Ong Pang Boon
Singapore
“At the same time, our shoulders should be broad enough to accept criticism and even admit mistakes if need be, and be prepared to make the necessary changes. This does not mean pandering to the baser instincts of the people.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry will certainly give every assistance to the villagers in clearing the debris, especially if they are left over by the contractors. I will appreciate if the Member can also let the Ministry know who are these contractors and we will prosecute them. CONSTRUCTION BRIGADE (Progress) 2.”
“The Ministry is now monitoring the results of the programme and is happy to note that there are some improvements in the cleanliness of our public toilets. It would prosecute managements of public toilets who fail to provide proper maintenance.”
“A comprehensive programme to monitor the air and sea environment in the vicinity of the Complex has been drawn up. Engineers and technicians from the Ministry and other departments have been sent for overseas training on the surveillance of petrochemical complexes.”
“The professional or other misconduct for the purposes of revocation must be of such a nature as to render, in the opinion of the Attorney-General, the notary public unfit to practise as such. This amendment is dealt with in clause 4 of the Bill.”
“All flats of the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) including those at Blair Plain are rented out to employees on monthly tenancies and are not provided as part of their terms and conditions of service. These flats are therefore not service quarters.”
The complete record
Every one of 668 lines we hold for Ong Pang Boon, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 13 of 14.
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as far as I understand, there is no law in Singapore which forbids any union which wants to go on strike, to strike. However, the law does provide that in the case of an essential service, 14 days' notice will be required. Or when a case is referred to the Arbitration Court, then no strike will be permitted. If what the Member for Kampong Kapor has said is true, then I think the union officials who made the allegation to their members that the laws of the State forbid any strike, are just trying to shift their responsibility to the Government. As far as labour disputes are concerned, the attitude of the Labour Ministry has always been to try to bring both parties together to come to an amicable settlement without having to resort to strikes; and also to see that the employers comply with all the provisions of the Labour Ordinance. I do not think it is the policy of the Labour Ministry to forbid any strike if it is justified, and if the necessary procedures are complied with by the union. Inche Mahmud Awang rose -”
“Coming to the point raised by the Member for Aljunied, it is confirmed that where a person who has obtained a non-citizen identity card subsequently obtains Singapore citizenship and applies for a Singapore citizen identity card, he has to pay only a fee of 50 cents, as he will, in fact, be applying for a new identity card, i.e., an identity card of a different type. It is true that in a number of cases the Commissioner for National Registration has misinterpreted the Regulations and collected $5. However, action is being taken to refund to such applicants the excess fee collected.”
“The national re-registration, although scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, is likely to be carried forward till the end of January 1967. Up to 10th December, 1,184,836 persons have been registered for the new laminated cards. Of this number, 1,055,242 persons are citizens. It is estimated that about 50,000 more people come forward to change their identity cards. The sum of $561,200 has been provided for under O.C.S.E. for permanent staff and temporary clerks, who will still be required to carry on with the day-to-day administration of the National Reregistration Office. This involves the re-registration of school children who will reach the age of 12 next year. In addition, work has to be carried on to build up the various index systems, like the identity card serial index, alias names index, Chinese character index, and the alphabetical index register. There is also the work of sorting and matching the old identity cards against their counterfoils to detect any forgery. A block vote has been entered under O.C.S.E. by Treasury, since the starting requirements for the National Re-registration Office in 1967 cannot be adequately assessed at this stage. A staff survey will be conducted in 1967 to determine the number of permanent posts required. The present provision provides for the payment of $137,000 for permanent staff, $400,000 for temporary clerks, and $23,500 for annually recurrent expenditure. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 7.30 p.m.”
“In fact, the Central Complaints Bureau has recently made a survey of the Citizenship Registry and has submitted certain recommendations to facilitate the control of queues and cut down delays. The Member for Kampong Kembangan has raised the question whether persons who are issued with the new pink citizenship identity cards will not in future be required to register for citizenship. I can confirm categorically here that holders of the new pink laminated identity cards are Singapore citizens and, therefore, the question of their applying for citizenship does not arise.”
“Mr Tang, it is true that an applicant for citizenship has to wait for some time before he is interviewed and before his application is approved. This is inevitable as every application has to be thoroughly investigated not only to determine the length of residence of the applicant but also whether he fulfils the other conditions for citizenship, such as good character, etc. In addition, some applicants must pass an elementary national language examination. While we were in Malaysia, the Citizenship Registry dealt with an average of 40 cases a day. After independence, however, there was a rush of applications for citizenship. This was because citizenship is essential for Housing Board accommodation, free education and other social amenities. The number of applications increased to as many as 600 a day, whereas the staff could only cope with interviewing 60 to 70 applicants a day. This resulted in the Registry having to stagger the dates of interview of applicants. At one stage, the interval between the issue of an application form and the date of the interview was as long as one year. However, in the middle of this year, the Registry staff was increased, resulting in the Registry being able to cope with 140 interviews a day. At present, the situation has improved with the Registry dealing with about 150 applications a day, and the waiting period for the interview has been reduced to seven or eight months. With the completion of the national re-registration exercise, it is expected that the Citizenship Registry will be able to deal with applications, more expeditiously. The Government is fully aware of the unavoidable delay which has taken place during the last one year.”
“Mr Tang, I am not the Acting Minister for Labour, but anyway I am answering for the Acting Minister for Labour.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the provision of this $428,000 has nothing to do with the setting up of a National Productivity Centre. In fact, the allocation of $200,000 for the N.T.U.C. Research Unit for 1966 was made on the assumption that there was a surplus of $200,000 to be carried forward from 1965. This assumption, however, was not correct. The actual surplus was just over $58,000. This was discovered after the Estimates for 1966 had already been passed and, therefore, the provision in the Estimates of $200,000 was found insufficient to maintain the N.T.U.C. Research Unit for 1966. Subsequently a grant of an additional $276,500 was made by the Treasury. First, the total expenditure for the N.T.U.C. Research Unit for 1966 was $476,500 and not $200,000 as provided for. The provision of $428,000 for 1967 is, in fact, less than the sum that was provided for in 1966.”
“I do not think that just by changing to blouse and skirt, the traditional culture of the Malays will be destroyed. There are many instances in other Muslim countries where they put on blouse and skirt but they are still a powerful nation; they still have their own national identity and their own culture. Therefore, the argument that just by changing the baju kurong and sarong to blouse and, skirt, the culture of the race will be destroyed is not true. Malay pre-university students can be admitted to the Malay Studies Department either at the University of Singapore or the University of Malaya. They can also enrol for professional courses at the Polytechnic in the same way as the Chinese medium H.S.C. classes if they have an adequate knowledge of a second language, which is English in this instance. It is true that there is a shortage of graduate Malay teachers to undertake the Secondary Malay medium classes. The Ministry has been trying its best to increase the supply by offering generous bursaries and scholarships to Malay students who are qualified for admission to the university. Furthermore, we have provided free education for Malays from the primary up to the university level. In addition, other bursaries and free text-books are provided. We hope that by this means there will be a greater number of Malays who will stay in school up to university level. The Member for Kampong Kembangan will, I think, be aware that this is a slow process and it will take many years before we can achieve the target.”
“The Member for Farrer Park has mentioned that a teacher, once he is promoted to be a principal, becomes a chief clerk instead of a principal. If that happens, then I think that principal is not fit to hold that post and he should vacate it to make way for a more competent person to be the principal. As for the suggestion that the principal should be asked to teach at least a period a day, I think it is a sound suggestion and I shall certainly look into it. The question of principals changing school text-books year after year can only be resolved if the parents will cooperate with the Ministry, and also if the principals will be more responsible and not succumb to the temptation of commissions offered to them by the booksellers. The present practice is that a school should not change text-books every year, but that a change can only be made after three years and after sound reasons have been advanced for the proposed change of text-books. If the Member for Paya Lebar can tell me who is the principal who changes text-books every year, I shall certainly deal with him. Coming to the Member for Kampong Kembangan, the change of school uniform from the baju kurong and sarong to blouse and skirt is voluntary. The pupils or the parents are not compelled to make the change if they do not want to. The suggestion was made because it was found from experience that the baju kurong and sarong uniform hinders free movement during physical education - games. And if we want to produce a robust and rugged generation, it is necessary that more emphasis should be given to physical training, sports and games. It is for that reason that the suggestion was made. It is not compulsory if the parents refuse to allow their children to put on blouse and skirt.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, although it is true that the Malaysian Government has not given any contribution towards educating their students at Nanyang University or Ngee Ann College, nevertheless, I am sure the Member for Changi will agree with me that we are not going to follow in their footsteps. The provision in the 1967 Budget is required for payment to the Malaysian Government towards the cost of five students from the Survey Department, Singapore, who are undertaking a course in surveying in the Technical College, Kuala Lumpur, for the year 1966/67. The average cost per student is around $1,500 per annum, and hence the provision.”
“The certificates issued by the Adult Education Board for Secondary I, II and III will certainly be the same as those issued by Government or aided schools.”
“Will he confirm that the certificates issued by the Adult Education Board to classes like Secondary I, II and III will be treated at par with the certificates issued by the Government or Government-aided schools in order to help people who look for jobs?”
“An examination was also conducted at the end of the course, and only successful candidates were retained in the part-time employment offered by the Board. At present there are 57 out of a total or 147 teachers, or nearly 38 per cent, in the literacy and language classes, and 75 out of 165 teachers, or nearly 45 per cent, in the secondary evening classes who are recruited from the unemployed. Furthermore, all the 26 second-language teachers in the Secondary I and literacy and language classes in the English medium also came from the same source. However, part-time trained teachers from Government or Government-aided schools, because of their experience and professional training, are retained in the Board to teach senior classes, whereas those recruited from the unemployed, after they have been given an intensive training course, are teaching only the Secondary I, II and literacy and language classes. 2.45 p.m. It is not possible to replace all with this category if the aim is to maintain the standard of the classes organised by the Board. It is envisaged that in 1967 the scheme already implemented in the Chinese medium will be further extended to other language media and to recruit about 150 unemployed who have the necessary qualifications to teach in the literacy and language classes in the English medium. It is also planned that about 45 part-time clerical assistants now working in the Board are to be gradually replaced by full-time officers recruited from the unemployed who have the necessary qualifications. Mr S. Rajoo (Farrer Park): Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to ask the Minister for Education a question.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Adult Education Board not only conducts literacy and language classes, but also other extra-mural courses to cater for the vocational, civic and recreational interests of the public. With our present trend of education and the ability to provide universal primary education to all our school-age pupils, without compulsion, there may come a time when there may not be a demand for the literacy and language classes conducted by the Board. But I do not think the Board will go into liquidation, because there are other activities currently run by the Board. I agree with the Member for Changi that there are large numbers of unemployed young people in Singapore and that the Government should, wherever possible, provide gainful employment for them. It is in line with this policy that towards the end of 1964 the Adult Education Board was asked by the Ministry of Education to consider providing opportunities for employment for the unemployed. However, since unemployment is more acute amongst the Chinese than the English medium, a pilot plan was implemented in 1965 mainly directed at the Chinese medium to replace 25 per cent of its teachers by qualified but unemployed persons who have the following qualifications: (a) School leavers with Chinese medium school certificate or Higher School Certificates with the required minimum educational qualifications for recruitment as teachers-in-training; (b) Graduates of Nanyang University; (c) Experienced and/or trained teachers who have been retired on grounds of age or redundancy. In 1966 the Board organised a short but intensive course to train them. This training course was conducted by the staff of the Teachers' Training College and the practical teaching was supervised by Inspectors of Schools and T.T.C. lecturers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there is a scheme whereby non-graduate teachers with the Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate are given one additional increment if they teach in secondary schools and for so long as they teach in secondary schools. This applies to both Government and Government-aided school teachers. This scheme is confined to the English medium, because when the scheme was promulgated in July 1962, there was a dearth of graduates for the English medium secondary schools, and it was essential to encourage Primary-trained teachers with the School Certificate in this medium to take the higher qualification of the H.S.C. to enable them to teach in secondary schools. There are no teachers in the English medium who satisfy the requirement and who have not been paid the additional increment. There are, however, teachers in the English medium with the H.S.C. teaching in Primary schools who have not been paid this increment, because the requirement is that they must teach in secondary schools. As this scheme was originated to cope with the shortage of graduate teachers in the English medium, there are, therefore, teachers in the other media who do not qualify for the additional increment. SINGAPORE SWEEP TICKETS (Figures and proceeds) 2. Mr Ho See Beng asked the Minister for Finance if he knows how many Singapore Sweep tickets have been sold up to a latest convenient date; and what percentage of the proceeds is collected by Government and what percentage is retained by the Singapore Turf Club.”
“This settlement, when confirmed, will conclude all outstanding inter-University financial matters up to the end of this year. For 1967 it has been proposed that a joint Treasury Committee be set up to re-examine all contributions to the two Universities by the respective Governments on a revised basis reflecting present-day conditions. I understand this proposal has been favourably received. ALLEGATIONS BY PUBLIC DAILY-RATED EMPLOYEES' UNIONS FEDERATION (Appointment of Commission of Inquiry) 3. Mr Ho See Beng asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to appointing a Commission of Inquiry headed by a High Court Judge to inquire into the allegations by the Public Daily-Rated Employees' Unions Federation about the implementation by Government of the 1961 Agreement, and, among other things, (i) to determine whether there has been delay in the implementation of the aforesaid Agreement and whether it has been fully implemented; (ii) to determine whether there had been adequate and competent handling of the dispute with, and the grievances of, the aforesaid Federation; and (iii) to recommend ways and means of settling all grievances within the context of a thorough re-organisation of public service departments, particularly the Cleansing Department of the Ministry of Health, with the view to increasing productivity and efficiency of the public services.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there are 641 students from West Malaysia studying at the University of Singapore, and 86 Singapore students studying at the University of Malaya. The Malaysian Government has never given to the University of Singapore any financial aid as such. Any contribution made by the Malaysian Government was in respect of the cost of educating Malaysian students studying in the Singapore University. Similarly, the Singapore Government also made contributions to the University of Malaya to meet the cost of educating our students there. Prior to the separation of the then University of Malaya into two separate universities, the Singapore Government and the Federation of Malaya Government jointly contributed on an agreed formula towards defraying the cost of running the University which serves students from both territories. The outstanding contributions from the Malaysian Government, on behalf of their students studying in the University of Singapore for the years 1962 to 1966, were discussed and concluded at official level recently and official confirmation is awaited from the Malaysian Government. As a result of these discussions, a sum of $20 million was accepted as the liability for Malaysian students studying in the University of Singapore between the years 1962 and 1966. Of this, an advance payment of $10 million was made in December 1965. The Singapore Government also agreed to settle in full all outstanding dues and claims on behalf of Singapore students studying in the University of Malaya. In the case of Singapore students studying in the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, the contributions have been outstanding for the years 1964 to 1966.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the breakdown of the student population in Nanyang University and Ngee Ann College is as follows: Nanyang Ngee Ann University College No. of Singapore Students 787 492 No. of Malaysian Students 840 228 (West Malaysia) (789) (220) (East Malaysia) ( 51) ( 8) Other Territories 51 23 ----- ----- Total 1,678 743 ===== ===== The Malaysian Government has not given any grant to these two institutions to subsidise their students studying: in these two institutions. In the case of Nanyang University, the cost of maintaining a student per year is approximately $2,000 at present, while the fees payable by a Malaysian student are only $720 per annum. In other words, the Government and the people of Singapore are currently subsidising every Malaysian student to the tune of $1,300 per year. UNIVERSITIES OF SINGAPORE AND MALAYA (Student population and financial aid) 2. Mr Ho See Beng asked the Minister for Education if he has information (a) how many students in the University of Singapore are from West Malaysia, and how many Singapore students there are in the University of Malaya; and (b) how much financial aid is given by the Malaysian Government to the University of Singapore and by the Singapore Government to the University of Malaya.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, Malay medium secondary classes have not been started at the Ahmad Ibrahim Integrated Secondary School because of the relatively small demand for Malay medium secondary places in this area. For the years 1960 to 1966, the number of pupils from Sembawang Malay schools who qualified for Secondary I Malay medium was 45, 50, 45, 36, 77, 68 and 63 respectively. It will be seen that each year the number was too small even to start two classes. Lack of adequate staff at the higher level and subject teaching requirements call for a wise deployment of Malay medium secondary teachers, and we are very short of qualified Malay medium secondary school teachers. A minimum of four classes of Secondary I would be necessary to make the best use of staffing facilities and for effective teaching. The Sembawang Malay medium secondary students are posted mainly to Monk's Hill Secondary School to which they can go by one bus. The majority of them are receiving bus bursaries. In view of these circumstances, it is not proposed to start Malay medium secondary classes in the Ahmad Ibrahim Integrated Secondary School, at least not until the demand increases to make possible the formation of four classes. CHANGING OF STREET AND KAMPONG NAMES (Government policy) 2. Mr Bernard Rodrigues asked the Minister for Finance what is the policy in regard to changes of the names of streets and kampongs, and whether the residents concerned are consulted when any changes of street or kampong names are proposed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I move, That the House do now adjourn. Question proposed. CULTURE IN SINGAPORE'S NATION-BUILDING Debate resumed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That Parliament do now adjourn. Question proposed. 7.58 p.m. CULTURE IN SINGAPORE'S NATION-BUILDING”
“On our part, Singapore will continue to welcome students from Malaysia provided they are here to seek knowledge, to acquire an education and to make use of our facilities; which are lacking in their own country. If, instead of doing this, as so many have done in the past, they become stooges of Communist front organisations and engage in subversive activities, then Singapore will have no alternative but to send them home. However, we are hopeful that the unhappy events of the past will not recur and that a new breed of students from Malaysia will join their brethren in Singapore at Nanyang solely for the pursuit of knowledge so that under the guidance of the new policy makers, the administrators and the teachers, the University will develop into a true centre of learning not only in Singapore but in the whole of South-East Asia. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed.”
“Similarly, the designations of Secretary and Treasurer are to be changed to Registrar and Bursar respectively. Finally, the existing Ordinance has two separate sections to provide similar powers to the University Council. Section 29 provides for rules to be made by the Council and section 32 provides for statutes to be made. In order to avoid duplication without curtailing the powers of the Council, this Bill seeks to enlarge the powers of the Council to make rules and remove its power to make statutes. This is accomplished by conferring on the Council the power to make additional rules governing the powers and duties of the officers of the University; the composition, powers, duties and procedure of the Senate and the Guild of Graduates, and the discipline and welfare of students. With this new provision all the matters at present dealt with by statutes will be adequately covered by rules, and section 32 providing for the Council to make statutes may therefore be repealed. With these improvements in the Nanyang University Ordinance, there is reason to believe that continued support for the University will be forthcoming not only from Singapore but also from Malaysia. Of the 1,678 students at present in Nanyang University, 840 or 50 per cent are from Malaysia. As I have said earlier, the Singapore Government has been subsidising each and every one of these students at the rate of $1,300 a year, and the cost will increase as reorganisation proceeds apace. Clearly the Government and the people of Singapore should not be expected to bear this burden indefinitely without assistance.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, clause 7 of the Bill before the House provides for a 21-member Council consisting of the Vice-Chancellor, 2 members elected from the Senate, 2 members from the Guild of Graduates, 3 members elected by members of the University from amongst themselves, 7 members appointed by the Council from persons prominent in the field of education, culture, industry or commerce, and 6 members appointed by the Government of whom 3 may be persons resident outside Singapore. In making possible participation of persons resident outside Singapore in the governing body of Nanyang, the present University Council and the Government are mindful of the support Malaysians have given to the University in the past and the sincere desire to preserve the sentimental link between Nanyang University and the Malaysian people who, we hope, will continue to support the University financially or otherwise. In order to provide for continuity in policy making, this Bill also seeks to extend the term of office of Council members from two to four years. The other amendments proposed in this Bill are of a minor character. Provision is made for the appointment of a Deputy Vice-Chancellor to assist the Vice-Chancellor in carrying out his onerous duties. Such an appointment has been found to be essential in most universities in the world. At the same time, the designations of some existing posts in the University as laid down in the Ordinance are to be changed to conform to designations currently used in the University. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 7.36 p.m. As such, the office of the President as provided for in the Ordinance is to be changed to that of Vice-Chancellor, which has been the designation used since 1960.”
“In point of fact, the total amount of private donations collected since the establishment of Nanyang University is considerably less than what the public has been led to believe. According to figures published in the Nanyang University Tenth Anniversary Souvenir, the amount collected from 1963 to 1965 was only $12,070,000. This was the sum collected in dribs and drabs over a period of 13 years as compared with the $6.7 million which the Singapore Government has spent on the University during the last two and a half years. It is also significant that of the $12 million raised from the private sector, Singapore, exclusive of Government grants, accounted for 80 per cent of this $12 million, while others, including all the constituent States of Malaysia, accounted for only 20 per cent. In the circumstances, it is only right and proper that Singapore citizens should have the final say on how Nanyang University should be run. However, if, as reported in today's Eastern Sun, certain Malaysian parents of the expelled students believe that Singapore citizens who are paying for practically the whole cost of running Nanyang University should not have a dominant say in its affairs, then they can always set up their own university or persuade their own Government to set up a Chinese University in Malaysia, and the Singapore Government will undertake to refund every cent that the Malaysians have donated towards the establishment of Nanyang University. An hon. Member: Hear, hear!”
“" The agreement also provided for a new Nanyang University Council of 28 members, comprising 12 representatives, one each from the then 12 Malaysian States, six Government representatives, three of whom would be reserved for other State Governments of Malaysia, three representatives of the Senate, including the Vice-Chancellor, two representatives of the Guild of Graduates and five community leaders. However, before this part of the agreement could be implemented, Singapore was evicted from Malaysia. Consequent upon separation and the emergence of Singapore as an independent and sovereign Republic, it is only logical that Nanyang University, which has been financed largely by grants from the Singapore Government since 1964, should be controlled by Singapore members in respect of its policy and management. [Mr Tang See Chim in the Chair] 7.28 p.m. During the past 2½ years, the Singapore Government has contributed $6,701,000 to Nanyang University, consisting of - Recurrent Expenditure $2,081,000 Upward revision of Staff 1,000,000 salaries Bursaries 1,250,000 Tution Fee Subsidy 370,000 New Library Building 1,000,000 Scientific equipment and 1,000,000 library books --------- Total 6,701,000 ========= This is only the beginning. As reorganisation gathers momentum, the Singapore Government's financial commitment towards the University will increase. Even now the cost of maintaining a Nanyang student is about $2,000 a year. Malaysian students who pay $720 a year in fee without any assistance from the Malaysian Government are being subsidised by the Government and people of Singapore at the rate of about $1,300 per student per year. At the same time, contributions from the private sector in support of Nanyang University have dwindled to negligible sums.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The amendments to the Nanyang University Ordinance, 1959, which this Bill seeks to introduce, were initiated by the Nanyang University Council. These amendments have been the subject of deliberations and consultation among Council members, officials of my Ministry, and the law officers of the Republic since June 1964, when the Special Liaison Committee of the Singapore Government and representatives of Nanyang University reached agreement on the reorganisation of Nanyang University. The House will recall that the Special Liaison Committee's agreement contained, among others, the following clauses. I quote: "(1) Nanyang University should be reorganised at an early date. The details of reorganisation to be left to the future Nanyang University Council using the Nanyang University Review Committee Report and the Nanyang University Ordinance as the basis for formulating measures for reorganisation. (2) After reorganisation, the Singapore Government will treat Nanyang University on the same basis as the University of Singapore so as to effect a reduction in student fees and increase in staff emoluments and further improvements in equipment and facilities. (3) After reorganisation Nanyang University must become a purely academic institution and should not be manipulated or influenced by any political or subversive activities.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, investigation is being carried out by the Ministry of Education and the Planning Department for the provision of a secondary school building near the junction of Lim Chu Kang and Choa Chu Kang Roads. PURCHASE OF LOCALLY-PRODUCED MEDICINES AND DRUGS (Government policy) 10. Mr Bernard Rodrigues asked the Minister for Health what is the policy in regard to the purchase by his Ministry of locally-produced medicines and drugs, which are comparable in quality to the corresponding imported articles, when the price of the locally-produced article is higher than that of the imported article. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health (Mr Sia Kah Hui) (for the Minister for Health): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am pleased to inform the Member for Telok Blangah that it is Government's policy to give positive encouragement regarding the use of local products, and in line with the policy a directive was given on the 14th of December, 1965, to all Government departments and statutory bodies by the Economic Development Division of the Ministry of Finance on the subject of preferential purchase of locally manufactured products. To implement such a policy of giving preference to locally-manufactured goods, a preferential price margin of up to 5 per cent of the tendered price of an equivalent imported product is generally allowed. In certain instances, such as the bulk purchase of medicines and drugs, the preference price margin might even be higher.”
“Mr Speaker, as the existing schools can adequately cope with the present demand for places in primary schools, the Government does not propose to build any new primary school in Punggol Road in the near future. A survey of the demand for primary places in this area shows that the construction of a new primary school is not required. SECONDARY SCHOOL IN LIM CHU KANG 9. Mr Tang See Chim asked the Minister for Education whether he is considering building a secondary school in the Lim Chu Kang area to cater for the school children living in that area.”
“The Government, therefore, does not envisage bringing the kindergartens within the State educational system in the foreseeable future. INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL IN PUNGGOL 8. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Education whether and when an Integrated Primary School will be built in the Punggol Constituency in the vicinity of the 9th or 10th milestone Punggol Road.”
“Furthermore, these kindergarten classes also provide a source of income to sustain the livelihood of the Barisan Sosialis members. However, the Government does not favour the negative approach in dealing with this problem by closing down all the kindergartens run by the anti-national elements. To do so would fall into the trap of the Barisan Sosialis who are bound to exploit the issue by accusing the Government of being unsympathetic towards the welfare of the children of the poor living particularly in the rural areas. There is a real demand for pre-school education by Singapore parents in recent years as a result of improvement in the standard of living and the awareness of the value of an early education for children. This is, therefore, a social problem which should be better dealt with in a more positive manner. Since 1964, the Government has, through the People's Association, established kindergarten classes in the community centres to meet the needs of the rural parents and to counter the influence of kindergarten classes run by the anti-national elements. By May this year, the People's Association have established 159 kindergarten classes with a total enrolment of 5,900 pupils. The number of classes has since increased to 349 and the total enrolment to 12,500, whereas both the number of classes run by the anti-national elements and the total enrolment have drastically dwindled. Furthermore, a great majority of the kindergarten age children for classes next year have been registered by the People's Association. While it is desirable that all kindergartens should be supervised by the Government and be brought under the Republic educational system, the cost of implementing this by way of capital and recurrent expenditure is, however, prohibitive.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, most kindergartens in Singapore are supervised in one way or another by the Government or a quasi-Government organisation. These are private kindergartens registered with the Ministry of Education, those organised and supervised by the People's Association, and creches and play centres organised and supervised by the Department of Social Welfare. Owing to Government supervision of one kind or another, it would be extremely difficult for anti-national elements to poison the minds of young children unnoticed. To date there has been no report of such incidents in these kindergartens. However, for quite some time now, the demand for places in kindergartens for pre-school age children has been very great. This results in the establishment of a large number of unregistered kindergartens which fall into three categories: (1) those run by private individuals catering for the upper and middle classes, mainly in the private residential estates; (2) those run by religious organisations in Housing Board Estates or near squatter areas in the City area; (3) those run by political parties, particularly by the anti-national Barisan Sosialis. These kindergartens do not come under the supervision of the Government and are, therefore, open to exploitation by the anti-national elements, particularly so in the case of those run by the Barisan Sosialis in the rural areas. Besides the opportunity afforded them to poison the minds of the young children in their kindergarten classes, the teachers of these classes and their helpers, who are mostly members of the Barisan Sosialis, very often exploit the opportunity of meeting the parents of these children and putting across their insidious anti-national propaganda.”
“Yes, Mr Speaker, I will certainly investigate if specific instances can be pointed out to me.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, wherever there is a sufficient number of pupils taking a second language, a full-time second language teacher will be provided. But if the number of students taking a second language in a particular school is small, for instance, two pupils, surely the Member for Farrer Park does not expect the Government to provide a full-time second language teacher for just two pupils?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, facilities for teaching any of the four official languages as a second language are provided in all Government and Government-aided schools, including Mission schools. Where second language teachers cannot be fully deployed in one school, they teach in a group of schools. Where the number of pupils choosing a second language is very small, classes are conducted centrally both in the afternoon for morning school pupils and in the morning for afternoon school pupils. It is stressed that, irrespective of the number of students wishing to take a particular second language, adequate provision has been made. All schools have been instructed to implement the policy of a compulsory second language in Secondary I from 1966 and provision has been made for Tamil. This year there are 9 morning and 8 afternoon secondary Tamil class centres, with 17 full-time teachers to teach about 2,500 Tamil pupils. There is also one English secondary school with two part-time Tamil language teachers, one for the morning and one for the afternoon, and two other schools have Tamil language teachers teaching the language during school hours.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have not received any complaint about maladministration of the University, I do not think the question of a Commission of Inquiry arises at this stage. MIDDLETON HOSPITAL (Shelter for public) 8. Mr S. Rajoo asked the Minister for Health whether he will consider the erection of a shed near the entrance of the Middleton Hospital to accommodate and give shelter to members of the public who visit patients in the Hospital. Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am pleased to inform the Member for Farrer Park that my Ministry has plans to build a shed with seating accommodation next year, costing approximately $2,000, for members of the public who intend to visit patients at the Middleton Hospital. PAYA LEBAR (Outpatient Dispensary) 9. Mr Tay Boon Too asked the Minister for Health whether the Government is planning to establish an Outpatient Dispensary in the Paya Lebar Constituency.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government's financial contribution to the University of Singapore for 1966 is $10 million. Of this amount, about $9 million is for Personal Emoluments, the balance for honoraria, departmental grants, new equipment and other items of recurrent expenditure. In addition, the Government has also made a provision of $450,000 for the capital development of the University of Singapore during 1966.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there are no plans for the building of secondary schools in the Paya Lebar Constituency under the Second Plan. The International Airport takes up a quarter of the area covered by this constituency. Whilst the remaining areas are densely settled, it has not been possible to acquire a suitable site within this constituency for development into a secondary school, and the residents living in this constituency are being served by secondary schools in the neighbouring areas. One secondary school is being built at Lowland Road, whilst construction work on another secondary school in Mount Vernon Road will begin shortly. These two secondary schools are just outside the boundary of the Paya Lebar Constituency and within walking distance for students living in that constituency.”
“The courses available at the Institute include Electrical Fitting, Mechanical Engineering Practice, Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Plumbing, Radio Servicing, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning, Tinsmithing, Reinforced Concrete and Brickwork, Welding and Shipbuilding. This year, 195 students with the Secondary Vocational School Certificate were enrolled for full-time courses at the Singapore Vocational Institute.”
“Second languages are being taught to students in all the 114 Government and Government-aided secondary schools, including technical and vocational secondary schools and secondary departments of full schools. Altogether, out of a total of 132,722 secondary school students, 112,997 students, or 85.1 per cent of the secondary enrolment, are being taught a second language in secondary schools. This figure includes 32,591 Secondary 1 students for whom a second language is compulsory this year. A second language is being made compulsory in the secondary schools by stages, so that by 1969 every secondary student will have to sit for a second language in the School Certificate examination. Vocational Schools 2. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Education what is the number of Vocational Schools; what type of education is provided, and what opportunities are open for further vocational education. Mr Ong Pang Boon: There are 11 Secondary Vocational Schools which provide two years of secondary education comprising 50 per cent general subjects and 50 per cent practical subjects like woodwork, metalwork, domestic science and art and crafts. The education and training at the Vocational School would provide pupils with a suitable background for the type of employment where basic vocational skill and knowledge would be an advantage. At the end of the two-year course, students sit for the Secondary Vocational School Certificate examination conducted by the Ministry of Education. Those with good passes in this examination are given preference for admission to the Singapore Vocational Institute which provides training for entry into industry in the skilled trades.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the total number of children registered in primary schools within the Kampong Kembangan Constituency for the 1967 Primary One classes is 1,842. The total number of children who will be admitted into the schools at which they registered is 1,374, and the number of children who will be sent to schools elsewhere is 468. Of the 468 children who will be posted to a school other than the school where they had registered, 88 of them will be admitted into a neighbouring school within the constituency, and the remaining 380 children into the newly-completed extension of Telok Kurau East School which is about half a mile away. CANCER OF THE WOMB (Preventive measures) 4. Madam Chan Choy Siong asked the Minister for Health, in view of the prevalence of patients suffering from cancer of the womb, whether he has plans to expand the facilities for the preventive and early diagnosis of female genital cancer.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the total number of Government Malay medium secondary schools is ten with a total enrolment of 7,316, made up of eight Malay medium secondary schools with a pupil population of 6,669 and two Malay medium secondary vocational schools with a student population of 647. There is only one Government-aided Tamil full school with 247 secondary students. PRIVATE CLINICS AND DISPENSARIES (Dispensation of poisons and dangerous drugs by unqualified personnel) 4. Madam Chan Choy Siong asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that in some clinics and dispensaries owned by doctors, the dispensing of poisons and dangerous drugs is carried out by unqualified personnel without the direct and personal supervision of the medical practitioner or qualified pharmacist, and whether he is contemplating steps to control the further employment of unqualified personnel in dispensing poisons and dangerous drugs.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there are no plans for the building of secondary schools in the Sembawang area under the Second Plan. However, it is proposed to put up extensions to the Naval Base Full School which will convert it into a multi-purpose secondary school. This conversion will enable it to take in twice as many secondary students as it now has. There will also be facilities for vocational and technical education in this school in accordance with our latest trends in educational development. MALAY AND TAMIL SECONDARY SCHOOLS (Number of students) 3. Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Education (i) the number of Malay Secondary Schools and the total number of students therein; and (ii) the number of Tamil Secondary Schools and the total number of students therein.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there are no plans for the building of primary schools in the Sembawang constituency under the Second Plan. An extension of 16 classrooms has been approved under the 1966 programme for the Canberra School. This extension will be used to take over the primary classes in the Naval Base Full School and to absorb the increase in the intake of primary school students in the area. It will then be possible to admit children in the Malay, Chinese and Tamil language streams in the Government English schools in this area and to convert them into integrated schools. The Sembawang Malay School has 27 Malay and 14 English classes and is already an integrated school. TECHNICAL SCHOOL IN SEMBAWANG 2. Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Education whether the Government has any plans to set up a Technical School in the Sembawang Constituency.”
“Non-Malay children who have been legally adopted by Malay Singapore citizens are eligible for free education from primary school to university level. They may also apply for special Malay bursaries if they are studying in post-secondary educational institutions. Those in secondary schools are eligible to apply for bursaries and the rules governing the award of such bursaries will be applied liberally in their cases as in the case of other Malay applicants. However, those who have not been legally adopted are eligible to apply for the following concessions provided they are Singapore born or have parents at least one of whom is a Singapore Citizen: - (i) 6 years of free primary education between the ages of 6 and 14; (ii) Waiver of payment of Terminal Fees, such as Sports, Library and Science fees, free spectacles and loan of free textbooks in primary and secondary schools; (iii) Remission of school fees in secondary schools: (iv) Bursaries in secondary schools and post-secondary education institutions. CLEANING OF DRAINS AND REMOVAL OF REFUSE BIN CENTRE 4. Mr S. V. Lingam asked the Minister for Health (a) whether he is aware that the drains in Moonstone Lane, Opal Crescent, Ruby Lane, Topaz Road, Woodsville Road, Meyappa Chettiar Road and the surroundings are not cleaned properly and that the residents of those areas have complained about the breeding of mosquitoes, and whether the necessary action will be taken in the matter; and (b) whether he will cause the existing refuse bin centre at Meyappa Chettiar Road which is about ten feet away from the nearest houses to be removed.”
“The demand for primary education in the Jalan Eunos/Kaki Bukit area does not justify the building of another primary school. However, under the Rebuilding of Schools Programme in the 2nd Development Plan, the Kampong Melayu Boy�s School will be demolished and a new 24-classroom standard school will be built in its place. With the construction of this school additional accommodation will be available to cater for the increase in population in this area. It is hoped to schedule this school for rebuilding in 1968. FREE EDUCATION AND BURSARIES FOR NON-MALAY CHILDREN 3. Inche Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi asked the Minister for Education whether non-Malay children born in Singapore and adopted by Singapore-citizen Malays, are entitled to (i) free education from Primary to University level, and (ii) special Malay bursaries.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Anson has mentioned the revision of school fees just now. I think it is not necessary for me to go into the reasons for this revision of school fees for non-citizens. I have already explained this in great detail when I spoke on the motion thanking the Yang di-Pertuan Negara for his Speech. The revision of school fees really only applies to non-citizens; in other words, children who were not born in Singapore, or whose parents were not Singapore citizens. So all the other cases will not be affected by this ruling. As for the contributions promised by certain members of the public towards the establishment of Nanyang University, I think legally I would say the Government has no power to compel them to contribute if they refuse. At best what the Government can do is to exert some moral pressure, but beyond that I do not see what we can do. But, of course, I agree completely with the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development that these well-wishers who have already got all the publicity they received should keep their promises. That is all we can hope for.”
“However, it is heartening to note that the problem is one of rationalisation of the existing multiplicity of salary scales in the teaching service and not a question of under-remuneration for service performed. The Member for Moulmein raised certain problems regarding Tamil education at secondary level. I am aware of the problems that she has posed, especially in respect of shortage of qualified secondary school teachers as well as qualified teacher-educators in the Teachers' Training College. I shall certainly look into these problems, including the desirability of sending students to India for higher studies with a view to subsequent service in our secondary schools, and the feasibility of recruiting qualified Tamil secondary school teachers from India on short-term contracts. 3.35 p.m.”
“Obviously, it is unfair for the people of Singapore to pay for the failure of another Government to provide for the education of its citizens to the extent of ultimately affecting our ability to cater for the educational needs of our own citizens. Nevertheless, the special relationship between the people of Singapore and those of Malaysia has been taken into consideration by the fact that children of non-Singapore citizens who are in Singapore with the concurrence of the Singapore Government or who are permanent residents of Singapore on or before 31st December, 1961, will not be affected by the increase in school fees. This concession, in practice, will benefit many Malaysian citizens now in Singapore. In his address to this House a few days ago, the Member for Bras Basah has referred to anomalies in the salary structure of the teaching service. I must point out that the multiplicity of salary scales and the complexities of problems arising therefrom are not the makings of this Government. The Member for Bras Basah is aware of the complex nature of the problem and, because any revision in the salary structure for teachers will have direct repercussions on the other services, the Government had decided to appoint a Salaries Commission to review the salary structure of the Government services as a whole jointly with the then Federal Government. Since then we have been notified that we are no longer a Member of this Joint Salaries Commission, and, therefore, the Government has now decided to appoint a new Salaries Commission of our own. I am as anxious as the Member for Bras Basah to settle the long-standing issues as soon as possible because, as the Member has pointed out, dissatisfied teachers cannot give of their best.”
“This year it has increased to 50,000. To cope with the expansion of activities in this field, a new Adult Education Centre will be built by the Government under the Second Development Plan. Mr Speaker, Sir, I have set out some of the problems connected with education we have to face, and certain targets to be achieved in the immediate future. However, the efforts to achieve these targets would be hampered should there be an influx of children of school-going age from outside Singapore. As the Prime Minister has explained to this House a few days ago, when he moved a Motion of Thanks to the Yang di-Pertuan Negara for his Speech, `In the short-term, we have had to introduce certain new measures in order that we can take stock of what our liabilities are, our immediate liability to give jobs to our own... citizens, provide schools for their children, hospitals and social community services, housing and so on.' To this end, we have taken steps to tighten rules governing admission to schools and to revise school fees for non-Singapore citizens by requiring them to pay for the actual cost of education. It is a well-known fact that education is taking up a substantial and increasing proportion of the annual budget of Singapore. The number of children born outside Singapore and whose parents are not Singapore citizens admitted to schools in Singapore has been on the increase each year from 874 in 1960 to 2,026 in 1965. Already in 1965, the Government had to subsidise nearly $1.4 million on these children who are not Singapore citizens.”