Lim Guan Hoo
Singapore
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would just like to express a fleeting thought that has crossed my mind, A number of Members have raised the policy of bilingual education in Singapore. I personally feel that the Government has got to give a review in this respect.”
“Sir, I regret that I cannot agree with the Member for Sembawang. But I must thank him for expressing deep concern for the residents in my constituency instead of his own. Sir, I understand that very soon there will be about 2,000 blocks of HDB flats in the whole of the island.”
“Sir, I agree with the Member for Jurong. I feel that the Member for Sembawang ought to withdraw the expression "Shonan". To us the invasion of Singapore by the Japanese is a memory that brings back the feeling of traumatic wounds.”
“Sir, I have to clarify that the manpower projection made by me just now is based on the calculation that there will be only one shift duty for the Vigilante Corps members and not two or three shifts. Since the Member is so persistent in his proposal, I may as well repeat what I have said just now.”
“Sir, I wonder if the Member for Sembawang would care to clarify this point. In the earlier part of his speech he supported the planting of trees, but in winding up he seemed to favour the cutting down of trees. He seemed to contradict himself. Therefore, may I ask him this: does he or does he not want to plant trees?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I remember you had previously ruled that the colloquial term used by the Member for Sembawang likening a hawker inspector to a kind of land cow was somewhat unparliamentary language and could. not be used in this House. This term was again used by the Member for Jurong just now.”
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Every one of 152 lines we hold for Lim Guan Hoo, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 4.
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to ask the Minister, when he introduced the Undesirable Publications Bill, whether he has noticed that in Singapore there is another kind of publication based on profit-making, and profit-making alone. Because of this, these publishers are doing business with very undesirable motives. They resort to all sorts of names to canvass for advertisements from various commercial houses. After the advertisements have been canvassed, there are only enough copies of the publications for distribution among the advertisers. Members of the public, including the Minister himself, will not be able to read such publications. This kind of publication is often used to deceive businessmen in Singapore and to swindle them of their money. So if there is no provision in this Bill to restrict or control such illegal or unlawful activities, then those who are desirous of advertising in good publications will meet with sonic trouble in future and will hesitate to advertise. I do not know whether the Minister has paid any attention to this matter.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, what I mean is that the other official languages should be used in addition to the national language for the names of political parties and organisations. Our identity cards also have -”
“On a point of clarification, Sir. Inche Othman Bin Wok resumed his seat.”
“also has its name in the national language. We had the foresight to do this. So I hope the Minister will give an explanation on this point. 3.36 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to express my full support for this Bill. At the same time, I would like the Minister to explain certain points relating to it. I do not know whether the Registrar will have to consider the name of a political party to be also in the national language when he carries out the provisions of the Bill relating to the registration of political parties. I do not, for a moment, say that the other languages are not official languages in Singapore. We know that this is a fact. But I think it must be stressed that the name of a political party or society must also be in the national language so that it can be made clear that it is fully loyal to the country. There are some political parties in Singapore which are yet to be registered, like U.M.N.O., and these initials, in my view, represent English words. They stand for the United Malays National Organisation. The initials may be misleading and could stand for Ultra Malays National Organisation. Even if we do not say that this name has come from the English-educated people, we can say that it has come from our very close neighbour. So if every political party is required to submit several names in the different official languages, this will be of great assistance to the Registrar of Societies when considering its application. Therefore, I would like the Minister to explain his stand on this question in order to facilitate the work of the Registrar of Societies. Mr Speaker, Sir, it has been a common feature in the political history of Singapore and Malaya that the names of many political parties have appeared in the national language. This feature was quite prevalent even as far back as ten years ago. So this is a historical tendency of the times. That is why the P.A.P.”
“Sir, I was directing my remarks at Members in general.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to ask the Minister something. The Member for Sembawang has, all along during the course of the debate, been withdrawing various amendments which asked for the reduction of $10 or $100 from the votes. Sir, I feel this is a waste of our time. Mr Teong Eng Siong rose -”
“I would like to ask the Minister to explain whether he is prepared to consider setting up a multi-storey car park in Sembawang?”
“I would like to take this opportunity to ask a question in connection with the Development Estimates for education, namely, the expenditure on Works and Buildings for Nanyang University. Are there some new buildings to be put up by the Government for Nanyang University, or is the money required for the completion of existing works? Another point also concerns the buildings at Nanyang University. I would like to know whether there is any long-term plan for the building of Nanyang University. I do not want to criticise the past, but I will try to relate the present and the future with the past. We could draw a lesson from past mistakes. There are certain circumstances which are not very ideal in respect of certain buildings at Nanyang University. The Nanyang University Library was not built on a proper basis. A big hall was built. Later on some classrooms were built and it was found that they were too small so that the walls separating the classrooms had to be broken down in order to have bigger classrooms. These are past mistakes. I do not know whether the Government has a better plan for the future.”
“Sir, I just want to interpose to find out whether there is any yellow culture in this green belt area.”
“Perhaps I should have spoken on the vote for the Ministry of Culture. (In Mandarin): However, I withdraw what I have said, but I hope in any case that Government will take measures to legislate this matter. 6.30 p.m.”
“Of course, I believe that we cannot create patriotism by punishment, but, on the other hand, we must not overlook the fact that we must have some legal restrictions.”
“Mr Speaker, on the estimates for the Ministry of Law and National Development which is under discussion now, I would like to take the opportunity to ask a few questions of the Minister. Singapore is at the present moment practising parliamentary democracy. Our nation is run on this system, and so the Ministry of Law is responsible for the satisfactory implementation of the democratic system. Not very long ago certain anti-national elements tried to undermine our democratic system in Singapore. But I do not know whether the Minister for Law has made any Ministerial statement to explain the spirit in which Singapore is building its own nation. This is, of course, regrettable. I also know that in taking action against the anti-national elements, our Minister of Defence is directly responsible. I appreciate this fact. So I cannot blame the Minister for Law too much for not explaining the legal aspects of the constitutional position under a democratic system. But at least I believe that within the ambit of the law we can take legislative action to allow our own people to show their love for the nation. We all know that we have a national anthem in Singapore. When it is played in some cinemas, for example, it is encouraging to note that many spectators of their own accord stand at attention. But there are still some who refuse to stand at attention when it is played. Worst of all, some anti-national elements do not bother to stand up at all. When the national anthem is played, influence is not exerted on the anti-national elements to make them respect the anthem. I do not know whether some legislative measures can be taken to see that this is done so that we may have patriotism all round.”
“Mr Speaker, I feel that when we talk about the problems of culture, we must have a principle to follow in the first instance. Instead of talking about culture negatively, we must talk about it positively and constructively. When we talk about yellow culture and pornography on the one hand, we must, on the other hand, realise that there is a principle behind culture. Negative measures to wipe out yellow culture or contain it are useless. We must take positive steps to promote healthy cultural activities in all ways so that when yellow culture is beating a retreat, the vacuum will then be filled with healthy culture. Let us now look at what the Government is doing in respect of the vote to be given to the Ministry of Culture. I feel that the vote is too little. Whatever explanation is given, I feel that when these Estimates are framed, certain defects will be noticed because the Budget is unable to show us the various types of cultural activities that will be carried out. Although the Minister for Finance has said that a lot of money has been spent on cultural activities, the expenditure is not broken down and analysed for discussion in the Committee of Supply. So I hope that in future all expenditure in respect of cultural activities will be listed in the Estimates so that when we are in Committee of Supply we are able to go through this matter item by item. That is my view.”
“Sir, I will avail myself of this opportunity to give some comments as well as ask some queries. First of all, let me say that my views may not be the same as those of the Members who have already spoken. For instance, the Member for Kampong Kembangan has requested various popular sports to be introduced in T.V. pictures instead of golf and has made several suggestions. These suggestions are tantamount to requesting the introduction into films of animals other than rare wild animal life, such as tigers and lions. Generally speaking, the vote for the whole of the Culture Ministry is still very small. I feel that the Government has not allotted sufficient funds to it to carry out cultural activities, although the Minister has explained in a roundabout-way that the other Ministries have been allotted funds for the carrying out of activities relevant to culture. Some time ago I read certain news items about our Government's intention to organise an Afro-Asian cultural festival. But there is no such vote under this Ministry. Also the expenditure as allotted at present is not enough to meet other expenses. If there are not enough funds available, how can the Ministry carry out such activities? If the water in the tank is so very shallow, how is the Minister going to swim freely in it? How is he able to make use of the limited funds to carry out cultural activities? That is one query I would like him to answer. Madam Chan Choy Siong(In Mandarin): Sir, the Member for Sembawang spoke without guts and I am sorry for that.”
“I would like the Member for Sembawang to clarify this point. He says there is an insufficient vote for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Then why does he want to ask for a reduction of the vote by $100? He should ask for an increase in the vote and not cut it down by $100!”
“I beg to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Before I withdraw my amendment, may I clarify a point?”
“I will shorten my speech. (In Mandarin) In our housing estates there are very few posting boxes. The facilities there are very poor, as the authority concerned has not planned sufficiently for the postal services. From the Budget we see that only $600 is provided for these services next year. If we do not carefully plan now, then in future the postmen will not even go up to the flats to deliver the letters. If our Minister were to go to Bukit Timah Hill and build a house there, then he would not be able to receive his letters. The development of our society must be a balanced one. As we have built so many houses, the postal services must be adequate to cope with the needs. If we do not do this well, the whole Government machinery will be lopsided; it will be like a car losing one of its four wheels. There will be uneven development, with the result that although more houses are built, there are not enough postal services provided, resulting in chaos and confusion. We hope that the Minister will pay careful consideration to this item. Therefore, I move that this item be reduced by $10. Tuan Haji Yaacob(In Malay): Mr Speaker, actually the subhead touched on by the Member for Bukit Merah has got nothing to do with what he has discussed. This is in respect of the red post boxes for the public to post their letters. This has nothing to do with postal agencies. Furthermore, this is a general question and I cannot reply to it directly. I cannot say which postal districts are lacking in postal services. There are postal agencies, mobile post offices, etc.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0307 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (5) of subhead 3002. Mr Speaker, Sir, in the past, Members of this House have requested the Government to build more post offices in various areas, but most of these requests have not been considered. Now that this vote is not yet approved, we would like the Government to consider providing us with more branch post offices or, failing which, more postal vehicles or postal boxes. We are sorry to talk about postal services in the areas, because there are many defects in these services there and I have found that people in the rural areas often do not receive their letters. Let us now talk about the postal services in the urban areas and see what the situation is like, especially in the housing estates.”
“I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Inche Mohd. Ariff(In Malay): Mr Speaker, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 0305 be reduced by $100*. (* The same amendment also stood in the name of Messrs.Teong Eng Siong, Tang See Chim and S.V. Lingam.) Mr Speaker, Sir, those people in Singapore with red identity cards have been accepted as citizens of Singapore and the facilities made available to them are the same, for example, social welfare relief, etc. But as far as the Immigration Department is concerned, I have received several complaints that those people in Singapore who possess red identity cards but who do not have citizenship papers or birth certificates have been rejected when applying for passports to go abroad. Can the Immigration Department and other departments concerned do anything? These people have received facilities which are the same as those for citizens of Singapore who have birth certificates and citizenship registration certificates. Unfortunately, these people do not receive the facilities as given by other departments. May I know from the Deputy Prime Minister whether this is one of the requirements of the Immigration Department, to demand that all applicants for passports to go abroad must show their citizenship certificates or their birth certificates?”
“If these people see unskilled persons coming here and seeking employment at their expense, then they will be looking at the foreigners with much distress in their eyes. Sir, if this problem is not properly treated and handled, then I am afraid that the people at large may not have much confidence in our immigration policy, or our non-aligned policy. There may be some possible misunderstanding in this respect. So unless there is a satisfactory explanation, I would say that since the Immigration authorities made a mistake by opening the door to a foreigner to come in, then it should be their responsibility to send him back to where he came from. I think we must make good use of the repatriation vote in this case. But I doubt whether the Immigration authorities will be able to make good use of this sum of $14,880, because it is a vote for repatriation and other expenses. I have no confidence in the way in which they are making use of this vote. So I would like to reduce it by $10 so that we do not waste public funds.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0305 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2005. Mr Speaker, if we have experience of going abroad, then we will know that whenever we go to a place - it may be quite near by, Sarawak, for example - the entry permit issued to us will have certain conditions attached thereto so that we will not be allowed to work or seek employment there. In the case of Singapore, in so far as entry permits are concerned, I think there should be certain regulations to restrict unskilled persons from coming here too easily. But, unfortunately, Mr Speaker, the immigration authorities in their administration seem to have approved the permanent stay of one expatriate person, and allowed him to work here. This is the case of a person who has come from the other side of the world. He is an unskilled person but he has been allowed to stay here permanently to work in Pan-American Airways. Under the circumstances, if we review the position, there may be many other departments involved, not just the Immigration Department alone. But it is the immigration authorities which first opened the door to this foreigner to come in. As a result, the situation is beyond redemption. Sir, we must pay attention to cases like this as we march forward. In so far as foreign affairs are concerned, we are non-aligned and neutral. If in our administration we have certain defects which can be exploited by anti-nationals to accuse us of not strictly implementing our non-aligned policy, then the situation will be rather bad, particularly in the case of non-skilled persons coming here. We must consider that there are more than 60,000 persons registered with the Employment Exchange here.”
“Initially, it depended on public donations. As soon as the building was completed, public donations became rather unreliable, although they came in useful in the initial stage. Now that it is in the self-development stage, the situation may arise where it is not enough to depend on public donations alone for its development, otherwise we will be in the same position as Nanyang University, which in the past depended solely on public donations but now also needs government aid. Public donations alone are not sufficient to maintain existing institutions and they are not sufficiently of help to their further development. The present situation which the National Theatre faces should be an eye-opener for us in cultural development. We see from the Budget Statement that there are signs of prosperity in economic development all round Singapore. We also hope that in the next Budget Statement he will be able to add some cultural colour and instill optimism in cultural construction. The Budget Statement itself, of course, is not very much concerned with culture but, generally speaking, it is very encouraging. I would like to express my full support for it. 4.06 p.m.”
“The allocation by Government for cultural activities is very small, but the estimate of revenue from advertisements on T.V. and Radio is much larger, about $5.3 million - an increase of $1.3 million over the previous year. This can only be explained by the fact that the Government is more willing to add some commercial colour in cultural activities and is not interested in developing culture itself. It is praiseworthy of the Government to make provision to build a branch library in Queenstown. But our development in society requires that the Government must have a new prison in Queenstown at the same time. That means the prison and the library will be seen side by side, which is not a good sight for anybody at all. We would like to see more cultural centres instead of more prisons in our society. Of course, we fully appreciate that if one is not fully fed and clad, one cannot talk about culture and ceremonies. But a certain standard in cultural development must be maintained in order to keep pace with economic development, otherwise solely economic development will mean the production of more well-clad and fully fed nincompoops who are good for nothing and uncultured. In addition to economic progress, we must do our best to have some kind of social education together with academic education for our citizens. Although we have made great achievements and progress in academic education, socially speaking, social education is still in a state of immaturity. The Ministry of Culture has not got sufficient financial resources to push forward our cultural movement. This is a defect which must be corrected in good time. The National Theatre is not receiving financial aid from the Government because of insufficient funds allocated for the cultural movement.”
“The Minister for Finance has explained that it is because a large part of the previous vote was spent on the building of T.V. and Radio stations before 1966; they were the major projects then. Therefore, in 1967 the vote has been reduced. We can also see from the budget that the vote for cultural construction for 1967 is very insignificant. In this respect, there is provision only for the setting up of a library in Queenstown. It is the only outstanding project and seems to be the only project in cultural construction in which Government is interested. I would like to point out that the meaning and significance of cultural construction are not highlighted in the Budget Statement. Therefore, it is not quite in keeping with the requirements of our present-day society. We need to give some consideration to cultural construction. From this budget and the various items of revenue we can see the general picture. For instance, the possible revenue from the Victoria Theatre next year shows a significant decrease. Perhaps it is due to the fact that next year the theatre will be undergoing repairs, resulting in the decrease of revenue from this source. But revenue from criminal fines and other fines has shown a marked increase. For instance, in respect of Customs, the revenue will increase by $90,000; in respect of Public Works, the increase will be $20,000; in respect of various other items, the amount to be derived from fines will amount to $218,000. This can only be explained by the fact that culture is deteriorating, whereas criminal activities are on the increase and this is a symptom of deterioration in social morality. [Mr Tang See Chim in the Chair] 4.01 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the budget, introduced by the Minister for Finance and after its publication, according to what I have learnt, has been well received by our society. We know that our Minister for Finance wants to build an ideal society and achieve economic prosperity in Singapore. His ambition and desire have been reflected in this budget. On the whole, it is a successful one and should be supported by all. In discussing it, we normally have two things to consider. One is to maintain the balance of revenue and expenditure. The other is to project into the future to see whether the various items of expenditure can meet our basic minimum requirements, and whether it is possible to make or whether we have already made full use of our economic capacity and have tapped every possible source of revenue. On these various aspects I would like to air my views. I feel that the budget of a country should not only contain economic significance but should also embody political as well as cultural significance. The Communists regard cultural revolution as the pre-requisite to political revolution and economic revolution - as a guiding force for the two or as a precursor to them. Ours is not a Communist country. In this initial period of nation-building, we do not have very strong inclinations towards cultural construction and we have not placed it on top of economic construction. But it does not mean that we must entirely neglect cultural construction. Therefore, I feel that the contents of the Minister's Budget Statement in regard to the cultural aspects should be reviewed. The vote in 1967 for Culture and Social Affairs is $4.3 million. Compared with $7.6 million for 1966, it is nearly half of the previous vote.”
“Sir, some farmers who need to go to the Resettlement Section invariably go to their Members of Parliament for a letter of recommendation, as though it is an effective talisman against these devilish-looking officers! Some farmers and villagers complain that the letters given to them have been torn to pieces by the officers concerned. So I hope the Minister concerned will look into the matter and take stringent action against these officers, because in our newly-independent Republic, if we want the people to support us in national reconstruction, we must not allow a small group of public servants to create a sense of hatred among the public against Government. This is my sincere hope. 6.45 p.m.”
“But the administrative policy does not give resettlement to the people living in these temples. They are just evicted and are given no alternative land, either to build another temple, or accommodation to live in and to carry out their religious activities. As a result, these people have no place for religious congregations. This is against the freedom of religion advocated in our Republic. It is inconsistent with the concept of freedom of religion. So certain arrangements must be made in regard to temples and other places of worship affected by the resettlement scheme. This is a very sensitive matter and must be given some careful thought. In the case of a mosque or church affected by a resettlement scheme, alternative accommodation or land is given for the reconstruction of the mosque or the church. But in the case of temples of another religion, no provision is made in some cases. This will give rise to discontent and misunderstanding amongst the members of the public. So I would like the Minister in charge and the officers concerned to pay special attention to this aspect of the problem, because we have received many complaints from the farmers and villagers about the officers of the Resettlement Section. Perhaps not all of them are bad in their attitude in dealing with the public, but some of them are lacking in the spirit of public service. When they carry out their duties, there is no sincerity on their faces. Instead, they look fierce when they implement the policies of the Government. When you go to the Resettlement Section, it looks as though you are going to hell with all the devilish-looking officers around.”
“This is a blunder - a legal blunder if we may call it - because the sole occupier affected is allowed to apply jointly with another sole occupier affected by the same scheme for a Housing Board flat. If a bachelor and a spinster are similarly affected, how can they be expected to make a joint application for a Housing Board flat? This is a defect which must be removed. This is a common sense matter. When a sole occupier is affected, he being lonely is in misery already. And if he is to be discriminated in favour of those with families, those who enjoy the bliss of family life, then he should receive special consideration to compensate him. This is a policy which the Government should consider. The present rule is against the common sense concept of humanitarianism. Although sole occupiers are not many in number, I hope we are able to handle their problems with some ease so that they will be housed in a proper place. This is a matter worthy of our consideration. Another matter is that in the Resettlement Section some work is done with no bearing on resettlement at all. This is the matter of eviction. There is no resettlement. There is eviction without resettlement. If you want to resettle, that means after eviction you must rehouse the evicted people somewhere else. But in many cases the so-called resettlement is mere eviction. The people are driven out and that is the end of it. That is what they call resettlement, which I would rather call eviction. The officers concerned must not forget that the department is set up for resettlement and not for eviction alone. So they must know their duties. I must say we regret that in certain places some temples are in existence. Because they are affected by the resettlement scheme, they have to be removed.”
“Mr Speaker, several Members of this House have spoken about the resettlement of farmers. I sincerely hope that the department concerned, including the Minister in charge, and the officials will in due course treat this problem with some humility and in proper perspective. I would like to suggest that a committee be set up to review our farming policy and its terms of reference must include the administration of the Resettlement Department. And if the review reveals that there are certain defects in the department concerned, then the department requires "resettlement" itself! I have two other points to add. In the Resettlement Section, problems have arisen in various fields. For quite some time in the past, the rules of the Resettlement Section were such that those people who were ignorant of the rules were always told that everything was done according to law. But, in fact, a lot of things were not done according to law. They were done according to the rules. They were not actually laws which had been passed and debated in Parliament. Another point I wish to bring to the attention of Members concerns the "masterpiece" of the Resettlement Section. Some farmers are quite prepared to make way for the development of their farm land by the Government and to resettle in another place. But if a villager affected is a sole occupier, then he is not entitled to alternative accommodation in a Housing Board flat. Even if he has a child - a daughter or a son who applies jointly with him for a Housing Board flat, his application will be turned down on the ground that his child -- daughter or son - is not affected by the resettlement scheme, having been living in another place. This is ridiculous.”
“According to the present rate of progress of Nanyang University, the Government can draw up its plan for the recognition of Nanyang University degrees and members of the public are waiting for this question to be answered.”
“That is something which should be looked into. If the Minister for Education thinks that it is necessary to provide for the post of Chancellor as well in the Ordinance, then I will welcome it very much. This is one defect in the present Ordinance which I hope the Minister will look into. I will now deal with the donations to Nanyang University. I have some queries to air also. When Nanyang University was first set up, members of' the public in all walks of life promised various sums as donations to the Nanyang University Fund. But so far not all the donations promised have been collected. Without further information, it is not possible for the public to know who have or who have not paid the sums that they have promised to give to Nantah. This is something to which the Government should pay attention. I would like to know what measures the authorities concerned will take with regard to the collection of such promised donations in order to augment the Nanyang University Fund for the maintenance of the running of the University. Another point is that whenever we talk about Nantah, it is inevitable that we also think about the question of the recognition of Nanyang University degrees. The Government has promised on many occasions that it would aid Nanyang University and it has allotted quite a great deal of money to it. Members of the public are still looking forward to the day when those who promised donations to Nanyang University will come forward to fulfil their promises. Many people are also awaiting the day when the Government will come out openly and say that Nanyang University degrees will be recognised by the Government.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have already spoken on the Nanyang University (Amendment) Bill at the last sitting, but I could not finish my speech because of the time and I will now avail myself of the opportunity to continue with it. This Bill introduced by the Minister for Education to amend the original Ordinance is necessary. Anti-national elements have opposed it in their speeches for their own ulterior motives. Today it is necessary for us to understand and appreciate the analysis given by the Minister for Education when moving this Bill, and we can appreciate the necessity for it to be passed by this House. My personal opinion is that the amendments are not only necessary but that there should be more amendments to the original Ordinance to make it more water-tight. In the past, Nanyang University has been bedevilled by various problems and difficulties, such as the engagement of the Chancellor. The problem started from the time when a foreigner was recruited to be Chancellor of the University. Up to now, the post of Chancellor is still vacant. The new Ordinance on Nanyang University has not been formulated and the University is still within the purview of the original Ordinance. The post of Vice-Chancellor was not provided for in the original Ordinance. Therefore, the present amendment Bill is necessary to put right the position. One odd thing is that today we forget about the Chancellor whereas we provide for the Vice-Chancellor. In the past, people knew about the Chancellor but forgot about the Vice-Chancellor. It is not possible to go without a Chancellor, but in the Ordinance there is no provision for a Chancellor. Since there is no such provision in the Ordinance, then nobody would dare suggest or say who should be the Chancellor.”
“Experience in the past few years has shown that a general meeting of Nanyang University is convened on the basis of a State representatives' general meeting. So if you consider this in the light of the provisions of the Singapore Independence Ordinance, you will realise that some of the members who are representatives will lose their membership, unless the President of Singapore has gazetted their names as members of a statutory body. Under these circumstances, how can we convene a general meeting? Does it mean that members in different places can elect representatives from among themselves and then attend the general meeting of representatives? Or shall we do something else? So this is a legislative detail which must be attended to, otherwise there will be a lot of trouble and difficulties. I wish that the Minister for Education can clarify the true position. On another point, Nanyang University, ever since its inception, has had a lot of problems over the appointment of - 7.52 p.m.”
“Another point is that under the existing Ordinance of Nanyang University, so long as a person donates $1,000, he can become a member, but there is no restriction on the membership, be he a resident, a criminal or a winner of a four-digit lottery! This is a situation which demands our attention, because if some people who are believers in Communism are rich enough to become members of Nanyang University, then they can organise themselves. They can have 2,000 persons paying $1,000 each, and they can then control the University under the existing Ordinance. This is a big loophole which can be exploited. We must therefore take steps to attend to this matter. Furthermore, members of the Nanyang University are not confined to Singapore alone. Some are in Hongkong, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. According to the Singapore Republic Independence Constitution, there is a provision concerning membership in statutory corporations. Any person or group of persons who want to become members of any statutory body, or any corporation of a statutory nature, must have their names approved by the President and gazetted. So I do not know whether some Malaysians, who are members of Nanyang University under the existing Ordinance, are still considered members. I would like clarification on this point. There is one question regarding the election of three members to the University Council at the general meeting. We all know that the members of Nanyang University are many in number. So any general meeting will be something like a mass rally. Some of the members are spread out over various places and it is difficult to hold a general meeting.”
“So its membership has statutory force, and this is the basis on which we must work. At the time when Nanyang University was first established, the sponsors, perhaps because of their desire to have more donations from people in all walks of life, welcomed all persons to be members of the University. But after several years of development, in so far as the members of the University are concerned, they must have a new attitude and a new outlook. It is not just a matter of accepting donations from the people. It is also a matter of administrative control and certain adjustments should be made to meet Nanyang University's developing requirements. From the existing Ordinance of Nanyang University, we can see that there are several grades of membership of Nanyang University. If a person donates $1,000, he can become a patron for life. If he pays up to $10,000, he can become a life member. All these provisions are very defective, because there are no detailed provisions of a comprehensive nature to keep pace with the development of the University. The grant given by the Government of Singapore to Nanyang University amounts to millions of dollars. As the Minister has already indicated, the question definitely arises as to whether the Government has become a permanent patron of Nanyang University. So even in law itself, there is a problem. According to, I think, Rule 13 of the Second Schedule to the Ordinance, when a patron is required to vote, he can have one vote. In the general meeting, the Government is also entitled to one vote in its capacity as a member. Perhaps we can try to solve this problem through legislative procedure or by adding certain provisions to the existing Ordinance. But this is not mentioned in the present amendment Bill.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, on the question of amending the Nanyang University Ordinance, I, as a graduate of Nanyang University, am particularly concerned with this Bill and I feel that it is necessary to speak my mind on it. In the first place, I wish to say in all earnestness that I support the amendments to the existing Nanyang University Ordinance, which is an Ordinance drafted and passed into law by the Lim Yew Hock regime before the P.A.P. came to power. This Ordinance came into operation on 27th May, 1959. Several years have elapsed and Nanyang University has developed. During this time we have discovered that the Ordinance has not been able to withstand the test of time. There are certain unsatisfactory features in it. For example, section 9 provides for a Register of members being kept by the Secretary. But in the subsection there is a provision regarding the withdrawal of membership and the letter of withdrawal is to be addressed to the Registrar instead of the Secretary of the University Council. All this is very confusing, and in implementing the Ordinance, we find many defects in it. So this is not ideal legislation. The existing Ordinance is unable to keep pace with the progress of Nanyang University and, even from the legislative point of view, it is far from closely knit. This was drafted some ten years ago, and even at that time it was found to be defective. And at the present moment, it is even more defective. I shall, therefore, support the amendments to the existing Ordinance. They must be made to meet the progressive requirements of Nanyang University. Otherwise, the Ordinance will be inadequate. For example, talking about the Constitution of the University, this is a statutory corporation.”
“It is also comprehensive in its structure and takes into consideration every aspect of the problem arising out of land acquisition. The acquisition of land is not always for perpetual possession by the State. In some cases, land is to be put to use and is required for a period of 3 years. Stress is put on the use of land for public requirements and needs. Because of this feature, the Bill has brought about a socialistic change in land acquisition. In a socialist country, it is fit and proper that every inch of land should be put to the best possible use to yield the best advantage for the benefit of the people and make a very effective contribution to the development of the country. This is a very essential feature of a socialistic system. Another characteristic of this Bill is that landowners will not be able to benefit from an increase in land value by receiving a windfall, so that nobody can speculate in land value. This is also a good feature. I would like this House to refer to page 18 of the Bill. There is a provision that compensation should not always be paid according to market value before acquisition, because there are so many factors which contribute to an increase of land value - some of which are illegal. So after careful consideration and deliberate study, the Bill is now in its best possible form and it will not be detrimental to the people. I have full confidence in it and I believe that when it is put into effect and practice, it will be beneficial to the people and the country. I express my support for the Bill.”
“We should not have the practice such as is obtaining in feudalistic countries, to divide or allot lands to certain landlords. But here in Singapore, we should try to realise our own paradise. We should not allow anybody to waste too large an area of land. We do not have too many Christmas Islands to be sold. Therefore, we must make the best possible use of our land. The Members of Parliament and the general public regard the passage of this Bill as one of the important steps taken in the process of development of our country. We should concentrate all our energy and attention on the development of our country, and in this respect, the acquisition of land is very important. It is a very essential feature in the process of nation-building. We are short of land, and there is a saying that God created the world and the Dutch created land. We should also follow suit to show that we can also reclaim land from the sea in order to extend our land area, which is part of our nation- building process. This is a step forward towards a better future and the prosperity and development of our country. This is an inevitable part of our endeavours. I do not view this Bill as a piece of legislation but as a dynamic step forward in the right direction of nation-building. I believe that after the law is amended, it will already have its own proper form to meet the requirements of the time. Therefore, it is now tabled in this House for discussion and passage. It has already been considered in Select Committee and the Report has been published. Advertisements appeared in the Press on the 25th and 27th of June this year inviting representations on the Bill. This is a show of democracy, and I am very satisfied with the process of the Bill.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, about this Land Acquisition Bill, we all may have the impression that this is one of the important Bills to be passed by this Parliament. I would like to deal with this Bill in a wider perspective. Inevitably, a country will have certain laws and rights to the land. This is a necessary and an essential feature of the rights of a country. And in the development of a country, it is inevitable that there are certain changes. When certain countries change from an agricultural economy to an industrialised economy, it is necessary to acquire land. This is called land reform. And at times it happens that this leads to a struggle for power between the landowners and the State. In countries which are friendly with us, the Eastern European countries and Egypt - I will just enumerate one example - in Egypt there is also the problem of landownership and there has been certain harm done by the system there. So there is a policy on acquisition of land to meet the requirement of the country in its development. To our minds, the land is part and parcel of a country and it is the right of the State to acquire and manage its development. Our island is a very tiny one and with our limited land area, we have to build an ideal country. Therefore, we must put our land to the best possible use in order to meet our largest and highest demands. We should have proper arrangements and measures in our island State in order to ensure that every inch of land can be put to the best possible use in order to maintain national development and to promote the prosperity of our country, so that we can extract every benefit out of every inch of land and so that every man can be used to the limit of his ability and everything can be put to the best possible use.”
“But, first of all, we must try to raise the living standard and provide basic living amenities to these people before we vote for something to be spent on areas already developed. I can say that this kind of action is not 100 per cent socialist. The building of a car park and the planting of flowers in a public park - I do not understand whether all this has anything to do with our socialist principles. What we should be concerned with is how to raise the living standard of the poor to match that of the rich. We should not allow the poor people to be poorer and the rich to become richer. There is a strong contrast between the poor and the rich. If we enhance this difference, then I will not be happy to see it. There are millions of birds perched on trees singing all day long, but they would not please me. I think this sort of ideology should be reconsidered. I support the amendment of the Member for Choa Chu Kang to reduce the vote by $10 and I agree with his sentiments.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, various speakers have spoken on the question before the House. I would also like to express my views and my feelings. I feel that this amount to be voted for actually exceeds what the Government have allocated for the Urban and Rural Services Committee, and exceeds the Committee's approval to be spent on Redhill, because the total expenditure on Redhill does not exceed $30,000. Since the expenditure on building a car park, attap shelters, garden seats and other things at MacRitchie Reservoir exceeds the sum spent on Redhill to provide basic facilities for the residents there, most of the poor people there may have adverse reactions to this sort of measure. As to the car park to be provided in MacRitchie Reservoir. I myself do not have a car, so I will not be making full use of the car park. But in Redhill there are many people who are still having difficulties in their livelihood and they have not reached a decent standard in their livelihood. I think it is better to promote and raise the living standard of the people in my constituency and other constituencies than spend more money on the areas already developed. What we want is something to meet the urgent needs and not to add more to what is already there. In other words, what we want is to have coal in winter rather than add more flowers to a bloom. In Redhill and other places we need further development. If sums are allocated for such development and when the living standard of the residents in the various constituencies can be raised by the vote, then I will be glad to see the Minister allocate more sums to beautify parks and the scenery at certain places, or to place certain singing birds in certain areas, including the rural areas. I have no objection then.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister for Finance has made a statement just now. I would like to ask him to clarify a step further in order to enable us to know when or whether we can have our own Central Bank, like that of Malaysia, so that it can issue its own currency and need not have to depend on a Currency Board created under a colonial regime, as in the past. I would also like to ask him whether it is necessary for us to have a Central Bank to issue currency and, at the same time, to preserve the value of our currency against any fluctuation or other influences.”
“I feel that the law itself has its merits and good characteristics. These good characteristics lie in the fact that the law can meet all situations and will be effective in all situations. We should not think of passing legislation to deal with a situation only when it arises. The law should be flexible enough to be able to deal with all situations. In other words, it should have a preventive and curative effect. I will sum up my conclusions which will give you my opinion on this matter. I feel that in the spirit of independence of Singapore, what should not be lacking is democracy which should also be applied to trade unionism. Our trade unionism should also have the manifestation of the spirit of the democratic Republic of Singapore. Legislation should not prevent the development of the spirit of democracy. If there is anything contrary to or bad in the spirit of democracy, then I will oppose it. But I do not find anything in this law which is against the spirit of democracy. Unless I know of any concrete point or fact which will enable me to know that this law is anti-democracy, I will not agree to its opposition or anybody's opposition to this law. Mr Speaker, I approve of the passing of this law. 5.37 p.m.”
“I hope the Member will allow me to continue my speech before he raises the question.”
“If we can say that the reduction in the number of strikes is a concrete, collective sign of industrial peace, then it is another matter. If it is just because of the decrease in the number of strikes that we amend this law, then the anti-national elements will like very much to amend our law because of that reason. And if the anti-national elements are wise, they will adopt an attitude of opposition in silence. If in just a short period of one year, when they are able to control the trade unions or when they have great influence in the trade unions, they will suddenly ask the workers on their side to strike en bloc for one year or half a year. And by that time, can we still say that it is not necessary for us to make any advance preparations in our legislation to prevent such a situation, and not be able to argue again that there is a reduction in the number of strikes by 90 per cent in one year? What we can see of the present peaceful situation in the trade union movement is that the law should be such that it can endure all situations and not just be able to meet only the present calm situation.”
“About the question of his capacity and identity, I think I have already touched on it. Just now the Member for Bras Basah - I am not directing my remarks at his capacity or the position from which he made his speech - talked about his reasons for opposing this amendment which makes people feel that if it were passed without opposition, then the people would think that it is meant as a piece of legislation to suppress the trade union movement in Singapore. What are the reasons? What he has said just now is not enough. He said that judging from the last few years, although there have been strikes, there has been a decrease in the number. But this could be ascribed to the fact that the workers under their leaders have realised their own position and have co-operated with the Government to meet the present situation. This I say is a good sign. To say that the decrease in the number of strikes has been due to the fact that we have not introduced such an amendment as this, and that if once we introduce this amendment then there will be a greater number of strikes and so on, I should say this argument of his could not hold water. From the point of view of legislation, it is not for us to discard our duties in legislation just because the number of strikes has decreased. This can also be due to industrial peace. It is a healthy sign. It does not go to show that once the number of strikes has decreased, that shows a healthy situation in the trade union movement, legislation must end. In a primitive age there was no strike whatsoever because in that society the existence of trade unions or strikes was not possible. That goes to show that it is not necessary to have any legislation on that aspect. It is an extreme case. But what I want to point out to him.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, what I want to speak on more or less differs from what the Member for Bras Basah has said. In order to clarify my opinion and thoughts on this, I think I have inevitably to mention the differences between his views and my views, and finally I will have to sum up my own opinion on this issue. The Member for Bras Basah just now in making his speech created an impression on others that he was speaking not only as a Member of Parliament but also in his dual capacity as spokesman for the workers. This would cause people to think of his identity as the Secretary-General of -”
“I do not mean that the Registrar of Vehicles is incompetent or always perfect or infallible. Therefore, a Committee should be appointed to help him resolve this problem.”