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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“Yet, in my view, the practice of parliamentary democracy is not essential for its own sake - with Parliament, political parties, elections, checks and balances between the executive, legislature and the judiciary, freedom of speech, organization and action. The crucial question that should be asked is whether governments exist to serve the people and to govern for the benefit of the people. The unfortunate thing about the so-called liberal democracies in some countries in Western Europe is that the parliamentary institutions have become the playthings of the politicians, that is, to seek power for its sake. Politicians seek power and positions of high office. But they are unable to raise the living conditions of the people; instead there is unrest, social disunity and a lowering of the standard of living. The liberal system encourages deep social divisions in the society: people vote on the basis of political patronage, personal favour, race, religion and regional affiliation. Thus, Mr Speaker, Sir, on the one hand, there is the phenomenon of parliamentary democracy disappearing in the developing states; and on the other hand, the spectacle of unrest, instability and chaos in the liberal democracies. For us in Singapore we should avoid both extremes and evolve a parliamentary democracy which is germane to our national identity and interests. In Singapore, parliamentary democracy has been practised since the PAP came to power in 1959. It has proved to be a viable political system for our society. It is suitable for our multi-racial society, catering to different viewpoints, respect for the law and, most significant, for the choice of the voters.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the issue before us today is a very serious one. It is an issue which has far-reaching implications for Singaporeans. The issue is: do we want a multi-party Parliament or a one-party Parliament? And if we want a multi-party Parliament, should not this be made a permanent feature of our political system? Mr Speaker, Sir, the amendment moved by the Prime Minister will guarantee that in our next Parliament, there will be a few Opposition Members of, Parliament. But more important, the amendment will ensure that parliamentary democracy in Singapore will be preserved and strengthened for the benefit of all Singaporeans. Mr Speaker, Sir, stales practising parliamentary democracy, especially those in the developing areas, have experienced tremendous pressures for change. After independence, many developing countries adopted parliamentary institutions, but more and more countries have either altered drastically the parliamentary institutions or have rejected them altogether. Where once there were the parliamentary forms of government, now there are military dictatorships, martial law regimes and communist parties in power. Examples of states which have undergone such transformation can be found in Eastern Europe, South America and Africa, There are various reasons for this transformation of the political system from parliamentary democracy to authoritarian and totalitarian regimes. The reasons include ineffective leaders, corrupt officials, social divisions, power crazy military officers, and the inexperience of the people in the practice of parliamentary democracy.”
“The Minister should not under-estimate the anger of the people. Overall, the Committee has made very good recommendations except for this terrible mistake concerning the CPF withdrawal age. I hope that the Minister will realize the error and take the necessary remedy. He should withdraw the recommendation concerning the CPF withdrawal age. 5.53 pm”
“Did the Minister realize that such a decision would take away from the people their life savings which they have and which they expect to withdraw at 55? The Minister should make a distinction between the CPF withdrawal age and the retirement age; these are two separate issues. The CPF withdrawal age is written into the solemn contract between the Government and the employees. It is a contract that must not be broken. If it is, then the trust and confidence which the people have in the Government will be undermined. As far as the retirement age is concerned, certainly it can be extended to 60, even 65, but this does not mean that the CPF withdrawal age should be extended in line with the retirement age. Regarding the employment of senior citizens, the Government should set the example by liberally employing those over 55 who want to continue employment. If, after all that we have said, the Minister persists in wanting to make the recommendation concerning the withdrawal age, then I suggest the following lines of action: (1) He should retain the status quo for all present contributors, that is, the CPF withdrawal age should remain at 55. (2) If he wishes to push through the recommendation, then the decision should apply to new contributors, but there should be a guarantee that these new contributors can withdraw, if I may suggest, 60% of their savings at age 55, 30% at 60, and 10% at age 65. This formula will ensure a reasonable amount of withdrawals at ages 55 and 60. The Minister must realize the consequences if he does not withdraw the present recommendation. In my view, it will have severe repercussions for the Government far beyond what the Minister can envisage. It will have not only political but also social and economic implications.”
“The recommendation deferring the CPF withdrawal age from 55 to 60 and later 65, if accepted will - (1) affect a vast majority of the people, all CPF contributors and their dependants; (2) deprive the people of their savings - for the majority, the CPF is the only reserve they have, the only emergency fund they can turn to; (3) provide no option for the people. If the decision is made, then there is no appeal, obviously, against the decision; (4) take away at 55 what the people know they will have - the CPF savings which they have planned to use for investment, the children's education, housing, and holidays. (5) break the promise the people have been given when they began their contribution - a promise which they hope the Government will fulfil, The Government has always taken the position that it will not make any false promises or to make a promise that it knows it cannot keep. (6) Finally, the Minister has put forward very weak arguments for the recommendation to defer the CPF withdrawal age. He says that people on the average can look forward to a longer life. Life expectancy is now about 70 for males. But can he guarantee that the person who comes to him would live longer than 55 or 60? In any case, at 55 a person will have contributed more than 30 years to the CPF and he looks forward to using the money for the next few years of his life after 55. The Minister says that there are people who tend to squander their savings. As with my other colleagues, I ask this question: can the Minister give figures to support this point of view? How such a disastrous recommendation can be made is beyond me. Did the Minister take into account the fact that such a decision would affect a vast majority of - people?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we celebrate 25 years of Nation Building. The Government has succeeded in providing peace and security, good educational, medical and other social services; a high standard of living, good housing and wages for all workers. There is much that Singaporeans should be proud of. Such progress has been achieved through correct decisions, some of which are tough and unpopular ones. However, although many people have disagreements and complaints about some of these decisions, nevertheless, they have accepted them. Such unpopular decisions include those concerning the cost of HDB flats, car registration fees, Medisave scheme and priority registration for graduate mothers. Why do the majority of the people accept such tough and unpopular decisions? I suggest the following six reasons: (1) Such a decision does not affect adversely the majority of the people. (2) It does not deprive the people of their monies, especially their savings. (3) There are other options for the people. (4) It does not take away from the people what they do not already have. (5) It does not go back on any promises made. (6) There were persuasive arguments in favour of the decision. Mr Speaker, Sir, in the midst of our celebration, we have the Minister for Health introducing a Report of his Committee, which includes a recommendation which, if accepted, will in my view be a disaster for the Government. Why is it a disastrous recommendation?”
“Sir, I am very thankful to the Minister for his reply. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I am thankful for the reply of the Minister, particularly his view that the Navy is well equipped and well-manned to meet whatever threatens the security of the nation. If there is any change in the strategic situation, it is the increase in the Soviet naval forces, as the Member for Kebun Baru has mentioned. It will be necessary, together with others, to protect our sea lanes in the near future. With regard to the PDF volunteers, the Minister has mentioned that those who wish to serve further can go for a medical examination and hopefully enrol in the reservist unit. I think he knows that there are many who are well beyond 50 who are still in the PDF at the moment. I am wondering whether the Ministry has thought of any appreciation for them, particularly the other ranks, many of whom have served for about 20 years in the PDF. Another question which I would like to raise with the Minister is whether he would give support to any move to form some kind of PDF Volunteer Association.”
“At present, I understand that the Minister has decided to close down the only volunteer defence unit in the country, namely, the 101st Battalion of the Peoples' Defence Force. It is very unfortunate that PDF-101 has come to this undeserving end. The PDF-101 has a long history which stretches back to 1845, nearly 140 years ago. According to one source, it began as the Singapore Volunteer Rifle Corps, formed in 1845. Subsequently, there was the Singapore Volunteer Corps and this unit served the country well during the Japanese Occupation. After independence in 1965, the 101st Battalion of the PDF was established and many Members of Parliament joined the Force. It was from the PDF volunteers that many of the officers in the regular units today were trained. Sir, you may be interested to know that there are 14 Members in this Parliament who have served in the PDF-101, including the Minister for the Environment, the Acting Minister for Social Affairs, the Senior Minister of State (Prime Minister's Office) and the Minister of State (Culture). The PDF volunteer force has therefore an illustrious history and it is a pity that it has to be shut down. But the question I would like to raise with the Minister is that once the 101st Battalion of the PDF is disbanded, whether in his view there will be a situation in the future which may warrant a re-introduction of the volunteer force. Once the 101st Battalion is eliminated, the SAF, in my view, will not only lose an important link with its past but also there will be a vacuum which will be very difficult to replace in the future.”
“Uncertainty was the state of mind of many South Vietnamese during the Second Indochina war and it was this uncertainty on their part, their unwillingness to defend their country, which led to the communist takeover of South Vietnam. Many of these South Vietnamese are today refugees in various camps around the world. If Singaporeans do not want to suffer the fate of the South Vietnamese, then they must be prepared to give their full commitment to total defence. Sir, the Minister of Defence has stated, and I quote, "We are well-manned, well-equipped and well-trained." There is no question that the SAF should have the most up-to-date and sophisticated hardware. I strongly support the decision to purchase the E-2C Hawkeye; an early warning system which will be a very effective deterrent. I would support further purchases of necessary equipment which will strengthen the SAF as a credible force. On this matter of defence hardware, I would like to know from the Minister whether he is satisfied that the Republic of Singapore Navy is as well-manned and well-equipped as the Army and Air Force. The Navy constitutes a very important element of our defence, particularly the defence of our sea lanes and territorial waters. I hope the Minister would comment on this. Up to now, the Minister has defined total defence as comprising five components: military, economic, social, civil and psychological. But he has forgotten one other aspect of total defence, that is, volunteer defence. By this, I mean the means and ability to mobilize volunteers who would like to fight in the defence of the country during a period of crisis and to be with our men in the battlefront. I am not talking about volunteers who can assist in civil defence or other aspects of non-military defence.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head K be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead KA-01 of the Main Estimates. Sir, the Minister of Defence held a dialogue session with NTUC members on the subject of total defence recently. One of his aims was to dispel misconceptions about the SAF's ability to defend Singapore. I am glad that the Minister has decided to bring out the question of our defence into the open. Defence is an issue which is too serious a matter for the Ministry to keep under cover. Defence concerns everybody, both during peace time and war. During peace time, the military personnel seem to be very active in their training and preparation while the rest of the population go about their business. But in war time, both military and civilians are equally affected. In fact, in most cases, civilians suffer the greater casualty during war. It is essential, therefore, that all Singaporeans know what defence is all about and to be prepared to play their proper role. [Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair] 7.05 pm The idea of total defence is something which every Singaporean should understand and support. Total defence gives everyone a role in the defence of the country. The military personnel have their role but the civilians have a greater role by providing economic, social and civil defence. Most important, Singaporeans should have the state of mind to defend the country. Psychological defence is the key to the defence of the country because it is the attitude of mind which reflects the total commitment of the people to defend the country. There can be no compromise as far as total defence is concerned. Either Singaporeans are ready to defend the country or they are not. There can be no in-betweens, no uncertainties.”
“I see that the Ministry has put up advertisements to recruit more police officers. It is essential that the Ministry has the required number of people it needs. But what, may I ask, are the incentives for the officers to remain in the police force? The Minister just now mentioned the various scholarship schemes, but what incentives are there for the police officers to remain in the Force and for the potential recruits to come into the Force? Finally, I would like to ask the Minister about the state of the Marine Police. The Marine Police is responsible for the security of our territorial waters. They have to prevent illegal immigrants and smugglers from entering Singapore. They must be well-equipped and have enough manpower to handle their jobs. Additionally, they have the responsibility of defending our territorial integrity together with the Republic of Singapore Navy. So, while we focus on the NPP and problems of the police on land, we should not forget those who are contributing to our security and who have to be out at sea during most of the time. I would like to ask the Minister whether the Marine Police is well manned and equipped to perform its role effectively.”
“Sir, recently the Senior Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the system of the Neighbourhood Police Post has been effective in combatting crime in the housing estates. According to him, the crime rate in the constituencies that have NPPs has declined significantly. I would like to ask the Minister to elaborate on the statement. Has the NPP scheme been really effective in combatting crime and, if so, in what ways has it been effective? Have the police officers surveyed the responses of the residents to the presence of the NPP officers? What are the problems confronted by the police in their effort to improve police-community relations? The presence of the Neighbourhood Police Post can be a deterrent against persons who may wish to commit crimes. The regular patrols, spot checks, and house visits in the housing estates will ensure greater security for the residents. If the NPP system is successful, it should be extended to all housing estates as soon as possible. It is not just the HDB housing estates that should have the NPPs, but also the private housing estates. Security is a problem in a private housing estate as it is elsewhere. In fact, the problem of security in private housing estates can be more serious because there is more ground to cover and greater opportunity for the criminals in view of the separate housing units. In my view, it is easier to police an HDB block; it is harder to do so in a private housing estate. So I would like to ask the Minister whether he intends to introduce the NPP scheme to the private housing estates, including those in Serangoon Gardens Constituency. One factor which may prevent the Ministry from implementing the NPP system as widely and as quickly as possible is the lack of police officers.”
“As we are all aware, the Education Fund has accumulated a huge sum of money over the years through the generous contributions of certain parents. I think part of the fund should be used to assist school children who need medical care and whose parents are unable to provide the complete or partial cost of the medical care. 4.45 pm Mr Speaker, Sir, the example of the seven-year-old schoolboy in Serangoon Garden South School is well known to all of you. Jonathan Tan suffered from leukaemia and he required a bone marrow transplant operation in Israel. When his plight was revealed to his school colleagues, the school children, parents, residents of Serangoon Gardens Constituency and members of the public came forward and donated towards the cost of sending Jonathan Tan to Israel for the operation. His operation has been completed but he is still under medical supervision. But I know that the prayers of Singaporeans go to him for his speedy recovery. When his plight was made known, I wonder whether the Ministry of Education thought of making a contribution to the cost of sending Jonathan Tan to Israel, whether the principal or parents could have applied for financial assistance from the Education Fund?”
“The Minister of State's reply then was that the education of such children should be left to the voluntary organization and that the Ministry could provide some teachers, finance and physical facilities for the organization. I feel strongly that this is not a satisfactory situation and that the Ministry is avoiding its responsibility. Education is the business of the Ministry of Education and the education of all our children, be they normal or sub-normal, blind and deaf, is the responsibility of the Ministry of Education. The voluntary organizations' role is to look after the physical welfare of the handicapped children. They should not be burdened with the responsibility for the education of the handicapped children. Sir, if we can have the College of Physical Education to educate and train the physically fit, then I see no reason why the Ministry cannot establish a college or a school for handicapped children. In such an institution, potential teachers for ,the handicapped children can be trained. Handicapped children can be resident in this institution and taught by the trained teachers and trainees. The voluntary organizations can go in to look after the physical welfare of the handicapped children staying in the institution. Such an effort will speak well for the Ministry's concern for the education of our handicapped children. It will be a worthwhile project which I am confident will have the support of the rest of society. If need be, a special fund can be raised for the upkeep of those children in this institution. So I hope the Minister will consider this proposal. Sir, another issue which I would like to raise with the Minister concerns the use of the Education Fund for school children in urgent need of special medical treatment.”
“Sir, I would like to ask the Minister the number of PE graduates the College hopes to produce over the years and what other plans he has in mind for the College. One suggestion I would like to make is that the College should organize extramural programmes which other teachers, sports enthusiasts and members of the public can participate. They should benefit from the expertise which will be available in the College. Such participants in the extra-mural programmes will need to pay certain fees and these fees can go towards the improvement and expansion of the extra-mural activities. The kind of extramural programmes I have in mind includes the following: (1) Coaching courses for beginners who wish to learn various games; (2) Certificate courses for those teachers and sports enthusiasts who would like to qualify as coaches and referees; (3) Recreational and physical courses for those who just wish to exercise and become physically fit. All these courses can be organized to fit in with the yearly activities of the PE College. So my view is that the new project is worth supporting because it is an area of responsibility of the Ministry. I hope, however, that the Minister is also looking into other areas of education which can come under its purview. Already, the Ministry is responsible for the education of our ordinary school children, the gifted, and is involved in the education of the less skilled workers. Now we have the new admission policy for children of graduate women. But there is another area of education which I earnestly hope the Minister will look into seriously, that is, the education for the handicapped children, the forgotten children in our society. I have brought up the subject of education for the educationally sub-normal children in this House.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as expected, the Member for Anson has found nothing right with the Ministry of Education. But I think we should give credit where credit is due. And many Members would join with me to congratulate the Ministry of Education for the efficient, calm and calculated manner with which they have tackled so many problems. For example, over the years no one can quarrel that our children have become more educated than before, that they are being provided with more advanced and sophisticated facilities. Singaporeans who have been educated have been able to find jobs to their satisfaction. Of course, there are problems which have yet to be resolved, and I am sure that the Ministry can tackle these problems in the same efficient manner as they have tackled previous problems. Sir, I have a number of issues to raise with the Minister of Education. Recently in January, the Institute of Education (Amendment) Bill was passed to allow the Institute to set up various colleges. Immediately, the Institute will be establishing a College of Physical Education. The College will be set up in July this year. This is a step in the right direction. For a long time now, the schools and especially the PE teachers have called for the setting up of such a college in order to improve the quality of the teachers and to provide the specialists for the, schools. There is a need to have a proper training programme and facilities to produce these PE graduates. But, Mr Speaker, Sir, I hope that the training of these specialists will not be the only objective of the College. I hope that the Minister has other plans for the College of Physical Education. Otherwise I fear that the limited purpose of only producing PE graduates may lead the College to become a white elephant.”
“I think this is all wonderful for the fair sex. But what I would like to ask is whether all these incentives discriminate against the men. My colleagues support my contention that women are getting all these incentives and the men are not. Maybe the Minister should comment on this point. Finally, Sir, I would like to reiterate my support for the motion standing in the name of the Minister. 3.35 pm”
“They are the political dinosaurs of today. Singaporeans should be well aware of such politicians who are iii-equipped to deal with the realities of our present world, not to mention those of the advancing technological age of the 21st century. With regard to the tax changes for the individual, the point that has been made is that all these are aimed at giving incentives for our people to work harder and improve their educational levels so that they can make a better contribution to our economic growth and for them to have more income. With regard to the enhanced child relief, I would like to ask the Minister whether his Ministry has already worked out the equivalent qualifications of those who do not have the five 'O' level passes and who will qualify for the enhanced child relief. Further, may I suggest that the Minister takes into account the earned income as another criterion for married women with children who can qualify for the enhanced child relief even though they do not have the five 'O' level passes. I think the criterion of earned income should be considered. Another question I would like to ask the Minister is in regard to the CPF contributions. Already the employee is contributing 23% of his income to the CPF. As we understand it, there are likely to be increases but I wonder whether the Minister will consider holding down the contribution so that Singaporeans will have more take-home income for their various expenditures. Mr Speaker, Sir, of late there has been a lot of talk about whether or not the new admission policy into primary one constitutes a violation of our Constitution. I will not contribute to that debate. Women are getting more and more incentives, the latest of which is the enhanced child relief.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the Motion standing in the name of the Minister for Finance and Minister for Trade and Industry. I would like to congratulate him for his Budget Statement which has been well received by almost every sector in our society, particularly if I may say, members of the fair sex. I am quite confident that the Minister will be most welcome by the women in the various constituencies that he will be touring. Sir, the Budget Statement reflects the Government's desire to have the corporate sector and private individuals play a more productive and efficient role in our economy. The various concessions and incen- tives to the companies and individuals are most welcomed. It is expected that, together with the Government Ministries, statutory boards and state enterprises, the companies and individuals will promote greater productivity and growth in our economy. Mr Speaker, Sir, the approach of the Minister is a very realistic one. In my view, it characterizes the quality of the Government leadership: one that is prepared to make changes in accordance with different circumstances. These changes are also necessary to anticipate trends in the international economy. But they do so without sacrificing the basic objectives of the Government, that is, to provide better livelihood, environment, recreational and other facilities for the people. Such an attitude contrasts sharply with those of others who suffer what may be called political schizophrenia. They see the reality of political life but they pretend that the problems do not exist. Worse, they live in a dream world, in a world of images and fantasies. They are those who continue to hold on to archaic and ancient rituals and who cannot adapt to changing circumstances.”
“A supplementary question, Sir. In view of the long waiting list by parents of ESN children and the long waiting time - I understand some as long as three years before they can get a place - will the Minister consider providing the Association for Educationally Subnormal Children the facilities in terms of classes and teachers so that they can effectively carry out their programmes?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, will the Minister of State consider consulting the Serangoon Gardens CCC and the area committee members with regard to this question of paid parking?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, would the Hon. Minister request SBS to consider the two issues at a later stage, say, maybe in one or two years' time?”
“Sir, I would like to thank the Hon. Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $1,839,140,000 for Head K ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $150,000,000 for Head K ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head W -”
“Sir, with regard to those courses which are made available to members of the public, are these programmes publicized so that members of the public can take advantage of the courses offered?”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head K be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead KB-03 of the Main Estimates. Sir, the Outward Bound School serves a very useful purpose, particularly in physical fitness and toughening up those who participate in the various courses organized by the school. The personnel in the SAF, the People's Association, and other business organizations, have utilized the services of the Outward Bound School to their benefit. What I would like to ask the Minister of State is that, although this institution has served a very useful role, yet it has not provided, in my view, adequate personnel to take on the various courses organized by the Outward Bound School. In the allocation for FY 83, there is no increase at all, particularly no increase in the posts for wardens and instructors. I would like to ask the Minister of State whether this will not, in fact, hamper the efficiency of the Outward Bound School. Further, I would like to ask the Hon. Minister of State whether the Outward Bound School will consider organizing courses for members of the public, particularly during periods when the facilities of the school are not utilized by either the SAF, the People's Association or other business groups. I am thinking of weekend courses or even week-long courses on camping, outdoor activities, canoeing and so on, which I am sure he will agree with me will benefit those who make use of the services of the Outward Bound School.”
“Sir, I would like to join the hon. Member for Pasir Panjang in expressing the House's appreciation to the Republic of Singapore Air Force and others who were involved in the rescue operation. They executed the rescue operation with precision and extreme courage. Earlier on the Hon. Minister of State mentioned the recruitment campaigns on the part of the three services of the Armed Forces. I agree with him that it is absolutely necessary to have men of high calibre to be recruited into the regulars to become proficient NCOs and officers. But I would like to ask the Hon. Minister of State whether the Ministry has looked at the present corps of NCOs and junior officers; whether they have been given opportunities to upgrade their academic qualification; whether they have been given opportunities for further professional training. For certainly among them the Ministry could recruit the future leaders of the three services.”
“Sir, with the opening of the SAF Career Centre, does the Hon. Minister of State not think that it is a waste of public money to have separate advertisements by the three Services, instead of having just one adverisement by the Career Centre? Secondly, if the Hon. Minister feels that the separate advertisements should continue, does he not think that the advertisements should spell out more clearly the requirements for the applicants aside from just academic qualifications?”
“Just one more, regarding the refugee problem.”
“Sir, the Minister has not answered some of the questions I raised. Firstly, it is with regard to the refugee problem in the region. Secondly, whether the Foreign Ministry has any plan to establish a Research Division within the Ministry. Thirdly, the question of foreign assistance to other countries and, finally, what our overseas missions can do for Singaporeans and students abroad.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, aside from this Subhead, I have submitted amendments* under two separate subheads. Can I take them altogether so that I do not have to move them later? They are Amendments (2) and (3).”
“(8) That the sum to be allocated for Head Q be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead QF-03 of the Main Estimates.”
“Sir, I take note of your statement. But before I withdraw my amendment, I would like to thank the Minister for his reply. Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, with regard to the suggestion that the CCC and RC be associated with the, Neighbourhood Police Post to ensure continuity in the house visits, the Minister has clarified that the term of the posting may vary from three to six or seven years. Even so, this would imply that there would be a change of teams because under the scheme there would be four teams at each particular post and that these teams would be rotated. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce the members of the new teams when they are reposted. That is the reason why I have made the suggestion that the joint visits between the policemen and the CCC or RC members should be a permanent feature of the scheme.”
“Sir, I have submitted an amendment under a separate subhead which deals specifically with the NPP system. So can I speak now?”
“Sir, with reference to total defence, may I know from the Hon. Minister of State whether there is any plan to introduce national service to the women?”
“I am indeed glad that our country, Singapore, ASEAN and other peace-loving countries have taken every opportunity to air positive views as a true statesman at the International Forum like the Non-Aligned Movement and the United Nations, in particular. Our effort could save the international body from the cynics and the churlish from the wholesale condemnation implied to the then League of Nations as the "Geneva Council of Fools" and the "League of Notions". This is where the question of good, responsible leadership comes in. We must ensure that political myopia and hypocrisy should not be allowed to reach its zenith. those believers of war but preaching peace must be exposed. And let us remind ourselves that while it is true, as I had earlier mentioned, that basically politics is about the two B's it does not confine itself in the realm of the two B's alone. It actually goes far beyond that realm, in fact, to the realm of humanity. This factor to me is crucial. It is the pillar of human civilization. Because in the final analysis, politics should be morally pegged to the development of mankind and humanity, not just the glorification of power or, even worse, the venal crowning of power. Our leaders have done this for the past 20 years. And these contributions must continue. I have not an iota of doubt that we can play our role positively in future.”
“The recent West German national elections is the testimony of an explicit interpretation and its implication on national and international politics. It is the latest phenomenon of history. Without belittling the importance of the economic issues such as inflation, interest rates, monetary policy, strength of the currency, debts and the double digit unemployment, it was the first time in modern history that a candidate won or lost an election on the arms issue. The line is very clear. It is nuclear - the nuclear line. When one talks about armament or nuclear weapon, one automatically cannot rule out the power behind this monstrous weapon. It must be the super-powers. The people of Germany have to choose in their national elections by leaning toward America which supposedly represents the free world by accepting the deployment of American missiles in West Germany or Russia, the communists. The decision was made but the crux of the issue remains. The recent defence posture taken by Prime Minister Nakasone of Japan is another case in point where, I am quite sure, the super-powers will be involved and the nuclear line will be more visible. Democracy has its own problem. The greatest problem of modern democracy is how to overcome ignorance, injustice and political selfishness. Or how sincere is the acceptance of the principle of co-existence and the desire to remove suspicions between countries. In other words, what should be done in order to promote freer intercourse between them. There is no law on earth that could solve this particular problem. The only sensible and available approach is through understanding, sin- cerity and human dignity. Perhaps by having more serious dialogues and not forgetting that dialogue is the expression of love, not hate.”
“Certain countries have been bestowed with bread and butter - some with very little of both. There are examples of countries with political maturity plus education and dedication of the people who not only managed to get bread and butter but many a time that also included jam. At the same time, there are countries which have only jam on their laps, only this time it is political jam followed by social jam and finally by economic jam. Surprisingly, the guns never jammed. They got more bullets than bread. Chaos, riots, killing and murder are the order of the day. The irony of living is that history keeps repeating. The world has experienced the First and Second World Wars. From the ashes of World War II, there were rifts between countries which resulted in conflicts and loss of lives. Let us examine this development by looking back at history. When France was militarily supreme in Europe in the first years after the war, a number of small powers grouped themselves under her aegis. When Germany's military strength eclipsed that of France, most of those powers made declarations of neutrality or veered to the side of Germany. This was the First World War. At the time when the UN Charter was framed in 1945, it was hoped that cooperation between the Soviet Union and the US which formed such striking expression during the war would be continued; but that was not to be. Instead, soon after the war, differences began to develop about Korea, Germany, the control of atomic energy and, indeed on every political issue of importance, two blocks gradually emerged and every crucial question came to be considered from the point of view of its relation to the blocks, and many a time until now, not from the point of the United Nations as a whole. I honestly hope I am wrong.”
“She may not know about the latest technological advancement or about the computer because the computer is something new. She is not. But she knows about truth, for truth is not new either. It is as old and immutable as nature itself. Looking at her made me come to the conclusion that anyone would be proud to have her as a mother; the trade union movement would be proud to have her as a member or one of its leaders; and a country, a citizen. Ideally, there should not be any occurrence of this kind in future. At least one could hope that it will be less and less because I strongly believe that with the introduction of moral education in our schools things will change, hopefully, drastically in the next 10 years or so. Because while law has its own special unctions, in certain things it needs morality to solve it. Morality can control the external force of man and it can also enjoin heir spirit. Violation of law is punished by authority, of morality by social intolerance. The conscience is largely the expression of custom, social training and religious influence. But as a principal conduct, it is the "self-legislation" of a responsible person to know right from wrong. If, after the introduction of moral education, there are some who consistently transgress the accepted norm, let us remind them that there is the omnipresence of the wrath of God. For the others, perhaps they deserve the wrath of Goh, maybe Soon, since Dr Goh and Dr Tay Eng Soon are honourable men in-charge of the Ministry of Education. To know right from wrong and the inculcation of values are part and parcel of nation building. In fact, this is what politics is all about, because basically politics is about the two B's - the bread and butter issues.”
“And starting this year the normal collective bargaining will resume. It is crucial for both parties to look upon the human factor as important, if not more important, than the other factors in building up the economy. For instance, it would be wise for employers to discuss with their workers, especially the union in that particular plant, should the introduction of computerization, automation or mechanization affect the workers. Tell them the truth, find ways to retrain them, how many could be absorbed and how many workers would be retrenched. I consider truthfulness important in order to create industrial peace. I am quite sure even the retrenched workers will appreciate it if management gives them the truth. Since employer-employee relationship is a very important factor and part and parcel of human dignity, let me illustrate this by taking the example of a daily-rated cleansing worker. While the others were talking about wages, the second tier, etc., she raised two very simple human problems which needed the human touch to solve them. She asked for a pair of gloves so that she could carry out her job. This was a simple request, but an important basic need. She had simple ways but she was certainly no simpleton. She also pointed out that if supervisors had any problems, personal or otherwise, they should not allow these problems to interfere with their work and their relationship with their subordinates. She said she is quite sure supervisors know how to control their tempers when dealing with their superiors; so likewise they should know how to control their tempers and not vent their anger unnecessarily on a lay worker like herself. They should develop good rapport with their workers and maybe, she said, she could produce better work and be more productive.”
“The involvement of the VITB, Ministry of Education, and companies deserves our commendation. At this juncture it is of the utmost importance for workers to remember that after improving themselves and hence their productivity through training, their achievements will go to waste if their work attitude is poor. Inculcating good work attitudes and team spirit among our workers goes hand-in-hand with upgrading their skills and training. Good work attitudes will be fostered if workers identify themselves with the job in the company they work in. The National Productivity Council was formed last two years to promote the nexus between employers and employees. With the Government, business group and trade union representatives in the Council, I hope they will also examine how employers can provide more company-based benefits to the employees. The campaign to improve work attitudes is a long and arduous one. We must persevere with it. Besides encouraging our workers to cultivate good work attitudes, I would also urge that employers on their part should also make an effort to observe and enlighten personnel practices. I am glad to note that we are beginning to hear of firms which have made an effort to improve their working environment for their workers' well-being. The unions too have a role to play in helping workers to look to the unions for guidance. The unions must act in a respectful manner. The unions can explain to the workers that by working hard at their jobs the company will prosper and ultimately the workers will benefit by having better bonuses and pay increases. The tripartite system should continue, and we must also be on guard against any element of discrimination or lack of recognition from any party.”
“We had to move into higher technology and higher skilled products to maintain our competitive edge. Labour costs were increased so that industries would upgrade its operation by switching to use more machinery instead of labour. As we restructure our economy and develop more sophisticated, higher technology and more capital-intensive industries and services, the use of computers is essential. The introduction of computers and computer-based equipment is crucial to our future development and growth. We also understand that computerization and automation will reduce the need for both unskilled and skilled workers. However, I strongly believe that in the context of Singapore and because of our small size and our ability to attract more manufacturing and service investments, there should be not so much of a problem absorbing any displaced workers. We can absorb the affected workers into other growth areas. But these workers need training and retraining. The primary means of improving oneself is by the upgrading of skills through training. I am quite sure the aim of the Government manpower requirement is to make available every opportunity and facility to enable our people to realize their highest potential. It is happening in our Vocational and Industrial Training Institutes, Polytechnic and University enrolment. Besides expanding the enrolment, these tertiary and training institutes are also constantly updating their courses to keep up with the advance in technology and the changing skills requirement of our industries. Meanwhile the NTUC has started .its Basic Education for Skills Training (BEST) Programme. This will certainly provide remedial courses on English and Mathematics for workers who missed such opportunities in their earlier years.”
“In developing countries, one out of four are jobless. The ILO Director General, Francis Blanchard, was rather pessimistic. He commented that a return to full employment, as it is conventionally understood in the industrialized world, may not be possible even with the growth and economic recovery. This is because new technology will reduce the need for labour leading to further job losses, unless measures are taken to upgrade skills. Mr Blanchard estimated that one billion jobs must be created by the year 2000, and 88% of them in developing countries for everyone to have work. Already we hear the cry of "We want jobs. We want jobs," in Europe. There were cases where employees were willing to work less days and accept a lower take-home pay. The incident where a firm had 200 vacancies was stormed by about 20,000 applicants is another extreme example of the seriousness of the situation. Japan, the country which achieved an economic miracle, suffered the highest percentage of unemployment last year, 2.4%. This figure is amongst the lowest in the world. Nevertheless, the Japanese are very concerned because this figure reflects a jump of more than 100% compared to the previous year. Recently in Japan I was told that employers were still willing to give an increase of between 3% and 5% during their so-called "Spring Offensive" while the union was asking for 7%. At the same time, and it must be quite an irony, the government froze the wages of civil servants till the end of the year. In Singapore our unemployment dropped from 6% in 1970 to 3% in 1980. Real unemployment was 2.6% as of June 1982. In recent years we have further intensified our industrialization program me by pursuing a high wage policy to encourage the restructuring of our economy.”
“The synchronous world recession that had originated from the second oil crisis worsened in 1982. It is in its fourth year and the longest recession after the Second World War. The three major industrial economies were estimated to have grown more slowly, if not, actually contracted: Real GNP/GDP Growth 1982 OECD -0.5 USA -1.8 Federal German Republic -1.25 UK 0.50 France 1.50 Japan 2.50 While ASEAN countries managed to have a real GDP growth of between 2.6% and 6.3%, in selected North-east Asian countries like Hong Kong, ROK and ROC, they had a GDP growth of between 4% and 6%. The deepening of this recession was reflected in shrinking demand leading to failing industrial output, increasing number of closures and mounting unemployment. World trade also dipped by 1.5% and suffered further protectionist measures among the trading nations. Protectionism by definition alone simply means help few people a lot while free trade means help everybody a little. The latter should be the answer to a practical long-term solution rather than the former which boils down to short-term euphoria because protectionism or resistance causes stagnation. Stagnation brings about unemployment, The unemployment problem constitutes an increasingly serious problem worldwide. Politically it can be explosive. Let us peep at the figures. In 1982, overall unemployment rate in OECD countries rose to 8.5% from 7.1% the year before. The OECD estimated that by mid-1984, 35 million people or 9.5% of the workforce in its 24 member-countries will be unemployed. The situation was worse in the US where unemployment reached the double digit figure of 10.8% (12 million people in December 1982). According to the ILO report, 555 million people under 40 years of age are jobless.”
“Finally, I would like to refer to the public assistance allowance which is being given to either the handicapped or the destitute persons, that is, those who have no dependants and who have no means of support. As hon. Members are aware, the rates of payment today range from $80 per month for a single member to $170 per month to a household of four members. Clearly hon. Members will agree with me that such payments are really very meagre and cannot meet even the minimum requirements of those receiving public assistance. I would urge the Hon. Minister to review the rates of payment under the public assistance scheme. 6.35 p.m. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade and Industry and Minister for Social Affairs (Encik Sidek bin Saniff): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, like my other colleagues in this august Chamber,. I wish to congratulate the Minister for Trade and Industry for his pragmatic and cautious Budget Statement. It reflects the experience, maturity, and strength of our wisdom, having been the Government for the past 24 years. It merits our praise, especially if we were to ponder upon our history. It was a short history, but Singaporens have gone a long way since then - the turbulence of the 5O's. I would like to confine myself to what I consider the three important matters that warrant our close observation and, at a certain period of time, our careful and systematic action. First, the world recession and its impact on unemployment throughout the world, and Singapore is no exception. Second, the age of computers and the Human Factor. Thirdly, the Nuclear Line and its implication to national and international politics with the West German national elections as a case in point. Sir, permit me to elaborate.”
“With regard to the tax changes, the Minister has given very generous concessions to the senior citizens, those aged 55 years and above, who are still in the workforce. I wonder whether the Minister would consider certain concessions for the senior citizens, aged 55 years and above, who have given of their best to the country and who are no longer in employment. I refer specifically to the pensioners who have served the Government. I have certain suggestions to make. First, in the area of medical care, whether the Minister would consider reduced rates for senior citizens who receive medical attention, for example, at the outpatient clinics or at the emergency departments. Another suggestion that I would like to make is whether the Hon. Minister would consider giving tax exemption on savings of senior citizens who were in the Civil Service before and whose bulk of the savings is derived from their CPF. Another sugges- tion that I would like to make with regard to concessions for senior citizens is whether the Hon. Minister would consider exemption from tax on sales of tickets by entertainment establishments like the theatres, the cinemas and cultural centres, i.e. whether the entertainment tax on the sales of tickets to senior citizens could be exempted. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the hon. Member for Ayer Rajah referred to the enhanced child relief given to specially qualified working women. I would like to support what he said with regard to that point. It is not just the cost of getting domestic help that is the problem. It is also the difficulty of getting domestic help nowadays. So I would like to support the comment that he made that the category of specially qualified working women should be extended to all working women in the country.”
“In the dialogues with these countries, particularly the United States, the EEC, Japan and Canada, I would like to ask the Minister whether in these dialogues the question of access to their markets, the markets of the Western industrialized countries and Japan, was taken up with these countries and, if so, what progress has been made in that respect. Otherwise, I see the futility of continuing with the ASEAN dialogues with the Western industrialized countries and Japan. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in his Budget Statement, the Minister mentioned the need for better quality manpower to meet the industrial development needs of the country in the future, particularly when the country would be receiving better quality investments in such areas as computers and related equipment, electronic, computer software and engineering services. The need to upgrade the education and skills of our labour is urgent and the extension of the BEST classes throughout Singapore must be the responsibility of all Members of this House. Here, I would like to suggest that another target group be looked at - in terms of creating awareness of the need of Singaporeans to be better educated in science and technology and to attain better skills. I would suggest that the Ministry consider and encourage the establishment of science and technology clubs in the various community centres. In line with the advance in technology, we need to promote a science and technology programme for the young, especially those in the youth groups, for they need to keep abreast of the knowledge in the field of science and technology. I hope that the Minister will assist the community centres, especially those who wish to set up the science and technology clubs.”
“' In such a situation of pessimism, we have to look for avenues to expand our trade, and here I would like to refer Members of the House to the efforts that the regional grouping, ASEAN. is attempting to do in order to improve intra-regional trade. It is heartening to note that under the Preferential Trading Arrangements, the number of items coming under PTA has increased. With effect from 1983 there would be about 10,000 items eligible for tariff concessions. Certainly this would improve intra-regional trade, and I would be interested to know from the Minister the impact the PTA has had in terms of intra-regional trade. Further, what are the prospects he sees for future expansion of intra-regional trade in ASEAN. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in 1976, following the communist takeover in Indo-China, the ASEAN Heads of Government met in Bali and one of their priorities then was to foster greater economic cooperation among the ASEAN countries. Preferential Trading Arrangement was only one proposal to promote regional cooperation. There were many others, but I would like to ask the Minister what is the state of progress with regard to two areas of cooperation, namely, joint industrial projects and the dialogues with the Western industrialized countries and Japan. At the time these projects were announced there was great expectation that the ASEAN five would get closer together economically, but up to now the proposals for joint industrial projects have made little progress. I would like to ask the Minister whether we have come out with better proposals which can be considered and hopefully accepted by our ASEAN neighbours. The Minister in his Budget Statement mentioned the growing protectionism on the part of the Western industrialized countries and Japan.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, we have just heard from my colleague, the hon. Member for Whampoa, who has just delivered what some of us on this side of the House have called the second budget statement. Sir, I would like to begin by reminding ourselves that as a global city Singapore cannot escape the difficulties and the traumas of the world economic system, and I would like to reiterate a point which the Minister for Trade and Industry made in his Budget Statement. He mentioned an aspect of the adverse economic conditions in the world, namely, the growing unemployment and protectionism in the Western industrialized countries and Japan. I think it is worth quoting the figures which he gave in his Budget Statement. In 1982, the unemployment figures in the United States and the EEC were 12 million (or 10.8% of the workforce) and 12.3 million (or 11.1% of the workforce) respectively. In order to reduce growing unemployment, as he stated, these countries have resorted to enforcing certain protectionist measures and additionally to introduce new ones. He gave the example of the United States, the EEC, Japan and Canada, which have tightened the rules of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) selectively and thereby restricting the exports of the more competitive countries, including Singapore. As he stated in his Budget Statement, the trend towards growing protectionism is likely to continue. Efforts have been made to stem the tide of protectionism. In November 1982, as the Minister stated in his Budget Statement, the meeting of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) did not make any impact at all on the state of protectionism in the world. In fact, I quote him: 'The meeting however ended in disarray spelling more trouble ahead for free trade.”