Lee Khoon Choy
Singapore
“For the Philippines, youth is only from 15 to 20 years. Thailand considers all those 25 years and below as youth. The People's Association has defined youth as those from 15 to 30 years for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the People's Association Youth Movement membership.”
“However, the People's Association employs nearly 500 staff to man the network of community centres and changes or transfers of centre staff are inevitable.”
“Sir, as I have explained, if there is demand for indoor games, the centres are always open to anyone who requests for it. I would like the Member for Whampoa to give me some details. If he has any information on the requirements in other centres, I will be quite willing to consider them.”
“One reason why Chinese pupils do not do as well in ML2 as Malay pupils is that they do not speak Malay as the home language. Even for those who do, the level of the home language is likely to be much more elementary than the standard of ML2 taught up to 'O' level. EUNOS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE/EUNOS CRESCENT (Bus services) 3.”
“This is a very important question because unless we have a revision of salary, we are not only finding it difficult to retain the staff, but we will also find it most difficult to recruit staff. The Prime Minister mentioned yesterday about attracting good people to the political leadership.”
“That does not prevent other organizations from taking the Member's case as a precedent and make the same request. Once we allow one, the other organizations which have donated or contributed to the building fund will also say, "What about me? Since I have done something, I also want my logo to be put up." It can be confusing.”
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“In most cases, the organising secretaries sit on the CCC meetings and take minutes. That is, in fact, not part of their duties. The organising secretaries are already finding the burden too heavy as they have to work overtime in the evenings without any leave on Sundays. On the other hand, there are cases where the organising secretaries want to sit on the Residents' Committees and CCCs but were not allowed to do so. There is no general rule. I think it depends very much on the Member's personal diplomacy. It may be done in certain cases on a voluntary basis, but if I were the Member for Whampoa I would not rely too much on the organising secretaries of the People's Association.”
“Sir, I have made it very clear in my statement. I have outlined the problems which we will face in high-rise buildings, and that is the real reason why we are going to form the RCs. It is not there to serve any Member of Parliament but to serve the people.”
“To be fair, we have district secretaries who should also help out in the work of the CCC. Whether we can provide a secretariat for the CCCs is a matter that we have to look into.”
“As for coordination of work that we have in mind, in fact, it is our recommendation that in each constituency there should be a co-ordinating committee comprising members of CCCs, MCs and RCs with the Member of Parliament as Chairman or adviser to co-ordinate the work. Of course, there must be some overlapping of work. But the routine work should be left to the RCs while the CCCs could concentrate on scholarships and other constituency-wide matters.”
“Sir, we understand the difficulties and complications which will arise when the RCs are formed. In this cosmopolitan city where status has become a symbol, sometimes it makes our job very difficult. The CCC works vertically, like the RCs, to the Prime Minister's Office. It is very difficult to say which is higher. Of course, for the time being members of the CCC are invited to Istana and other functions. At one time we were wondering whether we should put the RCs under the People's Association or under a separate affiliation. As some Members have expressed, we have to give certain recognition to members of RCs. That is why we are putting the RCs under the PMO. Each RC member will get a card signed by the Cabinet Secretary, just as the CCC member who also gets a card. The question of status will be considered later. But if we do not do that, there will be many professionals who want to go to the CCC straightaway, without going to the RC. I think the RCs should be gradually used as a talent-scouting ground because they really reflect the ground opinion. They live in blocks of flats. The present position is that some CCC members, with due respect to most of them who have served us so well, are no more representative of the constituency. They may stay far away, not even having an office in that constituency. So with the new situation in Singapore where 70% of our people live in HDB and JTC flats, Members will find themselves out on a limb if they have a CCC with 80% of its members living outside the constituency and only 20% living inside. So it is better for Members of Parliament to start cracking on Residents' Committees and consider them as the real grassroots organisations.”
“I hope that Members of Parliament and all those who have already volunteered their services in the Residents' Committee in the various constituencies, as well as those who will offer their services, will cooperate to make this experiment on grassroots democracy a success. It will help shape a more cohesive society of mass participation for mutual benefit and the healthy growth of our state. Our 2.3 million people can help to mould Singapore into a cohesive society with a sense of common belonging and common destiny. Our nation cannot survive if the 2.3 million people live in separate worlds of their own.”
“This will ensure that the Residents' Committees will not be bogged down by such cumbersome work of typing and cyclo-styling minutes of meetings and decisions made by the Residents' Committees will be implemented promptly. What is even more important is that such administrative backup services will enable Residents' Committees to concentrate their efforts on meeting residents and organising activities to cater for their needs. It is estimated that a total of 19 Residents' Committees Group Secretariats will have to be set up in HDB/JTC area offices to serve the Residents' Committees formed under the scheme, if all the Members of Parliament of 65 constituencies decide to opt for the scheme. I mention 65 constituencies because a few of them, like the constituency which I am representing, have no HDB flats. Of course, we will have to consider the suggestion by the Member for Kim Seng that even if there are no HDB flats it may be worthwhile to form Residents' Committees. Each of these Residents' Committees Group Secretariats will be manned by a Liaison Officer, two Assistant. Liaison Officers and six clerical staff. They are required to serve the Residents' Committees formed in three adjoining constituencies initially. So far, five of the Residents' Committees Group Secretariats have already been set up to provide their services to 14 constituencies. Action is being taken to recruit the necessary staff for the setting up of another 14 new Residents' Committees Group Secretariats. I will soon provide Members of Parliament, who have not started their Residents' Committees, with the full details of the scheme.”
“The Residents' Committees set up have since been considered useful in encouraging residents in housing estates to organise themselves for the following purposes: (i) Provide better channel of communication with the authorities resulting in more prompt action to problems of lifts, corridor lightings and PUB facilities; (ii) Better sense of security and protection from crime, vandalism, drugs and other anti-social activities; (iii) A sense of neighbourliness and racial harmony among residents through sports, social, cultural and other activities. Since Residents' Committees have proved to be useful, it is now proposed to extend to other constituencies with HDB/JTC estates in various stages. The nine Members of Parliament from Leng Kee, Brickworks, Serangoon Gardens, Thomson, Kallang, Geylang West, Khe Bong, Kuo Chuan and Jurong, have just been briefed on the steps required to set up their Residents' Committees. Other Members of Parliament will be phased in at different stages. Under the scheme, all the blocks within each constituency will be demarcated into zones of a suitable and working size. Each of these zones will have a Residents' Committee comprising a Chairman, a Secretary, a Treasurer and 6 to 30 members, depending on the size of the zone. The Residents' Committee will be run for and by the people tom the blocks within the zone. Adult residents who are Singapore citizens or who will qualify for Singapore citizenship within five years will be selected to sit on these Residents' Committees on a voluntary basis. The scheme provides for a secretariat of full-time staff to serve the Residents' Committees.”
“High-rise living makes loneliness more difficult to endure for the aged. Another view is that high-rise living increases the functional interdependency of the neighbour and makes friction and irritation easier between one another. People are much more in each other's pocket. Their cooking smell and noises may irritate one another and discourage direct human contacts. These are some of the social and environmental problems which we have anticipated and for which we hope to find solution. A year ago, the hon. Members for Marine Parade and Chai Chee organised Residents' Committees on slightly different lines but with the same objective of solving some of the problems I have mentioned. This was followed by the hon. Members for Bedok and Tanjong Pagar. The Residents' Committees have proved to be useful but the common feeling was that the functions of the Residents' Committees could be put on a sounder footing if the Government could provide the necessary manpower and secretarial facilities. Sometime between July and October last year, the Government launched a pilot scheme in five constituencies, namely, Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah, Kolam Ayer, Toa Payoh and Boon Lay, as understood by the Member for Kim Seng. The scheme was to set up Residents' Committees with liaison offices and secretariats. The results of the pilot scheme have been encouraging.”
“He told me that in Liverpool, the authorities have decided to pull down a whole estate of 15-storey flats because the inhabitants could not stand high-rise living. There were several cases of old folks who died in mid-way flats undiscovered until their bodies were decomposed. Such cases could easily happen in a society which has a deep-rooted tradition of "the home is a castle", in other words, no visitors are entertained without invitation. The bitter experience of Western developed countries vis-a-vis high-rise living, particularly in England, may be due to the old virtue of respecting the privacy of the home and that of minding one's own business. There is no reason why we in Singapore should be discouraged by the lessons of the West. In any case, high-rise living will become the life-style in Singapore because of land shortage. We have no choice but to accept what is to come and find solutions to problems envisaged. Unlike Western developed countries, we are fortunate to have inherited the virtues of oriental hospitality towards visitors and especially neighbours. When the home is not a castle, it is easier to encourage and organise intermingling and community life which will make high-rise living more tolerable. Of course, high-rise living will still have its hazards. One of the more commonly quoted opinions was that of Dr Daniel Cappon, a practising psychiatrist and Professor of Environmental Study at the York University, Toronto, who speaks of passivity and deprivation in high-rise living. Children are said to be deprived of kinetic expressions such as running, shouting and stamping their feet. The adolescents, if not given sufficient distractions from their energies when not properly channelised, may tend towards escapism and vandalism.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Punggol and the Member for Kim Seng have raised the question of Residents' Committees. This is an opportune moment to explain in some detail the formation of Residents' Committees. It has taken us some time to form them because we are experimenting on an organisation which is quite new in our context. Singapore's rapid progress in public housing in recent years has brought about a dramatic change in our skyline, which registers a major transplantation of our population, as mentioned by the Member for Punggol. By the end of the decade in 1980, it is estimated that 70% of our total population will live in HDB/JTC estates. This concentration of population in high-rise buildings creates for Singapore new social and human problems which we have to anticipate and find solutions. Our success in public housing is known and admired throughout the world. But the success of public housing cannot be judged merely by the size, height and number of blocks built but by the quality of life that will emerge from the inhabitants who are housed in such high-rise buildings. The fact that a gigantic housing programme has been successfully completed is a justifiable source of national pride. But the ultimate aim is to make concerted efforts to meet the needs and aspirations of the residents. As Singapore moves speedily towards the high-rise way of living, one most prevalent consideration would be the problems associated with it. Experiences gained from more developed countries, particularly from the West, show that there is a strong resentment towards the high-rise way of living. There has been no strong proponent in favour of it, with very few exceptions for purposes of specialisation. Recently, a British social expert came to Singapore.”
“Sir, we will discuss this matter with the Ministry of Home Affairs, and we will look into the matter.”
“Sir, I have been asked by the Prime Minister to reply on his behalf I would like to thank the Member for Kampong Kembangan for his words of appreciation. Gratitude has become a very rare virtue nowadays. With regard to his three suggestions, the procedure in regard to CCC applications for repair of roads, drains, and other works has been in practice for the last ten years, and it has proved quite useful and is smooth-going. But if the Member has other suggestions, we will be too glad to consider them. With regard to his second suggestion, district officers will consider the views expressed and they will look into the possibility of preparing data and other information for Members of Parliament and for the CCC. With regard to his third suggestion, we have a proposal to form a Coordination Committee in each constituency, comprising members of CCC, CCMC and Residents' Committee, together with Members of Parliament, to coordinate the work of the various mass organisations.”
“He will therefore have more than 4,000 sq. metres to build his centre. As regards flexibility in using the facilities, I agree with him that we should not be too rigid in our policy, but we have to bring up this point again. For instance, we cannot say, "you can have a billiard table. If you do not want a billiard table, you cannot have the money for other purposes." There should be more flexibility. I hope that reason will prevail. The Member for Anson has referred to the Silat Community Centre. I am afraid I do not have the exact information on this matter. But I will look into it and try to meet his requirements. Mr Ng Kah Ting rose -”
“They can therefore apply for money from this fund. Of course, there will be a committee to decide on how to distribute the money from the fund. But we expect contributions to the fund to come from the big business tycoons and big companies. We will not compete with Members in their fund raising efforts. Coming back to the Member for Kim Seng, first of all, I would like to thank him for the compliments he has paid to the People's Association. I appreciate why he has raised the question of the inadequacy of land for the building of community centres. It is true that we have suggested to the Treasury that an area of 3,396.84 sq. metres, that is 36,553 sq. ft., is hardly enough for a good key centre. We have suggested one acre, i.e. about more than 4,000 sq. metres. Approval has not yet been given but we will carry on with our request and try to reason out the necessity for a bigger space. In fact, we have received approval of 371 sq. metres for the provision of additional facilities. The building provision is $250,000. Therefore, $250,000 will be almost completely used up to develop the 371 sq. metres of land. But we have reason to believe that on the basis of a dollar-for-dollar contribution, and with a maximum of $200,000, we could raise $400,000. If we have $400,000, 371 sq. metres is hardly enough for the development of centre activities. We have therefore asked for 671 sq. metres for additional facilities. We will continue to press for it. The Member for Kim Seng will be glad to know this as it concerns his constituency. I appreciate that he has only one community centre in Kim Seng constituency. It is more than 2,000 sq. metres. But a new centre will be built. I have just got news that the HDB has set aside an extra 1,600 sq. metres adjacent to that centre.”
“They are appointed not only to sit on the committee but also to have the responsibility of collecting funds. We appreciate very much the efforts which they have made before, and I am quite sure they will have a lot to do in Punggol where a new community centre will be built. In Kim Seng Constituency too we have to look for $100,000. The management committees will be kept very busy. It is necessary for the management committees and also the participants of the centres to adopt a new attitude. They should not be spoon-fed. In the past we used to give honorarium to instructors in basketball. We did not know whether or not anybody ever wanted to learn basketball. Yet we still paid the basketball instructors. I have since stopped this practice. I think it is necessary for the people themselves to take part in the activities of the centres. If they want cooking classes, sewing classes or play basketball, they should pay out of their own pocket to get the instructors. They should not expect the Government to pay for them. We will still pay for certain basic items, but for other things there must be gotong royong, that is, a spirit of mutual help in the centre. We do have staff on the pay of the Government. But it is also up to the people to make good use of the centre and to make it a lively one. As regards the Central Community Development Fund, the Board has approved the setting up of such a fund in principle. We are in the process of trying to get tax exemption. I must point out that the purpose of the fund is not to help Members to get the $100,000. This fund is meant for certain activities. For instance, the management committee may like to organise some music classes but they do not have the funds. It is difficult to get funds in some areas.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am very glad to see that there is at least some appreciation from Members of Parliament on the difficult working conditions of the staff in the People's Association. In fact, working in the People's Association is quite a difficult task because apart from the low salary as compared to other organisations and statutory boards, the staff have to work for long hours. Sometimes they also have to please many masters. Theirs is a very difficult job. We have, in fact, spent some time trying to work out a new salary structure for our staff. We have submitted our proposals to the Treasury. Unfortunately, we have not received a favourable reply. But I am sure that ultimately reason will prevail. Regarding subsidies, I wish to point out that the Government's grant to the People's Association has been increasing since 1960. In 1960 it was $0,72 million. In 1978 it has gone up to $14.1 million. Members will appreciate that apart from increases in the grant, the Government has to consider also the rising expectations of our populace on the need for new types of community centres. Of course, not all of them will be as expensive as the Havelock Community Centre which cost more than $1.6 million. As the Member for Kim Seng has said, we have increased the amount from $150,000 to $350,000. We can expect the centre to cost at least half a million dollars, that is, from $600,000 to $700,000. We have estimated that, in the next five years, the Government will have to build 73 key centres costing something like $14 million. We have to appreciate the burden on the Government in respect of the capital expenditure. As regards the members of management committees, the Member for Kim Seng has already mentioned that each member has to contribute his share as a community leader.”
“If the hon. Member can tell us the particular piece of land if it is available, we will approach the Land Office. NATIONAL SERVICE (Deserters and Defaulters) 2. Mr S. Dhanabalan asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence the extent of desertion by those serving 'National Service and of avoidance by those who are abroad and who are liable for National Service; the action taken against such deserters and defaulters and whether the present measures taken against defaulters who are abroad are adequate.”
“The People's Association does not provide land.”
“Thank you very much for the voluntary service.”
“Sir, with the very limited resources available, it is not possible to provide squash courts for every constituency. Community centres are not meant only for the residents of that constituency. If there is a community centre nearby, all the residents around, irrespective of any constituency, should make good use of the centre.”
“Sir, the new Kim Keat Community Centre which was completed in December 1977 is only 1 km away. Within the same distance, the well-equipped Whampoa and Boon Teck Community Centres will be completed in a few months' time. These centres have tennis and squash facilities.”
“I am not optimistic, however, that all the vacancies will be filled during this period and in order not to unnecessarily inflate the budget, I have decided to reduce the EOM provisions. Until such time when sufficient officers are recruited, our overseas officers will remain not fully staffed. The result is that overseas officers are called upon to work harder and they have responded well.”
“Apart from that, we also have taken advantage of the following overseas courses extended by various governments to the Public Service Commission, The Australian Foreign Service training course duration is five months; the New Zealand Foreign Service course duration is six months; and the French Government scholarship is a two-year course comprising a French language course and the diplomacy course at the International Institute of Public Administration in Paris. 6.15 p.m. [Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair] Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Member for Delta asked why we did not fill the provision, giving the impression that there is no future for diplomats. One of the main reasons for the reduction of the EOM provision for the Financial Year 1977 is the inability to fill the large number of vacancies in the Foreign Service. I have explained why we found it difficult to fill the vacancies. The prospects of filling all of them in 1977 are not very bright. The provision for the 1977 EOM is based on the salaries of the actual number of officers, including normal increments and the sum of NWC allowances for 1977. In other words, there is no provision of salaries for the vacant post or the new post which has been created for the Regional and Economic Division. Should the need arise in the course of 1977, to supplement the EOM provisions such amount required can be vired from the OOE provisions to augment the EOM provisions. I have mentioned about the recruitment of officers. Insofar as the Foreign Service is concerned, the quality of manpower is far more important than quantity. The selection of the right person for posting to the right place at the right time will always be a matter of crucial importance. It will, therefore, fill the existing vacancies when the persons are found.”
“Apart from this, a diplomat also has to make certain sacrifices, such as the disruption of his children's education by reason of his being transferred from one posting to another; and then the adequate job opportunities and good living in Singapore, in contrast with the inconvenient and unsettled life associated with the job in the Foreign Service. Such reservations against joining the Foreign Service are expected to be diminished with time as the Foreign Service develops and the challenges and honour of representing Singapore overseas are fully realised. On the $82,000-question put forward by the Member for Anson, I have just mentioned the difficulty of recruiting diplomats and we have been taking some steps to train diplomats. We have organised basic administration courses for Attaches conducted by the Civil Service Staff Development Institute which take about 10 full days. Then we have basic courses for Foreign Service officers giving them the craft of diplomacy, political, economic, consular, protocol functions for diplomats serving abroad. The course will take eight days and are conducted by lecturers at the University of Singapore. Trainees will attend courses on international law, international relations, economics, contemporary history. This will take three months. And then they need to undergo language training. In 1976, a total of 43 officers were reimbursed with tuition fees under the foreign language scheme. Then trainees are given on-the-job training where they are trained in headquarters or attached to the various Ministries or to statutory boards for briefings. And also overseas attachments. This is a full-time two-month course where an officer is attached to an overseas mission. Or alternatively he is sent to attend conferences to gather experience.”
“Among the steps we have taken in our recruitment exercise are talent scouting within the civil service and in the universities and perhaps maybe amongst some of our colleagues and we hope when their services are called upon they will not shrink. Some hon. Members: Joe!”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, on the question of recruitment and training of diplomats, this is quite a difficult problem for us because recruiting a diplomat is not an easy matter. There are so many stringent requirements. First of all, personality. A diplomat's success wherever he may be depends to a large extent upon the way he cultivates friendship and develops contacts. This in turn is related directly to the personality characteristics of the diplomat and his spouse. He should possess both social graces as well as a friendly, pleasant and outgoing personality. Secondly, integrity and loyalty. A diplomat is entrusted with the nation's plans and secrets. This great confidence which is entrusted in him must never be violated. Therefore, he must be a person whose integrity and loyalty is beyond question. Then, we need someone with knowledge of sensitivity. He must be able to understand strange customs, traditions, ideology which are fundamental to each overseas assignment. The officer must be alert to the psychological sensitivity of foreigners and must avoid unwittingly insulting or offending them. This calls for tact and discretion of the highest level. Then he must have good judgment because in terms of crises, when he is under pressure, he must be counted on to think clearly and to make correct decisions. Faulty judgments can jeopardise the interest of a nation. Therefore, there can be no substitution for clarity of thought and judgment. The qualities enumerated above are universally considered to be professionally necessary. They are exacting qualities and, therefore, the standard of selection has to be high. For these reasons, we have not been able to select sufficient suitable persons for appointment to the Foreign Service.”
“The CFTC has helped Singaporeans to acquire new skills through Commonwealth fellowships in national development. Our cash contributions and fellowship awards also go to the Commonwealth Institute and Commonwealth Foundation. As part of the Commonwealth Technical Assistance and Cooperation. Singapore has over the years received and trained many nationals from Africa, Papua New Guinea. Fiji and Sri Lanka among others. At the Kingston meeting in 1975, the Commonwealth Heads of Government set up a body of economic experts to examine ways in which the association can help in bridging the gap between the rich and poor countries. A separate group of industrial specialists was formed with 10 members. Singapore was represented in this select group. The findings of these specialists will be considered by the Commonwealth Heads of Government in June this year. On another level, Commonwealth Ministers meet regularly on a variety of issues; monetary, economic development, trade, law and so forth. At various international forums, Commonwealth delegations exchange views, try to coordinate positions and minimise contentions. Yesterday, the 14th March, was the first time Commonwealth Day was simultaneously observed by all the 36 member-states. In Singapore. all schools observed the occasion on the 11th as school vacation started on 12th March. Competitions and exhibitions were organised. My colleague, the Minister for Education., issued a special Commonwealth Day Message. Tonight after this session. I have been invited by the Commonwealth Society to a reception. So Members can see that we have not neglected the Commonwealth. An hon. Member: Over-worked!”
“The EDB overseas representatives work hand in glove with diplomatic officers, as they are doing in the case of our mission in Tokyo and Osaka. On the ASEAN front, dialogue which started with the EEC. Australia. New Zealand and Canada will soon be embracing Japan and the USA. There is potentially great benefits to be gained from these dialogues in terms of greater investment, transfer of skills and technology and access to new markets. Mr Speaker, Sir, on the third question of ASEAN Secretariat, we have only recently made two important decisions by the ASEAN Standing Committee which set up the ASEAN Secretariat in motion. These are the approval of the budget for the Secretariat and the appointment of senior staff to the Secretariat on a rotational basis in alphabetical order. Singapore will continue to actively support the efforts of the ASEAN Secretary-General. General Dharsono of Indonesia, to develop the Secretariat into an effective organisation. The fourth question deals with the Commonwealth. I can assure the Member for Anson that we have not neglected the Commonwealth. In fact, our ties with member-countries are increasing both on a bilateral and multi-lateral basis. Let me give some instances of the importance we continue to place on our Commonwealth links. Since the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting was hosted by us here in Singapore in 1971, the Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs have attended biennial gatherings in Ottawa and Jamaica. This year they will again go to London where the meeting will coincide with the Silver Jubilee of the Queen's accession. Singapore provides financial support to the Commonwealth Secretariat, particularly to the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation.”
“On the second question about some big powers no more interested in this region and so what do we do, the presence of major powers in Southeast Asia is a permanent feature of the political scene in this region. However, some powers no longer regard Southeast Asia as crucial to their interests as it was once. These are facts we have to live with and to tailor our foreign policy objectives accordingly. Although these powers no longer regard Southeast Asia as crucial, they nevertheless continue to pay much interest in the region, particularly when the ASEAN countries have demonstrated the benefits of foreign investment in the region. Our task is to ensure that such interest is maintained and increased. To this end, the Government has embarked on a range of activities which include the despatch of Singapore trade missions and the reception of foreign business delegations. For instance, our Minister for Foreign Affairs will personally be heading an economic delegation of 20 persons early next month to Brussels where a high level conference will be held. This conference is organised by the European Economic Commission and the European International Bank and will be attended by leading business magnates of Western Europe and ASEAN countries. At the same time, we have publicised Singapore's attractions by such means as inviting foreign journalists to our country. For instance, a group of Swiss journalists were invited to Singapore in conjunction with the recent flotation of a loan in the Swiss money market. At another level, my Ministry is posting high calibre officers to key overseas missions. Commercial secretaries are sent out to tap new markets. A mission will soon be sent to Jeddah.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as usual, the Member for Anson tries to kill many birds with one stone. This time he tries to kill six birds with one small stone. Mr Speaker, Sir, first of all, in regard to what our overseas missions are doing, I can assure the Member for Anson that our overseas missions are not idling. In fact, they are rather hard pressed with work. Members of our foreign service are actively working at all times to encourage tourism and trade for Singapore. The Foreign Service officer is expected to perform a varied task when serving in one of our overseas missions. Because of Singapore's limited manpower resources, each officer is expected to pull his weight and pay equal attention to the political and economic functions. In fact, in some of our smaller missions one officer is expected to look after many jobs in connection with Singapore's interests in the postings overseas. I would just like to mention in passing that this reminds me of my assignment when I was in Cairo. I had only three staff, one Third Secretary and one First Secretary, and we had to cover three continents. Egypt, Yugoslavia, Ethiopia, Beirut and Pakistan. So Members can be sure that we have not been idling. So are the overseas diplomats. A Commercial Secretariat service was established in 1976 under the charge of the Department of Trade. The officers under this service are expected to do hard-selling of Singapore products. This means that Foreign Service officers have now to concentrate on intensive economic monitoring of the countries where they are posted to. They are expected to be on the alert for protectionistic tendencies as well as report on any economic opportunities available for Singapore. 6.00 p.m.”
“They are full missions. Mr Yeo Choo Kok: Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendrnent by leave, withdrawn. The following amendments stood in the name of Mr N. Govindasamy - (9) That the sum to be allocated for Head M be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead BAA 2521. (10) That the sum to be allocated for Head M be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead BAA 2522. (11) That the sum to be allocated for Head M be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead BAA 2591. (12) That the sum to be allocated for Head M be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead BAA 2592.”
“Sir, when the Area Licensing Scheme was introduced in 1975 the Diplomatic and Consular Corps made a strong representation that members of the Corps should be exempted from payment of the Area Licensing Fee. It was pointed Out to their representative that the Licensing fee is a charge for which no additional service is given. Argument was made that, under the Vienna Convention and Diplomatic Relations, fees should only be charged for services rendered. Having consideration to the need to adopt a very restrictive policy in order that minimum traffic enters the Central Business District during the peak hours, the Government could not consider favourably the representation of the Corps. However, as a gesture, the Government approved the granting of an area licensing disc to one flag-flying car per full mission located within the Central Business District. Presently. 11 missions enjoy such concession.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the ASEAN training awards scheme commenced in 1972. Between the period 1972 and 1976 a total of 80 awards have been made; 12 were made to Indonesia, eight to Malaysia, one to the Philippines, and 59 to Thailand. Essentially the courses involve on-the-job training in the various Ministries and departments. They vary from fire-fighting, librarianship, sewerage treatment, to the various aspects of nursing and medical technicians courses. Of course, we will be too willing to give the booklet on ASEAN awards to those Members of Parliament who are interested. As fan as I am aware. Singapore appears to be the only country that has offered such awards.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker. Sir, our contribution towards the upkeep of Malaya Hall, London, ceased from 1st December 1969 Our students are now extended facilities at the Singapore Students Centre which was established in London in 1971. The provision of $254,220 is budgetted for payment of our share of expenditure for the upkeep of Malaya Hall for the period 1968 to 1969. Payment has been deferred, pending resolution of several bilateral financial issues between Singapore and Malaysia, including Malaysia's contribution in respect of Malaysian students studying at the University of Singapore.”
“I would like to thank the Member for Jalan Kayu for his compliments. If the Member were to look deepen into the matter, he may find that it is a question of communication. Whether on not to have all the officers centred in the mission is perhaps a question of communication. Whether it is more efficient for the EDB men to take orders direct from EDB, fearing that if it goes through the machinery of the Foreign Ministry it might get bogged down, I think all this is a question of how to establish this chain of communication. I agree that there is some constructive suggestion in the point made by the Member for Jalan Kayu.”
“Having served in many missions abroad. I can say from my own experience that we are really shorthanded. For instance, when I was posted to Cairo I had only one First Secretary who was supposed to help me in political affairs, one Administrative Officer doing administration, and one Personal Assistant. I was supposed to cover five countries, in which I had no office accommodation. Although trading and economic interest is important we have to bear in mind that we cannot afford to spend too much in sending out officers to a country unless that country is vital to us economically; which we are doing. It is no use sending a commercial attache to a place where we have no business relations or trading arrangements. In any case the suggestion made by the Member for Jalan Kayu for a central pooling of all the resources is one which I Think can be given some consideration, and I assure the Member that this suggestion will be conveyed.”
“Sir, the suggestions made by the Member for Jalan - Kayu are worth considering and I will do my best to convey them to the Ministry of Finance which is actually responsible for appointing the various commercial attaches, secretaries and also EDB men to the various overseas missions. However, I would like to inform the Member that apart from the Ambassador, Counsellors and Secretaries, we also have some quite efficient commercial secretaries. I do not say that all of them are of no use. Some of them are performing the task. An instance of what they have been doing is the promotion of Singapore's trade interest .in the host country, activities which will promote our objective of increasing the export of Singapore manufactured products. They have to issue leaflets informing all the enterprises as to the products available from Singapore. They also collate and disseminate all information relating to trading conditions and regulations and other market factors which affect Singapore's export. They also guide visiting businessmen from Singapore and introducing them to relevant contacts in their respective countries, and continuously bearing in mind that commerce and economics and politics are merely two aspects of one whole. They therefore maintain closer liaison with other officers in the mission performing political and other functions. Prior to 1976 the commercial and economic functions of our overseas missions were performed by officers who were also responsible for political and other duties. However, early this year since the commercial secretary's service was established some of our overseas missions have been staffed by this special category of officers whose duty is confined to commercial and economic work. We are a small nation.”
“There will be noninterference in internal affairs and, I think, for that matter unless and until a nation requests another nation to send in troops, the act of sending troops from one country to another will be interpreted as contravening this Treaty of Amity. And as far as I am aware, there is no such arrangement. As regards the Straits of Malacca, our view is that the Straits should be made international waters, open to free navigation. Our delegates will soon be attending the Conference and our main interest is to see that our rights are maintained. We have not gone against the Indonesian concept of "Archipelago" just for the sake of going against the concept. I think our representative will make it clear that our main interest is to preserve our rights in so far as the Law of the Sea is concerned.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, first, on the establishment of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. I think our Foreign Minister as well as the Government have made our stand very clear, not on one occasion but on several occasions. Our stand does not change: we are still waiting. Our stand is that we will be the last ASEAN country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. I think this is also understood by the Government of the People's Republic of China. 6.40 p.m. [Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair] As regards the assurance that there will be no military pact, I think everybody knows that after the Bali summit, the ASEAN Heads of States were not in favour of having a military pact. Our main emphasis was on economic and cultural cooperation. Any kind of military pact would only aggravate the tension which already exists, even without the mention of the word "pact". So there is no point in aggravating the tension which we are, in fact, trying to lessen among nations in South-east Asia. As for the guarantee that we will not send troops and our servicemen out of Singapore. I think the answer should be directed at the Minister of Defence. However, in the absence of a pact, is there any necessity to send our troops when there is no pact or such understanding? As far as I know, at least there is no bilateral arrangement with any country. In fact, in certain circumstances the sending of troops from one country to another may be interpreted as an interference in the internal affairs of that country. The Member for Kim Seng also mentioned the Treaty of Amity and Zone of Peace. In actual fact, the Treaty tries to ensure that everything will be all right among the five member states of ASEAN.”
“It is not easy to choose a suitable officer to be a diplomat overseas because he represents Singapore and we must be careful that he has the knowledge, qualification and also integrity, mannerism and personality for the job. All these qualities have to be taken into consideration. I think I will give other Members a chance to raise their questions.”
“In that case I will come back to the subject of our visit to China because the Member for Anson has raised this question. But to give the Member for Jalan Kayu an opportunity, I will deal with his question later. I would say that the visit to China was successful. It was the first time that leaders of the two countries had direct discussions on matters of mutual interest. During the visit we had the opportunity to meet the late Premier, Mr Chou En-lai, and we held detailed discussions with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr Ch'iao Kuan-hua. The topic of discussion covered international affairs, matters connected with regional politics as well as bilateral relations between the two countries. The discussions were free and frank and the participants were able to exchange views on broad international problems. Other members of the Singapore mission also had discussions on economic matters with their counterparts. Both sides have agreed to promote closer economic cooperation. As a result of the visit. China and Singapore exchanged trade and industrial missions in the latter part of 1975. The Member for Anson also raised the question of overseas postings. There is a special course of three months' training at the University of Singapore. After two years' training in the various Ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, Trade Division, the EDB and in other matters which a diplomat should know, the officer is then sent overseas. I can assure the Member for Anson that there were actually two resignations. There was no lack of officers. We have enough officers for our missions for the time being.”
“I was talking about trade missions just now. Some of the missions are Government-led and some are Government-assisted. We had six trade missions last year. We have visited Indonesia, Iran, China and Eastern Europe. Trade has been generated through orders taken for our local products during such missions. But more important is the fact that these missions have enabled our traders to establish useful contacts with their counterparts in the countries visited. Initial contacts established during these missions have enabled many of our traders and manufacturers to boost their sales. On the question of trade with Japan, the USA and Europe. the 1975 Economic Survey of Singapore shows that our trade with these countries has grown steadily over the past few years, except in 1975 when there was a general world-wide depression. Prospects for 1976 are, however, better, as there are already signs of economic recovery in these countries. On the role of embassies in promoting Singapore's overseas trade, our missions maintain surveillance -”
“If they so wish. We have diplomatic relations with Hanoi. We also have diplomatic relations with Cambodia and Laos. But we do not have a mission in these countries because of the latest developments. The same applies to the members of the other ASEAN states. It is difficult to establish any kind of dialogue when there is no mission in these countries. We can only make gestures of friendship, but these gestures of friendship have been rebuffed with a hostile statement. It is rather difficult to talk about having a dialogue at the moment. As the Member for Bras Basah has said, we want to be friends. I agree entirely with him that we want to be friends. But when the hand of friendship is extended, we expect a similar response. I hope you will allow me to continue with my answer to the Member for Anson. Otherwise he will protest.”
“I was thinking whether or not to jump the gun, because all the matters that have been raised by the other Members have been pre-empted by the far-sightedness of the Member for Anson. If I do not reply now then he will ask me. "What about the answer to this point. or that point?" And if I reply to all the points now, then the other Members may not have a chance to speak. So what do I do?”
“The Bureau Directors shall be at least of consular rank and each of the other officers shall be at least of First Secretary rank. The principal consideration in all such nominations and appointments shall be the attainment of the highest standards of professional efficiency, integrity and the equitable distribution and rotation of the post among the nationals of the ASEAN countries. Singapore will nominate two officers to fill these posts. As regards ASEAN training awards, they are offered by Singapore to other ASEAN member countries. Hence, Singaporeans are not eligible for these awards. These training awards comprise on-the-job attachments to the various Ministries and departments. The philosophy underlying the offer of these training awards is to share our experience and skill with other ASEAN member countries so as to promote mutual understanding, and to contribute to our common endeavour to accelerate economic development in the region. For the year 1976-77 Singapore is offering 112 training awards in 37 courses to ASEAN member countries. The fields of training vary from banking and finance to chemical and microbiological analysis of meat and meat products. On trade missions, last year we had six, either Government-led or -”
“In as far as the Member for Anson's question about Singapore's role is concerned, we are a financial centre with better facilities for technology, and we hope that with the cooperation of all our ASEAN partners we can together develop the natural resources of this region for the benefit of all the people of ASEAN. A point which I like to stress here is that, in order to succeed in the collective effort of economic cooperation. all sections of the community in the ASEAN states must bear in mind the spirit of give-and-take and to do away with the old habit of trying to make a quick buck. There may be some who try to cash in on such projects and we hope that entrepreneurs, particularly in Singapore, do not give the impression that some of them are exploiting the situation. Similarly, we hope that in the other states some of the old habits will also disappear so that there will be real cooperation in a common effort to bring about a successful conclusion of the projects. 6.15 p.m. With regard to the ASEAN Secretariat, it was agreed last year that the Secretariat should be based in Jakarta. At the last meeting in Bali they have agreed to appoint Lieut.-Gen. Hartono Dharsono, an experienced Senior Indonesian diplomat, to be the first Secretary-General whose term of office will be two years. Subsequently Secretary-Generals will also have a term of two years. Appointment will be rotated among the ASEAN countries in alphabetical order. The senior staff of the Secretariat shall initially comprise three Bureau Directors, one Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Officer, an Administrative Officer, a Public Information Officer and an assistant to the Secretary-General.”
“We hope that all countries in South-east Asia, whether communist or non-communist, will abide by this principle, call it what you will, the Bandung spirit or the spirit of the non-aligned group. It is only in that spirit can we have peace and prosperity in the region and all the peoples in the region will benefit. Of course, this might have been just a misunderstanding of the real nature of ASEAN, because we have been separated for so long. We have been under different colonial regimes and they have just gone through a long revolution. It takes time and we hope that with the passage of time this misunderstanding will be cleared. Once this is so, then the extent of cooperation between ASEAN and the Communist states in Indo-China will be unlimited. We hope that together we can cooperate constructively in the economic and social fields so that the people in South-east Asia will not become pawns in the super-power or great power struggle and we can help each other to raise the standard of living of all the peoples of South-east Asia. Of course, our immediate task, as far as ASEAN is concerned, is to consolidate the unity and spirit of cooperation of the five ASEAN states. That is exactly what we are doing. The Bali Summit was followed by the Kuala Lumpur meeting of finance and economic planners, and I am sure Members have read in the newspapers of the latest developments. These are solid projects which are being taken seriously by each individual ASEAN state, and we are in the process of implementing such projects. We hope that the success of these small projects will bring about the development of bigger projects. According to the agreement, we hope to have some form of trade preferential arrangement for the products of these projects in ASEAN.”
“I think it is also in the interest of the great powers to avert the danger of turning small wars into major conflicts. We have seen this in other parts of the world when the great powers inevitably got involved in bigger struggles. Therefore, it is in their interest not to do the same in South-east Asia. If they sincerely want world peace, then it is to their own benefit not to get the small countries in this region involved in their own conflict. I agree wholeheartedly with the Member for Bras Basah that we should be friends to all and enemy to none. The cornerstone of our foreign policy is to make as many friends as possible. But sometimes I do not think it is possible to avoid making enemies. If we extend the hand of friendship, we expect a reciprocal response to the hand of friendship. I think not one of the ASEAN leaders has ever criticised any of the Communist states in Indo-China either before. during or after the Bali Summit. In fact, if anything was mentioned, it was always a gesture of friendship to the newly emerged states in Indo-China, particularly in sympathy with the long years of suffering they had had. Unfortunately, after the Bali Summit, a Hanoi newspaper openly encouraged Communist elements in ASEAN countries to overthrow the legitimate governments of ASEAN. This. I must say, is quite disappointing because we have extended the hand of friendship. We hope the newspaper statement does not really represent the real feelings of all the people in lndo-China. If that is the attitude, then it is against the spirit of Bandung or even in the spirit of the nonaligned group, the basic fundamental principle of which is non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, I would like to answer the questions raised by the Members for Serangoon Gardens and Bras Basah at one go. I am also very glad to find that some of our hon. Members are also concerned with the external situation, especially after the ASEAN Summit. The situation regarding the super-powers or the great powers in this region has reached a new kind of power relations. After the Vietnam war all Members are aware that American troops have been withdrawn from Vietnam and there is also a scaling down of American presence in Thailand. In fact, with the present mood of the US Congress, the Americans are not in favour of putting a high stake in South-east Asia. They do not want to be the policeman in South-east Asia any more. If the United States show any more interest in this region, it will be purely in accordance with their global strategy. I am sure all Members are aware of the Sino-Soviet feud in this region. We, being a very small nation and as a member of ASEAN, must, as the non-communist bloc in this region, try to solve our own problems. Of course, we welcome the great powers in the region. We welcome them if they are able to contribute towards our economic development and in investments and other constructive fields. If this helps us to raise our standard of living it is to our mutual benefit. But we must also be careful not to become pawns in this great power struggle of international politics. We should not be involved in their struggle. I think that is what the hon. Members for Bras Basah and Serangoon Gardens have in mind. We do not want to become a battle field or proxies of the great powers in the region. If they want to have any conflict, please leave us alone, although we welcome their presence here for constructive purposes.”