Mohd. Ariff bin Suradi
Singapore
“Sir, were these two welfare officers appointed by the MUIS, on did they voluntarily come forward to offer their services as welfare officers? As regards air passage, was it paid for by the travel agents who arranged the flights for the pilgrims, on was it paid by those who had no connection whatsoever with the pilgrimage?”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, if the cost of the air passage for these two welfare officers was paid by the travel agencies which organised the pilgrimage, this is indeed improper.”
“I think this is most inappropriate. Again, recipients of these scholarships have been known to drive in Opel 1700s to attend classes whilst applicants for such scholarships who are genuinely in need of financial assistance, as they are fatherless and depend solely on their brothers who themselves have their own responsibilities, are depri…”
“Sir, in view of the explanation and assurance by the Minister, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY REPORTING PROGRESS (Suspension of Standing Orders) 6.50 p.m. Resolved, "That notwithstanding the Standing Orders, progress be reported and leave asked to sit again."-[Mr E. W. Barker].”
“In view of the Minister's explanation, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the names of Messrs Ng Kah Ting and P. Govindaswamy - (4) That the sum to be allocated for Head R be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead BDA 1107.”
“The People's Association should not content itself with giving orders to the management committees through its supervisors, without advising how best to implement its instructions.”
The complete record
Every one of 252 lines we hold for Mohd. Ariff bin Suradi, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 6.
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0701 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1281*. * The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr L. P. Rodrigo Sir, the Principal of the Junior College has said in the press that the pupils who will be admitted to the College will be the elite students from schools in the four language streams. This is the best method and is in line with the Government's policy on education. But I understand the languages of instruction in this College are English and Mandarin. As pupils will be selected from the four language streams, how can the students from the Malay and Tamil streams compete with the pupils from the English and Chinese streams? The pupils from the Malay and Tamil streams may have Credits in all the subjects, but they are weak in English as it is their second language. If they obtain a Pass in English, how are they to be admitted to this College? And if they are admitted, how can they adapt themselves to the subjects to be taught in the College?”
“In view of the explanation given by the Minister, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0701 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1158. Sir, if my memory serves me right, the Minister for Education has stated that from 1968, students in English schools taking Mandarin as a second language will be taught Civics and History in the second language, that is, Mandarin. In this way, students will be more proficient in the second language. I would like to know from the Minister whether students taking the National language or Tamil as their second language will be taught Civics and History in the second language.”
“Sir, can the Minister say how many Singapore citizens have been transferred to the Singapore Armed Forces?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, just now the Parliamentary Secretary mentioned the number of people who used other persons' birth certificates to claim Singapore birth when renewing their identity cards. But he did not mention the number of people who were born in Singapore without any birth certificates, Is the figure of 1,050 the total number of persons born in Singapore without any documentary evidence and whose applications for citizenship have been rejected in spite of their having made applications several years ago? This is a regrettable matter. Sir, children who are born in Singapore but without any proof of their birth here should be given consideration. 4.15 p.m.”
“This committee can investigate into cases which have been pending for a long time. If certain applications merit consideration, this advisory committee can make recom mendations to the Minister for his final decision. In this way we might be able to solve this problem.”
“I have touched upon some aspects of the problem of citizenship. Citizens are important components of an independent country. Many people are put in a difficult position because of the present Government policy. As has been said by the Member for Anson, many people who have been affected by the circumstances explained earlier have not been able to get their applications for citizenship approved. We should take steps to consider their cases. Unless we expedite the processing of applications for approval, we will be blamed by the people all the time. I suggest we set up an advisory committee to look into all these cases. The duty of the Registrar is to abide by the instructions of the Minister, According to the Minister, the practice now is that if an application is not approved, there the matter rests. Some people may have sufficient qualifications in their applications to deserve favourable consideration. There are many people who are related to some of our local people. For instance, a husband may be a Singapore citizen but the wife is not, or it may be the other way round. When the wife is a citizen, she may not apply to the Registry of Citizenship for her husband's citizenship. But at the moment the husband can apply for the wife's citizenship within a certain period of time of her stay here, Some members of their families are doing nothing at home. They are depending only on air and water to survive! We must not take the view that because the law provides for such a line of action, we must act accordingly. These are matters which require our sympathetic consideration. I would suggest again the setting up of an advisory committee comprising Government representatives and some Members of Parliament.”
“Yet they are not able to get their citizenship. They are at a loss to understand why this is so. Some people who have just come to Singapore from abroad have acquired citizenship. Yet many people who have stayed in Singa pore for more than ten years are still unable to get their citizenship. What is the reason? How can you explain this? The definition of "citizenship" is rather vague. The implementation of the citizenship policy has, therefore, given rise to some uncertainty. Capitalists coming from abroad and investing 250,000 here can obtain citizenship in a very short time. Yet many of our people who were born here and have stayed in Singapore for many years could not gel their citizenship. This has caused us Members of Parliament some trouble. When we meet these people, they say. "I sent in my application for citizenship three or four years ago and I have not received any reply from the Citizenship Registry." In some cases they have waited for five years without any reply. Being Members of Parliament, we have to tell them that we will bring them to the officer concerned and see what we can do. But, according to the complaints we have received, nothing happens in the end in spite of the necessary interviews. One or two weeks after the interview, they would receive a letter to the effect that their applications had been turned clown. They finally blamed the Members of Parliament. They would say that if they had not sought the help of Members of Parlia ment, nothing would have happened. Now that they had asked for our help, their applications had been turned down or rejected by the Citizenship Registry. So we have become the scapegoats. [Mr Lim Cheng Lock temporarily in the Chair] 3.55 p.m. I have explained my points very briefly.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Member for Anson, I merely wish to add a little to what has already been said. During the Japanese Occupation, many people valued their lives more than anything else. As as result, many children born during that period were not registered. They are now unable to obtain citizenship because they are not able to produce sufficient documentary evidence of their birth in Singapore. However, I believe not all of these applications are genuine. There may be one or two applications which are false. Out of a hundred appli- cations, there may perhaps be ten false ones. However, the other 90 genuine applications should not be penalised by the falsity of the 10 applications. They should receive due consideration by the Government. Children born in Singapore, particularly those born during the Japanese Occupation, should be given Singapore citizenship. The lack of a Singapore birth certificate may not be the parents' fault, as in the case of children who were born before the Japanese Occupation or even after the Japanese Occupation. Madam Chan Choy Siong(In Mandarin): I support the Member for Anson on his amendment. We all know that laws are man-made. We do not deny that when we have achieved independence, we should make everybody under stand that citizenship confers certain rights and duties. The Government has citizenship laws which are applicable to all the people. Everybody living in the state knows what his rights and duties are. When the citizens have been given their rights, they should know how to carry out their duties towards the country. At present, there is a doubt among many people regarding the laws of citizenship. Take, for instance, the definition of "citizenship". Many people have stayed in Singapore for many years.”
“On the explanation of the Minister, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $2,475,320 for Head 0106 ,ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 0201 -”
“Sir, can the Minister confirm whether a student, who is receiving a bursary of $750 a year, can apply for an interest-free study loan if he is in need of financial aid to further his studies?”
“I am satisfied that, all things considered, the present position is one which provides sufficient benefits to Malays in pursuit of higher education and that the new policy would in no way reduce the ability of the Malays to gain admission to higher institutions of learning and profit from academic studies.”
“If they are given in full, the Malays will not lag behind their more advanced brethren and fellow citizens of other communities. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. The Acting Prime Minister (Dr Goh Keng Swee): Mr Speaker, Sir, the hon. Member has rightly observed that it is an important item of policy of the Singapore Government to ensure that the Malays improve their competitive position in our society. And one of the best ways to achieve this is to give them certain privileges in the field of education which other communities do not enjoy. At present Singapore Malay citizens enjoy free tuition from primary school to secondary school level and, if they are qualified, are eligible for admission to institutions of higher learning. They enjoy free tuition in the universities, the Polytechnic and so on. When the special Malay bursaries were first introduced, it was possible to give everybody the maximum amount of the award simply because there were at that time very few students who were eligible for such bursaries. This year the number of Malay students who have obtained bursaries is more than three times that of last year. There is no justification for giving everybody the maximum award, either in the case of the special Malay bursaries or, indeed, in the case of other bursaries. There is also an additional reason. Interest-free study loans are eligible to Malay students as well as to other students. So with the increase in opportunities available to Malay students, it is necessary to modify the original conditions. Where before there was no regard paid to the academic performance of the students, now their progress in their work, their family income, and the economic cir cumstances of their family, will have to be borne in mind. 3.15 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0106 he reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2013. Mr Speaker, Sir, I am confident that the Government is still desirous of promoting and uplifting the livelihood of the Malays in the Republic by giving opportunities to Malay children who are Singapore citizens to acquire higher education. The Malays in the Republic are generally far behind in all fields of human endeavour. I believe the Government is fully aware of this fact. That is the reason why the Government is setting aside special bursaries for Malays. But, unfortunately, the bursaries for the year 1969/70 have been reduced. Each recipient gets only $750 per year. This is half the amount which the Malay students received in previous years. This amount is inadequate for a student studying in an institution of higher learning. Mr Speaker, Sir, for the first time in the history of the Republic of Singapore, students from the Malay language stream are admitted to the University of Singapore and Nanyang University. Although both universities provide courses in Malay studies, nevertheless, they both require a pass in English and Mandarin respectively before students can be admitted and obtain their degrees. One of the ways to improve Malay students' knowledge of English and Mandarin is to stay in the hostel where they can mix freely and harmoniously with their non-Malay fellow students. But the reduced amount of bursary of $750 per year for each student will not be adequate for this purpose. Because the Malays are still behind the other communities in all fields, I make the appeal that the special bursaries for Malay students be con tinued to be given in full for at least a period of ten years.”
“How long will it take to make decisions on the applications which are still under consideration?”
“Mr Speaker, I would like the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Labour to explain the position of workers who are now enjoying the privilege of 28 days' leave per year and who have already taken 21 days, i.e., 14 days more than what is now set out in this Bill. If this Bill is implemented, will the pay of these workers be cut because they have taken more leave than is now stipulated in the Bill?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to speak about the difficulties in implementing this provision, as has been explained by the Member for Telok Blangah. For instance, in the Singapore Telephone Board, workers are required to work on off-days or public holidays for the whole day in order to repair technical faults. When they report for work at 8.00 a.m. on a rainy day, the engineers at Fault Control may decide that it is useless to retain them up to 5.00 p.m., because the repairing of faults cannot be carried out on rainy days. These workers who have turned up for duty on rest days or holidays are then asked to go home. Since they have been asked to wait for only two hours, they will therefore be given two hours off in substitution, which is unfair. There was also one occasion where the Board employees were exploited and they were asked to work. How are such matters to be rectified? Can the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Labour clarify these points?”
“The main objective of the Bill has been repeatedly stated by the Ministers and Back-benchers to be an increase in productivity. Therefore, employees who have worked long must necessarily have acquired a lot of experience. With this experience behind them, they can discharge their duties efficiently. But if this clause is passed, they will be forced to retire when they reach the age of 55. How then can the Bill attain its main objective? Although there is a clause to retire workers at the age of 55, employers can still make use of such people if they so require. For instance, if the employee is still useful to the employer because of his experience and skill, he can continue to work by being paid a salary of more than $750 a month, as stated in the Bill. However, the employer can, with the concurrence of the person concerned, be saved from paying income tax. Therefore, I cannot see how this provision can be implemented.”
“Sir, can the Minister inform the House why some applicants are requested to submit architect's plans and the landowner's signature?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance inform the House how many workers are employed by these pioneer industries?”
“There is another matter to which I hope members of the Board will give serious attention. I hope they can formulate a policy on the use of public telephones in booths in the interests of maintaining an efficient service. At present a person can use a public telephone by paying ten cents and he can speak for as long as he likes. There are booths where people make use of the phone for hours, especially when two lovers are talking. This prevents others from using the telephone, and it can be serious if the matter is important or there is an emergency. In order to prevent the misuse of telephones in booths, I suggest that a time limit be imposed on the use of the telephone. For example, on paying ten cents a person can use the telephone for only 10 to 15 minutes. Mr Speaker, Sir, with the increase in the membership of the Board from seven to nine, the Board should be able to think of more facilities which can be given to the public and see to it that these will not be misused. 3.30 p.m.”
“There are areas with cables but without appliances and equipment. There are also areas -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to support the Bill moved by the Minister which seeks to increase the membership of the Board from seven to nine members. It is time that we enlarged the membership of the Board so that it would be more efficient in achieving the objectives as outlined by the President in his speech in this House. As explained by the Minister for Communications, the work of the Telephone Board is increasing day by day and this Bill is necessary for the development of telephone communications in the Republic. However, besides increasing the membership of the Board, the Minister should also pay attention to the interests of the Board workers. He should appoint another representative of the Board workers to sit on the Board. At present there is only one representative of the staff of the Telephone Board sitting on the Board. If one more representative is added, I am sure the workers of the Telephone Board will have more confidence in the Board. They will co-operate in achieving their objective of being more efficient and thus improving the economy of the Republic. With the introduction of the new Employment Bill, there will be doubts and fears in the minds of the workers. Therefore, with two representatives of the staff members sitting on the Board, the interests of the S.T.B, workers will be ensured. I would also like to draw the attention of the Minister to the need for erecting more telephone booths in the Republic. He should give this matter his serious consideration. There have been many applications for the erection of telephone booths in the rural areas, but they have not been entertained. Applications for the installation of telephones in private premises have also not been entertained due to lack of facilities.”
“The Minister for Communications has stated that the Member for Jalan Besar took pains to get donations from taxi-drivers to the Defence Fund. But apparently other hon. Members, Parliamentary Secretaries, Ministers of State and Ministers have not contributed. So I suggest that they contribute a day's pay to the National Defence Fund. 3.27 p.m.”
“At this point, I would ask the Ministry of Health to furnish this House with the number of patients treated at every outpatient clinic throughout the Republic for the period 1st January, 1968, to 30th April, 1968, so that we will be able to study the problem and know which constituencies have many patients attending the clinics. Mr Speaker, Sir, I trust that the Government, in drawing up the new Employment Bill and planning to increase hospital and out-patient charges and to impose other taxes, will not adversely affect the livelihood of workers with small incomes. The Government should have prior consultations with the national trade union movement in Singapore and discussions with the National Trades Union Congress, and I hope that their suggestions and views will not be cold-shouldered by Government. Mr Speaker, Sir, I believe that those workers who are members of unions led by non-Communist leaders are patriotic, have a strong sense of national consciousness, can adjust themselves in the national interest and are willing to place national interest above personal or group interest. This can be seen from their response to the Government's call to build a strong and rugged society. A good number of our workers have received training at the Youth Training Centre at Buona Vista Road and many of them have given a day's pay in response to the call for contributions to the National Defence Fund. Some have sacrificed one day's pay for work done on a public holiday. My own union, the Singapore Telephone Board Employees' Union, will be donating a day's pay, and the Race Course Workers' Union will be donating a day's pay for work done on a public holiday. Lastly, I support the Address moved 'by the Prime Minister to thank the President for his speech in the House.”
“The charges for hospital care for patients who have hitherto been treated and fed free, and the increase in outpatient charges will affect the livelihood of the workers. Perhaps employees will get free medical treatment as one of the fringe benefits granted by employers as a result of the hard fight put up by their trade unions. This scheme may not be enjoyed by all employees if it is withdrawn by the employers in view of the Government's scheme to limit fringe benefits! But the wife and children and other dependants of workers in need of hospital or outpatient treatment will surely be made to pay the charges according to the new scheme, and this will mean that the workers again will suffer. In my capacity as a trade union leader and representative of the residents of Kampong Kembangan, I very often receive accounts of the hardships experienced by them, for in Kampong Kembangan and the areas around, such as Kampong Ubi and others, 90 per cent of the residents are workers or wage-earners and they live in under-developed areas. The drains are choked with overgrown grass and stagnant water. The Government has not paid much attention to clearing the grass from the drains so that the water will drain off and mosquitoes will not breed. Rubbish is not properly removed, thereby causing flies to breed. These are sources of ill-health and sickness. That is why I believe that the Government Outpatient Clinic at Still Road is the best patronised of Government clinics because of the lack of health service amenities in the area!”
“The price of blachan has also increased from 51 cents per katty in January 1967 to 56 cents per katty in January 1968.”
“The price of wheat has also increased: 47 cents per katty in January 1967. 48 cents per katty in February 1968. Even ikan belis, which is the common food of the ordinary worker, has risen from 92 cents per katty in January 1967 to $1.01 per katty in January 1968 - an increase of nine Scents per katty. There are many items which have increased in price from day to day.”
“This is an excellent scheme and I support it a hundred per cent, as employees will be able to buy Housing and Development Board flats from their contributions. However, we must also think of the pay they take home every month which will be that much less by the amount of the contribution. This means that they will have less money for their day-to-day expenses; even with their present earnings, they can hardly keep pace with the rising cost of daily necessities which can be seen in the Monthly Digest 01 Statistics. I quote from Volume VII, No. 4 of April 1968: Siam polishd rice 100 per cent - 42 cents per katty in January 1967. Siam polished rice 100 per cent - 50 cents per katty in January 1968. Siam polished rice, five per cent broken - 39 cents per katty in January 1967. Siam polished rice, five per cent broken - 47 cents per katty in January 1968. There are many other items such as -”
“However, in order to carry out the objective, it would appear that it is the workers who will suffer in consequence, and their day-to-day livelihood will be affected, for in the memorandum presented to Parliament as an Addendum to the President's Speech, it is stated that a comprehensive Employment Bill will be introduced to standardise a working week of 44 hours for all employees, to regulate overtime work and to limit certain fringe benefits. This should be carefully examined. Mr Speaker, Sir, as I have stated earlier, my fellow workers and I will surely give our wholehearted support to the scheme if it will truly benefit all the three parties concerned. But what is feared is that this much awaited opportunity will be seized upon by the employers to exploit the workers by taking away all their fringe benefits. The benefits which have been enjoyed by the workers are a 39-hour week for non-industrial workers, a 44-hour week for industrial workers, annual leave of at least two weeks for workers under the Clerks Employment Ordinance, and at least one week for workers under the Labour Ordinance, 16 public holidays for clerks and 11 days for labourers, and other fringe benefits. So for every nine non-industrial workers working 44 hours a week instead of 39 hours a week, one person will be redundant. Similarly, annual leave, public holidays and other fringe benefits will be affected. This means that the scheme is not going to provide more jobs to lessen the number of those already unemployed as a result of retrenchment on account of redundancy. Another scheme of the Government, the effect of which will be keenly felt by the workers, is with regard to contributions to the Central Provident Fund for all employees to enable them to buy Housing and Development Board flats.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the President's Speech in this House on 6th May has indicated to us the probabilities to be met with in the coming five years. Difficulties and problems will arise by the end of 1971 when the British finally withdraw all their armed forces. However, plans have been made and will be carried out. In fact, some of the plans have already been implemented to overcome the problems and difficulties to be faced. These are based on three main objectives. The first objective is to ensure the security o, the Republic. To achieve this, the Government has taken positive steps to build up an effective defence capability at minimum cost by mobilising our youth in the National Defence Forces. Every citizen between the ages of 18 and 21 is mobilised for part-time and full-time service in the National Defence Forces. I fully support this scheme which has already been carried out. Not only is this a practical scheme that ensures the security of the Republic, but by this means the Government is also able to cut down expenditure for economic development and progress of the nation. Mr Speaker, Sir, my fellow workers and I will surely support the second objective of the Government, which is to effect greater economic growth, higher productivity with the elimination of restrictive practices, more efficient management, and to limit fringe benefits, Indeed this objective will be of benefit to the employers if it will provide more jobs and the workers' interests can also be safeguarded; that is to say, if all three parties - the employers, the Government and the workers can benefit.”
“Is there a quorum in this House, Mr Speaker? Notice taken that thirteen Members were not present. Members summoned as if for a division pursuant to the Standing Order, and meeling resumed upon a quorum being then present.”
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Mr Rodrigues resumed his seat.”
“Therefore, Sir, I suggest to the Government that if it wishes to safeguard the victims of British military withdrawal in line with its avowed principles of democratic socialism, then it should set up a public corporation or industry managed by and under the supervision of experts from the Economic Development Board, and offer its shares to these redundant employees as well as to the general public. This will not only help to safeguard and protect their interests, but also enhance the prosperity of Singapore after the British withdrawal. 3.43 p.m.”
“What about those non-citizens whose children were born in Singapore? Is it proper that, by reason of the father being a non-citizen, the children who were born in Singapore should suffer distress? Clause 10 says that only a Singapore citizen may, if the Director is satisfied, withdraw his money from the Fund to purchase immovable property, or to enter into any trade or business, whilst a non-citizen may not do so. The fact is that there is no existing law that debars non-citizens from buying immovable property or carrying on trade or business in the Republic. If we ponder carefully, Sir, among the businessmen. investors, and entrepreneurs in the Republic, a good many of them are non-citizens. Furthermore, the Government is encouraging investors from overseas and providing incentives for them in respect of citizenship and tax reliefs. One other pertinent matter which disturbs me is that the employee, that is to say, the Singapore citizen, is allowed to purchase immovable property or to enter into any trade or business. I fear that he may suffer in the end. It is conceivable that with the money he withdraws he can afford to buy property, but can he afford the cost of its maintenance, such as property tax, assessments, renovations, and repairs? Similarly, he can afford to use the money as capital if he embarks on any trade or business. But has he the necessary know-how and experience in matters of trade and business, bearing in mind that he has all along been a white-collar worker or an industrial worker? Thus his new venture might well end up as a misadventure instead.”
“The employee should be given one of two choices: (1) either his money be paid into the Fund and thereby be entitled to the 5¼ per cent interest under clause 4 (3) as well as exemption from income tax under clause 11 (2) of the Bill; or (2) that he be permitted to collect his money from the employer on which he will have to pay income tax due under the Income Tax Ordinance, in the case of a Singapore citizen who decides on the second choice, he should be debarred from getting any form of assistance from the Government, whether in the form of free textbooks and exemption of school fees for his children, public assistance from the Social Welfare Department, etc. He will not receive such public assistance for a specific period, the length of which should be similar to that during which his credits in the Fund will last, as if his redundancy payment had been paid into the Fund. For a non-citizen, Sir, the question of assistance in any case does not arise by reason of his non-citizen ship status. Clause 8 sets out the monthly payment to the employee, which will not exceed 60 per cent of his usual wages, in the case of a Singapore citizen, payments will continue until his credits in the Fund are exhausted. But in the case of a non-citizen, payments will be made up to two-thirds of his redundancy payment; the remaining one-third being payable to him upon the Director being satisfied that he is about to leave Singapore and will not return any more. For an employee who earns, say, $350 a month, the proportion of his monthly payment will be $210, and with this sum he can manage to maintain his family. But what about the employee whose normal wages are, say, $200 or less per month? He will only get $120 or less a month. Is that amount sufficient for him to support his family?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in principle, the Redundancy Payments Fund Bill is a sound piece of legislation as it provides some measure of protection not only to the victims of redundancy but also to their families and dependants. The Bill can also restrain the recipients of redundancy payments from spending their money lavishly and injudiciously and in the end finding it necessary to resort to public assistance from the Social Wel fare Department. It is usual, Mr Speaker, for a person to be thrifty when his money is almost spent and to be extravagant when he has much. This very often happens and there are many such cases to serve as examples. So it is appropriate for the Government to take steps to prevent such people from falling victim to such weaknesses after having already fallen victim to retrenchment on account of redundancy. However. Mr Speaker, there are certain clauses in the Bill which are vague and which contain unhappy features. For instance, in clause 6 (1) , the redundant employee is required to authorise his empolyer, within seven days of the relevant date, to pay the redundancy payment into the Fund. But clause 6 (5) states that if the employee does not, within three months of the relevant date, give his authorisation, the redundancy payment will automatically be paid into the Fund. Thus, clause 6 appears to have the effect of forcing the redundant employee to have his money paid into the Fund, whether he likes it or not. He has no choice whatsoever. [Mr Lim Cheng Lock in the Chair] 3.37 p.m. At this stage I would like to make a suggestion on this clause for the consideration of the Government.”
“Only then will there be no chance for the employers to exploit the situation by way of a disparity in the wages of female and male workers. In this way the female workers will not be exploited. Mr Speaker, if we allow this situation to go on, then the tendency among employers will be to employ more female workers and that will be against our progressive labour policy. I do not think the labour leaders will allow this to happen, although most of them are of the male sex. I do not believe the males will allow the females to be exploited in this way. In regard to night shifts for female workers in this amendment Bill, several Members have spoken on it. So far as I am personally concerned, the main point will depend on whether there is any necessity or justification for female workers to work at night. There are many countries in Europe where female workers work at night without causing any inconvenience. In so far as security is concerned, if female workers are safeguarded at night, there will not be much trouble. That is my view. Therefore, Mr Speaker, I hope the Minister for Labour will take heed of the problems I have outlined earlier and make some clarification. 3.10 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, I spoke earlier in this House about the poor treatment given to workers in the Jurong Industrial Complex. I was not talking about female workers particularly. I was just passing a general remark that the wages paid in the Jurong Industrial Estate are generally poor. We should not sacrifice the interest of labour in order to cut down the cost of production. It is on this point that I spoke earlier. We must give some thought to the question of whether labour will benefit by this kind of productivity increase. We should not gauge the cost of production in terms of labour only. We must not forget that if we cut down the cost of production in terms of labour only, that will give more benefit to the employers and the capitalists. It is the business of employ ers and employees together to shoulder a lowering of the cost of production. I think the wages of female workers are not so attractive as those paid to the male workers. I do not know whether the Labour Minister is aware of this. In my constituency there are many female workers working in the Jurong Industrial Estate. When I saw them, they expressed the same sentiments. Mr Speaker, I do not want to bring this matter up myself because Singapore has many unions in existence and because I do not want to show off. The unions have enough strength to speak for the workers, it is my hope that the labour leaders will make clear their attitude on this point. But as a representative of the people and since such views have been expressed by the voters in my constituency, I have to bring them up in this House. A progressive labour policy should make no distinction between the sexes. All workers must be given equal treatment and eoual wages.”
“If night shift is compulsory for female workers, then some inconvenience will be caused to the household of the female workers concerned. Before any compulsion is exercised on working night shifts, the employers should ask the female workers whether they agree to working night shifts or not. If some female workers are not prepared to work night shifts, I think they should not be asked to do so. Madam Chan Choy Siong (Delta)(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, I only wish to touch on one aspect of this Labour (Amendment) Bill. It is the labour policy of the Government to help the workers. This is a progressive policy which is difficult to find in South-east Asian countries. We have every reason to be very proud of it. Comparatively speaking, our labour policy is better and more enlightened than that of other neighbouring countries in this region. However, in my humble view, if we have a new labour policy, then there should be no distinction between female workers and male workers in respect of labour. They are workers all the same. We should not distinguish between the sexes as far as labour is concerned. It is the policy of the P.A.P. Government not to make a distinction between the sexes. Of course, in anatomy there must be some differences. A male is a male. But in so far as the working class is concerned, there should be no distinction between female and male workers. In my view, there should be equality between workers of the two sexes, equal pay for equal work. This is in the manifesto of the P.A.P. According to this progressive labour policy, if we should come across any female workers receiving lower wages than men, then, as a progressive labour Government, we should not allow this to happen.”
“But both the female and male operators have the same kind of work at the switchboard - connect the plug, enquire and pull it out. If this is a means to attract callers, then this may be the reason. I cannot, however, see the extra efficiency of female operators. I hope this amendment will increase the efficiency of the industries and I also hope it will not be a source of inconvenience to the household. Mr Speaker, I trust the Minister, when exercising his discretionary powers to exempt applications from employers, will consider whether they are for a good purpose or not. Mr Teong Eng Siong (Sembawang)(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I fully understand the intention of the Labour Minister in introducing this amendment Bill, which is to gear our legislation to the industrialisation of Singapore. We know that this is a very competitive age. In order to progress in our indus trialisation, it is necessary to increase the efficiency and productivity of our labour. This is a good intention from the outset. But it may give rise to two problems. Firstly, as the Member for Telok Blangah has said, the wages of female workers are lower than those paid to male workers. I do not know whether there is really some form of exploitation, because if low wages are paid to female workers, then employers will tend to employ more female workers. As a result, there will be more unemployment among the male workers. This is one point which I wish to bring to the attention of the Minister. Mr Speaker, in order to give facilities to and make it convenient for the em ployers, we must advise them not to exploit the situation. The second problem arises in cases where employers may have female workers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I cannot understand the intention of the Minister for Labour in bringing forward this amendment Bill which precludes women from working at night. It is correct that female workers should not be asked to work at night. If there are female workers working in industries, they should work during the day. The place for female workers, especially married female workers, to work at night is the house, in the house they can look after their husbands and children whom they leave during the day. To the best of my knowledge, the wife of the Minister for Labour is working. I am quite sure he does not wish his wife to work at night, leaving him alone to tend to the children. Mr Speaker, whilst not allowing female workers to work at night, according to section 50 subsection (1), the Minister may exempt any employer from asking his female workers to work at night, if he is satisfied with his application that it is in the public interest or to increase efficiency of the industry. Mr Speaker, the Minister for Labour is of the opinion that female workers when working at night are more efficient than male workers, but I cannot see how female workers can show extra skill or increased efficiency in this respect. I have also heard from the Member for Telok Blangah just now that female workers are more patient than their male counterparts. I would like to cite an example in the Singapore Telephone Board. Previously the telephone operators who worked from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. were female operators, and from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. the switchboards were attended to by male operators. But now for 24 hours of the day the trunk call and inquiry services are looked after by female operators. According to the employers, this is to increase the efficiency of the S.T.B.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, if I am not wrong, the Minister for Education has stated that there are enough teachers. Why are retired teachers now being re-employed? Dr Goh Keng Swee: There are only 12 retired primary school teachers. I do not think that is a very large number. BILLS INTRODUCED CORPORATION DUTY (REPEAL) BILL "to repeal the Corporation Duty Ordinance (Chapter 159 of the Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Finance (Dr Goh Keng Swee); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. REDUNDANCY PAYMENTS FUND BILL "to establish a Redundancy Payments Fund and for matters connected therewith", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Labour (Mr Jek Yeun Thong); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. CONSIDERATION OF MORE THAN ONE ITEM OF SUPPLY BUSINESS Resolved, "That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, the second and third readings of the Supply Bill for 1968 and the Supplementary Supply Bill, 1967, be taken today." - [Dr Goh Keng Swee]. SUPPLY BILL Order for Second and Third Readings read. 2.36 p.m.”
“I ask you, Sir, to hand over these photographs to the Ministers so that they will know the bad conditions of the drainage in Kampong Kernbangan. Photographs handed in.”
“Sir, it is a pity that the time allotted for this Head is limited. Services for the urban and rural areas are very important, particularly for the constituency of Kampong Kembangan. I have often placed the question of conditions in Kampong Kembangan before the House. I am sure the House is tired of listening to my complaints, but the voters in my constituency continue to make complaints and representations to me asking me to forward them to the Government. I am their elected representative, and it is my duty to forward their representations to the Government in this House, even if it is tired of listening to them. Officials of the U.R.S.C. from the Katong District have visited my area, and have investigated its conditions. Pictures taken of the visit were shown over TV. I myself have put forward representations to the Minister, but his reply is that the money is in the hands of the Minister for Finance who, when he spoke on the 11th instant, in his capacity as Member for Kreta Ayer, said that not a single cent had been spent on development in Kreta Ayer. May I ask, if he has ever strolled in Kampong Kembangan, and whether he is aware of the conditions of the drains there? On the other hand, I have been to Kreta Ayer. The Minister for National Development once passed through one of the areas in Kampong Kembangan and he was in sympathy with me. He has only visited one particular place, and he is not, therefore, aware of the conditions of other areas in the constituency. 7.30 p.m. In order that the Minister for Finance and the Minister for National Development may know the true conditions in Kampong Kembangan, I wish to table some photographs showing the conditions there.”
“I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $7,000,000 for Head 61 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 62 -”
“Sir I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 61 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 101. Sir, the former fire site at Kampong Eunos was acquired by Government way back in 1962. To date, the fire site has not been developed. I wish to know the area of the site acquired by Government, and also can the Government lease the site to the residents there for the purpose of building community projects?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 40 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead l02.* * The same amendment also stood in the names of Mr. S. V. Lingam and Mr. Ng Yeow Chong. Sir, if I am not mistaken, the Public Utilities Board has received a loan from the World Bank after it has made out a convincing case to the World Bank for a loan. And besides getting this loan from the World Bank, the P.U.B. has also received a loan of $20 million from the Government. In spite of all this, the P.U.B. has increased its water rates. Can the Minister advice the P.U.B. to reduce their water rates?”
“I am not moving my amendments Nos. (1), (2) and (3).”
“Sir, if my memory serves me right, it was announced that a community centre would be built in an area where there are more than 200 or 300 people. The residents of Kampong Eunos in my constituency number more than 1,000. We have made an application for a community centre and there is a site which has been acquired by Government, yet a community centre has not been built. Can Government please provide one for the residents there?”