Mary Liew
Singapore
“In conclusion, while policies are implemented with good intentions and since MediShield Life is here to stay, can the Government take the time to clearly explain the scheme and policy to all Singaporeans, so that they can understand MediShield Life and know how they can now have access to affordable medical care?”
“Madam, companies must recognise that bullying and harassment are not acceptable. If such behaviour is tolerated and allowed to take place, it will reflect poorly on the organisation. It will affect morale. It may also lead to poor performance and lost productivity and will even damage the company's reputation.”
“Mdm Speaker, I would like, therefore, to call on all parties to "walk the talk of tripartism" in the spirit of what our Prime Minister calls our National Treasure and work towards greater partnership and communication between all Government agencies, employers and unions so as to achieve pervasive tripartism.”
“I hope that the enforcement of the MLC will serve as a deterrent against errant employers. Singapore is a responsible maritime nation and we have the structure, as well as capable manpower resource, in place. More work has to be done by all relevant stakeholders in the coming months, before the MLC Act enters into force on 1 April 2014.”
“I am very heartened to hear the Minister's response. Just one supplementary question: will the Minister consider working closely with MPA to recognise the sea time served on board navy ships for these seafaring maritime graduates as part of their career sea time to be accumulated for their Certificate of Competency (COC)?”
“I would like to thank the Minister of State for her very comprehensive answer as well as assurance. I just have one clarification and that is – as far as the union is concerned, we will do our best to build up the Singapore Core. However, it takes the concerted effort of the tripartite partners as well.”
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“I fully support the call by the hon Member Patrick Tay for the Minister to look into setting up a quota for foreign PMEs so that our Singaporeans will not be disadvantaged. Fourth, a bigger population should not lead to higher inflation and a less sustainable environment. There will be greater demand for daily essentials. A Page: 16 bigger population will also put a greater strain on our environment with higher energy consumption, air pollution and others. Steps must be taken to ensure the security of supply and a greener and cleaner environment. Last but not least, the journey towards Singapore 2030 should be a journey of all-round engagement between the Government and Singaporeans. The five-day debate in Parliament and the adoption of the White Paper should not be a one-off exercise. There must be periodical reviews and continued engagement. This will strengthen trust, co-ownership, confidence and involvement by Singaporeans in creating our Singapore 2020 and 2030 together. On this note, Madam, I support the Motion as moved by the hon Member Liang Eng Hwa. 12.55 pm”
“However, I appreciate our prudent Government for being honest, for taking the bold steps in sounding the alarm and planning ahead before it is too late. On this note, I would like to join my brothers and sisters in the Labour Movement to call upon the Deputy Prime Minister to focus on the following important areas. First, we must be mindful that the slowdown in economic growth could lead to higher unemployment and stagnation of wages. Whilst we recognise that as our economy matures, our economic and manpower growth will slow down, but we must not overdo it and lose sight of keeping unemployment low and fending off wage stagnation. At the same time, we must pay special attention to vulnerable workers to ensure that they, too, can have better jobs, better pay and lead better lives. Second, assure Singaporeans that the infrastructure of 2020 and 2030 will be better than the infrastructure of today. It is important to solve the problems of today decisively so as to build confidence and prevent the problem of today from snowballing into a bigger problem tomorrow; in particular, the availability and affordability of housing, reliability and adequacy of public transport, shorter waiting times and affordable healthcare. Third, Singaporeans must always come first as we grow our population. As we see more non-residents in Singapore, we must also see more babies born here. From education to healthcare, jobs and wages, we must ensure that the interests of Singaporeans come first. The standard of living and quality of life of Singaporeans must only get better and not worse. Putting Singaporeans first would also mean protecting our Singaporean PMEs as well.”
“However, I hope the Government will look beyond the recreational benefits of cycling and recognise that cycling is an alternate mode of transport. Studies from Copenhagen concluded that after cycle tracks were constructed along the main roads, there was an increase in the use of bicycles and a decrease in the use of cars or other modes of transport for daily commute to work. When I was in Copenhagen last October, I was amazed to see so many well-dressed professional men and women riding bikes to and from work. Then I was told by the Danish unionists that their Labour Minister cycled to work. I started to imagine our Acting Minister for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin doing the same. But I am not quite there yet. With our increased population projections in 2030, it would be worthwhile to alleviate the crunch of cars on the road and the masses using our rail networks by encouraging some of our citizens to embrace a healthier and more economical way of transportation. While the National Cycling Plan is looking into off-road cycling paths, would the Government consider the feasibility of implementing cycling infrastructures Page: 15 into the building of future roads, including bus lanes, or designated routes for cyclists to use in their daily commutes? Lastly, better pay, better jobs and better lives. In conclusion, Mdm Speaker, I must confess that, like many others, I was concerned when I first read the headline of 6.9 million population in 2030. Looking at the current infrastructure, social tension and the competition we face, it did not give me the assurance that Singaporeans will be better off in 2030 with a 6.9 million population.”
“Third, housing and transport infrastructure. In our Singapore journey to 2030, preliminary projections indicate that we may have some 2.5 million non-residents, who are predominantly foreign workers, supplementing our Singaporean Core in the workforce. Page: 14 To cope with our population growth, the Government has plans to add to our infrastructure with 700,000 additional homes, so that we can all live and co-exist in this high quality living environment. In this quest for quality living, I hope that decent quality living infrastructure will also be developed for our foreign labour in the form of better dormitories. Although some of our foreign workforce may be from third world countries seeking better work opportunities, it does not mean that they only deserve third world standards of housing in Singapore. I, therefore, urge the Government to consider, as part of the infrastructure development plans, to also place serious consideration into how we can provide a comfortable living environment for our foreign workforce. They deserve decent work, decent wages and a decent living environment, as with all workers all over the world. With regard to transport, I am heartened that the Government has also announced plans to implement a $43 million National Cycling Plan to construct dedicated off-road cycling paths that segregate cyclists from on-road vehicles and pedestrians in HDB towns and estates to facilitate intra-town cycling, one of which would be through capitalising on the extensive park connector networks. It is a great proposal, as cycling is a mode of transport that has a reduced environmental impact and, on a recreational level, promotes healthier living through exercise.”
“Second, Singapore women and serving the nation. As the Singapore population continues to age, there will be considerable demands for facilities for the elderly, including healthcare, rehabilitative care, retirement homes and others. The Government is looking to build some 17 new and replacement nursing homes, 39 senior care centres and 56 senior activity centres by 2016, with facilities to be added in tandem with future demand and growth. Whilst work is being done to develop these national infrastructures to support our ageing population, is the same effort being made towards building a manpower base for these facilities? Healthcare is such an essential aspect in ensuring the well-being of our national population. Whilst our male population in Singapore are obliged to serve their National Service, the women can also contribute to our nation by being trained in healthcare and eldercare as part of a mere mandatory minimum of three month's commitment similar to our men serving in National Service. They will become better caregivers for their immediate families and be equipped when they start families of their own. This will serve as an exposure, as well as encouragement, for women to consider healthcare as a career option but, more importantly, the skills and knowledge in medical care, healthcare and eldercare will remain a core life skill that will be embedded in our young women for life. This will contribute to the currently lacking manpower base of healthcare workers and help reduce our reliance on foreign talents. Madam, I am often being asked by male colleagues and Members lamenting to me why are we women not serving National Service whereas they have to. I have to gently remind them that their mothers served life-long National Service because of them.”
“This would be in line with the current practice where the fees in our Government Primary and Secondary schools are nominal and a flat rate for all Singaporeans, and there is no discrimination and income differentiation. This simplified scheme further reduces the manpower required to administer the different tiers of subsidies. We can further look into a longer and more flexible system of parental care leave. In Sweden, couples enjoy 13 months of paid leave, plus another three months' leave at a fixed rate. The 13 months can be split between parents, so families can decide which parent would best perform the role at home. By law, employers have to hold a mother's job during her maternity leave, so the job will still be there after one year. This is one of the contributing factors to the Swedish fertility rate of 1.9. I hope that the Minister will continue to look into NTUC's request of a longer maternity leave of six months paid by the Government and, if possible, up to another six months' unpaid maternity leave. Although Singaporean working mothers enjoy maternity leave, there remains a segment of the women population, employed on short term contracts, who may not get their contracts renewed when their employers become aware of their pregnancy. Page: 13 While the Government Paid Maternity Benefit offers some income for mothers who are contract workers, if family support is inadequate, it will be a challenge for the mother to go out to look for employment when no one is taking care of the newborn. In this instance, she would not be eligible to fully benefit from the infant care subsidies. These mothers find themselves without income when they need it most. A flat, nominal infant care fee would, however, be very beneficial in her circumstance.”
“I would like to ask if the Minister would consider legislating the right for employees to ask for flexible work arrangement similar to Australia and UK. The additional subsidies for infant care and childcare are definitely a step in the right direction. It reduces the burden of infant care and childcare costs for working parents and is an incentive for full-time mothers to return to work. These enhanced subsidies are pegged to household incomes, and, therefore, vary, depending on the family's incomes. Page: 12 However, while these measures are welcomed, would the Government consider taking a bigger step and moving towards the Scandinavian model which has improved Total Fertility Rate to 2.1? For the Scandinavians, the affordability of infant care and childcare is just part of the answer. Equally important is that the network of facilities where fees and standards are equal across the board. This removes the anxiety of fighting for a spot at the best day-care centres and gives children the same preparation for school regardless of their socio-economic status. I urge our Government to continue to work towards strengthening the infrastructures of our infant care and childcare centres to provide quality services, so that parents are confident to raise their children without monetary worries and over reliance on domestic helpers. Instead of our current staggered system of enhanced subsidies based on household income, can we consider a similar model where infant care and childcare is very much close to being state-funded? After all, children are our National Treasures and the leaders of tomorrow. What we spend on them today is an investment for our future.”
“Mdm Speaker, the White Paper has reinforced the reality and seriousness of our population's demographic trend of a shrinking and ageing population as currently being experienced in most of Asia. From now till 2030, we will have more than 900,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 years of age. This is about a quarter of the existing citizen population entering their silver years. To contribute towards reversing the current trend of low birth rates, the recent enhanced Marriage and Parenthood Package (M&P Package) which encourages young Singaporeans to get married and have more than one child, is a commendable initiative. I would like to raise several concerns and make suggestions in four key areas to further contribute to the initiatives in the Population White Paper. First, holistic approach, infant care and childcare. I thank the Government for accepting some of the NTUC's proposal to build a pro-family and pro-creation Singapore. While the new M&P Package, including the enhanced Baby Bonus, encourages couples to have more children and helps alleviate child-raising costs, it is, however, a one-off incentive and does not take into account that child raising is a lifelong journey. In order to improve fertility rates, it is important that families have support throughout the years as the child grows up. Parents need to feel confident that they can adequately provide for their children a quality life while enjoying opportunities for personal development. Strong measures must be in place to ensure that women do not lose out at work when they take time off to start a family. We urge the Government to take bold steps to implement a holistic approach on family-friendly workplace practices.”
“I would like to thank the Minister for the very comprehensive answers. Before the PTO ploughs back its profit to the shareholders in the form of dividends, which have increased over the years, I would like to ask the Minister: how can he ensure that the transport workers' interests are being taken care of so that they will not be disadvantaged? Ultimately, an unhappy workforce will also be cascaded down to the public commuters as well.”
“I quote the ILO Director of the International Labour Standards Department, Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry. She said, "You made a clarion call to the Conference for binding standards to provide decent work for domestic workers, thereby providing them with what they lack most: recognition as workers, and respect and dignity as human beings. Domestic workers all over the world owe you a debt of gratitude." Indeed, Madam, you truly have done Singapore proud. We have seen over the years that you have demonstrated to all of us in the Labour Movement that charity always begins at home, and we witnessed how you have walked the talk and tirelessly attended to your call of duty while taking care of the needs of your family of five children and also your extended family, including your parents. I cannot agree with you more that it is great to stay in our HDB flats, and I, for one, love my HDB flat. However, should you need to move out of your flat one day, Madam, people will understand. Today, I am deeply honoured and count it a blessing to be here in this House to witness this historical moment that we now have the first woman Speaker in Parliament and that clearly you have the Labour Movement DNA in you. Madam, although you are now the Speaker of Parliament, we look forward to you to continue to stay true to your calling to be fair and just to help the weak and the less privileged in Singapore, to be the voice of conscience for our people, and that you will not only be known as the first woman Speaker of this House but truly an inspiring people's Speaker. And, with that, I congratulate you, Madam, and wish you the very best in your new journey. Thank you. [Applause.]”
“Mdm Speaker, I would like to join the Members of the House to extend our heartfelt congratulations. We closed the year of 2012 last month with a very heavy heart when our previous Speaker, Mr Michael Palmer, resigned and we have, indeed, lost a talent. Mr Palmer has always been very kind and encouraging to all of us, especially to the Nominated Members of Parliament, and, of course, we hope that you will also extend the same kindness and fairness to all of us. It was a great start to the new year when we heard that you were nominated as the Speaker of Parliament. The sisters and brothers, whom you have worked closely with in the Labour Movement, were overjoyed and we were so very happy for you. Although we missed you in the Labour Movement, we hope that, with your new role, you can extend your experience or help to the Labour Movement, and we join all Singaporeans to rejoice in your election. You have always been compassionate in reaching out to us women, to the unionists, as well as workers on the ground, be it the PMEs, the middle-income group or even the low-wage workers and, especially, the less privileged. You have also been very down-to-earth and fair in your dealings with the unionists and also with the management as well. Mdm Speaker, you are renowned for your outstanding contributions to workers, and your reputation has spread way beyond Singapore, especially in the International Labour Organization (ILO). You were the first Singaporean to be elected to the ILO Governing Body. As spokesperson, your hard work in the Page: 21 ILO has led to the adoption by the 100th Session of the International Labour Conference in June 2011 of the historic Domestic Workers' Convention 2011, No 189.”
“I would like to urge the Government to continue to monitor closely and keep track on any increase in the number of our local gambling addicts and to provide every assistance and help not only to the individuals but to their families and loved ones to go through this very difficult time. With these comments, Sir, I support the Bill. 4.29 pm”
“Page: 1394 I would like to seek clarification from the Minister on the rationale for availing visit limitation as an intermediary alternative for persons demonstrating financial vulnerability. While it is logical that persons on social assistance programmes or Government-funded subsidy schemes be excluded from the casinos altogether, should not individuals who are financially vulnerable also be totally excluded? Why is an individual who is deemed to possess a poor credit record, or has an inability to pay debts as they fall due and is deemed by the Committee of Assessors to be vulnerable to financial harm, be given even a single opportunity to enter the casino to place a wager, with the odds heavily stacked not in the individual's favour? Is it not possible that with the visit limitation imposed, the individual may still make that single visit per month and, during that single visit of no return, incur greater debts or liabilities and bring grief to their family? While I appreciate the intention to introduce the visit limitation for those seeking voluntary inclusion into this proposed scheme, I would like to suggest that persons deemed by the Committee of Assessors to be financially vulnerable, be automatically excluded from the casinos instead of having their visits to the casinos limited. Sir, in South Korea, they have a relatively large casino gaming market in Asia Pacific, yet their casinos are only open to foreigners, and this was done to protect their locals. I would like to ask the Minister to reconsider and look into how best we can further protect our local Singaporeans.”
“Although it may be ironical for casinos to participate in CSR programmes that discourage gaming, but what about pockets in our community who have suffered from these social issues associated with gaming, just so that these foreign casino operators can profit from their gaming operations in our country. I am aware that we cannot exit the casino industry at this point. I, therefore, urge consideration be given for a greater proportion of tax collection from the casinos be allocated to help our community to combat the gambling ills. The amendments to this Bill also extend the scope of Exclusion Orders to protect our Singaporeans from the vulnerable exposure to the social problems that stem from the inability to control oneself from gambling. The introduction of visit limits that constrain the individual's access into casinos has been proposed as an intermediary alternative from a total exclusion. The visit limitation proposal serves the wider interest of protecting not just an individual, who is vulnerable to financial harm resulting from visiting casinos, but also their immediate and extended families, who inevitably have to shoulder the financial liabilities and subsequent social and economic problems incurred from problem gambling. Sir, while section 165 comprehensively provides a set of legislative criteria used either by the Committee of Assessors or the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in determining the vulnerability of the individual to financial harm, it also allows for families to make provisional exclusion for problem gamblers, or impose a visit limit. It therefore seems that the visit limitation can be imposed either voluntarily by the individual or through application from family members.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the amendment to the Casino Control Bill is, I understand, our attempt to protect Singaporeans from the lure of gaming. I am heartened that initiatives have been raised and that our Government has taken much consideration to incorporate these proposed amendments to further protect our fellow citizens from the social fallout from gambling. I speak on this Bill with mixed feelings and I also share the concerns that were raised passionately by the previous speakers. Page: 1393 Sir, it was many years ago I recall that my whole family woke up one morning and we were shocked to learn that my sister's colleague's whole family perished. They took their lives because of the gambling debts that they had incurred; first, their children and then themselves. So, it really shook my family at that point of time but I believe that many speakers in the House here will share their experience as well in your constituency. Sir, while this Bill has introduced marketing restrictions for the casinos, I believe that there is still more that can be done to protect the community from the gambling ills. There has been positive publicity in the media on how the casinos have contributed to Singapore's economy through their tax contributions. The Minister shared earlier on that as well. I understand that they have contributed about probably 2% of the Singapore GDP and also created many jobs for Singaporeans, directly and indirectly. But what I hope to see though would be the active participation and contribution by the casinos towards corporate social responsibility for Singaporeans who have inadvertently fallen victim to the social gaming disease.”
“I have two supplementary questions. I would like to ask the Minister of State what other measures would the Ministry look at to attract more locals to work as Senior Care Associates. The Minister of State just now briefly mentioned about involving retirees and women who wish to return to the workforce. I feel that many of them are natural care-givers but they require training. Could the Minister of State elaborate on this? Secondly, I understand that MSF has also been developing Senior Group Homes. I would like to ask the Minister of State if she could give me an update on the progress of the Senior Group Homes scheme.”
“Also, Sir, can the ethics committee, which is present in all healthcare institutions, be utilised, to some extent, to assist and facilitate in the processes and procedures pertaining to this Bill? In conclusion, Sir, I commend MOH for reviewing this Bill, for aligning it with the Mental Capacity Act and also global best practices and for giving these affected individuals the right to uphold their dignity, their autonomy and, of course, their best interests. I support this Bill, Sir. Page: 1000 4.47 pm”
“This had then set the precedence for court or tribunal authorisation to be required for any sterilization procedure to be carried out on a child, which would rule on the best interests on a case-by-case basis. Now, what indeed is the "best interest of the patient" and who is the best to determine this? For example the "best interest" can change and evolve with changes in time, timing, age of the person, social level of acceptance and, of course, the maturing of society. Therefore, the need for an objective decision with the use of a court order in these cases. I also have the following queries, Sir: How many persons with disabilities have been sterilized in the last 10 years in Singapore under the VSA and who had been the decision maker in such cases? Have we, so far, encountered any problems where the decision had to be revoked? Next, pertaining to the consent for the procedure, for persons lacking mental capacity, consent must be obtained from the parent, guardian, spouse and a doctor who has to certify the procedure is necessary, and in the best interests of the person. For those who need to seek a specialist or a psychiatrist for certification, can MOH consider setting an acceptable, reasonable fee range for the purpose? This is because specialist fees can indeed be high and these affected families are often already faced with numerous financial challenges in their day-to-day lives. Can the Ministry also advise on how the processes for applications can be streamlined to help facilitate? Also, does the next-of-kin have to do this personally or can the institution they are in follow up and help as well to facilitate the applications with the necessary supporting documents?”
“The major change is that persons, who have the mental capacity to choose and decide rationally, will have the right to do so in planning to have their sterilization. This offers better protection for all, including the disabled, and recognises their rights. It will safeguard their sexual and reproductive autonomy. It also aligns with our Mental Capacity Act 2008 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities, which Singapore is expected to be a signatory to, very, very soon. This Bill will allow persons with hereditary illnesses, physical disability without mental incapacity and diseases such as epilepsy, the right to make their own decisions. This decision, Sir, can be a very private and a very emotional one for the affected person. If the disabled person does lack mental capacity, then the burden of decision making, care and support, certainly falls on the parents and the next-of-kin. Parents and next-of-kin, generally, have been making the decisions and they would have the best interests of the affected person in mind but it may not always be true. At times, we know decisions can be made as an "act of convenience". Perhaps, alternatives, such as counselling, education and hormonal therapy, are better options in certain cases. In Britain, for example, Sir, there is the Court of Protection, which is a specialist court for all issues relating to persons who lack the capacity to make specific decisions go through. The court makes decisions and appoints deputies to make decisions in the best interests of those who lack the capacity. Page: 999 In Australia, in 1992, the High Court ruled in a case about parents of a mentally disabled child applying for sterilization, that it was beyond the ordinary scope of parental powers!”
“In most cases, chances are that it is the minors' parents or legal guardians who have tremendous influence on their lives, who would have influenced them to make that decision. In such a situation, to protect the interests of the minor, the law should require a court order before sterilization of a minor is allowed. Also, unlike the provision for those lacking in mental capacity where the decision has to be made in the person's best interests, there is no such requirement for minors. I would like to ask the Minister whether he could consider amending the proposed section 3(2)(c) to require a court order to be made before a minor can be sterilized, and for such sterilization to be carried out only if it is in the best interests of the child. Page: 998 If this is not possible, since the law is already crafted in this manner, could the Minister consider putting in place safeguards, such as requiring the certification of at least two doctors, that the sterilization would indeed be in the child's best interests before the procedure is carried out? Also, I would like to suggest that as part of any process to ensure fully informed choices and consent, the doctor performing the sterilization must inform the patient that sterilization is a permanent procedure and that alternatives exist, such as reversible forms of family planning. I would also like to suggest that the doctor ensures that all information must be provided in a language that the person understands and in plain, non-technical language appropriate to the individual concerned. With these comments, I support the Bill. 4.42 pm Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef (Marine Parade): Sir, this Bill has been around since 1970, when it was enacted to support family planning. Indeed, it is time to review it.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am deeply heartened that this Bill now requires a court order to be made before someone who lacks mental capacity to consent can be made to undergo sexual sterilization treatment. With this amendment, we have removed provisions that may lead to discrimination against disabled persons. We are now better aligned to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This Convention provides a basis for upholding the rights of persons with disabilities and contains specific provisions of relevance to the issue of involuntary sterilization. The change to this Bill to give better protection to persons lacking in mental capacity is the right move as sterilization is an irreversible medical procedure with profound medical and psychological effects. People with disabilities – they too have their rights and should be protected against the arbitrary action of their spouses, parents or legal guardians. A court order could give the court a chance to evaluate whether the decision to sterilize a person who lacks mental capacity is being taken in the person's best interests and not just to serve the convenience of caregivers. However, I would like to seek a clarification from the Minister on the rationale for not imposing a similar requirement of a court order for sterilizations carried out on minors below the age of 21 years. This Bill allows parents or guardians to make the decision on behalf of the minor so long as the minor has given consent. I am very concerned that the Bill assumes that very young minors are able to make such a profound, permanent and life-altering decision on their own.”
“I would like to thank the Minister for his comprehensive response. I have a supplementary question. As the Government in its efforts to increase places in the universities, by and by we will have more qualified graduates, PMEs in the long run. However, we also have many existing mature PMEs who may not have a chance to graduate from the universities or have a degree. Many of them aspire to have a degree as they feel that Singapore is still very paper-based. My question is: how can the Government do to help this group of mature PMEs to stay competitive in their career progression and that, in the long run, they would not be displaced? Would the Minister consider offering or increasing available study grants to these PMEs who wish or who aspire to pursue a degree?”
“I would like to thank the Minister of State for a very productive and comprehensive answer. I have a supplementary question. We are aware that we need to improve productivity in order to sustain income levels for our workers. I would like to ask the Minister of State what is impeding the effort of increasing productivity of the workers in the long run.”
“I would like to thank the Minister for assuring us of the happy problem. I have a supplementary question for the Minister. Would the Minister consider a tripartite framework where available vacancies in specific industries are made known to the unions to enable us to alert our members of such employment opportunities, before approving these Employment Passes for foreigners? This is also to assure Mr Teo Siong Seng here that we are social partners and we are going all the way out to help him.”