Ng Kah Ting
Singapore
“Mr Speaker, Sir, before I ask my supplementary question, may I declare, on behalf of the Member for Kebun Baru and myself, that we are both involved in the building of Montfort Secondary School and Montfort Junior School both of which are Government-aided schools. My question now, Sir, is: when will this take effect?”
“But, Sir, at the end of this debate on the Second Reading and the Bill committed to a Select Committee, I sincerely hope that all those who have the interest of Singapore at heart should come forward and make their contributions, be they critical or ways and means on how better we can improve upon this Bill.”
“But the basic foundation, I submit, and that is, the political stability-honest, efficient and an incorruptible political leadership-is paramount to the future well-being of Singapore, and that is, if we are to continue to enjoy our good standard of living, our good government and of course as an independent, sovereign entity or nation.”
“Sir, I knew that the NCMP would come out and say that-don't mix up the ISA with PPSO because basically it is the same. I say, no. Because in 1958, PAP was not in power. It was the Lim Yew Hock government. That is the difference I am trying to make. So let us not go around in this wild political rhetoric. I understand that.”
“Sir, before I make my observations, I just want to make a couple of points in reply to the Non-Constituency MP, Dr Lee. He said that in 1958 when he was asked to stand as a PAP candidate in Kallang he was afraid of the ISA. I do not think that is quite correct because in 1958, Sir, there was no ISA.”
“We should take advantage of the present political stability to provide for the future. In conclusion, Sir, let me draw an analogy. With Singapore being the No. 1 port in the world, this analogy is not inappropriate.”
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“Sir, I would like to seek clarification from the Hon. Minister on the matter of administering the punishment of the rotan on those convicted for drug trafficking. I would like to know whether the number of strokes of the rotan are administered at one and the same time or are they meted out over different periods. I ask this question, Sir, because in a discussion with some hon. Members I got the impression that if a convicted person gets the rotan punishment all at one time, then the impact is felt. But if the punishment is given over a period of time, then even a penalty of 100 strokes of the rotan will not have any deterrent effect at all.”
“Sir, if there is no intention to delete, then I am all for it. I am asking this question because, as I mentioned just now at the beginning of the Committee stage, there are so many amendments to this important Bill.”
“Sir, may I seek clarification from the Hon. Minister regarding the insertion of a dash against the originally proposed punishment of a maximum of 20 years or $40,000 or both and a minimum of 3 years or $5,000 or both, in respect of an offence for the cultivation of cannabis, opium, coca plant. I ask this question because in this Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill, heavy penalties are to be imposed for those who are involved in drug trafficking. This is rightly so. Therefore, I do not know why the Minister is proposing to leave out the punishment provisions. For myself I do not think it should be deleted, otherwise it destroys the spirit of the entire Bill because the person who cultivates cannabis, opium, coca plant is indirectly involved in drug trafficking. And as the Hon. Minister has rightly pointed out, it will undermine the moral fibre of our society, the very structure of it. This will help destroy our society. So I think if we are to leave out these punishment provisions, it would not do any good. In fact, it should stand as it is.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I just want to seek clarification here. I wonder whether this Bill has been thoroughly scrutinised during its drafting stage. I notice that the Minister has filed a series of amendments which are not only consequential but substantial in nature. I would just like to get an assurance from the Minister that the Bill has been carefully considered. A Bill of this nature which introduces the death penalty should, in the first instance, be carefully thought out, planned, and drafted, and there should be no cause for subsequent amendments as we do now have. Surely there was ample time for all these subsequent amendments to be incorporated in the draft Bill itself.”
“"The SSC will look into this" is a different matter. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the BilI.-[Encik Othman Bin Wok]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 4.30 p.m.”
“Sir, this question is definitely relevant because if the Bill seeks to amend section 8 of the Singapore Sports Council Act, 1973, to enable the Council to establish and manage sports clubs, then it means that the SSC will definitely have to have some sort of funds to manage not only the facilities but also the Constituency Sports Clubs that may be constituted at a later stage. Therefore, my question is relevant.”
“Sir, I think the Hon. Minister has not got my point. I am talking about the Constituency Sports Associations. The Constituency Sports Association in my constituency can very well look after itself easily enough, even though it has to pay 40% income tax on the excess of its income over expenditure. My question is this. As far as I can remember, when the construction of the National Stadium was first mooted, the Singapore Pools (Pte) Ltd, was formed and, to a certain extent, the profits of Singapore Pools were to be ploughed back for the construction of the Stadium. Subsequently, the National Sports Promotion Board was dissolved and the Singapore Sports Council was set up by statute. Now, I am given the impression that the SSC has been experiencing some difficulties with regard to funds to promote or provide more sports facilities for the inter-constituency sports activities; not for the Constituency Sports Associations in particular.”
“Sir, I do not quite understand what the Hon. Minister means when he says that "the Singapore Sports Council will look into the matter". I have asked my question after having made a search into past Hansard records which state that the source of funds would, to a certain extent, come from the Singapore Pools (Pte) Ltd.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to ask the Hon. Minister for Social Affairs one question. While I welcome the introduction of this amendment Bill, would the Hon. Minister inform the House as to the source of funds for the Singapore Sports Council to enable it to establish and manage the various sports clubs and their facilities?”
“So it appears to me that it is a case of passing the buck from one Minister to another. I do not see why this particular matter has been passed on to the Minister for Finance.”
“The Member for Boon Teck mentioned just now that he and his trade union colleagues are concerned with this provision for children above the age of 12 to be gainfully employed in any industrial undertaking. I too am concerned. To me, this would mean that certain skills have got to be acquired at a tender age, and there are various types of skills available to fit into this particular scheme. I do not think there will be exploitation of young labour by employers because certain skills are rather specialised in nature and its supply may be limited. In the long run, the child concerned will benefit from his apprenticeship or from his course of training. It is the ultimate that Singapore looks forward to because we do not have, apart from human resources, other sources to rely on. Therefore, every person in Singapore, especially the so-called dropouts and their parents, should realise that everyone must, work for a living and, as the Prime Minister has said, "The world does not owe us a living." Mr Ho See Beng (Bras Basah): Mr Speaker, Sir, I have a very minor point to make on this amendment Bill. If this Bill is passed, it appears that if an employer wishes to pay a bigger bonus or a bigger annual wage supplement he should apply for approval from the Finance Minister to do so. The Finance Minister is in charge of the economy of the State. If the economy is bad, the Finance Minister might say, "All right, this year we allow the workers an increase of 5%." But why should the Finance Minister be in charge of the economy of a commercial organisation? If at all approval is necessary, I would say that they should get approval from the Prime Minister who heads the Cabinet. Industrial matters come within the portfolio of the Minister for Labour.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to speak in support of the sentiments expressed by the Member for Boon Teck as well as to give my support to the Bill. However, Sir, I would like to elaborate a little on clause 6 of the Bill which seeks to repeal and to re-enact sections 68 and 69 of the Employment Act. Clause 6 seeks to allow children of 12 years and above to accept gainful employment in any industrial undertaking. Sir, I have had on several occasions both inside and outside this House mentioned that there is a dire need for the Ministry of Education to look into the question of accommodating students, who could not go beyond the primary or secondary level, in vocational training institutions. Sir, today we are faced with a situation in which there are many thousands of children whom we call school dropouts. But I would not term them as "dropouts" if, in the light of this Employment (Amendment) Bill, children above the age of 12 years may obtain gainful employment. Sir, in this respect I would like to suggest to the Minister for Education that in the various courses organised by the Industrial Training Board and conducted by the vocational institutes there should be full encouragement for the mastering of skills at the basic level. This point has been amply elaborated on by my Friend, the Member for Boon Teck. However, what I cannot understand is that when I made the suggestion that the ITB should conduct courses leading to certain levels of skills, it was flatly turned down almost the day after my suggestion was made. And here, Sir, we have this Employment (Amendment) Bill which seeks to do just that.”
“Hear, hear! HAWKER CENTRE IN BRAS BASAH CONSTITUENCY (Building of) 8. Mr Ho See Beng asked the Minister for Law and the Environment whether he has any plan to build a hawker centre in the Bras Basah Constituency to accommodate the temporary licensed hawkers who are selling cooked food, some in backlanes and some in by-roads. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment (Mr Chor Yeok Eng) (for the Minister for Law and the Environment)(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, at present the Ministry of the Environment has no plans to build any market or hawker centre in the Bras Basah Constituency. However, I understand that the Housing and Development Board will be redeveloping the area and a hawker centre has been incorporated in the redevelopment plan for the Bras Basah Constituency. MUTUAL EXCHANGE OF HAWKER PITCHES (Policy) 9. Mr Ho See Beng asked the Minister for Law and the Environment whether he is aware that the application by two hawkers for permission to exchange their hawker pitches in Seah Street and Purvis Street respectively (which are in the same Constituency) by mutual consent, alleging that there were too many hawkers selling the same things near their pitches, was rejected by the Hawkers Department, and if he will clarify his Ministry's policy in regard to requests for such mutual exchange of hawker pitches.”
“Sir, I think the Acting Minister misunderstood me. What I mean is this. In view of the high turnover rate of these Division I officers, will he consider giving them extra perks similar to those enjoyed by the other categories of senior officers in the civil service?”
“Sir, if that is the case, would the Acting Minister for Culture consider the present scheme in which certain levels of senior officers are given extra perks in order to retain them in the civil service?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not know whether the Acting Minister for Culture would care to answer this question. Is he aware that sometimes there are slip-ups in the reading of the news bulletin over the FM stereo service at the 6.30 p.m. as well as the 7.00 o'clock news? There was an occasion when I heard the 6.30 news over the FM transmission, but when the news was repeated at 7.00 p.m., the reader said, "The time is now 6.30 p.m. Here is the news."”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am sure the Hon. Senior Minister of State for National Development will not disagree with me that eggs and poultry are a basic necessity of the people of Singapore. Would he not then consider encouraging the expansion and development of poultry farming when the opportunity presents itself? In putting my supplementary question I have taken into consideration the second last part of his answer that no more land will be given.”
“Sir, I think my colleague, the Member for Toa Payoh, is correct when he says that any cheque that is made out as an Order cheque is paid to the order of the person so named on the cheque. So unless the person has a bank account he will not be able to encash the cheque. But perhaps to get round it, the moneylender could state the borrower's name and identity card number on the cheque, without the need to cross it. This is my suggestion, Sir.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, whilst I fully support this Bill, I would like to seek clarification from the Minister with regard to clause 10, which is to insert a new section 48A (1), paragraph (i), and I quote: `(i) if, in the opinion of the Board, the flat, house or other living accommodation is not being occupied by such minimum number of persons as the Board may require; or' Sir, it may well be that a flat owner in the service of a company may be transferred out for an overseas assignment. It is also possible that his family will have to go along with him, and the flat will be left vacant. If this is the case, will the Minister consider, in view of the nature of work to which the flat owner is committed, allowing the owner to continue to own the flat in his name? I have come across a case which comes under this particular provision as laid down in this proposed new section 48A (1) (i) in clause 10 of the Bill. 3.15 p.m.”
“Sir, first of all, may I say that I fully support this amendment Bill. I would like to seek clarification from the Minister. 1 note that in the Explanatory Statement to the Bill a penalty not exceeding $500 will be imposed for non-compliance with this new requirement. I think this penalty is far too small a sum to impose. I believe that during the property boom land prices soared up to incredible levels. As a result, quite a number of landowners put up subdivisions of land for eventual sale. If that is the case, then the penalty on them must be heavy enough to deter them from taking the law into their own hands. I hope the Minister would care to clarify this point. Mr Barker: Sir, there is nothing to clarify. This is a new amendment and, in the light of what the Member for Kim Keat has stated, I would prefer to leave the maximum penalty at $500 rather than to impose a punishment which might be too punitive.”
“Sir, I beg your indulgence. The Minister has not replied to my question of police stations in the Housing Board estates. This is an important point and it has been mentioned before in previous debates - the Member for Toa Payoh can bear me out that Toa Payoh at one time was known as the Chicago of Singapore. So I hope the Minister will reply on this point.”
“Minister's assurance that so-called black sheep will be weeded and that law enforcement will be can out fairly, firmly and also impartially Sir, with regard to the forms punishment, I am happy to note I the police force will be very active bringing all criminals to book. I book that in the course of such duties they would press for deterrent terms punishment so that Singapore, as been stated in the Presidential Address will be a place in which the people live in peace and harmony.”
“Therefore, when Housing Board estates are being built, there should be a coordinating committee to look into the question of providing facilities such as police stations, so that whenever members of the public have any complaints to make, say, a case of theft or robbery, they will not be too inconvenienced by having to travel great distances. In other words, a police station should be at the doorstep of the high-rise flat dwellers. I would like to stress this point because thousands of Housing Board flats are being built every year, and they will accommodate about 70% of the population by 1980. When the Housing and Development Board was first set up in 1960, its object was to provide low-cost housing for the people. The question of policing the housing estates, in all probability, had not been considered and this has resulted in the sad fact that today the Home Affairs Ministry has thought it fit and proper to build more police stations. Sir, I would like to add that building police stations is one thing, getting the right material in relation the manpower is another. As I have said, the recruitment of police personal as well as enlisting full-time national servicemen into the police force is most welcome. I would also like to make the point with regard to cases of brutality on part of the police. I think if the Minister hears of this case again, he will "Please give me details, etc." But I making a general statement, because have come across a few cases my where some of my constituents have been arrested and kept in the police lock-up for quite some time. As I know it, the police has the authority to detain any person suspected of having committed a crime for a period of not more than two weeks. I would like to s the Hon.”
“Sir, I wholly agree with the sentiments expressed by both the Member for Katong and the Member for Sembawang. But I would also like to add what my two Friends have said with regard to the Police Force. First of all, I welcome the introduction of full-time national service in the Police Force. I am sure this will inject more numbers to the Police Force, as it is now trying its best to recruit more personnel to the various echelons of the Police service. Just now the Member for Sembawang mentioned about the activities during Police Week in which exhibitions and shows about Police work are held in many parts of Singapore. I would like to ask the Minister for Health and Home Affairs whether he has taken note of the extent of success achieved as a result of the Police Week campaigns. In this connection, I would also like to know whether an assessment of the results has been made and whether steps can be taken to give the Police Force a better image. I am not saying that the Police Force is not enjoying a good image. They do; but as is always the case with a large organisation the presence of a small number of black sheep in our Police Force can mar its good reputation. However, the House has been assured by the Hon. Minister that the black sheep will be weeded out. I also note that the President's Address and its Addendum lay stress that Singapore will be made a place in which people can live in peace. It has also been pointed out that four police stations will be built in various housing estates, for instance, in Toa Payoh. 2.45 p.m. Sir, I welcome the idea of setting up more police stations. But I would like to ask the Hon. Minister to look into this matter in greater depth. To the best of my knowledge, there are insufficient police stations in the housing estates.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I be given permission to speak on this head, although I have indicated that I would not be moving the last two amendments* standing in my name? *The amendments read as follows:- (9) That the total sum to be allocated be reduced by $100.for Head U in respect of the Main Estimates (10) That the total sum to be allocated for Head U in respect of the Development Estimates be reduced by $100.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I believe the graves do actually give out an odour, especially those that are freshly dug and burials done within one or two weeks. I can substantiate what my good Friend, the Member for Anson, has said, regarding the odour. I have been there several times and I know that this is true. I think it is most likely that this is due to the condition of the soil in that particular area of Chua Chu Kang rather than what has been vividly described by the Minister as "the call of nature". I think it has something to do with the soil. I am not an expert, but it is a fact that some of the graves do smell.”
“Sir, on a point of clarification, if the Minister will give way. Mr Lim Kim San resumed his seat.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I notice that amendment (2)* is to be moved by the Member for Boon Teck. It refers to subhead AAA 1901 "Salaries of staff on loan to Singapore Bus Service Ltd." So what the Member is saying could be discussed under that amendment. * The amendment reads as follows:- (2) That the sum to be allocated for Head O be reduced by $ 10 in respect of subhead AAA 1901.”
“Sir, I am rising on a point of order, and not on a point of clarification.”
“These are fields which Singapore can be said to have acquired considerable experience and expertise and which will serve to complement the efforts of our ASEAN neighbours in these fields. We have also increased the attractiveness of Singapore's ASEAN Training Awards Scheme by granting the participants a living allowance ranging from S$400 to S$500 a month depending on the type and level of training. Where fees are payable or books or equipment required, these will be provided by the Singapore Government. Medical and dental facilities in accordance with current regulations will also be made available to the trainees, if required. Mr Ng Kah Ting: Sir, in view of the answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment, standing in the name of Mr Ng Kah Ting, was not proceeded with: (4) That the total sum to be allocated for Head M in respect of the Main Estimates be reduced by $100. The sum of $25,566,470 for Head M ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. Head N -”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head M be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AAA 4001. Sir, in moving this amendment, I rise merely to seek information with regard to the number of ASEAN training awards given to member-countries. I would be grateful if the Hon. Minister or his Parliamentary Secretary would enlighten this House as to the number of such awards given in the past year and at what levels, the reciprocal measures taken, and what benefit does Singapore derive from them. Mr Ong Soo Chuan: Mr Speaker, Sir, since 1971, Singapore has offered a total of 166 ASEAN training awards in 55 courses to the other ASEAN countries. I regret to say that the response to our offers of training under Singapore's ASEAN Training Awards Scheme during the past four years has not been phenomenal. Fifty-six of the training awards offered by Singapore were taken up by the other ASEAN countries. However, I am pleased to inform the House that as we increase the number of offers of training the response has also been better. We hope that by considerably in-creasing the number of awards and by giving more notice of the awards and greater publicity to the offers, we may achieve better results. For the financial year 1975-76, we will be offering more than 100 training awards in 36 courses, and again not duplicating the fields of training offered by Singapore under the Colombo Plan so as to make available a wider choice of courses. 5.30 p.m. As in the past, the courses we are offering under Singapore's ASEAN Training Awards Scheme for 1975-76 cover many subjects such as public health, public utilities, engineering, industrial training, port management and laboratory techniques.”
“I am more concerned with the question of regional cooperation and I am happy to see that a permanent Secretariat for ASEAN will be established although, as stated very broadly, its functions primarily will be to co- ordinate the many regional, economic, social and cultural projects to be implemented. 4.15 p.m. I would like to ask the Hon. Minister for Law and National Development, who is the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, what are the scope and functions of this ASEAN Permanent Secretariat to be set up? I am fully in support of the policy stand as laid down in the Addendum to the President's speech with regard to our foreign policy. I believe that ASEAN, since its inception, has progressed to the extent that the relationship among its member-states is getting closer, both bilaterally and regionally. In that respect, ASEAN will have a very important role to play in global affairs. As such, how and in what way can this Permanent Secretariat help ASEAN to achieve this objective? I would like the Minister concerned to elaborate on it.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head M be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AAA 1003*. (* The same amendment also stood in the names of Messrs Teong Eng Siong, L. P. Rodrigo, Sim Boon Woo, P. Govindaswamy and N. Govindasamy.) Sir, before I bring up my points with regard to the question of our foreign affairs, I would like to quote from the President's speech on 21st February, 1975, as contained in Hansard, [Vol. 34, No. 1, col. 10] on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: `Our foreign policy must take into consideration the new situation arising from the gradual scaling down of American and Western military presence in the region. The overwhelming Western influence in the region has been correspondingly reduced. This will lead other powers to seek greater influence for themselves in the area. It will be important to cooperate with our neighbours to safeguard our common interest. ASEAN can play an important role in lessening the leverage the great powers can otherwise have in exploiting differences and conflicts within the region. It can also quicken the pace of regional co-operation and economic development. This in turn will strengthen stability and peace in the area. ASEAN can help member states adjust to the rapid geo-political changes in the region as the consequences of American withdrawal from direct involvement with the problems of Indo-China work themselves through, and a regional balance is established without any great power hegemony. ASEAN will soon have a permanent Secretariat which will coordinate the many regional economic, social and cultural projects being implemented.' Sir, in the debate on the President's Address on 25th February, I had referred to this particular aspect of foreign affairs.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since I have only one minute to speak, I would rather not move my amendment. Mr P. Govindaswamy: I am also not moving, Sir. The sum of $528,340,890 for Head K ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $51,897,000 for Head K ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. 3.45 p.m. Head L -”
“As I see it, the new Education system envisaged is more technically oriented to meet our future industrial growth. Also, I would like to pay tribute to the Minister for Education in setting aside a period known as "Education for Living." I view this with every seriousness as I notice that many youths are either idle or they do not want to work because they come from well-to-do families as well as from the upper middle income group. Here parents should check them and encourage them to look for work rather than to allow them to while away their precious time whilst they are in the prime of their lives and to spend such time in the coffee lounges, bars or night-clubs. Parents should not pamper their children by giving them too much pocket allowance. At the same time, parents should find some time to spend with their children. Therefore, Education for Living should provide a basic foundation in helping to mould the character of our students with a sense of moral values and self-discipline so that, when they leave school they will be of benefit to the society. This is the motto which they should bear in mind at all times - "I serve my country and in return I enjoy the fruits of my labour." Finally, I would like to add that the Addendum to the Presidential Address, covering all the Ministries, clearly indicates the ambition of our Government's long-term planning and projections which, when ultimately completed, will make Singapore a beacon of the East in which her people live in peace and harmony with her neighbouring countries 3.30 p.m.”
“That being the case, I am mindful of the advice the President made when he stated: `I am confident that in your deliberations, you will not be swayed by short-term political considerations, and that, instead, you wilt be guided by the long-term interests of all our people.' Hence, would not the Hon. Minister consider that the other aspect of having substantial parcels of lands in Punggol leased out to people or enterprises on a commercial basis with the necessary expertise and finance would result in giving them the monopoly over such industry and consequently create more attendant problems for ourselves. I would say that the smaller farms which are prepared to meet the minimum requirements laid down by the Primary Production Department be allowed to occupy a smaller plot of land on Temporary Occupation Licence basis alongside the capital and labour intensive commercial farms and until such time when they lose out to the commercial farms. I would like to suggest to the Hon. Minister to give this problem due consideration. Mr Speaker, Sir, I now refer to the Education system. I note with optimism that the Education system will be restructured by stages with the objective of reducing educational wastage, improving teaching and learning, and increasing the supply of trained teachers and manpower. Moreover, several measures will be implemented. But what worries me is the question of supply and demand subsequent to this change. In this respect, I would not hesitate to call upon the Government to set up a high-powered Committee preferably headed by a Minister to cause a Manpower Distribution Research Unit established with a view to studying in greater depth the various needs of manpower in the next five or ten years or more.”
“I did not say that they keep on losing money. There were occasions, however, when prices had gone up and gains reaped by them. Just like stocks and shares; they go up and come down. Who suffers? Sir, this issue has been raised in this House many times. In fact, my colleagues who are known as "rural" MPs are fully aware of the farmers' grouses like sharp rise in prices and low prices vice-versa of animal/poultry feeds as well as a glut in pork and eggs. This has been an annual feature of the debate in this House. That is the answer, Sir. In fact, another point my farmers raised is that all they require is a small plot of land, say one-half to one acre of land to enable them to survive. Resettling the families does not pose such a serious problem as having to resettle a farmer into HDB estates. These people lose out because they have to sell whatever they have, for example, pigs and poultry, the price of which would be too low to salvage, and also not taking into account the fixtures and structures put up at high cost. A major part of their lives has been spent in making them what they are today. Therefore, they maintain that the amount of money by way of compensation or ex-gratia payments given to them would not help them in any way, nor change their way of life. As a result; to move into a HDB flat, according to them, is like starting life all over again. I concede that in order to have potable water from the Kranji and Peirce reservoirs, no pollution can be allowed in such areas, and for this reason pig farmers, especially in these areas, must be relocated elsewhere.”
“Why should they not continue. That is why they have to reduce their stock to keep to the means that they can afford.”
“Another reason advanced by them is that there had been several outbreaks of swine fever and poultry diseases in the past few years which almost drained them of their financial resources; but thanks to the assistance of feed retailers and suppliers, who gave them credit terms, they were able to survive. This is part of the reason why some of the bona-fide farmers reduced their stock. People seem to think that pig and poultry farming is lucrative, but I do not think so.”
“Within the acquired lands in Punggol are many farmers, namely, pig, poultry and agricultural farmers. Most of them are poultry farmers and they number several hundred families. I am given to understand that only a few have been promised that they would not be required to leave whereas the majority of them have been served with notices to quit, and some have been promised that they would be getting a three-room Housing Board flat for free, including ex-gratia payments. Here, I would like to make a strong plea to the Hon. Minister concerned as to whether his Ministry would consider the requests of the numerous farmers who have approached me for assistance. They maintain that they are bona-fide farmers and that pig and poultry farming is their only means of livelihood, and they request that they be allowed to remain where they are. Therefore, they state that they are prepared to increase the number of pigs or poultry in their farms to the minimum requirements of the Primary Production Department for the simple reason that they have been farming in the said area since they first came to Punggol. I can hear testimony to their claim as I was born and brought up in Punggol. I feel that consideration should be given to this request which I consider reasonable, provided that these farmers continue to maintain the required number of pigs or poultry. They have also pointed out to me that they would not be able to move into a three-room HDB flat given free to them as they would have no further means of income, and in that case how are they to survive. They also state that they are in the "evening years" of their lives and that their children would like to step into their shoes to continue farming as a means of livelihood.”
“In this respect, I would like to urge our Government to have high-level discussions with ASEAN countries with a view to coordinating their efforts in keeping the waters in Southeast Asia free of piracy so that our fishermen can earn their bread and butter without fear of being pirated. Combined efforts and more regular naval patrols will, I think, be a step forward in reducing the number of piracies, if not totally eradicate it. I now refer to the Primary Production under the Ministry of National Development. It is heartening to note that we are self-sufficient in fresh pork, eggs and poultry meats in spite of occasional shortages and high prices of imported raw feed materials. But what is most unfortunate is the fact that "in conjunction with water resources development, pig farms will be relocated into non-catchment areas" in Punggol. As a result, more than a thousand acres of land in Punggol have been acquired for this particular purpose. I fully realise the scarcity of land in Singapore and more so the imperative need to preserve larger areas of land as catchment areas which are free of pollutants. In addition to this, the Defence Ministry also have similar needs for the training of national servicemen. Therefore, whatever vacant land, especially that which is marked for agricultural purpose, is acquired in this instance. Apart from this, lands are also acquired for other purposes. Land availability has become a problem for our Government and I believe Singapore can ill-afford to have lands not fully utilised. Optimum utilisation of land available must continue to be so, as Singapore continues to develop. Therefore, it can be adduced that land in Singapore is worth an inch of gold for every inch of it!”
“" Thus I do not see any valid reason why we cannot overcome this problem because, with the introduction of National Service in the Police Force coupled with the Community Security Force of the Vigilante Corps, more personnel could be deployed to many of the more populated HDB estates. This, I am positive, will help to reduce crime and deter these bad elements from committing such offences as they would realise that it is painful for them when caught and found guilty of committing such an offence. Sir, the Addendum on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in line with our declared policy on foreign affairs. Since the setting up of ASEAN, member countries have come closer to each other on matters of regional and bilateral interest, and I can foresee that a stronger relationship will develop. In this respect, I welcome the formation of a permanent secretariat for ASEAN which will co-ordinate the many regional economic, social and cultural projects to be implemented. Another issue vital to Singapore is sea communications. I have on several occasions drawn the attention of the House that I have received complaints from the trawlers based at Kangkar in my constituency with regard to the harassment and piracies encountered by the fishermen who risk their lives to fish in the waters in the South China Sea in the area near Horsburg Lighthouse as well as in Southeast Asian waters. Several trawlers and crew together with their catches have been captured and held to ransom by so-called pirates. The fishermen are very unhappy over this.”
“Similarly, every year the 65 Constituency CCCs and MCs from the 174 community centres attend a rally and dinner to celebrate National Day. Here again, the relationship between grass-root leadership and government is further strengthened. This is another example of human value worth inculcating. I would elaborate on this further when I come to the policy changes in our Education system. May I now come to the question, Sir, of crime prevention. I would like to touch on the question of growing crime rates. I fully endorse the Government's will to mete out more severe punishment to criminals and drug traffickers. In fact, I would like to call on the Government to impose both the cane and longer periods of imprisonment to such people as they do not deserve any mercy. Therefore, the introduction of full-time National Service in the police force is most timely as there is a shortage of manpower. It is my hope that there shall be police stations with the necessary manpower and up-to-date facilities as well in all the HDB estates, though the Addendum on the Ministry of Home Affairs states that four new stations will be built in Toa Payoh, Paya Lebar, Orchard Road and Jurong Town. But whilst there are so many new HDB flats being built, I would suggest that plans should be in hand to construct more police stations in these new estates. We have often read in the newspapers cases of vandalism, molest, robbery and theft, committed in the HDB estates especially in the lifts. As the President said, "we must make Singapore a safe and orderly place to live in.”
“' It may well be, Sir, that I have elaborated long enough on this question of tax relief granted to taxpayers who have parents living with them. But I must hasten to add that I take no credit in convincing our Government to grant such reliefs. In fact, the Government should be congratulated for this magnanimous gesture which lays stress and encourages young couples to have their aged parents or grandparents to live with them. Basically, in the Asian society, its cultural heritage differs greatly from that of the West. In a small country like ours, it would be a great benefit if our young could be instilled in their tender years with such good human values like living harmoniously with their grandparents and parents. In this respect, I have visited old folks homes at home and abroad and have come to the conclusion that filial piety must be cherished by the working parents and passed down to their children's children if we are to build a closely knit and cohesive society. As families become smaller within the next ten years or so largely due to a certain measure the successful implementation of family planning, and if the projection of population growth is accurate enough, we would still have large families occupying HDB flats in the various estates. In this respect, I wonder how many families would gather around for a reunion dinner once a year. This annual dinner has its own significance. The Government have a State Banquet each year, in which a select group will attend. At this function, the honourable Prime Minister and his Cabinet colleagues play host. it is refreshing for one to be invited on such an auspicious occasion in which the invitees not only meet but strengthen the relationship between them and also help to establish the esprit de corps.”
“I recognise that with greater urbanisation and more limited living space, the Asian family unit is threatened with disintegration and that aged parents may be left on their own when they most need care and attention.' As a result, the Hon. Minister was: `prepared to give some tax relief as an encouragement to taxpayers who look after their parents and grandparents when they are without work or income.' However, Sir, he said: `a taxpayer may claim a tax deduction from his income of $300 per dependent parent or grandparent. A taxpayer may claim up to a maximum of two dependent parents or grandparents who are over 55 years of age, are supported by the taxpayer and are staying in the same household.' You can imagine, Sir, that I heaved a sigh of relief at this disclosure, even though the amount allowed was small but by no means significant. At least, my colleague, the Member for Bukit Ho Swee, pleaded with the Finance Minister to increase the tax relief to $750 when he pointed out on 8th March, 1973 [Vol. 32, col. 629], that "the tax relief for a first child is $750 a year." In the 1974 Budget Statement, the Minister for Finance said [Vol. 33, col. 72, 4th March, 1974]: `Last year when I announced the relief to taxpayers for supporting parents or grandparents, many hon. Members felt that the tax deduction at $300 per dependant was inadequate. I have given this matter further consideration and I am happy to inform hon. Members that the relief will now be increased from $300 to $750 per dependant. There will be no change in the other conditions announced last year. The increase in the relief will also take effect from the year of assessment 1975, that is, based on 1974 income.”
“Member, may I add a less traditionalist argument? An International Monetary Fund mission has recently examined our tax system and has stated that our tax reliefs are overgenerous and could with advantage be reduced.' With due respect to the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, I chose not to press on persistently as economics is his homeground. Moreover, he was in charge of our country's coffers then! But deep down in my heart, I had hoped that the day would come when this matter would again be raised. However, I tried to appeal to the Finance Minister again this time by the so-called "hook" method. On 26th March, 1971 [Vol. 30, col. 1360], I sought exemption for persons earning $6,000 per annum or less. Ironically, our present Deputy Speaker, who was then the Minister of State for Finance, stated that: `the burden of income tax in Singapore is low because of the generous personal reliefs and the graduated rates of tax.' He went on to say that: `Under the Income Tax Ordinance a taxpayer is allowed personal relief of $2,000 plus an earned income relief of 1/5th of his earned income up to a maximum of $1,000. A relief of $1,000 is given in respect of his wife, $750 in respect of his first child, $500 each for the second and third child . ` etc. However, on 26th February, 1973 [Vol. 32, col. 4761, the present Finance Minister declared that: `many Members suggested that reliefs should be given for the maintenance of aged parents and handicapped children on the grounds that the Eastern concept of filial piety requires, among other things, that children should look after their parents in old age.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to speak in full support on the Motion of Thanks to the President as moved by my colleague, the Member for Kim Keat. In moving the Motion, he mentioned that the President in his address at the opening of the Second Session of this Third Parliament on 21st February, 1975 stated in no uncertain terms that "there will be much to keep Honourable Members busy in 1975." In this respect, the President posed several problems to which Hon. Members "will have to tackle." As many Backbenchers will be speaking on this Motion, I shall confine myself to those areas which I am more interested in. I am particularly exuberant with happiness over the fact that the President stated that: `Government will take measures to make it more attractive for young couples to have their parents live with them. If nothing else, the grandparents help in bringing up the children whilst father and mother are at work.' Mr Speaker, Sir, about five years ago, in fact, on 15th October, 1969 [Hansard, Vol. 29, col. 85], I made a plea to the then Minister for Finance who is now the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence to consider granting "income tax reliefs to taxpayers who are maintaining their aged parents." The Minister in reply to my question stated that: 'in Asian societies, the support of aged parents is an acknowledged responsibility of all decent citizens. Indeed, Confucius has elevated this into a basic ethical principle, and Chinese classical literature is replete with examples of outstanding acts of filial piety. In these circumstances it would be unworthy of us to introduce mercenary con siderations such as relief from income tax.' Furthermore, Sir, the Minister continued: `if this approach does not appeal to the hon.”
“Sir, as I said just now, with due respect to you and to my colleagues who are doctors and medical practitioners, when it comes to near full term there is the heart-beat of the child. Is that not a process in which a human being is subsequently born? Sir, I do not want to go into the rigmarole of philosophy, as I have said. But is there no consideration given to the question of human values? I would strongly urge the Minister, I understand his difficulty in the twin role as Minister for Health and Home Affairs, to reconsider in a rational, impartial way and without any emotion whatsoever the comments made by the many speakers just now. And let it not be said that there was no contradiction to the views exposed. What I would like to say for the purposes of record is this. I oppose the Bill in toto, Sir, as you had mentioned in the last part of your speech that "this Bill will be accepted in tow." If it is passed in toto, then on the same principle and for the same reason, I so oppose. An hon. Member: Amen.”
“1040: `No community anywhere in the present world, irrespective of its political character, has ever thought of permitting the killing of human beings, as it is generally understood, be they sick, old, infirm, paralysed or totally decrepit.' Sir, the Minister presumably thought that this would be an unethical way of acting. I have mentioned just now that, as Minister for Home Affairs, he is making strenuous efforts to stop drug-taking. Does he consider this an unethical practice? Unless the Minister wishes to be the complete ostrich, therefore, I think he will have to consider whether or not there is anything unethical about abortion. It is not a religious dogma or presumption of ethics. I opposed the former Bill because I was concerned about human values and that the then Bill would not be good for our country. I believe that the present Bill will be worse, and for the same reason I am opposing it. I do not intend to go into the philosophical aspect which the Minister dislikes so much. So let me put the matter in its simplest form to Members in this august Chamber. This Bill, if passed, and it will be passed because you, Sir, had mentioned in your speech that the Bill would finally be passed. That was true then and it is still true today. [Laughter] This is no laughing matter. Do not be too happy. Any woman who wishes to get rid of something inside her, something which is already a living thing and which, with due respect to you, Sir, if allowed to remain there and to develop would eventually emerge as a recognisable human being, just like any one of us. Is it not so? Can any one stand up and say that that thing has got no life? Note that I use the phrase "allowed to remain there to develop".”
“You were quite frank when you said, "Look, if you want abortion, go ahead." Therefore, Sir, it would seem that whenever a question of ethics is raised, the Minister would be like an ostrich, burying his head in the sand and refusing even to look up to the argument. Sir, I am told that even the most obstinate or determined ostrich must come up for air. So we may still hope that the implications of this Bill will be examined rationally, impartially and without emotion. After all, if we were to think that the Minister is a man without any concern for ethical principles, we would surely be doing him an injustice. He does not, for example, propose to introduce a Bill allowing infanticide at the request of the parent in order to reduce the size of her family. This might be a quick and efficient way of reducing the size of the population, but he probably thinks that this manner of behaviour would be unethical. Again, if I may be permitted to quote from Hansard, Vol. 28, col. 1040: `A Bill of this nature, [that is, the present Act and not this particular Bill before the House] . , is not a licence for a permissive society. I have already stated in my opening speech that if the object is merely to remove the present restraints on abortion in the Penal Code, this Bill in its present form will not be necessary. And yet the opponents have not taken note of that. Contrary to what the Member for Punggol has claimed, and I believe that the Member for Bras Basah has also claimed that Singapore, with the passing of the Abortion Bill, would become an abortion centre.'. And again, he says in col.”