Low Yong Nguan
Singapore
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it looks like the Message rate system will not be introduced for some time to come. Sir, I have a few supplementary questions to ask. First, will the Minister consider issuing public bonds by tile S.T.B, to meet part of the development cost?”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, of the two outpatient clinics mentioned by the Minister, I suspect that at least one of them will be demolished within the next few years. If so, can the Minister consider building a clinic on the centre of this area to cater for the residents of the housing estate?”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, can the Minister of State for Education assure us that if the school to he demolished is an aided school, then an aided school will be rebuilt from funds raised from the public? Or will only a Government school be rebuilt to accommodate the students?”
“The point is this. The arrears have been accumulated not because of the fault of the officers, it is due to the delay in the implementation of the consolidation which was recommended some two and a half years ago.”
“No, Sir. NATIONAL SERVICE (Particulars of applications for deferment) 4. Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister of Defence how many applications for deferment of National Service have been received since January, 1971, and how many of them have been (i) approved, and the circumstances for which approval was given; and (ii) rejected.”
“Resolved, That Parliament approves the financial policy of the Government for the financial year 1st April, 1971 to 31st March, 1972. ADJOURNMENT Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn."-[Mr Hon Sui Sen.] Adjourned accordingly at Nine minutes to Eight o'clock p.m.”
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“Only we ourselves can ensure our own chances of survival, and if we fail there will be no one to regret our destruction. Sir, I beg to support the motion moved by the Member for Ulu Pandan. 3.40p.m.”
“Similarly, I call on the Government, through its Ministry of Culture, to enhance the social status of our journalists and writers, They are able, to a great extent, to reflect and bring forward the thinking of our people. We ask them to fulfil their obligations. Therefore, we must also recognise their social status. This is one of our basic tasks in protecting and enhancing the principles and practice of democracy in our country. No one will be naive enough to deny the inevitable return of opposition to this Chamber. But we must annihilate all those who are working for foreign interests and wish to gain ground in cur confusion. We should also not allow anyone to disrupt the unity of our people on the pretext of airing democratic views but with sinister motives. Recently, people of all descriptions have been busily organising political parties. Some pro-labour intellectuals are even airing the view that, as they are uncertain of the political stand of the successors to the present Government, they propose that at some opportune time a new political party should be organised to protect labour interest. All these are adding colour, confusion and complications to the political scene. Come what may, the Government must fearlessly carry out its policies in accordance with the basic interest of our people. In the end, I am sure our people will solidly give their support to those who are working in their interest. This is an era when President Nixon, the leader of a nation proud of its military might, will be visiting China, a country that thrives on the sheer will of her people. In such an era let us keep reminding ourselves that no other country owes it to us that we should survive.”
“We have not provided our youth with the right atmosphere and infrastructure to constructively bring about changes for the better. In their upbringing, as it were, we have only inculcated in them the ability to listen and to follow, and not the ability to question and find out the truth. Are we moving backwards? It is time for us to ponder. Mr Speaker, Sir, quite a few years have passed without any opposition in this House. Obviously, the people will pass judgment on our performance under these circumstances. The surest way to destroy Singapore is to deny the people their rights under a democracy. Our task as loyal Backbenchers is made more than difficult under existing conditions. Luckily, both the Government and we ourselves possess sufficient courage to accept criticism and are willing to make adjustments where necessary in the interest of our people. For example, the recent announcement by the Government to increase the compensation for those affected by resettlement and new measures for tackling the hawkers' problems are laudable. They must not be taken to be electioneering tactics but a demonstration of the Government's will to submit to the wishes of the people, and the Government's profound understanding of the people's difficulties. In the years to come, the Government will have to strengthen its resources in ascertaining the views of the people to ensure that they will be attended to. This will enhance our chances of surviving as a united nation. Reporters and editors of the press must know their obligations to the people under existing circumstances.”
“It is the duty of the Government to lead our youth along the path of righteousness and pro, vide our country with vitality so that our progress can be further enhanced. Let us admit that our young people are no different from others. They are never satisfied with the present realities of life. They ask for changes which may be considered extreme. If they do not have ways of expressing such dissatisfaction, they will develop certain tendencies that might well destroy the establishment. At present, in view of our material prosperity and also because of the overemphasis on materialistic achievements, such youthful desire for changes may not be apparent. However, is not the path taken by the youth in some of the so-called advanced countries an eye-opener to us? This temporary phenomenon, which runs contrary to human nature, will soon come to pass. Our youth will soon wake up. No one has succeeded in suppressing the problems of youth by force or the erosion of their enthusiasm by harmful cultures. This can only exacerbate their resentment. There is nothing wrong with young people being enthusiastic and idealistic. It is precisely because members of our present Government in their young days were prepared to be "action-packed" and willing to fight for their ideals that we have the Singapore of today. Therefore, we have to call on our young people to be prepared to make sacrifices for the cause of high ideals. Then and only then can they contribute and bring us to greater heights of achievements. But just what do we see? Our society is one of glorifying in greater materialistic achievements and of encouraging achievements without regard to the rightness of the means employed to achieve them. There is a lack of ideals and respect for the better side of human life.”
“History has shown that through the "mother-tongue education", we have been able to produce hard-working and proud "sons of Singapore". In our history, the majority of those who fought colonialism and stayed at the front line of industrialisation on the factory floor are the products of the "mother-tongue education". Without them, we would not be here today. The language problem is a sensitive one. When trying to examine the problem, no amount of hysterical outcry will help. Similarly, to clamp down on the discussion of the problem is also unwise as this will only sweep the problem underground temporarily. Both these methods can be exploited by our enemy. Let me take as an example the case of one of our neighbouring countries. They have mismanaged their language problem. At one stage they encouraged open and unreserved discussion. They got into trouble and many people were killed. They then had to stop the discussion by force and ultimately had to impose a constitutional clamp on discussions of such issues. Their mismanagement had caused irreparable damage to their own country! I consider the best way to solve the question is by a concrete and tangible policy and to demonstrate our faith and belief that a multi-racial approach is the only workable solution. We have to be sober and alive to the problem from the long-term point of view and interest. This cannot be a simple problem, otherwise there would not have been so much bloodshed all over the world on such issues. However, it is a problem that will decide our survival and we have to face up to it. I will now turn my attention to the problems of our youth. This is also related to the problems of continuity in our leadership. No government can escape this problem.”
“We have to educate actively our people to preserve and care for our water supplies. Within limits, incentives must be given to those who are exemplary in this respect. I think the Government must work harder. In a multi-racial country like Singapore, anyone who, wittingly or unwittingly, ignores the potential danger of fooling around with the language issue is looking for trouble. Anyone who wants to stir up communal frustration is playing with a time-bomb which, when exploded, will hurt the player first. This will do nobody any good. When an individual or group displays any such tendency, it is the duty of the Government to put a stop to it. The Government has pledged to treat equally all the four languages, religions and races. In the interest of the people, we have to support unreservedly the Government's efforts in this direction. Of course, we also expect the Government to demonstrate, in concrete and tangible form, this policy of equality for all the races, languages and religions. As a Member of the governing party, I call on the Government leaders and those directly connected with us to demonstrate unreservedly their faith in this policy. No one irrespective of his position, must be allowed to be hypocritical about this and make statements contrary to the Government's proclaimed policy. Otherwise we will only increase our enemy's firing power and weaken our own camp. Whether or not we can produce in as short a time as possible a good number of young Singaporeans conversant in two or more than two languages will determine to a large extent our chances of survival as a sovereign country. Of course, we will require the younger generation to receive their education first in their mother tongue and then learn a second, or even a third language.”
“(7) In any anti-pollution measure, we have to stress more on the educational aspects than depend heavily on the enforcement of the law. I believe we will make progress in these fields. Talking of anti-pollution measures reminds me of our water problem. I think we have to try to solve it from three directions, namely, by: (1) increasing our sources of water supply and ensuring that these sources are not polluted; (2) strengthening our water management techniques, and employing up-to-date methods in the case of water management; and (3) educating our citizens on the value of water. Sir, any programme aimed at increasing our sources of water supply is expensive. Very careful consideration must therefore be given to prevent a wrong decision being taken. Most of the scientific methods of water purification and desalination are still in the experimental stage, although much research and progress have been made in this field. I agree we should not attempt to adopt any scheme that has not been tried on an industrial scale elsewhere. We cannot afford to experiment. I hope the P.U.B, has assigned specialists to study the water problems so as not to make any grave mistake. Any mistake we make in this respect will cause us severe financial losses and we may not have the time to make good our losses. On the question of water management, I think we should send some of our younger technicians to the more advanced countries to study and acquire expertise. Water management techniques are progressing at a fast pace. We cannot expect to tackle these problems by staying stagnant. In the interest of our security, and in ensuring that our future generation will have a better chance of survival, we cannot fail.”
“I think we have to look boldly at the problems, and the following are basic guide-lines: (1) We have not reached the stage of some of the more affluent countries. To a certain extent, our people are still preoccupied with the basic requirements of daily subsistence. We have to depend on further economic growth to elevate the standard of living of our people. However, economic progress and the protection of a gracious living environment need not be contradictory if proper policy planning is made of the use of land and the distribution of population. (2) No environmental planning should run contrary to the intellectual requirements of man. We should primarily consider the proper development of interrelations between communities, and between man and his fellowman. (3) No plans that will curtail the full development of individual potential and add undue stress and strain on the individual should be approved without sufficient reasons. (4) We have to emphasise the intangible "social cost" involved in the evaluation of any economic programme. (5) The public must have sufficient say in any plans affecting their living environment. We have to encourage public participation in our planning process and not be solely dependent on the technocrats and experts. For example, urban renewal is meant partly to enhance the living conditions of our people. Therefore, our urban renewal planning should be made to suit the needs of the people. The best way to do this would be constantly to consult and listen to the views of the people. (6) As problems relating to the environment and anti-pollution measures are involved and extensive, we have to rely on the co-operation of the more advanced countries for up-to-date techniques in these fields.”
“Members whose basic political convictions are based on a socialistic outlook and the enhancement of human dignity. At this stage of our development, in order to ensure that our economic growth rate is not impeded, we have to place greater emphasis on the cultivation of sound knowledge and greater skills in our workers and the elevation of the level of their thinking in the interest of the country. We have to ensure that the dignity of every citizen is protected and enhanced, so that with greater determination we can achieve greater gains. This will ensure that both foreign and local investors will have greater faith in us. Coupled with proper governmental planning and guidance, we will then be able to achieve greater heights of prosperity. Since entering politics, our new Minister for Labour has demonstrated without reservation that he is a far-sighted and capable leader. He not only cares for the working-class, but also identifies his interests with theirs. I am sure he will not disappoint the people but will work for greater protection of the workers' right and dignity. As a result of rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, and the improvement in our material well-being, Singapore, like many other countries in the world, is daily faced with imposing environmental problems. I propose that the Government immediately set up a statutory board with sufficient powers to look into and deal with problems associated with urban renewal, land use, planning and pollution. In the past, we have not been able to look more closely at the chain effects which industrial and economic progress has on our environment. In order to achieve a higher growth rate of our GNP, we have not paid enough attention to the more subtle "social cost" involved. This is regrettable indeed.”
“In a progressive society, our immediate task is to afford better and up-to-date facilities for workers to learn and acquire better skills in keeping with the progress in science and technology. This is one sure way of increasing our workers' productivity and contributing to our country's future progress. This will be in the interest of the people as a whole and they can make further and greater contributions. We cannot hope to continue for long to attract foreign investments by providing cheap labour with the blood and sweat of our workers. We have to be proud of our right-thinking workers who are better equipped and skilled in attracting foreign and local investors and in carrying out the task of ensuring our survival. I consider it to be unwise to attach too much emphasis on widening the gap between the rich and the poor as conducive to economic growth. This may be applicable to countries dependent on foreign aid where many economic theorists gain honour for advocating such thinking. Such thinking will inevitably strengthen the roots of a society in which man will exploit man. It advocates that human beings should worry only about material gains and discard the higher ideals of life. It converts society into a gathering place for monsters and walking dead. It denies man the opportunity to develop normal relations with his fellowman, and, in so doing, affords economic aggressors the opportunity to exploit contradictions between men. Finally, it will degrade the poor working-class to the level of labouring tools for the rich, who are only conscious of their ability to work and produce. The end result of their hard work will only enhance the growth of the pyramid of wealth of the rich. I do not think this is agreeable to hon.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we gather once again to examine the past and to plan for the future. In a democracy, Parliament has a solemn duty to the people, as the decisions made in this Chamber will gravely affect their livelihood. For this reason, the Government's decisions and policies must be thrashed out in this Chamber. And as representatives of the people, we have no choice but to carry out this duty without being affected by personal considerations. A fundamental question that we must ask is: for whom are we planning and working, and in whose interest are we asking the people to work harder and make sacrifices? The answer to this question will spell out our basic political beliefs and objectives. We must work for the creation of a fairer and more equal society for all, and not just for any minority group. This will guide us in our work. First of all, let me thank the Government for assuring us that, as soon as we can ascertain and overcome the overall effects of the British military withdrawal, we will rethink and adjust our existing wage policy. I hope and believe that this is not an electioneering tactic, but a clear-cut acknowledgment of our workers' contribution to our country's economic growth. In the past, our workers have worked hard, accepted stricter discipline and contributed much to our nation's economic progress. Foreign and local investors have obtained good returns for their investments. It is now time for us to consider rewarding our workers. We have to make a rethink of our policy to ensure that we are able to distribute the fruits of our progress more fairly and equally. This does not mean that our people, especially those in the front line of the "battle" - our workers - can now relax. Far from it. We have to work harder to get better results.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, of the two outpatient clinics mentioned by the Minister, I suspect that at least one of them will be demolished within the next few years. If so, can the Minister consider building a clinic on the centre of this area to cater for the residents of the housing estate?”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, can the Minister of State for Education assure us that if the school to he demolished is an aided school, then an aided school will be rebuilt from funds raised from the public? Or will only a Government school be rebuilt to accommodate the students?”
“I am satisfied with the answers to the last two questions. Sir, but perhaps the Minister has missed my first question. It is whether either his Ministry or the S.T.B. will consider issuing public bonds to meet part of the development cost.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it looks like the Message rate system will not be introduced for some time to come. Sir, I have a few supplementary questions to ask. First, will the Minister consider issuing public bonds by tile S.T.B, to meet part of the development cost? Second, will the Minister let the I-louse know whether tile new rates are final and that there are no grounds for further negotiation, or will he consult business organisations before finalising tile rates? Lastly, has his Ministry done any evaluation on the new rates and, if so, how do they compare with the charges under the Message late system as practised, say, in a country like Malaysia?”
“No, Sir. NATIONAL SERVICE (Particulars of applications for deferment) 4. Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister of Defence how many applications for deferment of National Service have been received since January, 1971, and how many of them have been (i) approved, and the circumstances for which approval was given; and (ii) rejected.”
“If the P.U.B, had been more efficient in getting the correct views, Sir, ---”
“There should have been no backdating, Sir.”
“The point is this. The arrears have been accumulated not because of the fault of the officers, it is due to the delay in the implementation of the consolidation which was recommended some two and a half years ago. Therefore, how can the P.U.B, justify its action in adding interest to the arrears which should have been paid long ago if they had been more efficient in their consolidation exercise?”
“Sir, in the case of officers opting to pay their arrears to the Municipal Provident Fund in instalments, can the Minister let us know whether interest has been added for paying such arrears in instalments?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, will the Minister inform the House whether there has been consultation with the relevant professional bodies in the drafting of regulations before such a draft is finally accepted?”
“Resolved, That Parliament approves the financial policy of the Government for the financial year 1st April, 1971 to 31st March, 1972. ADJOURNMENT Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn."-[Mr Hon Sui Sen.] Adjourned accordingly at Nine minutes to Eight o'clock p.m. ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE OF SINGAPORE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1971, TO 31ST MARCH, 1972 (PAPER CMD. 3 OF 1971) (Cols 767-770)”
“This is merely a symptom of the shortage of private housing which has been created by the presence of large numbers of people who find Singapore attractive as a base for their drilling operations in this region. This phenomenon may be only temporary. At the same time, I recognise that even if it is temporary, some hardship is caused to the middle income group who find the purchase of even a semi-detached unit beyond their means. With an increase in the housing loan which Government might make to civil servants, I think it would be very difficult for them to pay for a $60,000 unit. I therefore consider that the solution really is in the suggestion which one Member has made, i.e., that the Housing and Development Board should build flats or units for sale to the middle income group. I believe that the present eligibility is limited to a total family income of $1,200, and that the Member's suggestion is to increase it to $1,700. Of course, we will consider it, but for the time being I think $1,500 is an adequate cut-off point. In fact, I believe that consideration is already being given to raising the limit to $1,500. Mr Speaker, Sir, I think that deals with the main points raised by Members in the House. The final point which was made was that all these developments, the growth rate and so on, are really intended for the people of Singapore. Of course, I endorse the feeling that the whole purpose of economic development is to provide a higher standard of living for the people of Singapore, and that the creation of a more just and equal society is the real reason why we believe in the economic development of Singapore. Question put, and agreed to.”
“I have said elsewhere that in many cases in the past, in Japan, for example, at the time of the Tokyo Olympics and Expo `70, it was suggested that there was over-investment in the tourist industry. It was also said in connection with investment of hotels in Bangkok and Hong Kong. If you went to Hong Kong, Tokyo or Bangkok, you would have some problem in finding hotel accommodation in these areas. I myself do not consider that from the Government point of view there has been any over-investment in the industry. The availability of accommodation sometimes stimulates the hotel entrepreneur to get more business for Singapore, and from the point of view of the Minister for Finance, this is certainly very desirable. In individual cases of hotel investment, some entrepreneurs might find that their particular hotel is in a district which is not very popular. In those cases, the over-investment is very obvious. In other areas, in spite of the number of hotels that have been built, there may still be a need for further investment. A further point which has been made is the effect of urban renewal, the problems created by it, and the cost of shop-houses in the areas which have been rebuilt. There was also some criticism of the construction industry, the increased cost of building, and the price of flats, even those built by the Housing Board. Mention was made of the increased price of the Housing Board flats in Kallang. I think I went into this matter in some detail in my budget statement on the construction costs. There is no question that construction costs have risen. There is also no question that the prices which are now being asked for by private housing developers are much higher than what they were even two or three years ago.”
“Can I clarify, Mr Speaker? I think the impression must have been carried by the interpreter. Definitely I have not made such an implication. I only said adequate encouragement should be given in proportion to the amount of encouragement given to foreign investments. I have not queried the Government's attitude on this. Mr Hon Sui Sen: All right. Since the Member for Crawford has clarified this, I hope that my statement will be of some use to any hesitating local entrepreneurs. In some respects, the assistance we are prepared to give would be in the nature of assisting local industries to produce more local entrepreneurs. Even on that basis, we would be prepared to go beyond what we might be prepared to go with the foreign industries. We would consider this as part of the process of the education of local entrepreneurs. I will now deal with the question of tourism. The Member for Whampoa raised a number of questions. He questioned whether the amount of money which we are going to spend on tourism was really justifiable. There was another Member who asked about the over-investment which he read in the press. The estimate which has been made on tourism is that there would be one million visitors in 1975, so that in our development of Sentosa and other tourist infrastructure, we have taken this into account. I stressed in my budget statement that, as the amount we would spend on Sentosa would be very large, we would make a very careful assessment of the viability of the projects and ensure for ourselves that there would be an adequate return on the capital which will be spent. I do not think I need go beyond this statement. As far as over-investment in the tourist industry is concerned, I think this is a very difficult question.”
“Given proper supervision and time to our present Government and with the established spirit of PAP leadership courageously wiping out all the opportunists in Singapore at all levels, there is no reason why we cannot succeed. 3.04 p.m.”
“Through education in the mother tongue, we have been able to bring up a generation of patriotic and hard-working industrial workers who are responsible for the happiness and well-being of our country. Their contribution to our country is too great to be denied. If anybody tries to deny this, it will be a great insult to our republic. Mr Speaker, Sir, Singapore is a young country. Our youths are a source of great strength. We must spare no effort to tap this source. However, history shows that any society of people who only care to enjoy life and nothing else will, in the end, become a soulless one and collapse. More than a decade ago the People's Action Party was able to provide our youth with the right objective in life - to contribute towards nation building. The situation today is quite different from that in the past. Our Government must not forget to guide our youths along the proper path to understand and cultivate the right attitude in life, and to inculcate in them the correct ideals about a new life and not ask them to be docile fancy fish. I feel it is most regrettable that the Government has mentioned nothing about this aspect. It must give active consideration to the problems of youths in Singapore. Mr Speaker, Sir, the people in this region may be classified into two groups -- the forward-looking modernisers and the backward traditionalists. I believe that we today belong to the first category, and we want to be treated as such. We have to be prepared, within the shortest possible time, for the worst situation that may occur. Our economic policy must be geared along these lines. Our success depends on our ability to bring about a more just and more fair society for the majority of our people, and not work on statistics alone.”
“As we believe in multi-racialism, our reaction to such development must be rational and be based on our accepted principles of multi-racialism. I hope our people, particularly the press, will avoid being dragged into expressing some kind of chauvinistic feelings. Certain of our local newspapers have a tendency to whip up chauvinistic feelings, perhaps unwittingly or for business reasons. I do not want to over-stress this point. It will be dangerous. Sir, I am not very optimistic about the development of our relationship with neighbouring countries. In fact, I can see that some dark clouds are already looming over the distant horizon. Mr Speaker, Sir, our Government is a socialist government. The interests of the workers must be protected. I welcome the Government's intention to strengthen the Factory Inspectorate in order to promote the safety of the workers. In fact, this should have been done long ago. The Chief Inspector of Factories has been able to work under the most unfavourable and strenuous conditions in the past and we should give him the commendation that is due. Talking about industrial safety brings me to another matter. When we relate the story of our industrialisation success, we must not forget to pay a tribute to the workers at the workshop level, because without their sacrifices and their efforts, we will not have attained our present position. I have some rough statistics to prove that those who are standing in the forefront of industrialisation come mainly from those educated in their own mother tongue. This is a great tribute that we must pay to education in the mother tongue.”
“I do not agree with this view. I was born and brought up in Singapore. If Singapore fails, I have no other place to turn to. So nobody can accuse me of speaking for Peking. I may not endorse the policies that are being implemented in that country. At the same time, I do not believe that China will come to the assistance of Singapore simply because it is largely populated with people of Chinese origin when we get into difficulties, unless China can benefit from such assistance given. My point is that after years of hard struggle, China will now assert her rights in the international arena and discharge her obligations as a great power and look after her own interests and strengthen her influence in this region. We cannot overlook this important foreign factor. We must take the initiative and make preparations for any future possible development. Mr Speaker, Sir, another extraneous political factor which deserves our attention is the co-operation we must have with our neighbouring countries. At the present stage, we hope to promote co-operation with our neighbours through regional mutual benefit schemes. But have the principles and objectives of this co-operation been defined? Are they mutually acceptable to both? We must not forget that any political development in the peninsula to the north of us will definitely affect our small island state. Have we honestly sought for opportunities for co-operation with our neighbour on a mutually acceptable basis and tried to sink our differences while maintaining concord and come to some kind of co-operative arrangements which are mutually beneficial for our two peoples? Sir, we also cannot overlook the development of racial politics in the neighbouring countries which will have a certain reaction from us.”
“Those scholars and experts who sit in air-conditioned rooms and talk about the hot weather and the plight of the hungry people outside must leave their air-conditioned rooms if they wish to understand our local conditions and get the views of the people at grass-root level before they can make any proposals or plans worthy of consideration. Sir, when I started speaking I mentioned the great effect of extraneous factors on us. I would like to come back to this subject. The Minister for Finance has also concurred on this point. He has particularly emphasised the potential influence of Japan as an industrial power on the economic development of this region. He shows very good understanding in this connection. But no word has been mentioned about another great power in Asia - I refer to the People's Republic of China. Of course, the People's Republic of China, with her great land and human resources, will have to discharge her political and military obligations as a super power in the international arena. Sir, I have in this House requested the Government to reappraise and readjust the relations that we have with China, and I would like to urge the Government again to initiate positive and correct steps towards this end. There is no denying that China's joining the United Nations depends on whether she will get any benefit from such a move. Nobody can stop China from expanding her influence in South-east Asia. If our policy runs contrary to this inevitable trend, then it will be of no benefit to us. China may become a great market for the primary produce of this region. This will be of benefit to Singapore. Many people may feel that it would be unwise for us to be too friendly with China because the majority of the population here are of Chinese origin.”
“If we do so, we will not be accused of neglecting them and favouring the richer developers many of whom are foreign capitalists. Sir, a certain trade organisation has expressed its willingness to participate in such a development scheme. But a year or more has elapsed and there has been no answer from the Government to the proposal. If I compare the treatment given to local people and that given to an American electronics company which has been given all the facilities required in the setting up of the industry within six weeks, I feel hurt and ashamed of the "efficiency" of the Government. There are two possible explanations for this. One explanation is that we are totally uninterested in the investment of local capital and will not give it any encouragement. The other explanation is that we are over-interested in foreign capital which is interested in us because we can provide it with cheap labour. We are afraid that if we do not welcome foreign investors enthusiastically, they will hesitate to come here. I do not think it is the intended policy of our intelligent and honourable Minister for Law and National Development. But I do not appreciate the doings of some experts in his Ministry. Sir, talking about experts brings me to another thought about the trend in our midst in recent years. Many people have faith in these experts as though they can provide them with all the panaceas in the world. I would remind those concerned that only those who are really aware of the basic requirements of life of our people are fit to propose plans for reform.”
“, a scheme or a policy may be very good in principle, but when it is executed, because the so-called experts in charge of the scheme are unaware of the local conditions and have not taken local factors into account, the actual result is far from ideal or as expected. It is not too late for us to take remedial action in respect of future schemes and in their execution. We must construct buildings which are in keeping with the requirements of the local people. In this respect, Sir, I am sure the Citizens' Consultative Committee in each constituency will be able to contribute their views to assist the experts. Another aspect about urban renewal is the sale of land and the identity of the investors. On this point, my former Parliamentary colleague, Mr Lee Teck Him, made some worthwhile contributions in last year's debate. According to present plans, we sell plots of land by open tenders and we provide the best opportunities and facilities for the rich developers to develop the land. But the small businessmen affected by clearance exercises in urban renewal do not get any concessions or preference. I feel this is most unwise. Many of the small and medium businessmen affected by urban renewal in fact are in a position to pool their resources and participate in urban renewal projects. I know of such a plan and of people not only in my own constituency but also in two other constituencies with such plans. No doubt, when they pool their resources, they are able to provide a sizable amount of local capital for development purposes. We should support such schemes to invest local capital in the development of our country and should also be of help to them.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not deny that the promotion of tourism is important to our economic growth. But I think we have many other better ways of doing it, such as the establishment of bird parks and large zoos, and the publicising of our multi-cultural and multi-religious features, and many other aspects of local life which will help make tourism a success. We have indeed a lot to learn from more advanced countries like Japan and Taiwan. I would like to turn now to the Minister's remarks on urban renewal. My constituency is the first to be affected by urban renewal. In this respect, the people in my constituency have made considerable sacrifices for national construction. But does the Palembang Housing Estate - a new housing estate in my constituency - meet the objectives behind the urban renewal scheme? If a survey is made amongst the flat dwellers and the traders there, they will say that this housing estate is far from satisfactory. They complain of inconvenience in traffic and poor designs of the flats, as a result of which tourists are not attracted there. Because of this, business is very poor in this area. Mind you, Sir, these businessmen have to pay many times the rent that they used to pay before urban renewal. The people living there find it rather inconvenient and, particularly in times of emergency, even police vehicles and ambulances find it difficult to go in and out of the estate. Is this not contrary to the expectations that we envisage in the renewal plan? Sir, we have to draw a lesson from this experience, i.e.”
“I would like to give yet another example. Jurong Shipyard Limited, a joint venture between Japanese and local capital, and its sister company, Jurong Shipbuilders Limited - now under construction - are dependent upon extensive local supporting industries to be successful. Recently new enterprises have been formed to provide con sultative and construction services to the setting up of new industries, which also need extensive supporting industries. So we should utilise every opportunity to utilise local capital to develop such supporting industries. In this way we will be able to increase employment opportunities and upgrade our technological skill level. I would like to express the hope that the Government's planning and efforts to train industrial, technical, managerial and other personnel will meet with the success that they deserve in order to fulfil the needs of our industries. The Minister for Finance has also made reference to tourism. It is a sad thing to see that the Tourist Promotion Board, which has been charged with the duty of promoting tourism, has seen fit to send overseas as a publicity move some temple mediums who actually represent a backward and superstitious era. Recently the Tourist Promotion Board has even thought of erecting some kind of wax museum to commemorate the historical events of the shameful deeds and atrocities of the Japanese militarists in Singapore. If members of the Tourist Promotion Board are not capable of better ideas than this or of bringing about a better publicity campaign, they will have to face the condemnation of the people and do a lot of explanation. I hope the Government will unreservedly turn down all these kinds of publicity stunts and proposals which are an insult to the dignity of our people.”
“The more international consortiums we can attract into our country, the greater will be our ability to create employment opportunities, develop higher technology and promote economic growth. We will be able to develop our potential to attract even more investors so as to make Singapore the investors' paradise. They come here not for sentimental reasons. Furthermore, in their own interest, they will ensure that we are safe and continue to maintain this stability so as to ensure that their investments are safe and have good prospects. I would, however, remind the Government not to overlook the support and assistance to be given to local capital. I feel there is a great deal of capital which can be tapped locally. Many locally financed industries have, in fact, been very successful in recent years. I would like to give one example. The Far East Shipbuilding Industries in Jurong is a business enterprise financed solely by local capital, which has recently entered into an agreement with an American company for technical co-operation. This shipyard has been able to win multi-million dollar contracts for shipbuilding projects. The Government has the duty to assist this kind of local entrepreneurs with ability and foresight in the industrial field, because the moment other countries are able to offer foreign investors better terms, they will not remain in Singapore for sentimental reasons. They do not owe us a living. Therefore, in the circumstances, it will be short-sighted to ignore the exploitation and development of the potential of local capital. In my view, the assistance which must be given to local capital and the attraction of foreign capital into Singapore are complementary to each other. There is nothing inconsistent about that.”
“The Minister for Finance says that in recent years the prices of commodities in our country have been quite stable and that there has been no appreciable increase in the cost of living. Sir, I cannot agree with him on this. As a matter of fact, at the very moment when this budget is being presented to this House, there are moves to standardise or adjust commodity prices for various reasons. These so-called price standardisation and adjustments are nothing more than pronounced price increases. Unless we adopt the attitude of an ostrich, I say that the so-called stabilised prices are not borne out by facts. I hope the Government will look into this matter and not avoid it and shirk its responsibility, because this matter concerns the livelihood of the people in the street. They cannot remain indifferent. The present trend in price increases should be checked and proper attention should be given to it by the Government. Mr Speaker, Sir, the budget for this year is more or less similar to that of last year and the following points have been stressed. First, the creation of a favourable climate to attract foreign investments. Secondly, the establishment of a sound infrastructure for an industrialised state. Thirdly, the training of much needed personnel, particularly middle level technical and managerial personnel for our industrialisation. Fourthly, the promotion of tourism as well as urban renewal and other development plans. On the face of it, there is nothing wrong with all these measures. For example, the creation of a favourable investment climate is conducive to our economic development and security.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, first of all, I wish to thank the new Minister for Finance because in his first budget presented to this House, there is no increase in the rates of taxation nor are there any new taxes to be imposed. However, this does not mean that I fully endorse the measures implemented in the last financial year and those to be implemented in the new financial year. On the contrary, I would like to take this opportunity to express my views on certain matters which are not altogether on all fours with those of the Government. Mr Speaker, Sir, as a small nation, Singapore is subject to the influence of many extraneous factors which are beyond our control. These factors often affect the decisions that we have to make. The political and economic developments in our neighbouring countries will always have a certain bearing and reaction in our country. Therefore, whatever we decide and do, we must not overlook all these extraneous factors. To do otherwise would be most unwise on our part. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister for Finance has resorted to a mass of statistics to show how satisfactory our economic growth has been over recent years. I am not an economist, nor am I prepared to degrade myself into becoming a theorist and, in an air-conditioned room, talk about the poverty outside. My view is that all this talk of economic growth and progress will be entirely meaningless if they do not bring real benefits and a better life for the general public and ensure a more equitable distribution of wealth. If our progress and economic growth bring benefits only to a small group of people and make the few who are rich richer, that will generate social discontent and lead to a latent crisis.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, before I ask my supplementary questions, I would like to point out that I do not shout empty slogans. I believe in the students' right to higher education, and I believe in what I am saying. I would like the Minister to clarify a few questions. Firstly, in view of so much talk about the political stability that is existing in our country, are the grounds enunciated by the Minister and on which we base the whole question of Certificates of Suitability still valid? Secondly, we have just been informed by the Minister that seven applications were rejected. Although the Minister has said that breakdown figures by institutions are not kept, may I know whether the seven rejected cases were citizens or non-citizens, and can the Minister say for which institution of higher learning these cases applied? Thirdly, the Minister has made mention of the minimum qualifications for entry into an institution of higher learning. With such licensing of right to enter an institution, I wonder whether it is also one of the qualifications to be found suitable by the licensing authority, apart from the required academic qualifications?”
“Sir, I would like to ask the Minister to make a clear-cut statement in this connection. Since we recognise the People's Republic of China as the only logical representative of China in the United Nations, is he of the view that the People's Republic of China is the only government which can represent the Chinese people in the United Nations? Maybe as the Minister for Foreign Affairs he finds it very difficult to make a clear-cut statement, but I would like to ask him to do so. The second question is this: since our independence, have we established any official trade links, directly or indirectly, with the People's Republic of China?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, a further supplementary question. The Foreign Minister has said that trade and diplomatic recognition are two separate matters. But I would like to know this. We have trade contacts with the Taiwan Government in the five years since we became independent. But have we any trade contacts officially with the People's Republic of China? The second point I would like the Foreign Minister to clarify is this. In the United Nations, do we adopt the attitude that, as a tactical measure, we avoid facing the important question of recognition of the People's Republic of China's right of representation? If we do, I cannot agree with this attitude.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, I have two supplementary questions to raise. First, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has said that basically the attitude of the People's Republic of China towards us has not changed. But if we continue to do things like letting the Taiwan Government's trade representatives conduct their business in Singapore, how can we expect the People's Republic of China to change its attitude towards us? Second, what kind of attitude will our representatives in the United Nations adopt towards the question of admission of the People's Republic of China?”
“He said that the penalties for certain people who infringed the provisions of the Bill should be increased. Legislation has been made to increase the penalties to deal with offenders, Of course, I do not deny the necessity for penalties. But what I would like to say is that, although it might be necessary to legislate in order to provide for penalties, legislation to penalise the offenders of the law should be such as to aim at helping them to distinguish between right and wrong so that they will be able to do the right thing in the future. Mr Speaker, Sir, allow me, finally, to quote something which was said in the press recently. We, as legislators and as Members of Parliament, are not like Tse Ker Liang, a sage in ancient Chinese history, and, at the same time, the people are not simpletons. Our legislation should always aim at safeguarding society, and not only the interest of a certain group of people. Since this group of people is given the protection of the law, it is their bounden duty to contribute their services towards the people. Otherwise, when finally the people deliver their judgment on us, we will have been marked as failures. Mr Barker: Sir, I have nothing further to add except to thank the Member for Crawford for his contribution in the Select Committee and his support. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Third time and passed. ADJOURNMENT Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn to a date to be fixed." - [Mr Barker]. Adjourned accordingly at Four o'clock p.m. to a date to be fixed.”
“I think you will agree with me, Mr Speaker, Sir, that there are many professional people in our country who in the past have paid too much attention to their own occupations and neglected the demands and the requirements of the general masses. At the same time, some of them have also forgotten the general interest of the country. They only look after their own interest and the salvation of their own existence. They form a retarding force in our society. If we do not take steps to remedy this situation, we will be disappointing our people. Let professional engineers take this Bill as a beginning, and rectify this situation by earnestly discharging their responsibilities towards the people. They will understand that in the new society they have certain obligations towards the people. This should be the basis and correct emphasis of the Bill. The Select Committee benefited from the various views expressed in the representations. It received representations from professional bodies, individuals and members of the public. This showed that they were interested and had faith in our system. I believe that the Professional Engineers Board to be set up under the Bill will not have an easy task, for example, in the investigation into the qualifications of professional engineers and classifying them. I hope the members of the Board will be able to carry out the provisions of the Bill smoothly and efficiently, though their task is difficult. I hope they will also take into consideration the representations which were made to the Select Committee in the course of their work. I am sure their duties are not easy but I trust that with extra care they will be successful in their task. I remember a professional engineer expressed certain views on the Bill.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister for Law and National Development has just moved the Third Reading of the Bill. I will now avail myself of this opportunity to express my support of it, looking at it from a slightly different angle. My views on this Bill are applicable also to Bills of a similar nature. This Bill, when it is passed by Parliament, will have certain safeguards for professional engineers in the execution of their professional duties. Their social status will be enhanced. I feel that in this respect we are ahead of many other countries. However, I hope those of us who are in the engineering profession will not just look to the legal protection and neglect their obligation to our people. I would say the aim of the Bill is not just to enhance the position of a certain group of people in our society by having their interests protected by law, but it should also enable the engineers to understand their obligations and duties to our society and their part in nation building. They have an obligation towards the people in assisting to bring prosperity to the country in the coming years. We are a democratic society, and anybody who wants to enjoy the protection of his rights and interests should also take upon himself the responsibilities and duties towards society. In this respect, professional engineers are not an exception. We have expressed this basic principle in introducing this Bill, I hope that after it is passed. It will be able to bring about a better spiritual liberation and a liberation of their minds so that in their own way they may also make their contribution towards the livelihood of our people.”
“With due respect to the Minister, firstly, I hope he is not doubting my sincerity as a Member of Parliament, because, if he does, Mr Speaker, Sir, I will of course take strong objection to it. Secondly, I hope he will refrain from making a closer examination of my activities in the Crawford Community Centre of which I am very proud.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, I believe that the Member for Sembawang will not deny that he has said that in the last few years we have had a lot of cultural activities. What I said was that if our cultural activities are reflected in what we see on T.V., then I deny that this is what we should have for our cultural activities. I cannot agree with the statement that this represents the cultural life of our people. In fact, this should not represent the cultural activities of our people.”
“They should organise themselves and I am sure some of them have already done so. In this way, they can consolidate and strengthen their position, exert an influence on our society, and strengthen the democratic forces of our people. Mr Speaker, Sir, scholars and writers are important people. I am sure the Minister for Culture will do his best to cater for the aspirations of our scholars and writers. I hope he will do something for them so that they can take their rightful place in society, and to thank them for carrying out their sacred duty.”
“In one case, there was a local singer or singing star and he cut a love song record. High officials in the Ministry of Culture gave a press conference for him. On the other hand, Mr Speaker, Sir, a well recognised, very capable and intelligent writer had to run around looking for advertisements so as to publish his works and make a cultural contribution to society. This writer is not given his rightful place in our democratic and progressive society. Mr Speaker, history has witnessed the rise and fall of great powers and writers were responsible for the fall of some regimes. Are we going to create an environment of discontent among our writers? I want the Minister to take immediate steps to raise the social status of our writers. I have two suggestions to make. I will not say that they will completely solve our problem, but at least I hope our acting Minister for Culture will consider them carefully. I am sure he can, with his experience and expertise, come up with better suggestions. One of my suggestions is the granting of honours to people of distinction in cultural fields. We have all sorts of awards, for example, the Public Service Award, the Sportsman of the Year Award and various other kinds of awards. But what are we going to do to raise the social status of our cultural workers and writers? Are we going to do nothing, to leave them out of all these? We should give them some sort of award too. My second suggestion is that the Ministry should set up a publication bureau to help local writers publish their works. This will also help us in our task of nation building. Of course, I cannot shift everything on to the shoulders of the Government. I feel that writers themselves must also bear some share of this responsibility.”
“We will begin to disregard the fundamental principles of righteousness. Mr Speaker, Sir, the time has come for a change. I would like to ask the Minister for Culture what he has prepared for the new environment for Singapore. What sort of adjustment has he made to our cultural policy? I would also like to know whether the Ministry of Culture has any new set of objectives in giving our people a new and richer spiritual life, and what adjustments it has made since last May in cultivating right attitudes towards our neighbours amongst our people. I hope the Minister will pay a great deal more attention to these matters, because we cannot afford to make mistakes, to go wrong. I hope he will be able to correct any past mistakes because we cannot afford to go wrong. I am sure our acting Minister for Culture who, in the last ten years or more, has worked closely with our people and has actively tried to understand their aspirations, will not himself be affected by the new style in our political arena. I am sure he understands it better than I do. I hope he can express our cultural policy better and achieve better results, because I believe that, going on his past history, he will not do anything wrong to the people. He will not let them down. He will not do anything to please the new style or the new fashion in our culture. He will only do what he absolutely believes to be true. I would also like to touch upon the environment of our writers. Writers in any progressive society have their status. In Singapore we believe in a progressive and democratic policy. Writers should have their rightful place in our society, but the fact is that this is not so. Let me draw a comparison. Whether a person is just a singer or a singing star, he is still a person who sings.”
“No. If these programmes represent the set of values that the Ministry of Culture can promote, then I am afraid the Minister for Culture has done the people a great wrong. I remember the former Minister for Culture, who is now the Minister for Foreign Affairs, said in 1960, "Man is a product of his culture. Whether one is a Chinese, Malay, Jew or American is largely the result of cultural conditioning." Mr Speaker, Sir, after all these 10 years, what sort of cultural environment have we given to the people of Singapore? How are we going to create the sort of environment that a Singaporean should have? Of course, the Acting Minister for Culture can say that we cannot suppress whatever the people would like to have, such as the new style of soul dances. But if we just allow things of this sort to continue, and if the Government can only give our people this, then we have wasted all the efforts made over the past 10 years. We have prolonged this unhealthy life of the people for 10 years. 3.45 p.m. Before and during the time when we were in Malaysia, the Ministry of Culture did a lot of useful things in promoting some of our political tasks. Very often Government departments paid too much attention to politics and, as a result, they neglected their other duties. Mr Speaker, Sir, I am ashamed that very often I hear my friends describe the people of Singapore as being too materialistic. If we continue like this, we will become soulless animals. What we hear and talk about is materialistic achievements. For example, how to climb up and struggle for greater materialistic success. If we just concentrate on materialistic pursuits, we will gradually and slowly lose the ability to discriminate between right and wrong.”