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 6 of 11.
“The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. -[Inche Othman Bin Wok]. Bill considered in Committee. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 6.27 p.m. Clause 1 -”
“Since section 6 of the Adoption of Children Act has accorded the status of a natural child to the adopted child, it seems, therefore, a logical step to amend the present legislation to provide for registration of adoption and the issue of an ordinary birth certificate to the adopted child, thus enabling his complete integration into the adoptive family. Clause S of the Bill repeals section 11 of the principal Act and re-enacts a new section which deals fully with the whole process of registration of legal adoption to enable all adopted children to have a birth certificate which is similar in all respects to that of a child who has not been adopted. It also ensures that all adoption records maintained by the Registrar of Births and Deaths are treated as confidential matters, and access to them is only possible under a court order. Unless reference is made to these records, it will not be possible to know from the new form of birth certificate whether or not its holder is an adopted child. The amendment also provides for retrospective issue of such certificates to adopted children upon application made by the adoptive parents when the legislation becomes operative. This new section 11 relating to the issue of a new birth certificate is modelled on similar legislation which was first introduced in New Zealand in 1915. It is confirmed that, besides New Zealand, the following countries also have similar provisions in regard to registration of adoption and the issue of a new birth certificate to adopted children: Canada, France, Switzerland, Argentina, Bolivia, Denmark, U.S.S.R., and U.S.A. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House.”
“Many children presently under the care of social welfare homes and other voluntary institutions could have been adopted and brought up in a happier and more secure home atmosphere, if not for the non-availability or wilful withholding of parental consent. The citizenship status of the adopted infant is not spelt out in the Act. Because of this, many people are under the impression that legal adoption automatically awards citizenship of the adoptive parents to the adopted infant. Amendment to section 6 of the principal Act seeks to clarify the position that adoption does not affect the nationality or citizenship of the adopted infant. This amendment will bring the Act in line with the local citizenship law under which even a natural child of a Singapore citizen parent, born outside the Republic, does not automatically assume-the citizenship of his parents. The present practice of issuing an extract from the Register of Adopted Children for all adopted infants is unsatisfactory and has caused much embarrassment and unhappiness to both the adoptive parents and the adopted children. Many adoptive parents have found it most difficult to explain to the adopted child why his "birth certificate" is different from his other siblings. The adopted child himself has also suffered countless ridicules from his fellow school-mates on account of his being known as an adopted child, having no natural parents. Mr Speaker, Sir, if you will recollect, this has been the -common subject of complaints of many adopted parents, made in writing to both the Government and the local press.”
“The proposed new proviso to subsection (I) of section 3 will enable the Court to allow a person, who is not within the prohibited degrees of consanguinity and less than 21 years older than the infant, to adopt such an infant if exceptional circumstances merit such an adoption, particularly in cases where the infant is a female, and the person debarred from adopting the infant in a joint petition is the female petitioner. The proposed amendment to subsection (3) of section 3 spells out in detail the various grounds for the dispensation of the natural parents' consent in the interest and welfare of the child to be adopted. The existing provision does not elaborate sufficiently the circumstances where the Court may dispense with the consent of the natural parents. The present provision has sometimes given rise to difficulties in interpretation, and because of the generality of this proviso, the Courts have on occasions been reluctant to dispense with the consent even when the circumstances warranted it. Moreover, there is at present no provision for dispensation of consent when a parent has persistently ill-treated the infant, or has failed to exercise normal parental duties, or has placed the infant in the care of the Social Welfare Department and has shown little or no interest in the welfare of the infant except perhaps a rare visit once in a long while. Dispensation of consent under such circumstances is considered justifiable - and in the interest of such children, who-would otherwise be deprived of a chance to be adopted by suitable families who can offer them good homes.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The purpose of this Bill is to introduce a number of amendments to the Adoption of Children Act, 1970. The existing provisions under section 3 of the Act are considered to be too restrictive in that they do not allow the making of an adoption order in certain cases where there are exceptional circumstances meriting a legal adoption. The amendments to the first and second provisos to subsection (1) of section 3 of the principal Act and the addition of a third proviso is to enable an applicant under 25 years of age or less than 21 years older than the infant (or both) to adopt an infant who is within the prohibited degrees of consanguinity and in other exceptional circumstances. Under the existing law, a parent under 25 years of age cannot adopt his or her own child, particularly where the infant concerned is an illegitimate issue, and the parent subsequently marries and desires to adopt the child jointly with his or her spouse. The same restriction also applies to the adoption of an orphan by an uncle or an aunt who is less than 25 years of age. The proposed amendment to remove the above restriction will not only apply to cases involving illegitimate children but will also apply to cases involving legitimate children, for example, a young widow under the age of 25 years remarries and desires her child by the deceased husband to be recognised not only as her own but also as that of her present spouse, through the process of legal adoption. In all these instances, it is felt that a waiting period may cause humiliation and embarrassment to the parties concerned, particularly where the infant is an illegitimate issue.”
“Sir, consideration is being given to revise upward the existing rates of financial assistance under the Public Assistance Scheme. Proposals have already been submitted to and are now being studied by the Ministry of Finance. Until a final decision is made, the Member for Tiong Bahru will appreciate that it is not appropriate at this stage to disclose what the proposals are. PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS AT UPPER PAYA LEBAR ROAD (Commencement and completion dates of construction) 7. Mr Tay Boon Too asked the Minister for Law and National Development if tenders for the construction of the two pedestrian crossings at Upper Paya Lebar Road have been awarded, and when the construction is expected to commence and to be completed.”
“I hope every Member of Parliament will encourage all sports organisations in their constituencies to participate in these competitions. On the question of a sports fund, clause 15 of the National Stadium Corporation Bill provides that the Corporation will actively promote fund raising. On the question of capable coaches, here again the N.S.P.B, has always been looking into it. We have brought in one or two capable coaches from overseas to train our sportsmen and sportswomen. On the point raised by the Member for Mountbatten as to the amount of fees to be paid to Professor Tange for the second phase of the Sports Complex, I am afraid I cannot tell the Member offhand. But I will find out about this and will inform the Member if he wishes to know. As to the question why local architects are not given the chance to build the two covered stadium, this is because we would like to have something special for the Sports Complex and we thought that Professor Tange is the best man who could plan for us the two covered stadia inside the Sports complex. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill.-[Inche Othman Wok]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 6.50 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, on the two points raised by the Member for Tiong Bahru - one deals with financial aid from the Government. I would like to assure him in particular and other Members of this House who are interested in sports that they need not worry about sports and financial aid from the Government. In fact, the Government has gone into sports activities one hundred per cent. This Bill provides for the National Stadium Corporation to approach the Government for loans if it is necessary to help the Corporation financially. On the second question of safety precautions raised by the Member, this has always been borne in mind not only by the National Stadium Corporation but also by the National Sports Promotion Board. And we are looking into this very actively and Members can be assured that precautionary measures will be taken for the safety of sportsmen and sportswomen and also for the spectators in the sports complex. The Member for Sembawang raised two points - to raise the standard of sports and to popularise sports among the masses. On the question of raising the standard of sports, this has been going on for the last three or four years. We are always looking into or trying our best to raise the standard of sports in Singapore. In fact, when I answered a Question of one Member earlier, I said that the Singapore Badminton Association has already a scheme by which the standard of badminton is going to be improved. Many other sports organisations will be doing likewise. So the Member need not worry about this. On the popularisation of sports among the masses, sports activities will be carried out at constituency level next year. We are promoting inter-constituency sports competitions. If I am not mistaken, we will start with football and sepak takraw.”
“The Minister is also empowered to appoint an auditor to audit the Corporation's accounts and the auditor is required to submit a report of his audit to the Corporation as well as to the Minister. The Bill also allows the Minister to give directions to the Corporation as to its functions as he thinks fit and he may also empower the Corporation to make regulations. The Corporation is exempted from the payment of stamp duty and income tax and gifts to the fund are exempted from income tax. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 6.31 p.m.”
“The monies required for their realisation will, in the first instance, be obtained from grants made by Singapore Pools (Private) Limited from their annual profits. However, if and when this source of financing is not adequate, it will be possible for the Corporation to obtain loans on a long-term and low-interest basis from the Government. The Bill provides for the Minister to appoint eight persons to form the Corporation. They will be assisted in their day-to-day operations by an executive staff. The members of the Corporation will be required to prepare and execute proposals for the construction and management of the main stadium and other stadium and sports facilities in the Kallang Sports Complex. In furtherance of this objective, the Bill provides for the Corporation to enter into contracts, raise funds, receive donations and contributions and other forms of aid from all lawful sources, and to borrow money either from the Government or other sources approved by the Minister. The Bill also provides for the establishment of a National Stadium Fund which will consist of the subventions, donations, loans, grants and contributions mentioned above, and limits the disbursement of such monies solely for the purpose of making payments in or in connection with the performance of its functions, powers and duties. The Corporation is also required to submit to the Minister for consideration and approval an annual budget containing estimates of its income and expenditure for the ensuing financial year. The approved budget will have to be published in the Gazette and the Corporation will be bound by it. By 31st October of each year, the Corporation is also required to submit a statement of accounts to the Minister.”
“In the third phase will be the development of facilities in the vicinity for multi-storeyed car parks and a mass transportation system to provide for easier and quicker access to the complex from other parts of Singapore. The main stadium will also provide for reception and refreshment areas, especially shopping arcades, offices for sports organisations, accommodation for centralised training and indoor sports facilities like mini golf, driving ranges, etc. It was originally intended that the National Sports Promotion Board would also be responsible for the Kallang Sports Complex. However, since the Board will be preoccupied with its many and varied functions to actually promote and develop sports standards and popularity in Singapore, it is now considered that the Sports Complex at Kallang should be separately and efficiently managed, as far as possible, as an economically viable concept. It is, however, essential to ensure that not only are the stadium and related facilities utilised, but also that they will fully help in the promotion of sports. There will, therefore, be necessity for correlation and co-ordination of the policies of the National Sports Promotion Board and the proposed National Sports Corporation to see that, as far as possible, they complement each other in the best interests of sports promotion in Singapore. In fact, it is the intention to provide that a member of the National Sports Promotion Board will serve on the Board of Management of the proposed National Stadium Corporation. The National Stadium Corporation will look after all the facilities in the National Sports Complex at Kallang.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The National Sports Complex at Kallang at present under construction, when completed, will provide comprehensive facilities for a variety of requirements of international games with sophistication and standards required of the Olympics. Situated in a general recreational area in the heart of the city and adjacent to the sea, the complex will provide for a main open-air stadium for track and field events which will, in the first instance, accommodate 50,000 with provision for extension up to 100,000 spectators, two covered stadium for indoor sports, with one for 8,000 and the other for 4,000 spectators, swimming pools and tennis courts. The idea of the complex was first mooted in 1964, but the actual construction started only in 1968. The main stadium will be completed towards the end of 1972 and will constitute the first phase. The other features of the complex will be the second phase, preliminary work on which has begun. The design and construction of the first phase has been done entirely by the Public Works Department in Singapore and a Singapore contractor. The second phase is being undertaken by Messrs Kenzo Tange and Urtec, headed by the world-renowned architect and planner, Professor Tange. The whole complex is expected to be completed by early 1975. The complex is located on State land. Constructional costs are expected to be in the region of S$60 million. The main and covered stadium, essentially catering for sports, will be multipurpose. The main stadium is also planned to be used for parades, rallies and concerts. The covered stadium will also be used for exhibitions, forums, etc., besides a variety of indoor sports requirements.”
“Investigation revealed that in most cases failure to pay was due to poor financial circumstances. A few claimed preference to pay during the last three days of Ramadan but fell ill and were accordingly unable to comply with the law; some removed to new addresses and inquiries with the National Registration Office confirmed they had not reported changes of addresses. Yet a few others turned up later to make late payments. The figure of 649 represents only a small fraction of defaulters the Majlis Ugama Islam have managed to act on. However, the Majlis are now trying to compile a register of Muslims in Singapore, the completion of which would assist them greatly in tracking those who have failed to make Fitrah payments. LAND ACQUISITION PLANS FOR EASTERN SIDE OF JALAN EUNOS 10. Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether there are plans to acquire land on the eastern side of Jalan Eunos in the Kampong Kembangan Constituency for extensions of the Pan Island Expressway and Jalan Nanas or for any other purposes.”
“Inche Rahmat Bin Kenap Al-Haj asked the Minister for Social Affairs (a) who are the people classified as "Fakir Miskin" who are entitled to receive assistance from the "Fitrah" collected by the Majlis Ugama Islam; (b) how many Muslims are given this assistance and of these how many are also receiving Social Welfare assistance; and (c) what action has been taken against Muslims who have not paid their "Fitrah" last year and how many are involved. Inche Othman Bin Wok: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Geylang Serai is aware that the exercise of Fitrah is a requirement in the tenets of Islam and is now a common feature in many countries with Muslims. The disbursement of Fitrah is governed by Muslim law which specifically provides for the definition and qualification for the Fakirs and the Miskins who generally may be said to be the deserving and the very deserving of the Muslims for collective financial assistance by Muslims as a whole towards the end of Ramadan, the month of the fast. The basis for this in Singapore is determined by the Majlis Ugama Islam who are also responsible for the collection and distribution of Fitrah. The Majlis Ugama Islam applies a means test on applicants who claim to be either Fakir or Miskin. They are registered yearly with details of their incomes before payments are made. In 1970, $73,912 was paid out from the Fitrah Account to 18,478 Muslims classified as Fakir or Miskin. They were each given $4.00. It is not possible to ascertain how many of the 18,478 Muslims who are classified in this category are also on public assistance. In 1970 also, a total of 649 Muslims were reported by the Amils as having defaulted in the payment of Fitrah. Letters were sent out requesting them to call for an interview.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Singapore National Olympics Council has a sub-committee working on several three-year "training and `coaching" plans submitted by its affiliates. All sports organisations have been advised to place special emphasis on the progressive training of their particular branch of sports in order to raise their proficiency to international standards. At the moment, there is already a scheme for Badminton promotion involving seven different training centres based on the three-year programme with the aim of creating a substantial corps of Badminton players of a reasonably high standard to be considered for the national team. These centres provide training for the youths in schools as well as those who are members of sports organisations and the community centres. The National Sports Promotion Board is represented on the sub-committee responsible for "training and coaching" and is giving every assistance to ensure the success of the plans put up by the various sports controlling bodies. Hand in hand with the training given to participants of the various sports, this sub-committee is also planning a scheme to train coaches as well. The training envisaged for these coaches will be conducted both locally and overseas. In addition to the training schemes which have been mentioned, the various sports organisations are encouraged to hold regular competitions locally and to send their best talents to compete in regional and international sports meets to enable them to gain international experience. I feel confident, Sir, that the standards of sports in Singapore will reach new heights in the near future. "FAKIR MISKIN" AND "FITRAH" (Particulars) 9.”
“Sir, should a girl during her stay in the Mount Emily Girls' Home express a desire to continue with her studies, every attempt is made to help her by giving her a transfer to the Mary mount Vocational Centre where she can resume her studies and prepare herself for the School Certificate. Financial help is also given to her if, after obtaining the School Certificate. she expresses a keen desire to go for higher studies. GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS (24-hour visit system in children's wards) 4. Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Health if he is considering implementing a 24-hour visit system in children's wards in all Government hospitals, as this would permit parents to assist in looking after their children: and whether it is possible to provide beds for visitors who stay overnight.”
“Sir, this is becoming more interesting! Immediately after a girl is brought to the Mount Emily Girls' Home following an anti-vice raid, she is sent to the reception centre in the Home itself. She remains there, away from contact with the other girls in the Home, until she is medically cleared of infectious disease. Once cleared, she is either discharged if there are no grounds for detention, or sent to the main Home for training and rehabilitation. And during her stay in the Home, every attempt is made to keep her in frequent contact with members of her family. Weekend visits by members of the family are also allowed in most cases.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the 64 girls referred to were discharged for the following reasons: (1) being above the age of 21 years, they are, therefore, not liable for detention; (2) being almost 21 years of age at the time of rescue, their detention in the Home would have achieved very little purpose; (3) being lawfully married persons, they are, therefore, not liable for detention; (4) being Malaysian citizens or residents. or illegal immigrants from Thailand or Indonesia: as far as possible, their early repatriation was arranged with the help of the Immigration Department; (5) insufficient or no evidence available regarding their involvement in immoral activities.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, the Mount Emily Girls' Home is tile only Home run by the Social Welfare Department for the reception and training of juvenile prostitutes up to the age of 21 years. During the period from 1st July. 1970 to 30th June. 1971, a total of 84 girls were rescued by the Police during anti-vice raids and referred to the Social Welfare Department for inquiry under the provisions of Part X of the Women's Charter. After inquiry 64 of the girls were discharged for various reasons and the remaining 20 girls were committed to the Mount Emily Girls' Home for protection and rehabilitation. Under the law, a girl may be detained until she attains the age of 21 years or marries, whichever is the earlier. However, the length of detention depends largely on the circumstances of each case. In the majority of cases, the period of stay in the Mount Emily Girls' Home is between 1½ and 2½ years. The training provided for the girls at the Home includes courses in laundry-work, cooking, cake-making, food-catering, sewing and dress-making hygiene, civics, ethics and morality. The Department has also just introduced advanced, courses in cooking and dress-making. New courses on ladies' hair-dressing and beautician courses leading to the diploma level are also being introduced The sole purpose of these new advanced courses is to enable the residents of the Home to earn a stable and decent living upon their discharge from the Home.”
“The reply to your question above is as follows: I appreciate the concern of the Member on the lack of swimming pools in the outlying areas in general and especially in the rural central districts, comprising the areas mentioned by him. However, swimming pools and recreational facilities are expensive propositions and there must be a proven demand and full utilisation of them to justify construction of new facilities. In view of the takeover of sports facilities, including swimming pools from the British Services on their withdrawal and until such time as their future usage can be determined, it is not desirable to consider provision of new swimming pools and recreational areas. It is, however, hoped that some of the pools at Changi, and the Naval Base could be made available for public use, including school children in the rural districts.”
“Sir, a special committee, comprising representatives from the Motor Sports Club and Government Ministries and departments concerned, was set up some time ago to look into the matter. This committee has considered various alternative requirements and sites, and a comprehensive and commendable report was submitted to the Government. The proposal is to establish in a scenic and good location away from residential areas a multi-purpose circuit which can be fully utilised. It will also serve as a social amenity and tourist attraction. The acceptance of the recommendation, which must at this stage be confidential, will depend on land availability, finance and the utility and viability of the circuit. I appreciate very much the concern of the Member about the lack of a permanent Grand Prix circuit, and I would like to assure him that my Ministry will do all that is possible to bring one about as soon as possible.”
“It is not so, Sir. I have said that the $200,000 which was spent last year would be enough for the financial year 1971-72. I have stressed that if there are insufficient funds, we will ask for a virement. This argument can go on forever, Sir.”
“Sir, we did insist on the original provision, but if the Ministry of Finance said that that was the amount that they could give, there was nothing else that I could do. However, they did indicate that should there be insufficient funds, we could ask for more.”
“The Ministry did request a standstill provision of $200,000 for the ensuing financial year. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Finance made a provision of only $170,000. However, at the same time, it indicated that if the vote proved insufficient during the course of the financial year, a virement would be considered.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, this is really simple economics! The provision -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there is no problem at all in the sale of goods produced by the Prison Industries. I agree with the Member for Changi that the goods are of good quality. At the moment, we have a showroom in Changi in the precinct of the Prisons, which I am told is very well patronised. At present the goods are also displayed at the showroom of the Singapore Council of Social Service at Penang Lane. This provides an additional sales outlet for the goods produced by the Prison Industries, So there is no need for another sales centre, as the showroom at Penang Lane is big enough to display the products. For the information of the House -if you will allow me to take a little more time, Sir - the gross income derived by the Prison Industries over the last three years is: 1968 $759,000 1969 $811,000 1970 $904,000 We can see that the income is increasing every year, and this is a good sign.”
“Sir, usually copies of these reports are sent direct by the Government Printer to the various Government departments. Anyway, I will inquire whether or not copies of the 1968 and 1969 Reports have been sent to the Library of Parliament.”
“The collective agreement that was effective on 9th May, 1961, was extended until 1969 when it was renegotiated. In 1969 it became effective as a special allowance on the 1st January, 1971. The last point that the Member raised concerns the possibility of reviewing the emoluments of the staff of the Fire Brigade Department. This is being done, and it is hoped that the review will be completed in the near future. 6.30 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, with reference to the question put up by the Member for Jalan Kayu, I remember that at the last budget session he raised the question of the late publication of the Fire Brigade Annual Reports, and I said that I would look into it. For the information of the House, the 1968 and 1969 Annual Reports were published in January 1970 and July 1970 respectively. I am also pleased to inform Members of the House that the 1970 Annual Report has been completed in draft form and will be published shortly. I hope the answer is satisfactory to the Member for Jalan Kayu. On the point raised by the Member for Telok Blangah, there is no question at all of a decrease in the personal emoluments of the Fire Brigade. In fact, there has been some reorganisation and expansion and the provision of more senior staff to meet the needs of industry and fire prevention. Although we have some vacancies in the various categories of officers and firemen, this is not due to the poor conditions of work or salary, but because the private sector offers better emoluments. We find very few people who are interested in joining the Singapore Fire Brigade. As regards the variable allowances given to the members of the Fire Brigade some years ago, it is true that the provision for 1971-72 is much less, for the simple reason that many staff members opt to accept the new consolidated salary scales. Variable allowance, of course, is not available to personnel who accept the new consolidated salary scale. As for the special allowance, this is in lieu of the ration allowance. Those who joined the Fire Brigade up to the rank of Section Leader before 9th May, 1961, are eligible for the special allowance.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I will certainly look into the adverse conditions in the passage leading to the court and administrative offices where some of the public officers are put. However, I wish to inform the House that they will soon be moved to the Ministry building itself when part of the Legal Aid Bureau is moved to our office block at Havelock Road. There is ample space for every one of them in the new place in the Ministry building. They can work much better under these new conditions than they can now.”
“I will certainly do so if my colleague, the Minister for Finance, will give me the money.”
“On the question of the arrogance of the staff, this is another reason why as I have said, the Central Complaints Bureau is still essential. In general, very few people appreciate the difficulties and handicaps which the staff of the Legal Aid Bureau have to face. This can only be appreciated by spending some time in the Legal Aid Bureau. I hope that one of these days the Member for Sembawang will visit the Bureau and see for himself the difficulties that are being faced by the officials. I have not received any complaints of my staff being arrogant. On the contrary, I have had praise for their work in the Bureau. Should there be any such cases, I hope the Member for Sembawang will bring them to my notice and I will surely get an investigation instituted and take the necessary action if it is proved that the officer is arrogant. I have already explained the procedure in the Legal Aid Bureau. There are four reasons why some of the cases are delayed. I do not think I need add anything further to that.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, the Member has raised three points. First, on the question of delay, let me inform the House that since its inception in 1955, the Legal Aid Bureau has dealt with about 31,000 cases. There are about 3,000 files in circulation at the moment which are being attended to by five legal officers. Thousands of files which have since been classified as closed were settled within six months and some of them between six months and two years. The period of settlement in each case depends on the type of the problem and its complexity. If proceedings are instituted, it is out of the hands of the Bureau and there may be delay in the fixing of the date of hearing by the courts. This is one of the reasons for the delay. So far we have not received many complaints about this. There may have been a few complaints in delay but this is easily explained and they are due to a variety of reasons. First, the applicant's inability to supply the Bureau with the necessary information. Second, delay on the part of the opposing party in replying to our letters in spite of reminders. In cases of accident claims, we have to wait for police and medical reports. Lastly, all matters which are contentious must be brought before the Legal Aid Board either for approval or refusal, depending on whether the applicant has reasonable grounds for being a party to a civil proceeding. In all such cases, an opinion must be returned by the legal officer in charge for the consideration of the Board which convenes once in six weeks or so. It is difficult to please everyone, Sir, but it can be simply said that the officers of the Bureau have always endeavoured and will endeavour to assist applicants as best they can.”
“Sir, I think it is still necessary to have the Central Complaints Bureau. It operates as a central agency for members of the public to make complaints so that any discourtesy, delay of service, or petty bureaucracy in the Government service can be eradicated or kept under control. These facilities should be made accessible to any member of the public, in addition to any protests or complaints made to Members of Parliament. The Central Complaints Bureau is not competing with Members, but is just an additional means of helping the public. Sir, in 1970 alone the Bureau attended to 794 cases as compared with 654 in 1969. The staff of the Bureau rendered services to 28,103 members of the public in 1970, when they wanted to know about the locations and functions of the various departments in the vicinity of Empress Place and elsewhere. 5.45 p.m. As an example of the investigations and action taken by the Central Complaints Bureau, out of 794 complaints received in 1970, only 19 cases could be attributed to rudeness or discourtesy. As a result of this, the following action was taken: dismissal of officers, one case; disciplinary action taken, five cases; retirement due to disciplinary action, two cases; resignation before investigation - the officers were a bit afraid - two cases; warning by the department, eight cases; insufficient evidence, 27 cases. There were 65 cases of complaints which were not substantiated. With due respect to Members, this Bureau is still necessary and it has not outlived its usefulness.”
“Sir, as I have said at the beginning of my answer, this comes under the portfolio of my colleague, the Minister for Labour. Perhaps he can explain to the Member.”
“In answer to the last part of the question, Sir, it is not possible to say at this stage whether the Government will consider introducing legislation to provide for the compulsory employment of physically handicapped persons who have received the appropriate training. Once we know the extent of this problem, and if it is found that, on a voluntary basis, it cannot be resolved, legislation may be considered, as has been introduced in many countries. It is hoped, however, that even without compulsion employers will themselves offer employment opportunities to the less fortunate among us.”
“The Social Welfare Department has set up a Rehabilitation Unit to liaise with the voluntary organisations, to help in the compilation of such statistics, and to consider the need for expanding existing training facilities. The unit is in the process of compiling a central register of handicapped persons in order to obtain relevant data for planning purposes. The Rehabilitation Unit of the Social Welfare Department is presently exploring ways and means by which physically handicapped persons could be rehabilitated. Every encouragement and assistance is being given by the Department to voluntary organisations to enable them to expand their training facilities. In 1970, a sum of $622,057 was expended in assisting voluntary welfare organisations. This sum comprised $341,457 in the form of grants and $280,600 in the form of salaries for 32 teachers and nine instructors in voluntary institutions catering for handicapped groups. The unit is also introducing an employment placement service for physically handicapped persons. As to the second part of the question, Mr Speaker, Sir, a number of Government departments and voluntary welfare organisations are doing whatever they can to help physically handicapped persons find suitable employment. However, their efforts in this direction have not been altogether successful. There are a number of reasons for this, one of which is the prejudice among many employers who, for one reason or other, are reluctant to employ physically handicapped persons. In the course of the next few months I hope to make a series of visits to factories with a view to seeing what opportunities exist and what could further be done to secure employment for handicapped persons in industries.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government has a scheme to assist persons who become disabled through accident or disease. This scheme, which is administered by the Ministry of Labour, provides training for disabled persons in order to enable them to regain their economic independence. Training is normally given for a period of six months initially, and this may be extended for a further three months. A monthly subsistence allowance of $30 to $50 is payable to each trainee. Tuition fees and cost of materials are provided, where necessary. In 1970, 31 disabled persons benefited from this scheme. Many voluntary organisations are engaged in welfare work among the physically handicapped groups, such as the blind, the deaf, the spastic, the paraplegics, and so on. The services they provide are mainly educational, although some of these organisations also have vocational training facilities for those physically handicapped persons who are in the employable age group. These organisations run training centres and sheltered workshops. However, these training centres and workshops are still in the process of development and consequently the number of physically handicapped persons they can cope with is limited. In 1970, approximately 950 physically handicapped children and 100 adults received special education and training at some 15 schools, training centres and sheltered workshops. The voluntary organisations are doing a good job in this field. It is difficult to say whether the existing training facilities are adequate or otherwise, as statistics are still being compiled on the number of physically handicapped persons who require such training.”
“In such cases every attempt is made by the probation officer to secure the probationer's connection with youth clubs and generally in useful pre-occupations. PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS (Training and employment) 3. Mr J. F. Conceicao asked the Minister for Social Affairs (a) whether adequate facilities exist for physically handicapped persons to receive such training as will fit them for some type of employment; (b) what help is given to such persons towards obtaining employment; and (c) if he will consider introducing the necessary legislation to provide employment opportunities for physically handicapped persons who have received appropriate training.”
“For the women and girls, the two main types of work found for them are domestic help and factory operatives. Other types of work found for them include seamstresses, clinic assistants, building labourers, eating-stall assistants, clerks, police trainees, telephone operatives, petrol kiosk attendants, hotel and cafe waitresses, salesgirls, book-binders, etc. For the destitute adults, our officers have encountered difficulties in placing them in employment because of their poor physical and mental condition. Many of them are also quite indifferent or unwilling to work, and the Social Welfare Department is doing everything possible to motivate them and to get them accustomed to work by organising them into work squads. With regard to the second part of the question on the employment of those under probation, the care and supervision of juvenile and adult offenders placed on probation are the statutory responsibilities of the Probation and Aftercare Department of my Ministry. The Probation of Offenders Ordinance provides the Courts with an alternative method of dealing with offenders who might otherwise have to be committed to a corrective or penal institution. This method involves the conditional suspension of punishment while the offender is released under the care and supervision of a probation officer. The probation system has over the years proved to be an effective method of rehabilitating selected offenders of both sexes and of all age groups. I am happy to say that at any one time at least 80 per cent of the adult probationers are gainfully employed. In respect of the employment of juvenile probationers, the employment rate is very much lower, at about 40 per cent. More often than not, the juvenile probationer is too young for employment.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, the Social Welfare Department operates 12 residential institutions. However, as the Member's question is concerned with employment, consideration need not be given to three of these institutions, namely, Perak House, the Welfare School for Boys at Keppel Road, and Woodlands Home, as the residents therein are either too young or too old for employment. Of the remaining nine institutions, one is an approved school (Gimson School) for young male offenders up to 19 years old; three (Toa Payoh Girls' Home, the Muslim Women's Welfare Home and Mount Emily Girls' Home) are approved homes and places of safety for women and girls up to 21 years old; three (Bukit Batok Boys' Hostel, Pasir Panjang Boys' Hostel and Canning Rise Girls' Hostel) are hostels for youths who have no proper home to go to after they are discharged from Social Welfare institutions or placed on probation by the Courts; and two (Bushey Park Home and Woodstock Home) are homes for destitute persons. The Social Welfare Department employs three Aftercare Officers and other ancillary staff to look after the welfare of discharged residents. During the past five years, some 611 persons discharged from Social Welfare homes were placed in gainful employment. The number of such persons who found employment has increased each year, from 96 in 1966, 101 in 1967, 112 in 1968, 146 in 1969 to 156 in 1970. For the youths and boys, the main type of work found for them is manual work, which includes casual labourers, shop assistants, hawker assistants, petrol kiosk attendants, sweepers, lorry attendants, factory operatives, etc. A few have been placed in semi-skilled jobs such as welders, greasers and motor mechanics.”
“This power can only be exercised after the Registrar of Mutual Benefit Organisations has given notice in writing to cancel the registration of a mutual benefit organisation. A new section 27B is also being introduced for the purpose of empowering the Registrar or a police officer to seize the account books, records and documents of a mutual benefit organisation at any time after the Registrar has given notice in writing to cancel the registration of the mutual benefit organisation. This is to prevent the falsification of the account books, documents and records of a mutual benefit organisation by dishonest and unscrupulous officers. Finally, section 39 (2) is being amended to increase the fine on conviction of an offence under section 39 (1) from the maximum of $100 to $200. This increase in penalty will be a greater deterrent as past experience has shown that most mutual benefit organisations do not appear to take heed of warning given by the Registrar of Mutual Benefit Organisations that court proceedings will be instituted against them knowing that the maximum fine which may be imposed is only $100. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. -[Inche Othman Wok]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. TREES AND PLANTS (PRESERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF AMENITIES) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 7.33 p.m.”
“Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The purpose of this Bill is to introduce several amendments to the Mutual Benefit Organisations Ordinance, 1960. Under the existing Ordinance, section 5 gives the Registrar power to refuse registration of a proposed mutual benefit organisation only if such organisation bears a name which is identical with another registered organisation. This section will be repealed and a new section re-enacted to empower the Registrar to refuse to register a mutual benefit organisation, inter alia, if he is of the opinion that the scheme for the benefit of its members as provided for in the rules of the organisation is undesirable and not in the interests of would-be members. Section 15 of the Ordinance, which exempts mutual benefit organisations from the Societies Ordinance, will be repealed as the Societies Act, 1966, has expressly provided for registered mutual benefit organisations to be exempted from the provisions of the said Act. A new section 22A is being introduced to enable a mutual benefit organisation to utilise its reserve funds for purposes approved by the Minister. Under the existing Ordinance, subsection (2) of section 22 allows the reserve fund of any mutual benefit organisation to be placed only in the Post Office Savings Bank, on deposit with a bank of the Malayan Exchange Bank Association in the name of the organisation, or be invested in trustee securities. This Bill also seeks to introduce a new section 27A to empower the Minister to freeze the bank accounts of a mutual benefit organisation if he is satisfied that there is a likelihood that the funds of the organisation may be misused.”
“[Mr Speaker in the Chair] STATUTE LAW REVISION BILL Order for Second Reading read.”
“The National Sports Promotion Board will have much to do and will need the active co-operation of all institutions and individuals with interest in or potential for contribution to the development of sports in Singapore. With proper schemes of research, training and programmes of regular and competitive activity organised for the various sports in Singapore and with our essentially youthful population, there is no reason why we should not see in the foreseeable future a renaissance in sports in Singapore, evidenced by increasing sports activity, matched by improving standards and performances by our sportsmen in the local and international sports scene. However, it will take some time for the Board to organise properly these requirements, and we should not expect too much too soon and be disappointed by a lack of outstanding results in the immediate future. The National Sports Promotion Board will be functional in the very near future and will be housed in the Farrer Park Sports Centre, to be known as Sports House, which will become the focal point of sports personalities and activities. The offices of the newly-formed Singapore National Olympic Sports Council and of the 36 controlling bodies of national sports will also be situated in Sports House, and the various programmes of sports activity will be considered and carried out in that environment. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the acceptance of the National Sports Promotion Board Bill. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Third time and passed. Mr Speaker: Order. I suspend this sitting now and will take the Chair again at ten minutes past Five. Sitting accordingly suspended at 4.41 p.m, until 5.10 p.m. Sitting resumed at 5.10 p.m.”
“Now that the National Sports Promotion Board is being formed, I am confident that the correct foundation has been laid for active and substantial concern for, and involvement of the public sector in, the development of sports consciousness, activity and standards in Singapore. The National Sports Promotion Board is comprehensively being provided with legislative powers to take on responsibility for the promotion and co-ordination of sports in the country. Sports is now being given proper national recognition and the Board should, with single-minded objective and devotion, promote and propagate sports. In addition to the Bill, Government accepts the importance and role of sports and the need to provide the National Sports Promotion Board with sufficient financial capacity in this regard, besides providing for all sports facilities in Singapore by transferring them to the Board by this Bill. Government also undertakes to subsidise the Board with what it now costs the Government for the maintenance of existing public sports facilities annually. It has also been agreed in principle to assist the Board to meet its recurrent expenditure, including financial grants to sports organisations, to enable them to organise proper schemes for the popularisation and promotion of standards in the various national sports. We accept the position of sports as integral to recreation and essential for leisure. We encourage sports in all their variety, as such pastime for our people helps them to occupy their time usefully as players or supporters of sports, and also accelerates our process of social integration and nation building.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Third time." Sir, as Minister responsible for the portfolio of sports, I feel that today is an auspicious one in that I have the pleasure and privilege to move the Third and final Reading of this Bill for the establishment of the National Sports Promotion Board for acceptance by the House. The Bill was first introduced by me on 11th June, 1969, and was read a Second time on 15th October, 1969, and committed to a Select Committee.. An advertisement was inserted in the local press inviting representations from interested institutions and individuals and from the public on a subject of importance. But, unfortunately, only four written representations were received, and these, too, after the closing date on 15th November, 1969. I would have wished that the press had given more publicity and constructive criticism on the Bill itself, which would have evoked more public interest and representations to the Select Committee. However, it is also possibly a sign of the inherent virtues and merits in the Bill that it has had plain sailing in its passage through Parliament, the press and the public. I was particularly impressed with the representation made by the Hon. Secretary of the Football Association of Singapore, which is published in full in the Report of the Select Committee before you. The Select Committee received oral evidence from witnesses from the Singapore Rugby Union, the Singapore Table Tennis Association, and the Singapore Olympic and Sports Council.”
“When completed, the total accommodation in this Home will be further increased to 704. I should like to mention, Sir, that these two new dormitories have been made possible through the public-spiritedness and generosity of the following: The Trustees of the Kwang Im Thong Hood Cho Temple $35,000 The Trustees of the Chen Su Lan Trust $35,000 The Singapore Blue Cross Charitable Society $6,200 The Singapore Catholic welfare Services $1,000 WIDENING OF PRINCE PHILIP AVENUE AND STREET LIGHTING IN ALEXANDRA ROAD MARKET AREA 7. Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister for Law and National Development if there are plans (i) to widen Prince Philip Avenue so that residents can park their cars on both sides of the road without impeding traffic; and (ii) to install street lights along the footpath next to the Alexandra Road Market as undesirable elements have made use of the darkness in that area to commit robberies from time to time.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the short answers to the Member's question are: (a) There are no poor aged persons awaiting admission to Bushey Park Home, Woodstock Home or Woodlands Home. This is because it is not necessary for the Social Welfare Department to maintain a waiting list of applicants for admission to its Homes, as each application received is immediately investigated and a decision made on the application, which is either approved or rejected, depending upon whether the applicant can satisfy the conditions for admission or not. (b) My Ministry has plans to expand or increase the capacity of these three Homes. I would, however, like to explain that Bushey Park Home and Woodstock Home are gazetted as Welfare Homes for male and female destitute persons respectively, and admissions to these two statutory Homes are governed by the provisions of the Destitute Persons Act, 1965. On the other hand, Woodlands Home is a non-statutory Home for aged persons of both sexes, and admissions to this Home are normally restricted to Singapore citizens who have attained the age of 60 years and have no one to care for them. They must also be free from infectious disease or mental illness and be able to move about by themselves, as the Home does not have the facilities to care for the chronic sick and non-ambulant cases. The bed capacity in Bushey Park Home was increased from 180 to 210 in 1969 and will soon be further increased to 270 with the purchase of 60 new double-decker beds for the able-bodied destitutes. The bed capacity in Woodstock Home is also being increased from 80 to 100. The bed capacity in Woodlands Home is also being increased from 500 to 568. Tenders are also being invited for the construction of two new dormitories.”
“Those admitted to this school are delinquents taken off the courts. For the other categories of boys, there are other homes which can accommodate them.”