S. Dhanabalan
Singapore
“Mr Speaker, Sir, on a point of clarification. I said in my intervention on Tuesday that the general election is the right forum to determine the electorate's support because it puts the issue in a total and correct context.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, with hindsight, of course, we can be very wise. But since one of the three islands was excluded, it was a substantial reduction in the scope of works. The assessment then, which I agreed with, was that if you called for a re-tender, you would get a substantially reduced tender.”
“To the extent that we can, we should work with countries that have a common interest, to come together and form economic groupings targeted at trade liberalisation. We have started this process within ASEAN under the AFTA Scheme. Economic linkages in groupings like APEC are also growing in significance.”
“Mr Speaker, all these questions make a lot of sense when the events are finished, and you look back. But the officer looking at the case at that time had to deal with the facts as they were at that time.”
“ASEAN countries agreed to publish all the Inclusions and Exclusions lists, as well as the full list of actual tariff reductions. The ASEAN Secretariat had since followed up and released, as scheduled, on 1st November 1993, the publications showing these lists.”
“Kallang Theatre was closed for five months in 1992 for cyclical maintenance and upgrading costing $3 million. This included a major upgrading of the toilets, recarpeting the auditorium, rewiring and repainting.”
The complete record
Every one of 1,635 lines we hold for S. Dhanabalan, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 26 of 33.
“Mr Speaker, Sir, on a point of order. I think it is quite clear in the Standing Orders that a question cannot be framed as to ask for an opinion. This question is an opinion, and it is out of order.”
“13 of 1983)", presented by the Minister for Communications and Information (Dr Yeo Ning Hong); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. BETTING (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Betting Act (Chapter 95 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister for Home Affairs (Prof. S. Jayakumar); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. COMMON GAMING HOUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Common Gaming Houses Act (Chapter 96 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Prof. S. Jayakumar; read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. ROAD VEHICLES (SPECIAL POWERS) (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Road Vehicles (Special Powers) Act (Chapter 120 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Prof. S. Jayakumar; read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. FINANCE (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Finance Act (Chapter 139 of the Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Finance (Dr Hu Tsu Tau); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. INSURANCE (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Insurance Act (Chapter 193) of the Revised Edition)", presented by Dr Hu Tsu Tau; read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. HOME OWNERSHIP 12.15 pm”
“It is wasting the time of the House! BILLS INTRODUCED 12.10 pm STATUTE LAW REVISION BILL "to provide for amendments, additions and omissions considered desirable by the Law Revision Commissioners in their preparation of a revised edition of Acts pursuant to the Revised Edition of the Laws Act 1983 (No. 9 of 1983)", presented by the Second Minister for Law (Prof. S. Jayakumar); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. SUBORDINATE COURTS (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Subordinate Courts Act (Chapter 14 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Prof. S. Jayakumar; read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Supreme Court of Judicature Act (Chapter 15 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Prof. S. Jayakumar; read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. CRIMINAL PROCEDURE CODE (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Criminal Procedure Code (Chapter 113 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Prof. S. Jayakumar; read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. HUDC HOUSING ESTATES (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the HUDC Housing Estates Act 1984 (No. 19 of 1984)", presented by the Minister for National Development (Mr Teh Cheang Wan); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. MASS RAPID TRANSIT CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Act 1983 (No.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, if the Member feels so strongly, he can give proper notice and debate this at the next meeting.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, on a point of order. The Member has quoted a Standing Order which has absolutely no relevance to the point that he is making. If he wants to debate this matter, Sir, I think he should file a substantive motion.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, on a point of order. I do not see how this is a point of order. A point of order arises during the course of a debate. The Member cannot just stand up and raise a point of order.”
“Mr Speaker,Sir, I beg to move, That Parliament do now adjourn. Ouestion proposed. DETENTION OF MR CHIA THYE POH 7.39 pm”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, on a point of order. The speaker has not given way and the Member is still making his point of clarification.”
“Adjourned accordingly at Eighteen minutes past Three o'clock pm to a date to be fixed. WRITTEN ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION SYSTEM (Decision on Revision) 1. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Prime Minister whether a decision has been reached on his suggestion made at a Press Conference after the results of the poll on the 22nd December 1984 that the one-man-one-vote election of representatives to Parliament needed to be revised.”
“That he is prepared to sell out his own fine traditions and values for personal political objectives reflects clearly that he has been influenced by extreme individualism, thereby becoming a politician who is prepared to destroy his own roots and forget where he has come frorn, so long as the means justify the ends. The Asian values that we are advocating strongly and the lessons on Confucian ethics we conduct in schools are not intended to preserve the "Asian feudalistic society", as he has alleged. It is neither intended to teach our children the trick of keeping 10% of the martial art from the disciples, as he has alleged. The whole purpose of moral education is to help our children understand the basic tenets of human behaviour, to build a good moral character and to improve human relations. The bilingual education policy encourages the learning of the mother tongue. It is intended to enable us to balance Western culture with Eastern culture and to withstand the impact of Western culture, so that we can form a positive outlook in life. This has nothing to do with the political system. It is our long-term objective to build a society of excellence, an Asian society of a high degree of cultural cultivation. We want to build a rugged and flourishing Asian people with lofty ideals and character. To build such a society and such a nation, we must strongly promote Asian values which are deeply rooted in our soil. We must ensure that such values will continue to flourish. This is our choice, and this is the right choice. The Question having been proposed at Twelve minutes to Three o'clock pm and the Debate having continued for half an hour, Mr Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.”
“We have no means of preventing the onslaught of external influences. If we are not careful, we shall be unwittingly and easily engulfed in and overwhelmed by the dangerous waves of undesirable external influences. As a matter of fact, in recent years, problems have emerged in the form of youths taking drugs and hell riding. Familial and human relations also seem to be going down the drain with gradually rising divorce rates. The Government has from time to time adopted administrative measures to counter the influence of undesirable culture coming from outside, but because we are an open society, it is not possible for such administrative measures alone to achieve the desired objective. The best way, therefore, lies in the cultivation of the individual self. The moral education - lessons on religion, Confucianism and ethics implemented in schools - is intended to bring up a better younger generation with proper values and correct outlook in life. In the long run, the promotion of Asian values and Oriental cultures is the best way to counter the unhealthy foreign culture and protect the foundation of our society. As a political party leader, the Opposition Member of Parliament has caused indignation among knowledgeable Singaporeans with his strong advocacy of throwing away Asian values. He has confused Asian values with the Asian feudalistic society. This shows his ignorance or superficial knowledge of Asian values. Otherwise, this would be a case of an attempt to fish in troubled waters with an ulterior motive.”
“Asian values have been developing continuously over centuries. In the process, some of these values have become outdated and irrelevant to our society. These are the values that we must discard. What we want to promote are the values which are still applicable to the modern Asian society. These are the ethical and moral concepts of the Asians, the spirit of thriftiness and diligence. Thriftiness and diligence are the conditions for building up the national wealth. Moral and ethical values and proper human relations are the pillars of society. Asian values emphasize the personal moral character and a person's responsibility to society and the nation. In the Confucian ethical thinking, "The cultivation of the self leads to harmony in the family which, in turn, leads to a well-run country and peace under heaven." This is a good example to illustrate this point. Another example would be a saying of Mencius, "The foundation of the nation lies in the family, and the foundation of the family lies in the individual self." From this, it can be seen that the concept of the family is very strong among Asians. It is a natural obligation in life for parents to love their children and for children to be filial to their parents. The cultivation of the individual self is the foundation for forming the family and building up the nation. The family is the basic unit of society. When the country is destroyed, the family perishes with it, and when the family has perished, its people will fall apart. This is the main difference between Eastern values and Western values which tend to emphasize individualism and individual rights and privileges. Our country is too small. For survival, we have to adopt an open-door policy and build an open society.”
“Now I would just like to state the Government's stand on this question. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, those who are familiar with our history and understand our social and ethnic composition know that Singapore is a country strongly and deeply rooted in the Asian soil. We were an immigrant society to begin with. Our ancestors came from India, China and the Malay Archipelago which have long-standing cultural traditions behind them. Our ancestors have not only left for us a rich cultural heritage but have also passed on to us many precious, correct and useful values. These precious values have enabled us to transform a small barren island into a prosperous country. This being the case, what reasons have we to discard our own precious values? What reasons have we to forget our roots? If we should forget our roots, we shall become uprooted. Then, as the Member for Khe Bong has rightly pointed out, we shall be floating around the four seas and become lost and confused. Singapore is a plural Asian society. With the exception of a very small minority, we are Asians. Our hair is black and so are our eyes. So what we have chosen are the Asian values of our own. We do not, however, deny that we should absorb from the Western society its advanced technology and modern management methods. We are walking on two legs, so to speak. We have the best of two worlds, the East and the West, and that is our way to success, This does not, however, mean that we entirely negate all the Western values. Apart from parliamentary democracy, advanced technology and modern management methods, the West also has the positive spirit of striving and enterprise, worthy of our emulation. On the other hand, we do not blindly accept Asian values in toto.”
“From Eastern civilization which encompasses the civilizations of China, India and the Malay Archipelago, and our presence and the arrival of our ancestors in Singapore has taught us the ways of life which are founded on these diverse values. Certainly, these values, be they from the East or West, comprise positive and negative elements. Nevertheless, such values, like the value that has become the tenet stressing the importance of family-living, respect for the elders, harmonious community way of living, where public interests supersede self-interests, hard work, and the quest for knowledge to the niche of the grave constitute some of the values that we inherit from these two cultural sources. These values did not originate from just one civilization, but from civilizations which had been intertwined resultant from the amalgam of history among the races in Asia, and Singapore is the seedbed where such values blossom and flourish. Therefore, it is to our advantage if we could synthesize the values from West and East such as the democratic parliamentary system, the urge to engage in intense thinking, to be open-minded and rational in the face of challenges in order that we can rise to even greater heights of achievements. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, history has ordained that we possess a diversified social and economic infrastructure. A combination of political and economic social infrastructure founded on the free enterprise system has brought Singapore to a high level of advancement. The Second Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Ong Teng Cheong)( In Mandarin): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the question of Asian values in our society that we are discussing about should actually be clarified by the Member for Potong Pasir. What a pity that he is not in the House.”
“Thus, it can be seen that the promotion of Asian values is a very timely move, as it is a correct measure to guide our younger generation towards the right path and is in keeping with the long term interest of our country. The proposition of "Discarding Asian Values" by the Member for Potong Pasir other than meeting the liking of the lost youths and pleasing them, what other useful purpose can it achieve? To put forward this kind of proposition just to win over the support of a handful of people, it is really too selfish and too shallow in thinking. Here, I would like to invite the Government leadership to express the stand of the Government on the question of Asian values so that our people-will see clearly the direction of our nation building. Encik Yatiman Yusof (Kampong Kembangan)( In Malay): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to add to the speech made by the Member for Khe Bong on the subject of values that should be made principles which the people should uphold and practise, a topic which has been the subject of discussion inside and outside Parliament. History has confronted us with the reality of the existence of a multi-racial, multi-lingual and multi-cultural Singapore because of Singapore's ethnic composition. Singapore has succeeded in achieving its present level of progress through the synthesis of the civilizations found in the Asian region. And what is more, Singapore is enjoying the fruits of its labour and progress as a result of the flux of western civilization. So it is imperative that we preserve this synthesis.”
“However, in respect of the attitude of human behaviour, there are fundamental differences between the Asians and the Western people. For instance, among the Western practices that we cannot accept are: the habit of children calling parents directly by their names; the pitiful settlement of aged parents in the Home for the Aged, etc. There is another practical significance for advocating Asian values at this time. We are witnessing a current of ill-wind of faddish trends pervading in the Western countries where the youth like to put on outlandish dresses and romp and dance in the streets. They even take to drugs and unbridled carnal excesses. In their minds, there is only individual freedom but not social or national interest. Even the Western countries are worried about this queer and decadent trend. Unfortunately, in this world of mutual dependence and an age of fast developing communication and transportation, these social ills of the West have spread speedily to Asia. Towards the end of last month, the Asia Magazine weekly published some articles centering on the discussion of this problem. The articles pointed out that in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Asean countries, including Singapore, these roaming youths can be found in the shopping centres and the fast food centres. Thus, it can be seen that the appearance here in Singapore of the "MacDonald kids", "Centrepoint kids" and "punks" is not a problem that only troubles us. But there are special characteristics in our situation. Ours is an open society. The majority of our youths are English educated. After the implementation of a unified stream of education system in 1987, English will become the first language and it can be foreseen that the influence of Western decadent fads will be greatly enhanced.”
“In our society, there is the propriety of order among members of the same family with mutual affection. It is the natural duty of the parents to bring up the children. Similarly, it is also the bounden duty of the children to look after their aged parents. Marriage is a life-long major event, not child's play. To give reins to unbridled carnal desires and free unethical sexual relationships is immoral. This sense of duty to one's family is in turn reflected in one's loyalty to the society and the nation. This is a body of time-honoured and tested valued precepts. In the course of social development, certain retrogressive elements in Asian values, such as blind loyalty and blind filial piety and discrimination of the sexes favouring the male, have long since been discarded into the garbage dump of history. Furthermore, in preserving Asian values, we have been critical and selective in our judgment, adopting only the fine essence that is suitable to our national conditions and conducive to our national progress. Examples of Asian values that not only do not hinder but help in social and national development are not hard to find. The economic achievements of Japan are admired even by developed Euro-American countries alike. Similar examples of economic achievements can also be found in South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore which are acclaimed as the "four little dragons" of Asia. On the other hand, we are clear headed. We do not blindly condemn things of the West in toto, as it has just been mentioned that our polity is that of parliamentary democracy, Besides, we are also vigorously imbibing advanced Western science and technology, including management methods. Also, the untiring spirit of quest and advancement of the West too merits our emulation.”
“What is most abhorrent is ignorance topped up with ulterior motive which must need thorough uncovering and disclosure. Because if the erroneous concept were held by an ordinary person the harmful effect might not be too great. However, as it comes from a Member of Parliament, especially an Opposition leader who harangues about "alternative government", it becomes a serious matter. His thinking, his aberration and his ignorance, should they be put into effect one day, all our people will be affected adversely, Geographically, Singapore is situated in Asia. Our people are made up of Asian immigrants. Our forefathers came from China, India and the Malay archipelago with long cultural traditions. We treasure our cultural heritage. We have our unique customs and practices and we have our own precepts of socialization and human relationship. The Asian values have enabled us to strike roots in Asian soil. Once the roots are extracted, we will be dispersed, floating around the four seas and become lost and confused. Even the colonialists in colonial times dared not openly call out slogans for root destruction. We want to ask: on whose behalf is the Member for Potong Pasir making such calls? And why is he so brazenly audacious? Who has given him the right to demand that we sever our roots and forget our origin? Since the Member for Potong Pasir is somewhat befuddled with what Asian values are, let me touch upon it a little. The Asian value concept that we want to preserve and cultivate has nothing to do with any political institution. The concept is one of ethics; it is a social norm, the principle of human relationship and the foundation of family relationship. In one phrase, it pertains to the attitude of human behaviour.”
“The two Opposition Members for Potong Pasir and Anson have come into being precisely under this parliamentary polity. There is no gain-saying that parliamentary polity has been our political institution in practice. If the Member for Potong Pasir would choose to deny this fact, he would, in fact, be denying his own qualification as an MP, He has lumped "feudalism" and "dictatorship" together with Asian values, probably for two reasons. One reason is that he is naive and ignorant about Asian values and the other is that he has an ulterior motive in trying to scoop in some political capital. There are at least two examples to show his ignorance of Asian values. Addressing some NUS students, he mentioned about the violent revolutions in Russia and China, and said that the way to prevent the overthrow of a government by force is not to advocate Asian values. I believe all those who have some knowledge of modern history would know that the revolutions in Russia and China were Communist-led and were carried out according to the Marxist,Leninist ideology of capturing political power by force of arms. This ideology originated from the West and has nothing whatsoever to do with Asian values at all. The other example is this. In May this year, the Member for Potong Pasir in a speech used the story in a kungfu film where a selfish master would not teach his students all his kungfu movements to be-little Asian cultures and values. People have already made a laughing stock out of this shallow talk.Is this ignorant and flashy attitude not running against the "humble and non-arrogant" image that he has portrayed? Were it merely due to naivety and ignorance, the aberration might be corrected through learning.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That Parliament do now adjourn. Question proposed. ASIAN VALUES IN OUR SOCIETY 2.48 pm Mr Tang Guan Seng (Khe Bong)( In Mandarin): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to make a speech on the motion for the adjournment. It is about Asian values in our society. Regrettably, the Member for Potong Pasir is not present now. On the llth July, in a speech to NUS students the Member for Potong Pasir said that we must definitely not keep the Asian feudalistic type of society as it would hold us back. Upon hearing that, one might think that there is one more champion in the anti-feudalism force and would applaud for it. This is because feudalism used to bring too much disaster in its trail, especially terminal feudalism in its dying throes, as it represents conservatism, retrogression and darkness. Perhaps the Member for Potong Pasir had exactly realized this psychology of the people to have dared to hoodwink the people by equating "Asian feudalistic type of society" with "Asian values" so as to confuse their thinking and then to advocate "discarding Asian values". According to his arguments, the Government is promoting Asian cultures and values for the sake of preserving its dictatorial role, and destroying the Opposition Party. This kind of argument is no different from his topsy-turvy type of logic about "Asian values" equalling "Asian feudalistic society". Does it mean that facts that are discernible by a million of our electorate could not be perceived by the Member for Potong Pasir? In our 26 years of nationhood, the political institution that we have been practising is parliamentary democracy. After every four or five years, the Government will have to face the electorate who have the absolute right to choose the government they like.”
“Members will see from the figures, our people are fully aware of the role of the Feedback Unit. They did not treat it as a complaints bureau and, in fact, they know exactly what the Unit is for and have responded accordingly.”
“The first type consists of feedback on national policies, issues and problems. These form 86% of the total input that we received. This shows that people are fully aware of the objectives and the reasons why the Feedback Unit was set up, ie, to process feedback on national issues, policies and problems with a view to resolving them. All the suggestions have been or will be considered. They have to be carefully evaluated against the overall perspective and long-term implications. For example, feedback on the current state of the economy and suggestions on how to improve it are referred to the Ministry of Trade and Industry. But the analysis of all the suggestions take time. Both the Feedback Unit and the Ministries concerned will bear them in mind in their future policy deliberations. I hope that members of the public will continue to write to the Feedback Unit giving their suggestions. The second type consists of appeals. These are from people whose applications for various things, such as hawker licences and work permits, have been turned down. The writers would like their cases to be reconsidered or be given special consideration. As I mentioned earlier, these cases only form 8% of the total input. All appeals are considered by the appropriate Ministries. Of the 22 appeals received so far, one was granted, three were given alternatives, seven were given explanations and the remaining 11 are still pending. The third type consists of complaints. These are expressions of dissatisfaction against various Ministries and they form only 6% of the total. Of the 18 complaints received, five were resolved, eight were given explanations and the remaining five are still pending. As hon.”
“Sir, no other protest was received. FEEDBACK UNIT (Processing of complaints and suggestions) 12. Mr Abdullah Tarmugi asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Community Development (a) how many complaints and suggestions the Feedback Unit has received so far; (b) what are the nature of these complaints and suggestions; (c) how many suggestions have been accepted or considered; and (d) how many complaints have been resolved. The Minister of State for Community Development and Communications and Information (Mr Wong Kan Seng) (for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Community Development): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as at 30th June 1985, the Feedback Unit received from members of the public a total of 229 letters. As many letters contained more than one point, it is more meaningful to talk in terms of the number of times a particular subject is raised. A total of 294 items were raised by the writers during the period. The distribution of the items by subject is as follows: Social and Community Matters, eg, welfare services, Medisave, constitute 56 times, or 19% of the 294. Land Transport, eg, car ownership, public transport, 54 times or 18%. Economic and Labour Matters, eg, the business climate, CPF, 54 times, or 18%. Housing, eg, HDB regulations, estate maintenance, 29 times or 10%. Political and Legislative Matters, eg, Parliamentary debates, 22 times or 8%. Security and Crime Matters, eg, Total Defence, unlawful activities, 16 times or 5%. Other Policy Matters, eg, developing patriotism, 23 times or 8%. Appeals, eg, hawker licences, 22 times or 8%. Complaints, eg, traffic summonses, poor service by Government departments, 18 times or 6%. The subjects raised can be classified into three types.”
“Sir, during the debate referred to, the Prime Minister mentioned that Indian members of Parliament could nominate students to medical colleges. An official of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs called our High Commissioner in New Delhi and informed him that members of Parliament in India are not entitled to nominate students to medical colleges. We have taken note of this.”
“Why don't you file a Question if you want an answer?”
“Where are the ideas? All words and no ideas!”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, we will have to sit at 11 o'clock, as I moved a motion sometime ago for the change of times of Parliamentary sittings. ADJOURNMENT Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn." - [Mr S. Dhanabalan). Adjourned accordingly at Half past Four o'clock pm. WRITTEN ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS 25 YEARS OF NATION BUILDING (Cost of celebrations) 1. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Second Deputy Prime Minister if he will give the final cost to the tax payer of all the celebrations held in 1984 to mark "25 Years of Nation Building".”
“"Oh, the Government will come down on us if we so much as gave you one cent." This fear was also brought about by the numbering on the ballot papers, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. I know that the ballot papers are numbered because of the British practice. But was it in 1977 or so, it was pointed out by our present Ambassador to the United States, Prof. Tommy Koh, that there was a real irrational fear among our population that if they should vote against the People's Action Party, they would be found out and they would be victimized. A government which was sincerely interested in building up a viable democracy would have done away with the numbering of the ballot papers, because the numbering of the ballot papers was not going to help anybody. But not this Government. For one good reason, because the numbering of the ballot papers helped the PAP to maintain itself in power. I do not know who started the rumour, but there was the rumour that the Government which was thought to be omniscient, omnipotent, would know how people had voted. An hon. Member: You believe them?”
“" No thoughts of democracy, no thoughts of rights of the people, once you find yourself in power and you begin to enjoy the feeling of power that you have. This Government did the very thing which they sought to condemn in the colonial government and in the government that succeeded the colonial government in 1955, the first partially elected legislature and partially elected government. But as I said, they did it very much more efficiently and totally. The press were soon brought under their control. The trade unions were stood on their heads, as Hitler did when he came to power. The Government organizations, the Police, the Special Branch, the ISD, were made to work to further the aims of this Party in power. And so whilst there was on the registration book of the Registrar of Societies something like 14 regis- tered political Parties, the political Parties were not given any opportunity or chance to build up a consensus of views from Singaporeans that might be in any way critical of the Government or might pose a different view from the Government. Sir, I could tell you about the difficulties that the Opposition Parties have suffered. I have said this outside. Whilst the People's Action Party had no problems about premises, about funds, the Opposition Parties were left without any opportunities to build themselves up, to represent another point of view, and all this was done subtly through the use of force and intimidation by this Government. We could not get any premises for ourselves because people were frightened. They were frightened about the consequences of being identified with an Opposition Party or seen to be helping an Opposition Party. We could not get any funds because nobody would dare give any money.”
“It is ironic, Sir, that after 25 years of rule by this Government, there is still a question mark about the succession to this Government and about where the leadership is going to come from. Does that not speak volumes that this Government which took over in 1959, and which was going to prepare the people for a viable democracy had not prepared them? All they produced were people who could only say yes. They stamped out Opposition. They stamped out anybody who dared to stand up and question them. And so we are in this state today, without an alternative leadership because of the policies of this Government. Sir, I could go on and on, regaling Members of this House of what the Member said in those days. I have raised this motion this afternoon, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, because the time has now come for this Government to declare its stand. What is its stand towards the political direction of this country? I say this, Sir, in all sincerity because of the convolutions and the somersaults and the twistings we have had from this Government, from the time it took power in 1959, on the whole question of the political direction of this country. There, in 1956, 1966, it was quite clear as to what was the desirable state for Singapore to pursue, but things changed. Obviously, the Member thought otherwise after he became the Prime Minister of Singapore, after we came out of Malaysia. After 1966, this Government lost no time in suppressing all forms of constitutional Opposition. And as he said in 1956, he knew exactly what to do, what was necessary to see that he would retain power. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, have we seen the classic illustration of the aphorism by that celebrated historian Lord Acton that, "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
“It is because we have an honest system. Mr Jeyaretnam: That was not the only protest that the Member was making in those days. He was loud with his protests against all the restrictions that were placed on the constitutional rights, on the freedoms and liberties of the people. He was the quintessence of the champion of the liberties of the people. Sir, on the 24th November, 1955, in the Legislative Assembly, he was complaining about thought control at the University. On the 21st April 1955, he was complaining about the Police refusing him to allow public meetings after 7.00 pm at night. The Police had no objections to him having his public meetings in the day time. But they said, "No meetings after 7.00 pm." And so he was raising a big protest about that. I am sorry he is not here. I had hoped he would be here to reply to this motion. In 1966, in an interview that he gave to correspondents of three foreign newspapers, he said this: 'One of the basic ingredients of democracy was the ability to change governments and policy without revolution. If we succeed, we must eventually create a situation in which there is a viable, intelligent, noncommunist alternative.' I come now to the operative words, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. 'This is the real test of whether my colleagues and I succeed or fail, not economically, but politically, in creating a viable democracy.' There, in 1966, the Prime Minister was outlining what was the real test for him and his colleagues, the creation of a viable democracy. And it is sad, Mr Deputy Speaker, to have to say today that in this, this Government has abysmally failed, the test that the Prime Minister set for himself and his colleagues in 1966.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That Parliament do now adjourn. Question proposed. SEARCH FOR SOCIETAL VALUES FOR SINGAPORE 4.30 pm”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the motion* standing in my name as it appears in the Order Paper. *The motion reads as follows:-- That this Parliament in accordance with paragraph (1) of Standing Order 95, appoints the following as members of the Committee of Selection:-- Mr Chua Sian Chin Mr S. Dhanabalan Mr Lee Yiok Seng Mr Lim Boon Heng Encik Sidek bin Saniff Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam Dr Tay Eng Soon. Sir, the motion is self-explanatory. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the proceedings on items 2 to 5 on the Order Paper today be exempted at this day's sitting from the provisions of Standing Order No. 1. Mr Speaker, Sir, these four items may require a little more than the half hour that we have to complete, and I am sure that Members would rather that we complete the business today than come back on Monday. Sir, I beg to move. Question, put, and agreed to. Resolved, That the proceedings on items 2 to 5 on the Order Paper today be exempted at this day's sitting from the provisions of Standing Order No. 1. MAIN AND DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES OF SINGAPORE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL 1985 TO 31ST MARCH 1986 Debate in Committee of Supply resumed. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Head R (cont.) -”
“You should use your mind before you use your mouth. An hon. Member: Produce evidence.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of Supply has made further progress on the Main and Development Estimates for the financial year 1st April, 1985 to 31st March, 1986, and ask leave to sit again tomorrow.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Comminee of Supply has made further progress on the Main and Development Estimates for the financial year lst April, 1985 to 3lst March, 1986, and ask leave to sit again tomorrow.”
“Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of Supply has made further progress on the Main and Development Estimates for the financial year 1st April, 1985 to 31st March, 1986 and ask leave to sit again on Monday, 25th March, 1985.”
“Therefore I would suggest that he refers this specific case to me and I will look into it. And I am fairly confident that from past experience he has told only half-truths.”
“Sir, every case of public assistance is investigated very thoroughly and after public assistance has been approved, if the public assistance approved is not sufficient to meet the expenses of the family, the social welfare workers will ensure that various supporting payments are also made because the Ministry of Community Development not only administers the Public Assistance Vote, but it also administers a number of other funds from various charitable organizations. And either monies are disbursed from these charities or, in many other cases, these public assistance cases are referred to other charities, who then supplement what is given under the PA scheme. I would go so far as to say, Sir, that in no case which we investigate do we say, "Well, you require $X to survive, but we can only give you $X-$A and we do not care how you raise the rest." We always make every effort to assist the PA case either find him a job or refer him to other charities. As to the woman who is supposed to have been struck off the list of cases of PA because she's got somebody living with her, I do not know. I have to get the details. But in going through previous cases that the Member for Anson has raised in this House, specific cases of supposed maladministration or wrongful implementation of policy, in every case that was investigated, it was found and established that the story that he told was quite different from the truth.”
“Well, I think we can have a few minutes more so that I can reply to the Member for Anson. Let it not be said by the Member for Anson that we delayed in order to get to the guillotine time. I think we can have a few minutes more, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, if Members agree.”
“Sir, this matter of public assistance has been raised a number of times. The same speech has been made, the same replies have been given. I do not know whether my colleague has managed to dig out the references in the Hansard, the column numbers. But I think I can refer the Member to previous answers to this question. We have never said that the public assistance is intended to meet all the expenses of a family on public assistance. It is only meant to meet a part of what is required by the family, whether it is a family of one, two or three, and the rest is expected to be met from other sources. But this does not mean that when the officers - 4.30 pm”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, a point of order.”
“That is not the point. We have a certain procedure that we follow in this House. I have already intervened at the beginning of his statement that the question of special education to children who are disabled should be brought up under the Ministry of Education because it is the Ministry of Education that deals with the training of these teachers, with the posting of these teachers, and deals with the seven voluntary organizations as far as education is concerned. And I have already had indication from the Minister for Education that he will deal with it under the Education Head. So if the Member for Anson is really interested in the welfare of these children, he should not come here and be difficult. He is just trying to make political capital out of these poor disabled children. There are more PAP Members here in this House who are involved in assistance to disabled children than the two Opposition Members. They know even more the conditions, the plight, the problems, of disabled children. We are here to try and see what we can do to help these children, not just make political capital out of them. If he is really interested to know what the Ministry of Education is doing on the education of disabled children, raise it under the proper Head.”
“Sir, the Member should know that we are not afraid to take up his arguments. He can have all the time that he wants. If he agrees, we can have the meeting for another half an hour.”
“Yes, but the Subhead JC-03 is not finished yet.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, on a point of order. There is a certain procedure to bring up matters in this House. I think the Speaker made it clear on the day the Debate started that if Members want to bring up their amendments, they could bring it up under the Main Head which covers the whole Ministry. We are now talking of Subhead JC-03 which has got nothing to do with all the matters that the Member is raising. And until we dispose of JC-03, he cannot move all these other items. He is talking about JC-04, JC-05, and now he has gone to the sub-items. We are now talking about JC-03.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I assume the Member wants an answer to the points he is making. If he wants an answer, he should bring it up under the proper Head.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, on a point of order. It is not that we do not want to reply to the Member for Anson, but I think the subject that he is bringing up should be brought up under the Ministry of Education and a proper reply will be given.”
“The Committee on the Problems of the Aged addressed these problems and tried to bring to the attention of Singaporeans the serious problem that we are going to face in the not too distant future, but unfortunately the thrust of the message that the Committee was trying to bring to Singaporeans was completely lost because everybody focused on just one issue, the question of CPF. The CPF issue can be solved, and will be solved. But the problems of the aged and the aged sick are going to be with us. I could not agree more with the Member for Ulu Pandan that we must get the community involved. In fact, the present homes for the aged which include the destitutes and the sick, already have considerable assistance from various community organizations. There are religious groups, churches, youth groups, schools, which visit these homes regularly. Perhaps we can organize such help in a better way so that the visits are not all bunched around Chinese New Year or Christmas but spread through the year, so that the homes get better continuous attention. I have in mind also to get basic grassroots organizations like the Residents' Committees, involved not only those which are around the homes but we even want to get RCs far from the homes involved in the concern, care and upkeep of these homes and the people there. We are also trying to get others who are aged but able-bodied housed in these homes so that they can help to take care of the aged sick. But this community involvement is something that I cannot overstress because the kind of care and attention, love and compassion that is needed cannot be shown just by the Government alone, it must be shared by the community. And we will do everything that we can to get the community more involved.”