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 Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.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 Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.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 4 of 6.
“The people in the kampong do not get proper or adequate treatment as compared to people who live in the built-up areas. There are numerous earth drains which are full of grass and unattended to and water is unable to flow. When I referred the matter to the authorities concerned, the District Office passed it on to the P.W.D. which in turn passed the buck to the Work Brigade, and in the end nothing was done. For example, the large drain at Jalan Ang Teng from Jalan Pagak right up to Jalan Taugeh and finally to Geylang River. I referred the problem to the proper authorities in 1963 for action to be taken to help the residents against the flood menace. When it rains, the vegetable gardens and poultry are ruined by the floods because the water in these drains cannot flow smoothly. A large number of the residents in this area depend for their livelihood on vegetable gardening and poultry rearing. Mr Speaker, the Member for Bukit Merah, who previously resided here, will corroborate what I have said. He has experience of how the residents here are suffering from this big problem. I have already taken up the matter with the responsible authorities. I made a site inspection with the Work Brigade Engineer and later on with a P.W.D. Engineer. I also had occasion to accompany the Secretary, U.R.S.C. But sad to say, the problem has not yet been tackled up to today. Here I fail to see equal treatment to the haves and to the have-nots being practised in the attempt to raise the living standard of the kampong people to the same level as that of the people in the urban areas, about which the Government has been trumpeting so loudly. 7.27 p.m.”
“As Kampong Kembangan is a low-lying area, it follows that the projects required to raise the living standard of the people there would be proportionately higher. But, unfortunately, the funds provided for Kampong Kembangan arc not enough. For this year, the provision for Kampong Kembangan amounts to $60,000 only. Applications have been made repeatedly and during the Prime Minister's tour of the Kampong Kembangan Constituency. Up to now the drains and roads have not been made up yet. The Urban and Rural Services Committee have, on so many occasions, visited the constituency; questions were raised in this House. Nevertheless, the efforts carried out were practically nil. Mr Speaker, Sir, this House has been informed why the roads could not be made up, because the land on both sides of the roads to be made up belongs to private owners. For this reason, the roads were made up under section 19, L.G.I.O., which requires the landowners to pay the cost of making up the roads. On the contrary, there are many roads in Jalan Alsagoff which have been made up according to kampong standards. Even more strange, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development has said - I quote from Hansard, Volume 25, : `However, as the frontages are not yet well developed, these roads have been given low priority and may not be made up until 1968.' To cite an example, Mr Speaker, Woo Mun Chew Road and many other roads in Siglap, where the laying of sewers has just been completed, have already been made up; whereas in Kampong Kembangan the laying of sewers was completed two years ago and the roads until today have not been made up. Mr Speaker, it is obvious that there is discrimination here.”
“On the contrary, the livelihood of the people in the kampongs, specially those in Kampong Kembangan, leaves much to be desired. Kampong Kembangan Constituency is a low-lying area and is easily flooded when it rains. There is no need to wait for the rain to fall throughout the whole day; it suffices if there is a heavy downpour for just one or two hours, and Kampong Kembangan will be flooded. Mr Speaker, Sir, I have raised the matter in this Chamber in December 1965. I quote from Hansard, Volume 24, No. 14, : '....when the rain falls for a short while, the Kampong Kembangan area is flooded and animals and plants are destroyed. Now is the best time for the Minister for Law and National Development to visit Kampong Kembangan Constituency, because it is now the rainy season, and he will be able to see for himself the condition of the drains in this area.' Mr Speaker, the earth roads become uneven and are impassable to traffic. The Minister of State on one occasion visited Kampong Kembangan to declare the official opening of National Language Month. He was travelling in a big Jaguar car as though he was travelling in a sampan. When the sun shines, the laterite roads become dusty and the houses, clothing and food are covered with dust. This matter has also been raised by me in December 1965. I quote from Hansard, Vol. 24, No. 14, : `Now I would like to talk about the roads in Kampong Kembangan which are very bad. You can say that 90 per cent of the roads there are earth roads. When it rains, the roads become muddy...'. Mr Speaker, the drains become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The water is stagnant, and during the hot weather rubbish is dumped into the drains.”
“Mr Speaker, the present Government should be commended for its efforts to raise the standard of living of our multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious people and to give more prosperity and happiness, be they in social activities or development projects. We can see for ourselves that many schools have been built to cater for the increasing number of the country's school-going children; factories have been set up to provide more employment to our school-leavers; old and dilapidated houses have given way to modern multi-storey flats in order to solve the housing problems faced by our people. At the same time, drains have been constructed, whilst the smaller ones have been widened to alleviate flooding and prevent stagnant waters from becoming places for mosquito breeding. Many new roads have been constructed and small ones widened to cope with the increased volume of traffic in our Republic. The projects carried out by Government in urban areas so far have been successful and are gaining momentum. Every State guest from abroad and tourists alike who call at Singapore are truely amazed by the various Government projects. It is even more so for those who have been here previously so that they can compare the state of affairs obtaining then and now. But Government projects in Kampong Kembangan Constituency, which is a suburban area, is a matter of regret to me. I have stated earlier that Government's effort to uplift the living standards of the people is praiseworthy, regardless of whether they live in the urban or rural areas, so that the standard of living of the people in the rural areas will be at par with that of the people in the city.”
“Lim Guan Hoo Buang bin Omar Junid. Mohd Ariff bin Suradi Chan Chee Seng. Devan Nair, Mrs Chan Choy Siong, Bernard Rodrigues Madam. Sim Boon Woo Chor Yeok Eng. Chow Chiok Hock. Fong Sip Chee. Abstention Goh Keng Swee. Gonzales, R. A. Nil Ho Cheng Choon. Ho Kah Leong. Jek Yeun Thong. Absent. Lee Khoon Choy. Lee Teck Him. Chan Sun Wing. Lim Cheng Lock. Chew Chin Han Lim Kim San. Lee Kuan Yew Lim Soo Peng. Wong Soon Fong. Lingam, S. V. Yaacob bin Mohamed. Mahmud Awang. Ng Kah Ting. Ng Yeow Chong. Ong Pang Boon. Othman bin Wok. Rahamat bin Kenap. Rajaratnam, S. Rajoo, S. Ramaswamy, S. Selvadurai, P. Sia Kah Hui. Tang See Chim. Tay Boon Too. Teo Hup Teck. Teong Eng Siong. Toh Chin Chye. Wee Toon Boon. Yeoh Ghim Seng. Yong Nyuk Lin. Clause 2 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clauses 3 to 6 inclusive ordered to stand part of the Bill. Bill reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. REARRANGEMENT OF ORDER OF BUSINESS 4.36 p.m. Resolved, "That under Standing Order 10 (2) item 3 on the Order Paper for today be taken immediately after item 4." - [Dr Goh Keng Swee]. CURRENCY BILL Order for Second Reading read. 4.37 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, clause 2 is about essential services such as water, gas and electricity services. But sub-clause (2) makes no mention of the other essential services. In Government's view, how many categories of essential services are there? Perhaps, first, there are the three which are mentioned in sub-clause (1), i.e., water, gas and electricity services; in sub-clause (2) are the second category of essential services. Is there a third category of essential services? Earlier, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour has stated that, because of the wild-cat strike carried out by the Public Daily-Rated Cleansing Workers' Union, the Government has brought in amendments to the Bill that we have before us today. Why is it that workers in the Public Utilities Board are victimised on account of the strike carried out by the Public Daily-Rated Cleansing Workers' Union? I am of the opinion that the amendment to this clause 2 is contrary to the general interests of labour. Mr Wee Toon Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Ordinance, essential services have been classified into many branches of services. However, in this instance, due to the irresponsibility of the Federation, the Government has to be more specific and bring in amendments to say specifically that employees of the water, gas and electricity services cannot go on strike. But the rest, as the Member has said, are not mentioned here. They have been mentioned either in the Gazette or in previous announcements. Question put, "That clause 2 stand part of the Bill." An hon. Member: Division. The House divided: Ayes, 39; Noes, 7; Abstention, Nil; Absent, 5. Ayes. Noes. A. Rahim Ishak. Govindaswamy, P. Ang Nam Piau. Ho See Beng. Barker, E. W.”
“But before the 14 days' notice of strike expired, the Minister for Labour referred the matter to the Industrial Arbitration Court in order to prevent a strike from taking place. If he could avert a strike by the employees of the Singapore Telephone Board, which is discharging an essential service, I do not see why the Minister of Defence requires these amendments to prevent the essential workers of the P.U.B. from going on strike.”
“Mr Speaker, by this Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill which has been submitted to Parliament today, I observe that the rights of the trade unionists have been eroded by the pro-labour government. Before the present ruling Party came to power, we, together with the trade union movement, struggled to put up a pro-labour government. As a result of our common struggle, we were successful. During the 1959 administration, with the support of the trade union movement, including that of the nationalist trade union movement, we managed to isolate the pro-Communist trade union movement. The members of the nationalist pro-labour movement are those who work in the Public Utilities Board and who have struggled hard to isolate the front-line trade union movement. But now, Mr Speaker, the workers of the P.U.B, are not permitted to go on strike when this Bill becomes law. I know the difficulties faced by the Government in their responsibility towards the people when essential workers go on strike, because they are responsible for the well-being and livelihood of the people. On the other hand, I do not think that the P.U.B, workers will go on strike on a matter which is not serious. If it is on a minor matter, I feel sure they will be prepared to come to a compromise rather than go on strike. But if it is a serious matter, the Government has power to refer it to the industrial Arbitration Court which will give its findings, in this honourable way, strikes can be avoided and this amendment to deter P.U.B. workers from going on strike is not necessary. Mr Speaker, Sir, some time ago the Singapore Telephone Board was confronted with a strike by the Union because the employers refused to negotiate with the Union on its claims for better wages and conditions of service.”
“I am not moving. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr Tang See Chim - (10) That the sum to be allocated for Head 68 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 101.”
“I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr S. V. Lingam - (2) That the sum to be allocated Head 68 be reduced by $10 in respect of item 002 of subhead 101.”
“Can he explain, to this House whether Jalan Perwira, which has been damaged by lorries carrying sand, will be repaired? Regarding supplies of electricity and water, the Prime Minister has said that standpipes have been misused and water wasted and that Government has plans to install individual water pipes. I wish to know whether individual water pipes, as requested by residents in Upper Jalan Perwira, can be installed expeditiously. Also, can the applications for standpipes at Jalan Ladang Community Centre be replaced by supplying individual water pipes, so that the residents can obtain this amenity? Likewise, Mr Speaker, regarding the supply of electricity at Lengkong 6, 7 and 8, and also at Upper Jalan Perwira, can these applications be expedited? [Mr Lim Cheng Lock in the Chair] 7.19 p.m.”
“Thank you, Sir, I move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 68 be reduced by $10 in respect of item 001 of subhead 101.* (*The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr Sim Boon Woo.) Mr Speaker, Sir, according to col. 187 of Hansard, Vol. 25, No. 4, dated 17th August, 1966, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development replied that: `the roads in the Kampong Kembangan Constituency other than those named in the question which will be made up under section 19 of the Local Government Integration Ordinance, 1963, are as follows ... Of these, Lorong Marzuki and Lorong Marican will be made up this year,'. It seems that at Lorong Melayu, Jalan Hussein is not included in the plan. Can the Minister clarify the position, please? Another matter which I wish to know is about the land acquired under section 19 of the L. G. I. O. Do the land owners get compensation in respect of the land taken away from them, or are they to be denied payment? Regarding roads, the Parliamentary Secretary has given a list of roads which will be considered by the Urban and Rural Services Committee at its future meetings. This is contained in Hansard, Vol. 25, No. 2, dated 21st April, 1966, at cols. 43-6. However, up till today only one or two roads have been built Kampong Kembangan is a low-lying area and it is appropriate that special consideration should be given to it when the Committee is considering the making up of roads. Sir, the Parliamentary Secretary has also stated in Hansard, Vol. 25, No. 1, dated 23rd February, 1966, at col. 8, that action would be taken against lorry owners responsible for damaging Jalan Perwira. But until today Jalan Perwira has not been repaired.”
“Mr Speaker, I seek your guidance. Can I speak on amendments (1)* and (3)+ standing in my name? (* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr Sim Boon Woo.) + Amendment No. (3) which also stood in the name of Mr. S. V. Lingam, reads as follows: That the sum to be allocated for Head 68 be reduced by $10 in respect of item 003 of subhead 101.”
“Yet our Minister thinks that they can still provide services to our people. I myself have gone for on-the-spot inspections and found that there used to be people queueing up and waiting to be examined by the doctors. At first the people queueing up might have merely some minor illness, but when they were finally examined by the doctors, their illness would have become more serious. So I have some suggestions to make. I hope the Minister will try to solve the present situation. He has said that the main problem confronting the medical services is the shortage of doctors. Possibly because of this the services provided by the clinics are also affected. I would like to ask him whether there are private doctors who are willing to spend some of their time to serve the patients. If there are, is he willing to accept their offer of services? It seems that he has said that he wanted to accept such services, but that the private doctors are not allowed to accept remuneration. The Minister should not expect private doctors to meet expenses out of their own pocket. If some financial solution can be found, then it will be possible to solve many problems confronting the Ministry of Health.”
“I would like to know from the Minister for Health whether in the Development Estimates for 1967 there is any plan to build a hospital in the eastern area near the Kampong Kembangan Constituency. Madam Chan Choy Siong (Delta)(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to ask a question under the vote for the expansion of hospitals and other facilities. Why could the vote not also be used in the building of clinics? In the past, we received replies from the Minister that he had no plans to set up clinics in certain areas. I feel that to people working in certain areas the expansion of clinics and medical services is very necessary for their convenience. There are not enough clinical services because the people in various places are not adequately served with clinics. The Minister should understand that, in the course of development of Singapore through urban renewal, there have been concentrations of population in certain areas and the density of the population in the rural areas has also increased accordingly. The answers given by the Minister in the past are not quite valid now. It is wrong to say that, because certain clinics are set up in some areas, so the people from other areas can also go to them to get medical treatment. That is an incorrect conception. The Minister also gave a reply in similar vein to my query about postal services some time ago. Now the Minister's answer in respect of the medical services is just the same. He says there are clinics available, just as he answered my previous query about postal services. The most densely populated areas are Queenstown, Tiong Bahru and Bukit Ho Swee. In these areas at present the existing clinics are too small to give any efficient service.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $12,000,000 for Head 10 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 20 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 10 be reduced by $100. Mr Speaker, Sir, Singapore is an independent and sovereign Republic and we must be prepared to defend our independence and sovereignty. Although our country is small, we must have our own Armed Forces, including Volunteer Forces, be they large or small in number. It is up to us to determine the size of our Armed Forces according to our means. We have the First and Second Battalions of the Singapore Infantry Regiment and, in addition, we have Volunteer Forces and the People's Defence Force to defend our Republic. We still need a Navy to patrol our territorial waters. Is this vote for 1967 meant for the establishment of the Singapore Navy? I would like the Minister of State of Defence to inform the House as to who does the patrolling of our territorial waters at the present moment. Earlier on, I have said that Singapore has two Battalions - the First and Second S.I.R. - and we should be proud of our soldiers who fought for our independence when Singapore was part of Malaysia. I am confident that they will continue to rise to the occasion in future. But I am sorry to say that these Regiments are housed in unsatisfactory barracks. I believe that the asbestos roof and masonite walls and the kitchen were erected about 10 or 11 years ago. I think the time has arrived for the Minister of State of Defence to improve the conditions in these barracks so that the prestige of our Armed Forces is maintained.”
“I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $14,780,380 for Head 1002 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.”
“Singapura should have more programmes on football, sepak raga, etc, for the enthusiasts. Singapore is now known throughout the world as an orchid-growing country and the number of people who grow orchids is increasing day by day. Therefore, we should have a programme on orchid-growing on T.V. 4.00 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 1002 be reduced by $l00.* (* The same amendment also stood in the names of Inche Rahamat bin Kenap, Mr S. V. Lingam, Inche Mahmud Awang and Mr Sim Boon Woo.) Mr Speaker, the Dewan Bahasa has been established some time ago and it has a staff of five - an editor, a research officer, a general clerical officer, a typist and an office boy. What are the duties of these five officers of the Dewan Bahasa? What progress has been achieved? What efforts are being made, apart from the national language campaign, to popularise the use of the national language? Mr Speaker, I believe that the aim of television, apart from education and giving information, is to provide entertainment for its viewers who pay $36 for a licence a year. Whenever viewers see a programme on T.V. Singapura, there are always interruptions by advertisements. I know that advertisements provide a lot of revenue to the Ministry to help defray the cost of television. But the Ministry should not forget that T.V. viewers like good programmes, and interruptions by advertisements in the middle of a programme will not make them happy, because they have got to take out a licence every year. I suggest that these advertisements be screened before or after a programme. One more point about T.V. programmes, Mr Speaker, is that there is also a programme on golf which lasts about one hour. Surely we do not have many golfers and golf enthusiasts. I do not know if the Minister himself plays golf, but I know a number of Ministers, including the Minister for Finance, who play golf. I believe there are more football, badminton, sepak raga, even a-go-go enthusiasts among our people. But we have very few football films shown on T.V. T.V.”
“I beg to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $363,590 for Head 0902 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 1001 -”
“Mr Speaker, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 0902 be reduced by $100. Mr Speaker. I would like to know how many cases have been heard by the two Arbitration Courts for the years 1965 and 1966 and how many cases have not been settled or heard yet.”
“Mr Tang, now the people of Singapore who are holders of identity cards issued in 1948 or 1949 and who were born in Singapore could obtain the pink identity card without the necessity of obtaining citizenship. Originally these holders were unable to obtain the pink identity cards. The holders of pink identity cards were previously rejected. I wish to obtain an assurance from the Minister in charge whether it is really necessary for holders of pink identity cards to obtain citizenship papers. Are they still required to obtain Singapore citizenship papers? The Chairman (Mr Tang See Chim): If there is no other Member who wishes to speak, I shall call upon the Acting Minister for Labour to reply.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. An hon. Member: Vote. Question on the amendment put, and negatived. The sum of $143,693,510 for Head 0601 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 3.45 p.m. Head 0701 -”
“If textbooks are changed from year to year, this will be a problem to the parents, because the textbooks which could have been handed down to the other children cannot be handed down. I hope that efforts will be made to see that textbooks in the schools could be used in a manner that would not bring difficulty to the parents.”
“If the present Minister for Education is to wait for qualified teachers in the Malay stream to descend from heaven, and likewise wait for textbooks to descend from heaven, then the intention to see that Malay education progresses will not be achieved. I would like to ask the Minister what plans there are to encourage more Malay graduate teachers, because at present although there are a number of Malay graduates, they were transferred or ask for transfer to other jobs for specific reasons. Mr Speaker, Sir, I would further like to state that, at the moment, there are one or two pre-university classes in the Malay stream. If the problem facing Malay secondary education cannot be faced by the Ministry, what hope is there for those in the pre-university classes? What will happen to those students who wish to go for further studies? Does the Ministry have any plans to overcome this problem? Regarding vocational education in the Malay stream, I find that it is important to increase the number of vocational schools in the Malay stream so as to give opportunities to Malay students to study in the vocational stream in order that they will be well equipped to work in factories and industries which need skilled workers. I hope the Minister will see to it that vocational schools in the Malay stream be increased so as to enable Malay students to get vocational training. 3.00 p.m. Regarding text-books, I have received complaints that certain schools change text-books from year to year. This causes difficulties to parents who have two or more children in the same school, whereas it is the policy of the Ministry of Education to provide opportunities for them to give their children adequate education.”
“It is better that the question of deciding on the school dress, whether it is to be baju kurong or skirt and blouse, be left to the parents themselves so long as there is a distinctive colour in the uniform according to the school the child attends. Also consideration should be given to the extra expenditure that may be incurred by parents. But what is most important is to look into the matter of the progress of the children's education. The Minister, in replying to the Member for Sembawang earlier, stated that at the moment there are very few qualified trained Malay teachers to teach in Malay secondary schools. Therefore, with this shortage, can Malay secondary students become more progressive only by changing their dress from baju kurong to skirt and blouse? If the Ministry of Education are aware of this shortage, they should then find ways and means to overcome this shortage if they truly wish to see Malay students progress in their studies. I still remember the Minister for Education during the Government of Tun Lim Yew Hock in 1957 stated that Malay secondary schools could not be established because there were no teachers and no suitable text-books in Malay. But when the P.A.P. came to power in 1959, the then Minister for Education, who is now the Minister for Health, promised that Malay secondary schools would be established in 1961, although he was still facing the same problem of teachers and textbooks in Malay. But because of the keen effort put in, Malay secondary classes were started in 1960, that is, one year earlier.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 0601 be reduced by $100.++ ( ++The same amendment also stood in the names of Mr. Tang See Chim and Mr. P. Govindaswamy.) Mr Speaker, Sir, recently a feeling of uneasiness was experienced by parents of students in Malay schools because of the direction that the uniform of girl students in Malay secondary schools should be changed from baju kurong to skirt and blouse type of school uniform. It is stated that this type of school uniform is more progressive than baju kurong. There are others who say that Malay students are Muslims and to put on skirt and blouse is forbidden. The Chairman of U.M.N.O., Singapore, Inche Ahmad Bin Haji Taff, in wanting to safeguard the personality of the students and Malay culture, has resisted the idea of changing the baju kurong to skirt and blouse. Mr Speaker, Sir, in my opinion, whether the students are progressive or not does not depend on their uniform; it does not matter whether the school uniform is baju kurong or skirt and blouse. It depends on the education imparted to them by the teachers in the schools and the encouragement they get to study at home. Whether it is acceptable (halal) or forbidden (haram) depends on each individual. Today there are many Malay girls who put on dresses which are transparent, and skin tight too. So, in order to safeguard Malay culture and personality, does Inche Ahmad Haji Taff himself put on baju kurong when he goes to work in the office? The attitude of this gentleman is like that of the mother crab which asks its baby to walk straight when she herself walks sideways.”
“This being the case, Mr Speaker, I am most keen to know whether Government will approve the application of Disco Limited in respect of the layout plan which has been submitted to the relevant Government departments: for if this plan is approved, there may be poor Malays and also non-Malays living in the area who will be exploited and victimised by a group of unscrupulous wealthy businessmen. So I trust the Government will give every possible help and assistance to the residents of the area to enable them to own the land by direct purchase from the trustees of Alsagoff Estate at a price similar to if not less than that paid by Disco Limited. The residents of Alsagoff Estate are from the poor class and it is only proper that our socialist Government give them every assistance so that they are not victimised by the capitalists.”
“Earlier on, I have quoted the Utusan Melayu of 28th November which states that the whole area of Alsagoff Estate will be subdivided into lots and that the tenants have the right to buy up the lots as their own property. But the price and the method of payment are not made clear. However, I am given to understand that the method of payment is, first a buyer pays $50 as option money. Then he has to pay a deposit of 25 per cent of the price which has been fixed for a parcel of land of 6,000 square feet in area at $2.20 per square foot. This could be paid in instalments spread over a period of five years or ten years. But the roads and drainage must be laid by the buyer. So if we are to consider the report in the Utusan Melayu of 28th November, 1966, the picture one gets is attractive. All the more so as the plan is to be carried out by Alsagoff Realty Limited, whose office is at U.M.N.O. House, No. 218E Changi Road. The reader may well expect that the company is that of the Alsagoff family and U.M.N.O. must be helping the Malays. However, if we ponder over the matter more deeply, we find that the sale price to Disco Limited is $5 million for an area of 850 acres, which works out to about 5½ cents per square foot, whereas the price to the residents is $2.20 per square foot exclusive of expenses for roads and drainage. Another item of expenditure which would not occur to the residents is the cost of filling up the area of 6,000 square feet of land with earth, as the area is below sea level. Yet another item is the interest to be charged on the instalments. If we add up all these expenses, the price per square foot is not less than $3.50 or more, while the purchase price from Alsagoff Estate is about 5½ cents.”
“' And further the Utusan Melayu states: 'Groups of wealthy businessmen who are experienced and conversant with matters concerning housing development are ready to buy and redevelop the Geylang area which is congested, and that the whole area of Alsagoff Estate will be subdivided into lots and the tenants have the right to buy up the lots as their own property.' Mr Speaker, if wealthy businessmen are going to carry out the redevelopment of this area, their main objective is surely to enrich themselves. On the other hand, if the plan is to be carried out by people who are not of the wealthy class, then their purpose is surely to deceive the poor people staying in the area, and these are the people who will suffer hardship. The Utusan Melayu in the same issue further states: 'All facilities such as good roads, proper drainage, better supply of electricity, together with modern sanitation, will be provided,' Mr Speaker, if all this can be carried out, it is well and good. But who will defray the expenses for the provision of those facilities? To my knowledge, the order has been obtained to sell Alsagoff Estate at Geylang, also known as Perseverance Estate, an area of 850 acres, to Disco Limited of Penang for the sum of $5 million, the method of payment being 20 per cent or $1 million to be paid as soon as the layout plan is approved by Government. After a year, 30 per cent or $1.5 million, and after another year another 30 per cent or $1.5 million, and after that the final payment of 20 per cent or $1 million will be made. Mr Speaker, as I have stated earlier, the order has been obtained for the sale of the Estate to Disco Limited. But the forms circulated to the residents of the area are by Alsagoff Realty Limited, whose office is at U.M.N.O. House, Changi Road.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister for Culture and Social Affairs stated in his speech on the opening of the National Language Campaign at Pasir Panjang Community Centre recently that the Government at the moment have no plans to redevelop Alsagoff Estate at Geylang. He was referring to current rumours to the effect that the Government have bought over Alsagoff Estate for redevelopment and that the residents of various races - the majority of whom are Malays - would have to be evicted from there. With the denial made by the Minister for Culture and Social Affairs, it is clear that the rumours concerning the purchase of Alsagoff Estate by the Government and that the residents are to be evicted are falsehoods. I believe they have been purposely cooked up by parties who are anti-Government and anti-national, to create uneasiness among the residents of Alsagoff Estate for their own political ends. As such, I feel it is my duty to point out to the House how important it is that this matter be brought before this House so that the Minister concerned and other hon. Members can understand the true position regarding Alsagoff Estate in Geylang. From inquiries made by me and from statements in the Utusan Melayu of 28th November, 1966, made by a member of the Alsagoff family, I have come to understand - and I quote from the Utusan Melayu of 28th November, page 7, : 'The Alsagoff Estate covering an area of about 850 acres will be redeveloped as part of the urban area of the Republic in future. Subdivision will be carried out as soon as the parties concerned have approved the plan for the said project.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, if many members of the police force prefer to attend Lembaga Gerakan Pelajaran Dewasa classes, is it not better that all those police personnel who wish to continue with their studies should be encouraged to attend classes conducted by the Lembaga Gerakan Pelajaran Dewasa rather than for the police to hold their own classes at the Police Training Centre or in other offices?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0401 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 3157. Mr Speaker, Sir, this is in regard to teachers' allowances. I believe that recruitment into the police force is on the increase. The persons recruited are from the four streams of education with Secondary II education. I believe they are required to learn the national language. Recently the Singapore Police Force took an active part in the national language campaign. I note that the vote for 1967 is less than that for 1966. Can the Minister explain why teachers' allowances have been reduced for 1967 whilst the intake is on the increase?”
“I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $1,516,040 for Head 0305 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 0307 -”
“In view of the explanation, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr Tang See Chim - That the total sum to be allocated for Head 0104 be reduced by $100.”
“Mr Speaker, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0104 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2013.* (* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr S. V. Lingam.) Mr Speaker, Sir, our children who attend Primary One classes and complete their studies after taking their Malaysian Certificate of Education or Cambridge examinations increase year by year. Likewise the number of industries also increases and needs workers of high calibre. If the Government wants Malay children to have high qualifications in order that they can compete with non-Malays, whether in education or other fields, and also wants an increasing number of Malays to receive higher education, then it should increase the vote for 1967. Instead, it has been reduced. Could the Prime Minister explain the reason for the reduction in the vote for 1967 as compared with 1966?”
“I would like to ask, what is the position regarding children of citizens of Singapore who were born outside Singapore? The Prime Minister: If my reading of the report is correct, Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer to that has already been given by the Minister for Law in his statement on the Modification of Laws (Constitution of Singapore) Order, 1966. As a result of Singapore coming apart from Malaysia, it is now necessary for any child born outside Singapore to a Singapore citizen to decide within one year of attaining the age of 21 whether or not to opt for citizenship. If he wishes to be a Singapore citizen, then he must take the oath of allegiance, as was required under the law before we joined Malaysia.”
“I am not moving. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr S. V. Lingam - That the sum to be allocated for Head 0104 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2005*.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Berita Harian of the 23rd of August carried a headline "SEPARATE CURRENCY - SINGAPORE WAS IN THE WRONG". It went on to say that the Malaysian Minister of Finance, Mr Tan Siew Sin, had blamed Singapore for the breakdown in creating a common currency with Malaysia. Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Minister for Finance explain why, after he had agreed to make a joint statement without blaming any party he had been blamed by the Malaysian Finance Minister for being responsible for the breakdown?”
“No person in this world can satisfy every member of his community, but what we can do is to satisfy the great majority of the community. 7.30 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, for many years, people of Muslim faith in Singapore have been waiting for this Bill to be read a Third time when it was referred to a Select Committee. I believe that the Muslims in Singapore will now be at ease on the passing of this Bill. I am also sure that there will be groups dissatisfied with this Bill. The first aim of the Bill is to protect and safeguard all Muslims as a whole in our Republic. But those Muslims who are at a disadvantage with the passing of this Bill will be dissatisfied with it. However, Mr Speaker, we must protect and safeguard the majority. I welcome the assurance of the Minister for Social Affairs that the implementation of the Bill will be carried out stage by stage. This is practical and wise, because this is a Bill which affects Muslims as a whole. Therefore, it is necessary for us to examine it from time to time with a view to improving it. I am sure that it will satisfy all Muslims in Singapore in due course. On the other hand, Mr Speaker, whilst welcoming the Minister's assurance that it will be implemented stage by stage, I hope an assurance will also be given by him to appoint members to the Council when the time comes. I hope he will once again use his discretion so that political elements will not be appointed to the Council, including those from the ruling Party. In this way the Council will comprise persons who are really conversant with Muslim law, so that it will not be used as a political platform. I believe, Mr Speaker, that if the Minister in charge can judiciously implement this Bill, the majority of Muslims will have confidence in it. However, there will be Muslims who will be dissatisfied because they will be at a disadvantage or because they may not be appointed to the Council.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, earlier on I have said that in the enforcement of clause 3 (section 24A (1) ), there is no difference between citizens and non-citizens of Singapore. But under this clause 4, a person who is not a citizen of Singapore - it does not say whether he is a holder or a non-holder of a work permit - cannot become an official of a trade union. The Minister for Labour has also said just now that every member of a union has democratic rights as a worker under clause 3, new section 24A of this Bill. But in this clause 4, however, members who are holders of work permits are denied the democratic rights. Therefore, I suggest that the following words be added to section 26 (1) (a) , "those who are not citizens of Singapore or who are not yet in possession of work permits." Just now the Minister for Labour has also said that trade union leaders need not worry because he has his prerogative under clause 5 of this amendment Bill, because he can decide whether non-citizens of Singapore who are holders of work permits can or cannot become officials of unions. Why cannot this be vice versa? That is to say, if the Minister finds that the person is not a citizen of Singapore but is the holder of a work permit, then he can use his prerogative to inform the union and ask the particular member to cease being an official of the union. So I hope the Minister can consider my amendment regarding those who are not citizens of Singapore or those who are not yet in possession of work permits.”
“Mr Speaker, after the Minister for Labour has clarified the position, I merely wish to know whether the consent, which requires two-thirds, includes workers who are non-citizens of Singapore but are in possession of work permits. For instance, in a branch which has voted to take industrial action by a secret ballot, 90 per cent of the workers agree to go on strike - only ten per cent do not agree. If, of the 90 per cent who so agree, 60 per cent of those members who have voted are non-citizens of Singapore but, nevertheless, are holders of Singapore work permits, can such an action be considered right?”
“On a point of clarification, Sir, I was saying that undischarged bankrupts and those of unsound mind should not be allowed to hold office in trade unions. But the Minister says that -”
“All these are well-meant intentions. But does he realise that in the process of curbing the anti-national elements and also the irresponsible trade union leaders, the loyal and democratic trade union movement like the National Trades Union Congress will also be clobbered? Mr Speaker, Sir, when I read the amendments to the Trade Unions Ordinance, the new section 24A, subsection (4) wherein -”
“, will cause him to get into debt, and if he cannot clear his debts, then he is made a bankrupt. I would like to suggest to the Minister for Labour to take action in respect of clauses 4 and 5 of this Bill - that this provision be added - persons who are non-citizens but who have work permits be allowed to hold office in the trade union movement. And also include in this provision, that persons who have not been discharged from bankruptcy and are of unsound mind should not be allowed to hold office in the trade union movement. Mr Ho See Beng: Mr Speaker, Sir, we have no quarrel at all with the Minister for Labour in respect of his introducing the amendment of the new section 24A, subsections (1) , (2) and (3) . But, Mr Speaker, Sir, if you look at subsection (4) , the wording contained therein, I will say that if this Bill is passed today, then I am afraid that the whole trade union movement in Singapore will have to close shop. The Minister for Labour has introduced this piece of legislation, or rather an amendment to the Trade Unions Ordinance. Sir, I refer to the proposed amendments to section 24A of the Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill. As I said, if it is passed today by this Legislature, I have no doubt that the status of the Minister for Labour will be very much enhanced and, instead of being referred to as Minister for Labour, he will be addressed as the Honourable Minister for Management or Employers. As a Member of Parliament and also as a trade unionist, it is my duty to point out the flaws in the amendments. We welcome the introduction of this amendment which, as the Minister for Labour has said earlier, is to curb irresponsible leadership in the trade union movement and the anti-national elements who call for strikes without resort to a secret ballot.”
“It is fair that if a person is allowed to work in Singapore, he should be allowed to be a member of a trade union to safeguard the security of his job and his family. If he is allowed to be a member of a trade union according to our democratic trade union regulations, then he will have the right to contest or to hold office either in a branch or central committee. I agree that people not given work permits be not allowed to hold office in any trade union. But if a person, who has been issued with a work permit, is a member of a trade union, then he should have the same rights as other Singapore citizens. Otherwise these people will not have the right to vote concerning an industrial action in respect of section 24A (1) . Employers will make use of this provision to oppress workers who are non-citizens but who are allowed to work in Singapore, and these workers will find hardship. Then this will bring about the downfall of the free democratic trade union movement. Finally, workers with Singapore citizenship will also suffer similar consequences. As the Malay proverb says, "If the needle can pass through, the string can also pass through." Mr Speaker, Sir, although I support the sentiments in section 26 (1) (b) of the Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill, I would nevertheless suggest that the provisions in the Industrial Relations Ordinance be included in this Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill. I refer to section 7 (4) of the Industrial Relations Ordinance wherein a person who is an undischarged bankrupt and is of unsound mind should not work as an officer of a trade union, because such a person will not be able to manage his own financial affairs. Maybe he is a spendthrift and his bad habits, such as gambling, drinking, etc.”
“Mr Speaker, I find that the contents of the Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill are good and the Bill should be supported if the intention of the Minister for Labour is sincere, as he has explained in respect of clause 3 in this amendment Bill. But there are two other clauses which are not very happy ones. I believe not only I myself but every other trade unionist will support me in this respect. For example, Mr Speaker, clause 2. At present executive members only should be registered with a trade union. But with this amendment when it comes into force - every branch committee of the union will have to be registered with the Registrar. In this matter, large unions - for example, the Bank Employees Union, the Insurance Employees Union, the A.U.P.E., the Singapore Manual and Mercantile Workers Union, etc., which have tens or hundreds of branches -have many sectional committees, e.g., picnic, social and other committees. Although these committees are temporary, their members will also have to register their names, addresses, ages, etc., with the Registrar of Trade Unions. Mr Speaker, this would involve the union in administrative work. I cannot see any other constructive aim regarding clause 4 of this amendment Bill. I find that it prevents a non-citizen, or a person who has been convicted of a criminal offence, criminal breach of trust, extortion or criminal intimidation which, in the opinion of the Minister, renders him unfit to be an officer of a trade union or a branch of a trade union, from holding office. The Government has issued work permits to non-citizens and these workers can continue to work in Singapore.”
“Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development say what are the types of projects which are considered as urgently required?”