Loh Meng See
Singapore
“Sir, on Infocomm 21 plan, this has been implemented for some years now. I would like to ask the Minister to give us an update on the expenditure and the benefits that have been derived from those investments. Recently, the CEO of IDA announced the Government's plan to widen the scope of the network and introduce better technologies.”
“Sir, I am happy that the Government is allocating new funds for the Library 2010 project. I just want to ask what can the public expect from this additional $118 million that has been provided for.”
“Sir, on the HDB shops, my request is for the Ministry to consider granting the exit package to the rental shops, if their business is not viable and there is an over-capacity.”
“We have heard what Dr Lily Neo and Dr Chong mention about the geriatrics and the need for home nursing care. Many do not have CPF accounts to enjoy the Medisave top-ups.”
“We have been down this road before. Let us not falter, but let us persevere and build up ourselves with the right values, virtues and beliefs to galvanise our people forward. We need to remind ourselves that there is no free lunch.”
“Sir, media competition among local newspapers and TV stations is bearing fruits as consumers are getting better quality products and services. I am pleased to also note the progress of Singapore Press Holdings and Lianhe Zaobao in making inroads into China and also Channel NewsAsia gaining greater viewership in regional countries.”
The complete record
Every one of 494 lines we hold for Loh Meng See, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 10 of 10.
“Mr Chairman, Sir, the Minister for Finance in his Budget speech this year said: 'It was the increase in foreign employment that enabled us to exceed the long term growth rate of 4 to 6%.' There was a suggestion in the debate that Singapore should strive for slower, steadier growth. But, Sir, my view is that as there are opportunities that offer themselves to us, we ought to maximize whatever income and earnings that we can have and, hopefully, we can enjoy the surplus and put them into the reserves. Singapore is too small to influence and determine how much we can grow. What I am very concerned, Sir, is that as a result of the labour shortage, there is a danger that there would not be the orderly increase in wages for which the National Wages Council was set up in 1972. There is the concern that there would be the artificial increase in wages that does not match with the productivity increase. In the breakdown of the contribution to the overall growth to Singapore's economy, the 11% was broken down as:productivity, 4.4%; local labour, 3.8%; and foreign labour 2.8%. Sir, there are a number of jobs that are not desired by Singaporeans - the hard, dirty jobs that only foreign workers would be prepared to do. I am concerned that, because of this distortion, the ultimate increases in wages do not reflect the value and worth of contribution of the workers. With the introduction of the foreign worker levy in lieu of the CPF contribution for labour from Malaysia and non-traditional sources, I think it is indeed expensive now to employ foreign workers. I hope that the Minister would use this mechanism to help in relieving the very severe shortage that is apparent today.”
“Question No. 8. The Acting Minister for Health (Mr Yeo Cheow Tong): Mr Speaker, Sir, to alleviate the financial burden faced by kidney dialysis patients, my Ministry will allow Medisave to be used for dialysis treatment. However, this will be confined to each patient's own Medisave account, and will be limited to a maximum withdrawal of $400 per month. Medisave of the immediate family members cannot be used to supplement that of the patients as this will rapidly deplete their Medisave savings, which are necessary for their own hospitalization needs. The details are being worked out and will be announced later. YISHUN AVENUE 1 (Opening of and extension to Mandai Road) 9. Dr Koh Lip Lin asked the Minister for National Development (a) when will the section of Yishun Avenue 1 from Yishun Avenue 4 to Sembawang Road be open to traffic; and (b) when will the extension of Yishun Avenue 1 to Mandai Road be completed.”
“Sir, we heard yesterday about the integration of the Civil Defence Force and the Singapore Fire Service. Will the Construction Brigade National Servicemen's training be modified in view of the integration process, and will they have training at the combined school that we heard about yesterday?”
“Question 6, Sir. The Minister of State for Communications and Information (Mr Mah Bow Tan) (for the Minister for Communications and Information): Mr Speaker, Sir, in FY 89/90, licence fees are expected to account for about 34% of SBC's operating expenditure. If licence fees were to be reduced or abolished, SBC's viability will be affected. Either SBC will have to cut back on its range or quality of programmes, or the income will have to be made good by the Government from other general revenues. As a matter of principle, the Government prefers that SBC be funded as much as possible out of licence fees and other operating income, such as advertising revenue. Licence fees mean that viewers of TV programmes pay directly for the service that SBC provides them. This is much fairer than charging the cost of SBC to taxpayers in general. It also enables SBC to operate as a self-financing body, with greater flexibility and autonomy than a Government-funded statutory board, and also with greater responsibility to make sure that it remains financially viable. This means better programmes, better scheduling, better marketing; in other words, better service to the viewers. CONSTRUCTION BRIGADE NATIONAL SERVICEMEN (Training and Performance) 7. Encik Abbas Abu Amin asked the Minister for Home Affairs what steps have been taken by the Civil Defence Unit to improve the training and performance of Construction Brigade National Servicemen.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, I wish to commend the Ministry of Home Affairs for this very innovative integration that has to be carried out for the Civil Defence Force and the Singapore Fire Service. Sir, I have only two questions to raise with the Minister. First, how will the integration affect the Civil Defence Coordinating Committee with regard to its role and function and to the Civil Defence volunteers who have received training on civil defence? Second, there are a number of reservist personnel who have been re-deployed from the Armed Forces to Civil Defence - how will this integration affect all of them?”
“A very vivid case that comes to mind was the case of a young lady who was knocked down on Valentine's Day this year. Is the Minister contemplating any action against such cases of drunken driving? Could we not suspend the licences of motorists as soon as they are charged with dangerous and reckless driving rather than wait until they are found guilty? The next matter is with regard to elderly drivers. There were two newspaper reports: one, in July 1986, a young doctor died when he was knocked down by a lorry at a bus stop and the lorry driver was then 70 years old. And in January this year, two lorries collided and one of the lorry drivers who died was 61 years old. Will the Minister be considering measures to restrict such elderly drivers over 60 years old from driving heavy vehicles as they pose a danger to themselves and to other road users? Perhaps a major road safety campaign should be launched to educate the motorists before we embark on stringent measures to improve road safety in Singapore. I think the Traffic Police is to be commended for the recent blitz against indiscriminate parking and I hope the Minister will enlighten the House about other measures that will be considered by the Ministry.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, to add on to the statements made by my colleagues in the GPC for Home Affairs and Law, I think one important consideration with regard to the uniformed organization is the very hierarchical structure of such organization. Promotion opportunities will be limited for most of the uniformed personnel. May I suggest the Ministry to consider a dual ladder approach with regard to the career development of the servicemen in the Home Affairs Ministry. Promotion is quite well practised. They are based on vacancies and promotees are considered on the basis of their supervisory and managerial capabilities to take on higher level responsibilities. Such vacancies are normally very limited. But what about people, the large number of them, who have acquired experience, technical competence on the job? Is there not the possibility and feasibility of considering an avenue to upgrade these people without changing too much the roles and functions? Because these experienced personnel are definite assets in handling the situation on the ground. I would urge the Ministry to consider such avenues for the large majority of the service personnel so that they will see the prospects of remaining in service and in the uniformed group, in particular, I think, to retain an accumulated experience is that much important for us to have. Sir, with regard to the Traffic Police and road safety, the fatality rate per 100,000 population in Singapore is high. It is 7.85 in 1987. This is higher compared to Japan at 7.7 and Hong Kong at 6.0 for 1986. There is the need to enhance road safety because of the increasing usage of vehicles. I think we have read of newspaper reports of drunken driving resulting in fatal accidents.”
“Sir, does it mean that the Minister is desirous of getting more students to get into our polytechnics? Will the polytechnics' admission criteria take into account the students with 'O' level qualifications as against some with 'A' level qualifications who are also getting into the polytechnics.”
“Yes, Sir. Can the Minister respond as to the period under review and the performance that he wishes to focus? The third question, Sir, is the question of matching officers to jobs. How will he avoid a situation whereby unglamorous jobs in certain ministries will not be desired by some of the Administrative Officers?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister alluded to the subject of pension which is expensive for the Treasury. The young Administrative Officers under the pension scheme have on the average higher take home pay but are also taxed higher because of lower CPF contribution. Will the Minister consider reviewing the pension scheme because a young officer who wishes to set up home and wants to buy a property, the CPF contribution will be useful to repay his housing loan. The pension scheme, as it stands, is attractive only when a person retires and if he is likely to continue to work after retirement. Can the Minister consider finding means to balance out so that while he is in active service and when he needed the money most he would have the income befitting his position and his growing expenditure needs and this will not cause additional cost to the State but also to allow the individual maximum benefit without his having to incur higher tax burden? The second question, Sir. The Minister spoke about selectivity and assessment based on actual performance and potential. I wish to know, Sir, how long a period should this review cover? Since the last salary revision exercise or last year's performance? Consistent performance over a reasonable period of time is pertinent.”
“But I think it is important for us to have the Government agree in principle that there would be such plans and that they are taking action and whatever measures to fill those positions. I am aware that the Government will be raising the salaries and conditions of service to make it attractive for people to take on the High Court Judge position. But what other possible areas could be looked into by the Government to ensure that these positions would not be left vacant as has been the case? Sir, I do not agree with the article written in the Straits Times on 11th March that because of the shortage of Judges and what Mr Cheng has deemed to be the lack of legal talent, the fact that the idea is not easy to implement at this point of time, we should not be looking into this matter.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to support my Chairman, GPC for Home Affairs and Law, with regard to this subject on the permanent Court of Final Appeal. Sir, I take it that the Government will be reviewing the position of the Privy Council for Singapore. In so doing, I think there is a great need to consider a viable substitute in its place. It is my view that a permanent Court of Appeal of Singapore will be such a viable substitute. I am happy to note that provisions have been made to increase the number of Judges for the financial year 1989. Unfortunately, as it stands now, other than the recent elevation of a High Court Judge, the number for FY 88 stood at 9 against the estimated need for 14 Judges. But nevertheless, it has demonstrated the Government's desire to seriously consider providing for more High Court Judges. Sir, it is important that the consideration of the shortage of legal talent in Singapore should not be over repeated. There is such a thing as self-fulfilling prophecy. The more often that we pronounce that there is a lack of talent in the legal field, the tendencey is that we believe in it and we believe that to be the truth. I think it is important, as I have mentioned earlier, that the Government set up a Law Review Commission to thoroughly review the judicial system in Singapore. Is it possible for us to develop a system whereby we could delegate more of the functions to the District Courts and the Subordinate Courts so that as much exposure and opportunities for development could be given to our legal personnel at the lower levels so that there will be promotional opportunities for such people. I am aware that for a start, it may not be possible for us to implement immediately this permanent Court of Final Appeal.”
“We must continue to work together with concerted effort and vision. We should steel ourselves and be resolute to proceed ahead, and obstacles to develop further and to achieve our goal in our nation building so that our country can continue to progress and our people will be able to enjoy a better livelihood year after year. ADJOURNMENT OF DEBATE With the consent of Mr Deputy Speaker and the general assent of Members present, Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That the debate be now adjourned. - [Mr Wong Kan Seng].”
“The government should encourage and assist local enterprises with poten- tials, good management skills and with strong capitals and the necessary technology to develop into multi-national companies and to even go overseas to progress further into the international markets. This will strengthen our commercial and industrial development and help our local companies make inroads into the international markets. Mr Speaker, Sir, although we do not have any natural resources, we should make use of our well ecucated people and develop our country into a human resource centre. With our experience in economic development and nation building for the past few decades, we have asquired the necessary expertise to support our services. We have developed our country not only into a manufacturing centre and a trading entrepot, but also a centre of scientific innovation and advancement. Thus, we should be able to carry out all these expertise services and advanced programmes and consultation in various fields such as public housing construction and management, port establishment and urban redevelopment, transportation management and telecommunications and in other fields like banking, medical services, etc. We should be able to provide such services to help our neighbours in their economic development and further promote regional economic prosperity and political stability. Mr Speaker, Sir, in the past, we have been developing and building successfully with significant achievements in various fields such as politics, economy, education, defence, urban redevelopment, public transport, industrialization, tourism, port facilities, etc. We have great achievements in various fields and we have been praised by many countries. But we nust not be complacent and take our success for granted.”
“We must continue with our efforts to encourage and develop more people with talent who can invent and innovate to come forward. In this respect, government should encourage students in the higher institutes of learning such as the Singapore and Ngee Ann Polytechnics by awarding those students who are creative and have invented some outstanding projects or giving the institutes research funds for such students to venture and complete their inventions. We should perhaps give some invention awards or prizes to those inventors who have made contribtions of inventions in the fields of science and technology, industrial machinery or production techniques in order to encourage such talents. Mr Speaker, Sir, since independence, our economy has progressed rapidly, and our reserves have also accumulated up to $33.3 billion now. Growth in our financial circle, banks and enterprises has also increased much. From the total assets of our four local banks and the development investment by local enterprises for the past five years, the figure for 1984 was $494 million, 1985, it was $232 million, 1986, it was $253 million, 1987 it was $295 million and 1988 it was $348 million on record. There are also many big enterprises worth more than $100 million. We can see from these figures that we have enough local investments and funds to promote the growth of our industries. With the addition of some few hundred sizeable companies under the government, we should have the financial strength and be confident enough to emulate Korea and Japan in forming multi national corporations.”
“These products are all competitive in quality as well as in price and which have already made inroads into the international markets. Because of their modern production methods such as automation, computerisation in design and manufacturing and high-tech operation techniques, they are able to increase production and yet reduce the cost of the products even in the face of the appreciation of the Japanese Yen. Now they are turning towards even more advanced high-tech and high value-added products such as high grade semi-conductors, electronic calculators, televiews, fax machines, office and electronic equipment and communication systems and so on. These products though very expensive yet are competitive enough on international markets and had earned for Japan some US$91.8 billion in foreign exchange last year. Mr Speaker, Sir, in order to succeed in our industrialization other than having people with knowledge in high-tech and modern commercial and industrial management, we must also have other highly trained creative industrial personnel capable of innovative thinking and production. It is not difficult to train up mechanical and production engineers and also other professional people. But that is not enough. More importantly, we should have talented, creative and innovative personnel who are able to improve on our products and invent new products so that we will be able to achieve new and better technology in order to help our country into an advanced and industrialized nation. Mr Speaker, Sir, the government has allotted $100 million for various government departments and statutory boards as funds for research and development. This is a timely measure and a step in the right direction.”
“8% in 1987 and a growth of 11% last year, our economy has fully recovered and that a small reduction in our corporate tax is sufficimot as we are still quite competitive. But, our present high corporate tax is uncompetitive compared with other countries in the region and may deter foreign companies from using Singapore as their regional centre for their businesses. From a long term point of view, if Singapore wants to develop a conducive environment for commercial and industrial enterprises, then our company tax must necessarily be further reduced. If we can reduce our corporate tax to say, around 25%, we should be able to attract more foreign companies to Singapore and to promote our country as a regional, commercial and financial centre. Multi-national corporations from countries in the Asia-Pacific region where the political situation is not so stable and where there is a strong currency appreciation resulting in high cost of operating their businesses will relocate their business operations and come to invest in Singapore. To grant one year's tax concession for machinery depreciation on automation is a correct measure. While in fact we are having labour shortage, for our long term interest, we cannot rely too heavily on foreign labour. Therefore, by encouraging the commercial and industrial enterprises to automate and mechanize is the best policy. Industrial automation and mechanization will help increase production and make our goods more competitive in terms of quality and price on the inter-national markets. Just like Singapore, Japan does not have any natural resources, yet she is able to high-tech products such as cars, electronic audio-visual goods, cameras, computers soft and hardware and others.”
“But, for those in the lower income group, the tax concessions may not help them very much. Every parent looks forward to a good education and a successful career for their children. At the same time, they are also worried about their children's study, whether they will be able to overcome the pressures of a highly competitive education system and do well enough to successfully complete their education. With the rising cost of living, more women also have to go out to work to supplement the family's income. Added to these problems, if there are insufficient creches and no maternity leave for the third and fourth child, and with the high cost of employing a maid, I doubt the government's call for women to have more babies would be successful. Government should therefore set an example and take the lead by building more and better creches in all the new towns to enable working mothers to have their children taken care of in nearby well-organized creches while they are at work. Maternity leave should also be granted to working mothers for the third and fourth child. The government should legislate to enable female employees in the private enterprises to enjoy such benefits. Futhermore, we should also allow such companies tax deductions on expenses spent on the creches. This will not only encourage the private sector to set up creches but will also enable working mothers to work with peace of mind therby encouraging them to have more babies and, at the same time, increase productivity and contribute to our human resources and economic progress. Mr Speaker, Sir, the company tax has been reduced to 32% from 33%, a reduction of 1% which is an insignificant figure. Perhaps the Minister for Finance feels that since we had an economic growth of 8.”
“It would appear that the well-off who live in private properties, and maybe the foreigners, are benefiting from this reduction in property tax. Notwithstanding the above that I have stated, Sir, I support the motion. Mr Yeo Toon Chia (Ang Mo Kio)( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, the long awaited tax reliefs and rebate for the family and children have now been announced in the Budget. The wife's relief which has not been revised for a long time will be raised from $750 to $1,500. For the subsequent third and fourth births, a family will now enjoy a rebate of up to $20,000. These measures will certainly help to reduce the living expenditure of a family. There are people who encourage marriage and procreation. This is correct. For our continued economic development and prosperity, our birth rate must be above replacement level so that with an increased population, we will have enough human resources to carry on with our economic development and nation building. In this respect, I hope that more responsible young men and women will marry and set up their families early. For those who can afford, they should have more babies in order to contribute their share and help the future development of our country. Mr Speaker, Sir, may I add that if we had implemented these increased tax reliefs and rebate concessions in the 1970s when our economy was bouyant, we need not now have to worry about our low birth rate, late marriages, procreation rate not reaching replacement level, aging population and future manpower resources. However, now that the government is giving more concessions to encourage more babies, the question is, will it lead to more blessings? I doubt so. For those who are well to do, there will be no problem.”
“The next item on the tax deduction for CPF contribution is of course in relation to the Government's desire to encourage flexi-wage policies. The limit of 4.8 months is a bit too low considering that we certainly want to encourage companies to have lower operating costs and to reward their employees on the basis of bonus payments and that they are rewarded by linking their rewards to that of company performance. The next item, Sir, is that on consumption tax. Previously, there was the tax of 10% on water charges in excess of $20 per month. Now it is 5% on combined PUB charges in excess of $40. Arithmetically, it is correct because both pay $2 if the minimum is reached. But arising from this conversion, the Government receives an additional tax of $7 million. It appears to me, Sir, that $40 appears low as the minimum limit because I think the bulk of the people who are affected are the low-income earners and it is my plea that in this conversion exercise as much consideration be given to the lower income category. Of course, by the introduction of the consumption tax, we have made our tax system to be more regressive and less progressive and in a more regressive income tax system obviously it hits the lower income category more. Finally, Sir, on the matter of property tax. Though it appears that there would be a reduction on the property tax rate from 23% to 16% across-the-board, I am rather uncomfortable with the announcement that there will be a new system of assessing HDB residential properties. We are aware that the majority of Singaporeans, 86% of Singaporeans, live in HDB apartments. Is it that more of us who live in HDB flats are likely to pay more in the process?”
“Pensions are based on last drawn salaries and it is not quite possible for us to plan the long-term liability if we continue to expend on pensions as is currently done, ie, from revenue and expenditure. In fact, there ought to be a reserve provided for long-term liability and there ought to be the advanced provision taking into account such things as the age structure, the number of people under the pension scheme and what is the last drawn salary likely to be because the amount can increase fairly dramatically. It is opportune for us to consider this, Sir, because the Government has indicated that they wish to review the salaries of key civil servants who most probably are people under the pension scheme. I would suggest that instead of providing for a large supplementary benefit in the form of pensions when civil servants and Government officials retire, it might be better to provide them while they are in active service. This will also address the issue that there are disparities in the retirement benefits or pension received which differ from the year in which one retires. Sir, a related matter is the Minister's indication that there will be a limit on tax deductions. I am aware that statutory boards provide for special pension funds for statutory board employees and the contribution to the pension fund could be very high, much higher than the limit imposed by the new policy. What is likely to happen is that without any increase in salary, because of the statutory provisions, senior pension officials in statutory boards are likely to pay higher income taxes because the contribution to the approved pension fund exceeds the statutory limit.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to support the financial policy moved by the Finance Minister. Sir, I would like to offer some observations and comments with regard to the Budget Statement given by the Finance Minister. It is a question of jargon whether the Minister termed some charges to be tax revenue or non-tax revenue. In the eyes of the taxpayer, what matters is what he is charged. Whether it is foreign maid levy or taxes on motor cars, this tax is what matters to them because what is given up in taxes or levies he has a reduced disposable income. As much as the nation and the private sector need information for prudent financial management, I think we owe it to the individual taxpayer to give as comprehensive and complete an information as possible. There are gaps in the Budget Statement on some items - the question of motor cars and certain proposals with regard to property tax on HDB flats. I thought it would have been better if the individual taxpayers have all this information at one go rather than to let them have on a piecemeal basis and to let them guessing and speculating because they also need and want to budget their own personal expenses. Sir, I would like to talk on the subject of pensions because I have not heard any Member speaking on this. I think pensions could be a very large expenditure in the longer term because, as we have heard from the Finance Minister, the expenditure on pensions is expected to rise by $22 million to $264 million. He did not tell us how large the number of retirees is. The problem of pensions is the unpredictable nature of pensions expenditure.”
“Question No. 5, Sir. The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications and Information (Mr Ho Kah Leong) (for the Minister for Communications and Information): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am answering on behalf of my Minister. Sir, I will convey to the PTC for its consideration the Member's suggestion for a feeder-bus service for residents in Telok Blangah to the MRT stations. PTC will study its feasibility and viability together with the bus operators. In the meantime, I shall be happy to help the Member to liaise with the bus companies to see how bus services in his constituency can be improved upon. CPF MINIMUM SUM SCHEME (Extension to purchase of HDB flat for parents) The following question stood in the name of Mr Chng Hee Kok - 6. To ask the Minister for Labour if he will extend the Central Provident Fund minimum sum topping-up scheme to include the purchase of a Housing and Development Board flat for parents.”
“Sir, we hope that our economy can continue to grow and that we are able to enjoy more surpluses year after year.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the Corruption (Confiscation of Benefits) Bill. Sir, this Bill was debated in the last Parliament. The Bill was further examined and reviewed by the Select Committee. There were only three submissions made to the Select Committee. I see that there are no major changes to the original Bill, except where it was necessary to clarify and amplify the spirit and intention of the Bill. Sir, credit must go to our Government for the pains taken to ensure that Singapore remains corrupt-free. Efforts like this on the part of the Government should be openly and expressly applauded by Singaporeans. Many may say that this is expected of the Government. But is it true in reality, in actual practice? We all read of the sad experiences of many countries. How many governments are as willing and prepared like ours to nip the problem in the bud? It requires tremendous conviction and courage to self-regulate, to keep our system clean and effective. That is why Singapore remains today a fair and just society. Our government officials should take pride that they are able to look others in the eye and act independently and unwaveringly for making decisions that best serve the interest of Singapore and Singaporeans. Besides the Government, all Singaporeans should make very clear their stand against corruption. Singaporeans should unequivocally demonstrate their desire for a strong, clean and effective government, that we want honest and morally upright leaders and officials in government. The ability of our people to differentiate between good and bad, right and wrong, the deserving and the undeserving is critical. It is only when the Government and the people work in concert that we are able to rid corruption and dishonesty from happening in Singapore.”
“Sir, may I ask the Minister whether the same intention applies with regard to the allocation of rental flats in the housing estates? I am aware that we are referring now to the sale and resale of flats but what about the rental tenants? Will it be similarly applied to them?”
“But I think one of the approaches that we can minimize the problem of illegal immigrants is really to help in the supply of foreign workers, to legitimize in areas where there is need to provide the permits for such people. Because I am aware that employers do take a lot of risks in hiring illegal immigrants, especially when they are caught when industrial accidents take place, whether in the construction sites or the shipyards. You cannot run away with having an illegal worker in your hands if he so happens to be one. So they are taking a lot of risks and we have to ask ourselves why such risks are being taken by them. And I think there ought to be coordination with the Ministry of Labour in this regard to try to minimize the problem. Finally, Sir, I think the area of foreign or international relations is an area that we ought to concern ourselves with because we are dealing with foreign citizens who are classified as illegal immigrants. Either they enter Singapore illegally or they overstay. And I think we would have to ensure that a fair and reasonable presentation is given to the foreign authorities with regard to this particular Bill that we are discussing about.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the way I could rationalize with regard to the issue on caning is that the Government has actually taken the incremental step of increasing the punishment and penalty and did not do it in 1984. I presume that the Government could have taken the very drastic step in 1984 but decided to review the situation and found the situation rather difficult to manage and have to resort to the severe penalty that has been proposed. I think the concern is really how and when we should enforce this. I share the sentiments of my Chairman of the GPC that possibly one of the administrative means is to provide for a grace period so that as much notice as possible is given, so that people are aware of this impending action and that we will not be found to be willy-nilly in enforcing such a severe punishment. Dr Lee (NCMP) has mentioned that caning was introduced for vandalism; I think we have done it for locals. We have seen the results of the very little vandalism that is taking place in our public places and I think we have shown that it is not just caning that is instituted for locals but that it is instituted as the need arises. My concern really is: will this mandatory caning be a precedent that is to be set for subsequent legislation? Do we see this particular avenue taken for future offences committed by our citizens? I share the sentiments that there ought to be differentiation in the kind of illegal immigrants, whether they are people who enter the country illegally or they are overstayers. I think there is no differentiation with regard to these two categories of people. And I believe that it is not incorrect that some of the victims could jolly well be people who have been misled into coming to Singapore to work.”
“Shanmugam (Sembawang GRC): Sir, I would like to briefly address this House on a point made by Dr Lee Siew-Choh before coming to the constitutional amendments. Sir, Dr Lee suggested that the proposed amendments to Article 94, subsection (3), will in fact make the Chief Justice "beholden" (to use a term used by a former Parliamentarian) to the Government. That was the central point he made.”
“Do we or do we not act now to restore our position to what it was and thus reaffirm the continued relevance of the ISA to potential subversives, human rights groups, well-intentioned but wrong-headed foreign governments and others who might otherwise have believed that we were softer than the Prime Minister's generation? We considered the matter carefully and decided to act. Better to remove any doubt about our position on the ISA than to tempt others to try their luck at subversion. The subject before the House is not a Home Affairs matter. The Bills are decided by the entire Cabinet. I know that the ISA is a powerful tool, and in the wrong hands can do harm. But I also know that Singapore cannot be governed without the ISA. This only reinforces the importance of having men of absolute integrity and judgment in politics, so that the Government does not abuse the power which it has been vested with, as this PAP Government has never done. The answer to possible abuse of ISA, however, cannot be judicial review. That will merely transfer the important matter of national security from the Executive to the judiciary, a responsibility which it is not equipped to discharge. This is especially so when the appellate body is outside Singapore, like the Privy Council. The answer to possible abuse of the ISA must be political, that is, having another political body to exercise judgment on security cases, much the same way as the Executive has done. In other words, have another political body other than the Executive to provide a second opinion and a check and balance. We are working on this idea. But meanwhile before the idea is crystallized, make sure you have men of integrity in Government to prevent any abuse of the ISA or any other laws in Singapore. Mr K.”
“Dr Lee Siew-Choh, having campaigned for the Barisan Sosialis against the ISA in every previous election, piped down this time. He himself has never been arrested even though he was closely associated with communist sympathisers and operators who were, because the ISD knew the difference between him and them. He knows the powers have not been misused. If his friends had won, he would not be in Parliament today. Why did the Opposition not make it an issue in the last general elections? Because they knew the voters would support the PAP's position on the ISA. The September elections had been significant not only for the issues which had been discussed or debated Town Councils, Elected President, and so on but also for those which were not raised the ISA. BG Lee pointed this out on election night. Now Dr Lee Siew-Choh and Mr Chiam have resurrected their old stand. Who gave them the mandate to do so? During the elections they could have gone to the people for the mandate, they did not. So, who gave them the mandate to do so now? When the Court of Appeal issued the judgment changing the law on preventive detention, we did not just dismiss the judgment. We sat down to carefully review our position on the ISA again. First, has our situation changed so that the ISA is no longer necessary? The answer is that it has not. Second, should we follow the UK practice and allow more scope for judicial review? The answer is no, because security matters are squarely the responsibility of the Executive which must answer for its actions to the electorate.”
“Indeed, even before the elections in April 1988, our press statement on Francis Seow had a paragraph on this. And if I may remind Mr Chiam, let me quote this paragraph to refresh his memory: 'From time to time, at elections in the 1960s and 1970s, political parties and even individual candidates have campaigned against detention without trial. All Singaporeans are free to do this, in fair and open debate, so long as they are acting on their own, and not at the egging or with the help of foreign groups. Now the prime movers behind these detainees, who the government believes are not Singaporeans, have again made detention under the ISA an issue. The next general elections will provide the proper constitutional channel for genuinely different views of how to govern Singapore to be put before the electorate. Then Singaporeans will have to decide by their votes whether they support the use of ISA powers against subversives to preserve the security and tranquillity of the Republic, as in these cases, or whether they believe that Singapore has advanced into a mature society like the West and can afford to adopt the practices of the West.' The Opposition parties ducked the issue. Mr Chiam who has contested five elections (1976, 1979, 1980, 1984 and 1988) has not campaigned against the ISA during the elections. Even Francis Seow, the "great" champion of human rights in Singapore, conceded that the ISA was needed, although he said, rather softly, that the use of ISA against him personally was wrong. But he did not follow up in the elections. He did not tell the whole electorate what the abuses were. He did not explain or prove to the electorate that there has been an abuse of power insofar as he was concerned under the ISA.”
“It may be receding but it has not disappeared. Foreign powers and human rights groups may refrain from interfering in our domestic politics but such restraint is not permanent. To have the power of detention without trial, to deal with these similar threats diluted, or subject to review by another body which is not answerable for the security of Singapore, is to risk our ability to deal a crippling blow to these threats quickly and decisively. Our position on the ISA, however, is only as strong as the people's. If the people are not convinced of the need for the ISA they have the right to take it away. In an election, they can vote us out provided the Opposition campaigns on the basis of repealing the ISA. That right belongs to the people. If they want the ISA but feel that we have abused our powers under it, they too have the right and power to remove us from our position of authority. Indeed, we made this very clear before the last general elections, and also in earlier elections. The re-arrest of the Marxist conspirators, the arrest of Patrick Seong and also the arrest of Francis Seow all these took place before the September general elections. There was an uproar both among Opposition parties and also among overseas human rights groups, like the Amnesty International, Asiawatch, and so on. We answered them point by point and reminded them that in using the ISA the PAP Government had the mandate of the people of Singapore, freely and repeatedly given in successive general elections in which the ISA had been an issue. Mr Chiam said we did not make this an issue, we did not raise this. He has conveniently forgotten that it was in the PAP manifesto. BG Lee quoted you the passage from our manifesto just now.”
“Having said all that, Sir, with regard to cases other than internal security cases, I would like to urge the Government not to rush into making a decision but to examine thoroughly the implications of disallowing appeals to the Privy Council. In my opinion, this is crucial if we wsih to continue to uphold confidence and ensure stability of our legal system. Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Bill. The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence (Mr Goh Chok Tong): Mr Speaker, Sir, if we go down to the basics, the question is whether we need the ISA to help us guard against subversion, conspiracies and other threats to our security. If the answer is yes, then the reason for the two Bills is obvious. The Government is responsible for security and the Executive must retain the subjective right to decide what is or is not a security threat. If the answer is no, then the debate on the two Bills is wrongly focused. The debate should be on the repeal of ISA, not the judicial review of security cases. The ISA issue is not new. We had to make a stand on this in mid-1987 when we used it to arrest Vincent Cheng and 15 others for their involvement in a Marxist conspiracy to destabilize the State. In that experience with the Marxist conspirators, their re-arrest in 1988 and later the arrest of Francis Seow for his getting involved with some American officials in our domestic politics, reinforced my conviction that we must have the ISA, and not discard it. Without it, we would not have been able to deal with these threats to our security so quickly and effectively. Despite the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal, I still hold the view that the Executive's powers under the ISA must remain undiluted. The communist threat may have diminished.”
“Singaporeans must always acknowledge that internal security matters require high-level decisions and responsibility on the part of the Government in other words, decisions which could only beapplied in extraordinary circumstances where the expertise and judgment of the Government are called for, rather than the Judiciary. What we must realize is that such decisions are made not by one or two persons but rather collectively by the Cabinet which is responsible to Parliament. It demands swift action on the part of the Government to handle exigencies cutting through normal legal procedures in order to prevent or arrest potentially explosive situations to safeguard our national interests. Mr Speaker, Sir, our Internal Security Act has many similarities with the ISA of our neighbour, Malaysia. However, difference is that Malaysia has, since the 1960s, disallowed appeals on ISA cases to the Privy Council in London. This was a wise and practical more which we in Singapore could follow based on the principle that the internal security matters of an independent and sovereign country must be solely decided by the Government of that country who understand's and grasps local circumstances better than outsiders or foreigners. As loyal and law-abiding citizens, we should accept the fact that every independent country has the prerogative to decide and determine its own laws which are designed to safeguard its well-being and that of its citizens. It is our absolute right to determine our destiny without being obliged to refer to or be influenced by external events. A fundamental question we should ask ourselves is do we not agree that the legal system of each sovereign country should evolve in accordance with local situations and circumstances?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the Motion. I would like to offer some observations, Sir. As we go about amending this particular piece of legislation, I think we could do a better job in anticipating the change that is about to take place rather than to react to a particular and specific situation. Sir, it appears to put us in a bad light that the law is drafted in immediate response to a particular and specific change of event. I do not know whether it is because we have not provided adequate facilities and resources for the Ministry of Law or that the Ministry has been tied up with so many other matters that this area of work has been low in their priority. Sir, as various laws are being reviewed from time to time, I would suggest that a Law Reform Commission or a Law Review Committee be set up to systematically prepare ourselves in anticipating the changes and development taking place in Singapore and throughout the world. We have been very good in planning in other areas and in the area of legislation which affects every citizen, this should remain high in our priority. Sir, I urge the Ministry and the Minister to give due consideration to this suggestion. Mr Speaker: Order. I suspend the sitting and will take the Chair again at 2.50 pm. Sitting accordingly suspended at 2.25 pm until 2.50 pm. Sitting resumed at 2.50 pm [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Debate resumed. Encik Zulkifli bin Mohammed (Eunos GRC)( In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, matters pertaining to our internal security matters are a matter of great concern to a majority of Singaporeans. Therefore, it is essential that the ordinary man in the street understand the principles behind the Bill now before us to dispel whatever ambiguities that he or she may have.”
“Sir, does the Minister have breakdown figures of the two sexes, how many of the unemployed are males and how many are females? Mr Lee Yock Suan: I do not have the figures here. I can supply them to the Member if he wishes. Roughly, the percentage would be about two-thirds males and one-third females, corresponding to our workforce.”
“Sir, the Minister said that consideration for the setting up of child care centres is for the newer estates. What about old constituen- cies like Kampong Glam where we wish to encourage the grandchildren to be looked after by the grandparents in such places? And because of the centrality of the constituency, should not equal consideration be given to established estates for child care centres?”
“Our inclination to solve problems from the cost-effective point of view may have given rise to other social ill-effects. With the Community Chest's SHARE programme there is less need for school children to sell flags on flag days. But it also means less opportunity for the young to volunteer their services for a cause, a test of their honesty and to provide an understanding of the good cause that they are serving. We are no doubt living in a high-tech world. But we remain as human beings. We have feelings. Relationships are important to us. There is a spirit in us and Singaporeans would not like to be treated in any other way. As we approach national issues on the basis of consultation and consensus-building, it is important that ultimately someone has to make the decision. We expect and want the Government to provide the leadership and this leadership should be strong and courageous. The rest of us Singaporeans as good followers rally behind and support the Government because we share the same concerns and destiny. The leadership has also to be concerned with those at the bottom of the ladder. In dealing with the less fortunate and less successful, the Government and its officers, in implementing policies, ought to make the added effort in assisting them by acting on their behalf in matters of housing, education and medical services. It can then be said that those who are genuinely in difficulty are not neglected and that the help extended is likened to that of a good brother. Sir, I wish to associate myself with the Motion of Thanks to the Speech made by the President.”
“The contradiction in policy decisions make Singaporeans feel that we are either fuzzy in what we want to achieve; that there is no coordination in Government policy, or that the Government has got some of its priorities wrong. I hope the Government will present a complete and total picture as to what we really expect of our ladies in Singapore. As a Personnel man, I see the merit in the Civil Service trying its level best to attract and retain the able officers. In terms of contribution and the value that they have added into their jobs, there is every justification to ensure the competitiveness in the remuneration and benefits of civil servants and those working in the statutory boards. Unless there is external relativity, we may run the risk of having deterioration in performance in the civil service. It is a sad fact that with the formation of town councils to manage our housing estates, there are Singaporeans who used to complain against the HDB but are beginning to appreciate the very good work done by the officers and men of the HDB. It is the continued integrity and the excellent performance of the civil service which we should all work to preserve. The fast pace of change in our society has led to certain social ills which have become evident of late. Tempers rise very quickly and easily. People resort to violent actions at the slightest provocation. They do not seem to value their lives and, what is worse, they hurt others in the process. Should we not concern ourselves as to why all this is happening? Family life has to be preserved. Abortions should be discouraged. Frivolous forward spending and living on credit and beyond one's means in a consumer society has the tendency to lead to deceit, greed and corruption.”
“One of the problems of those living in rented flats is that because they do not have CPF savings they cannot afford to buy their own flats. The self-employed and the casual contract workers should be encouraged to make CPF contributions each month, no matter how small their contributions are. Without CPF savings, not only will they not be able to buy their homes, they will also have difficulty looking after themselves in their old age and there will be no Medisave for their medical expenses. The Ministry of Labour should attempt to spread the net wider to include this category of Singaporeans who are working but not contributing to CPF. I am glad that the Government is seriously considering extending the retirement age to 60. Singaporeans are marrying later and having children later and therefore need to provide for the family for a longer period. Singaporeans are living longer lives. They are more productive with good education and training being invested in them. They certainly can contribute for more and longer years. Our employers must adjust their thinking to accommodate and to incorporate this development in our society. Mr Speaker, Sir, the recent decision to increase the levy on foreign maids is causing consternation and bafflement among our womenfolk. The problem is that the alternatives are not ready and easily available yet. In our Goverment population policy we encourage women to have more children if they can afford it. Now with the increase in levy we are making it less affordable. We want to encourage our women to continue working. We want them to bring up our children properly. We want them also to care for their aged parents.”
“We should strive at the next level to bring about the spirit of camaraderie, unity amongst all of us, and social cohesion which will be durable and lasting. This demonstration of compassion for fellow Singaporeans and the people of the world reinforces in us a caring and sharing attitude. That for all our material success and progress, how can we say that we are fully satisfied when there are others amongst us who have fallen behind and to whom we ought to give a helping hand? I believe we have often stressed the need to help the less fortunate, the disabled, and those who require help but are we doing enough for them or are we just being rhetoric? I think the Government can, for example, afford to be a bit more generous in dealing with people living in rented flats. We have reached the stage that any increase in the percentage beyond 90% for HDB Home Ownership will be difficult. The remaining 10% will be those who really cannot afford to buy their own flats. For families living in 1-room rented flats, the living conditions are certainly sub-standard by today's standards. The minimum required for family accommodation would be a 2-room flat with one bed room and a hall. Children spend the most time at home. The home environment certainly affects their studies and the development of their conduct and character. These are social costs that no price mechanism and fiscal policy can measure. I would urge that every effort be made to improve the living conditions for those living in rented flats, including those aged singles. If I may add, we have seen vast improvements made to public toilets and hawker centres, but why are we being stingy in providing better living rented accommodation?”
“No Singaporean should be allowed to contribute to the making of a weak Singapore that would lead to chaos and destruction. Instead we should build on the foundation that has been laid by our founding fathers who have worked so hard and have made so many sacrifices to bring this nation about. Preventive detention is necessary to nip in the bud any attempt by disloyal elements with evil designs to endanger the internal security of Singapore. Perhaps the concern among Singaporeans is how to ensure that there will be no abuse and that there are adequate checks and balances when considering people for detention. There is the need to cultivate the bonds in our people. Singaporeans tend to see themselves not on the same side as the Government. We can learn from the NTUC. The NTUC is successful in forging a trusting relationship in Singapore of employers and trade unions working in unison against the competition from outside Singapore. It boils down to relationship; the confidence and the trust that the NTUC leadership has the interest of every member at heart. Any decision taken may at times be to reduce losses and sufferings rather than maximizing benefits for their members. I acknowledge that in the national context, it is more difficult having to deal with diverse sectors of the population wich have differing interests, needs and expectations. But nevertheless, I believe that the principles are the same and it is worthwhile for the Government to consider a similar approach in dealing with the electorate. We want a Singapore that has the depth in relationship. It is opportune now that we have achieved bountiful economic development and material progress.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, with regard to the Motion of Thanks to the President for his Address, I wish first to express my gratitude for being given this opportunity to participate in this debate. The policy speech of the President has given confidence and hope to every Singaporean. We Singaporeans should count our blessings that we are full citizens in our own country deciding on our own future and destiny. We are not a subject people denied and deprived of rights and dignity under a colonial or imperial power. Do Singaporeans want to continue to have it this way and to stay strong and united or to allow ourselves to be divided, each going our own separate ways and to find one day too late that we are no longer masters of our own destiny? The President has stated in his Address that the "government's goal is to create a better life for all Singaporeans". Indeed Singapore is the home of all Singaporeans. She belongs to all of us. Every Singaporean has a stake and whatever we do is meant for all of us. It has been made clear that there is a place for every Singaporean regardless of his station in life, his race or religion. As we are citizens in our own country, it is important for all of us to play our part as good and useful citizens. The national ideology to be evolved should spell out unequivocally the expectations from each and every one of us our duties and responsibilities as citizens. The National Ideology is to guide us in becoming good and responsible citizens of Singapore. We should be mindful of the good universal values that make for a strong and united nation and be prepared to fight for and protect the continued independence and sovereignty of our country.”