Ong Chit Chung
Singapore
“Sir, the SAF may buy the best aircraft, best tanks and the best ships, but the real core of the SAF remains its officers and men. Without the commitment of the officers and men, the SAF would be nothing. Besides the full-time and Operationally-ready Servicemen, the SAF has to attract and retain good career officers and men.”
“Sir, I know that in geopolitical terms, it is better to keep Myanmar within ASEAN than to leave it out. It may help to prevent Myanmar from being too drawn into or be dependent on China, but there is a limit to the price for keeping Myanmar within the ASEAN fold.”
“Have we rushed into such a proposal without taking into full consideration the internal dynamics of Indonesia? What are the prospects of such an agreement to be accepted? How would the anti-competition charges against Temasek Holdings affect bilateral relations and the future flow of investments into Indonesia?”
“Sir, I wish to seek some clarifications from the Minister on Myanmar. Many of us feel that ASEAN has no teeth, but the Minister clearly thinks that ASEAN has a tongue. I would rather describe it as a tongue-in-cheek way of explaining how ASEAN deals with Myanmar.”
“Sir, I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State whether the Extradition Treaty will undermine or, to use his own word, compromise Singapore's position as an international financial centre, and whether Indonesians will hesitate to invest, put their money or buy property in Singapore because of this.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, I will leave the Minister to describe the elephant, but I would say that the SAF has embarked on what some call a "Revolution in military affairs", employing IT and state-of-the-art technology to transform the SAF into a 3G fighting force: I believe, a decisive force, an effective deterrence against any would-be aggresso…”
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“Sir, as a parent, I appreciate all the good work the Ministry of Education is doing in our schools. It is particularly encouraging to watch the Ministry's advertisements on television, portraying the teacher as a decision-maker and a leader of men. We must, therefore, do all we can to upgrade the support service and equipment in our schools, so that the principals and the teachers can focus on planning and teaching. Executive officers should be assigned, in my opinion, to take over some of the administrative chores from the principals and teachers. Sir, we spent millions of dollars on library books and audio-visual equipment, and yet do not provide for library staff and audio-visual technicians. In these circumstances, all sorts of duties are then farmed out to hard-pressed teachers. A teacher becomes a jack-of-all-trade in the school and it takes the joy out of teaching. In terms of equipment, more personal computers should be provided and the fax machine should be made available to all our schools. Air-conditioning should, in my opinion, be a standard feature for libraries, computer rooms, staff room and the principal's office. Indeed, the factor workers in our air-conditioned assembly plants are working in more comfortable surroundings than our esteemed teachers and principals.”
“Understandably, NIE's most urgent task in the next five years or so would be in consolidating IE and CPE's respective strengths in education and physical education as well as to develop greater expertise and academic depth in the arts and the sciences. Only then will the teacher training and academic programmes offered be held in high regard, an issue which Dr Aline Wong was very concerned about. Besides these programmes, the IE/CPE Development Committee which I chaired has suggested that the NIE should develop IE's strength in the expressive arts. It is envisaged that these departments in the expressive arts will be the embryos from which will develop a school of aesthetic arts of the NTU, a school which will train not only teachers of the visual and performing arts, but also performers and practitioners of the expressive arts. However, I wish to request the Member for Tampines GRC and all aesthetically-inclined Members of this House to exercise some patience. NIE and its expressive arts department need to be carefully nurtured. Like an infant, NIE needs to move forward slowly, one step at a time. Please allow NIE to first establish strong foundations in education - physical education, the arts and the sciences. When these are in place and the NIE is on firm ground, it would then be in a position to focus its energy on the building up of a school of aesthetics.”
“However, it was also found that the beginning trainees were too inexperienced to handle classroom situations, and this had adversely affected some. It was felt that, if they had some training and preparation before training attachments, the trauma would be lessened. In some universities, schemes with a few weeks' attachments in the first six months of training have been introduced. Their initial findings were encouraging. Sir, following from my Minister's statement on the new NTU and NIE, it is evident that the whole scenario of teacher training will be undergoing a qualitative and a quantitative change in the next five years. The IE is presently working out the detailed course structure of the degree and other programmes and will take into consideration Mr Sia's suggestion for early practical attachment of teacher trainees in its preparation. Sir, with reference to Mr Sia's concern for serving non-graduate teachers, my committee has recommended that the Ministry of Education should consider favourably applications from serving teachers who have the necessary qualifica- tions and ability to obtain a degree, and that these applications should be supported for entry into the degree programme. We agree with the principle that the proven, faithful and good should be given a chance. Sir, I refer to Dr Aline Wong's suggestion for a School of Performing Arts. My Minister has just told the House of the formation of the National Institute of Education which is to be an independent institute of the Nanyang Technological University. The NIE will herald a new era in teacher training. Existing programmes will be upgraded and a new degree programme for primary teaching will be introduced.”
“Sir, I share the sentiments of my colleague, Dr Arthur Beng, on single-session schools. May I ask if the Ministry would speed up and extend this programme so that more students throughout the island would benefit from the single-session programme? I believe that the single-session programme is a key to improvement in our educational system. Students would have time in schools for remedial and enrichment classes. Parents would be glad that their children are gainfully occupied in schools throughout the day and not loitering outside. May I also ask if the single-session programme will lead to better teacher-student ratio in classrooms and whether any thoughts are being given to new methods of teaching appropriate to the single-session programme? The Minister of State for Education (Dr Seet Ai Mee): Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to thank the Member for Moulmein for his support for the degree course for primary school teachers. In his words, "it is a bold plan" . But with the support of himself, at the teachers, and the nation of Singapore in general, we can plan to succeed. Sir, the Member for Moulmein has expressed concern that paper qualifications should not be the sole criterion for candidate selection for the degree course, and that attitudes and other attributes must be considered. The Ministry agrees with Mr Sia and for this reason, the Institute of Education is looking into the introduction of training aptitude tests in addition to conducting interviews to assess the suitability of applicants for teacher training. Sir, when in the UK, my study team and I discussed the usefulness of the early attachment as a means of selection with several teacher training institutions. We were told that it had helped some trainees to make up their minds about being teachers.”
“Sir, we are grateful to the Government for the provision of grants to the town councils. However, these grants are woefully inadequate. The cyclical work grant is based on 1986 prices. But all of us know that costs have risen sharply since then. Just take the case of repairs and redecorations for apartment blocks. Tender prices have jumped up by 175%. Further, the cyclical work grant is based on a new 7-year cycle formula which was introduced recently, while most of the existing apartment blocks are painted with materials covering a 5-year period or cycle. Therefore, there is a shortfall of two years in grants by the Government. Cyclical grants are also not given for 5-room apartment units and commercial units. But these units cannot be left out in repairs and redecorations. I therefore appeal to the Government to reconsider the basis of the grants. Resources given, Sir, would benefit the bulk of Singaporeans who are residing in public housing estates. Let the Government and town councils work together to keep our estates clean and green.”
“As for GIs being on their best behaviour, I understand that before US sailors or soldiers on R & R come to Singapore and land here, they are solemnly admonished by their commanders that the laws are taken very seriously in Singapore and if they get into trouble they cannot expect mercy. I believe that they understand this, because we have had very few problems with US sailors in town. I do not know where else they go to besides art galleries. But so long as any deployments in Singapore are on the same basis, I think there will be no problems. While we wish to be hospitable hosts, we must also be mindful of the problems which foreign forces in Singapore may cause. We should therefore work out with the US a sustainable basis for their forces to use the facilities in Singapore, not one which gives one side or the other significant but ultimately intolerable privileges. This Mindef is currently doing.”
“Sir, I support the move to offer the use of our military facilities to US forces. American military presence in the region has a stabilising effect and helps to maintain the balance of power in this region. It is only right that we who proclaim the positive effect of their presence should not preclude or foreclose our own military facilities to them for their use. Nevertheless, before the American GIs step onto our shores, we must negotiate and make clear that we retain our sovereignty and no extra territorial rights will be granted to any foreigners or foreign powers. While they are on our soil, the American servicemen must respect our laws and customs. And socially, some say we should expect them to be on their best behaviour. However, I personally doubt that they will confine themselves to patronage of concert halls, libraries and museums. We should therefore put in place some practical measures or safeguards against untoward actions and social ills. BG Lee Hsien Loong: Sir, the rationale for the use of military facilities in Singa- pore by US forces was given by BG George Yeo in his parliamentary statement in August last year. It is in our strategic interest to have the US in the region for as long as possible. We have stated this repeatedly. Therefore, we are prepared to allow US forces to use some of the military facilities which are available here. In doing so, we will be sharing the political burden, a political burden which up till now the Philippines has borne alone by playing host to the US forces. The Member raised concerns about sovereignty, criminal jurisdiction, etc. They are very much in our minds. Visitors to Singapore must abide by Singapore rules.”
“Sir, I also wish to call upon the Government to review the issue of passports to reservists, as it is related to recognition. If the Government recognises the status of reservists and their contributions, it should not restrict their international passports to one year's validity, while other citizens are eligible for passports of up to 10 years. In effect, the one year validity for reservists is really half a year, as many countries insist on a balance of at least six months' validity before they would allow you in. The point here is, if the Government cannot trust the reservists with the passports, can they trust them to defend the nation?”
“Sir, first, I want to declare my personal interest as a reservist. National service and reserve service are part and parcel of life in Singapore. My generation of Singaporeans takes it as matter of pride. It is our responsibility as well as a privilege to serve our nation in defence. If we as citizens do not defend our land, who else will? Reservists, however, do suffer from disadvantages. Let us not pretend that there are no liabilities. Reservist call-up and training are disruptive to both careers and family life. While you are away on reserve training, work may pile up on your desk or you have to double up or make up in sales or lectures when you come back. And your employers may not appreciate or give due recognition to reserve service. Indeed, a few days ago, one of the bosses told me that, given the choice, he would rather employ staff from Hong Kong or Malaysia as they have no reserve liabilities and he would be spared all the troubles and disruptions. I suggest there- fore that the Government publicise more extensively the vital roles and sacrifices of the reservists and, in particular, educate the employers and the personnel managers. We should give reservists due recognition and enhance their standing in our society. The Government should set the example in this. Besides medals and ceremonies, the Government should consider some tangible benefits, like priority points for allocation of HDB apartments, reduction of tuition fees at tertiary institutions, tax rebates and concessionary rates at hospitals. We should do something for the reservists, who may have to give up their lives to defend us. To do anything less, I think, would be an injustice.”
“But in doing all these, we must be ever mindful of the social angle, and ask ourselves from time to time whether we are moving too fast in privatisation or doing enough to help cushion the effects for those who cannot for the time being catch up. The standard response is that there are bursaries, waivers of fees, public assistance scheme and so on and so forth. But are the criteria applied too stringent or too restrictive? Sir, I am not asking for a welfare state, which is a dirty word, with all its attendant ills and idleness, nor asking for equality of pay or rewards, but that more be done to help promote equality of opportunity so that the less fortunate can rise up in society. Sir, since its election in 1959, this Government has done much to improve the lot of the less privileged in education, in housing, and other areas of public life. This is well and good, but much needs to be done and we must be seen to be doing it. Let us work at it and not lose the common touch.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the motion standing in the name of the Minister for Finance. Sir, it is indeed a painless budget. Some say that the pain is in-between budgets, and budget day is a non-event. Others think that it will encourage our gentlemen to go for younger ladies in order to reap the benefits of the procreation rebates. The more senior ladies, I am afraid, would be less attractive -I mean fiscally, and not necessarily physically. Be it as it may, we must congratulate the Government for delivering another good year to us. At the same time, we should bear in mind that this is only possible with the cooperation of the workers and businessmen. Though the Government sets the directions, we must salute the workers for their self-sacrifices and applaud the businessmen for their initiative and entrepreneurship. Sir, last week, I attended a committee meeting where grants or bursaries for needy students were discussed. Members around the table, all highly qualified and successful professionals and businessmen, expressed surprise, indeed shock, that there are people in Singapore with family incomes of $300-$500 per month. The question is: are we aware of the plight of the poor in our midst? Is their cry for help heard? The poor or less privileged are finding it more and more difficult to make ends meet. Costs are rising and rising. To them, Singapore is becoming less and less affordable. Privatisation, restructuring and cost accounting are the "in" things these days. These are well and good, a necessary part of the on-going economic rationalisation.”
“The Bill provides for referral to the Council on the first occasion when the prohibition order is served or issued. But thereafter, there is no specific provision for further consultation with the Council. Theoretically, the prohibition order could be extended every two years on an indefinite basis, without further reference to the Council. Finally, I suggest the Government consider incorporating some checks and balances, perhaps even allowing for judicial review, of the prohibition orders. To the Government, I urge it to use this proposed law sparingly, prudently and wisely. To the people, I urge them to take the Bill in the right spirit. Give the Government a chance to prove that it operates for the greatest good of all, and that it is not against religions in general or any particular religion.”
“Many things which one does wittingly or unwittingly could be perceived to be causing feelings of enmity or ill-will. Further, where are the "working rules" contemplated in paragraph 27 of the White Paper? The Minister should, I think, spell out these rules clearly so that all will know what is permissible and what is not. The Bill prohibits the promotion of a political cause or subversive activities under the guise of religious practices. But what constitute a political cause or subversive activities, many would ask. The White Paper states that religious groups can preach that abortion is morally wrong, but must not oppose National Service. What about other issues? Where is the dividing line? The Government, I think, should give clear guidelines. The Bill provides for a Presidential Council for Religious Harmony. But the Council, as it stands, may look more like the handmaiden of the Minister, rather than a watchdog. And if it is a watchdog, it is a watchdog that has no bark and no bite. It has no initiative of its own. It cannot consider any item unless asked by the Minister or Parliament. It cannot on its own initiate a discussion on a topic, even if some of its Members think it is pertinent. Further, I suggest that the Council be strengthened by allowing it to appoint sub-committees or resource panels to advise on matters pertaining to the practices of particular religions. This, I believe, will allow the Council to be more representative and be in closer contact with wider sections of the various religious communities. The Bill also does not specify that the prohibition order must be served personally on the person concerned. He therefore may not be aware that he is under prohibition, and this, I believe, is a breach of the rules of natural justice.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Bill. No one, Sir, can quarrel with the laudable aim of this Government. All, I am sure, would agree that we must maintain religious harmony in a multi-racial and multi-religious society such as ours, lest we be swept away by the cross-currents of the world-wide surge of religions. Indeed, both the Government and the people must work together to ensure that there is peace in our land. Without this peace, nothing else is possible. The question is, how do we go about maintaining religious harmony? The Bill before us is one additional means, enabling the Government to warn and curtail activities that would lead to serious troubles and thereby tear apart the fabric of our society. It may otherwise be too little, too late. It is put in place as a preventive measure and need not be used at all if all is well. The very existence of the law may have, on the other hand, a posi- tive effect on would-be wayward or fanatical elements. Sir, the Government, as the keeper of law and order, has to play the moderating role, very much like a neutral referee. It may not be a popular task. But who else but the Government could, and indeed must, fulfil this difficult role. Some accept that there is a place for such a Bill, but have queries and reservations. These are genuine and legitimate concerns, and I suggest the Government address the problems and consider these views seriously. Otherwise, much goodwill will be lost. I will here highlight some areas of concern. The definition of an undesirable act as "causing feelings of enmity, hatred, ill-will or hostility or prejudicing the maintenance of harmony" is vague and subject to wide interpretation.”
“However, I would urge the authorities to take into consideration the needs of the handicapped and the charity organisations in the possible allocation of such quota. Some handicapped people, for example, need a car to ferry them from place to place. We should also consider some form of differentiation for cars of high and low cc. Perhaps a standard price may be pegged at, say, 1,000 cc, and higher cc cars would then have to pay higher percentages based on this. Sir, overall, the quota system may not be the ideal. I think it is impossible to have an ideal where we need to limit car growth and restrict car growth. But it is a better alternative. We should think about it and consider it seriously. It may work fairly well once the practical details are sorted out. 4.32 pm”
“First, the rationale and method for setting the quota and, secondly, the mechanism for the allocation of the set quota. I think the rationale is clear. I support the quota system in principle. Basically, there is a limit to the total number of cars on the roads in view of our land size and road capacity. It is a matter of finding the best way or a mix of measures to discourage car growth beyond a certain target or limit. The main method at the moment is to increase the taxes drastically through the ARF at undetermined times to dampen car sales. This may not work well in times of prosperity and the Government carries with it the odium of imposing heavy taxes and dashing the aspirations of many young Singaporeans or those who aspire to own cars. The quota system will, I think, set the target car growth rate per year rationally, with the assistance of technical studies on road capacity and traffic congestion, and allow market mechanism of demand and supply to set the price of a new car licence. It will be market mechanism at work, and not the strong hand of Government that will primarily determine the price of new cars. We should let market forces decide. If the people want a car, they should pay for it. It is in line with the overall trend towards privatization and market initiative. Once the quota system is accepted in principle, we would then have to settle the question of how the set quota is to be allocated, whether by public tender or some other mechanism of allocation. It is not possible at this stage to come to a firm conclusion without detailed studies, but open bidding appears to me to be the most practical method at the moment.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the motion of Dr Hong Hai. We should commend the Select Committee for its level-headed Report. It has done, in my opinion, good work. There are, of course, many items left untouched, eg, the status of Q-company cars and technical studies and details of implementation are yet to be worked out. But this should not detract, or distract us, from the intrinsic merits of its basic proposals. Sir, most encouraging of all are the proposals to retain the PARF, though with modifications, and the shortening of the evening ALS from 7.00 pm to 6.30 pm. Many car owners, dealers and finance company directors probably heaved a sigh of relief and slept better with this recommendation, though they may not be out of the woods yet. The shortening of the evening ALS will be welcomed by shopkeepers, parents and school children alike. This, in my opinion, should be implemented as soon as possible once technical studies are completed and evaluated. I support the recommendation by the Select Committee for further improvement to the public transportation system. The Government has done the right thing to fund and construct the MRT. It should go one step further and make doubly sure that the MRT and buses are fully integrated and their usage is maximised. All MRT stations should be supported by frequent feeder bus services. Buses should be more spacious and air-conditioned. Perhaps tax incentives could be given to encourage the buses to switch to air-conditioning. The most significant and controversial of all recommendations of the Select Com- mittee is that on the quota system. To quota or not to quota, that is the question before this House. The quota system actually involves two separate questions.”
“" Therefore, I hope the Select Committee will be objective in considering this subject and will be able to acommodate objective views. There is a suggestion that the Chinese translation of "Nominated MPs" should be a certain term - "guan wei yi yuan" ( ) or "te wei yi yuan" ( ). This is a problem with language translation. However, I agree to the term "guan wei" MP in order to differentiate it from popularly elected one. But I feel the English term "Nominated MP" should be "Appointed MP" to be more appropriate. Next, the Bill requires only 6 voters to nominate an NMP. This number is too small. Unlike the elected MPs, the NMPs need not put a deposit and go through the electoral process. We can consider increasing the number of voters required for the nomination of NMP. Because of the small number of signatures of electoral voters required for the nomination of NMPs and because no deposit is required there maybe hundreds of names who are qualified and willing to be put forward as candidates. We can also consider allowing certain organizations like professional, commercial and academic bodies to nominate candidates. The final point about the selection and recommendation of NMPs, I agree with the Member for Serangoon Gardens that the final decision as to the selection and appointment of NMP should be by the Parliament.”
“Whether the NMP innovation may or may not be of advantage cannot be decided by debate in this House within 2 days. The results of many things can be seen only years after action. It is just like the subject of NCMP when it was introduced in 1984. There was much opposition from many including our PAP Backbenchers. After some time, it now seems that this system of NCMP has been accepted by us. It is most ironical that the party which opposed this suggestion most was the Workers Party. Yet, now it is the same party that is the first to accept and be benefitted by the NCMP system. I wonder what Dr Lee Siew-Choh thinks of this. This drawing of four legs to a snake has always been used to describe doing things which are unrealistic or unnecessary. But, sometimes there are exceptions. A good artist when drawing a snake with four legs can also turn it into a dragon which can rise up to the sky. Our PAP Government has the ability of drawing a snake into a dragon. That is why Singapore has become one of the four little dragons of Asia. This topic has roused keen interests and heated debates from the MPs. It is a record for so many MPs to debate on a topic. On the contrary, after the first reading of the Bill, it has not aroused much interest in the press and from the various circles including the grassroots. It seems that there has not been any keen response to this proposition. Perhaps this keen response from Parliament itself is mainly because this motion of NMP touches on the immediate personal interests and position of MPs themselves, and therefore they are less objective in their views. There is a Chinese saying "those who are deeply involved themselves do not see things as clearly as bystanders.”
“Sir, I agree that I have spoken those words. Upon reflection, I changed my mind. Thank you for pointing out. 2.45 pm Dr Koh Lip Lin (Nee Soon South)( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, after hearing some 25-30 MPs' opinions, I feel that whatever that has to be spoken or should not be spoken has been spoken. Whatever that needs to be repeated or not be repeated has already been repeated. So I cannot add anything more. I suppose you are already quite fed up with if not tired of hearing all this. I myself also feel a bit fed up. But since I have already stood up so I might as well make use of the opportunity to express some lighter reflection on this subject. The main opposition's point on this subject is that they feel it is not necessary to have Nominated MPs. In other words, it is redundant to have such concept. PAP has been in office for over 20 years and Singapore has been governed very well. It shows that our parliamentary system is working quite well. Since we have been performing so well, why should we need to change? There is a Chinese saying of: " " (drawing a snake and adding four legs to it). It means something redundant or unnecessary. You need not have four legs to be added to a snake when you draw a snake. It defeats its purpose. You miss the true picture more than you have added in. From the proponent's standpoint, Singapore is an emergent progressive country. Our Parliamentary system is still in the process of changing and developing for the better. Now and then we have to adapt ourselves to new situations in order to progress and advance. The objection to the drawing of the legs to a snake is more of a conservative view. The proposition to reform is of a more progressive view.”
“Politics, in my opinion, is not just about speaking and proffering alternative views. It is about service to the people and it is about commitment. One should have the conviction to stand up and be counted be counted by the voters in an election. Where, may I ask, is the commitment? Where is the passion? I therefore suggest to the Government to expand perhaps, as an alternative, the Non-constituency Member of Parliament scheme. They do, in my opinion, represent to some extent the voters who cast their votes in their favour. The First Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Goh Chok Tong): Mr Speaker, may I seek a point of clarification? I am a little surprised by the stand taken by Dr Ong Chit Chung. Because in the debate on the President's Address earlier this year he supported the proposal to have nominated MPs and I quote from Hansard, Vol. 52, No. 6, Col. 418: 'The proposal, Sir, floated by the Minister for Trade and Industry, for non-partisan MPs drawn from the universities and the trade unions is a step in the right direction. But this would take a number of years to work out.' We took only a few months to work this out.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I cannot in all conscience endorse this Bill. In the Legislative Council of 1948, the first such body set up after the Second World War, there were 13 official nominated Members and unofficial Members out of a total of 22 Members in the Chamber. In our struggle against colonialisation and our march towards full parliamentary representation and self-government, the nominated seats were progressively eliminated. By 1959, we had a fully elected Legislative Assembly. Now, after 30 long years of progress, we are going back to square one. This, in my opinion, is a retrogression, an anachronism, a step backward. We are putting the clock back. Yesterday, we were given a list of 20 countries with nominated Members. Surely the question is: are we in the same level of development as Botswana, Malawi, Gabon and Gambia? Surely, we do not wish to be bracketed with such countries. Nominated Members or the six wise men or six wise ladies may or may not raise the level of debate in Parliament. But that is besides the point. In my opinion, Parliament is not merely a debating society. It is not a forum where verbose gladiators slice and slash each other with their sharp tongues. It is first and foremost a House of Representatives. Members speak on behalf and represent the interests of those who put them into Parliament. Without this mandate of the people, we are nothing. We were told to accommodate the nominated Members of Parliament as they might not wish to fight it out in an election, to go through the baptism of fire or to do constituency work like house-to-house visits climbing up and down the stairs or attending to the needs of the residents in the meet-the-people sessions. My question is: should we bend backwards to admit them by the back-door?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the policy outlined by the Minister. Circumstances have changed since Religious Knowledge was first introduced as a compulsory subject in our schools. There is an upsurge in religious activities in our country and religion is increasingly a sensitive subject in our midst. We therefore have to adjust and adapt our policies. In this context, Sir, the State should, and must, maintain a position of complete impartiality and seen to be so, be equidistant from all and even-handed towards all religions. The State should not use its powers to compel its citizens to study and sit for examinations in Religious Knowledge. Religious studies, Sir, should be by choice, not by compulsion. The spiritual realm should be best left to private initiative, to private choice. I believe this is in line with our overall privatisation programme. After all, Religious Knowledge is not scrapped but made optional. So one can exercise the choice. Sir, I welcome the better alternative of Civics and I welcome its introduction to our schools. It is good for Singaporeans of all races and religions to share the same Civics lessons in class, to learn what it is to be like to be Singaporeans, together in the same class, rather than going their separate ways to different classes to study different religions during curriculum time. In Civics lessons, the pupils will be on common ground, together as Singaporeans, learning about our common heritage, sharing our common aspirations as Singaporeans and committed to our common destiny as a nation. This, Sir, cannot be but for the good of all, and all Singaporeans should support this.”
“Sir, the Minister is aware of course that last year at the height of the Hendrickson affair we were all told to be wary and to beware of American intentions and actions. Now, as he announced, we are considering extending our base facilities to them. Of course, we remember what the British statesman said that we have no permanent friends or enemies but permanent interests. But how are we going to explain to the people on the ground that it is in the long-term interest of a nation to extend further facilities to the Americans? Sir, if the Americans have base facilities here, would they defend Singapore if we were under attack by regional powers? With the extension of the base facilities to the Americans, Singapore would, I believe, become a prime target for conventional and nuclear attack in a global conflict. Is it worth the risk involved? What about the social costs? Would the presence of the American servicemen lead to a higher incidence of VD and Aids, more girlie bars in Orchard Road? BG George Yong-Boon Yeo: Mr Speaker, Sir, can I answer as the questions are fielded, otherwise there might be too many and I may not be able to recall all of them?”
“Close this understanding, or misunderstanding gap and close this information gap so that there would be more people accepting the measures than rejecting them. Thank you.”
“Second, the Ministry of Labour also conducted a lot of dialogues over a recommendation contained in the Howe Yoon Chong Report to extend the CPF withdrawal age to 60. The Ministry of Labour conducted a lot of discussions, collectedfeedback and finally decided to introduce the minimum sum scheme. In the end, the idea was accepted. What had originally angered the people and raised a lot of reservations is now well-received by the people. The Ministry of Education. Before the Ministry introduced the Independent Schools, it carried out a lot of dialogues. The public gave its views through various channels and these dialogues and input from the people over these issues were collected, analysed, scrutinised before a final decision was made. And now we hear that the Ministry of Education is conducting a series of dialogues and forums to reach a decision over the issue of the teaching of Religious Knowledge in schools. So all these Ministries have their own ways of selling a controversial idea to the people. And I feel the Ministry of Communications and Information ought to be in a better position, compared with the other Ministries, when it comes to convincing the people. Because, if I am not mistaken, there is in this Ministry a Unit known as the Psychological Defence Unit. Why can't the expertise of this Department be applied to find ways of convincing the people, to use psychology, in order that what is seen as difficult could be so presented as to be acceptable the people. I think the Ministry has a higher capability in this area than the other Ministries if it could make use of the expertise of its officers in the Psychological Defence Unit. In conclusion, I think we should close this perception gap.”
“Let us at least be merciful on our school children and not penalize them for going to and from their schools. Let them pay when they grow up as adults. But in the meantime, let them enjoy their schooling unhindered. Sir, I support the motion in the name of Dr Hong Hai. Encik Wan Hussin bin Hj Zoohri (Aljunied GRC)( In Malay): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the debate today is over measures to curb vehicle usage and not measures restricting vehicle ownership. Much has been said by colleagues before me and replies to some of the points have just been given by by the Minister. But one point to note here is that a controversial issue such as this has continued to be viewed with a lot of reservations, a lot of questions, a lot of objections by some quarters. Why is this so? In my view, what might have appeared to be so simple, so clear, so rational, in the eyes of the Minister and all his officials, seemed not to have been viewed in the same way by the people. Therefore, obviously, there must be an information gap or gap of understanding between those who imposed these measures and those on the receiving end. I am not saying that there have not been any preparations on the part of the Ministry. But perhaps the timing and manner in which the information was given made it unsatisfactory to the majority of the population. Perhaps the Ministry could find a lesson in what other Ministries have done when a controversial measure or scheme was to be implemented. Let me give some examples. Sometime back, when the Ministry of Health sought to implement the Medisave scheme, it initially came up against a lot of reservations from the public. But the Ministry conducted a lot of discussions, meetings, with many parties and eventually this controversial scheme was welcomed by the public.”
“We then have to live with car curb measures. The questionis: how do we do it? What are the best packages? Can we avoid the shock treatment? Can we not prepare the people psychologically to accept and live with these measures in land scarce Singapore? Sir, one possible approach in my mind is that the Government should let the public know what is the set of targetted ceiling on car population or car growth, a figure which could be based on a number of factors like total land space, road space and traffic flows. Perhaps this matter could be taken up by the advisory council which was suggested by the Minister of State for Finance and Foreign Affairs. Indeed I think there is already the Public Transport Council which could tackle this problem and come up with a set target, in consultation with the Government. The Government could then announce in advance that any increase in car growth beyond this target figure would lead to a mix of measures or further measures to curb car growth. And this can be done regularly at set intervals of review and everybody would know that come acertain date, there will be a review, reassessment and possible measures or rises in various taxation measures. The policy would then, I believe, be clear. The measures would then be expected. The system would then appear to be fair to one and all. Sir, a parallel is the Public Utilities Board's announced policy of pegging the price of electricity to the cost of oil. It can be revised upwards or downwards in accordance with the prevailing oil prices in the world. This system is fair and seen to be fair. Could it not be done in terms of land transportation? In terms of specific measures, I would like to urge the Minister to reconsider the imposition of CBD restrictions on Scheme B buses and school buses.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is plain and obvious that the car policy is not merely a transport issue. It is a matter close to the hearts of most Singaporeans. It is an emotive issue. Most people who can afford it or think that they can afford it or think that they should afford it would like to buy a car and own one. This being the case, any measure to curb car growth would not be well liked, whatever it is. It is a bitter pill to swallow. It also leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. The Government therefore has an uphill task to explain the rationale behind the car policy. But sell the policy it must. The Government must win the support of the people on this issue. It is obvious from the debate and public reactions that there is an information gap between the Government and the people in this matter of car curb. I urge the Ministry to work harder and be more productive in this matter, particularly since the Minister is also in charge of Information in the Minitry of Communications and Information. Go to the people and win them over on this matter. Sir, stripped of the rhetoric and emotions, the issue is simple. Is there a need to limit the car population and car usage in this country? The answer is obviously yes. There is indeed no other choice with our limited land and road space. Will the traffic situation worsen without further measures? Should we not take action before our roads become clogged up and jammed up like London, Bangkok or Jakarta? Yes, we have to act before we are totally bogged down on the roads. We are in a way the victims of our affluence. With economic development and prosperity, more and more people would want to own cars. The car population in truth will only go down during recessions. We do not, of course, wish for a recession.”
“Contrary to what some people believe, we have a very strong national consensus on total defence. And the SAF's efforts have received considerable understanding from members of the public who from time to time, we acknowledge, have been inconvenienced, although we try to keep the inconvenience to the barest minimum. I will ask Mindef to look into a scheme to recognize formally civil resource owners who have been exceptionally cooperative with Mindef in the same way as we do with employers of reservists. 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 Bill.-[BG Lee Hsien Loong]. Bill considered in Committee. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Clauses 1 and 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 3 --- BG Lee Hsien Loong: Mr Chairman, Sir, I seek your consent and the general assent of Members to move an amendment.”
“Sir, I rise to support this Bill. Sir, it is heartening to note that many of our corporations and companies give full cooperation and support to this mobilization of civil resources. In fact, I know that many of them have declined payment or compensation for the work they have done for the nation. We can conclude from this that many of our businessmen have taken to heart Machiaevelli's statement that there will be no prosperity without adequate defence. I think they are fully aware of the fate of city states of Florence and Milan during Machiaevelli's time which fell under foreign domination because of their neglect of defence while pursuing prosperity. This, I know, will not be the fate of our nation with the support of these businessmen. It seems, therefore, that the message of total defence where you could not divide civil and military resources has permeated throughout society. The question here I would like to raise is whether these cooperative and supportive companies and corporations are given their due recognition by the Ministry of Defence and by society in general. I am aware that there is a parallel scheme of recognition to reservist employers for their full cooperation in the call-up of reservists. I wonder whether the Ministry of Defence will consider such similar scheme or recognition, though it may be a token recognition, to endorse and to encourage all these civilian businessmen and companies who give full support to this mobilization of resources. I support the Bill. BG Lee Hsien Loong: Mr Speaker, Sir, I will ask Mindef to look into the matter. We are grateful for the support we have received from civil resource owners and from reservists and from employers.”
“What if the 16-year-old does not appreciate the importance or urgency of the order or notice? Or forgets to inform the reservist? Would it then be fair and reasonable to blame and punish the reservist for not knowing about the order? The Bill re-enacts Section 14 of the Enlistment Act. That is, a person who has completed his term of national service is still liable for reservist service of up to 40 days a year, and even for a longer period should the authorities so decide. The young man's studies have already been disrupted for 2(r) years. He is now 2(r) years behind his contemporary who does not do national service, and is consequently 2(r) years behind in prospects of promotion or advancement in his chosen field of endeavour. BG Lee Hsien Loong: Sir, on a point of Order. The Member has turned a debate on a correction to the Enlistment Act on a technical item into a general attack on the system of national service in Singapore. That is not the purpose of the Bill, and I submit it is out of order.”
“They find them most inconvenient and do not see the need and purpose for such exercises. That the reservists as well as the employers are also unhappy with their in-camp reservist service is also no secret. Some reservists who work in Government departments or in the private sector and who receive fixed monthly salaries, may find such training a welcome change to their daily routines. They receive make-up pay, suffer no loss in income, and could take the exercises even as holidays. Not so the employer who may find that he is short-handed, and has to engage another person to do the work left undone as a result of the call-up of the reservist. How does he feel? Have the authorities ever given that a thought? He is inconvenienced and out of pocket. How will he make good his losses? The situation is worse for the reservist who is self-employed. Some mention has been made on this earlier. If he is a self-employed professional, his work schedule will be disrupted. He loses some business opportunities. Make-up pay may not be able to compensate him for his loss in income during the call-up period. The same situation applies to the small contractor. If he is a solo-proprietor in a small business, or is a daily-rated employee in a small business, he will suffer losses in income which he can ill-afford to suffer if the reservist in camp exercises should last more than 10 days. Make-up pay consists of only rank-pay which comes to a mere fraction of his normal income. Here, I would like also to comment on some of the unreasonable provisions in the original Act, and which are now re-enacted in the present amendment Bill. For instance: the order or notice left with a person "who is apparently above the age of 16 years" is considered valid.”
“Our young men are required, by 18 years of age to register and enlist for National Service, and after completing their term of service, again be subjected to recall for reservist service annually. Just now the Minister has explained why they should respond the call-up quickly. Of course the Minister has got his own reasons. But what I would like to ask is: why should the reservist be required to answer the call-up so quickly and in double quick time, in 6 hours now instead of 12 hours as in the past. Why the speed-up? Has the response from the reservist not been prompt in the past, despite what he has said about the 98% response? If that be the case, then it merely confirms one well-known fact, namely, that such emergency call-up exercises have been most unpopular, and that many of the reservists answer them most reluctantly. The reservist is also deemed to have knowledge of the call-up order that is conveyed to him at his work-place through any means under various circumstances. And the Bill makes it plain that ignorance of the order will not be accepted as an excuse for failing to comply with the order. Presently if the reservist fails to answer a call-up order, the authorities have to prove that the reservist has known of the call-up order before he can be punished according to law. Now the situation is changed. If he hopes to escape punishment, the reservist will have to prove that he does not know of the call-up order. Have the authorities found it difficult in the past to "conclusively presume" that a reservist is guilty of an offence if he reports late, or does not answer the call-up order? Is that why the burden of proof is now shifted on to the reservist? It is no secret that most reservists are not happy with the mobilization exercises.”
“Again, the introduction of the fax machine is a very good innovation and I think we have to advance with technology. But the Ministry should be aware that very often fax messages are misplaced. They might not be sent to the person quickly enough. There are so many fax messages passing through a fax machine, that the person at the end of the line manning the machine might not know which is of priority. So I think the Ministry of Defence must teach the reservists or the reservist's employers or office holders to sort out these messages. We must bear in mind that in the Pearl Harbour episode, intelligence messages were sent on time but they were misplaced. The clerk or the messenger thought that it was not important and they were not delivered. Sir, my question is: is the system fair to the reservists who are willing to do their part? The burden of proof in this Bill lies almost completely on the reservists, Will the benefit of doubt be given to the reservists in some of the circumstances I men- tioned? Will there be adequate opportunities for review and appeal if the reservist felt that he has been mistreated in one way or another or when there is perceived misjudgment? Sir, I support the Bill. 1.55 pm Dr Lee Siew-Choh( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, some people would like to listen to me speaking in Mandarin in Parliament. Today when the government and all strata of the people are emphasising the importance of the use of the mother tongue, it is only appropriate that I speak in the mother tongue here too. Mr Speaker, Sir it is generally agreed that increasing control and regimentation of the people is one of the characteristic features of PAP rule in Singapore.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support this Bill. We have come a long way since the introduction of national service in 1967. Over the years, national service and reservist training have become part and parcel of life in Singapore. Reservists do take their obligations seriously. Without their cooperation, it will not be possible to think about reducing the response time for open mobilization from 12 to 6 hours. We must also commend the SAF for constantly improving its logistical and organizational structure for making it possible to mobilize, equip and put into the field a large number of reservists in such a short period of time. The efficient mobilization and operational readiness of the SAF will send to one and all the appropriate signal telling all not to disturb or "kacau" us, to leave us alone to pursue peace and prosperity. Reservists, I believe, are prepared to play their part. They are mature, married with families and know what the score is. My point is that the system of mobilization must be fair and seen to be fair. For example, on the new provision for the use of telephones. How could we tell over the telephone whether the person is apparently 16 years and above? What happens if a foreign maid picks up the telephone? Are we to trust the foreign maid in the household to pass the message even though she might be above 16 years of age? The use of pagers is a very good innovation. But those of us who carry pagers often know that we are always paged wrongly. Whenever we check, it is a wrong message. Somebody at the end of the line pressed the wrong button. So many of the messages could be sent to the wrong person and the appropriate person might not receive such messages. But the burden of proof in the provisions of this Bill lies with the reservists.”
“" I am glad that after due deliberation, Sir, the Minister and the Government have come up with a measured step by step approach, and taken all factors and opinions into consideration. The sceptics again have been proven wrong. It is not a wholesale abolition nor an abortion, but I think a selective application, tailor-made to suit our local needs and local conditions. Allowing appeal to civil cases will be reassuring to foreign and local companies, to foreigners and citizens alike, and indeed to the common man that there is a higher court for appeal. And allowing appeal in criminal cases involving life imprisonment or the death penalty would be a compassionate act. I must say that this measured and moderated approach makes the task of Backbench MPs more difficult, as we explain the policy to our constituents. It is easier to present the case if the Government were to go the full hog and abolish the Privy Council once and for all. Selective or part measures would appear to be contradictory or even illogical. But explain and support this Bill we must for, I believe, it is the right measure. Sir, I support the amendment Bill.”
“Sir, I rise to support the amendment Bill. First, I want to refer to what Dr Lee Siew-Choh said about the sameness between Singapore and England. I think we should not pretend that we can be the same. We cannot pretend to be Englishmen. We can speak Singapore English or some form of English but we cannot pretend to be speaking like Englishmen and try to put on a stiff upper lip like the Englishmen. We are different. Sir, when the Internal Security (Amendment) Bill was debated and passed by this House, some quarters outside speculated that what would follow would be the complete removal of appeal to the Privy Council in all other cases,"a wholesale slaughter" according to some. Sir, they have reason to expect that this would be the line of action. Indeed, some members of the public urge that we should completely abolish appeal to the Privy Council. It is a colonial legacy, a relic of the past, an anachronism. After all, only Singapore, Brunei and Hong Kong in this region still retain the Privy Council. Hong Kong is a Crown colony and by 1997 it will be handed back to mainland China, and this link will also be cut. Australia has abolished it. Malaysia has abolished it. New Zealand is thinking of abolishing it. As we develop as a sovereign and independent state, we should also abolish it and cut the apron strings. As we grow up, it is time to be ourselves, to be our own men, to be on our own. Sir, one could imagine the pressure on the Minister for Law, as he gave due deliberation to all factors, weigh the evidence and ponder over the course of action. If I may misquote Shakespeare: "To Privy Council or not to Privy Council, that is the question.”
“Sir, I would like to ask whether the Minister is aware that many countries require a minimum of six months' validity of passports. Although they are given a one-year endorsement, in effect, they have only six months to use the passport before they required to extend the validity if they wish to travel to those countries. And this means a lot of inconvenience for many of our reservists who are in the business sector. Would the Minister consider extending, say, to two years if it is not possible to be longer? BG Lee Hsien Loong: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am aware of this. I concede that there is some inconvenience involved in the renewing of passports every year. We have, in MINDEF, just recently reviewed the position as to whether we want to hold it at one year, or whether we want to extend it to two years. It is a question of judgment. In this review, we have decided to stay with one year. We can review it again in a year or two. LOWER FLOOR HDB FLATS FOR AGED AND INFIRM 2. Mr Chin Harn Tong asked the Minister for National Development, with the Report of the Advisory Council on the Aged in mind, if the Housing and Development Board will consider reserving the bottom floors of high-rise public housing blocks for the aged and other persons who will suffer seriously from any lift failure.”
“Sir, I support the integration of the Singapore Civil Defence Force and the Singapore Fire Service. On the Singapore Civil Defence Force and Civil Defence shelters, I understand the plans so far include only MRT stations and HDB apartment blocks. I would like to ask the Minister if he would consider extending the construction of Civil Defence shelters to schools, community centres and certain private housing estates, for example, high-rise private apartments where there is a high density of population. During peace-time, in the community centres for example, the underground Civil Defence shelters could be used as CD offices and stores, conference rooms for civic organizations and the kitchen facilities could be used for cooking classes. In this way, the Civil Defence facilities could then be put to optimum use in both war and peace. To publicize the work of the Singapore Civil Defence Force and the Singapore Fire Service, and educate and train the school-going population, I would suggest the Ministry consider the setting up of Civil Defence Clubs or Brigade in the schools along the line of the Red Cross Society, St. John's Brigade or the Police Cadet Corps.”
“Sir, the Police Force is providing good service to the community, to the boys' club, which channel the energy of the kids to very healthy and meaningful activities. I urge the Minister to extend the scheme to more constituencies. And if there is a manpower problem, to utilize the Volunteer Special Constabulary personnel.”
“Sir, on the upgrading of the Police Force, I wish to make some comments on training and the level of service the Police could provide. Singapore is a commercial city. The crooks are becoming more intelligent and sophisticated. While we cannot send a crook to catch a crook, our Police Force should be even more intelligent and even more sophisticated in investigation. And the way to do it is to recruit the best and allocate more funds, I believe, for training. For example, it may be easy to catch a common thief, but it would require higher skills to ferret out a white-collar crook. I would ask if the Police Force has revamped and is continuously upgrading their training to deal with the ever changing crime scene in Singapore. Sir, the SAF has announced plans to build a world-class military academy in the new SAFTI. I suggest that the Police Force do a thorough review of the training and put up plans for an upgraded Police Academy which can be a centre of excellence in training for this region. More officers, particularly junior officers, should be sent for overseas training to enhance their skills and to give them the opportunity to learn and interact with their peers overseas. In terms of services, the NPP is a good scheme. But I have noticed that not many residents in the neighbourhood or the Constituency know the location or telephone numbers of their NPP. In times of need or trouble, their first instinct is to dial 999, even for non-urgent matters. There should be better publicity in the neighbourhood or the NPP. Perhaps these posts should be assigned easy-to-remember telephone numbers and such numbers can be displayed in all apartment blocks and printed in local newsletters.”
“Sir, on the CCCs and RCs, I think there should be better coordination between these two sets of grassroots organizations. The younger RCs could then tap the experience and contacts of the more established CCCs, while the CCCs could utilize the manpower and mobilizing zeal of the RCs. To enhance coordination, I suggest that the staff of the CCCs and the RC secretariats be integrated. This will also cut down duplication, maximize their effectiveness and perhaps save us some costs in terms of manpower. A combined secretariat could then be set up for each constituency or GRC.”
“Just a point of clarification. This person need not be a specialist but a historian of general standing or of certain stature. But in view of the Minister's explanation, I withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“I think there should be an inter-ministry committee, chaired by MCD, to coordinate and integrate the various programmes, so that funds are well spent and there is no overlap of functions.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head J be reduced by $10 in respect of Code JI 1500 of the Main Estimates. Sir, the National Museum, National Archives and Oral History Department play a vital role in the preservation of our heritage and the development of our very own national identity. My question is: are they receiving adequate funding and support from the Government? I doubt so. A very small sum, for example, is allocated to the National Museum for its acquisition programme. It could hardly acquire anything of significance, yet it is supposed to be a repository of our national treasures. I also believe that to upgrade and develop these departments fully, we need to appoint consultants or experts. Yet hardly any funds are allocated for this purpose. The programme of these departments would be enhanced if there is better coordination of their work. There is at present no senior professional person to coordinate and direct their activities, though they all report to the administrative Deputy Secretary or Permanent Secretary. For other professional services, there is the Director of Medical Services or Director of Education. Indeed, coordination is perhaps difficult as the three departments have their separate advisory or development committees. Sir, the public is hardly aware of the activities of these departments. Perhaps there should be more funding and better ideas for its publicity and education programmes, and a bigger exhibition hall at their Hill Street premises. Besides the departments in MCD, other departments and agencies are also involved in the preservation of our heritage, for example, STPB, URA, PMB, Sentosa Development Corporation, SAF museum and PSA museum.”
“Sir, has the position of the Thai Prime Minister regarding the Hun Sen government put Asean in a difficult situation and some of the Cambodian factions in an even more delicate position?”
“Sir, we heard from one of our Members today that one group, particularly the Malays, have been disadvantaged by this new criteria. Could the Minister clarify on this? Also, whether sufficient time was given in the last few years for students to know the new criteria to make the necessary adjustment to meet with this new criteria. Dr Tay Eng Soon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the students were given sufficient time, two years' notice, ie, when they got into Secondary 3, of these changes in the admission criteria so that they could prepare themselves in Secondary 3 and Secondary 4 to do their 'O' levels and make their subject choices to meet the new criteria. As to the question of whether any particular group is disadvantaged, I do not think it is accurate to say that any particular group has become disadvantaged. The criteria are explicit and applicable to all groups. The objective is the important thing. The objective is to make sure that the students who come into junior college to prepare for the 'A' levels and to prepare for the possible admission to the university should be academically inclined. And one way in which this can be assured is that they should have a broad enough base of 'O' level subjects for admission to junior colleges.”
“Fourthly, there is no direct representation in the European Free Trade Area, and I think we should also send someone there. As regards coordination of foreign policy mission, I think the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should have someone based in Singapore to coordinate the various agencies.”
“Though we have direct representation in Hong Kong and Taiwan, we only have an honorary consul in Seoul. This, Sir, is terribly inadequate. With the recent trade liberalization policy in South Korea, there is an urgent need to upgrade our representation and to avail ourselves of the trade opportunities there. Secondly, in North America, there is need for direct representation in Canada, which is currently covered by our Permanent Representative at the UN, based in New York. This is particularly important with the Free Trade Agreement between the USA and Canada, and the expansion of the Canadian market. We should, moreover, strengthen our representation in the United States, and run a strong public relations programme, for example, over the issue of protectionism. Thirdly, our representation in Eastern Europe is weak, as it is covered indirectly by our men in other European capitals and as far as Cairo.”