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.”
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“They do not benefit from the appreciation of property value of these HDB flats even though they have been staying in them for many years and, most probably, the Government will benefit much by tearing these old HDB rented flats down and build new ones in its place and sell them at higher prices. As a concession, I wonder if the Government could favourably consider allowing the rents that have been previously paid by these tenants to be treated as mortgage payments and to be credited to the HDB flats that they would be buying later on. Maybe the Government would like to clarify the schemes that they wish to introduce. I wish to support the suggestion by the Member for Jalan Besar GRC, Mr Peh Chin Hua, that if the parents could not pay in full the mortgage for the HDB flats, they could allow the children to continue with the payments subsequently. Account ought also to be taken into the location and convenience to these poor families who certainly could not afford to spend more money on transportation. And maybe that is the reason why many of the rented flats are concentrated in the city area. These are also people who do not have CPF savings to pay for the flat on a long-term basis. Maybe something could be done to encourage them to have CPF accounts and to have savings not only for the HDB flats but also for Medisave. Singaporeans Working Overseas We have spoken much about the need for Singaporeans to diversify overseas and, particularly, in the international arena and we also want to encourage more Singaporeans to take up job postings overseas. But there are real practical difficulties faced by our executives working and based overseas. We know that there are more two-income families, with both husband and wife working.”
“Ageing Population and Retirement Age I feel strongly that we should not hesitate any longer to extend the retirement age of the Singaporean workers. We should immediately make it compulsory to extend the retirement age to 60 and, maybe, sometime in the future, to 65. Our population is ageing. Many retire from working when they are still able to continue employment. We also see many foreign workers being employed. We have to make the necessary internal adjustments in the employing organisations to employ our Singaporean staff for as long as possible. Our people have the education and experience to contribute to our economy. We should all recognise that foreign workers are not the long-term solution for Singapore. Learning the Mother Tongue I am glad that there is no let-up in the teaching and learning of the mother tongue in schools, particularly the Chinese language. I am pleased that the Government has recognised and accommodated this difficulty experienced by some Chinese children. Because of the differing linguistic ability, some may need many more years learning the language, even into adult life. What is needed is to encourage and not deter the learning of the mother tongue. What the Ministry of Education is doing is laudable. Poor Families Owning HDB Apartments Sir, the plan to help many of the poorer families to own their own homes is welcomed. Many of such families live in the 1-room and 2-room rented flats. They have been paying rent all this while that they have been staying in the rented flats.”
“But if the Government whose intentions and objectives have been noble and sincere, Singaporeans must support the Government in carrying out these policies. Singaporeans need to understand the process involved in decision-making rather than just looking at the policy alone. 40% with Tertiary Education The aim of having 40% of each age group qualifying for polytechnic and university is to be welcomed. Having more graduates is better than having less. They will only improve our national averages in knowledge and skills. I hope that with more graduates from the polytechnic and the university, we would be able to groom more Singaporean entrepreneurs in the process. I think the dearth of Singaporean entrepreneurs may be the result of fewer graduates than needed in Singapore to provide the competition and the impetus for them to succeed rather than just in the profession and in salaried careers. However, parents and students ought to understand that with a larger pool of university and polytechnic graduates, the rewards and remuneration will not be comparable to earlier days when the number of graduates in employment were not as many. Higher education is not for higher career achievement and reward alone. It brings with it intrinsic value that makes for better individuals. Rather than just focusing the young and those who are coming out from schools, the Government should also consider providing opportunities to many working adults who have missed the polytechnic and university education. For those who are able to continue to further their studies, every effort and opportunity should be given to allow these working adults to pursue their diplomas and degrees in adult life.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the motion standing in the name of Mr Davinder Singh, Member for Toa Payoh GRC, thanking the President for his Address to this Parliament last Friday evening. Building on the Foundation Singaporeans have every reason to be hopeful and confident of the future. The change in the Prime Ministership has been smooth and orderly. Though the future is uncertain, our foundations are strong, secure and sound. We have worked hard. We have been thrifty. We have managed our public funds well. We have accumulated our savings and wealth from the surpluses of the years of high economic growth. The Government's commitment has always been to invest in the future for the long-term benefit of our citizens. It is only right that all Singaporeans share in Singapore's prosperity. However, all benefits cannot be distributed and shared equally. The manner in which resources are being allocated reflects our priority. The question is whether we agree with the priorities set in this country. There might be distortions with inequities created by market forces. Then intervention and assistance from the Government is needed to smooth out the edges, especially in the subjective and less quantifiable areas. Participation and Involvement Sir, I am all for wider participation and free and open consultation. The difficulty is when people look from their narrow individual perspective and they do not give regard to others. They only want their interests to be served and met. These people could not accept decisions and policies that do not meet with their own desires and expectations. There is no doubt that the Government should pay heed to all shades of opinions and views.”
“We want to make Singapore one that we are proud to belong, and build a nation with peace, progress and prosperity for all Singaporeans.”
“But what good is a society where the well-off does not lend a helping hand to the less well-off and the poor? We should continue to make our fiscal policies progressive so that those who can afford to pay more are asked to do so, be it in school fees or hospital charges. We can in fact emulate the principles embodied in the Yayasan Mendaki scheme. If we accept that there is always a small percentage of Singaporeans who would not be able to afford to purchase their own homes and need to depend on rented HDB accommodation, we have to ask ourselves whether the old designed 1-room flat is suitable as a family accommodation, say, for a couple with two growing children. One common ground given by these families who could not afford to buy their HDB flats is that they do not have CPF savings. In this regard, I welcome the steps taken by the CPF Board to insist that all employers contribute to their workers' CPF accounts. Means must be found to make the lower-income workers contribute regularly and to accumulate their CPF savings. Sir, on the subject of shared values, I believe that Singaporeans are already identifying themselves as such. Many Singaporean art-works, books, music, dramas have been produced that have distinctively Singaporean characteristics and flavour. The climate is right to encourage more Singaporean works to be produced and promoted as part of our cultural development. As we open our doors to more immigrants from overseas, the social fabric of our society will undergo further changes. Therefore there is a need to continue to evolve a Singaporean identity to unite our people so that there would be no doubt that we are one people - our loyalty, dedication and patriotism will no longer be questioned.”
“We have been given notice that the Elected President will be added as a new feature to our political system and indeed in our Constitution. Our political and legal systems have been modelled largely along the UK and Commonwealth traditions. We are very much influenced by our English-speaking background. Is there nothing that we cannot learn from the non-English speaking countries and the systems like that of the French, the Germans and the Japanese? These countries have different history and tradition. They evolve ideas, concepts and systems that suit their culture and their environment. They have dared to be different. They have been equally successful in achieving high standards of living for their peoples. In Singapore, we may appear peculiar in the way we solve our problems. Indeed, we may have learnt the art of reverse engineering in the political field. But then, the challenges that we face require unique solutions - we do them Singapore-style. I just wish to state that we should be rational, objective and realistic in discussing the issue of Elected President. We shall have the opportunity to debate the issue in greater depth when the Bill on the Elected President is introduced in this House. At the social level, I see the need for the Government to critically review the policies in a number of areas. I feel that though there is a growing middle class in Singapore, the income gap between the well-off and the less well-off has widened. I am concerned that the Government policies of late have tended to affect the lower-income category proportionately more. I do subscribe to the principles that excellent efforts should be rewarded and the users of services should bear the cost in consuming them.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the motion standing in the name of the Member for Tanglin in thanking the President for his Address to this House on 7th June, 1990. We have been given the rare opportunity to listen to the President for the second time in this Parliament. The President has given an update to this House and to all Singaporeans on the progress of Government policies and the tasks ahead in the remaining months of the year. The President has told us that once we have resolved the few remaining items on the agenda, we would have reached the "end of a major phase in our nation building". We are into the watershed in Singapore's political development - a change in the Prime Ministership by the end of the year. Indeed, we have all been prepared and are ready to have Mr Goh Chok Tong as Prime Minister. We will certainly miss Mr Lee Kuan Yew at the helm. But Prime Minister Lee is doing this voluntarily for the greater love of Singapore. Singapore's political leadership will remain young and dynamic to enable us to forge ahead. There is no country in the world where political leaders who are still fit and healthy are prepared to make way for their successors whom they have helped to nurture and groom. Maybe that is what makes Singapore special and extraordinary. Over the last 25 years, we have achieved high rates of economic growth and development. With the experience behind us and if we put some of the bitter lessons to good use, we should continue to make further advances in our economy. Singaporeans can look forward to enjoying higher standards of living. Politically, our system of parliamentary democracy has remained largely intact. There have been refinements introduced, for example, the GRC, the NCMP and the nominated MP.”
“May I suggest that some system of prior warning be given so that the affected persons know the consequence of disqualification and suspension from driving if they commit some more traffic offences. As for drunken driving, public education is necessary in this area. May I also suggest that places that are issued with liquor licence for consumption should have notices alerting those who are driving of the dangers if they drink beyond the limit or, better still, not to drive after the round of drinks. I would like to make another observation, Sir. This is with regard to new drivers, who have been issued driving licence, and the one-year probation. I think there is a slight problem here because the trend is that the learner drivers are usually very young and they are usually still studying. Even though they have received their driving licence, the probability is that they do not drive regularly or immediately after receiving their driving licence, or not driving at all during that one-year period. So they would come off clean after the one-year period. So there is a weakness in that system. I have no suggestion as to how we can plug this loophole, but this is the observation that I would like to make.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, fatalities and serious injuries resulting from road accident are sheer waste of precious human lives. They are unnecessary. They can and should be avoided. We only require the motorists to exercise care, responsibility and respect for other road users. The majority of the Singaporean drivers are safe and courteous drivers. There is only a small segment who flout the traffic rules and by their indiscipline contribute to the tragedies on the roads. They drive dangerously, especially when having one drink too many. This small high-risk group is now told that the motoring public and pedestrians alike cannot tolerate such irresponsible behaviour any longer. Therefore, the amendments moved by the Minister for Home Affairs are welcomed and supported. Public safety can now be better served. We are making clearly known to all road users the standard of behaviour expected on our roads. Safe and courteous driving is our norm. There should be no let-up to ensure that those who flout the traffic laws would be brought to book and face severe penalties. Mr Speaker, Sir, I have clarifications to seek from the Minister for Home Affairs under clause 12. Can the Minister clarify what are the rules to be established in the system of awarding demerit points against a person committing traffic offences? Would they be new ones, or based on the current system already in place? Sir, I have particular concern for those persons who are dependent on their driving licence for their livelihood. I would like to urge the Traffic Police to exercise care so that such persons who depend on their driving licence for their livelihood are not unduly denied the right to earn their living.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $521,567,100 for Head Q ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $139,190,700 for Head Q ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. 2.24 pm Head N -”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head Q be reduced by $10 in respect of Code QI 9883017 of the Development Estimates. Sir, I see that the sum of $19.6 million has been provided as development expenditure for the Identification Programme. May I ask the Minister to enlighten the House as to what this expenditure entails, the features of the new NRIC system and whether this bears relation to the automated finger-printing system that the Police is having. Is there also a plan to use NRIC number consistently for identification purposes in all official documents?”
“Sir, I am pleased to see that the average daily number of inmates in our drug rehabilitation centres is under control and the number of detainees in the DRCs is projected to be less in 1990 compared to 1989. However, the recidivism rate of drug supervisees remains high at 74%. We all know that in having 5,000-odd inmates in the DRCs is a sheer waste of precious human resources against the backdrop of people-short Singapore. Sir, the problem facing us today is not that of the rehabilitation programme in our DRCs, which I believe we have made very good progress. The issue facing us is how to reduce the high recidivism rate and to give the former drug addicts a really good chance with a new lease of life. Here I would like to add my word to what Mr Chng Hee Kok earlier spoke. The former drug addicts do have difficulties in securing steady employment. The Government can take the lead. The Government can also give private employers the necessary incentives and motivation to employ more of the ex-drug addicts. It is already costing the state about $330 a month to upkeep each inmate in the DRCs. I believe this money could be more profitably used. The new DRC at Tampines should be well equipped with facilities to provide skills training in more trade areas to the inmates so that they could be made employable. I would like to quote the Straits Times editorial of 1st February 1990, which aptly described the issue, Sir, of the rehabilitated ex-drug addicts. I quote: 'After he has been cured, he deserves all the help on the hard climb back.' I think this is an area that we can pay attention to, Sir.”
“If they continue to deprive such people a means for them to turn over a new leaf or a second chance, then we are not covering all the grounds in our rehabilitation. I think we should plug this loophole and I urge the Minister to set the guidelines on the release of this kind of information, if it is released to the statutory boards and Government ministries. If we can plug this loophole then it is left to these organisations to decide whether they should employ the man, and not because of his past background as a drug abuser.”
“I beg to withdraw, Sir. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Mr Chng Hee Kok (Tiong Bahru GRC): Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head Q be reduced by $10 in respect of Code QG 1500 of the Main Estimates. Sir, I understand that persons who are apprehended and are tested positive for drug abuse are barred from holding jobs in Government and statutory boards. Recently, I have a young constituent who was undergoing training at an EDB training centre. He was apprehended for possible drug abuse and he was tested positive. Based on information made available to the EBD training institute, he was dismissed. This was the boy's first offence and he had another four months to go to complete his training programme. Sir, this is unduly harsh and, in my opinion, we have just created another useless digit in society. In my job as a Member of Parliament I have come across a small handful of constituents who are barred from Government licences, taxis, hawkers and entry into the PSA when their drug abuse background comes to light, even if the offence or abuse was committed several years ago. I am not sure if information of drug abuse is made freely available to Government ministries or statutory boards. If it is made freely available to these organisations, then I think this is not only harsh, given the fact that drug abuse is not an offence at the moment under existing legislation, but it does not help our efforts in rehabilitation. An enlightened rehabilitation programme must start at the point of gainful employment, whether in training or in a job. I think the Government must take a lead. In this instance, I think the private sector is already doing more than its fair share because of the labour shortage.”
“The Ministry of Finance has approved an additional 300 posts so that we could alleviate our manpower shortage. This alone is not enough. Their salaries must also be raised. Among the uniformed services with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Prisons service has had the most difficulties in recruiting personnel because of its heavier duty and responsibility. Recently, in the salary revision, the prison officers were given increased pay and the junior officers were also given special allowances. What is more important is the Prisons Service has been incorporated into the General Police Scheme of Service. This will facilitate the infusion of talents in the Prisons. It will also provide exposure to Prisons Officers in other areas of law enforcement and security. Although the number of prisoners has increased, the crime situation in Singapore is still under control. This is due partly to the police who have spared no efforts in education the public on crime prevention.”
“The increase in the number of prisoners is due to a variety of reasons one of which is that in the past few years there were a great number of illegal immigrants and foreigners who overstayed in Singapore. Recently, we have taken very stringent measures against them and the number has decreased. Another reason is that we have more effective law enforcement. In other words, we have more neighbourhood police posts and we have also implemented our community policing system. The public is more forth coming in making police reports and in giving information on crimes. This has led to more arrests of criminals. That is why we have more prisoners now. In view of the increase in the number of prisoners, the Prisons Department will set up more penal institutions and provide more facilities. There will be two new prisons - Tanah Merah Prison and the Female Prison. But the more important point is that we must raise the efficiency of the rehabilitation programmes and improve the prisoner - classification system, so that when they are released they could become good citizens. At present, more consideration is given to security requirements in their classification exercise. The Department now aims to place emphasis not only on security but also on rehabilitation needs, with special attention to the prisoners' psychological and social problems. Recently, a consultant from the United Nations who came to Singapore to study our system he has made some recommendations on improvements. We are also looking into the systems of other countries. The purpose is to improve the rehabilitation programmes of our prisons. Another problem faced by the Prisons Department is how to attract more good manpower.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head Q be reduced by $10 in respect of Code QF 1500 of the Main Estimates. Sir, I wish to express my sadness and concern about the projection made that our average daily prisoner population will increase to 7,096 in 1990. This number does not include those detained in our DRCs. In fact, the number of prisoners has been increasing in the last five years. Compared to 1985, what is projected in 1990 is almost doubled that of 1985. I would like to know from the Minister what accounted for such substantial increases in the number of prisoners. With full employment and economic prosperity around us, it strikes me as paradoxical that the number of prisoners could not be contained at a lower level. I hope that it is not a sign of a deeper social ill in Singapore. May I know also from the Minister whether there are adequate penal institutions to house this large number of prisoners and what measures are being taken to ensure the security of these institutions? Do we accept the increase in the number of prisoner population as unavoidable? Or could action not be undertaken to educate our public and to drive home the message that crime does not pay and that we require active involvement and participation to reduce the number of crimes committed because such crimes lead to convictions and detention. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Home Affairs (Mr Tang Guan Seng)( In Mandarin): Sir, just as the Member for Kampong Glam has said, the number of prisoners in our penal institutions has increased. In 1985, there were 5,340. In 1987, the number was 5,880. Last year, it was slightly reduced, from 6,320 in 1988 to 6,190.”
“Sir, I would like to speak on the police procedures. Sir, we are upgrading our Police Force with better qualified and competent officers. With the community policing programmes, our law enforcement operation has been delegated more and more to the officers in our Neighbourhood Police Post. I wish to ask the Minister whether the procedures specified in the Criminal Procedure Codes are rendered obsolete and needed updating? I ask this in view of the improvements and developments taking place in our Police Force. I believe our police officers are capable and competent and they could be entrusted with greater responsibilities in upholding the law. Mr Chiam See Tong (Potong Pasir): Sir, I have got two amendments. With your leave, may I take them together?”
“I beg to withdraw, Sir. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $18,022,750 for Head E ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $13,458,200 for Head E ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head B -”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head E be reduced by $10 in respect of Code EA 9874071 of the Development Estimates. Sir, it appears from the Development Estimates that the pilot project for mechanical recording and running transcript which started in 1988 will be completed in the financial year 1990/91. May I know from the Minister what were the objectives for the pilot project? What has been the progress made and what further action would be undertaken on the completion of this pilot project? Also, what would be the cost impact in terms of charges to users of such facilities in the courts?”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head E be reduced by $10 in respect of Code EA 9854029 of the Development Estimates. Sir, there seems to be a disparity in the provision in the development expenditure between the Supreme Court and the Subordinate Courts. The provision for the Subordinate Courts is meagre compared to that of the Supreme Court. We all know that the bulk of the Court cases affecting Singaporeans are in the Subordinate Courts. I believe that there is still a serious backlog in the number of cases yet to be settled in the lower Courts. Sir, justice necessitates that all cases before the Courts are resolved as quickly as possible. With better use of manpower, technology and support systems, I am sure that further improvements could be made in expediting the settlement of cases in the Subordinate Courts. With quicker turnaround time, much resources could be saved for productive pursuits by the public who are involved in the cases before the Courts. May I ask the Minister whether the Subordinate Courts services are adequate and that there is no need for additional development expenditure to be incurred. Are we satisfied with the current state of affairs in the lower Courts? Sir, the needs of the Judiciary deserve high priority in our budget allocation. The improvements and developments required to make our Courts perform better should not be that funds are not provided.”
“In doing so, we could ensure that we will be always ahead of our potential competitors. In the present budget, the Minister has generously allotted a large sum of money to help research and development work. This shows that our Minister is farsighted and at the same time this goes to show that we are determined to go along R&D line. This would not only strengthen our competitiveness but also be able to produce more researchers and R&D personnel and further improve our capability in this field. Ultimately, it will help Singapore to be developed into a regional R&D centre. Viewing from old statistics, in 1987 and 1988 the public sector spent 40% on R&D, while the private sector spent only 60%. As the private sector is larger than the public sector, this shows that the private sector is lagging behind the public sector in this field. I hope the Government will stimulate and encourage more of our private sector, particularly the medium and small industries to pay more attention to and take part in R&D, through some concessions and financial assistance schemes when our economy is turning around now. Sir, I support the motion.”
“The Singapore workers must be made to understand that there is always the competition from the workers in other countries who are determined in catching up or even overtake us, never mind whether they are working in or outside Singapore. I am pleased that the Government will continue to complement and blend the foreign worker component with that of our local workforce to bring the best in our economic growth. With a growing economic pie, we can then share the economic wealth and higher standards of living to a larger number of Singaporeans. Dr Low Seow Chay (Chua Chu Kang)( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the motion by the Finance Minister. Today, I am talking about Research and Development allotment for this year which has increased greatly, by 50%. The Minister has said that in the coming five years the R&D expenditure will be increased to 1% of GNP. This means that every year we will have about over 30% growth. Because of our political stability, good infrastructure and high quality labour force, our industries are able to shift away from the traditional labour intensive activities to those of the high value added ones. Sizeable foreign investments of this kind pour into Singapore. Our entrepreneurs are also joining the rank of high value added industries. In view of the increasing educational level and emphasis on technical education of NIEs, many of them will forge ahead and become our competitors in the years to come. They will be more competitive than us. So, in order to avoid such a difficult situation of lagging behind in future, we must explore new avenues, imporve all the favourable factors and promote R&D. Through R&D we should be able to master new technology and create more innovative products.”
“I would prefer that the ages be specified such that all women who give birth to the second child before 31 years will be eligible for the $15,000 tax incentive, and before 28 years $20,000 tax rebate so that we do not differentiate it on a year-by-year basis. Foreign worker policy. The Minister for Labour has given indications that the employment of foreign workers might be subjected to a market-based mechanism or quota system in working out the foreign worker levy. Underlying this, Sir, is a tacit acceptance that foreign workers do contribute in sustaining the momentum of our economic growth. I believe it will be so for a while, and that we have to accept foreign or guest workers as a fact of life in Singapore. But I think the consideration must be that if we are able and prepared to pay the high levy, is there a guarantee that we will continue to have them? Is it good for us to have them? And I think it is important for us to address this issue. It is not just of economic nature but of social concern as well. But I think the importation of guest workers must also serve as a reminder to all Singaporeans that there is always competition to the jobs that we hold. We have to instil in the minds of Singapore workers that positive work attitudes and good work ethics are of crucial importance, that it does not benefit workers if they job-hop, that employers are only prepared to train their staff if there is a commitment to a reasonable tenure of service. But one stark reality is that, Sir, our population is greying and aging. We must get employers to employ more women and older workers for I believe they are still useful assets to any organisation and they should be retained and retrained as they provide stability in the workplace.”
“On the extension of post-pioneer status, we have seen the merit in wanting to extend the post-pioneer status to companies undertaking approved activities for a period of 10 years at a concessionary rate of 10%. I agree that it is good to encourage these pioneer companies to continue to operate in Singapore and for them to upgrade their operations. But, Sir, can some schemes not be found to help excellent local small and medium-sized enterprises to obtain the equivalent of pioneer status to be taxed at the concessionary rate? If we can give incentives to attract foreign companies, why can we not do the same for our very own local companies? This at least will help our local SMEs to compete and upgrade themselves. On procreation incentives, I am afraid that we have relied on the "cold" statistics to make us believe that the trend of delayed child-bearing can easily be reversed by the granting of tax incentives. Worse still, we can even specify exactly when the working mothers ought to have the first and second births before they can enjoy the tax incentives. Sir, the difficulties faced by our working mothers are complex. For a start, more of them are staying longer in schools. Some university courses take a long time to complete. They have to look for a job after graduation. If they have already a partner, the man must be encouraged to marry early as well. It is never easy especially at the early stage in wanting to build up one's career. What about the home and accommodation? There is the cost and the waiting period involved.”
“It is evident that since 1986, our Consumer Price Index has been on the rise. In 1989, the CPI rose by 2.4% as against 1.5% in 1988. It has been estimated that our inflation rate will go up further in 1990 beyond 3%. According to the Economic Survey, inflation rate went up in 1989 despite the strong Singapore dollar and it has attributed the source of inflation to local factors. And I believe it is the cost-push inflation that is taking place. Higher wages are demanded not only because of the labour shortage situation in Singapore but also, I believe, on account of the higher cost of living. I agree that there should be moderation in the wage increases in order to allow our businesses to compete internationally. Nevertheless, efforts must be made to contain the increases in the price levels, especially in the basic essentials. Transportation, school fees, medical charges all square up and add up to increase costs to our people. The goods and services tax, if introduced, should be carefully considered and done in such a way that it will not lead to accelerated increases in the general price levels. For this would certainly affect the living standards of the average working Singaporean. Another thing that adds on to cost is the 4.5% increase in property tax rate from 11.5% to 16% to the already high cost of properties. This must invariably lead to higher cost of rentals which would be passed on to the customers, the poor local consuming public. Here I believe the Minister for National Development can help. We can allow the HDB offices and shops to remain economical to operate, so that our citizens can continue to enjoy the basic necessities at affordable prices.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the motion standing in the name of the Finance Minister. Sir, it would be unfortunate if because the Budget is pro-business, it is not also a budget that is pro working man, except possibly with the understanding that what benefits business also benefits the working man. But I think what is important as we step into the new decade, as Dr Tan has earlier mentioned, is that in the abundance that we have and the surpluses that we have enjoyed over the years, how best the Government can re-distribute the wealth to enlarge our middle-class and possibly to reduce as much as possible the lower income category. Given the circumstances, the Budget does reflect the time, the Budget operates in a very dynamic situation, and I believe prudence is at the back of the mind of the Finance Minister. But I thought that he could have given a good start as he considered the granting of the across-the-board once-off rebate of 5% on personal income tax for the Year of Assessment 1990. We have always felt that the income tax burden should be progressive in nature and therefore the granting of the rebate should also follow that consistency. I see that the estimated revenue loss of $60 million is likely to be given back proportionately more to the higher income earners than those of the lower income category. In that sense, it has become regressive. The Minister could have re-distributed on the basis of higher rebates for the lower taxpayers, for example, 10% for those paying tax of less than $2,000, 7(r)% for those paying tax of $2,000 to $5,000, and 5% for those above $5,000, and maybe have a ceiling that beyond $20,000 you do not get any rebate. But I think what is very significant a concern to me, Sir, is the subject of inflation and cost of living.”
“Notwithstanding what I have said earlier, Sir, I support the Bill.”
“As to having people with no religion to sit in the Presidential Council, I am not so sure whether this is a good thing. Is an agnostic competent to discuss, comment and sit in judgement on a religious matter between two conflicting parties? I would suggest that a tribunal or a panel system be adopted instead to resolve the differences on religious issues. As my previous colleagues have said, I think the role and scope of the Presidential Council could be enlarged. It could be empowered to play a more proactive role. There is only one concern that I would like to express because not too long ago we have been told that the teaching of Religious Knowledge in schools was a mistake, and the reason given was the unintended effects that arose from starting Religious Knowledge classes. And I sincerely hope that this does not occur after the passing of the this Bill because if the same occurrence takes place, then it will not be a good thing for us. This Bill may also identify and separate the real believers who will fight their cause. But also it will cause religious leaders to be more circumspect. I would disagree with Dr Lee Siew-Choh. I believe that we cannot afford to be complacent. The fact that there has been peace and tranquillity, we cannot take things for granted. In fact, there can be no better time than now to discuss and debate on the means to maintain religious harmony in Singapore. It is a controversial issue. It is highly emotional, especially to believers. But I can see the merits of the Bill. And so long as we are able to sort out the difficulties which have been addressed by Members of this House, I am very sure that we will be able to continue to enjoy religious harmony, peace and political stability in Singapore for many years to come.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Bill standing in the name of the Minister for Home Affairs aims to deal with the two issues of inter-religious harmony and the separation of religion from politics. Sir, I would have preferred the part on inter-religious harmony to have come under the Ministry of Community Development because this will then signify and reflect our purpose and intention in wanting to build up our community of different races, languages and religions in Singapore. Obviously there are adverse perceptions when matters come under the Home Affairs Ministry and perhaps it has to do with policing and sentences. But I can appreciate that under the circumstances as explained by the Minister for Home Affairs, it is at best to be under his Ministry. In the Internal Security Act, the Minister makes the decision in detaining certain persons after having relied on the professionals in the Internal Security Department for their investigations and assessment as to whether the individuals concerned pose security risks to the country. In matters of inter-religious strife and the encroachment of religion into politics, I wonder who are those that the Minister will be relying on for information in deciding to issue prohibition orders. What and whose evidence are being acted on? Possibly the Minister would like to clarify. On the proposed Presidential Council for Religious Harmony, there is the question of composition, how the members are to be selected, and who do they represent. I think this is important because the appointees should have standing from among their own members. They should be men of credibility. The Presidential Council can only be effective if the highest ranking and most influential religious leaders serve in it.”
“I feel that for Government measures to be effective, the people who may or may not own a car or who may or may not be able to buy a car should be made to feel that all Government measures are fair to all. We should also think in terms of those who do not have cars at the moment. If those who do not have cars at the moment should find it necessary to have a car for their work they should be enabled to think that they will be fairly treated under the new system so that they will also have a chance to buy new cars. I support most of the recommendations in the Report of the Committee.”
“But, when bidding takes place under the quota system the same right of PARF for the existing car owners may not seem right and proper. Because the existing owners can still make use of the PARF for every 10 years to change cars even under the quota system, but those who do not own cars at the moment will have to bid, under the quota system, to buy new cars. So this quota system will appear to be unfair to those who are non-car owners or will give the people the impression that the Government is favouring the rich and the car-owners while ignoring the poorer-offs. It is unwise politically. Therefore, when implementing this system we should also consider the feelings of those who do not own a car at the moment. Therefore, the PARF system and the concession given to the existing car owners to change their cars should be treated separately as two categories. While the PARF system is still in use if we allow the present car owners to change to new cars, we should have further consideration. We could consider allowing the present owners a certain limit of time, say, within 2-5 years, to change their old cars with new cars and not allow them unlimited time to change. When the time is up, they should like every body else tender for new cars before they can exchange their old cars. If we think it is too harsh to present car owners, then we could stipulate that these car owners should pay road tax in a different ratio according to the increasing age and usage of their cars, so that this will not cause any complaint of unfairness to future new car buyers who may feel that they have missed the early boat and are bitter.”
“Therefore we should be very careful with this measure. Other measures and ways of improving land transportation, even though may not achieve instant result, but if they are helpful and beneficial to the livelihood of our people, should be made use of first. What I mean is that before reaching the critical stage when it is very necessary for a quota system, we should seek and consider employing other effective means and measures to control the car population and try as much as possible to avoid using this measure of last resort. This then should be the best policy. Mr Peh Chin Hua (Jalan Besar GRC)( In Mandarin): Sir, I support most of the recommendations by the Select Committee on Land Transportation Policy. I welcome the suggestion that the PARF value should reduce in accordance with the increasing age of the cars. In other words, for future cars, the later a car is to be scrapped, its PARF rate will be the more reduced. So this will enable people to change any concept that a car is not a consumer goods but a luxury. I also agree to the quota system as mentioned, I agree to it also because car dealers and car buyers can freely exercise their demand when bidding on a free market which decide the price of the new cars. This will also avoid the dissatisfaction of people about Government's measures increasing road taxes and so on. However, I am rather perturbed about certain suggested concessions in the Report such as given to the present car owners to continue to have the advantage of replacing their old cars with new cars in addition to enjoying the PARF value on their existing cars. The suggestion in the Report allowing PARF value to continue with the existing cars is understandable.”
“I would like to raise the question that before our land transportation has reached a critical and very serious stage, is it necessary for us to use this extreme measure of the last resort? Are there no other measures which can solve the relevant problems? For instance, can we stipulate that only taxpayers who must pay a certain level of tax before they can qualify to buy cars? In other words, we should use the taxpayers's tax paying record to decide whether he can afford to own a car? If the tax amount reflects adversely on his economic capability, there is no reason for him to possess a car. And, also, should we stipulate that everyone should possess only one car? In other words, if owning more than one car is to be considered a luxuty, then we should prohibit a person from owning more than one car. Of course, the electronic road pricing system suggested by the MCI will be a positive and effective method. But more important is that we should change the habit of the public in relaion to the mode of transportation to serve as an alternative? Now that our MRT has come into operation, it is of course a very historic achievement. But many people do not find the MRT convenient to use because there are only two lines. Do our bus route services conveniently serve the residents in all areas? Can our network of roads, be improved further, such as by building more under-passes? Should we encourage people to make more use of bicycles? Should we than build more bicycle tracts and paths for the greater safety of our bicycle-riders? Sir, the quota system is very effective and quick method to curb car growth. Once you announce that it has been enacted into law with immediate effect it will achieve instant result. But it affects the livelihood of the people to a very great extent.”
“Cars are a very important means of transportation when people go to work. But, on the other hand, our land space is limited and usable roads are also limited. We are also concerned that if we do not limit the rapidly increasing number of cars on our roads, maybe one day Singapore will become like Bangkok, Tokyo and London where traffic congestion will result in the paralysis of public transportation system. Therefore, the Government has set up a committee to study the relevant problems and seel a solution before the situation worsens. It is right and proper for the Government to do so. Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not deny that the quota system is a very effective measure to curb the number of cars from increasing, but, it is just like what is described in the field of Chinese martial art as a drastic and deadly move of last resort. Usually the martial art master or kung-fu experts would wait until the very critical moment before he would unleash this fatal move as a last resort, because the move will not only cause a fatal hit to the opponent but also likely to wound those around. As it is a most deadly and fatal measure, it would not be resorted to unless very necessary. The quota system is also like this. Therefore I hope the Government will try other means of curbing the cars first and not try to hurriedly exercise this deadly measure until at the very critical stage as a necessary last resort. Although the quota system may effectively curb the increasing number of cars and solve the problem on the roads, it will affect those who have to use cars for their work, and expecially the younger generation who may want to drive to work in the future. I am worried as mentioned earlier that the system may enhance speculative activities.”
“This will reduce the need for employees to drive their own cars to work. One major reason as to why people own cars is that they need the car to commute between their homes and places of work. Private buses should also be exempted from the ALS. Finally, Sir, the issue of evening ALS. I welcome the recommendation of the Select Committee to shorten the evening ALS by half-an-hour, from 7.00 pm to 6.30 pm. Many residents, students, and those doing business in the restricted zone have been adversely affected. I hope the Government would implement the revised operating hours for the evening ALS immediately. Sir, with those observations, I support the Motion. Mr Chin Harn Tong (Aljunied GRC)( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Report of the Select Committee on Land Transportation Policy since its announcement has aroused a lot of talks and discussions among people of various circles. Car dealers, managers, executive personnel, teachers, workers, hawkers and even housewives have been talking about the relevant questions, particularly about the quota system. From this we can see that it is having great effect on the livelihood of our people. Therefore more is the reason we should deal with this matter carefully and cautiously. More so as from the newspaper reports, we learn that many people are rushing to buy new cars, are available for delivery to them. I am the more worried about this kind of behaviour leading to speculation and to some people attempting to make quick money from this kind of situation. Sir, clothing, feeding, housing and transportation are the four major needs of human life. Singapore's economy is generally progressing favourably. The living standard of our people is also rising. It is very common for people to go by car instead of on foot.”
“The quota system could be structured on a layered basis to reflect affordability and choice in terms of price ranges and engine capacities. The statistics on car population over the last few years should form the basis to work out the multi-tiered quota system. With the tender premium paid under the quota system, the ARF system has to be adjusted. We do not want the prices of cars to be artificially inflated. We want high quality cars to remain an available choice to the motoring public. I wish to emphasise that our objective and focus must be to tackle the problem of transportation and not mix it up with the attempt to use this issue to redistribute income and wealth among the different income groups. May I take this opportunity to ask the Government to review the rate of road taxes paid by motorists? As it is now applied, there is too great a difference, say, having to pay road taxes of a 1600 cc car as against that of a 1601 cc car. The owner of a 1600 cc car pays a road tax of $1,440 a year and that of a 1601 cc car $1,681.05, a difference of $241.05 for that additional one cc. A step up approach would be more equitable. May I now come to the public transport system? For places being served by the MRT, we should encourage as many motorists as possible to travel by the MRT. More car parks ought to be provided near the MRT stations in the outlying districts. Amenities like covered-walkways and bridges making MRT stations accessible and convenient for commuters will attract the motoring public to travel by the MRT. Good feeder services by bus to and from MRT stations at reasonable cost will help reduce the need to travel by cars. The Government can give incentives to companies which organise private bus transport for their staff to and from work.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, at the outset, I think it is very important for Singaporeans and the motoring public to realise and understand that with today's rate of growth in the number of cars on the road, the prices and the costs of maintaining their cars will inevitably have to go up. The Government would under the present system resort to the use of fiscal measures like increases in car registration fees and road taxes to bring the number of additional vehicles down. This method has the disadvantage of hurting all motorists simultaneously when the problem is the addition of new cars on the road. This system of pricing and fiscal measures have given rise to the continuous tax increases over the years. By comparison, the quota system is more effective in controlling the absolute number of cars on the road. It has the advantage of providing for smoother and orderly adjustments in car prices and in the long run, I believe, it is more predictable and stable. The question in everybody's mind is how to make the quota system more equitable, especially to aspiring car owners who have yet to own cars. The manner of phasing in the new quota system has to be carefully worked out. One measure, however, has to be ironed out. I do not think that it is right and proper to give existing car owners the right of replacing their old cars with new ones in perpetuity. The existing car owners should be given notice that over a period of time they too would have to be treated like all other new car owners, though a smaller concession, but not to the extent that is currently applicable. In adopting the quota system as the overall concept, consideration should be given to people with different degree of affordability and the choice to buy cars of different engine capacities.”
“Sir, the Acting Minister for Health mentioned just now about the new generation polyclinics. Presumably they are in the newer housing estates, but the large numbers of senior citizens are mainly in the city areas. Can I have his assurance that the senior citizens located in the city district will not be left out as far as senior citizens health centres are concerned?”
“We owe it to our electorate a full and comprehensive representation of issues before them. With nominated MPs, we can only do a better job of having an informed electorate. We all know too well that good information makes for good decisions. We can raise further the political consciousness and maturity of Singaporeans. I have faith in the Singaporean voters. They are not easily misled. They know what is good for them. They only do not wish to be taken for granted. With the PAP keeping faith with them all the time, it will remain dominant in Parliament. But please provide a voice to keep Government in check with Non-Constituency Members of Parliament and nominated MPs. As the example of Dr Lee Siew-Choh shows, Parliament has certainly benefited from the extra viewpoints being aired and for the Singaporean electorate to ponder and decide. Mr Speaker, Sir, I strongly support the Bill moved by the First Deputy Prime Minister.”
“Are we suggesting that parliamentary democracy is only democracy when we are at loggerheads, taking confrontational stances and always disagreeing with one another? Parliament is the place where legislation and public policies are examined, given a critical review and approved. This being the task of Parliament, would the contributions of nominated MPs make matters any worse? I thought they would add value, a reinforcement of either of the view of the Government or the Opposition. I have listened to my PAP colleagues taking the dissenting view on this issue. I am disturbed. I ask myself: Do their very conduct and actions confirm the very necessity that another voice need to be represented? Though there is liberalness in this Parliament, strictly speaking, in accordance with Party policy and Party discipline, it is improper to take the line against the very political party that one is representing. A seat in Parliament belongs morally to the party and not the person. Increasingly, the Select Committee has been used as a channel for members of the public and by people with specialised contributions to offer their views. Elected MPs who sit in the Select Committees are happy to listen to them and to sieve through the evidence, but are not prepared to allow some selected people, like nominated MPs, to speak directly in Parliament where the influence could be more strongly felt. We all visualize things better in three dimensions. It gives us perspective. The nominated MPs provide the third dimension when legislation and Government policies are debated. Would we not be better off with that extra perspective? Parliament has an educational role to play. Parliamentarians assist in public understanding of current political issues.”
“Sir, some speakers have expressed that the appointment of nominated MPs run counter to the fundamental democratic principles of representation and accountability. The United States President appoints his Ministers who are not elected for executive functions. They are responsible for the day to day government. Does it also run counter to democratic principles? The First Deputy Prime Minister has assured us that the Ministers and office holders would have to come from the ranks of elected Members of Parliament. If it is Parliament that appoints the nominated MPs, how could it be considered that the democratic principles have been compromised? Because Parliament and parliamentarians are elected by the people. It is a fact that the PAP has been the dominant ruling party. It will continue to be so. The majority of Singaporeans have consistently voted for a strong Government. Singaporeans want stability, continuity and prosperity. By recognising this fact in this Parliament and taking steps to inject independent objective and non-partisan views in Parliament, how could this be considered to be a retrogressive step? I am amazed, Mr Speaker, Sir, that there is the concern that because Parliament is dominantly PAP, there is the fear that the nominated MPs will be pro-PAP. Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to use you as an example. You are a PAP Member of Parliament. Are you partisan or non-partisan in your views? I am very sure that nominated MPs will follow your excellent example. We have so very often seen the adversarial posture taken by Opposition parties against the Government. The objective of the Opposition is to damage the reputation of the Government amongst the voters. How could this sort of relationship bring about consensus in Government?”
“I wish to seek assurance from the Minister that caning would be used sparingly and only as a measure of last resort.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, it was unfortunate but it has proven to be correct and effective in providing for caning of illegal immigrants and overstayers when we amended the Immigration Act early this year. What we do in our laws is to institute penalties that are effective and serve as deterrents to potential wrongdoers. But, Sir, the approach in dealing with the employers of illegal workers need not be the same. According to the Straits Times Report of 8th August 1989, 124 employers were convicted and fined a total of $524,650 in the first seven months of this year for employing illegal workers. It seems that no employers have been jailed so far. Until we have tried jailing some employers and see whether it has worked we need not consider caning for the employers just yet. The same graduated approach should be adopted as we have done for the illegal workers and overstayers. We should only consider caning as a last resort and for compelling reasons. What we are interested is to find effective remedies and ways in solving the problem of illegal workers and overstayers in Singapore. Like a good doctor, the prescription given should be appropriate and adequate to the ailment at the time. An overdose is dangerous. It even kills. Singapore aspires to be a middle-class society. We want Singapore to be a gracious nation and our people to be gracious. The trend and direction our legislations take reflect the society we are. As Singapore develops and progresses economically, I hope we are equally progressive in our laws. Other than crimes of violence and socially reprehensible crimes, we ought to reflect in our laws the kind of society that we are and hope to aspire to.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the amendment Bill. Sir, when the Government decides to make the Act a temporary one there are criticisms as to why we allow it to be temporary but the merit of it all is that we are able to review it after a period of time and I think that is the very merit of the "Temporary Provisions" given to this particular Act. And credit is to be given to the Government which is prepared to review this Act from time to time. The crime situation in Singapore has indeed improved. But the question is: should it be the cause for us to reconsider and abolish the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act altogether or is it the effect of the success of these Temporary Provisions that reinforce our thinking that these provisions ought to continue? My assessement of the situation, Sir, is that we have been very fortunate to recover very quickly from the economic recession of 1985. There are jobs aplenty, many of our Singaporeans are gainfully employed. We need time to allow our economy to develop further and that this becomes institutionalized and that this problem of crime in Singapore will be under control. It is my submission that the present pleasant situation has to be allowed to settle and get entrenched in our society. Singaporeans will support this Bill because we believe it is a small price that we have to pay in the interest of the large majority of Singaporeans. Singapore is a safe country. It is this particular feature that we are all proud of and I believe all of us can support this Bill because we desire the continued safety of our country.”
“But then, whatever economic virtues there are for the policy decisions, we ought to weigh fully the socio-economic costs and benefits as well. I propose to the Minister to consider seriously the restricted hours in the evenings, and probably adjust them from 4.30 pm to 6.00 pm.”
“They are the residents returning home from work, shoppers who wish to do their shopping immediately after office hours, parents who wish to fetch their children home from schools, well-to-do children visiting their parents, have a meal with them and then return early to their homes in the suburban districts and motorists who wish to take a shorter route to their destination. The worst hit are residents living within the restricted zone. They are residing there because of historical reasons. Most of them have their roots in the city. In fact, there are already so few residents living in the city area. Questions were raised as to whether we have properly utilized the precious land space in the central business district. Is it a signal that we are discouraging dwellings in the city area or preserving the city area only for the well to do, that the central business district is meant for offices only? I wonder which consideration takes priority in our town planning. What happened to our Vision of Singapore in the year 2000? Will Singapore become a sad tale of two cities? Just imagine if one were to operate a shop within the central business district. How many hours are there left to have an unrestricted flow of customers? There remains only the hours from 10.15 am to 4.30 pm. Where is the time to get business? This would certainly harm the businesses of our retailers and shopkeepers. Make use of taxis to do shopping during the evening restricted hours? I am not sure if there would be that many taxis around. Sir, the rising trend in vehicle population does cause us much concern. And indeed we need to arrest the problem before they become severe.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for allowing me this opportunity to join in the debate. Sir, with regard to the original motion proposed, I sense that it is really a question of semantics with regard to the kind of measures undertaken by the Ministry. I would certainly be of the view that a review is necessary with regard to the measures being taken and indeed I have a preference for Mr Ng Pock Too's wording that it is "onerous". The Government's objective is indeed noble. But I represent the residents of Kampong Glam Constituency. Two-thirds of Kampong Glam is within the restricted zone. There is only one serious difficulty that I have with regard to the measures proposed and that is the Area Licensing Scheme being extended to the evening hours. Earlier, the Minister for National Development has explained quite thoroughly the reason for having to increase the season car park charges. I wonder if much of the debate could have been avoided if the Ministry of National Development has given a thorough explanation of the need to increase the season car park charges and thereby not aggravating the grievances felt by the members of the public. Sir, I submit that the extension of the Area Licensing Scheme to the evening hours would actually affect economic and social activities rather than removing a hindrance, which is the Government's objective. The revised scheme allows the vehicles already in the restricted zone in the morning to leave without additional charge in the evening restricted hours. It punishes the motorists who have to enter the restricted zone in the evenings by having to pay the additional charge. But who are the people who are likely to enter the restricted zone in the evenings?”
“What I would like to urge the Ministry of Labour is to have a quicker response time in granting of work permits to the sector that needed most. I am aware that sometime last year, it was not easy to have the work permits quickly processed. It was done very sparingly and it was only until it was known that the growth was so substantial that work permits were granted more liberally. Sir, the second point is I want to support Mr Goh's point that there appears to be the perception of the local small and medium-sized enterprises that they were less favoured compared to the multi-national companies with the granting of permits and especially in traditional industries that continue to provide value-added jobs and can still yield reasonable returns to our local businessmen. Maybe the Minister would like to respond and make it quite clear that that is not so. Sir, finally, I think that foreign labour is a good buffer in times of a shrinkage or downturn in the economy. But I am concerned whether the Ministry can do something with regard to the retrenchment and redundancies that have taken place in the electronic companies, because we read of electronic companies retrenching workers one day and, not very long after that, again start to recruit workers. I would like to know whether something can be done in that regard.”