Othman bin Wok
Singapore
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since 1958, the Land Office has been administering the Singapore Badminton Hall on trust for the Singapore Badminton Association. The Ministry of Social Affairs had been looking into the possibility of the Singapore Sports Council taking over the Singapore Badminton Hall.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there are no plans to expand the seating capacity of the National Stadium. The present structure can accommodate 60,000 people. The development plans for Phase II of the National Stadium Complex have been abandoned. SINGAPORE BADMINTON HALL (Take-over by Singapore Sports Council) 22.”
“Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for Social Affairs (a) whether the Sri Rama temple which has been existing for more than 31 years in Changi Village will be allowed to remain on the present site in view of its significant importance of being the only one of its kind in Singapore as well as in the whole of South East Asia; and (b) if so…”
“I have already mentioned previously in this House that my Ministry is setting up a coordinating committee of officials from various Ministries and departments to see what can be done for these cases. I would like to assure the hon.”
“Sir, I am not aware of this temple in Changi and I am also not aware that it is going to be pulled down, or whether it is to be preserved and thus allowed to continue its activities.”
“I have had such requests since the early sixties but on each occasion I have been unable to bring about the operation of this part of the legislation mainly because of two reasons: (i) the tremendous amount of cost that would have been involved; and (ii) it is felt that all prosecutions, being supervised by the Attorney-General, would onl…”
The complete record
Every one of 527 lines we hold for Othman bin Wok, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 10 of 11.
“The present rate of public assistance allowances is based on the means test and takes into consideration any income earned by the recipient. Where the income earned does not exceed a certain figure in certain circumstances, no deduction will be made from the public assistance allowance. The following are the maximum incomes allowed for public assistance recipients in various circumstances. Single person; maximum income allowed per month without reduction is $10 per month. Recipient with one dependant, $15 per month; recipient with not more than four dependants, about $20 per month; recipients with more than five dependants, $25 per month. Thus, in the case of a recipient who has five or more dependants, he will be allowed to earn about $25 per month in any part-time job or odd job without having his public assistance allowance deducted. There may, however, be cases where special considerations apply and where it may be possible to assist the recipients with other assistance outside the ambit of the public assistance scheme. For example, a special grant may be given from the Silver Jubilee Fund which is also being administered by the Social Welfare Department. Every such case, however, will be considered strictly on its merits, and if the Member will refer such cases to me, they will be given due consideration. On the second point, Sir, the Member wishes to know the amount of money from public donations for public assistance. I am sorry I have not got the figures available, but from last month's figures, the sum of money spent on public assistance is far less than $1 million a month. I think it is slightly over $700,000 a month.”
“On the first question, Sir, if a person is given board and lodging, the Social Welfare Department provides him with a certain amount of money which is termed "pocket money". He is not provided with the full amount because he is given board and lodging. It depends on the circumstances. I know of a case of a woman who is provided with food and shelter by her relatives and, in addition, receives $16 per month as pocket money. On the second question, Sir, I have already said that there is no law to prevent U.M.N.O. from flying the Republic of Singapore flag on its building.”
“Inche Rahamat Bin Kenap(In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Minister give me an assurance that the social welfare allowances of those living in the homes of relatives or neighbours will not be cut? Is it the intention of the Minister to accept my suggestion that the U.M.N.O. flag be prohibited from being flown on U.M.N.O. House or other places until a decision is taken by the Registrar of Societies? This question has not been answered.”
“On the question raised by the Member for Delta - it is the same one which she raised in a question to this House - that is the establishment of a Women's Institute, I did then say that the matter was being looked into by my Ministry. It is now proposed to set up a Committee to study the matter and make recommendations to the Government. I hope that the lady Members of this House, including the Member who has raised this matter, will agree to sit on this Committee and assist my Ministry in this matter. Two questions were raised by the Member for Moulmein. One was about the Old People's Home. She said that the old people there complained that they are not being served with Malay or Indian food. I would like to tell her that the food in the Home for the Aged and other welfare homes is being prepared in a central kitchen. Unfortunately, there are no Indian or Malay cooks. The number of Indians and Malays in the Home for the Aged is very small. However, Sir, I will look into this matter and see whether there is any possibility of preparing Malay and Indian food in the central kitchen. On the question of newspapers, it is the same thing. There are few Malays and Indians in the Home for the Aged. So I do not think that the Home should provide newspapers for the sake of one or two people. However, I am prepared to look into this matter also. Madam Chan Choy Siong(In Mandarin): Just now the Minister has promised that a Committee will be set up to consider the establishment of a Women's Institute. On behalf of all women in Singapore, I thank him for his very good gift before Christmas!”
“Singapore has been informed that, in view of Singapore's status as a sovereign and independent Republic, it would be desirable for its name and symbol to be changed, as they resemble those of U.M.N.O. Malaya and may give the impression that U.M.N.O. Singapore still has connections with U.M.N.O. Malaya. U.M.N.O. Singapore, however, has not complied with the request to change its name and symbol. In the new Societies Bill which has been introduced in Parliament, there is provision requiring any society which is formed for political purposes to have its membership confined to Singapore citizens and to have no affiliation or connection with any body outside Singapore which is considered to be contrary to the national interest. The Registrar is empowered to refuse registration of any society that does not meet this requirement. If any such society which has already been registered fails, within a reasonable period, to amend its rules to comply with this requirement, it may be de-registered. At this moment, Sir, there is no law to compel any person or organisation to fly the Republic flag and, therefore, it will not be possible for any action to be taken against U.M.N.O. Singapore for refusing to fly the Republic flag. The Member for Sembawang has also raised the question of the possibility of establishing a retarded children's hospital. Sir, it is the policy of the Ministry to encourage voluntary efforts. The Retarded Children's Society is doing good work in this respect for retarded children. On the medical side, these children are looked after by the General Hospital and the St. Andrew's Hospital. For the moment, the Ministry has no plan to establish such a hospital.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Members for Sembawang, Geylang Serai and Moulmein have all raised the same question, i.e., whether the Ministry will consider an increase in public assistance grants to the present recipients. The Member for Geylang Serai, I believe, has also raised the question of whether a recipient can be given a rent subsidy. Sir, as a matter of policy, it would not be desirable to provide an increase in public assistance grants to cover rentals being paid for Housing Board flats. If this were done, a similar increase would have to be given to other public assistance recipients who are not living in Housing Board flats. And this will mean a general increase in the rate of public assistance grants. The present rates of public assistance are already the highest in this part of the world, and it is not considered desirable to increase them. The rates are: $21 for the head of household; $10 for the wife; $8 for each dependant of 16 years and above; and $5 for each dependant below 16 years. The maximum allowance payable to a family is $90 per month. In addition, the Ministry also provides allowances from the Silver Jubilee Fund for children of widows who are attending school - those children who have to go to schools further away from their homes. I will be happy, Sir, if Members will bring specific cases about the hardship of widows to me because their children require assistance for going to school, and I will personally look into the matter. 3.30 p.m. On the question raised by the Member for Geylang Serai, that U.M.N.O. Singapore has not, since the independence of Singapore, flown the Singapore flag on its building, I would like Members to know that U.M.N.O.”
“Sir, would it not be better for the Member to speak when the next Head, Culture Division, comes up?”
“Any political organisation already registered which fails to amend its rules to meet these requirements within a reasonable period, in accordance with the request from the Registrar, may be dissolved by the Minister.”
“Sir, in answer to the query by the Member for Changi, there are at present 1,738 registered societies in Singapore, out of which 12 are political societies. They are the People's Action Party, the Barisan Sosialis, U.M.N.O. Singapore, M.I.C. Singapore, Party Rakyat (Singapore State Division), P.M.I.P. Singapore, U.D.P., M.C.A. (Singapore Branch), Alliance Party Singapura, Peninsula Malay Union, United People's Party, and the Workers' Party. As I have said, Sir, all these organisations have been registered under the Societies Ordinance, and under its provisions any organisation which is being used for unlawful purposes or for purposes incompatible with the peace and good order of the Republic can be deregistered. On de-registration, such organisations will become unlawful societies and any person managing or assisting in the management of any unlawful society is liable, on conviction, to imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years. I can assure the Member that a close watch is being kept on the activities of anti-national and communal organisations. And should they be found to be involved in activities which are contrary to the national interest, appropriate action will be taken. The Member may also remember that at the beginning of this Session I introduced a Bill to amend and consolidate the law relating to societies. The main change provided by this Societies Bill is the power of the Registrar to refuse the registration of any society which is a political association if its rules do not provide for its membership to be confined to citizens of Singapore, or if it has such a provision or connection with any organisation outside Singapore as is considered to be contrary to the national interest.”
“We have set a special Selection Committee under the chairmanship of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Affairs whose job is to select officials and sportsmen and sportswomen who are worthy to represent Singapore abroad. As you will have seen from the selections made for the Asian Games, high standards of performance and conduct are required. I should like to add, Sir, that under Head 0804 subhead 2255, there is a sum of $175,000 for the promotion of sports. This sum represents various donations which have been received from civic-minded business firms and members of the public as contributions to the Government for the promotion of sports. All existing sports associations are registered under the Societies Ordinance and their bona fides are beyond question. However, it is possible that some sports associations are badly run, with the result that the officials make use of the name of the association to raise funds without proper accounting of some of these donations. Should this practice come to the notice of the Government, the case will be properly investigated and appropriate action taken where necessary. Here again, Sir, it is up to the members of the associations themselves to see that they elect dedicated leaders who will discharge their duties properly and honourably and will not use the association to further their own selfish interests or to acquire funds for their own ends.”
“The Ministry is also looking into the possibility of establishing a Singapore Sports Foundation which will be the main body for the provision of the necessary funds for sports promotion. I am optimistic, Sir, that when it is established, all sports-loving people in the Republic, including the business community, will not hesitate to contribute to the Foundation. 2.45 p.m. Hitherto we have had a very generous response from the business community to our appeals for funds. This enthusiastic response from the business community has enabled us to send three sports delegations abroad - to the Commonwealth Games at Kingston, the first Ganefo Games in Phnom Penh, and the Asian Games which is still going on in Bangkok. I can assure the Member that when the Sports Department begins to function fully within the next few months, there will be a considerable increase in the tempo of sports promotion in the Republic with a view to achieving higher standards all round and ensuring that the cream of our sportsmen and sportswomen will find their way to the top in national and international competitions. The Ministry is now looking for qualified and competent men to man the Sports Department, and applications for jobs in the department will be called for by advertisement soon. I can also assure the Member that with the establishment of the Sports Department, the Ministry will be reviewing the position of the various sports associations to ensure that they are properly and smoothly run. The Member need not fear that officials, sportsmen and sportswomen sent abroad to participate in international sports competition will be going there just for a holiday and to enjoy themselves.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as I said in this House just before we adjourned last Friday, it is outside the jurisdiction of the Sports Department to direct or order any sports association on the question of premises to be used by the association. It is up to the association concerned to choose the type of premises it feels it can afford. If it has adequate funds, it will probably acquire its own separate premises. But if it is a poor association, then it may probably have to share premises with another sports association. It is not uncommon, Sir, to see two or three sports associations occupying one premises. In the case mentioned by the Member for Changi, the sharing of one premises by the three sports associations concerned would appear to be a convenient arrangement which has been adopted to their mutual benefit. I understand that they are being managed by one and the same official. The function of the Sports Department, besides organising and promoting sports activities, is to help, advise and co-ordinate the activities of the various sports associations not only in national sports events but also in international sports competitions. It will also give guidance to sports associations in planning central training either by helping to arrange for the services of instructors and coaches, or by granting monetary assistance where required. We have also the Singapore Sports Council, which is an advisory body set up under the Ministry of Social Affairs, consisting of representatives from the various sports associations and officials from the Ministry, including those of the Sports Department. The main function of the Singapore Sports Council is to organise the Pesta Sukan and to advise the Minister in charge of sports on the promotion of sports activities in the Republic.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Fire Brigade authorities have no objection to the use of tarpaulin sheds for parties and other social functions generally. For the performance of Chinese wayangs on wooden stages in public streets, however, we generally discourage the use of tarpaulin sheds on the ground that such sheds tend to increase the danger to members of the public watching a wayang should a fire break out on the stage or in the vicinity. This is a policy which quite obviously must be administered with due regard to the particular circumstances of each case, and cases of refusal brought to the attention of the Ministry are reviewed sympathetically resulting in the Fire Brigade's objections being over-ruled in some cases. QUARTERS FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD EMPLOYEES 3. Mr Ho See Beng asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he will consider asking the Public Utilities Board if the Board will consider providing quarters to its employees with rent concession as is done by the Port of Singapore Authority.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it is the policy of Government to encourage sports in Singapore in order to enable the participants to reach an international standard in as many sporting events as possible. The creation of a Sports Division in the Ministry of Culture and Social Affairs is a positive way of helping sports organisations and individual sportsmen to achieve this objective. The National Stadium Complex is to be built at a cost of $15 million and it will include a football stadium, a swimming pool, an athletic track and a gymnasium all of which will be of international standards. Sir, it is beyond the Sports Department's duty to direct sports organisations, which are registered under the Societies Ordinance, to acquire or to rent beautiful and posh premises befitting their activities or their size. I think it is up to the organisations themselves to choose what type of premises they think they can afford. In the case mentioned by the Member for Changi, perhaps it is convenient for the three sports organisations, which he says are under one roof or in one small room, -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, this is not possible. If you give to one, you have to give to all those who receive aid from the department. ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR 1967 Order read for consideration in Committee of Supply [2nd Allotted Day]. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 2.37 p.m. Head 0601 -”
“Yes, every programme is scrutinised. I would like to sit on the Board if it is possible. HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD (Alleged malpractices in building construction) 11. Mr S. V. Lingam asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he has requested the Housing and Development Board to furnish him with full information on (a) alleged malpractices in building construction carried out for the Board, (b) investigations into such allegations, and (c) disciplinary or other action taken against employees of the Board and others as a result of the investigations; what the information furnished to him is and whether he is satisfied with the progress of investigations and action taken in the matter.”
“I wish I knew, yes. But every programme put up for the public to see is first scrutinised by the police and our censors.”
“Sir, it is very difficult for me to say what kind of content is injected into the programmes. An hon. Member: I wish you knew.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the policy of Government in respect of entertainment programmes in high-class hotels or night clubs frequented by tourists is that the standards of censorship will be relaxed to those in general application in large metropolitan towns, for example, London, Tokyo, Bangkok and so on. As it is very unlikely that a great number of people in Singapore can afford to frequent such high-class hotels or night clubs, the promotion of a healthy culture in Singapore will not be affected by this relaxation. As regards censorship standards of stage shows open to the general public either in second-rate hotels or night clubs or in cabarets, theatres or cinemas, the present rigid standards will continue to be maintained. As soon as I am aware that some entertainment programmes in night clubs are contrary to this policy, steps will be taken to direct the organisers concerned to comply with these standards, and if they do not comply, the usual deposit of $1,000 may be forfeited and/or the licence cancelled. Madam Chan Choy Siong(In Mandarin): I would like to ask the Minister whether he knows what kind of contents is injected into the entertainment programmes presented at the moment in first-class and second-class or, for that matter, third-class hotels and night clubs.”
“Yes, there are, Sir. There are conditions attached to applications and each application is scrutinised carefully and then considered. NIGHT CLUB ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES 10. Madam Chan Choy Siong asked the Minister for Culture and Social Affairs whether he is aware that some entertainment programmes presented in night clubs are contrary to the Government's policy of promoting healthy culture, and what steps he proposes to take in the matter.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have not had an opportunity of visiting night clubs all this time. But I think the Member for Bras Basah who has had the experience can let me know.”
“There are 43 at the moment, Sir - an increase of eight since Singapore Day. Mr Ho See Beng: I will be very grateful if the Minister can tell us what activities are actually being carried out in the night clubs. An hon. Member: Go and see for yourself!”
“With reference to (a) , the number of night clubs licensed under the Public Entertainments Ordinance, 1958, as on 1st December, 1966, is 43. With reference to (b) , the number of applications for new licences under consideration is nil. With reference to (c) , the number of licensed night clubs before Singapore Day is 35. Madam Chan Choy Siong (Delta)(In Mandarin): May I ask the Minister whether he knows how many night clubs there are in Singapore?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the Bill be committed to a Select Committee consisting of Mr Speaker as Chairman and seven Members to be nominated by the Committee of Selection. Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That the Bill be committed to a Select Committee consisting of Mr Speaker as Chairman and seven Members to be nominated by the Committee of Selection. INSURANCE BILL Order for Second Reading read. 6.27 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not propose to say more at this stage as the Bill will be committed to a Select Committee. However, I would like to assure this House, particularly the Members for Delta and Anson, that the Select Committee will be happy to receive and consider constructive suggestions. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time.”
“So I feel that this provision in the Bill is not quite satisfactory, that if a husband, whose marriage was registered under the law, finds that he cannot live together with his wife again after a period of 7 years, he could ask for a divorce. Why should a period of seven years be provided? That is not quite correct. We should have a proper and more effective provision in the law to prohibit or restrict the man from getting more mistresses outside the home. As it is, the Women's Charter will be ineffective. In other words, we want to implement the law to protect women and enhance their position in society, and generally to improve society as a whole. This amending law is providing men with more opportunities to evade their rightful duties to their wives, which will worsen the women's position. Is this in keeping with the P.A.P. policy as promised to the electorate in 1959? I do not agree with this provision in clause 28, and I hope the Minister will reconsider it when the Bill is in Select Committee, in the hope that women can enjoy their rightful place in the new society now that Singapore has advanced from self-government to independence. In this new era women should be enabled under the aegis of the Government to develop their strength and ability to serve the country and contribute to the betterment of society. 6.18 p.m.”
“But we have found that there is a big loophole. This is in regard to the definition of the word "mistress". A man can have many mistresses outside his family. If he does not register, then in the eyes of the law he cannot be punished, and this invariably constitutes a system of polygamy. From the time when the Women's Charter was enforced up to now, we have found that the number of divorces has been quite high. This has been due mainly to such a practice as I have said, that is to say, though women have nominal protection under the law, the law has, in effect, not provided actual protection for them, because their husbands could cohabit with many mistresses outside their homes. As a result, it leads to disharmony in the family which in turn leads to divorces. All this is because of the definition of the word "mistress" which is not clear. I would like to point out something about clause 28 in the amending Bill before us today. This appears on page 8, line 35, in which connection the Minister has mentioned divorce just now. When a couple have been married for some time and find that they cannot live together, they separate. During their period of separation, they may hope to resume their harmonious relationship and live together again. But this amending Bill provides that if after seven years of separation they cannot hope to be united again, then their separation can be confirmed. Arising from this provision, the pretext, "I am not satisfied and cannot live happily with my wife," can be used as an excuse for divorce to marry someone else. During this period of separation the law does not provide the couple with any means to reconciliate or to be reunited.”
“The rationale of the Bill is that the happiness of the family should be fostered by the law, but when all efforts fail, it is better for the parties to part rather than to be forced to live together in unhappiness and strife. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. Madam Chan Choy Siong(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Women's Charter was formulated in 1961 and passed in that year. By its enactment, we can understand that the purpose is to enhance the position of women in Singapore, to enable them to secure their rightful place in society - equal to men - and to enjoy the same rights and privileges as men. Since its introduction and during the period of its enforcement, we have found that certain provisions in the Ordinance cannot give effect to the purpose that we intend. As these provisions do not achieve the purpose, it is, therefore, proper and correct that the Minister should introduce amending legislation. But there is something in this amending Bill which I regret very much. The Minister has omitted a point which is more important than what he has said. This is in relation to the representation which the previous Minister received from the Women's Section in the P.A.P. The representation stated that the Women's Charter, in addition to enabling women to secure their equal and rightful place in Singapore, should also eradicate the practice of polygamy - the practice of having three wives and four concubines - which has caused disharmony in the family and disturbance and disquiet in our society. According to the law then prevailing, certainly if any one wanted to marry he had to register under the Women's Charter to get his marriage legalised before it was recognised by the law. Then would the practice of monogamy be effected.”
“All persons will be required to obtain a certificate for marriage under the provisions of the Ordinance, but once he has obtained this, he is free to have his marriage solemnised or performed or carried out in any way he likes. The second major amendment in the Bill relates to the rights of married women as regards their property. The Bill seeks to make it clear that married women may deal with their property in the same way as men. The Bill next seeks to bring the law relating to divorce in line with recent legislation in other Commonwealth countries. When the Women's Charter was enacted, the provisions of the Divorce Ordinance were incorporated in it without any substantial amendment. The law relating to divorce has, however, moved forward and the tendency in many countries is to recognise what is known as the "breakdown" principle - that is, that if a marriage is broken down and the Court is satisfied that the parties can no longer live with each other, then it is right that the marriage should be put an end to. This principle, Mr Speaker, Sir, which has been accepted in Australia and New Zealand and in many European countries, is adopted in the amending Bill. The Bill also seeks to provide more opportunities for reconciliation before a divorce is decreed. The Bill also provides that the children of void or voidable marriages should be regarded as legitimate, as it is not their fault that their parents have contracted the void marriage. It is hoped that the Bill will be welcomed as a further step in the improvement of the position of women and children in our family law.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This Bill makes a number of significant amendments to the Women's Charter, 1961. The Explanatory Statement to the Bill sets out in detail the reasons for the amendments, and for this reason and also because it is proposed to refer this Bill to a Select Committee if its Second Reading is approved, I do not propose to deal in detail with the amendments proposed. I shall only confine myself to a few of the amendments which affect the principle of the legislation. The purpose of the Women's Charter, 1961, was to bring all marriages (other than Muslim marriages) solemnised in Singapore within the ambit of the Charter, so that all such marriages in Singapore will be solemnised and registered under the Charter. This clearly has not been achieved, for there are still a large number of Chinese customary marriages which appear to be solemnised outside the Ordinance. It is, therefore, proposed to amend the Ordinance to make it clear that Chinese customary marriages will come within the provisions of the Ordinance and that they must be solemnised and registered under the provisions of the Ordinance. Let me at once say that it is not the intention of the Government to prevent such customary marriages from taking place, as it is not the intention of the Government to prevent Christian or Hindu marriages from being solemnised in Singapore. All that will be required will be that a person, before going through a Chinese customary marriage, should comply with the provisions of the Ordinance relating to freedom to marry, age and consent.”
“On the first query by the hon. Member, I wish to inform the House that the need for improving and expanding our television and radio services has become extremely urgent. Included in this expansion scheme are additional and more powerful transmitters for both radio and television and additional studio facilities for television. The sum of about $6� million is therefore required. Actually the total sum involved is $6.5 million and the breakdown is as follows - Radio Service - radio transmitters are about $2.5 million, the frequency modulated transmitter is over $300,000, and there is also some payment of customs duties which amount to $160,000. T.V. Service to increase T.V. cover amounts to about $870,000; T.V. equipment (non-engineering) is about $570,000. And the Studios - four T.V. studios - works and buildings cost about $400,000, and equipment about $1.4 million. On the second query in which the hon. Member expresses his fear of commercial advertising, I wish to state that it is necessary to get income from advertising to buy more expensive and better quality films as well as to cover part of the cost of running the T.V. station, which is, as we all know, an expensive affair. Compared with other countries, Mr Speaker, Sir, the frequency of advertisements appearing on T.V. here can be considered low. For the information of the House, Sir, the cost of running T.V. Singapura is approximately $6 million per year, and the revenue from commercial advertising is about $3� million per year. Anyway, Sir, I can assure the hon. Member that my Ministry is keeping constant watch on commercial advertising so that it will not get out of hand.”
“It is expected that this backlane, together with others, will be made up sometime next year. ABATTOIRS IN SERANGOON, KATONG AND BUKIT PANJANG 14. Mr S. Rajoo asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he will consider setting up Government abattoirs in the Serangoon, Katong and Bukit Panjang Districts to facilitate the slaughter of pigs and other live-stock for the people of those areas for sale at rural markets.”
“On the advice of the Primary Production Department, many farmers in Potong Pasir have now agreed to adopt rotation of the crops. As a result, the extent of the damage caused by the insect has been considerably reduced. The Department has also recommended to farmers the use of the moth alluring lights trap at night to kill as many moths as possible. In addition, by carrying out extensive experiments and field trials, the Department has found an organo phosphorus insecticide sold under the trade name "Phospherin" which is effective against the Diamond-Back moth. Orders for this effective insecticide have been placed with overseas companies, and sufficient quantities are expected to arrive very shortly. The Primary Production Department has also carried out film shows, lectures and discussions with farmers to acquaint them with the latest information and techniques in agricultural pest controls and eradication. The Department has also helped the affected farmers to obtain social welfare aid to overcome their temporary hardship. The pest infestation at Kampong Potong Pasir, though not completely removed, has been minimised to a great extent. It is expected that with the massive use of the organo phosphorus insecticide after its arrival, the pests will be wiped out. MAKING UP OF BACKLANE AT RACE COURSE ROAD 13. Mr S. Rajoo asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether the backlane behind houses Nos. 50 to 78 at Race Course Road will be made up, and when. Mr Ho Cheng Choon (for the Minister for Law and National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Public Works Department has prepared a list of backlanes, which include the one behind Race Course Road, for vesting under section 44 of the Local Government Integration Ordinance.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as I have said just now, my Ministry will look into this question first. So before I can give the hon. Member the date when we will set up this institute, let us begin an investigation first. KAMPONG POTONG PASIR (Assistance to farmers to combat pests) 12. Mr S. V. Lingam asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether he has received any requests from farmers of Kampong Potong Pasir and the surrounding areas for assistance to combat pests damaging their vegetables and what action has been taken in the matter. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development (Mr Ho Cheng Choon) (for the Minister for Law and National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, there was a serious outbreak of pest infestation in vegetable farms in Kampong Potong Pasir recently, The pest was identified as Diamond-Back moth. In early 1965 this species attacked vegetable farms in Changi and Punggol, but with the assistance rendered by the officers of the Primary Production Department, these farms soon became free from infestation. In March 1966 the Diamond-Back moth appeared in large numbers in and around Kampong Potong Pasir. Teams of Primary Production officers were immediately despatched to the scene to help combat the pest. They discovered that the farmers there had been indiscriminately spraying their vegetable crops with all types of insecticides which proved to be ineffective, because the pests had developed a resistance to such insecticides. The problem was further aggravated because the Potong Pasir farmers, owing to economic considerations, were unwilling to adopt crop rotation which is one reliable method of pest control and, in fact, has proved effective in combatting the same pests in Changi and Punggol.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government has since 1959 introduced various measures which have considerably improved the status of women in Singapore, including the enactment of the Women's Charter, 1960, which, among other things, enforces monogamy in Singapore except for Muslims, and the institution of equal pay for women in the civil service. The problems of women therefore no longer constitute an urgent issue as it used to be in the old days. There is no reference to the setting up of an Institute of Research on the Problems of Women in The Tasks Ahead, 1959-1964 - at least in the English copies. However, the desirability of setting up a research institute to study these problems will be looked into by my Ministry. Madam Chan Choy Siong(In Mandarin): Sir, I have some supplementary questions. I would like to ask the Minister whether or not he knows that the setting up of an Institute of Research on Problems of Women is stated in Book III of the P.A.P.'s Policy? The second supplementary question is: if he thinks that this was the policy in 1959, whether he can tell me when this institution will be set up, because last year when discussing the Budget I asked this question and he replied that it was under consideration. But one year has already passed and the question has not been dealt with.”
“All parts of the Muslim law have been taken from Muslim laws implemented in Western Malaysia and which, I believe, before their enforcement, have been given careful consideration by the Ulamas in their respective States and which have eventually been approved by the State Assemblies. To be in line with our neighbours, it can be said that more than 80 per cent, or more than 100 clauses in this Bill have been taken from States like Penang, Selangor and Pahang, and the remainder from the Muslims Ordinance, 1957, which is in force at the moment. I welcome the speech of the Minister for Social Affairs which says that this Bill will be implemented in stages. The most important is the setting up of a Council of Muslim Religion, a Mufti, and a Council of Rulings, or Fetua. It is up to the Legal Committee and the Council of Muslim Religion to put up recommendations to the Minister concerned if they find it necessary to amend parts of the Bill. I am sure that the Minister in charge will give due consideration if such amendments are found necessary in future. On principle, and for the reasons stated above, I fully support the Bill.”
“On the minimum age of marriage, for example, some representations would like the age increased to eighteen; others would prefer not to have a minimum age of marriage. The Bill provides that the minimum age shall be 16 years. While it has not been possible to please everybody and to accept all the representations made, it is hoped that the Bill will be welcomed as one more step - a significant step - in the regulation of Muslim affairs and in the proper administration of Muslim law in Singapore. The Bill also represents a significant advance in social legislation for the protection of women, and it is hoped that Muslim women will, in particular, welcome the Bill. The Bill has not, it is true, given the Muslim women all the benefits of the Women's Charter, 1961, but in itself and within its limitations it represents a charter which has restored to Muslim women their rights of which for long they have been deprived. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. Tuan Haji Yaacob(In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, every law that is enacted cannot satisfy all sections of the people. The Administration of Muslim Law Bill, which is now being read a Third time today, does not amend the Muslim law itself, but it is a Bill to administer Muslim law. Here arises misunderstanding among members of the public, because the States in Malaysia, who are our immediate neighbours, have established Councils of Muslim Religion to administer the Muslim law in their States. It is appropriate that Singapore, as their immediate neighbour, should have a similar law. Furthermore, in addition to being a neighbour, we have maintained close contacts with them.”
“The Bill, it is true, provides that the Majlis shall have power to take over the administration of any Muslim charitable endowment, if it is shown that this is to the advantage of the endowment. This power is already possessed, as I said, by the Muslim and Hindu Endowments Board. It is not contemplated that the Council will be able to take over the administration of all Muslim endowments in Singapore; most of them will still be under the control of private trustees but subject to the supervision of the Council and with power to the Council to remove the trustees and appoint new trustees, where such a step appears to be necessary. I should like to emphasise that the Council will be a Muslim organisation, whose members should and can be trusted to ensure that the interests of the Muslims will be safeguarded. The Bill seeks also to strengthen the powers of the Shariah Court in Singapore and to provide for the better administration of Muslim law in Singapore. A Mufti will be appointed and he will be the Chairman of a Committee of the Council which will be empowered to give rulings on Muslim law. The administration of the law relating to marriage and divorce has been further strengthened following the precedents in the Arab countries and Pakistan, and the Bill will provide that the Muslim law will apply not only to the distribution of Muslim estates on intestacy but also to testate succession among Muslims. In all these matters, the views of the representors have been given full consideration and the Bill has, in fact, been amended to meet the representations made. In many respects, the Bill represents a compromise.”
“The Council of Muslim Religion will have considerable executive powers and will not be merely an advisory body like the Muslim Advisory Board. It appears to be wise caution to ensure that the powers of the Council are not abused, that it will be an executive body whose sole purpose is to serve the interests of the Muslims of Singapore and that it will not be used for any personal, sectional or political purposes. On behalf of the Government, I should like to give the assurance that no political influence will be made to bear on the Council. All that the Government is interested in is to see that the affairs of the Muslims in Singapore are entrusted to a wise, forward-looking and stable organisation. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Council, as I have said, will have considerable executive powers. Some representors would like to deny the Council these powers and, in effect, to leave the organisation of Muslim society very much as it is at present. The power of the Majlis to arrange for the orderly collection and distribution of zakat and zakat fitrah has, for example, been criticized. At present, zakat fitrah is collected not only by Muslim societies, including political organisations, but also by individuals. There is duplication and wastage of resources. If zakat fitrah were properly collected, a sum of $100,000 can be collected each year and this will provide an effective fund for the relief of poverty and distress among the Muslims in Singapore. Some representors again would deny the Majlis the powers in relation to charitable foundations which are now possessed by the Muslim and Hindu Endowments Board.”
“The Bill, in the main, follows the structure of the various Administration of Muslim Law enactments in the States in Western Malaysia and it has also followed the changes in the administration of Muslim law in the Arab countries and in Pakistan and, in this respect, represents a considerable advance towards the better administration of the law and the removal of discriminations and abuses in such administration. The Bill seeks to constitute a Council of Muslim Religion which will be responsible for the regulation of Muslim religious affairs in Singapore. Most of the representations received dealt with the composition of the Council and many would like it to be a fully elected body entirely free from any control or supervision. This, no doubt, would be an ideal to which all of us should strive. But those who are aware of the position in Singapore and of how easily religious issues can be used or abused to create division, dissatisfaction and civil strife must agree that, to begin with, at any rate, there must be some control and supervision, not necessarily by the Government but by the more stable elements in Muslim society. The Bill therefore provides for an equal number of elected and appointed members - and this is indeed in line with the composition of the Councils of Muslim religion in the States of Malaysia. In the present stage of Muslim society in Singapore, also, it would appear that election from the Muslim registered societies in Singapore will not, in fact, provide a representative body in Singapore and the power of the President to appoint members will enable the Majlis to be a body more fully representative of the Muslims of Singapore. This will be the first time that the Muslims of Singapore will have a body to regulate their religious affairs.”
“Now, Sir. I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Third time." Mr Speaker, Sir, as this is a very important Bill which will affect all Muslims in the Republic, and so that what I have to say in this House is fully understood and appreciated by them, especially the Malays, I will speak in the national language. (In Malay) The Administration of Muslim Law Bill, which has been under consideration for a number of years, was referred to a Select Committee in January 1966 after its introduction into Parliament. The closing period for the submission of written representations on the Bill, originally fixed on 24th January, 1966, was eventually extended to the 31st March, 1966. In all, 18 written representations were received and oral evidence was heard from 14 of the representors. The Bill was subjected to close scrutiny not only by Muslim organisations and persons but also by the Select Committee which had the benefit of the advice not only of the Attorney-General but also of Tuan Haji Mohamed Sanusi Bin Mahmood, the President of the Shariah Court. The Bill was also referred to a number of Muslim scholars in England and the United Arab Republic and it is hoped that the Bill, while it may not satisfy every one, will be welcomed as a significant step forward in the regulation of Muslim religious affairs and in the proper administration of Muslim law in Singapore. The Bill, it must be emphasised, does not seek to deal with the Muslim law itself but only with its administration. No attempt has been made to alter the fundamental concepts or rules of Muslim law and where the Bill suggests improvements in the administration of the Muslim law, every effort has been made to follow the precedents which have been adopted in other Muslim countries.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, In page A29, line 4, to leave out the comma. This is again purely a printing mistake. Sir, I beg to move. Amendment agreed to. Clause 82, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Bill reported with amendments. Third Reading”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, In page A23, line 27, to leave out "invest-ment" and insert "investments". This is purely a typographical mistake. Sir, I beg to move. Amendment agreed to. Clause 65, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 82 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, In page A18, after line 17, to insert - "(c) the custody, maintenance and education of the minor children of the parties; and". This paragraph was in the Muslims (Amendment) Ordinance, 1960, and has unfortunately been omitted. I feel the Shariah Court should have power to make orders relating to the children of the marriage. Sir, I beg to move. Amendment agreed to.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, In page A15, line 44, to leave out "three years" and insert "one year". This amendment is necessary to keep in line with the amendments made to paragraphs (a) and (b) of the sub-clause. The amendment was proposed by the United Malays National Organisation and the All-Malaya Muslim Missionary Society and is in line with amendments in the United Arab Republic which we have agreed to follow. Sir, I beg to move. Amendment agreed to. Clause 49, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 52 -”
“Now, Sir. Bill considered in Committee. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 6.55 p.m. Clause 49 -”
“It is true that the National Theatre has been structurally completed to enable it to be used for various types of stage performances for a capacity audience of up to 3,400 people. However, the National Theatre as it is now is more elaborate than first envisaged. As a consequence many conveniences and facilities originally planned had to be deferred in order to finance a larger and better theatre. Funds are still required which a theatre of its kind should possess. For this reason public contribution through the purchase of request cards for the playing of favourite numbers over Radio Singapura still continues. There are many rooms in the National Theatre which remain ill-equipped with furniture and other fittings. With the funds collected from the sale of request programme cards, suitable furniture will be bought and a number of rooms for performances and rehearsals air-conditioned. Profits from hire of the Theatre as well as Trust organized shows are beginning to off-set the heavy expenditure of maintenance and annually recurrent expenditure. When greater profits are possible in the future, the funds thus earned would be used to promote further cultural activity by the Trust in the Republic by way of increasing training classes on a variety of art forms and the provisions of scholarships to suitable candidates in furtherance of the Republic�s cultural policies. MACPHERSON HOUSING ESTATE (Parking of Vehicles) 7. Mr S. V. Lingam asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether he will consider arranging for the proper parking of vehicles in the car parks provided by the Housing and Development Board in the Macpherson Housing Estate.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That Parliament do now adjourn. Question proposed. REGISTRATION FOR THE ISSUE OF NEW IDENTITY CARDS”
“, the boundary of which is more particularly delineated and edged pink on Certified Plan No. 12924 filed in the Office of the Chief Surveyor, Singapore.". 5.12 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Resolved, "That at its rising this day Parliament do stand adjourned to a date to be fixed." - [Inche Othman Bin Wok]. ADJOURNMENT MOTION”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That this Parliament, pursuant to subsection (1) of section 4 of the Nature Reserves Ordinance (Chapter 235), resolves that paragraph 5 of the Schedule to the said Ordinance be deleted and the following substituted therefor:- "All that piece of land situate in Mukim No. V, Pandan in the Island of Singapore, known as Pandan Forest Reserve, comprised in Lot 136-15, Mukim No. V, Pandan, and estimated to contain an area of 356a. 0r. 00p., the boundary of which is more particularly delineated and edged pink on Certified Plan No. 12924 filed in the Office of the Chief Surveyor, Singapore.". In the development of the Jurong Industrial Complex, it has been necessary to utilise the land on the west bank of Sungei Jurong south of West Coast Road, which forms part of the Pandan Nature Reserve, as set out in paragraph 5 of the Schedule to the Nature Reserves Ordinance (Chapter 235). This land comprising about 186 acres is required for the creation of wharves and other facilities to provide access to the river and open sea. It will therefore be necessary to amend paragraph 5 of the Schedule to excise this area from the Pandan Nature Reserve. After this excision there will still be a balance of 356 acres in the Pandan Nature Reserve. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Parliament, pursuant to subsection (1) of Section 4 of the Nature Reserves Ordinance (Chapter 235), resolves that paragraph 5 of the Schedule to the said Ordinance be deleted and the following substituted therefor :- "All that piece of land situate in Mukim No. V, Pandan in the Island of Singapore, known as Pandan Forest Reserve, comprised in Lot 136-15, Mukim No. V, Pandan, and estimated to contain an area of 356a. 0r, 00p.”