S. Chandra Das
Singapore
“There is certainly a limit as to what volunteers can do. These organisations can do with additional funding from the Government. With additional funding, I believe the self-help groups can do much more. Sir, I would like to ask the Minister about the various support and assistance given to the self-help groups in Singapore.”
“Sir, ASEAN has come a long way since its founding. No one can deny that ASEAN as a regional grouping has been a great success. Not only is ASEAN strong in terms of regional grouping, it is also expanding. Vietnam has joined ASEAN in 1995. Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar are expected to join ASEAN before the end of the century.”
“The public will be able to know the actual expenditure incurred. The operators on their part must charge realistic fares, and any increase should be reasonable and commensurate with the level of service provided. In this way, the public will be satisfied and will not feel short-changed.”
“Sir, I would like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary what other measures are being considered by his Ministry. Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee: Sir, other possible measures would include confiscating the handphone, increasing the number of demerit points or, if necessary, making phone driving a specific offence.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head V of the Main Estimates be reduced by $10 in respect of Code VD 1500. Sir, there are many reasons for the success of Singapore as it stands today. The contribution of the Singapore civil service is an area which should not be underestimated.”
“Sir, I hope the media does not dub RAdm Teo as also "Mr No" from tomorrow. On that note, I withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $518,536,590 for Head N ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $769,080,900 for Head N ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head L -”
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“Sir, I would like to ask the Minister why the toilets were in an unsatisfactory condition in the first place.”
“Secondly, the workload of the courts will definitely be increased because most offenders will immediately claim trial rather than plead guilty because of this minimum sentencing ruling. I am told that in practice, a good proportion of those charged normally plead guilty. This definitely will involve additional use of the taxpayers' fund byway of more courts and legal officers, not to mention the fact that legal profession itself would be fully occupied as a result of this amendment. 3.05 pm”
“I am afraid in this case, if this amendment is accepted, the magistrate or judge has no choice but to sentence him for a minimum of one year. The second instance could be another 17 year-old school boy caught removing a hub-cap from a motor car and is similarly charged and found guilty. Again, he must go to prison for one year. Sir, for these first-time offenders, this will be altogether too heavy a penalty, especially to be thrown in the company of hard-core criminals. I find this very difficult to accept. I am sure the Minister will inform us later that discretion will be used when prosecuting such cases. Sir, if discretion is to be applied, why is it necessary to have such minimum sentences in the first place? Sir, if crime rates are going up and the punishment meted out is not sufficient, as properly indicated in the various tables issued by the Minister, the proper course of action for this House is really to enhance the maximum penalty and, in this way, show our displeasure to the courts that they are not giving out the right sentences. I am told, Sir, that has worked out satisfactorily in many other countries. Maybe the Minister may want to enlighten us on the experiences of enhancement of sentences in other countries. Mr Speaker, Sir, it is also stated that this Bill will not involve the Government in any additional financial expenditure. Prima facie this may be true. But in practice I believe that as a result of the enactment of this amendment, it will definitely cost the Government more to administer these provisions. First, I believe more will be sentenced to jail, our jails will be full, and maybe even more jails need to be built. Meanwhile maybe some could be housed in some of our unfilled hotel rooms and the hotel industry might welcome this.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to make a few comments on the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill. At the outset, let me say that I am no lawyer. I have no pecuniary interest in this subject. Let me also say that I am not against any legislation that aims to provide more deterrent penalties. Sir, this Bill is necessary and vital for the peace and prosperity of Singapore. All that we have built over the years will be lost if Singapore is not a safe place for its citizens. In fact, I feel, Sir, that in certain cases, ,the penalties should even be enhanced. What worries me, Sir, is the provision of minimum sentences in this Amendment Bill. I believe that the traditional role of the courts is basically twofold, first, to determine whether the accused is guilty or innocent and, secondly, an equally important role, that of sentencing or deciding on the level of punishment. Sir, I feel that the provision of minimum sentences will tend to erode the second function of the courts and I am not really convinced by the reasons given by the Hon. Minister as to why we should have minimum sentences. I quite understand the necessity of mandatory punishment or minimum sentences for offences involving kidnapping, drug trafficking, possession of arms or using of arms. But, Sir, for general offences of the land like snatch-theft or removing a hub-cap from a motorcar, a minimum sentence of one year appears to be rather draconian. Sir, the punishment must fit the crime and it must also fit the offender. The minimum sentence ruling here seems to be a deviation from this principle. I would like to offer two hypothetical cases to the Minister for consideration. First, a school boy, 16 years old plus two days, is caught for snatch-theft. He is charged in court and found guilty.”
“More importantly, proportional representation is likely to foster ethnic, linguistic and religious cleavages and also brings out class and other racial conflicts. Mr Speaker, Sir, having noticed some of the major alternative systems being practised elsewhere, one can safely conclude that no amount of electoral engineering can ensure political stability or good and efficient government.”
“Under the so-called First-Past-the-Post System, the candidate with the highest number of votes is returned as the Member of Parliament for the particular constituency. Sir, consequently some people have expressed the opinion that a Proportional Representation System may be a suitable alternative system. The existing system of simple majority is one, Sir, we have inherited from the British. The simple majority formula is also used in the national elections in Great Britain, Canada and New Zealand. One half of the German Parliament is selected according to this system while the other half is elected according to a Proportional Representation formula. Most of the Western countries except Britain employ some formula of Proportional Representation. Sir, having seen how the Proportional Representation System work in some countries, particularly France, Italy and even Sri Lanka, I would agree wholeheartedly with the Prime Minister and certainly reject this System for Singapore. Our present system results in decisive majorities, ie majorities that can govern without recourse to the coalition which, of course, is considered to be natural in any form of Proportional Representation. Mr Speaker, Sir, the purpose of an election is not to "mirror" the views of the electorate but rather to provide a strong, single-party government which can be held directly responsible for its actions at the next general election. Proportional Representation will produce coalitions and therefore diffuse responsibility. More importantly, in an election, a nation is making a decision, a choice, and that the function of the electoral system is to achieve consensus rather than a census of opinions.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for allowing me to speak on this Constitution (Amendment) Bill that is before this House. Sir, this year we celebrate 25 years of nation building, a process begun in 1959 when the People's Action Party swept into power. Twenty-five years of uninterrupted PAP Government has given Singaporeans the highest standard of living in Asia outside Japan. I am sure my colleague, the Member for Whampoa, will give you all the detailed statistics. The fact remains that we have the highest standard of living outside Japan. With all these successes, we now find a small section of the population wishing for Opposition Members in this House. This I submit, Sir, is the politics of affluence. Mr Speaker, Sir, Singaporeans are rightly concerned over what I believe to be a very pleasant problem. On the one hand, the hard-headed Singaporean wants a PAP Government. On the other hand, he also wan"Opposition", however defined, to serve as a check on the Government. Mr Speaker, Sir it cannot be over-emphasized that the primary objective of a general election is concerned with the question: "Who shall govern?" And in the context of Singapore today, the answer, in the hearts of the great majority of Singaporeans, is undoubtedly the People's Action Party. The question then arises: "Is an entire PAP-filled Chamber healthy for Singapore in the long run?" I think this is what one has to examine when looking at this Constitutional Amendment which is before us in this House. The overwhelming success or continued dominance of the People's Action Party has also given rise to certain legitimate questions. One such question is the so-called "disenfranchisement" of about 25% of the electorate, ie the voters who voted for Opposition parties in successive general elections.”
“Perhaps it is time the Government had another look at the role of CPF as a social and economic instrument. In conclusion, Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to state that I had the opportunity to go through this Report at some length. This Report could well serve as a useful framework for us to map out a coherent long-term national policy on the aged. It is unfortunate, Sir, that of the 35 recommendations of the Committee, only two attracted much attention and discussion. I think the media would have done more justice to the Report if it had given more publicity to the other 33 recommendations as well. Sir this Report contains several ideas which appear to be ahead of its time. However, my contention is, we should design the future rather than let the future arrive by chance. 5.34 pm”
“The latter will serve as an incentive for employees to defer withdrawal of their CPF contributions, Following this, it may also be useful for the CPF Board to seriously consider setting up a Special Unit to advise retirees on fund management or investment of CPF balances. Such a free advisory service would also minimize any possibility of retirees putting their money in high-risk investments. Needless to say, one cannot help those who want to squander their life-long savings. Mr Speaker, Sir, last Friday the Member for Rochore, and this afternoon the Member for Alexandra, touched on the general question of CPF. I also feel that the CPF seems to be a popular first resort whenever there is a social issue of national importance. The CPF was originally set up as a form of pension or retirement scheme. The CPF was being tapped for home ownership. This innovative deviation is acceptable. But then, other schemes drifted in, such as SBS shares, Medisave, insurance. I am sure it is very tempting to look at the CPF even for funding child-care centres. Let me assure this House that there is nothing wrong with all these schemes per se. However, my contention is that the CPF appears to be a very convenient first resort. Moreover, the feedback I have received is that the manner in which the Government has approached the solutions to the various problems smacks of ad hocracy. Such ad hocracy gives rise to some anxiety and many a contributor wants to know if his CPF balances are safe and available for withdrawal when he needs it. Mr Speaker, Sir, it may therefore be pertinent for a special committee, like the Committee on the Problems of the Aged, to take a total review of the major social issues insofar as they impinge on the CPF.”
“Thirdly, the NTUC should counsel workers with a view to removing the psychological barriers which now prevent retiring workers from taking up jobs at a lower pay, and not to insist on the last-drawn salary. Sir, I would like to put forward the following suggestions for consideration of this House. Firstly, Sir, the CPF withdrawal age be retained at 55 for all those who are already contributing towards the scheme. As for new entrants, it can be raised to 60 or 65 and it should be tied up to the retirement age in some way or the other. I must concede that this is the ideal solution. However, this ideal solution may not solve our problem for the next 20-40 years. Being a realist, I am prepared to support the call made by the Member for Kebun Baru for progressive withdrawals up to the age of 55. Secondly, the House should seriously consider adopting a declining scale of CPF contributions for employees who are re-employed after the age of 55. Such a scheme will have two benefits. Firstly, it reduces the costs to the employers and makes it more attractive to retain workers after 55 and at the same time it also increases the take-home pay of employees who might be getting less than their last drawn salary. Sir, to encourage Singaporeans to keep their savings with CPF after the withdrawal age, the Minister for Labour might consider the following suggestions: Personally, I think it is feasible to have a two-tier interest rate policy for CPF balances. One rate will apply to CPF balances before the age of 55 and a second more attractive rate for CPF balances retained after the age of 55.”
“Not surprisingly, almost 100% affirmatively expressed the view that they would support and care for their parents. However, a significant number felt that any legislation to enforce filial piety would be a "loss of face" for us as Singaporeans. My community leaders also felt that the Annuity Scheme proposed in the Report deserves a closer analysis on its relevance and practical applications. Sir, the Report had suggested that a retiree could buy an annuity scheme which would provide him or her with a steady income. More importantly, the Report had suggested two options to help those retirees who might not have sufficient CPF balances to buy an annuity. The possible options are: (a) to buy an annuity from or through the HDB, the consideration for the annuity being the reversionary interest in the flat; or (b) exchange their existing smaller flats for an annuity financed by the difference in the prices of the two flats. Sir, I have been given to understand that such annuity schemes have been implemented successfully in some countries. Perhaps the Ministry of National Development and the Ministry of Social Affairs should study the operation of such schemes or variations of the schemes in other countries and publicise the details more effectively through the media. I am afraid this issue has not received sufficient attention from the public. Sir, the Report mentioned three pertinent points which, I think, could serve as a basis for a tripartite dialogue among the NTUC, the Government and employers with respect to the extension of the retirement age or employment after the age of 55. Firstly, wages of re-employed elderly persons must be related not to seniority but to productivity. Secondly, employers should not be exempted from paying statutory levies.”
“Basically, the issues raised are as follows: Employers, both Government and private, should state in no uncertain terms that the retirement age shall be 60 or 65 as the case may be. In other words, if we genuinely believe in financial independence for the aged and in line with the fact that the average life span has gone up significantly, then the retirement age should be raised accordingly. The preference appears to be for some form of legislation to enforce any new retirement age. This will remove any uncertainty or fear that the working Singaporean might be subjected to the mercies of cost-conscious employers. Related to the above is the concern to raise the CPF withdrawal age to 60 and later on to 65. Here, there are two aspects to the issue. Firstly, the idea of CPF withdrawal at age 60 is not new. Certain categories of civil servants, including new entrants to the Civil Service, now retire at the age of 60. It follows that they will be withdrawing their CPF contributions and other pension benefits after the age of 60. For such employees and other new entrants, the proposals mooted in the Report do not constitute an issue. Secondly, the "old entrants" tend to be geared up psychologically to expect to withdraw their CPF contributions after the age of 55. These are essentially working Singaporeans who have mentally attuned themselves to retire at 55, withdraw their CPF monies and hopefully retire in dignity. The consensus among my community leaders is for a status quo of the present CPF withdrawal at the age of 55. The hard-headed working Singaporean seems to fear that he might be retired off at 55 without being able to withdraw his CPF balances. The next issue raised by my community leaders refers to the care of our elders, basically our parents.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, firstly, let me commend the Chairman and members of the Committee on the Problems of the Aged for a most comprehensive Report. To my mind, the main achievement of this Report is that now we have for the first time a framework for a National Policy for the Elderly. Sir, the Report examined the psychology of ageing, medical aspects of ageing, housing, income, employment and retirement issues, social services and programmes for the elderly. In short, the Report looks at the problems of the aged and its social and economic implications. Sir, the Report made a number of recommendations pertaining to Employment, Financial Security, Health and Recreational Needs, Social Services and Institutional Care, and Family Relations. Sir, I fully endorse the view expressed in the Report that old age is not a burden, On the contrary, old age should be seen as experience, skill, knowledge, talent and wisdom. The presence of many senior Members in this House is ample testimony to this fact. Sir, I do not propose to go through all the issues and arguments in the Report which have been adequately discussed in public in recent months. We are all aware of the unfortunate but understandable lopsided public focus of the Report on the so-called CPF issue. Reaction from the average Singaporean, including many of my constituents, has been loud and clear. To put it bluntly, the gist of the arguments can be summed up in the following words, "it is a breach of faith (apparently on the part of the Government). It is our money (CPF contributions). Let us have it." Sir, I had the opportunity of holding a formal dialogue session as well as informal discussions with my community leaders and residents in my constituency on this subject.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am grateful to the Minister of State for Finance for his very detailed and lengthy answer, in particular, his assurance that he will ask his officials to have a fresh look on the payment of the 13th month allowance for retirees. Contrary to what the Minister said, I still maintain that small companies still have difficulties in getting SDF grants. Sir, on that note, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“The Government in turn has improved the salary and working conditions of the Civil Service significantly. I might even say that in some respects the total remuneration package for our civil servants are comparable and just as affractive as those in the private sector, However, there appears to be a minor policy quirk which tends to make retiring civil servants leave with a bad taste in the mouth. Mr Speaker, Sir, I am referring to the practice which deprives civil servants who retire before 31st December of the year from his well-deserved 13th month or Annual Wage Supplement. Sir, I am aware of the reply given in this House to many of my colleagues, that is, you must be in service on 31st December in order to receive the Annual Wage Supplement. Sir, as the retirement date is predetermined, it is not fair to penalize one if one retires before 31st December. Perhaps, the Minister might want to consider paying such cases a pro-rated sum. The same should also apply to those who die in harness. Frankly, Sir, I think there is a good case for the Minister to review this present hard policy, especially when the Minister of State for Finance made an eloquent appeal in this House in June 1981, while serving as a Backbencher. Sir, the next item is the question of computerization in the Civil Service. My question is, what is the level of computerization in our Government Ministries and statutory boards? I am interested to know how many Ministries have computerized and how much have been spent both on hardware and software. Moreover, are there any indications to measure success, failure or productivity increases arising from the computerization effort?”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head N be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead NA-01 of the Main Estimates. Sir, all our plans to upgrade and restructure would come to nothing unless we are prepared to invest in our human resources. We have rightly opted for a high skill and high wage strategy. In this respect, the Government has set up the Skills Development Fund which now has an accumulated fund of $337 million. My question refers to what has been perceived as the unrealistic guidelines of the SDF. Firstly, it seems that any company applying for SDF financing for its training programme is required to put up what is known as a total training plan. I agree that this requirement will ensure that all training is properly planned and coordinated. However, Sir, some of our companies might not have the expertise to put up such total plans. Perhaps the Minister could tell this House whether his Ministry or the SDF has any expertise to advise smaller companies in this area of manpower planning. If this is not the case, only larger corporations will benefit from the scheme and the smaller companies will continue to pay. 6.30 pm Sir, the other issue concerns the disappointing productivity figure of the trade sector, which showed a growth rate of only 1.9% compared with the national average of 5.2%. The general suspicion is that SDF guidelines tend to be manufacturing-biased. I hope the Minister would look into this and thus help the trade sector improve its productivity. Next, I would like to turn to a subject which has been raised many times in this House. This is the question of the Annual Wage Supplement. Sir, Singapore prides itself on having one of the most efficient and honest Civil Service in the world.”
“Sir, I am grateful to the Minister for his rather detailed answer. On that note, Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“I would like the Minister to report to this House the progress the Ministry has made on this matter.”
“Secondly, it threatens Thailand and this can be seen in the number of instances when Vietnamese troops have crossed into Thailand. Thirdly, it threatens peace and security in the region because there is the danger of the Vietnamese invading Thailand as they did in Cambodia. Fourthly, it allows the Soviet Union and China to increase their intervention in the region because it gives them the opportunity to support the opposing sides and thereby increase their presence and influence. 4.30 pm Vietnam should keep to its own borders and not occupy the land of its neighbours. Vietnam should concentrate on its own defence and internal development. Then only can Vietnam be regarded as a peaceful state and not a threat to the region. The solution to the Cambodian problem must therefore start with the Vietnamese withdrawing its troops from Cambodia and allowing the Cambodians to return to their own country. The United Nations must be involved in seeking a solution to the pro- blem and guaranteeing the security of all states in the region. I am sure the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its part will continue its support for the ASEAN Resolution and search for new opportunities to resolve the problem. The Ministry, I am sure, will try to influence other countries which have not supported the Singapore position. In this connection, I would like to ask the Minister whether the Ministry is thinking of setting up new missions abroad. These missions to be set up can play an important role, both in political as well as economic terms. Setting up of new missions require additional manpower, especially the Foreign Service officers. Last year, I asked the Minister about the problem of recruitment in the Foreign Ministry.”
“This refers to an article which appeared in the Straits Times yesterday in which it was reported that the Vietnamese Foreign Minister said that "ASEAN countries, including Singapore, had been involved in huge secret trade deals with his country despite their public attempts to isolate Vietnam." This statement is purported to be made in Canberra. And it goes on to say that "many goods from Thailand were sold in Vietnam through Singapore. Vietnamese goods were in return being sold in Thailand also through Singapore." Maybe the Minister may want to inform this House about these secret trade deals? Dr Lau Teik Soon (Serangoon Gardens): Mr Speaker, Sir, at the last United Nations General Assembly session, the ASEAN and its member-states were very successful in the debate on the Cambodian problem. The success was seen in the strong support for the ASEAN Resolution aimed at seeking a political solution to the Cambodian problem. More than 110 members of the United Nations wanted Vietnam to withdraw from Cambodia and to allow the Cambodians their right to independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and especially our mission in the United Nations contributed very significantly to the success during the debate. I would like to congratulate them for their tremendous efforts. Mr Speaker, Sir, there are some Singaporeans, and I may say very few of them, are still very naive about security matters, including the question of the threat to our security. Whatever others may say, Vietnam's occupation of Cambodia constitutes the main threat to peace and security in Southeast Asia. First, it deprives the Cambodians of their land and has taken away their independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0 be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead OA-01 of the Main Estimates. Sir, one of the cornerstones of our economic success is our pragmatic foreign and defence policy. Our total defence concept will undoubtedly send the right signals to any potential aggressor. In tandem with the total defence concept, our friends to all and enemy to none approach in our foreign policy has together ensured our territorial integrity and sovereignty. Thus far, Sir, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has maintained embassies in our ASEAN partner countries and other key listening posts such as Tokyo and Washington. We must continue to expand our contacts. In this context, I am a little concerned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reduced its 1984 expenditure budget, True, high productivity and the strong Singapore dollar vis-a-vis the United States dollar and other major currencies could mean that the Ministry would not actually be cutting down its activities. It appears however to be standing still. Perhaps the Minister would like to inform this House whether there are any plans to open up new missions, especially in the African and Latin American countries, for example. Sir, it is generally accepted that trade follows the flag and not the other way round. Secondly, would the Minister report to this House whether his Ministry has purchased any properties overseas for the last financial year? If so, could he give details? Also, what are his Ministry's plans for the FY 1984-85 regarding purchase of overseas properties? Mr Speaker, Sir, there is one other matter which I would like to raise with the Minister.”
“Sir, I thank the Minister, particularly for the various alternatives he has given my constituent. On that note, Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head T be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead TA-01 of the Main Estimates. Sir, a large proportion of our population live in HDB estates. This is, in fact, a living testimony to the success of our housing policy and much of the credit must go to the HDB. To-date the HDB has done an excellent job in ensuring that our housing estates are physically habitable. However, Sir, I feel that it is timely and proper that the HDB, in padicular its area offices, take on a slightly wider role. I think the time has come for the HDB area offices not only to look at estate management per se, but also focus its attention on the Management of the Community as a whole. Perhaps the Minister might want to enlighten this House the measures which are being taken or contemplated to prepare HDB to cope with new socio-economic and other environmental problems of our residents.”
“We can, however, review the criteria after all street hawkers have been relocated. The alternaive to obtaining a hawker licence for cooked food stalls is to rent a stall in eating establishments. Generally, the business of cooked food is fairly lucrative and operators could afford the higher rental charges for a stall in eating establishments. In the case of stallholders who were living in Chua Chu Kang constituency and who have been resettled in the Jurong area, we will look into their request for stalls in the Jurong West or Jurong East Market. However, as all the stalls in these two markets have been reserved for the relocation of street hawkers and stall holders in existing markets and food centres that have been affected by public redevelopment schemes, we are unable to accommodate their request at this point of time. We may, however, consider their request for stalls in these two markets only if there are vacancies after the stalls have been ballotted. My Ministry maintains 61 markets and food centres. Improvements to these centres are also carried out as and when necessary. In FY 83 my Ministry spent $1.3 million to improve the general environment of our hawker centres compared with $151,000 and $846,000 in FY 82 and FY 81 respectively. Hawkers themselves play an important role in the upkeep of the hawker centres. Mini-campaigns are carried out by the Ministry to educate the hawkers on good house-keeping, persona[ and food hygiene, use of plastic bags, etc. Cooked food hawkers are medically screened for cholera and typhoid and other intestinal infections and also inoculated against typhoid. Food samples are taken and analysed to ensure that the food sold is wholesome. Sir, I have covered most of the points raised by the hon. Members concerned.”
“My Ministry has not built wet markets for many years and HDB has also stopped building wet markets in their new housing estates. It has also been decided that no more new food centres will be built in the future by the Ministry of the Environment or the HDB. There are at present some 1,077 licensed street hawkers, most of them are selling cooked food. They will be relocated in food centres that are now under construction and those food stalls that will be converted from vacant market produce stalls. My Ministry proposes to convert about 88 market produce stalls at Cuppage Road and Queens Crescent Market into 44 cooked food stalls. In addition, HDB has plans to convert 688 vacant market produce stalls into 243 cooked food stalls in their markets and cooked food centres. My Ministry will not issue any more new hawker licences for cooked food stalls except for genuine hardship cases. There are still some 853 licensed cooked food hawkers operating from street pitches. All the available vacant stalls in existing markets and food centres are reserved for them. Due to the limited number of cooked food stalls available, hardship cases are accorded a lower priority. As there is a surplus of market produce stalls in the existing markets, applicants under hardship cases are usually offered such stalls. In 1983, my Ministry received a total of 4,844 applications for hawker licences on grounds of hardship. Of this number, only 106 cases were approved. The present hardship criteria are intended to ensure that only genuine hardship cases will be given hawker stalls. It is not my Ministry's policy to give any special consideration for people affected by resettlement, for example, farmers, squatters, etc.”
“In any case, the problem cannot be eradicated through enforcement and prosecution. Social pressure must be applied on these people to change. My Ministry can step up its enforcement action but this is not expected to be effective. In the case of those spitting from their cars, members of the public can help by providing my Ministry with the relevant particulars, such as the car registration number, the place, the date and the time of the incident, and we will definitely prosecute the culprits, We can even publicise the cases to act as a deterrent to others. Besides this, we will also organize public health education programme to focus on this problem. Let me now deal with the hawker matters which have been raised by the hon. Member for Chua Chu Kang and the hon. Member for Chong Boon. Hawkers who are plying on the streets are conducting their business under unhygienic conditions. The street pitches do not have the basic facilities, such as electricity, water and gas supplies, toilet facilities, anti-pollution measures and proper disposal of refuse. In 1971, the Government decided to build markets and food centres to house these street hawkers. These markets and food centres are provided with all the basic facilities. In 1981, a study team chaired by the former Senior Parliamentary Secretary of my Ministry and comprising Members of Parliament and officials from the Ministry of the Environment, Primary Production Department, HDB and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, was set up to review the existing retail distribution system. In their review, the study team recommended that wet markets be replaced by supermarkets, specialty and neighbourhood stores.”
“Sir, I would like to seek some clarification from the Minister for the Environment with respect to hawker licences and hawker market policies. Firstly, Sir, the percentage of Singaporeans who eat outside nowadays is fairly high. I am wondering, in view of this development, what steps are being taken to further improve the general environment of our hawker centres as well as the hygiene of our hawkers. Sir, as stated by the hon. Member for Chua Chu Kang we are flooded with requests in our meet-the-people sessions for cooked food hawker stalls. Whilst a hawker licence is granted fairly easily to sell poultry, market produce or sundry goods, the request for cooked food is usually rejected. Obviously I feel that there is a surplus of stalls in the wet markets and an acute shortage of stalls to sell cooked food in the hawker centres. Perhaps, as suggested earlier, it is now time for the Ministry to review this position. The need is obviously for more cooked food stalls. Maybe the Minister would like to enlighten the House on this subject. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Social Affairs (Mr Teo Chong Tee): Sir, I am replying on behalf of my Minister. Before the House rose yesterday, the hon, Member for Thomson touched on the indiscriminate spitting in Singapore. Let me first deal with this problem. Sir, I share the concern of the Member for Thomson that indiscriminate spitting in public places is a despicable anti-social habit which can give rise to public health risk. It cannot be condoned. Those who spit in public places are committing an offence under our Public Health regulations and can be prosecuted. However, there are practicable problems involved in catching them in the act.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since the subject of hawker licence and hawker stalls has already been touched, may I have your permission to speak now instead of moving amendment No. (5)?”
“What is most important is that our people must be given sufficient and clear information on national objectives so that they can be translated into appropriate decision and action for the sake of national progress and the people's advancement. At the end of his speech, the Minister for Finance and Minister for Trade and Industry said that we were facing serious problems of shortage of labour. The number of foreign workers must be reduced if we are to succeed in economic restructuring. This means we have to raise our productivity further. So we must continue to work hard in order to raise our productivity. That is why the Government has allocated large sums of money for training and education to produce more skilled manpower and to promote better employer-employee relationship. It is hoped that apart from the incentives mentioned in the Budget, a number of actions would be taken to provide other incentives so that workers would be encouraged to continue working under the concept of life-long employment. Training and education for workers should be made a compulsory condition for employers for the sake of a bright and secure future for all workers. Only with the upgrading of the quality of employers' management can workers be encouraged to work hard with undivided loyalty that is required to increase productivity. On that note, I wish to record my support to the Budget Statement tabled by the Minister. 7.09 pm”
“What is most dangerous is wrong understanding or confusion in the minds of the masses in respect of the government's motives coupled with the presence"of irresponsible circles who try to confuse the issues the nation is facing. Effective communication with the grassroots is essential if we are to produce the type of society that we want, Grassroots involvement in the solution of national problems should be encouraged and widened so that the government's policies and actions would be accepted by the people, although some of them may be unpleasant as they require personal sacrifices. Meetings and discussions are necessary not only in parliament but also at grassroots level among community leaders, before decisions are taken on the implementation of any policy by any ministry so that an awareness will emerge that the people are directly involved with policy implementation for their benefit and in the interest of the nation. In a democratic society, the process of government is determined by the majority of the people. Education should be used as a vehicle to enable the people to be involved in the process of government. An educated person will be more aware of not only his rights but also his responsibilities as citizens. Knowledge of current affairs and political education should be made an important part of the school curriculum so that students in their schooldays will be equipped for their role as useful and responsible citizens, prepared to be involved in the process of governing his nation. In addition, community leaders at the grassroots level should also be educated on government affairs and civics. All branches of the mass media can also play an active role. They can help to increase the number of people who are prepared to got involved.”
“In order to ensure the continued existence of a good, clean and sensible government, the involvement and participation of every stratum of the population in the implementation of development programmes and projects for the benefit of the people and the nation is necessary. Between the government and those governed there should be complete rapport which had put us in good stead in the past, enabling the government to so successfully implement projects to satisfy the people's basic needs. The first priority of a good government is the implementation of projects that will promote the well-being of the people. Human values should be acknowledged and advancement must be sought for the people if the government concerned wishes to make a claim of being a good and efficient government. The fact that the people and the government have been playing their respective roles appropriately in this country is evidently seen in the economic success that we now enjoy. Symbiotic relations and effective communication are very necessary if government policies and actions are to be clearly understood by the people. Government policies such as economic restructuring, bilingualism, higher productivity, streaming in the education system, good employer-employee relationship, school admission priority for children of graduate mothers, higher road tax and vehicle registration fees, and TV licences directly affect every family in our society. The government wishes to see positive reaction and full support from the masses to ensure the success of these policies. The people's attitude depends on their knowledge and understanding, although many are ready to give their views on national problems without first obtaining adequate information on them.”
“In his easily understood speech he showed how healthy the state of our economy was but at the same time he drew attention to what we should do in facing present and future national problems so that our economic growth will be more rapid and our standard of living will continue to rise. It is the objective of any sovereign nation to achieve high economic growth, full employment, stability in the prices of daily necessities, and continued democratic government for the people. We should be thankful that since achieving self-government and subsequently independence we have succeeded in realizing the said goals although there is still room for improvement. Our successes depended on two important factors - an enlightened government and a hardworking people. And we succeeded in spite of adverse external factors over which we had no direct control. The primary task of a democratic government should, firstly, be to give serious attention to the well-being and welfare of the people so that they will be able to live in peace and happiness. This fundamental responsibility of the government calls upon it to take firm action to ensure that every citizen will be a healthy individual and useful to the nation. In carrying out this task the government will, no doubt, face various problems. No government, no matter how good and efficient, is in a position to grant absolute freedom to its people. However, this does not mean that the government should not give freedom to the people. But it should be a limited and relative freedom subject to observance of public interest. The limitation of freedom requires the existence of laws and regulations essential for progress and advancement that are necessary in order to satisfy the people's basic needs.”
“In this context, I would like to suggest that the Minister consider measures including financial incentives to induce Singaporeans to embark on self-improvement programmes and studies. Here, I am referring to the efforts taken by individuals to improve themselves without the aid of the State. Sir, individual expenditure for attending courses conducted by the National Productivity Board, the Singapore Institute of Management, the Marketing Institute of Singapore, cost of textbooks and other forms of study do not qualify for tax exemption. Perhaps the Minister might want to review this. I understand that tax relief is granted for approved self-improvement courses in countries like Germany, Holland and the United States. Finally, Mr Speaker, Sir, this Budget does not impose any sacrifices on the ordinary working man. Yet, the Budget has been labelled by the Member for Anson as a "rich man's budget". Perhaps these advocates of give-away economics should look at the Budget in some of the OECD countries when Budget Day means more taxes and expenditure cuts on health, housing, education and social services. It might be instructive for the Government to work out a "social wage" per capita, ie the total subsidy the Government spends on each Singaporean in terms of health, housing, education and other social amenities. Sir, I support the Budget Statement. 7.01 pm Encik Saidi Haji Shariff (Kaki Bukit)( In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, first of all, I wish to put on record my congratulations to the Minister for Finance and Minister for Trade and Industry who tabled the Budget in the clearest and most precise terms. This is most encouraging.”
“Secondly, Current Information Data-Based Services eg, commodity prices. Thirdly, Time-Sharing Computer Services, and lastly, Third-Party Communications. Mr Speaker, Sir, it is quite clear that the next frontier of our economic growth lies in the emerging computer and communications (C&C) technologies. It is therefore imperative that we push ahead in our general computerization efforts. The National Computer Board (NCB), the Institute of Systems Science and the System and Computer Organization in MINDEF are to be commended for carrying out joint research in software engineering. Mr Speaker, Sir, keeping with our status as a global financial centre, various initiatives have already been taken to lead us into what is known as the "cashless society". All these measures are indeed very commendable. However, I would like to suggest that the relevant authorities look into the question of data and transactions security seriously. Any "break-ins" or"computer-thefts"would destroy public confidence in a cashless society. Perhaps the Minister could tell us what special steps are being taken to counter computer frauds. Mr Speaker, Sir, I am indeed pleased to note that one of the central themes of this year's Budget is to encourage Singaporeans to work hard, better themselves, invest in new ventures and to take calculated risks. Sir, with your indulgence, I would now like to point out what I feel to be a logical extension of this strategy. The Minister has returned the initiative for growth to the private sector and, in particular, to the individual working within a team. A team is essentially a grouping of individuals. The higher the quality of the individual Singaporean, the better will be the quality of the Singapore team.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, last year I mentioned that we should watch the changes in overseas investment patterns arising from technological changes. In particular, falling cost of ICs, emergence of relatively more intelligent robots and automation equipment would together serve to equalize if not neutralize erstwhile comparative cost advantages in developing countries like Singapore vis-a-vis the developed countries. The latter, we must remember are both the sources of investment as well as our markets. With automation, as I had mentioned last year, low labour cost is no longer a key consideration in overseas investment decision of multi-nationals. Rather it is productivity and the skill level of our people. Thus far, we appear to be on the right track. We must carve out a niche for ourselves in the global economic grid. The most viable option at the moment appears to be what is generally called the "knowledge-intensive niche". The Minister in his Budget Statement had identified one key area in what he called the "new internationally tradeable services which can make use of modern telecommunications and other facilities.' Mr Speaker, Sir, with due respect, may I suggest that we should now prepare Singapore to act as the "International Data Crossroad" or "Digital Crossroad" for the region and the rest of the world. Briefly, Sir, we could act as the "transmission", "relaying" and "data processing" cross road for the masses of data and information criss-crossing within the ASEAN region, within the Pacific Rim countries and with the rest of the world. Without going into details, I would like to suggest some "new services" which Singapore can actively look into. The areas could be, firstly, "Knowledge Dissemination Services" eg, legal, scientific, medical and engineering data bases.”
“By any reckoning, the performance of the Singapore economy has been creditable in 1983. Sir, our economic restructuring is beginning to bear fruit. Computer and computer peripherals such as disk drives underscored the recovery of the manufacturing sector in 1983. In fact, Singapore is reported to be the largest disk drive maker in the world outside the United States. However, I have been told that the value added in the assembly of disk drives are relatively low. Perhaps the Minister might want to enlighten the House on new steps taken to encourage such foreign investors to increase the local content or increase the value added in Singapore. One possible step could be to encourage firms to set up their R&D and product development projects in Singapore. Mr Speaker, Sir, much has been discussed about the financial and engineering benefits to be derived from the use of robots. According to the Economic Development Board, the number of robots in use in Singapore is still relatively small. Industrial robots were first introduced in Singapore some four years ago. Today, about 70 companies are using 220 manipulators and about 30 reprogrammable robots. These are mainly confined to parts extraction in plastic injecting moulding, welding, spray painting and die-casting industries. It is obvious that our industries have yet to reap the full benefits of robotization and automation. It is therefore timely that the Government has taken the initiative to set up a robot leasing company to expedite the dissemination of robots and automation equipment in Singapore. However, I would like to caution that Singapore does not unwittingly end up being dependent on robots from any one particular country which could then dictate the pace of our robotization programme.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister for Finance and Minister for Trade and Industry has presented to us what might be called as a "citizen's budget". I use the term "citizen" because there is something for everyone: across-the-board income tax cuts, enhanced child relief, simplified estate duty for individuals and several concessions to the corporate sector as well. It also seeks to return the initiative for economic growth to the private sector, specifically the individual. It seeks to reduce Government spending, to encourage efficiency and productivity in companies and to reward individual enterprise and hard work. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister reported that the world economy had emerged from its deepest recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The current recovery led by the US economy should continue to pick up steam while the West German economy looks set to serve as a locomotive for the West European economies. The Singapore economy nosedived in the first quarter of 1983 but bounced back to register a real growth rate of 7.9%. The major sources of growth were basically two-fold: external demand comprising exports of goods and services and Gross Domestic Capital Formation. The exportled recovery accounted for a hefty 55% of the growth in total demand. On the domestic front, Singaporeans enjoyed a higher standard of living while several countries were reeling from the effects of the recession. The real per capita income went up by 7.6%. Singaporeans spent more on video tape-recorders, television sets, home computers, electronic organs and other domestic labour-saving appliances. This is in stark contrast to the jobless and homeless millions not only in the developing countries but in the developed countries as well.”
“However, increases in SBC's licence fees do not appear to go down too well with the grassroots. One can think of several reasons for this adverse grassroots reaction towards price increases. One possibility could be the speed and proximity within which the various increases were implemented. This "batching together" has understandably created a sense of anxiety over perceived falling standards of living. At this juncture, may I suggest, Sir, that the Government monitor closely all proposals for price increases, specifically those by Government departments and statutory boards. Taken by itself, certain price hikes or proposals can be justified. However, unless there is some form of coordination, the cumulative burden of a series of price hikes within a short period of time can create a lot of anxieties, especially among the lower income groups. Last but not least, Sir, I would like to add that the interests of our consumers have not been totally neglected. Here, I would like to commend the Consumers' Association of Singapore (CASE) for coming out openly to protest, for the first time, against a major Government price increase.”
“In both cases, conditions have been laid whereby the station must dedicate a certain amount of air time for public affairs and educational programmes. I am not suggesting, Sir, that commercialization will solve all our problems. Neither am I suggesting that we allow free market forces to run wild. Rather, I am merely proposing that we study the feasibility of introducing some form of competition to further enhance SBC's efficiency. (iii) Apart from the element of competition, an alternative commercial arrangement could bring in financial advantages. For example, corporate taxes from a commercial station or channel could be used to cross-subsidize SBC's expenditure. Moreover, if SBC were to lease one of its channels or existing channels to the private sector, then the revenue could offset SBC's operating deficit or reduce the extent of Government subsidy. 6.30 pm I must admit, however, that there is a strong case for a certain amount of Government subsidy for an intangible service like radio and TV broadcasting. The key issues are to ensure the efficient use of public funds and to reduce the direct financial burden of Government and the indirect burden on the wage earner. Sir, in conclusion, I would like to just comment that over the last six to eight months, Singaporeans have been subjected to a spate of price increases from the Government sector. It would appear that the Government was the pace-setter for our domestic inflation. In fact, many of my constituents have even suggested that the income tax reliefs granted over the years have now been more than offset by the various price increases. No one, I must concede, quarrels with some of the price hikes associated with specific Government policies, such as car population control.”
“It would be interesting if the Minister could tell us the financial cost and the manpower incurred to administer and collect licence fees, apart from the cost incurred by the law enforcement agencies to police the scheme. At this juncture, I would like to make the point that the SBC is a state monopoly and should avoid the temptation to resort to price increases at the slightest opportunity. Perhaps it should take note of other statutory boards like Telecoms, including the PUB, where savings from technological advances and oil price fluctuations have been passed on immediately to consumers. (4) Sir, the fourth option is to allow for some form of limited competition. At the moment, there is some form of competition from a neighbouring country. In fact, Singaporeans can own a colour television and watch TV programmes without having to switch on to SBC. Consumer feedback suggests that some of these foreign programmes are quite good. Perhaps SBC might want to give such consumers a discount on the existing licence fees! Sir, let me refer again to the Table and examine the competitive co-existence of both government-sponsored as well as commercially-sponsored radio and TV stations or channels in those countries. We can form the following inferences again. (i) The general indication is that such a limited competition has compelled both sectors to be efficient in terms of producing better programmes for the consumers. (ii) It is generally accepted that competitive co-existence between government and commercial broadcasting does not necessarily undermine specific or general national and governmental objectives or priorities. The Hong Kong Commercial TV, for example, is a case in point.”
“From this Table we can make two significant inferences. First, in all these countries where TV stations are both commercially-sponsored and government-sponsored, the licence fees are either free or optional or distinctly lower than the rates in Singapore. The only exception seems to be the United Kingdom where the licence fee is about $140 per annum compared with $80 in Singapore. Sir, with the o falling, we may catch up with them very quickly! Table - A COMPARISON OF CTV LICENCE FEE IN SELECTED COUNTRIES (Cols. 397 - 398) The other significant observation is that radio and television in these countries are financed by grants from governments or strictly from commercial advertisements. Mr Speaker, Sir, from the figures I have given you, it is clear that SBC has to find better and more innovative ways of financing its operations. To my mind, the options open are broadly as follows:- (1) It has to improve its productivity through manpower training and upgrading, thus reducing expenditure. I have no doubt that SBC will continue to step up its efforts in this direction. (2) Increase its revenue from commercials. Sir, here I would commend the SBC for its proposal to introduce what has been dubbed as "prime-time advertising" within the peak newscast periods. According to a newspaper report, this innovation of introducing commercial breaks into its daily English and Mandarin news bulletins is expected to rake in an additional $15 million per annum for SBC. (3) The third option is of course to increase licence fees. Here, I am afraid that SBC has succumbed to the "soft option" of passing the buck to the consumers without exhausting the other potential sources of revenue, particularly TV commercials.”
“I am just confining myself to that. According to the SBC's published Annual Reports, the Board has been notching up significant surpluses since 1981. SBC's first fiscal year covered a period of 14 months from 1st February 1980 to 31st March 1981. For the year ending 31st March 1981, SBC had an operating income of $65.5 million with $50.4 million or 77% originating from advertising, $13.1 million or 20% from licence fees and $2 million or 3% from other income. In 1984, revenue from new licence fees would contribute about 33% of operating expenditure compared with 29% in 1983. With an operating expenditure of only $48.7 million, SBC recorded a surplus of $14.3 million. In 1982, the operating income shot up to $78 million or an increase of 19% over 1981 while operating expenditure rose to $57.6 million, up 18%. Sir, from the statistics, one cannot but conclude that the SBC has not only been very lively as the then Hon. Minister said when moving the Bill but extremely profitable. As at 31st March 1982, SBC had an accumulated surplus of $34.5 million. Moreover, one notices a hefty sum of $51.5 million sitting in fixed deposits in banks. Aside from these surpluses, with the revised licence fees, SBC is expected to earn another $11.2 million, further aggravating the burden of its existing surpluses. Incidentally, the additional income from the new rates alone would be adequate to finance the forthcoming Channel 12 which has an estimated annual operating cost of $3 million for about 3 1/2 years. Sir, let us now look at the experience of other countries. I have taken the liberty of circulating a Table (Cols. 397 - 398) which shows the licence fees that are charged in the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have obtained the right to raise a matter of public concern on the Motion for the Adjournment today. I am really sorry the Member for Anson lost in a very democratic ballot and I would urge him to continue to try and not to seek special concessions for himself. Sir, on the question of SBC licence fees, let me at the outset refer to what the then Hon. Minister for Communications and Acting Minister for Culture said in moving the Second Reading of the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation Rill in this House on 21st September 1979 and I quote: 'The reason for converting RTS into a statutory body is to free the Department of Broadcasting from administrative and financial constraints so that the organisation can expand and develop into a lively radio and television station. The Singapore Broadcasting Corporation as a statutory body will have the authority and flexibility to recruit artistes, producers, script-writers, choreographers and other personnel, and to determine their emoluments, to improve and expand services, facilities and equipment, and to acquire new technology in accordance with the needs of the broadcasting services. Financial support from the Government is vital if the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation is to develop into a reputable organisation capable of producing good quality programmes. The Corporation, by its nature, performs a public service and cannot be entirely profit-oriented.' Sir, the Singapore Broadcasting Corporaion is now in its fourth year of existence as a statutory board. With the policy, operational and financial flexibilities of a statutory board, one must assume that the SBC today is a better organization than its former self, Radio and TV Singapore (RTS). Now I propose to examine only the financial performance of SBC.”
“The Public Accounts Committee has commented on this subject in its Third Report presented to this House on 27th August, 1983, and I quote: "Bearing in mind the vulnerable nature of computer operation the Committee recommends that POSB constantly review its security controls to maintain the highest standard of security at all times." The Minister's assurance on computer security would be most welcome. Sir, I support the Amendment Bill. 5.51 pm”
“It is important that this tax exempt status is maintained at all times, otherwise I am afraid it will be a breach of faith by the Government. A categorical statement to the effect from the Minister would be most reassuring to all account holders, including myself. Sir, next I would like to refer to the new section 5 (h) of the Bill which states that the Bank shall have powers "to form or participate in the formation of a company or enter into partnership or an arrangement for the sharing of profits as may be conducive to the functions of the Bank." Here, I would like to see some caution exercised so that the funds of the POSB are properly invested and must be fully accountable to the Minister at all times. I do not think we want to see situations where the Bank can take a minority stake in a company and then this new company starts investing its funds in Cayman Islands. The associate companies will not be totally accountable to the Minister. I would suggest that all joint ventures, particularly where minority interests are taken, should be approved by the Minister so that they keep in line with the objectives of the POSB. Sir, in conclusion, I would urge that, while the POSB must compete with existing banks in the provision of new services, great care must be taken especially in the provision of automated services. Where computer security is concerned, there have been lapses in this area and it is important that proper measures are taken to avoid such recurrences.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to offer a few comments and observations on the Post Office Savings Bank of Singapore (Amendment) Bill. To-date, there are 2.49 million savings accounts, with depositors' balances exceeding $6 billion. This indeed speaks very well for the Post Office Savings Bank and the services it has been providing for all Singaporeans. This is indeed a creditable record. I am very pleased to note that as a result of the Amendment Bill further services will be provided to these 2.49 million accounts. These services are spelt out clearly in the new section 5, particularly (a), (b) and (c) which are of special importance to the account holder. The provision of checking account will indeed be a big boon to the small man. The small account holder can now have a checking account which has been traditionally denied to him. Large banks have tended to look upon small account holders as inconveniences and to discourage the small man they have imposed such conditions as minimum balances and charging service fees if minimum limits are absent. I sincerely hope the POSB which has served the small man very well for so long will not be tempted to impose such prohibitive conditions. Sir, we are now moving towards a cashless society and this move to offer checking accounts is a step in the right direction. All protests about unfair competition, I am afraid, does not hold water as this market segment really does not interest the big banks, Having catered for the needs of the small man, I think it is only fair and proper for POSB to have such additional benefits. The 2.49 million accounts have supported the POSB largely because of the tax exempt status on interest earned. This factor has been most instrumental in the growth of the POSB.”
“But we should at the same time think of the negative effect of acting in haste. Another strange thing is that the HDB and the Ministry of the Environment take turns in issuing summonses to the hawkers, and this really causes unhappiness among them. We who always think of the people's interest should not neglect such minor matters. I agree that eating places in markets should be kept clean. We should not relent in our efforts to keep Singapore clean. May I suggest that instead of taking the hawkers to the court, why not ask them to go to the Area Office and warn them first. If they do not heed the warning, then action can be taken against them. It is my duty to bring this matter to the Minister's attention and I hope he will take action on it.”
“Sir, much has been said outside this House about wet markets in HDB estates and I do not intend repeating the same arguments. I am sure the planners in the HDB will take into account the various points made and incorporate all the necessary changes in the housing estates to be built and especially those under construction. Sir, my concern is whether the HDB has any plans for existing HDB estates, like Chong Boon and even Cheng San, to modify the present wet markets, especially when there is such a high demand for cooked food stalls. There are, of course, numerous vacant stalls in the wet markets. I am sure the HDB is aware of this. Sir, I would be pleased to know from the Minister if there are any such plans for my constituency. Mr M.K.A. Jabbar (Radin Mas)( In Tamil): Sir, my colleagues who spoke before me have mentioned certain points and I also wish to state my own points. There are two large markets in my constituency. They come directly under the management of HDB. One of the two markets is in Telok Blangah Crescent. I wish to bring to the attention of the Minister an unpleasant incident that took place there. My constituents, the stallholders in the market, and the CCC members have appealed to me regarding this incident. The Minister should consider this matter. I will not mind action being taken if the stall holders do not heed the advice of the HDB authorities, but what surprises me and even the hawkers is that the hawkers are issued with summonses without any warning. They are immediately taken to the court and are fined. I wish to know the reason for such an action. My constituents do not like this. When asked, the officers said they are enforcing the law. We are prepared to abide by the law.”
“Sir, in view of the Minister's very generous concession, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn. The following amendments were not proceeded with, as indicated by Members concerned:”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head T be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead TA-01 of the Main Estimates*. Sir, I would like to touch on one aspect of the URA sales of land by tender. Sir, at the outset I must declare that I have been involved both in successful as well as unsuccessful URA tenders. Sir, I am convinced that there is no fairer way to sell land than the present tender system adopted by the Urban Redevelopment Authority. However, tendering for the URA sales is rather expensive, and I strongly feel that the URA should not unduly add on to the already high cost that most tenderers have to fork out. Sir, I would like to bring to the attention of the Hon. Minister one condition which I feel is rather unfair and unjustified. To participate in a URA tender, it can cost a tenderer anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000 depending on the size and scale of the project, with no guarantee of success. To add on to this cost, the URA, for some reasons of its own, insist that a 5% cash deposit be paid for each tender. I do not have to say what is the interest cost that the tenderer has to bear and at the same time the very high interest income the URA earns for a three-month period. Sir, I feel that the URA can easily accept a banker's guarantee and this will only cost a few thousand dollars to the tenderer as opposed to a couple of hundred thousand dollars in terms of the interest lost. It will be very interesting to know how much the URA has made in terms of interest earned from tender deposits. Sir, the URA is not in the business of earning interest on deposits. It should be satisfied with collecting its fees as the agent for Government. I would seriously urge the Minister to consider this request of withdrawing cash deposits for tenders.”