the foreseeable future.”
“The study is being done, but I cannot give the Member the answer when it will be ready.”
“Again, we have to do a cost-benefit analysis and if the ridership justifies such a project, of course, it would be implemented. The LTA is currently looking at all the estates in Singapore and see which estate can justify such a project as early as it can.”
“If the grassroots leaders do not agree, then we will explore getting private operators to run the services. Mr Choo Wee Khiang: Would the Minister of State consider having this light rail system in Whampoa Estate?”
“I have mentioned that we have done a review and we see that the number of services is actually adequate, except for the services that Mr Choo has asked earlier, and that was the connection between the two estates. So this is the outstanding matter and we would like to help. Either we get a private operator who is prepared to run the services or we get SBS to divert one of its services. As far as the other services are concerned, we feel that they are adequate.”
“If you ask anybody on what kind of bus services they want, they would tell you that they want from Point A to Point B to serve their own needs. The specific request from the Member is to have this stronger linkage between Toa Payoh and Whampoa Estate because I have not heard of complaints about the inadequacy of other services. That is also a specific need. As I have said, we are actually asking SBS to do a diversion. If that can be done with the agreement of the grassroots leaders, then that would solve the specific problem of the residents.”
“Indeed, we are adopting a proactive approach. The route planning process is a dynamic one, with constant reviews and fine-tuning by both the operators and the PTC, with inputs from authorities like HDB, URA, feedback from commuters, grassroots organisations and Members of Parliament. So the dynamic process ensures that the services serve the public well. For the Member's information, in 1996, PTC approved 24 new services plus 10 amendments to existing routes. So the Member can see that fine-tuning and improvement are being made all the time. Of course, with feedback from the MP concerned, we can look at how services can be improved with the new improvements taking place in the estate. Because the ridership pattern will change, we will also adjust accordingly.”
“That is why, as I have mentioned earlier, the number of services in Whampoa Estate far exceeded the basic standards laid down by PTC. On top of that, because of the MP's feedback, we are now trying to provide this more convenient link between Toa Payoh and Whampoa by asking SBS to look into diverting its services or allowing private operators who are prepared to run these services.”
“Sir, the Land Transport Authority has reviewed the bus services at Whampoa Estate and informed me that the estate is generally well served by public transport. There are currently eight services (5 SBS, 2 CSS and 1 Scheme B) originating from the estate. This far exceeds the requirement of a minimum of two trunk bus services for the estate, under the Public Transport Council bus service standards. In addition, four other services (3 SBS and 1 Scheme B) ply along Balestier Road and are within walking distance of the estate's residents. At the residents' request and at the request of the MP, SBS is considering diverting Service 139 from Balestier Road to ply along Jalan Rajah and Kim Keat Road and loop into Whampoa Estate when travelling to and from Toa Payoh. However, as this diversion would mean longer travelling time and higher fares for existing passengers, community leaders' views are being sought. In addition, LTA will also consider allowing private bus operators to run supplementary bus services. This was the question that the Member was going to ask earlier. When the North-East Line becomes operational in 2002, residents of Whampoa Estate would also enjoy the services of the MRT. The nearest station, Boon Keng Station, will be located at nearby Serangoon Road and Boon Keng Road.”
“I will ask the LTA to study the cost-benefit and to see whether it is feasible. PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE IN WHAMPOA ESTATE (Improvement) 12. Mr Choo Wee Khiang asked the Minister for Communications whether his Ministry has any plans to improve the public transport service in Whampoa Estate.”
“Sir, Mr Choo has earlier requested through appeal letters to build ramps for this overhead bridge. But the problem with the existing overhead bridge is that it has insufficient space to construct the ramps. So one alternative is to shift the overhead bridge to a different location where there is enough space for the ramps to be constructed.”
“Sir, presently, there is an overhead bridge for pedestrians who wish to cross the CTE at the proposed location. The LTA has studied Mr Choo's suggestion but found that it would not be feasible to construct an underpass at the proposed location for two reasons. First, the construction work will cause widespread disruption to the traffic flow along CTE. Second, the underpass would not be cost-effective. The estimated cost of an underpass is about $2.6 million and it would duplicate the functions of the existing overhead bridge. However, I have asked the LTA to keep this matter in view and discuss other possible alternatives with Mr Choo and his grassroots leaders.”
“It should not be more than what is charged for the current services provided by TIBS and SBS. PILGRIMS WITH HAJ VISAS FROM OUTSIDE SINGAPORE 8. Encik Ibrahim bin Othman asked the Minister for Community Development and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) what is the number of pilgrims with haj visas from overseas embassies during the 1997 pilgrimage; (b) whether these pilgrims pay the administrative fees of $206 to the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS); (c) what is MUIS' stand on the status of these pilgrims; and (d) what action MUIS intends to take against the General Sales Agents that flouted the rules with regard to these pilgrims.”
“Sir, there is a Question on Whampoa Estate later on. Do you want me to answer it now?”
“Sir, some of these services are identified through feedback from MPs. If the Member is interested, I would just briefly mention them. First, a new link between Simei interchange and Changi Airport via Upper Changi Road. Our former colleague, Mr Teo Chong Tee, had been asking us to introduce this. Second, a new link between Choa Chu Kang interchange and Kent Ridge NUS via Teck Whye Avenue, Upper Bukit Timah Road, Bukit Timah Road and Clementi Road. Third, a new link between Airport Road and Orchard Boulevard via MacPherson Road, Bendemeer Road, Jalan Besar, Bukit Timah Road and Scotts Road. Fourth, a new link between Hillview Avenue and Marina Centre via Upper Bukit Timah Road, Bukit Timah Road, Dunearn Road, Stevens Road and Orchard Road. And also two main existing operators' routes - SBS service 147 and TIBS service 176. The Scheme B buses will also duplicate these routes during peak hours.”
“Sir, as I mentioned, we will definitely consider allowing such private operators to operate. The existing operators have to fulfil certain basic standards set by PTC. But to supplement these feeder services, we would allow private operators maybe to go into areas where there are problems, especially during peak hours. As I say, if there are private operators who are keen to provide these services, we will consider their applications.”
“Sir, currently, private bus operators are already operating 27 Scheme B routes. In addition, there are numerous private bus shuttle services operating from private condominiums, factories in Jurong and Tuas, etc, linking commuters and workers to specific destinations like MRT stations, bus interchanges and workplaces. Such services play an important role in supplementing the regular services provided by SBS and TIBS. I am pleased to inform Members that LTA has identified six more Scheme B services for implementation within the next few months. They will complement the services provided by SBS and TIBS. LTA will continue to look for areas where such services are viable, and encourage private operators to apply to PTC for approval. Dr Vasoo asked whether other operators are allowed to run feeder bus services. As mentioned earlier, we have allowed private bus operators to operate some bus services to supplement and complement SBS and TIBS services. We can consider allowing private bus operators to operate some feeder bus service to supplement and complement SBS services. Private bus operators who are interested in operating feeder bus services can apply to PTC for approval. However, I should point out that at current fares, most feeder services are not profitable and are cross subsidised by the main trunk services. There may be limited scope or incentive for other private companies or cooperatives to fully run or even supplement these services.”
“Sir, Dr Toh See Kiat is right. There is tremendous synergy if we can inter-connect several networks together. In this regard, the Government is actively promoting and encouraging this regional connectivity among the ASEAN countries and even further afield. But of course whether we can connect with the other countries' network or national information infrastructure (NII) depends on whether they are ready. We know that countries throughout the region are developing their own NII and therefore efforts are ongoing to try to bring the network together. For his information, Singapore One is currently in discussion with Thailand on an Internet broadband network linkup following PM's recent visit to Thailand.”
“The promotion of Singapore One by the Government to jump-start the development of a nation-wide multimedia broadband network is an excellent example. Singapore One will facilitate the introduction of Internet II. Sir, Dr Ho Tat Kin has asked about the security of our cellular phone system. TAS and the phone operators are keenly aware of this threat. They have taken appropriate measures to combat such illegal activities. For obvious reasons, it is not possible to go into details about what these measures are. Dr Toh See Kiat (Aljunied): Sir, may I clarify some questions with the Minister? The Minister has said that the motorcycle COEs are one-tenth of the COEs for cars. I wonder if the Minister would agree that per cc, actually motorcycle COEs are more expensive than car COEs, and there is this concern. I wonder if the Minister could assure the House that when we have COE bids, there is no sham demand created by parties that are interested in creating an impression of big demand. From the written answer, I saw, for example, there have been bids as low as $1 and $2 for cars. This points to frivolous bids to create a frenzy of demand. Is this being looked into? And for the Minister of State, my question is that Internet II requires a big pipeline and Singapore One may just be a trickle to fill up that pipeline. Are there perhaps plans to work with our ASEAN compatriots to, for example, fill up this pipeline so that together ASEAN can become a giga hub for Internet?”
“The framework encourages the operators to constantly provide reliable services and to be more proactive in improving the resiliency of their networks. However, modern telecommunications systems are very complex. There may be situations where the service disruptions occur but are not due to the negligence of the operators. On the network outages brought up by Dr Toh, TAS has investigated every one of them very thoroughly. In the incident involving SingTel's CDMA trials, TAS' investigations revealed that the causes of the disruptions were due to negligence on the part of SingTel and its sub-contractor. SingTel Mobile was fined for its negligence. In the other cases, investigations revealed no negligence on the part of the operators. Apart from being fined, both SingTel Mobile and its sub-contractor had apologised publicly. TAS is currently working with the operators to institute preventive measures to reduce the potential of such problems and further improve the resiliency of the system. Dr Toh also asked whether Singaporeans will have Internet II. The Government adopts a technology neutral stand in licensing service providers. The service providers are best able to determine for themselves the type of technology or means that best meet customers' needs and give them an edge over the other competitors. This means that Internet access service providers have to consider and invest in the latest relevant technologies, including satellite or other delivery means, to provide the most innovative and best value-added services. The Government will help facilitate the introduction of such new technologies with its R&D and investment grants.”
“Sir, Dr Toh See Kiat yesterday asked if the Government's efforts at promoting information technology and telecommunications will be more focused by combining the agencies involved into a single entity. We do not see the need at present to combine the agencies into a single body as these bodies are coordinating the strategies well. The successful launch of Singapore One by Prime Minister Goh at Asia Telecom 97 in April this year is an example of inter-agency cooperation and coordination. Five agencies have pooled together their resources, their varied contacts and expertise to bring together the world's foremost players to participate in the Singapore One project. Info-communication is an example of the increasingly multi-disciplinary nature of modern technologies. Our competitiveness will be best served by our ability to coordinate and offer multiple one-stop services. Dr Toh mentioned the recent telecommunications service disruptions and asked if they could be due to a lack of investment in infrastructure. Let me assure this House that Singapore does not suffer from a lack of investment in telecommunications infrastructure. Singapore has consistently ranked highly in country comparisons of telecommunications infrastructure. In the last five years, SingTel invested $3 billion in Singapore's telecommunications infrastructure and it will continue to invest heavily in the years ahead. The Ministry of Communications and TAS take a serious view of service disruptions as they affect the economic and social activities of the nation. Hence, we have in place a stringent penalty framework against operators found responsible for service disruptions.”
“Sir, the result of this refinement is a positive one. The average speed during the restricted hours has moved from 25 kph before RPS to slightly above 60 kph. That is the target that we are reaching. Of course, we are mindful that if we overcharge, it would result in under-utilisation of the expressways, and that is not good. Our target is at least 55 kph. And we are quite happy with the range from 55 kph to 65 kph. ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1997 TO 31ST MARCH, 1998 (Paper Cmd. 2 of 1997) Order read for consideration in Committee of Supply [4th Allotted Day]. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Head U (cont.) - Resumption of Debate on Question [25th July, 1997]. "That the total sum to be allocated for Head U of the Main Estimates be reduced by $100." - [Mr Leong Horn Kee]. Question again proposed. 12.42 pm”
“No, the concession was given on 5th May when RPS was extended to the CTE. Because of the concession, the scheme was not effective enough to reduce congestion. That is why the Ministry has decided to withdraw that concession and motorists using CTE are required to pay for the $2 RPS pass.”
“Sir, this was the concession that LTA gave to full-day ALS holders using CTE until 1st July 1997. The reason why we have to withdraw the concession is that almost 80% of those who travelled along the CTE held the full-day ALS pass. That contributed to the congestion. In order to alleviate the congestion, we have to withdraw that concession so that those who pay for the $2 RPS pass would enjoy the benefit of free-flowing traffic along the CTE. In the past, they did not have to pay even a cent. Now they have to pay $2. Mr Sinnakaruppan: Would the Minister consider extending this concession to the CTE users until July 1998?”
“We now have 22 satellite broadcasters and 45 production and post-production houses operating from Singapore. HBO, one of the satellite broadcasters, just celebrated its fifth anniversary of operations in Singapore. We not only want to attract international players to Singapore, we intend also to nurture many local ones. The Economic Development Board, Singapore Broadcasting Authority and our broadcasters are working together in the Local Industry Upgrading Programme, or LIUP. Under this scheme, local production houses are commissioned to produce quality programmes which will be shown on TCS and STV12 channels. Examples of programmes to be produced by local production houses are Wajah (featuring prominent Malay writers), An Apple a Day (a health series) and many more. Through these efforts in the LIUP programme, we will promote the growth of the local production industry, as well as broaden the range and variety of programmes for broadcast. NON-CONSTITUENCY AND NOMINATED MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT (Withholding of allowances for Legislative Assistant) 3. Mr J. B. Jeyaretnam asked the Prime Minister whether there was any particular reason for the sudden decision to withhold from Non-Constituency and Nominated Members of Parliament the allowances for a legislative assistant.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I will put forward the suggestion to URA, HDB, car park operators, and it is up to them to consider whether it is feasible. SINGAPORE AS AN INFORMATION HUB (Progress report on efforts to promote) 2. Mr Harun A. Ghani asked the Minister for Information and the Arts if he will give a progress report on his Ministry's effort (i) to make Singapore an information hub and (ii) to encourage local production houses to supply materials to broadcasting stations (TCS and TV12). The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Information and the Arts (Encik Yatiman Yusof) (for the Minister for Information and the Arts): Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to inform the Member that MITA is committed to making Singapore into an information hub. Our strategy is three-pronged: First, we will provide the best infrastructure possible. Singapore ONE is an important part of this infrastructure. We will soon have broadband links to every home, office and school in Singapore. Second, we have created a regulatory environment that is conducive to the multimedia industry and sensitive to its changing needs. Where we need to regulate, we have done so with a light touch and in a way that does not hinder the growth of the industry. Third, the Government agencies have acted in concert to meet the expected demand for skilled manpower in the fast growing multimedia industry. The Economic Development Board and the Singapore Broadcasting Authority are working with the Education Ministry and the schools, polytechnics and universities to increase the range of courses available and the total output of creative and technical manpower. We will also continue to facilitate the inflow of talents from abroad. Our efforts have so far been quite successful.”
“We are reviewing the system. It is possible that the charges could be either reduced or waived, but we have not made a decision yet. BILL INTRODUCED EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Education Act (Chapter 87 of the 1985 Revised Edition) and to make consequential amendments to other written law", presented by the Minister for Education (RAdm Teo Chee Hean); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. ANNUAL BUDGET STATEMENT Order read for Resumption of Debate on Question [11th July, 1997], "That Parliament approves the financial policy of the Government for the financial year 1st April, 1997 to 31st March, 1998.". - [Minister for Finance]. Question again proposed.”