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 Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”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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“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to take my six amendments together.”
“I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I notice that in the Telecommunications Department, one accountant was considered sufficient all these years. Why are three accountants needed now? I shall be pleased if the Deputy Prime Minister can enlighten me on this. Regarding telegraph messengers, Sir, I am surprised to note that, despite the increase in the number of houses, flats, shops and factories, no provision has been made to increase the number of telegraph messengers. May I know the reason for this, please?”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0308 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1009. Sir, if you have no objections, I would like to speak on my amendment No. (2)* also. * Amendment No. (2) reads as follows: That the sum to be allocated for Head 0308 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1032.”
“The police look after the internal security of the Airport, and car parks are looked after by car park attendants and not by the police force. So if four persons have been promoted to corporals and lance corporals. I think it is a matter for congratulation. I really see no reason why because we have promoted four persons, therefore, we should replace them with four constables. The same number of bodies is required and certainly we do not want to follow Parkinson's law that, if you create one top post, you have got to create several other minor post3 in the process. However, for the information of the Member for Anson, I would say that this is part of an economy exercise by the Ministry of Finance. They have been very stringent for 1968. As Members are aware, the Budget is virtually a standstill Budget, and the reason why it Is so is that we have clamped down on all new appointments. I myself would be very happy indeed to ease the load from some of my officers as far as I can, but, unfortunately, this is the general policy and I do not think we can increase the number of police constables at the Airport.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I understand that with the expansion of our tourist trade and other commercial activities, more and more aeroplanes are making use of our Airport. With this increase in traffic both in terms of passengers and goods, one would expect an increase in the number of constables in the Airport. Instead. I notice there has been a reduction of 16 constables, while the number of lance corporals and corporals is to be increased by 12 and 4 respectively. While I am not objecting to the promotion of deserving officers, I do not understand why the number of constables should be reduced especially in the face of increasing traffic. May I be informed of the reason for this reduction, please? Dr Toh Chin Chye: Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer to the question by the Member for Serangoon Gardens is that when Singapore was part of Malaysia, the claim by the Airport Police Force for a revision of their salaries so that they would be considered as part of the regular Police Force was put in, but unfortunately the claim was turned down. In fact, the Airport Police Force is distinct from the regular Police Force. It has been formed under a different Ordinance which permits the Airport Police Force to perform solely as an auxiliary police force. However, their claim for revision of salaries has been laid before the Salaries Commission and until the Report of the Salaries Commission has been published by the Minister for Finance, I cannot say anything more on it. As to the point raised by the Member for Anson, the answer is that the in-crease of traffic at Paya Lebar and requirements for car parks have got nothing to do with the police at all.”
“Minister for Finance, while consolidating on his Ministry millions, not to forget the thousands that are being lost in the artificially inflated cost of living. 5.30 p.m.”
“The setting up of these factories and the creation of new employment should keep our trade unionists like the Member for Bras Basah and the Member for Telok Blangah happy. But it is most disappointing to note that the bulk of the population, i.e., the consumers, have to pay more for the goods which they purchase. I realise that in order to protect local industries, quotas have to be placed on imported goods and prices of imported goods have risen. But what really takes the cake is the fact that the prices of similar local products are no cheaper. They are sometimes even dearer, though by no means of the same quality as imported goods. This has a direct bearing on our cost of living and one begins to wonder whether these new factories are set up to help the people of Singapore or to help the industrialists. Admittedly these new factories contribute in some way to lessening the unemployment problem, but cannot something be done to keep down our rapidly rising cost of living? While it may be right for the Government to provide tax exemptions, export incentives and other protective measures such as quota restrictions, which result in increases in the prices of imported goods. I see no reason why prices of locally-produced goods should follow the prices of imported goods. To say the least, their quality is, in most instances, not even better than the imported goods. We have local boxes of matches which sometimes do not light except after considerable application of friction, and even cigarettes which result in sore throats and coughs, much to the benefit of our doctors, even though we are assured that the tobacco is 100 per cent Virginia! In conclusion, Mr Speaker. Sir, I respectfully urge the Hon.”
“In this light, Sir, the great increases mentioned earlier appear partly to be the result of good fortune for us following the ill luck of others. It is my humble observation as a layman that the Minister has unfortunately not touched upon certain aspects of growth in our economy which can be directly controlled by ourselves. Such aspects as encouragement of local primary produce seems to have been overlooked. I am not unaware of the efforts put in by the Primary Production Department in this respect, but certainly there must be plenty of arable land for the increased cultivation of vegetables and the rearing of poultry, pigs and even cattle. In countries that are short of land, efforts are made to intensify cultivation and improve the breed of livestock. This will not only help us to conserve foreign exchange but also provide more employment opportunities for the farmers in the rural areas. I therefore hope that the Minister in his Annual Budget Statement for 1968 will be able to add to his formidable list of millions, the millions more from eggs, chickens and pigs. Mr Speaker, Sir, I will now turn my attention to our industrialisation programme. The Minister, by providing incentives and all kinds of taxation benefits, has been able to attract foreign capital into the State to set up new factories in Jurong. Throughout the years we have read in the newspapers or seen on television a Minister either laying the foundation stone for a new factory or making a speech at an official opening of a factory. Such factories have been able to provide some employment but only in the region of a few thousand and certainly have not created enough jobs to cater for the needs of all school leavers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I first congratulate the Minister for Finance and his Ministry on the excellent work done and the fruitful results obtained during the year under review. Hon. Members should not forget that much of this work was done by the previous Finance Minister, the Member for Cairnhill, who held the reins of finance since our separation from Malaysia. The House has been told that there has been continued expansion of our economy this year. Astronomical figures were cited which were not only impressive but also revealing and astounding, particularly to the layman. In the Minister's own words, the total amount of cargo discharged and handled this year compared with that of last year showed an increase of no less than 15.3 per cent. The number of ships using our harbour shows an increase of 8.8 per cent over last year. The volume of bank deposits in the first ten months of this year shows an increase of no less than 29 per cent. The number of new buildings commenced this year shows no less than a 66 per cent increase over last year and private construction was particularly active, showing a 94.5 per cent increase, etc. All these increases are achievements of no ordinary dimensions and the Minister and his predecessor certainly deserve to be thanked by every citizen of Singapore. It is perhaps a little disappointing to note that some of the reasons given for the good performance of Singapore's economy this year were due to external factors, such as growth of trade with Indonesia, the expansion of exports to South Vietnam, and the flight of Hong Kong capital and industrialists to Singapore. While it may he safe to say that Indonesian trade is relatively stable and will increase even more in the future, the other two avenues of trade may suddenly conic to an end.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, from what my friend, the Member for Bras Basah, has said, I think we should pay a great deal of attention to economic measures. Although I do not wish to speak at length, I wish to offer some suggestions to the Government. For production, raw materials are most essential. These raw materials are imported from abroad. Local businessmen sometimes buy these raw materials at high prices, and then manufacture them here in this country. Thus the prices of our manufactured products rise. There should be some measure of control over imports of raw materials. Take a glass factory, for example. The raw material is imported from abroad. The businessmen in those foreign countries and the businessmen in our country get together, and the raw material prices are pushed up. These prices naturally are reflected in locally-manufactured products, if this trend continues, in what way will we be able to increase our exports to foreign countries? We ought to look into these matters. If our country is to gain strength, particularly because we do not have raw materials, we should as far as possible import them from nearby countries. If this matter is rectified, perhaps we will be able to maintain competitive prices. I think Government should look into this matter - from what countries we should import and at what prices. These are worth investigating. If these prices can be controlled or reduced, then both our export industry will thrive and our currency will gain strength. Therefore, I suggest that the Finance Minister should investigate these things and take suitable steps. 4.10 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister for Finance has tabled the Currency (Amendment) Bill in this House. The exchange rates have been mentioned in the Bill, but the one-cent, five-cent and ten-cent coins have been accepted at par value and the 20-cent and 50-cent coins have not been accepted at par value. No explanation has been given for this. The old currency has been devalued by 15 per cent. The people have lost as a result of such exchange rates. They have not been given enough time because, after separation, Singapore has stated that a dollar for a dollar will be given for the old currency, but no time limit was imposed at that time. So what will the common people do? The Minister should think about this. Moreover, there is no justification to say that the exchange rates are fair. For example, if the Pound Sterling is further devalued tomorrow or after a few months, we think that the value of the currency will still go down. No assurance has been given that the same rate will prevail. What will the Minister do if the Pound Sterling is devalued further?”
“Sir, I wish to say a few words on this amendment Bill. Few people have supported it. If we are going to bring in a law on advertisements of medicines, it is not going to affect one group, whether they are Indians, Westerners or Chinese. If there is a law, it is going to affect everybody. The Member for Tampines and others have said that Westerners do not advertise like this. But the law is not like that. Maybe they do not do it today, but they may do it tomorrow. Whether they are Chinese or Indians, they have to obey the law. It is a law for everybody. They may not do it today but they may do it tomorrow. So we have to bring in a law to protect even for the future. It should benefit everybody. If we look into this, the people are cheated in many ways. They have spoilt themselves by taking many kinds of medicine. If we go through the list of diseases listed here, many people may be in favour of taking these medicines. Take, for example, diabetes. It is found in many people who are over 45 years of age. They are anxious to cure the disease and they are prepared to take any medicine, whether it is advertised in the papers or whether they hear of it from friends. I am also affected. That is why I am saying this. I am not taking medicines which are recommended in advertisements but I am taking medicines prescribed by doctors. Many people may be cheated by advertisements. So I appreciate the action of the Government in bringing forward this amendment Bill. It will stop many people from getting themselves spoilt. Even old people, including me, may want to feel younger as they grow older So I may look for a medicine to achieve this. But some people take the wrong medicine and get spoilt. This is an important law but it should not affect one particular group or race.”
“Can the Minister say how many hawkers' licences have not been paid for now?”
“No. I mean the Singapore citizens. Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: The 234 citizens and non- citizens were rejected because their records are bad. They were bad workers, either lazy, malingerers, or absentees - people who did no work but were getting paid by the Government!”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, what was the reason for rejecting those 184?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not understand what is the meaning of "rejected applicants" in the Minister's reply. Is it because of dismissal, or does it mean that the worker cannot work any more anywhere else?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister of Defence has sufficient reasons to introduce this Bill and I support it. If law and order is to be maintained in the country, there is a necessity for strict laws. According to the existing legal provisions, there is a possible imposition of a fine of $50 and up to two months' imprisonment. The proposed amendment imposes a $500 fine and a maximum of three months' imprisonment, or both. Even this increase in fine and the term of imprisonment is not, in my opinion, sufficient. The fine has been increased ten times, but the imprisonment period has been increased by only 50 per cent. The Minister apparently has done this with consideration. In the present circumstances, it is not difficult for a person to pay a fine of $500. Those who have the intention of repeating the same offences would be quite willing to pay a fine of $500. But if, instead of a bigger fine, a longer period of imprisonment is to be imposed, then people will think twice about committing an offence. In any case, this amended provision is necessary to maintain law. Normally we do not bring in amendments to the law unless it is absolutely necessary. In view of the trouble and difficulties created by certain people, the amended provision is really welcome and I fully support it. Further, if we do not bring in this amendment, it is not possible to maintain law and order. Justice cannot survive without stricter legal provisions. The law must help people and people must help the law. In these circumstances, I praise the Minister and give my support. 5.24 p.m.”
“The Minister for Finance will note the statement, "with specific provision to safeguard the interests of persons who deposit money with such companies". Can the Minister say whether the Government will, by legislation, take responsibility to safeguard the money deposited with such companies?”
“I am told that there is only one apple importer in Singapore. Is there any objection to anybody applying for a licence to import apples, and will his application be accepted by the Government?”
“Can the Minister say how many licences have been issued for the import of apples?”
“As the Hon. Minister for Finance has accepted the fact that people earning below $200 will incur an additional expenditure of $14, will the Minister consider increasing the salaries of people drawing low pay?”
“Therefore, in considering this amendment Bill, we must remember the several other Trade Union (Amendment) Bills that have been passed in this House before. I think that this particular amendment Bill should be sent to Select Committee to seek the views of the unions and of the people. Therefore, I urge the Minister to send this amendment Bill to Select Committee. 5.43 p.m.”
“One union may ask for $6 a day wage, and another may ask for $7, while yet another may ask for $4. If each union asks for a different rate, how are we going to rationalise these demands? But if they all belong to one union and speak with one voice, it will be easier for statutory boards, Government, and private companies to deal with this one union. But now, step by step, the unions are being broken up. What will be the final result for the labour movement? There is the basic doubt whether the labour movement will survive in Singapore. The Minister spoke about the A.U.P.E. He praised it, and quite rightly so. A.U.P.E. has approximately 40,000 members and it is growing from strength to strength. One day it may be able to pose a threat to the Government. But up to now it has not behaved in such a manner as to threaten the Government. So far it has followed the labour laws. It has taken into consideration the interests of the workers. It has a responsible leadership. I do not think there have been any harmful moves by the A.U.P.E. But if the Government goes on legislating in this manner, it will finally affect the workers to a very great extent. This is my opinion. Then what will become of them in the end? This is something we ought to consider. If we look at the labour movement in other countries, we find that some unions have 80,000 members; others have 100,000 members, 200,000 members, and so on. In such countries we do not come across any dangerous elements. Our country is small, and our unions are also small. So if our unions are united, they will be able to fight for their rights. But if they are broken up little by little, it will not do the Government or our people any good. That is my opinion.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in bringing this amendment Bill forward, the Minister for Labour has said that this amendment would benefit both workers and employers. Even so, it is the object of the Government that the trade union movement should be strengthened. In these circumstances, trade unions which are now united in big organisations are to be broken up into splinter unions. This, I feel, is the real motive of this amendment. If we try to break the match sticks in a box all at once, it is impossible. But to break them one by one is, of course, an easy task. If the Government helps to unite the unions, it will be of great benefit to the country. The statutory boards are now to be separated, and it is also intended that the unions should be splintered and their backbones broken. I feel that this is the motive of the Government. At each sitting of Parliament the Minister for Labour brings forward an amendment, and perhaps at the next sitting too he will bring forward certain amendments. My feeling is that he really wants to break up the labour movement. He says that he has in mind the interests of the workers. He ought to know exactly how to bring about a better labour movement. But it is totally wrong of him to think of ways and means to break up the unity of labour. Members of unions have certain rights and if they are divided and broken up, then this amendment does not serve any useful purpose. Take the case of a union of about 100 members. What can they really do? How can they improve their living standard? Can they fight for their rights? They cannot. But if they are united with other unions, they can certainly find ways and means to fight for their rights. Let us take another example, the public daily-rated workers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, suppose the private sector increases the prices, what will the Government do? Will the Government put a stop to or approve the increase in the prices?”
“Certain opinions have been expressed about ballot papers. It has been suggested that serial numbers on ballot papers are not quite right and perhaps not in keeping with democratic procedures, that the secrecy of the vote will be preserved if serial numbers on ballot papers are removed, and that it should be possible to do away with serial numbers on ballot papers if the administration is efficient. If there are no serial numbers on ballot papers, there will be forged ballot papers. That is why I feel that the serialisation of ballot papers is an appropriate measure. Nobody will be taken for a ride. Otherwise one voter can take four or five ballot papers to the polls and nobody will be the wiser. Therefore, I am unable to accept the' suggestion that serial numbers on ballot papers should be removed. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister for Foreign Affairs spoke at length on the status of minorities. The minorities should have equal rights and status with the majority. This would be the right attitude to take to ensure that the rights and status of the minorities are safeguarded. It was with this in mind that the Commission has made certain recommendations. It has not been made-explicitly clear in the Report that equal rights will be given to the minorities. In any country where there are minorities and a majority, the seeds of destruction are ever present. If the fears of minorities are to be removed by the majority, such a Report would not have been necessary. This Report, as far as possible, has made provision for equal rights for minorities and, therefore, we should be in a position to accept the recommendations wholeheartedly. 6.00 p.m.”
“The Commission studied the evidence carefully and then prepared its Report. Even so, it appears that the evidence given to the Commission has not been cited anywhere in the Report. Did the evidence ask for special rights and equal status? We do not quite know what the evidence was. However, the Report of the Constitutional Commission deals with equal rights and status for various sections of the people. A Council of State with a membership of 21 has been proposed' by the Commission, but I would regard this number as too big. A membership of 15 would be appropriate. It does not appear right to me that the Council of State should function for a period of nine years, because elections take place once every five years. Therefore, I would suggest that the nine-year period should be reduced to a five-year period and that the Council of State should be formed with due cognisance of the membership of Parliament. I now come to the office of Ombudsman. In principle, the suggestion of such an office may be acceptable, but I do not think it is appropriate in the present circumstances of our country, because we are now just progressing in the political field and the people have not yet acquired sufficient political experience. But when their political knowledge advances and they feel that an Ombudsman is necessary, then the matter can be reviewed. Members of Parliament are representatives of the people and they should strive to rectify the grievances of the people. The office of Ombudsman raises another doubt. Is it possible to get an individual with a sense of real purpose to fill such an office? There are many races, many religions and many cultures in this country and, therefore. I feel that the question of appointing an Ombudsman is not quite appropriate at this juncture.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, every citizen should be entitled to his rights and this Constitutional Commission has accordingly submitted its recommendations. If we trace the political changes or recent times, in 1954 the Rendel Commission's Report was put up and, as a result, a minority was able to rule this country. Those who were registered voters at that time were the only ones entitled to vote. The people, to a large extent, did not come forward to claim their right to vote, because they realised that they were living under minority rule. In 1959, compulsory voting was introduced and all adults were given the franchise to vote. Therefore, every one of them was able to exercise his right to vote and a democratic government was made possible. The People's Action Party then came to power with a two-thirds majority in the Legislative Assembly. The reason for this victory was that their policies were multi-lingual, multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural. They are still carrying out these policies. But one section of the people broke away from the People's Action Party and attempted to set up their own Party and form their own government. They brought their views to the people, but in 1963 the People's Action Party was again returned to power with a two-thirds majority in the Legislative Assembly. The main reason for its success was its belief in multi-racial policies and democratic socialism. In 1965, when we broke away from Malaysia and Singapore became independent, the minority groups in this country wondered whether they would get equal rights and status. In order to remove such fears, the Government appointed the Constitutional Commission in 1966. About 50 individuals or representatives of associations and, groups gave evidence before this Commission.”
“It is because their youths had been properly trained through national service that they were able to defeat their enemy. In the same way, every citizen of an independent nation should take up compulsory national service training. The fact that this Bill only gives an opportunity for training to the 18-year olds draws one comment from me. There should also be an opportunity for the higher age group to get this training and thereby attain good health and proper training. I wholeheartedly support this Bill and I hope the people will also fully support the provisions therein. 3.54 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, most Members have spoken in support of this amendment Bill. So I do not want to make a long speech. I merely want to comment on certain good intentions and objectives of this Bill. It is to be praised that it provides for the training of young people, because this is the age when they attain the peak of their health and this is the opportune time to turn their aspirations and habits into the right direction. Otherwise, everything might be wasted. Therefore, parents should give their full support to this Bill and get their youngsters to take up national service. Every individual should live as a good citizen of Singapore and so ensure a good future for him and for the community. This is an opportune way to do it, just as it is done in Western countries. Whether they are multi-lingual nations or not, they induce people to go for national service, and we can see the benefits they achieve from this. In Eastern countries, this type of national service is not very common. Yet we have decided to pass this Bill. Therefore, it will make us the envy of countries in South-east Asia, and they will also speak encouragingly about us. We do not intend to use national service to fight against other countries or to occupy them. We merely want to strengthen our defences and the fighting power and the character of our youth. That is why we have introduced this Bill and are going to implement it. As good citizens of this country, it is necessary for us to have national service so as to improve our defences in future. In the First World War, we all remember the Japanese invaded Russia. In the Second World War, the Japanese also had to fight against other countries.”
“One more question. According to the Women's Charter, they should be separated for seven years, and then they can claim for a divorce. I wonder whether the Minister of State agrees with the seven-year period of separation.”
“With regard to the Minister of State's answer, suppose the wife has been separated for five years, then her husband, who is a Singapore citizen, can marry another girl in Singapore?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, this Bill has been brought up for consideration. I am doubtful whether it is appropriate to bring it up at this time. This Government won the elections in 1959 mainly with the support of the workers. But it is slowly curtailing their interests. If we want to make this country prosperous, we will have to look after the interests of the workers. If we go on making laws and ignoring the workers who are the backbone of the country, we cannot bring them to the forefront. We are not blaming the Government for making laws, but we have to take the responsibility of implementing them. We have to bring in laws, or otherwise undesirable things will happen. But we have to think of ways of how to bring the laws into play. This amendment Bill will make slaves and also prisoners of the workers, as the Government is taking away their rights. If we go on doing this, we will regret it in future. The workers are citizens and they are also serving the country, and we have to give them some privileges. If we do not give them privileges, can we imagine what they will think of us? Why do strikes take place? If the workers are not getting the privileges they want, there will be strikes. If they get them, there is no need of any strike and there is no need for such laws. They will be more angry if we bring in laws like this. They will not be happy at all. There, is a law which says that there should be 14 days' notice of a strike. What will happen if they strike after the 14 days' notice? What will happen if they go on strike after serving such notice? The Government has to prepare for such an, eventuality. So I think this is not a suitable time and I am not supporting this Bill at this time. 4.02 p.m.”
“Yes, Sir. FISHERIES CO-OPERATIVE 12. Mr Ho Kah Leong asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether he will consider setting up a fisheries co-operative to assist fishermen in Singapore.”
“It is not that, Mr Speaker. But it would be better if the information I am seeking is available, because somebody may be interested and may ask for it.”
“I cannot understand the reply of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour when he says that there is no record of applications by race, is it true that there is no record by race?”
“Sir, I want a reply. If there is any increase in the price of soap, what will be Government's action?”
“If there is any increase in the price of soap, what will the Government do?”
“The Parliamentary Secretary has said that the price of a cake of toilet soap is 30 cents. Is that true or not?”
“In view of the explanation given by the Minister, I beg to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $1,700,860 for Head 1005 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 1007 - The following amendments stood in the name of Mr S. V. Lingam - That the sum to be allocated for Head 1007be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1101. That the sum to be allocated for Head 1007 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2210.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1005 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2011. In my opinion, this sum is rather excessive. Will the Minister give an explanation?”
“In view of the satisfactory reply, I withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $2,819,110 for Head 1004 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 1005 -”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1004 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2010. Sir, why has so much money been allocated to this subhead? Is there not a way of reducing this expenditure and economising? If not, can reasons be given?”
“consider that what we are saying is proper and appropriate so that by the next Budget sittings, you will have been able to set up such a committee, instead of perennially talking about culture and cultural activities. The next subject I wish to speak on is Radio and T.V. which was also touched on by the Member for Moulmein. Yesterday, a nice film was shown on T.V. for 55 minutes, but 10 to 15 minutes of this period was taken up by advertisements which interrupted the film show. I agree that we must get revenue from advertisements on T.V. In the theatre, advertisements are put on at the beginning and during the interval of the film show. Why cannot the same thing be done on T.V.? Any number of advertisements can be shown at the beginning and at the end of a picture show, but they should not appear time and again during a picture show. There have been a lot of complaints about the wave-length used for Tamil programmes. The reception for programmes in English, Chinese and Malay is very clear, but not for Indian programmes, because this particular wave-length is apparently a weak one. Perhaps the authorities think that nobody will complain. The people tune in to this particular wave-length, but they do not get any response and they are helpless to complain. The listeners to Tamil programmes also pay the same licence fees as those listening to other programmes. I suggest that this wavelength should be changed. In this respect, I support the Member for Moulmein. I would also like to touch on what the Member for Sembawang said. I repeat that we must have an advisory committee to look into matters concerning culture instead of continually talking about them. Therefore, I repeat that the Minister should form such a committee. 4.45 p.m.”
“The Parliamentary Secretary is losing his temper. I am not attacking him. I am only trying to see how the morals and behaviour of the people can be improved. I know that there are certain things which we cannot do, but I am only suggesting that we should look into the possibility of setting up a Committee to study the matter. I realise that Singapore is a democratic country and that there is a limit to what we can do, but we must look into the possibility of seeing what can be done and the manner in which it can be carried out. Take the case of the students. If we can instil good habits in them when they are young, they will not easily change these habits. This is what I am suggesting. We only talk about culture, but we are not looking into the possibility of adapting foreign culture to our own conditions. We have accepted four different languages as our official languages. So we must see what plays and dramas can be introduced in these languages. In the same way, we must also see how we can adapt imported cultural activities for our own benefit. It is no use turning round and asking us how to do it. We have given you the power and the salary, and it is up to you to look into the possibility of adapting these activities for the benefit of the people. When we talk about culture, we must think seriously and see how we can adapt foreign cultural activities for our own benefit. I ask the Ministry to look into the various means of achieving this end. But you must not ignore whatever Members speak. You must listen to us and look into the possibility of setting up a committee to study the matter. You must.”
“Mr Speaker, I am just mentioning whether it is not possible ---”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, many Members have spoken and I too would like to add a few words. We have been talking at length about culture for the last three years. The culture that one sees in Singapore comes mostly from the West. We have to look into the possibility of altering it to our own use. This is what the Minister should do. We go on talking about culture instead of adapting Western culture to our own needs. The Member for Delta spoke of activities which hamper the advancement of our youngsters. I suggest that we should appoint a Committee to look into the possibility of leading our youths on the proper path in order to make them good citizens in the future. Most of the cultural material imported into Singapore has been modified to our own purpose. Although textiles are cheap, clothes are getting shorter and shorter, so much so that the human body is being revealed more and more. If this goes on and we cannot adapt imported cultural modes to our own use, our people will look different. As a democratic country, we cannot stop these activities, but we must try to adapt them to our own use.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am not satisfied with the reply. In spite of that, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment, No. (9) , stood in the name of Mr Tang See Chim - That the sum to be allocated for Head 1002 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 3523.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not understand what is the meaning of this - a licence paid by the Government but on behalf of the restaurant operator! Whether the towkay accepts the money, we do not know. But this I want to know - whether it is utilised for that purpose or is it in the reserve fund?”