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.”
The complete record
Every one of 993 lines we hold for Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 14 of 20.
“Madam, animal welfare groups have also raised concerns on the treatment of stray animals. We recognise their concerns, but we have to strike a balance, as there are also others who are not so tolerant of nuisance created by animals. Sustained public education will be needed to inculcate responsible pet ownership and for the public in general to appreciate pets in their midst. To achieve this aim, all interest groups must continue to work together. Let me now address the amendment by Dr Lam Pin Min on foreign worker accommodation. There are currently a variety of housing options available for foreign workers. For example, workers from factories, services sector, and marine sector may stay in residential areas or within approved dormitories set up within factory premises or on independent sites. Foreign construction workers may stay in quarters within the construction site, or in worker dormitories. But housing for foreign workers in proper accommodation is a multi-faceted issue which requires the efforts of many different Ministries and agencies. Hence, a Foreign Worker Housing Coordinating Committee, co-chaired by MND and MOM, and involving the various agencies, had been set up since early 2006 to look into this issue. To meet the housing needs of more foreign workers, we are in the process of releasing more sites for operators to build worker dormitories, especially for foreign construction workers. Guidelines have also been reviewed to allow foreign workers to reside in worker dormitories located within an industrial or warehouse development. We are also facilitating on-site housing at or near project sites where site conditions allow. However, given that Singapore is becoming more built up, it will be a challenge to find suitable sites for worker dormitories.”
“Thank you, Madam. In response to Mr Seah Kian Peng's amendment, managing the pet shop industry and controlling the problem of stray animals require a multi-pronged approach that includes such regulatory action as education, sterilisation and culling. The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) licenses pet shops to ensure that animal welfare standards are met. Potential pet shop owners undergo stringent evaluation by AVA before they are issued a licence. AVA also requires pet shops to educate customers on pet care and promote responsible pet ownership. To raise the standard of pet shops, AVA will be starting a grading programme for pet shops this year. Besides being graded on compliance with licence conditions, pet shops will be urged to adopt best practices that promote responsible pet ownership. Mr Seah suggested that the sale of pets be limited. Pet shops are currently restricted in the type and number of pets they can display for sale at any one time, depending on factors such as the experience of the shop licensee, and the size of shop. Limiting the sale of pets could lead to over-regulation of the industry and may not be effective in curbing pet abandonment. A more effective long-term solution is public education, which Mr Seah has rightly pointed out. Buying a pet on impulse and the lack of knowledge on the care of pets are the main reasons for pet abandonment. To tackle the issue, public education on responsible pet ownership is imperative. AVA has been reaching out to students to inculcate responsible pet ownership through talks at schools. The ongoing Responsible Pet Ownership Public Education Programme urges members of the public to consider carefully before getting a pet, bearing in mind that life-long commitment is required.”
“Madam, thank you for your forbearance in allowing me to speak beyond the time allowed for my Ministry. With your indulgence, I would like to request for not more than seven minutes to answer the two cuts.”
“Third, at our borders, AVA imposes stringent checks and surveillance on all consignments of live poultry and birds to reduce the risk of HPAI being introduced into Singapore. 6.00 pm Fourth, for local control, AVA has intensified inspection and surveillance at our local poultry farms and poultry slaughterhouses. Strict bio-security has been imposed on the poultry farms and slaughterhouses. Birds in Jurong Bird Park, the Zoo, the Botanic Gardens and Sentosa have been vaccinated against HPAI. Fifth, we have prepared ourselves for a possible HPAI outbreak in Singapore by drawing up contingency plans. These plans involve the activation of manpower to cull poultry in affected local farms. AVA has also stockpiled personal protective equipment and culling equipment for the culling operations. Training exercises in culling have also been conducted to ensure operational readiness. Sir, the ongoing outbreaks and re-emergence of the disease in some countries are a stark reminder of the need for us to remain vigilant. We will continue with our multi-layered defence strategy, and to fine-tune it, when necessary, to safeguard Singapore against HPAI. Pet Ownership”
“Madam, the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus is endemic in Southeast Asia and continues to pose a threat to Singapore. There are ongoing outbreaks of the deadly H5N1 strain of HPAI in several countries in this region, and countries such as Indonesia, China and Egypt have also reported new human cases. The main route of HPAI virus transmission from birds to humans is through direct contact with infected poultry or their faeces. To date, sustained human-to-human transmission of HPAI has not been observed although there have been suspected cases of limited or inefficient human-to-human transmission of the virus in rare, isolated clusters. Singapore is now better prepared to prevent and contain the spread of HPAI. However, we cannot afford to be complacent, as the recent outbreaks show that a resurgence of the disease is possible. Thus far, AVA has kept the virus out of Singapore by adopting a multi-layered defence strategy. Let me highlight the five key elements of this strategy. First, AVA works closely with our ASEAN neighbours through the ASEAN HPAI Taskforce which was set up to coordinate regional initiatives for avian flu control. We also collaborate with international agencies to expand our capacity to deal with HPAI. Second, to prevent the incursion of the disease into Singapore, AVA bans import of birds and avian products from HPAI-infected countries. We only import live poultry and shelled eggs from Malaysia, which is currently free from avian flu. AVA has also worked with its Malaysian counterpart to establish Disease-Free Zones from which we can still import poultry even if isolated cases of avian flu are detected in other areas.”
“The feedback so far has been very positive that it has been effective in deterring against crimes like housebreaking, robberies and harassment from moneylenders. Town councils will continue to work with the Singapore Police Force to see if CCTVs could be made available to more HDB blocks and car parks, subject to the availability of funds. I would also highlight that we do have community programmes like the neighbourhood watch groups to ensure and to continue with the community's efforts to try to minimise the possibility of crimes in HDB estates. Construction Industry”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, I would like to assure Mr Liang Eng Hwa that HDB has not gone soft on the building quality of HDB flats. HDB subjects all its flats to assessment under the BCA’s Construction Quality Assessment System, or CONQUAS. Nevertheless, given the number of building projects that HDB oversees, there may be isolated cases of contractors not meeting HDB’s standards. HDB takes a very strong view of such cases and constantly reviews the workmanship of its contractors to keep such cases to a minimum. I assure Mr Liang, for affected lessees, the defects detected and are reported will be addressed. For those which are within the liability period, we will recall the contractors to do the repairs. For those after the liability period, HDB will arrange for repairs without charge if the cause is found to be of poor design or workmanship. Madam, for all new flats built from 2005 onwards, HDB offers an extended warranty scheme which covers three types of defects - ceiling leakage, water seepage and spalling concrete. This reflects HDB’s commitment towards providing high-quality workmanship to flat buyers. I understand that at the Senja Road situation, which Mr Liang mentioned earlier, 120 units have been rectified, with only 38 still undergoing rectification works. Mr Wee Siew Kim mentioned the issue of security and we know that he has been raising this issue several times. HDB takes the security of its residents seriously and factors this consideration into its design plans, for example, minimising blind corners and facilitating good visibility within public areas. As Mr Wee has mentioned earlier, the Singapore Police Force works together with the town councils on a new project by installing CCTVs on void decks as well as multi-storey car parks.”
“Energy hub? “High trust services”? Global competition? Big words with very little meaning to them. But these are critical words that are the cornerstone of this year’s Budget. These are the words that will propel us to the future that we will need to be ready for. These are the words that will make us ready for the world. Sir, we must make sure that Singaporeans understand the vision that is enunciated through the Budget. The clearer their understanding the better their support for what and how it takes to get there. The better will be their commitment to work with the Government - to play their part in making the Singapore of the future. Sir, we know that this Budget is for Singaporeans. We should also work hard to make sure it is a Budget by Singaporeans - working hand in hand for a future that we can claim our own. Sir, I support the motion. 2.42 pm”
“Sir, indeed, there is that much that we can do to provide as infrastructures, but if the families do not understand what these infrastructures are for, we will risk having to deal with problems of individuals not having the necessary skills to fit into the economy, and other related issues, 20 years down the road. We cannot afford to allow this to happen. More needs to be done to help these families today to avoid another generation of socially dependent individuals. In this regard, Sir, we have to be proactive in reaching out and continue to educate young at-risk families on the future that is in store for them and what they need to do to ensure their children are able to be part of that future. Let me just conclude by talking about communicating to Singaporeans. Sir, as I heard the Second Minister for Finance delivering the Budget Statement two weeks ago, I felt a sense of excitement and enthusiasm. He painted a picture of a Singapore that is not only cosmopolitan in outlook but a hub for talents and a place where people all over the world want to come to. It is a place where Singaporeans can be proud to call home. The prospects of a leading high-tech biochemical industry with cutting edge R&D, a thriving business and financial sector, a dynamic tourism and service sector with an exciting night life - get our adrenaline pumping in anticipation of the new Singapore. However, Sir, the social worker in me was quickly transported to the world view of the low-income families, the multi-problem families who I have been so intimately acquainted with for a very long time. Sir, to them, the picture that the Minister paints may seem opaque and very distant. What does R&D mean to them? Globalisation is a word they probably have heard but not know its meaning. IT connectivity?”
“To some of these families, their relationship is better when they live apart than when they are together. Should we follow this tide or resist it? Sir, while the trend may be this, where children are living separately from elderly parents, we must ensure that inter-generational support continues. We cannot allow our Asian values of the role of family and support to erode. Sir, today, our tax policy makes a distinction in terms of support given to parents who live with children or not. I would urge the Minister to relook at this policy, ie, to study the trends of living arrangements of our households and perhaps incentivise children’s support of senior citizens even if they are living apart. Sir, this is important as we continue to uphold the value of the family as the building block of our society. The family is indeed beyond the household. Looking at the younger generation, the role of the family is equally, if not more, critical. The Budget sends a strong signal that investing in the next generation is critical for our survival. The increases in support through CFAC and KiFAS as well as the Post Secondary Education Account (PSEA) are all welcome. Sir, these are important infrastructures to ensure that no child is left behind. But we do know that despite all the efforts, there are those who still fall through the cracks, for various reasons. We should ensure that we identify these families early and handhold them if necessary. We should also ensure that young families be made aware of what to expect - the kind of future that awaits their children and what they need to do now.”
“Sir, I can empathise with the sentiment on why are Singaporeans without jobs when there are many foreigners around, perceived as similarly if not less qualified than they are, who are filling up these jobs. Is this the essence of globalisation where competition is stiff and exists at all levels? Not just amongst the professionals? If so, perhaps a dose of reality check and an injection of employability-steroid may be needed for this group of Singaporeans. I go back to the point I made earlier about making WIS conditional to not just work, but improvement in enhancing one’s employability. Sir, lastly, let me talk about strengthening the family as a significant pillar in our society. Sir, two specific groups have been given special attention in this Budget - the seniors in recognition for their past contributions and current needs, and the young for their future role they play in Singapore. But Sir, I think fundamental to ensuring that our plans succeed, we must continue to focus our energy on strengthening the family. Here I think we must begin to relook at our definition of the family and how our social and fiscal policies are in tune with this definition. The rebates, and other handouts, often look at the household as a unit of analysis. Yes, perhaps for implementation purposes it is more efficient to do so. But what is the reality on the ground? We are seeing increasing trends and requests for elderly couples, for example, to live on their own - ie, to form their own households. Some have the means, while others do not. We regard the second generation and their children as separate households. At our MPS sessions, we are increasingly seeing appeals by senior citizens to live on their own due to poor or strained relations with their children.”
“The question then - are talent and academic credentials alone sufficient to justify the spending versus perhaps measures of rootedness, patriotism and even citizenry? Sir, this Budget is a watershed Budget presented as Singapore stands at the crossroads - facing the onslaught of globalisation and its accompanying challenges and opportunities. The Government must articulate clearly the principles guiding our policies - to make sure Singaporeans do not feel that being Singaporean does not have its privileges. Next, let me talk about competition for jobs at all levels. Sir, the foreign talent debate will continue for a long time, especially during times where Singaporeans face difficulties securing jobs. We hear that hundreds of thousands of jobs have been created over the past year or so - the largest number created thus far. We tell Singaporeans that this reflects the economy growing well. However, Sir, some are still questioning why there are still 60,000 plus Singaporean residents who are still unemployed as at December 2006. There are a further 18,000 plus Singaporean residents who have been unemployed long term. That is defined as more than 25 months. I guess we can say that this group will be the target of the WIS. Even if they are working in the informal sector, this time, they will be on the radar screen. While this may be so, I think we must ensure that every measure is taken to understand the root of why they are unable to secure any of the hundreds of thousands of jobs that have been created. Is it really an issue of mismatch between skills and jobs? Or an issue of preference?”
“In the world where bottom lines are the only lines that are clear and scrutinised, such painful realities must be articulated to Singaporeans, even those with professional qualifications. Sir, there have also been questions from our undergraduates on the kinds of talents that are brought into Singapore through the various Government scholarships. For example, many of these "talents", often postgraduate students, are expected to teach undergraduate classes in our universities. Frequent feedback received was that these foreign talents cannot even communicate effectively to their students. The question posed then - could the scholarship have been given to a local student or is the scholarship given for the sake of attracting the "foreign talent" here? And what will be the contributions of these foreign talents to Singapore? Have we embarked on a systematic evaluation study on how these students have value added to the different aspects of Singapore - be it our economy, our education system, our social fabric? Sir, these are real questions that the Government must answer to assure Singaporeans that what is planned is indeed in the interest of Singapore and Singaporeans. We must dispel notions that Singaporeans are treated as second-class citizens compared to these foreign talents, if any. A former student of mine remarked that it seems like an irony that Singaporeans struggle looking for financial support to go overseas to get a university degree or to do their postgraduate studies, when our Government spends money to bring students of other countries to study in Singapore. Of course, the response must be that the foreign student must be better academically to justify the spending.”
“If not addressed, they will be further alienated, away from the wave of globalisation that we have decided to ride on. Sir, my concern also stems from my observation of seeing increasing numbers of people in their 30s, coming to see me for financial and related assistance. These individuals have many more years ahead of them and we cannot afford to see them as recipients of our social assistance programmes or beneficiaries of our welfare system. They are assets and must be nurtured to be human resources. They are excellent candidates for WIS with the proviso that they will graduate out of WIS to be independent and self-reliant individuals by the time they reach the end of their 30s. We must give them hope with the Budget that the Government is presenting. Sir, while the WIS as it is presented rewards work, I would like to recommend that the Minister consider enhancing its mechanism such that it also rewards training and upgrading too. Next, let me talk about foreign vs local talent - allaying their anxieties. Sir, much has been said about globalisation and the mobility of talents across the globe. The influx of foreign individuals into Singapore is beginning to set in amongst Singaporeans – from our schools to our tertiary institutions to our industries and all the other sectors. Sir, although Singaporeans accept the need for foreign talents, many ask the question of whether there is indeed a lack of such talents among Singaporeans. Or is it the issue that these foreign talents, if compared apples with apples to the Singaporean counterparts, may be equal in skills and qualification, but cost significantly lower?”
“We know that there are many reasons why their wages are low. Of course, one major reason is the skills that they have. Sir, the WIS is merely addressing the symptom - the inadequacy of their incomes to meet their and their dependants’ needs. The Minister mentioned that the WIS will target workers over 45 years with income less than $1,000, but will also be extended to those above 35 years with income of less than $1,500. Sir, the Minister has also reiterated that workers must continue to upgrade themselves. More resources have been allocated to ensuring lifelong learning, training and retraining. This has been the message for the past few years. However, I wonder if the message is sinking in. Have our workers indeed embraced the value of lifelong learning? Yes, we have often been given examples of older workers being retrained and going into new areas. But are these the exceptions or the norms? Sir, like some of my colleagues in this House, I fear that the WIS may erode the work ethic. Will these workers feel contented that the supplemental income is sufficient for them to survive and thus see no incentive to upgrade themselves? How can we ensure that the supplemental income is used as a carrot to further incentivise them to upgrade their skills to remain relevant to the new economy, ie, for the WIS to be a means to an end rather than an end in itself? Sir, we must acknowledge the WIS, if taken by itself, is only addressing the symptom - the problem of widening income gap. However, there is a larger underlying problem - that of a group of Singaporeans, lacking in skills, having high levels of anxiety about undergoing training, struggling to make ends meet.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the motion on the Government’s financial policy for financial year 2007. Sir, we have heard more than 50 members before me who have spoken, giving resounding support to the Budget, albeit some concerns and gaps that they felt could be filled. Sir, the Second Minister for Finance has themed the Budget "Ready for the Future, Ready for the World". Indeed, apt given the challenges we face ahead of us. The message of an exciting future filled with challenges and opportunities was clearly painted by the Minister. However, Sir, I think what remains in most of our minds will be the goodies that have been handed out - the off-Budget package, the Workfare Income Supplement, the reduction in foreign maid levy and the rest of the goodies. It is not unexpected as we often regard the Budget as the time where the Finance Minister will dish out all these goodies. And like Mayor Zainul termed it yesterday, it is like the God of Fortune has descended upon us and given out all these wonderful presents. But Sir, I think we have to go back to the central theme of the Minister’s Budget Statement and ensure that it is well understood by every Singaporean, young and old, rich and poor. We must ensure that the goodies do not overshadow the fundamentals. WIS - going beyond the symptom First, let me talk about the WIS, going beyond the symptom. Sir, I would like to highlight one example of why we must hold on to these fundamentals. Much has been said about the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS). A wonderful scheme - innovative, creative, bold - are some of the adjectives that have been used to describe the WIS. However, if we look at the WIS, we will deduce that it is income to supplement workers whose wages are low - to narrow the income divide.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, from 2002 to 2006, 360 HDB households voluntarily surrendered their flats to HDB due to default in HDB mortgage loan payments. There were also 895 cases of mortgagee sale of HDB flats by banks, as I mentioned earlier. No tenant under the Public Rental Scheme was evicted due to rental arrears, although some have been advised to transfer to smaller rental flats to reduce their rent. Of the 360 households who voluntarily surrendered their flats to HDB, 200 (56%) have been allocated rental flats while the rest found their own housing arrangements. Among the 895 households affected by HDB mortgagee sale action, 273 appealed to HDB for some form of help. Of these, 131 (48%) were offered a rental flat while another 13 (5%) who met credit assessment guidelines were provided a concessionary loan to purchase another flat. There are strict eligibility criteria for the Public Rental Scheme to ensure that our heavily subsidised rental flats are allocated to those without housing options. For example, households who sold their flats are not eligible for subsidised rental flats for 30 months from the date of sale of their flat. If they have enjoyed two housing subsidies, they will be permanently debarred from a rental flat. However, HDB does exercise flexibility in applying these eligibility rules. The key principle is that citizen households who are truly needy and with no alternative housing option will be considered for a rental flat.”
“What is important is to continue to assist and educate them on what they can do. HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD FLATS (Number of households defaulting in mortgage or rental payments) 6. Mr Siew Kum Hong asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many HDB flat owners lost their flats due to failure in making mortgage or rental payments, in each year from 2002 to 2006; (b) of this number, how many applied to HDB to obtain alternative accommodation in each year and how many were rejected for each year; (c) what were the most common reasons for rejection; and (d) whether the fact that an applicant’s household includes dependants is a relevant factor in deciding such applications.”
“Sir, I do not have the figures for the number of cases that were repossessed prior to bank origination. Then, all loans were with HDB, but we are glad to surface the figures if the Member is interested. Whether the 1% is acceptable or not, I think we have to look at the perspective of why this 1% happened. We have to understand the circumstances surrounding cases that were repossessed. Many of them were repossessed because they were not able to manage their loans at different points in time. We understand that what is important is for them to appreciate the contract that they come into with the banks and the policies that the banks have put in place. One of the most important things today is to ensure that flat buyers are aware of what they are getting into - be more vigilant and be more prudent in their expenditure. For HDB loans, we have put in place new policies like the housing loan eligibility requirement where they have to ensure that they get the housing loan eligibility assessment done first. The banks are also putting forth similar parallel measures where they will have to get approval from the banks with regard to the amount of loan that they can get from the banks. What is important now is to ensure that the public is educated and informed of the decisions that they are going to make. I think it is not to say whether it is acceptable to the Ministry because we will want to ensure that every household who purchases their flat is capable of managing their flat. But if they are really unable to do so, we will try to see how else we can assist them, ensuring that the different solutions are made available to them and for them to be able to decide on all these solutions. Some of the solutions are short term; and some are longer term.”
“Sir, as Members of the House will probably know, HDB's policy is to allow one concessionary loan for every household buyer and to allow a second so-called bite of the cherry if they choose to upgrade. I know a lot of Members of the House have faced residents who have difficulties asking for second, third or fourth concessionary loan with regard to those who are downgrading because of financial situation. As I mentioned in the House previously, HDB is very sympathetic to each case. And if we look at the circumstances surrounding the case, we look at the case based on the history of the loans that they have taken and whether, in fact, the loans have been taken based on flats that were purchased direct from HDB or flats that were purchased in the resale market, and so on. To answer the question, we will continue to be sympathetic to every case that comes to HDB for request for concessionary loan. But, sometimes, we do come across cases where they may not be capable of purchasing the flats at that point in time and we advise them on other alternative solutions with regard to their capability at that point in time.”
“Sir, on the issue of older workers, it is not whether they are older workers or they are not older workers. But we look at the circumstances of each case. Not only older workers are faced with certain difficulties when they lose their jobs. We look at the case based on the circumstances they are in right now, whether they have income or not and whether they have sufficient resources. At that point in time, if they really need to downgrade, we will look at the capability of downgrading and the type of flat that they are able to downgrade to. If they are not eligible for another concessionary loan, we look at the situation again to see whether we can actually waive that condition. Like I have said earlier, we will look at the case individually. If Members of the House have particular cases that they think merit consideration from the Ministry, certainly HDB will look at it very, very carefully. On the question of reverse mortgage, the scheme is already in place. There are a couple of banks that have offered reverse mortgages for elderly households to actually monetise their asset. However, I think at this point in time, as I recall, the take-up rate is pretty low because the concept of reverse mortgage has not sunk in in many of our elderly households. Secondly, it could also be concerns that have been raised by several elderly households that what happens if they outlive the tenure of the reverse mortgage period. There are several issues that have arisen with respect to the reverse mortgage scheme. But just to reassure the Member, the scheme has already been in place. There are a couple of banks that are already offering reverse mortgages.”
“Sir, whether they have a choice or not really is dependent on them understanding the circumstances that they face at the point in time. The choice that they have is they are eligible for the first subsidised flat from HDB or a housing grant if they choose to buy a resale flat. Often times, these are not first-time cases. They came buying the second flat or the third flat, meaning that they are well aware of the number of subsidies they have already taken. Choices - do they have to sell the flat? It is up to them. The decision to sell the flat at that point in time really is up to the family. We can say that because they are in negative equity, they have to downgrade, therefore they have to sell the flat. Yes, then we look at those individual cases. If they really have to downgrade because of financial reasons, when they come to us and say they cannot take a bank loan for whatever reasons, we will look at it carefully. And if the case merits support from us, we will look into it and will give them the concessionary loan that is required. I think many of the Members of the House have also seen cases where HDB has been sensitive to the circumstances surrounding those families and have acceded to the requests for concessionary loans. But there are also cases that HDB has rejected based on different circumstances. I think the point to make here is that we will continue to look at individual cases. We will try to help individual cases. If they do merit consideration, we will try to help them.”
“And if the case is really deserving and merits a waiver of some policies, we will continue to try to help these families.”
“Sir, we review every case on a case-by-case basis, and that is why it takes some time for us to review those cases. When cases come to us, we have to look at the background, the history of it, and the level of subsidies they have taken. Yes, there are issues of families facing negative equity. But when we look back, many of them would have already had several subsidies and benefited from the subsidies. Often times, it is very difficult for us to make a decision whether we should give them further subsidies with regard to subsidised rental flats. So, it takes a while before we are able to understand the circumstances of each case. Often times, we offer them temporary housing in shelters that are available and run by VWOs. And, often times, these families reject such options. So, whether they choose to take up those options or choose to live in void decks, at the end of the day, is really their choice. Often times, when we face these families, the first thing we offer them is really temporary housing through the shelters. And our experience is that these families reject the shelters that are made available to them. Secondly, we explore related families that are available - their brothers and sisters, their siblings. And when we look at the case history, we realise there are family members who have got flats that they can actually accommodate these families, and they reject those options also. So, is it fair for us then to ensure that the Government comes in and gives them the rental flats just because they reject all these other options? But I want to also emphasise in the House that HDB has been very particular in looking at each case and trying to understand the circumstances within each case.”
“Sir, the answer is yes. There is a network. The police and NPCs are trained to handle emergency calls and they are all connected with the emergency hotlines like the SOS'. There is a network of help providers. In emergency cases, the young person should be able to access help almost immediately. I think the most important point is that helplines are available, and often times people who attempt suicide would know where the helplines are. They would already have accessed those helplines before that, because it is not the first time. They do not think of suicide and do it immediately. There would be a whole range of calls that they would have made and a whole range of help that they would have asked for. Some would have received the help. But, sometimes, at that point in time that they make those decisions, it is very hard for us to understand. But the point I want to make is that there is help available when they access the police hotline. The police will make the necessary referrals. 3.00 pm”
“I thought that was the question that he has asked.”
“No, it is together. It is a whole package. When we talk about lift upgrading, the whole idea is we have to do whatever replacement that needs to be done. We also want to make sure that there is access to the lift landing and there is access to the floors. We have to punch the holes to make sure that there is access. So, it is an integral programme. It depends on the structure of the flats. Some blocks require landing bridges; some blocks require other works.”
“Sir, we are talking of blocks that were built by HDB some 20 or 30 years ago. We do not know at this point in time whether the issue of them having no choice is really valid, because there is so much mobility among Singaporeans. There is a high possibility that people who are living in those blocks are second-time or third-time owners, and, therefore, they have bought those flats from the resale market, knowing what the configurations of those blocks were, and they were actually making those informed decisions. We do not know at this point in time how many original flat owners are still there. So, therefore, I think it is hard to say at this point in time that HDB should be made responsible for those conditions. But I think what is important to really take note is that we have to make HDB dwellers or lessees co-pay because they must be responsible, there must be co-ownership, and there must be partnership. If we were to just take away all the responsibilities from them, it is as though that we tell them whatever decision they made at that point in time, they are not responsible for it, and therefore the Government is responsible for everything that they are facing today. I do not think that is fair.”
“They are not being asked to co-pay. Those residents who already have lift access to their respective floors are not required to take part in the vote. Those who have got lift landings on their floors, they are not required to pay and they are not required to vote. So those who are required to co-pay are those who are going to benefit from any additional work with regard to LUP.”
“Sir, we try our best to make sure that we have lift access to every eligible block. The commitment that MND has given is always that we will try to provide lift access to every floor for all eligible blocks. What does "eligible block" mean? We have certain criteria that we have put in place. One of the criteria is that we cannot allow those blocks to have lift access if the cost goes up to $30,000 per benefiting unit. We have to be fair. We look at the cost. Some of it goes up to as high as $80,000 because the so-called structural limitations make the cost to be that high. And it is very unfair for the other situations where the costs are much lower. So, to be fair to most Singaporeans, I think the cap that we have put is at $30,000. As I mentioned earlier, it all depends on what is available and what we can do at that point in time. We try as far as possible to make it available to all eligible blocks. We cannot say for sure that all 100% of HDB blocks can be retrofitted with lift access, but, perhaps, in the future where technology permits and the cost can be brought down, then those blocks may be eligible.”
“Lastly, it is not about henpecked men, it is about saving lives. Juvenile Homes”
“I agree that the Ministry has many programmes, but I feel that we need more specific counselling and crisis assistance programme for men, other than the "fathering programme". I urge the Ministry to initiate specific crisis assistance and counselling programmes to help the men in dealing with stress-associated problems, besides fathering, such as anger, stresses from work pressures, domestic violence, etc. By helping men, we are indirectly helping the women. For example, if we can help the men to deal with anger, we can perhaps reduce domestic violence on women. 2.45 pm There should also be a greater awareness of such crisis assistance and counselling services available to the men. I would like to propose that the Ministry promote the whole range of services available to men as a holistic package to increase awareness of men to such assistance programmes that are available. Sir, men should be encouraged to seek help. The Ministry needs to promote the message that there is nothing wrong for men to need help and seek help ?. It is not embarrassing and not a shame to seek help. Somehow, our society is such that men are strong and are supposed to be able to solve all the problems themselves ?. The idea that there are a lot of helplines available for women is well-known to many people, but few have any idea if there are such helplines available to men. I would like to suggest that some of these efforts can start as early as secondary school level. Boys grow up to be men. If we can promote such awareness of the counselling and crisis assistance services available to men at a younger age, ie, to the boys, and instil the mindset that it is okay for the male gender to seek help, perhaps we can better instil such awareness.”
“Recently, there has been a rising number of suicide and tragic family incidents involving men. (1) On 16th February this year, in a case which appears to be suicide, a man was found dead in a car at an industrial park in Yishun, and a hose was found connected from the car's exhaust pipe to its boot. (2) On 8th February this year, in a similar suicide case, a man was found dead in his car at a multi-storey car park in Woodlands. (3) On 25th January this year, a man apparently set fire to his flat in Tampines, with his wife and three children asleep in the flat. The man died and one of his sons is currently still warded in the hospital. (4) On 28th December last year, in a case which appears to be suicide, a man was believed to have jumped off the platform at a MRT station just as a train pulled into the station. (5) Last year, on 12th December, a 49-year-old man, who was due to appear in court, was found dead at his home, and he left behind several notes for his family. (6) In one of the most tragic incidents involving an entire family on 7th March 2005, a man strangled his wife, smothered their two kids and then jumped from the window ledge of their 12th storey flat in Tampines. Sir, distressed men in Singapore really need help. In the case in Tampines, where a man killed his entire family and committed suicide, if he had channels to turn to to seek help and receive help, a tragedy might have been prevented and lives saved. Similarly, in the case of the fire in the Tampines flat, the three innocent children could have been saved all the pain if the man had received help. There could be many more tragic cases that have gone unreported.”
“Our local athletes' performances have been raised as a result of their interaction and the competition that exist between the foreign sports talent as well as our local athletes. Sir, what has happened really highlighted that there is scope for MCYS, SSC and our stakeholders to continue to fine tune the process through our experience, to ensure that we select our foreign sports talents carefully and that the FST scheme does not become an easy short-cut for foreigners to obtain Singapore citizenship. We will scrutinise them closer in future before considering them for PR or citizenship. The SSC on its part has got other systems which have been put in place to ensure that the NSAs follow certain guidelines with regard to recommendations for foreign sports talents. Crisis Assistance and Counselling Assoc. Prof. Ong Soh Khim (Nominated Member): Sir, since 2002, an average of 260 husbands applied for personal protection orders (PPOs) against their wives every year. According to a Straits Times' report yesterday, last year, husbands made up the second largest group seeking PPOs, at 12%. This is an alarming number. The actual number of men abused each year could be much larger than 260, as it is not easy to validate abuse claims made by men, as men have been perceived to be the stronger gender in our society. Hence, many cases of men complaining of abuse might have been turned away because the investigation has been inconclusive. Men who are victims are not necessarily small, weak or henpecked. A lot of men have suffered verbal abuse, threats and even physical pain. In the case of investigation on claims of abuse, I urge that the steps taken to investigate have to be gender-specific.”
“While Singaporeans were upset with what they did, just a year ago, Singaporeans were cheering them for what they did for the Singapore team. Keeping them to play in Singapore at that time would leverage on the Tiger Cup's success and to keep fans coming to watch the S-League matches. More importantly, I think FAS wanted to keep the SEA Games squad intact as they continued their preparations for the Tiger Cup, the team already played together in 2004 in the S-League and were preparing for the December 2005 Games. Sir, every manager, putting together his squad, has to make judgments and take risks. Some decisions turn out to be good while some do not turn out that good. Some examples in other leagues are also the same. For example, I was told Djemba Djemba, who joined Manchester United failed to perform. Patrick Kluivert, who joined Newcastle United from Barcelona also failed to perform. The Young Lions management team decided to match the foreign clubs' offers in good faith and to keep Agu and Itimi in Singapore. No one can foresee that they would not keep up with their good form during the successful Tiger Cup campaign. It was a risk, but the promise did not materialise. Mr Low asked whether it was the right judgment. It is a matter of judgment, considering the competing offers prevailing at that time. Sir, beyond these two cases, I think it is really the issue of the Foreign Sports Talent Scheme, which is a successful one, and I think we should continue with it. It is inevitable that there will be a handful of athletes who may not do well sometimes. But it does not mean that the scheme has failed. We have seen the effects of foreign sports talent on our local athletes.”
“Some of our most recent sporting successes were achieved with the contributions of foreign-born athletes who have committed their future to Singapore. We will continue to keep our doors open to foreign sports talents, who have the sporting skills, and the commitment to become a Singaporean and be a part of Team Singapore. Mr Low, however, highlighted the recent case of the two footballers and asked if there was an error of judgment with regard to recruiting them, and he said that "they are too much." What happened really upset a lot of Singaporeans. It upset a lot of us. I think they disgraced us with their actions. But let me put things in perspective. We had examined the circumstances surrounding the case the package which included the sign-on fees given to the two players that was highlighted by Mr Low as well as the media. We are satisfied that the transactions are above board. There is no wrong-doing involved with regard to the packages. In the face of very attractive offers from foreign clubs, the management team, looking after the Young Lions in the S-League, has decided on the matter. It was a commercial decision exercised professionally where market forces dictated. This is because in professional football, indeed, money is the factor not just professional football, but other professional sports also. Tiger Woods, I understand, gets over $105 million a year. So many other professional players get poached by different teams, because these are really market forces that are in place in professional sports. FAS did this in good faith and for the good of Singapore football. Itimi and Agu were part of the victorious Tiger Cup that had captured the imagination of Singapore fans.”
“Sir, the difference between the SEA Games and the Tiger Cup is that they are of two different age categories. The SEA Games soccer is for under 23 and the Tiger Cup is for older groups. As such, it is hard to say why is it they can do well and sometimes they do not do well. Some of the players are the same, but the senior players are not involved in the under 23 soccer team, which took part in the SEA Games. The larger issue is: do we have plans to nurture young talents to make sure that they can represent Singapore and do well? The answer is yes. Every NSA has its own plans. If Mr Chiam wants to find out more, he can find out from the NSAs their plans to ensure that their athletes do well. On Mr Chiam's point about Government's involvement resulting in poor performance of athletes, I do not quite understand his argument, because if it is true, then we would not be able to do well in the SEA Games. We only had 30 gold medals in the Vietnam SEA Games, but we won 42 gold medals in the recent Manila SEA Games. Will we do better in major events like the Asian Games and the Olympics? I think we are showing progress. If we look at the currently ongoing Asian swimming championships, we got our first gold from Tao Li, the swimmer. This is at the Asian level. The Chinese sent their first team here. So we are progressing, we are moving and we are seeing results with regard to the plans the NSAs are pursuing. These plans are developed between the SSC and the NSAs. Mr Low Thia Khiang wanted to know about the implications of recruiting foreign-born athletes. He highlighted the Foreign Sports Talent (FST) scheme which was introduced in 1993.”
“Sir, Mr Ang Mong Seng asked if the Ministry would consider increasing the number of sports offered by the Sports School. The answer, right now, is no. We will have eight sports. These eight sports are a mix of individual and team sports, because the Sports School has just started. We want to make sure that the Sports School gets a good footing, and to develop what they already have at this point in time, although I agree with Mr Ang Mong Seng that the Sports School has got good facilities for NSAs to use. We will continue to encourage the Sports School to open its doors for other NSAs to use its facilities with the objective of improving the sporting standards as well as performance of our athletes. Dr Warren Lee asked a slew of questions with regard to nurturing young athletes, and it also relates to what Mr Chiam See Tong highlighted with regard to our plans to nurture young athletes. Sir, the SSC has plans and works very closely with the National Sports Associations on the development path of each athlete. Most NSAs have a pyramid model where they encourage large participation for their particular sports and develop into what they call the high performance operation plan for each athlete who will represent the country. Let me just focus specifically on the issue highlighted by Mr Chiam, who also talked about our soccer team which did not do well in the SEA Games. Our soccer team did not do well. We all know that, and it was disappointing. Of course, it was disappointing, but we did very well some 11 months earlier with regard to the Tiger Cup. It is always disappointing when our team does badly. But we must also remember that when they do well, we are very happy.”
“Sir, certainly, the issue of ageism is one that is faced by an ageing society. The Committee on Ageing Issues (CAI), despite having put forth its recommendations, has made recommendations of its first year of work. It has not completed its work. It will continue to address all issues related to an ageing society. And attitudes of society are very important whether they are related to the aged, disabled or other groups. We must continue to educate members of the public to be more inclusive and receptive, and to welcome diversity, as it were. So I assure the Member that the CAI will continue to do its work and address all the issues that will surface, as we try to meet the needs of an ageing population. Transparency and Accountability of Charities and Societies”
“But I think if we look at it from the larger perspective, let us continue to strengthen the families, and make sure that families continue to be the backbone of our society, and not allow family values to deteriorate to the point that the State has to come and become surrogate caregivers.”
“Sir, I totally agree with Mr Wee that we have to take a look at the immediate, intermediate as well as the long-term solution to the problem. For the immediate, we want to try and help families deal with the situation even before they have to go to the Tribunal. There are support services in the community the Minister mentioned about the Family Service Centres, for example. Sir, family situations are very dynamic. It could be the result of changing expectations and changing aspirations by the different generations. I think what we want to try to put across is the message that when family problems begin to brew, do not wait, seek help early so that the problems can be addressed early. Should it come to a point where it is difficult, then there are other infrastructures in place. But the point we are trying to make is on the long-term upstream work, which is to try and make sure that we help families understand the changing needs of the elderly/senior population. There are stresses that are involved in caring for them too. And the elderly should also understand the stresses that younger family members experience. So when they both understand the issues that each other face, these families are in a better position to negotiate spaces, expectations, and so on and so forth. In that sense, we want to do upstream work to make sure that families continue to be strengthened expand the definition of "family", which includes the extended family, rather than looking at individual families, because families are getting smaller. At the same time, for the cases that Mr Wee mentioned, and those that really need immediate help, we will try to help them as much as we can.”
“However, with more singles amongst seniors and seniors whose children are overseas, it is important to build deep blood ties not only across the traditional children-parents-grandparents axiom, but also in the extended family. Increasingly, our public education efforts must emphasise this while in time, our policies should encourage adult siblings and their families to pool their resources together as an extended family. With the right policies and programmes in place and continued support from the family and the community, our seniors will find opportunities, meaning and fulfilment in their golden years.”
“If so, it may seem logical and sensible to turn to the State and other institutions as there are other institutional forms of support. But should we? This could seriously weaken our social fabric because history has proven that no other institution can truly replace the family. Challenging as it may be, we must instead continue to increase our effort to strengthen the family even as it faces new stresses and concerns. There are various tax reliefs for families with their seniors or disabled members, and financial support for young families to defray costs of raising children. The financial support has been designed not as reliefs for full-time individual caregivers as suggested by Dr Tan Sze Wee, but to help families as a unit. Families then have the flexibility to decide on the most suitable care arrangement for all their members. Over and above financial support, my Ministry has piloted three pilot Care Coordinators last year in Toa Payoh, Geylang and Bukit Ho Swee to align local caregiver support services. This year, MCYS will set up a caregiver centre by June to meet the caregiver needs of the seniors and the disabled as well. It will provide services and spearheading support groups. It will also conduct research and carry out public education. Dr Tan Sze Wee and Dr Chong Weng Chiew will be pleased to note that the family members who are full-time caregivers will benefit from such initiatives. Since July 2002, my Ministry has also funded more than 200 proposals on inter-generational bonding programmes from over 100 organisations, reaching out to more than 140,000 persons.”
“In addition, 13% of residents aged 55 and above with children have at least one of their children staying overseas. This is globalisation at work. We are likely to see more such transnational families in the future. Sir, I also share Dr Chong Weng Chiew's concern about dementia. According to the 2004 National Mental Health Survey, 6% of our seniors aged 65 and above are afflicted with dementia. Currently, MOH has more than 4,000 nursing home beds, of which almost 500 are dementia-specific beds. There are other generic homes which also provide facilities for dementia patients. We will monitor the situation and respond accordingly. Sir, we have a network of community-based services to support seniors and their caregivers. Currently, the Befriending Services extend to almost 2,000 seniors. There are also 19 Senior Activities Centres (SACs), 20 Neighbourhood Links (NLs), nine Home Help providers serving more than 1,000 seniors island-wide. There are also Home Medical and Home Nursing services for the homebound-seniors. We encourage members of the public to refer any lonely and vulnerable senior to the relevant services. The public can also call the Seniors Helpline, which is very easy to remember, 1800-5555555, if they need more information. I would like now to touch on supporting the families in caring for the elderly. While I have highlighted how we have and will continue to use community resources to assist the vulnerable citizens, let us be clear that neither the State nor the community can ever be a satisfactory surrogate caregiver. Dr Warren Lee and Mr Wee Siew Kim have raised the issue of strained familial relationship between seniors and their children.”
“Today, there is spare capacity in the daycare centres with an overall utilisation rate of 87%. Instead of building more daycare centres, MOH and MCYS will work together to allow integrated models of daycare centres and day rehabilitation centres (DRCs) to evolve based on market-driven needs, and achieve better service for clients and possibly lower costs. As far as locating them in the CCs is concerned, as suggested by Mr Ang Mong Seng, we will certainly consider them as an option in our planning process. There is also a segment of seniors who are vulnerable. My Ministry has worked closely with the HDB on its "Project to Improve the Living Conditions of the Elderly", whereby HDB undertakes to make the rental blocks more elder-friendly. Each unit of the one-room rental flats in selected blocks is also installed with an Alert Alarm System manned by Seniors Activity Centre (SAC) or Neighbourhood Link (NL). The services provided by the Senior Activity Centre or Neighbourhood Link are similar to the one in Israel mentioned by Dr Lee. SAC and NL staff develop rapport with the seniors in their neighbourhood and do keep tabs on them where appropriate. For example, if a senior who usually drops by at an SAC for lunch is late or does not turn up, the SAC staff would go to the respective flat and check on the particular elderly. We will study the Israel model, as Dr Lee mentioned, to see how ours can be fine-tuned to serve the same purpose. I share the concerns of Dr Lee and Dr Chong Weng Chiew over seniors living alone. In 2003, only 9% of married residents aged 55 years and above stay with their married children, as compared to 14% in 1998, although more are staying in close proximity to their married children.”
“Sir, my Minister has painted the broad strokes of the ageing scene in Singapore, with a vision of promise, opportunities and empowerment. But the picture will only be complete if each of us plays our part too. My Minister had also earlier distributed Annex 4 which updates the House on the Government's response to the CAI. Let me now provide the response of my Ministry to the recommendations. We share Mr Sin Boon Ann's and Mr Wee Siew Kim's sentiments that seniors have a wealth of experience we can tap on. MCYS agrees with CAI's recommendations that NVPC work with partners to promote volunteering opportunities for seniors. Among residents aged 65 to 74 years, those with at least secondary education are projected to increase from 14% in 2005 to 63% in 2030. Future seniors will thus increasingly seek lifelong learning as noted by Mr Ang Mong Seng in his query about Universities of the Third Age. Our local educational institutions have the capability to provide such courses. For instance, the Centre for Lifelong Learning at NUS Extension provides courses such as languages, history and culture to adult learners, including seniors. In the community, we have also seen efforts such as the Young at Heart (usually known as YAH!) Community College started by the Marine Parade FSC. We can encourage more of such initiatives. We must also remove barriers to prevent seniors' involvement in society. Currently, our libraries are physically senior-friendly. But we need to go beyond the hardware. Therefore, the National Library Board will provide more large print books and audio-visual materials that appeal to seniors. I am sure Dr Chong Weng Chiew will agree that this is what we mean by being customer-centric. Mr Ang Mong Seng has asked for more daycare centres (DCCs) to be built.”
“However, in February 2005, last year, the Commissioner of Buildings (COB) has issued an advisory letter requiring the MC of Golden Mile Complex to paint up and spruce up the building facade and to encourage the SPs to do likewise for their private balconies. The MC has been cooperative in addressing the situation. Works are currently in progress and I hope that when the works are completed, the complex will be more pleasing to the eyes. As I understand it, it is due for completion by the end of this month. With regard to Prof. Png's second question on Marina Bay, I think those are very good suggestions. When we look at the development of Marina Bay and the whole concept of a Garden in a City, all suggestions are welcomed. As we are still in the planning process, whatever suggestions that come along, the ultimate goal is to make sure that Singapore achieves the objective of a Garden in a City, that the projects and programmes do attract tourists and more people to come to Singapore and enjoy the so-called concept of Garden in the City.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, I thank Prof. Png for raising two issues, although the second one is not directly related to building maintenance as stipulated in the Order Paper Supplement. Let me just address the first part first. Prof. Png raised the issue of building maintenance, specifically in reference to the Golden Mile Complex. Generally, let me just say that the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act (BMSMA) provides for effective maintenance and management of strata development. It empowers the management corporations (MCs) and subsidiary proprietors (SPs) to make decisions concerning their own estates. This places greater responsibility on the owners to take pride in their own estates as well as their own buildings. One of the responsibilities of MCs and SPs, under the BMSMA, is that the MC is charged with the responsibility to ensure that common property is well maintained, clean and tidy. MCs can also introduce by-laws to regulate works to be done by SPs on private units that could affect the facade of the building. If the common property of a development falls into serious neglect, then the Commissioner of Buildings (COB) has the authority to issue a notice to require the MC to take action to spruce up the property. Enforcement action could be taken if the MC does not comply. Let me touch on the Golden Mile Complex. I think Members who drive along Nicoll Highway would be able to appreciate the point raised by Prof. Png, that Golden Mile Complex is an eyesore. It is true that external walls of the Golden Mile Complex were not adequately maintained.”
“Sir, as I mentioned earlier, the PAP MPs are also not given the funds. We do not give them a single dollar or say, "This is the amount that you have. Go and use it." We say that the CCCs propose the projects in consultation with the advisers. The CCCs determine whether the projects are useful for the residents. The projects are forwarded to the CIPC and they get evaluated and approved. There is also the second element of co-funding. Not every project that is being proposed is approved. It is actually not the PAP MPs who makes those decisions alone. It is the CCCs who make those proposals and they have to co-fund. The Committee makes those assessments. The point I am making is that it is not about whether the PAP MP or Mr Chiam gets a single cent or not. The residents are the ones who are benefiting from this programme. Singaporeans are the ones who are benefiting from this programme. So let us not talk about whether the MPs have the money or not to use it for whatever purposes. The objective of the programme is to make sure that the constituencies are upgraded and given facilities that will benefit them as a whole. I think this point has been raised several times already. I just want to reiterate again that the CIPC fund is meant for Singaporeans, and not individual MPs or Opposition MPs. COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY REPORTING PROGRESS”
“Sir, as much as Mr Chiam acknowledged that he has repeated the point many times, let me just reiterate again. Yes, that is the structure. The structure is that we believe that the CCCs are on the ground and they acknowledge that they are in a better position to reflect the needs of the residents, and we give them that ability to make those decisions and to propose projects for upgrading. The CCC members are Singaporeans. They are not outsiders. They are people living in the community who actually can reflect the needs of the people in that community. So, we have put in a structure where Singaporeans make those decisions. Singaporeans discuss with their advisers and they put up those projects. Sir, Mr Chiam said that he would have to refer to the adviser who happens to be his opponent in the previous election. He assumes that this adviser is going to be the same opponent in the coming election. I would like to suggest that Mr Chiam discuss any project that he may have with the CCC as well as the adviser for the benefit of his residents. Because the whole idea is that these are projects that will benefit his residents. Mr Steve Chia asked whether we are politicising it. The fact that he is raising this over and over again, he is politicising it because the point is that these are projects that are going to benefit Singaporeans, not Singaporeans who support the Opposition or the PAP. These are Singaporeans who live in estates where the fund is made available for upgrading works to be done. Mr Chiam See Tong rose ---”