Ong Teng Cheong
Singapore
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as of now, the position is this. We have signed an in-principle agreement with the Suzhou Municipality to help plan, develop and manage a township. There are two parts to this development. So far, we have put up a rough outline plan for the development of the township.”
“The consortium would include members or companies from both the Government as well as the private sector. Whether SLF will hold a significant share it has yet to be decided. I believe SLF will hold a very small share or no share at all, because, as I have said, our role is that of a facilitator.”
“Like all other projects undertaken by SLF, such as the Pasir Ris Resort, the Sentosa Beach Resort and the Orchid Country Club, the ultimate objective of SLF's investments is to help raise the social and economic status of our workers, and ensure that our workers will continue to enjoy a fair share of Singapore's progress.”
“Sir, I think Mr Chiam has got all this confused. PAP and NTUC run BEST classes jointly. NTUC does not run BEST classes by itself. George Sita, he is referring to, is a member of the SDP who stood against the PAP in the last election. He was employed jointly by NTUC and PAP.”
“NTUC Comfort is a co-operative. The taxi-drivers are members of the co-operative, and there were more than two members who had been removed from membership of the co-operative because of misbehaviour or misconduct, or arrears of their instalment payments, or whatever it is. There were many reasons why they were removed.”
“But when members of the co-operative are actively involved with opposition political parties against the PAP or NTUC, then they are acting against the resolution of the National Trade Union Congress, and it was a compliance of that resolution that action had to be taken against them.”
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“Clauses 28 to 34 provide for the transfer of Government staff to the Corporation on terms no less favourable than existing ones; allow officers in the common-user service an option to remain in the Government service; and the Corporation to lay down the terms and conditions of transfer. Part VII of the Bill covering clauses 35 to 51 deals with miscellaneous provisions, including a provision (clause 35) to prohibit anyone, except Government departments, from installing or working a broadcasting apparatus in Singapore without a licence, and provides the Minister with the power to exempt any person from this provision. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 4.55 p.m.”
“The First Schedule to the Bill empowers the President to appoint the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, and the Minister to appoint the other members. Clause 5 deals with the functions and duties of the Corporation. It also stipulates that the programme broadcast by the Corporation shall not offend against good taste, decency, religion and that sufficient time is given to news and current affairs. Clause 6 furnishes the Corporation with powers to carry out its functions which include the establishment of television and radio stations, determination of the hours of television and sound broadcasting, and acceptance of advertisements upon payment of charges. Clause 7 provides for external radio service on the direction of the Minister. Clause 8 empowers the Minister to give directions to the Corporation on policy to be followed or on any other matter concerning the functions, operations and administration of the Corporation. In an emergency, the Minister may suspend the Corporation from performing all or any of the functions and powers and take over these functions and powers until he modifies or revokes the suspension order. Clauses 9 to 14 contain provisions for the appointment of staff, including the appointment of the General Manager who will be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, and the making of regulations relating to staff matters. Clauses 15 to 25 contain provisions dealing with the Corporation's financial matters and the financial procedures to be adopted by the Corporation. Clause 18 provides that the Minister may make grants-in-aid to the Corporation out of money voted by Parliament, especially in respect of capital expenditure. Clauses 26 and 27 contain provisions dealing with the transfer of properties, rights and liabilities to the Corporation.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This Bill seeks to establish the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation to take over the functions of the Broadcasting Department (RTS) of the Ministry of Culture. The Bill also seeks to make consequential amendments to the Broadcasting and Television Act. The reason for converting RTS into a statutory body is to free the Department of Broadcasting from administrative and financial constraints so that the organisation can expand and develop into a lively radio and television station. The Singapore Broadcasting Corporation as a statutory body will have the authority and flexibility to recruit artistes, producers, script-writers, choreographers and other personnel, and to determine their emoluments, to improve and expand services, facilities and equipment, and to acquire new technology in accordance with the needs of the broadcasting services. Financial support from the Government is vital if the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation is to develop into a reputable organisation capable of producing good quality programmes. The Corporation, by its nature, performs a public service and cannot be entirely profit-oriented. Because of the influence and impact Radio and TV have on the population, especially the young, it is vital in the public interest that the Government retains control over the policy of. the Corporation. May I now outline the main provisions of the Bill. Clause 2 contains the definitions of the various terms used in the Bill. Clause 3 establishes the Corporation as a body corporate. Clause 4 provides that the Corporation should consist of a Chairman and a Deputy Chairman and from three to seven other members.”
“The Bill empowers the Minister to make rules requiring driving instructors to attend courses and to pass examinations, to regulate the conduct of driving instructors and activities of driving schools, to prescribe the kind of motor vehicles to be used when giving driving instruction, to regulate the form of records to be kept by driving instructors and driving schools, to impose conditions on licensing and to prescribe fees. Over the past 18 months, the Registry of Vehicles has been conducting theoretical and practical lessons for driving instructors. Those who have completed the course successfully will be eligible to apply for a driving instructor licence. The licensing exercise is expected to commence in early 1980 when all the existing driving instructors, numbering about two thousand, have completed the training course. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. [Mr Ong Teng Cheong]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. SINGAPORE BROADCASTING CORPORATION BILL Order for Second Reading read. 4.48 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." One way to improve the standard of driving in Singapore is to upgrade the level of teaching of driving instructors. This can be achieved through proper training and licensing of these instructors. The Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill seeks to empower the Minister to make provisions for this. Under the Bill, a driving instructor has been defined as a person who gives instruction in the driving of a motor vehicle for a fee or reward. From now on, no one will be allowed to give driving instruction unless he is duly licensed by the Registrar of Vehicles (ROV). Similarly, any person wishing to carry on the business of a driving school will have to be licensed by the ROV. Any person who breaches any of these provisions shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both. The ROV will be empowered to grant a driving instructor licence or a driving school licence with or without conditions. He may suspend or revoke the driving instructor licence if he finds the driving instructor to be a person no longer fit and proper to hold the licence, for example, when the instructor acquires a bad driving record or misconducts himself. A driving school owner will be required to employ only licensed instructors. The ROV will be empowered to collect a cash deposit from the holder of a driving school licence. All or part of this sum may be forfeited if any of the conditions of the licence is not complied with. He may also revoke the driving school licence if the driving school owner does not manage his school properly or breaches any of the Rules.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we have not come across cases of this nature, and no application has been made officially so far. When such an application is made, we will give it due consideration. THOMSON PLAZA (Pedestrian overhead bridge) 7. Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for National Development if he will consider the construction of a pedestrian overhead bridge at Upper Thomson Road in front of Thomson Plaza.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Preferential Additional Registration Fee (PARF) to encourage the early replacement of old cars will continue beyond 1979. The condition that cars must not be more than 10 years old to be eligible for PARF after 1st January, 1981, will remain unchanged. It was first announced by the Ministry of Finance in December, 1975. PARF should be continued as it has helped to control the growth of private cars by taking off old cars from the road whenever a new one is registered. Our figures show that in 1978, out of 16,531 new private cars registered, 15,438 or 93% were registered under PARF. There was a net increase of 3,342 cars or 2.8% growth in the private car population. Had there been no PARF, this increase would have been much higher. At present, cars over 10 years old are subject to a surcharge on an increasing scale up to a maximum of 50% of the road tax. This surcharge was imposed to discourage the use of old, inefficient and unsafe cars on the road. I announced in Parliament early last year that we are studying the possibility of introducing compulsory car inspections to ensure the road-worthiness of vehicles. Details are now being worked out by the Registry of Vehicles, When it is introduced, the surcharge on old cars will be abolished.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the new bus terminus at Ang Mo Kio town centre was completed in April this year. At present there are 14 bus services in Ang Mo Kio, of which seven operate from the new terminus. The remaining seven services which are now operating from a temporary terminus at Avenue 6 will be shifted to the new terminus before the end of this year. Next month, SBS will introduce two more services in Ang Mo Kio; one to Bedok and the other to the New Bridge Road Corridor. Four more buses will also be added to the existing services to meet the increasing demand. PREFERENTIAL ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION FEE (Position beyond 1979) 6. Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Communications and Acting Minister for Culture whether the present system of granting Preferential Additional Registration Fee (PAR F) values to scrap cars will continue beyond 1979; and, if not, what changes are contemplated in regard to both the licensing of new cars and the continued maintenance of cars over 10 years old.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there are four neighbourhoods in Telok Blangah Town. Apart from services plying along trunk roads bounding the town, there are only five services plying within the town. Of the four neighbourhoods, three are served by only one service each. SBS plans to improve the bus services in this area by bringing all services to a central terminal, which is located in the Town Centre near the junction of Jalan Bukit Merah and Henderson Road. There will be nine services radiating from the central terminal. This gives wider coverage and commuters will have better choice. Feeder services will be introduced to link all the neighbourhoods to the central terminal. The proposed plan is likely to be implemented towards the end of the year. HUDC FLATS (Installation of automatic rescue devices in lifts) 21. Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for National Development if the Housing and Urban Development Company will follow the footsteps of the Housing and Development Board in installing automatic rescue devices in the lifts of its flats.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, yes. Some of the buses for Service No. 222 will be re-routed to cover Bedok South Avenue 1. On the hon. Member's second part of the question, SBS has provided a service, i.e. Service No. 32, from the Bedok Interchange to East Coast Road recently. This service, which terminated at the Chai Chee terminal previously, was extended to the Interchange on 7th May, 1979. Residents along Bedok Avenue 1, like those living in other parts of Bedok Town, can enjoy this service by taking a feeder service to the Interchange. On the third part of his question, since Stage III of the New Bus Plan for Bedok was introduced on 8th April, 1979, SBS has put in three more buses for Service No. 12 during peak hours. SBS will continue to add more buses according to demand. BUS SERVICES IN TELOK BLANGAH CONSTITUENCY (Improvement) 20. Mr Rohan bin Kamis asked the Minister for Communications and Acting Minister for Culture what are the plans to improve the bus services in Telok Blangah Constituency and when these plans will be operational.”
“On the contrary, Sir, it will not. The present practice of motorists not giving way to buses leaving the bus bays has caused much inconvenience and congestion to impede traffic flow; thus bus drivers are reluctant to pull in to the bus bays. As we know, when a bus pulls in to a bus bay, it will have great difficulty in getting out of the bus bay because motorists along the carriageway are reluctant to give way to buses pulling out. The aim of this scheme is to encourage bus drivers to pull their buses in to the bus bay when loading and unloading passengers in order to free the carriageway for other traffic to flow. I am not suggesting at this stage that we have decided on it. A number of traffic studies are being carried out to determine what the effects will be and until the result of the studies is known, we will not implement the scheme. We will have to wait until the outcome of the studies. BUS SERVICES IN BEDOK 19. Haji Sha'ari bin Tadin asked the Minister for Communications and Acting Minister for Culture if he will request the Singapore Bus Service Ltd (i) to consider re-routing SBS feeder service No. 222 from the Bedok Interchange to cover Bedok South Avenue 1, as there are no feeder services to the Bedok Interchange from Bedok South; (ii) to provide a special service from the Bedok Interchange to East Coast Road via Bedok Avenue 1 so as to make up for services No. 152 and No. 3 which were removed from Bedok South Road on 11th March, 1979, under Stage III of the New Bus Plan for Bedok; and (iii) to increase the number of buses for service No. 12.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, this is being looked into. A study group, comprising officers from the Public Works Department, Traffic Police, Registry of Vehicles and SBS, is now examining the feasibility of giving priority to buses leaving bus bays.”
“If the Member considers the money spent in carrying out these studies as a waste, then perhaps I should give him some indication as to how much the studies will cost us. The Phase I and Phase II studies have cost us $4 1/2 million. The Phase III study will probably cost us another $3 1/2 to $4 million. So if the decision eventually is not to proceed with the MRT system, then the money wasted would be about $8 to $9 million. BUSES LEAVING BUS BAYS (Right of Way) 18. Mr Tan Cheng San asked the Minister for Communications and Acting Minister for Culture, because of the difficulties encountered by bus drivers when moving out from bus bays, if he will consider introducing a scheme whereby other vehicles have to give way to buses moving out from bus bays.”
“Sir, for the information of the Member, the Government is very much aware of the effects of rising costs. We ourselves would like to have a decision made as early as possible, but the project cost is of such a magnitude that we have to make a careful study before a decision can be made. As I have mentioned earlier, I sincerely hope that a decision will be made soon after the Phase III study.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have informed the House in March last year [Hansard, Vol. 37, Cols. 1009-101 that the engineering and economic feasibility study of a bus-rail MRT system for Singapore had been completed under Phase I and Phase II of the Mass Transit Study. I also said that further design and engineering studies would be carried out to obtain a set of technically accurate data on MRT track and station requirements. Recently, a Consultant firm was engaged to carry out the Phase III study. Apart from determining the preliminary engineering design, it will also provide a more accurate cost-estimate of the system. We have not made a firm decision to implement the MRT. As I told the House last year, the MRT cannot be treated purely as a transportation project because its implementation has much wider implications. Therefore, a decision can only be taken after all factors have been carefully considered. Nevertheless, we hope to be able to make a decision after the Phase III study.”
“The Bill seeks to exclude from its ambit films which are reproduced from local television programmes, or reproduction of any feature, commercial or documentary films, made by an individual for his own private use. Penalties for contravening provisions of the Act have also been increased generally. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Mr Ong Teng Cheong]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. SALE OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES BILL Order for Second Reading read. 6.48 p.m.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The Cinematograph Films Act came into force on 8th January, 1954, and some of its provisions are already outdated. The Bill now before the House seeks to update its provisions to meet the changing needs of present circumstances. I will, however, touch only on the more important amendments. The definition of "film" has been widened to include cassette films, video tapes and video records which are widely used nowadays as media of entertainment. As films are increasingly made available for sale or rent to the public for home viewing, their distribution needs to be controlled. It is proposed to widen the scope of the Act to cover the exhibition as well as the distribution of films. It is proposed to amend section 9 of the Act to prevent film exhibitors or distributors from presenting the films for censorship after having removed the objectionable parts, and upon approval, restoring them for public viewing. All films intended for exhibition in Singapore have to be submitted for censorship. However, section 14 of the present Act provides that a film is deemed to be exhibited when it is projected in the presence of eight or more persons, including the operator. In order to plug this loophole of uncensored films of undesirable nature being shown in groups of less than eight persons, it is proposed to amend section 14 so that no uncensored film is allowed to be shown in the presence of any person, including the operator, except to show them to buyers, exhibitors or their agents or for the purpose of manufacture or censorship. The Bill also requires all advertisements of films for exhibition or distribution to be approved by the Board of Film Censors.”
“No. Question put. and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Mr Ong Teng Cheong]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. CINEMATOGRAPH FILMS (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 6.41 p.m.”
“Sir, if the club intends to put up any live shows, it will have to apply for a licence from the Ministry of Culture. As the Member has mentioned earlier, according to the advertisement published in the Straits Times by the Club, it intends to have a video tape library and maybe providing viewing rooms for these tapes. If so, I will assure him that all these tapes will have to be submitted to the Film Censorship Board for approval which is the subject of the Cinematograph Films (Amendment) Bill which I will introduce later. The Acting Minister for Social Affairs (Dr Ahmad Mattar): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I think it is also the duty of the Consumers Association of Singapore to look after the interest of consumers. Perhaps the hon. Member for Mountbatten would care to comment. Mr Eugene Yap Giau Cheng rose -”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as Acting Minister for Culture, I have on a number of occasions stated the cultural policy of the Government. One of the aims is to equip our youths with the necessary ballast to withstand the adverse influence of the permissive West. During the last few days, we have heard in this House the emphasis and the need of moral education in our educational system. I agree with the Member that we should not allow the moral standard of our society to be unnecessarily undermined by activities in the public entertainment field. In view of what I have just stated, the meaning of the term "public interest" is quite obvious. I am afraid I am not familiar with the Playboy philosophy. Like the Member, I have not visited the Playboy Club and I am therefore not familiar with its activities. The Playboy Club Singapore (Pte) Ltd, as I have ascertained very recently, was registered with the Registry of Businesses in early 1977. It has yet to set up a club premises and yet to conduct any business activities. I will therefore instruct my officials to consult the Attorney-General on the status and proposed activities of this company. I share the concern of the Member in this regard and I would certainly instruct the Licensing Officer of the Ministry of Culture on the entertainment activity field to keep a close watch and supervision on the activities of this company and to ensure that the conduct and activities of this company will not in any way work be contrary to our public interest.”
“As a deterrent to those who contravene the provisions of the Act, the maximum penalty has been increased from a fine of $2,000 to $5,000. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 6.22 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This Bill seeks to amend the Public Entertainments Act to tighten the supervision of public entertainments in Singapore. "Pin-table" as defined in the present Act means any machine operated by coin or disc. In this Bill the definition has been widened to include any machine operated by electricity or by hand. This will prevent operators of pin-tables from circumventing the provision of the Act by altering the mechanism of the machines. The term "film" has never been defined in the Act. It is therefore necessary to have a definition. In this Bill, the term "film" has been defined to cover cassette films, video tapes and video records which are being widely used as media of entertainment. The present definition of public entertainment in the Act includes, among other things, "sporting contests of any kind between any number of persons or animals". With regard to the sporting contests, this Bill seeks to exclude those contests organised by any registered society, trade union, company or association from the definition. 6.20 p.m. [Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair] Given the present wide range of public entertainments, the Licensing Officer should have greater flexibility in administering the Act. The wordings of sections 10 and 14 of the Act are too restrictive. Section 10 has accordingly been amended to enable the Licensing Officer in issuing a licence to impose such conditions as he thinks fit. Similarly section 14(1) has been amended to enable the Licensing Officer to cancel or suspend a licence if he is satisfied that the public entertainment provided is contrary to the public interest.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as far as the Government is concerned, this is about the best system that we have so far.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I must admit that whatever system we adopt, it cannot be perfect. There is always the human factor and human judgment. If the Member for Jalan Kayu can recommend a perfect system to reduce traffic accidents, thereby ensuring the safety of our road users and citizens generally, and without getting blamed for being too harsh on the offenders, I will be too pleased to consider it.”
“Since Members have raised this question in this House sometime last year and appealed on behalf of their constituents, a special liaison committee comprising the Registrar of Vehicles, officials from the Ministry of Communications and Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Officer-in-charge of Traffic Police himself, was formed last year. The committee has set out these new tables where different periods of suspension are imposed on offenders who commit various types of offences. As I have promised Members earlier on, I will be supplying these lists to them for their information. They can study them first before they raise this question again in the future. In answer to the question raised by the Member for Jalan Kayu about warning letters issued to offenders, the fact is that there have been cases where letters of warning have been issued instead of suspension. These cases totalled about 5% of total offenders that have been brought to book so far. I think one of the most positive solutions to this problem is for Members to advise their constituents to be more careful on the road and not to commit offences. What is the point of committing an offence and then run to the Member of Parliament saying that he is suffering hardship? We can do the best we can to alleviate the hardship problem faced by our constituents but we cannot help our constituents to break the law. I have mentioned earlier that the objectives of this whole exercise are to deter motorists from careless and dangerous driving, and to identify them, and to remove the habitual bad drivers from the road for ,the safety of our citizens and road users in general. 3.30 p.m.”
“Sir, let me first answer the easier question about cars above 10 years old in relation to the Preferential Additional Registration Fee. I would like to inform the Member for Toa Payoh that we are actively reviewing this particular restriction in the light of the introduction of compulsory inspection for motor vehicles. The review and studies are not yet completed, and I am therefore not in a position to make any statement at this stage. The second point raised by the Member is about the compulsory use of hand signals by learner drivers. Hand signals are compulsory when a learner driver is taking his driving test. We can therefore assume that he practises hand signals while under instruction. But the fact is that as a learner he is not perfect, and sometimes he may forget to give his hand signal as he should. If the Member is suggesting that the Traffic Police or the Registry of Vehicles ought to take action against learner drivers in this regard, then we may be faced with enforcement problems. Also we will be getting a lot of complaints from learner drivers that the suspension of their provisional driving licences will affect their livelihood. Regarding enforcement problems raised by the Members for Jalan Kayu, Bukit Ho Swee and Toa Payoh, as I have mentioned, we have always been very sympathetic to those who depend on driving for a livelihood and who had their licences suspended. In the past, the maximum suspension period was six months and it has been so applied throughout.”
“Sir, unfortunately the Member for Khe Bong was not around earlier when I was giving my Oral answer to a question on the Points Demerit Scheme raised by the Member for Ang Mo Kio. For the information of the Member for Khe Bong, although the Road Traffic Act comes under the portfolio of my Ministry, the enforcement action and the imposition of fines and demerit points are administratively carried out by the Traffic Police which does not come under my Ministry. However, I mentioned earlier, in answer to the question raised by the Member for Ang Mo Kio, that offences such as forming up incorrectly on a lane when turning right or left are minor offences, if a motorist accumulated 12 or more demerit points for the first time, composed wholly of minor offences of this nature, then only a warning letter will be issued to him instead of suspension. I have earlier agreed to issue to Members a list of offences, the composition of various types of offences which relate to the various periods of suspension, for their information so that they will be able to advise their constituents when they meet them in their meet-the-people sessions. I must admit that I sympathise with those who are not only fined but were also awarded demerit points for traffic offences. I myself receive complaints not only from my constituents during my meet-the-people sessions but also from members of my family who commit traffic offences from time to time. But nature being what it is, penalties have to be imposed as a deterrent to discourage motorists from continuing with the careless and dangerous driving habit.”
“Sir, the operating hours at most of the post offices are 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays and 8.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. on Saturdays. The need to extend the counter service hours of these post offices depends very much on the demand, whether it is of such great extent as to justify the extension of the operating hours. In the next financial year the Postal Services Department will be extending the counter service hours of Toa Payoh Central and Jurong Town post offices from their normal morning hours of 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily except for Sundays and Public Holidays. I agree with the hon. Member that extended business hours should also be considered for post offices in other town centres in the future. I am sure the Postal Services Department will look into that possibility. As regards the Killiney Road Post Office, unfortunately I have not been there myself. I will just have to take the word of the Member that there are long queues in certain evenings. I would definitely ask the Postal Services Department to investigate whether there is any justification for them to request and convince the Ministry of Finance to increase the number of workers at the post office. Mr Tan Soo Khoon: Sir, in view of the highly satisfactory answer from the Minister, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am glad to hear that the hon. Member for Paya Lebar is pleased with the public transport service. I cannot agree with him more that this is the result of the hard work of our bus workers. There is no doubt that the bus workers have contributed much to our economy and I also agree that good bus workers should be rewarded. But I am afraid I cannot agree to the suggestion that the Ministry of Communications should set up a special award just for bus workers alone because workers in other fields also contributed to our economy and they will continue to contribute to the well-being of our country and society as a whole. I thought the most effective way to award the workers would be for the individual companies to administer these awards and various incentives rather than for the Government to set up special awards for a special group of workers. Mr Tan Cheng San( In Mandarin): Sir, although I am not satisfied with the explanation given by the Minister, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”
“They have to endure the heat, tolerate ill-tempered commuters and suffer the inconvenience of being jostled, pushed around and shouted at. Sometimes they have to contain the call of nature and other urgencies. However, their work is meaningful. It is lively. They push forward the wheel of progress of our society. They are making great contributions to the society and the people. To encourage the workers to be diligent in their work, the Singapore Industrial Labour Organisation and the bus company have set up an incentive bonus scheme. Workers' welfare and benefits are also receiving close attention. Other than the incentive bonus award, suitable commendation and deserving honours should be awarded to those workers with long service, those who have been courteous to the passengers, helpful to the old and weak passengers, and honest in returning money and articles left by passengers and, not least, those who have built up a good image for the transport industry. Mr Speaker, Sir, I hereby propose that the Ministry of Communications consider instituting a scheme for a special medal to be awarded to transport workers who have contributed to the building up of a good image of the transportation industry.”
“With the joint study and mutual consultation between the Singapore Industrial Labour Organisation and the SBS, bus service routes are being meticulously rescheduled, the standard of service is being raised and the welfare and interest of the workers are being looked after. On the other hand, the SBS has offered its shares to the public in order to increase its capital to purchase many more good quality vehicles, to build more bus interchanges and to provide balanced services in both the urban and rural areas. All these measures are being implemented step by step in order to benefit the broad mass of the people. Bus workers who travel in their buses on the roads and working arduously day and night are a decisive factor in the quality of bus services. Bus workers play a very important role in our land transportation industry. Therefore, the dedicated service and contribution of the bus workers deserve our recognition and an honourable place in our society. Workers in the bus service number some 10,000 people, comprising drivers, conductors, ticket inspectors, timekeepers, repair mechanics, and others. This is indeed a gigantic work force. Take, for instance, the drivers and the conductors. They constitute the majority of the bus workers. They have a close relationship with the people and have a direct contact with them. After the efforts of these many years, we cannot but recognise that the bus workers have performed well and improved the bus service. 2.45 p.m. While the Government is seriously considering the Mass Rapid Transit System, the bus service undoubtedly remains an important means of transportation for the people. The bus workers are still the vanguard of land transportation. Their work is tough.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I think the Member is referring to the list of offences, not offenders. I can definitely provide a list of these offences, the points given and the combination of these points which would result in the varying period of suspension. MAIN AND DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES OF SINGAPORE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1979 TO 31ST MARCH, 1980 Order read for resumed consideration in Committee of Supply [7th Allotted Day]. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Head S - Mr Tan Cheng San (Paya Lebar)( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head S be reduced by $10 in respect of Object Group 1100 of Subhead Code SA-01 of the Main Estimates. Mr Speaker, Sir, the rapid growth and development that is taking place in the various fields in our country can be attributed entirely to the wise leadership and able administration of the Government as well as the diligence and efforts of the people. In keeping with the times and aim of nation building, the parallel and complementary development of land, sea and air transportation has been one of our major developments. Our pod has progressed from the fourth largest to the third largest port in the world. In certain respects, our land communication has become the object of study and emulation by other countries. Our civil aviation has progressed to a stage when we are now one of the few countries in the world providing the supersonic Concorde air service. Take the bus service, for example, which occupies an important position in our land transportation industry. Since its major reorganisation, the bus service has improved a great deal. It is the main means of transportation for the broad mass of our people. It has brought us prosperity and also solved the problem of transportation for the people.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, a total of 3,347 motorists have been suspended under the Points Demerit System since its implementation in March, 1975. An average of about 200 per month were suspended during 1978. To save time, I have given a full breakdown of the monthly figures (Cols. 1203 - 1204) to the Clerk of Parliament. If the hon. Member so wishes, he may obtain a copy from him. figures - NUMBER OF DRIVERS SUSPENDED UNDER THE POINTS DEMERIT SYSTEM (Cols. 1203 - 1204) The Ministries of Communications and Home Affairs are jointly working on a scheme to rehabilitate suspended motorists. This may take the form of a defensive driving course. Those who complete the course will have their suspension periods shortened. Details are being worked out and should be finalised by the end of this year. Much as I would like to, I am afraid we cannot do away with the suspension because it is an effective deterrent against bad driving. We do, however, mitigate the hardship in deserving cases. Those whose livelihood requires them to drive are always treated sympathetically.”
“Sir, the Member for Whampoa is again assuming that the standard required is fairly high. PEOPLE'S PARK COMPLEX (Complaint of floor vibration) 3. Mr Ho See Beng asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether he is aware of a complaint of floor vibration on the second storey of the People's Park Complex by a number of stall-holders; (b) if he is aware that, although the matter has been brought to the attention of the Director of Building Control Division since May 1978, no action has been taken to remedy the defect despite danger of the collapse of the second floor: and (c) if he will ascertain from the Director the outcome of his investigation which he had promised to convey to the complainants in his letter reference B/09/114/73 dated 25th September, 1978.”
“Sir, the answer is the same. As I said, the Registry of Vehicles is not demanding a very high standard of English. But if the Member has come across any particular case where a taxi driver has been put in an awkward situation where a high standard of English is demanded by the tester, then I would suggest that he brings it to my attention.”
“It would be very difficult for a tourist to tell which taxi driver does or does not speak English. As I said, the standard of English required by the Registry of Vehicles is not high. The standard will be sufficient for normal daily conversation to find out the routes, the places that the passengers want to go, the charges and fare changes. Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi (Kampong Kembangan): Sir, surely the tourist would not spend too much time speaking English to a driver about the place. He only names the place, Orchard Road, for instance. Surely that should be within the comprehension of the taxi driver. What is the Minister's comment on this?”
“Sir, taxis serve not only the people working and living in Singapore but also tourists. Since the number of tourists is increasing year by year, in order to serve these people as well as the increasing number of English-speaking citizens, we thought it would be an asset and convenience if taxi drivers are able to speak a little bit of English. We do not expect a high standard of English from them but just enough for normal conversation.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as on 1st June, 1977 there were 11,397 applicants waiting for tests. In view of this backlog, the Ministry decided not to entertain any more new applications. Since then, 5,206 applicants were tested. Of these, 4,654 or 89% were successful and given licences. As on 1st January this year, we have a backlog of 6,191. The Registry of Vehicles will test all of them by the end of this year.”
“Nonetheless, Sir, if the need arises, the MUIS will consult other Muslim organisations which are not represented on the MUIS Council. On the point raised by the hon. Member for Paya Lebar regarding creches, my Ministry is now in the process of handing over the creches run by Government to the NTUC. We are encouraging private and civic organisations to provide creche and day-care services. The creches run by the NTUC are subsidised by the Government. The hon. Member for Geylang Serai has urged that the Prophet Muhammad's birthday celebrations should not. be held in hotels. Except for the MUIS Tea Party whereat the President of Singapore is the Guest-of-Honour, all the other activities to celebrate the Prophet's birthday, particularly those with a religious flavour, e.g., those which involve the recitation of verses from the Holy Koran, will be held, as they have been in the past, at appropriate venues, like mosques and such places. 3.16 p.m.”
“Organisations such as the Singapore Action Group for Elders (SAGE) are doing good work in providing community welfare services, and these have the full support of my Ministry. Voluntary organisations are encouraged to anticipate welfare needs and new innovative projects are started with the assistance of the Ministry. Quite a number of new projects have been undertaken by voluntary organisations and these have been highlighted in the press. Sir, with regard to the suggestion that experts from Government departments should serve full time to help upgrade the administration and management of social services undertaken by civic organisations, I hope it is not the intention of the hon. Member for Kampong Kembangan to suggest that we should dictate to the private organisations how they should manage their affairs. While active encouragement is given to these organisations, they should be allowed to develop their services in the best way possible. As I have stated before, whenever civic organisations approach us for assistance, this would be given readily. On the Law Revision Sub-Committee of the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS), the hon. Member for Kampong Kembangan may wish to know that it has been appointed to look into the provisions of the Administration of Muslim Law Act as a whole. Experience in administering the Act over the past 11 years since its enactment in 1968 has revealed that there is a need to update the substance and language in certain sections of the Act. The Law Revision SubCommittee comprises members of the MUIS, some of whom are nominees of various Muslim organisations. These officials are in constant touch with the Muslim community and the amendments which they propose will reflect the general view of the Muslim community at large.”
“There will still be a need for the remedial services to be upgraded and improved but, at the same time, the Ministry will engage in more developmental work such as the Family Services Centre. The helpless and destitute who approach the Social Welfare Department or other voluntary agencies are given assistance. It is not possible for us to eradicate situations leading to people being destitute or helpless. It is stated in the Addendum that the Ministry is working out preventive schemes to deal with these problems resulting from the changes in lifestyle, attitudes and expectations. For example, recognising the increasing numbers of aged who need assistance, my Ministry has encouraged welfare and community organisations to start number of Homes for the Aged. In the last two years, seven homes have been established and five more will be set up within this year. These are run by voluntary organisations with the encouragement and financial assistance of the Social Welfare Department. The hon. Member for Kampong Kembangan has also suggested that we should work closely with social and welfare societies. For the information of the Member, the Ministry is in constant touch with organisations which provide community and welfare services. Representatives from the Social Welfare Department sit on the Management Committees of the major voluntary organisations and assist them in their work. Directly and through the Council of Social Service, the Ministry is able to monitor the progress of voluntary organisations. Civic and voluntary organisations also approach the Ministry for assistance, guidance and advice and these have been rendered to them expeditiously.”
“Stopovers at reasonable cost should be allowed as this will give attractive benefits to the elderly and the young who could take a rest on the long and tiring journey from Australia to Europe. These stopovers will enable tourists to visit ASEAN countries enroute, thereby fostering better understanding and closer ties between Australia and the ASEAN countries. Mr Speaker, Sir, for all these reasons, the ASEAN countries are of the firm view that all ASEAN airlines should be allowed to participate in the low fares between Australia and all points in Europe with and without stopovers. Australia must be made to see that it is not only for the travelling public but also for Australia's own long-term interests that the tourist and aviation industries in the ASEAN countries are not crippled by the implementation of AICAP. They should realise that the consequences of this exercise would not be confined to civil aviation alone; it will over-spill into the economic, political and other fields. The Acting Minister for Social Affairs (Dr Ahmad Mattar): Mr Speaker, Sir, first of all, I would like to thank Members of this House, particularly the Member for Geylang Serai, who had kind words to say on my Ministry's Addendum to the President's speech. The. hon. Member for Kampong Kembangan raised a few issues concerning my Ministry. If I understand him right, he had asked whether we are merely concerned with charitable functions, or are we doing more than that. Sir, in the last three years, the approach of the Ministry of Social Affairs has been on the developmental and preventive aspects of welfare work rather than on purely remedial work.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, during the course of the last few days, a number of Members have expressed concern about the growing trend by developed countries to introduce protectionistic measures against competition from industries of developing countries. The most recent and blatant example of such protectionism is the new Australian International Civil Aviation Policy or, in short, AICAP. According to the Australian Government, AICAP is the answer to the popular demand of the Australian public for low-cost air travel to and from Australia. Let me stress that ASEAN is not against the concept of low-fare air travel. In fact, we welcome it, as this will not only be in the interests of the travelling public both in Australia and the ASEAN countries, but it will also boost the tourist industries of all the countries concerned. What ASEAN finds reprehensible with AICAP is its protection of the Australian national carrier through the exclusivity and the restrictive conditions which effectively prevent passengers from stopping over in the ASEAN countries. AICAP allows only Qantas and the national carrier of the terminating country to carry all traffic on an end-to-end basis to and from Australia. This duopoly deprives the Australian travelling public of the opportunity, which they now have, of picking the airline of their choice for travel between Australia and Europe. This is against Australian consumer interest. The other negative effect is that all ASEAN carriers will be shut out from the long haul route between Australia and Europe. The ASEAN airlines want to continue to participate on these routes. Their continued participation will be to the interests of the consumer, as the traveller will not only be able to have more airlines to choose, but also a greater number of flights.”
“Sir, I cannot ensure that the information will be given to the offenders within two weeks. But I can assure the Member for Jalan Kayu that we will do our best to inform the offenders as soon as possible, preferably, within two weeks. MAJLIS UGAMA ISLAM SINGAPURA AND MUSLIM RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS (Dialogues) 19.”
“Sir, the offenders are informed of the traffic offences as soon as the Registry of Vehicles is in a position to inform the offenders. Normally the information is given to the offenders within two weeks. The exceptional cases are where the offenders have changed their addresses or for some good reason, when there have been slight delays of about three to four weeks. The situation has improved since the Points Demerit System was introduced some time ago. There is actually better coordination between the Traffic Police and the ROV at the present moment. If the Member has any specific cases of dissatisfaction about the time involved in the information of these offences, I suggest that he inform me.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the number of drivers suspended under the Points Demerit System since its inception in March 1975 Is 1,129. Of these, about 150 depend on driving for a living. When a driver is suspended upon accumulating 12 demerit points within 12 consecutive months, he may appeal to the Registrar of Vehicles for a reduction of his suspension. If he is dissatisfied with the Registrar's decision, he may further appeal to the Minister whose decision shall be final. Appeals are divided into two categories: (a) those who do not depend on driving for a living; and (b) those who depend on driving for a living. A reduction in the period of suspension ranging from one month to five months has been allowed. Each case is considered on its own merits. When considering an appeal, mitigating factors such as whether the appellant depends on driving for a living, the seriousness of offences committed, past record of offences and the number of dependants of the appellant are taken into account. Cases of extreme hardship have been given careful consideration and treated exceptionally. However, based on past experience gained, my Ministry will be implementing a revised system for the imposition of penalties. In cases where the offences committed are minor, a letter of warning instead of suspension might be given. For the more serious offences, suspension will continue to be imposed, the duration of the suspension will depend on the gravity of the offences committed and other mitigating factors.”
“Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for Communications (a) how many drivers have had their licences suspended since the introduction of the demerit points system; (b) how many of them are persons whose livelihood depends on driving; and (c) if he will inform the House what sort of appeal system is in operation and whether adequate steps have been taken to ensure fairness and flexibility in cases of extreme hardship.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, passenger terminals in town or "off-airport" terminals have been in operation for a number of years in some airports in the world with varying degrees of success. Studies made by my officials have shown that for various reasons, such as higher costs of operation, higher security risks involved in the transporting of passengers and their baggage to the airport and declining popularity, some of these town terminals have now ceased to operate. For example, in Amsterdam, the town terminal is only acting as a staging point for a bus service and passengers no longer check-in at this terminal. Some of the air line town terminals serving airports in the London area have also been closed or are being considered for closure. Unlike other airports having passenger terminals in town, Changi Airport is only about 12 miles away. This factor, together with the availability of fast and uninterrupted traffic flow along the new roads to the airport, and the low differential between the taxi and bus fares, reduce to some extent the need for a town terminal. However, we have not written off the idea completely. As a variant to the passenger town terminal, my Ministry is looking into the desirability of having staging points in the major tourist areas to collect departing and distribute arriving passengers to and from the hotels in the vicinity. This system would reduce the strain of vehicular traffic on the roads, car parks and kerbside space at the airport. POINTS DEMERIT SYSTEM (Suspension of licences) 18.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, with 50% of its existing shareholders travelling on concession bus passes from 1st August 1978 onwards, it is expected that the Singapore Bus Service (1978) Ltd will suffer a loss in revenue of about $2.2 million a year. If holders of 100 shares in the Company are also allowed to purchase concession bus passes, revenue loss will increase at least fivefold to about $11 million a year. The Singapore Bus Service (1978) Ltd is now a public-listed company. It is not subsidised and has to pay its own way. Besides having to continuously improve its level of service to the public, it has an obligation to its shareholders to remain financially viable. Therefore, I do not propose to ask the Singapore Bus Service (1978) Ltd to allot 100 shares in the Company to each of those commuters who wish to purchase concession bus passes. PASSENGER TOWN TERMINAL (Feasibility study) 17. Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for Communications whether his Ministry has made a feasibility study on the building of a Passenger Town Terminal for passengers' facilitation in conjunction with the development of Changi International Airport which is due to be operational by early 1981.”
“Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education, in view of the heavy traffic along Nicoll Highway when big matches are on at the National Stadium, if the authority will consider reversing the direction of traffic flow along the centre carriageway.”