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 9 of 20.
“Mr Chairman, Mr Ong Teng Koon and Dr Intan Mokhtar asked how we are improving our learning and training systems. Given the changing profiles of our NSFs, who are more accustomed to self-learning and team-based discussions, our systems must also keep pace to enable our soldiers to learn, train and develop professionally. Over the years, the SAF has introduced modern instructional methods, simulation technologies and interactive applications that enhance our soldiers' training experience. Senior Minister of State Chan spoke briefly about our investment in simulators and about the Multi-Mission Range Complex earlier. Other new training facilities to be launched this year include the Murai Urban Live-Firing Facility for coordinated live-firing training in urban settings; the Air Force's Tower and Radar simulators, which feature 360-degree projection systems; and the Navy's shore-based emulator facility that will enable realistic warfare training for multiple ships simultaneously. LEARNet is another platform that has made learning more interactive and effective through portable devices. Since its pilot implementation in 2009, soldiers have been able to learn at their own pace, share feedback on training Page: 182 lessons, and apply their learning out in the field. A significant benefit of LEARNet is the classroom time saved. For example, it now takes approximately four to five hours less to learn how to operate the SAR 21 rifle, leaving more time for hands-on practice. With your permission, Mr Chairman, I would like to share a screenshot of a LEARNet module. Members will see a screenshot from an exercise to test recruits on the correct sequence of stripping the SAR 21.”
“For those who are capable of owning a home because they do have substantial CPF savings and maybe they do not have good income at the moment, we take some time to get them to go into employment which will allow them some time to increase their savings so that they can then afford a BTO flat subsequently. For those who have got issues with debarment, it takes some time for us to work through those issues. As far as the average period is concerned, it really depends. But we allow for the IRH tenancy on a six-monthly basis so that the families do not also get entrenched in the IRH system. The IRH rental rate is still lower than the market rate and we allow lower rental rates simply because we understand these are families in need. Page: 44”
“Madam, I thank Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal for the question. As we know, interim rental housing is really for families who have no other housing option; as some had illustrated, they have had to stay on the beaches. We introduced rental housing in 2009 to Page: 43 make sure that no Singaporean is without a roof over his head. Many Singaporeans find their own alternatives first and, by the time they have exhausted the goodwill of friends and family members, they then come to us and we offer them interim rental housing (IRH). Since the introduction of the IRH scheme in January 2009, HDB has referred more than 7,200 families in need to temporary housing or interim rental housing. As at December 2012, about 3,750 families, less than half, had stayed in IRH. This means that not everyone of those families took up the offer, which means that they still had other options. So, when we offered them, they would explore other options, too. Our offer of the IRH is one of the potential options for them to get housing and we offer them with support from other social agencies. Of these 3,750 families, about 2,200 have since moved out – that is, more than 50% have moved out. Of these 50% of them, about 1,100 have moved to rental flats. About 20% of them, 440 families, have moved on to home ownership flats. They are capable of having home ownership flats. Some 30% have found other alternative accommodation. How long does it take for them to stay in the IRH? It really depends on each case because, sometimes, it takes a while for us to work through. The illustration given earlier in my main speech, we worked with the social service agencies and engaged social workers to help these families understand each case's circumstances.”
“AVA's efforts at encouraging greater consumption of frozen foods have seen some progress, and the consumption of frozen chicken, for instance, has increased from 51% to 60% over the last 10 years. 12.30 pm Even as we open up our new food sources, we must ensure that imports do not carry food safety risks or diseases. AVA has a rigorous food safety system that takes care of food safety from "farm to fork". It consists of overseas source accreditation, certification, inspection and testing of imports upon arrival in Singapore, a traceability system and consumer education efforts on food safety. AVA also ensures the safety of Genetically Modified (GM) foods through risk assessments before they are allowed into Singapore. Ultimately, the Government, industry and general public must play our parts so that we can continue to enjoy peace of mind when we tuck in to our Page: 41 favourite foods.”
“Ms Faizah Jamal and Mrs Lina Chiam asked about the food security plans in place for Singaporeans. Let me give an update. MND chairs an Inter-Ministry Committee on Food Security to coordinate and look into holistic measures to mitigate our food security risks and vulnerabilities. Page: 40 Our approach to food security is multi-pronged. As a small country importing most of its food, diversification of our sources of food is our key strategy. This is supplemented by some local production of key food items, such as eggs, fish and leafy vegetables, and stockpiling, to ensure a resilient food supply. We work closely with the local food industry and conduct overseas trade missions to explore potential sources of food in the region, such as Vietnam and Myanmar, and further away, such as South America. We also provide funding, via AVA's Food Fund, for companies interested in exploring contract farming overseas – for example, fish and rice farming in Vietnam and Cambodia respectively. To raise local production, our farms can tap on AVA's Food Fund to upgrade their capabilities, carry out R&D, and adopt new technologies. For example, Sky Greens Pte Ltd successfully applied for the Fund for the construction and installation of the vertical farming system which was co-developed with AVA. We need to look for more of such innovations to help boost productivity as our land is scarce for farming. Key to our food security is also Singaporeans' food intake habits. While we may culturally be accustomed to eating fresh or chilled meats and live seafood, we need to be open and accepting of food alternatives or substitutes like frozen meats which are in no way nutritionally inferior to fresh meats.”
“Let me conclude that public rental flats provide a safety net and we hope these families see it as a temporary safety net. The Government and social agencies together hold this net, to catch those who fall, and then, with a stretch, help them bounce back. We will not allow anyone to fall through the cracks. But too much slack, and the net will only enmesh and entrap. Thus, even as we exercise flexibility and compassion, we need to guard against entrenchment, and keep the hope of home ownership and progress alive for rental tenants. Our job is not just to house, but also to enable and empower those who are in need, so that they can provide for a stable home and better future for their children. If they are able to secure jobs with CPF contribution, grow their incomes and build up their savings in a sustainable manner, home ownership is or can once again be within their reach. I will now address Mr Gan Thiam Poh's concern on rent burden in light of the rising cost of living. Mr Gan suggested that we should also play a more active role in controlling the rents of shops and factories in our HDB towns and industrial estates to prevent higher rental costs from being passed on to consumers. HDB's commercial and industrial properties are let out on three-year term tenancies via open bidding. This is a fair and transparent system. Since 2009, HDB has assisted tenants who face more than a 10% rent increase during renewal, by staggering the rent increase over a three-year tenancy term. As a result, rent increases for HDB's commercial and industrial properties are at a substantially lower pace compared to the industry. HDB will continue to monitor the market situation closely and roll out additional measures where necessary.”
“Coordinated by the South East CDC, I piloted a scheme in my constituency mobilising local resources, such as the grassroots and FSCs in the locality, self-help groups, resident-volunteers and HDB, to help vulnerable families with dependent children stabilise their situation and build capacity to cope. These families are residing in interim rental housing and, as the House knows, this is housing for those with little family support and no housing options. For each case, social workers work very closely with HDB officers to help the families chart out their respective housing pathways aimed at attaining permanent housing. Adults are assisted with relevant training and employment assistance to improve their income earning potential. Childcare needs are met to enable mothers to work. Grassroots leaders befriend the families, ensuring that they attend monthly parenting workshops on budgeting and family development. Residents in the neighbourhood volunteer to supervise the children in their homework on a nightly basis, while self-help groups provide heavily subsidised weekly tuition classes. From crisis and vulnerability, we provide stability and hope to these families through support from the community and Government. This scheme has been running for a year and we have reached out to 200 families in need, Page: 39 with two in five successfully moving out into longer term housing solutions. We are heartened by the progress and will continue to help more. However, getting these families back onto the path of resilience cannot be achieved solely through the social support infrastructure that the Government and its community partners have put in place. It requires families to also take the initiative and responsibility in sustaining their own efforts.”
“They could have bought a 2-room flat or studio apartment but chose not to. HDB was not able to accede to their appeal for a rental flat because there were obvious cases that were more deserving and truly needy compared to them. Likewise, we have had cases of elderly couples seeking public rental flats because they do not want to live with any of their many married children. The solution to their situation should start with exploring family support, and HDB Page: 38 facilitates by referring them to the Family Service Centre (FSC) for family counselling, should they face relationship issues. Fourthly, we make sure that we help vulnerable families holistically and fundamentally, to prevent entrenchment and help them get out of their problem situation. Rental assistance can only provide immediate relief to housing needs, but does not resolve underlying social problems. We have to complement it with upstream social intervention, to support vulnerable families in employment, training, financial management and their children's education. This is to give them a leg up, and help them progress on to owning a flat when they are ready. MND and HDB work closely with other Ministries, the local advisers and social agencies like the FSCs and CDCs on this. Mr Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap suggested that HDB collaborate with Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs) to assess housing appeals holistically and thoroughly. We agree, and HDB is already doing this. For individual cases which have multiple social problems, HDB also participates in case conferences with other social agencies to jointly work out sustainable solutions. Community initiatives can play a vital part, too.”
“We set an income criterion of $1,500 per month, so that we can focus our help on the bottom 20th-income percentile. However, we do not apply the criterion rigidly. We go through each case and are prepared to offer rental flats to help those in financial difficulties, even if their income exceeds $1,500, like in the case of Mdm J earlier. We have debarment for certain cases, to deter Singaporeans from cashing out on their HDB flat, depleting their cash proceeds and seeking further Government subsidies through public rental flats, thereby competing with those who are truly needy. Nevertheless, again, we have applied this rule sensibly and it does not prevent us from lifting the debarment to help victims of misfortune, or allocating them interim rental housing while they wait for their public rental flats. As public rental flats are heavily subsidised, only Singapore citizen households qualify. We recognise the needs of low-income citizens with foreign spouses, and do consider them on a case-by-case basis, but the priority goes to Singaporeans. We do hope that Singapore citizens planning to marry foreign spouses will also be responsible in planning and providing for their spouses, including their housing needs. Often, it is so much easier to say "yes" than to say "no". Saying "no" can make us appear heartless and unsympathetic. We do administer our rules with a heart. However, while we try our best to help, we must be clear about the relative priority of different needs. There will be instances where we have to be firm and say "no". For instance, a middle-aged couple approached HDB for a public rental flat. They were not in financial hardship and had, in fact, just sold their flat and secured cash proceeds of almost $200,000.”
“Mr Lim Biow Chuan and some other Members have raised concern over the rental "cliff" that tenants face when their income increases to above $800. Emeritus Senior Minister Goh first alerted us to this two years ago. Since then, we have fixed it. For these tenants, HDB waives their rent increase, so that they continue to pay the lower rent, for one tenancy term of two years. They will not suffer a net loss in income. At the end of two years, if their income increase is still insufficient relative to the rent increase, HDB will continue to suspend the rent increase. As a general rule, no one in HDB's 1-room and 2-room rental units will see their wage increases taken away by HDB through rental adjustments. We have already fixed this problem and should you come across any such case, let me know immediately and we will solve it. Market rents have increased significantly, but we have not adjusted the public rental structure since 2006, and we have no plans to do so. However, we need to maintain a fine balance between keeping rental rates low, so as to provide support and not discourage improvements in income through work and, on the other hand, adjusting rental rates where appropriate to reflect its relation to real costs, and encourage tenants, who are able, to progress on to own a flat when they are ready. Ms Lee Li Lian, Mr Png Eng Huat and Mr Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap suggested that we relax our rules to allow more to qualify for public rental flats. Page: 37 We have and will continue to review our rules from time to time. More importantly, let me assure the Members, that in our administration of the rules, we will be sympathetic and responsive to those in need.”
“This is why we do not just give some hand-out or benefit without making the effort to properly understand their circumstance, and take a hands-on approach to provide practical help and meet their long-term needs. Let me elaborate on this Government's approach in helping low-income and vulnerable families. First, we support low-income families to achieve home ownership. We believe that home ownership will increase their self-worth and provide a better stable environment for their children to be raised in. A low-income first-timer household earning $1,500 or less can own a brand new 2-room flat in a non- Page: 36 mature estate for around $50,000. How? Well, we give a substantial market discount and price our 2-room flats affordably. On top of this, we provide them an additional CPF housing grant of $40,000 and a Special CPF housing grant of $20,000. They can fully pay for their flat using CPF. They do not need to fork out additional cash. And if they have two or fewer children and would like to focus their resources on raising their children well, they can join the HOPE scheme and receive, among other benefits, a $50,000 CPF housing grant. Second, for the minority who cannot afford to own a flat, we provide public rental flats. These flats provide basic and good housing. Last year, we increased the supply of these flats to 50,000. We are ramping this up to 60,000, a significant 20% increase. Third, in administering the public rental scheme, we have in place rules to focus help on the vulnerable while ensuring that we do not encourage imprudent behaviour or erode the work ethic. However, in the application of these rules, we will consider the merit of each case and exercise flexibility and compassion to help those in dire need.”
“Madam, many Members spoke on the challenges faced by low-income and vulnerable families. I understand their concerns intimately as I spend a lot of time working with and helping these vulnerable families improve on their quality of life. Recently, one Mdm J approached HDB for a public rental flat. She was a childcare teacher and her monthly income was $1,800, exceeding our $1,500 income ceiling. However, she was a divorcee and had to raise four school-going children without support from family. I discussed her case with HDB. We waived the income ceiling and gave her a 2-room public rental flat. Whilst she waited, HDB gave her interim rental housing. HDB also referred her to the Community Development Council (CDC) for skills upgrading. This way, she could raise her income and, one day, realise home ownership for herself and her four kids. Helping Mdm J and her children was not just about giving a roof over their heads. It was about stabilising the family. It was about ensuring the children's needs are met and they are not further disadvantaged by the family's circumstances. Mdm J's case is not unique. We have seen many such cases. Each day, I go through many housing appeals. I do this because I know circumstances vary. To help, we have to understand the individual's circumstance, so we can better assess the needs. 12.15 pm This Government has always been committed to helping the weak and vulnerable victims of circumstances. For them, we give support to ease their situation, and, over time, this has increased, along with our resources to do so, as a country. If they have children, we want to ensure that their children are not denied education and opportunities. They will lift their families from poverty and avert an inter-generational problem.”
“More specifically, the amended Motion before us also asks the Government to ensure that the benefits of our population policies, such as better job opportunities and salaries, flow to Singaporeans as they should; and that the Government carry out medium-term reviews of our population policies and assumptions to take into account the changing needs of Singapore and Singaporeans, as well as changing domestic and external circumstances. Madam, the Motion sets an agenda and dictates the deliverables for the Government both in the short and longer term. It reminds the Government if Singaporeans are to trust us with their future, we must convince them with immediate and medium-term results. We must evolve in our ways of engaging so that the processes and dynamics are as important as objectives and outcomes. Indeed, the social compact moving forward is about consensus building and trust. It is more than telling Singaporeans "we know best" or "trust us". I also hope that Singaporeans will be fair to the Government. Despite the shortcomings, this is the Government that has taken us through thick and thin. It is a Government that truly cares for Singaporeans – young and old, rich and poor. At the end of the day, Madam, I hope Singaporeans will see the sincerity that is in every one of us and everything that we do, we do with the best intention of making life better for all Singaporeans – People, Businesses and Government. That is a promise that I hope all of us will strive towards. Page: 79”
“Beyond the rhetoric, beyond the rationalisation, beyond the economic numbers, beyond the 5.9 million or 6.9 million – Singaporeans ask – is this really for me? Have you listened to me? Can I be certain that this will make my life and my children's life better in 20 years' time? Have we convinced Singaporeans? Even if we have not fully, I hope we would have at least convinced Singaporeans that we will continue to improve on our efforts at connecting and communicating with them, closing the gap and seeing it in their perspective. At least we would have convinced Singaporeans that the Government is honest and prepared to present the bitter realities and hard truths – that the Government is not afraid to admit previous shortcomings and is resolute to overcome and not repeat them. Madam, thus the Motion before us is not just about endorsing the White Paper on Population. The Motion asks that the House supports the maintenance of a strong Singaporean core by encouraging more Singaporeans to get married and have children, supplemented by a calibrated pace of immigration to prevent the citizen population from shrinking; and that the House recognises that the population projections beyond 2020 are for the purposes of land use and infrastructure planning, and not a population target. Page: 78 The amended Motion calls on the Government to also place priority on resolving current strains on the infrastructure, particularly in transport; this is critical as many Singaporeans want to see short-term results of what the Government has promised. It also asks that the Government plan, invest in, and implement infrastructure development ahead of demand. This is so that we have sufficient buffers and not be caught off guard again.”
“Madam, what should be our social compact with our young Singaporean couples? Do we as a society see this issue as an issue of our own survival, as our earlier generation did following the early post independence years? And do we have the tenacity to overcome the tension of almost becoming a minority in our own homeland? Can our citizens see child bearing as a duty to ensure the survivability of Singapore and the sustenance of the Singaporean Core? Or is this the wrong question to ask? Page: 77 Interestingly, I was told that there is a school of thought circulating out there, supported by research done elsewhere that suggests that TFR may be inversely proportional to population density. I am not familiar with the research in this area, but this seems to correlate with the reactions of the young couples I have met who are concerned about having more children. Having emerged from the academia, I have always appreciated the importance of keeping our minds open. When evidence of such research is thrown up in the midst of our discussion of such sensitive issues, how do we respond? Do we see these as disruptive derailers to be cast aside? Or, are we prepared to look at alternative data and scrutinise the evidence, so that we are clear where we are heading? Because if the research on TFR and population density were true, what might be its implications on our strategies to increase TFR while at the same time bringing in more foreign workers to supplement the local workforce? Perhaps, it would be good for the NPTD to review the research to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how else we can turn around the TFR tide. Madam, we have spent the last five days debating one of the most sensitive issues affecting Singaporeans.”
“These are ingredients of the new social compact not just between the Government and Singaporeans, but also among Singaporeans, taking ownership of this very important aspect of this debate. I think we all agree that we cannot not do with supplementary foreign workforce. The question is how much should we depend on? That is why one of our key answers is to increase our TFR. Some have argued that we have been barking up the wrong tree – that giving more bonuses will not reverse the TFR. I think we can agree that bonuses alone are not sufficient. The Government has been hearing the feedback – thus the recently announced enhancement to the Marriage and Parenthood (M&P) Package certainly goes beyond the bonuses – making homes available and affordable early, better social infrastructure for families and so on. Madam, are these measures enough to reverse the TFR? Can we do more? Herein lies the tension – what should Singaporeans do? Is the enhanced M&P Package attractive enough to tip the balance and reverse the trend? When the White Paper was first released, I had a chance to speak to many young couples. To my surprise, a common reaction to the White paper was that they will not have more children as they are concerned over the pressures and uncertainties of the Singapore of 2030, with its larger numbers and higher congestion. They were afraid they cannot give the best for their children. They were not prepared to subject their children to the pressures and stressors of living in a competitive society like Singapore. They worry that their children cannot afford to buy their own homes when they grow up. It is almost as if the M&P Package announced just a week before had already lost its impact even before it was given a chance to find its footing.”
“In that, she hopes for support, for the Government agency to understand her struggle to employ Singaporeans. She was prepared to pay reasonable wages. She advertised for weeks. She is one of many SME owners whom I have met and they share the same struggles. At this point, it is interesting to note the differing mental models of the two groups. For many businesses, they honestly believe that they have tried to be as productive and have tried to recruit Singaporeans but to no avail, and they honestly believe that foreign workers are their only solution. But Singaporeans have been shouldering the stresses and burdens of an increased population for the last five to 10 years. Many will ask, "Where is the promise of productivity where businesses will do more with less? And why must Singaporeans be the ones who must continue to face the burden of an even larger population, without being convinced that all else has been attempted and tried to no avail?" More importantly, Madam, the tensions above reflects a more fundamental challenge. The Government seems to be the arbiter of the interests of all its citizens – the business owners, the employees. It is expected to hear both parties and try to please. Can the Government, instead, facilitate the conversation between them? Have the businesses informed Singaporeans what they have done, or are doing to restructure, to put in place new systems that will enhance work Page: 76 processes and productivity, that the gains from these will go to Singaporeans, that their HR practices or policies favour all efforts at employing Singaporeans and the challenges they face in doing so?”
“So after five days of debate with almost every member of this House speaking, have we covered all the different viewpoints? To a large extent, I think we have. But I still wonder, what is missing in our effort in connecting with Singaporeans? It is a process we must continue to be mindful of, otherwise, we will always struggle to understand why good meaning intentions are often easily misunderstood. Madam, I can understand the sentiments of Singaporeans. I share many of the concerns Singaporeans that have been articulated, especially their concern about over crowdedness and with more foreigners competing for jobs and space. At the same time, I also hear, quite loudly, the cries of our Singaporean businessmen on their concerns about their own business survivability. As a Page: 75 Member of Parliament whose ward comprises 75% private estate dwellers, I have met many of my Singaporean residents who are business owners. Recently, I organised a dialogue session as part of the "our Singapore Conversation" series with these SME owners, who are my residents, all of whom are Singaporeans, and many raised these manpower issues, seeking MOM's understanding on their need for foreign workforce to ensure their business survive. Yes, we should encourage them to restructure. We should support them more to innovate and improve the productivity of their local workers. One young restaurant owner almost came to tears when she came to see me one day saying she has to close her restaurant for a couple of weeks as she could not get approval for her foreign staff application. I felt sorry for her. I know how much she aspires to make her dream come true. She is a Singaporean who has a dream and is pursuing that dream.”
“Why would people think that the Government would propose solutions that are detrimental to Singaporeans? It Page: 74 just does not make sense. If we can put the emotions aside for a while, what is this debate about? Is this debate about planning for our future? Yes. Is it necessary to do so? Yes, as we expect this to be the preoccupation of any responsible Government. Who are we planning this future for? Singaporeans. It has to be! Although some segments are saying it is not meant for Singaporeans. I wonder why. Is it about ensuring that our children continue to enjoy a high quality of life in 20 years' time? Definitely! As parents, we want the best for our children. Is it about making Singaporeans lose their jobs to foreigners? No! Again, why would a responsible Government want to do that? It is about ensuring Singaporeans in 2030 continue to have jobs, not just jobs, but jobs that meet their aspirations. How can this happen? We need to make sure there is sustainable growth to meet the aspirations of our young generation. And then there was this whole question why discuss such a sensitive topic that the Government knows will only raise the emotional and political temperatures? The Government could have chosen to be short sighted and just focus on one election cycle at a time, as in many other countries. Why not? It is logical and makes sense. Why risk political capital and incur more unhappiness to talk about such hot topics when all it needs to do is just to focus on the here and now. But as I sat listening to such arguments, it struck me that whichever positions we all started out with, we stuck by them. We dug in, we made impassioned arguments.”
“Mdm Speaker, thank you for allowing me to join in the debate. I have the unenviable task of being the last speaker for one of the toughest debates in this House. Toughest because it is dealing with the tension between balancing and winning the hearts and minds of Singaporeans, with regard to the complex economic, demographic and social challenges. As the last speaker, I had the opportunity to listen to what everyone else had to say, ponder about why certain people said certain things, and where they were coming from. I saw how Singaporeans responded, be it through face-to-face discussions, in dialogue sessions, in the forums and social media, and again, wonder why they respond in those ways. Through my experience as a social worker, I know that such reflection is an important part of the debate. Often, the process and the dynamics are as important, if not more than, the outcomes. When the White Paper was first released, the negative reactions came fast and furious. I recalled having very mixed feelings myself. Instinctively, I could understand why Singaporeans were up in arms. At the same time, it was difficult to understand how the sincere desire of the Government to share with Singaporeans its assessment and challenges that we will face and what we need to do, is being met with perceptions that the Government is all out to bring in more foreigners and make Singaporeans strangers in their own land. I remember thinking, why is this so? We are all Singaporeans! We are all here to serve in the best interest of Singapore and Singaporeans. The employees that we want to ensure have and keep their jobs, are Singaporeans. The employers, many of whom are owners of SMEs, are Singaporeans. The families we want to support are Singaporeans.”
“We look at it broadly, both the geographical as well as the community of stakeholders, those who are interested in the area. Today, the business community is one that promotes it, meaning the artistic groups that are there. So, when we look at the "community", it is actually engaging people who are keen to make sure that the place thrives in every aspect for different stakeholders. Therein lies the challenge, because the more stakeholders there are, the more challenging it gets. What is useful is the engagement. URA is facilitating that engagement to ensure that different stakeholders bring to the table what their interests and concerns are. At the same time, the broad guideline is that we want to encourage artistic expressions, not compromising the original intent of the place. And the artistic expression must enhance the facade and even the current conditions or the way it looks. Page: 1448”
“Sir, URA tries to strike that balance, as I have mentioned. So, the guidelines were put on the website, and some of the owners of the buildings and tenants have proposed to paint according to the guidelines. The guidelines are really to recommend best practices for the tenants and building owners to maintain the conservation of buildings, with preferred painting schemes for front facades so that the historic architectural features are suitably enhanced. When the building owners decided to paint the murals, it was following the interpretation of the guidelines. There were some reactions. But by and large, the patrons and the community were supportive. URA came in and said, "yes, you can continue". Then, the KGBA came forward recently to say it wants to enhance it. It wanted the Mural Arts Programme for the area. URA is very keen to allow community ownership of spaces, at the same time, striking that balance between what is conservation and allowing for artistic expression. As we move forward, what is important is the ownership of the space, that is, the community takes ownership. In this case, for example, the Kampung Glam Business Association is taking ownership. They want to enhance the area. But because they want to do more, what is important is for us to then engage stakeholders. And when we engage stakeholders, we want the stakeholders to come forward and see what is useable, what is nice and, at the same time, not compromise the conservation and heritage nature of the area.”
“I want to assure Mrs Chiam that the request for this void deck space is not unique to Potong Pasir. We have seen VWOs operate in many void deck spaces all over Singapore, and it is really on the basis of need – the need for residents to have access to such services. So, it is not peculiar to this area. Why now? Perhaps, the services are required now because, as I understand it, these services are for day care facilities for elderly residents. As Mdm Halimah just highlighted earlier, there are a lot more services for the elderly that are required. And I really do not think it is peculiar to Potong Pasir. On whether we consult the residents, whether we engage the residents, I think the process ought to be one of engagement. But at some point in time, the decision will have to be made to serve the larger community. The process is what I had mentioned earlier. The supervising Ministry will have to endorse or support that request. Sometimes, it comes both ways. The Ministry thinks that there is a service that is required in that area. They engage VWOs to operate it. In this case, the VWO came forward and suggested that they wanted to provide a facility. MCYS then, as the parent Ministry, agreed that there was a need for such a service, and then they would engage the grassroots leaders who are residents themselves. And grassroots leaders often times are also encouraged to engage the residents. Page: 1049 I think the process has been in place and, over time, we want to continue to engage Singaporeans on really the need for social services within the midst of the community.”
“Sir, preventing re-offending is beyond the work of one Ministry, like MHA. While MHA and the Prison service can take in these individuals as their custodians, the rehabilitation goes beyond what happens within the four walls of the Prisons. It involves the community, schools, social services, employers, mental health services, and so on. While we must ensure that each crime committed should be met with its commensurate punishment, we would need to find the right balance to ensure the desired outcome for rehabilitation to prevent re-offending. The social cost of re-offending goes beyond its subsequent acts of crime but more on its systemic effect on the significant others, like the women and children that they leave behind. I would like to ask the Minister for an update on the implementation or recommendations put forth by the Committee on Prevention of Re-offending presented last year, particularly, in strengthening community prevention to prevent re-offending. What are the challenges faced in implementing these recommendations? COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY REPORTING PROGRESS”
“Sir, one of the key characteristics of dsyfunctional families is the incarceration of heads of households and, at times, both parents. Within such families, it is not uncommon to find the trend of these heads of households re-offending during behind the families to fend for themselves. I recently met a woman whose husband was being incarcerated for the fourth time. She is now left to care for nine children, with the youngest being a one-year-old infant. She is not working as she is cannot afford to pay for the childcare fees for the young children. When probed further, one realised that she gave birth to a child each time her husband is released from prison. Each time, he re-offends and returns to prison, she is left to pick up the pieces again. This is certainly not the first time that I have met such a case. Sir, the above example raises the question as to why such a man would repeatedly re-offend and disregard the impact of his behaviour on his family. What happened each time he entered prison and he is released? Were there no rehabilitation during his period of imprisonment? Was the re-offending a result of failure to adjust to the mainstream society? Or is it society's failure to accept him? What is the level of community support and intervention for such a person and his family? Sir, the key question is what do we do to ensure that these individuals do not re-offend? Have we understood the pathway in which these individuals travel? What can we learn from this pathway to ensure that we provide the neccessary support and intervention at the right junctions to redirect them to the mainstream crime-free path. In many of these cases, the life of crime dates back to the early years and often made complex by the kinds of family backgrounds that they come from.”
“Beyond ability to work with such families directly, the social workers also need to assess the effectiveness of Government's policies in meeting the larger objective of helping these families to be self-reliant. This means that social workers are more than Mother Theresa, who will only help the poor. They are professionals who must take an active role in engaging policy makers. The image of social workers must change and go beyond merely helping the poor and the down and out. Social workers impact not only the lives of the people whom they serve but also the larger systems within which these people exist. We need a system that will nurture and develop talents in the sector through an enhanced image that inspire the young to join the profession. More importantly is to ensure the quality of training programmes that produce social workers with the desired attributes and, subsequently, the quality of field supervision that will ensure longer term sustenance of these social workers in the profession. I urge MCYS to conduct a comprehensive review of the social work profession to ensure the desired pipeline of quality social workers with the gumption to take on challenging cases and the intellectual ability to engage policy-makers in addressing community issues, and remaining in the profession for the longer term.”
“Sir, there have been repeated calls by Members of this House on the need for more social workers to work with families facing difficulties. There are even calls for Family Service Centres to be set up in every constituency, and at least a social worker each in the constituency office. Members of this House must have come across too many of such families to make them raise their concerns in this Chamber. MCYS has responded. Remuneration packages have been improved and career progressions are more attractive. However, there are still fundamental issues which need to be addressed – the capabilities of social worker entrants, quality of social work training programmes, ensuring quality field supervision and putting in place the system that will sustain them within the profession. The social workers that we need most are those who have the skills and tenacity to work in the community – go out to visit families in their homes at odd hours, handle complex cases that include multiple marriages and divorces, juvenile delinquencies and domestic violence, collaborate with grassroot volunteers and engage community partners. They must have a good grasp of social science theories, excellent interpersonal and organisational skills. Above all, the fighting spirit and readiness to work against insurmountable odds. The challenge is that many of our budding social workers come from backgrounds that are totally distant from the families that they hope to serve. For example, they will be challenged to understand how a 23-year-old woman whose husband is in prison, and who has three young children aged between one and five years, could abandon her children leaving them with her own mother who herself is undergoing divorce.”
“Many dysfunctional families have heads of family who are practically non-existent in their lives because they spend most of their time in prison. Therefore, it is essential that the empowerment programme for boys be enhanced with a mentoring process involving male Malay professionals as mentors. Are there further plans to attract more Malay professionals to come forward, befriend and mentor these youths so as to become an example and a source of inspiration to them? 6.30 pm MUIS leadership renewal”
“[For vernacular speech, please refer to Appendix A*.] Madam, as the youngest community relative to the Chinese and Indian communities, the Malay community has the great potential in terms of manpower resources to help society and the country progress. This potential in our youths should be further harnessed to become an asset to society. One of the concerns within the community relates to high-risk youths who often come from problem families. They usually have low self-esteem, due to poor performance in their studies. Often, they also get involved in unproductive activities, in order to enhance their sense of self-worth. Some are involved in juvenile crimes, and for the teenage girls, some get entangled in the problem of teen pregnancy. In 2008, the MENDAKI and the Community Leaders' Forum (CLF) introduced a self-empowerment programme for girls as a pilot programme. The main aim of this programme is to give them hope and a positive vision. Can the Minister comment on the effectiveness of this programme after two years of implementation? How many teenage girls have benefited from this programme and what is the main outcome? What are the follow-up plans of this programme to continue engaging more teenage girls? With the experience gained from implementing this programme for girls, are there plans to extend it to teenage boys? If so, what are the special features that will be introduced for boys because we know that the needs of the boys will be different from the girls? Madam, one of the characteristics of dysfunctional families is the failure of the men to perform their role and responsibility as heads of the family, to ensure sufficient economic resources for the family and to be a positive role model to their sons.”
“Sir, one of MOE's key strategies is to increase the professional qualification of pre-school teachers, including higher entry requirements and increasing the number of diploma-trained teachers in each pre-school centre. With higher qualifications and training must come higher remuneration. Sir, while remuneration packages can be as competitive as they can get, I would like to ask the Minister, what is MOE's current assessment of the state of human resource capabilities, both quantity and quality, in the pre-school sector. To what extent, are the milestone set by MOE to increase the qualifications and quantity of pre-school teachers met? What is MOE's long-term manpower plans for the pre-school sector? Are our institutions producing the requisite number of personnel to fill in the needs of the sector? The unintended effect of inadequate supply of personnel and a highly competitive industry is the mobility of these personnel between centres. This often leads to significant disruptions in operations in some centres, including the serious impact on the young children. This is even worse where centres have higher concentration of low-income children, who are already disadvantaged to begin with. I seek the Minister's assurance that the supply of trained teachers will be sufficient to avoid the earlier scenario. Sir, unlike the teaching profession where MOE takes an active role through elaborate recruitment campaigns, can the Minister enlighten us as to who is responsible for such efforts at promoting early childhood education as a profession worthy of serious consideration?”
“Sir, the majority of Singaporeans live in close proximity to each other by virtual of the way our housing estates are structured and built up. Our efficient use of space opportunities can create great opportunities for neighbours to get along with each other and strengthen bonds. But such close proximity can also be a bane to many home owners. As MPs, we often receive feedback about how neighbours are facing conflicts with each other over noise coming from particular units. From shouting and speaking loudly to children running around to marbles dropping on the floor or even having washing machines running in the middle of the night. Many of these feedback about noise levels come from neighbours and our response has always been to advise the party to reduce the noise level and help to mediate. But one question I would like to pose is whether the noise levels generated by these neighbours are within the acceptable limits of the high-density living environment in Singapore. If so, who sets the limits and under what circumstances, can action be taken against such recalcitrant individuals? This also applies to other possible sources of noise such as community activities, aircon compressors from nearby buildings and, at times, RSAF helicopters flying above housing estates. Can the Minister enlighten the House on the newest guidelines for acceptable noise levels and how can Singaporeans be better educated to understand what they need to do within the constraints of our built environment? Singapore – Venice of Southeast Asia”
“May I ask how the Government intends to enhance our capabilities in climate science?”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, we know that living in a very densely populated island like Singapore, protection of the environment is critical. The effect of air pollution on human health is serious. With increasing car population size, one wonders of the impact of this on our air quality, in particular the PM 2.5 (or particulate matters smaller than 2.5 microns in size) is linked to respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and bronchitis especially in the vulnerable young and old. A major source of the PM 2.5 emissions is motor vehicles. Could the Minister share with the House the long-term target of the PM 2.5 level and plans to curb domestic emissions from vehicles? Will the Minister also share his assessment on the impact of rising car population on our air quality? The perennial transboundary haze pollution problem also continues to be a key concern for Singaporeans. Despite the region experiencing higher rainfall last year arising from the El Nino phenomenon, Singapore's air quality still fell into the moderate range for several days in October last year due to the forest fires from our neighbours. Sir, every year, we still struggle to manage the impact of forest fires on our air quality. There is, thus, a need for Singapore to continue its engagement with countries in the region and ensure that adequate measures are in place to minimise and prevent occurrences of forest fires. These may be plans but may not be executable. In this regard, could the Minister share more about the Government's plans to manage and prevent transboundary haze pollution from affecting the air quality in Singapore? Besides monitoring the haze condition, there is much discourse about the effect of climate change and local climatic patterns.”
“What we can do is to achieve some degree of self sufficiency in three key food items, namely, eggs, fish and leafy vegetables. Here is a picture of the Barrumundi fish farmed [indicating], which contributes to our local fish production. Today, we produce 23% of our eggs, 4% of our fish and 7% of our leafy vegetables. There is still some way to go before we reach our targets of 30% for eggs, 15% for fish and 10% for leafy vegetables. Because we have limited land and sea space that can be set aside for local farming, it is therefore vital that we raise the productivity and capability of our farms. The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) will support source diversification and local farming efforts through its Food Fund. Launched in October 2009, companies have tapped on the $10 million Fund to explore new food sources overseas, raise local farming productivity, and enhance local farming capabilities. Many of the projects supported by the Fund involve improving farm efficiency by automating labour-intensive processes such as vegetable packing, hand feeding of fish and fingerling sorting. 5.45 pm Sir, my Ministry will work with the industry and achieve a resilient supply of safe food for our people. However, our food supply resilience efforts must be complemented by Singaporeans' acceptance of alternative food sources. This may be about accepting that we will buy our food from a different country, or an alternative form, such as frozen meat, liquid and powdered eggs. AVA will continue its public education efforts to create greater awareness and acceptance of alternative food sources.”
“Sir, my Ministry has also employed several strategies to ensure that our own key food supplies remain resilient. Allow me to elaborate on that. To ensure Singapore's food supply resilience, first, source diversification. Our key strategy in ensuring food supply resilience is source diversification. By buying from many sources, Singapore is better buffered against potential food shortages and, to a lesser extent, price volatility. If you look at the map on the screen, you can see that the map shows how diversified our sources of food items like vegetables, fish, pork and poultry are. It is not a picture of the rhyme, "Old MacDonald Had A Farm". It is a picture of the various places that we actually import our food sources. For example, in the past, we were very reliant on Malaysia for our leafy vegetables. Today, a large proportion of our vegetables are purchased from other sources such as China and as far as the US. Where we used to import most of our poultry from Malaysia and Brazil, the chicken you buy at your local food supermarkets today can come from places like Argentina and the US. In addition, we are encouraging our local companies to move into upstream sourcing. For example, companies could undertake contract farming directly with farmers for an agreed amount and price of goods. Our companies will then have better leverage over the food production chain. An example is NTUC FairPrice, which purchases vegetables through contracts with Indonesian farms. Next, local farming. We are also promoting local farming, which plays an important supporting role in ensuring food supply resilience. However, we cannot expect to be fully self sufficient in food production.”
“Mr Chairman, I thank Dr Lim Wee Kiak and Mr Zainudin Nordin for asking what the Government is doing to help mitigate the rising food prices and ensure our resilience in food supply. First, let me address the steady rise in food prices. Food prices have risen steadily over the last few years. In 2010, the overall increase of our food Consumer Price Index (CPI) was a moderate 1.4%. However, we saw food prices rising by 0.9% in January 2011 when compared to December 2010. The recent short-term spike in prices was expected and can be largely attributed to increased festive demand – similar to what we saw during the Chinese New Year months of January 2009 and February 2010. Over the longer term, however, food prices in Singapore are largely driven by the global food situation. The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has forecast that global food prices will continue to rise as the effects of recent adverse weather conditions on agriculture worldwide continue to be felt, as highlighted by both Dr Lim and Mr Zainudin. As we import over 90% of our food, we are a price taker. We cannot control global food prices and supply directly. Nevertheless, the Government and the private sector have recently introduced measures to address concerns over rising inflation, including food inflation. The Retail Price Watch Group, chaired by the Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Manpower, has been formed to keep a close watch on retail prices and address concerns of any alleged profiteering and excessive pricing of daily necessities and food items. Major supermarket chains like the NTUC FairPrice, Sheng Siong and Dairy Farm Group have also pledged to hold their prices of house-brand items such as rice and flour for the next few months.”
“This is necessary to bring housing security and hope to these families in a sustainable manner, ensuring a more stable environment and a better future for their children. Estate rejuvenation”
“To prevent mortgage arrears from accumulating further, HDB helped the family right-size to a small 3-room flat and placed them in the IRH while they waited for their new flat to be ready. When Mrs S was released, we worked with her to find a job as a cleaner earning $800 a month. When Mr S was released, he came to see us, and we also gave him the same help and advice. Mr S now holds a supervisory position in a cleaning company earning $1,500 per month and his wife earns $1,300 a month. Our advice is to hold on to the job that has got CPF contribution. Their eldest daughter is now in the Republic Polytechnic and will be graduating soon. From a vulnerable position, this family has stabilised itself and is now ready to start a new chapter in their lives as they await the collection of the keys to their new flat. They are a good example of how, despite being vulnerable, with the right attitude from the family, coupled with community support and help from the Government, can go a long way in rebuilding their lives. Sir, let me conclude by restating my Minister's assurance that the Government is prepared to provide added help to low income families. But the help we give cannot just be in housing. Many of these vulnerable families were home owners and they can be home owners again. To help these families, we must tackle their root problems so that they do not run into another housing crisis. Solving the underlying issues will not be easy. It takes two hands to clap. Government assistance alone will not be effective. We must encourage families to take personal responsibilities and work hard, just like Mr and Mrs S.”
“In the Resale Checklist to be deposited with HDB, sellers have to state their next housing arrangement. If they intend to buy another flat, they have to work out their estimated sales proceed of their current flat, and submit a financial plan for their next flat purchase. The newly set up Council for Estate Agencies will also take action against errant housing agents who mislead flat owners into selling their flats for quick cash. Flat lessees who need advice on their housing options can also walk into any HDB Branch Office to meet the housing counsellors. The key is to ensure that flat owners make informed decisions about their housing arrangements. Mr Wee Siew Kim asked if there are alternatives to compulsory acquisition for families in mortgage arrears. I want to assure Mr Wee and Members of the House that compulsory acquisition is the last resort taken by HDB. HDB will counsel families on ways to resolve their problem, eg, rent a room or downsize, and extend a host of assistance measures to help the family. Even when compulsory acquisition is inevitable, HDB will ensure that the family has alternative housing available, be it IRH or rental flats. I would like to assure Mr Wee that the needs of the young and the elderly are accounted for. 4.00 pm Sir, let me give Members an example of a family that I have worked with for six years to illustrate what we hope to achieve in terms of holistic support. Mr and Mrs S used to own a 5-room flat in Woodlands. They fell into arrears in 2005 when both were imprisoned for several years. During their time of imprisonment, grassroots leaders helped Mrs S's mother, an elderly grandmother, to support their three young daughters.”
“First, the geographical spread of Interim Rental Housing (IRH) sites could be increased to make it easier for employment arrangements. This also minimises the disruption of changing schools for children, which is a key concern raised by families when offered IRH as a temporary housing option. Second, the tenancy period and rent structure under IRH could be adjusted to allow families more time to transit to permanent housing, such as allowing them to remain in IRH until their flats are ready. Dr Ahmad Magad asked HDB to consider a third "bite of the cherry" to help these families buy a flat again. Mdm Ho Geok Choo asked HDB to shorten the debarment period or provide another housing loan. Our budget is finite. Families must also exercise personal responsibility when they decide to sell their flat. For those who need temporary shelter and are ineligible for rental flats, HDB can refer them to IRH. Ultimately, they should seek employment, build up their savings and buy another flat. Mdm Ho Geok Choo expressed concern for the families who cashed out recklessly without other housing plans. Mr Cedric Foo suggested that HDB provides financial counselling to low-income households selling their flats. This is a real concern, and MND has taken a number of upstream measures to address this. Last year, my Minister moved a Bill to disallow the lodging of caveats to claim an interest in the sale of proceeds of HDB flats. This will prevent flat owners from being coerced by debt collectors into selling their flats. Since November last year, HDB introduced a mandatory "7-day cooling-off period" for flat owners to think through their flat sale decision and future housing arrangements before they commit to sell their flats.”
“Many of these families have the potential to be home owners again but need time to build up their capabilities and finances. The Workgroup has therefore recommended a two-pronged strategy to help them. First, holistic social support. The Workgroup recommends to strengthen inter-agency collaboration to help these families work through their problems. This would include joint case conferences with Family Service Centre (FSC) social workers and HDB officers to discuss holistic intervention plans, including childcare arrangements so that parents can seek employment. HDB is also working on a protocol with the Subordinate Courts to help low-income divorce cases, especially those with custody of children. Divorce, in itself, is already a traumatic experience for these children. This is often made worse when parties have not made proper post-divorce housing arrangements. Therefore, the intention is for HDB to provide the Courts and the parties in the divorce proceedings with more information such that their divorce settlement takes into consideration decisions on post-divorce housing needs, particularly for the parent with custody of young children. With more information, they can better decide how their matrimonial flat should be dealt with, for example, whether one party should retain the flat or sell the flat and how the proceeds can enable them to own another flat. These are complex issues that require difficult decisions, depending on the circumstances of each case. The next strategy is to address the issue of Interim Rental Housing support. Families may take some time to sort out their personal issues and build up their finances. Therefore, the Workgroup has recommended that MND and MCYS look into strengthening the interim housing options.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, thank you for allowing me to share the findings and recommendations of the MND-MCYS Workgroup on Assistance for Vulnerable Families. First, let me talk about the definition of vulnerable families. Who are these vulnerable families seeking help for housing? Broadly, these families fall into two categories: first, divorcees with young children; and, secondly, low-income families who ran into financial difficulties and sold their flats without planning for their next homes. These are the cases that many have highlighted in this House. As Dr Ahmad Magad and Mdm Ho Geok Choo highlighted, these families are likely to have enjoyed housing subsidies for the earlier flats that they have sold, and are no longer eligible for another subsidised flat. As such, they are caught in a very tight bind. Members of Parliament often appeal for rental flats to be allocated for these families. I can appreciate the difficulties that they face – a sense of instability, especially when they have very young children. But how can we help them without inadvertently sending the wrong signal to other families that they do not need to plan for their own housing? From my experience in social work and from the appeals that I have seen, I recognise the need to address the root cause of such problems. The MND-MCYS Workgroup agrees that the sustainable way to help vulnerable families must lie in addressing their underlying problems. Beyond housing, their problems can include unemployment due to education, prison history, family conflicts, and sometimes gambling problems. Securing regular employment with CPF contribution is often the key to getting families out of their vulnerability and to secure a longer term home. Let us look at addressing the root problems.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, the Middle East has been a very interesting region that has attracted economic interest from Singapore over the last couple of years. However, we are often subjected to global forces beyond our control. Of particular concern are the untold events unfolding in the Middle East in the last couple of months. As mentioned by my colleagues, from Tunisia to Egypt to Bahrain, to Libya, now to Yemen. The uncertainty in the region has many implications, particularly on oil prices which in turn will affect us directly. I would like to ask the Minister for his assessment of the current situation in the Middle East and the extent this impacts Singapore. How will this affect our current strategy of engaging the Middle East? While as a small country, we are not able to do much to influence what is happening in the region, how can Singapore show support to the international community in managing the crisis in the Middle East? Also, what are the important learning lessons for our young Singaporeans from the unrest that we have seen in the Middle East? Consular services for Singaporeans”
“How has MINDEF introduced this expanded role in managing terrorism and homeland security in its current operations and training of our defence personnel? Deployment in Afghanistan”
“Mr Chairman, since September 11th, 2001 almost 10 years ago, the significance of the issue of terrorism to Singaporeans appears to be like the flickering of festive lights, coming on and going off at different points in time. It could be a reflection of Singaporeans' confidence in our security agencies and thus the sense that we are all always well protected. Of course, periodically when near incidences or actual terrorist attacks are reported in different parts of the world, this issue will come to the consciousness of Singaporeans again. Sir, when the Budget 2011 was announced by the Minister for Finance, some critics asked why we should spend so much on our defence and that we should reduce defence spending and divert our resources to other aspects of our society like education and helping the poor. While this may sound attractive, it is critical that we address such thinking. What is important is for Singaporeans to understand the critical role of MINDEF in ensuring Singapore's safety and security and the significance of the sense of confidence that Singaporeans have that I have mentioned earlier; not to mention the confidence that our foreign investors have in us. We should do more to educate Singaporeans on MINDEF's role in addressing security issues beyond traditional understanding of land, sea and air defence. Homeland security has been much associated with the Home Team but much of homeland security is also MINDEF's responsibility. Can the Minister share with the House MINDEF's role and contribution to homeland security apart from deploying some of our Servicemen at our border checkpoints like the air and the sea ports?”
“Sir, as mentioned earlier, we should not unduly incentivise or allow lessees to get financial gains from CA action. When HDB puts in the processes of trying to help these families, there is a lot of manpower as well as administrative costs that goes into it. And I think that it is not unreasonable for HDB to tell the lessees that if it compulsorily acquires the flat, it can compensate them for lesser than that, because it has always given them the opportunity to do so. If that is the case, the lessees will just wait out and do not want to pay for their flats and, at the end of the day, expect HDB to just give them compensation according to market value. GUIDELINES FOR OPERATION HOURS AT SCHOOLS 20. Assoc. Prof. Paulin Tay Straughan asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry has a set of guidelines for operation hours of primary and secondary schools; and (b) whether it stipulates the frequency of activities that can be held outside of official lessons and the times which these co-curricular activities and supplementary lessons must end.”
“Sir, I think Members of the House are well aware that when HDB decides to finally acquire the flat of owners who are in arrears, it really does this as a last resort, meaning that it has tried to work very, very hard with each and every case. In the first place, from the moment the lessees are in arrears, HDB tries to understand their circumstances and tries to help them. And at different points in time, there is no stopping a lessee from selling the flat in the open market and get market value, or even higher than market value. So, at any point in time, the lessee is allowed to do so. Even at the very last moment when HDB issues the note of intention of the acquisition of flat, the lessee is still eligible and can still sell the property in the open market. There is no reason for HDB to compensate the lessee for the value equivalent to the market value because the lessee has the option to do so, even before compulsory acquisition action takes place.”
“Ms Audrey Wong Wai Yen asked the Minister for Education in the light of the recent criminal cases against trainee teachers (a) what are the current screening criteria for those applying to be trained as teachers and those applying for teaching scholarships; and (b) whether these criteria and screening procedures will be reviewed.”
“Sir, there are several measures that HDB has put in place to ensure that disamenities arising from subletting of flats are reduced. First, HDB requires owners to seek HDB's approval prior to subletting and there are certain conditions for approval and there are certain groups of people or sub-tenants who are allowed to sublet the flats. Secondly, the approval to sublet is given for a maximum of three years, subject to subsequent extension and renewal. Therefore, HDB will continue to monitor those cases that had been approved. Thirdly, there are half-yearly inspections conducted by HDB and HDB continues to conduct these inspections, over and above the feedback given by the residents. What is important really is a combination of both HDB's ongoing inspections on the approved cases as well as the feedback that are given by the members of the public. We encourage the members of the public and the grassroots organisations to continue to work with the branch offices, and the branch offices will certainly inspect every feedback that is given by the members of the public to ensure that the lessees do not violate any of the sub tenancy rules. SCREENING CRITERIA FOR TRAINEE TEACHERS AND TEACHING SCHOLARSHIPS 12. Er Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Education besides academic achievements (a) what are the other criteria used in the selection of students for the award of Government scholarships; and (b) whether the Ministry also looks into the candidates' conduct, psychological make-up and disciplinary track record in school. 13.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, HDB flats are primarily meant for owner occupation. Flat owners who wish to sublet their flats must meet the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) and obtain HDB's approval before they can do so or sublet their flats. They must also comply with HDB's terms and conditions for subletting, for example, ensuring that the sub-tenants do not create disturbances to the neighbours, and that the number of sub-tenants do not exceed the maximum number allowable for the different flat types. About 34,800 flats or 5% of the total HDB flats eligible for subletting are being sublet today. The average subletting period is about 20 months. HDB receives a small number of complaints from residents on subletting of flats. The complaints usually concern the disamenities caused by sub-tenants such as noise nuisance. Lessees of these flats were warned by HDB to ensure that their sub-tenants stop the nuisance. HDB takes a very serious view of unauthorised use of HDB flats, including overcrowding. It conducts regular inspections and spot checks to ensure that flat owners do not infringe the subletting rules. Members of the public are also encouraged to call HDB's dedicated hotline to report suspected cases of unauthorised subletting or overcrowding. In 2010, 6,700 flats inspections were conducted. HDB has taken action against 98 flat owners for unauthorised subletting and seven flat owners for overcrowding. They include warnings, imposition of financial penalties and even compulsory acquisition of the flats.”