Ong Leong Boon
Singapore
“Sir, I am not at all surprised with the reply. In fact, it was more than one sentence, but the rest sounded like an apologia for what he could not offer. I am not at any time saying the Government is not doing enough. In fact, I started by saying that the Government has done quite a lot.”
“I am sure other sports associations - volley ball, basket ball, table tennis and many others - would also want very much to have similar facilities. The question is: how does one raise the necessary funds to build these centres? At this juncture, I think one can fall back upon the example of the construction of community centres.”
“460 shall be supplied to the Government under the heads of expenditure for the public services shown in the Development Estimates for the financial year 1st April, 1980 to 31st March, 1981, contained in Paper Cmd 4 of 1980," put and agreed to.”
“I think it is important that, in carrying out this scheme, consideration ought to be given to preserving some of these blocks because there is a social need for retaining them.”
“Sir, when I spoke earlier on, I refrained from going into the various details. But I can assure the Hon. Senior Parliamentary Secretary that certain well-defined injuries which develop later complications could be included in the guidelines. This has been a recurrent problem in our everyday encounter with workmen's compensation.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head R be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead Code RD-06 of the Main Estimates. Sir, I move this amendment to seek information on the proposed Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. I notice that there is a vote of more than $3 million for this Institute.”
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“460 shall be supplied to the Government under the heads of expenditure for the public services shown in the Development Estimates for the financial year 1st April, 1980 to 31st March, 1981, contained in Paper Cmd 4 of 1980," put and agreed to. Resolutions to be reported Thereupon Mr Speaker left the Chair of the Committee and took the Chair of the House.”
“Sir, I am pretty happy with the answer given by the Minister, particularly with the concession in his mind that the Government is fairly flexible. Therefore, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $34,009,870 for Head W ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates, The sum of $4,716,580 for Head W ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. The Chairman: I shall now deal with the remaining heads of expenditure in respect of which no amendment stands on the Order Paper Supplement. In respect of the Main Estimates, they are Heads B, C, D, E, F, G, H, S, V and Y. I propose to take those heads of expenditure en bloc. Question, "That the sums stated for those heads of expenditure which appear in the last column of the Schedule of Estimated Expenditure under the Main Estimates on page 27 of Paper Cmd 4 of 1980 stand part of the Main Estimates for the financial year 1st April, 1980 to 31st March, 1981," put and agreed to. The Chairman: In respect of the Development Estimates, they are Heads C, E, S and V. I propose to take those heads of expenditure en bloc Question, "That the sums stated for those heads of expenditure which appear in the last column of the Schedule of Estimated Expenditure under the Development Estimates on page 28 of Paper Cmd 4 of 1980 stand part of the Development Estimates for the financial year 1st April, 1980 to 31st March, 1981," put and agreed to. Question. "That the sum of $2,988,876,790 shall be supplied to the Government under the hoods of expenditure for the public services shown in the Main Estimates for the financial year 1st April, 1980 to 31st March, 1981, contained in Paper Cmd 4 of 1980," put and agreed to. Question, "That the sum of $3,616,633.”
“My question is: will the Government consider such a scheme in the future? I am not asking for such plans now.”
“Sir, I am not at all surprised with the reply. In fact, it was more than one sentence, but the rest sounded like an apologia for what he could not offer. I am not at any time saying the Government is not doing enough. In fact, I started by saying that the Government has done quite a lot. What I am suggesting is an extension of the sports programme, I believe that if one were to widen one's horizon, then it would be logical to extend facilities to sports associations which are also jointly helping the Ministry of Social Affairs, and especially the Singapore Sports Council, in the promotion of sports. At no time did I say that his Ministry was not doing its part in sports promotion. The argument that was advanced initially was that because there were no such programmes, therefore, we should not introduce this programme. To me,- that is no argument whatsoever. And to say that the People's Association can proceed with its own plans for community centre development just because there is such a programme in existence is something which I cannot ever understand its logic.”
“I am sure other sports associations - volley ball, basket ball, table tennis and many others - would also want very much to have similar facilities. The question is: how does one raise the necessary funds to build these centres? At this juncture, I think one can fall back upon the example of the construction of community centres. It may be worthwhile for the Ministry of Social Affairs to consider giving a kind of subsidy along similar lines. I am happy that I am raising this subject when the Minister for Finance is here. And from my recent experiences, I gather that he is a fairly sympathetic man. Sir, I am afraid that the reply from the Minister for Social Affairs will be a one-sentence answer, and therefore I seek to use this opportunity to get to the more relevant authorities through the Minister. I know for a fact also that the Hon. Minister for Trade and Industry is a budding tennis player, a dabbler in volley ball and, without doubt, potentially a great basket ball player.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head W be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead Code WE-01 of the Main Estimates. Sir, I would like to take this opportunity to speak on some aspects of sports promotion in Singapore. I would like initially to congratulate the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Singapore Sports Council for its program me of sports promotion over the last few years. With its programme of sports promotion and the building of facilities in the years to come, I am reasonably sure that we shall be building within Singapore a generation of sports loving, healthy and active people. At the moment, the promotion of sports appears to lie mainly within the ambit of the Singapore Sports Council. I think there is a need to extend this role further and to give as much assistance as possible to the national sports associations. I am also aware that there are various individuals, private enterprises, Government statutory boards, the People's Association, and community centres which play very definite and important roles in the overall sports programme. Sir, in respect of the role that national sports associations can play, there is one area which I would like to seek the comment of the Minister for Social Affairs. This is with regard to the question of building national sports associations' centres. I have in mind just now the plan of the Singapore Squash Rackets Association in wanting to build its own clubhouse and courts. Likewise, I know for a fact that the Singapore Lawn Tennis Association would also wish to embark upon a similar venture, to build its club premises and also to build courts. This would complement the role that is presently played by the Singapore Sports Council.”
“I think it is important that, in carrying out this scheme, consideration ought to be given to preserving some of these blocks because there is a social need for retaining them. There are enough old and poor people who still require one-room flats, although there is no question that even then these flats must be renovated before they can be preserved. The next question I would like to ask is: what plans are there for the four-storey blocks? I am particularly interested in this because in my constituency, Sir, as I said earlier on, one of the four-storey blocks is standing very precariously. The last point I would like to ask the Hon. Minister concerns his recent announcement of a price hike for HDB flats. Since his announcement a week or two ago, I experienced an increase in the number of residents approaching me for assistance to get flats. The Minister has given a time schedule of two months. Perhaps he could advise us more about this price hike.”
“Yes, thank you, Sir. Since we are on the subject of the Housing and Development Board, I rise to make some comments. First, I would like to speak on the attention paid by the HDB to the development of new housing estates. A lot of attention is paid to these new estates. As a Singaporean, I feel extremely proud that our new estates are definitely greener with better lay-out and a lot of social amenities which is rightly as it should be. However, the problem is that in Singapore, we have many old estates. At the present moment, I get the impression that insufficient attention has been paid to the improvement of these old estates so much so that, among the people living in HDB estates, we now have a privileged sector in the now estates and the less privileged sector in the old estates, like mine. So I would like to know if the Housing and Development Board intends to intensify its efforts to give a new face-lift to the old estates because they tend to be less well kept in the sense that the buildings are very close to one another. Also there have been and there will be frequent problems with the lifts, corridor lighting and so on. In my constituency, for example, we have a lot of old buildings and many of these flats were built at the time when there was a social need for these new flats, particularly after the fire. We still have a high percentage of one-room standard emergency type flats. In fact, I also have 16 blocks of four-storey SIT flats. One of these blocks presently looks very much like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, although I have been assured by the Structural Engineer of the HDB that none of my residents will fall due to gravity. Therefore, I would like to ask whether the HDB has any demolition/conversion scheme for the one-room flats.”
“Sir, that is a very contorted reply to my question. The decision lies with the Ministry and not with me. He is trying to pass the buck!”
“Sir, is the Hon. Minister considering extending the restricted hours to cover the peak hours in the evening?”
“I am not against planting of trees. They make the environment that much greener and that much more pleasant. But where there is excessive planting of trees and shrubs, they can be a hazard on our roads. In instances where a road is a dual carriageway, it is often not possible for motorists to see the oncoming traffic on the other side. When there is a collision, we are dealing with a situation where the relative speeds of the vehicles involved are of great importance. In a head-on collision, the impact is the sum total of the relative speeds of the vehicles. The last point which I would like to talk about is the great number of accidents that have occurred, and are obviously still occurring. Has the Traffic Enforcement Division taken pains to analyse the causes of accidents? There are certain important factors that one will have to look into - the nature of the accident, the time of the accident, the site, condition of the road, and the condition of the drivers and the parties involved. From an indepth analysis, I think we may be able to single out certain important factors causing accidents which have led to fatalities and bad injuries.”
“Sir, having heard the views expressed by various Members of the House, I would like to join in this chorus urging the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure that the present state of affairs on the road does not continue. At the rate accidents and fatalities occur on our roads now, we never know who will be the next victim. It could well be any one of us. The subject of road discipline has been much bandied about in this Chamber in the years past, but up till today although traffic enforcement officers are supposed to have done their job, we still see gross road indiscipline. I do not know if this has something to do with the way our roads are organised - we have filters on the left, filters on the right, introduction of bus lanes, thereby complicating the normal flow of traffic - or is it the fact that we have just not been enforcing the Rules sufficiently? As much as we are keenly conscious of the fact that there is gross speeding by vehicles, particularly the large heavy vehicles, the other factor which contributes equally to confusion on the roads is road hogging. I have had on many occasions the frustration of having, as a civilian, to point out to these drivers, as I pass them on the left, instead of the right, that they should move to the slow lane. The other point which is important is this question of speed when we talk about accidents and the severity of the injuries sustained. It is not the speed of the vehicle alone that is considered. It is the relative speed of the colliding vehicles or objects. In instances like this, I think it is important that we should draw the attention of the Parks and Recreation Department. They seem to have gone to town with the enthusiasm of planting trees and shrubs along all our roads and the various housing estates.”
“Sir, in view of the Senior Parliamentary Secretary's explanation, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $13,929,140 for Head R ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. Head M -”
“Sir, on page 289, under Subhead Code RD-06, there is a provision of $3.5 million for "Financing of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health - Contribution to the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health."”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head R be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead Code RD-06 of the Main Estimates. Sir, I move this amendment to seek information on the proposed Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. I notice that there is a vote of more than $3 million for this Institute. The subject has been raised previously in this House. I wonder if the Ministry could enlighten us as to whether the Institute will be established this year and, if so, what will be its sphere of activities.”
“Sir, when I spoke earlier on, I refrained from going into the various details. But I can assure the Hon. Senior Parliamentary Secretary that certain well-defined injuries which develop later complications could be included in the guidelines. This has been a recurrent problem in our everyday encounter with workmen's compensation. That is why I suggested that the details could be left to a team of experts, so that they can come out with a guide for awarding compensation that is fair to all parties concerned, the worker as well as the employer. If the Senior Parliamentary Secretary has no further comments, I am quite satisfied with his commitment to review the guidelines for compensation. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Dr Ong Leong Boon - (6) That the sum to be allocated for Head R be reduced by $10 in respect of Object Group 1210 of Sub-head Code RD-03 of the Main Estimates.”
“It is not true, as alleged by the Member, that the Ministry has insisted that the Guide should be accepted as the gospel truth. The reason why the Ministry published this Guide was that doctors had found that there were no guidelines to ascertain the quantum of assessment. Some of their assessments were challenged either by the injured workers or by the insurance companies. This prolonged the process of compensation, and the injured worker would get the compensation very much later. Hence, we produced the Guide. But by and large, the Guide has succeeded in its objective, and it is about time we looked into it again and revised it. With regard to the Member's observation on the extended pain, inconvenience or disability suffered as a result of an old injury caused, say, ten years ago, this is true in some cases. But it is very difficult for the Ministry to lay down guidelines. A worker might come back and claim that the injury he sustained ten years ago is now disturbing him and that he is feeling the pain, and so on. I am not a doctor, but I would imagine that if a worker were to leave his employment and switch to another kind of job, circumstances may aggravate the injury. It is then difficult to blame on the old injury as being responsible for the present suffering of the worker after ten years. The injury could have been aggravated either by his job or through his own negligence. Much as we sympathise with such workers, I do not think it is possible at all for us to consider this point now. Perhaps some amicable solution may be found later, but I cannot see how this is possible in the near future.”
“In view of the points raised, I would urge the Ministry of Labour to consider updating or reviewing the Guide. I am sure the details could be left to the experts to work out. The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour (Mr Fong Sip Chee): Sir, I concede the point raised by the hon. Member for Kim Seng. I have no intention to pick bones with him, or I might emerge less better off in the process. I thank the Member for stating the purpose of the Guide which we circulated to medical practitioners in June 1978 i.e. 11/2 years ago. The feedback from doctors and surgeons is that the Guide has been useful as it provides easy reference in assessing a single and simple injury. To that extent it is adequate. But I quite agree with the Member that there is need for a revision of this guide, particularly for multiple injuries. Now, in assessing the injuries, doctors hitherto tend to assess the disabilities at individual points or individual areas, and simply total up the percentages and thus arrive at the final figure of so many percent incapacity. I am told by the doctors in my Ministry that this method is medically unsound - I cannot make that statement myself. The final figure would, therefore, indicate the extent of disability which could be very much more than the actual disability suffered by the injured worker. In the process of reviewing the guide, we will no doubt consult the medical profession and those other people concerned. The Member may be pleased to note that in the revision, we will include a composite table to help doctors to assess multiple injuries. Perhaps we can draw examples from the American Medical Association. This is a table which serves as a guide.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head R be reduced by $10 in respect of Object Group 1210 of Subhead Code RD-02 of the Main Estimates. Sir, the purpose of moving this amendment is to seek a commitment from the Ministry of Labour to review the Guide to the assessment of traumatic injuries for workmen's compensation. The Ministry produced this Guide in June 1978 and it has been in use for the past 1 1/2 years. The intention of this Guide, initially, was to help assessors evaluate more accurately the extent of permanent incapacity of injured workers. I must say that to a certain extent this Guide has been useful. However, in terms of application, the manual was not, in the view of the Commissioner for Labour, a guide but a gospel of truth, or something of that nature. It is something like an Instruction Manual where you have to abide very rigidly to the quantum of award stated. In view of certain problems and glaring deficiencies of this Guide, I think the Ministry should now look into the question of reviewing the Guide, once and for all. The main defect of this Guide is that it looks at a human being not as a whole functional unit but more as an articulated skeleton, which is not what we are. There are also areas, such as soft-tissue injuries, where the Guide does not provide for a clear-cut compensation. In cases like this, one begins to wonder what value a doctor should give to a pound of flesh lost. Again, the Guide does not specifically allow for an assessment of long-term complications where problems could arise from injuries sustained some five to ten years earlier. This is a very important point because ultimately, when one thinks of proper compensation, there can be many injured parties who could have been left out without a fair award.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to thank the Senior Minister of State for the way he delivered his reply. From the way he went on, initially I thought the answer would be no. However, I am very happy to note that the Ministry of Finance has agreed to this additional subsidy of $83,000. I would also like to thank the Minister for Finance for his personal intervention in this matter. I am sure my constituents will be most delighted to hear this news. Mr Tan Cheng San( In Mandarin): Sir, in view of the reply given by the Minister, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $29,396,030 for Head U ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $21,278,700 for Head U ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head L -”
“If, however, all doors are shut, you are then fully justified to tear down the doors and partitions. But such recourse should be avoided at all cost. Commandment No. 5: Don't blame the People's Association for your troubles. The PA does not profess to have expertise in property development. They have enough problems already trying to convince the Finance Ministry to improve the existing salary structure to retain and hopefully attract community development officers to work. And finally, Commandment No. 6 (the most important): Whatever happens, don't blame the Finance Ministry. You will not win in any case. It is advisable under normal circumstances to blame the PA for getting you into this rut, even though you know that they themselves are in a fix.”
“They only discovered afterwards that increased subsidies were showered upon slower-starters. These five constituencies now have to show cause, separately, why they should be entitled to similar privileges. My Centre's appeal lies presently with the Finance Ministry, and I am patiently awaiting judgment. The lesson learnt is nonetheless supremely useful - never risk a quickstep if you can just foxtrot along in the new dance called "fund-raising". Commandment No. 3: Don't laugh too early. This applies to all who enjoy the new grants. I do not begrudge Telok Blangah constituency for its new $2.1 million community centre project. Indeed, I congratulate the hon. Member for Telok Blangah, who was yesterday bubbling with delight, for the promise of $1.6 million Government subsidy. However, by the time the project starts and the nitty-gritty is considered, he will be, as sure as the sun rises, screaming towards the Finance Ministry for more funds. For what he gets at the end of this initial exercise is a community centre with four brick walls, gray cement flooring and a roof to protect him from the fierce sun and tropical rain. The provision for renovations at $24,000 will be about good enough to cover stage-lighting and props. Perhaps modern generation community centres are designed this way. Any one visiting the community centre for whatever purpose must bring along his own things - a chair if he wants to sit; an air-conditioner if he wants more comfort; a table and typewriter if he is clerical in disposition; pots and pans if he enjoys cookery. Commandment No. 4: Don't open your mouth, especially if you are drowning. Avoid airing your grouses in public. It is always more effective to approach the relevant authorities humbly and, if possible, suppliant on all fours.”
“Thank you, Sir. I hope, this afternoon, to highlight the gross inadequacy of the provision for renovations for community centres under construction. As we know, at present a sum of $24,000 is put aside for this item. It is not my intention to raise the subject of the redevelopment of community centres in order to have a bone to pick with the People's Association and the Ministry of Finance. Having had several opportunities outside Parliament to vent my unhappiness and the frustrations of grassroots community leaders, I seek this opportunity to share our experiences, mostly first-hand and some vicariously, with my parliamentary colleagues in this august Chamber. Further, I have been reassured by relevant authorities that the Ministry of Finance is presently looking into the question of increased subsidy for Kim Seng Community Centre rebuilding. It would not therefore be fair to the righteous protectors of the Republic's coffers to launch into another broadside. The lessons I learnt could best be summed up in the following six new commandments. I intend to go into these commandments. Any disbeliever questions these commandments at his own peril. Commandment No. 1: Thou shalt not extend existing community centres. Some community centre leaders can tell you first-hand where they goofed. Like consumer goods in this modern day throwaway society, there seems to be no merit in preserving serviceable community centres. Keep your old centres if you wish, but do not expect generous handouts. 3.00 p.m. Commandment No. 2: Thou shalt not raise funds too quickly. In the matter of fund-raising, five constituencies thought they were smart in raising funds quickly to start their community centre rebuilding programmes.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, with your permission, can I also discuss under the same subject my next amendment?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to thank the Hon. Acting Minister for Social Affairs for his encouraging words but I think he succeeded very well in passing the buck to the Ministry of Finance. I am grateful for the explanation by the Hon. Finance Minister but I find that his arguments are economic, at best. To me, they are totally unacceptable in terms of promotion of sports. To suggest that participation in sports and sports spectatorship are mutually exclusive entities, to me it is not true because spectatorship encourages participation and participation encourages spectatorship. They are complementary. I find it sad to note that his Ministry had taken this judgment on pure economics. I am grateful, however, that he did consider the social and political reasons which he said could be open for further debate. What was most alarming was to hear the suggestion that if the proposition of an indoor stadium were to be a viable proposition, then he may consider passing it on to the private entrepreneur. To me, this is an abdication on the part of the Government of its responsibility to its people. I do not think the promotion of sports should be a responsibility of private entrepreneurs. I think it is part and parcel of Government responsibility and a good government will look after all aspects of its national life.”
“It is also feasible that the indoor stadium can be used for mass rallies, musical and other entertainment shows as well as large indoor exhibitions. In recent years, the Singapore Sports Council, I am told, had to turn down enquiries for the holding of some such events. I would like to argue that a decision is needed on the primary issue of whether the provision of an indoor stadium and other sports facilities should be considered on the basis of economic returns, that is, to make money sufficient to pay for its capital and interest or that the indoor stadium should be considered a social provision. I would like to argue: just like defence, health and education, sports is not and should not be regarded as a revenue-generating proposition. Money spent on the provision of adequate sports facilities is necessary expenditure for a healthy social and recreational outlet for our people. Considering the present growth of the Republic and the cherished policy of providing a quality of life to people with growing affluence and living in a confined small island, the provision of an international sports facility as a social need is clearly essential. We agree that sports in Singapore does not make money, unlike banks and industries. However, sports as a social need merits the consideration of our leaders. It is time-consuming and perhaps a little unnecessary for me to labour over the values of sports towards health, physical fitness, etc. to the hon. Members of Parliament here, many of whom are voluntarily involved in the running of various sports associations. But let it be debated here and now that sports does make a great social contribution and it will contribute towards the quality of life in Singapore and towards the good health of our people. 6.05 p.m.”
“Based on the survey and the fact that basketball has a strong following, there is every reason to believe that basketball tournaments arranged between Singapore and other countries and, in particular, a Malaysia Cup equivalent, can attract the crowds to pack the large indoor stadium, just as football fans have packed the National Stadium. Statistics show that in the Pesta Sukan Basketball event between 1977 and 1979, more than 30,000 people witnessed the competitions in each of these years. Martial arts competitions in each of these years also attracted capacity crowds in the finals. The promotion of the two spectator events like the basketball and martial arts is likely to continue to attract maximum crowds. With badminton still remaining as a popular recreational activity, the indoor stadium, when free from major events, can provide an alternative source of public courts. An indoor stadium can also meet the need for a suitable venue when the Ministry of Education organises national school sports competitions and events. They also need such a facility to host regional and international school sports meets. The auxiliary floor space of an indoor stadium can then be used as a training area for other indoor-type sports events. 6.01 p.m. [Mr Hwang Soo Jin in the Chair] We have read of the plight of at least three sports organisations in their perpetual struggle to house the training of their international competitors. So long as Singapore sends teams to such sports listed above at regional and international competitions, such as the South-East Asian Games and the Asian Games, Government should provide facilities to meet these needs.”
“The hall also serves for gymnastic competitions, sepak takraw and, occasionally, entertainment shows are held there. The Badminton Hall is therefore inadequate to meet the rising demands of spectator participation in spectacular entertainment shows and popular sports. A further need for an indoor stadium is the rise in popularity of family-type entertainment. Such family-type shows have been staged under canvas at one of the open areas at Kallang in recent years. Shows such as Disney-on-Parade, Holiday on Ice, Peter Pan, etc. drew large crowds averaging, I am told, 6,000 per night. In an insular situation, such as Singapore, the availability of a large indoor stadium will encourage entertainment promoters to import such shows providing towards the family-type entertainment for the masses. More recently, promoters have staged pop musical concerts at the National Stadium at the risk of being rained off. Other than cinemas and the new community centres. Singapore lacks a large indoor stadium to meet this mass leisure need. With sports being promoted actively by the Singapore Sports Council and with the emphasis on mass participation, large numbers of people are now taking up sports. A survey conducted in late 1977 among organised sports clubs and institutions showed that 26,410 participated in table tennis; 17,040 were engaged regularly in basketball, and 27,210 played badminton. This survey did not take into account those participating in these and other sports on a group or informal basis.”
“Indeed, the Gay World Stadium is the largest sauna bath in Singapore. The roof leaks badly and the electrical wiring is in need of complete replacement. In 1978, the equipment of an international entertainment ice show was damaged by roof leaks during a heavy downpour of rain, A few days ago a foreign basketball player suffered a slight head injury when he fell on the floor made slippery by roof leaks during an international basketball tournament. The common comment among the international teams participating in that tournament was that the Gay World Stadium was unfit for an international tournament. For the record, every night of the international basketball tournament was well supported by spectators. It is ringed by shops which are very poorly maintained and hazardous to the stadium. There are inadequate changing rooms and toilet facilities of an acceptable standard. The conditions are quite appalling, and I can just go on and on. The Gay World Stadium is presently used for indoor sports events, largely basketball, boxing, volleyball, sepak takraw and martial arts. Occasionally, we do get professional wrestling and some entertainment shows and even rallies have been staged at the stadium. In recent years, a series of international matches between Singapore and the People's Republic of China in the games of basketball, table tennis and badminton proved a sell-out at the Gay World Stadium and the Singapore Badminton Hall. Many fans were turned away because of the limited seating capacity. The Singapore Badminton Hall was completed in 1952. For the record, it is the second largest sauna bath in Singapore. It is presently heavily booked for badminton. The acoustics and lighting are inadequate, Seating capacity is about 5,000 with extremely poor ventilation.”
“And our athletes and sportsmen are fast becoming losers in international competitions. To argue that Singapore, with 2 1/4 million people, cannot aspire to be worldbeaters is not doing competitive sports any good. From this reasoning, which is based purely on the rule of probability, the top sporting nations in the world today should read in descending order: China, India, the USSR, the USA, Indonesia, Japan, etc. I am certainly against spending excessive time, money and effort to set world-records. I am, however, convinced that with more official endorsement and encouragement we can turn the tide and instead stimulate sufficient interest and commitment in our sportsmen to equal the best in the region. This is the time for thought and I hope that the Acting Minister for Social Affairs will respond favourably. The question of building an indoor stadium is one example of how Government can further encourage sports in Singapore. We urgently need an indoor stadium with a seating capacity of 15,000 or more to cater for spectator accommodation for indoor sports such as badminton, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, gymnastics and perhaps martial arts. Over the years, public clamour for a modern indoor stadium has been growing. Various national sports associations have echoed a similar call by the President of the Singapore National Olympic Council, Mr E.W. Barker, the Minister for Law and Science and Technology, and also from the Acting Minister for Social Affairs. Presently, there are only two small indoor stadia in Singapore. The Gay World Stadium is more than 40 years old, grey with age, and has a limited seating capacity of 6,000. It is under condemnation but, due to the lack of an alternative, it has been maintained at some expense.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the call for the urgent need to build a modern multi-purpose indoor stadium in Singapore. I beg your indulgence to deal at some length on this subject. At the same time, I would like to take this opportunity to urge the Singapore Government and, in particular, the Ministry of Social Affairs, to re-examine and re-evaluate its "Sports for All" policy. I must congratulate the executors of this policy, namely, the Singapore Sports Council, for its singled-mindedness and successful implementation of such a policy. Singaporeans today are caught in the fervour of mass-participation in sports to the extent. I am told, confidentially, that some cardiologists are having a busy time trying to dissuade unsuitable candidates with bad medical records from jogging or running the marathon. On the other hand, I am increasingly perturbed by the declining performance of our top athletes and sportsmen, and by "sportsmen", I take the term to embrace "sportswomen". The recent features in the mass media on our Jakarta-bound athletes and sportsmen made interesting but sad reading. In fact, I suspect sports writers, in churning out apologia after apologia on the poor records of our sportsmen, are preparing Singaporeans psychologically for yet another dismal performance at the South-East Asian Games. I salute the diminishing breed of Kunalans and Mericans - to this breed I can only wish them longevity and unusually strong legs. I am not against the philosophy of "Friendship first, medals second" at international competitions. I am concerned about the reality of competitive sports in Singapore today, which should read as "Friendship first, medals God willing". No spectator, no sports enthusiast, indeed no one, backs a loser.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am sure the Minister is aware that Singapore is largely a fruit-importing country and, therefore, will he consider planting fruit trees in addition to just trees and flowering plants?”
“(1) That the sum to be allocated for Head T be reduced by $10 in respect of Object Group 1100 of Subhead Code TA-01 of the Main Estimates.”
“(4) That the sum to be allocated for Head S be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead Code SD-02 of the Main Estimates.”
“Sir, I think the Hon. Acting Minister for Social Affairs was trying to be a sportsman. He has not exactly answered the question but since he says he is going to try I will be patient. In view of his answer, temporarily for this Budget session, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $31,623,060 for Head W ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $6,471,800 for Head W ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY REPORTING PROGRESS (Suspension of Standing Orders) 7.45 p.m.”
“Sir, I hope the Hon. Minister is not suggesting that one overhead pedestrian bridge and one wrongly placed underpass to be adequate for 70,000 people.”
“Sir, I think the Minister has just said the right thing. SIA is not a good airline in terms of sports promotion.”
“They seem to be thinking more in terms of how much money they can make, and very often a national sports association has to approach other national airlines to send our players out of Singapore. Singapore Airlines seems to be quite happy about sending overseas players here rather than the other way round. I think something is wrong there and maybe, with ICAP on the air, they may rethink. The next point, Sir, is the question of traffic jams in and around the National Stadium on football nights and the number of people going across the roads and clogging up the traffic. Perhaps something could be done by the Ministry of Social Affairs to advise either the Traffic Police or the Ministry of National Development to have overhead bridges or underpasses so as to allow a free flow of pedestrian traffic as well as vehicular traffic. The last question I would ask the Minister is about sports associations which may wish to establish a Sports Centre for that particular sport. Will the Ministry of Social Affairs consider helping a particular sports association in this regard? For example, if the Squash Association wishes to establish a Squash Centre, will the Ministry of Social Affairs be prepared to grant them a dollar-for-dollar subsidy to build a Squash Centre, like we do with community centres? Because in so doing, we are also helping the Singapore Sports Council and our nation in promoting sports. Likewise; if the Volleyball Association wishes to have a Volleyball Association Clubhouse plus a complex for playing volleyball, will the Ministry consider this dollar-for-dollar subsidy? Given this incentive, many sports associations, with time, will be prepared to build these centres. This will tally completely with the programmes that we are trying to achieve in these years.”
“In this context, I think the Singapore Sports Council and perhaps with the Singapore National Olympic Council could come up with some programme to set certain standards, coordinate activities and organisational facilities to uplift the standard of sportsmen in this country. At the same time, it is worth giving a thought to trying to bring together the various national sports associations under one roof. As at the present moment, if we want to contact the secretary of, say, National Sports Association A, the chances are that we would not know who he is. We will be able to contact him if we are a follower of Sports news. But then chances are that we have to send to his home address, and sports secretaries do change from time to time and correspondence gets lost or sent to the previous secretary's address. In this context, I think it may be wise if the Singapore Sports Council will consider letting out, if possible provide, office space at the National Stadium for all the national sports associations, if not, for the benefit of local sportsmen and sports lovers, at least, for international correspondence. Very often, we have to liaise with other nations and other nations have to liaise with us, and I think this should be channelled through the Singapore Sports Council. Another factor is the question of exposure for sportsmen overseas. I hate to say this but I really feel very unhappy about the lack of support which our national carrier offers to sportsmen in this country. We find in the sports world that Singapore Airlines is, in fact, the most pathetic of all the airlines in this region in terms of helping to promote exposure for outstanding sportsmen in this country.”
“It seems to me that not only participation in sports is now confined to sportsmen, but I have noticed that even grandfathers and grandmothers join in the running, jogging and various games. Of course, many of them do suffer the consequences and turn up in hospitals. Sir, what I would like to bring out here is that, besides the promotion of mass participation in sports, we also have at the same time to consider this question of trying to produce better and more outstanding sportsmen. I think the two are so inter-related that we cannot just say that we want to promote mass participation without at the same time trying to produce sportsmen of some standing. I do not think anybody likes a loser. Everybody likes winners. And we know that if we can win there will be a greater following, more people will take part, more people will be interested and more people will give the necessary support and participation that we try to seek in the sports programme. I think we all know this. If the Singapore football team is at the bottom of the league, I think the National Stadium will remain a white elephant, as it was called in this House many years ago. I am not saying that they are champions just now, but I think there is a lot to be desired. If we can improve the standard of sports in this country we will, in fact, be promoting mass participation at the same time. In this context, Sir, I am just wondering whether the Singapore Sports Council could do a little bit more and go beyond what it has done so far, i.e. to try to actually develop some programme to promote the standard of the top sportsmen in this country. I notice that at the moment the responsibility for developing sportsmen to any standard really rests upon the shoulders of the individual national sports associations.”
“Sir, I think everyone loves a good sportsman and many Members in this House are very deeply involved in sports. The Acting Minister's predecessor was known as a sports-loving Minister, his Senior Parliamentary Secretary as a sports-loving jogger, etc. Therefore, I am very happy to bring up this subject because I am sure it is something very close to the Ministry. Sir, more to the point is this question of the Budget provision for the Singapore Sports Council. If we look at the provision for 1977, it was $4 million, for 1978 $5.3 million, and for 1979 it has gone up to $8.75 million. This is a great leap forward. For FY 79, a grant of $4 million is provided for the Singapore Sports Council for development as compared with only $661,000 for FY 78. So, with so much money provided for this coming year, I am sure there is a lot of money in the kitty, and the Hon. Minister will probably be able to inform us what this money is to be expended for. 7.30 p.m. In fact, we had the previous knowledge of a five-year programme in sports development and that was announced about a year or two ago. I think it is probably time for us to hear from the Hon. Minister in charge of the Singapore Sports Council about the development programme and the progress of the five-year development scheme. The next point which I would like to touch on is the question of emphasis on mass participation in sports. We have to give tremendous credit to the Singapore Sports Council under its very active Chairman. Through their good work, I think we have transformed Singapore into a tremendous sports-loving nation. Everybody loves sports. Everybody seems to be playing something or other.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head W be reduced by $10 in respect of Object Group 3110 of Subhead Code WD-01 of the Main Estimates. Sir, it is only about 7.30 p.m. It is still early and, lest this House be accused of being clock watchers, I do beg your indulgence to allow us to go on for as long as is necessary. Let me assure you, Sir, that I shall be talking about Sports.”
“I think it is very unwise to have barbed wires around saplings and along footpaths as many children have been injured. I have raised this point before, and time and again I find that new barbed wires are placed because new trees are planted. Perhaps this is something which he would like to look into. I had a horrifying sight on television during the by-elections when the TV screen was taken with the barbed wires in front and showing the candidate at the back. At that moment I was very horrifyingly reminded of "barbed wire mentality", and I do hope the HDB has not been infected with this. A more mundane matter for me and my constituents is the development of my constituency, and this is a point which I have raised several times. This is with regard to development plans around Taman Ho Swee. At the moment, there are about 11 blocks of flats on top of this hill and access steps are too steep. Some terracing could be done. There are also two refuse bins there which could surely be reduced to one because they are both sandwiched between eight blocks of flats. I know it is nice to have the smell equally shared by all the constituents but I think it is better, all things considered, that this smell pollution be reduced to a minimum. The next matter is with regard to the road itself. It is a cul-de-sac and I wonder whether the road leading to Taman Ho Swee could be extended in some way down to Zion Road or Havelock Road. I notice that there are development plans for new multi-storey car parks and I wonder whether, in fact, this road could be extended to the top of the carpark, which is many floor levels below, and from there lead out to the lower ground level roads at Havelock Road or Zion Road.”
“Following the survey, I was told that (for the sake of not exciting my constituents any further, I shall call the blocks of flats, Block A, B and C) Block A was the condemned block. Within a short period, I was again told that it would not be Block A but Block B. After I made further inquiries, I was told this time that Blocks A and B were spared, but Block C would be affected. This is the kind of situation which seems to be happening. I do not know whether it ties up with the change of guard within the Ministry. Another point which I would like to raise - it has been raised earlier - concerns the cleanliness of the estate. I had earlier on raised this matter with the Minister for the Environment and he had very conveniently passed it on to the Ministry of National Development, and I am therefore bringing this matter up. Of late we notice that the cleanliness of the estates in certain areas is lacking. There is a lot of littering. I have gone round and seen broken bottles, glass, empty cans dumped into drains, thereby clogging up certain areas of the constituency. I understand that this is due to the problem with sub-contract workers. I would like to know from the Hon. Minister whether he has any plans to ensure that workers who are supposed to clean the estates are really there to clean the estates. This is a perennial problem and I think with his new vigour and his ability to offer solutions on the spot, I am sure he can come up with the answer. The next problem is barbed wires which has been raised in the Chamber before. This is about the dangers of barbed wires surrounding saplings and shrubs within constituencies, and very often these are found near children's playgrounds.”
“I do not know if the paper exercise can also be improved upon with those who know the ground and who can offer suggestions. The next problem, as I can see it, is the question of the survey conducted by the Housing and Development Board sometime towards the second half of last year when all one-room flat dwellers were sent survey forms informing them that their flats were due for demolition or conversion. In this circular, no time-table was laid out and, therefore, quite naturally, the constituents got pretty excited. I think it is important that when a survey like this is carried out, the residents should be informed as to when they will be affected. Some naturally will be very happy because it offers prospects of larger flats. Equally, there will be many who will not be too happy and very concerned because, to them their total family income can only give them that much money to live in one-room flats. That is why we have the rationale for preserving some of these flats. Whatever it is, whether they are happy or sad, they are all excited. So they all rush to their local Members of Parliament seeking reassurance and clarification. I think this is unfortunate because very often the local Member of Parliament is equally ignorant to advise the constituents as to what are the actual plans. In this particular matter, I think there should be more liaison or more knowledge should be provided to the local Member of Parliament or those in authority, like the Citizens' Consultative Committee or the Management Committee so that the information can be filtered down to the ground and where reassurance is required it could be given. This lack of communication was high-lighted in one classic example in my constituency.”
“Sir, I notice that the Hon. Minister for National Development is not only present alone in this Chamber but with him also is the very high-powered team from his Ministry. I am just wondering whether their presence here is to help him identify the problem constituencies or the problem Members of Parliament! Sir, we know that the answers given by the Hon. Minister yesterday had, in fact, mollified many of the Members in voicing their unhappiness, particularly MPs of old Housing and Development Board estates. My constituency is also a pretty old one with about 45% of the flats essentially of the one-room type. The schemes that were listed yesterday will in many ways affect me and my constituents, and I thought this would be an opportune occasion to raise this subject once again with the Minister. To me, the most important point when plans are afloat for constituency development or redevelopment is that the Ministry might wish to consider consultations with the local Member of Parliament or those who are holding responsible positions within the constituency. I appreciate that there could be certain matters in the development plans which could be sensitive and should not be made known other than Ministry officials. But where it affects the general redevelopment, like beautifying the constituency, uplifting facilities and so forth, perhaps those who work on the ground and who have full knowledge of the ground, the people and the problems and who know their aspirations, should be consulted. It is not necessary that all their views should be adopted. But I think it is a point worth considering. Very often we also notice that the plans which have come through and are filtered all the way down from the 25th floor of the National Development Building might carry flaws.”
“Sir, can I seek an explanation? There are three other Members who have spoken on this amendment. Since the Chair has allowed a few passengers along the way, I wonder if we could debate further?”
“Sir, do I understand that the same privilege will also be extended to grandsons and granddaughters?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, what I intend to raise under this vote has been partly answered earlier and a few days earlier. However, in view of the reply by the then Senior Minister of State for Finance, may I elaborate on the point regarding salary review in the civil service. I think the Government has emphasised over the last few months the need to retain brilliant scholars and top brains and to try to retain one-third of these in the civil service. I think it is time for the Government to review the salaries of this category of people, and also to consider a review of the salaries of the others in Divisions II and III in the civil service. The second point which I had raised two years previously is with regard to medical benefit for female civil servants. Sir, we know that in the Civil Service medical benefits are extended to the wife and the children of a male employee. However, the same does not apply to female employees in the civil service. I would say that today's society is such that more and more women are employed in the civil service and other sectors, and I am just wondering why the Government could not consider extending the same medical benefits to families of female employees. Many of them may have husbands who are not enjoying medical benefits of the civil service. 2.45 p.m. Mr Ho See Beng (Khe Bong) rose -”
“Very good. Mr Chua Sian Chin: Sir, may I give him some figures to make him a little happy? During 1978 and the first two months of 1979, the Registry of Citizenship received 14,388 applications for citizenship. During the same period, 10,156 applications were approved.”