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 Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”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?”
The complete record
Every one of 1,199 lines we hold for P. Govindaswamy, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 16 of 24.
“What is the significance of the costumes and of make-up? What we nowadays see is merely a straightforward presentation, with no attempt at explanation. We can do the same with the cultural forms from some other streams. Take an Indian dance, for example. We can show the meaning of gestures, of movements of arms, legs, head and eyes. In this way, we can give a cultural experience to people who watch television or correspondingly to those who listen to the radio. Otherwise, we have the Chinese enjoying Chinese culture, Indians enjoying Indian culture, and there does not seem to be any kind of cross-fertilisation or cross-explanation, and no attempt to bridge the cultural gap which continues to exist. For other educational purposes, why can we not have interesting courses for the worker and his family? Courses which may be related to culture, but which may be related to the other preoccupations as well. There are many cases which have shown that people in Singapore do not adequately know their own cultural background. A course on historical monuments, landmarks, sites, the interesting stories behind these objects, even religious edifices and other features, all these would go to make an interesting programme, giving people a sense of belonging to their environment, a Singapore identity, a sense of common relationship, one with another, because of common recognition of common features. It would appear that tourists seem to know more about Singapore than Singaporeans themselves. Then we come to another matter -, the question of the quality of technique possessed by our TV personnel. Just watch, Mr Speaker, Sir, for example, how a TV interview is conducted. The way questions are asked could only be described as gauche, to say the least.”
“Sir, in view of the Minister's reply, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Mr Conceicao: Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0901 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1301*. (* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr P. Govindaswamy.) Sir, here I would like to refer to the question of the educational potential of broadcasting. I do not feel that this potential is being fully exploited. Sir, management of the mass media is an extremely grave responsibility. Yet despite what the Minister has already remarked on, I feel that the policy is not too clear. What is it that we want to put on TV and over radio? Is it only what we feel is popular? Is there any attempt to educate in order to raise the standard of taste among our people, the standard of cultural appreciation? Or do we simply respond to the lowest common denominator of demand? There does not seem to be any attempt at a feed-back, no audience rating that I know of, no significant research into audience responses. I think more could be done to make people more conscious of one another's forms of cultural expression. This is simply an example of the possible educational uses to which we could put our normal television channels. For example, when we put up a programme consisting of a Chinese cultural item, why not explain what we present? If there is a Chinese orchestra rendering some selection, why not explain the particular features of the instruments of the orchestra, and how these instruments are combined to give effect? Perhaps some further explanation of the finer aspects of Chinese music could be conveyed to a non-Chinese audience. Again, if there is the presentation of a Chinese opera, what sort of story does it attempt to tell?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am not objecting to what the Minister has said about the clock tower. He can see for himself whether it is attractive or not. Previously, the British crown was at the top of the clock tower. Now, there is nothing there. Therefore, we should put a crest which will be a tourist attraction. This is my proposal, and I hope the Minister can see some way to do it before next year's Budget sitting.”
“Sir, only two matters were brought up: publicity and the Victoria Memorial Hall.”
“Sir, I also wonder whether the State crest could be erected at the clock tower of the Victoria Memorial Hall, which appears to be bare at the moment. I know that I had brought up this subject last year to which the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture suggested referring the matter to the proper authority. I believe because of that reason nothing has been done so far. Can I suggest to the Minister to liaise with the proper authority and reconsider the matter'? Since this building is in the heart of the city and also a tourist attraction, something must be done to better its appearance.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, recently it was announced that newspapers might have to go public, after legislation to that effect has been enacted. That is well and good. However, can the Minister tell us how will it he possible for a newspaper with a small circulation, or whose readership does not exceed a few thousand, to go public? I am afraid that such a newspaper with a poor circulation may have to mid up if it has to go public. Sir, the Ministry of Culture should screen its films more often in the various parts of the island. We have several campaigns going on in the island, and yet some people in the rural areas are completely neglected as far as publicising the campaigns is concerned. Many of the rural folks do not possess a radio or television. May I suggest that the Ministry of Culture vans frequently visit the rural areas to publicise the campaigns. There should be film shows telling them what is going on in Singapore. We should also make it compulsory for all theatres to show the Ministry of Culture films before the main show begins. Many of our citizens are surprisingly not aware of what is happening in our island. The television is a good medium of information. But the cinema as an avenue of publicity is being completely neglected. In the theatres I find that the national anthem is not being played at the end of the last show. I do not know why this practice is stopped. The national anthem should be played at the end of the last show, because the people of Singapore must respect their national anthem. Sir, the other matter I wish to raise is this. Under the urban renewal project, I believe the Ministry of Social Affairs will be resited at Pearl's Hill. May I know whether the Victoria Memorial Hall will also be affected by the resiting? 5.45 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0901 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1101. Sir, may I range over my next amendment* on subhead 1251 under the same Head? * The amendment reads as follows: (5) That the sum to be allocated for Head 0901 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1251.”
“(7) That the sum to be allocated for Head 0801 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1621.”
“By "relax", I mean just close an eye! That is all.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have received many complaints about some hawker inspectors not carrying out their duties justly and reasonably. The complaints were that they issued summonses to some hawkers biasly. There was an instance when many hawkers were found to cause obstruction to a passage way and yet only one was served with a summons. And when the hawker inspector was questioned for his actions, he answered. "That is not your duty." It shows that there is prejudice and injustice going on in this regard. The department concerned should take action to stop this state of affairs. Sir, I wonder whether during festival days, rules relating to obstruction of roads or public places could be relaxed so that the poor hawkers can do their business more freely in view of the fact that business is brisk on such days. I hope the department concerned would be lenient and sympathetic towards the hawkers during such periods.”
“Sir, in view of the Minister's explanation, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I have been noticing that many drains have been found to be choked and the flow of water is being obstructed, especially with the underground and the monsoon drains. It is therefore necessary to clear these drains as often as possible. Some of them are found to be awfully smelly and filthy, for example, the drain along North Bridge Road opposite the former Raffles Institution. Sir, I would also like to know the progress of the construction work at Rochore Canal, which will provide a better drainage system. It looks as if the work has stopped. If so, why is the work left uncompleted? Sir, I would also like to voice out that there are many places, especially at construction sites, where stagnant pools of water are found, and these become grounds for mosquito breeding. This may affect the health of our citizens, even for the people living in the Housing Board flats. I wonder what is the Department doing to get rid of this menace. Although malaria is not a common disease in Singapore, it should nevertheless be completely eradicated.”
“No, Sir,I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, the Minister for the Environment has asked me to recruit workers. What does he mean by that? He is a responsible Minister. He should recruit the workers. If he cannot get the workers in Singapore, he should import them from other countries under an agreement.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0801 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1071. Sir, since the implementation of legislation for the control of pollution in Singapore, there has been a remarkable improvement in the environment. However, I wish to point out the dirty and smelly condition of the rubbish collection centres located in different parts of the island. Obviously certain centres do not have enough containers for the collection of rubbish. Consequently, there is a fantastic amount of rubbish spilling on to the road resulting in dirty and smelly roads. One clear example is the rubbish collection centre next to Kandang Kerbau market. Not only does the rubbish spill on to the road but also into the canal next to it. All efforts will be wasted if the hawkers are careless or if there are insufficient bins at the collection centres. It is very unhygienic for health and could result in the breeding of flies. I hope the department concerned would look into it and see that the rubbish is cleared at least twice a day, even on holidays and Sundays, especially in the hawker areas and housing estates. 3.15 p.m.”
“On a point of explanation, Sir,I was referring to heavy-duty lorries and motor vehicles.”
“I would call upon the Minister to set up an urgent inquiry into the matter to find out why the drivers and conductors are deliberately behaving in that manner. If necessary, it should recommend whatever benefits they deserve, such as more pay, in order that we may have a better transport service. It can also be further improved by the introduction of more new buses. Sir, with the growing number of vehicles on our roads from year to year there is greater pollution of air and noise, and the fumes emitted by the buses, lorries, motor cars and motor cycles are offensive and poisonous to the people. Will the Minister seriously consider enacting laws to eliminate such pollution? One suggestion would be to enforce the compulsory installation of silencers to all motor vehicles and the compulsory half-yearly inspection and overhaul of old vehicles. If this suggestion is carried out, Singapore will be a better and healthier place to live in. Otherwise our vehicles seem to he literally getting away with blue murder. Sir, the computerisation of vehicle records has created a mess at the Registry of Vehicles in Middle Road. Not only is there no one to guide members of the public as to where to queue, but there is also a racket going on by those in the queue. What measures have the Registrar of Vehicles taken to remedy the situation? It seems that the offices on the ground floor of the Registry are not well sited. All this will project an image of inefficiency.”
“This has become so common that one has only to travel along any bus route to see broken down buses. Either these buses are not being properly maintained or the owners are straining the efficiency of the vehicles to their utmost. Moreover, inside the bus, it is not an uncommon sight to see the Seats damaged, litter bins without a bottom, and used tickets thrown all over the place. And although a litter Bin is provided, cigarette butts can be seen here and there. I wonder whether we can introduce a complete ban on smoking in buses. Some of our bus drivers and conductors are supposed to have gone through a refresher course, but of late instead of giving better service, the public are getting more and more experiences of rudeness by bus drivers and conductors. The numerous letters written to the press regarding the behaviour of bus drivers and conductors are testimony to this fact. Some bus drivers seem to think that bus bays or bus stops are only meant for show and not for use by them. It is not infrequent to see buses damaging road dividers and pedestrian walks. They will endanger the lives of road users if no remedial action is taken immediately. Moreover, bus drivers often ignore commuters by not stopping or stopping far away from the bus stops only to let down passengers and will not pick any passengers at all. The passengers wait hopefully at the bus stops for the buses, but quite often their wait has been in vain. What positive action is being taken by the Ministry of Communications to bring about discipline in our public transport system? The public is fed up and disgusted with the behaviour of some of our bus drivers and conductors.”
“Sir, although some Members have already spoken about cars and buses, I have yet to say something about them. The Minister will probably only take note of my remarks. Sir, the daily traffic on our roads seems to be increasing at an alarming rate. Is it possible for the schools, Government offices and commercial firms to co-operate with the Traffic Police to stagger their working hours effectively so that our roads do not become congested during peak periods? Or is it possible to close certain key roads in the city area to private vehicles during the peak period? This will ease the flow of buses which transport most of the office workers and school children. In the meantime private vehicles could be diverted to some other routes which are not too busy during that period. I suggest that a study be made on this proposal and to implement it if it is feasible. At the rate our office workers experience the daily traffic jams at the moment they will soon have bad lungs by inhaling the 5.00 p.m. dose of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. It is no wonder that our office workers do not seem to be in the least rugged! The introduction of box junctions is commendable. But I wonder how many persons have since been booked for ignoring the box junction rules. Some drivers seem to think that the yellow box junction is a chess board and they block traffic coming from the other side. Sir, our buses have earned such a notoriety that it will be recorded in the annals of Singapore. Not only do the buses cough out poisonous fumes and pollute the air but they are the cause of a good number of accidents in Singapore. Surely something can he done to remedy this increasingly deplorable situation. We see daily the familiar triangle sign on the road indicating that a bus has broken down.”
“Sir, I did not refer to tampering of mail. I mentioned about the metal plate on pillar boxes showing the collection times of mail, not tampering of letters. There is a metal plate on the pillar box showing the collection times, and this has faded.”
“Sir, I read in the newspapers that the Postal Department has been reorganised to suit present day requirements, and it is heartening to see that much has been done for the better. However, more spectacular progress can be realised if new blood is injected into this important department. I understand that top officers, who are in Division I, cannot be transferred to other departments of the Government service because this has been the practice since colonial days. If this is true, then if officers are allowed to be there too long they will become stale and cannot foresee any way to improve the service. The Postal Service is a great asset to the Communications Ministry, and I recommend that the Postal Service be given a change of life. If Division 1 officers are interchangeable from one Ministry to another, I am sure greater improvement in postal services will surely result and the needs of the public enhanced by this recommendation. Singapore's population is growing. It is therefore true that if the postal service is to keep pace with the growth, more pillar boxes should be introduced. This is not going to be a very costly item, nor is it going to be very inconvenient to the postmen. Further, the metal plates showing the collection times of many pillar boxes have either faded or been tampered with. Yet no action has been taken about it. Could something be done to remedy this situation? One more point I would like to raise, Sir, is the working environment of the Sorting section at Nelson Road. It needs further improvement. The ventilation is still not sufficient. The dust and heat there is a hazard to the workers. 7.00 p.m.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $1,756,900 for Head 0704 ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $228,000 for Head 0704 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 0705 --”
“What I meant is the forecast. Will the weather forecast be correct by a transfer from the City to the Airport? Fullerton Building is so high, and the building at the airport is so low.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0704 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001. Sir, sometime ago there was mention about the transfer of the meteorological facilities from Fullerton Building to the Airport. Why was this done? How much progress has been made so far? As a result of this transfer, will our weather forecast readings in the city area be affected to any extent?”
“Could the Minister also enlighten the House as to the recent dispute which our seamen encountered in Australia? And is there any remedial action taken on this subject? Last year, according to the Labour Ministry, more than 10,000 accidents have taken place in work places, of which over a hundred cases are fatal. In view of the rapid industrialisation in Singapore, we have a phenomenal increase in the number of factories. However, our Factory Inspectorate consists of eight Inspectors who are expected to carry out spotchecks on our factories. How can eight Inspectors check on factories throughout the various parts of the island? No wonder we have so many violations of safety rules, and safety precautions have been found to be lax in most factories. If we are really interested in safety precautions in our factories, it is time the number of Inspectors were increased several-fold so that the Factory Inspectorate can do its work efficiently.”
“Sir, we are experiencing a boom of enormous proportions. It is greatly due to our present economic policy. We have brought about a sound government. A good and practical government has brought in investors flocking into this island to invest. All this is good for us, considering the fact that many of our neighbours are not so lucky. Whereas there is unemployment in many parts of Asia, we are experiencing the reverse. Thus we have a good number of work permit holders and a number of temporary work permit holders. These temporary work permit holders have created a problem. Do you not think, Sir, that these work permit holders, who are non-unionised, are liable to exploitation by unscrupulous employers? It is time we introduced a minimum wage limit for these poor unfortunate people who, because of their circumstances, have to seek employment in Singapore. Regarding fire-fighting equipment and other professional appliances to combat fire in firms and factories, could the workers not be taught to make use of these facilities in case of emergency? Fires can break out at any time during the course of their duties. There are also instances where applicants for work permits have used decorations and titles to their names to claim certain skills. But when work permits are issued to them, they are found not able to do any skilled work. This sort of irregularity should be corrected. Though the Office is liberal with the issue of work permits to non-citizens, at this stage I believe there are quite a number of such "irregular" work permit holders. Is there any discrimination in the issue of work permits? I have heard of a complaint of work permits being indiscriminately issued.”
“(2) That the sum to be allocated for Head 0601 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1101. (3) That the sum to be allocated for Head 0601 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1181.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as I have another three remaining amendments* under the same Head, may I seek your permission to speak on these amendments, as it will then be easier for the Minister to answer? * The remaining amendments, standing on the Order Paper Supplement, read as follows:”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr J. F. Conceicao - (3) That the sum to be allocated for Head 0501 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2016.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0501 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1006. Sir, is our Government planning to open any more embassies in other countries in the near future? In view of the fact that nowadays some elements may have hostile intentions towards certain countries, I wonder if any extra security precautions are being taken at our embassies abroad? This is to ensure that we do not suffer the fate of one embassy in Bangkok or, more recently, one in Sudan.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, with the recent signing of the peace treaty, peace has become a reality in Vietnam. May I ask how it will affect us in our relationship with Southeast Asian countries, and how will our commercial projects benefit as a, result? Last year, I brought .up the question of diplomatic relations with China; to which the Foreign Minister replied [Hansard, Vol. 31, col. 730]: `I have stated on many occasions that, in principle, since we have recognised and supported China's admission to the United Nations we must, sooner or later, have other forms of relation with them. But we are an island-state situated in South-east Asia. We have many neighbours whose interests and views must be considered should we want to enter into negotiations to establish a diplomatic mission in the People's Republic of China.' He also mentioned that: `Members of ASEAN have discussed this matter and there is general agreement that before any member of ASEAN enters into diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, he must consult the body and co-ordinate his action.' Mr Speaker, Sir, may I know what is the outcome of this issue at the moment? Are the ASEAN leaders still contemplating on this issue, or is it too early to discuss the issue? There is also one more point which I would like to raise, and that is, the proposal by the Thai Government to construct a canal through the Isthmus of Kra which is scheduled to be completed in a few years' time. I believe that the result of this construction would be that our international trade and foreign policies may be affected. May I know the views of the Minister whether there would be any threat to our country, Sir?”
“I believe these people are more loyal than those who are within the call-up age of 18 and 21 years, because they are grown up, elderly, and they have their wives and children born in Singapore. They expect their children to have a future in Singapore. Can the Minister of Defence give these people an opportunity to prove their loyalty in order that they can become citizens?”
“Sir, a few years ago the question of the standard of driving of our national servicemen was brought up. The Minister then replied that disciplinary action would be taken against those drivers for careless driving. For a time the standard of driving showed improvement. But of late I must say that their standards have gone down a great deal. It is not an uncommon sight to see the jeeps, land rovers and trucks with MID number plates speeding along the road and causing a danger to other road users. I wonder if the new type of training course has any beneficial effects on the MID drivers. I understand that some students from the Polytechnic were asked, at short notice, to lake over the duties of the ground technicians at the Changi Air Base from our national servicemen. If it is true, why do they ask students, who are still engaged' in their studies in the Polytechnic, to do, the duties at the Changi Air Base? Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff(In Malay): Sir, the Minister of Defence has said in his press statement that people who are domiciled in Singapore, i.e. permanent residents, will be given citizenship because they have proved their loyalty to Singapore by enlisting for national service. A test of loyalty in such manner can be carried out on persons who are domiciled in Singapore and who are within the call-up age limit for national service. But for those permanent residents whose ages are beyond the required age for national service, what will be the alternative test of their loyalty so that they can become Singapore citizens? This question of citizenship has been relaxed as the Minister has said previously. I believe these permanent residents require citizenship very badly in order to get jobs and education for their children, etc.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0301 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 3003. Sir, our conversion to the metric system in weights and measures is highly commendable. I would like to know how far has metrication been extended to the hawkers. I hope that during the process of metrication the markets in particular, could be looked into, with careful attention, because there is a tendency for them to carry on a great deal of unfair, means. The daching system of weighing has always rendered the customer the loser. It is hoped that the daching would be entirely got rid off as a system of weighing, and instead a proper balance scale be introduced so as to reduce the possibility of cheating. Furthermore, with the promotion of metrication, may I suggest that each market be provided with a spring balance weighing machine where members of the public can check the weight of the food they buy.”
“Sir, I am happy with the explanation given by the Minister. I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0301 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001. Sir, in the past, there has been a lot of talk about making Singapore a brain centre in South-east Asia. What efforts have been made to this effect? We have quite a number of students going abroad for further studies. There is no doubt that Singapore cannot cope with certain fields of study. However, I wonder why many of our students still go abroad for their basic studies, facilities for which are available in Singapore. Obviously, they are either dissatisfied with the facilities available here or that many facilities are not available. All this talk about making Singapore a brain centre should show more concrete forms. We should put in more effort into what has been planned so that Singapore can truly be a brain centre.”
“Sir, I thank the Minister for his reply, and I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $2,867,980 for Head 0201 ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $281,500 for Head 0201 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 0301 --”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0201 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1101. Sir, the boundaries of the electoral divisions should be properly checked and voters who have removed from one place to another should have their change of addresses recorded immediately in the Register; otherwise, when voting day comes, these voters will not be able to vote. In fact, this happened during the last elections, when so many voters complained that they did not receive their voting cards. A voting card may show that a voter is staying in Hoe Chiang Road, but he may have to go to Jurong to vote. But he might already have gone to Hoe Chiang Road to vote, only to find that he has to go to Jurong to vote. Or it may even be Hoe Chiang Road! That is the trouble many voters have experienced. Why is it so? The names of the roads and also the names of the polling stations must be properly checked and recorded. I want this done, Sir. 3.00 p.m.”
“No, Sir. In view of the explanation, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0201 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1041. Since anti-pollution measures were introduced about three years ago, air pollution in Singapore has been considerably reduced. I believe three scientists were sent abroad for training specially to counter pollution. However, I wish to know, more about the mysterious haze which had been "misting" our environment off and on sometime ago, which experience we have not had for many years. During the time it happened a number of people complained of irritation in their eyes. The only reason given for that appearance of haze was that there was a forest fire in Sumatra. Whether this is true or not has not been verified. Even now we seem to feel that our air is not clean. I wonder whether the Ministry of the Environment is planning anything to counter pollution of the air. Otherwise later on the polluted air might affect the health of our people and give rise to greater problems. Probably, in the future, we may have to wear gas-masks in this, smog-affected island. There is another point that I wish to raise. I believe that sea pollution comes under the jurisdiction of another department. But what about smoke emitted from the funnels of some vessels? This seems to be the responsibility of another department. In, any case, what precautionary measures are taken against air pollution caused by the smoke of some of the vessels coming into our port?”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0201 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001. Sir, last year I raised the issue of the Prime Minister's salary, to which the Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office, replied [Hansard, Volume 31, No. 11, col. 704, dated 17th March, 1972] by quoting Hansard, Volume 30, No. I, col. 8, dated 7th May, 1970, at paragraph 5, which reads as follows: `I am not increasing my own salary of $3,500 a month. My salary will stay as it is until the end of 1972, by which time Singapore should have overcome the economic problems caused by the rundown in British military expenditure, provided we all work hard for higher and higher productivity and more and more industries.' I am not particular about the Prime Minister's salary as such, but since he had already stated that it would stay until the end of 1972, I must, therefore, bring it up again. It is only a few weeks ago that the salaries of top civil servants were increased by a great percentage. Some of them were, in fact, given more than double their former salaries. I feel that it is time our Prime Minister's pay be increased in proportion to the recent pay rise for civil servants; and it should not be lower than a Minister's pay. Our economy is booming, and I am sure that our Prime Minister, on looking at our economy, can afford to smile now.”
“Whether it was the payment of the 13th month pay, or whether it was the decrease in the value of the American dollar, or the decrease in the value of money, one does not know. Singapore seems to have been affected as a result of the crisis in the international monetary world. If the Minister assures that the external situation does not affect us, it should be reassuring. Another issue is the conservation of water. The campaign to save water has been on for some time. Disincentives to water wastage, such as increasing the charges in PUB bills, have been introduced. From the reports of daily consumption, it would appear that the campaign is not producing the desired effect. I hope the Minister will review his campaign and adopt more effective measures to cut down our water consumption. Whatever the new measures may be, it appears that very much depends on the success of motivating the public to save water. One thing that puzzles the public is that while the Government asks for the co-operation of the people to save water, its workers turn on hydrants at full blast to clean drains and markets. Whilst admitting that drains and markets need to be washed, one wonders whether ii is necessary to use so much water. If the water used is not potable water but effluent water then it should be made known to the public. As water conservation is an urgent matter, I am sure the Minister will review his campaign periodically until success is achieved. Also, the facilities for the storage and supply of water must be enhanced. We must not always depend on foreign supplies. In that respect, the Minister should devise ways and means to improve the situation. 5.25 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, while congratulating the Minister for Finance for his painless and considerate Budget statement, I wish to draw the attention of this House to some rather pressing issues affecting the livelihood of our people. I have no doubt that the Minister is aware of these issues and, with his usual skill and application, will try to work out a solution to these issues. What I wish to point out is the urgency of a solution to these issues, for there seems to be the beginning of a series of inflationary spiral resulting in widespread misery and general discontent. The recent rise in the cost of living has caused some measure of anxiety among the lower income group. To say the least, the cost of food is about 20 per cent higher than it was six months ago. For the rich, this rise means nothing. For the middle class workers, this may mean a reduction in their monthly savings. For the poor or lower income workers, this means tightening their belts. It is no exaggeration to say that a worker, earning $10 a day or $300 a month, with a wife and three children and living in a Housing and Development Board flat, is left with about $4 a day for food for the whole family after deducting other standard expenditure such as rent, water and electricity, bus fare, school fees, children's pocket money, books, etc. The answer seems to be either to raise their income or to lower the cost of living, or perhaps to both. How can this situation be improved? I do not know. But I do know that it is a situation that is becoming more and more difficult for the lower income group. Another issue is that recently the cost of an ice-water drink has gone up from 5 cents to 10 cents. What the reason is, one cannot understand.”
“Sir, will the Minister of State for Communications consider the staggering of office hours to ease traffic congestion in the city area?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister has given increases in tax reliefs for children. May I ask him what about reliefs for dependants? There are many dependants in a family, such as the father and mother. Therefore, can he give any relief for these dependants, so that the wage earners might get some allowance?”
“I strongly feel that the limit should go up to three, for the simple reason that if something befalls on one of the two children, then what will happen? I strongly urge that the restriction be amended from two children to three children. As regards the increase of accouchement charges, I would strongly suggest that we spend more time educating the people on the importance of having small families, rather than imposing the increases in 9 1/2 months' time. I feel that the period is a little bit too short for them to be sufficiently educated on the need for a small family. I appeal to the Minister to give the people at least one or one and a half years of such education, together with intensive campaigns on small families.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am very glad to listen to the Minister for Health's explanation on family planning. I quite agree with what he has said. But what about the couple who have two girls? Therefore, if they want to have a boy, then most probably they have to adopt a boy from another country, if the couple is limited to two children. This restriction is very bad, because we are going against nature. The Minister should consider this matter over again. He can tell the people to go for sterilization or abortion. That is a different matter. But he should not introduce a policy saying that each family should have only two children, because this restriction is bad for our country. Why do the Western countries, such as America, not have such a policy? It is because they want people for national service. If we have too many females at present, in future it may be difficult for us to find the men needed for national service. Sir, the increase in accouchement charges is also ridiculous. This is very dangerous for the country. I warn the Minister that if the charges are raised, the people will cry out, saying that the PAP Government with full 65 seats are bringing in all sorts of measures. I do not object, but it should be done step by step. This is unfair to the people. I do not know whether my colleagues in this House will agree with me, but this policy should be modified in order to help the people. I hope the Minister will consider this Smatter. Mr Seah Mui Kok (Bukit Ho Swee): Mr Speaker, Sir, I fully support the necessity of having a small family. But my personal opinion is that to limit a family to two children is a little bit too harsh.”
“A few years ago there was a smog in Japan, which considerably hindered its economic performance. This was mainly due to too many industries operating at the same time, thus causing serious air pollution. I also understand that in Los Angeles, USA, and in Fleet Street in London there are times when the public are advised not to do any physical exercise! This is due to the existence of bad air. However, Singapore has recently taken precautionary measures such as the establishment of the Anti-Pollution Unit and other measures to keep the environment free from this menace. During the last few weeks we noticed a haze now and again appearing in our country. Never in the history of Singapore, other than this moment, did we come across haze. Though the Ministry of the Environment has given words of consolation that there is no reason for any alarm, nevertheless in the long-term interest it is important to the public that the air is kept safe. Steps must be taken to ensure that the people will not be infected by any form of sickness caused by this mysterious haze. Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the motion moved by the Member for Bukit Batok. Mr Chin Harn Tong rose -”