Ong Soo Chuan
Singapore
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I notice that the Member for Punggol also has an amendment (The amendment standing in the name of Mr Ng Kah Ting reads as follows:(3) That the sum to be allocated for Head M be reduced by $10 in respect of Head AAA 4001.) on the same subject.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I think the Member has not been paying attention to my answer just now. Together with his colleagues he might have been excited at the moment when I said that we had acquired the extra premises in Colombo Court.”
“We can learn a lot of lessons and see many examples of what has happened around us. The facts are cruel, but we must not try to escape from reality. We must instead sharpen our vigilance and take preventive measures for what is to come, otherwise we will be very foolish.”
“To this end, the Government must make a concerted effort to educate, the people to meet the task ahead. I am confident that the people of Singapore will rise to the occasion, as they did in the past, to overcome whatever difficulties they may have to encounter.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, like the three hon. Members who have spoken before me, I wish to support the Institute of South-east Asian Studies Bill. I appreciate the interest and initiative taken by the Member for Sembawang in speaking on almost every Bill that has come to this Parliament.”
The complete record
Every one of 42 lines we hold for Ong Soo Chuan, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account.
“This is printed in the Nan yang Slang Pau where the Member is working. Does he want me to quote from the beginning? In order to save time. I will just read out this. He said: `Let me, quote one example. Not long ago, the Ministry of Education decided to abolish the automatic promotion system. This is a very important decision. However, the Ministry was extremely embarrassed in having to make such a decision. So much so that it tried to do it stealthily.' Does he want me to quote further? The paragraphs that follow refer to the Ministry of Culture. Anybody who is interested in it can read it. But now we are talking about education. So I just quote what is relevant. I hope my colleague can explain and clarify further so that people who are interested in education will not be misled. Mr Hwang Soo Jin(In Mandarin): Sir, we are rather confused as to who is in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and who is in the Ministry of Education. From what has just been said, I had taken the Senior Minister of State for Education to be in charge of Foreign Affairs. Likewise, from what the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs has spoken on education, I almost took him to be in the Ministry of Education! It is all quite puzzling. I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State for Education a question on textbooks which I raised just now, as he did not give me a direct reply. He just said that it was not practical but did not explain further. 7.15 p.m.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, two days ago when we were debating on the allocation for the Ministry of Culture, the Member for Boon Lay said something which might mislead some people who are concerned with education or interested in matters of education. My colleague, the Senior Minister of State, may want to clarify in order to put the matter right. Let me quote what he had said as reported in his own newspaper, Nanyang Siang Pau of 17th March, 1977, at page 24. It is reported there that he had said that the Ministry of Education had decided to abolish automatic promotion and because of this action the Ministry of Education was quite embarrassed or ashamed of what it had done and would not dare to face people so that it had to resort to "stealthy measures". To borrow the favourite phrase just uttered as coming from my colleague, the Senior Minister of State, such statement if not answered "will be rather misleading". If it is not clarified. readers might have the impression that the Ministry of Education had decided to abolish automatic promotion because the Ministry itself was not sure of the matter. As a result, the losers would only be those who are interested in education. I hope my colleague here can clarify this point.”
“Sir, that was the translated version. It has not been duly rectified yet.”
“So far as we know, it was not scrutinised by the Public Accounts Committee or any other Committee.”
“What I actually said was that the affairs of a company owned by the Government should be scrutinised by an appropriate body. An hon. Member: That is right.”
“Point of clarification. Sir. As far as I can remember, that was not the correct version that I said,”
“We have to look up the Parliamentary Pensions Act to see whether our late MP is due for any entitlement under this Act. If there is no provision for such entitlement, I think an amendment Bill should be tabled in this House to ensure that an MP who has rendered his services in the interests of the people will have something provided in the Act for his family in the event of his death, Mr Speaker, Sir, in my career as a Member of Parliament I have gone through different kinds of experience at the elections. In 1963 I tasted defeat. In 1968 and 1972 I had the experience of winning the elections by contest and in 1976 I had another round of experience of the election in which I was returned unopposed. Some people might say that I had won without effort, and the newspapers also said that we got it without effort. Regrettably, even our Petir also said that 16 MPs have been returned without effort. In other words, you got something without any effort. But I would say that 1 5 MPs at least cannot be included in this category. There is only one, perhaps the new MP, who can be said to have won without any effort.”
“Sir, some people hold the view that as representatives of the people we enjoy high prestige and a good life. But in my humble opinion that is a wrong concept. On the contrary, as representatives of the people, we act as the bridge of communication between the Government on the one hand and the people on the other. The Government has its policies and the people have their difficulties. Our position in between these two forces always makes us feel the pinch and the worse off. As MPs, we do not expect to be rewarded for doing this. We do not expect to be appreciated or thanked for what we do. In my many years of service to the people as a Member of the House, I can say that I understand this truth. If new Members have the attitude of expecting rewards or thanks for doing a service to the people, they will be greatly disappointed. They can also tell the people that it is not easy to be a Member of Parliament. But after the elections they would have a different view to what they had when they were fielded as candidates, because they would have realised that things are not completely within their control. To serve the people, you have to dedicate yourself to the point of making sacrifices and this, I am sure, is the experience they have gained during these past few months. Take the case of the late hon. Member for Radin Mas. He dedicated his services without any expectation of reward or thanks. During his life time the late Member for Radin Mas dedicated himself to the service of the people. Even on the last day of his life he went to his constituency to distribute ang pews to the old and needy people. This is the kind of Member of Parliament who will of course command the respect of his constituents. Now that he is dead, who will look after his family?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, now that the present Government has been re-elected, it should not continue to do what it used to do in the past, that is, to pass or implement many heavy tax measures and levies within the first three years after the elections thus increasing the burden of the people affecting their livelihood. The Government should not, as it did before, continue to increase taxes and tariffs by decrees without any debate in this House, particularly where such tax and tariff increases affect the livelihood of the people. In his speech the President said that Members of this House have "the duty to ensure that all shades of opinion out in the constituencies are vigorously voiced in Parliamentary questions and debates." This is a very categorical and precious guideline which I believe Members of this House will happily accept and implement with all earnestness. Sir, Shyn-Tze, an ancient Chinese philosopher said that: `To know is better than not to know. To see is better than to know. To practise is better than to see. The end of learning is to practise. He who practises is a sage` By this proverb, Sir, we are told that there are many problems in the world which the common people may not understand fully. It is only those who have the experience, who have seen, and who have practised. will they be able to appreciate the problems. I do not want to be a sage nor do I claim to be a sage. Neither do my colleagues in this House. But as representatives of the people we have the duty and responsibility to reflect the views of the people. Particularly so, in this Parliament where all the MPs belong to the same Party and where the Government Whip has been lifted so that we can freely and fully reflect our views in this House.”
“It is only when there is such a general understanding of the situation that the people will be enabled to continue to support the Government. From the experience gained in the last general elections, we can see that we have a higher percentage of support from the lower income groups compared to the earlier elections. This heavy mandate placed on Members of Parliament means that we must be fair and do our best to solve the problems of the people. It is only then that we will not let down the voters who have put us in power. The PAP has always been pragmatic. We are known for not making wild promises. In spite of free things or giveaways promised by the opposition, our voters have the guts and the resolve to discard these wild and empty promises of free things but opted for self-reliance. They have instead voted us in, It is from the people in the lower income group in the less developed parts of Singapore who have given us more votes than ever before. Without their support, we would not have been able to get 72.4%, the highest percentage of the total number of votes ever cast. Since they have put such great trust on us we must also take special care of them, such as building and metalling more roads, installing more street lights and creating more employment opportunities for them. This is the bounden duty of the Government.”
“If we can arrive at a state where the people regard the State with respect and importance and the State looks after the people with esteem and care, and there is harmony, unity and cooperation between the State and the people for mutual progress, then it will be the great fortune of both the people and the country. In view of the present international situation which has great repercussions on us and with Mr Carter's assumption of office as the new American President, there is an air of uncertainty in the international scene. The Southeast Asian situation is like-wise not clear. The Middle East problem is not yet solved. The oil crisis is not over yet. The whole world situation is in a state of fluctuation. With such external factors and internal situation before us, we are faced with problems in formulating and implementing Government policies laid down in the speech presented by the President. The way ahead is difficult, The future may not turn out to be what we all expect. However, we have the will and capacity to survive and succeed. We have the experience gained from the past years of independence to help see us through. We have once more been given such a heavy mandate, and so we must do our best not to let our people down. But in circumstances beyond our control, there may be some factors present to prevent us from achieving or what we have set out to achieve. In this case it then becomes our bounden duty to explain and to analyse to the people what the causes are that prevented us from achieving our goal. Civil servants also have to take up the challenge and the responsibility to help the nation solve its problems. They also owe the people a duty to explain what the problems and hardships are.”
“That means I have about eight minutes to go. (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, in his speech delivered on the 8th February at the Opening of the Fourth Parliament. The President has laid out the various Government policies and guidelines to be implemented in the next five years. These policies and guidelines are very pragmatic and practical. In the past we have never had policies and guidelines more realistic, more considerate to the people and more virtue-inspiring as those that have just been presented in this Fourth Parliament. In the book of the Great Learning of ancient Chinese Scholars there is the teaching that great learning lies in understanding the virtues, loving the people and arriving at that which is perfect. It means to say that we must carry out good government, love the people like our own children, and that we must try and do our best to look after the people. This is the way of good government valid universally. As the seas and oceans are made up of water droplets, countries are made up of people, the individuals. The strength of the country lies in the security of the people. Therefore, although state policies are based on national interest as the first premise, they must also be able to take into account the immediate interest of the majority of the people. That is to say, the implementation of state policies must suit the interest of the people in such a way that the people can bear it. That means we have to study and discuss all plans and policies in depth carefully in order to understand the wishes and get the views of the people before implementing the policies, so as to ensure practicability and conformity. In this way, all beneficial policies which are implemented will be accepted by the people.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I notice that the Member for Punggol also has an amendment (The amendment standing in the name of Mr Ng Kah Ting reads as follows:(3) That the sum to be allocated for Head M be reduced by $10 in respect of Head AAA 4001.) on the same subject. Could the Member for Anson therefore wait until the Member for Punggol has spoken, when I will then deal with the whole subject?”
“And I believe that a stable and prosperous ASEAN is in the ultimate interests of the great powers. There is no doubt that ASEAN has come to stay. But for ASEAN to remain viable there is a need to adjust to the rapid geopolitical changes in the region. It appears to me therefore that the more immediate and major task for ASEAN is tile undertaking of an overall review and evaluation of all the projects which have been proposed to date in order that these can be implemented according to their priorities. In the present international economic situation where the threat of a worldwide recession accompanied by seemingly uncontrollable inflation may undermine the stability of ASEAN societies, it is necessary that governments of the region make greater efforts to strengthen their national economies. There can be no sound regional economy if its component elements are weak. Regional cooperation can, if wisely and rationally approached, accelerate and ease the task of national economic development. One way would be the encouragement of mutual investments among ASEAN countries. Mutual ASEAN investments will definitely serve to complement those of the major powers. ASEAN should also aim for self-reliance as a regional unit. It is therefore fitting to mention here that the decision of ASEAN Foreign Ministers to establish a permanent Secretariat for ASEAN is another indicator of the viability and permanency of ASEAN. The ASEAN Secretariat will be a compact structure designed to streamline and plan the growing activities of ASEAN with greater efficiency. The ASEAN Secretariat will not only be a concrete evidence of ASEAN solidarity but will also, in deeds and actions, hasten the pace of economic development in the region. 4.05 p.m.”
“In other words, the energy crisis has slowed down the economies of the Western countries, and this has the effect of weakening their will to maintain their dominant presence in Asia and elsewhere in the world. Thus, in South-east Asia the contest for influence and supremacy by the great powers continues. Until a new balance of power is established in our region, there will be uncertainty and instability in our area. While the US has disengaged herself militarily from Vietnam and continues to be under domestic pressure to cut down her military commitments in Asia and elsewhere, the Soviet presence has become more pronounced. China and Japan will, with the passage of time, become factors likely to influence events in our part of the world. If the contest for influence and power is conducted peacefully and rationally, then we need have no great fears and even some benefits could come out of it all. In the meantime, "ASEAN can and must play" as the President has stated in his Addendum, "an important role in lessening the leverage the great powers can otherwise have in exploiting differences and conflicts within the region." It was due to the foresight of the leaders of ASEAN countries that ASEAN was formed eight years ago. ASEAN has grown from its modest beginnings to an effective and lively regional body able to meet the challenges of changing times. With its combined population of more than 200 million, abundant natural resources, political stability and an ever improving developmental infrastructure, ASEAN has the potential for increased economic development which in turn will help to promote peace and prosperity in the region. It is hoped that ASEAN will continue to receive goodwill from the great powers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the Motion moved by the hon. Member for Kim Keat. Hon. Members will recall that the President, in the Addendum to his Address at the Opening of the Second Session of the Third Parliament on Friday, 21st February, 1975, stated that: `Our foreign policy must take into consideration the new situation arising from the gradual scaling down of American and Western military presence in the region. The overwhelming Western influence in the region has been correspondingly reduced.' The President has alerted us that this situation "will lead other powers to seek greater influence for themselves in the area". Hon. Members are aware that detente has replaced the cold war, but detente does not necessarily mean ending of tensions and conflicts. During the cold war, small nations steered clear of the conflicts between tile two blocs by simply taking a neutral stand, and for the most part the great powers tolerated this neutralism. Also, some small nations joined one of the two camps for shelter and protection. The great powers were also willing to take risks and even military adventures on behalf of their small allies. In future the contest for influence among the great powers continues, despite detente. But with detente, the rivalry among the great powers has become a complex web of simultaneous rivalry and cooperation. Before the onset of the energy crisis, the United States and their allies had a slight edge, in terms of economic and military power, over the Socialist bloc. However, the energy crisis has adversely affected the Western countries more than their Socialist counterparts.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I think the Member has not been paying attention to my answer just now. Together with his colleagues he might have been excited at the moment when I said that we had acquired the extra premises in Colombo Court. We do share premises at the moment in the City Hall with the Ministry of Law, the Ministry of Culture, the Prime Minister's Office, etc. We could only acquire part of the PUB building when it is available in 1977, if we are lucky. Until then, we have to find alternative accommodation as a temporary measure to house our staff in view of the expansion of the Ministry.”
“Sir, it appears to mc that he has also become a spokesman for the Member for Telok Blangah.”
“Besides, the City Hall itself houses the Ministry of Law, Ministry of Culture, the Prime Minister's Office, the PUB, and the Wax Museum. So there is hardly any more room available at the moment to meet the expansion needs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, we have applied for that part of City Hall presently occupied by the PUB. This will become available only in 1977 when the PUB building at Somerset Road is expected to be ready for occupation. In the meantime, additional office space had to be acquired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to accommodate the additional staff, and there was no alternative but to rent the office space in Colombo Court. Regarding the second part of the question, it is the Government's policy to acquire, whenever possible, our own buildings and lands for our overseas missions. Of course, considerations of value and prices are important in deciding how and when properties are to be acquired. It is not always possible to get suitable premises, and, therefore, it has been necessary to rent the accommodation required until suitable properties have been acquired. It is the Ministry's policy to buy properties for overseas missions and, whenever possible, the accommodations for home-based officers are also purchased. But this is dependent on certain requirements, like price and location.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am indeed grateful to the Member for Telok Blangah who has raised the question with good intention and with much concern over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If I read him correctly, he was worried that the Government would have to spend more money to purchase property or land overseas. The same concern was also expressed by the Member for Katong. If I remember correctly, Sir, three or four years ago, the Member for Telok Blangah was kind enough to persuade his good friend to purchase a piece of property at a time when the price of houses was relatively much lower than the present one. He was far-sighted. Unfortunately his friend was short-sighted, or rather conservative. So now the Member for Telok Blangah is living happily with his family in the house which he has bought at a cheaper price. But his unfortunate colleague and his family who did not buy a house then has to share accommodation with others up till today. Therefore, in the same way I can assure the Member for Telok Blangah that we are not as short-sighted as his friend who did not take his good advice. We have already acquired or purchased properties in some of the capital cities where we have missions, used as chancery or residence. Regarding the first part of the question, Sir, since its inception in August 1965, the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been expanding in proportion with the increasing number of our overseas missions to cope with the increased workload. The accommodation provided in the City Hall became cramped. Hon. Members who have visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will notice that most of the staff are accommodated in cubicles because of the shortage of office space.”
“They are doing this in order to satisfy the desire of their foreign masters. So the people of Singapore must always be on guard against such people. Constitutional amendments to ensure our national integrity and sovereignty are therefore very necessary. These measures are also necessary to ensure the political stability and economic prosperity of Singapore. Mr Speaker, Sir, because of the present political stability, economic prosperity and high standard of living there are some people in our midst who have neither tasted nor realised what hardship is. They are very naive and very foolishly tried to create trouble by interfering with the good life of the people. If history should repeat itself, and if there should be a return of the turbulent days of boycott of classes, strikes, and riots of the `50s and the early `60s, then could we continue to lead this secure, happy and satisfying life? We should, therefore, heighten our vigilance, cultivate our patriotic feelings, examine ourselves and foster the virtue of putting national and public interest above personal interest, and working diligently with others. With concerted effort we must maintain our verve and drive, take up the responsibility and plan carefully for a better future, and make full use of whatever potential we have to meet the challenging roles confronting us in the future. Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the motion. 3.20 p.m.”
“It is necessary only to enhance the quality of education and to encourage technological education. But if we only crystallise our attention on our economic needs at the expense of the cultivation of patriotic and ethical virtues, then there may come a society steeped in selfishness with a generation of people who only care for themselves without so much care for the country the young leadership will then be weakened. Therefore, for the future of our nation, we must try to arrest the trend of such development. We must actively foster the concept of patriotic virtues among our young people. We must make our young people realise that improvement in the quality of education is not meant to enhance their own selfish personal interest, but for the national interest and for a better service to the society. Hence, the Ministry of Education should positively shoulder up this responsibility. Mr Speaker, Sir, over the past few years particularly during the last general elections, there is a clear indication of doubt over the loyalty of some opposition parties. For ideological reasons, some of them are inclined to look up to other countries, others, for their own selfish reasons, have become the Trojan horse in our country; some have become the mouthpiece of foreign interests. On the face of it, such people are very convincing in their talks, but in the final analysis we can see their hideous motives. Mr Speaker, Sir, if our way of life and our policies have not had the strong support of the people, we would not have been able to obtain this landslide victory. The crux of the problem is that there are still some people with ulterior motives who wish to make use of the mass media, both to mislead and to divide our people.”
“This is because about 50 per cent of them at least do not have the actual experience of the difficulties and hardships that older leaders had undergone in the past. They lack the experience of the hardships and tribulations of the early `50s. Whatever knowledge they may gather about those difficulties comes from books or hearsay. Most of them have been enjoying modern, stable and comfortable living in Singapore. From childhood to adulthood they have not gone through the mill, as the present generation had. Therefore, we have to give some consideration to this matter. To make good the shortcomings, we must strengthen this feeling of patriotism and the indomitable spirit by laying sufficient stress on education. Education is fundamental to nation building and the running of a country. To make sure that the future leadership from the younger generation will have the same verve and capability of the present leadership, we must see to it that the content and quality of education should he such that these future leaders will not only be able to contribute towards the economic progress of the country hut also maintain political stability with patriotism. Let us look around the industrially advanced countries in the world. Many of them have paid attention only to their industrial and economic needs, and not the cultivation of the necessary virtues and character of their people. As a result there is an imbalance of interests among their people manifesting excessive individualism over nationalism. Some of the young people study hard merely for the sake of getting highly paid jobs so that they can enjoy. Although Singapore is a developing country, in terms of economic growth, she is already a developed country.”
“The unique quality about the people of Singapore is that, unlike those of other countries, they have not taken to the belief that just because Singapore is independent they can sit down and enjoy life. If we look at the developing countries around us, we will see that instead of making any advancement they are on the way down. That we have been able' to progress from time to time and become more and more prosperous is all due to the good quality of our people who know that independence does not necessarily bring with it prosperity and progress. The people realise that concerted efforts and hard work on the part of the people will make possible nation building. They do not take chances but instead participate actively in the task of nation building. So long as this patriotic spirit exists among these seasoned adults of Singapore, it will be very difficult for foreign interests to buy over Singapore. But the strength of this adult population cannot last forever. With the passage of time it must gradually dissipate. Therefore, in order to preserve our hard-won achievements and to ensure that there will be further progress and prosperity for Singapore, we must take preventive measures so that our country under the leadership of the next generation will not be taken over or manipulated by foreign elements. As stated in the Presidential address, Constitutional amendments are necessary to ensure that: `no surrender of our sovereignty, or any part thereof, by way of incorporation into, or federation with, any other country is possible, unless two-thirds of the total electorate vote positively for it in a referendum.' All this is a preparation for a better future. It does not mean that we have no confidence in the next generation of leaders.”
“In any society, there should be no such thing as getting something for free. Otherwise that country will become either weaker or poorer. Singapore has emerged from a period of difficulties, and marching into its eighth year of independence at a steady pace. Through our past efforts in overcoming difficulties, we have gained rich and varied experience, and our people's confidence in building a better society has been strengthened. In not too short a time, we have overcome many difficult problems which, in the eyes of outsiders, were impossible to solve. All this is due to the determination and drive of our people, which have consolidated the foundation of nation building. We managed to overcome the difficulties encountered in the past because most of our adult population had gone through the mill and lived through different social systems. They had gone through suppression by colonial rule and the persecution by the Japanese warlords during the second World War. And finally they had also gone through the relentless treatment of the corrupt government of the early days of a self-governing state. In short, they had gone through trials and tribulations and emerged from the baptism of fire. With all these experiences and efforts they have made sacrifices and struggle to build up their own country and an ideal society. After independence, the people have become masters of their own destiny. This fact has strengthened their patriotism, and because of this they have discarded the feeling of being birds of passage and the attitudes of immigrants. So on this concept they are able to build a further prosperous and progressive society.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, this is the First Session of the Third Parliament since our independence. As our President has pointed out in his speech: `We meet today under circumstances vastly different from those prevailing when the last Parliament was convened on 6th May, 1968.' In fact, our past era can be reviewed in two stages. The first stage is the period after independence, which was quite a tumultuous one. During that period Singapore became a Republic and there were many problems to be resolved and tackled. The second stage is the five-year period when we were in office. During this time we had to solve many difficulties and problems which were more harsh and real, such as economy, defence, unemployment and the problem of redundancy caused by the British military withdrawal. However, under our judicious leadership with the right policies and with the co-operation and effort of our diligent people, we managed to solve all of them, each and every one. Now we are entering into the third stage, in which we strive for quality, and on the basis of our past successful experience, I believe we can achieve results. The central theme of this message of the President is that, in addition to achieving higher standards of education, business management, and work ethic, there are two conditions to be met. One is the establishment of the small family to ensure a better quality and an improved living standard. This will enable the next generation to look after themselves better, without being a burden to the society or the nation. The other condition is the abuse of free social welfare services. We should remember that everybody has a duty to put in his share of work, either physically or mentally, in return for what he wants.”
“We can learn a lot of lessons and see many examples of what has happened around us. The facts are cruel, but we must not try to escape from reality. We must instead sharpen our vigilance and take preventive measures for what is to come, otherwise we will be very foolish. In order to ensure that our stability and prosperity will continue, all the people in Singapore must unite together and heighten their national consciousness. They must always remain vigilant and be in a position to know who are their enemies and who are their friends so that they will not be exploited. The future is unpredictable. In the process of self-preservation there should be no relaxation on our part. Only then shall we be able to stand forever and enjoy our freedom in international politics. 4.15 p.m.”
“Neither does it mean that we should allow the exploitation of the freedom of speech against the national interest. No doubt, it is a privilege and a right that every citizen should be able to express his views openly, but between the right and the obligation, we must find a proper balance so that the interests of the entire nation will be looked after according to the social conscience. Only then will the freedom of speech and expression find significance. At the present stage of our nation-building, national consciousness is still in the formative stage. We should not compare ourselves with countries with a longer history, particularly when we are a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious society. We must not allow the poison of divisive thinking to spread among our people, if we allow things to go their own way, many ignorant people will break away from the nation. Freedom of speech and expression should be in keeping with our national policies. We welcome constructive criticism, criticism made on an objective basis, particularly in regard to any deviation in the implementation of our national policies. On the contrary, if the freedom of expression is abused and exploited, then the harm done to the country will be immeasurable, Only responsible freedom of speech will have value and relevance to our country. I have been stressing the importance of cohesion among our multi-racial people because as a society we are unique, if we do not do our best to preserve all the achievements made, we will be heading for destruction. Our country is like a sophisticated machine. All the parts must be properly operated and synchronised. If there is any loose part, the whole machinery will stop operating or go out of order. This is a very simple example.”
“We must continue to work hard to consolidate this foundation and to ensure that nation-building is above all other objectives. It is important that we establish our national consciousness and unity of purpose. It is unfortunate, however, that when we are engaged in the supreme task of nation-building and the establishment of unity of purpose, divisive words are being spread in all directions. This is very dangerous. The people behind this even attempt to go through the cultural front in order to advocate divisive thinking among our people. They exploit the various complicated and acute issues in our country in order to whip up suspicion among our people in the hope that they will cause communal conflict, and to undermine and destroy whatever we have built. The consequences will be tragic if they succeed, because the people will then be living with one another in a state of hostility or forever become the slaves of others. If we do not take timely and decisive steps to stop all these pervasive divisive influences, all the unity, cohesion and foundation that we have built up will be corroded and destroyed. What will then become of our society and our country? Of course, the result will be unthinkable. At this time when we are taking decisive steps to stop all these pervasive divisive forces from operating in our country, there are some ignorant people who blindly accuse the Government of killing the freedom of the press. Indeed, freedom of the press is one of the basic principles of democracy. In its turn, the press also has a responsibility and obligation towards the nation. But all this is relative. It does not mean that the abuse of the freedom of speech beyond the ambit of the law should be permitted.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, from the status of self-government in the l960s to nation-building after independence and the serious challenges in the face of multifarious problems in the 1970s, we have gone through a period of trial and tribulation, but have finally emerged as a successful and stable country in this turbulent region of South-east Asia. The internal political stability, the economic development, the rise in our Gross National Product, the international prestige we have built up, the establishment of trade links with more and more countries, the gradual development of Singapore as the financial centre of South-east Asia and as an example to developing countries - all these achievements have been brought about by the cohesiveness and unity of our people. For a better future, we still have to carry on working hard for what we have already achieved. Complacency, no doubt, is a hindrance to progress, but to ask for too much without regard to the practical and objective circumstances is equally bad. The fortuitous process through which our unique immigrant society has developed from colonial rule to internal self-government and, finally, independence provides many lessons for us and our future generations to remember. These lessons make us vigilant and appreciative of the value of the harmony and stability that we are enjoying as a multi-racial country. To be a Singapore citizen is something to be proud of. This is because we have built up a country from the unity and cohesion of several races, cultures and religions. Through mutual understanding, mutual help and mutual tolerance, we have built a foundation of oneness based on the confluence of many units.”
“To this end, the Government must make a concerted effort to educate, the people to meet the task ahead. I am confident that the people of Singapore will rise to the occasion, as they did in the past, to overcome whatever difficulties they may have to encounter. I may add also that I am confident that the people of Singapore, with their resourcefulness and initiative, will push Singapore to new heights of achievement. Mr Speaker, Sir, let us with studied confidence look forward to a new era in the nineteen seventies. 7.12 p.m.”
“The implementation of his assurance' can simply mean that if we are disciplined and dedicated to make the grade in our economic growth, new taxes would not be necessary to meet the cost of defence expenditure. If we are not disciplined and dedicated, we will have to face the consequence of our short- sightedness. There are some selfish people who think they can quit Singapore if something happens to it. Let me tell them that there is no alternative place to escape but to follow the Chinese saying, "Live here, die here." We should instil into the minds of our people a deep concern not just for their personal future only, but also for the future of Singapore. This is the kind of thinking that is working directly to strengthen our effort in nation building. We are all aware that nation building is a long process and the task that we are pursuing to achieve it is difficult. But I am confident that our people, imbued with initiative and dedication, will be able to overcome these difficulties. Even the Prime Minister of Japan, Mr Sato, when he visited Singapore on 15th October, 1968, was confident that the course' which Singapore is following today, however thorny it may be, is the path leading to a bright and hopeful future. In order to realise this expression of confidence and translate visions into realities, the whole- hearted efforts of the people must be harnessed to achieve specific projects. Plans must be laid now and concurrently the people must be wakened to devote their resources to the implementation of these plans. ideas and plans are easy to formulate. The difficult task comes after. The time has come for the people to realise the pitfalls ahead if the plans do not succeed.”
“Although the economic situation is bright, there is still the need to create confidence in foreign investors in order to encourage their active participation in our overall economic programme. I am pleased to note that in the new Budget no disruption has been laid upon industries and the export trade. Since last year, some fiscal incentives have been designed to encourage export to oversea markets and expansion of productive capability to increase output. To meet our growing industrial expansion, recently the Jurong Town Corporation, the Development Bank of Singapore and INTRACO were formed to provide facilities to assist local and foreign potential investors. Sir, a suitable investment climate in the field of economics is insufficient to attract investors without security. Today, many under-developed countries, though rich in natural resources, find it difficult to create a stable political climate to attract potential investors. As a result, the people in these countries are still backward and living in poverty. Fortunately for us in Singapore, we have a far-sighted government that has in the past few years started planning to build a secure and prosperous nation which will provide a better living for the people. But how long can we enjoy such a pleasant position will depend on the determination of our people. The Minister for Finance has assured us that for the coming year the greater part of the cost of defence expenditure will be met by increased revenue due to economic growth rather than by new taxes. To me this is a challenge - a challenge for the best or for the worst..”
“From the above expenditure for the coming 15 months, we notice that the Government is determined to build up an effective defence capability to ensure continuing security and that, at the same time, it has not forgotten the task to speed up our economic development. The figure of $35.8 million to be raised from the new taxes is relatively very low when compared to the amount to be spent on defence. It merely, in the Minister's own words, helps to pay for rather less than 10 per cent in defence expenditure to be incurred next year. Moreover, these new taxes have been so calculated by the Minister for Finance that families in the lower income group will not be affected, and they will not have the effect of impair ing incentives to economic development or discouraging and disrupting the flow of foreign investment. This is the price that the people could pay in order to build up an effective defence system at the minimum cost, and this cost is not too much for the people to bear. In fact, the price that we pay today to ensure a bright, secure and prosperous future is relatively low. Sir, you may agree with me that this is due to the economic growth which has reached the mark of 7.7 per cent since last year despite the British military rundown. At the end of June this year there were 174 pioneer industries in production with a total fixed investment of $436 million and the combined output was $472 million. Investment and production increased by 19 per cent and 64 per cent respectively when com pared with the same period last year. This is another indication that enhances our belief that economic growth in our Republic is beyond doubt.”
“My Minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in his speech in Bangkok on the 14th October, after examining the hard facts and harsh realities of Asia's political scene, warned us that today Asian countries live in fear not of Western imperialism but of one another's imperialism. This statement has made us realise the fact that the entire situation in this region does not encourage optimism about regional co operation, but instead if we look around us, we will notice that confrontation has overshadowed co- operation. Faced with such an unpredictable environ ment, it might be advisable to follow the French principle our destiny, our path, our policy be our own - in order to deal with the narrow-minded foreign policies of certain nations in this region. At the moment, it would be more appropriate that we devote more of our time and energy to ensure our survival by consolidating our national defence and working for economic growth. The Minister for Finance, in presenting his Budget, has observed the objectives for the Republic as outlined by the President in his Speech to this Chamber on 6th May. The three objectives are: optimum use of the time available to build up an effective defence capability; greater economic growth; and enhancement of national consciousness of the problems that will come upon us in the next few years. A study of the above objectives will make it easy for us to understand the intention of the Minister for Finance to allocate $330 million, or about 30 per cent of the total expenditure, on defence, $364 million, or about 35 per cent, on social and educational services, and $108 million, or about 10 per cent, on economic services.”
“We in this House are all aware of the fact that changes are taking place with great and startling rapidity in this turbulent part of Southeast Asia. The whole security and political situation in Southeast Asia is in the process of change. Change, according to our Prime Minister, is the very essence of life. The moment we cease to change. to be able to adapt, to adjust, to respond effectively to a new situation, 'then we have begun to die. To me, the changes that the Minister for Finance has brought to us in this Budget are realistic and the people can draw inspiration from it to overcome the problems of the crucial years ahead. In the Budget, we notice the change in the basis of the financial year in the presentation of the Estimates and the need to spend more on national defence. I support the move by the Minister for Finance to increase our defence expenditure on the ground that the real problems facing us are of a completely different world after the British withdrawal. The prevailing stability in this region will then vanish. The vacuum left by the British withdrawal makes it imperative that we establish an effective defence system of our own to maintain our security and preserve our identity. If we do not develop a strong and lasting emotional attachment to Singapore, then I am afraid our rich and strategically valuable island will be a tempting place for others, especially at a time when the fact of international life is for the nations to be increasingly driven by hatred and conflict against each other.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, while many other countries find themselves in a state of serious concern over the international monetary crisis, we, in a newly emergent Singapore, must be thankful that we have achieved continuous economic growth and industrial progress during the past year. Despite the fact that we are faced with the prospect of British withdrawal and the problem arising therefrom in the l970s, we have been presented with a fairly mild change and what I might say a reasonable Budget in the circumstances for the coming year. I feel sure that this will most certainly be envied by others, and we Singaporeans can take pride in our achievements and what we hope for the future. In this year's Budget, the Minister for Finance has brought realistic changes which, in the Minister's own words, dispel unwarranted gloom and reassure the people that the new taxation will not have any damaging effect on investment incentives. In fact, I would like to add that it establishes confidence for the future. Due to the accelerated withdrawal of British troops by 1971, the stability in this region can no longer be taken for granted. Readjustments have to be made to meet the changing circumstances. Therefore, it is inevitable that our defence expenditure will be increased if we are to be more secure and keep up with new developments. Sir, the 1970s are drawing nearer and nearer. We must now start preparing and planning for the future. if we do not take cautious and steady steps to prepare for a more secure and brighter future, then we will live to pay for the consequences of our neglect. If that were to happen, future generations would judge us as having been selfish and leaving them to face a world of hardship and desperation.”
“Through participation with intellectuals, scholars, teachers, etc, of other countries around us, we are able to know our neighbours better and they will understand us better. Sir, co-operation is a necessary ingredient for progress. You may agree with me that with the establishment of this Institute, we are paving a more radical approach towards cultural and educational co-operation with countries in this region. Although the establishment of such an organisation will involve the Government in extra financial expenditure, I consider this expenditure to be necessary if we are to become more vital and creative. In addition, I am happy to note that in clauses 16 and 17 of the Bill, the Board is given power to accept gifts on behalf of the Institute, and it is also provided that gifts to the Institute shall be exempt from income tax. I am confident that such provisions in the Bill will encourage more aid and assistance from the general public to ensure the success of this Institute. Sir, looking at this Bill, I am confident that it will receive acclaim and support from those who are interested in problems concerning our nation and Southeast Asia. 3.10 p.m.”
“These occurrences in a country, whether of an advantageous or a disadvantageous nature, will certainly influence the economy and the social pattern of another country because we are all situated within the same region and surrounded by the same waters. Sir, the countries in Southeast Asia have gone through similar stages when struggling for their independence. We were all once upon a time colonies of the big powers. We all fought against colonialism to achieve independence. Nevertheless, it would not be untrue to say that after independence some countries still carry on on the same basis as their former colonial masters did, with their direct experiences of societies in the west. Some countries have even turned to dependence on guarantees from the big powers for survival. Sir, in the midst of these complexities, it is essential to study all affairs and matters appertaining to Southeast Asia. In this multi-racial region, besides having gone through the same struggle for political independence as other countries, we too have similarities in the social structure, behaviour of people, culture, religion, etc. So if differences of interests which arise within this region are unresolved, they could ultimately threaten the peace and progress of this region. On the basis that the countries in Southeast Asia are inter-dependent on one another in this new era, each country must develop regional initiative in economic co-operation and mutual assistance and understanding. The establishment of such an Institute emphasises the importance we place on our own region and the importance of understanding our immediate neighbours.”
“One can hardly deny that all these factors were created by human beings in past decades when the political situation in the world was entirely different. Now that most of the newly emerging countries in Southeast Asia are struggling to achieve progress and the ultimate aim of equal status with the advanced countries in the world, we must find ways and means to counter these prevailing factors. What are the problems confronting the countries in Southeast Asia? What are the factors hampering the progress of countries in this region? How can these problems be solved? What measures are ideal to solve these problems? All these questions can be closely studied by a critical examination of the nature of the conflicts and disputes that occur in our midst if we have a Research Centre. Hence the establishment of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies which will shoulder the task of enlightening us with a clearer picture of the problems in this region in the crucial 1970s. If one speaks on the problems of Southeast Asia without pointing out the root or complexity of the problems and the methods to solve them, one is just being impractical. We must find out the true facts of the problems and the fundamental factors causing such problems before we can solve them. In this respect, Sir, I am of the opinion that the establishment of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies will be able to make an immense contribution. Let us look into the historical background of the newly emerging countries of Southeast Asia. One struggle comes after another. These struggles, whether of a bloody or peaceful nature, have no ultimate aim.”
“But I regret to inform him, Sir, that he was speaking on the issue without referring to the contents of the Bill. He asked the-Minister for Education whether the Bill will involve the Government in any extra financial expenditure. If he had read the last two sentences in page 9 of the Bill, he would have got the answer. The introduction of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies Bill will serve as an impetus and a guide to those who have been looking forward to the establishment of such an Institute to do research into the various aspects of this region. The establishment of a research centre, especially a centre to study the problems confronting Southeast Asia, is, vital for Singapore. Singapore realises her significance in the region and is taking cautious steps to promote regional co-operation. Such an Institute not only provides an academic research centre for our intellectuals but it also helps to resolve the problems of Southeast Asia by coming up with methods and answers. Sir, in my maiden speech in this House I touched on the problems of this region. I pointed out that Southeast Asia has all along been the centre of attraction of the world. This is not because this area is rich and strong but because it has been recognised and considered as one of the weakest areas in the world. As we know, most of the countries in this region are newly emerging countries. We are all classified either within the economic scope of under-developed countries or developed countries. Southeast Asia has been looked upon as a region which is not able to mobilise its political and economic resources to bargain with the more advanced countries or super powers on an equal footing.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, like the three hon. Members who have spoken before me, I wish to support the Institute of South-east Asian Studies Bill. I appreciate the interest and initiative taken by the Member for Sembawang in speaking on almost every Bill that has come to this Parliament.”