Mohamed Irshad
Singapore
“The multi-faceted crisis the world is faced with did reveal itself in various ways in the last decades, continuously sending us signals on the urgent necessity to take action and embark on a transformational journey.”
“So, how can we implement safe distancing within bus stations, within MRT stations and also on the bus itself we can have one seat beside each other to be vacant, we can actually Implement some sort of measures even on the MRT trains to have one seat in between each other.”
“Okay. We have a policy of people coming back from overseas to be issued Stay-Home Notice but however, Singaporeans who want to visit their relatives who just came back and visit the houses, how can we discourage them from doing so?”
“Chairman, as I previously mentioned in the House, the Singapore Muslim community is a highly diverse one. In addition to the racial diversity, we have Muslims from all around the world coming to study, work, marry and settle in Singapore.”
“Sir, the recently submitted COFA report appears to have set a direction for tuture asatizah. I also note that the current generation of asatizah have the MUIS Academy which offers a range of courses and training as part of their lifelong learning ethos.”
“If this trend continues, it does not bode well for the financial well-being of lower income households even when income inequality is mitigated. Does MSF have a programme to track the income, expenditures and financial well-being of lower income HDB residents? Tracking such data can help MSF provide better and targeted assistance.”
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Every one of 116 lines we hold for Mohamed Irshad, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 1 of 3.
“The multi-faceted crisis the world is faced with did reveal itself in various ways in the last decades, continuously sending us signals on the urgent necessity to take action and embark on a transformational journey. Throughout the history of humanity, crises have always represented critical junctures allowing mankind to take the path of innovation and positive transformation that contributed to building better societies. The COVID-19 pandemic should be no exception. We stand at the threshold of history to build a healthier, more peaceful, prosperous, inclusive, resilient and sustainable society in Singapore. In this regard, it behooves me to embrace the spirit of the Singapore Together Movement which has been labelled "a cornerstone" of nation building by Deputy Prime Minister as we beat the odds together. With that, I support the Budget. Majulah, Singapura. It is a privilege to serve.”
“On innovation, Harvard Business School professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter said, “Change is a threat when done to me, but an opportunity when done by me.” In my many conversations with fellow Singaporeans over the circuit breaker period, I have come to realise that many of them are embodying a key trait: adaptability through innovation. Let me illustrate this through the lens of our response to this crisis. When we announced the circuit breaker, we had to adapt to a completely new way of life. Parents had to learn how to work from home while supervising their children in home-based learning. Teachers had to transition to teaching the entire syllabus online. Businesses had to learn how to continue operating without access to their paper documents or any in person interaction. Sir, the crisis forced us to be adaptable. No one was spared from the need to change their way of life. Out of this disorientation came the spirit of innovation. We have innovated by adopting video conferencing tools to conduct meetings and even marriages! Our food establishments have innovated by serving their patrons without any physical interaction. Even our wet-markets were not spared. Our civil servants had to innovate as well. The SafeEntry declaration that I scanned today and the TraceTogether app which is running on my phone right now are all concrete examples of innovation driven by our teams at GovTech. Mr Speaker, this adaptability through innovation has ensured that our country can continue to function. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic is the latest in a long list of crises that have hit the world in recent times. It has exposed our fragilities and the urgent need to rethink our way forward.”
“It has also brought to the forefront the need for digital acceleration and the importance of business continuity plans for businesses and organisations of all sizes. In this regard, there is a vital need for a one-stop digital acceleration centre of excellence that can provide seamless solutions for companies and organisations seeking to ride the coming wave. Mr Speaker, a digital economy cannot be the exclusive purview of the rich. Singaporeans living in rental flats and those in the lower income brackets are disproportionately less likely to have wifi at home. In fact, in the last three months, we have seen regular media coverage about the struggles that some of these families face trying to ensure that their children can participate in home-based learning. I understand that MSF has plans to proactively reach out to these Singaporeans with a helping hand. The existing Digital Inclusion framework needs to be reinforced so that no one gets left behind causing a digital divide. I urge MCI and IMDA to redouble their efforts in distributing internet connected devices, and work to ensure that affordable wifi is available to residents living in our rental flats. I would also like to express my support and commend MCI and IMDA for launching the Seniors Go Digital Movement. It is timely and crucial to also include our seniors in our Digitalisation journey. Beyond family, friends and the wider community, our model of constantly creating public-private partnerships should not be forgotten. Mr Speaker, I hope that MCI and IMDA will collaborate and work with various tech companies as we continue to ensure our seniors are not left behind.”
“He is a disabled person who will soon be entering the workforce. Being a wheelchair user, one of the biggest obstacles he faced was travel, which he defined as the mere act of leaving his home. Unlike an able-bodied person, he cannot just get up and go wherever he wants. The logistics of transport invariably involves at least one other person for him. He shared from his personal experience that video conferencing will help disabled persons and people with disabilities to integrate better into society by allowing them to lead more active professional and social lives. In creating openings and retaining these segments of the population in the workforce, we can then create a workforce that is not only fair to all but also ensure that we maximise our potential to the fullest. I am confident that the National Jobs Council helmed by Senior Minister Tharman will also look into this matter. On digital transformation and innovation, since 2014, the Smart Nation initiative has been quietly transforming and enriching the lives of many Singaporeans. At the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2019, Deputy Prime Minister stated that Singapore needs to work towards repositioning itself to becoming a Global-Asia node of technology, innovation and enterprise. As we restart our economy, the importance of the Smart Nation initiative and the words of Deputy Prime Minister cannot be more true. To ride the new wave, we need our people to be digitally enabled in every sense of the word. What this means is that in addition to the various aspects of citizenry, we need Singaporeans to not only be IT-savvy but also be responsible digital citizens or digitizens. This pandemic has taught us how under-prepared many were for a global crisis that affected all countries.”
“First, as we reopen the economy, we have to fundamentally rethink future job arrangements. I propose moving away from the traditional five-day work week to a four-day work week with the option of working from home on the fifth day and even having a flexi-hours work model. Established companies like Microsoft have demonstrated that a four-day work week can increase productivity by up to 40%. Twitter's CEO recently announced that it will allow its employees to work from home "forever". In New Zealand, a four-day work week to promote better work life balance and domestic tourism as a means to help the economy is being considered. As the Government prepares for Phase Two, we should re-evaluate our traditional model of work. Second, I hope that after COVID-19, telecommuting will not disappear but will be a more permanent feature. As the Government prepares to work with our companies to begin the job creation process, it is incumbent on us to incentivise the creation of jobs which will allow telecommuting. In doing so, we will no longer exclude those who may be unable to work in a traditional nine-to-five environment for various reasons. President Halimah recently said, and I quote, "Imagine how many more women with young children could remain in the workforce if they could telecommute. Imagine the kind of skills and talents among women that we could retain to benefit our society and economy. With dual income families more of a necessity today, we should make it easier for women with family obligations to work." Mr Speaker, it is not just women with care-giving duties who will benefit from this arrangement but many more. Recently, I came across a very moving commentary by Mr Jonathan Tiong, a fourth year student from NUS.”
“Finally, Mr Speaker, we must not be lulled into a false sense of security that our reserves are unlimited. Consequently, we cannot afford to be complacent in how the money is being spent. Even as Deputy Prime Minister has assured us that the Public Accounts Committee has been scrutinising Government's expenditure, we need to instill a mindset of "active audit" to ensure that funds channeled for the various schemes and projects are indeed being spent wisely. Mr Speaker, this brings me to my second theme on the future of work. This crisis is an opportunity for us to re-imagine work. At various times, this House has debated the importance of improving our work-life balance and having a more sustainable way of life. Sir, this is our moment. Our experience over the last three months has shown that being present in the office and having face-to-face meetings is not absolutely necessary for many of us. Members of this House and fellow Singaporeans will be surprised to know that the SGUnited Buka Puasa initiative involving multiple Government agencies, private companies and community organisations was conceptualised, planned and operationalised virtually, without even a single physical meeting. And I am sure there are many other such projects. We have, within a very short period of time, adapted to working through video conferencing, private messaging, emails and even the good old fashion phone calls. To quote the CEO of a leading software firm, COVID-19 has resulted in two years of digital transformation in just two months. We need to build upon this rather than going back to old ways. It is time that we reconsider a new model for our companies. Allow me to offer some solutions and suggestions.”
“Mr Speaker, as I have previously mentioned in this House, one of the hallmarks of the Singapore brand is fiscal prudence pillared by accountability and responsibility. It is the reason why we are able to draw on our reserves and table an unprecedented four Budgets in four months. Sir, during our Unity Budget debates earlier this year, several Members of this House raised questions about the continued health of our National Investment Returns Contributions (NIRC), which are now the largest contributor to the Government's coffers. In addition to COVID-19, we continue to face long-term pressures such as the geopolitical tensions between America and China, stagnating growth and more nationalist and protectionist tendencies around the world. Given that our reserves form the basis of our NIRC revenue, what is the projected revenue impact of this large drawdown? Additionally, how long do we expect this to last? Mr Speaker, I must point out that the first and only previous instance when we had to dip into our reserves was in 2009. Then, when faced with a fast deteriorating global economic environment and the prospect of a deep and prolonged recession, the House drew down on S$4.9 billion from past reserves. And they only used S$4.9 billion. And a mere two years later, the amount drawn was returned back to the reserves in 2011. Today, Sir, we are drawing over 10 times more than what we drew in 2009. We owe it to our future generations to safeguard their future as our forefathers have done so for us. My third question thus echoes the concerns which I heard in this Chamber yesterday. Can the Deputy Prime Minister share his plans to return the money drawn back to our reserves in the years to come?”
“Mr Speaker, I stand here today with mixed feelings. On one hand, I am relieved that the circuit breaker has officially ended. On the other hand, with no immediate end in sight to the COVID-19 battle, I am worried about what the next few months, rather years, have in store for Singapore and Singaporeans. I speak for my generation and those young at heart when I say that there are many questions running through our minds. Are we in a grave situation? Yes, without a doubt. Have we faced a situation like this before? No, most certainly not. Have we been in a worse situation? Yes, we have in 1965. Are we facing an existential threat? No, we are not. Do we have what it takes to get through this and emerge stronger? Yes, I strongly and wholeheartedly believe so. Sir, what gives me this confidence is that the Singapore story is replete with instances of major crises that have in some cases shaken us to the core. From a forced Independence to the communist threat to the racial riots to recessions to multiple global financial crises to even pandemics, we have come through it all. And it was those defining moments that have always brought the best out of our people. As we deal with the immediate issues and pressing problems facing us, I remind myself, Members of this house and my fellow Singaporeans that COVID-19 is offering us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make seismic shifts in the way we have been doing things. This shall form the crux of my speech today. First, responsibility to the nation. Second, the future of work. Third, digital transformation and innovation. I begin by speaking on the theme of our responsibility to the nation. As parliamentarians, we are collectively responsible for our nation's fiscal health.”
“Mr Speaker, in my speech in the Budget 2020 debate on 27 February 2020, I concluded by saying "a hallmark of Singapore's Budgets is that in good times, we are prudent and sensible. In tough times, we demonstrate our mettle and sensitivity." The Unity, Resilience and Solidarity Budgets are apt testimonials of that truth. The past few weeks have been a time of deep reflection for me. As one of the relatively younger members of this House, I was in my early teens during the SARS outbreak. When H1N1 came to the fore, I was serving my National Service. Despite the anxiety, life did not grind to a halt in those days. We did not have aeroplanes parked on runways, lives disrupted and humanity coming to a standstill as we are seeing today around the world. I believe I speak for my generation when I say that COVID-19 has been a sobering experience and a reality check. The fragile nature of life has been made manifest once again. Seismic shifts labelled mildly as "new norms", are being charted. I believe it is not going to be "business as usual" when "normal service resumes". Frankly, it can no longer be business as usual and this shall form the crux of what I am about to say.”
“Okay. We have a policy of people coming back from overseas to be issued Stay-Home Notice but however, Singaporeans who want to visit their relatives who just came back and visit the houses, how can we discourage them from doing so? Because there have been cases where they go and visit the people who are staying at home, even though they limit the exposure time but it is still exposure. These are some clarifications to be sought.”
“It is an area we can look at. I have two other clarifications.”
“So, how can we implement safe distancing within bus stations, within MRT stations and also on the bus itself we can have one seat beside each other to be vacant, we can actually Implement some sort of measures even on the MRT trains to have one seat in between each other. So, I think more thought can be given on that because if you are encouraging safe distancing everywhere and we have public transportation where a lot of people are moving in masses —”
“I thank both Ministers for sharing what efforts are being taken by the Government and on daily basis, through the press conference. Several clarifications. The contact tracing is also done by our Police officers from Singapore Police Force. Just wanted to seek clarification on whether their policing work is impacted by the amount of the time they are spending with the contact tracing? Four thousand contact tracings done per day. So, how much of this is impacting the Police work? And secondly, is on misinformation. I thank MCI for the dedicated timely pushing out of information daily. The question is on misinformation with regards to things like live telecast of Prime Minister's speech that was circulated on WhatsApp, call for volunteers at MOH call centres, impending lockdown and so on. A lot of the misinformation is sent on private messaging platforms and timely clarifications are posted on MOH website and various other websites. Is it worthwhile considering setting up just a microsite just for all these clarifications to be posted so that people can have a one-stop place where we can see what is being circulated and timely responses are posted and we can always refer to it as a first touch point. And third on social distancing on public transport, I hear Minister Lawrence Wong's comments. I think it is very important to encourage telecommuting amongst our workforce to reduce the travellers commuting at peak times and so on. But the point is, if you go to public transport sites – bus stations, MRT stations and so on – even at the escalators, people are just lining up back to back of each other. That is not just during peak hours but also non-peak hours.”
“Chairman, as I previously mentioned in the House, the Singapore Muslim community is a highly diverse one. In addition to the racial diversity, we have Muslims from all around the world coming to study, work, marry and settle in Singapore. Like a garden of flowers, this diversity adds to the beauty and richness of the Singapore Muslim Community, in particular, the Singapore society at large. Sir, it is vital that these Muslim foreign workers, expatriates, migrants are able to intermingle seamlessly with the larger body of resident Muslims, so that they do not end up creating inward-looking enclaves. We have seen the introduction of Friday sermons being translated and at times being delivered in English and other languages. In addition to this. I would like to ask the Minister what efforts are being undertaken to reach out to these groups of Muslims, so that they are better integrated with fellow Muslims in Singapore and the wider Singaporean community, and that they are aligned with our Singapore Muslim identity and values. Singapore Together – Partnering the Community”
“Sir, the recently submitted COFA report appears to have set a direction for tuture asatizah. I also note that the current generation of asatizah have the MUIS Academy which offers a range of courses and training as part of their lifelong learning ethos. There is also the SkillsFuture initiative for those asatizah who wish to acquire new skills. In order to benefit from these effectively, our asatizah need to be more aware of the competencies they ought to possess. This will then enable them to make informed choices about improving themselves. Can the Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs share how MUIS will support the asatizah in this regard and the competencies they should acquire in order to stay relevant?”
“Chairman, for the first cut, I wish to congratulate the Committee on Future Asatizah or COFA, led by Senior Minister of State Dr Maliki Osman, for completing its work. In the report submitted to the Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, COFA proposed a bold vision accompanied by 10 key recommendations based on three key thrusts. What can the asatizah fraternity expect from the recommendations? The Singapore Muslim community is a highly diverse one that speaks a multitude of languages. In addition to a significant number of Indian Muslims who speak a myriad of languages, there is a growing resident community of Muslims who speak Tagalog, Mandarin and other north Asian languages. We also have a large population of Muslim foreign workers who speak Bangla, Urdu and other South Asian languages. Since 1998, when the first MUIS scholarship was awarded, we have groomed a generation of Malay asatizah who are highly educated and doing some amazing work on the ground. I would like to ask the Minister if there are similar plans to build upon this foundation to groom a generation of non-Malay asatizah who can guide the local non-Malay Muslim communities? Uplifting the Asatizah Workforce For my second cut, Chairman, the Greek philosopher Heraclitus' statement "Change is the only constant in life" is applicable to all of us and all our situations without exception. For our respected asatizah fraternity, this statement is especially important as they have donned the robes of responsibility of guiding fellow Muslims in their faith. In order to be effective torchbearers and shepherds, our asatizah need to remain relevant by constantly updating themselves with knowledge, skill sets, contemporary issues, and even vocational skills.”
“If this trend continues, it does not bode well for the financial well-being of lower income households even when income inequality is mitigated. Does MSF have a programme to track the income, expenditures and financial well-being of lower income HDB residents? Tracking such data can help MSF provide better and targeted assistance. Sir, according to Household Expenditure Survey, expenditure on Housing and Utilities make up 14.4% of total expenditure for households living in 1-room and 2-room flats. This is much higher than the 8.1% on average for all HDB households. In absolute terms, the average household expenditure per household member on Housing and Utilities for those living in 1-room and 2-room flats is higher than those living in 4-room and 5-room flats. This is quite anomalous and warrants study, as housing costs should be a progressive burden and not tax the lower income more. Coordination Care Provision”
“Chairman, this cut concerns food insecurity in Singapore. Individuals are food insecure when they are not confident of having economic and physical access to sufficient acceptable food for a healthy life. CNA recently did a feature on food insecure families as cited by Members previously, and I have three specific questions. First, above the $100 in grocery vouchers between FY 2020 and FY 2021, is the Ministry implementing any long-term programme to reduce the number of food insecure households in Singapore? Secondly, with regard to our "Many Helping Hands" approach, has (a) the Ministry identify any gaps in our food insecure population currently not served by any Ministry or NGO; and (b) has the Ministry identified areas for improved coordination and efficiency, which require further funding or investment? Thirdly, what efforts are being taken by the Ministry to ensure that our food insecure households are able to afford healthy and nutritious food? What additional investment is required to improve access to nutritious food? Does the Ministry intend to make these investments? Rental Flat Residents Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong (Non-Constituency Member): Chairman, Sir, last year's Household Expenditure Survey revealed that between 2013 and 2018, Singaporeans living in 1-room and 2-room flats have increased their monthly spending by 3.7% on average, while families in private apartments saw expenditure fall by 0.1%. Households living in landed property, who spent nearly 5% more on average every year between 2008 and 2013, tightened the purse strings to spending just 0.2% more every year between 2013 and 2018. Singstat also reported that households in the lowest 20% income group experienced an expenditure increase which was more than their income growth.”
“Deputy Chairman, this cut is on ensuring that our public housing is affordable and accessible. I note that MND increased the household income ceiling for subsidised flats last year. My questions are supply-related and are as follows. Firstly, what more can MND do to help home seekers access flats more quickly? Related to this, how has the take-up been for the open booking of flats launched by MND? Secondly, how can MND better support the housing needs of single unwed parents and their children? Two specific questions: One, will there be a dedicated section in HDB’s website to address housing queries from single unwed parents? Currently, the website merely states that single unwed parents are eligible and asks these applicants to directly contact HDB. Two, MND announced last year that HDB would conduct a review of the touchpoints which single unwed parents would encounter. Are there any updates on this review? Integrating and Designing New BTOs”
“Lastly, on the topic of food waste, the Ministry previously announced that owners and occupiers of commercial and industrial premises which generate large amounts of food waste will be required to segregate their food waste for treatment from 2024. Can the Ministry share if the scope of affected premises and thresholds have been determined? Are there measures in place to help the industry comply with the requirements? 2.15 pm”
“Chairman, all Members of this Chamber agreed that climate change is an existential threat to our nation. To tackle this, I am heartened that last year, 2019, it was designated as Singapore's "Zero Waste Year", and we passed the Resource Sustainability Act (RSA), designed to promote resource sustainability. My following set of questions relates to the reflection of these priorities in Budget 2020. Firstly, allow me to focus on our implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. Last year, this House legislated for an EPR scheme for e-waste. It envisioned licensed operators collecting and treating regulated consumer products on behalf of producers. Can the Ministry share the progress on this front? Namely: One, how many operators have applied for a license thus far and how many have been licensed? Two, do we have sufficient local recycling capabilities to treat the expected volume collected e-waste? What measures is the Ministry taking to ensure the proper treatment of all e-waste collected? And three, given our focus on transiting into a circular economy, are there any plans to expand our Producer Responsibility Schemes beyond just e-waste; and by 2025, perhaps, packaging waste? Four, what sort of progress has been made on the EPR scheme for packaging waste. What should the industry be expecting? Next, on the topic of packaging waste, I note that the Mandatory Packaging Reporting Framework will kick in on 1 July. What sort of support for affected companies will the Ministry be providing to ensure accurate data? Additionally, the framework merely requires reporting, even if they cross prescribed thresholds. Are there any plans and funds for the Ministry to work with the producers to implement their 3R plans?”
“Chairman, I will be focusing on the two funds created in Budget 2020. Sir, I note that Budget 2020 is creating two pots of money in order to combat climate change – the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund and the SG Eco Fund. My questions are related to these policies and I commend MEWR for taking this step to set up these two funds in its fight against climate change. On the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund, what immediate investments will be made from the initial $5 billion? Will any funds be allocated towards understanding the pollutive effects of each industry and reducing the levels of pollution? In this regard, are there any plans to incorporate sustainability as a factor in our Industry Transformation Roadmaps? The next questions on the SG Eco-Fund flow from my concerns regarding the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund. What sort of projects does the Ministry expect to fund using this fund and how does this differ from the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund? What sort of measurable impact does the Ministry expect that this fund will have? Lastly, what plans does the Ministry have to co-create sustainability with Singaporeans? It is very important that we bring Singaporeans onboard this entire journey and process and allow us to help them co-create the future. Finally, our economy must reflect our priorities. I wonder whether these funds or any funds are available to create "green" jobs and equip our fellow Singaporeans with the skills needed to support our paradigm shift in sustainability. Specifically, how will the investments mentioned above support our economy? What steps is the Ministry taking to open up opportunities for industries and our workers in Singapore? Flood Resilience and Coastal Protection”
“Just one other clarification. I welcome the move to set up gov.sg WhatsApp group, a WhatsApp channel to communicate with the public. At which point does MCI determine which channel to communicate with, for example, there is also Telegram. So, what were the considerations behind choosing which platform as a third party platform to communicate with the public?”
“Mr Chairman, I welcome the deployment of the thousand lockers across Singapore, particularly to have it located within five minutes of the HDB block. Just one clarification for the Senior Minister of State. She mentioned the roll-out of the locker network will be overseen and managed by IMDA. Can the Ministry study the possibility of setting up a new unit or an entity under either MCI or MOT, similar to Home Team Science and Technology Agency or HTX under MHA. This entity will then have a clear mandate focusing on digitising and driving innovation and transformation in the post, parcel and logistic industry in Singapore by setting relevant standards trialing and driving adoption of new innovative technology such as, say, drone delivery and blockchain traceablility?”
“Chairman, the COVID-19 crisis has shown that there is a need for accurate, timely and trusted public communications between the Government and the people in times of crisis. It is important that the Government provides accurate and timely information to different segments of society to allay public anxieties. Unfortunately, in a situation of information vacuum, distortions, rumours, untruths, misinformation and smears can undermine public confidence and be divisive. Sir, in this regard, allow me to focus on our Government's ability to communicate with our fellow Singaporeans in times of a crisis. To contextualise my questions, I am concerned that Singapore's movement to DORSCON Orange was leaked ahead of its official announcement. So, my questions are as follows. First, how can we tighten the information flow to avoid any future leaks? Second, what are the public communications efforts undertaken by the Government to update Singaporeans on COVID-19? Has the Government tried anything new or different? Are we expecting any improvements along the way to improve our crisis-response handling? Third, how effective and different were the Government's efforts in communicating to Singaporeans during this COVID-19 crisis, in comparison to our response to H1N1 and SARS? And will the Government review the effectiveness of these efforts, especially in the realm of misinformation? Lastly, will the Government continue to make use of the WhatsApp channel such as Gov.sg? To me it seems like a simple way to ensure that we can provide timely and verified information to our people. Digital Readiness”
“What is the Government doing to support the rollout of 5G to ensure that Singapore remains competitive on the international front? Importantly, how will 5G benefit Singaporeans and ensure that 5G remains affordable for Singaporeans? 5G Technological Advancements”
“Chairman, globally, the post and parcel industry is undoubtedly being disrupted. With ever-changing returns in core mail business, the rapid take up of e-commerce and shifting customer expectations, post and parcel companies of today need to be adaptable, they need to be relevant and to be innovative to keep pace with changing demands. Sir, the rise in e-commerce and online shopping has indelibly altered consumer behaviour. Many consumers have also increased expectations about the convenience and options offered by deliveries and postal infrastructure. Today, there are only several logistics service providers that offer last-mile delivery services besides SingPost. In this regard, what are the Government's plans to transform our domestic postal infrastructure to meet these new demands, ensuring world class delivery standards? Importantly, what can consumers and businesses look forward to in the future and how will these changes be integrated with the current postal infrastructure in Singapore? 5G Roll-out in Singapore Mr Chairman, I turn to speak about 5G – 5G is the basis for digital connectivity and will be the backbone for our digital future. It will enable possible new areas of growth in autonomous vehicles, and the Internet of Things in industry and in consumer segments. In June 2019, the Minister for Communications and Information, Mr S Iswaran, announced that the Government has set aside $40 million to develop the 5G research and innovation eco-system, specifically to support 5G technology trials, open test beds and enable research and development in 5G. What is the progress on Singapore's efforts to develop the 5G research and innovation eco-system? Also, given IMDA's 5G Call For Proposal, what are our plans for 5G deployment?”
“Mr Chairman, this cut concerns the topic of drug abuse among our youths. Over the last two years, this House has continually affirmed our nation's zero-tolerance effort approach toward drugs. Together, this House has passed legislation making it an offence to knowingly or recklessly leave the drugs or drug utensils within easy access of a child. Despite these efforts Mr Chairman, legislation alone will not solve our drug problem. Sir, it is not difficult to see the persistent glamorisation and normalisation of drug use through online media. Our young people would not even flinch from to use a hashtag like "#420". Indeed, last year, the highest number of new drug users were those aged under 35. In this context, I raise three questions about the Ministry's preventive drug education efforts. First, MHA informed the house earlier this month that CNB has been developing social media content and messages highlighting "strong deterrence" and "evidence-based narratives" on Singapore's drug policies. Can MHA update this House on the progress of this programme. Second, outside the use of social media campaigns, are there current programmes launched by CNB to discourage youth consumption of drugs effective in deglamorising the consumption of drug use? What evidence do we have of its effectiveness? Lastly, what efforts are being under-taken by CNB to work with high-risk communities, like the LGBTQIA Community, to discourage drug use. Drugs – Tough Stance against Supply”
“My last point on investing in our fellow Singaporeans, Mr Speaker, can be summarised with this phrase "Locally Trained and Globally Framed". Since our separation from Malaysia, we have always recognised that Singapore cannot be insular in our economic approach. We have invested heavily in ensuring that we are an attractive place to do business. However, as the current crisis demonstrates, it is not enough that we create jobs in Singapore. Sir, I believe that our nation’s long-term economic survival depends on Singaporeans being able to compete overseas. This is where the phrase "Locally Trained and Globally Framed" comes in. We need to ensure that our students acquire the cross-cultural skills and deep international understanding which would enable them to compete with the best in the world. I am heartened that Budget 2020 sets a target for 70-70 exposure in our IHL students. In this regard, the New Colombo Plan initiative by the Australian Government is a model worth studying. Sir, we must prepare our young people to succeed in the new economy. They must be relational. They must possess an international outlook and must hold their own in this ever-changing world. In conclusion, Mr Speaker, a hallmark of Singapore’s Budgets is that in good times, we are prudent and sensible; in tough times, we demonstrate our mettle and sensitivity. Budget 2020 is a clear and unambiguous reflection of the latter. In this time of crisis, Budget 2020 provides some much-needed stability. However, we must always look towards the future by making long-term investments in our infrastructure and our people to ensure Singapore is staged for success. On this note, Mr Speaker, I state my support for Budget 2020.”
“In the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and SMU, part-time degree programmes are also available to individuals who wish to work and study. Sir, a natural progression would be to tap on these existing frameworks and expand the work-study offerings in our system. I am confident that our SkillsFuture programmes will see higher participation rates if we are able to provide practical pathways to success. More than a specific programme, Sir, I suggest that we leverage existing technologies to enhance our SkillsFuture experience. Currently, our SkillsFuture programmes exclude workers with little control over their schedule, such as shift workers. Singapore is poorer for the fact that a segment of our population cannot upskill themselves adequately. Sir, I wonder if the adoption of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) or similar e-learning technologies may be a potential solution to this issue. Over the last two years, our IHLs have seamlessly transitioned to e-learning following the COVID-19 situation. Thus far, many lessons and tutorials have gone online. For instance, in our local universities, even group work and presentations are being held virtually. This move clearly shows that the required infrastructure, platforms and systems are well in place. Indeed, there are many models available for the Public Service to consider. Such a synergy has the potential to lay the foundation for a public, open university that offers alternative structured higher education pathways for those seeking to upgrade themselves for their career progression. At the end of the day, Sir, I hope that SkillsFuture will be made more accessible for our fellow Singaporeans. We should enable them to upskill, no matter the circumstance.”
“On to SkillsFuture, Mr Speaker, I welcome the Government’s proposal to top up the individual SkillsFuture funds. This sends a strong signal about our priorities. However, beyond topping up our SkillsFuture funds, I raise the following questions for the Minister to consider. Although we have done well to promote the ethos of lifelong learning in Singapore and with Singaporeans' take-up rate of SkillsFuture being at 49% in 2019, how can we incentivise more of our workers to upgrade themselves? Second, and related to the first point, I am concerned that the current SkillsFuture programme does not maximise the potential of all Singaporeans. I note that Budget 2020 does not provide any SkillsFuture top-ups for workers aged over 60. Given our increasing longevity, I wonder if the hon Minister can extend the additional top-up to those aged over 60? In this regard, Sir, I have two potential solutions which this House can consider moving forward. The first involves tapping on the existing expertise of our local SMEs. The second will require us to leverage existing technologies. Firstly, I propose creating a framework for a Structured Apprenticeship Programme as implemented in the UK and Germany. In this programme, students will undergo apprenticeships which will eventually culminate in a full bachelor's degree or industry recognised standards or qualifications. All these while earning a real wage and being trained in the skills employers want. Sir, this idea is not without precedent. We currently have the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Traineeship programme. This is an apprenticeship programme that benefits both employers and employees where students can work towards their ITE qualification while gaining practical experience.”
“A perennial problem preventing greater utilisation of public transport is "first-mile and last-mile" connectivity issues. In this regard, does the Government intend to accelerate our investment in our park connector networks to ensure greater access to public transport hubs and to encourage alternative modes of transport via cycling? Lastly, as we even transition toward EVs, how can we ensure that even less pollutive technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells, are not locked out of the market? Ultimately, I submit that simply transitioning to EVs is not enough. If we want to have a significant impact, we must be prepared to think boldly. We must transform our mindsets. We must transform our infrastructure. We must take the lead in moving towards a fossil fuel-free future in our region. Thus, over the next few years, I hope that this House will seriously consider adopting alternative power sources, including nuclear energy, given the advances in technology and to look beyond EVs. Sir, I move to the final segment of my speech. Mr Speaker, one thing which unites all Members of this House is our desire to serve fellow Singaporeans. In this final segment, I will focus on how we can continue to invest in our fellow citizens. In this segment, I will first address our SkillsFuture programme. Following that, I will speak about how we can further invest in our fellow Singaporeans. In order to succeed, our people must be adaptable to changes. They should be able to ride the structural waves that are disrupting the world. Our aims of becoming a global node of innovation and enterprise will materialise when we can ensure that our Singaporeans who are locally trained are globally framed.”
“However, I have three questions. First, what success did previous programmes aiming to encourage the production of local produce have? If those successes were limited, what changes are we making to ensure that our "Grow Local" strategy will be successful? Second, do we have a local pool of agri-tech startups which will benefit from the increasing funding set aside for them? Third, does the Government intend to support and encourage deeper integration of research and development (R&D) processes between business and our tertiary education institutions in this regard? If so, what funds are being allocated to this in order to catalyse the process? Sir, the point of these questions is simple. As we continue to invest in creating a food-resilient Singapore, simply setting money aside is insufficient. We must create an innovative ecosystem with positive feedback loops. It is my vision for future generations of Singaporeans to be able to consume local produce daily. Looking closer to our immediate future, Sir, I speak about our transition to electric vehicles (EVs). First, I state for the record my support for our efforts in encouraging cleaner modes of transport. After years of investment, the electric future is almost upon us. However, I have some concerns about the overall impact of the scheme. I raise them in the form of questions for the Minister to address. First, 95% of our electricity is generated from natural gas. Insofar as we do not transition toward cleaner sources of electricity generation, what will be the impact of incentivising EVs be? Are there any proportionate investments being made in transforming our energy mix? Second, it is not disputed that public transport is more efficient and less polluting, compared to personal vehicles.”
“The rationale behind our Budget surplus has always been twofold. First, to ensure that Singapore has room to manoeuvre in times of crisis; second, to ensure that future generations can have a share in the fruits of our growth. We are facing a clear and present crisis with COVID-19. It is imperative that we do not lose sight of the big picture, avoid knee-jerk reactions, and respond swiftly for the well-being of fellow Singaporeans. Next, I turn to speak about creating a future-ready Singapore. As the COVID-19 crisis shows us, Mr Speaker, our nation's success is not something which occurred in a vacuum. We are successful because we have continually planned ahead. Given our time constraints, I will focus on our national efforts in preparing for climate change. Today, I aim to spark a deeper conversation about whether Singapore has the infrastructure to survive. I begin by speaking about our nation’s food resilience. In particular, I will speak on our investments in future technologies. Sir, it is fair to say that the changing climate will have a serious impact on our food supply. The rising temperatures and concurrent decline in global fish stocks are an existential threat to Singapore. I remind this House that over 90% of the food consumed in Singapore is imported. In this vein, Singapore must ensure that we are food-resilient. As the recent panic buying episode reminds us, we have the capacity to withstand sudden shocks in our supply chain. However, what happens if we face a long-term disruption? Mr Speaker, I note that the Government has announced that MEWR will adopt a "Grow Local" strategy. The Budget commits to setting aside a portion of the $300 million under the Startup SG Equity in supporting agrifood-related deep-tech startups. I support these measures.”
“As we continue to manage the outbreak, we are witnessing many companies tightening their belt. Reports of companies freezing staff salaries, implementing pay and bonus cuts are increasingly surfacing in the media. To my understanding, our healthcare system is not immune to these financial pressures. Our hospitals have understandably been forced to shelve their revenue-generating cases to deal with this outbreak. It is understood that this decrease in revenue will have an impact on the bonuses that our healthcare workers will receive. Sir, given the extraordinary circumstances, I hope the Finance Minister will consider extending financial support or even bonuses to our nurses and doctors who are on the frontlines. In this regard, I echo the suggestions made by Member Murali Pillai yesterday. Ultimately, Sir, they not only had to work longer hours, but literally put their lives on the line. Sir, I turn to focus on our economy as a whole. I am keenly aware of the Government’s announcement that GST will remain at 7% for 2021 and the $6 billion Assurance Package for Singaporeans to cushion the projected increase in GST. While I understand that we cannot put off the increase indefinitely, can the Minister give an indication of when the eventual hike will be implemented? Additionally, would the Minister consider increasing GST in stages, from 7% to 8% and, eventually, from 8% to 9%? Lastly, turning away from GST, I also note that the Deputy Prime Minister has announced a Corporate Income Tax Rebate of 25% for 2020. In view of the economic crunch that we are facing, I wonder if the Government would consider granting a similar tax rebate for Personal Income Tax to help Singaporeans with their cash flow. Sir, let me close this segment on our response to COVID-19.”
“Mr Speaker, allow me to begin with a moment of self-reflection. Over the current term of Government, this House has accumulated a Budget surplus of over $17.4 billion. In the preceding years, many Singaporeans have expressed concerns over the size of this surplus. They have always wondered whether we could invest more in our people. Sir, Budget 2020, partly influenced by COVID-19, provides a timely answer to this perennial question. Mr Speaker, I will be focusing on three areas from this year's Budget. First, our ability to quickly respond to crises; second, creating a future-ready city; and third, continued investments in our fellow Singaporeans. Sir, I begin by speaking about our nation's ability to quickly respond to crises. As Members are aware, COVID-19 spread like a wildfire. Without doubt, COVID-19 is one of the biggest crises Singapore has faced in over a decade. As the impact of COVID-19 continues to unfold, Budget 2020 addresses several of our immediate macro-economic concerns and, with such a forward-looking Budget, I am confident that, together, we will overcome this crisis and emerge stronger. However, Mr Speaker, in my conversations with our fellow Singaporeans, many have expressed the views that the crisis management aspect of the Budget will only last a few months. Sir, I understand their concerns. Those of us who experienced SARS keenly remember its impact. Given the uncertainty behind the long-term progression of COVID-19, I wish to ask the hon Minister what further measures can we expect in a Supplementary Budget. In the event that the war against the virus becomes protracted, how will this House respond? I am sure that a positive response will allay the anxieties of many. Next, I wish to speak about the individuals fighting on the frontlines.”
“Mr Speaker, allow me to begin with a moment of self-reflection.”
“Just one supplementary question. Has the Ministry considered introducing sugar tax on carbonated beverages?”
“I thank the Minister for the update. Very heartening to hear such initiatives taking place. From my understanding, there are several IHLs which have cancelled classes or switched to e-learning. However, some classes are still happening and going on as per normal. What is the guidance from the Ministry of Education that has been given to all the IHLs in terms of cancellation of classes or postponement of massive events? The second supplementary question is: when can we see us easing back to normalising the situation?”
“I thank the Minister for the update. In the recent press conference, Minister Lawrence Wong said that COVID-19 is less deadly, more infectious and it is more like Hemagglutinin 1 and Neuraminidase 1 (H1N1) than severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). I have got some feedback asking if this means we have to prepare for the long haul, and how long is "long"; and whether we will get back to normal day-to-day life.”
“Speaker, the first death outside of China was reported in the Philippines. I just want to ask for an update from the Minister on the 18 patients who are currently under observation, what is their health situation? Have they improved? What is happening to them? And in Thailand, the doctors have apparently come up with a cure, an antidote for the virus. Can this news be verified? What hopes can we have on such a cure being found? Some are saying that there are no cure virus and so on. So, perhaps the Minister can share on that. The next supplementary question, xenophobic tendency and sentiments have surfaced around the world. In Singapore's context, we are a small country, how can we safeguard ourselves from having such a tendency in the public?”
“Minister, you mentioned very clearly you wanted a clarification from the Member of Parliament that religion has to be separate from politics. And I fundamentally agree with that point. However, what I felt is that I think it has to be explicitly mentioned and to be made clear that, as a Muslim, you can have any personal view and opinion whether you believe that religion is also encompassing as part of your faith and your lifestyle. That is fine. Fundamentally, that is fine. But as a nation, I think we have to understand that we have to have a secular country. As a secular nation, we cannot impose our religious values on the common spaces of everybody. And in regards to that, would it be worthwhile, perhaps, engaging the religious body to drive across this point and to educate them that our secular space as a country has to be safely guarded and has to be guarded fundamentally, and that any religious values that we espouse in terms of religion as a way of lifestyle and so on, that can be held as a personal view.”
“From what I understand from Member of Parliament Faisal Manap's —”
“Perhaps I would like to put it across as a clarification for the Minister and then I will ask a question and propose the point.”
“I do not have a new clarification, but I am very troubled by what was shared in the conversation between Minister Shanmugam and Member of Parliament Faisal Manap. Sir, I just want to put across a point that I felt that was needed to be said.”
“If I may ask, the fifth one was: we are witnessing a rise of many charismatic and fanatic preachers who have built massive followers in tens of millions online, they are passing divisive values and teachings. How can we safeguard Singaporeans from having access to such contents on social platforms, given the introduction of the extraterritorial clause in this amendment Bill?”
“Sir, if the Minister has the questions that I asked —”
“I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. I raised five questions and I would just like to reiterate them because I do not think any of them was captured in the Minister's reply.”
“The possibility of manipulation by foreign agents is very real, and religious organisations should view these amendments positively to protect their congregations and Singapore. Of course, no one likes controls, but it is inevitable to maintain harmony. For the larger common good, these are necessary. Mr Speaker, allow me to conclude in Tamil. (In Tamil): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Religious Harmony is a uniquely Singaporean effort. While many of us may disregard this, we must remember that, in Singapore, we have made a concerted effort over many generations to achieve this. This did not happen by chance; many years of forging friendships, fostering understanding, building mutual trust, and creating legislative structures, Singapore is an inevitable "Faith-hub" today. In the past 30 years, we did not have the need to use this Maintenance of Religious Harmony law. The proposed amendments in this Bill should ensure religious harmony in our society, not just for the next 30 years but for many more years beyond. This is a testament to the will and courage of our religious, community and political leaders, both past and present. It is, therefore, for these reasons of meeting today's challenges and needs that I stand in support of the amendments to this Bill. (In English): Mr Speaker, we have never had the need to use the Act in almost three decades of its existence. I pray that the amendments will be deterrent enough to warrant many more years of the Act not being used. Mr Speaker, I stand in support of this Bill.”
“Mr Speaker, in my discussions with some key stakeholders, a few concerns were raised with regard to the amendments which I would like to put forth to the Minister to address. Firstly, several of our religious leaders are deeply concerned about the repercussions of any possible genuine oversight on the disclosure of any one-time donation of $10,000 and above from foreign sources. This is especially so in the case of "goodwill donations" and "cash gifts" that are presented when a prayer is answered, or a vow is fulfilled or simply to seek the blessings of a guru or deity. They shared that they may not have adequate resources to dedicate for this disclosure purpose. How will the Ministry view and act in such cases? Secondly, to allay the concerns of our religious leaders who fear that the regulations might be too onerous for them to fulfill, can I propose that the Ministry set up a help desk or a resource centre to educate and assist religious groups to fulfill and comply with the necessary requirements? Thirdly, Mr Speaker, what is the Ministry’s view and stand on foreign donations received by non-registered local religious groups affiliated with international religious organisations, in particular, those operating under the banner of private enterprises or social organisations in the form of educational establishments, training agencies, meditation centres or any such other entities? I believe that the amendments will not affect the work of religious organisations in Singapore, but it will certainly require greater transparency from them in terms of whom they are getting their funds from, who are their leaders, and whom they are affiliated to internationally.”