L. P. Rodrigo
Singapore
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would just ask the Minister whether in the implementation of this law there would arise a situation where a blood test is required but it is not available under the circumstances, and in such a situation should the person concerned be unable at the particular time to produce the required urine, would that constitute a j…”
“On the question of education policies and their implementation, teacher unions cannot afford to posturise or compromise to achieve administrative convenience at the risk of a deterioration in the content of education. Principals of primary schools had their post allowances withdrawn.”
“All our constituents need one badly, and although requests have been put forward by some of my colleagues, including the Minister of State for Labour, who is the MP for Upper Serangoon constituency, we have so far received no response.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head R be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AAA 1004*. (* The same amendment also stood in the names of Messrs Hwang Soo Jin and P.”
“Sir, one of the hazards of being on good terms with the Member for Katong is that in allowing him to speak ahead of you on a head of expenditure such as this, you find that there is not much else to say. I quite realise that in a debate, repetition is inevitable.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head M be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AAA 1003*. (* The same amendment also stood in the names of Messrs Ho See Beng and P.”
The complete record
Every one of 287 lines we hold for L. P. Rodrigo, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 6.
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am joining this debate to add emphasis to the need, I think, to assist this group of workers who are increasing in numbers, and some of them reside in my constituency. This group of workers, in my view, comprises professional and commercial workers who make an important contribution in the field of manpower to the country. Caught as they are in this difficulty, they will be that much less motivated and I think it is important, as suggested by Members across, that Government at this juncture should come in to assist this group of workers. If they receive assistance at this point of the phenomenal increase in the cost of living, they will at least get the chance to own a home even if they have to stretch themselves financially. Our wealth, I think, Sir, lies mainly in a motivated manpower, and it is in our interest to keep this group of workers motivated in order that they may continue to make a significant contribution to the country.”
“Sir, I certainly welcome the Minister's suggestion, and I beg leave to withdraw my amendment in view of the Minister's reply. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $1,724,660 for Head BC ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. Head CA --”
“It is a pity if the indications are that this opportunity is going to be stifled on the one hand by a large number of advertisements in the pages of the newspaper which reports proceedings in Parliament, and on the other by what I think is an excessively disproportionate reporting of the Government in its pages. I feel that there is one whole year for Government policies to be reported quite adequately, whereas there is only one Budget session in a year when the views of Backbenchers on aspects of Government policies may be reported.”
“Apart from the fact that Parliament votes monies directly to departments in Ministries and indirectly to statutory bodies through contributions and loans, I think the convenient availability of such reports in the Parliament Library would assist Members in making a thorough examination of Main Estimates during Budget sessions. The other matter that I wish to touch on is not actually for the purpose of securing an answer from the Minister. It is rather for the purpose of securing an effect in the nature of reporting of proceedings in Parliament by the daily newspaper in the English language. Examination of Main and Development Estimates for the new fiscal year takes place only once a year during Budget, and Backbenchers regard this as an opportunity to express the views of the constituents and their own views upon aspects of Government policy. It is natural, therefore, that Backbenchers expect their views and criticism of Government policies to appear in an English language daily newspaper that is reporting proceedings in Parliament. However, it is my view that there does not appear to be an indication that there will be fair and sufficient reporting of proceedings in Parliament. I am concerned that Backbenchers receive adequate reporting in the English language newspaper daily, at least in the few days to come when the Main and Development Estimates are debated in Parliament. Backbenchers, in the Budget sessions taken once a year, certainly hope to show the people that they can carry the people's views and arguments to Government through Parliament.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head BC in respect of the Main Estimates be reduced by $100. Sir, the point of this amendment is to seek clarification on the question of production of annual reports by statutory bodies constituting a group on the one hand and departments of the Ministries making up a group on the other. I am aware, Sir, that in the case of statutory bodies, such as the Port of Singapore Authority, and so on, such bodies which are established by statutes have incorporated in the statutes provisions which require the compilation of annual reports and the submission of these reports to the relevant Ministers and subsequently to Parliament. However, not all Acts incorporate such provisions. There are some Acts establishing certain statutory bodies which have, for some reason or other, omitted such provisions, and therefore these statutory bodies are not compiling annual reports nor are they submitting such reports to Parliament. Of the other group comprising departments in the Ministries, these departments, I would presume, would be directed by a proper authority in so far as the compilation and submission of reports are concerned. Of about 60 departments in the various ministries from which reports may be expected, only 23 are producing reports at the moment. And of the 23 reports, 18 finally arrived at Parliament and subsequently circulated to Members. Sir, I seek the compulsory production of these reports both by the statutory bodies and departments in the Ministries.”
“Not only does the Government accept this but I think I may say that the greater number of the less well-off people expect such self-imposed restraints from those who can afford to bear such restraints. We are a compact nation and should easily jell around a slogan for survival to achieve the necessary measure of social discipline in the face of national threats or difficulties. I think here lies a strength peculiar to ourselves with which we can withstand hardships falling upon us from time to time. Our experience has shown that collectively we can respond and discipline to national difficulties. We have done so in regard to the 1971 anticipated recession, the Employment Act, National Service and flat-dwelling in urban conditions. And we have responded to these difficulties satisfactorily. We need but to retain in us a sober and rational approach to national problems, and if we are prepared to transcend beyond self-interest, we should be able to contain the difficulties ahead of us.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to join this debate by making a particular appeal to a special sector in our society. It is perhaps unfortunate that this Bill has to be passed in this Chamber. But it serves to emphasise the gravity of the crisis in the world at the moment. While there is no cause for panic, Sir, I think there is need for many of us to tune in to the disorders of the day resulting from this international oil crisis and grasp their meaning in so far as they relate to us. Many of us have benefited from a bouyant economy in recent years which resulted from investment and industrial activity in the State. With affluence and additional income, people sought to gain higher standards of living and, in fact, gained them. In transport, the scooter, the motorcycle, the car, has been bought. In home convenience and comfort, the electric oven, the washing machine, the vacuum cleaner, the air cooler or air-conditioning plant, has been bought. Additional lighting for sophisticated effects has been installed, complete with solid state stereophonic system. A high standard of living means a high consumption of fuel and electrical power. It is imperative that our industries do not drag and it is also imperative that the entire industrial infrastructure supporting our economy is fed with sufficient energy in order that it operates smoothly. In order to help ensure this situation, Sir, those of us who have benefited from the economy and become high fuel and energy consumers as a result of being able to afford cars, energy-consuming appliances, comfort devices and amusement gadgetry, should be the first to restrain ourselves in our daily manner and tempo of living.”
“By way of conclusion, I wish to observe that clauses 17 and 18 of the Bill, as has been pointed out by the Minister, indeed vest considerable powers in the Authority. The clauses concerned empower the Authority, with the approval of the Minister, to freeze land for three years or more for the purpose of urban redevelopment, if the Authority so decides. While I understand the need for such powers, if the Authority is to be able to plan ahead and make suitable feasibility studies of various redevelopment projects, I would like nevertheless to make the point that, first, these provisions should be utilised only after reasonable certainty is established in the overall urban redevelopment planning of the need for the land for urban redevelopment. Secondly, that the owner or owners of such lands be given the choice of developing the land in question in the manner planned for by the Authority for the purposes of redevelopment. Finally, I wholeheartedly support the hon. Member for his suggestion to commit this Bill to a Select Committee.”
“Planning must provide the opportunities for people to establish meaningful contact as persons and not meeting each other in their various role-relationships. A fact of urban dwelling is that a person has numerous contacts with other people every day, but he is still a lonely person at the end of the day. These contacts are superficial and meaningless. In urban life, the manifold needs of a person are easily available. He secures all these needs with money. He thus experiences an autonomy of his person. Stress in urban life and the absence of meaningful human contacts force him to withdraw. His autonomy allows him to sustain this withdrawal from society and he is soon alienated. This is referred to as the autonomy withdrawal syndrome by the experts. If this process occurs on a large scale, we may soon find ourselves beset with the huge problem of resolving social pathologies like delinquency, drug addiction, crime and schizophrenia. Such alienated people create for themselves a way of life which has been determined by their environment. It is fortunate for us that at this stage of our growth we are able to study the adversities of urban crises in the major cities in various parts of the world, and to some extent identify the causes of these crises. We should benefit from the study and recognise the miseries experienced by urban dwellers in these cities. Hence, any physical planning for urban redevelopment should be based on a substantive long-range study which has identified the kind of urban life we should have, co-ordinated with major projects such as the Mass Rapid Transit System and incorporate new technologies and techniques to construct the optimum environment for a healthy, peaceful and productive urban society.”
“If we begin to look at the feasibility of the proposition and its problems at this stage we will have the advantage of being able to co-ordinate the planning for underground urban redevelopment with the Mass Rapid Transit System project (especially if such a system uses subways in the Central area) and with the siting of future multi-storey buildings, and piling for which must necessarily sink some distance into the ground. In any case, the need to take urban redevelopment below ground level should be increasingly compelling as space and land become more scarce and expensive at ground level. I note, Sir, that the Urban Redevelopment Authority will also undertake public housing schemes in the Central area, and thus in the totality of its functions and duties, this Authority will be responsible for shaping the style of urban life in our city in the future years. People respond according to the extent of the liberation of or restriction on themselves as determined by the physical environment. Such responses, when sustained, develop into a style of life with its particular modes and mores and we get the society which our environment produces. There are ample studies to show us that planning for urban living must take account of one critical consideration, and that is provision for meaningful contact between people. The physical planning for urban redevelopment, in my view, must ensure what may be called the optimum environment which sustains the mechanism for meaningful human contact between persons, and persons in the primary groups, that is, the family, the children's play group and the adult group through adequate housing and effective social and cultural meeting places.”
“This Sub-Project which is being prepared with the assistance of United Nations consultants under the United Nations Development Programme is not completed. It claims to entail problems of distribution of land uses in the Central area, road and traffic systems, land floor space intensities, open space, car parking needs and other related problems. I do not know to what extent the State and City Planning Concept Plan for 1992, on which the Sub-Project is based, is now or will soon be irrelevant or obsolete in the light of subsequent policy decisions on the Mass Rapid Transit System and other major decisions relating to the physical, social and cultural patterns of urban living. I should think that some obsolescence already exists. Building construction technologies are advancing rapidly. New techniques are available making what were bold concepts a few years ago a practical proposition today. In this regard, I wish to make the suggestion that the Urban Redevelopment Authority give due consideration to the feasibility of creating extensive space below ground level. To-date, the creation of space underground has been limited to making provision for the parking of cars and basement facilities in that building. I feel there is scope for a dynamic exploitation and manipulation of space below ground through the construction of passageways, offices, shopping and social centres. The idea of getting pedestrians off the streets and above the roads along passageways is already accepted and has been incorporated into the physical planning of some urban renewal projects. We should now consider doing likewise below the roads.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I say immediately that I support this Bill, and I think it has come fairly promptly considering the fact that the decision for urban renewal to go corporate was taken only last year. It does not require much scrutiny to grasp the significance of this Authority which is to be established through this Bill. Going through Part IV of the Bill and recalling the experience and achievements of the Urban Renewal Department of the Housing and Development Board, its approach to the problem of resettling hawkers notwithstanding, one quickly sees that this Authority will determine the physical and social structuring of redevelopment in the urban areas. To the credit of the Urban Renewal Department, it may be said that the Department is already responsible for the impressive manner in which the city's skyline is shaping. One obvious merit in having such an Authority is that, being an autonomous body and operating on its own commercial viability, it will escape the stringency of governmental constraints most of which usually emanate from the Treasury and allows urban redevelopment to take on some acceleration and quality. In my view the physical planning for urban redevelopment should be based upon an in-depth and long-range study of our physical, social and cultural needs as individuals, as primary groups, and as a society. Such a project study calls for a coherent vision of the kind of urban life we should have and can have. I have learnt that in May 1970 the Urban Renewal Department began a project to prepare and evaluate a detailed plan for the Central area based on the State and City Planning Concept Plan for 1992.”
“The fact that the law is finding it necessary to severely punish with imprisonment up to 10 years persons who consume or have in their possession a controlled drug may be regarded as an indictment against parents. If this realisation jolts complacent parents to a more responsible action and supervision of their children's affairs, this Bill will succeed in launching a drug alert in our country, and in co-operation with the law we will effectively combat drug abuse in our society. 4.29 p.m.”
“By control, I mean that kind of relationship between parents and their children which stems from an enlightened authority that is vested in the parents through common love and respect, on which authority members of the family depend and to which they respond. It is authority which is the result of close and concerned management of sons and daughters through childhood and adolescence undertaken within the cohesion of the family. In present times a number of social trends and actions militate against family cohesion. Pressured by the demands of daily living, the family is in a state of constant motion. The motion is centrifugal in relation to the home, tearing members of the family away from the home and each other disintegrating the family unit. If this, development is not checked somewhat, our society is going to be that much weakened; for moral, cultural and social values can only inhere in members of the family which live in harmonious and intelligent cohesion. I believe that, in the last analysis, the moral, cultural and social ballast in the individuals of our society constitute in its totality our most effective social defence against drug abuse. In this connection, I have on a number of occasions urged parents to retain or recover this family cohesion by insisting upon all members of the family to daily-gather around for dinner This will, at least in my view, ensure that once in every day, the family will assemble and the unit becomes intact. This moment will provide opportunity for communication, understanding and inspiration, all of which make for family cohesion. The family that eats together, I say, stays together.”
“In 1972, for the period January-March, the quantity of various drugs seized by the Customs and Central Narcotics Bureau are as follows:- Ganja a total of about 68 kg. Morphine a total of about 29 kg. Heroin a total of less than 1 kg. Opium a total of about 615 kg. Hashish a total of about 1 kg, and 24,650 MX tablets. What quantity has passed undetected is left to inference. The larger quantity of drugs being detected may be due to the efficiency of the CNB and/or it may simply be the fact that more drugs are flowing into the country. Whatever the case, it is time for us to sit up and appreciate the potential gravity of the situation. The drug commonly abused by some sections of our youth is ganja. They do not regard this drug as harmful and sometimes equate it with the permissible intoxicates, such as brandy and whisky. `This, I think, is due to the fact that the dangers of ganja abuse is not common knowledge among our youth, which should not be the case. There is sufficient material by the experts which assert that ganja or marijuana is an "initiation drug." While it does not develop in the person a physical dependence on the drug, it does so psychologically. It initiates the consumer into the narcotics experience and to a life of warp, irrelevant, wasteful and anti-social values. He may not he drug-dependent; but he is drug-oriented. Whether he subsequently degenerates to addiction to hard drugs will, I think, depend on whether there is in him a moral, cultural and social ballast. Which brings me to what I believe is the second requisite to an effective social defence against drug abuse, that is, parental control of children.”
“In our society today, the industries are manned by new generations of youthful workers in whom we hope the work ethic of their fathers and forefathers remains unadulterated. This work ethic has accounted for our national growth hitherto, and we naturally hope that our young will retain it to stand them in good stead in the future. However, young generations tend to colour the moral, cultural and social values of their times with their own sense of worth and their own understanding of the rational. Sometimes they even abandon established values altogether. Two facts may be stressed. First, youth predominate in our society. Secondly, our society is very much exposed to foreign values which, more often than not, are inconsonant with our own way of life. The degree and extent of erosion upon the work ethic of our youthful national work force will be determined by the degree and extent of their response to these foreign values which, unfortunately, reach our youth in a highly attractive and heavily publicised fashion in which drugs feature as the sole instrument of communion with narcotic bliss. With affluence spreading through the social fabric, work as an ethic may lose its meaningfulness as opportunity for leisure increases and the quest for excitement and euphoria becomes more deliberate. In this situation, drug offers an irresistible invitation to such excitement and euphoria. And to those seeking a momentary escape from the stresses and strains of a successful industrial society, the narcotics dimension offers much solace and recuperation. When narcotics, other opium derivatives, amphetamines and barbiturates become plentiful in a country, there will manifest the inclination to experiment with drugs.”
“The Tri-Border Area of Thailand, Burma and Laos, sometimes known as the `Golden Triangle", has probably become the main source of heroin and other opiates, after Turkey decided to outlaw opium production in its highlands. This change has brought the world's principal narcotics source close to us. Meanwhile, the Vietnam conflict has had the effect of dramatically increasing the demand for narcotics. In August, 1971, a sub-committee on Public Health and Environment of the House of Representatives in the U.S. conducted investigations into the production and abuse of opiates in the Far East. Members of the sub-committee visited Thailand, South Vietnam, Hongkong and Japan. In that report, the sub-committee estimated that the amount of opium and its derivatives that would be produced for 1971 in the Tri-Border Area would be as high as 1,000 tons. The large bulk of heroin and opiates, which leave Mae Sai in the Thai-Burma border, pass through Bangkok to Hongkong and then to South Vietnam, Okinawa, the U.S, and other countries. It seems to me that with the cessation of the Vietnam conflict and the withdrawal of foreign forces from Indo-China, a large quantity of surplus narcotics in South-east Asia would be seeking new markets. We join other quarters in hoping that the Thai Authorities will record greater success in their effort to contain opium production with the support of the U.N, programme of crop substitution among the tribesmen in the highlands. Though there is no indication that heroin is presently a much used drug in the country, let us not beguile ourselves with the notion that our society is safe from it.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to take this opportunity to say a few words in support of this Bill, particularly on the problem of drug abuse which this Bill seeks to resolve. For some time now the mass media have periodically focused attention on the problems of drug abuse and have thereby aroused in the public an awareness of its dangers. Be that as it may, I am not convinced that this awareness alone is an adequate defence against drug abuse. Hence, it is my view that the enhanced punishment in the penalty clauses of this Bill is beneficial to our society. I am prepared to grant that the enlightened parent in control of the family is a deterrent to drug abuse. The question which then arises is just how many parents are sufficiently enlightened and, more significant still, how many of these enlightened parents have control of their children who are prone to the attractions of drugs and their abuses? Public knowledge of the dangers of drug abuse is an important step in the effort to construct an effective social defence against drug abuse. The public should be given ample opportunity to acquire this knowledge through the mass media. I do not think we need worry about over-acting to the fears of drug abuse. If we are not alert we may suddenly find the disease firmly rooted in our society. By that time we would he extremely knowledgeable about drugs for we would be in direct touch with the ghastly realities of drug addiction of all kinds. To know of the dangers of drug abuse when the decrepit human remnants of drug addiction surface onto our streets is to know of the dangers too late. I say that the time to worry is now.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, today we all know of the tragic fire which broke out at the Robinson departmental store at Raffles Place. In view of the magnitude of the fire and the number of lives it has claimed, I regard this as a matter of public importance and sufficiently urgent to merit a voice in this House, for which I am grateful to you, Sir. My question is simply to ask the Minister for Social Affairs if he would inform this House of (i) the tragic outcome of the fire which broke out yesterday in the Robinson departmental store, and (ii) any other details which he may now have in his possession.”
“Sir, as long as the incorporation of Singapore in a foreign sovereign state remains conveniently achievable through a simple legislative act, interested sources will pursue their designs through black operations against the state. Hence, this Constitutional amendment which seeks to preserve our independence and sovereignty is welcome, since it makes the act of losing our independence and sovereignty a less simple one and truly, and much more, a decision of the people. 3.25 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, speaking on this Bill, I wish to stress a point which may allude to serious appreciation by our people. Simply put, Sir, our country's growth is attributable to the measure of an international confidence in the country which attracted and induced investment. This, in turn, stimulated the economy which generated greater confidence and which attracted more investments and development skills, and so on. This confidence was achieved within the first three years of our independence in 1965. It is a confidence which has been vested in an independent and sovereign Singapore by bankers, industrialists and traders. These are shrewd men of the world who after much thought and calculation make the decision that ours will be a politically stable and viable country. This calculation surely included the appraisal that we are a hard working people, determined to remain independent and sovereign. On that score. Sir, we have managed to secure an international commitment of extensive investments in our country, which has accounted for a rapid all-round development and the general affluence of our society. Our independence and sovereignty, our right and power to determine our own national destiny through realistic policies of Government have convinced sources in various parts of the world that we are a people who should survive and prosper. However, there are also sources within and without our country which seriously entertain designs to incorporate our country in a foreign sovereign state, to resolve political or economic irksome problems or to achieve a political scenario in the region which fits in with the grand designs of super major and foreign powers.”
“These advocates of the inalienability of human rights are prepared to beguile our people while in countries around us governments have, through the imposition of martial law, shelved constitutional and inalienable rights in bulk to attempt a reconstruction of their societies and countries. Let all of us understand that the priority of the issues for our nation is first how to keep alive and then how to live and not any other combination which reverses the issues. We will be confronted with more challenges in the next five years. However, we may draw confidence from the fact that through the present political leadership there is gradually being generated in our social dynamic a national instinct for survival - an instinct which can recognise a national threat and can respond to the need for a realistic course of action to adequately deal with it. For us, vigilance, hard work, the will to succeed and a sense of realism is the price of our survival. There is no other way. Mr Speaker, Sir, I have pleasure in supporting the motion calling for a vote of thanks to the President for his Address to the House. 4.14 p.m.”
“However, assurance of our continued success must be qualified by (a) the absence of a world monetary crisis; (b) our collective will and effort to succeed; and (c) the absence of disruptive international events in the region. Since 1968 a series of dramatic events have taken place in East and Southeast Asia, the full results of which have yet to unfold. Within a period of 11 months, the United Nations admitted the People's Republic of China to the world community; President Nixon visited Peking and later Moscow; Prime Minister Tanaka visited Peking, followed by the cessation of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Japan and the impending normalisation of relations between Japan and the People's Republic of China. At the moment an end to the war in Vietnam might not be an improbability. In international politics we are not so remote from these events that they have no bearing on our position. What has to evolve in the region is a new structure of tensions which will give some definition to the alignments of super and major powers interested in the region. But whatever the outcome of these events, the Government will act to ensure our survival as a people of an independent country. In the last elections, self-acclaimed leaders of political parties opposing us campaigned for government of the country on the promise of release from so-called social and political restrictions and the start of a new style of life. The people put paid to these leaders. It is likely that an attempt will be made again in the next elections to fool the new young electorate.”
“Our acceptance of the work ethic has carried us through difficult times. Its rejection now will push us down the slide. The caution is timely. A new generation of adults is in employment and its capacity for hard work is being tested. There are distractions. The general affluence of members of this generation, the availability of varieties of entertainment, their independence and the self-hypnotising ballads which preach opting out of society in preference for "constructive prostration", whatever that means. But if we carefully watch the excesses of this generation and provide direction and example, we should continue to succeed in bringing to bear upon our people the meaning of the advice that "nobody in Singapore owes anybody a living." The addendum to the President's Speech on the Ministry of National Development projects an environment which is most welcome. It is an environment of high-rise dwelling which takes the man, the individual, the person in our society as the measure of development and progress, and not statistics of housing achievement. The more spacious and better designed flats, recreational and social facilities, the gardens and parks, all these will go a long way in meeting the expectations of the young flat dwellers who do not have the experience of the sordid slums of the mid-50s to appreciate the progress in the transition from slum to flat dwelling. Mr Speaker, Sir, it is not possible for me to comment on all the policies described in the addenda of the various Ministries. I am sure that on reading them our people will have the satisfaction that the Government has meticulously planned for our security and welfare well into the years ahead including, Sir, the improvement of the address system in this Chamber.”
“Our city will soon be a manufacturing and marketing centre and a strategic location for the multi-national. There is much to know of the multi-national, the scope of its operations, its technique and its power if we are to enter into dealings with it beneficially. A significant point to note is that the interests of Government which are organised on a national basis might run counter to the interests of multi-national companies which are organised on a global scale for the interests of a limited number of people outside the country. In this connection I came across in my reading what purports to be a definition of the proper duty of an executive in a multi-national company, formulated by its chairman. I must admit that I was disturbed. This definition of the proper duty of a multi-national company required the executive to: `set aside any nationalistic attitudes and appreciate that in the last resort his loyalty must be to the shareholders of the parent company, and he must protect the interests of the company even if it might appear that it was not perhaps in the national interest of the country in which he was operating despite apparent conflicts, as the transfer of funds at a period of national crisis, a transfer of production from one subsidiary to another, or a transfer of export business'. In view of what I have said, I would urge the development of the proper expertise in the Ministry of Finance which can adequately cope with the activities of these corporate organisations, so as to ensure in the future that the Government is all the time in control of the multi-national companies which choose to operate in our country. It is noted that in his Address the President has stressed the need for work ethic.”
“We are told of the Ministry's intention to be discriminating in its selection of industries so as to encourage those industries which in turn set off other supporting industries, those which upgrade manpower skills and those which do not ruin our environment. This policy is imperative as it is fairly evident today that we must survive in the future as citizens of a city state - a highly industrialised global city. To do so, our chief resource, our human resource, must keep apace with the more developed societies of the world in technological, flair, skill and expertise. Such skill and expertise may indigenise in our manpower through management supervision and tutelage conducted by foreign technocrats in certain major industries which has been induced to invest in Singapore. However, we need to be cautious with the multi-national companies. A characteristic feature of the multi-national company is that its subsidiaries, which are established in the manufacturing and marketing centres of the globe, take on different roles in the production of the final product. Not much technological or managerial skill would be transmitted to our manpower if the subsidiary of the multi-national company in Singapore takes on the role of producing simple component parts while the integration and assembly of the final product which calls for much technological expertise is done in another country. The multi-national company is the corporate organisation of the times. It is gigantic and wields much power, it can determine the price of raw materials, components and finished products at which its subsidiaries buy and sell between themselves. Transactions between subsidiaries at different buying and selling prices can result in money leaving the country.”
“More jobs have been created by an increasing number of industries and through expansion in the service and manufacturing industries. The economy is viable and provides reason for considerable optimism in the future. In the Addendum on the Ministry of Finance, it is stated that our fast rate of economic growth can be sustained through a policy which will ensure the availability of adequate capital, land and suitable labour, i.e, the essential factors of production. Capital accumulation resulting from more savings by the populace will occur if saving from our income becomes a social habit. Towards this end the mass media and, in particular, television, can make an important contribution. Land reclamation has to-date added 1,538 more acres to the country's total land area. As the pace of industrialisation mounts, the demand for the necessary industrial skills and expertise will be increasingly acute. Fortunately plans to make available such skills and expertise have been implemented and our vocational institutes, industrial training centres, Polytechnic and Universities are producing the required skilled manpower. Perhaps there could be greater emphasis in the policy to persuade our womenfolk to take to industrial work. The provision of suitable creches near industrial estates combined with reasonable wages may secure a sizable portion of the 200,000 industrially employable female workers for the manufacturing industries. The plans for human resources development proposed by the Labour Ministry are crucial to our industrial progress in view of the estimation that our industrial labour force should reach 375,000 if it is to effectively support our industries in 1975.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, four years and five months ago we met in this Chamber on a similar occasion and focused our attention on a number of problems, the most important of which was the anticipated economic recession resulting from the withdrawal of the British forces by the end of 1971. We set ourselves three objectives. First, to build up an effective defence capability. Second, to achieve greater economic growth, more export markets, higher productivity, sound labour management relations and more jobs. And third, to develop in our society an enhanced national consciousness of problems affecting the nation whereby the people would accept the subordination of their personal or sectional interests to those of the nation as a whole. The return of 65 of us to this Parliament by the people is an acknowledgement of our achievement of the objectives we set ourselves in 1968. The expected economic recession was averted by the considerable foreign investment in our economy. Our economy went on to register remarkable growth rates. In March this year, the Finance Minister in his Budget Statement was able to disclose a 14.1 per cent Gross National Product average growth rate from 1966 to 1970 and a growth of 14 per cent in 1971 over the preceding year. The per capita income in 1968 was $1,987. In 1971 it stood at $3,029 registering an average growth rate of 13 per cent through the five years. Our external trade, which in 1968 was $8,974.5 million, has grown to $14,395.5 million in June this year. Our country's overseas assets had increased 13 times in the past 13 1/4 years, and stood at $4,200 million in August this year. Internal and external assets stood at $10,000 million after depreciation.”
“Sir, the sum of money under this subhead will be used to purchase various equipment for the Civil Defence Organisation. The equipment needed at this stage may be classified as training and operational equipment. At present the equipment which will be purchased will be largely for training purposes, and includes trailer pumps, portable pumps as I have mentioned just now, and among other things, fire extinguishers and hoses for fire-fighting purposes. Stretchers and essential training equipment for first-aid - cutters, hydraulics jacks, pneumatic drills, debris clearance equipment, lashing equipment -and other mechanical aids for training in rescue techniques, together with equipment for instruction in various aspects of civil defence work are also required. When the Civil Defence Organisation becomes operational, more equipment will be necessary if the Organisation is to be an effective source of national assistance in times of emergency. And when this subhead shows an increased sum in future Estimate, Sir,I trust the Member will be appreciative.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member may be aware that civil defence training in the Vigilante Corps begins at the deployment phase, i.e, from the second to the fourth year of national service in the Vigilante Corps. An integral part of civil defence training is fire-fighting and rescue work. Such training, which is held at the nine V.C, training centres, is conducted with the equipment essential for fire-fighting and rescue work. The equipment includes water trailer pumps and portable pumps at each training centre. The stores which are at present under construction and which are nearing completion will house these equipment in safety and in proper condition. At present, Vigilante Corps members in the auxiliary fire service are also being trained as firemen to combat airport, harbour and city fires. The auxiliary fire service, which will be integrated with the Civil Defence Organisation, will use these stores and equipment at the various centres in times of emergency.”
“Sir, increase in the provision of this item from $4,500 to $27,000 for the next financial year is due to the following factors. First, the replacement of old signs made obsolete as a result of the introduction of the Traffic Signs (Size, Colour, and Type) Rules, 1970. Secondly, additional signs are required for functions such as the Grand Prix, National Day Parade, exhibitions, etc. Further, may I say that the emphasis is on Safety First and Signs and Pedestals.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may 1 thank the Member for Mountbatten for the praise he has accorded to the Vigilante Corps, it is true that the headquarters of the Vigilante Corps has circulated a questionnaire to Members of Parliament for the purpose of accumulating information and data to see how the performance of the Volunteer Vigilante Corps can be improved. However, not all the questionnaires circulated to Members of Parliament have been returned and, as a result, the headquarters is still having some difficulty in working out plans to improve the organisation as well as the performance of the Volunteer Vigilante Corps. This provides me with an opportunity to prevail upon Members of Parliament to kindly let me have this data sheet to enable the headquarters of the Vigilante Corps to plan out this reorganisation. The specific suggestions made by the Member are, in fact, the subject of various considerations in the questionnaire, all with a view to undertaking this proposed reorganisation. And let us hope that with the reorganisation the services of the Volunteer Vigilante Corps may be utilised without having first to obtain the approval of the headquarters of the Vigilante Corps.”
“Indeed, Sir, the problems of a new and youthful generation are now only just emerging and will require our attention and energies in the immediate future despite - in fact, it is because of - the high growth rate which all of us hope will be achieved in the years ahead. I have pleasure in supporting the motion. 3.55 p.m.”
“- The success of this policy depends, among other things, on the availability of an adequate indigenous technological capability together with the will and discipline to strive for economic growth and security. The former requisite may be achieved by proper planning, stimulation and organisation of human resources. The latter, however, is a human attribute determined by genetic endowment, values acquired in the family during growth and the persuasions of the social and cultural environment. Today, a new generation in our society, born after the last World War, is bursting into adulthood and constitutes tutes the new manpower of the nation. While expecting the different social and intellectual responses and life-styles of a new generation, our survival as a nation demands that our human resources remain industrious, disciplined and relentlessly striving. It is not enough to ensure the continuation of this human resource with the promise of personal gain. Personal gain is a strong motivation, but by itself it is socially disintegrative. And as we move into the era of the multi-national corporation and as our city shapes into a global city with global exposure, the problems of social integration and national cohesion become correspondingly more acute. In this situation, social discipline becomes a critical need. But at the same time discipline provokes resistance because, on the one hand, youth today is more enlightened and independent and, on the other hand, it is more intensely exposed to the liberal norms of behaviour of other societies.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I join my fellow colleagues in this House in congratulating the Finance Minister for a Budget which is both instructive and stimulating. - The announcement that there will not be additional taxes is welcome and the tax reliefs, especially of income tax on the imputed income of owner-occupied houses, income tax allowance for earned income for low income salary earners, and estate duty on small estates, will, I am sure, endear him to our people, but certainly to the people of Serangoon Gardens. The low income salary earners in my constituency will appreciate the removal of the 20 per cent limit in the income tax deductions for earned income and the raising of the tax allowance to a maximum deduction of $1,000. The middle income salary earners in the Serangoon Gardens constituency who, by dint of diligent duty and by stint of scrupulous savings, have acquired a modest house for a home will also appreciate the remission of estate duty on estates between $10,000 and $25,000. Sir, I trust that the Finance Minister's ministration of the exchequer throughout the new fiscal year will enable him to endear himself to all of us once more next year on a similar occasion, to which point my constituents and I look forward with abiding expectation. But very much more than expectations will be required of each of us if we are to sustain the economic growth which we have registered so far. Though our economic performance will be affected by international monetary and trading uncertainties, there is reason to believe that we have taken measures to protect our economy through a policy of selective investment by multi-national manufacturing companies which have, as the Minister puts it, "a scope for- progressive growth in technological content in their manufactures".”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have much pleasure in agreeing with the Member. BILL INTRODUCED 2.51 p.m. NATIONAL MARITIME BOARD BILL "to establish the National Maritime Board to perform the functions of the Seafarers' Welfare Board, the Seamen's Registry Board, the Singapore Mariners' Club and the Singapore Sailors' Institute and to repeal section 114 of the Merchant Shipping Act (Chapter 172), the Seafarers' Welfare Board Act (Chapter 319), the Singapore Mariners' Club Act (Chapter 322), the Seamen's Registry Board Act (Chapter 174), the Singapore Sailors' Institute Incorporation Ordinance (Chapter 321 of the 1955 Revised Edition) and for matters incidental thereto", presented by the Minister for Communications (Mr Yong Nyuk Lin); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. ANNUAL BUDGET STATEMENT Order read for resumption of debate on Question [7th March, 19721, "That Parliament approves the financial policy of the Government for the financial year 1st April, 1972 to 31st March, 1973.". -[Minister for Finance]. Question again proposed. 2.53 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, from January to September this year there were 887 cases of armed robberies, 43 cases of murders and 303 cases of criminal assaults by gangsters or thugs. The corresponding figures for the same period last year are 590, 47 and 28 respectively. The term "armed robberies", however, includes robberies in which simple weapons such as pen knives are used. Fire-arms were used in 78 of the 887 cases of armed robberies. The number of cases dealt with successfully by the police is 70 for armed robberies, 21 for murders and 102 for criminal assaults. The corresponding figures for the same period last year are 74, 20 and 94 respectively. More frequent raids on known hideouts or haunts of gangsters and thugs are regularly mounted by the police to eliminate the menace. These gangsters and thugs who are known to be secret society members are detained under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act where necessary.”
“The prospect of a good life for ourselves and our children therefore depends on the quality of our physical and moral strength. Thus, Mr Speaker, Sir, as I see it, the years ahead will demand of us, the people of Singapore, unfailing stamina, ready competence, grim determination, unflinching courage, re1iabIX shrewdness and endearing compassion if we are to measure up to the task and dangers which await us in the future. Putting it all more colloquially but bluntly, we must have the four Gs, namely, the Go, the Grit, the Guts and the Goodness. We have shown in the past that we have these qualities and we must continue to manifest these qualities to succeed in the future. But we will succeed, Sir, because we can succeed, because we must succeed and we shall succeed. 4.00 p.m.”
“Members speaking before me have made thorough analyses of the political, economic and social situations which confront us. I do not wish to add yet another. But I wish to underline two imperatives which, in the last analysis, will determine the outcome of all our efforts. The first imperative is the collective commitment of the people to nation building. It is highly imperative that every single body in the Republic make a contribution to the common good - from the business tycoon to the busmen; from the company director to the charwalla; from the historiographer to the hawker. The contribution should be by constructive action, or even by constructive inaction, such as not using water unnecessarily. The decade before us must not recede into history without singular achievement on our part. To that segment of our disinclined youth I say the biggest and grandest happening in the country is nation building. Why not be in with it? The second imperative is silent but implicit in the voluminous addenda to the President's speech. It is the quality of our human resources upon which the achievement of all the plans that it describes is contingent. Seven score and ten years ago, our forefathers came to this little island, dedicated to the proposition that nobody owes anybody a living, and the good life is got out of sheer toil and tenacity of purpose. The world then was less complicated. Today we are a sovereign nation in a community of sovereign nations whose interaction between and among themselves is determined by multiword considerations, the least of which is our national welfare. We, the descendants of our forefathers, stand upon the conviction today that no nation owes us a living.”
“And so, Mr Speaker, Sir, this debate has arrived at a point when I rise to make a few comments on the President's speech in support of the motion standing in the name of the Member for Ulu Pandan. 1 believe I am the last speaker, Sir, but I certainly hope not the least. This debate on the President's speech at this time is opportune, for our plans to stabilise our nation in the future are being made at a point which allows us an honest appreciation of our successes and shortcomings in the past decade of the `60s, and a vision of the challenges and the prospects which the new decade of the `70s hold for us. In suggesting our political, economic and social efforts for the `70s, hon. Members have ranged expansively over the addenda to the President's speech and dealt with refinements of foreign policy, hospitals and public utilities, employment, hawkers and education, daily-rated workers, cost of living and our psychedellistic youth, quality control, black ops and community centres, industrialisation, profitable recreation and price hikes, land acquisition, occupational diseases and family planning, and a host of other matters including the freedom of the press, all of which our responsible Government must necessarily and successfully manage for the benefit of the people of the country. I am sure that anyone who has followed this session through the five days of debate will agree with me that we have quite a job to do. But the leadership of the People's Action Party will not be found wanting. In the `60s, there was the task of establishing the basis of our economy and security. We have done that. In the `70s, there is the task of shaping our country and people into a strong, coherent, sovereign nation. We will do it.”
“Sir, I fancy this question does not fall within the ambit of the original question, and I would like notice so as to be able to give the hon. Member the correct figures. BILL INTRODUCED 2.53 p.m. REVISED EDITIONS OF THE LAWS (ANNUAL SUPPLEMENTS) (AMENDMENT) BILL `to amend the Revised Editions of the Laws (Annual Supplements) Act (Chapter 2 of the 1970 Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister for Law and National Development (Mr E. W. Barker); read the First lime, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. ADJOURNMENT MOTION (Business Motion)”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, my Ministry does not classify prostitutes, nor does it have anything to do with the classification of prostitutes. This perhaps would he within the general knowledge of the Member himself!”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as stated in my answer, these prostitutes were arrested for soliciting in public and presumably, therefore, they were arrested on public roads.”
“But, in fact, I have taken note of such incidents and brought them to the attention of the Commandant of the Corps, and he and his group of officers are attempting to gear this uniformed organisation along lines of gracious living. Sir, I trust that I have answered all the queries of Members.”
“Where previously it was intended for example, to assign members of the Vigilante Corps to constituency duties at the end of their eighth year of service in the 42-year part-time national service, the schedule of service has now been altered to provide for Vigilante Corps training in the first four years, civil defence training for the second four years, after which members of the Corps will be assigned to constituency duties in the last four-year phase, which is termed the "reserve phase'. To that extent, therefore, the schedule of service in the Vigilante Corps has been changed. Thus, answering the specific query raised by the Member for Sembawang, Vigilante Corps members, therefore, will not be assigned to constituency duties until after the eighth year on the present new schedule of service. As to why volunteer members in the Corps are diminishing in number, the reason is simply that the Corps today is basically a national servicemen organisation. And the number of volunteers is diminishing in view of this fact. I can inform the Member for Sembawang that all members of the Vigilante Corps receive reasonable rates of allowance to assist them to attend parades. As to the Member's query on the performance of the Corps today, I am able to say that, considering the tremendous size of the organisation and the fact that it takes, as I have said, our youthful citizens from all levels of society, the Vigilante Corps is indeed performing a magnificent job, and not least the officer levels are performing a magnificent job in training such a vast uniformed organisation. Answering the Member for Katong, Sir, I agree with him that there could be occasions such as the one he has described where members of the Corps have demonstrated their over-enthusiasm for tea.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, my Minister has asked me to reply to the queries on this subhead as he has assigned the Vigilante Corps to my care. I will immediately begin by expressing my appreciation especially to the Member for Ulu Pandan who has, in fact, done most of my job in answering the queries and confirming the wonderful effort that is being carried out by the Vigilante Corps. In view of what the Member has said, I extend a ready welcome to all Backbenchers to visit the Vigilante Corps headquarters so as to be apprised of the development and the progress that we are making over there. Sir, if I may attempt to answer the queries raised by the Member for Sembawang, the Vigilante Corps initially was founded upon volunteer manpower six years ago. In 1967, the V.C. began its role as an organisation for national servicemen under the Vigilante Corps Ordinance. The concept of the Corps is the same today as it was at the time of its inception. It is a youth training organisation. It takes in our youthful citizens from various levels of our society. National servicemen enter the Vigilante Corps and are trained to be efficient individuals, good citizens, responsible neighbours and loyal national servicemen. There are limitations in a national servicemen organisation like the Vigilante Corps. But despite these limitations, I am able to say that the officer levels, both in the non-national servicemen level and national servicemen level, are doing a magnificent job in training our youthful citizens to become disciplined and responsible members of a uniformed organisation. There has been some development of late in the Vigilante Corps. Today the Corps is being prepared for a civil defence role, which means that there has been a reorganisation of the schedule of service.”
“Sir, this sum of $50 is the maximum amount for an offer of composition. The amount set on a particular offence will depend on the type of offence. ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1971, TO 31ST MARCH, 1972 Order read for resumed consideration in Committee of Supply [4th Allotted Day]. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 2.39 p.m. Head 1101 -”
“Sir, the maximum amount for compoundable cases is $50 at the moment.”
“Sir, that is hardly possible. All that my Ministry can say is that specific measures are being taken by additional manpower to try to reduce this backlog as rapidly as possible. Mr Ho See Beng (Bras Basah): Sir, may I know what is the maximum amount for a compoundable traffic offence?”
“With your indulgence, Sir, I wish to make one comment on what the Member for Moulmein has just said. I think the entire seminar that was recently held merely demonstrated that there is something lacking in the expertise of the teaching profession. What is necessary hereafter is to remedy the shortcomings or the defects that are current in the teaching profession. As regards my position, Sir, when I was with the Members on the Back-benches opposite, I had consistently maintained that the foremost consideration, in so far as teaching was concerned, was the need at all times to demonstrate a faultless expertise in the profession. I maintain that such demonstration will continually serve as a convincing argument for any claim of monetary awards by the profession. The Chairman: The Minister for Education has only ten minutes to reply to all the speeches.”