Othman Haron Eusofe
Singapore
“Members may have read that some of our environmental companies are bidding for projects overseas, including the Middle East and China. To further develop the water industry, my Ministry will explore the possibility of giving the private sector a larger role in the supply of NEWater to the Kranji cluster.”
“Sir, like Mdm Cynthia Phua, I would like to ask the Minister to provide details of the 2-room HDB flat development programme. What are the eligibility criteria and the pricing of these flats? To make these purchases more affordable, would the HDB consider shorter term leases, say, 60 years, and longer repayment periods?”
“Sir, I note that the MND's FY2006 estimated operating expenditure shows a large increase of $334.7 million or 99% over the revised FY2005 expenditure.”
“Sir, the strength of the FY 2006 budget is the strong determination and courage of leadership, having the trust and confidence that most Singaporeans would be ready to endure the pain and be ready to work hard together, to do what it takes to quickly reform, restructure and upgrade our economy and to build a strong, united and inclusive s…”
“I think MUIS must now move fast forward to enable more people, both Muslims and non-Muslims, to understand and appreciate these attributes and especially for Muslims to practise them in their daily lives.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am happy to note that the LTA and the Ministry have worked to help the residents. Many of them have seen me. Some of them are not happy with the compensation.”
The complete record
Every one of 84 lines we hold for Othman Haron Eusofe, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 2.
“Sir, I would like to ask a question regarding the case of Marine Terrace MUP Batch 14, because I think that the lessons that we have learnt from this particular experience are relevant to the matters under discussion. Firstly, I would like to ask the Minister whether the Ministry and HDB have identified the reasons why the main contractor for Marine Terrace MUP Batch 14 suddenly abandoned the project. I believe this contractor took over from the previous contractor. In fact, there were two other contractors earlier on, who bid for this project well below the HDB's estimates. Secondly, why was the HDB project management unable to anticipate the problems which the project faced? And what measure will the HDB take to ensure that the project will resume quickly without undue delay, and also help to minimise inconvenience to residents? Will the Minister give an assurance that the project will be completed without any more delays? Finally, the question of payments to sub-contractors. Many sub-contractors have complained that they have not been paid by the main contractors, although they have completed the projects. Could some arrangements be made by HDB, or the Government for that matter, for payments to be made directly to the sub-contractors when the projects are done and completed satisfactorily?”
“Sir, I have the following questions: how does the Ministry of the Environment monitor that the hawkers are preparing food in a hygienic and healthy way? I know that the stalls are given various grades - A, B and C. I think this is for keeping the stalls clean. What is the difference between an A and C grade? Are there incentives for stallholders to aim to achieve an A grade? Sir, the next question is: hawker stalls are now allocated on a tender basis. Will the Ministry reserve some stalls to be allocated for hardship cases, especially for older workers who are retrenched and may have difficulty getting re-employment?”
“Sir, with the war coming in the next few days, I think oil prices will increase. Therefore, I think it is useful for an energy conservation habit. As my colleague, Dr Teo Ho Pin, said, we should have an energy conservation culture. For the domestic sector, we should also have programmes like what Mdm Cynthia Phua said, to show how we can save on the usage of energy when we use air-conditioners or refrigerators with energy labelling information. Will ENV undertake such a programme and also put up some targets for energy saving?”
“Sir, the availability of NEWater and desalinated water should not make us complacent. I am happy to note that the Ministry of the Environment has launched a comprehensive programme to educate the public on how to prevent wastage of potable water. What are the targets which the Ministry hopes to achieve in this water conservation programme? Sir, some domestic uses do not need potable water, eg, watering of plants, washing of void decks of HDB blocks, as well as the cleaning of commercial buildings. Would the Ministry consider a separate supply system of water to households and commercial users for non-potable usage?”
“Sir, I know that pneumonia is now a concern. The Minister for Health has given us the necessary answers and assurances, but we must take care and take necessary precautions. Now, I want to raise with the Minister for the Environment the issue of dengue. I know that there is no vaccine available now to treat dengue. So, the only way to prevent dengue is to have an effective vector control programme and to engage active public and community involvement in the programme. Sir, I would like to know whether the incidence of dengue is now under control, and what are the other preventive measures that the Ministry of the Environment is implementing to control the incidence of dengue.”
“Meat must be fresh, even the chilled one may not qualify. Frozen meat is definitely out. That is why the food in Hong Kong always tastes better. Now, let me talk about the supply of meat in Singapore. After the spread of Nipah virus in Malaysia some years ago, one of the two abattoirs was shut down, and the supply of fresh meat was reduced by half. Ducks and chickens are no longer permitted to be slaughtered in the wet market. They are now being slaughtered in the authorised poultry slaughter-houses the night before, and supplied to the markets the following morning. We are not as fortunate as the Hong Kongers, as far as the supply of fresh meat is concerned. There is a Teochew saying, "If you do not have fish, shrimps will do." So, with no agricultural resources, we should count ourselves lucky that we have meat to eat at all. I heard that even the only abattoir in Singapore will be closed down. If that is the case, then the best we can get will be the "Air Pork" which is Australian pork air flown from Australia to Singapore. The price will certainly be higher, and it will taste as good. On the other hand, there is also a rumour that poultry slaughter-houses will also be closed, because the import of live chickens and ducks will soon be banned. If that is the case, then we will not have any more good and delicious meat to eat in Singapore. This may well be another reason for some people to want to migrate to other countries. Can the Minister tell us whether there is any truth in these rumours?”
“Sir, I would like to add to what Dr Teo Ho Pin has raised. I just want to be sure that the AVA has adequate resources to achieve the desired outcome of "safe and resilient supply of food", and whether AVA will look for more diversified food sources which are competitive so that we can have stable food prices. Sir, another question is the import of genetically modified food. I believe we import them and so I want to make sure that they are safe for consumption and that AVA will check them. 12.30 pm Assoc. Prof. Low Seow Chay (Chua Chu Kang)(In Mandarin): Sir, the meat that we consume in Singapore can be classified into four categories: freshly slaughtered; chilled; frozen; and frozen for many years. They differ in price and, of course, in taste too. Why do people want to pay a high price for the freshly slaughtered? Simple! Because it is fresh and hence tastes delicious. The moment you taste it, you will know. It has a natural taste. Eating this type of fresh meat is plain enjoyment. Why do we eat? There are people who eat in order to survive. They are also people who eat as a form of enjoyment. To the former, it does not matter to them what they eat. So long as it is edible and can sustain life, it is good enough. But, to the latter, they want to eat the best, the most delicious and appealing food, never mind the price! To them, the greatest enjoyment in life is to have a deliciously and well-cooked meal at home or in a restaurant after a hard day's work. For this purpose, they make sure that the meat served to them is fresh and succulent. Many people who go to Hong Kong enjoy the food there. This is because the Hong Kongers also insist on fresh meat and vegetables. If the fish is not alive and swimming, it will not make it to the table.”
“Sir, there were five speakers on rental flats. They have raised all the points which I wanted to raise. So I will join them to ask the Minister to review the criteria for rental flats, especially the income ceiling, and also to ask the Minister to consider providing more rental flats, especially bigger rental flats.”
“Madam, recently, the HDB introduced an option period to enable purchasers of resale HDB flats time to reconsider their purchases. I would like to ask how effective this will be, especially when some housing agents can impose conditions or manage the transactions on behalf of the purchasers, giving them little room to reconsider their purchase. This is particularly so for those who are not so well educated. Let me just highlight an example which came to my MPS which I have written to the HDB to investigate. This is the case of a person who is a cleaner earning some $800 per month. She sold her 3-room HDB flat and wanted to rent a HDB rental flat but was not able to do so. She was in a desperate state. Therefore, when a housing agent approached her, telling her that he could help her purchase her 5-room flat, she took the bait. What happens is this. The agent made her sign a declaration that her income was something like $2,500 per month. Then the agent made her sign documents to allow another person to be her power of attorney, which means effectively taking the decision of the purchase from her. As a result, she bought a 5-room flat and now she has seen me saying that she has difficulty servicing the loan. I am wondering how this case was processed at the HDB. I think we should take steps to inform housing agents that they should be careful in the way they help in the purchase of flats and we should not allow unscrupulous housing agents and their associates to take advantage of poorly educated residents who can be unsuspecting of things. I hope that HDB will look into this case and see how they can tighten up the resale regulations.”
“Madam, like the other speakers before me, I would also like to ask the Minister about the new role of HDB. With the HDB Corp now taking over as the developer and builder of public housing, how will it be monitored in terms of the quality and cost of housing development? The next point I would like to ask the Minister is whether he would review what I have asked before, ie, to allow older Singaporeans a chance to monetise their flats. Some of the older Singaporeans have purchased 4- and 5-room flats. Now their families have grown up and they do not need to live in such big flats, but they do not want to sell their flats. They want to rent them out. But because they have bought them as subsidised flats, they are not allowed to rent them out. Perhaps, the Minister could review this again.”
“It could also complicate the war against terrorism. Worse still, it could lead to increased threats of terrorism. In this situation, how can we best safeguard Singapore's interests? We want world peace and security. We want the world economy to grow, so that our economy can also grow, providing employment opportunities and a good quality of living for all Singaporeans. We can only pursue life fully in accordance with our own traditions and beliefs if there is sustained peace and stability. Given the current political and security situation in the world, and if it takes a war regardless of how it is to be fought to get a chance for security, we must be ready for it. Our only hope then is that it will be a short and decisive war for peace and security. Madam, I would like to ask the Minister what is Singapore's position should the US go to war against Iraq without UN sanction and, generally, what is our position on Iraq and the Middle East.”
“Madam, as Members have mentioned, war is imminent in Iraq. I join fellow Muslims and non-Muslims in prayers for a peaceful resolution on Iraq. While there is no love lost for the Iraqi President and his tyrannical and cruel regime, I fear for the loss of lives and serious injuries to the innocent, the young and old, if war breaks out. War can be averted if Iraq immediately and unequivocally declares its compliance of UN Resolution 1441 and implements action to destroy its arsenal of weapons of mass destruction, including biological and chemical weapons. UN inspectors can then be given adequate time to check and verify that Iraq acts in accordance with its declaration, subject to the satisfaction of the United Nations. War should only be fought as a last resort. My colleagues have mentioned this. We should be given time and opportunity to exhaust every avenue to achieve peaceful disarmament. However, sometimes we must be ready to go to war to win peace and stability. If Iraq continues to wilfully ignore UN resolutions after having more than adequate time to consider the serious implications of its decision, then war is the only effective solution left. But it is better that war be pursued with full UN backing. We want the United Nations Security Council to be united. A divided UN will threaten international law and order. Madam, what would be the position if the impasse continues in the UN Security Council and the United States declares war unilaterally without UN sanction? The UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, has warned that such a war will be short on legitimacy and it will "violate the world body's charter". There can also be other consequences. A war without UN backing can create more problems for peace in the Middle East.”
“Sir, in the process, we also created a community in support of entrepreneurs as parents, teachers and members of the Marine Parade Merchants Association came out, despite a heavy downpour, to encourage the budding entrepreneurs. There is great interest among the young and we will certainly continue with programmes with the aim of developing a strong, young entrepreneur network in the South East District. Finally, Sir, I would like to ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance what will be the impact of an increase in oil prices and a long, protracted war in Iraq on our economy. Are we ready with a contingency plan in case of such an eventuality? Sir, I am confident that Singaporeans, our leaders, employers, businessmen and workers have what it takes to ride over our current problems and build a more robust and competitive economy. However, we have to watch the external environment closely and understand the developments and trends. We cannot afford to be soft and must proceed quickly to implement the ERC recommendations. We have to cast aside the old mindsets and firmly resolve to pull together to find new and better ways to earn a good living. Sir, on this note, I support the motion.”
“There is, in fact, a great competition for global talents and it would be better for us to get them in our workforce than in our competitors' workforce. They can certainly help create more job opportunities for Singaporeans. Having said this, I think more needs to be done to explain to Singaporeans why it is vital for us to attract foreign or global talent to complement our workforce so that we are a world-class workforce able to sustain the attraction of good quality investments to Singapore. Sir, on the development of an entrepreneurial culture so that Singaporeans at all levels can be more enterprising and more self-reliant, I support the ERC's proposal to extend programmes to promote entrepreneurship to the young people through the Community Development Councils. Sir, allow me to share the experience at the South East CDC. We are promoting a Young Entrepreneurs Programme. Last year, we organised a Breakthrough Camp for students to encourage them to break out of the mould and to acquire an entrepreneurial spirit. During the camp, the students were taught business skills emphasising creative as well as practical aspects. The students were challenged in a very short time to work a business proposal with limited resources, that is, simulating the real world. They presented their business ideas to a panel of "investors" and the successful projects went on to organise a Christmas Bazaar at the Marine Parade Promenade. Even the teams that were not selected were so fired up that they organised themselves as a marketing team to promote the Bazaar. They made a profit of over $6,000 which they unhesitantly donated to the Straits Times' School Pocket Fund showing that they were entrepreneurs with a heart.”
“It is therefore necessary for the Government to address this issue urgently and to consider incentives to jolt employers' mindsets to be fair in providing employment opportunities to older workers who have gone for skills and knowledge upgrading to be relevant to the current demands of the workplace. Sir, next, complaints or allegations of discriminatory hiring practices. Sir, some job applicants have provided feedback at my meet-the-people sessions and some have also written to the press that they are discriminated when they apply for a job. They can understand that there are jobs which may require special requirements and, if they do not meet the job requirements, for example, a language ability or, more specifically, the ability to speak Mandarin, or any other special skills, they will not be considered for the job. However, they feel very aggrieved when they consider themselves qualified based on the job specifications, but not considered for jobs for reasons which are not disclosed. They simply cannot understand their rejections. Sir, such grievances should be urgently addressed. Otherwise, there will be a loss of trust and confidence and our social cohesion will be severely tested. At this time of great uncertainty and increasing competition, we must strengthen our unity and pull together to become a formidable competitor. Sir, let me now touch on the sensitive issues of foreign talents. Some Singaporeans have also voiced their concerns of being displaced by foreign workers or talents. The ERC Report has recognised that bringing in foreign talent is a sensitive issue, especially so now in a slow economy with retrenchments and rising unemployment. However, we must be able to attract enough global talents in order to be a dynamic and competitive economy.”
“Sir, over the past two days, many valuable comments and proposals were made by Members, particularly my PAP colleagues, including the need to provide more help to the local businesses and SMEs, cutting red tape, better information sharing of retraining and upgrading courses available for our workers, so that they are better able to consider available employment opportunities. I support these proposals. Sir, I would like to turn to some specific issues. First, employment opportunities for older or mature workers who have voiced their concerns about their employment difficulties. They pointed out that employers prefer younger workers, even though they have work experience and the required skills and qualifications. It is frustrating for them after they have conscientiously attended retraining or skills upgrading courses to face barriers to employment, even though they have realistic expectations of the job and compensation terms. With the changes in the CPF contribution rates for older workers, especially those in the 50 to 55 years age group, their wages would have been moderated. We will have to urgently change employers' mindsets to get them to give the older workers a fair opportunity to be employed. In the new work environment where companies have to constantly restructure to boost their competitiveness, workers will face more frequent employment changes. It will be very stressful for older workers in this new employment regime if the employers only prefer the younger workers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we face formidable challenges in a world which is changing rapidly and radically. To me, the thrust and the message of the Budget Statement and the ERC Report is clear. To succeed in this new increasingly competitive environment, Singaporeans must be ready for a mindset change. The Economic Review Committee has come out with various recommendations, including some radical ones, to ensure that we are able to keep pace with the changes and meet the challenges effectively. As many Members have emphasised, it is crucial that the recommendations are implemented quickly so that we keep ahead of our competitors. It will not be easy or painless, but we cannot afford to be soft. There will be problem areas that will have to be dealt with sensitively and carefully. We will have to manage changes in a way that more confidence will be generated along the way. Our track record in managing changes in the past has been recognised by many all over the world as exemplary and the resources that we have pooled over the years, especially our financial and human resources, should provide the confidence to succeed even though the challenges are more serious than what we have faced before. Social cohesion is critical and in the process of meeting the challenges, we will have to provide special provisions for those who find it hard to cope, mainly because of their education and age. And as we make progress, we will have to ensure that everyone, regardless of race, language or religion, will be able to seize the opportunities that emerge, especially when they have made the efforts to adapt and be relevant to the changes.”
“They and especially those seeking employment fear that their employment prospects will be adversely affected because of the JI episode and the chilling account in the White Paper. I think they feel stressed and insecure. They would like to see, therefore, some form of assurance at the workplace that there would be no discrimination based on race or religion. Sir, the Malay MPs have met leaders of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and also other leaders of the Chinese clans and organisations who understand these concerns and are ready to help to dispel these fears. We must ensure that employability is always based on merit, ability, skills and work attitudes. To conclude, we face a serious threat which can destroy the peace and harmony that we now enjoy. We are fortunate that our security agencies have been alert and decisive and the arrests have severely disrupted the JI before they can do any damage to our society. But the danger is far from being over, and we must continue to be alert and vigilant. Above all, we must continue to make moderation a part of our daily lives and strengthen our trust and confidence in one another. Sir, I support the motion. EXEMPTED BUSINESS (Motion) Resolved, That the proceedings on the business set down on the Order Paper for today be exempted at this day's sitting from the provisions of Standing Order No. 1. - [Mr Mah Bow Tan]. THREAT OF TERRORISM Debate resumed.”
“I know that there are some issues which the community would like to see early resolution, but here we are facing a serious threat of terrorism and to combat this threat effectively, we must be united and strongly committed to Singapore. There may be problems but we must make Singaporeans feel secure to enhance mutual trust and confidence. We must understand that there is no easy solution and certainly no quick-fix solution. The JI episode shows that the understanding and harmony that we have built carefully over many years can suddenly come under threat. However, if Singaporeans practise mutual respect and moderation in their daily interactions with their fellow workers, neighbours and other residents, we can look forward confidently and be optimistic that we can, in the future, work on good and appropriate solutions in terms of our social context, to solve any issue or problem that we encounter today. Sir, it is also imperative that the Muslim religious and community leaders move forward together to urgently address other pressing issues that plague the community, like improving the educational achievements of Malay students and minimising the social ills in the community. We must move relentlessly forward to develop a community of excellence. As our community enhances our contribution to Singapore's progress in this increasingly competitive world, we will help make Singapore a more secure and happy place for all Singaporeans. Sir, in our discussions with the members of the Malay community, many of them have repeatedly expressed their anxiety that they may face difficulty at the workplaces, especially as our businesses restructure to boost their competitiveness.”
“They had issued statements condemning JI and its extremist ideology. We have now to move beyond the issue of statements to concrete actions to ensure that our Muslims will not be easily influenced by the ideology of those who preach radicalism. Sir, the White Paper has pointed out that for a broad-based approach to this problem, the Government requires the cooperation of the Muslim community and also the wider community of all Singaporeans. The White Paper has proposed that the Muslim community develop a comprehensive, self-regulatory system to monitor religious education. MUIS, Pergas and also Perdaus have issued statements on proposals to improve religious education and they want to ensure that Muslims are taught correct Islamic values of moderation, tolerance and mutual respect and are not easily misled into extremist teaching. Sir, MUIS has pointed out in its statement that there is the MUIS-Pergas Joint Committee to facilitate information sharing and to synergise activities for the development of religious teachers. Pergas, in its statement, wants to "effectively prevent the general masses from being misled into following deviant ideologues". However, in this age of the Internet, we have also to guard against extremist ideology and thinking which can be imported into our homes and living rooms. We cannot be insulated from the developments in the Middle East and the Muslim world. While we empathise with the sufferings of Muslims elsewhere, we cannot condone extremism and the use of violence. There may well be injustices against Muslims elsewhere but this does not mean that we should tolerate extremism and the use of violence. Therefore, I would like to reiterate that in the fight against terrorism, the Muslim community must take a clear and unequivocal stand.”
“Sir, on their part, non-Muslim Singaporeans have also a crucial part to play by not allowing any misperceptions arising from the JI episode to affect their attitude towards the Muslims. We are also shocked and disappointed by the disclosure of the JI operations and that some Muslim Singaporeans are involved in a foreign-led terrorists plot which, if successful, would not only seriously hurt our fellow Singaporeans but also severely harm our economy. Sir, the JI, as the White Paper has pointed out, is a small group of misguided individuals and the arrests have severely curbed their ability to do damage, but it is imperative that we continue to remain alert and vigilant and certainly not be complacent. The statement made by the Muslim religious and community leaders representing various organisations and mosques, which was issued before the release of the White Paper, condemning the JI and its violent agenda, should provide the assurance that extremism and hatred have no place in Islam. We must not let the JI episode divide us. If we do so, we will, by default, fall into their trap to create chaos and distrust. Here, the concern is more on the relationship at the ground level. The statements made by the leaders of the various non-Muslim communities are positive. Many of them are in the Inter-Racial Confidence Circles (IRCC) in all our constituencies and their contribution will help enhance confidence-building among the different communities. Sir, my Malay MP colleagues have had many discussions with the leaders of the various Muslim organisations like the Muslim Religious Council (MUIS), the Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association (Pergas), MENDAKI, AMP and many others including the mosque leaders on this issue.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the motion moved by the Minister for Home Affairs. The White Paper is helpful to our better understanding of the terrorist threat to Singapore. And this debate on the White Paper also provides us with an opportunity to discuss in a frank and open, yet sensitive way, our inter-racial and inter-religious relationship and especially how we can manage the realities on the ground so that, over the longer term, there is greater mutual respect and more trust and confidence in each other. Sir, the terrorist threat is not just a local problem but a complex global problem with deep roots and driven by forces beyond Singapore. We must deal with it quickly as one united people and in a careful way so that we can strengthen our social cohesion and religious harmony. Although the terrorist threat stems from the extremist ideology of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) members, the contribution of each community - Muslim and non-Muslim - will make a big difference on how this terrorist threat can be effectively checked. Let me first deal with the contribution of our Muslim community. Our Muslim religious and community leaders have and they must continue to lead the way and remain steadfast in a firm and unequivocal condemnation of radicalism and the use of violence. We have to show that we are strongly committed to a moderate approach in the way that we practise Islam, which is a religion of peace and harmony. It must be clear that we are not in sympathy with groups or individuals who advocate terror and violence. We must also show that we are committed to Singapore and be ready to reach out to other Singaporeans to strengthen friendship and understanding.”
“I just want to make a clarification. In fact, I am asking for consideration to be given to people who have bought subsidised flats to rent out the whole flat, and I am really referring to the hardship cases. They have bought the subsidised flats and they have stayed there for many years. Sometimes, they want to sell it, but the market conditions do not allow them to sell. So why do you not consider allowing them to monetise the flat by renting it out for a while and get an income? In the meantime, they can stay with their children, or downgrade and rent a smaller flat. So I am just asking that the Minister consider the appeals on a case-by-case basis.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the Housing and Development (Amendment) Bill and the various measures proposed by the Minister, particularly the schemes to help home-owners to monetise their housing assets and free up capital in the economy. Sir, I would like to raise the following points so as to moderate the impact on house-owners who are facing financial hardships because of the current difficult business and economic conditions. Sir, house-owners who have enjoyed one concessionary loan with a subsidised flat and are downgrading or moving laterally will now be required to take market loans. Could the Minister reconsider this especially for those households facing financial hardships? Like many others, I am concerned that they would find difficulties to secure a bank loan. Sir, the proposal to allow house-owners who have bought "non-subsidised" flats without any subsidy as well as existing lessees of such "non-subsidised" flats to have the flexibility to sublet their whole flat is welcomed. Sir, I would like, however, to ask the Minister to allow house-owners of subsidised flats, especially those who have fully redeemed their HDB loans, to have a similar flexibility. Some may face financial hardship, especially those who are retrenched and cannot find employment. They are not able to sell their flats and downgrade in these difficult times. We should allow them this flexibility to monetise their housing assets. Others may not want to sell their flats for sentimental or other reasons. They want to move to smaller flats within their current means or stay with their children who can take care of them. I hope the Minister would consider such cases having due regard to their hardships which they may face in these difficult times. Sir, on this note, I support the Bill.”
“I understand that the Land Working Group of the Sub-committee is looking into some recommendations. I would like to see what they would recommend because I think there is an urgent need to help those who have put money into properties to convert them into cash. Sir, on this note, I support the proposals.”
“Sir, next, to help members to enhance their return on their CPF balances, I am happy to hear of the proposal to increase the interest paid to the Special Account balances. This is to be based on more appropriate long-term interest rates like the interest rates of Government bonds and also to make a change to the CPF Investment Scheme to enable members to participate in low-cost privately managed pension funds. Sir, in order to encourage members to make use of these facilities, a public education programme is necessary. I would like to suggest that CPF embark on an education programme to educate members on the pension scheme, explaining clearly the downside risks as well as the benefits of the scheme. Sir, the ERC has stated its concern that the present Minimum Sum Scheme will not be sufficient for the majority of retirees and, therefore, we need to increase it beyond the current target of $80,000. I support this proposal to increase the Minimum Sum Scheme beyond $80,000. I would like to ask the DPM whether there is any way whereby we can incorporate the Minimum Sum Scheme within the proposed pension plan scheme for CPF members. Sir, as for housing needs, the liberal usage of the CPF funds over the years has unfortunately led to many CPF members becoming "asset-rich and cash poor" at retirement. Housing ownership has contributed to our stability as it has given our citizens a stake in Singapore's success. But I think there is this problem that the property that they purchased cannot be easily converted into cash, particularly in a period of slow property market and this has prevented members from converting their properties into cash when they need it. Sir, we have to explore means to enable house owners to monetise their properties.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the proposed changes to the CPF scheme which will help enhance the retirement needs, as well as increase wage flexibility, particularly to improve the employability of older and less skilled workers. The changes will bring some pain but I think they are necessary in order that we are able to meet the tough challenges in this increasingly competitive and uncertain globalised world. Sir, I am assured that the changes will be introduced at a gradual pace and this would give sufficient time to the members to make adjustments and adapt to the new system. Sir, on the change to raise the monthly salary floor range for employees' contribution to $500-$750 from the current range of $200-$363, I believe this will encourage more job-seekers to consider jobs, including part-time work, as this will enable them to bring home more pay to meet their immediate needs. However, there is this concern that with this change, low-income workers will not be able to save more for their Medisave and retirement needs. Sir, I hope that the Government will, in times of good budgetary surpluses, help to provide more to this group of workers so that they can have more savings in their CPF, eg, the CPF Top-up scheme or Medisave scheme. Sir, at the same time, we should also help these workers to upgrade their skills so that they can move on to better paying jobs and make better contributions to their CPF. As regards the lower employer contribution rate for workers aged 50 to 55, from 20% to 16% when the CPF contribution rate is restored to 40%, I would like to urge employers to follow the Government's example to provide a CPF Top-Up which can form part of the monthly variable component.”
“Mdm Chairman, I will be very brief. I would like to ask the Minister what plans his Ministry has to commence the supply of NEWater for domestic use. In some countries - I am told Orange County in California, USA - water produced or reclaimed, using the same technique used in our NEWater plant, is supplied for domestic consumption. I understand that the quality of our NEWater is safe and is very good. So, I want to ask the Minister whether he has plans to take on this potential supply of NEWater, which is a more reliable source of water supply, to fulfill our water requirements. If so, when can this happen?”
“Sir, when construction companies, which are undertaking the MUPs or the IUPs in our housing estates, are not able to meet the project schedules, the residents staying in the MUP and IUP precincts are greatly inconvenienced. This will be more so where residents want to renovate their flats and cannot proceed because the internal upgrading works to be done by the MUP contractors are delayed. Further, the delay in the completion of the external works can also create problems of safety and security in the precincts. Sir, I therefore would like to ask the Minister whether his Ministry or the HDB can assist where the contractors have some problems. Their problem may be of a temporary nature - sometimes it is just a cash-flow problem. Could the HDB come in to assist so that the work can be carried out without undue delay? Sir, the other feedback we got is that the cause of failure of companies to complete the projects is because of the way we have selected these contractors, which is on the basis of the lowest tender. Sir, I agree that cost is an important consideration, but there are also other critical considerations if we want to ensure that the project can be completed in time. Sir, sometimes the companies that are selected are overstretched and, therefore, they cannot carry out the project in the way that it should be done. Sometimes, the way they manage the projects is also not what we had hoped for. Sir, I hope that the Minister and the Ministry can look into these problems, so that our HDB MUP and IUP projects, which are actually good projects, can be done with the least inconvenience to the residents.”
“I would also like to ask about the role of the HDB. The HDB has done well to provide good quality homes to Singaporeans. But I think there is now a decrease in the demand of new purchase flats and also rental flats. In fact, in the recent offer of new flats in Sengkang, I am told that there was a low take-up rate. I believe HDB is now scaling down its development of new flats, and for many of the projects, like Main Upgrading Programme (MUP) and Interim Upgrading Programme (IUP), I think a number of these projects have been farmed to the private sector. Sir, in view of these developments, I would like to ask the Minister whether he envisages a new role for HDB in providing housing to Singaporeans. And, in this connection, if the HDB is to be downsized, I would like to ask the Minister for an assurance that the well-being of the current HDB staff will be adequately looked after. Next, affordability of HDB homes. I believe one of the main reasons for the decrease in demand for HDB flats is the pricing of the new flats. Many are concerned that the new flats are moving beyond their affordability. While the property market is softening, the prices of new HDB flats are steadily increasing. So I would like to ask the Minister to clarify the pricing policy of the new HDB flats. Sir, not all Singaporeans are able to purchase their own flats and I would like to ask the Minister to ensure that the HDB will continue to provide sufficient rental housing, up to 3-room flats.”
“Many older workers are concerned about their ability to meet their housing commitments if the employer's contribution rates for older workers are reduced. So I think it is important and necessary to quickly clarify and remove this uncertainty. Older workers have planned their commitments on the current rates and they therefore fear changes. Perhaps the new CPF rates should apply only to younger workers who could then plan the use of their CPF for housing, having regard to the new contribution rates. Finally, on social cohesion and national unity, the Finance Minister has pointed out that we have been able to weather difficult times because of our strong unity. We will have greater challenges to our social cohesion in the years ahead, because of September 11 and also because of the increasingly competitive global environment. Sir, I would like to encourage our companies and businesses to provide a budget for activities to enhance social cohesion in their organisations and for the bigger companies, they can also perhaps appoint special staff for this function. It would benefit them as it would help enhance teamwork, better understanding and therefore increase productivity. Perhaps such expenditure could receive tax credits or can be tax exempt and they can use the funds to organise projects with the local community where the company is located, or with the CDCs. Sir, in this way, we will create a more united people and this will certainly enhance our total competitiveness. Sir, on this note, I support the motion. 4.30 pm [Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Chew Heng Ching) in the Chair]”
“I think it is necessary to provide more financial incentives to employers to encourage them to consider more employment of older workers. Sir, the Ministry of Manpower's People for Jobs Programme is helpful but I think much more need to be done. Can we provide funds either in the Ministry of Finance's budget, or for SPRING or EDB, so that they can provide help to senior and experienced employees who are now redundant, to enable them to set up businesses, say, consultancies, to help local businesses to improve their organisations or even to venture overseas? Sir, the EDB may have the Industry Assistance Scheme, but the criteria are perhaps too stringent. Could we also encourage our banks to open a sympathetic window to provide loans to persons who want to open businesses, provided they come up with some good business plans? Sir, the South-East CDC has set up job creation opportunities. For example, we provide the Domestic Training Scheme and the Ministry of Manpower is providing us some financial provisions. We will consider more such facilities in the informal sector and I believe my other Mayor colleagues are also doing the same. But we certainly can do with more funds. Next, more assistance to the small business enterprises and on this point Mr S Iswaran has provided some inputs. The feedback which I received is that the SMEs are rather disappointed with the Budget. They find that the cost of doing business is high, eg, high rentals and also high statutory charges, and many experience cash-flow problems. They also find it difficult to get good staff. Hence, there is a need to help them to tap finance, recruit good talent and also to help them expand their business overseas, especially beyond our troubled region. Next, let me touch on the CPF.”
“We must also be ready to accept measures that will enable a fair share of global talents to join our team. Above all, we have to strengthen inter-racial and religious confidence to enhance our social cohesion and national unity. Sir, on this point I would like to stress that the Malay community in Singapore has a bright and sunny place here. The educational attainments of the Malay students have shown remarkable and steady improvements. Most of our Malay students have strong grasps of English and their mother tongue. We can therefore continue to be relevant to the global new economy. In fact, some of our Malay students have shown that they can attain high rankings in international competitions in Science and Mathematics. Sir, the new Minister in charge of Muslim Affairs, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, has spoken on his vision of a Community of Excellence. Sir, I am confident that the community will have the confidence to move ahead and reach higher heights of excellence, and we can make significant contributions to push Singapore ahead to a higher standard and quality of living. In this connection, Sir, I share entirely what Madam Halimah has said of the need for us to be ready to make changes and adjustments so that we can continue to excel. Sir, with those opening remarks, let me now move to certain specific issues. First, employability of older workers. Sir, the experience at the CDC's Employment Centres is that it is difficult to find jobs for older workers, even for those with skills, education and relevant work experience. This situation is likely to continue even when the economy improves. Sir, employers' first preference is for younger workers. Hence, there is a need to provide urgent measures to help older workers and make them more confident.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for allowing me to join the debate. Sir, in my discussions with my community and grassroots leaders, many have expressed concerns about Singapore's future. Can Singapore continue to remain competitive in the long term, especially with the entry of China into the World Trade Organisation, the uncertainties in the global as well as the regional economies and our neighbours' intent to challenge our competitive position, pulling away some of our businesses? As for GST, there is a concern that there may be more GST increases at shorter and more frequent intervals in the future, especially when we reach the limit of our ability to reduce corporate and personal income tax. Sir, I am glad that the Budget has addressed some of these fundamental concerns. At the same time, the Economic Review Committee and the Remaking of Singapore Committee are considering what more need to be done to strengthen Singapore's capacity to keep ahead of our competitors. Sir, our effective economic management and prudent fiscal policy have enabled us to accumulate a healthy reserve, and we have the resources to decisively restructure our economy and be ready for the tough challenges ahead. Sir, the recent General Elections have shown that Singaporeans are solidly behind our leaders in their move to chart new directions to be a more vibrant and successful Singapore. Sir, to overcome the challenges before us, it is clear that we cannot afford to be complacent and soft. The world is changing fast and we will have to make changes and adjust, regardless of how painful they may be, so that we continue to be relevant. We cannot become a low-cost business centre, but we can be a reliable and flexible place to do business.”