P. Govindaswamy
Singapore
“Sir, the purchase of SBS shares should not be made compulsory. It should be voluntary. If a poor man were to use all his $5,000 CPF savings to buy SBS shares, he will not know what will happen to his shares in one or two years' time.”
“Sir, we know that Singapore Government Officers' Cooperative Housing Society has been in trouble for many years. But I fail to understand why when members write in for a refund, they do not even get a reply. Nobody seems to know exactly what is happening with this society.”
“In the past few years and even now, every Malaysia Cup soccer tie that is played at our Stadium, the tickets are sold out within hours and many fans are disappointed. Even ugly scenes have happened, to the extent that one soccer fan fell dead whilst trying to buy tickets.”
“If the Minister approaches the Finance Ministry for extra staff, he must press on with his request. Anyway, Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have forgotten one point. Regarding the word "million". can the Minister please give instructions to the RTS staff not to use the English word "million" but to use the Tamil word for it? If they do not know the Tamil word for it, they can ask the people from the higher institutions.”
“The Minister must think it over. Mr Ng Yeow Chong: Sir, can the acting Minister give me an assurance that my request for the re-naming and for the re-location of the creche within the constituency's housing estate will be brought up when his Ministry starts negotiations with the NTUC for the taking over of the creches?”
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“Sir, the Honourable Minister has not replied to the question on supermarkets.”
“Unfortunately, the reservists are not allowed to buy beer from this Supermarket. May I know why? Sir, I also understand that in the establishment of the Army, there are many senior posts like Warrant Officers, etc, which are still left vacant, although many loyal and dedicated men who have put in many years of service could fill these vacancies. But this is never done. Why is this so? The junior officers, like the staff sergeants, are quite frustrated because of lack of promotion prospects. Furthermore, the pay of these officers are nothing compared to the salaries of the Police sergeants. Could something be done to revise the salary scales of the army in general?”
“From this year onwards the National Day Parade, on an experimental basis, will be decentralised. It will be held in different districts in different forms. May I know how these programmes are going to be decentralised? Will there be a variety of parades, etc. or is it going to be the same everywhere? Two years ago I queried the conduct of army drivers because of the numerous accidents they had been involved in. We were then assured that the standard of driving would improve. Unfortunately, I have to raise this question again because I continue to see reckless driving by some army drivers. It seems that some of the army drivers and our bus drivers are equally bad on the roads. Once an army driver is in a 3-tonner, he seems to think that he owns the road and all other vehicles like cars, motor cycles and bicycles are just midgets. It is a common sight to see army drivers speeding along everywhere. Their recklessness is a source of danger to other drivers. It is high time that stern action was taken against these reckless drivers. The army, in fact, the Defence Department introduced SAFE Supermarkets, one in Beach Road and the other at Dempsey Road. Business must have been very bad because a lot of passes had been issued to Government servants and to numerous Statutory Boards. Unfortunately, it seems that the purpose of the SAFE Supermarket at Dempsey Road is lost because of the distance. A look in this Supermarket will clearly reveal the very few items on display and these are of poor quality. Rusty-looking tins or containers are displayed in a shoddy manner. Maybe something could be done to reorganise the Dempsey Road SAFE Supermarket. In these Supermarkets only army personnel are allowed to buy beer at special prices.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the British withdrawal from the region was followed by a Defence Agreement between Australia, Britain and New Zealand aimed at strengthening our defence capabilities. Now, the Australian troops have been withdrawn and the British troops are reported to be on the verge of a complete withdrawal. Only the New Zealanders are left. It seems as though some of our defence partners are very unreliable. Furthermore, this sort of defence agreement drawn up by countries thousands of miles away seems to suit their convenience rather than ours. Do you not think, Sir, it is better that we draw up a new Defence Agreement among the ASEAN countries, which are closer to the shores of Singapore, which could play an effective role in the defence of Singapore and also in the defence of each country? We cannot rely on foreigners. Instead we should rely more on our neighbours. Sir, it has been reported that the army regulars have been given a $25 increment to overcome inflation. This is unfair. The national servicemen are doing the same work and they have to meet the same expenses. They too help in the defence of the country. They too help in the maintenance of their families. Furthermore, married regulars are provided free transport, gratuity allowances and quarters, which benefits the national servicemen are not entitled to. There is considerable dissatisfaction because of this disparity between the regulars and the national servicemen as far as this increment is concerned. Would it not be wiser to give this increment to all servicemen, irrespective of whether they are regulars or national servicemen, since the cost of living affects everybody and not one particular group alone. Why cannot we be fair to all?”
“Sir, on the matter of buses I think there is no proper control over them. I understand that spare parts are allowed to lie in an open space and anybody can take them out. There is no proper control by SBS, and therefore you can expect their buses to give out smoke. However, I withdraw my amendment.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head J be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead BAA 1109. Sir, pollution caused by lorries, taxis and other commercial vehicles has decreased considerably. Yet there seems to be no decrease in the pollution caused by buses owned by the Singapore Bus Service. It is common to see buses continuously emitting smoke throughout their journeys. I am sure the Minister must have noticed this. What efforts are being made to reduce this health hazard? In complete contrast, the Scheme B buses are in excellent condition and do not emit poisonous smoke, although all the buses are using the same fuel. To make matters worse, some of the SBS buses are so noisy that if one is not careful one's eardrums may burst especially if one happens to be too close to the engine. Sir, the Showa Maru incident was given immense publicity as a result of the unique damage caused to Singapore and our neighbours. Our neighbours have already made public their claims for the damage. The damage to us was greater than that to our neighbours. Besides the damage we have also incurred a huge expenditure in our fight to minimise the pollution. What was the outcome of the Foreign Ministers' meeting which was specially convened to discuss this incident and its related issues? What measures are being taken to ensure that tankers, like the Showa Maru, do not create further damage to our waters and seashores?”
“Sir, in view of the Minister's explanation, I wish to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $54,010 for Head C ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. Head H -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head C be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AAA 1111. Sir, what has been the function of the Presidential Council up to now? As amounts of expenditure had been allocated for the Council in previous years. I would like to know how these amounts had been utilised in carrying out the functions of the Council. Secondly, the Presidential Council is supposed to safeguard the minority rights and interests. How successful has it been so far, and what has been done to fulfil these obligations? I would also like to know how often does the Presidential Council meet.”
“We have great faith in our capacity not only to survive but also to overcome adversities. We work with one aim only - the welfare of our people -and to achieve this, we will not hesitate to take stringent measures to prevent exploitation of the people, to stamp out corruption and to uphold justice. This is why all of us should consider our Government as a "People's Action Government". Finally, I support the Budget statement that has been delivered by our able Minister for Finance. 5.40 p.m.”
“To improve the situation, I suggest periodical meetings of Heads of Departments in order to bring about deeper understanding and better coordination. Sir, the move to retrain rather than retrench is an admirable step. Along with retraining, there must also be prudent redeployment of staff so that there will be a well-balanced staff position in all Government departments and statutory boards. I suggest a concerted study so that we could avoid a waste of funds and ensure an even distribution of staff at all levels and in every department. I propose, therefore, that the training of staff and their redeployment should be made a compulsory feature in the public service so that one could fit into any capacity in any department. We accept in toto the 1975 Budget and the Memorandum on the Estimates. I strongly support the tax increases as proposed since they only affect luxuries and other items that can be considered as health hazards. I need not emphasise that less cars on the road means minimum pollution, few accidents and infrequent traffic congestion; less smoking means fewer cancer cases and heart-attacks; and a reduction in the consumption of alcohol would bring about better health all round. The $1,000 additional earned income relief for those above 55 years is another imaginative and beneficial move. This humanitarian gesture results in only a negligible loss in our revenue. Our prudent planning and farsighted efforts have averted disasters and they have even helped us to bring about a better balance of payments position than what we recorded in the years 1972 and 1973. There have been extensive expansion all round and subsequently vast increases in expenditure but they have not, in any way, adversely affected our citizens.”
“At any given time, breakdowns outnumber the new buses added to each route. It appears as though there are four breakdowns for every two buses added. The scheme B buses have helped a little, but the problem is still acute. When one takes a look at the crowd at bus stops during peak hours, it is not difficult for one to notice the severe shortage of buses on the roads. If the needs of the present number of bus commuters cannot be met, are we going to add further to the incredible number of commuters at each bus stop? As a responsible and dedicated Government, let us not spare any efforts to provide adequate number of buses and reasonably comfortable services. Once this is achieved, car owners will review their position and will certainly consider whether it is worthwhile to incur all these expenses rather than take a comfortable ride for only 40 cents. This will automatically eradicate traffic congestions everywhere. Increases, on the other hand, will not deter them. I wish also to bring to the attention of this House another problem which affects the general public. At one time the emphasis was to centralise the various Government offices. The fashion now seems to be to decentralise the departments. And they are very far apart too. The ordinary citizen has to travel long distances to fill a common form or even to pay an ordinary fee. This decentralisation is causing considerable inconvenience to the general public, and it is causing immense administrative difficulties also. The distance between the various departments is also generating an unhealthy competition, which in turn results in selfishness and lack of cooperation. Some departments are even reluctant to release information for the benefit of others.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it is indeed very delightful and heartening to note that we have yet another painless budget. This has been the case in the past few years and it is certainly a very satisfying reflection. At a time when nations around the world are trying to free themselves from the strangling grip of inflation, retrenchment and recession, it is miraculous that our young nation could present a painless Budget. Credit for this remarkable economic stability should go to our responsible Government and also to the wisdom of our Finance Minister. Retrenchment in Singapore has reached a figure of only 17,000, a very small number compared to the alarming numbers frequently mentioned even in the most advanced nations. Most of the employees who lost their jobs are not the bread-winners of the family and, as such, no notable cases of hardship have resulted from retrenchment in our country. Even the increases in taxes seem to be well designed for they affect only those who can afford them. The proposed increases only affect luxuries and not our daily necessities. For some time now, there had been wide-spread fear of a terrible increase in road taxes. This fear proved unfounded, and many people are greatly relieved. The increase mentioned in the Budget is reasonable and justified. However, there are considerable discrepancies in the proposed taxes for motor cars. Why must there be any difference at all? Are we aiming to swell our revenue by this tax increase? Are we trying to discourage and deter our car owners from using their cars and ultimately to sell them off? I know our Singaporeans too well. Before they do this, we must convince them that our public transport system is adequate, efficient and dependable.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Parliamentary Secretary say how many Tamil teachers have undergone training?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, are Tamil teachers in the English stream allowed to undergo training?”
“Nevertheless, the problem is being eradicated by and large and let us hope, as predicted, that in the second half of the year we will do better. 3.45 p.m.”
“Very often we see that the seats in the new buses are damaged and they are not very safe. The SBS should not only look into the question of quantity but also on the quality of buses. During the last one year, bank rates on fixed deposits and savings accounts had been revised several times. At one time the rate was increased by 2%. It was reduced subsequently. Though this may be good for investments, it might cause some side effects on people who are misguided by these constant fluctuations, and it might result in the promotion of illegal activities like tontines and chit funds. It is a wise act that the Government is introducing benefits for couples to have their parents live with them. This is to allow the parents to work while the grandparents look after the children. By this move, it will induce close relationship within the families and will relieve to a certain extent the social problems of the country. This concept should be greatly publicised to let the people be more aware of it and to follow it accordingly. Last year, I did speak something on the subject of medical charges. I had asked the Minister not to increase the medical charges. He did not reply to my question. I am sad to note that there is a hint that the cost of medical services may be increased. I hope that the Minister will review his intention, because there is great dissatisfaction among the people over this increase in the cost of medical services. As a result, some people even turn to quack doctors as an alternative to the expensive hospital charges. Finally, we must admit that the people of Singapore have complained of the rising cost of living which is the result of world-wide inflation.”
“Nevertheless, I would like to mention that though this is a wise move to solve our traffic problem, there will be many businessmen in the Central Business District who can afford to pay the mere $60 Area licence fee for their vehicles. They might buy licences for most of their employees and thereby this will not solve the traffic problem. It will defeat the purpose of the park and ride scheme. I would suggest that we limit or apportion the number of licences for every business enterprise in the CBD The Education system has gone through a revolution during the last decade. There have been so many changes that most parents are confused. Though we must admit that we have to keep up with the times in our Education system, it should not be changed so often. Otherwise teachers and principals will adopt a carefree attitude in their methods of teaching. I hope the Ministry will take my advice and see that changes are not made so often. Last year there was a headline in the Straits Times regarding the pledge by the Minister for Communications that there would not be any more problems of public transport in the years to come. I must congratulate the Minister's move in improving the public transport system from then on. But, nevertheless, there is still much room for improvement. Daily we find many breakdowns of the buses, infrequency of services and snobbish conductors and reckless drivers. Every now and then we hear that the SBS is commissioning new buses on the roads. This is indeed a heartening move. But, on the other hand, what about the buses that are being involved in major accidents. The SBS should set up a committee to look into the rising rate of major accidents. Furthermore, the new buses are of poor quality.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support my colleagues in thanking the President of Singapore for his important and calculative address which he delivered in this Chamber on 21st February, 1975. The President has outlined the many problems that the country is facing or will be facing and he has suggested solutions which the various Ministries intend to do to offset these ills. However, these proposals must be carefully and systematically implemented. Otherwise the masses will be taken by surprise. It is indeed a welcome move that the Government intends to increase the Police manpower by taking in full-time national servicemen. This move has to be introduced because of the growing crime rate in Singapore. However, one setback is that we must see that the people who are being trained in this field are loyal and dedicated personnel, otherwise the Police Force would be made a laughing stock if crooks are found in their midst. I have to say this because I understand that some of the present lot of part-time national servicemen are a bunch of rogues. Some even engage in part-time crime activities after their duty hours. Some part-time national servicemen in the Police Force are even sporting long hair. So, steps must be taken to ensure that the move is well implemented with, out creating problems in the future. I now come to the point on the park and ride scheme. I believe that in certain countries the shuttle service in this scheme is given free of charge. But we in Singapore cannot allow this because the privilege may be misused or will affect the overhead cost.”
“If we want to maintain our present standard of living and to enjoy political and economic stability, it is necessary for every one, especially the younger people, to limit his family to two children. One must realise that the peace, progress and prosperity of a country can only be achieved through the quality of its people and not quantity. Too many children in a family would be a burden to oneself, to society and to the government. Unwanted children are not cared for, and are not given any parental love. They will not have nourishing food and proper accommodation, and will thereby suffer physically and mentally. This will affect their ability to study and eventually they will become school dropouts, juvenile delinquents, drug addicts, gangsters and armed robbers. To avoid all this misery and suffering, it is better to limit one's family to two children only through family planning, sterilization and, if necessary only, through abortion. Sir, in legalising the case for abortion, I would request the Minister for Health and Home Affairs to get his staff in the Medical Department to explain to the women through the media of publicity to make them realise that frequent abortion will affect their health and endanger their lives. The Medical Department should also explain to them the advantages of family planning and sterilization, which are far better than undergoing abortion. I would also like to suggest that the charges for performing an abortion should be fair and, if possible, limited to a certain rate to avoid unfair high charges. The charges should be within the means of the lower income group workers too.”
“It is in Southeast Asia, but mention has been made of Singapore only, and not other countries. You may recall that when the Abortion Bill was first introduced in Parliament five years ago, I was one of those who spoke against it. However, it was passed by a majority decision, and I had no choice but to abide by it. Today this Act is being amended. I wonder why the Termination of Pregnancy Board is to be abolished. The Abortion Act is being liberalised and this causes the fear that henceforth many people may abuse this privilege. I wonder whether the Minister is encouraging the further killing of the foetus in the mother's womb. During the last few weeks, after this new Abortion Bill was introduced in this Chamber, controversial views on the subject have been expressed by both doctors and the people, some of which have appeared in the daily newspapers. Mr Speaker, Sir, I also understand that after the first Abortion Bill was passed five years ago, there had been cases where some doctors were not happy to perform abortions. I have also learned that some doctors who were required to perform abortions had pushed their cases to other doctors because they felt very bad about it. In fact, a few of them had resigned from the service because of the nature of their duties. I do not know whether this is right or wrong, but the Minister should know it. Therefore, Sir, I do not support the abolition of the Termination of Pregnancy Board. Mr Seah Mui Kok (Bukit Ho Swee): Mr Speaker, Sir, Singapore has a very limited land area. With no natural resources and with a population of about 2.2 million, it is necessary for us to achieve zero population growth through family planning, sterilization and abortion.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister for Health has given a very long explanation on abortion. There is no doubt that he has made mention of Western countries or Europe, but he has never made any mention of Southeast Asia.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I wholeheartedly support the motion moved by the Prime Minister to re-elect Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares as President for a further term beginning 2nd January, 1975. Our President has until today carried out his duties efficiently, thereby earning our praise and respect. Moreover, he has impressed the foreign leaders and diplomats by his intelligence and simplicity. An example of his qualities can be found in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference held in our Republic. You may recall that it was just before that Conference that our President first assumed the responsibilities of the office of Head of State. During that important and trying period, when there were so many leaders of the Commonwealth, our President performed his duties as Head of State and received these dignitaries with accord and earned a good reputation. He has established the fact that he is in every respect fit to be a President. I, therefore, sincerely support the re-election of Dr Sheares, who has gained experience in the duties of a Head of State, and I am sure all hon. Members in this House will join me in support.”
“Sir, are the senior officers included in the salary revision scheme?”
“Sir, has the Home Affairs Ministry recommended to the Ministry of Finance its support for the implementation of these salary scales?”
“Sir, the Prisons Department's recommendations have been accepted by the Government. Is it true that the salary scales for senior officers have also been accepted?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, when will the Minister for Culture ask the Minister for National Development to get a place? When will we get it? The Minister for Culture should insist on it.”
“Sir, are there sufficient spare parts for the motor scooters?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, are all the motor scooters serviceable?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, why was the Mechanical Engineer recruited into the Postal Services Department in the first instance?”
“Sir, in fact, I do not want to speak on this Bill, but since Mr Speaker has called me I might as well say something. Mr Speaker, Sir, I fully support the Bill. But we must not be too strict in our control of the newspapers, for if we do they cannot be published. That is very bad. The newspaper must be given some freedom, otherwise people will say that it is controlled by the Government. Therefore, the Minister must consider giving some freedom to the newspaper. However, I fully support the Bill. Since this Bill is going to the Select Committee, most probably we will get public opinion.”
“Sir, I did not say that all teachers do not do their work, but only some teachers in the schools.”
“The last time I brought this matter up, the Senior Parliamentary Secretary said that it had been referred to the Ministry of Education. May I ask the Minister for Education whether instructions had been given to the Ministry of Culture about this? I know it is bad for me to talk about the word "million" again.”
“Funds meant for sports facilities are not used, and so also for science. Thus we see why these schools have inflated bank accounts. To make matters worse, I believe the financial section of the Ministry dictates the amount a school may spend per month. For example, a school with 2,000 pupils may collect $6,000 per month, yet it is not allowed to spend more than $4,000 per month from the miscellaneous fees account. A saving of $2,000 lies in the bank only to collect interest, and serves no other purpose. Such cock-eyed policies must be done away forthwith. Let the money go back to the children. Sir, ETV lessons have not been very satisfactory. Standards have to be improved. One classroom lesson has far greater value than an ETV lesson. I would also like to know what is the programme of training teachers in the Institute of Education. It would appear that the Institute of Education is similar in nature to the former Teachers' Training College. What is the Minister's view on this? What measures are being taken by the Ministry in their regular inspection of schools to ensure that schools carry out education policies effectively? Some schools are rarely visited by anyone from the Ministry of Education, and these schools tend to wallow in anonymity. Some of the schools deep in the rural areas are never visited by any official from the Ministry for years. 5.15 p.m. In some schools, the teachers do not check the compositions written by the students. It is just like what is done in the University, they just give a lecture, and that is all. How can the students progress in this way? The teachers just give them notes, and that is all. Again, regarding the word "million".”
“Further, sending pupils to schools nearest their home will eliminate traffic congestion during school days. I am sure the Minister will agree with me that this "class distinction" among schools should be done away with and should not be encouraged in Singapore. Singapore has experienced another laboratory blast in a secondary school. Could these blasts and unnecessary injuries have been avoided if proper precautions had been taken? What steps are being taken in science laboratories to ensure that this sort of incident is not repeated? What steps are being taken in schools to conduct fire drills? Are there sufficient provisions of fire hydrants and fire hoses to fight fires in schools? Sir, sometime ago it was reported in the press that some secondary schools had accumulated funds to the tune of $100,000-plus. There may be many more secondary schools accumulating amounts close to the $100,000 figure. The miscellaneous fees have been collected from pupils and these contributions are supposed to be used for their benefit. But there are schools where such funds are not released by the principals to purchase items sorely needed for pupils' use. The worst case I have come across is the use of funds for the purchase of art materials. Many of the schools cannot be bothered about art. As such they see no need to spend these funds on the purchase of materials for the teaching of art. In fact, in one secondary school the principal allocated a miserable sum of $25 for art per term. This is a ridiculous state of affairs in our schools. Certain schools have beautiful art rooms built at great cost, and yet some principals refuse to allocate sufficient funds for the efficient teaching of this important subject. This is really a sorry state of affairs. I have quoted only one example.”
“Would such principals and senior teachers treat these other teachers with respect and decorum? Sir, I believe in 1969 the Primary Pilot Project was put on trial in certain primary schools by the Minister. This project has now been extended to many other schools. I wonder whether this project is a successful one. Though the specialists say it is successful, I understand that many teachers sincerely say it is not so, because the project is still on trial and that the implementation of bilingualism clashes with this project. Furthermore, the children take a long time to complete the syllabus and they do not have any written examinations. So later when they reach a higher primary level where they have to take written examinations, they will find it difficult to pass due to lack of training. Can the Minister comment and enlighten me on this subject? Every year when primary school pupils leave for entry into secondary schools they are given a choice of two schools. Does the Ministry make it compulsory for the pupils to go to schools nearest their home? If not, why is this not so? The pupils can save a lot of money and time if they do not have to go to schools far away from their homes. This will also ensure that secondary schools receive the same number of quality pupils. At present many pupils with good results land in the so-called good schools. The rest, especially those who pass after two or three attempts, are sent to some other mediocre schools. This is totally unfair to the schools that receive the poorer quality of pupils. Not only do the teachers find it frustrating to teach them, but the pupils too do not have the sense of esprit de corps with the school for they too know what category they belong to.”
“Sir, with the implementation of the 43 per cent-exposure to second language this year, a great number of teachers particularly in the English stream have become redundant. If this is so, I wonder why secondary schools still have a great shortage of qualified teachers. At one time it was reported that there was an excess of 400 teachers in the English stream, and yet a good number of relief teachers are still seen manning full classes in secondary schools. What steps is the Education Ministry taking to correct this anomaly? The Minister has said that the problem of mass transfer of teachers has been resolved. Can he elaborate on it? Promotions were supposed to be a regular annual exercise. Nothing has so far been done about this. Why? In the last Budget session the Minister remarked that the promotion exercise for teachers would be an annual exercise. For the first exercise, applications were called for in 1972 and promotions took place in 1973. But since then there has been no news. Has the heart-breaking exercise introduced at the beginning died a natural death? What steps have been taken to correct the many errors made in the first exercise? If there is another exercise, the Ministry must make sure that some of the principals do not bungle up things this time. What steps is the Ministry of Education taking to make sure that there is an increasing rapport between principals and teachers? How many teachers are drawing salaries in excess of their principals and senior teachers? Why and how does this situation arise? Should not something be done to correct this anomaly so that teachers with much more salaries than principals and senior teachers be made to hold similar positions? This is only logical.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I think we are giving too much work to the Minister for Finance. However, regarding the income tax forms, why could there not be two types of forms, one for the workers and the other for businessmen? It is better this way. The businessmen will have to declare everything in their income tax forms, while the workers need fill only their earned income and how much they spend. That is all. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Haji Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi: (2) That the sum to be allocated for Head OG be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead CA 1111. Haji Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi (Kampung Kembangan)(In Malay): I am not moving, Sir. The sum of $9,847,500 for Head OG ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $543,000 for Head OG ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head OG be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AA 1105. Sir, the present income tax return form does not provide any space to claim reliefs for parents and grandparents as well as relief for garden maintenance. Why must the taxpayer be made to travel to separate places to ask for the necessary forms? If these forms had been designed properly, this unnecessary travel could have been avoided. Could a simpler and clearer form be issued from next year onwards? Moreover, many people find it difficult to fill in the present form. May I know how many people had their forms filled in incorrectly for the last few years? Sir, the relief for parents and grandparents is most welcome. At least the Government has shown some consideration for the aged and the needy. At the same time it would have been better to offer some tax relief for wage earners. The present reliefs were drawn up a long time ago, and are no longer practical in view of the present cost of living and inflation. This item of relief has not been considered along with the compensation for the high cost of living nowadays, such as the 13th month pay, 9 per cent wage increase and the $25 interim payments, which have swelled the annual incomes of wage-earners. But then these higher incomes will be affected by their inclusion in the income tax returns later on. I wonder whether the Minister will reconsider the decision which he has made in Parliament on the 15th of this month, and instead consider a further personal relief for taxpayers in his Budget calculations for the next financial year.”
“Yet the clerical assistants are paid less than clerical officers. It can be a terribly frustrating experience for clerical assistants, with the same qualifications as clerical officers, to work in the same office with clerical officers and doing the same job but paid less instead.”
“Sir, I am glad to note that the Government has taken the necessary measures, without harming any sector of the economy, to diversify the sources of our most essential food supplies, and to revive a scheme for a rice stockpile. Welcome and SAFE Supermarkets should be activated to fight against inflation. As a result of the tourist boom a decade ago, the Government encouraged people to build hotels. What has been done to alleviate the plight of hotel owners by bringing in more tourists and so increase the occupancy of hotel rooms? Have our foreign missions played any significant part in this respect? It has been quite some time now since Government began its industrialisation programme. Up to-date very little propaganda activity has been organised for the sale of Singapore made goods. What action is the Government taking in this regard? We have, in the past, been emphasising on the promotion of our Singapore made goods. It is time that we placed greater emphasis on the promotion of our locally made products, both locally and abroad, so as to compete with foreign goods. Sir, a daily peep of the newspaper reveals that our youths are involved in some form of activity or other. Youth problems of the Republic today are different from those of the past. In view of the far-sighted policies of our Government, there is an urgent need for an effective youth council to be formed in the Republic, where greater participation of our youth in more responsible activity can be looked into. Sir, it has been suggested in the past that deserving officers be given merit increments as an incentive to work hard. How many officers have so far benefited from this scheme? There is hardly any difference in the output of work between clerical assistants and clerical officers.”
“More effective price controls must be substituted. Has the Price Control Department appointed sufficient inspectors to check on prices? Shopkeepers and hawkers are adopting the "take it or leave it" attitude which hits the poor below the belt. The people welcome statements followed by action, such as the black-listing of bakeries producing short-weight bread. In conjunction with this there should be more NTUC Welcome Supermarkets. These are fast becoming popular. The people are heeding the call by the Trade Division to boycott shops selling goods at exorbitant prices. But there have been cases where the price of an article in the Welcome Supermarket was higher by as much as $2 for the same article sold by the shopkeepers outside. A case in point is the Thomson Road Market where a tin of cooking oil was sold for $6 whereas it costs $7.15 at the Toa Payoh Welcome Supermarket. Why should there be such a vast difference in price? This will discourage the consumer from buying at Toa Payoh. Can an attempt be made to check the prices in Welcome Supermarkets against prices in the other shops, so as to make the Supermarket prices attractive to customers? This is the time to do it, as supermarkets are becoming popular. In this way we can easily check profiteering by the retailers. I would request the Price Control Department, CASE and INTRACO to play their very important role in the control of prices of goods in the Welcome Supermarkets, and try to make them more attractive. Moreover, some of the fresh foods like meat, fish and vegetables in the markets are as old as Noah's Ark. Cannot something be done to have them changed or auctioned to the public, and new stocks brought in? It is better to sell at a cheaper price than to allow them to perish.”
“As such, it is time we introduced legislation not only to conserve our oil supplies, but also to make sure that our foreign exchange is not drained out by buying oil at prohibitive prices. May I ask what measures have been taken to make sure that shopping complexes, business houses and hotels reduce their lighting to the barest minimum? Up to-date what other measures has the Finance Ministry taken to deal with this energy crisis? Raising the question of reducing wastage is an important one. Government should revamp and revive all the special campaigns that it used to have some time back. The TV and radio should increase the number of warnings on the conservation of energy and "save more" campaigns. In the Budget proper, we welcome the statement requiring all Ministries and Departments to cut down wastage and unnecessary expenditures. These are two very important aspects of our economic life. The Minister also stated that there is no let-up in the implementation of desirable development programmes and projects. I would like to know how these proposals are going to be checked. Though there is now publicity in the press and on the air about inflation, something concrete must be done if our lower and middle income group citizens are to survive. Prices of essential commodities have risen by about 200-300 per cent. Prices are still rising. Every day a new price is quoted by the shopkeepers and hawkers. When asked, some of them say that the Government has allowed them to raise the prices of goods. Shopkeepers and hawkers seem to round up their prices to the nearest 5 or 10 cents in any price increase. This is because of the lack of I-cent coins. Is there any method that can be adopted to prevent the customers from being cheated because of the hack of 1-cent coins?”
“Sir, it has been a long time since chit fund companies were wound up. Up to now the public has not been told anything about the results of the winding-up, except for the punishment meted out on the directors. Anxious citizens are waiting to see how much can they recover from their losses. How long have these ex-subscribers got to wait to recover their losses? At the rate we are going, by the time the payment is made, the amount will be diminished to peanuts. Would the Minister tell us what action is being taken in this respect? 2.45 p.m. I would like to know the present ruling governing the account of a C.P.F, member who dies and who had, on his nomination form, named a person who had since died. Is it true that the nomination form of the C.P.F, is similar to a will, and therefore in such a case the family of the deceased nominee could put a claim through the public trustee? Could the Minister enlighten me on this matter? The economic survey of Singapore has been very well planned and written. Figures quoted in the annual Budget Statement are apt and they really show the precise situation. I note that the "oil crisis" and the consequent economic slow-down in the industrial countries, world-wide inflation, international trade and the international monetary system have affected our otherwise booming economy. It is indeed sad to note this fact. However, much credit goes to the planning of the Government to off-set these ills and to rectify deficiencies wherever they exist because of these factors. The oil crisis, or what could be termed as our own oil financial crisis, is going to be a permanent feature of Singapore's life. Anyone who believes that the oil-producing countries are going to lower their oil prices to the pre-October level is living in a fool's paradise.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr J. F. Conceicao --- (2) That the sum to be allocated for Head ND be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AD 1111. The Chairman: Mr Conceicao is not here. The sum of $79,312,440 for Head ND ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $5,199,000 for Head ND ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Pursuant to a resolution of the House, Mr Deputy Speaker thereupon left the Chair of the Committee and took the Chair of the House.”
“Just as the mini-skirt, the long hair, the drug addiction and the free-sex parties had come from the West to the East and then to our Republic, it will not be long before "streakers" will be seen running in our Singapore streets. I was told that some of the girls and boys used to loll naked at Changi Beach at night. Indecent or obscene exposure has been regarded as a minor offence and penalties of perhaps $10 or $20 fines have been imposed. I would like to point out that a streaker's exposure is not the same kind of obscene exposure that we have been dealing in the past. This is part of a new movement designed to destroy the youth and to damage the socio-economic structure of the country. This is a serious matter, and I urge the Government to introduce severe penalties for streaking before they become a regular feature in Singapore. Our investments in our youth would be frustrated and, in order to save our youth from this evil influence, may I venture to suggest that offenders be punished by caning for the damage they do will be no less severe than drug traffickers. Sir, I would like to know the functions of our Special Constabulary. How do they serve the country and the people? Mr Baptist rose -”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head ND be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AA 1105. Sir, I would like to extol the Government for the marvellous way in which it tackled the "sea-jackers" problem in Singapore recently. Whilst the Government is to be praised for this, the 13 civil servants are worthy of even greater praise and commendation for the risks they had taken to save the Government from this misfortune. It is believed that initially the 13 officials had great difficulty in obtaining landing rights in Kuwait until the leader of the delegation tactfully persuaded the authorities there to make concessions. I wonder if the Government would consider some form of commendation for these brave and loyal civil servants. Though the situation was tackled very tactfully, can the Minister tell us what security measures have been taken to protect our islands and coasts? There may be other similar attempts in the future. After this recent incident at Pulau Bukom, what safety measures have been introduced at these vital installations? Incidents of sabotage can occur again. We must make sure that we do not relax in our vigilance. Sir, the police patrol cars have quite often proved to be the losers when chasing criminals who escape in more powerful cars. Obviously something must be done about this. Is there any possibility of introducing a helicopter service to track down criminals who flee from the law? Sir, I wish to draw the attention of this House to the streakers who run naked in some American University campuses and then into the streets. Within the short space of a few days, this new trend has spread to France, Japan and then to Hongkong.”
“I am not moving, Sir. The sum of $10,099,510 for Head NC ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $2,984,660 for Head NC ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head ND -- 7.30 p.m.”
“I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $3,946,820 for Head NB ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $1,000,000 for Head NB ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head NC- The following amendment stood in the name of Mr P. Govindaswamy: That the sum to be allocated for Head NC be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AA 1108.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head NB be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AA 1109. Sir, some time back a Singapore citizen, who had been employed for many years in the Army, married a foreigner. But due to his loyalty to Singapore, he was unable to make a trip to visit his wife for some time. He had applied for a visa for his wife to join him. But his application was turned down due to the fact that both of them had not been living together for more than five years. Since he was unsuccessful in his effort to get his wife down he decided to migrate to join his wife. Sir, can I be enlightened as to what is the present ruling on the question of Singaporeans wanting their foreign wives to join them? One more point I would like to raise is: what precautionary measures are being taken along our coast and entry points to prevent the entry of illegal immigrants? Press reports state that these unwanted people are in Singapore. What is the Immigration Department doing about this?”
“He had also loyally applied for a post as a regular serviceman at the CMPB. Two weeks later he received a reply in the negative. But he decided to make a trip to the CMPB to ask why his application was turned down. The official told him that they were not dealing with graduates and referred him to the O.P.C. This young lad was given the same reply. But this time he was not given a verbal reply at the O.P.C, as the reasons were regarded as confidential. It is believed that because of his non-citizen status, he is unable to get on. What is going to be the plight of this boy? His age is catching up and he is still unemployed. Sir, I would also like to know why foreign women who are married to Singapore citizens take a long time to get their citizenship. Can the Minster enlighten me on this subject? 7.15 p.m.”