Ng Yeow Chong
Singapore
“Sir, there is a creche called Lee Kuo Chuan Creche which is not in Kuo Chuan Constituency as the name implies but it is actually in Mountbatten Constituency.”
“As I have said earlier, those who wish to go abroad by air or by sea are usually advised by the travel agencies to apply for a re-entry permit first before buying their tickets.”
“My point is this. Why cannot these people be informed of this requirement in one way or another? As suggested by the Member for Punggol, why not put up notices somewhere near the Woodlands Checkpoint to remind those blue identity card holders who wish to go across the Causeway to apply for a re-entry permit before leaving?”
“Sir, I would like to make a small point. I would like to ask the Minister whether he has ever thought of looking into the ages of meter readers. How many of them are between the ages of 40 and 50 years? Have they been subjected to eye examinations? This is to avoid mistakes in meter reading, as we have so often heard.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Minister aware that some Special Pass holders are former permanent residents? They have lost their permanent status because they have contravened certain Immigration rules and regulations, for example, returning from Malaysia without re-entry visas.”
“Sir, I want to stress to the Minister the importance of a sufficiency of fire hydrants in all housing estates. I wonder if there are sufficient fire hydrants in all HDB estates. Encik Othman Bin Wok: Sir, in answer to the question by the Member for Mountbatten, the answer is "yes".”
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“Sir, I say that we encourage them to place flower boxes in front of their buildings, as the banks and commercial houses do, on their own account. We just give the encouragement!”
“May I know what has caused the disappearance of these white boxes? On the other hand, while driving along Alexandra Road, one can also see flower boxes made of bricks, but, to my mind, they do not look beautiful.”
“Sir, some time last year, while driving along Collyer Quay, one could see beautiful white boxes of flowers. This added more beauty to the city, particularly to the nerve centre of our economy - Raffles Place and Collyer Quay.”
“In view of the information given by the Minister, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for [-lead 0601 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1219. Mr Speaker, Sir, in the provision of the Estimates for 1968 in respect of teachers-in-training at the Teachers' Training College, it is noted that 1,495 posts had been abolished. In 1967 provision has been made for 4,082 teachers-in-training, whereas in 1968 Only 2,587 posts will be provided. Can the Minister clarify whether the abolition of the 1,495 posts means that there are more than sufficient teachers for all the schools in our Republic and that the intake of student teachers to undergo training at the Teachers' Training College in 1968 will be less by that number? 3.00 p.m.”
“In view of the answer given by the Minister to this House, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0401 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2009*. * The same amendment also stood in the names of Mr. S. V. Lingam and Inche Mohd. Ariff bin Suradi. [Mr Tang See Chim in the Chair] 5.19 p.m. Sir, may I seek information from the Minister as to the number of posts in the Vigilante Corps in the Republic, the present strength of Vigilante Corps members in these posts, and how many national servicemen are now undergoing training for part-time services? Sir, may I also enquire how the Minister intends to make good use of the sum of $1,300,000 provided in the 1968 Estimates for this vote?”
“The Primary Production Department or the Economic Development Board should seriously look into this and embark on a programme of improving the methods of packing and marketing of fruits and vegetables. I can quote two such crops which, once commercialised, can derive substantial income. One is tobacco which can be easily grown on small plots and subsequently cured and packed for sale. Another is the orchid industry which, if commercialised, can become a dollar-earning industry for export trade. Other examples like rambutans, chiku and durians, which are grown freely in our tropical climate, can also be commercialised and introduced overseas by highly technical methods and deep-freezing. Surely, these are sources of primary income which can be developed by commercialising and industrialising through modern techniques. It is my fervent hope that the Minister for Finance will take steps to ask the Primary Production Department or the Economic Development Board to make a full study of developing agriculture, so that more primary products can be exported to bring in more income to enhance the standard of living of our farmers. Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the financial policy of the Government for the year 1968. 6.40 p.m.”
“Now that the Government has offered export incentives and training facilities, there is bright hope in future for deep-sea fishing to thrive. In fact, Singapore can be a good home-base for the fleets of fishing trawlers operating in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. There are also ample ice plants with cold storage facilities to store catches of tunas while awaiting transhipment to foreign countries. The tunas which are in abundant supply in these oceans are in popular demand in the U.S.A. and European countries. From deep-sea fishing, we can also develop marine-product canning and fishmeal industries. Mr Speaker, Sir, our kelongs and obsolete methods of fishing must give way to new and modern techniques in fishing. This again will provide employment for those who wish to engage in fishing activities. Mr Speaker, Sir, while we are embarking on industrialisation, we should not neglect our crop-growing agriculture and horticulture. Today in advanced countries like Japan and Britain, every inch of land is fully utilised for crop-growing apart from its use for industrial and social development. In the Development Estimates for 1968, very little provision is made for agriculture and horticulture. Hitherto, the Primary Production Department has been concentrating on live-stock rearing known as animal husbandry and has neglected to encourage market gardening or crop-growing. Though Singapore has no agricultural base, we can still have substantial primary incomes from crop-growing. At present, the vegetable gardeners, fruit- and flower-growers must run into thousands of families in the rural areas. Cannot the husbandry and method of cultivation of horticultural crop or non-plantation crop be improved by better techniques?”
“The Minister for Finance confirmed this when he said in his Budget Statement that there was a crash programme to build more factories to meet the requirements of Hong Kong industrialists as all available factories have been taken up by them. In 1960 or 1961, the Economic Development Board sent out sets of application forms to local manufacturers inviting them to submit their requirements for industrial sites and also to make known their expansion needs. I believe this was meant only to conduct a survey of potential local industries. As far as I know, nothing concrete has turned out from these applications. In fact, industrial sites are mostly offered to pioneer firms. The point I wish to make is that the Minister for Finance should request the Economic Development Board to look into the needs of the local small industries and to assist them to expand and modernise their establishments. These small industries require as much attention from the Government as the pioneer firms. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister for Finance has drawn our attention to the decline in activities relating to agriculture and fishing. In 1966, only 22,800 persons were engaged in these activities as against 40,200 in 1957. The reasons for the decline are the smaller scale of fishing and more land used for industrial and residential purposes. As regards the development of the fishing industry, it is now gratifying to note that a Fisheries Training Centre is now being established to carry out research into the potentiality of marine production and modem technique in fishing. This will help considerably in deep-sea fishing. There have been many efforts in the past to develop deep-sea fishing but without success.”
“The annual census of manufactures gives the total number of persons engaged in the manufacturing industries for the year 1966 as 52,000. The difference of 41,000 is, therefore, the number of workers engaged in non-pioneer firms and established enterprises. This figure does not include, according to the Minister for Finance, the small backyard enterprises which account for a very substantial number of persons working in manufacturing industries. It is evidently clear that the non-pioneer firms as well as the established enterprises are still the main provider of employment in Singapore. The backyard enterprises or small industries must run into several thousands in our Republic. These small industries, in fact, are the pioneers of all pioneers in our industries. Some of these small industries are well-established and of long standing. They are being neglected by the Government and very little assistance, whether financial or technical, is given to them. The Economic Development Board has in the past made no effort to encourage the small industries in Singapore to expand their establishments. It was not until 1964 that the Light Industries Services was set up within the Economic Development Board and efforts were then made in this respect. Even with the establishment of the Light Industries Services, these small industries are not deriving much benefit except in the form of technical advice. For instance, I know of a few small manufacturers who wish to apply for industrial sites or factories in the Kallang Basin Industrial Estate to meet their expansion needs; they are not given the sites. Instead, the factory sites are often given to the pioneer firms or foreign investors.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Budget for 1968 has once again brought great relief to the people of Singapore as there will be no increase of taxes or new taxation. The Minister for Finance has been able to frame the Estimates of Expenditure for next year within the expected yield of the existing taxes. Compliments must be given to our Minister for Finance for such a realistic and well-balanced Budget for the coming year. In his Budget Statement in Parliament on 5th December, the Minister for Finance dwelt at length on the economic growth of the Republic and compared the achievements this year with the achievements in 1966. He attributed this steady growth of economy to three main reasons, namely, the growth of trade with Indonesia, the increase of exports to South Vietnam, and the increased flow of Hong Kong investments into the Republic. However, there will be a stumbling block to our sturdy growth of economy by the mid-seventies when Britain is expected to run down her military bases in Singapore. The new problems that will arise will be the retrenchment of about 32,000 people now working in these bases and the consequent reduction of local expenditure. Undoubtedly, these will adversely affect our economy. The people of Singapore, I am sure, are confident that our Government will be able to solve these problems. Mr Speaker, Sir, this is already the sixth year since Singapore embarked on the industrialisation of our local economy. There has been generally good progress in our industrialisation programme. In 1966, there was a total of 165 pioneer firms of which 111 were in production. The total number of persons employed by these pioneer firms is 11,000 which can rise to 19,000 when these pioneer firms are in full production in two or three years' time.”
“The need to enact laws to make the Vigilante Corps a statutory organisation, therefore, cannot be disputed in this House. All hon. Members of this House, I am sure, will give their support to this Bill. However, there is one point I wish the Minister to consider, that is, the welfare of the Vigilante Corps members. I notice in clause 24 of this Bill that the Minister makes regulations concerning the administration, discipline, training and welfare of the Corps. I am happy to note that there are provisions in this section to make regulations on the awards of compensation in respect of death and personal injuries, awards of pensions and gratuities and reimbursements of payments to members of the Vigilante Corps. But there should be provision also to provide for medical care and attention not arising from injuries. Can the Minister clarify the question of reimbursements and payments to members of the Corps? Does he mean that a travelling allowance at the same rate as that paid to the P.D.F. will be paid to Corps members who turn out for duty or training? Sir, I support this Bill. 4.48 p.m.”
“Sir, the purpose of this Bill, as explained by the Minister of Defence, is to make statutory provisions for the establishment and maintenance of the Vigilante Corps in our Republic. In the past the Vigilante Corps existed as a local voluntary organisation formed by some civic- minded citizens who saw the need of a vigilante organisation to assist the police in preserving peace and order in their own areas. Later, during the confrontation days, our Deputy Prime Minister realised the important role of the Vigilante Corps and appealed to the public to join the Corps. After that there was enthusiastic response from the public, and the Vigilante Corps was set up both in the rural and urban areas of Singapore. The Vigilante Corps then began to grow to their present strength with the support, of course, of various community leaders. As a matter of fact, our Deputy Prime Minister went to some constituencies to visit the Vigilante Corps. In some of the constituencies which border the sea, the Vigilante Corps also did coastal patrol duties until well past midnight to help the police watch for illegal entry of saboteurs and agents. In fact, the Vigilante Corps made a tremendous contribution towards the internal security of Singapore during confrontation days. Sir, I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to ask this House to place on record the appreciation of our Government to members of the Vigilante Corps for their voluntary services in maintaining the peace and security of our country during confrontation days. The present circumstances have necessitated the enlargement of the Vigilante Corps so as to take in national servicemen who will do their part-time service in the Corps.”
“If they wish to build their warehouses on their own land, will the Government consider giving them assistance so as to expedite their applications?”
“In the case of owners of warehouses, I am given to understand that most of them have found their own accommodation. But more often than not, the owners usually find difficulty in getting their applications for change of use of premises into warehouses approved. Or they have difficulty in applications to the Planning Department or the Chief Building Surveyor's Department when they want to -”
“Sir, can the Minister say whether any compensation has been paid to all those affected by urban renewal and at what rates? Also what is the total sum paid out so far?”
“These anti-national elements are now out in the streets defying not only police orders and obstructing the duties of the law officers, but also damaging public property. They have gone even further now -they damage even private properties belonging to law-abiding citizens. This is indeed most contemptible and despicable. Mr Speaker, Sir, this House should ask the Government to take drastic action against these anti-national elements and stamp them out once and for all. Sir, Government action alone will not be sufficient. There must be co-operation from the public. There is much that the law-abiding citizens can do in helping to put an end to this open defiance of the law. The public should not regard this as a matter for the Government to solve when, in fact, their daily livelihood and interests are directly involved and their future jeopardised. Civic organisations or registered societies should come out and openly condemn such acts. At least it will have a deterrent effect in that these anti-national elements will not think that their lawless acts have the support of the public. Sir, I would like to conclude by saying that our laws must be respected and not challenged, and that law and order must be maintained at all costs. Sir, I give my support to this Bill. 4.50 p.m.”
“Sir, I stand up to support the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill. During the past few months there have been incidents of rioting, unlawful assemblies, vandalism, processions, and demonstrations organised and instigated by the Barisan Sosialis. Such open defiance of the law by these anti-national elements should be stopped at all costs. Sir, as you know, the prosperity and survival of the nation depend very much on the political stability and preservation of peace and good order. Any good citizen will detest such despicable acts of open defiance of the law. As is known to all, Sir, the tactics of Communists everywhere are to create confusion and chaos in a country and then topple and take over the administration if the situation gets out of hand, The incidents in the Magistrate's Court yesterday will suffice to prove their evil design, which was to challenge the authority of the magistrate. We should not allow this to happen. We should stand firm and safeguard the interest of our law-abiding citizens by tightening up our existing laws against those anti-national elements who are up to no good and who wish to wreck the security of the country. Since the boycott by the Barisan Sosialis Members of Parliament and their subsequent resignations from Parliament, the Barisan Sosialis have openly declared their determination to carry out their so-called struggle in the streets outside Parliament. Mr Speaker, Sir, there are Red Guards in the People's Republic of China, Here in our Republic we have what I would like to call them in Mandarin Hon liu man, which literally means Red hooligans, as they deserve to be called.”
“Ownership of this land was handed down from our forefathers to our contemporaries. Sir, you will agree that if we are to progress we must develop by acquiring land for the benefit of our future generation. I do not see why there is so much concern about compulsory acquisition of private properties for public purpose or for purposes beneficial to the public. Compensation, reasonable and just, of course, will have to be paid for such acquisition. Sir, I am sure not all of us here in this House possess landed property. Even if they do, it is for their own occupation. Believe me, Sir, many of our contemporaries are enjoying the good things of life on the gains or income from the sources of private properties that they have inherited from their forefathers, whilst many others have to toil hard and sweat for their daily bread. This surely is not a fair state of things in our society. Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Government's policy concerning land acquisition, and I fully support the motion standing in the name of the Minister for Law and National Development.”
“In fact, it has put us more on the alert and made us more conscious of the grave responsibilities and duties we have to discharge to the public. On the recommendation of the office of Ombudsman, a lot has been said by hon. Members during the past two days. I do not wish to repeat except to say that it is not advisable to implement it at this juncture. There are ample facilities under the existing machinery whereby grievances or complaints of maladministration can be redressed. Our Ministers are being assisted by Parliamentary Secretaries, Political Secretaries, and Permanent Secretaries. Members of Parliament are also attached to the Ministries to assist the Ministers. Mr Speaker, Sir, as you very well know, our Ministers and M.P.s are accessible to the public, and any grievances by the public against any department concerned can be easily lodged with the respective Ministers. And if the public so wishes, complaints can also be brought to the Central Complaints Bureau or the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau. Sir, I would like to conclude by touching on the acquisition of land for public development. You are aware that land in Singapore is a scarcity now, and will be more so in future. In fact, we are getting more land by reclamation to cope with the ever-increasing rate of development. When the city is to be rebuilt under the Urban Renewal Scheme, more land will have to be acquired from private landowners for public development. When Sir Stamford Raffles first landed in Singapore in 1819, he saw a need to develop the island. As a result, jungle land was offered to whoever was prepared to open it up and cultivate it and make it inhabitable by way of grants for freehold leases of 999 years during subsequent years.”
“Does this mean that the Government is not even prepared to review the position in future in case an Opposition is returned to this House? In this case, I would like to endorse the views of the hon. Member for Bukit Merah yesterday, i.e., that the recommendation of setting up the Council of State should not be embodied in the Constitution yet until it has been put to a test for five years so as to prove its practicability. This is a good suggestion, and I further wish to supplement it by suggesting that it would be wiser to commence the term of office from the year 1968 when new Members of Parliament are returned for the next Session. In other words, the Council of State will have to withstand a test for five years before such recommendation is written into the Constitution of Singapore. Sir, there is absolutely no sign of fear expressed by the general public that the P.A.P. will turn to be dictatorial simply because there is no Opposition in Parliament. Since the P.A.P. obtained its second mandate from the electorate in 1963, the people of Singapore, not counting those who are anti-national elements, have never dissented from any major Government policies. There has been no controversial issue of any sort that irritates the masses or causes them to stage an uproar against the Government. There is no better illustration of the full confidence that the people of Singapore have in our Government and the P.A.P. than that shown by the overwhelming support in the by-election in Thomson, an area hitherto considered to be a stronghold of the Barisan Sosialis. Mr Speaker, Sir, the lack of Opposition in this Parliament, which is not our fault, does not mean that this House has not been functioning well.”
“Perhaps, Sir, you are aware of the existence, in every constituency in our Republic, of an advisory committee to assist Members of Parliament known as the Citizens' Consultative Committee. Some of the community leaders are men of some distinction and ability. They constantly keep in close association with the masses and I wonder if the Government would consider appointing some of them to the Council of State, for they are the persons who can really make a contribution by reflecting the views of the masses in our Republic to the Government through the Council of State. Secondly, Sir, since the composition of the Council of State will be men of high status who will also be accorded the same immunities and privileges as enjoyed by Members of Parliament as suggested by the Commission in paragraph 52 of the Report, I suggest that, if they are to be paid any allowances, an honorarium of only a nominal sum be paid to them. This will save the Government considerable extra expenditure. Sir, our Republic, with its limited resources of incomes, cannot afford the luxury of a two-House system. In fact, the Commission has taken into consideration the financial implications once the Council of State is created. As regards the term of office, the Commission has in its Report originally suggested that in the first Council, one-third of the members shall hold office for three years, another one-third for six years and the remaining one-third for nine years. But in the Ministerial statement by the Minister for Law and National Development made in this House on 21st December, 1966, two types of membership were suggested in place of the recommendation by the Commission, of which one is permanent. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 4.13 p.m.”
“Sir, I will endeavour to be brief. The Report of the Constitutional Commission, 1966, now tabled before this House for debate, is yet another important parliamentary document that has passed through this Parliament since December 1965 when the House approved two Bills of similar importance, i.e., the Constitution (Amendment) Bill and the Republic of Singapore Independence Bill. This House must express its sincere gratitude to the Constitutional Commission and its eminent members for its distinguished work. Many views were expressed by hon. Members in this House yesterday and the day before, and whilst associating myself with some of their views, may I be allowed. Sir, to touch a little on the setting up of the Council of State as recommended by the Constitutional Commission among other recommendations? Firstly, the Government has, in principle, agreed to the recommendation of creating this non-elected advisory body, but differed in opinion in its composition and function. The Council of State would consist of two types of membership - the permanent members and the members who are removable. The permanent members would consist of men of distinction who either hold or have held high offices, such as Cabinet Ministers, former Chief Ministers, the Chief Justice, the Speaker and so on. Needless to say, the choice of these men as permanent members for the Council of State is certainly the most ideal one, as they are either concerned with policy making or are conversant with Government policies. As for members who are removable, it has been suggested that persons who are mature citizens and have rendered distinguished public service or attained eminence in their respective walks of life, are to he appointed on the advice of the Cabinet for a term of 3 years.”
“Our Government has already assured us that no person who has completed his two years' full-time service in the army need worry about his future, for the Government will reserve sufficient jobs either in Government service, statutory boards or large enterprises once he is demobilised from active service. If he wishes to further his studies, a place will also be found for him in an institution of higher education. We understand also that the Government is about to introduce legislation to control employment in the private sector and to compel employers to take into employment those citizens who have served their two years' military training. With all these assurances from the Government, I am sure that not only citizens in my constituency will give full support to national service, but also all the people in other constituencies will similarly pledge their support to our Government in introducing this Bill. Mr Speaker, Sir, I urge this House to give its fullest support to this Bill. 3.36 p.m.”
“Since Singapore is now an independent country, national service has become a community obligation collectively and a fundamental responsibility of every citizen individually. Sir, the people of Singapore have learnt a bitter lesson in the struggle for survival after independence and they have now fully understood the meaning of survival. They have great appreciation for our Government for what they have been provided with. For instance, equal status in the society regardless of whatever race they are; security and freedom and social amenities such as housing, education, welfare aid and hospital facilities, etc. Mr Speaker, Sir, I am sure the citizens of Singapore are prepared and ready to stand up at any time in response to the call of the Government to defend our nation in case of emergency. It is, therefore, the duty of each and every citizen to safeguard all the privileges of enjoying the many social amenities with which the Government has provided them. Moreover, national service gives an opportunity to young people of various races to intermix and mingle with one another through training so that they may know one another better. Besides, the training teaches them how to handle arms. Besides this, they will also learn to be patriotic to the nation. What is more important is that these young citizens will be taught to understand their social obligations to the nation and will learn how to cultivate a sense of national consciousness. Mr Speaker, Sir, this is the opportune time for us to test whether our citizens' loyalty is to the country of their birth or to the country of their ancestors.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to speak very briefly in support of this Bill. Many people may wonder why national service is to be introduced in Singapore, as Singapore is only a small nation in this world. Sir, the answer to this is that Singapore is now an independent nation and, like all other nations, we should have the means and capabilities to protect and defend our nation without having to depend much on outside help. In fact, most of the countries have enforced national service. And there is no reason why Singapore should be so exceptional in this respect. I must, therefore, praise our Government for taking such a decisive step to introduce this National Service (Amendment) Bill in order to enlist our 18-year old citizens for a two-year full-time service in the army or for part-time services in the P.D.F., the Special Constabulary, or the Vigilante Corps. This decisive step has been taken after careful thought and consideration over the last 1½ years, and, in fact, the Government would have taken this step when it started to recruit members for the People's Defence Force last year. Mr Speaker, Sir, as far as one can remember, when the National Service Ordinance was first introduced and came into force in 1952 by the then semi-colonial government, many young people, particularly the students, fled from Singapore to the country of their ancestors in order to avoid being called up. These students did not want to become, in their own words, "the stooges or ashes of the cannon of the then semi-colonial Government". There was no support at all at that time from the people, because they were not subjects of an independent country but were people living in the colony of a foreign power.”
“In view of what the Minister has said, I beg to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr Sim Boon Woo - That the sum to be allocated for Head 63 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 302.”
“As far as I can visualise, Changi Point should have hotels, restaurants, beach chalets, parks, children playgrounds and such other facilities which are common features in well-known countries where tourism thrives, e.g. Hawaii, Honolulu or even Long Beach in California. This project can either be developed by Government or by the private sector. I wonder if the Minister, in view of the increasing tourist trade, will seriously reconsider an alternative site for the Fisheries Training Centre in order to preserve the best part of our beach from being improperly used. I cannot imagine a fisheries school in Waikiki Beach or in Long Beach.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 63 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 301. Sir, I notice that under this subhead there is a sum of $180,000 provided for a Fisheries Training Centre to be developed from the existing Fisheries School, which, as I understand, was built in 1953 with sums contributed jointly by five Governments, namely, Britain, Malaya, Brunei, Sarawak and Singapore, and Singapore's contribution was 35 per cent. The School was only used for three years and after that it was totally neglected and is now in a deteriorating condition. Now the Primary Production Department has decided to develop it into a Fisheries Training Centre with this provision of $180,000 for the year 1967. Sir, I do not for a moment oppose the principle of developing a Training Centre for the fishing industry. But certainly a better site elsewhere can be located for this purpose, such as Punggol, Kangar or one of the offshore islands which are more suitable for fishing, marine research and training centre. As for this particular site, i.e. Changi Point, which has the best beach in Singapore, I do not see why it should be wantonly wasted on a School for Fisheries instead of converting the present building and its surroundings into a first-class beach recreation ground in order to attract tourists who can spend millions of dollars on their visit to Singapore. Now that Singapore is on the world tourist map and the Government is spending millions of dollars to encourage tourists to come here, surely the Minister will reconsider changing this site in favour of a recreational beach resort for our citizens and tourists.”
“Sir, in view of the Minister's assurance given to this House, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Will the Minister consider using this sum to provide not only facilities changing rooms but also individual chalets or wooden huts for those who want to hire them for the day? Speaker, Sir, you will agree with that good recreational amenities will help to rejuvenate our citizens in building a strong and viable nation.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 55 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 107. * Mr Speaker, Sir, under this subhead there is a provision of $100,000 for Improvement to Beaches. The Government should be praised for its wise move to make this provision under Five-Year Plan 1966-70 to improve beach resorts. Sir, swimming in our island nation is an integral part of the outdoor activities among our young and citizens. This House will recall that the 1966 Development Estimates debates in December 1965, the Parliament Secretary to the Minister for So Affairs assured the House that beaches would be beautified and amenities provided. I am delighted to know that the plan to improve our beaches is now beginning to take shape and will materialise the sum so provided in 1967. Sir, now wish to seek further information on what the Minister plans to do a how this sum could be best used. I wonder if the project will include building of beach huts, or what are commonly known as chalets, for seaside picnickers where they can change and relax At present I notice that at certain places swimmers have to change their clothing behind bushes and some even have do it in their cars. However, if there are beach huts or chalets which can be hired out to picnickers on a daily basis, they will certainly provide privacy to swimmers, particularly to the ladies. At present we have many camp sites and toilet facilities near the seaside, but these are not adequate and unsuitable for changing purposes. Many picnickers, particularly ladies, are not served with any facilities for privacy. I hope the Government will consider building proper beach resorts and creational amenities to meet the needs of our citizens as well as to attract tourists.”
“The Minister has not answered whether the Singapore Vigilante Corps Pension and Gratuity Regulations, 1965, have been implemented or not.”
“Sir, a scheme for compensation or gratuity is very essential, especially as we are now campaigning for more members to join the Vigilante Corps, and their welfare should be looked after, as we cannot afford to lose their services. There is another aspect of welfare which Government can look after, i.e., their travelling allowances. Sir, in the People's Defence Force, when we go for parade training we get parade allowances. But V.C. members get no travelling allowances. In some constituencies, especially the well-to-do ones, the Vigilante Corps is often supported by local communities or well-wishers. When I went to Tampines last week, I saw that the organisation there was very poor. I believe their financial support is not very strong. Perhaps that is the reason why the V.C. members are not active enough in that constituency. So it is my hope that the Government will give serious thought to granting travelling allowances and compensation for V.C. members when they are injured.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, for the information of the hon. Member for Delta, in my community centre we have women Vigilante Corps members. This House will agree with me that members of the Singapore Vigilante Corps are playing a major part in helping the police force to preserve peace and order in our country. The general public is certainly grateful to them for their voluntary services. But the welfare of the Vigilante Corps up to now has not been well looked after by the Government. Their members are now getting drinks, coffee and sugar from the People's Association and cigarettes contributed by the well-wishers from the public. As we all know, they often encounter great difficulties while performing their duties. They are unarmed and, in the course of their duties, may injure themselves or even lose their lives. For instance, there were two members from my constituency who were injured while on duty. One was hurt during coastal patrol duties at Kampong Amber, and the other sustained injuries when he met a gang of fighters at Tanjong Rhu. Sir, I took up the cases of these two unfortunate members with the proper authorities, the People's Association, for compensation about a year ago, but to date no news has been received. As we all appreciate their voluntary services, we must provide them with compensation and adequate cover in order to safeguard their lives. I vaguely remember there was a scheme for compensation for V.C. members known as the Singapore Vigilante Corps Pension and Gratuity Regulations, 1965. May I request the Minister to inform the House whether the scheme for compensation under these Regulations for V.C. members has actually been implemented or not?”
“I hope the House will agree with me that every opportunity for work must be given to our citizens since we are trying to reduce unemployment. In view of the assurance and information given by our respected Prime Minister, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $611,780 for Head 0201 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 0301 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0201 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2007. Mr Speaker, Sir, I only want to seek clarification of the provision of $43,200 for the maintenance of Temasek, Kuala Lumpur, for the year 1967. May this House be informed whether the domestic staff at Temasek, Kuala Lumpur, are Singapore citizens or Malaysian citizens? If they are Malaysian citizens, I do not see any reason why they should benefit from this sum when Singapore citizens should, by every right, be entitled to benefit from the sum provided. In fact, our citizens could easily replace the alien domestic staff. May I know whether there is any condition or agreement whatsoever with regard to the employment of Malaysian citizens in Temasek, Kuala Lumpur?”
“No, Sir. The sum of $2,228,750 for Head 0107 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 0201 - The following amendment stood in the name of Mr P. Govindaswamy - That the sum to be allocated for Head 0201 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2004.”
“I shall report any complaints made to me during my next Meet-the-people session. Of course, complaints of this nature are usually beyond the ability of Members of Parliament to deal with, apart from bringing them to the notice of the Central Complaints Bureau. I must thank the Minister concerned for his advice and I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.”
“Sir, may the Minister in charge consider setting up a re-orientation course for all the Court interpreters so that they may give better service and be able to discharge their duties more efficiently to the public and in a manner more befitting our Socialist society. Sir, I beg to move.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, * That the sum to be allocated for Head 0107 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1021. Sir, please allow me to pay tribute to the Court interpreters for their honesty and sincerity in performing their duties and for the useful role played by them in the judicial system. Unfortunately, there are still some Court interpreters, particularly in the Criminal and Traffic Courts, who are discharging their duties in a manner that was prevalent in the colonial days. More often than not, suspects and accused persons who are brought up before the Magistrates either for criminal or traffic offences, often find great difficulty in expressing themselves properly and confidently. This is partly due to some of the Court interpreters who speak in aggressive and harsh tones, thus putting fear and confusion into the hearts and minds of the witnesses in the dock. This is considered highly improper and unsatisfactory, especially now that we are a Socialist Government, and we should in no circumstances let the public think that there are still some civil servants who think highly of themselves and act as if they are rulers. Suspects and accused persons who are brought to court on trial should be allowed to speak freely for themselves through the Court interpreters and let the law take its own course. In fact, these Court interpreters should feel that they are in the Courts to interpret and serve the public and not to persecute them. We leave this to the D.P.P. In this manner, the public will appreciate that they are well assisted by the interpreters.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I speak on amendments (1)* and (2)+ together since they are of the same nature? + Amendment No.(2), standing in the name of Mr. Ng Yeow Chong, reads as follows: That the sum to be allocated for Head 0107 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1022.”
“A supplementary, Sir. I wish to know from the Minister for Law and National Development whether he is prepared to consider installing more standpipes in the rural areas.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I ask the Minister to clarify one point in his statement on common currency? He has just talked of a possible compromise agreement. Would he enlighten the House on whether he is prepared to compromise on the principle that the assets of Singapore should be safe against unilateral breach of the agreement?”
“Perhaps you are aware, Mr Speaker, Sir, as well as most hon. Members in this House, that Long Beach in California, where international beauty contests are held, as well as beaches in other countries like Hawaii, is today the most famous beach resort in the world. That being so, it has attracted many tourists to that country besides providing its people with good social amenities. Tourism in our country, though in its infancy, is progressing steadily into a dollar earning industry. Therefore, it is my hope that our Government could turn our beaches both in the east and west of Singapore into proper seaside resorts not only for our people to spend their leisure hours but also to provide good amenities to tourists, so that tourism can further progress.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1108 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2034. I notice that there is an increase in the estimates for 1966 from $8,330 in 1965 to $51,470 for this vote. This is a tremendous increase. There is a great need to conserve Government funds for better utility. Such an unusual increase is unwarranted if there are no major or new development projects under the Primary Production Department which require overtime work to cope with the extra amount of work. Mr Speaker, Sir, this House would be happy if the Minister would enlighten us on whether or not it would be more practical and justifiable to recruit new workmen and labourers instead of paying the existing employees overtime allowances. This would give more employment to a great number of unemployed in Singapore.”
“May I have leave to withdraw, Sir? Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $3,012,640 for Head 1004 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 1101 - The following amendment stood in the name of Mr P. Govindaswamy --- That the total sum to be allocated for Head 1101 be reduced by $100.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1004 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2011. Mr Speaker, Sir, I merely want to know why the provision for this subhead for the year 1966 is double the amount estimated for 1965. Consequently, if I may say so, Sir, the efficiency of the Fire Service should increase. There is always the fear that whenever there is a fire, the houses in the affected area are more often than not gutted before the arrival of the fire engines. Sir, I beg to move.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir,I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1003 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2062. Mr Speaker, Sir, it is observed that there is an unusual increase in the Estimates for the year 1966 from $2,500 in 1965 to $86,500 in respect of this vote. Does the Government expect more destitute persons in 1966 or is it due to the under estimate in 1965? Mr Speaker, Sir, under subhead 2063 the provision of $9.6 million has been estimated for public assistance to unemployed persons. I do not understand why there is such a need for this vote. Sir, I begin to suspect that we are gong to face a situation in future in which there will he an influx of destitute persons from the other side of the Causeway. If this vote is meant for repatriating these destitute persons hack to the other side of the Causeway, then I say. Sir, it is unfair for our hard-earned revenue to be spent on this. However, this is the responsibility of the Malaysian Government. We should hold the Malaysian Government responsible for this expenditure. Mr Speaker, Sir, this is only my assumption. Nevertheless, I should he grateful if the Minister for Culture and Social Affairs would kindly enlighten this House on the utility of this vote.”