Philip Tan Tee Yong
Singapore
“But from the point of view of the nation as a whole, it is better for the defence industries to do this and channel the private sector into other areas of business, rather than for the defence industries to keep their surplus capacity idle in order to give the business to the private sector.”
“Sir, I would like the Minister to consider whether this is in line with maximising the productivity of our limited manpower. BG Lee Hsien Loong: Mr Speaker, Sir, the line between what the Government should do, what the Government-owned companies should do, and what privately-owned companies should do, is a matter of degree, judgment and c…”
“Sir, is the Minister aware that ST companies are also agents for personal computers? BG Lee Hsien Loong: Mr Speaker, Sir, yes, indeed. The SAF Enterprises (SAFE) retails many brands of PCs as well as other consumer goods as part of its business.”
“Sir, but how can we say that they are on a fair footing? The Minister should consider that there are certain factors that the Government-owned companies will have to take into account, for instance, land cost, rentals and even the attractiveness of employing people from the industry.”
“I am referring to the ST company which is the agent for the AST personal computers. BG Lee Hsien Loong: Mr Speaker, Sir, rather than argue what advertisements have been published or not, I take the position that even if they were published entirely as the Member has maintained, I see nothing wrong with it.”
“I rest my case. TELECOMMUNICATION AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE (Sourcing of personal computers) 2. Mr Philip Tan Tee Yong asked the Minister for Communications and Information, in line with the Government's intention that the private sector be the engine of growth, why is the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore sourcing personal computers…”
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“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, to me, this Budget Statement is a very special and significant financial statement since the younger leadership led by the First Deputy Prime Minister took charge. It confirms the resolve of the younger leadership in steering the nation out of recession, as we see for ourselves the capability of the leadership in conceiving the corrective measures and the ability to implement them effectively. It took only two years. As a management accountant and having worked in the commercial and industrial sectors for more than 20 years, I cannot find an exact word to describe this phenomenal achievement. I cannot use the word "miracle" because a miracle does not need hard work. So as a reticent Oriental, I humbly and gratefully say, xie, xie. All of us realize that another recession cannot be ruled out in this uncertain world economy. But this Budget Statement has given us the comfort that this younger leadership has proven that they can steer a vulnerable ship through the stormy economic sea. This Budget Statement also revealed very clearly that the younger leadership is farsighted, as evidenced in the relentless drive for foreign investments. Over the last two years, Cabinet Ministers strenuously went on a selling mission overseas and the achievement of S$1.7 billion of foreign investment commitments shows the confidence of the foreigners in the younger leadership. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the S$1.7 billion foreign investment commitment in some ways make up for the absence of a large domestic market. It creates thousands of jobs and provides our local businessmen with opportunities to be supporting industries.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister some questions with regard to the registration of contractors. What is the Committee's recommendation on registration of contractors and the basis of this recommendation. Secondly, would the Government encourage all contractors to register with the CIDB even though they are only doing private sector projects? Thirdly, has the contractors' association's view been sought on the registration of contractors?”
“The second question is: if the Council accepts the member's institute, is it an automatic acceptance by the Board?”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the Bill. But I have one or two clarifications to ask of the Minister. First of all, it is stated in clause 5(c) that one of the functions of the Board is: 'to determine the qualifications of persons for registration as public accountants under this Act;' But over in clause 27 (b), one of the functions of the Council of the Institute is: 'to determine the qualifications of persons for admission to membership in the Institute;' I would assume that this qualification also covers public accountants because in the earlier clause 26(4), it states: 'The members of the Institute shall be classified as - (a) practising members; (b) non-practising members; (c) honorary members; and (d) provisional members.' Between these two, the Board and the Council, I would like to ask who actually is the one who determines the qualifications of accountants. The second point of clarification is this. It follows that the acceptance by the Council of practising members into the Institute will automatically be registered as public accountants by the Board. The third point of clarification is on clause 16(a) which states "change of name". Do these words "change of name" mean actually change of business name?”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, if I am not mistaken the Minister mentioned in this House that, to release funds for education, CPF rates would have to be increased. Now with the long-term increases in mind, will CPF for education be considered?”
“What these residents said, amongst many other things, is that if the Government sees a danger in investment in stocks and shares and come out with this trustee mechanism to minimize the risk, then Government can also come out with what they call "trustee institutes of higher learning." In other words, the Government can go round to the universities or institutes of higher learning, both in Singapore and abroad, accredit them, look into their curricula and the soundness of their teaching, and so on and so forth, and then list them out and say, "These are the trustee institutes and thereby CPF can be used for education in these institutions." This is one way out. My observation of the emotional way they have expressed to me is that it merits some consideration. They could be a representation of a larger population who is very concerned over this issue of using CPF for education. Many of us would like to use this money for our offspring. I trust that the Minister will take this into consideration and maybe come out with something on these trustee institutes of higher learning.”
“Mr Chairman, some months ago when I conducted a public forum for my residents, some 200 people turned up. Amongst other issues, a lot of time was taken up on the issue of using CPF for education. Many of them voiced their dissatisfaction on the ruling against using CPF for education. They used a lot of emotive words and I do not think I want to repeat those emotive words here. They were not satisfied with the Minister's explanation as to why CPF cannot be used for education. The Minister has said that the objectives of CPF were home-ownership, old-age and Medisave. These people have said that, besides all these objectives, CPF has been allowed for stocks and shares and gold. Although an explanation has been given that their money is safe and sound in stocks and shares and they could reap it when they retire and they could get an increase in capital, the experiences in the past months and years gone by have shown that a lot of people who invest in stocks and shares have lost a lot of money and sometimes whole investments can be completely depleted. We have seen the case of a company that went bust, and if anyone has money in that company, including those who used their CPF to invest in that company, would not have even a cent left for their old age. In order to minimize this risk, the Government has come out with a very ingenious way, and that is, to have some stocks and shares listed as trustee stocks and shares. They are very prudent and thereby give a certain amount of guidance to the general public to make use of their CPF wisely so that they can invest on these trustee stocks and shares. But, mind you, even for these trustee stocks and shares, there is no guarantee. Nevertheless, it provides some form of guidance.”
“I do not know about Tiger Swimming Pool. I hope the Minister will take this into consideration.”
“If we are able to build more of these bathing facilities along East Coast Park, then I think more people will benefit from these added facilities. Over at West Coast Park, I wonder whether the Minister can consider building an artificial lagoon at West Coast or a swimming pool in the park and drawing water from the sea for the purpose of swimming for picnickers. If I am not mistaken, many years ago we used to have a swimming pool, called the Haw Par Villa swimming pool, where water was drawn from the sea, or something along that line.”
“Sir, when I put up a question to the Minister on the amount of land for golf courses, I think quite a lot of people misunderstood me to be an anti-golfer. Far from it. I really think that golf is a good game and we should have more of it for Singaporeans if they can afford it. But my attention was drawn to the fact that the amount of land reserved for golf courses comes to 1,005 hectares, which is about 1.6% of the total land in Singapore. The amount of land that is set aside for East Coast Park is about 206 hectares and 12 hectares for Changi Beach Park. These two areas are very popular with picnickers but there are really inadequate facilities in these areas to cater for so many people. I remember last year I took issue with the Parks and Recreation Department and told them that there were not enough bathing facilities in the East Coast Park. I was told that they were very expensive and the Finance Ministry would not give the budget. Subsequently, I went to the Minister for Finance and he agreed that there were not enough bathing facilities in East Coast Park and that it was not true that they objected to the budget. So I went back to the Parks and Recreation Department and said, "Would you put it in the budget now because the Minister has said so?" But when I look at the Budget for 1987, I find there is no amount set aside for facilities to be added to the East Coast Park, although the Minister did say that studies have been made on the intensity of usage in East Coast Park. I thought the survey should also centre on whether the facilities are adequate or not. If you go to East Coast Park, you will find that people congregate normally near the bathing facilities for reasons of convenience.”
“To my mind, I think the Minister for Education did a wonderful job in listing down the subsidy for primary schools, secondary schools up to tertiary education and then the seriousness of this subsidy is being reckoned with by the people who have been subsidized. I thought that this could be done for the flat dwellers, 3-roomers, 4-roomers, 5-roomers, maisonettes, HUDC flats and so on. So that the people who have been subsidized will learn to be grateful to the Government. But for the people who have not been subsidized, it should not always be said that they have been subsidized. I think we should come out in the open to say whether it is true or not. If it is not true, then I suggest that we acknowledge the fact that in some quarters the flats are not subsidized. And if need be, I think on balance, especially the HUDC flats, we should remove the HDB rules which are imposed on HUDC flats, if it is found that they are not being subsidized. I hope that the Minister will take this into account.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, I want to refer to the Minister's reply to my queries on the financial statement. When I talked about the financial statement, especially the notes, I did not expect him to have all the answers in hand. But I thought that he has his Permanent Secretary and his Minister of State ready to take down the questions and probably give the answers today. But since he has indicated that I would have to write in to get all the answers, I suppose I have to, although I really dissent it as I may want to pursue this a little bit further. The point I want to bring across to this House is that I do not see why the Minister should be so concerned about the flat dweller knowing the cost of his flat. The papers reported that the Minister was concerned as to whether he should allow the flat owner to know the cost of his flat. Maybe the papers quoted him wrongly. I thought that this issue has been talked about at great length in this House but we have not come to any form of conclusion. All that has been said is that HDB flats are subsidized. And this House has been categorically told that the HDB as well as the HUDC flats are subsidized flats. I live in an HUDC flat. I have been asked by my neighbours about it. I have HUDC flats in my constituency. I have also been asked about it. I thought I might as well bring this up to this House so that we could settle this once and for all, whether or not the HUDC houses are really subsidized by the Government. To my knowledge, the people who are really subsidized in the purchase of HUDC flats are the civil servants who pay less than the normal applicant for an HUDC flat. I think it is 15-20% lower.”
“The total manpower and affiliated costs to HDB come to $125.5 million. Can the Minister comment whether this amount is reasonable?”
“' Then the new system was implemented, and it says that: 'The creation of a costing system which allows the Board to record the costs of all individual units of property under development; the previous accounting system was unable to break down total development costs to individual units of property.' Now with this new accounting system, can the Board give us the cost of individual units that have been built? Next, Sir, can the Minister tell this House how much land will be bought for residential, commercial, industrial and sports and social amenities? And on these lands, how many flats, factories and sports and social amenities will be built? Note 15 is on service and conservancy. There are three main costs in this particular note that I see. They are repairs and maintenance which amount to $132 million. Manpower is $92 million. Utility and cleansing is $76 million. These three items add up to a total of $300 million. This represents some 95.5% of the total cost of service and conservancy charges. Due to the insufficient data in this note, I take it that these three items refer to two main items. They are materials and labour because that is what repairs and maintenance really is all about. Can the Minister let us have a breakdown as to how much has been expended for materials and how much for labour? Also, can the Minister tell this House, out of the income collected from HDB estates, how much has been paid to the Ministry of the Environment for refuse collection? Finally, Sir, before time is up, I just want to say one last point. Although I have other points I had better cut them out. There is this item "Manpower and affiliated costs". I take this out from the various notes that accompany the financial accounts.”
“Sir, I take it that the "Proceeds of Sale" refer strictly to the sale of flats and it does not refer to anything else. Then the "Cost of Sales". Can we have the breakdown as to the cost of land, the cost of construction and others in these three main categories? Is this cost of sale an apportioned cost of sale? Or does it include units not sold, shops for rental, market stalls for rental, Area Office, sports facilities, carparks, social facilities, commercial and industrial projects? The reason why I bring up these examples is that some of these items which have been noted in the other notes have income but no cost involved. For instance, you receive a lot of money from carparks but I do not see the cost of building carparks there. Can the HDB give us a further breakdown of the "Proceeds of Sale", "Cost of land" and "Construction cost" by estates? For instance, how much land was paid for Pine Grove, the construction cost and the others involved, and how much revenue was received for that estate? In this, then we can settle the question of whether the HDB or the HUDC are already subsidized housing units in Singapore. But in conjunction with Note 2 where it is stated: 'When the Board commenced the sale of property to homeowners, the old system as operated by the Board, was unable to measure the profit or loss on such sale because the Board's system did not maintain records of the costs of individual units but only of the total costs of property in general. As such the accounting system became inappropriate to account for the Board's activities and a decision was taken to implement a new system.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, I would like to touch on the question of the new accounting system. It was said that under the old system we were unable to find the cost of sales of the flats and subsequently, under the new accounting system, in answer to a question on the subsidy of HDB flats, this House was told that all the answers can be obtained in the Financial Statement and the Report. Sir, I received the Financial Statement for 1985/86. I have looked through it actually, and frankly I could not find any information which could help me look for the kind of subsidy that HDB is subsidizing the flats. So basing on this Report I would like to bring up some examples and maybe suggest that further information in the form of Notes could be added in this financial statement to make it clearer. The first point, for instance, is the balance sheet. I will just give one point so that I would not take too much of your time. In the balance sheet, under "Properties for sale" it is stated that they have $1,139 million (I will just round it up without going into the details). With an item called "Properties for sale" here, it does not show how many units of flats there are, and how many types of units there are in this particular item. I would assume that this figure will be the "cost of sales" when the HDB sells these flats to the people, which means that I can assume that the land cost or land value is already included. Then in Note 13, there is a note which says that this includes an amount of $3,382 million due to the Government on the purchase of land. Sir, I would like to know whether there is interest involved? If so, how much? And whether this is included in the interest expense in the respective expense items. The next item is Note 14 "Sale of flats".”
“Sir, what property tax rates are charged on these courses and how much revenue is generated from this land use? Mr Dhanabalan: Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not have the answer to that question. Perhaps he can address the Minister for Finance. As far as I know, a lot of the land is land meant for catchment area, ie for water, and I do not know what kind of property tax is applied to such land. EAST COAST PARK AND CHANGI BEACH PARK (Development of recreational facilities) 24. Mr Philip Tan Tee Yong asked the Minister for National Development how much land has been developed with proper bathing facilities in East Coast Park and at Changi Beach and how much more land will be developed for recreation in these two places.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have two questions. One is, will the Minister clarify as to who will decide on the value of the property? Secondly, after the minimum sum has been established, based on the property, will there be a periodical revaluation to adjust the minimum sum required?”
“Sir, I declare my interest in that I have an HUDC flat. Can the Minister explain why HDB adopts a separate practice for HUDC which is governed and restricted under the same rules as the HDB flats?”
“This works out to an average of $8,192 per company. As a scheme, this is definitely a good and right move but as to its effectiveness, I have my doubts because you cannot sustain a marketing programme with such a small sum unless the marketing programme is so well planned. I can only suspect that such a sum is for a once-off activity and this is not beneficial to our economy in the long run. Let us be bold in this area. Unless we support properly worked-out marketing programmes requiring substantial amounts of money, it may not be worthwhile offering such schemes. I suggest that the TDB assist local companies in mapping out a comprehensive marketing plan and then offer them the grant to meet it. In this way, the chances of some companies doing well in exports will be greater.”
“It is then hoped that with more officers, more qualitative time can be expended. Sir, in the consideration to increase the staff strength, some thoughts should be directed at the type of personnel. In most of these outlets, most of our officers are Singaporeans and in these vast countries, many times the size of Singapore, it will take too long to familiarize the business environment. Time is what we can least afford. I suggest that we employ the locals of the respective countries to supplement and complement our own staff. This will redeem our time and increase the depths of our coverage. Sir, in the early days, the EDB and TDB started with very specific terms of reference. The EDB is to attract foreign investments and the TDB is to assist in exports of our goods. Today, many of the services overlap each other. For example, in the case of a possible joint venture, which body should attend? And if a local manufacturer is both a contract manufacturer as well as one who produces his own products for export, and if he is looking for a joint venture in Singapore, who should he approach? EDB or TDB or both? In some countries, the EDB office and the TDB office are next to each another. A potential investor is often unsure which office to call. I have come across potential investors calling on both EDB and TDB. Even our Singaporean businessmen call on both for assistance. I feel that this is time-consuming, unproductive and confusing. It will be a good idea to streamline the services and to present them as only one outlet. I hope the Acting Minister will comment on this. Sir, I wish to move to the Market Assistance Scheme offered by the TDB. The Minister of State said that $680,000 has been granted to 83 companies since the scheme started last September.”
“Sir, foreign investments in Singapore have always been the backbone of our island state economy. In the process of providing jobs and sub-contract businesses for our workers and our local businessmen, they have substantially raised our level of technological skills. This has enhanced our international competitiveness. It is no accident that our Ministers gave top priority to the keeping of the multinationals here as long as possible and at the same time harnessing all efforts to attract more foreign investments into Singapore. These desires are not just mere words. Our Ministers will be going overseas shortly to meet potential investors. These potential investors in US and Europe are tough businessmen. They do their homework very thoroughly. For Singapore it is not going to be easy. We have to compete with Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea for a slice of investments. With the positive cooperation of our workers to make Singapore competitive, half the battle is won. The rest depends largely on follow-up action. Sir, though it is true that our businessmen will have to be diligent and efficient in following up, I feel that the overseas outlets of the EDB and the TDB have become the crucial link to success. But, Sir, many of our outlets are manned by only one or two staff and in a big country the number of opportunities outnumbers the time the one or two staff can give. Much as we want to say that it is the qualitative time of the staff that matters, we cannot deny the working of the law of chances, which stipulates that the greater the number the greater the chances of success. I sincerely hope that the Acting Minister will review the combined EDB and TDB overseas outlets and increase the number of officers.”
“To ask the Minister for National Development whether applicants, who have deferred their purchase of Housing and Development Board flats because of the current economic downturn, will be penalized by the policy on cancellation of their application after three selections, and whether this will force them to take up unpopular flats in New Towns.”
“To ask the Minister for National Development (a) what safety measures are enforced at the Housing and Development Board worksites; and (b) whether the HDB worksites are safe.”
“To ask the Minister for National Development, in view of the current economic recession, if the Housing and Development Board will consider reducing the service and conservancy fees payable by HDB residents with a view to helping them to tide over this difficult period.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, will the Minister of State tell us whether this amount of exports that has been done so far are all goods manufactured in Singapore?”
“Lastly, there are many qualified teachers who have left the service to become full-time housewives for one reason or another. I am sure that they will be willing to teach on a part-time basis. I thought there was a survey last year and I wonder what the Ministry has decided on this issue of part-time teachers. Mr Speaker, Sir, the above suggestions are made in the hope of solving the shortage of teachers without lowering the standard of education. I am of the opinion that qualified teachers are better placed to understand the needs of the children.”
“On the other hand, for reasons unknown to me, if the Ministry is willing to accept these teachers, I suggest that the Ministry employ them on a permanent basis, give them the proper training and look for some other temporary ways to solve the teacher shortage problem. May I contribute by asking the Minister to consider the following suggestions to solve the temporary shortage of teachers: First, there are about 375 schools in Singapore, and this means there are at least 375 Vice-Principals. I understand that Vice-Principals spend one-third of their time teaching and two-thirds on administrative duties. Sir, not all teachers are cut for administrative duties. I suggest that the Ministry employ Administrative Assistants and re-deploy these Vice-Principals to do more teaching. The maximum number of teachers that can be obtained is 250. For every three Vice-Principals, you save two if the full teaching load is taken. Secondly, Sir, many schools use teachers for physical education. With respect to the teachers, many of them are just not cut out for physical education. Until the College of Physical Education produces enough PE teachers, why not enlist our NS men who are trained physical training instructors? After all, remember, we are talking of temporary measures. In this way more teachers could be re-deployed to teaching. There are about 16,800 teachers and I leave the Ministry to compute how many teachers can be obtained from this exercise. Mr Speaker, Sir, there is a third source. Many of our teachers are teaching in the evening classes. I am inclined to believe that if these teachers are offered to teach extra periods in the same session on an overtime payment basis, they will accept; after all, overtime is very prevalent in the private sector as well.”
“Sir, last October, the Ministry introduced the Temporary Graduate Teachers Scheme to alleviate the teacher shortage problem. I asked a question in this House relating to the matter but unfortunately the Minister did not seem to clear my doubts fully. I was more concerned for the children and the Ministry seems to give me the impression that they are more concerned with the shortage of teachers. Why do I say so? First, taking in graduates with non-teaching subjects. The Ministry experts must have held the belief that only graduates with teaching subjects can make good teachers and that is why they have always been employed. They know best, but why the change of mind? Surely it cannot be that we are prepared to lower our standards just to solve the shortage problem. Secondly, these temporary graduates with non-teaching subjects are trained only for two weeks. Normally it takes a graduate a year to be trained. Are we saying that the normal one-year training was a mistake and unproductive, or that these temporary graduates are of a higher calibre that they only need two weeks? Surely, the two-week training will not be sufficient to equip them to be good teachers. I was told that they would be supervised when they are posted to schools. But, Sir, with the shortage problem, I just wonder how this can be done. Thirdly, they are employed on a temporary basis. Frankly, I find it very difficult to expect commitment from people who are employed on a temporary basis. Mr Speaker, Sir, with this policy of temporary untrained graduates, I fear that the standard of teaching will be lowered and the children will suffer.”
“Sir, will the Minister of State not agree that if an elderly person has a house of his own, and when he passes away, the house will be bequeathed to the children or grandchildren? If that is the case, the children or grandchildren will benefit from the death of this elderly person. Is it not right for the elderly person now to enjoy the fruits of his labour while he is alive?”
“Sir, will the Minister of State consider that if the children are willing to defray the medical costs of their parents or grandparents, will the elderly person be allowed to withdraw all his funds?”
“That is not what I meant. What I meant was: will you consider allowing people to do itinerant hawking by using vans if environment measures can be controlled?”
“Sir, will the Senior Parliamentary Secretary consider licences for itinerant hawkers using vans if environment measures can be controlled?”
“I would request the Minister to relook at such rules which really impede the promotion of wholesome recreation in Singapore. Mr Speaker, Sir, let me go on to the next topic. Recently, the HDB advertised to let out office premises on a pick-and-choose basis and at lower rentals. This is really unusual, as all HDB outlets are let out on the tender system, other than those who have been resettled. If this is HDB's decision to be flexible and adjust with the times, I am certainly very delighted. I understand that the existing tenants are administratively allowed to give up their offices and then have them back at lower rentals. This is definitely a positive move. Mr Speaker, Sir, may I then ask the Minister to consider extending this flexibility to the shophouses. This should include those who had tendered at very high prices during the boom time and those resettlement cases which had their rents pegged at 90% of the lowest successful tender. I sincerely hope that the Minister would consider the above requests.”
“Sir, arising from this case, would the Minister not agree that during this economic downturn, most land owners cannot afford to clear the land, compensate the squatters and then beautify the land? On the other hand, who will be so foolish at this trying period to commit themselves to redevelop their sites. Surely the Government should be sensitive to the plight of land owners in this bad economic climate. I would then ask the Minister if he will review all the present requirements. Mr Speaker, Sir, I have touched on procedures and requirements. Now I wish to speak on rules. I understand that if anyone wishes to have a family barbecue, a permit is required. This permit may be obtained at the Parks and Recreation outlets at a cost of S$6.00. Do we really need to even regulate such wholesome family recreation at East Coast Park or the West Coast Park? We have the anti-litter rules. Are they not enough? Besides, family outings such as this are usually decided at the last minute, as it depends on many factors, one of which is the weather. In addition, it is also a hassle to get a permit. It will be interesting for me to ask Members of this House if they know where to get such a permit if they want to have a barbecue in East Coast Park or West Coast Park. Try looking up the telephone directory and you will understand the frustration. Even if you have located the place, make sure you go at the right time to get the permit. It is closed during lunch time from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm and after 4.00 pm. On Sundays and public holidays, I believe the outlets are also closed. This means you have to get time-off from your office just to get a permit for a family barbecue at the beach.”
“Sir, I was speaking to an architect recently on the bureaucracy of civil servants and what I heard was soothing music to my ears. I thought I would like to share it in this House. He was giving credit to the Development and Building Control Division for introducing the system of parallel submission to the Development Control for planning approval and Building Control for building plans approval. According to him, this system has expedited the process of submission for an earlier start-up date for the proposed project. Sir, against the backdrop of negative remarks, this architect's comment was certainly very refreshing. It is also plain to see that a little initiative on the part of the civil servants will go a long way. This is an example of what streamlining can do. However, there are many such areas which can be streamlined. I would like to take this opportunity to ask the Minister if he will be looking into streamlining the other procedures for development and building plan applications. Apart from the procedures, there are also many requirements which the DBCD imposes, some are necessary, some are understandable while there are some which should be revised, postponed or be discarded. I want to cite a case in point. I understand that letters are sent out to some owners of land to clear out all occupiers, demolish temporary structures and, after having done all this, they are asked to plant trees and shrubs to beautify the sites. Alternatively, they can apply to the competent authority for approval to redevelop the site. They must comply with the requirements by 31st December 1988 and they are given 30 days from the date of letter to indicate their choice. To make matters worse, the letter stated that the Government may require the land if the choice is not made.”
“I have not reached the stage to ask for a Commission of Inquiry! This is aimed to make our struggle for economic goals more meaningful. The committee should comprise people who are visionaries. Such people may include staff members of the Arts Faculty of our University, other poets and writers or even interested volunteers in the private sector. Let us erase from people's minds that Singapore was ever a cultural desert. Sir, I support the motion. 2.50 pm”
“I can almost hear a spontaneous answer, fun, or that we are working for the future generation. Where do we end if each generation works for the next? What is our ultimate goal? You see, Sir, if we eliminate the cultural and recreational aspects of life other than the spiritual, then I want to suggest that such a life is incomplete. For the cultural and recreational aspects give us the joy of living, the expectation of another festival, the building up of inner strength and a peace of mind. All these will help to build a disciplined person and a disciplined person will be instrumental in the greater economic pursuits of the nation. Even during the Vietnam war, cultural and entertaining events were organized for the American soldiers! It is a mistake to entertain the notion that we should only talk about cultural and recreational activities after we have attained economic goals. Firstly, there is no end to economic goals. Secondly, one need not be rich to enjoy cultural and recreational events. In Singapore, it is sad to note that all these are promoted not because they are wholesome but on the basis whether the Government will grant the money or whether we could find sponsors for them. I understand that for this year, all SBC road shows are cancelled because there are no funds allocated. I am just questioning what happens to the profits made by the SBC. I hope it would not be a case where profit maximization is the main objective. I strongly urge fellow Members of Parliament to join me in persuading the Government to take the cultural and recreational aspects as seriously as the economic goals. I suggest that we appoint a committee to look into this. An hon. Member: Commission of inquiry!”
“To govern well, it is necessary on occasions to undertake the rarest kind of reversal in politics, that of a government recognizing that a policy is wrong or has outlived its usefulness and being brave enough to dare the danger of radically changing the policy in order to advance the interest of the nation.' Finally, Mr Speaker, Sir, I want to bring our attention to one very important human aspect which has always not been taken into account when the Government draws up its economic plans. Sir, you will notice that there are many sports and recreational facilities but there is an absence of a national sporting atmosphere. There are many isolated cultural events but there are no national cultural events where people can look forward to. Singapore has always been a country which is in a hurry to build its economic wealth. There has never been a concerted effort to look seriously into the cultural and recreational aspects of life in Singapore. No wonder the Economic Report has this to say under the tourism section: 'However, Singapore is not perceived as a place for an exciting, fun-filled holiday. We lack night life, cultural, historical and scenic attractions of impressive scales.' May I add that it is not only perceived but that we are actually experiencing it. If Singaporeans are called only to work hard to build an economic empire without limits, then we must ask a basic philosophical question. What are we working for? An hon. Member: For fun!”
“It is indeed very encouraging and to read the following statements in the Report: '... their objective [of the statutory boards] should not be profit maximization ... Statutory boards should continue to pass on savings from improved efficiency and productivity in tariff reductions. In pricing their services, they should consider Singapore's cost-competitiveness ...' I sincerely hope that all statutory boards expeditiously review their rates and implement the reductions straightaway. We need your help in this turnaround recession battle. May I also add that not only should the statutory boards not maximize profits, but they should consider keeping to their original roles. For example, HDB should concentrate on housing and not factories; JTC should concentrate on factories and not housing; PSA should concentrate on port facilities and not warehousing complexes. It must added that JTC has already taken the lead in relinquishing the role of providing residential buildings. Others should follow. Let me close this section on Government's role by quoting Dr Tony Tan, Minister for Education, in his speech to the Alpha Society on the "Dead Ends and Wrong Paths in Public Policy Administration: Warning Signs and Danger Signals." I thought it reflects very positively the ethos of this Government in dealing with changing circumstances. This is what he said: 'Persistence in an erroneous policy or a policy which has become inappropriate because of changed circumstances is the cause of folly in government. Unfortunately, for many governments to admit that an error has been made is almost out of the question. Wisdom in government comes from being able to recognize when pursuit of a policy has become self-defeating.”
“However, if for some reasons the Government feels or thought it more prudent, not to cut the employee's CPF or resort to further rental reduction, then I have these words of encouragement to the local businesses? Be patient, hold on, and wait for the incentives which the bigger firms will enjoy take its effects. When this takes place, the smaller local businesses will hum again. Till then, do not lose heart. Mr Speaker, Sir, I believe that it is only when business picks up and the cash flow problems solved, modernization can only be a long-term goal for these local businesses. I would like to dwell now on the subject of our workers. The SBC documentary film on the South Korean workers revealed to all of us the excellent work attitude of the South Korean workers. In short, the documentary shows out very clearly that the South Korean workers have always put the interest of their company before their own interest. The logic is not difficult to see. If the company is doing well, the job security of the workers is enhanced. I take this opportunity to call upon all workers, whether in factories or in offices, to emulate the excellent work attitudes of the South Koreans. Be ready for longer hours, be ready to work on third shift. They are a very important asset and the country needs them to cooperate to be competitive again. United we stand. And I am confident that we will succeed. I thought it may not be a bad idea for SBC to allow companies to make a copy and show them to the workers. Maybe the NPB should look into this. Lastly, on the subject of the Government's role creating a conducive business environment also includes ensuring that some operating costs are kept very low. Among these are rates charged by our various statutory boards.”
“Three words viewed in the negative really describe their plight very well. They are "Cash flow, cash flow, and cash flow." Recently, the SEB received 80 requests from small businesses and the requests were mainly for financial assistance. This confirms my analysis. You see, Mr Speaker, Sir, most of these local businesses, especially the 62,000 which have less than 10 workers, depend on the small domestic local demand. With wage restraint and tightening of belts, fewer people will patronize them. Their future is bleak. I would suggest that the Government consider a temporary cut of 5% points in the employee's CPF contribution to help stimulate the small local demand. In this respect, I differ my colleague from Radin Mas. This will release some $500 million into the market. And assuming, as some argue that Singaporeans are great savers, that 50% of Singaporeans will save in a bank, you still have $250 million. This amount will definitely increase the small domestic demand, and these small local businesses will benefit in some ways. I would also suggest the Government look into a nagging fixed cost item. I know that each time I mention this, the Minister for National Development will look me in the eye. But at least for the time being, I am spared the agony. But I think I have no choice. The rental is a fixed cost which must be met irrespective of whether there is revenue or not, whereas the variable costs are proportionate to the revenue. In Singapore, most of the local businesses are tenants of HDB. Some tendered during the boom period when rentals were very high. I urge the HDB to consider further reducing the rental till better times arrive.”
“' The Report further suggested that small firms have invested too little in their workers. Sir, I have listed the importance of our local businesses, the difficulties they face, and the solutions suggested by the Economic Committee. Mr Speaker, Sir, allow me now to give my views and opinions. I agree wholeheartedly that the local businesses are important supporting industries. Speaking to some industrialists, I understand that there are really not enough such supporting industries as compared to Hong Kong. That is why many manufacturers prefer to go to Hong Kong. We must encourage more of our professionals to go on their own. But how can we achieve this? The Government should consider some incentives to make the initial set-up cost low and the risk lower. We must remember most of our professionals have been well-insulated in their high-paid jobs because of an uninterrupted economic boom. The economic situation is entirely different now and they need help to give them the initial push to go on their own. The Government should consider allowing them to draw a part of their CPF savings as initial capital, and HDB to consider amending the rules so as to allow these professionals to operate from spare rooms in HDB flats. This is to reduce the initial operating cost. I believe that these measures will effectively motivate professionals to be entrepreneurs and increase our pool of supporting industries. On the question of modernization, I want to suggest to the Economic Committee that it is never their top priority nor do they have the financial resources to modernize. Many are faced with cash flow problems. The 15% points cut in employer's CPF and the reduction of corporate tax from 40% to 30%, and the other measures, really do not help these local businesses immediately.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, before lunch I was referring to the case of Lucas closing its plant at Birmingham. I think in Lucas's case, come March the thousand-odd workers would lose their jobs, the owners would lose a plant, and Britain would be poorer in export revenue. Sir, I cite this example because we have many family-owned businesses in Singapore. They flourished very well in the early 50's to 70's. They may not be a 100 years old. But the same fate that has befallen Lucas will definitely be upon them if corrective steps are not taken to upgrade to modern management and to some form of mechanization to increase productivity. I also wish to emphasize that sentiments must never prevail rationale thinking. Local businesses, workers and Government must work cohesively to achieve a common goal economic wealth. Let me now touch on the subject of local businessmen. There are about 70,000 local companies. Over 60,000 of these companies have less than 10 workers. As to their importance, the Economic Report, page 134, has this to say: 'But local companies too have an important place in our economy. They: (a) account for 30% of our exports; (b) play a key role as supporting industries, providing intermediate inputs to MNCs; (c) enable us to diversify our export markets; and (d) form the majority of firms in our commerce sector.' As to their difficulties, the Report says: 'The performance of our local companies, both large and small, has generally not matched that of foreign-owned companies.' As to the solution, the Report has this advice: 'Their problems are more deep-rooted. They are now operating in a completely different business environment. They must modernize their managements and operations to prosper.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, sometime last week the BBC World News announced that Lucas, an automobile components manufacturer, will be closing down its plant at Birmingham. It is 100 years old and a thousand people will lose their jobs. The reason given for closing down was that it is no more competitive. I believe this is the same Lucas which was very famous for autombile accessories we are familiar with. What attracted my attention was the fact that Lucas is 100 years old, yet it is no more competitive. One would have thought that a company which has been around for 100 years would have had an infrastructure of more experienced management, greater market share and wider distribution outlets over the newer companies. Why then is the plant closing down? What went wrong with Lucas? How has it failed? Let me do a bit of reasonable speculation. First and foremost, I am sure that the owners and workers are very proud that their company has been around for a century. Believe you me, there are not many companies with such a history. If this company were to be a piece of antique, I am sure it will be priceless in the British tradition. I suspect that the company has not kept abreast with technological advances. It could have been complacent, resting on past laurels, or the workers' union may have been resisting automation to preserve an unproductive workforce. What did all this lead to? It merely led to higher costs, lower productivity, resulting in higher costs per unit produced. The damaging end-result is a loss of international competitiveness. Whatever the reasons, it is sad to note that the world pass it by. International competition is no respecter of companies, big or small, weak or strong, old or new, established or otherwise.”
“Mr Speaker, can I make a point of clarification here? I think the Member for Potong Pasir was not listening to my speech just now. He was only trying to find ways and means to ridicule. I did not say five families in one bedroom. I said "five to seven people to one bedroom" and that I am only just one of the grateful Singaporeans who had benefited in living in HDB flats, and that is why I am like any other ordinary Singaporean who will say "Thank you" to those who have given to us. Perhaps both of them, I believe, have not lived in HDB flats before. That is why I think they are so ungrateful and they have an axe to grind against the HDB.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we are confident that our appeal will not fall on deaf ears. The reason for our confidence is very simple. You see, Mr Speaker, Sir, the players have changed but the goals, aspirations, and the determination to continually better the lives of all Singaporeans remain the same. Mr Chew Heng Ching (Kaki Bukit): Mr Speaker, Sir, I join my colleagues in this House in commending the HDB for its achievements in the last 25 years. Most of us know that without the HDB we would not be what we are today, living in a clean, green and safe environment. The HDB has done much to change our way of life - from the slum dwellings in unhygienic and insanitary conditions in the sixties and, for some of us, even in the seventies, to the warmth and comfort of modern HDB homes, be they 3-room, 4-room, 5-room, executive apartments or even HUDC flats. Prices of HDB flats are now within the reach of the majority of our population. The waiting time for a flat has been reduced from what used to be five years or more to a mere two years. Today, 81% of our population live in HDB estates which are well equipped with facilities, such as markets, shops, clinics, schools, recreational facilities and social amenities. As if providing a clean and green environment is not enough, the HDB went a step further, to form Residents' Committees to promote social cohesiveness and community spirit among HDB flat dwellers. Today,the RC movement has been successful and has become a way of life for most HDB flat dwellers. All this would not have been possible without the foresight, hardwork and efforts of the management, staff and workers of the HDB in the last 25 years. May I say, Three Cheers to the HDB for a job well done! Some hon. Members: Hear, hear.”
“I am one of those who have benefited from this Government's concrete action. Now I know what it is to live in comfortable surroundings. Like many Singaporeans, I do not wish to go back to the living conditions of yesteryears. But for some various reason, there is a small section of our fellow Singaporeans who still find it difficult to keep pace with the rapid economic progress despite Government's efforts in helping them. Nonetheless, looking at them from a Third World poverty criteria, our poor is only relatively poor compared to those of us who have more. With the benefit of hindsight, coupled with the fact that I am now a Government Backbencher, I want to do my part. I join my fellow colleagues in urging the Government to continue to help the poor and, in this instance, to help them own their own homes. I fully support the measures suggested by my colleague from Chong Boon. In addition, I want to suggest a long term measure. (1) That the Government should ensure that this section of the population are gainfully employed during the tenure of their loan for the purchase of their own home. (2) That their children be exempted from paying any form of fees and be given free textbooks from pre-primary to tertiary level until one member is able to subsidize family expenditure. I personally think that this would give them a greater sense of dignity than just mere handouts. I further suggest that the Government consider allowing their richer relatives help pay part of their flat from their excess CPF. Secondly, that the richer fellow Singaporeans be encouraged to donate part of their excess CPF savings towards initial deposits required for the purchase of their flats. This should be done through a Government agency to avoid possible embarrassment or obligations.”
“It is a very important competitive edge for Singapore to project the image that our supporting industries are still available even during this worldwide economic downturn. I strongly believe that the Government, through the HDB, can help by lowering rents. May I urge fellow colleagues to join me in this appeal, and we hope that HDB will consider further lowering rents till the good times are here again. Mr Speaker, Sir, we all know that championing the cause of the poor has always been the delight and joy of all politicians all over the world. Many great speeches and impressive rhetorics have chosen the cause of the poor as their favourite theme. The poor will always be with us. Even America, the world's richest and most powerful nation, has the poor with them. We too have our share. We still have them now. But, Mr Speaker, Sir, with this Government, there is a very distinct and outstanding difference. Its unique difference lies in this: that its concern for the poor has always been translated into action. I say this not because I am a Government Backbencher. Before I came into this House, I had the privilege of having lived in poor and unhygienic Chinatown - "privilege" in the sense that it has given me the background experience to compare realistically. It is not uncommon for a family of five to seven to cram into a room no bigger than a bedroom of any HDB flat. In the place I stayed, about 10 families shared a toilet and a bathroom. Today's one-room HDB flat would be considered a luxurious apartment then. There were two or three governments who governed Singapore but it was only when the PAP came into power that events began to take shape. I was poor. I know what life is like in cramped and stuffy cubicles.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the name HDB is now a household name, a name which Singaporeans have identified as a provider of not only a roof over our heads for the last 25 years but also one who made clean, orderly and hygienic high-rise living a reality in Singapore. To most of us, it was really a dream come true. HDB has provided flats for 81% of the population. To the unsung, efficient, men and women of the HDB, we thereforeextend our heartfelt thanks and we all wish HDB a happy 25th Anniversary. Mr Speaker, Sir, in the past 25 years, HDB has also provided hawker centres, wet markets, shops, offices and industrial premises. Thousands of Singaporeans have benefited and depend on these facilities for a living. For this, we thank HDB again. However, Mr Speaker, Sir, over the past few years, especially during the property boom period, the rents of HDB outlets were pegged to prevailing market conditions which were then enjoying high growth. Despite steadily increasing rents, these tenants did not complain because they could still maintain a profitable margin as there was high demand. Today, the market situation has changed for the worse. The demand has dropped. The tenants of shops and factories are the hardest hit. Many of the small businesses in the HDB industrial estates are supporting industries to big multi-nationals operating in Singapore. The multi-nationals' slow-down has also affected them terribly. Help is really and urgently needed and we must not allow them to go under. You see, Mr Speaker, Sir, the availability of such supporting industries is an attractive and important consideration for potential investors who are deciding to set up production in Singapore.”