Lau Teik Soon
Singapore
“So, in fact, you can have a situation where a new solicitor who has three years' practice can have one person who has not got three years' practice to be a partner, both of whom have of course not gone through the legal practice management course. I do not know whether or not that is desirable.”
“Sir, first, I would like to thank the Minister for his positive reply. May I ask the Minister that, in view of the unique structure of the food centre, his Ministry officials consult the Management Committee of the food centre with regard to the actual requirements concerning the roof?”
“Sir, in the event the Ministry concerned is not going to pull down the homes after full compensation has been paid and therefore the homes are left vacant, will the Ministry then consider allowing them to stay on at nominal rates? Because the homes are just being left vacant. Assoc. Prof.”
“And more than that, under the revised scheme in June 1996, owners of acquired shophouses who are doing business in the shophouse will also be entitled to ex-gratia payment. So I hope the Member will appreciate this.”
“Will the Minister review the situation in view of the fact that we are here discussing moneys which are rightfully that of the home owners and it is with a statutory board, not a commercial bank, and also that the home owners will return the money to the CPF after they have received the total compensation?”
“Sir, I agree with the Minister that if it is a charge by a commercial bank, the home owners will have no choice. But in view of the fact that this charge is by the CPF Board, which is a statutory board, and it is a matter of time that they will eventually return the moneys to the CPF Board, will the Minister reconsider his decision?”
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“So, in fact, you can have a situation where a new solicitor who has three years' practice can have one person who has not got three years' practice to be a partner, both of whom have of course not gone through the legal practice management course. I do not know whether or not that is desirable. The third clarification, Sir, is a general one. As the Minister has stated in October 1993, he expressed the Government's concern with regard to the large number of one-lawyer law firms. And it is arising from his concern that some of these new amendments are now being enacted, embodying solutions to some of these problems. My question is: by having these amendments now, whether the Minister and the Government are satisfied that these amendments would have addressed his concern and, if so, whether the Minister can give an assurance that no further amendments, measures or curbs will be contemplated in the future to control the sole proprietorship of small firms?”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker, for allowing me to speak on the Bill. First, let me declare my interest as a pupil in a law firm. Let me say that I support the Bill and what I would like to do is to seek some clarifications as a result of concerns on the part of some new solicitors. This has to do with section 75C under clause 13 of the Bill. As the Minister has stated, section 75C states that a solicitor must complete successfully a legal practice management course and must have at least three years' practice in a legal firm in Singapore before he can be a sole proprietor or in partnership. What I would like to ask the Minister is to clarify if he is aware of the contents of the course and what the legal practice management syllabus is going to be. But more important, whether it is going to be an examinable subject or it is one which requires the new solicitor to attend and complete the course successfully. And also whether or not this course will be conducted during the three-year period or after he has completed the three-year period in practice. Because if it is after the three-year practice, it means prolonging the period for such new solicitors who want to be sole proprietors. The second clarification has to do with new section 75C(3) which is in a way an exemption of section 75C(1) because section 75C(3) states that a solicitor who does not have three years' practice can be a partner in a firm with a solicitor who has three years or more of practice. And it does not say that a solicitor with more than three years' practice needs to go through the legal practice management course.”
“Sir, first, I would like to thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary and the Minister for reviewing the basis for the market rentals which in my view is very favourable to the residents and I am sure they will receive the new basis favourably. My supplementary question is whether or not, in view of the revised basis for the market rentals, the Ministry will consider expediting the payment of full compensation if the occupiers have given up vacant possession. Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee: Sir, I have asked Land Office to, as far as possible, expedite payment. Of course, the Commissioner of Lands has the duty to ensure that the titles are good and the payments are made to the right parties. But certainly the Land Office would expedite payment and, in fact, they have beefed up their manpower. Once verification of title is complete, payment can be made expeditiously. PRIMARY ONE REGISTRATION (Priority for residents living in close proximity to school) 2. Mr Leong Horn Kee asked the Minister for Education whether his Ministry will give higher or equal priority to residents living in close proximity to a school, compared to applicants who are affiliated to the school, in the registration for admission of Primary One pupils into a school.”
“Sir, first, I would like to thank the Minister for his positive reply. May I ask the Minister that, in view of the unique structure of the food centre, his Ministry officials consult the Management Committee of the food centre with regard to the actual requirements concerning the roof? RAdm Teo Chee Hean: Mr Speaker, Sir, my Ministry officials and engineers will be happy to do that. PRIMARY 1 ADMISSION IN TAMPINES AND PASIR RIS 12. Mr Charles Chong asked the Minister for Education how many children living in Tampines and Pasir Ris were unable to obtain Primary One admission in a school in their respective estates during the last registration exercise.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, will the Senior Parliamentary Secretary consider this scheme and implement it?”
“Sir, in view of the fact that the Senior Parliamentary Secretary is not prepared to remove the 30-month debarment period, will he consider offering them alternative accommodation at concessionary rates, if they have nowhere else to go, after receiving the full compensation and while waiting to move to their next home?”
“Sir, the Senior Parliamentary Secretary will appreciate that property prices have gone up very high. And in view of the fact that many of these home owners, despite the fact that they will get full compensation, will be unable to afford private housing, and that they want to downgrade and their family income is $8,000, which means they qualify to apply for HDB flats, except for the 30-month debarment period, will the Senior Parliamentary Secretary re-consider his decision again?”
“Sir, in view of the fact that the Government acquisition has led to tremendous financial difficulties on the part of some home owners and in view of the fact that their family income ceiling may be less than $8,000, and they are downgrading while most Singaporeans are upgrading and the special circumstances as well, as I have mentioned earlier, will the Senior Parliamentary Secretary re-consider the decision not to remove the 30-month debarment period to allow them to apply for HDB flats?”
“And more than that, under the revised scheme in June 1996, owners of acquired shophouses who are doing business in the shophouse will also be entitled to ex-gratia payment. So I hope the Member will appreciate this. As I have mentioned earlier, quoting the Minister for Communications, Government is sympathetic to the plight that MPs present on behalf of their constituents. But it is not as though Government has not moved. We have looked at the whole thing in its entirety and, in fact, have packaged in several features that will show that this exercise has been softened for the constituents.”
“Sir, the responses of the Minister for Labour as well as the Minister for Law have been standard answers and they are terms which have already been well publicised and made known to home owners. My point is that in view of the fact that the residents affected by the compulsory acquisition need to facilitate relocation, that they need to reduce the unhappiness and hurt they have suffered all these months in view of the Government's action, that this is a concession on the part of the Ministry concerned. So my question to the Senior Parliamentary Secretary is whether we could allow them to stay on at nominal rates in buildings/flats which would otherwise remain empty and therefore less revenue for Government. Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee: Sir, Government has made many concessions for this NEL exercise. Earlier on, I have mentioned about the time-frame, the advance notice and also the ex-gratia scheme was amended in June 1996. The ex-gratia scheme is a top-up scheme where besides the statutory compensation as of 1st January 1995, if the property is worth more than what you get for statutory compensation, we value it on 4th March 1996, date of acquisition, and you get the difference subject to a ceiling of $2 million. In addition, this ceiling has been raised from $1.8 million to $2 million. And besides that, previously there was a condition that if you were an owner-occupier of a residential property and you had another residential property, then you were not entitled to ex-gratia payment. But we have lifted that and as long as you are occupying a residential property, despite the fact that you may have other residential properties, and you are dislocated, you will get ex-gratia payment.”
“Sir, the Senior Parliamentary Secretary will appreciate that this is a very unusual situation where home owners are being asked to move out in view of compulsory acquisition. They are willing to go. It is a question of facilitating their relocation. So can I ask the Senior Parliamentary Secretary what is the problem with allowing them to stay on in a vacant building at nominal rental? It is going to be empty. Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee: Again, as I said, the Government is mindful of the sacrifices that may be made by landowners. In fact, Mr Mah Bow Tan, when he announced in Parliament in January this year, said, and I quote him: `The North-East line will bring many benefits to the residents of the North-East. ... But let me stress that there will be sacrifices involved. ... The Government will need to acquire land ... . But these sacrifices are inevitable if we take a long-term perspective and do what is best for the nation. ...' So bearing this in mind, knowing that the project is indeed massive, as I have said earlier on, Government has taken measures in terms of the length of the project, in terms of acquiring these properties in different phases and in terms of even allowing the person to stay on after he has been fully compensated. The Member is right in saying that if the flat or the house is vacant, why not let him stay. And we say, yes, he can stay. He does not even have to physically move out. He can continue staying but, as I said, having been paid full compensation at vacant possession rate, it is fair that he pays market rental.”
“Sir, in the event the Ministry concerned is not going to pull down the homes after full compensation has been paid and therefore the homes are left vacant, will the Ministry then consider allowing them to stay on at nominal rates? Because the homes are just being left vacant. Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee: For those staying on after they have been paid full compensation is not the problem. The question is at what rental. The principle is if you are given full compensation at vacant possession rate, in other words, it is a quid pro quo, you are paid that amount to deliver vacant possession, and if you want to stay on, then I think it is fair that you pay market rental as assessed by the Chief Valuer.”
“So taking these factors into consideration - the fact that there is advance notice, the fact that there is a choice and the fact that regardless of when you are leaving, you will be getting a 20% advance compensation very soon - I think the Government, being sympathetic to the plight of affected landowners, has acted to soften the impact.”
“Sir, in view of what the Minister for Labour has just said that he would not relent to the owners' request that the 20% advance compensation be waived from the CPF charge and that there would also be a charge by commercial banks, some owners will have tremendous difficulty in moving to their next home. And in view of the fact that some of them have to move by March of 1997, they need time. They need the money to buy the next home and need time to move. And some of them need time to renovate. In view of all these, after they have received the full compensation, will the Minister concerned take this into consideration and allow them to continue to stay in their previous homes at nominal rental? Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee: Sir, Government realises that this is indeed a massive infrastructural project. Completion is estimated at seven years. And, in fact, for the land acquisition exercise, we have phased it out over five years - three scheduled dates for taking possession - and all landowners already know at this point in time when they are supposed to move out. In other words, there is advance notice and they can plan accordingly. So they have a choice. If they do not want to move out and they want to stay, they will get the 20%. Very soon we are processing that, and we are going to pay that very shortly. And if they want to stay, they stay on rent-free until the time when they have to give possession. If they want to move out, then they are paid full compensation. They do not have to move out until the date of giving possession is up. And for those in the other phases - there are three phases (first phase is March 1997, second phase is July 1999, third phase is July 2001) - they have ample notice.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister is not answering my question. My question is: if the charge is by the CPF Board, not a commercial bank, will the CPF give this concession?”
“Sir, I agree with the Minister that if it is a charge by a commercial bank, the home owners will have no choice. But in view of the fact that this charge is by the CPF Board, which is a statutory board, and it is a matter of time that they will eventually return the moneys to the CPF Board, will the Minister reconsider his decision? Because many of them are in financial difficulties and they need the money to put the downpayment for their next home and they are moving out in view of Government acquisition, not of their own choice.”
“Sir, in view of the fact that the home owners need time to purchase their next home and the fact that they will return the charge, which is rightfully the CPF, at a later date after they have received full compensation, will the Minister use his discretion, and I understand that he has the discretionary power, to intervene to prevent the CPF from immediately imposing the charge?”
“Will the Minister review the situation in view of the fact that we are here discussing moneys which are rightfully that of the home owners and it is with a statutory board, not a commercial bank, and also that the home owners will return the money to the CPF after they have received the total compensation? All they need is the initial money to pay for the downpayment for their next home. And in view of the fact that they are being moved out because of compulsory acquisition by the Government, will the Minister show some compassion for them?”
“Sir, in view of the fact that the CPF Board is a statutory board, unlike the commercial banks, and also the owners are being asked to move out because of the compulsory acquisition, and they need the money to assist them in the relocation and pay the initial payments for their next home, will the Minister re-consider his decision?”
“Both the United States and China are members of the ASEAN Regional Forum and ASEAN has the initiative and manages the ARF. What I would like to ask the Minister is whether ASEAN or the ARF is taking any step to help reduce the tension in the Taiwan Strait.”
“Sir, may I be permitted to speak on this cut?”
“In this connection, Sir, I refer to the bilateral arrangements we have with Taiwan and the United States. We are all aware that we have troops training in Taiwan and we have allowed the United States to maintain a logistics base in Singapore. I would like to ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps have been taken to ensure that the bilateral arrangements we have with Taiwan and the United States will not draw us into a conflict between China and the United States.”
“Sir, Mr Bernard Chen mentioned about the situation in the Taiwan Strait. I would like to mention specifically the situation in that area. It seems to me that we are entering a very dangerous period. It is likely that tension will increase. This is because of China's military exercises in the Strait, Taiwanese politicians' call for independence for Taiwan and the US naval presence in the area. Tension will increase, but whether or not military conflict will break out is left to be seen. I fear that war may break out if any one of the parties concerned makes a serious miscalculation. What are these miscalculations? 1.15 pm Firstly, that the Chinese leaders think they can reunify China and Taiwan through military means without any serious reprisal from the international community which will of course hurt the economic interest and the international standing of China. Secondly, that the Taiwanese politicians think they can demand independence without any military retaliation from China or that they think they can rely on the United States to defend them against China in the event of a conflict. Thirdly, that the American leaders think they can intervene militarily in the China/Taiwan conflict without having to accept the prospect of American boys being killed in a war against China. Sir, I have painted a horrendous scenario which is not likely at the moment, but it may occur if China, Taiwan or the United States miscalculates. We hope that military conflict will not break out but we can only wait anxiously to see what will happen in the next week or so. Sir, my concern really is that we should not be involved in the event of any military conflict which may break out and we should not align ourselves with either China or the United States on the matter.”
“Sir, in view of the fact that at the time the residents bought those houses, they recognised that that area was designated for single-storey terrace houses and the fact that they have lived there for over 40 years, will the Ministry consider seeking their views if the area is to be restructured drastically?”
“Sir, the Minister has not answered my question. My question is that a successful applicant under the balloting system will not obtain the windfall if certain restrictions are applied, namely, by not allowing transfer after, say, five years and ensuring that a successful applicant cannot apply until after 10 years. Another question is, as I understand it, the COE system was never meant to raise revenue for Government. Why is it that the Government now says it needs the revenue?”
“If the Minister thinks that Singaporeans will get a windfall if a balloting system is introduced, why would he not consider restricting successful applicants so that the COEs will not become a speculative commodity, for example, by not allowing transfer until after five years and only allowing a person one COE every 10 years?”
“Sir, Members will agree with me that the balloting system will achieve exactly the same objective as what the Government wants, that is, to restrict the number of cars on the road. But the Minister disagrees because he thinks that Singaporeans will get a windfall.”
“Could the Minister review this income ceiling in view of increased wages all round?”
“Sir, can I ask the Minister what is the income ceiling at the moment and whether it should be reviewed?”
“Would the Minister inform the House what measures are in place to ensure that such incidents will not recur?”
“Hence, it is necessary for Singapore and other countries in the region to get together to discuss these issues. They cannot be swept under the carpet. Many countries would favour the bilateral or sub-regional approach, that is, between two parties involved in the conflict or among states in the sub-region. Such efforts should be implemented by multilateral negotiations embracing countries on a wider basis in the Asia-Pacific. The rationale is that no state can be immune from the negative effects of any conflict in the region. For example, the conflict in the Korean Peninsula, if escalated, would affect the sea lanes of communication and, in turn, the livelihood of many countries dependent on international trade, commerce and investment. In this regard, Sir, I commend the Ministry's effort in initiating the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). In my view, this is a brilliant forum. Among other things, it combines the concerns of small states and the responsibilities of the major powers in the Asia-Pacific. If the ARF can make progress and becomes an effective forum, then in time it will be the multilateral forum or become even a conference for peace and security in the Asia-Pacific. 1.45 pm Sir, I would like to ask the Minister to inform the House the state of the ARF and, in particular, the preparation, the agenda, the issues that are likely to be discussed at the meeting in July. There is a report of the Officials' Meeting in the Straits Times of today, but I hope the Minister will nevertheless elaborate on some of those items reported in the paper. A related question, Sir, is what other multilateral forums exist to facilitate discussions among the countries in the area and especially the Ministry's participation in these various forums.”
“Sir, since the end of the Cambodian conflict, the Asia-Pacific region has been fortunate in experiencing peace, unlike other places like Bosnia-Herzegovina or in the Israeli occupied territories. A peaceful environment is so vital for trade and commerce, for flow of investment and technology, so that the dynamic economies of the region, including Singapore, can continue to grow. But, Sir, there are certain issues which have implications for peace and which, if unchecked, can destabilise the Asia-Pacific region. Let me state some of these issues. Firstly, the power balance in the region, especially the relationship between the United States and Japan, between US and China and between Japan and Russia. If the relationships are cordial, then of course it will be good for the region, if not, problems can arise for peace and security in the region. Secondly, there are a number of potentially dangerous situations which can escalate into serious conflicts, for example, the Korean Peninsula where the North and South relationships continue to be tense. The nuclear development programme of North Korea is also a problem. Then there are the territorial disputes, the most serious of which, in my view, is in the South China Sea. There are overlapping claims. China continues to be a more powerful and military power and it continues to adhere to its position that the issue of sovereignty cannot be negotiated. In the view of some observers, South China Sea is likely to be the next trouble spot in the Asia-Pacific. Sir, these are some of the troubling issues in the Asia-Pacific. It is clear that there are these potential problems and the time to discuss the prospect for settlement is now, during peace time, rather than wait for conflict to fall upon us.”
“Sir, defence analysts have noted a worrying trend with regard to defence expenditures of states in the Asia-Pacific region. With increased growth rates of many states in the region, for example, in the case of China, double digit growth over the last few years, and some of the ASEAN states experiencing growth rates of over 6%, more money is available for the defence establishments in these countries. At the same time, there are a number of countries offering very sophisticated weapons at bargain prices. It seems that there is a rush to buy sophisticated weapons on the part of many states, whether it be F16s, SU29, radar installations or any other weapons. The reasons for the increased expenditures are many. They include the modernisation programmes of defence forces, the need to enhance defence capability and to contribute to regional security. However, there is the view that defence build-up may lead in fact to an arms race among the states in the region. This is worrying because there are many potential conflict issues in the Asia-Pacific relating to territorial disputes, competition over resources and age-old problems, for example, in the Korean Peninsula. To prevent misunderstanding, Sir, it is important therefore for states to promote defence cooperation among themselves, especially among states within the sub-region. Various cooperative measures can be adopted, for example, exchange of visits, joint exercises, exchange of information, bilateral arrangements and even multi-lateral defence arrangements. Sir, I would like to ask the Minister to inform the House what forms of defence cooperation have been implemented between Singapore and other states in the region, especially our ASEAN neighbours.”
“Sir, I would like to ask the Minister whether there are efforts to establish a forum for dealing with regional security issues. And, in this connection, Sir, I would like the Minister to inform the House what steps have been taken by ASEAN in line with the declaration of the Singapore Summit in January 1992 to put security issue as an item in the ASEAN Agenda. 3.50 pm [Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Eugene Yap Giau Cheng) in the Chair]”
“Sir, with regard to the Cambodian situation, Dr Ho Tat Kin has mentioned that it is one of the serious regional security issues confronting the Asia-Pacific region. Despite all the efforts of the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia, the situation seems to be deteriorating and there is a possibility of a civil war breaking out after the May general elections. A number of incidents of late point to the decline of the situation in Cambodia: the withdrawal of the Khmer Rouge from the peace process, the increasing incidents of violence and murder against civilians committed by the Khmer Rouge as well as the Phnom Penh government. Also, Sir, it seems that although China voted for the Security Council's resolution to recognise the government which will emerge after the May general elections, Beijing continues to support the Khmer Rouge. Sir, I would like the Minister to state whether Singapore and ASEAN would move the international community to take firmer measures to ensure peace in Cambodia and for the UN to continue peacekeeping operations after the May general elections. Sir, in the new world order which is emerging, it is vital that all major powers in the Asia-Pacific, like the United States, Russia, China and Japan, be involved in cooperation to deal with the security problems of the area. There is increasing tension in the Asia-Pacific region. As Dr Ho Tat Kin has mentioned, the problem over the Spratlys and at the moment, of course, a very critical situation is occurring in the Korean Peninsula. According to a newspaper report, a North Korean diplomat has been quoted as saying that war may break out any moment in the Korean Peninsula. Yet, in this region, there is no mechanism to deal with regional security issues.”
“Thank you, Sir. Sir, it is very unfortunate that we have an outstanding territorial issue with our neighbour, Malaysia, that is, the dispute over our territory of Pedra Branca, an island which has been ours since the British founded Singapore. Malaysia claims that she has sovereignty over that island. And, of course, we dispute this claim. But because we believe in the peaceful settlement of disputes, the Government has agreed to exchange documents to maintain our claim. The problem, however, remains that Malaysia has not conceded to our sovereignty over the island and discussions over the issue seem to be making little, if any, progress. Sir, my concern over this issue is two-fold. Firstly, I hope that the Pedra Branca issue will not go the way of the Sabah issue, that is, the territorial dispute between Malaysia and the Philippines over Sabah. That issue has not been resolved after more than 30 years and it does not look like it will be resolved soon. That issue had led to the suspension of diplomatic relations and it nearly led to war between Malaysia and the Philippines. And it continues to be an obstacle in the way of friendly relations between the two countries. Secondly, Sir, I hope that the Pedra Branca issue will not become a permanent political football for Malaysian politicians, especially those of UMNO Johor and Parti Islam. Such politicians, to gain popularity, have championed the cause of Malaysian sovereignty and nationalism and have even suggested that they should occupy the island. Fortunately, the Malaysian Government has prevented such foolhardy act from occurring. It is evident that this issue is a very serious problem and, therefore, I would like to ask the Minister to update the House concerning this issue.”
“I would like to ask the Minister whether he is satisfied with the level of defence cooperation at the moment between Singapore and our neighbours, and what further efforts are being made to enhance the defence cooperation. Sir, a serious problem which affects our security is the security of the sea lanes. We are located astride the vital international waterway, the Straits of Malacca, and the shipping lanes from Europe, the United States, Japan and elsewhere all converge in Singapore. The security of the sea lanes is an issue beyond the capability of Singapore and small countries to manage by themselves. It is an international problem. And there are also other international security issues which have been mentioned by the two previous speakers, for example, the issue of the Spratly, and, if I may add, the situation in Cambodia. This issue, I feel, can only be managed through a multilateral security mechanism. In this connection, Sir, the US military presence has been the keystone of stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and with their reduction, there is urgency to organise some kind of multilateral security organisation to deal with regional security issues. Can I ask the Minister what efforts have been made towards the organisation of such a multilateral security framework?”
“Sir, the two speakers before me had mentioned that, despite the end of the Cold War, there are still many uncertainties in the international political scene. And for that reason alone, our defence establishment should continue to modernise and expand. We need a strong defence system. We need it to ensure our security to promote our economic development and contribute towards a peaceful regional environment. But as the two former speakers have mentioned, there are limits to our defence modernisation and expansion. Finance and manpower are limited. They are not inexhaustible. We cannot keep on increasing our defence expenditure. We cannot continue purchasing sophisticated weapons and increase our trained manpower. To enhance our security, Sir, we also need to build up trust and confidence between ourselves and our neighbours, especially those in ASEAN. And in this respect, nothing more significant can contribute towards this than cooperation among the Defence officials and uniformed officers of Singapore and its neighbours. It is important that the Defence officials of Singapore continue to exchange visits with their counterparts in the ASEAN countries. In this connection, I would like to commend the Minister for the various visits he had made to the various ASEAN countries as well as elsewhere. I know that those visits have been beneficial not only to the Minister but also to the Defence officials who accompanied him. And I hope that the exchange of visits by Defence officials between the ASEAN countries will continue. But besides the Defence officials, the uniformed officers need to get together more often in the conference room, over land, sea and air. Here again, I would like to say that there have been many joint exercises between Singapore and our ASEAN neighbours.”
“Under his leadership, Singapore will strive to attain a richer and more varied cultural life.”
“Therefore, we should acquire the best of both worlds. No less important, of course, is the preservation of our cultural heritage. The debate on whether the various festivals should be held in different months is a minor issue. The main thing is that we should seek strengths in the cultures of both East and West and at the same time preserve our own culture. In order to do so, we must first understand our own cultural heritage. With a thorough understanding of our own culture, we will treasure it and develop it further rather than rejecting or discarding it. Therefore, we should rid ourselves of the prejudice against our mother tongue. We should not think that the mother tongue is difficult to learn. The difficulty of learning a language is no great problem if it is an integral part of our lives. For example, the Malays have no problem learning their language becuase it is something they use every day. In fact, in the Chinese community, there are more families speaking Mandarin and dialects than those speaking other languages. Those who have complained about the study of the mother tongue are the professionals who are few in number but shrill of voice. Perhaps they are like the character in "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll who said "What I say three times is true". We know that the issues of culture and the arts are long term concerns. Consensus has yet to be reached on how best to tackle these issues. The Acting Minister by no means lacks verve and vigour and is au fait with matters both military and cultural. I understand that at university, he read Das Kapital from cover to cover. Not only was he a top Engineering student, he has acquired a profound understanding of history, culture and the arts. Our students would do well to follow his example.”
“English has been adopted as our working language in our collective quest for survival and an enduring livelihood, since it is the language of science and technology, international trade and diplomacy. Our proficiency in English has attracted considerable foreign investment by MNC to Singapore. This is commendable. At the same time, Western influence is burgeoning. The American media emphasises high consumption and personal enjoyment. In recent years, the concept of the nuclear family has come under siege in the West. Mrs Brown this year is Mrs Smith the next. Divorce rates have hit unprecedented highs. In addition, welfarism has engendered a sense of dependence and eroded the will to work. Young people have taken to drugs and alcohol and live on the dole. Small wonder that productivity has declined and competitiveness diminished. Of course, it cannot be said that Western culture is utterly bankrupt. Their technology, management know-how, democratic spirit and rule of law as well as creativity and an empirical seeking of the truth are all qualities worthy of emulation. In December last year, the Acting Minister referred to Professor Joseph Needham of Cambridge University, author of the series "Science and Civilisation of China". Professor Needham devoted over 60 years of his life to his magnum opus which has since become the definitive work on the subject. The vibrant cultural scene in the West has witnessed new attainments in drama, fine arts, music and literature. Mr Alastair Cooke of the BBC noted that classical concert audiences in USA each year regularly outnumbered spectator attendance at American football games. This testifies to the vigour of the arts in the United States. We are a multi-cultural society and a meeting point for East and West.”
“I would like to ask the Acting Minister three questions in connection with that statement. Firstly, what is the rationale for having different heritage centres - each for the Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians? We have four separate communities. What is the rationale for having one heritage centre for each community? Secondly, how will the four different heritage centres promote mutual understanding and national unity, especially taking the point that I have just made, that the bulk of people who go to the separate heritage centres will be mainly from that community? And my last question, Sir, is: Will the Acting Minister say whether there is any plan to build a national heritage centre in which all the four communities will be represented? Mr Lau Ping Sum( In Mandarin): Sir, 30 years ago, the four dragons of East Asia were economic nonentities. Today, their products have penetrated the world market. Economic miracles do not happen by chance. In these countries, education is a top priority. Drawing on their cultural heritage and working hard, they have overcome adverse economic conditions and made significant inroads into the global market. But social order and a thriving culture have not been the corollary of economic progress. In South Korea, corruption is rife and strike action, common. In Taiwan, get-rich-quick materialism, chicanery and horsetrading, environmental pollution and social chaos prevail. As 1997 approaches, Hongkongers quail in unease. Those who can, leave whilst the remainder lose themselves in betting and interminable mahjong sessions. Clearly we enjoy more promising circumstances. Yet we should avoid complacency and confront long-term trends boldly.”
“Sir, on the question of cultural development, we hear yet again the advocacy of the approach - unity in diversity. I have tried to explain that we should move away from that approach which to me means the path of separate development. While we encourage each community to promote its culture, its language, its religion, yet at the same time we should try to promote understanding, respect and harmony. And I do not think we can achieve this, Sir, by continuing this path of so-called unity in diversity or the path of separate development. If we do so, I fear that we remain separate rather than coming together. I have said earlier, Sir, that maybe it is time to think of the approach which may be modified to what I have called "unity in togetherness". Let's get together - the different cultures performing their separate cultures but together before a multi-racial audience. That is the reason I have opposed very strongly the holding of separate cultural months for each community. Who goes to the Chinese Cultural Month? Mainly Chinese. Who goes to the Indian Cultural Month? Mainly Indians. Who goes to the Malay Cultural Month? Mainly Malays. So I do not know whether that approach would encourage more understanding, more respect. I think it is something that we have to seriously look into. Sir, coming to the amendment, it is also relevant to what I have just said, that is, this approach of separate development. In the Addendum to the President's Speech, it is stated that the Ministry of Information and the Arts, and I quote, "will help the different communities develop their own heritage centres in ways which promote mutual understanding and national unity". Here again, the path of separate development.”
“At the moment, there are in many community centres different cultural groups, each often performing for its own community. I recollect my Indian cultural group organising a cultural show and the audience was almost entirely from the Indian community. There is nothing wrong with that. But if we wish to promote understanding, respect for each other's culture, then we should do more to perform our different cultures before a multi-racial audience. I do not think we have done enough of that. In fact, Sir, I would even suggest that in the community centre, there should be one cultural committee, with four sub-committees, each in charge of each cultural group. They can then meet on a regular basis, plan together, organise together and perform together before a multi-racial audience. I would like to ask the Minister whether the community centres would adopt this approach. The stress is more on multi-cultural performances rather than on a performance for a particular community.”
“Sir, a number of my parliamentary colleagues have stressed often the reality of our multi-racial society, that we have different communities and different cultures. But the question that I would like to raise is whether we should continue to keep our differences apart. Sir, to promote understanding, respect and multi-racial harmony, the Government should encourage and promote more multi-cultural activities. By multi-cultural activities, I mean bringing together the four different cultural groups under one roof and performing before a multi-racial audience. This is the way to contribute towards our cultural development and towards national unity. The approach may be called "The Approach of Unity in Togetherness". Let us come together and perform for each other so that we promote multi-racial harmony. 3.30 pm Sir, during the debate on the President's Speech, three of my parliamentary colleagues misunderstood me completely. They stated that I have advocated that we should, and I quote, "get rid of our traditional cultures" and that I am for, and I quote, "a melting pot type of culture." Obviously, they have not heard me clearly or read the full text of my speech. Nowhere have I said that we should get rid of our cultures, or that I advocate a melting pot culture. My position is a very simple one, as I have said, unity in togetherness. Sir, the People's Association has done a lot to promote this unity in togetherness and to organise multi-cultural activities. They have been involved over the years in such multi-cultural performances as were staged during the National Day celebrations and the Chingay procession. What I would like to see is the promotion of more multi-cultural performances at the grassroots level, that is, at the community or community club level.”
“As often emphasised by our Government Ministers, we are a multi-racial, multi-religious society. We live in the midst of a Muslim world in South-east Asia. I believe that our Ministers should always bear this in mind and be more circumspect in their statements to the press in future. I must also ask what our present position is as regards Vietnam? Dr Lau has mentioned a little about Vietnam. Mine is on a slightly different strain. In past years, our Government has issued stern warnings to Singaporean businessmen who invested in Vietnam. They were warned to get the investments out even if they had already invested in Vietnam. I consider this also to be rather unwise. We may support the Cambodian opposition against Vietnam which is on the side of Phnom Penh. But as we are a non-participant in the civil war in Cambodia, and as we are a country that depends on business for our survival (and we are presently promoting business investments overseas) such strong action against our own businessmen is in fact working against our own national interests. When other countries in Asia, like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, have long invested in Vietnam and other countries of the EEC, Japan and now the US are all doing the same, I do not see why Singapore should adopt such a policy that harms our own businessmen. As a non-aligned country, we should be doing business with every country, whatever its colour. We do business with China long, long ago and with the Soviet Union too. Why not with Vietnam? By the way, Sir, before I end, would the Minister also inform the House whether we have given any material support to the Cambodian Opposition against the Phnom Penh Government?”
“Sir, a number of ASEAN governments have diplomatic relations with Vietnam. Additionally, some of them have signed economic, trade and investment agreements with Hanoi. The UN Security Council and other ASEAN states are actively pursuing the UN peace plan to settle the Cambodian conflict. Then there is the general relaxation of tension in the Asia-Pacific region. Sir, in view of this and other developments, I would like to ask the Minister whether he has any plan to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam in the near future, and if not, why not. Dr Lee Siew-Choh: Sir, I wish to refer to two issues, the Gulf War and Vietnam. Singapore is supposed to be a non-aligned country. At least so claims the PAP Government. But what our Ministers have done on the two issues of the Gulf War and Vietnam show that we are far from being non-aligned. Following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, most of the people in Singapore were in sympathy with Kuwait. Singapore Government's position was clear. We rightly opposed the invasion of a sovereign country by a bigger power. But our Ministers had also made rather partisan statements as if we were a participant in the conflict itself. I believe that to be rather unwise. We expressed statements quite different from those expressed by Malaysia and Indonesia. Rightly or wrongly, a vast majority of the Muslim people in Malaysia, Indonesia and in Singapore itself were in sympathy with Iraq after the US sent its army to Saudi Arabia. In the circumstances, for Singapore to make statements which could be interpreted as partisan could strain relations with the Muslim population in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. That would not help to promote friendly relations with our neighbours, or peace and tranquillity in Singapore and South-east Asia.”
“But beyond the bilateral cooperation and the FPDA, is it not timely to consider some kind of multilateral security arrangement among ASEAN neighbours? The third lesson, Sir, is that there must be a balance of power in the region. Iraq was a dominant military power and there was no deterrence or countervailing force against it. In any balance of power, the role of the major powers, especially the United States, would be crucial. Hence, I think we should continue to encourage the United States to continue its military presence in the region. The provision of certain facilities to the US military naval and air forces contributes to that objective. Further, we should do whatever we can to encourage both the United States and the Philippines to come to a mutual satisfactory agreement to extend the military bases agreement. The fourth lesson is that the United Nations, especially the Security Council, must play a key role in deterring aggression. In the Gulf War, if the Security Council had not taken such a united stand against Iraq, the war would not have ended the way it did. In this connection, Sir, I would like to congratulate the SAF for contributing to the multi-national force, although it was just a small medical team. By the way, I understand that the medical team returns today. I would like to say a big "thank you" to the military officers and to say how proud we are of them for their courage and for their dedication in the service of their country. Their presence reflects our strong commitment to the UN's efforts to resolve the conflict. We should look for more opportunities to contribute to this kind of effort.”
“Sir, recently, Singaporeans watched the extensive coverage of the Gulf War. We saw first hand the sufferings of the Kuwaiti people, the destruction of buildings, and overall damage caused to the country by the occupation of the country by the Iraqis. Sir, I do not think we want to have such sufferings, devastation and foreign occupation. As the Chairman of the GPC has just stated, we need to learn lessons from the Gulf War, and he has stated some very important lessons that we need to learn. I would just like to add some more lessons, particularly those relating to regional defence arrangements. The first lesson is that a country must have a strong defence system. Do we have it? Sir, our total defence strategy, our efficient and capable Armed Forces, our strong commitment to reservist training, all assure us that our defence will be strong, alert, and capable of meeting any contingency. The second lesson is a country must have some kind of security arrangements with its neighbours in the region. Sir, would Iraq have invaded Kuwait if Kuwait had been a member of a regional defence arrangement? And would Iraq invade Kuwait if it had been a member of such a regional security arrangement? Whatever the answer is, now we can see that the Gulf states, together with Syria and Iraq, have come together to form a defence pact. My question is: Will Singapore consider some kind of security arrangement with our neighbours? We have very good security cooperation with our neighbours on a bilateral basis, especially between us and Indonesia, and between us and Malaysia. We of course have very good cooperation with Malaysia in the context of the Five-Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA).”
“Sir, I oppose the amendment put forward by Dr Lee Siew-Choh. In his statement, he mentioned that the Government has used the ISA to detain political opponents. This is a very mischievous and wrong statement. May I ask him to cite a case where the Government has detained anyone under the ISA on the ground that he is a political opponent of the Government. Sir, as we all know, the ISA is an essential instrument used by Government to maintain political stability, especially to detain subversives and anti-national elements, for example, those who advocate communism, those who are involved in pro-communist activities or united front activities which are regarded as subversive. Also, it has been used against language and religious extremists. I do not need to cite cases of persons who have used communism or Marxist ideology to mobilise support, either overtly or covertly. I also do not need to cite cases of those who have used language and religion to gain political support. Such actions on the part of communist, pro-communist, racial and religious extremists, undermine our national unity. The Government must always be vigilant against such advocates. So Dr Lee should not bring forth an argument which is fallacious. After all, he is a political opponent of the Government. Has he been detained on that ground? Question, "That the words proposed to be added, be there added.", put, and negatived.”