N. Govindasamy
Singapore
“Sir, in the hope that the Ministry of Finance will release the funds required for the Telok Blangah community centre within the next six months, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr J F.”
“Member for Serangoon Gardens, would show that numerous criticisms were made in this Chamber. Some of the pitfalls of the education policies were pointed out and they could have been avoided.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am still a little confused. Would the Minister of State categorically state in this House whether the restructured education scheme is on or off? Even the teachers and the principals are arguing among themselves whether the restructured education scheme is on or off.”
“Sir, I have no intention of joining in. The problem here is riot a question of marrying abroad or in Singapore. The problem is still faced by people who were married in Singapore. There is the case of a woman who has been married here for eight years and has four children all living here in a Housing Board flat.”
“Perhaps when the Minister replies he will want to use it. Sir, the woman has been here for eight years. She was married in the Singapore Registry of Marriages. Four children were born in Singapore and they are now living in a Housing Board flat.”
“Sir, the Minister has set a specific number of hours and he says. "Well, if they do their part-time national service in 12 years they will have to do so many hours of work, and if we reduce it to five years, then they must perform the same number of hours of duties." This would mean that they have to go for duty practically everyday.”
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“Sir, as the Minister seems to agree with all my suggestions, I am just wondering whether we should make a $10 reduction after all. However, we have waited five years for amendments to the Act, and with his assurance that it will definitely be amended this time, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. 6.08 p.m. [Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair]”
“Further restrictions under the Co-operative Societies Act are not necessarily conducive to their orderly progress. I hope that we need not have to wait for another five years before something is done by the Co-operative Development Division. What we need to do now is not amendments to the Co-operative Societies Act but perhaps re-writing the whole Act. 5.45 p.m.”
“The provisions and rules made thereunder do not, therefore, take cognizance of the changed economic and social conditions now prevailing in the Republic. It is now agreed by the authorities as well as those connected with various co-operative societies that the Act requires substantial amendments. In fact, in April, 1973, the Registry of Co-operative Societies called in an ILO expert, Dr Jurgen Von Muralt, to look into the matter. Having held discussions with various people, including the NTUC, Dr Muralt is on record as saying that the Act requires re-writing. However, since then no further developments appear to have taken place. Apart from the provisions applying to meetings, quorums and filing of various returns with the Registry of Co-operatives, the items which require looking into are: (1) The 6 per cent limit on the dividends on the capital of a co-operative society. (2) Provisions for reserves. (3) Restrictions on investments. As banks and other financial institutions currently allow much more than 6 per cent interest on their fixed deposits, it is difficult for the co-operative societies to attract the necessary capital funds. While for some primary societies the provisions under (2) and (3), i.e, provisions for reserves and restrictions on investments, might have been useful in the olden days they are unduly restrictive if the co-operatives want to enlarge their field of operation. This is especially so in the case of non-primary societies operating in specialised fields such as insurance and banking. These societies are also governed by specific Acts such as the Insurance Act and the Banking Act which do regulate appropriately their investments and reserve policies.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head KA be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead HA 1111+. (+ The same amendment also stood in the names of Messrs J. F. Conceicao, P. Govindaswamy and Ho Kah Leong.) Mr Speaker, Sir, as early as April, 1969, I complained about the existence of the archaic Co-operative Ordinance. May I quote myself from Hansard, Vol. 28, col. 1005? `whether he [that is, the Minister] is aware that the Co-operative Societies Ordinance which was last amended in 1955, is outdated and if he will consider setting up a committee comprising officials from the Co-operative Development Division, the co-operative movement and the trade union movement to review the Ordinance;' Let me now quote the reply given then in the same column of the Hansard. `.., the Ministry will consider making amendments, if necessary, to the Ordinance in order to meet the practical difficulties which co-operative societies have experienced with the existing Ordinance.' Sir, these words were spoken in April, 1969, five years ago. Since then, the Ordinance has become more archaic now. Perhaps it should go to the National Museum. Sir, we are happy to note, however, that the Minister is inclined to help the NTUC co-operatives, as may be necessary in recognition of the services they are rendering towards consumers by offering them goods and services at fair prices. To curb undue profiteering and to stabilise prices, co-operative ventures should be given all encouragement. In this connection, I would like to draw the attention of the House to the Co-operative Societies Act which was promulgated as far back as 1925 but has not undergone much basic change in the meanwhile.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The Chairman: Mr Conceicao, amendment (5)*. * The amendment, standing in the name of Mr J. F. Conceicao, reads as follows: (5) That the sum to be allocated for Head KA be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead FA 1111.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister is complaining of the same complaint that I have made! Where do we go from here? Pressing the Ministry of Finance for yet more staff would not be enough. He has the support of the Members from this side of the House, but I am afraid he is not fighting hard enough. Since 1968, i.e, for six years, the strength has still been only four legal officers and one Director; only five officers since 1968. On the one hand we have some departments, bureaux and units where more people are not necessary, and on the other hand we are short of officers in some departments. Perhaps the Minister should fight harder, if necessary, to get more men in the Legal Aid Bureau.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head KA be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead EA 1107. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Legal Aid Bureau provides a commendable service to our unfortunate citizens who are unable to obtain the services of a private legal counsel. It is very obvious that more and more of our citizens are seeking assistance from the Legal Aid Bureau. It is known that one may have to wait for a considerable period of time before aid can be given because of the pressure of work and the number of cases the legal officers have to deal with. The waiting period for legal assistance is becoming longer and longer. I do not apportion any blame at all either to the Director of Legal Aid or to his officers because of the shortage of manpower. Sir, since 1968 there has been no in-crease at all in the number of legal officers assigned to the Bureau. In 1968, that is, six years ago, there were four legal officers, other than the Director. Today, with the increase in the workload and in the number of people seeking legal assistance, the establishment strength remains the same. If this position is not improved, the time will come when the whole machinery of the Bureau is bogged down, and the very purpose for which the Bureau has been set up would be defeated. I hope the Minister for Social Affairs will not refer me to the Minister for Finance.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, after listening to the Member for Jalan Kayu and his calculations, I am sure that he did not take into consideration what the Ministry of Culture has been thinking of. Somehow or other, knowing our Finance Minister and the Minister for Culture, I have no doubt that they are thinking of increasing the rates for TV licences. That may also add to the unnecessary spending. When the Minister or his Parliamentary Secretary gives an answer to this subhead, I would be happy if he could let me know whether or not there is any intention to increase the TV licence charges when colour TV is introduced.”
“What else can I do, Sir, but to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Mr P. Govindaswamy (Anson): Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head JA be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead BA 1109. Sir, what sort of censorship is imposed on the presentation of commercial advertisements over TV Singapore? Some advertisements show youths with long hair romping around speaking of the virtues of a cough mixture. Surely advertisements of this nature could have been done away with. Even in the press some advertisements with dubious claims are still being published. Often the victims are women. For example, there is an advertisement that claims to reduce a person's weight in minutes. The people who answered these advertisements claimed that they have been swindled, as the services provided were not in accord with what these advertisements claimed. Again, there was another advertisement showing a quack doctor recommending a certain drug for certain cures. This is mere propaganda. An advertisement of this nature is misleading and the advertiser is only interested in swindling people of their honest earnings.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, perhaps after that little confusion I may be allowed to move my amendment. Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head JA be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AC 1201. Sir, I am not against anti-smoking. This amendment is moved in order to seek clarification only. The Anti-Smoking Advertisement Unit has an appropriation of about $46,000 for the financial year 1974. What does this Unit do, Sir? As far as I know, occasionally we see frightening anti-smoking advertisements on TV and anti-smoking posters on notice boards. Other than this, is this Unit responsible for anything else? If this is all that they do, then could not this work be done by the Publicity Division of the Ministry of Culture, which has an appropriation of about $2 million? In these days of manpower shortage, to tie up one Division II officer and five Division III officers in this little Anti-Smoking Unit is a luxury that we can ill-afford.”
“Sir, in view of the fact that we have not debated the Ministry of Finance yet, the Member for Kim Seng will have another opportunity. On that note I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $3,348,590 for Head HF ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $1,349,000 for Head HF ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.”
“That is right. That was just an opening for other Members to open up. One of the questions that I would like to ask is the rabbit that he pulled out of his hat just now: is it an indication as to whether we are seriously going towards MRT, or not? The way he said it by quoting the oil-rich country, Caracas, Venezuela, that by doing away with their subway they were saving the money for other purposes, are we going to do away with MRT as a result of this restriction on private cars coming into the City during peak hours? And is he trying to get away from the fact that perhaps we need MRT, if not now, in the future? Will the Minister please answer?”
“Sir, I rise to seek some clarification. The Minister's statement just now arose from an amendment that I have moved. There are two points, Sir,If it is to be taken as a Ministerial statement, then perhaps we will be allowed to ask questions. But if it is going to be treated as part of the debate on the amendment, then we can open up.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head HF be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AA 1109*. (*The same amendment also stood in the names of Messrs Teong Eng Siong, J. F. Conceicao, Chin Harn Tong, Sia Khoon Seong, P. Govindaswamy and Ivan Baptist.) In moving this amendment today, it is not at all my intention to flog the dead buses, especially after the banner headlines that the Minister for Communications got in today's newspapers of his pledge on the buses. However, Sir, you are aware that this issue was debated under the Minister's subhead which should really have been on the policy of the Communications Ministry. The guillotine time this year has been very, very sharp, and the Minister did not really have sufficient time to say all that he wanted to say about the buses. He said yesterday, if I remember correctly, that he would have something more to inform the House in respect of public transport in Singapore, when this subject comes up for debate under the Head, Registry of Vehicles. This amendment of mine, therefore, is moved in order to provide the Minister with the opportunity.”
“Sir, with that explanation, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $27,820,350 for Head HE ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $635,000 for Head HE ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head HF --”
“Sir, before other Members stand up and ask for post offices, let me say that I am satisfied with the post office that is to be built in Telok Blangah. But there is one problem which has been bothering me and if you remember, Sir, I also raised it yesterday. It is in connection with the Post Office Savings Bank located in the post offices. Yesterday I asked about the need for subsidising the POSB by providing certain sums of money from public funds for the payment of incentives to induce children to save. Post offices are also providing space for the POSB. Would the Minister of State enlighten me as to whether the POSB do pay rental to the post office? Or is the POSB being indirectly subsidised from public funds by way of rental subsidy?”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head HE be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AA 3004*. (* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr Ng Yeow Chong.) Sir, I have moved this amendment in order to seek clarification and also to get information. Under the Development Estimates, $310,000 is to be set aside for new post offices. My query is, where are these post offices to be located? To be more specific, is there provision for a new poet office in Telok Blangah New Town? The Telok Blangah constituency has no post office at all. With the completion of the first phase of the Telok Blangah New Town project, hundreds of families have moved in, and 500 new housing units will be balloted on 4th April this year. Phases 2, 3 and 4 are also expected to be ready in a year or two. It is, therefore, important that a new post office be provided for Telok Blangah New Town.”
“I do not wish to withdraw, Sir. Question on the amendment put, and negatived. The time allotted for Head HB having expired, the following amendment, standing in the name of Mr N. Govindasamy, was not proceeded with - (2) That the sum to be allocated for Head HB be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AA 1401. The sum of $795,470 for Head HB ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. Head HC --”
“All right, Sir,I will just tell the Minister this: if we want to have locally-registered ships, let us have genuine locally-registered ships and not ships registered under the "flag of convenience".”
“Sir, that is why I did not move my previous amendment. (2) Flag of convenience ships do not have to employ Singapore seamen, irrespective of whether they are union members or not. And if such ships take on foreign seamen there i5 no assurance that the ships will observe Singapore's provisions governing safety of ships. The odium associated with the loss of life, of property in the sinking of a "coffin" ship registered under the Singapore flag may outweigh whatever the benefit of allowing flag of convenience registration to Singapore. If most flag of convenience ships do not call at Singapore there is no means for Singapore to ensure that they observe certain safety provisions. (3) Having a large fleet of flag of convenience vessels does not mean our exporters and importers would be able to obtain concessions on the freight of goods to and from Singapore as these vessels would be either tied to one of the shipping conferences or be interested in making as much profit as they possibly can. (4) Our Port may not even benefit from the flag of convenience ships which may never have called at Singapore at all. Against all these disadvantages, we have (1) the dubious prestige of a nation with a substantial mercantile navy whose individual ship-owners and masters may not even know where Singapore is, and (2) the revenue from the taxation on the earnings of the vessels. If the skill of land-based enterprises in avoiding taxation is any indication, the revenue from this source can hardly amount to much. The Chairman: Order. We have passed guillotine time. But if the Member will stop now, I will give the Minister two minutes to reply.”
“For the registration of foreign vessels under Singapore flag, the owners only need to hire a desk-space and the use of an office address. They need not employ Singapore crew. Many of them do not. They employ crew which is known as "crew of convenience." In other words, they register ships here which need not come to Singapore shores and need not employ local crew. Even if the ships call at Singapore regularly, the ship-owners can still employ foreign crew openly and with the blessing of the Director of Marine. It may be claimed that the "flag of convenience" has the same effect on organised seamen just as a red rag is commonly supposed to incite a bull. I do not deny that trade unions, particularly of seamen, have very strong views on and are very firmly opposed to the "flag of convenience" registration. 7.45 p.m. But let us look at the problem in as an objective manner as we can. On the one hand we have the following disadvantages: - (1) Nothing much, if anything at all, is gained by Singapore by way of foreign exchange either as investment or earnings. The investment that accrues to Singapore upon registration is wholly or mostly tied up with the ships which are extremely mobile. Although flag of convenience ships are required to maintain a business address in Singapore, their actual operational office is situated elsewhere to which their earnings are remitted.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head HB be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AA 1107. Sir, under this Head, I am again going to speak on "flag of convenience" vessels. Singapore has been listed internationally as a country that welcomes "flag of convenience" registration. Sir, I submit once again that in return for all the incentives that Singapore offers to "flag of convenience" ships, such registration brings no benefit to Singapore at all other than perhaps the dubious prestige of having its name appearing in the Lloyd's Register as a country with a sizable shipping tonnage. I do not think that we should get into the Register at the cost of getting ourselves associated and lumped together with countries such as Panama, Liberia, Somalia and Honduras, which are our notorious predecessors in allowing their flags to be lightly used by shipowners. As I have mentioned during the Budget debate, ships registered under the flag of a country need not have to call at a port of the country of their nominal flag, not even for the initial registration at all. Many of the ships registered under "flag of convenience" may continue to sail the seven seas but without ever touching the shores of the country whose flag the ships are flying. The foreign ship-owners of vessels presently registered under the Singapore flag are birds of passage, who would not have the slightest hesitation of changing to another flag of registration if there arc better pickings to be made under the new flag. I mentioned this, and I repeat, that Singapore's good name and its flag are being tarnished if we continue to tolerate the practice of "flag of convenience" registration.”
“No, Sir,I would rather not move this amendment, but I prefer to speak on my next amendment which I consider much more important.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in view of the fact that guillotine time is approaching, I am not moving my amendment.”
“It is my sincere hope that the Ministry of Communications would take this matter up with the Ministry of Finance and perhaps advise that the POSB is in a sound financial footing and that the POSB can afford to pay the incentives, if necessary. I hope next year this provision will not appear under this Head. On that note, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr N. Govindasamy - (3) That the sum to be allocated for Head HA be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AA 3001. The Chairman: Mr N. Govindasamy, amendment No. (3).”
“Sir, I have no quarrel at all with the incentives. Let us have further incentives, if necessary. But the POSB is a money-making statutory board. Use the money from the POSB to give the incentives - but why public funds?”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head HA be reduced by $10 in respect of item (b) of subhead AA 2730. Sir, the Post Office Savings Bank is a statutory board in banking business, and it should be in a position to lend money to others and to make more money. I have no doubt that the POSB is just doing that and is in a very sound financial position. That being the case, Sir, my query is, why is this $20,000-contribution from public funds made to encourage students to save money in the POSB? I am sure the POSB can well afford this as well as think of other incentives to encourage savings not only from our students but also from the people of Singapore as a whole. In view of the fact that the interest in the bank rate and fixed deposits has increased, would the Post Office Savings Bank consider increasing its interest rates to depositors? Income tax exemption for POSB interest is not a sufficient incentive for deposits in the POSB as the bulk of its depositors are in an income group that does not pay income tax in any case.”
“I am sure the Member for Katong will have his time, if he wants. Sir, as I was about to say before I was rudely interrupted, soft loans should be provided with sufficient safeguards to see that Government-nominated officials sit on the directorate of the SBS to make sure that the loans given are properly utilised. Another area, Sir, that has to be looked into is the management of the SBS. We have been told time and time again by the Minister that the SBS is the only one that has the expertise in public transport in Singapore. Sir, I beg to disagree. From what we have seen of its expertise, that is, the expertise of the SBS, it is only vested in the Managing Director, if at all we can call him an expert. It is commonly known that the SBS is a one-man show. Sir, is it true that whenever there is any problem between the SBS and the workers, the management threatens to throw in the towel? If this is true, then I fear we are in for more difficult times in respect of public transport in Singapore.”
“This is not easy for him. Nobody would dispute with me if I say that driving in Singapore, with road congestions, is no welcome proposition. Those of us who drive to office would testify to that fact. What makes it worse for the bus driver is driving an old rickety bus over long distances, with frequent stops, going into and steering out of bus bays, changing gears hundreds of times during a journey. This can be killing for the bus drivers. Can we really blame the driver if at times he loses his temper? I lose my temper hundreds of times driving in our congested roads, and I do not drive as often as the bus driver. He is on the road for as much as 10 hours a day. It is about time that we replaced new buses equipped with automatic transmission and power steering. Let me hasten to add, Sir, that this is going to cost the SBS more, and it is not going to be well-received, considering the additional finance required. But at the same time, I am glad to hear, Sir, that the jumbo buses introduced recently are equipped with power steering. 6.30 p.m. Sir, we accept that public transport is a public utility, and we are satisfied that SBS does not have sufficient capital to provide reasonable commuter transport services, and they need improvement. I would therefore suggest that the Government look into the possibility of either providing tax relief to the SBS in order that additional funds may be made available for the purchase of new buses. Or if this is not accepted, then the Government should look into the possibility of providing soft loans for the purchase of new vehicles.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I have been waiting at the "Registry of Vehicles" all this while to get into the bus. Everybody else has got into the bus. It is about time I got in. Sir, as the Member for Moulmein has pointed out, in the past few days we have heard so much about the inefficient public transport services. Complaints were made against the SBS, the Ministry of Communications, and even the commuters and bus employees. I am not going to touch on similar issues. The Minister for Communications, Sir, has categorically stated that the Government has no intention of taking over the bus transport service. I am not going to pursue the matter as I too am not in favour of the Government taking over the SBS. However, Sir, the Minister admitted that public transport is a public utility, and as such it is the intention of the Government to see that we have a reasonable public transport service in Singapore. Sir, I fear that from what we know of the financial position of SBS, I have no doubt that the SBS will not be able to introduce the required number of new buses into the service in the foreseeable future. In this respect, I welcome the supplementary lorry-bus service which utilises school buses and goods vehicles for public transport. I also agree with the Member for Moulmein that the commuter transport system has been a relief somewhat as a result of the introduction of the supplementary service. Sir, in the heated argument about public transport in the last few days, we have forgotten to consider the difficulties faced by the bus drivers in Singapore. We were busy accusing everybody. Sir, since the reorganisation of the bus services, the distance between terminals has been lengthened. As a result, the bus driver now has to drive a longer distance than he was used to.”
“Sir, it is sad to hear, year after year, everyone speaking about the shortage of personnel in the Factory Inspectorate, and again this year. The Ministry has got one additional post of Factory Inspector for this year. The important thing is not just the addition of one post but the number of Factory Inspectors that remain with the Ministry of Labour. That is the point, Sir. I had an occasion to interview safety officers for a statutory board which is required to employ safety officers as a result of legislation which requires safety officers to be employed among its employees. There were no less than three Inspectors from the Ministry of Labour who applied for this job, and all of them had been in the Ministry for just one year, with practically no experience in the job that they were expected to do. The problem therefore is not just the number of Factory Inspectors in the Ministry. What I want to know is the sort of training that they undergo, and how equipped they are to perform their duties as expected of them. I would be satisfied even with the present number of Inspectors only if they could remain in the Labour Ministry consistently and if they are sufficiently capable of performing their duties.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, the ways of the Government are sometimes undiscernible. The Parliamentary Secretary did not answer my question really. I have got no quarrel now that the renting of premises in Singapore is a temporary measure until such time when the PUB moves out of the present place. The questions I raised were: (1) why not use one of the Government's premises available? (2) if we are renting them, where are they located, and from whom are we renting? As to the second part about accommodation for overseas missions, I thought the prudent way was to buy rather than rent. Money paid for rent goes down the drain. If it is not possible for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to buy the premises outright, could they not share premises with our State-owned companies abroad, or with other statutory boards in certain countries, which have their own premises or rented premises? 6.30 p.m.”
“Sir, I would like to thank the Member for Moulmein for being a spokesman for the Ministry of Finance. Sir, I am sure the Ministry of Finance can look after itself, and so can the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I hope.”
“Sir, in subhead AA 2310, provision is made for rental of premises for headquarters. I presume this is for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore Office. This is a new provision. Government has taken over so many buildings from the British Armed Forces, and these are being rented out to private individuals and companies. Can the Minister therefore inform the House as to why should our Government rent premises in Singapore when it is one of the biggest landlords in Singapore? To what use are these new premises going to be put? Where are these premises to be rented? Sir, in respect of subhead BA 2310, Rental of premises for Overseas Missions, this is the first time that the provision appears in the Main Estimates, although it is indicated that $1.79 million was appropriated for FY 1973. The appropriation for this year is $2.5 million. I have also noticed that there is no appropriation of funds in the Development Estimates for either Headquarters or Overseas Missions. If we are renting premises in Singapore and overseas for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, would it not be more prudent to look into the possibility of purchasing suitable premises instead? I think this will cover what the Member for Katong was trying to say earlier on under a wrong subhead. Everybody knows, Sir, that real estate appreciates, but rentals once paid out is money lost. Sir, perhaps we may have some premises overseas which were bought prudently on our own, and if we do own land or property abroad, I would like to be enlightened.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head FA be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AA 2310. Sir, with your permission, can I speak on my next amendment in respect of subhead BA 2310?* No other Member * The amendment reads as follows: (5) That the sum to be allocated for Head FA be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead BA 2310. has given notice of the next subhead, and my queries are similar in respect of both subheads.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“In regard to standards and effectiveness, I am pleased to be able to inform the Member who raised the question that in spite of the absence of a long established tradition of diplomacy, our diplomats have quickly acquired the expertise and experience which have enabled them very effectively to represent our national interests on a global basis. Our diplomats have exercised a high degree of flexibility in the use of limited manpower resources available to them. They have continued to show themselves very capable of reacting pragmatically to international developments and in the face of increasing complexities in international relations and diplomacy, our officers have successfully assumed the responsibilities of the modern diplomat. Their objective assessment and appreciation of major political trends have helped Singapore to adjust and cope with the tremendous changes in the world since 1965. The quality of our overseas missions is, by any measure of international standard, satisfactory. The Singapore Foreign Service as a whole has made significant contributions to the political and economic well-being of Singapore. 6.15 p.m.”
“There have been considerable difficulties in finding suitable candidates to head our overseas missions, and sometimes it has been found that rather than have an ineffective head from the point of view of experience, language qualifications or administrative capabilities, it is better to have a Charge d'Affaires who is properly qualified to carry out these important representational functions in the country to which he is accredited. In fact, the inference might be that Charge d'Affaires are not as effective as Ambassadors. Well, this need not be so, whether they be our own Charge d'Affaires or those of other countries accredited to Singapore. There are, for example, several Charge d'Affaires in Singapore who have been here for many years and they have carried out their functions effectively. For example, from one of the Arab countries themselves, although they have an embassy here, it has never been manned by an Ambassador. Ever since the embassy of the former United Arab Republic, now Arab Republic of Egypt, was set up here, they have always had a Charge d'Affaires as head of mission. Again, because of the difficulties of finding suitable ambassadors and also because the Singapore Foreign Service is a very young one, which will not for some time produce career officers to fill head of mission appointments, it is desirable to continue to appoint Charge d'Affaires. Because of its status and position, Charge d'Affaires can be found from the more senior Foreign Service officers. This system permits also the opportunity for Foreign Service officers to gain experience and knowledge as well as the training necessary for them to be promoted to the higher appointments in the Foreign Service.”
“A trained officer is being sent to our missions for this purpose. These systems vary with the locality and requirements of the owner of the building in which our chanceries are accommodated. If, by the expression "to intensify security arrangements", the Member for Anson has in mind the presence in our chanceries of uniformed guards, then I should like to point out that under Article 22 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, `The receiving state is under a special duty to take all appropriate steps to protect the premises of the missions against intrusion or damage and to prevent any disturbance of the peace of the missions or impairment of its dignity.' So the Member will appreciate that in view of the provisions of Article 22 of the Vienna Convention, it would not be a good diplomatic move to post our own security officers to missions. However, to allay fears of the Member for Anson about the security of our chanceries abroad, I should like to state that a review of the existing physical security arrangements in our missions has already begun. Two Members asked why there were many Charge d'Affaires manning our missions abroad and why they should not be replaced by Ambassadors or High Commissioners. The fact is that in all our missions abroad there are only four Charge d'Affaires, as compared with a total of 16 heads of missions, that is, Ambassadors and High Commissioners. The number of Charge d'Affaires is therefore not unduly large.”
“To say that the two Arabs were ignorant of Singapore's independence would be perhaps out of place, particularly when they were with two Japanese Red Army guerillas. The other point that the Member made was that the action was directed towards Singapore. It is now common knowledge that the guerillas themselves said that their action at Pulau Bukom was not directed against Singapore or the people of Singapore and that they had done it to support the revolutionary struggle of the Vietnamese people. There was one other point which the Member for Geylang Serai had made which I cannot remember. Perhaps he might want to raise it later. The Member for Anson mentioned about security. What security measures are being arranged at our missions abroad? The practice is to send an officer, trained in security, to missions as soon as a chancery building has been rented out or purchased. His task is to study the physical security arrangement required to make the chancery secure from intrusion. In practically all our chanceries there is a strong room in which classified materials are safely kept. Whenever possible, windows and doors giving access to the chancery are reinforced by installing grills. In chanceries with a wall-fence, strands of barbed wire have been mounted on the wall-fence to provide additional security. In certain missions there are officers trained in security amongst the Singapore staff. In chanceries which are housed in a block of offices, grill doors have been installed as a security measure, but generally there are security guards to look after the safety of a block of offices in which our chancery is housed, for example, our chanceries in Tokyo and Manila. However, there is now under review the security system in existence in all our chanceries generally.”
“As to the Member's other questions such as why do we have very few foreign missions in Arab countries, and his experience on his pilgrimage to Mecca where he was asked by Arabs he met in the holy city as to where Singapore was, and whether it was independent or not, I can only say that it is quite possible that not only Arabs but also people of other nationalities anywhere in the world might not know about conditions in Singapore and whether or not it is independent. I do not think that Mecca is the only place where the people arc perhaps not so informed or ignorant about Singapore's political status. We can find as many such people all over the world as there are Singaporeans also, who are ignorant of conditions in other countries. In that connection also, it is known to all of us here that not only have we not got many representations or missions in Arab countries other than Cairo and Beirut, but in fact, in Singapore itself, there are only two representations or missions of Arab countries. They are the Arab Republic of Egypt and Saudi Arabia, although many more Arab countries exist not only in West Asia but also in North Africa. The Member for Geylang Serai also made reference to the attempted sabotage in Singapore by what he called Arabs. They are, to be precise, Palestinians. He said that possibly they came here without knowing that Singapore was independent, and that they attempted to sabotage the refineries at Pulau Bukom. I am rather skeptical of his reasons because the two Palestinians, all of us know, were accompanied by two Japanese. They came in, I am told, with passports. I am sure that before they came into Singapore they had gone to some place to get visas. Wherever they had gone to, they would have found out that Singapore is independent.”
“Thus it was that in 1966 missions were established in London to cover not only Great Britain but also Western Europe; in Canberra and Wellington to cover also other countries in the Australian region, and so on. The mission established in Cairo in 1967 was to cover the North African states and one of the Arab countries, which is Lebanon. Indeed, the Ambassador in Cairo is concurrently accredited to three other countries, namely, Ethiopia, Yugoslavia and Pakistan. However, the rapid changes that have and are taking place in the international scene, particularly in West Asia, have made it necessary for an assessment of the adequacy or otherwise of our present representation in West Asia. This has led me to believe, especially after our recent visit to the West Asian countries, that it will be to the mutual interest and benefit of Singapore and West Asian countries themselves that two or three missions be set up in certain West Asian countries. But the setting up of those missions has to be gradual, that is to say, we could first set them up at consulate status and at a later stage raise them to embassy status. Turning now to the second question posed by the Member for Geylang Serai relating to the continued presence of a Charge d'Affaires instead of an Ambassador in Cairo, since that Ambassador became our Ambassador in Jakarta, the Member may not be aware that it involves time to select a person with the necessary skill and qualities for appointment as Ambassador. As language is a basic tool of a diplomat, the problem of selecting an Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt has been compounded by the dearth of prominent Arab-speaking citizens of Singapore. However, efforts to select a suitable person are still being made.”
“When will the vacancies of heads of missions be filled? Encik A. Rahim Ishak: Heads of missions represent Singapore overseas. The appointment of a High Commissioner or Ambassador is made after a careful and thorough selection of candidates with the personality and skill to carry out the important functions of head of mission. The process of selection necessarily takes time but nominations have already been made, and hopefully the existing vacant posts of Ambassadors and High Commissioners will be filled during the course of this year. The Members for Telok Blangah and Geylang Serai mentioned about why there are not more new embassies in West Asia. When Singapore gained independence on the 9th of August, 1965, the primary task of the newly instituted Foreign Ministry then Was to plan carefully where missions should be established apart from gaining membership in the United Nations. The setting up of missions and maintaining them is a costly business. Therefore, taking into consideration Singapore's economy in the early years of independence, it was essential that missions should be established in carefully selected countries first. 6.00 p.m. [Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair] The criterion then was that the political climate in the country must be conducive to the setting up of a mission which would not only help to further Singapore's national interest but would also facilitate communications and exchange of views with the receiving State to the mutual interest of Singapore and the State concerned. For the sake of economy, it was also essential that the country should be strategically placed, thus facilitating communications and exchange of views with countries in the region through the expedience of multiple accreditation.”
“Sir, in moving this amendment, I seek clarification from the Minister on our overseas missions. As early as 1968, we had made provision for 15 overseas missions. That was seven years ago. Last year we also made provision for 15 overseas missions, and this year we have increased the number by one. Where is this additional mission to be located? Since 1968, Singapore as a nation has come a long way. I appreciate the desirability of setting up embassies and high commissions only in places where our interest will be best served. I do not envisage ambitious overseas missions set up for the sole purpose of prestige only. I also appreciate the difficulty in finding suitable personnel to represent our nation in our overseas missions. Nevertheless, I am of the view that our interests can be better served by our own missions in selected countries in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and West Asia which are becoming more and more important in relation to our industrial expansion and foreign trade. The 15 Ambassadors and High Commissioners we have are in many cases accredited to more than one country. In the long-term interest this may not be desirable as they would not be able to do justice to their appointments. I am perturbed by the fact that at least two of our embassies abroad are manned by Charge d'Affaires, with vacancies of the top posts not filled for a long period. When will these vacancies be filled? I would also like the Minister to inform the House how many of our Consulates abroad are looked after by Honorary Consuls, and for what length of time have they been Honorary Consuls? Has the Minister any plans to set up more Consulates of this nature?”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head FA be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead BA 1105*. (*The same amendment also stood in the names of Encik Rahmat Bin Kenap Al-Haj and Mr P. Govindaswamy.) Sir, I have another amendment in respect of subhead BA 1106+. No other Member has given notice of that amendment and, with your permission, I would like to take both these subheads together. + The amendment reads as follows: That the sum to be allocated for Head FA be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead BA 1106.”
“On a point of order, Sir, I think there is a separate subhead where matters in respect of High Commissions and Embassies should rightly be dealt with. I am just wondering if the Member for Sembawang is beating the gun to it.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $3,562,880 for Head CA ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $50,199,970 for Head CA ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head DA --”
“Sir, since you have stretched it, I thought I would say-”
“Sir, I am grateful to the Minister for enlightening me that the Unit was set up in 1970, and not in 1971. But I go by the Main Estimates, Sir, and the first time we allocated funds for the Unit was in the 1971 Estimates. It is possible that they set up the Unit earlier and asked for money later. Sir, the very fact that the Minister for the Environment is replying to this amendment bears out the fact that the Unit should be under the Ministry of the Environment, and not the Prime Minister's Office.”