Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman
Singapore
“Just a quick response to the question on JKJU. Indeed, we continue to pay attention to the health of the Malay/Muslim community. I mentioned earlier while we have been making progress, there have been some areas that we continue to want to improve on, particularly, increasing in our rates of participation in signing up for Healthier SG, p…”
“00 pm (In English): Mr Chairman, beyond our shores or closer to home, efforts like M3's Aid for Gaza and our initiatives for local communities in the M3@Towns show how our acts of care and contribution, as donors or volunteers, and how we can connect with one another to do so, can make a difference to those around us.”
“The other dimension is that having Dian ambassadors help with the cultural dimension, because not all family coaches from ComLink necessarily understand the dynamics of Malay culture, the nuances, and so the Dian ambassadors help them and tell them that these are the ways in which we can connect with Malay families in a manner that will g…”
“This will also mitigate the impulse to normalise or chase the extremes in the contest to circulate ever more startling videos and content. While firm actions will be taken to address the parties involved in each incident, the school will also use the opportunity as a teaching moment for all its students.”
“Sir, I agree with the Member that we have to strike a balance. We cannot just swing one way or the other. Just to assure the Member that MOE did commission a National Institute of Education study – it was a two-year study which was commissioned in September 2022, but it is not completed yet.”
“Mr Speaker, the short answer is yes. We welcome anyone who is keen to join the SPED sector. We know this SPED sector is a very challenging sector to be in. It requires determination. It requires passion. It is a calling.”
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“As we provide opportunities for parents to learn to raise children in today's context, I think we should also start creating opportunities for children to learn how to care for their elderly parents. The need will be even more critical as more are growing older and, along with it, more complex challenges that the children will have to face and manage. Conditions like dementia, Parkinson's disease, along with other physical needs experienced by the elderly, are often too alien to the younger generation today. Mdm Deputy Speaker, as we strengthen the family to ensure that it remains as a building block, we need to also strengthen the other pillar of our society - our community. While we have the social infrastructure in place in the form of social services and the network of grassroots organisations under the umbrella of PA, we are beginning to see more being asked of our voluntary sector. We have established the ComCare system which enables help to be extended through the network of community volunteers who knows the need of their fellow residents better. However, I think the work required of such volunteers is never easy. We continue to face the challenge of attracting new and younger volunteers to be part of the community network. A strong and resilient community is one that will help our people weather difficult times. It is a community that is mutually supportive, where individual members feel belonged and connected to each other. We need to do more to incentivise voluntarism. I know this may run counter to the notion of voluntarism itself. But we have to be practical and realistic. We can continue to hold on to the ideals of altruism but must also recognise that people are motivated by different factors.”
“It is about ensuring that our families are resilient enough to withstand the stresses of urban living, together with the challenges of globalisation that will continue to increase in complexity. Indeed, the statistics show that the proportion of elderly not living with children has increased from 26% to 30% between the year 2000 and 2005. It is indeed encouraging that the majority of elderly are still living with their children and I am optimistic that they are supporting their elderly parents. But the example I highlighted earlier shows that we cannot assume that all is well. The living arrangement of the elderly per se is not the issue. The issue is whether they receive the necessary financial and social support from their children. We have thus far done so through tax rebates. I am glad that in this Budget, we further incentivise the behaviour through tax rebates for CPF top-ups to elderly parents. This will ensure that the elderly will actually benefit from the income transfer. To further incentivise the behaviour, I would like to suggest that while we give Growth Dividends to individuals, for future Budgets, we also give Growth Dividends directly to households who actually show that they are supporting these elderly, eg, those who actually top up the CPF of their elderly parents. Madam, the challenges facing an ageing population is a serious one and it cannot be the responsibility of the Government alone. While the CPF LIFE scheme is a new financial life line for the next generation of elder citizens, we must continue to start securing the familial lifeline from now to ensure that our families remain resilient and strong to support the elderly members.”
“We continue to encourage the children to care and provide for their elderly parents in old age. Madam, while I do not have the figures to reflect the seriousness of the situation, I am sure many Members of the House are beginning to see the trend of elderly folks coming to see us requesting for subsidised rental flats from HDB, as they can no longer live with their children. Of course, the problem is that they are subjected to HDB's current regulations that try to manage the demand for subsidised rental flats, eg, placing restrictions on former flat owners who have consumed various Government subsidies previously. These elderly come pouring their hearts out, crying and hoping that we will understand their plight and respond to their requests. The saddest part is that the subsidies consumed by these elderly have already been shared with their children, yet now they become victims of their own circumstance. Mdm Deputy Speaker, a typical case is one in which we see an elderly couple, having purchased a subsidised flat from HDB, sold the flat and made substantial proceeds, including cash, from the sale of that flat. They move into their children's home and spend a large portion of the cash proceeds on the renovation of the children's flat. When relations with their children or children-in-law turn sour, they come to HDB appealing to be given a subsidised rental flat. Should the Government come in and provide for them? Or should we insist that these children provide for them, having benefited from the subsidies of their parents? Mdm Deputy Speaker, similar to the issue of single parent families earlier, the issue is indeed more than housing.”
“I think we should adopt a two-pronged approach: (1) to ensure that the men are taken to task in performing their responsibilities as fathers. We should put in place systems that will reduce breaches of maintenance orders. Can the tax system be tuned further to facilitate this, either through incentives or disincentives? (2) to ensure that these women be provided with support services like childcare, skills upgrading, etc, to enable them to be financially independent. Just as we give more Growth Dividends to the elderly, can we recognise the struggles of single parent families or households in raising their children and give them more? Yes, we have in this year's Budget, for example, showed how we will continue to invest in their children through education. Madam, a good home environment will certainly provide added impetus for a better outcome. What these single parent families need is support and hope that they can succeed. Of course, we should not negate the role of the extended family and the community in this regard. Single parent family is a family structure that should not be encouraged, but it should not be frowned upon either. Caring for the elderly Mdm Deputy Speaker, we have also been addressing the issue of an ageing population actively in the past couple of years and will continue to do so. This year's Budget is a milestone as we introduce the CPF LIFE scheme to ensure financial adequacy post retirement for our citizens. This is indeed a laudable effort but we also recognise that there are different groups of elderly with different levels of financial adequacy even after the introduction of CPF LIFE. We have placed the caveat that this is only one source of the retirement funds.”
“I think we have to address a more fundamental question of how we can make our families stronger and more resilient, to overcome challenges and not resort to divorce far too early. Madam, as a single parent, often times the woman, who does not have good income after the divorce, will struggle to raise her children. This will be made worse if her ex-husband fails to keep up with his maintenance payments. Low-income women are even more disadvantaged as they often find practical difficulties to pursue maintenance payments from their ex-husbands in the Family Court. Thus, it is not unthinkable for her to decide to remarry for economic dependency reasons. While this may be a valid reason, the repercussion down the road, if the marriage does not work out, is a serious one, made even more complex if she bears him children from this marriage. Madam, the Budget sets out to improve on the capabilities of individuals to build a resilient community. As mentioned, it is forward looking and looks at the future scenario and responds to it today. I urge the Minister for Finance to look at the family and its challenges as we look forward. This phenomenon of single parent families as a result of divorce, serial marriages and serial divorces will confront us in the future if we do not put in place measures today. Can we consider a radical approach of providing more support for single parent families? At least, they do not need to decide to marry for economic dependency. I know we should not go down the slippery slope of allowing divorce as a simple option or solution. I am not suggesting that we implement programmes like the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), like the one in the US which, I know, has led to moral hazards.”
“While some related data on divorces under the Women's Charter is not readily available, data on the Muslim divorces showed that 67% of Muslim divorces in 2006 alone involved more than 2,400 children less than 18 years old. Of this, half of the children come from families who have been married for less than 10 years, suggesting that these are very young children to be raised in single parent families. Mdm Deputy Speaker, the issue of single parent families becomes more complex when we add another dimension - their earlier marital status of the couple involved. Statistics show that one-third of Muslim marriages in 2006 involved couples with one partner who have been formerly divorced. At the same time, the Muslim divorce statistics showed that more than a quarter (27%) of divorces in 2006 involved couples with one partner who have been formerly divorced. Practising social workers will tell us that these are families who are very vulnerable. These serial marriages and serial divorce cases pose a significant challenge to us. We call them reconstituted families - typically consisting of his children, her children, and their children together. Can we imagine the scenario if this family ends up in divorce and remarriage again? Madam, Members of the House will also be all too familiar with cases of divorced and divorcing couples who come to see them to request for housing - often times, the woman who has custody of her children - and the request is often for a subsidised rental flat as she does not have the financial means to purchase another flat. For every marriage that breaks up, we inevitably have to provide two separate homes, especially if the couple splits custody of the children. Madam, housing is only the tip of the problem that we have to address, post divorce.”
“Madam, in building a resilient community, apart from the individuals, there are two pillars that we need to strengthen - the family and the community. The focus on skills upgrading and lifelong learning, investing in our young through education, ensuring that Singaporeans have enough savings for a steady stream of income after retirement - are all laudable strategies aimed at strengthening the capacity of individual Singaporeans. However, I think we cannot ignore the trends that are affecting our two other pillars. Madam, we continue to hold on to the value that the family is the building block of our society and that it should be our first line of defence. While we continue to hear reports from MCYS that the family remains strong, we are also aware that there are social trends that point to the family being challenged. Divorce and single parent families One trend that worries me personally is the increasing divorce rates here. Statistics show that the number of divorces under the Women's Charter increased by over 40% between 1996 and 2006. For the Muslim divorces, the number of divorces increased by almost 80% within the same timeframe. This increase is also reflected in the crude rate of divorce which increased from 1.53 per 1,000 resident population in 2001 to 1.96 per 1,000 resident population in 2006. Madam, people do not get married to divorce. Often times, divorce comes as a last resort. However, often times also, the after taste of divorce is bitter and unpleasant. This is compounded when the divorce involves children whose emotional and psychological well-being is often affected.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, I rise in support of the motion standing in the name of the Minister for Finance. Madam, this year's Budget has been described as generous and pro-Singaporeans. Singaporeans from different walks of life focus on different aspects of the Budget that concern them most. Of course, the perennial feedback is whether the Government can do more - give more but do not take back more. This year's Budget comes in the wake of higher rates of inflation as Singaporeans begin to feel the pain of higher cost of living. PM Lee himself has acknowledged that the cost of living issue is a real concern facing Singaporeans and we need to help Singaporeans manage the issue. Madam, it is understandable that the majority of Singaporeans ask if the Government can do more at every Budget. I think, this year, the Government has indeed given more. From CPF top-ups for seniors, to continued investments in our young through the topping up of post secondary education accounts, to ensuring the development of our industries through encouraging innovations, to encouraging familial support through tax rebates for CPF top-ups for family members. The Budget is comprehensive, forward-looking yet introspective. Madam, I am heartened that the Minister for Finance has chosen the theme "Creating a Top Quality Economy, Building a Resilient Community" in his Budget Statement. I would like to focus my speech on the latter part of the theme - building a resilient community. Madam, while the theme has significant promise, I find that the Budget is too focused on the individuals, with the hope that these individuals will contribute to a resilient community.”
“Sir, as mentioned earlier, whenever we have information that there are risks involved, certainly AVA will step up its efforts at investigating as well as monitoring the sources, especially sources that are identified as higher risk. I assure the Member and Members of the House that AVA is on top of the situation in ensuring that all food supplies to Singapore are safe. TAXI FARE REVISION (Impact on taxi drivers and commuters) 8. Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong asked the Minister for Transport for an update of the taxi crunch situation, especially in the Central Business District and Orchard Road areas after surcharges and flagdown fares were increased and whether (i) there has been an improvement in the waiting time for commuters to board a taxi in these areas; and (ii) commuters still have to resort to taxi phone booking while waiting in taxi queues. 9. Mr Baey Yam Keng asked the Minister for Transport in view of the recent reports on taxi fare revisions affecting both taxi drivers and passengers (a) how long a transition period is necessary before the Ministry deems it necessary to step in to address the situation; and (b) whether the Ministry will review the policy of deregulated taxi fares.”
“Sir, on the question of how do we educate the public, it is recognised that today these packaging materials are used in many hawker centres and they are well accepted by the public. The most important thing for the public to know is to use it for microwave only if there is a label which says that it is microwaveable or can be microwaved. By and large, we would like the public to be more aware of circumstances for which they can use containers that could be microwaveable. I think it is possible for us to educate the public but, by and large, most styrofoam containers should not be used for microwave purposes, because they are not microwaveable. Secondly, on the issue of whether it is environmentally friendly, plastic containers are disposed through incineration, similar to all household wastes in Singapore to recover energy. We have discussed this with MEWR. MEWR also encourages recycling of such food containers. I think in the long run, we will discuss further with MEWR on what are the options and steps that we can take with regard to such food containers.”
“Sir, as in any upgrading programme, I think we acknowledge that one of the key issues is the availability of funds and resources. Secondly, it is really the allocation of these limited resources. We have to be cognisant of the fact that there are sizeable needs on the ground. I recognise the point that Er Lee has mentioned that the residents are asking for upgrading. But I think NParks, as part of its park redevelopment programme, will be progressively upgrading some of the neighbourhood parks across Singapore over the next five years. And she is right that we are putting up proposals for the funds to be allocated for such upgrading works. But I also need to mention the main criterion really for upgrading these parks is the condition of those parks. Priority will be given to those where there is more serious wear and tear. So, once the funds are made available, we will have to take a look at the parks that are needed for upgrading works and prioritise those that are needed most. TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS 9. Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim asked the Minister for Manpower in light of the Integrated Resorts project, whether the Minister can inform the House of Singapore's talent development process.”
“Also, samples are also collected for testing to ensure that these products comply with our food laws. MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC TREES 11. Mdm Halimah Yacob asked the Minister for National Development in light of the recent incident when a tree in Bukit Batok Nature Park fell and killed a jogger, whether the National Parks Board has sufficient checks in place to ensure that trees planted in Singapore are well maintained and do not pose a risk to people.”
“Let me take the second question first. The answer is yes. AVA monitors the world's food health situation daily through relevant Internet websites. Food authorities from other countries as well as Australia and New Zealand also keep AVA informed of food recalls or other warnings of that nature. So the answer is, yes, we work very closely with all the different agencies from the different countries for food warnings. On the question of surveillance and monitoring, I think there are different categories of food that AVA monitors. AVA accredits overseas meat establishments, for example, and processed egg establishments. So, as far as fresh food products are concerned, they accredited the food sources. There are two levels of accreditation: first, they assess the country's system in terms of the animal health and food safety. In that sense, animal disease status, for example, foot-and-mouth disease, bird flu, and other food system, microbiology, antibiotic residue control programmes, will be considered for evaluation. Once the country's system has been evaluated, then AVA will look into the specific establishments within the country. So, they go into the specific establishments to assess their control measures to make sure that they are safe for exports. That is for fresh food and meat products. For other products, like processed food, for example, the responsibility lies with the importers where high-risk food products such as preserved foods, vegetables, soya bean products, minimally-processed vegetables, flour, starches, and so on, are subjected to strict import control. So, importers of these products are required to submit documentary proof that they are from regulated sources and health certificates or laboratory reports to certify their safety.”
“AVA will continue to remain vigilant to ensure the safety of food products imported from all sources, including China, and intensify checks and controls, where necessary.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, AVA has put in place a comprehensive and integrated food safety system to ensure that food imported into Singapore is safe for human consumption. The system is science-based, and underpinned by constant vigilance to identify food safety problems as well as rigorous analysis of the potential hazards associated with the problems identified. Let me explain. Consignments of imported food are subject to systematic inspection and laboratory monitoring for pathogens, contaminants and residues to ensure that the food products are safe for consumption. Such surveillance also enables AVA to maintain a database of useful information on the safety level of food originating from the different sources. AVA also keeps a close watch on the global food safety situation to ensure that our policies and control programmes stay current. Where there are specific or emerging concerns, AVA may introduce additional programmes or intensify checks, if necessary. These could include checks on the presence of banned substances or contaminants such as malachite green or Sudan red, or viruses like the avian flu. I would like to assure the House that AVA maintains stringent checks on food imports from all sources, including China. AVA has a long working relationship with the regulatory authority in China, and Singapore's regulatory requirements and stringent checks on food imports are well known in China. Over the years, AVA has provided regular feedback to the Chinese authorities to facilitate their monitoring of China's food exports to Singapore. This has resulted in general improvements in the safety of vegetables and farmed freshwater fishes imported from China.”
“Those who do not qualify for concessionary loans include private property owners, high-income households, non-citizen households, those who have previously taken two HDB loans, as well as those who have already enjoyed one concessionary loan and are not upgrading in their current flat purchase. There is a wide variety of commercial loan packages available in the market. Generally, HDB flat buyers who have a stable household income and are buying a flat within their means should be able to secure a bank loan to finance their flat purchase. However, there is a small group of flat buyers who are unable to secure a bank loan for various reasons, even though they may have the financial means to service a mortgage at commercial rates. They include those with poor credit histories or are undischarged bankrupts. To help meet the needs of this group of flat buyers, HDB has recently implemented an assistance measure to provide them with mortgage loans at commercial interest rates. As with other HDB loans, credit assessment will be applied to ensure financial prudence on the part of the flat buyer. I want to clarify and emphasise that HDB is not re-introducing market rate loans as a mortgage financing option for flat buyers. This is a limited assistance measure extended to a select group of buyers who face difficulty in obtaining a bank loan to finance their flat purchase. HDB will assess appeals for these loans on a case-by-case basis, and we reserve the right to reject cases that do not meet our guidelines.”
“Sir, I think we have discussed this policy before. By and large, the assumption behind the policy is one where we want to encourage upgraders. So, first-time buyers are eligible for a concessionary loan and, as they improve their lives, we want to encourage them to upgrade, and therefore we facilitate their upgrading with another concessionary loan. However, we understand that downgraders may require certain assistance. But not all downgraders require financial assistance. This is because sometimes when they monetise or sell their assets, they do make sufficient proceeds, and we believe that the proceeds are sufficient for them to purchase a smaller flat. For cases that require assistance, HDB will look at them on a case-by-case basis. But we want to discourage people from downgrading, making proceeds from the downgrading, and then getting another concessionary loan, because these are subsidised loans from the Government. PURCHASE OF HDB FLATS (Assistance in obtaining housing loans) 2. Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim asked the Minister for National Development what action has been taken to assist Singaporeans who are unable to obtain housing loans from commercial banks in the purchase of HDB flats. The Minister of State for National Development (Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien) (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, since 1st January 2003, flat buyers who do not qualify for HDB concessionary loans can apply for a mortgage loan at commercial interest rates from the banks or financial institutions.”
“Sir, the Member is very right. We want to make sure that home buyers purchase their flats with relevant information, ie, that they make informed decisions, before they commit to the purchase of their flats. Information is available everywhere - on their websites, in their promotional brochures, and in a lot of documents that are made available to the flat buyers. What is important is to make sure that flat buyers seek relevant information from these relevant sources. Apart from that, many flat buyers rely on their housing agents to help them with flat purchases. One of the most important things is to make sure that housing agents also play their role in informing their clients with regard to information that is relevant to them, whether they are eligible for loans and grants, and so on. What is important is for the flat buyers, apart from getting all this information, to make informed decisions with regard to what they are capable of buying. We always encourage financial prudence to make sure that they buy within their means. HDB has also put in place several measures. So when flat buyers first come in, at the point of first appointment, HDB officers will look through a checklist and make sure that flat buyers are aware of their eligibility and that they are informed of what are their eligibility as far as loans are concerned. With regard to why they choose bank loans, it is market forces, independent of what they choose to take up. At some point, the market rates given by the banks are a lot more attractive. So we leave it to the flat buyers to make the decision, so long as we make sure that they have made their decisions with the relevant information that is being given to them.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, currently, operators of HDB eating houses are allowed to operate Outdoor Refreshment Areas (ORAs) at their shopfronts from 6.00 am to 11.00 pm daily. The restriction in the operating hours of the ORA is necessary to prevent disamenities to residents, as the majority of these eating houses are located below HDB flats. HDB has sought to meet the needs of both eating house operators as well as the residents by allowing the operation of ORA, but with appropriate conditions, such as restriction on operating hours. At a recent consultation session conducted by HDB to review and streamline ORA guidelines, the participants, comprising eating house operators and residents, had also proposed to retain it, so as not to cause disamenities to the neighbourhood and to maintain its residential character. Nevertheless, there is no restriction on the operating hours within the eating house premises. They can continue to operate beyond 11.00 pm.”
“Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Manpower (a) for which industries has the Commissioner of Labour exercised his powers under section 41A of the Employment Act to exempt employers from compliance with the Act since the enactment of that section; (b) how many employers have been granted exemptions; and (c) what obligations were exempted and what are the justifications for these exemptions.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, MND will be proposing amendments to the Building Control (BC) Act, with a view to enhancing the standards of safety, quality and professionalism in the construction industry. Many of the proposed amendments follow from the recommendations made by the Committee of Inquiry (COI) for the Nicoll Highway collapse, and the Joint MND-MOM Review Committee on Construction Safety. The key amendments to the BC Act include regulating temporary earth retaining structures and other major geotechnical works, licensing builders, building a core of skilled localised workers, and requiring the appointment of site supervision teams. Other amendments include aligning the penalties of the BC Act to those of the Factories Act and other Acts, as well as making provisions to enable the Minister to convene formal inquiries and impose minimum standards on environmental sustainability. As the proposed amendments have wide-ranging ramifications on the industry, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has consulted the industry stakeholders extensively over the last two years. In the latest round of consultation, BCA has received feedback on the draft Bill from the various industry associations, including the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA), Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES), Association of Consulting Engineers Singapore (ACES) and the Singapore Contractors Association Limited (SCAL). Most of the feedback sought clarifications on the proposed amendments. There were also suggestions to refine the draft Bill and on the implementation details. MND and BCA will take these suggestions into consideration when finalising the draft Bill and drafting the detailed regulations. SECTION 41A OF THE EMPLOYMENT ACT (Grant of exemptions) 14.”
“Sir, on the question of mandating environmentally-friendly buildings, as of now, we want to promote the developers through incentives. I think we always want to try to encourage them so that there is greater buy-in rather than mandating them. Once you start mandating, I think the assumption is that they are not willing to do it and we are trying to tell them to do so. I think we will look at this programme and take a look at how the incentives work and work from there onwards. I do not have the information regarding the research fund as of now. But I would like to give the Member information later on. BUILDING CONTROL ACT (Amendments) 13. Er Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for National Development, in view of the public consultation exercise, whether there is a need for further amendments to the proposed changes to the Building Control Act.”
“Mr Chiam See Tong asked the Minister for Transport, in view of the recent announcement on the increase in Electronic Road Pricing rates, (a) how much does the Ministry expect to collect in a year; (b) why is the price increase necessary; and (c) what is the money collected to be used for.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, currently, only households earning not more than $8,000 per month are allowed to buy a flat directly from HDB. For extended families buying a subsidised HDB flat to stay together, they will enjoy a higher household income ceiling of $12,000 per month. The purpose of the income ceiling is to ensure that the Government's limited public housing subsidies are given to those who need them more. With the current income ceiling, about eight out of 10 Singaporean households can qualify for housing subsidies. This is more than generous by any standard. Families whose household income exceeds the income ceiling have various other housing options available to them. For example, they can buy resale HDB flats from the open market, as these are not subject to any income ceiling. Those with a monthly household income of up to $10,000 can also buy a new Executive Condominium (EC) unit with an EC Housing Grant. Nevertheless, we recognise that there may be cases deserving special consideration. For example, a household that exceeds the income ceiling marginally may have heavy financial commitment arising from the medical expenses of a family member. For such situations, HDB may exercise flexibility on a case-by-case basis to allow deserving households to purchase a subsidised HDB flat. My Ministry will continue to monitor and review its policy on income ceiling to ensure that the majority of citizen families can enjoy subsidised public housing. ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING (Increase in rates) 9.”
“The Government's policy has been to help stallholders secure the use of vacant state land for temporary centres at zero land cost. As for the physical construction of the centres, this has been left to the local grassroots organisations and Town Councils to work directly with the Hawkers Associations and Advisors. My Ministry will continue to provide technical assistance where required to facilitate the building of temporary centres. My Ministry will also continue to give at least nine to 12 months' notice to Advisors and stallholders before the closure of a centre for upgrading. This will give sufficient time for those who plan to construct temporary centres to sort out funding arrangements among stallholders. Sir, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the grassroots organisations, Hawker Associations and Town Councils for playing important facilitative roles in the HUP programme.”
“Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources if his Ministry will take over the construction and operation of temporary markets in Hawker Centres Upgrading Programmes so that volunteer hawkers do not end up constructing the temporary markets and undertaking risks in money collections and running of the markets. Assoc. Prof. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: Sir, the Government bears the full cost of the Hawker Centres Upgrading Programme (HUP) under a $420 million 10-year programme announced in 2001. Under the HUP, centres are closed for upgrading and the period of closure depends on the extent of works. Based on previous HUP upgrading exercises, some stallholders prefer to take a break while others would like to continue their business. During the period of upgrading, the Government extends assistance to all stallholders affected, depending on their preference. For those in the first group, their rent for the period of upgrading is waived. For the latter group, NEA makes arrangements for them to operate temporarily at vacant stalls in other centres, subject to availability. In addition, stallholders are given an allowance of $1,000 each when they return to the upgraded centre, to defray part of their relocation expenses. Temporary hawker centres are not part of the package. Hence, the question of whether the Government plans to take over the building of such temporary centres does not arise. The experience so far shows that not every hawker centre undergoing upgrading requires a temporary centre. Thus far, only 41% of the 63 markets/hawker centres that have been completed or are currently undergoing HUP upgrading have decided to construct temporary centres.”
“Ho Peng Kee (for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs): Sir, under section 8 of the National Registration Act, a NRIC holder is required to report his change of place of residence within 28 days. Over the last five years, 250 persons have been convicted under this section. Sir, Police does not track the reasons for people failing to report change of address. Anecdotal feedback, however, suggests that the common reasons are: (i) the lack of knowledge of legal requirements; (ii) this was overlooked because of busy work schedule; (iii) person is living on a temporary basis outside the residential address because of family or marital problems; or (iv) person has no fixed place of abode. Sir, Police is aware that there are debtors who intentionally avoid changing their address so as to evade loansharks. As such, while conducting operations against unlicensed moneylenders, Police will also investigate debtors who fail to report the change of their residence or who abuse the change of address facility. Sir, to reduce the likelihood of innocent households being harassed by unlicensed moneylending syndicates due to abuse of the change of address system, ICA is undertaking a review of the existing procedures for reporting the change of address to deter abuse. We will announce the details after the review is completed. In the meantime, those who have evidence or reasons to believe that someone has wrongfully used their addresses should lodge a report with ICA or the Police so that the authorities can look into the matter. HAWKER CENTRES UPGRADING PROGRAMME (Construction and operation of temporary markets) 15.”
“I am very aware that Mdm Cynthia Phua is very anxious about when we can complete EUP projects and when we can complete studies in relation to it. I assure her that we will take up all the suggestions. I am not able to give a timeframe as of now because, as I have said, we are open to suggestions. We are studying possibilities of different ways of improving the programme. With regard to coordination work, we know that the Government has implemented a "no wrong door" policy since 2004. This means that the officer of any public agency receiving calls will help to put queries from members of the public to the right agencies. I think, today, we know that in every estate, there are different agencies that are involved in this kind of upgrading work that is needed, and the cyclical maintenance works of these different agencies may differ along the lifespan of that estate. So it is difficult to see when, what needs to be done and how. But when we do a proper EUP, that means that an estate is selected for EUP, we will try to coordinate as far as possible to minimise the inconveniences that will affect the residents of that particular estate. FAILURE TO REPORT CHANGE OF ADDRESS 14. Mdm Cynthia Phua asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many people have been convicted for failing to report their change of addresses to the National Registration Office during the past five years; (b) what are the common reasons for their failing to so report; and (c) what action has been taken against people who use their identity cards with old addresses to borrow money from illegal moneylenders. Assoc. Prof.”
“Sir, seven estates have recently been selected for EUP Batch 5. With this, altogether, we have some 30 estates that have already been selected for EUP since the year 2000 and a total of some 23,300 dwelling units would have benefited from EUP. As in the case of public housing estates, it is not possible for us to upgrade all residential estates at one go. Estates in greater need of upgrading would therefore be given higher priority. So far, EUP batches are launched between one-and-a-half and two years' intervals. Mdm Ho asked for the selection criteria. The selection criteria of the EUP, as I have written to all Advisors, include, firstly, the age and the physical condition of the estate. Certainly, those which are older and need higher levels of upgrading will get higher priority. Secondly, the level of community bonding that exists. For example, existence of network committees and residents' associations, because we want some level of ownership with regard to the kind of works that are going to be done. Thirdly, the scope of the significant estate improvement works that need to be done. Fourthly, how well the residents maintain their own property. And, lastly, we want to also ensure a good geographical spread across all the different selected estates.”
“Sir, I think Mdm Cynthia Phua did not quite understand my earlier answer. I did not say that we did not support the request for any Interim Upgrading Programme. I said that we are open to any suggestions to improve the current arrangements. Specific to the request that she has made, we will study those requests, as we understand that private estates also have got issues that they have put across through the Advisors. We are open to any possible suggestions. We will study those suggestions accordingly.”
“But, more importantly, I think it is important for us to help get our parents to also recognise that entrenching our kids in religious education at a very young age would build the resilience in them to face future challenges.”
“Sir, clarification and supplementary question with regard to the Minister's response to the issue of part-time religious education for the young. It is also in relation to Dr Fatimah's point about some of the problems of divorce rates and teenage pregnancies. Sir, there has been some observation that Malay parents tend to be lax with regard to religious education amongst the teens. I would like to ask the Minister if MUIS also recognises that trend that the young tend to be not attending part-time religious education and the community feels that religious education is one of the keys to solving some of these problems. Could the Minister comment on what MUIS plans to do to try to further increase the registration rates, especially for the teens, to take part in these part-time religious education classes? Assoc. Prof. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: Sir, we agree wholeheartedly with Dr Maliki that we have to reach out to the young and that is why the part-time religious education approach was in fact reviewed and changed to fit what we call age-specific requirements. So, in YouthAlive, and now we have TweensAlive, we have changed the approach in terms of the pedagogy, moving away from chalk and talk, and now using overheads, experiential learning and story telling. Based on the initial feedback, the response has been positive. But I do agree with Dr Maliki that we need to step up. That is why this programme is not only run by our mosques but also with private service providers who have decided to adopt the curriculum and run this programme on our behalf. The approach is that we will try as many avenues as possible to reach out to the youth sector.”
“I would like to know if the "Teens Alive" programme is effective in attracting youths to attend these religious classes. Community Engagement Programme of Malay/Muslim Community”
“[For vernacular speech, please refer to Appendix A *.] Mr Chairman, we know that compulsory education has been enforced a few years ago. Madrasah students are also not excluded from the compulsory education system. Starting from 2008, they would have to sit for the Primary Six Leaving Examination (PSLE). They have to obtain a minimum aggregate which has been set in subjects such as Mathematics, Science and English. Sir, this is the right direction to ensure that they will be able to adapt themselves to the new economy, be it a career in religious or secular field. Their future will be more assured because of their abilities and the availability of options should they wish to change to the secular stream, thereby exposing them to unlimited job opportuities in this era of globalisation that we will be going through. Sir, I would like to ask the Minister to provide us an update on the preparation and the ability of madrasah students to sit and pass the PSLE examination. What will happen should they fail? Are the peparations carried out by the students and madrasahs themselves sufficient? In ensuring that the competency of the madrasah students in the three main subjects is improved, we must also ensure that the students in our secular system receive adequate religious education as a foundation for their moral and character development. MUIS has revamped its part-time religious education system a few years ago. So far, what is the response by the community to part-time religious education? How many percent of our students from the secular stream are now enrolled in part-time religious classes? Does MUIS have an optimum objective of the enrolment rate of students in these part-time religious classes? We also understand that many of our youths are not attending such courses.”
“They also have very different sets of competing demands and priorities, compared to their schooling counterparts. In this regard, I would like to ask the Minister what are his Ministry's plans to engage this group of young people to enhance their activism and participation in the community.”
“Madam, over the past few years, there is much call for us to reach out to the young. Often times, we hear of the comments from the older folks that the young in Singapore are having it easy, that they have lived sheltered lives, not knowing what hardship is, that they are only thinking of themselves and not for the society or the country. Our response has thus far been multi-pronged - giving them opportunities through the community, services through CIP programmes in schools, overseas community projects through youth expedition projects, and engaging them to garner ideas and encouraging them to act upon their ideas. Madam, we must give our young a greater sense of ownership of Singapore's future. In doing so, we have to acknowledge that the youth population is very diverse. From the mountain bikers and the skateboarders to the passionate arts enthusiasts to the cyber gamers to those who spend hours jamming in music studios, and the list goes on. It is important for us to assess how our current strategies are reaching out to these different segments, making them feel that they matter to us. Madam, I would like to ask the Minister: how have our efforts to engage and encourage greater youth activism been showing results, what were the KPIs set by the Ministry and have these KPIs been met? Can the Minister also share future plans of the Ministry in further engaging our young? Are there specific plans to reach out to the youths at risk? Madam, when we speak of youths, we tend to focus our attention on school- going youths. But there is this segment of young working adults who are still very youthful at heart and mind. They are a very important group that we should focus our attention on.”
“My first question to the Minister is whether MOE has conducted systematic studies on the impact of our current school system on student attrition. Does MOE accept the extent of fit between these students and the school system? I am now talking about the education system in general. So I acknowledge that it has to be well designed. However, within each school system, there are variations in terms of operationalising the education system. We know that MOE has given much autonomy to the schools. As such, if it has not already done so or has not been done, I would urge MOE to study the impact of the school system on attrition of students at all levels. Sir, with compulsory education, MOE tracks each child and ensures that he or she is registered and remains in the school system for at least six years. I would like to ask the Minister what is the rate of attrition at the primary and secondary levels. What are the measures that are taken to help these students to re-enter the education system? Can the Minister also share, since the implementation of compulsory education, how many students have dropped out at the primary level? What percentage has been successfully reschooled? What happens to those who are not reschooled? With compulsory education, who will be responsible for these students' inability to complete the six years of compulsory education? School Drop-outs”
“Sir, every year, during the Committee of Supply debate on MOE, we hear of the competitiveness of our education system, and Members' constant call for the system to be a little less competitive. We know that over the past few years, MOE had introduced significant changes to the education system to cater to the different levels of students' abilities. I can appreciate the difficult position MOE is in trying to establish a system that fits everyone. No matter how well we tweak the system, there will always be casualties. This is even so with the introduction of compulsory education. I think we can agree that no student starts school with the intention of dropping out. Every parent wants his or her child to succeed in the education system. Every parent knows that education is the ticket to a better and bright future for his child. The Post-Secondary Education Account announced during this year's Budget is testimony of the Government's commitment to ensure that every child receives education up to at least post-secondary level. As much as each child tries, there will always be those who will fall through the cracks. Every child that does so is one too many, for the path that he or she has to travel subsequently will be more challenging and to a future that is less certain. Sir, in social science literature, there is a theory known as the ecological perspective. It argues that effective social functioning is a result of the extent of fit between the person and his environment. In the context of a child in a school, the ecological theory will argue that attrition is a result of the lack of fit between the child and the school system.”
“Does his Ministry have a target on the proportion of smoke-free space that we would like to see Singapore have and, if so, to be reached by when? Lastly, we have seen gory pictures of the effects of smoking on cigarette packets for smokers. Can we have a public education campaign on the effects of passive smoking? Because I think only then will the public be more appreciative of the need for such smoking ban in public places.”
“Sir, the effects of smoking, whether one is an active or passive smoker, have been well documented and articulated. We have taken very proactive measures in protecting the non-smoking public who are often at risk as passive smokers. The ban on smoking in public places has been in place for several months now. However, since the ban took effect, we have seen reports or public complaints that the ban has not been well enforced, especially at coffee shop spaces in public housing estates. I would like to ask the Minister on his assessment of how well the ban has been enforced, and what further measures the Ministry will take to ensure that the intent of the ban is achieved. MEWR has also announced that the ban will be extended to pubs with effect from 1st July 2007. This comes as a surprise to many clubbers who see smoking as synonymous to pubs and nightlife. I would like to ask the Minister what is the effectiveness of the current programme of banning smoking in public places. Are we seeing a reduction in the number of smokers, especially new smokers? Sir, I would also like to ask the Minister whether his Ministry conducts systematic evaluation research on the profile of smokers who are not adhering to the smoking ban in such public places, to enable a more targeted approach at reaching out to these smokers. In relation to the new ban in pubs, I would like to ask the Minister whether this move would affect the nightlife scene as well as Singapore as a tourist destination. How does Singapore compare with other major cities in the world with regard to such ban? Can the Minister also elaborate on what are the key performance indicators of the smoking ban initiative?”
“Sir, I think the policy of giving the second concessionary loan is not specifically about asset enhancement. It is really about social mobility, to encourage lessees to upgrade to a bigger flat. If we define social mobility as the size of the flat, I think people will generally accept that a 3-room flat moving up to a 4-room flat is an indication of social mobility. The value of a flat varies. Mr Zaqy has rightly pointed out that the location determines the value of the property. For us, by definition today, we see social mobility as defined by the size of the flat. I have encouraged lessees to upgrade to a bigger flat to facilitate social mobility, so that they can have a bigger flat when their children grow up and need bigger and more space within the flat. Column No : 2838 INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC ADVISORY PANEL (Adoption of recommendations) 3. Dr Lily Neo asked the Minister for Education whether he will adopt the recommendations by the International Academic Advisory Panel convened here recently and, if so, what are the recommendations.”
“A point of clarification. I think MOS Koo Tsai Kee has misunderstood the point that I have raised earlier with regard to the difference between naturalised citizens who are of Asian or non-Asian descent. I did not ask whether the SAF will treat them differently, because I am sure SAF will not treat anybody differently. The question I raised was whether, in relation to performance as well as adjustment issues, there are differences between naturalised citizens with Asian origin and non-Asian origin, given the context that we are predominantly an Asian society, whether those without Asian descent will have more difficulties and what does MINDEF do to try to help them assimilate and culturalise within our context. Assoc. Prof. Koo Tsai Kee: Based on experience, there is no performance difference between the Asian NSF and non-Asian NSF, because the training in the BMTC and then subsequently SISPEC and OCS are systematic. So we bring them through a series of training sessions before we conduct assessment on them and only upon passing that assessment would they be allowed to go to the next phase of the training. With this progressive training regime, we bring everybody from different starting points to the same ending point.”
“What is MINDEF's policy position for such cases? I understand that ICA's consideration for such cases is dependent on MINDEF's willingness to support. Sir, this issue has a greater implication on how naturalised citizens and PRs are assimilated and acculturated into the Singapore society, including our institutions like National Service. I would like to ask the Minister how MINDEF works with ICA in ensuring that this important component of our society is stressed to each PR and new citizen.”
“Sir, we have heard so much about our population policy and how we have to open our doors to immigrants, given our low fertility rate. We are even attracting many of them at a very young age, giving them scholarships and, subsequently, PR status. We know that we require them to do National Service, to be fair to other Singaporeans. Sir, National Service is about a sense of commitment and patriotism to Singapore. It is about ownership of a country that one is born and raised in. It is about defending and protecting what belongs to oneself. We know our citizens feel this way. Can we expect our PRs, who are required to do National Service, to feel likewise? Part of the unique NS experience is the blending of cultures and backgrounds into one common vision. Young men from different ethnic groups and socio-economic backgrounds are put together to live, learn and prepare to defend the nation together. With immigration, an influx of new PRs and naturalised citizens, I would like to ask the Minister how is the SAF managing the integration of these naturalised citizens through the NS experience. Have there been instances of naturalised citizens having difficulty adjusting, and how has the SAF managed such instances? A related question, Sir, is whether there is a difference between the adjustment and NS performance of naturalised citizens with Asian and those with non-Asian origins. Mr Chairman, Sir, we heard recently that Government scholarships are awarded with PR status tied to it. With this PR status being offered at such an early age, what happens if they change their minds and revoke their PR status midway? What happens if later, when they are more mature, they decide to reapply for PR status and are prepared to serve their NS then?”
“Sir, every year, cohorts of young man join the SAF to perform their National Service. Having 40 years of experience, Singaporeans have embraced the importance of National Service and parents willingly let their sons go, albeit with some levels of anxiety. Certainly, at the top of every parent's mind is the safety of their sons. It is understandable for MINDEF to prepare parents for the reality that, in preparing their sons to be soldiers, parents cannot expect 100% accident-free situations. In fact, I think in every NSman's experience, he must have had some kind of injury, otherwise he would want to know what he actually did during his NS. Sir, there is a Malay saying. It says, "Malang tidak ber bau ", or misadventure has no smell, that is, we cannot predict or anticipate misadventure. However, we can do all we can to try to prevent these misadventures from happening. If it does still happen, then really, no smell. Sir, in this regard, I would like the Minister to update us on the rate of major training accidents in the last three years. What is MINDEF's assessment of the rate of such major training accidents? How many of these accidents in the last three years had been fatal? Sir, while we understand that MINDEF will do all it can to prevent misadventures and accidents, we must make sure that the training conditions do not end up being artificial or severely contrived. In this regard, Sir, I would like to ask the Minister how has MINDEF continued to ensure training safety, yet not at the expense of critical elements of realism in the training. What is MINDEF's public education effort in reaching out to parents to appreciate the fine balance that MINDEF has to strike between these two opposing forces?”
“The stability of the region is critical for us to attract investors and for ASEAN to be seen as an economic force to be reckoned with. We cannot allow intra-ASEAN disputes to affect investor sentiment for the region as we will all stand to lose. While we continue to look beyond ASEAN, we should ensure our attractiveness as an investor destination. We must work to impress upon our counterparts in ASEAN on the importance of ASEAN solidarity for our collective and mutual benefit. In this regard, Sir, I would like to ask the Minister: how is Singapore managing its relationship with individual ASEAN member countries bilaterally, especially during periods when bilateral relations are strained? Sir, we are aware of the non-interference in domestic policies of ASEAN. However, is there a role for ASEAN in managing such bilateral issues? Finally, Sir, I would like to ask the Minister what is Singapore's role to ensure that ASEAN continues to remain strong and able to glue the member countries together to rise above sensitive bilateral issues.”
“Sir, we have been a member of ASEAN since its inception some 40 years ago. ASEAN has expanded, not only in size, but also in scope of its work as a regional and economic bloc. Our ASEAN members are also riding on each other's development as we see the positive outcome of the region being seen as an attractive destination for investors, albeit occasional domestic challenges faced by individual members. Sir, while individual member countries may have their own challenges and difficulties, we also see periodic tensions in bilateral relations between ASEAN members. We have had our fair share of bilateral challenges with our neighbours. Our relation with Thailand was affected recently by the Shin Corp episode and the former Prime Minister Thaksin's private visit here. Then with Indonesia, we had the sand ban issue with their leaders going back to enforce on the reasons for the ban. Whether their reasons are environmental or political or the other "Ps" that are mentioned by Ms Indranee Rajah earlier, our relations with them is a little bit strange. It does not help when political leaders make statements that seem as though we are such bad neighbours. Then with Malaysia, we continue to be targets of various accusations from time to time. Sir, I acknowledge that we are not the only ones having periodic bilateral issues with our ASEAN countries. Relations in Thailand have their own border issues to deal with. Countries continue to dispute on territorial boundaries. Sir, bilateral relations have often times become thorny issues between member countries. How do ASEAN members ensure that these issues do not affect the larger objectives and vision of ASEAN?”
“If I got the question correctly, which is transition housing for foreign domestic workers, I think this is the purview of the Ministry of Manpower. If we understand the responsibilities of employers as well as the agents who are supposed to bring in the domestic helpers, they are supposed to be the ones who should be responsible for the welfare as well as for the accommodation of the domestic helpers in transition - by the time they come in and before they get transferred to their employers. I think the roles are pretty clear today as to what the responsibilities of the different players are, and I think they should continue to be able to do that.”
“Madam, this issue of pet ownership, cats especially, in housing estates has been discussed several times. There are two groups effectively - one, the pet lovers who feel that it is okay for pets to be in housing estates. As long as they are sterilised, they will be able to manage and live among HDB dwellers. However, there is also the other group of HDB dwellers who are very particular about the nuisance created by pets of this kind. The policy of HDB has been that we do not allow cats to be kept in HDB flats because cats are nomadic in nature and are difficult to be confined within the flat. They have also given rise to problems such as defecation, noise and shedding of fur, which will affect the living environment of our housing estates. Having said that, I think we continue to try to engage the pet lovers group to try to bring both parties together. I think what is important is a sense of appreciation of each other's side and to see if, at some point in time later, they will come to an agreed position. As of now, I think we receive a significant number of complaints from HDB dwellers with regard to nuisance created by cats. Therefore, at this point in time, the position of the HDB remains the same - cats will not be allowed in HDB flats.”
“Increasingly, therefore, residents may find more foreign workers living in their midst, or dormitory sites located near to their premises. We are mindful of the potential impact of foreign worker housing near residential areas. For the new dormitory sites, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) will require successful bidders to provide a range of amenities within the dormitories. Apart from adequate living space for the workers, the dormitories will be required to have, for example, mini-marts, barber, remittance services, etc. These amenities will make the dormitories attractive and self-contained, insofar as daily living and recreational needs are concerned. Dormitory operators will also play their part in educating the foreign workers on our culture and way of life. Notwithstanding the facilities provided within the dormitories, it is inevitable that foreign workers will go outside their dormitories and make use of common facilities within the area. Hence, they may patronise our neighbourhood shops or eat next to us in the hawker centres. As foreign workers are here to contribute to our economic growth, we hope that Singaporeans will be more understanding and accommodating in this aspect.”