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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“Yes. BUILDING OF MORE CRECHES 14. Madam Chan Choy Siong asked the Minister for Social Affairs whether he intends to build more creches to relieve difficulties of working women, and where those proposed creches will be located.”
“In 1967, the excess of income over expenditure was $53,016.78, and for 1968 it is $65,113.60. Is that the total amount the hon. Member wishes to know?”
“The Singapore Sports Council is still in existence. It was set up in 1966 following the success of the Festival of Sports Council in 1965 in organising the 1965 Pesta Sukan. The purpose in setting up the Sports Council was to organise subsequent Pesta Sukans and to advise the Minister on sports promotion in Singapore. On the second part of the question, Sir, in 1966, $251,341.97 was received through appeals and fund-raising events of the Singapore Sports Council. In 1967, $203,016.78 was received through donations, a film premiere, a dance and a donation draw organised by the Singapore Sports Council. In 1968, $29,582.09 was received up to 31st May, 1968. As to the last part of the question, the Singapore Sports Council has received the following donations for specific purposes: 1966 - Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica - $50,000 Football - $16,000 1967 - Table Tennis - $48,366 Volleyball - $ 3,000 Badminton - $ 2,000 Golf - $ 2,550 1968 - Badminton - $ 6,000 Golf - $ 100”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as the Singapore Council of Social Service Bill is, in your opinion, a hybrid Bill, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 64, I beg to move, That the Bill be referred to a Select Committee consisting of Mr Speaker as Chairman and seven Members to be nominated by the Committee of Selection. Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That the Bill be referred to a Select Committee consisting of Mr Speaker as Chairman and seven Members to be nominated by the Committee of Selection. RECOVERY OF POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED PREMISES (SPECIAL PROVISIONS) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 4.09 p.m.”
“Sir, first, I would like to thank all the Members who have spoken in support of the Bill. On the question raised by the Member for Serangoon Gardens, I think he has got a point there and it will receive my attention. As for the question raised by the Member for Tiong Bahru, I do not see the name of the Association of Nanyang University Graduates included in the Schedule to the Bill. However, I will certainly look into the matter. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 4.07 p.m. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time.”
“The other clauses of the Bill are of a minor nature governing the procedure of meetings of the Board, setting out subscriptions which each member organisation shall pay as subscription per year, and the dissolution of the Council only by an Act of Parliament. The provisions of this Bill have been examined in detail and agreed to by the Singapore Council of Social Service. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 3.53 p.m.”
“Besides the representatives of the 83 organisations as set out in the Schedule to the Bill, clauses 7 and 8 of the Bill allow for two additional members in the Council as representatives of the associate members and two ex-officio members, and they are the Director of Social Welfare and the Head of the Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Singapore. The objects of the Council which are set out in clause 10 include the coordination of all voluntary welfare activities in Singapore, improvement of standards of welfare work and encouragement of welfare work in fields not covered by Government, initiation, organisation, assistance in schemes of social service, raising and administering funds and goods entrusted to it, as well as advising Government on legislation in fields of social welfare work or in furtherance of the objects of the Council. In carrying out these objects, power is provided in clause 10 (2) of the Bill for the Council to acquire and dispose of property, to receive monies and donations in kind, and to carry out such business as will further the objects of the Council. Power is also provided in the Bill for the setting up of a Council of Social Service Fund into which all monies received and raised shall be paid. The management of the Council of Social Service is invested in a Board of Management, the composition of which is provided in clause 13 of the Bill, which comprise a President, two Vice-Presidents, a General Secretary, a Treasurer and 11 other elected members including two ex-officio members - they are the Director of Social Welfare and the Head of the Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Singapore.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The main purpose of this Bill is to incorporate the Singapore Council of Social Service. The Council, which is a registered society under the Societies Ordinance, was established in December 1958 to co-ordinate the work of all voluntary welfare organisations in Singapore. It has contributed much in welfare work in the past ten years of its existence, especially during times of fire, flood, and other calamities. In recognition of its past services and the planned expansion of its future activities, including the construction of the Singapore Social Service Centre, the time is now opportune to incorporate the Singapore Council of Social Service by legislation so as to accord it the status due to it. This is provided for in clause 3 of the Bill. Since the Council is already a going concern, clause 5 of the Bill provides for the transfer of all its assets and liabilities to the new corporate body. Clause 6 of the Bill provides for the composition of the Council which shall comprise a representative each of the 83 organisations as set out in the Schedule to the Bill. These 83 organisations are already represented in the existing Council. Power, however, is provided in clause 6 (2) of the Bill for the Minister to amend the Schedule on the advice of the Council or the Board of Management so as to enable new organisations that may be established to be represented in the Council, or delete such organisations which shall cease to operate as welfare or charitable organisations.”
“No, Sir, except to thank the Member for Anson for his kind words. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time. Resolved, "That the Bill be committed to a Select Committee consisting of Mr Speaker as Chairman and seven Members to be nominated by the Committee of Selection." - [Inche Othman Bin Wok]. SINGAPORE COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE BILL Order for Second Reading read. 3.49 p.m.”
“As the Government Gazette may not be readily available to all Hindus attending their temples, the exhibition of the annual report and accounts at the temple premises will enable those Hindus who attend the temples to know the activities of the Board. Clause 34 of the Bill expressly prohibits the Board or any committee of management from permitting any temple administered by the Board or property belonging to any endowment to be used for political purposes. This provision is to ensure that activities in temples administered by the Board will not give rise to political controversy. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 3.47 p.m.”
“At present, a member appointed to the Board can continue to serve on the Board until he is removed by the Minister or resigns or dies. A limitation of appointment to a maximum of two consecutive terms will enable new members to be brought into the Board. Clause 9 of the Bill stipulates the conditions under which the Minister may revoke the appointment of a member of the Board if his conduct is, in the opinion of the Minister, such as to bring, discredit upon the Board, or if he becomes unable to carry out his duties properly, or if the Minister considers it desirable in the public interest to revoke the appointment. No such conditions are provided for the removal of any member of the Board in the existing Ordinance. Clause 18 of the Bill requires members of the committee of management, appointed by the Board with the' approval of the Minister to manage an endowment, to be citizens of Singapore. Such members shall be appointed for' two years and shall be eligible for re-appointment. But again no member shall be appointed for more than two consecutive terms. Clause 19 of the Bill empowers the Board to raise funds by means of' voluntary subscriptions or contributions for the performance of its duties and the-discharge of its obligations. No such power exists in the existing Ordinance. Clause 28 of the Bill makes it necessary for the Secretary of the Board to exhibit a copy of the annual report and accounts of the Board in each temple administered by the Board. Hitherto, such reports and accounts are required only to be published in the Gazette.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This Bill has been under consideration for a long time and its provisions have been discussed with members of the Hindu Advisory Board and the Secretary of the Muslim and Hindu Endowments Board. The advice of the Attorney-General has also been obtained on the detailed provisions of the Bill, and the present Bill incorporates such suggestions as are reasonable and in keeping with the scheme and purpose of the Bill. The purpose of this Bill is as indicated in the explanatory statement, to set up a new Hindu Endowments Board to look after Hindu religious and charitable endowments and to take over such Hindu endowments as are at present administered by the Muslim and Hindu Endowments Board appointed under the Muslim and Hindu Endowments Ordinance. With the enactment of the Administration of Muslim Law Act, 1966, which will come into operation soon, the Muslim and Hindu Endowments Board will cease to have any control over Muslim endowments. The Bill, in the main, re-enacts the provisions of the Muslim and Hindu Endowments Ordinance but omits references to Muslim endowments. Certain new provisions, however, have been included. I will now touch on the more important of these provisions in the Bill. Clause 5 of the Bill provides that no person shall be appointed a member of the Board unless he is a Hindu and a citizen of Singapore. This is in keeping with our new status as an independent and sovereign country. The same clause provides that members of the Board are to be appointed for a period of three years and will be eligible for re-appointment. But no member may be appointed for more than two consecutive terms.”
“This is particularly so if the voluntary helpers have special skills that can be imparted to the residents and staff of the Homes. 6.58 p.m.”
“In this task, the whole community must share the responsibility. It is most gratifying to see the extremely good work that is being done by many voluntary organisations in caring for the aged, the handicapped and the needy. In the years ahead, my Ministry will actively encourage and help in whatever way possible the work of the voluntary organisations providing services to the handicapped, disabled and aged and in areas of activity not being provided now by the Government. Periodic visits to the various voluntary welfare organisations made by me have revealed a high standard of service in the voluntary field. It is very evident that some of the staff are absolutely dedicated to their work. To these people, there is no such thing as office hours. They work incredibly long hours and at all times of the day and night without complaint. They are always thinking of ways and means to help improve the lot of the less fortunate ones for whose welfare they are working. Such selfless devoted service they give cannot be bought with money. In fact, I am told that some of these workers return their salaries or allowances to their organisations to be used for furthering their good work. With more public-spirited citizens of Singapore coming forward and following the example of these dedicated voluntary helpers, the problem of caring for the disabled, the handicapped and the aged in our society will be greatly reduced. There is no greater satisfaction than in helping in one way or another the less fortunate of our fellow citizens. As more voluntary helpers offer their services not only in voluntary organisations but also in the Social Welfare Homes, the objective of making these Homes self-sufficient will be more quickly achieved.”
“Revenue from such sales of work will be used for the benefit of the Homes, thereby reducing their running cost. Instructors in the various Homes have been sent on refresher courses in handicraft to enable them to introduce the latest methods in producing attractive saleable handicraft articles. More cottage industries such as orchid growing, tropical fish rearing, racket re-stringing, manufacture of racket presses and tourist souvenir articles will be introduced. These measures will not only help to prepare the younger residents for early discharge to start projects on their own or take up paid employment outside, but will also result in substantial reduction of departmental expenditure both in terms of a quicker turnover of residents and fewer staff like welfare attendants, gardeners, etc. required. Existing welfare services will be oriented towards the strengthening of the family as the basic unit of our society and the prevention of breakdown in family life. The preservation of strong family ties and the encouragement of each family to look after its own members is the best way of keeping the country's expenditure on welfare services within reasonable limits. Parents must be made to shoulder their parental responsibilities towards their children who, in turn, must be taught to take care of their parents in their declining years. In this way, there will be less need for social welfare services like public assistance and institutions for delinquents, destitutes and old people. The welfare resources can then be applied to services which can contribute more positively towards a better life for all. There will, of course, be interstitial areas requiring the provision of the more traditional types of welfare services.”
“It is, therefore, logical to consider closing down the 16 children's centres in stages commencing with those in the rural areas as and when their enrolment drops. For a start, it is proposed to close down the Yio Chu Kang and Boon Teck Road centres, as the former is situated in a rural area served by four People's Association kindergartens and the latter is affected by the clearance programme for Toa Payoh New Town. In order to utilise fully the facilities in the 10 creches, a number of vacant places in these creches will be offered to children of working parents in the higher income groups. But unlike those from families with incomes below $500 per month who will continue to enjoy the heavily subsidized creche facilities, children from the higher income families will have to pay an economic admission charge. Further details of this new scheme will be announced shortly. The Department has also sought ways and means to make its 12 Social Welfare Homes as productive and self-sufficient as possible. For example, residents of these Homes are now required to perform some of the domestic chores which were previously done by paid staff. The able-bodied beggars and destitutes will be organised into work parties to undertake work projects both in and outside the Homes. Residents will also be trained to do productive and meaningful work. One Social Welfare Home is now producing noodles for supply to the other Homes. The Homes are thereby supporting the Eat-More-Wheat Campaign and, at the same time, effecting savings in their rations bill by making their own noodles. Another Home is offering a cake-making and food-catering service for small parties and laundry work for private firms. The residents in the Homes will be taught to produce attractive handicraft articles for sale.”
“In line with the declared policy of the Government to get full value for every dollar spent, services provided by the Social Welfare Department will be kept under constant review to determine whether these services must necessarily be provided by the Government and, if so, how maximum economy can be achieved in the provision of welfare services. To this end, the Department has made a start in evaluating its welfare programmes. The purpose of such evaluation is to eliminate duplication between services provided by the Government and those operating under private and voluntary auspices. All necessary steps will be taken to co-ordinate the network of welfare services and maximise the use of personnel and material resources. Where it is found necessary to improve the quality and coverage of these services, this will be done at the lowest possible cost. Increasing emphasis will also be placed on those welfare services that can contribute towards a fuller development of human resources as opposed to those other services that are merely palliatives. The area of the Department's work which can be contracted without consequent social ill effects is the service provided in the children's centres. These centres were originally established to help tackle the post-war problems of malnutrition, illiteracy and delinquency. These problems have, over the years, been greatly ameliorated and consequently the role of the children's centres today is not as important as it used to be. With the increasing number of schools and community centres, most of them with kindergarten classes, it is apparent that the need for the Department to continue operating children's centres will gradually decrease. In fact, attendances in a few of the centres have begun to show a steady decline.”
“Examinations of such use are being made at present. Besides the Sports Complex at Kallang, the Ministry has planned also to improve the facilities at Jalan Besar Stadium, Farrer Park Athletic Centre and Balestier Plain to serve as subsidiary centres for sports. However, as there is a great concentration of population in Housing and Development Board estates, the Board will be urged to provide more playing fields, swimming pools and gymnasiums, etc., in the housing estates. The provision of such facilities will not only maintain the physical fitness of our population but will also help the youths in the estates to get to know one another better through community sports and games. To encourage sports in the manner planned, funds will have to be raised. Members are already aware that the proceeds from the Toto Pools to be started soon will be utilised to meet the cost of building the Kallang Sports Complex. To supplement the proceeds of the Toto Pools in meeting the cost of setting up new training facilities, employment of expert coaches, sending Singapore's teams to compete in overseas competitions and holding local competitions with invited overseas participation, my Ministry plans to set up a Central Fund for, sports promotion. This will enable greater public participation in the financing of sports promotion. As an inducement, it is planned that such public contributions to this Fund will be exempted from income tax. Mr Speaker, Sir, I am also taking this opportunity to explain to the House how the Social Welfare Department exercises economy in the provision of its welfare services.”
“As for the indoor stadium, provision has been made for such facilities as gymnastics, table tennis, basketball, volley ball, sepak takraw (or what we call sepak raga faring), and badminton. There will be separate facilities for swimming, ice-skating and tennis courts. Although the Member for Joo Chiat has suggested the inclusion of an air-conditioned badminton hall in the National Stadium complex, it will be necessary to make a close examination of this suggestion in the light of the following factors before a decision is taken to include this facility in that complex. First, whether air-conditioning will interfere with the game; second, whether air-conditioning will put our players at a disadvantage when they have to compete under natural conditions in places such as Djakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Bangkok, where the halls are not air-conditioned; third, whether we are exploiting our natural advantages of better reaction to heat in comparison with those players in termperate climate when playing in the tropics. It will be necessary for all these factors to be studied before a decision is taken to build an air-conditioned badminton hall in the complex. In regard to the question of the Member for Punggol on how the stadium can help to build a rugged society, I have already mentioned before the part that sports can play in building a robust nation. The national stadium, when completed, will be used extensively by sports organisations in Singapore as well as by students from schools, colleges, universities, etc. Although such use of these facilities will not bring in much money, it is also planned to use the national stadium for other purposes so that proceeds from such usage will help to pay for the running of the stadium.”
“Some of these committees will be abolished and the new one that will be created will include not only representatives of the Olympic Council but also representatives of the Ministry of Education, the Sports Division of the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Army, the Police Force and also the People's Association. Encouragement will also be given to individual sports organisations to reorganise themselves to get the services of dedicated officials in their committees, so that sustained efforts can be made to improve the individual games concerned. Besides organisation, another plan is to get proper coaches for the various games played in Singapore. A beginning has been made to get expert coaches. So far, the services of four coaches have been obtained. The Bulgarian coach for football arrived in November 1967 and the Bulgarian coach for basketball arrived in April this year. The volleyball coach arrived from Japan in April 1968. The services of, Singapore's past badminton champion," Mr Wong Peng Soon, have been obtained as badminton coach. He started operations as from February this year and has gathered a group of potential first-rate players who will be put to centralised training on a systematic basis in preparation for the next Thomas Cup competition. Arrangements are also made for a Japanese swimming coach to come and train our swimmers to reach international standard. Similar approaches will be made to get coaches in athletics and hockey. As for facilities for sports, Members are aware of the building of the National Stadium Complex at Kallang. The open stadium, which will hold 50,000, is planned to be completed by the end of 1970.”
“Sir, over the last few days, Members of the House have raised a number of questions about sports, including how the National Stadium can contribute to making our society a robust one and how the stadium will not become a white elephant. They have also raised the point of insufficient attention being paid to badminton and whether we should consider introducing an air-conditioned Badminton Hall in the National Sports Stadium Complex. To meet the economic challenges posed in the years ahead, it is necessary for our people to be physically fit and have a greater capacity for endurance. This physical ruggedness can best be achieved through competitive and community sports. Although it is a recognised fact that sporting activities help to build stamina, sports is also known to engender a strong sense of national pride. The twin objectives of a rugged society and national pride will therefore be served in our multi-society through active encouragement of sports. 6.39 p.m. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Fortunately, Mr Speaker, Sir, we have three advantages on our side in creating such a physically rugged society. The first is the youthfulness of our population, making them easily adaptable to respond to the challenges ahead; the second advantage is the high standard of our health services; and the third is the compact character of our island State making easy accessibility to any service or facility that is provided. The active encouragement of sports activities planned by the Ministry of Social Affairs includes the setting up of a proper co-ordinating committee for sports. At present, there are too many co-ordinating committees with overlapping functions.”
“Sir, that is a very good suggestion. But the question is: who is going to maintain all those plants? If the Minister for Finance can give me more money to recruit more labourers, I can do it.”
“Sir, there are roadside trees which are not planted by the Parks and Recreation Department. They are planted by the P.W.D. If they plant a tree today the next week they pull it out, I have no answer for that. Mr Ng Yeow Chong(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, with regard to the town centre in Raffles Quay, Collyer Quay and the surrounding areas, can the Minister for Social Affairs encourage the firms and banks in this area to put some flowers and plants at their entrances so that these could beautify their buildings somewhat? Tourists from overseas, including businessmen, will be glad to see this, and it will at the same time create a good impression. This is a small suggestion that I wish to make.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Administration of Muslim Law Bill, though approved by this House more than a year ago and assented to by the President, cannot be implemented now because there are certain parts in the law which have to be implemented first. For instance, the formation of the Muslim Religious Council is held up because we cannot find a suitable person to be the Chairman. We have looked around and, in fact, scraped the bottom of the barrel to find a suitable Muslim to head the Council. But up to today we have not been successful. The post of Mufti is still vacant. By section 30 of the Administration of Muslim Law Act, 1966, the President of Singapore may, after consultation with the Maftis, appoint a fit and proper person to be the Mufti of Singapore. As the Majlis has not been constituted yet, the appointment of a Mu/ti is still vacant. The post of Secretary is also still vacant. For the time being, we have Tuan Haji Jamil Bin Dzafir, who was formerly a Division I officer of the Ministry of Social Affairs and is ex-officio to the Secretary of the Muslim Advisory Board. He is now doing the work and is dealing with Muslim matters in the Ministry until such time as the post of Secretary of the Majlis is substantively filled. There are now three Kathis appointed by the Government. There is no vacancy for any further Kathi. One of the three, that is Tuan Haji Salleh, was appointed in 1960 and he is now acting as Chief Kathi. The other two Kathis are Tuan Haji Ismail, appointed as Kathi in 1961, and Tuan Abu Bakar Hashim appointed as Kathi in 1967.”
“I will see that the mistake is not repeated. But they must improve their standard.”
“I am sorry, Sir. The Member who spoke, Sir, I would like to assure this House that there was absolutely no bias or prejudice affecting the selection by the National Sports Control Board. There was no manipulation. To charge the Board of bias or prejudice is most unworthy of the critics. Even the organising council of the SEAP Games very sportingly accepted the decision of the Board after I had explained to them the reasons why our contingent was short of four teams. They commented that we had done the right thing, and one of the countries taking part in the Games was very interested in what we are doing to improve our standard and they asked us to send them all the information regarding the steps that we are taking. In conclusion, I would like to say that if the volleyball team want to be included in our next contingent to the SEAP Games or, for that matter, the Asian Games, they must improve their standard. An hon. Member: I hope the mistake will not be repeated.”
“Only a few sports organisations took heed of that warning. The rest did not care less. Even up to one month before the SEAP Games, the National Sports Control Board found that a number of sports organisations had not started training or had not trained seriously. The National Sports Control Board had decided on a certain required standard and sports organisations which wanted to be in cluded in our contingent should attain that standard. If they did not, then it was their own fault. Now, let us see what the basketball standard was. In the record that I have here, the standard of volleyball was generally very low. In the last SEAP Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1965, the men's team was placed seventh out of seven teams which took part. This means that they were the last in the competition. Burma beat them 3 - 0. Vietnam beat them 3 - 1. Cambodia beat them 3 - 0. Malaysia beat them 3 - 1.”
“We have set a minimum standard for that. In the past, there was never a standard set by the S.O.S.C.”
“There is no time and the Member took 13 minutes.”
“No, Sir. But as the Minister in charge of sports, I feel it would be bad sportsmanship if I did not clarify our stand on the matter. I hope the hon. Member will accept my clarification in the true spirit of sports manship. I know why he is so interested in the reason why the basketball team was left out of the contingent. He is interested because he is the vice-president of the team. Mr Tay Boon Too rose -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the SEAP Games are over and, in fact, there is no need for me to answer the hon. Member for Paya Lebar.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of Supply has made progress on the Estimates of Expenditure for 1968, and ask leave to sit again tomorrow.”
“Yes, Sir. ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR 1968 Order read for consideration in Committee of Supply [2nd Allotted Day]. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 2.34 p.m. Head 0601 -”
“I will answer the first part of the supplementary question, which is short. As for the answer to the second part, I will circulate it in the Official Report*. * Appendix, Col 817-8 Appendix to oral answer to question no.1 (Cols 0817-0818) In answer to his first question, the existing rates are: per month Head of household $ 21 Wife $ 10 Each dependant aged 16 and above $ 8 Each dependant under 16 years of age $ 5 In addition, a disability allowance of $10 per month may be paid to the head of household, who is certified to be permanently disabled and incapable of obtaining gainful employment. The maximum allowance payable to each family is $90 per month.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since the P.A.P. Government assumed office in June 1959, the rates of public assistance allowance given to the head of household have been increased twice from - $15 to $16 in September 1959, and again from $16 to $21 in January 1962. The allowance for the wife was also increased from $8 to $10 per month as from September 1959. As the existing rates of public assistance are the highest in this part of the world, it is not considered prudent in the interests of our economy to make further increases which can only be done if we raise more taxes, in 1966 a sum of $8,262,815.95 cents was paid to 22,241 families on the public assistance scheme. At present there are 41 public assistance payment centres situated in all parts of the island, apart from the payment centre at the Social Welfare Department at Havelock Road, in addition, there are mobile payment teams that go to the neighbouring islands, hospitals, homes for the aged, and to the individual homes of those recipients who are unable to get to the payment centres to receive their public assistance allowance. As these payment centres have been so located for the convenience of the recipients with a view to lessening their expense on transport to get to the centres, and they are adequate to serve the localities where they are situated, Government considers it unnecessary to establish payment centres on the basis of division of constituencies. For the information of the Member for Thomson, the 42 payment centres are located in 33 constituencies, which means that in certain constituencies there is more than one payment centre.”
“Lower Delta Road would be extended southwards to link up with Jalan Bukit Merah extension, which is another major road that will lead to the Kampong Bahru/New Bridge Road area. Traffic lights will be installed at the junction of Lower Delta Road and Tiong Bahru Road when work on the extension to the Lower Delta Road commences. Although the original proposal was to put up a roundabout at this junction, after further investigation it is considered that a traffic light control junction instead of a roundabout would be more efficient for this area. The road reserve for the extension to Lower Delta Road is now being cleared and construction work is scheduled for commencement in early 1968.”
“Sir, there are some 180 registered fishermen (including 70 kelong operators) owning about 60 registered boats, living along that stretch of the east coast which is being reclaimed by the Housing and Development Board. When reclamation is complete, their fishing villages will be rendered about half a mile inland. Except for the 70 kelong fishermen whose kelongs (about 20 of them) will have to be taken out, the other fishermen are affected by the foreshore reclamation to the extent that their access to the sea will be interfered with. The Housing and Development Board will provide suitable accesses at convenient points for fishermen to cross the reclaimed area to reach their boats. The Government is also looking into the matter of providing suitable alternative sites and facilities for the fishermen to beach their boats and to keep their nets and gears. For those fishermen who wish to switch to off-shore fishing, the Government will consider assisting them. However, should there be any case of hardship caused by unemployment among these fishermen, the usual financial aid will be provided to such a case under the Public Assistance Scheme operated by the Social Welfare Department. ROUNDABOUT AT TIONG BAHRU ROAD/LOWER DELTA ROAD JUNCTION 5. Mr Lee Teck Him asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he will expedite the construction of a roundabout at the junction of Tiong Bahru Road and Lower Delta Road to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic from Jalan Membina into Tiong Bahru Road. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development (Mr Ho Cheng Choon) (for the Minister for Law and National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, Lower Delta Road is one of the major roads in the proposed road network for the Alexandra Road/Tiong Bahru Road area.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, as Singapore is surrounded by sea and it is Government's policy to encourage our young people to take to the sea to obtain their livelihood, it is in our vital interest to promote sea sports so as to make our citizens more sea conscious. Towards this direction, the Ministry has requested the Port of Singapore Authority to resuscitate its annual sea sports which had been held annually for 130 years on New Year's Day (except in 1964 when it was held on 3rd June) until they were suspended in 1965. The sea sports were discontinued after a decision made to have them again on National Day (3rd June, 1965) had to be cancelled because the 3rd of June was then not a scheduled holiday for employees of the Port of Singapore Authority. Once resuscitated, the universities and colleges will be encouraged to take part in the sea sports by using locally-made kolehs or Chinese dragon boats as suggested by the Member for Mountbatten. Although sea sports on a big scale were not continued after 3rd June, 1964, nevertheless, isolated sea sports events were held. Sea regattas and kolehs and speedboat races, organised by the Siglap Citizens' Consultative Committee, were held in February and November 1966. Similarly, in August 1967, during Pesta Sukan Week, boat racing events were organised by the Singapore Yachting Association, various Management Committees and Citizens' Consultative Committees in the Republic as part of the National Day celebrations. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO FISHERMEN AFFECTED BY FORESHORE RECLAMATION 4. Mr Ng Yeow Chong asked the Minister for Culture and Social Affairs whether the Government will consider financial assistance to fishermen whose livelihood may be affected by foreshore and sea-bed reclamations.”
“Further, in our multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious society, Government feels that it will not be right for any one section of the community to impose its standard of morality on other sections of the community. To prevent only children from seeing such films will require films and audience to be officially classified. So far no official film classification has been made in Singapore. Although there have been prolonged discussions with exhibitors and distributors on the subject of official film classification in Singapore, this has not been adopted not only because film exhibitors and distributors are against such classification, but also because there are practical difficulties in implementing a film classification system in Singapore where the bulk of the cinema-going public consists of the younger generation. It is because of the absence of official film classification and the awareness of the fact that the majority of film goers are youths and children that the Board of Film Censors is very careful to ensure that all films passed for public exhibition are suitable for the viewing of both adults and children alike. As a matter of fact, many films which would otherwise be perfectly all right in their entirety for adults only have to be cut, because of the fact that they would be accessible to children on release. The care taken applies to all films, whether they be of the "James Bond" type or any other type.”
“The Government of Singapore has an open mind on the proposed Malaysian-Indonesian common spelling system for the Malay language. Singapore is not represented in the Committee set up to work out a common Malaysian-Indonesian common spelling system, but has her own Spelling Committee of 11 persons appointed on 26th January, 1966, by the Minister for Culture and Social Affairs, to study and bring up to date the Malay spelling system in the Republic. The Committee consists of the Republic's prominent Malay scholars. At present, the Committee is studying the report of the Malaysian-Indonesian Spelling Committee with a view to improving its own spelling system. "JAMES BOND" TYPE OF FILMS (Unhealthy influence on children) 8. Mrs Devan Nair asked the Minister for Culture and Social Affairs whether he is aware that many parents in Singapore are disturbed by the unhealthy influence on their children of the "James Bond" type of film and if he will consider taking steps to prohibit the viewing of such films by children. Inche Othman Bin Wok: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Board of Film Censors responsible for the censoring of films has informed me that, so far, no complaints have been received from any quarter in regard to the exhibition of the "James Bond" type of films. Whether such a type of films exerts an unhealthy influence is a matter of personal opinion. Therefore, if parents consider that such films do, in fact, have an unhealthy influence on their children, they should play their part in discouraging their children from seeing these films, and not prevent the exhibition of such films for the enjoyment of other sections of the public if the films are unobjectionable.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, each case will be investigated fully, and if a person can prove that he was born in Singapore, then his application will be considered. MALAYSIAN-INDONESIAN COMMON SPELLING SYSTEM FOR MALAY LANGUAGE 7. Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Culture and Social Affairs what is the Government's attitude to the proposed Malaysian-Indonesian common spelling system for the Malay Language.”
“It is not easy to give the exact figure. But in the 460 cases, taking an average of $36 per case a month, this will work out to approximately $18,500 per month. Inche Mahmud Awang (Kampong Kapor)(In Malay): If there are people in possession of blue identity cards who were born in Singapore but who have not reported to the Registrar that they were born in Singapore, will the Minister then consider such cases?”
“As from 24th June, 1959, all new cases of recipients of public assistance have been confined only to Singapore citizens. However, between the period of 5th May, 1966, when new laminated identity cards were introduced, and 30th September, 1967, 460 cases of assistance were withdrawn from the public assistance scheme as they were non-citizens. As for T.B. Treatment Allowances, there is no case of stoppage of such an allowance to non-citizens during the period 5th May, 1966, to 30th September, 1967, as all recipients of this allowance are confined only to Singapore citizens.”
“Sir, I beg to move, In page 6, line 23, to leave out "photostat". Mr Speaker, Sir, deleting the word "photostat" is to enable the Director to utilise any duplicating process for the reproduction of archival material as might become available from time to time, and not restricting him to just photostat the archival material. Amendment agreed to. Clause 15, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 16 - Amendments made: In page 6, line 31, to leave out "one" and insert "two". -[Inche Othman Wok]. In page 6, line 32,, to leave out "six months" and insert "one year". -[Inche Othman Wok]. Clause 16, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 17 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Long Title - Amendment made: In page 1, after "National", to insert "Archives and". -[Inche Othman Wok]. Bill reported with amendments; read a Third time and passed. NGEE ANN COLLEGE BILL (As reported from Select Committee) Order for Third Reading read. 6.00 p.m.”
“Sir, I beg to move, "That the clause be read a Second time." Question put, and agreed to. Clause read a Second time and added to the Bill. Clause 15 -”
“Sir, it is intended that the Question, "That the clause stand part of the Bill" be negatived and a new clause be proposed in substitution thereof. Mr Speaker, Sir, it is felt necessary that prohibition should be made not only for the unauthorised taking out and export of any public records but also to prevent the damage and destruction of public records. Question put, and negatived. Clause 14 accordingly disagreed to. New Clause - " Prohibition 14. No person shall - of export (a) without the written permission of the of public Director take or send out of Singapore records, etc. any public record; (b) write on, mark, inscribe or otherwise deface any public record; or (c) mutilate, excise or otherwise damage any public record.".- [Inche Othman Wok]. Brought up, and read the First time.”
“Sir, I beg to move, In page 2, line 39, to leave out "received by" and insert "transferred to". This amendment is consequential to the inclusion in the definition of "public archives" in clause 2 of the need to transfer to the Centre all records before they become archives. Amendment agreed to. 5.45 p.m. Amendments made: In page 3, line 12, to leave out "contents" and insert "holdings". -[Inche Othman Wok]. In page 3, line 18, to leave out "records" and insert "archives".-[Inche Othman Wok]. In page 3, line 20, to leave out "records" and insert "archives".- [Inche Othman Wok]. Clause 4, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 5- Amendment made: In page 3, line 37, to leave out "a" and insert "an Archives and". -[Inche Othman Wok].”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, In page 2, line 9, at end, to add - "and (c) have been transferred to the Centre or to such other place as the Director may from time to time determine;". Mr Speaker, Sir, the reason for introducing this additional clause is that it is necessary that public records of more than 25 years old and of enduring national and historical value should be transferred to an archival institution responsible for establishing and maintaining their custodial integrity before they are regarded as public archives. Amendment agreed to. Amendment made: In page 2, to leave out line 26 and insert " "Committee" means the Archives and Records Committee established". -[Inche Othman Wok]. Clause 2, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 3 - Amendment made: In page 2, line 28, after "National", to insert "Archives and". -[Inche Othman Wok].”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, In page 2, line 7, to leave out "and"; and In page 2, line 9 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, In page 1, line 7, after "National", to insert "Archives and". In page 1, line 14, after "National", to insert "Archives and". Mr Speaker, Sir, the reason for the introduction of these amendments has already been explained by me. Amendments agreed to.”