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…”
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“Athletics, football and lawn tennis will be held at the National Stadium; badminton, boxing and sepak takraw at the Singapore Badminton Hall; basket-ball at Gay World; cycling at Farrer Park Athletic Centre; hockey at Jalan Besar Stadium; judo at Chung Cheng High School; shooting at Mount Vernon and Rifle Range Road Ranges; swimming, water polo and diving at the new Toa Payoh swimming pool, which will be ready by July; table tennis at the National Junior College; volley ball at Chung Hwa Girls' High School; weight-lifting at the People's Theatre; and yachting in Katong, off Nallur Road. The construction of the National Stadium is expected to be ready by June, and all other venues will be brought up to international standards for the hosting of the Games. Arrangements will also he made to provide first-aid facilities at all Games venues. A medical centre will also be set up at the Games Village, and we will also purchase equipment to perform dope and sex tests. All participants and officials will be provided with official transport and buses or cars for practices, games and official functions. They will be provided with polaroid identification tags to enable them to travel free of charge on any of the public transport buses for the duration of the Games. Special buses for the public will also operate to as many of the Games venues as possible. The Transport Sub-Committee is also looking into the possibility of providing a launch service from Clifford Pier to the National Stadium Complex. Besides programmes for the various sports disciplines, which will be published, the Organising Committee will also produce daily result sheets and a souvenir handbook. All results of games will be channelled to the National Stadium for computerisation.”
“Arrangements have been made to house approximately 1,500 participants from the seven SEAP countries, namely Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore, in four 4-point blocks in the Games Village, which will be at Toa Payoh. The flats are expected to be ready in July this year, and the Singapore teams may make use of them from the 1st of August for their centralised training or final phase of training in preparation for the Games. Foreign teams are expected at the Games Village on 30th August. The SEAP Secretariat, which is now housed in Sports House, will also move to the Games Village in August. Besides the shopping complex, which already exists in Toa Payoh, there will also be postal, telegraphic and banking facilities in the Games Village. Sir, I am pleased to inform the House that the President of the Republic of Singapore will officiate at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Seventh SEAP Games. An elaborate and colourful programme is being planned for these two ceremonies where school children will give mass dance and band displays. The bands from the Armed Forces, Police, and People's Association will also be in attendance. 5,000 members of our Vigilante Corps will also put on a "flash card" display. There will also be the flame lighting ceremony which will be held at Mount Faber and the SEAP Torch will be carried by our outstanding sportsmen to the National Stadium for the opening ceremony. Participants from the seven SEAP countries will participate in 16 sports disciplines.”
“It is our intention that people should be educated into the belief that sports and recreation is good for them, good for their families, good for the community and good for the country. Plans are afoot to further promote the ideal through the public media as well as through top level promotion of international sports. We also hope that the Board will be able in the near future to introduce a scheme of fitness and performance test which can be promoted throughout the Republic. It has also taken steps to ensure that training in all sports is carried out on a professional and scientific basis, and it is hoped that more professional personnel can be made available to ensure the success of the various training programmes. Sir, I now come to the SEAP Games. After the Sixth SEAP Games which was held in Kuala Lumpur in December 1971, the Singapore National Olympic Council, in consultation with the National Sports Promotion Board, appointed the Organising Committee of the Seventh SEAP Games which is to be held in Singapore this year. This Committee is responsible to the SEAP Games Federation Council whose President is my colleague, Mr E. W. Barker. Like the Olympic Council, it is an autonomous organisation. It does not conic under Government or commercial control, but enjoys assistance from both. On 19th May, 1972, the Organising Committee met for the first time and since then, the 12 Sub-Committees looking after accommodation, ceremonies, decorations, souvenirs, finance, medical facilities, press and public relations, programmes, technical facilities, protocol, reception and liaison, security and traffic, social and catering, and transport, have had several meetings and they have made very satisfactory progress in staging the Games from the 1st to the 8th September.”
“This included a sum of $38,000 for the Badminton Association to prepare them for the Thomas Cup tournament. The Research Department assisted in conducting three intensive courses in athletics, hockey and tennis. A comprehensive gymnasium for weight and power training was also provided for the first time for Singapore sportsmen. At the present moment, under the auspices of the Training and Research Department, approximately 250 sportsmen each day go through the mill. The Sports Medicine Department treated more than 600 national sportsmen, providing them with more than 4,500 treatments during the year. The Department also provided medical coverage for all international games. Regarding expansion, Sir, one of the priorities of the NSPB is to promote "Sports for All" programmes in Singapore. It is our belief that in order to prevent social ills and to improve the health of our people, sports has a large part to play. Moreover, each and every Singaporean, including the Member for Sembawang, should have the opportunity to take part in whatever physical activities he may choose. The ingredients of a "Sports for All" programme are three-fold. Firstly, adequate facilities. I mentioned this just now, Sir, and it is our contention that Singapore, as I have said, has far too few public amenities for sports recreation. So urgent attention will be paid to the priority of establishing more facilities throughout the Republic. Secondly, improved organisation and promotion. The NSPB is at the moment looking into how we can encompass all sports activities from primary to tertiary levels into one national breed so that there will be planned activities for Singaporeans from cradle to grave. Thirdly, sports consciousness. This has not been given very much attention in the past.”
“We are conscious of the shortage of facilities in Singapore, and we will therefore provide better facilities for the people of Singapore by improving most of our football fields, tennis courts, swimming pools, squash courts, football stadiums, athletic centres and so on. At the present moment, we believe we have the best maintained lot of facilities for Singaporeans. Altogether, Sir, we have at the moment 24 football fields, eight swimming pools, 36 tennis courts, five squash courts, two athletic centres, besides the Jalan Besar and the Kallang football stadia which are available to Singaporeans at very low rentals. Perhaps one of the most difficult tasks devolved upon the Board is the taking over of sports facilities from the former British bases. These facilities had to he renovated and improved upon, and a huge administrative machinery had to be established very quickly to make the facilities available for public use and to run them. The Board has also been given the responsibility of maintaining a large number of sports facilities run by other Government departments. All these put a heavy strain on the Board which has to maintain these facilities and run them on a non-profit making basis. Sir, we have also produced a sports magazine. This was launched in October 1972. With this production, we have provided one more healthy magazine for our youths and sports lovers. Since its inception, the magazine has promoted sports consciousness, especially among our youths. The other activities of the NSPB are to assist in all major international sports organised by the respective associations in Singapore. The Commercial Department sought many sponsorships, big and small, from the private sector for the respective associations.”
“However, although the problem of developing standards of excellence is an important one, it is by no means the major objective in sports promotion. Our primary objective in the organisation of sports is not just to produce champions, but also to raise the general physical fitness of the population. The approach then is to encourage more people, particularly our youths, to take up sports seriously as it leads to improvement of the individual's body and mind, character and capacity, which is important for social peace and happiness, and for individual and national productivity and progress. As for inter-constituency sports, Sir, which has been introduced recently by the Board, it has demonstrated very clearly the principle that sports activities, properly conceived and organised, can he promoted effectively at the constituency level. This represents a breakaway from the traditional concept of sports promotion whose major effort seems to be restricted to institutions like clubs and various community agencies. In the past year, the NSPB, although working under considerable strain of manpower and finance, has successfully implemented the following: the inter-constituency football tournament, which most of us here know; the inter-constituency basket-ball tournament; and, incidentally, the Grand Prix, which is being held every year with popular support; and the sports festival, Pesta Sukan. I think there is no need for me to elaborate because most of the Members of Parliament were present at the Grand Prix and other sports activities. Sir, another thing which I would like to touch upon is the sports facilities.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you very much for giving me a chance to speak at last. First, let me tackle the Member for Sembawang. I use the word "tackle" in the context of sport. I will answer the Member in two parts, first on the NSPB, and then on the SEAP Games. Since the establishment of the National Sports Promotion Board two years ago, it has been actively engaged in promoting sports at all levels and in supporting the various national sports organisations in realising new ideas and efforts in this field of expanding endeavour. The Board has already taken root and started promisingly in evolving a national sports programme through a network of sports councils, associations and clubs, as well as sports secretaries and convenors. Since the last two years much has already been done to promote competitive international sports. But it must be recognised that it takes time and effort to raise the standard of performance of our sportsmen and teams to the level required to win honours in international competitions. The Board could, in fact, create an impact in terms of performance by putting all the means of the Republic at the disposal of a relatively small number of champion athletes and to attempt to achieve victories and medals by their prowess. Such an approach, I think, will bring immediate results. But in the long run it will not help to raise standards because of the lack of a broad base of sports talent, which can only be developed through systematic work and intense and dedicated training on the part of a large number of sportsmen and teams. It is indeed gratifying that this broad framework of participation in sports has already been established and no doubt, Sir, we will see better performance in sports in the near future. 3.30 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I seek your consent, and the general assent of hon. Members, to move a motion for the rising of Parliament before 8.00 p.m. today? I propose to move that the adjournment be taken on the completion of the consideration of Head 1003 today. Mr Speaker: I give my consent. Do I have the general assent of hon. Members for the motion to be moved by the Minister, and the Question thereon proposed? Hon. Members indicated assent. Resolved, "That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, the adjournment today be moved immediately after the conclusion of the consideration of Head 1003." -[Encik Othman Bin Wok]. MAIN AND DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES OF SINGAPORE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1973 TO 31ST MARCH, 1974 Order read for resumed consideration in Committee of Supply [3rd Allotted Day]. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 2.37 p.m. Head 1001 -”
“Sir, there is always co-ordination between the Fire Brigade and the PUB. Yesterday, at the height of the blaze, the PUB directed water pressure in full to the affected areas. ADJOURNMENT Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn to a date to be fixed."-[Mr Barker]. Adjourned accordingly at Sixteen minutes to Four o'clock p.m. to a date to be fixed.”
“Sir, in fact, this matter was immediately discussed by my officers yesterday. The outcome of the discussion will be made known soon.”
“However, Sir, I have just been informed that at 2.00 p.m. this afternoon four skeletons were found at the fire site. There was another lift-car in the basement, which is still unopened because the basement is flooded with water. We do not as yet know whether it is empty or not. The PSA Fire Brigade assisted the Singapore Fire Brigade with manpower and pumping units at the height of this blaze. I would like to inform the House, Sir, that members of the Singapore Fire Brigade and members of the PSA Fire Brigade did a splendid job in not only controlling the fire but also in preventing it from spreading to the adjacent buildings. Mr Hwang Soo Jin: Mr Speaker, Sir, without making any attempt to prejudge the cause of the fire, at this juncture there are two suggestions I would like to put forward to the Minister. (1) Will the Minister consider requiring all owners of old buildings, frequented by members of the public, to be regularly inspected by competent electrical engineers with particular attention to the electrical wiring? (2) At present there does not seem to be much control over the manner in which old buildings can be renovated. In many instances, the interior has been renovated to an extent that no adequate fire exits are provided. Therefore, I do not know whether the Fire Brigade can make rules requiring owners of old buildings wishing to renovate to apply for their permission, so that the Fire Brigade could ensure that adequate fire exits are provided. This is one aspect worth looking into.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, at 1006 hours yesterday, the Fire Brigade Control Room received a telephone call that an electrical short circuit had occurred in the Robinson departmental store at Raffles Place. This was followed by a series of calls from members of the public. The Fire Brigade immediately responded to the fire call. The officer, on arrival at 1013 hours, immediately radioed the Fire Control Room that Robinson's was smoke-lodged and requested for an additional pump. The fire, fanned by a steady breeze, rapidly worsened due to the highly combustible stocks and structures of the building. Reinforcements of men and fire engines were sent to the scene immediately. The fire at this stage had already obtained a very strong hold and spread rapidly throughout the entire building. At the height of the fire, 14 fire engines and some 90 officers and men were engaged in fire operations. A total of nine hand-controlled branches and three twin branches were brought to bear on the fire. The Brigade is still engaged in damping-down operations at this very moment. As a result of the fire the building and contents of Robinson's were completely destroyed, and the upper floor of adjoining and adjacent premises was affected by the heat and flames. The Assistant Director, Building Control Division, was contacted and was requested to inspect the beams and columns and to advise the Brigade of their stability. Following a preliminary inspection and assessment, the Brigade was advised that the structures were not stable, and it was therefore inadvisable to begin digging operations. The lift-car nearest Messrs Bengold was forced open last night, but no one was found inside. The passenger lift-cars located at the rear of the premises had collapsed during the fire.”
“The task of developing the necessary organisation and infrastructure to make Singapore an important centre for sports is a challenging one, but judging from the present leadership, enthusiasm and dedication shown by so many people involved in the organization of sports, I have every confidence that what we have set out to do in sports will soon be realised. 3.05 p.m.”
“It is for this reason that a Research and Training Section has been set up in the Social Welfare Department, and it is hoped that through the various projects, which have already been planned, it may be possible to know more about the various social phenomena which the Member has pointed out. In sports, we have a two-fold objective. Firstly, we must make sport the way of life for our people. Sports can build body and mind, and it is vital to social peace. The Government has already laid the foundations and indicated the direction for mass participation in sports and games. Inter-constituency sports is promising, and every effort must be made by one and all to sustain it, and the necessary organisation and funds must be obtained to provide a more varied programme and comprehensive range of facilities. Equally important, we must aim at excellence in sports. This can only be achieved with the necessary organisation, funds and support in the way of staff, expertise, availability of training time and adequate facilities. There is no doubt that we can succeed, considering that within the short space of one and a half years of the establishment of the National Sports Promotion Board, we have not only paved the way for mass participation in sports but also established the framework for the development of sports talents for both national and international competitions. Sometime next year the National Stadium will be the venue for the Seventh SEAP Games, the first time a major international meet of such importance is being organised here. We have already successfully bidden for the next Asian Games to be held in Singapore in 1978.”
“In fact, the number of divorce petitions over the last five years has been within the region of 200 to 300 per year, as compared to the number of marriages which is between 10,000 to 13,000 per year. The Member may also wish to know that from 1960 to 1971 there were only 2,036 applications made to the High Court for divorces, and only 1,411 of these were approved, giving an average of only 128 actual divorce cases per year. Although this figure is higher than that for 1960, i.e., before the introduction of the Women's Charter, where approximately 80 divorces per year were recorded, it must be recognised that in those days most marriages, including polygamous marriages, were not registered and, hence divorce was by mutual consent, the figures for which were not included in statistics given by the High Court. I would like to dispel the impression that divorce can easily be obtained. The provisions for divorce in the Women's Charter are fairly restrictive. It is also interesting to note that the social stigma attached to divorces has now diminished. I agree with the Member that due to rapid urbanisation and modernisation, the stabilising forces in our Asian culture, which have kept families together, have been weakened to some extent. There are also many other factors in our social situation that have brought about conflicts and tensions affecting family life. To counteract these trends and tendencies, social education, either in the home or within the school setting, is most important. I welcome the Member's suggestion for a review of the Women's Charter. But for such a review to be fruitful, considerable sociological research into the factors affecting family life is necessary.”
“It is intended to restructure and strengthen community participation in welfare services by reorganising the various services which have been developed rather haphazardly, depending more on individual initiative and effort, into systematic and planned operations. The Government has already taken steps to strengthen the Research and Training Section of the Social Welfare Department, and one of the functions of this Section, apart from its research and training roles, is to engage in systematic planning for the improvement of welfare services in the Republic. More sophisticated techniques will be used in the rehabilitation process not only for the residents of welfare homes but also for juvenile offenders placed on probation. A psychologist has already been recruited to launch a Psychological Service and to provide consultancy and referral services in the adjustment programme which in the near future will involve greater participation by voluntary welfare workers. I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the concern shown by the Member for Kuo Chuan regarding the working of the Women's Charter. I would like to assure the Member that from time to time my Ministry makes a study of the problems and the issues posed in the implementation of the Women's Charter. I would like to point out that the Women's Charter is only a legislative measure to prevent abuse, and it has already proven its usefulness by enhancing the status and promoting the welfare of women and families. However, I would like to correct the impression created by the Member when he said that the divorce rates had soared to unmanageable heights.”
“While training of the handicapped by the various voluntary welfare organisations in Singapore has so far been concentrated on the children and teenage groups, not much has been done for the training of the handicapped adults who, for one reason or another, are not able to obtain employment due to their being untrained and handicapped. The Social Welfare Department is at the moment considering all possible measures to provide useful and suitable training for the handicapped adults of Singapore in order to enable them to be well-equipped for employment and to obtain suitable employment. This is a significant step in the rehabilitation of the handicapped people of Singapore, closely following the policy that even the handicapped today are expected to make their own contribution towards society to the best of their ability and capacity. In this connection, I wish to make it clear that there is no intention whatsoever on the part of the Government to reduce or cease welfare aid to those who are really incapable and who, on account .of their old age or severe handicap, are unable to make any contribution to the society. We will continue to provide assistance to such unfortunate and genuinely needy citizens, but certainly this "something for nothing" business will not be applied to the able-bodied and the unemployed who due to their sheer laziness or inertia have not been trying to work and who have sought the easiest way out by merely relying on welfare aid. To these people, gone are the days when they could get something for nothing. We have over the years evolved a pattern of social services based on the participation of both the Government and the voluntary sectors.”
“Much could be said about the danger that lurks within the apparently innocent philosophy of "something for nothing", and it is true that in the context of our circumstances in Singapore today this selfish and seemingly harmless philosophy of "something for nothing" could turn out to be disastrous, if not fatal. In the field of social affairs, I would be the first to endorse the statement of the President that "no one should get away with enjoying services subsidised through the hard work of others, without making his own contribution, to the best of his ability and capacity." That is why, of late, my Ministry has been reviewing its policies, and is considering new schemes whereby those who can work, though with limitations, should be encouraged, trained and helped along to work. For example, in our Public Assistance Scheme, my officers have been scanning and sieving the lists of public assistance recipients who, on account of their age, physical abilities or circumstances, are believed to be able to do at least some work; and the main guideline in our new policy will be that such public assistance recipients who can work will be offered suitable employment or, if they are untrained, will be put on training schemes to help them take up gainful employment eventually. We have now reached the stage where, unless valid reasons are given by recipients as to why they cannot accept the job or the training offered, their public assistance allowance will be discontinued if they should turn down offers of employment. In the same vein, we are also looking into the intensive and extensive training of the handicapped adults of Singapore.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to associate myself with the sentiments already expressed by my honourable colleagues in thanking the President for his many timely and thought-provoking statements contained in his Address. I have said "timely" because the President has very ably outlined in his Address the change of circumstances that prevail in our Republic today, circumstances which not only differ from those of five years ago but also necessitate a change of planning and action to enable us to face the tasks ahead. The President's Address provides us with many guidelines for the future development of Singapore and which very correctly underline the social principle governing our society, i.e, the principle of sustained collective endeavour and quality participation. Today, more than ever, we must evolve social policies which will ensure the full utilisation of our manpower resources, particularly to resolve the shortage of labour in the present employment situation. There is no doubt that, in the years ahead, we must consciously strive to create conditions in which social dislocations will be minimised and the widest opportunity for community participation and individual fulfilment in work or in recreation, is afforded to all our citizens. As emphasised in the President's speech, Singaporeans must avoid the pattern of thinking, the welfare state syndrome, where everyone expects others, not himself, to work harder to carry the burden of providing services and amenities which everyone wants. It must be recognised that there is a limit to what the State can provide. In social services, clearly it is not possible nor is it desirable for the Government to do everything.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am sorry I cannot tell the Member off-hand. It is a long-term policy. I personally would like to see the creches built as soon as possible. However, there is the question of funds, and also other aspects have to be considered.”
“The Department will look into the need for setting up a creche in the Katong/Tanjong Rhu area for possible inclusion in the Housing and Development Board's plans for the development of the reclaimed land along the East Coast of Singapore. Additionally, the Government is encouraging the private sector, particularly the industrial establishments, to provide creches where there are a large number of working mothers as employees.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Social Welfare Department is currently operating eight children's centres. These centres provide elementary education and training for non-school going children between the ages of five and 15 years. In addition to classroom work, the children are taught arts and crafts, basketry. sewing and carpentry, physical training, games and kindergarten activities depending on their age. They are given one light meal a day and are provided with regular medical and dental care. The Social Welfare Department, working in close liaison with the Ministry of Education, also looks into the arrangements for the admission of the children into regular schools. In 197!. 489 children have been so admitted. As the number of non-school going children is on the decline and as the People's Association is operating a large number of kindergarten classes, there is a diminishing need for children's centres. The Social Welfare Department, therefore, has no plan to expand this programme. The Department also operates ii creches. These creches offer a day-care service for young children so as to enable their parents to give of their best while at work. The nutritious meals provided in the creches will help overcome malnutrition among young children of working parents and the kindergarten training given to them will give them a better start in life. For our present needs, the 11 existing creches and two more under construction - one in Toa Payoh New Town Centre and the other in the Kallang Industrial Estate - would appear to be adequate. In its long-term planning, however, the Social Welfare Department has included the establishment of creches in Queenstown and other Housing and Development Board estates where there is a high concentration of working mothers.”
“Conceicao asked the Minister for Social Affairs (a) what are the activities carried on in children's centres and creches; and (b) if the number of creches presently run by his Ministry is adequate; whether there are plans for the opening of new creches; and if one of those creches can be situated in a locality convenient for the use of residents in the Tanjong Rhu Housing Estate.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in new residential areas, adequate sports facilities have been included as part of the overall requirement of community services. Admittedly, there are older residential areas, including outlying areas of Singapore, for which sports facilities are still lacking. Both the Ministry of National Development and the Ministry of Social Affairs are aware of the need to plan for more sports facilities in these areas but these must be based on the felt needs of the people. Increasing emphasis will be placed in the future in providing more sports and recreation facilities to meet the requirements for such facilities as more and more people take to leisure and the competitive sports as spectators and participants. It is, therefore, proposed to set up a committee comprising representatives of the Ministries of Social Affairs, National Development and Education and the National Sports Promotion Board to make an overall review of the requirements for sports facilities in relation to the Singapore population and on geographic and demographic considerations and to relate the results to general policy and planning. As regards a swimming pool for the Charlton Park area, the Minister for Law and National Development has indicated to me that his Ministry would be prepared to give every due consideration to the proposal, and the National Sports Promotion Board has been requested to look into the request with a view to ascertaining that there is a real need for the facility and that it will be fully utilised by the people in the area. CHILDREN'S CENTRES AND CRECHES (Adequacy of) 4. Mr J. F.”
“The Minister for Finance was then of the view that the Jurong industrial town would be adequately served by the Alexandra and Bukit Timah Fire Stations. My Ministry subsequently re-submitted the proposal for a Jurong Fire Station, and it was included in the 1971-72 Development Estimates. Negotiations have been concluded with the Jurong Town Corporation for a suitable site for the fire station, and cost estimates have been submitted to the Ministry of Finance. Sir, as the situation stands now, it is anticipated that construction work cannot begin before June or July this year.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I regret that, although the project for the fire station at Jurong was approved in this House this time last year, work on the building of the fire station has not yet started. The Jurong Fire Station project is now being evaluated by officials in the Ministry of Finance. When the project papers are finalised, they will be put to the Development Planning Committee for consideration. It is not, therefore, possible for me to inform the Member for Jurong as to when the fire station will be built, because formal approval has not yet been granted by the Development Planning Committee. As to the reason for the delay, this can only be attributed to the need for costing. This was only completed in January 1972. We were advised by the Senior Architect of the Public Works Department that the cost of building the fire station would amount to $750,000 approximately. The Member will appreciate that development projects from the various Ministries are submitted to the Ministry of Finance and the Economic Development Division who will then process these projects in accordance with their priorities. The Jurong Fire Station project is now receiving the urgent attention of the officials of that Division. The proposal to build a fire station was first mooted in June 1966 for inclusion in the 1967 Development Estimates. This proposal was considered and approved by the Development Planning Sub-Committee which had recommended a sum of money towards the project. The approval was conveyed to us on 21st August, 1968. However, on 14th November, 1968, my Ministry was advised that the Minister for Finance had decided not to proceed with the Jurong Fire Station project and, as a result, the Fire Brigade head of expenditure was deleted from the 1969 Development Estimates.”
“Mr Speaker, the question of illegal immigrants is in the hands of the Ministry of Home Affairs. If I get a clearance to send them back to their own country, then they will be sent back; otherwise we will have to keep them here in Singapore.”
“We have a showroom at Changi Prison where the articles made by the prisoners are on show. There is also a showroom at the Singapore Council of Social Services building at Penang Lane. If the Member is interested, he can visit these showrooms. At the moment, there are 26 female prisoners. Off-hand, I cannot tell the Member the number of illegal immigrants. Anyway, I am told that most of them are immigrants or aliens. The rest were convicted for various offences, ranging from murder to theft. There were times when the highest muster for any one day exceeds 100.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I see that the Member for Sembawang is now interested in female prisons! The provision of $45,000 shown under this subhead in the Development Estimates for 1972-73 is the amount necessary to meet the balance of expenditure for the project which has a total cost of about $180,000. To-date the expenditure is $142,554. In the female prison, the emphasis, of course, is on rehabilitation. There is a rehabilitation programme aimed at assisting the inmates to return to the community as law-abiding and socially useful persons. This programme includes the following: training in self-control and discipline; vocational training and work; moral training and the cultivation of social consciousness; group work and female counselling work. They are also given opportunities to learn skills, to improve their work habit and to participate in work for which they are paid a fair wage, ranging from $1 to $10 per week according to their skills and industry. For those who are involved in productive work, like tailoring, laundering or the manufacturing of stuffed dolls, an industrial bonus at piece-rate is payable, in addition to the normal prison earnings. They are not eligible for any prison earning for the first month. However, thereafter they are graded according to their performance and are paid as follows: (a) eight cents per day and 15 cents bonus for each completed week; (b) 10 cents per day and 20 cents bonus for each completed week; (c) 15 cents per day and 30 cents bonus for each completed week; (d) 20 cents per day and 40 cents bonus for each completed week; and (e) 25 cents per day and 60 cents bonus for each completed week. On an average, Sir, a female prisoner gets approximately $5 a week as industrial bonus. Higher earners can get as much as $10 per week.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of Supply has made further progress on the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 1st April, 1972, to 31st March, 1973, and ask leave to sit again tomorrow.”
“A society which contributes only 10 per cent of its net profits into the reserve fund is permitted to utilise the balance of the 15 per cent only in the following manner: (1) to reduce the interest on loans to members; (2) to create common-good funds: (3) to create building funds; (4) for propaganda: (5) for education; and (6) for any other similar purpose approved by the Registrar.”
“With regard to the point raised by the Member for Anson, Sir, under the-Co-operative Societies (Modification) (Amendment) Order, 1954, co-operatives are not obliged to contribute two-per cent of their net profits to the Co-operative College of Malaya. However, any society which contributes two per cent of its profits to the Co-operative College shall be exempted from appropriating to its reserve fund for the year an amount equal to the sum contributed to the College. For example, a co-operative society is required by law to-appropriate 25 per cent of its profits to a reserve fund. If it contributes two per cent of its net profits to the Co-operative College of Malaya, that co-operative society is allowed to appropriate only 23 per cent of its net profits to the reserve fund. If there is an alternative educational institution engaged in the teaching of theory of co-operation and other allied subjects, and the administration is run to the satisfaction of my Ministry, then my Ministry will consider making the necessary amendment to the Order to channel the two per cent levy into such institutions. Sir, a co-operative society may declare and pay a dividend of six per cent if it contributes the statutory 25 per cent of its net profits into the reserve fund. Under the Co-operative Societies (Modification) Order, 1954, a co-operative society is allowed to appropriate up to 10 per cent of its net profits into the reserve fund if it has been in existence for more than 10 years. However, one of the conditions attached to this reduction in appropriation is that the rate of dividend on the subscription should not exceed four per cent. This is because one of the principles of co-operatives is that the share capital should only receive a strictly limited rate of interest, if any.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the idea of forming co-operatives for fishermen and farmers is not a new one. As it is, the Padang Terbakar Fishermen's General Purpose Co-operative Society Ltd, was formed in 1959. Another co-operative society, the Punggol Co-operative Credit and Fish Marketing Society Ltd., was formed in 1956: but it died a natural death four years later. Five co-operatives for farmers were formed between 1954 and 1956, one of which, the Jurong Road 14 m.s. Rural Co-operative Credit Society, still exists today. These co-operatives have, however, become inactive and membership is poor: and their members give little support to the management. Leadership and management of most of the co-operative societies are of a low standard, with the result that they do not function properly and members derive little benefit from them. Sir, there is merit in the establishment of co-operatives for fishermen and farmers at Jurong. Initially, they can start on a modest scale. They need not be as elaborate as the co-operatives in other countries. But the important thing is that co-operatives must be well managed and those concerned with the establishment and management must have a real interest. I am, therefore, inclined to favour the formation of such a co-operative by the fishermen and farmers in Jurong themselves. I think the initiative must come from them. My Ministry will, of course, provide the necessary guidance and provision to ensure that the project launched will be a viable one. If necessary, the Registry of Co-operative-Societies will also assist in the initial planning of the co-operative and provide' the necessary training and education to build up the knowledge and experience required in the management of co-operatives.”
“Sir, we will soon be holding a "Fire Brigade Week". I think the suggestion is a good one, and will take it into consideration.”
“Sir, since both the Members for Jalan Kayu and Katong have raised the same point, I will attempt to answer them in one breath. As no separate statistics are kept of industrial accidents, it is not possible to give the actual number of applicants who have applied for aid under this category under the heading of Accidents, which include both industrial and road accidents, the Legal Aid Bureau dealt with 255 cases in 1970 and 355 cases in 1971. With record to industrial accidents, applicants who are within the means test commenced their proceedings with the Legal Aid Bureau, or are referred to the Bureau by the Commissioner for Labour. The referrals are only cases where the Commissioner for Labour is of the view that the complainants have a reasonable chance to pursue their claims at common 1aw on the ground of negligence, or cases where the injuries were sustained not in the course of employment. In die majority of cases the Legal Aid Bureau has been successful in obtaining compensation for them. In cases where there is no course of action against employers for industrial matters, the Bureau has also been able to obtain compensation on an ex-gratia basis. There is no necessity, for the time being at least, to set tip a special section to deal with such accidents, but if the necessity should arise, it will be looked into. On the query raised by the Member for Bukit Panjang who suggested that criminal cases should also be considered by the Legal Aid Bureau, I think that if we agree to it, there will be a flux of requests for aid from people involved in criminal activities. As the Department has not enough staff, I do not think we can consider this. We will be pleased to refer all such cases to the Member himself so that he can take over.”
“Sir, as I have said, this is being looked into. I am sure that if both sides, i.e., the pilgrims as well as the Majlis Ugama Islam, do their jobs well, I think we will get good support and we can proceed forthwith. Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff(In Malay): On that note, Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“On the question of aids to the madrasahs, regular annual grants are not provided to these religious institutions. However, appropriate donations have been approved from time to time following appeals for financial assistance. Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff(In Malay): Sir, the Minister said earlier that the setting up of the Pilgrimage Fund depends upon the support it receives. I think the support depends upon the preparations, the plans and facilities which can be provided by the Majlis to the would be members of the Fund. I had suggested that they should be allowed to use part of their C.P.F, deposits to meet the cost of passage for the Hai. If the Majlis can draw up a plan to provide more amenities and facilities, I think the response from the Muslim community in Singapore will be tremendous.”
“As for Naib Kathis, there is a special -selection committee, comprising representatives of the Majlis and the Shariah Court, which select suitable candidates for appointment by the President of Singapore. To-date, two Kathis and 10 Naib Kathis have been appointed. Five vacancies for Naib Kathis still exist, and these have been advertised in a local newspaper. Sir, I am pleased to note that the Member for Geylang Serai has taken a special interest in the progress of Islamic religious education in Singapore. There are now 24 madrasahs in the Republic which have been registered as Islamic Religious Schools, of which 18 are under Government grant-in-aid and six private. Two of these madrasahs are running both primary and secondary religious classes, while the rest are providing primary education only. The subjects provided by these madrasahs include Koran reading, Islamic Religious Knowledge, Arabic and Malay languages. The total enrolment of students attending the 24 madrasahs stands at 3,667. As for the number of students who have graduated from religious universities abroad, I would like to point out that some of our religious students go for higher studies at their own expense, while others proceed to the universities and then apply to the Majlis for scholarships. Of those in receipt of M.U.I.S, scholarship, four have since graduated from the following universities: Al Ahram University, Cairo, 3; University of Indonesia, 1. The Majlis has over the past three years received applications for scholarships from university students who are pursuing courses of religious studies in the United Arab Republic and in Indonesia. The following breakdown figures were recorded, based on the awards made in 1971: U.A.R.-6, Indonesia-2.”
“The Pilgrimage Committee is considering the provision of medical facilities, including the services of a doctor and a nurse for the pilgrims when they are in Mecca. The provision of a welfare officer to look into the welfare aspects of the pilgrims and the services of a reputable pilgrim broker, and matters such as the offering of special gifts and life insurance, etc., are also being looked into. Regarding the use of C.P.F, contributions by Muslim contributors for the purpose of pilgrimage, the answer has already been given before by the Minister of State for Labour. The basic aim of the C.P.F, is to provide workers with some savings when they retire from employment or when they are no longer able to work. To allow withdrawal of the money, either in full or in part, from the Fund before a member is qualified for withdrawal in order to proceed on a pilgrimage to Mecca will not be consistent with the purpose for which the Central Provident Fund was established. 6.45 p.m. In accordance with Section 74 (1) of the Administration of Muslim Law Act, 1966, all mosques are now administered by the Majlis. The number that has been vested with the Majlis, however, is only 17, in view of the fact that under the law, those mosques which are on State land cannot be vested though they are administered by the Majlis. The Majlis has already taken steps to ensure that all mosques are properly managed. Management committees nowadays work very closely with the Majlis in rendering an advisory, consultative and supervisory service to them. Regarding the appointment of Kathis and Naib Kathis, the Member may wish to note that Kathis are Government servants appointed in the normal manner through the Public Service Commission.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to thank the Member for Kampong Kembangan for his interest and concern over the projects that he mentioned, which the Majlis Ugama Islam, is actively considering. The Majlis' plan is, of course, intended to help Muslims in their pilgrimage to Mecca. There are actually two matters involved. Firstly, it is the arrangement for charter flights to Mecca and, secondly, the formation of a Pilgrimage Fund or Tabong Haji. Regarding the proposed charter flights, the Majlis is still considering the project and there is a need to ascertain the response by local pilgrims through registration which will be carried out soon. It is important that there must be a sufficient number of pilgrims who are interested in this project. Otherwise, it is not worthwhile to embark upon such a costly venture. Regarding the formation of Tabong Haji, again this depends upon the response the Majlis can get from the Muslim public who wish to travel to-Mecca by air. Exploratory discussions are now being held with the experts in the various fields and, as far as can be gathered from our preliminary discussions, there is likely to be no difficulty in the establishment of the Pilgrimage Fund. It must be recognised that the Pilgrimage Fund serves a real need in that it ensures that prospective pilgrims will save enough money for the pilgrimage when they register for pilgrimage by air, and it discourages the practice of selling or mortgaging property to raise money for pilgrimage. The Member will be pleased to know that the arrangement for pilgrimage through the establishment of Tabong Haji or the Pilgrimage Fund will include-the provision of welfare and health facilities for pilgrims during their sojourn in Mecca, Medina and Jeddah.”
“Sir, the Central Complaints Bureau receives various kinds of complaints by telephone, through correspondence, or in person. All the complaints are classified as follows: (a) Discourtesy - rudeness in speech, discourteous in manner, including disrespect by using force; (b) Misconduct; (c) Petty bureaucracy or red tape; (d) Unnecessary delay of service; of course, a certain delay may be unavoidable; (e) Discrimination of service; (f) Illegal acts of any person, including any member of the public; (g) Protest for sympathetic consideration from the Government; and (h) Private disputes. The complaints are sorted out by tactful and proper representation of each case through the competent authority to ensure that appropriate departmental, disciplinary or enforcement action is taken. Otherwise a remedy or a realistic solution is always suggested. Normally, complainants are informed of the result of the investigation. I think it is interesting to note that the results of the 775 cases dealt with by the Bureau in 1971 are as follows Dismissal - two cases; Warning - 27 cases; Insufficient evidence for further proceedings - 153 cases; Misconception of facts - 12 cases; Unsubstantiated complaints - 147 cases; Pending investigation - 35 cases; Remedial action - 399 cases. The Bureau has to operate like a watchdog organisation to ensure that the services provided by the various Government departments and their staff ore both efficient as well as courteous. Therefore, constant observation of duty has to be performed, even in the absence of any specific complaint being made.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, what is $5? There are many Father Christmases in his constituency. Once I allow the free use of a football field in his constituency, many other Members of Parliament will make the same request. As I have said, should he find difficulty in paying the $5, he can come and see me.”
“I am afraid I cannot allow the use of the football field in Sembawang without any charge, because there is always the question of maintenance. However, if the Member for Sembawang still thinks that he cannot afford to pay the $5, he can always approach me and I will consider his request.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to assure the Member for Telok Blangah that my Ministry attaches the highest priority to the provision of a permanent Grand Prix circuit in Singapore. However, the choice of a proper site and its availability in the context of the general shortage of land for development purposes, besides the heavy financial investment, are relevant considerations which have delayed our decision to go ahead with the project. It is still under very active consideration by a committee with representations from the Ministry of National Development, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Social Affairs, working in close consultation with officials of the Singapore Motor Club. I hope they will be able to finalise their investigations and come to a definite conclusion in the not too distant future. It is invidious to encourage motor racing in general, as the Member has said, and the annual Grand Prix in particular, without having a permanent circuit, but it must be seen within competing alternatives and priorities for land and money. I am personally confident that we will be able to resolve this problem. As to the query raised by the Member for Sembawang, the Sembawang football field is one of the facilities recently handed over to us by the British Forces. The rental has been fixed at $5 per session, and this is the normal payment far half a day. This means that for such payment each side can play football for half a day if they want to. As the Member has said in other places, for instance at Farrer Park, the charge for the use of a football field is only $2 per match. The fields in Farrer Park are heavily utilised and there can be two or three matches on the field in one day.”
“Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Law and National Development when work will commence to make up (i) Lorong Kasemek; (ii) Jalan Tanjong Trau; (iU) Kampong Wak Hassan off 14 m.s. Sembawang Road; (iv) Jalan Inggu; and (v) Jalan Ketuka, to kampong standard.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Fitrah collection from 1969 to 1971 showed a slight decrease. This was mainly due to a reduction in collections from certain groups of Muslims. For example, a number of Muslim civilian workers were affected by the closure of British bases in Singapore, and numerous Malaysian army personnel also left Singapore, resulting in a reduction of Fitrah collections. This is shown in the following statistics: Centres. 1970 1971 Difference Masjid Tentera $ 4,882.80 $ 1,069.20 $ 3,813.60 K.D. Malaya 3,860.40 1,458.00 2,402.40 Masjid Naval Base 2,949.60 1,713.60 1,236.00 JALAN UBI (Making up of portion between Pan Island Expressway and Airport Road) 2. Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi asked the Minister for Law and National Development if the portion of ialan libi between the Pan Island Expressway and Airport Road will also be made up. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Law and National Development (Mr Ho Cheng Choon) (for the Minister for Law and National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, comprehensive development plans are now being prepared by the Housing and Development Board to develop the area around that section of Jalan Ubi between the Pan Island Expressway and Airport Road. As the planning is still in the preliminary stage, it is too early to say whether or not this section of Jalan Ubi will be made up. Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff(In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, when can the plan be expected to he completed? Mr Ho Cheng Choon: The plan will be ready very soon. The Member can be rest assured that he will be supplied with a copy when it is finalised. SEMBAWANG MALAY SETTLEMENT (Making up of Kampong roads) 3.”
“Ariff Bin Suradi asked the Minister for Law and National Development why the small portion at the end of Jalan Yasin, where it meets Lorong Sarina, was left out when Jalan Yasin was made up under section 19 of the Local Government Integration Act. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Law and National Development (National Development Division) (Mr Ho Cheng Choon) (for the Minister for Law and National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, the land between Jalan Yasin and Lorong Sarina is private property and not a road-reserve. When Jalan Yasin was made up, this portion was left out because it would have cost the frontager at Jalan Yasin an additional expenditure of $20,000. As the residents along these two roads already have access to either Changi Road or Jalan Eunos, the additional expenditure was considered not justified. The owner of this portion of Jalan Yasin will be required to make it up when he develops his land. MINOR OFFENCES ACT (Prosecutions) 9. Mr J. F. Conceicao asked the Minister for Home Affairs what was the number of prosecutions during the period 1st January, 1969, to 31st December, 1971, under each of the following sections of the Minor Offences Act: - (i) section 12 (1) (f) - [Spitting]; (ii) section 14 (g) - [Beating of drums, etc, and blowing of horns, etc.]; (iii) section 14 (h) - [Operation of Gramophones, loudspeakers, etc., at night]; and (iv) section 14 (i) - [Operation of Gramophones and loudspeakers in public places].”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there are already adequate creche facilities, including a children's centre, in the Tiong Bahru and Kampong Tiong Bahru areas, which are, in fact, within the distance of approximately a mile of each other. There is no plan to resite the creche at Moh Guan Terrace because it is rendering a valuable service to working mothers in the Tiong Bahru area as well as Kampong Tiong Bahru. This creche has a capacity of 40 children, and its average daily attendance is 30. If this creche at Mob Guan Terrace has to be moved elsewhere, especially out of Tiong Bahru itself, I am sure the Member for Tiong Bahru will agree with me that the many working mothers in Tiong Bahru will be greatly inconvenienced by being deprived of the necessary creche facilities. While it is appreciated that some of the residents in Kampong Tiong Bahru may require the facilities of a creche, there already exists in the nearby Bukit Ho Swee estate a Government creche run by the Social Welfare Department. The Bukit Ho Swee creche, which has a capacity of 120 children, has at the moment, an average daily attendance of approximately one-half its total capacity. As this creche is in close proximity to Kampong Tiong Bahru, there should be no difficulty for any resident of Kampong Tiong Bahru estate to avail herself of the services of the Bukit Ho Swee creche. In fact, there are already 20 children from Kampong Tiong Bahru attending this creche daily. And since there are still many places in this creche for the children of Kampong Tiong Bahru, there is no plan at the moment to build another creche in Kampong Tiong Bahru. JALAN YASIN/LORONG SARINA (Road surfacing) 8. Tuan Haji Mohd.”
“Sir, I beg to move, In page 7, at the end, to add - "In the case of adoption by a single adopter, whether adopter wishes his or her name to appear as adoptive father or adoptive mother on the child's new birth certificate ". Sir, my reasons for this amendment are the same as those explained to you when I moved the amendment to clause 5. Amendment agreed to. Clause 7, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Bill reported with amendments; read a Third time and passed. TOURIST PROMOTION BOARD (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 6.33 p.m.”
“Sir, I beg to move, In page 4, after line 25, to insert - "(j) in the case of adoption by a single adopter, whether the adoptive parent wishes that the words "adoptive father" or "adoptive mother" as the case may require, appear on the face of any certified copy of the entry of birth of the child issued after the birth has been registered under this section:". Sir, the reasons for this amendment are as follows: (1) It is desirable to have a special provision to protect a single adopter from any possible embarrassment which may be caused by the issue of a birth certificate to the adopted child showing only one parent's name when the new form of birth certificate comes into use. Otherwise, a child adopted by a single adopter (particularly a female person) may appear to be illegitimate. (2) Originally it was intended to give, on the request of the single adopter, a letter showing some essential details of the adoption. However, on further consideration, it was felt that it would be more expedient to make a special provision in the Bill. Amendment agreed to.”