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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“I shall be grateful if the Minister will enlighten this House on the type of facilities which will be available, because I also notice that in his reply last year he did indicate that the Passenger Terminal Building would be handling about three million passengers. In other words, this is three times the number of passengers handled in 1970. In this respect, I shall be grateful if the Minister can comment on my remarks.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I note that there is an increase in the provision for the financial year 1971-72 as against that for 1970-71. Sir, if I may refer to the Hansard of 26th March. 1970, Vol. 29, col. 1189, in which the Minister for Communications quoted the second paragraph at page 4, Head 51 - Civil Aviation - of the Memorandum on the Development Estimates of Singapore (Misc. 2 of 1970). He said: `The major project will be the redevelopment of the Passenger Terminal Building, for which $3.0 million is provided. This project is scheduled for completion by late 1971.' Following those remarks, the Minister was kind enough to indicate the facilities that would be available as a result of the redevelopment of this terminal. Today this House is being asked to approve a sum of nearly $2 million to complete this project. I would like to ask the Minister what progress has been made on the redevelopment of the Passenger Terminal Building. In addition to the facilities he indicated last year, what additional facilities will be available? For example, matters like the delay in the handling of baggage was brought up last year and the Minister then indicated to the House that steps would be taken to ensure that baggage handling would be much quicker. I do hope that this is so today. I also brought up a point about the transit lounge in the terminal building. I had occasion to visit the transit lounge and I noticed that the facilities are still quite inadequate even though there are some tax-free shops sited in this redeveloped terminal building.”
“I thank the Minister for his reply. I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $2,246,200 for Head 31 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 32 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 31 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 302. Sir, in moving this amendment, I merely wish to seek clarification of the New Postal Stores and Garages at Clementi Road. I note that for the last financial year there was a provision of $400,000, and there is a footnote to indicate a revote of $150,000 subject to Development Planning Committee sanction. So doing simple arithmetic, I find that only $27,000 is further required to make up the provision of $177,000 asked for in the ensuing fiscal year. I shall be grateful if the Minister for Communications will be kind enough to throw some light on the New Postal Stores and Garages.”
“I most heartily agree with the Minister's last suggestion. I am also extremely grateful to the Minister for having indicated to this House what plans are in hand concerning the Mass Transit Planning Unit's functions. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. That the sum to be allocated for Head 31 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 101. In moving this amendment, I wish to seek further elucidation from the Minister for Communications on the setting up of the Mass Transit Planning Unit. Though the Minister has already answered a question raised in this House some time earlier on the Mass Transit Planning Unit, I would like to know how this vote of half a million dollars will be spent and what the Mass Transit Planning Unit will be doing within the next 15 to 18 months, as indicated in the Memorandum on the Development Estimates of Singapore. How much assistance will the United Nations Development Programme be giving to Singapore? The Minister has also mentioned that loans will be asked for from the World Bank. In this respect, perhaps he will enlighten this House on how much the cost will be, if eventually such a mass rapid transit project is set up in Singapore.”
“Sir, will the Minister be kind enough to give the number of illegal immigrants who were detained during the period as asked for in this question?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister for Finance has mentioned just now the word "discretion" used by employers in respect of bonus payments. Is he or is he not aware that a good number of commercial firms make good profits and the Employment Act prevents the unions from asking for better bonus payments? Mr Hon Sui Sen: Sir, I am aware of the provisions of the law and I am aware that some companies make profits and some companies quote the provisions of the Employment Act. I have already said that this is a matter which is being very carefully considered. There are pros and cons and a decision will be made after a study of all the factors. Whether we should legislate for bonus payments, or whether we should encourage companies so that they consolidate bonus payments into wages and then stimulate higher productivity, is a very controversial matter and requires very careful consideration.”
“Sir, it may be true that such practice may be going on. But I am told that many employers make use of the Employment Act as a lever in their negotiations with unions on the question of bonus.”
“Sir, will the Minister for Finance consider requesting established factories which have over the years made good profits to make ex gratia payments to their employees? Mr Hon Sui Sen: I have already stated that there is in the law a provision for unions to take this up. Although bonus is not negotiable beyond one month, I said that some timely urging on the part of the unions always helps in making payments beyond what may have been negotiated.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir,I understand that this sum is required to enable the Parks and Trees Division to undertake a more rapid development of parks and open spaces. Sir, I would be grateful if the Minister could enlighten this House on the number of parks and open spaces that were created in the last financial year. Sir, I should like to make this observation. In the housing estates that I visited, I noticed that there were some trees and shrubs and children's playgrounds in some of the open spaces. But there is still room for development in a lot of housing estates with regard to open spaces and parks. For example, a huge circus in the Toa Payoh Housing Estate is just simply bare. A lot of money has been spent in planting some grass, but I see only one or two small parks for children in between blocks of flats. If the Parks and Trees Division would care to look into the possibility of turning such open spaces into parks, the residents in the Housing Board Estates would be able to have some recreational facilities in the evenings or weekends and not, as someone has pointed out, have to contend with blocks and blocks of concrete, like a concrete jungle. People do not know their neighbours. As a result of having little or no contact, their relationship is not strengthened. This is probably the price we have to pay for not looking into this aspect of public housing. There is no doubt that the provision of open spaces and parks is being looked into, but there should be co-ordination in this matter between the Urban Renewal Development Division and the Housing and Development Board. Whenever a housing estate is put up, they should look into the question of providing such amenities for the residents.”
“I say that it is worth our while to reintroduce part-time teacher training.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister for Education has mentioned just now that he will not consider the reintroduction of part-time training courses at the Teachers' Training College. Perhaps I would like to draw his attention to the fact that out of so many thousands of teachers in the teaching service today, I can safely say that a very high percentage of them somehow or other did undergo part-time training. For that matter, you have got the normal trained and the certificate trained teachers, and also graduates who, on their recruitment into the teaching service, also have to undergo a training course of not less than a year to get a diploma known as the Diploma in Education. I am still of the view that the Ministry of Education should seriously look into the question of reintroducing the part-time teacher training courses with a view to obtaining the maximum benefit that we are going to pay for, because the Minister has just now mentioned that in three years' time we will probably be able to get a full complement of trained teachers. I do not see eye to eye with his projections. I think three years is still insufficient time. I have seen relief teachers coming in between to take classes on a daily-paid basis. I have seen many schools affected by it. What do the school children get out of it? This is a problem that has been posed and we should not just wave it aside and say, "Look, for the time being, let us carry on with the relief teachers until such time as we can have better qualified teachers from the Teachers' Training College or other teacher-training institutions. The present status quo must be maintained."”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, first of all, I must say well done to the Ministry of Education for being able to fill most of its vacant posts. However, the Minister did ask Members to suggest ways and means of assisting the Ministry in the recruitment of the various categories of officers, whether they be relief teachers, teachers, specialist inspectors and others. Sir, I would imagine that when these vacancies arise the Ministry would make representation - I stand to be corrected - to the Public Service Commission which, I believe, is the body that appoints such officers into the Government service after a due process of interviews. In that respect, surely the Ministry of Education will be able to get more of such officers. With regard to relief teachers, I understand that at one time the Teachers' Training College used to conduct part-time courses for trainee teachers but that some years later this scheme was shelved with the introduction of a full-time teacher training scheme. I have lately heard that the T.T.C, might probably revive the part-time teacher training scheme. With regard to the recruitment of relief teachers, will the Ministry of Education not look into the possibility of organising teaching courses for the relief teachers or teachers-to-be at the T.T.C, so that in the next few years the Ministry of Education will have a larger complement of staff?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I too seek information similar to that asked for by the Member for Telok Blangah. Parliament is being asked to approve a sum of slightly over half a million dollars for the payment of personal emoluments. I find that the explanatory note in the Command Paper on these supplementary estimates is not clear. Therefore, I will be grateful if the Minister for Education will indicate the number of vacant posts in the last financial year, i.e., ending this month; how many have been filled, and what are the categories of vacancies that have been filled. Further, are there still vacancies to be filled? If so, what are they, and in what categories? Sir, the Member for Telok Blangah is of the opinion that not only the vacant posts in the higher categories should be filled, but also those in the lower categories should be filled as well. I take it that he means the administrative service as well as the teaching service. On that note, Sir, I reserve some further questions, pending the answers from the Minister for Education.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it would appear that the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Health, in particular, have the highest number of accidents. In view of this, are these two Ministries taking steps to ensure that their drivers undergo a road safety course? Sir, I also wonder whether the Minister for Law and National Development will consider insuring all Government vehicles against accidents, and whether any feasibility study has been made in this respect. I believe that this will take some load off the Attorney-General's Chambers.”
“Sir, arising out of the answers given, I just want further clarification if the Minister would care to answer me.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, with all the points raised by my two colleagues, the Members for Katong and Telok Blangah, I do not think I have any ground left to cover. Anyway, would the Minister for Law and National Development care to give further information to my questions? The Member for Telok Blangah has just now sought clarification on the number of accident claims, successful or otherwise, and also the breakdown figures of the various Government departments involved. I would, however, like to raise some further questions: (1) How much was paid to each of the successful claims? (2) What was the number of accidents in which each of the various Government departments was involved? (3) Are there still any outstanding claims to be settled? (4) If there are, how many are there and what amount of compensation has been asked for? Lastly, Sir, I too share the sentiments expressed by my two colleagues in hoping that Government would take immediate steps to ensure that all Government drivers take extra caution when they are on the road. As the Member for Katong has just mentioned, they should set an example in ensuring public road safety when they are on the road.”
“In that case, can the Minister of State make available the confidential report to those Members who wish to have a look at it?”
“Can the Minister of State for Finance indicate how much public funds were spent on the confidential study?”
“Mr Govindasamy, Sir, I strongly beg to differ from the Member for Whampoa, but I would like to clarify. What I suggested was not a punitive measure - to punish anybody. National service, as the Minister of Defence has just now stated, should be applied equally to all. That is why I suggested that probably full combat training would do a lot of good to some of our graduates. After all, as has been admitted by the Member for Whampoa, graduates passing out from the university look forward to better prospects in jobs, etc. I myself served as a volunteer from 1960 to 1963, and in the People's Defence Force from 1966 till now, as have some Members of Parliament. Perhaps I would suggest to my colleague, the Member for Whampoa, to join the P.D.F, as a start. 4.42 p.m.”
“Why I suggest this, Sir, is to get this lot of graduates to undergo such a course and reorientate their minds to come up to a level with their intellect. In other words, to give them the necessary brawn though they may possess the necessary intellect. It has been pointed out also that the brunt of Singapore's survival will fall more heavily on people with brains. Therefore, I think people with a good brain but in a weak physical condition will be of no good to us, and full combat training for these people will certainly go a long way towards securing a better future for us. Sir, I wanted to touch on the question of giving more scholarships to members of the Armed Forces who show special aptitudes in various categories of skills. But the Minister of Defence has very explicitly enlightened this House on how he is going to give such awards to enable them to render better service. On that note, I give my wholehearted support to this Bill. 4.38 p.m.”
“The Minister may wish to consider appointing welfare officers in each unit so that any person or persons of any rank in a particular unit can go up to them if they have a personal problem or any other grievances to bring up. One thing strikes me most forcefully when I was fortunate enough to be a member of the parliamentary group that visited several of our defence establishments. It was at S.A.F.T.I, that we had the opportunity to come face to face with national servicemen who were university graduates. From my personal experience and my encounter with them, I felt that quite a good number of them simply had no heart to serve as responsible citizens. I cannot understand this attitude. I would have thought that, being university graduates with a higher level of intellect, they would have brought up more serious problems or issues than "We have not got our pay for the last six months!", or minor grievances about toilet paper and low water pressure. Problems of this sort could have been sorted out with their platoon or company commanders. I hope that the Minister of Defence will look into this also. I know it is a fact that there are many other university graduates who have been going about their duties without the slightest signs of discontentment. In fact, they accept national service as a challenging task and more as a duty on their part as citizens of Singapore. To this group of people, I would like to pay my tribute publicly. However, to the other group of national servicemen whom I have mentioned earlier, I would suggest to the Minister of Defence that we should send these graduates for full combat training. When I say "full combat training", I think the Minister of State of Defence knows exactly what it is all about. It is, of course, a very tough course.”
“As I said just now, I would like to touch on some other aspects relating to enlistment policy. The Minister of Defence on 4th November in this House clarified certain points and remarked on what appeared in the newspapers prior to his speech on 4th November. The articles that were featured so prominently in the newspapers were so-called grouses and I do not know why they were published. Some of them were completely unfounded and untrue. For example, I remember reading in one of the papers an article captioned "S.A.F.T.I, chicken" which went on to state that the meat .of the chicken served in the Singapore Armed Forces Training Institute was as tough as rubber and that it could not be eaten. I would like to state h-ere that I know as a fact that this is not true. Such an article appears to me to be more than mischievous and I strongly urge the Minister of Defence to take serious note of this, because I am of the view that the authors of such erroneous and untrue statements appearing in certain responsible newspapers, which after all do not play a role in giving accurate news to the public, should be well aware of the fact that Singapore needs time to build up its own defence capability. I am not saying that we do not have problems. Even those countries with very well-equipped armies and military might also have problems of their own. To those writers who wrote to these newspapers, whether intentionally or unintentionally, I would suggest to them that they redirect their complaints to the Ministry of Defence. I am not trying to take on the role of the Defence Minister when I make this statement. What I mean is that the Ministry of Defence should set up a committee, though I understand that there is already a committee known as the Welfare Committee.”
“Sir, after having heard the Minister of Defence giving this House a very clear and vivid policy on enlistment, I find that he has taken up several points which I intended to raise under this amendment Bill, and this has now left me with very little ground indeed to cover. Nevertheless, I wish to proceed ahead. The main purpose of the Enlistment (Amendment) Bill seeks to repeal and re-enact section 12 of the Enlistment Act, 1970, in order to make those persons who are serving two years in full-time national service and who are above the rank of lance-corporal and those who have been selected for officer training, liable to serve a period of two and a half years. This is a correct move and I shall not be out of step to touch on some other aspects of the enlistment policy. But should I appear to digress from the main purpose of debating on the intention of the Bill whilst in the process of putting my views across by way of illustration, I think it merely serves to reinforce my views which I strongly hold. Sir, I do seek your indulgence and patience in this respect. Just now, the Minister of Defence mentioned pay increases all round by way of basic pay as well as vocational allowance and other forms of monetary incentives. This, I think, would be most welcome to all members of the Singapore Armed Forces. In this connection, I had occasion at one time to table a question in the House for oral answer by the former Minister of Defence. This Bill will enable the Singapore Armed Forces to be better equipped in its tremendous task of building up a credible defence capability and will benefit those university graduates who have been selected for officer training and who will now have to serve only two and a half years instead of three.”
“Yes, a 5-week course and the intake will be increased from 50 to 150. This is welcome news and I am happy to hear it.”
“But what I am afraid is this: can the Ministry of Communications within this period absorb the more than 5,000 pirate taxi drivers - let us not argue about the figure - and will the job opportunities created by the bus companies, the N.T.U.C., etc., be sufficient? Just now the Minister has mentioned the training of bus drivers at 150 each time.”
“The terminus I referred to is one where all buses would forgather and all commuters would go to that place. It is not just a question of whether we need more termini. It is a sort of central station. I hope that clarifies my point.”
“167, dated 22nd December, 1969: `Two senior officials from the London Transport Board have already submitted "a preliminary study of possible new measures to improve and expand Singapore's mass transport facilities".' This was the reply by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications to my question, and it goes on to say that the: `report is being examined by officials from my Ministry and those from the Ministries of National Development and Finance.' I wonder whether this report will be published, and if so, when. I have asked this because, and again I quote: `a team of United Nations advisers attached to our State and City Planning Office have in the past two years been studying and assessing Singapore's long-term needs in public transport, including the long-range aspects of providing a mass transit system for Singapore.' I hope this report is forthcoming because I note that the White Paper states that a transport consultant from South Australia `has been appointed with terms of reference as stated therein. On this note, Sir, I sincerely hope the Minister will clarify the points I have raised. 7.54 p.m.”
“Sir, I am told that seven years is an insufficient period to recover the high costs involved in buying a taxi, maintaining it, paying due taxes, etc. The limit need to be extended to ten years, which would be a sufficient period, so that by the eleventh year a new taxi could be purchased. Otherwise in the eighth year a new taxi may probably have to be acquired through hire purchase. Sir, I am positive that some transport associations have made written representations to the Minister on this matter, and I can only hope that he will carefully consider them. It is noted that the age limit for public service buses and school buses is 17 and 20 years respectively. It is perfectly pertinent to point out here that the statement "subject to change of engine every five years" in respect of such buses is, I think, ambiguous. What I wish to know is this: does it mean that after every five years the engine must be completely changed to a new one, or does it mean that the engine should be overhauled or reconditioned? Perhaps the Minister would care to clarify. Lastly, Sir, I fully support the recommendation that there should be an increase in staff in the Registry of Vehicles. But I feel that the proposed increase is hardly sufficient to deal with problems of such magnitude facing the Ministry and to ensure that the public gets an efficient transport service. Before I close, Sir, I would like to seek further elucidation from the Minister on "the preliminary study of possible new measures" by two senior officials from the London Transport Board. Reference to this is contained in Hansard, Vol. 29, No. 4, col.”
“But let me hasten to add, lest I be misconstrued as being mischievous by quoting the reply out of context, that I wish to reiterate that I am firm in my view, because the Minister further states: `As the adequacy and efficiency of the public transport services improve, there should be a consequent decrease in the number of pirate taxis running on the road.' In my view, Sir, the position has not changed since then. With regard to the stipulation that the taxi drivers' age limit be 60 years with a grace of three years, I would make a humble request to the Minister to consider extending it to 65. Sir, I make this request because I have been approached by some elderly taxi drivers who have pointed out to me that they have large families and that their children are either in school or are not earning enough to help maintain their families, and therefore, they drive taxis in order to supplement their income. I earnestly hope that the Minister will sympathetically consider my request. These drivers have also emphasised that if they could afford it, they would not want to work beyond that age, but it is because of their financial circumstances that they have to continue driving taxis. Several of my colleagues have made the point that the age limit for taxis should be set at ten years as recommended by the Transport Advisory Board, the Chairman of which is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications. Instead, the White Paper has accepted the recommendation of the 1966 Committee of Review, i.e., that the age limit be set at seven years. Sir, I just wish to know the criterion behind this decision, and perhaps the Minister can enlighten this House on how the figure "7" has been decided upon.”
“One is that if these pirate taxi drivers should choose to become bus drivers or lorry drivers, and if they do not possess the necessary licence to drive a heavier class of vehicles, they would have to undergo and pass that examination. Should they wish to apply for a taxi driver's licence, they ought to be successful in the application. Here I am happy to note that the White Paper clearly sees that "there is no reason why licences for taxi drivers should not be freely issued hereafter to any citizen who is competent and able enough to qualify for such licence." But even if such issuance were to be relaxed, I believe it would undoubtedly increase the number of taxi drivers. Here again, another problem will be faced, and that is whether or not we will have sufficient taxis for them. It is noted that the number of taxis will be increased from the present fleet of 3,800 to 5,000. Of the 1,200 taxi licences to be issued, 200 will be reserved for special taxis. I do not think this number of 1,000 taxi licences to be issued to the N.T.U.C.'s Transport Co-operative will be adequate to meet the needs, since 5,000 or more pirate taxis will have to be off the road before 1st July, 1971, and if they decide to switch to the occupations which I mentioned just now. I would like to refer the Minister for Communications to the statement he made in this House on 9th April, 1969. This was in reply to the question by the Member for Bukit Panjang, who is not here. The Minister agreed "that pirate taxis, though running illegally, are performing a form of social function in providing an element of public transport service." This is contained in Hansard, Vol. 28, No. 12, col. 940. Sir, I think his Ministry should assist in the rehabilitation of pirate taxi drivers in this respect.”
“In other words, the holders of SCH taxi licences and drivers be given the priority to own, and be encouraged to own, mini buses instead of letting the bus companies operate both the school buses and the mini school buses. Whilst I agree to the scrapping of the SCH taxis, I would like to see that they be replaced by mini school buses, because the mini school buses will be able to carry more children than the ordinary SCH taxis. This, I believe, will be most welcome to the many parents who have to rely on SCH taxis. I now come to the subject of pirate taxis. It is interesting to note from the White Paper that "the majority of the 6,800 private diesel vehicles are believed to be operating as `Pirate' taxis." It is also pointed out in paragraph 7.8 that "all those now associated with `Pirate' taxi operations for a living are well advised to contemplate a meaningful change of occupation, over the next eleven months . .". I must repeat this, that I share the views of several Members on this matter. Although it is stated in paragraph 7.7 that there will be job opportunities numbering no less than 6,500, I fail to see the point that before 1st July, 1971, these pirate taxis would have to be off the road, and therefore the operators would have to rehabilitate themselves in a much more meaningful change of occupation, because it cannot be denied that the projection of 6,500 jobs to be created will be spread over three years, and in 11 months more than 5,000 illegal operators will be off the road. How does one equate the two? In this instance, I would be most grateful if the Minister for Communications would care to clarify. There are some other points to be considered.”
“With regard to the increase in the bus fleet from the present number of 1,339 to 2,000 by 1973, I believe this increase will not be sufficient to meet the needs by 1973, because the number of commuters will have increased by then. Therefore, I would like to suggest that there be a yearly assessment of the immediate needs rather than that an estimate be made of how many buses will be needed in the next three years. I think it is quite necessary to set up a Road Transport Authority, as mentioned in paragraph 13.3 (g) on page 30 of the Report. Paragraph 13.3 (g) reads: `The Omnibus Services Licensing Authority Ordinance, 1956 is to be amended to give it additional and wider powers like a Road Transport Authority so that the reorganisation of our Public Transport service can be a success.' I fully agree with this, Sir, and hope this Authority, when set up, will provide the public with an efficient public transport service. Sir, let me now move on to the chapter in the White Paper that deals with Mini School Buses. This is on page 16, paragraph 5.5. I would like to seek clarification from the Minister for Communications on the type of such buses and how many students each can carry. I bring up this point because I believe that the scrapping of SCH taxis, which have been carrying children to and from school, is an unwise move. As far as I know, these SCH taxis have been per, forming a social service for the many parents whose children are in the primary schools. These children cannot, like the secondary school students, queue up for the buses. Therefore, it is only right that such mini buses replace the SCH taxis.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to make some observations on the proposals set out in the White Paper on the Reorganisation of the Motor Transport Service of Singapore as contained in Paper Cmd. 21 of 1970 and for which the Minister for Communications has moved this Motion. Sir, though I share many of the views expressed by my colleagues, the Backbenchers, however, I do not agree with quite a number of them. The question of public transportation is indeed a very complex problem and, therefore, this White Paper is most welcome and a move in the right direction if we are to have a more meaningful and more efficient public transport service. Sir, may I refer to bus services? I think the amalgamation of the 10 Chinese bus companies into three regional groupings is a correct move, because many of these bus companies have a fleet of buses ranging from slightly more than 10 to more than 100, and they ply along a multiplicity of routes. So I hope this amalgamation will not duplicate the routes, as I note that such routes will have to be rearranged. I feel there should be several bus termini in the city at which the commuters can catch a bus home. In other words, those buses going to the city will have their terminus at such termini. This, Sir, I believe, will help to ease traffic congestion during the peak hours, although I admit that this may entail some inconvenience to those commuters who have to rely on the buses. This is a possibility into which the Ministry of Communications can look, because I have seen such arrangements carried out quite successfully in several European countries.”
“There is still the last part of my question, Sir: whether the Prime Minister would not consider that this increase is a little bit out of date?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to seek clarification and elucidation from the Prime Minister arising out of the Ministerial statement. First of all, Sir, will the Prime Minister indicate whether or not the four Members of Parliament who resigned from this House last month would come into this category to enjoy their pensions? Secondly, will he not consider that this increase is out of date? Thirdly, Sir, will he not inform this House, apart from the reasons he gave just now, why he has not recommended an increase in his own salary?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education the following questions: Firstly, what other courses of study, apart from the Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Electronics Courses, are being offered to students and what level of education do these courses lead to? I hope these courses are so organised that they will not duplicate the courses that are being organised by the Singapore Polytechnic and the other two institutions of tertiary education in the Republic, namely, the University of Singapore and Nanyang University. Secondly, I notice that the Government subsidy to Ngee Ann College stands at $1.1 million. In this respect, I should be grateful if the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education would enlighten this House on what role the Ministry of Education plays apart from subvention. Lastly, I understand that there was a Principal of Ngee Ann College. Recently, there were advertisements for the post of Principal of Ngee Ann College in the local press. Could the Parliamentary Secretary enlighten the House on this? Sir, I support the Bill.”
“Sir, perhaps there is a confusion between property tax and income tax. My question is simply this. What I said just now was that those owner-occupied properties which have already been reasonably assessed should not be reassessed every year.”
“Sir, I think the Parliamentary Secretary completely missed my point. It is that if the annual value of a property is over and above the $6,000 limit, there is the imposition of income tax. And at the same time, Sir, there is also the question of property tax. In other words, there are two taxes coming under one income. I am not saying that properties should not be valued annually, but surely the officers in the Inland Revenue Department, in which the Property Tax Division is, should look into this aspect of owner-occupied properties.”
“When this Bill comes into operation, any property having an annual value of more than $6,000 will attract income tax. In my reply to the Member for Thomson on the question of property tax a few days ago, I did say that any property having an annual value of $6,000 is, in fact, very luxurious property. And there is no reason why a person living in such luxurious splendour should not pay income tax.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, whilst supporting this Bill, I wish to seek clarification and an assurance from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance. Sir, this Bill in a way will benefit owner-occupied properties which carry an annual value of not more than $6,000. But in my view it will not help those owners who have to pay property tax on owner-occupied property of an annual value of $6,000; let it be at a concessionary rate of 18 per cent, 23 per cent or 27 per cent. In other words, if an owner-occupied property is today assessed at an annual value of $3,000, it can be reviewed annually, and in most cases it is revalued upwards. Therefore, more property tax will be paid as the annual value is reviewed each year. My contention is this: whilst one benefits from exemption of income tax in respect of owner-occupied property valued at not more than $6,000, such a property, if revalued upwards, will carry a higher property tax. Under such circumstances, I would be grateful if the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance could assure this House that properties which are considered sufficiently assessed or valued today will not be revalued next year or the following year. Mr Tang See Chim: Sir, I am afraid I cannot give such an assurance to the Member for Punggol. In fact, "annual value" is defined by the Property Tax Ordinance as the value that a house can be let out unfurnished, the owner paying for its maintenance and repairs. In order to get the correct annual value, the property should be revalued every year so that it will correctly reflect its current market value. The Member for Punggol is asking us not to do that very thing, an annual revaluation, so that the annual value of a property can reflect its market value.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, just now several Back-benchers have made some comments on the Bill and I hope the Minister will reply.”
“Firstly, the Deputy Commissioner of Police is empowered to issue orders by a Gazette notification authorising the discharge of fireworks on certain fixed days during certain fixed hours and within certain defined areas. Sir, I do not know whether the defined areas are going to be workable in the light of the Minister's explanation. I feel that it will not work in the city as there is hardly any open space except in the parks. Therefore, those who wish to let off crackers must forgather there "to fight it out", so to say. And will they or will they not agree that such defined areas will eventually be littered with cracker paper? I feel that they will. If so, who is to clear up the mess, especially if the fireworks are let off in the parks or fields? Sir, will it not be better to have the firing of crackers carried out under controlled conditions? For example, I would suggest that the Government consider a total ban on the firing of long strings of crackers and only approve the firing of smaller packets of crackers. But even so, this also poses attendant problems, especially for those living in Housing and Development Board flats and other high-rise buildings. Secondly, will the Minister not consider the setting up of a committee or committees with a view to calling on those who wish to let off crackers during the festive seasons to donate the money instead to charitable and welfare organisations? I am sure this will bring real happiness all round. After all, occasions like Han Raya Puasa, Chinese New Year and Deepavali, to name a few, mean joy and happiness to the people in general. Therefore, by contributing generously on such occasions to charity, those in receipt of it will be all the happier for it. Sir, I beg to support the Bill. 2.52 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, this Bill, tabled on a Certificate of Urgency, is the direct result of several deaths and considerable damage to property caused by cracker explosions and fires which broke out in some parts of the Republic during the recent Chap Goh Meh celebrations. We all agree that on festive occasions, one has a right to rejoice. To express joy and happiness, several forms of celebrations are planned and held, one of which is to let off crackers galore. This is especially true on Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa and other festive occasions. But more so on Chap Goh Meh when long strings of crackers, strung up several storeys high, are let off in many parts of the city. So-called "cracker wars" are held and, as a result, thousands of dollars are literally burnt away. Whoever wins a war of this nature gains, in fact, nothing. On the contrary, I believe he is poorer by several hundreds or maybe thousands of dollars, though he may believe that he will be prosperous as a result of firing crackers. Sir, clearly there was some form of carelessness or indiscriminate throwing of crackers, resulting in outbreaks of fire and bringing misery and untold hardship to others. I felt deeply disgusted and aghast when I read in the papers of the deaths and of those who suffered burns in the Chap Goh Meh disaster. That was senseless and, therefore, the timely appearance of the Minor Offences (Amendment) Bill will, I hope, bring home some sense to those who are responsible for such deaths and suffering. This Bill has my full support. But I wish to seek clarification on two points.”
“I am not moving, Sir. The sum of $230,200 for Head 141 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.”
“I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The time allotted for Head 101 having expired, 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 101 be reduced by $100. The sum of $3,834,830 for Head 101 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 141 - The following amendment stood in the name of Mr Ng Kah Ting - That the sum to be allocated for Head 141 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 401.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 101 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 703. Sir, in moving this amendment, I wish to seek clarification on the development of and improvement to markets and hawkers' sites. Will the Minister for Health indicate the sites where such development of and improvement to markets will take place?”
“I am indeed satisfied with the Minister's reply and I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 101 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 605. Sir, this subhead concerns "Refuse Treatment and Disposal Plants", and there is a token provision of $10 as against nil for last year. I wish to bring to the notice of the Minister for Health that the Tampines dumping ground is a very unsatisfactory place. No doubt it has been the refuse dumping ground for several years. I wonder what steps the Minister will take, with only a token provision of $10, in regard to refuse treatment and disposal plants. I assume his Ministry is exploring the possibility of buying some disposal plants, so that the disposal of trade refuse and other rubbish can be done in a much more hygienic way than the present measures taken at the Tampines dumping ground. I bring this matter up because I have received many complaints from my constituents that all manner of rubbish is being dumped there. This causes a stench in certain areas in Punggol, and during the recent drought there were some outbreaks of fire. In this respect, Sir, I would be grateful if the Minister could indicate to this House what his plans are for the treatment of refuse and disposal plants.”