S Jayakumar
Singapore
“It is well and good for countries to announce various targets and emissions. But one vexing issue ultimately is: what will be the method for verifying compliance with each country's announced measures? Another vexing issue, of course, is the issue of financing.”
“I would appreciate it if she were to give me some specifics of the negative feedback. But the general feedback I have had about our judiciary, both of the Supreme Court and the Subordinate Courts, has been nothing but positive.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the information that I have is that there is always medical advice present when caning is administered and that if the medical opinion is that caning cannot proceed beyond a certain point, that medical opinion will be observed and the caning will not proceed.”
“Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for Transport in view of the recent announcement to make immediate improvements to the public transport system (a) whether the Ministry has set a timeline for the increase in frequency of feeder bus services; and (b) whether the Ministry can immediately target such services that are currently running at…”
“SCDF will continue to work with HDB and other relevant agencies to ensure that such older buildings with one exit staircase meet the prevailing fire safety requirements when they undergo major renovation or upgrading works. CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONERS 3.”
“The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (Mr Teo Ser Luck) (for the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports): Mr Speaker, Sir, with your permission, I would like to take Mrs Jessie Phua's and Dr Lim Wee Kiak's questions together as they both relate to the same issues.”
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“Under this amendment, it was provided that no government could surrender or bargain away our independence in a clandestine manner, or surrender, or relinquish control over the Police or the Armed Forces without having raised the issue squarely and getting the support of two-thirds of the voters in a referendum. That too may be considered an important safeguard. The fourth milestone was in 1984 to ensure that there is always Opposition presence in Parliament. In 1984, we amended the Constitution to provide for the concept of a Non-Constituency MP. It is purely because of that amendment that we have Dr Lee Siew-Choh in this House today. He considers it his duty to take on the Government, criticise, and use whatever unrestrained language in attacking and picking holes in Government policies and Bills. If we take a purely selfish and parochial view, it surely must be a Government with suicidal tendency which amends the Constitution in this way to enable the defeated Opposition candidate to have a seat in this House! It is yet another example of self-imposed constraint on the Government to ensure that our Parliament will not be totally deprived of Opposition representation where one party has most or all of the seats. The Opposition attacked the amendment but are we now better or worse with Dr Lee being here to raise issues, taking on the Government even if he uses language which other Members of Parliament from the PAP side, while making the same point, may put it in a different way? I think we are not worse off. It is good that he brings up the issues in his own way and makes his own points. It is a unique provision. As far as I know, I know of only one other country which has provision for a defeated candidate to have a seat in Parliament.”
“In other words, the Government on its own took the initiative of imposing on itself certain constitutional constraints, because once you have the provisions in the Constitution on fundamental liberties, all Organs of Government are to that extent duty bound in law to observe the requirements of those provisions. From that starting point, in 1965, over the years we have evolved our Constitution and today, what we refer to as our Constitution is an amalgam of the 1963 State Constitution, the provisions which we borrowed or adopted from the Malaysian provision and subsequent amendments made over the years. I would like to trace some of these other milestones. The second milestone was in 1969, when we amended the Constitution to provide for the Presidential Council for Minority Rights, arising from the recommendations of the 1966 Constitutional Commission. This Council has to scrutinise all Bills and subsidiary legislation to ensure that there are no provisions which are discriminatory and no Bill can be submitted to the President for his assent until the Presidential Council has reported on the Bill. Is that not a fetter, an obstacle to Parliament's supremacy? It clearly is. But in our multi-racial society, clearly that was a wise move. All sectors of our people must have confidence that no government can quietly slip in discriminatory legislation. The third milestone was in 1972, when the Constitution was amended to provide for the protection of the independence and sovereignty of the Republic.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to speak in support of the Bill. What I would like to do is to make my comments on the context in which I would like to view this Bill, and that context is that this Bill must be seen in the perspective of the evolution of our Constitution, how we have over the years developed and evolved our Constitution to suit the special needs and to meet the peculiar circumstances and situations which we face or which we can face in the future. My starting point in developing the context is to ask what kind of a Constitution we had when we separated and became independent. Sir, when we entered Malaysia, we received a new Constitution which was the Constitution of the State of Singapore. It was a Constitution for a constituent unit in a larger Federation. When we separated from Malaysia and became independent, all we had was this Constitution - the 1963 State Constitution - totally inadequate for a country which is an independent and sovereign nation. It lacked many provisions such as provisions on public services and provisions on fundamental liberties. In other words, on Independence, we did not have an adequate and comprehensive Constitution. So the first milestone in the evolution of our Constitution was that the Government on its own took immediate steps to rectify this gap and, shortly after Separation, the Government enacted a law to meet the gap and one of the solutions which the Government decided was to adopt certain of the constitutional provisions from the Malaysian Constitution and to make them applicable as part of our constitutional law. Included in this adoption from the Malaysian Constitution were the fundamental liberties provisions adopted for our purposes.”
“Sir, Dr Lee can use whatever term. All it means is that the Government is going to exercise extreme caution. PETROL TAX (Reduction) 6. Dr S. Vasoo asked the Minister for Finance whether he intends to reduce petrol tax in view of the steep increase in petrol pump price.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in releasing Chia in May 1989, the Government stressed that he had refused to renounce the CPM or disavow the use of force. Hence, his release was subject to strict conditions, including limiting his stay to Sentosa, as it was important to ensure that his release posed no security risks. The Government has recently decided to relax the conditions to allow him to visit the main island during the day. This is not because Chia has been fully rehabilitated but because Communism is on the wane world-wide and ISD had recommended therefore that Chia, at this stage, be given limited access to the main island without undue security risks. By so relaxing this condition on Chia and allowing him more exposure to the main island, it is hoped he will gradually appreciate the futility of Communism and see how well Singaporeans have progressed without Communism. As he has not been fully rehabilitated, he cannot be given unlimited access to the main island and he will have to return to Sentosa in the evenings.”
“Resolved, That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 113), approves the reclamation by the Government of the foreshore and seabed at Kallang Basin containing an area of about 5.6 hectares as shown coloured pink on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 3/90" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. ADJOURNMENT Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn to a date to be fixed." - [Mr Wong Kan Seng]. Adjourned accordingly at Two Minutes past Five o'clock pm to a date to be fixed. WRITTEN ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHERS IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION 1. Mr Chiam See Tong asked the Minister for Education (a) how many Chinese language teachers does his Ministry have and what is the average age of these teachers; (b) whether they are all degree holders; (c) how many National University of Singapore graduates majoring in Chinese Studies joined his Ministry each year between 1983 and 1989; (d) what was the annual budget and the enrolment in the Chinese Studies Department for each year between 1983 and 1989; and (e) what is the number of books in the library of that Department.”
“Sir, I beg to move the Motion* standing in my name. *The Motion reads as follows: That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 113), approves the reclamation by the Government of the foreshore and seabed at Kallang Basin containing an area of about 5.6 hectares as shown coloured pink on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 3/90" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. Members will recall that the Government approved the Master Plan for the redevelopment of Kallang Basin to provide people-oriented recreational, residential and retail facilities along the water-front. Three zones, each with its own characteristics, will give Kallang Basin a variety of activities. The first zone is Kampong Bugis which will have a blend of commercial, residential and recreational facilities arranged to encourage direct access to the beaches. The second zone, the Kallang Stadium area, will function as a national sports centre. The third zone is Tanjong Rhu which will have a new and exciting promenade lined with retail, eating, entertainment, recreational and residential facilities. The proposed redevelopment will necessitate reclamation of approximately 5.6 hectares of the foreshore and seabed at Kallang Basin off Tanjong Rhu as shown coloured pink on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 3/90", a copy of which is displayed in the Library of this House for the information of hon. Members. The HDB, as agent of the Government, will undertaken these reclamation works which are expected to commence in the first quarter of 1992 and completed in a period of two years at an estimated cost of $39.1 million. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to.”
“5 million cubic metres of dredged materials from the foreshore and seabed which will be dumped within an area of about 100 hectares between the islands of Pulau Seraya, Pulau Meskol, Pulau Merlimau and Terembu Pesek as shown coloured blue on the same plan. JTC will undertake the reclamation and dredging works which are expected to be completed in 1991 at an estimated cost of $43 million. The cost of dredging and dumping works is estimated at $14 million. Fill for the reclamation will be provided by the reclamation contractor from his own source outside Singapore. On completion of the reclamation work, JTC proposes to construct several multi-purpose berths along the reclaimed land. Jurong mainland will also be linked to the enlarged island by a causeway which is also shown in the plan edged red. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 113), approves the following:- (a) The reclamation by Government of those portions of the foreshore and seabed around Pulau Damar Laut containing a total area of approximately 38.5 hectares as shown coloured yellow on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 2/90" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. (b) The dredging of approximately 2.5 million cubic metres of the foreshore and seabed within the sites shown coloured pink on the same "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 2/90" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. RECLAMATION (Kallang Basin)”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the Motion* standing in my name. *The Motion reads as follows: That this Parliament, in accordance with section 4 of the Foreshores Act (Chapter 113), approves the following:-- (a) The reclamation by Government of those portions of the foreshore and seabed around Pulau Damar Laut containing a total area of approximately 38.5 hectares as shown coloured yellow on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO 2/90" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. (b) The dredging of approximately 2.5 million cubic metres of the foreshore and seabed within the sites shown coloured pink on the same "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO 2/90" which is deposited in the Land Office, Singapore. Sir, as Singapore is fast becoming an air and sea cargo transhipment centre in the region, Jurong Port, as the bulk cargo port in Singapore, is equipping itself to cater to this growth in transhipment of bulk cargo coming into Singapore. The Jurong Port's existing site of 63 hectares is inadequate for further expansion. Therefore, Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) proposes to develop Pulau Damar Laut. Pulau Damar's present land area of some 24 hectares will be enlarged to some 62.5 hectares by reclaiming about 38.5 hectares of the foreshore and seabed of the island as shown coloured yellow on the plan marked "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 2/90", a copy of which has been displayed in the Library of this House for the information of hon. Members. Certain dredging works will also be carried out to enable the passage of deeper draft vessels which require water depths of approximately 15 metres. The area to be dredged and deepened is shown coloured pink on the "LAND OFFICE RECLAMATION PLAN NO. 2/90". The dredging will result in the removal of about 2.”
“The introduction of MediShield will further reduce the financial burden on those who have the misfortune of suffering from serious or prolonged illnesses. It represents another important milestone in the development of our health care system. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. EXEMPTED BUSINESS (Motion) Resolved, That the proceedings on the item under discussion and the remaining items on the Order Paper today be exempted at this day's sitting from the provisions of Standing Order No. 1. - [Mr Wong Kan Seng]. CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL Debate resumed.”
“MediShield cover will begin when the claimable hospital bill exceeds $600 a year for those using Class C wards and $1,000 per year for those using Class B2 and above wards. This represents about 15 days' stay in hospital. MediShield will pay 80% of the claimable hospital bill while the insured will pay the remaining 20%. Sir, the age limit for MediShield coverage is currently 65. Many members of the public have requested that this age limit be raised beyond 65. I wish to assure Members that we do intend to do so in the future. As we are venturing into totally new grounds, it is essential that we first gain some experience with this new MediShield Scheme. My Ministry will closely monitor the MediShield usage rates and plan for the extension of the age limit at the earliest opportunity. I am happy to inform Members that as a result of the mass communication programme, we have attracted the participation of 1,270,000 Medisave account holders, representing a participation rate of 87%. About 14,500 dependants have also applied for MediShield coverage. I believe the inexpensive premium and the attractive range of coverage are important factors that have persuaded most Medisave account holders that it is in their interest to have MediShield coverage. Sir, the Government will continue to improve our already high level of health services. Every Singaporean regardless of his financial status has access to good medical care. Unfortunately, quality hospital services are always expensive to provide. This has been well borne out in every country. In Singapore our well established system of subsidizing certain classes of wards without compromising on the level of medical care allows every Singaporean to choose according to what he or she can afford.”
“The premiums range from as low as $1 a month for those up to the age of 30 years to $8 a month for those aged between 60 and 65 years. Medisave funds can be used to pay the MediShield premium. Sir, the premiums have been kept low and attractive on the assumption that there will be mass participation by the public. This would have been easily achieved by making participation compulsory for the whole population. However, we decided not to adopt this administratively convenient approach. Many employees enjoy varying degrees of medical benefits provided by their employers. They may feel that it would not be necessary to participate in the Catastrophic Illness Insurance Scheme. Also, others may have purchased medical insurance coverage for themselves and their whole family and be adequately insured for all medical conditions. We therefore decided to let the public choose whether or not they wish to participate. To enable them to make an informed choice we embarked upon an intensive programme of information dissemination. This was done through the mass media, through information booths that were installed in various busy shopping centres and at community centres. The CPF Board also sent information materials on MediShield to all households and to all Medisave account holders. Those who decided not to participate could then easily opt out by just mailing back the Insurance Certificate to the CPF Board. In order to keep the premium low, it is also essential that MediShield does not encourage unnecessary hospitalisation. This is achieved through the imposition of a deductible amount and the concept of co-payment.”
“38 pm [Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lim Boon Heng) in the Chair] Sir, in 1984 the Government introduced the Medisave Scheme to help Singaporeans meet their hospitalisation expenses. Used prudently, account holders would find their Medisave funds adequate for their hospitalisation expenses. However, those suffering from major illnesses requiring prolonged hospi- talisation may run the risk of rapidly depleting their Medisave funds. They may be left with insufficient funds for their old age hospitalisation expenses as well as that of their family members. The Government has since 1985 been studying how to lessen the financial burden on those suffering from catastrophic illnesses. Officers from my Ministry and the CPF Board have consulted insurance experts and studied the experience of other countries. We also appointed a firm of actuarial consultants to help analyse our hospitalisation data, bill sizes and other data. In formulating the Catastrophic Illness Insurance Scheme, the officers and consultants were guided by three considerations. Firstly, the scheme must be low cost in order to benefit everyone, especially the low income earners. Secondly, it has to be simple. The public can then easily understand it and it would be easy and inexpensive to operate. Thirdly, the scheme must not encourage over-usage of hospital services. The result of this intensive study and careful consideration is the MediShield Scheme, details of which were announced on 24th February this year. This Bill seeks to amend the Central Provident Fund Act to empower the CPF Board to establish and maintain this Catastrophic Illness Insurance Scheme. The premiums for MediShield have been kept low and highly affordable.”
“Therefore, as Members would have seen from the Order Paper, it is my intention to move that all the written submissions received in respect of the previous Bill should be referred to the new Select Committee to be appointed to consider this Bill. However, members of the public who have not done so before can still submit their representations on this Bill. This fact will be made clear when the advertisement appears inviting representors to the Select Committee. Mr Speaker, Sir, that is all I wish to say. Our task is to have the Bill back in the hands of the Select Committee and for it to proceed with its work. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Bill be committed to a Select Committee consisting of Mr Speaker as Chairman and the following Members: Dr Ahmad Mattar Dr Arthur Beng Kian Lam Mr Chiam See Tong Mr Goh Chok Tong Prof. S. Jayakumar BG Lee Hsien Loong Dr Ow Chin Hock Encik Sidek bin Saniff Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam; and BG George Yong-Boon Yeo. - [Prof. S. Jayakumar]. Resolved, That this Parliament resolves that the written representations previously received by the Select Committee on the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Bill (Bill No. 1/90) in the last Session of Parliament be referred to the Select Committee appointed to consider the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Bill (Bill No. 14/90). - [Prof. S. Jayakumar]. CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. The Acting Minister for Health (Mr Yeo Cheow Tong)(for the Minister for Labour): Mr Speaker, Sir, on behalf of the Minister for Labour, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." 3.”
“Instead of having to resort to more severe measures, such as criminal prosecution or detention under the Internal Security Act, the Bill seeks to put in place a limited mechanism to enable prompt and effective action to defuse potential explosive situations which could endanger our religious harmony. Sir, the reason I do not propose to restate all the arguments is this Bill is identical, as I have said, to the Bill which was introduced on 15th January 1990, and was fully debated during the Second Reading in February 1990 with some 32 Members in this House taking part. It was referred to a Select Committee comprising you, Mr Speaker, as Chairman, and the following Members: Dr Ahmad Mattar Dr Arthur Beng Kian Lam Mr Chiam See Tong Mr Goh Chok Tong BG Lee Hsien Loong Dr Ow Chin Hock Encik Sidek bin Saniff Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam BG George Yong-Boon Yeo and myself. A total of 69 written representations were received by the Select Committee. The Select Committee had one meeting on 30th March 1990 to make decisions on its course of work and on the representors who should be invited to give oral evidence. However, because Parliament was prorogued on 21st April 1990, the earlier Bill and the proceedings on it lapsed. These proceedings have to be started afresh and this is why the Government has re-introduced this Bill without any amendments or revisions. It is the Government's intention to get this Bill back to the Select Committee for consideration of the different suggestions which have been made by Members of this House and also by the large number of individuals and organisations who submitted written representations to the previous Select Committee. But we do not want to inconvenience those representors in requiring them to re-submit their written submissions.”
“Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This Bill is identical to Bill No. 1/90 which was introduced in the previous session but which lapsed because Parliament was prorogued. I do not intend to give a lengthy statement on the contents of the Bill but if I may briefly recapitulate. The rationale for this Bill is set out in the White Paper on Maintenance of Religious Harmony presented to Parliament on 26th December 1989. And as I have said on that occasion, for a young and small nation like Singapore whose people belong to many different religions, religious harmony is not just a lofty ideal but is vital to our stability and order. It is important for us to ensure that the religious harmony and tolerance we have had over the years is preserved. The Bill addresses two related problems. First, that followers of different religions must exercise moderation and tolerance and not instigate religious enmity and hatred. The White Paper has set out numerous examples of individuals engaged in acts or making of utterances that are insensitive, hostile or provocative. Secondly, it is important that religion and politics be kept separate because religious leaders are seen to have a special status and their pronouncements will have an emotional effect on their flock. If one religious group enters the political arena, so will others. Inevitably, there must be collision between different religious groups, or between religious groups and Government to the detriment of our nation.”
“Mr Speaker, under section 65 of the Road Traffic Act it is an offence to drive a motor vehicle on a road without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road. A person using a handphone whilst driving certainly cannot be said to be driving with due care and attention. The same is equally true of certain other situations, for instance, where a driver is eating or drinking or even reading a newspaper whilst driving or driving with one arm dangling out of the car. With only one hand on the steering wheel, such activity will affect his ability to control the vehicle and also diminish his concentration on road safety. I want to thank Dr Lee Siew-Choh for advocating firm action and I wish to assure him that the Traffic Police will take enforcement action under section 65 against motorists who drive carelessly or inconsiderately, including those who use handphones while driving as well as the other motorists in the other situations that I have mentioned. Offenders would be liable to 9 demerit points under the Driver Improvement Points System (DIPS). There is no need for separate legislation to provide for such situations as section 65 is adequate for this purpose.”
“Just one word, Sir. I think every Member here should know that when a Bill is introduced, you, Mr Speaker, Sir, ask, "Second Reading, what day?" And we say, "The next available sitting." When is the next available sitting under Standing Orders? It is seven clear days after the introduction of the Bill. Therefore, every Member, whether Opposition or PAP Member knows, and should be prepared for a debate on a Bill within seven days.”
“When we decided on the upper age limit of 70 years, we considered first the ROV's age limit for vocational licence, including bus drivers, and some of the buses are indeed heavy motor vehicles. Secondly, we felt quite sanguine about introducing the age of 70 when we decided that we will also introduce a proficiency test from the age of 65 onwards. In other words, it is not just one measure, an upper age limit, but prior to that, at the age of 65 there will be annual proficiency test. It is only those who pass the proficiency test will be allowed to drive heavy motor vehicles. I believe I have answered most of the questions.”
“He had one whole month and he should know by now, because he has been an NCMP since the whole of 1989 and he has been through one Committee of Supply, that the procedure is such that when we are debating in the Committee of Supply, the Second and Third Readings of Bills do not take place. So the procedure has been well established that when Bills have been introduced before or during the Committee of Supply, these Bills are taken up for Second and Third Readings after the conclusion of the Committee of Supply. He should know this by now, and this is exactly what has happened. So it should not come as a surprise in any case. He had more than a month to reflect on the contents of this Bill. Mr Chng Hee Kok advocates stronger penalties for drunken driving and, in fact, he wonders why we did not introduce mandatory jail sentence for the first offender. This is an option which was considered by us. We discussed it at length in our consultations with members of the GPC. We heard their views and reservations and we decided that we will accept some of their views and, therefore, mandatory jail sentence is for the second offender. But let me also add that if drunken driving continues to pose problems and these measures are insufficient to curb it, we may have to introduce mandatory jail even for the first offender. Finally, Mr Chng Hee Kok felt that the upper age limit of 70 years was too generous. Here again we had to toss around various ages. What is the best age for an upper age limit. Whatever age limit, 60, 65, 70, there is an element of arbitrariness in that no two persons of the same age will be identical in reaction, sensitivity and motor skills. In fact, a person who is younger may not be as quick as a person who is older. So we did consider that.”
“The Traffic Police's preference is that this is a rather novel approach which, though practised in other countries, is new here and they would prefer to try the approach of campaign, awareness and education. Let us give that a try first. Mr Loh Meng See asked whether the demerits point system for the new drivers will be based on the existing system or a brand new system. The answer is it is based on the existing system. He expressed concern about livelihood of drivers. He will note that under the provisions of the amendments, there are considerable safeguards, including the fact that when 50% of the points have been chalked up, the Traffic Police have to inform the new driver and when he has indeed chalked up enough points as a trigger mechanism for revoking the driving licence, there is a procedure where he has an opportunity to make representations. He also pointed out that there is a weakness or loophole in that a new driver may want to get around this probationary period by not driving at all during that period. Well, that possibility is there. But most new drivers, according to the Traffic Police, are so eager to drive, I do not think that their will power will be so strong as to resort to this loophole. The NCMP did not touch on the Home Affairs amendments, but I do not think I can let it pass without any comment his complaint that we have sprung a surprise on him by tabling the Second Reading of this Bill. That is really absurd. This Bill was introduced and read the First time by the Minister for Communications and Information on 26th February.”
“Dr Wang Kai Yuen raised a suggestion that perhaps we should be more stringent with our penalties and requirements for the breathalyser test and he drew our attention to the example of other jurisdictions where they may have more stringent tests for those who drive commercial vehicles. Here, I would like to say that we agree with the approach he has taken but we would recommend to the House that the existing package of measures which we are recommending to the House be tried out first. If the penalties which we are proposing and the procedures that we suggest do not curb the frequency of drunken driving, we may indeed have to resort to even stiffer measures, including that suggested by Dr Wang Kai Yuen. Dr Wang Kai Yuen also drew our attention to the problem of what he described as non-driving drivers, that means drivers who get their driving licence and do not drive or very infrequently drive. This, as he himself has admitted, is not an easy problem to tackle. How do we decide whether a person who has got a driving licence has been on the roads and has been practising his driving skills? He suggested therefore imposing various kinds of measures, sporadic or regular tests or re-tests for driving licence holders. We will have to examine this carefully because in attempting to tackle with one group of drivers, I do not think we should have a blunderbuss approach which causes tremendous inconvenience to many who do not need this measure. But nevertheless I will discuss this with the Commander of Traffic Police. He has suggested that the "ride bright" concept for motorcyclists should be legislated and that it be an offence for motorcyclists to ride during the day without headlights. As he knows, there is a campaign on by the Traffic Police.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I respond to the speakers who touched on the amendments proposed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. First, I want to thank them for their wholehearted support of the amendments. If anything, some of them are more hawkish than my Ministry and the Traffic Police. Sir, Dr Arthur Beng asked whether the three-year grace period would apply to, say, a driver of a heavy motor vehicle who reaches the age of 69 years at the time the Act comes into operation. The answer is yes. Dr Ho Tat Kin asked if there is any evidence which shows that younger drivers are more prone to accidents. I thought I gave very revealing figures. They constitute 0.4% but cause 20% more of our accidents. It is grossly disproportionate. On his suggestion as to following the practice of other countries of requiring new drivers to exhibit a "P" plate, we considered the pros and cons of this and we thought, for the time being, we would try out this probationary period first. We think it will have a salutary effect. If it does not, the Traffic Police, I am sure, would accept his suggestion. But let us try out this probationary period. Dr Ho Tat Kin also suggested that in his view drunk drivers who commit a third or subsequent offence should be taken off the roads altogether. I do not disagree with him. In fact, he probably did not realise that the amendment which we propose for immediate suspension is quite independent and separate from the other provisions which we have on the penalty which the courts can impose for drunken driving. And I am sure when the courts impose disqualification they will take into account whether he is a first timer, second timer or third timer in deciding on the period of disqualification that they would want to impose as a penalty.”
“If I may touch on some of the other amendments quickly, they are as follows: First, the maximum period of suspension under the Demerit Point System be extended from six months to three years so as to deter and correct the more errant drivers. Some drivers in fact have been repeatedly suspended. So they should be dealt with more severely. Second, to allow the Traffic Police to issue one-year driving licences instead of 3-year licences to those who have not complied with any warrant of arrest or process of the court in respect of traffic offences; in really bad cases, eg, we had a driver who had totally ignored 58 outstanding warrants of arrest for different offences. In such bad cases the Traffic Police can even refuse to renew his licence. Third, to make non-renewable a driving licence that has expired and has not been renewed for three years or longer, unless the driver re-takes his driving test or produces evidence that he has been driving overseas during that period. The idea here is that if he had not renewed the licence for three years, obviously he had not been driving, and there is a serious doubt as to the retention of his skills in driving. The others are minor amendments such as prohibition of the import of sub-standard crash helmets and reducing the period allowed for owners to claim their vehicles impounded by the Traffic Police.”
“Like all other driving licence holders, they too must pass a medical examination at the age of 60 years to qualify for a 3-year driving licence. Thereafter, the licence can only be renewed annually subject to medical clearance. The Ministry of Health experts have advised us that age slows sensory motor reflexes which can affect a driver's ability to react and avoid accidents. As heavy motor vehicles by their very nature can cause far more serious injuries and damage to property than other vehicles when involved in traffic accidents, the amendments will introduce an upper age limit of 70 years to be prescribed for drivers of heavy motor vehicles. This is for their own safety as well as for the safety of other road users. The age of 70 will be in accord with ROV's age limit of 70 years for taxi and bus drivers vocational licences. However, to minimise hardship caused to existing drivers, a 3-year grace period will be allowed for them to make adjustments. In addition, drivers of heavy motor vehicles will also undergo an annual pro- ficiency test from the age of 65 years onwards to ensure that they are still proficient to handle the heavy motor vehicles and do not pose a danger to other road users. Proficiency tests will test a driver's reflexes, judgment of distance and space and observance of safety requirements. All heavy motor vehicle drivers above the age of 65 years will be required to pass a medical examination and the new proficiency test before their licences are renewed. Sir, those are the major amendments that I have dealt with.”
“In Australia, New Zealand, West Germany, Japan, they also require their new drivers to undergo a probationary period with conditions imposed. In Victoria and Queensland, Australia, their new drivers are issued a probationary licence for three years. Furthermore, during the first year, they are not to drive at speeds exceeding 80 kilometres per hour and the licences will be cancelled if they commit moving traffic offences and accumulate four demerit points. In fact, in some of these countries, probationary drivers must also display on their vehicles a sign indicating their probationary status. Next, the amendments on the re-taking of a driving test for drivers who have been disqualified or suspended from driving one year or longer. At present, a driver whose licence has been suspended by the Traffic Police or disqualified by the court can automatically resume driving after the period of suspension or disqualification. However, that disqualification or suspension in itself is no assurance that the driver has learnt proper driving habits and skills. Indeed, not having driven for a year or more, his skills are likely to have deteriorated. Under the amendments, therefore, a driver who has been suspended or disqualified for a year or more must re-take the driving test so that we can be satisfied that he still retains his driving skills and that he has the minimum ability and competence to drive. Next, the upper age limit for drivers of heavy motor vehicles and proficiency test. At December 1989, there were some 176,000 holders of heavy vehicle driving licences, of which 8,517 persons were aged 60-69 years and 1,326 aged 70 years and above. At present, there is no upper age limit for a driver of a heavy motor vehicle.”
“He will also be disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for not less than 12 months from the date of his conviction. When he is sentenced to imprisonment, his disqualification will take effect from the date of his release from prison. Next, let me speak on the concept of one-year probation period for new drivers and riders. Under existing law, there are no special requirements for new drivers. Once he gets a licence, he has all the privileges and rights as a person who has been an experienced driver. Newly qualified drivers due to their inexperience are especially prone to accidents during their first year of driving and generally tend to commit more traffic accidents. Members may wish to consider this fact. Although new drivers constitute only 0.4% of total drivers, these new drivers cause 20% of all accidents. I think that figure is telling. My Ministry and the Traffic Police consider it important therefore to reduce accidents by them as this will definitely have an effect on overall accident rates. Therefore, under the amendments, new drivers, including motorcyclists, after passing the driving test will be subject to what I would describe a one-year probation. A qualified driving licence will be issued only after successful completion of this 1-year probation. During this period of one year, they must not accumulate more than 12 demerit points under the DIPS system. If they do, the licence can be revoked. This amendment will discourage new drivers from reckless or careless driving and I think it will encourage them to develop correct and safe driving habits right from the start. Is this approach in the Bill unique? It is not.”
“In one particularly bad accident in 1987, the victim was dragged for more than 100 metres before the drunken driver even had any inkling of what was happening. The victim died on the spot. That driver's blood alcohol level was 51 milligrammes higher than the 80 milligrammes permitted under the law. I think Members will also recall last year a drunken driver drove his car right into the Singapore River drowning himself and four passengers. We must prevent such tragic accidents, which are totally unnecessary. In fact, we must get every driver in Singapore to note that when he is issued a licence, it is in fact a very special privilege and it is granted on condition that he drives in a responsible manner bearing in mind the interest of others. And certainly no driver in Singapore who drinks can claim or should be able to claim that he was unaware of the serious consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol. Sir, at present, a person driving under the influence of alcohol is liable to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months. Repeat offenders can be fined up to $2,000 or imprisoned for 12 months, or both. The amendments seek to enhance this penalty by increasing the fine and imposing mandatory imprisonment for repeat offenders. Therefore, for a first offender, the fine will be between $1,000 and $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months. That is optional. It is up to the courts. For a repeat offender, the fine will be between $3,000 and $10,000, but this repeat offender will be subject to mandatory imprisonment, the period of which will not exceed 12 months. The court will decide on the period of imprisonment.”
“Meanwhile, during this period, the driver is at full liberty to drive. We think this is totally wrong. Surely it is in the public interest that he should be taken off the roads until the court has decided the case. Therefore, under the amendments, Traffic Police will have the power to immediately suspend the licence when the drunk driver or a driver driving without insurance coverage has been charged in court for causing a fatal or serious accident whilst driving under these conditions. Likewise, where a driver commits such an accident when he is already under disqualification or suspension, such disqualification or suspension will continue until the court has adjudged his case. Sir, we are not talking of hypothetical situations. Members may recall the case not long ago of a drunken driver who was involved in an accident. Whilst waiting for his trial to come up, he caused yet another accident killing his 22-year old victim. This practice of immediate suspension for drunk driving is not unique. It is also applied in places like Victoria, Australia, and Japan, where a police officer in fact can immediately suspend a driver arrested for drunk driving regardless of whether death or serious injury has occurred. In that sense, the amendment which we are proposing is less severe. Next, heavier penalties for drunk drivers. Sir, I make no apologies for proposing heavier penalties for drunk drivers. They have no business driving on the roads, because drunk drivers when involved in accidents cause needless injuries and deaths either to themselves or other road users. In 1989, drunk driving accidents increased by 43 cases or 75% more than the previous year.”
“First, let me deal with the immediate suspension of driving licence pending court trial for certain offences. Sir, drunk driving accidents rose from 48 cases in 1987 to 101 cases in 1989, an increase of some 110%. I think we are all fully aware of the serious harm which drunken drivers pose to both pedestrians and drivers, because a driver's judgment is seriously impaired when under the influence of alcohol. Drivers who drive while under disqualification or suspension, in our view, are no less irresponsible. They already violate the law by driving while under disqualification or suspension and it is worse if they then cause an accident which results in death or serious injury. His disqualification or suspension might expire the day after the accident and, under existing law, he can resume driving. We feel that his disqualification or suspension should continue until the court has adjudged his case. Likewise, a driver, driving without third-party insurance coverage, exposes other road users to danger without the benefit of any compensation whatsoever from insurance. To protect the majority of road users, we must curb such irresponsible driving behaviour amongst this minority of errant drivers. At present, a driver convicted of any of the offences of drunk driving, driving under disqualification or suspension, driving without insurance coverage, faces mandatory disqualification of his driving licence. But this disqualification takes effect only upon a court conviction. Because of the workload of the courts and the processes of the courts where he can get adjournments, considerable delay often occurs between the time the offence is committed and the time he is convicted and possibly disqualified by the courts.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I will now speak on those amendments in the Bill which are proposed by my Ministry and the Traffic Police which are essentially designed to further contain the number of road accidents, to smoothen traffic flow, improve traffic management and generally instill a greater sense of road safety among our drivers. Sir, although our vehicle population has increased steadily over recent years, it is fortunate that we have been able to keep our accident rates under control. This has been largely due to two factors - public education and awareness, and secondly, strict enforcement of our laws. However, we must be concerned over a group of what I would term "high risk" drivers who account for a significant proportion of some 25% of accidents and who should be controlled if we want to make our roads safer for all -pedestrians, riders and motorists. Therefore, the main amendments proposed by my Ministry are targeted at "high risk" drivers, including drunk drivers and drivers who drive although they are disqualified or suspended. Other amendments are aimed at new drivers and aged drivers of heavy motor vehicles. The amendments fall into five categories. First, immediate suspension of the licence, pending court trial for serious offences, such as drunk driving or driving whilst under disqualification or suspension or driving without insurance coverage where death or serious injury has been caused. Secondly, heavier penalties for drunk driving; thirdly, the re-taking of driving test for drivers disqualified or suspended from driving for one year or longer; fourth, a one year probationary period for newly qualified drivers and motorcyclists; and fifth, a proficiency test and an upper age limit for drivers of heavy motor vehicles.”
“And I hope the Member agrees with me that it will greatly enhance Police investigative capability. One further benefit from this link-up is that the Police will be able to quickly identify otherwise unidentified dead persons where there are no other means of identification. His idea of whether a single number can be used in all documents is a good one. My Ministry is in fact pursuing this but it will require liaison with other Government agencies.”
“Sir, I do not have with me all the details of this item of expenditure. But I think he is right in assuming that this has to do with the new NRIC which is coming on-stream. For his information, my Ministry has completed the evaluation of tenders for the computerised new IC system. The tender will be awarded soon. The first new IC is expected to be issued by the end of this year. But the exercise to convert the ICs of existing IC holders will in fact take place over a five-year period because the numbers are so large. It will be carried out constituency by constituency. As for the IC, it will be made of highly durable material. Some of the latest technology will be used to enhance the security of the identity card. For example, the photograph, the thumb print and the textual information of the card will be laser engraved which will make tampering very difficult. It will also incorporate a bar code so that the IC holder's number can be machine-read, if necessary. I would also like to inform him that there will be a link-up between the IC system and the proposed Automated Finger-print Identification System (AFIS). The Police have been trying to identify criminals who have no previous record. The new NRIC system which will have about 2.4 million thumb prints offers an opportunity for Police in their investigation. Because under the existing finger-print system, at the scene of a crime when a set of good finger-prints is lifted, the Police will be able to match it only against the criminal records, that means, only if the person is a repeat offender. By the link-up between AFIS and the new IC system, it will enable fast, speedier and more comprehensive approach to solution of cases where finger-prints are lifted even though the suspect may be a first-time criminal offender.”
“Sir, obviously we are not able to legislate what are the requirements which each employer should ask. I can only make an exhortation to employers on the lines which I have suggested. Let us hope that in the light of this debate employers will be enlightened and I would urge Members like Mr Chng Hee Kok to press on together with the Government in this process of getting people enlightened. As for the specific case, I will be happy to put in the Ministry's own recommendations, but I will not be able to force any institute to take on anyone if it does not want to.”
“But I would like first to have this matter studied because it does introduce implications not only for drug addiction but for all other offences. I believe I have touched on most of the issues which have been raised by the Members. Mr Yatiman Yusof asked about cooperation on an international level, particularly with our neighbouring countries. I would like to assure him that cooperation with neighbouring countries and international agencies is excellent and, in particular, with our closest neighbour, Malaysia, because there is great mobility of people between Malaysia and Singapore and it is one of the supply routes which culminates in Singapore. Operationally, the CAD and our CNB work very closely. There is a great deal of sharing of information and exchange of intelligence without which I do not think either country can effectively tackle the drug problems in our respective countries.”
“I also have spoken on previous occasions about the revamping of the disciplinary situation in the DRCs because many of the relapse cases tend to regard it as a soft option. Members will remember that we have amended the Misuse of Drugs Act to deal with these cases of indiscipline. He asked if we can consider caning as a punishment for drug addiction per se, especially for repeat cases. This too was discussed in the Second Reading debate of the Misuse of Drugs Act and I said then that this had more far-reaching implications and, as an interim measure, it was sufficient to introduce corporal punishment for cases of serious indiscipline in the DRCs. And I am glad to say that since then, those in charge of the DRCs have told me that they have not had occasion to use these new disciplinary powers and I think this has had a salutary effect because all the DRC inmates have been put on notice as to the new amendments. As to parents paying, this of course raises a fundamentally new concept in our system of crime and punishment. I do not think we can consider it only for drug addiction. If we want to consider the question of parents paying for persons under 21, then it must be considered in totality, also for other offences. I cannot see the concept being applied only for drug addiction without it also being applied to cases where youngsters commit vandalism, theft, robbery or even crimes of violence, for which they may be convicted and sent to jail or fined. I would not like to dismiss this concept which is being discussed in the United Kingdom. I would suggest that we see how this concept in fact is legislated in the United Kingdom and implemented. And if it works, we should not rule out the possibility of us seriously considering it.”
“I would like to quote here from a multi-national oil company which sets out its philosophy in handling employees with drug or alcohol problems. It reads as follows: "The company recognises alcohol or drug dependency as a treatable condition. Employees who suspect they have an alcohol or drug dependency are encouraged to seek advice and to follow appropriate treatment promptly before it results in job performance problems. The company's approved doctors will advise and assist in securing treatment. Those employees who follow approved treatment will receive disability benefits in accordance with the provisions of established benefit plans and medical insurance coverage consistent with existing plans. No employee with a drug dependency will be terminated due to the request for help in overcoming that dependency or because of involvement in a rehabilitation effort.". If more employers can have this enlightened policy, then I think it will be easier for ex-addicts to become useful citizens in our society. Mr Nasser Kamaruddin spoke about what various measures we have to attend to the relapse rates. I thought I touched on this quite adequately on previous instances when we discussed the drug problem and some of these measures were in fact summarised by Mr Yatiman Yusof just now. We have a whole series of measures which have been introduced to review the treatment of DRC programmes, including new approaches to the rehabilitation scheme where not all are put through the entire period of rehabilitative detention. Those who are more amenable and are willing to help themselves and have a chance of kicking the habit, priority is given to them. And under the intensive counselling programme, they can be released earlier than otherwise would be the case.”
“If an addict has kicked the habit, we should give him a chance. In this regard, I do not think it is just Government that has to do the job. Three parties are vital for the successful integration of ex-addicts. One is the family. If he does not get the family support, it is almost impossible for the addict. And I am sad to say that I have been informed that quite a number of addicts are totally rejected by their own families who would not even admit them into their homes. If they are rejected by their family, then you can imagine how difficult it would be for them to get back to the road to integration. So if he is rejected by the family, it is just a stone's throw away to relapse to drugs. The next is the community. The community in which he resides must give him support. The third party is the Government. As far as the Government is concerned, it is not true that we have never set an example. I know that even in the Ministry of Home Affairs, there are cases where ex-drug addicts have been employed. I know of such cases. Mr Chng Hee Kok mentioned the case of an EDB trainee. If that is the example that he has of a case where information was supplied by the authorities to the training institute and he was dismissed, I would be very surprised if that was the case. But if he believes that was the case, he can give me the information, and I will ensure that this is investigated. But as a matter of standing procedure and policy, this is not done. I suspect the information must have been supplied by the individual himself. As far as enlightened policies are concerned, I am glad and encouraged that more and more employers are indeed becoming aware of the need to give the ex-addicts a chance.”
“In fact, both CNB and the Ministry of Home Affairs pay a great deal of attention to this because if drug addicts are unable to be re-integrated, unable to get employment, it is going to perpetuate the problem and it will increase the size of the problem for the Ministry and CNB and that will be sad for all of us in Singapore. A person who could be a useful member of his family, could be a useful employee, could be a useful citizen, is in fact deprived of his potential because of drug addiction. So I am fully in accord with the sentiments they have expressed. But having said that, let me also hasten to add that they are wrong in their assumption that the Government or the CNB freely gives information to statutory boards. This is totally untrue. In fact, we are very stringent in the information being supplied and drug addiction is not a matter which goes on criminal record. So both Mr Chng Hee Kok and Mr Loh Meng See have proceeded on the wrong assumption that this information is freely given. But what actually happens, in practice, as I understand it from talking to both the individuals concerned as well as others who are employers, is that in the process of applying for a job and in the process of considering job applications, invariably employers do ask the applicants about their past records, criminal records or otherwise. In some cases, employers may even ask them whether they have ever been in any kind of detention or incarceration. And if a person is truthful, he would volunteer the information that he has been in a DRC. Here, I agree with the Members fully that if we want our rehabilitation system to succeed, we must have more enlightened policy on the part of employers, and it is both the public sector and the private sector.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, I will start off by answering the last speaker, Mr Yatiman Yusof, who asked if I could report on the general state of affairs in our fight against drugs. I am glad to say that there is some light at the end of the tunnel. There was a decrease of 17% of drug offenders arrested in the fourth quarter of 1989 over the previous quarter. On an annual basis, there was an overall decrease of 9.6% when we compare figures in 1988 and 1989. Less traffickers were detected - 116 in the fourth quarter of 1989 as against 144 in the third quarter, a decrease of about 19%. Since we have spoken of the high rate of addiction amongst Malay addicts, let me also point out that the number of Malay addicts decreased by some 23.5% over the previous quarter. But on an annual basis, there was an overall decrease of 17% in the number of Malay drug addicts. So there are some encouraging figures. But I would not like to mislead Members of the House into lulling themselves into a state of complacency because the supply of drugs in our region is plentiful and we are so open in our air, sea and land entry points that, however vigilant we are, the volume of people coming in is such that it is impossible to check each and every person. I mention this as hopeful and encouraging figures, and I hope this can be maintained. But we should not be surprised if these figures go up and down. Next, Mr Chng Hee Kok, Mr Loh Meng See and others spoke about the importance of drug addicts being re-integrated into society. I think they will remember that I have on more than one occasion in this House emphasised this point as a cardinal feature of Government policy. It is not to criminalise the addict.”
“He may not be aware of it, but there is, and I understand that it is quite active. He has raised the broader question which has been discussed in this House on several occasions as to why he is not appointed adviser to the various grassroots organisations. If he wants to raise that as a substantive issue, I think this is not the appropriate place. He can file a question and we can discuss it all over again.”
“Sir, there is a civil defence constituency unit in Potong Pasir.”
“Sir, the existence of civil defence in the various constituencies is spearheaded by the Civil Defence in conjunction with existing grassroots organisations such as the CCC, the CCMC, together with their advisers.”
“That is the only way that we can attract more people to join the civil defence units. What kind of other activities? We are already doing quite a lot, such as civic visits, sea training activities, weekend camps, shooting practices, competitions, telematches as well as overseas tours. These will provide a good balance to operational matters such as exercises, classes, training at the constituency level as well as exercises for several constituencies grouped together, including the recent Lavender MRT exercise. And I hope that CDCCs will work with other grassroots organisations and emerge as one of the family of constituency-based grassroots organisations. In addition to reservist rescue units at the zone level, since the Member asked about reservists, the SJCDF has recently introduced an assistant community relations officers programme which involves reservists in the planning and organising of civil defence programmes in constituencies. These reservists are chosen because of grassroots experience and the interest in community related work. Plans are indeed under way for more reservists to be trained as assistant community relations officers. As for the other points, let me assure him that the SJCDF has borne in mind the points that he has made of reaching out to more people, including school students, to spread the message of civil defence. Since it is a long haul, we must continuously get new cycles of people to join the civil defence because civil defence preparedness may be called upon at a time when one may least expect it. It can be now, it can be five years' time or it can be 10 years' time. So we have to prepare on a long term basis.”
“Sir, I am not as pessimistic as the Member over the state of affairs of CD volunteers because the proper perspective is to view it as a long haul. We are unlike Japan or some other countries which are so prone to natural disasters or a threat of a natural disaster is always hanging above one's head that it is easier to get people worked up and enthusiastic about civil defence. In our case, fortunately, the threat of typhoons or tidal waves or earthquakes is not there. Therefore, it is all the more difficult to arouse not only an awareness but a sufficient awareness that one wants to be involved in community civil defence work at the constituency level. Given that perspective, I think what has been achieved within the past few years in promoting civil defence as a concept and arousing civil defence awareness - be prepared for the worst but hope for the best - is something that we can derive satisfaction from. Under the National Civil Defence Plan, the Civil Defence Volunteer Scheme was launched in 1982. Since then, the number of CD volunteers has increased. In December 1989 it was 29,750; in other words, about 80% of our targeted strength, and we hope to reach the targeted strength of 38,000 by 1992. Many of them comprise housewives, senior citizens, workers and students who have attended various training programmes. To get more people involved in the Civil Defence Volunteer Scheme at the constituency level, we think there must be a mix. It cannot be all work and no play or all work and no fun. There has to be the required time and input on operational matters, training, exercises. But in the long run, the constituency civil defence unit must also emerge as it is emerging as a grassroots organisation on its own stand.”
“I am afraid his speech came four days late because we had a debate on traffic lights under the Ministry of National Development. Let me say: let's be thankful that the system is working smoothly. I am told that of more than 1,000 junctions with traffic lights, the number of malfunctioning lights averages about only three a day. Then he wants traffic policemen to be stationed at all traffic light junctions. This is absurd. The total number of traffic police officers is just 543 and there are over 1,000 traffic light junctions. It will be labour-intensive and unnecessary. But the Traffic Police is always alerted to deploy its men to manually control traffic whenever there is a traffic jam or black-out. In fact, many people have told me that they are very impressed by the fact that when there is a traffic light malfunctioning or there is a black-out, almost immediately there are men at the scene to guide traffic. Sir, the other questions will be answered by my colleague, the Senior Minister of State.”
“Because such disclosures will expose the capability, the extent of resources, the modus operandi of our investigative agencies to undesirable and subversive elements as well as to hostile foreign agencies. Therefore, it will seriously undermine our effectiveness in meeting threats to subversion and internal security. Dr Lee then spoke of police violence, painting a scenario of total lawlessness in our Police Force. I think that is very unfair. It is absolutely important that every police officer be of the highest integrity and complies with the law and police procedures. Both the Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs in fact take a very serious view of any instance or allegation of infraction of the law or disregarding of police procedures. I know, because I have discussed with the Commissioner of Police. The Commissioner of Police takes a personal interest in such matters because it affects the image of the whole Force. But the Police organisation is a large organisation - 7,000 regulars, 3,000 full-time National Servicemen and 16,000 reservists. It is inevitable that there may be one or two black sheep. But what is important is that if any police officer is a black sheep and he commits a breach of the law or violates police procedures, whether it is bribery, corruption, or allegation of assault, it is important that our system is such that the matter is fully investigated and, when substantiated, he is brought to book. Either he is charged in Court or he is disciplined and dismissed. I think Members know it. They read it in the papers sometimes. The dismissed police officers in fact sometimes go to the MP to appeal. But that is the best deterrent. Dr Lee Siew-Choh then went on to raise the point about traffic lights.”
“In 1989, there was in fact a decrease in these selected seizable offences compared with 1988. For total seizable offences, there was a 8.2% decrease in 1989. I might add, Sir, that we compare well with other countries such as Japan and Hong Kong in having a lower number of major crimes per hundred thousand population. Singapore's figure of 228 major crimes in 1987 is in fact even lower when we compare with cities like London which has 3,423 major crimes per hundred thousand population. Finally, I should also say that when it comes to deployment of police personnel, of the 7,000 regular policemen that we have in the Police Force, between 68% and 70% are in fact deployed for front-line policing, ie, coming into contact with members of the public. As for Dr Lee Siew-Choh, I do not intend to repeat everything I have said regarding his comments on internal security because we have had in the past few months questions by him on abolition of ISA, and from Mr Chiam See Tong on whether for the 25th anniversary we can relax matters. All these are repetitions of the same thing. Chia Thye Poh - will he be released? Since I have given full answers to these questions raised in recent months it does not make any point for me to repeat them. But I would like to remind Dr Lee Siew-Choh that Chia Thye Poh is not a political detainee. He has been released on certain conditions to Sentosa Island. In fact, Dr Lee Siew-Choh visited him and, according to the Chinese press, he spent some time with him. And there was a photograph of both of them smiling very happily. Dr Lee wants me to disclose the operational and financial details of our internal security agency. It will be foolhardy for me to do so as this would jeopardise our national security.”
“Therefore, although an assistant investigating officer who is below the rank of a sergeant has the power to search the premises he does not have the power to search persons found in the premises. Obviously, the disadvantage is that he can have disposal of evidence in the premises. These and other aspects of the Criminal Procedure Code will be looked into in the light of changing conditions in the Police Force. Mr Chiam See Tong, I think, saw some sinister purpose in the security screening personnel in the airport. Let me assure him that the security screening personnel at the airport are to conduct security screening of all pre-board passengers and their luggage. They are checked for arms, weapons, explosives, to make sure that these are not brought into the plane, whether they are Singapore passengers or foreign passengers. In fact, this is a very strict requirement insisted on by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as a measure for the safety and security of international flights. The additional manpower of 138 personnel which he referred to is because there is going to be a new terminal II. With the new terminal, you need additional security screening personnel. Mr Chiam See Tong also asked about better deployment of personnel for crime control and he referred to certain indicators in the Budget book. Let me, in fact, assure him that the total number of seizable offences, ie, offences that the police can arrest without a warrant, although it has shown a slight increase since 1980, serious seizable offences, ie, murder, robbery, housebreaking, rape, outraging of modesty and so on, in 1983 the annual rate was 33.8%. But from 1986 onwards, the rate of increase in seizable crimes has been brought under control.”
“I would like to inform him that the Traffic Police is also considering demerit points for illegal parking, especially for those who repeat the offence. Mr Loh Meng See asked about the procedures in our legislation which perhaps may be outdated in regard to references to various categories of offences. He is indeed right. The Criminal Procedure Code was drawn up in 1955. Some of the provisions are archaic. In fact, until recently, we even had provisions referring to information to be given to penghulus. There are also provisions which restrict certain powers to police officers of a certain rank or above certain ranks, such as sergeant and above. This is understandable because in the early days when junior police officers were not well educated or we did not have enough well-educated police officers they had to be closely supervised and certain powers had to be exercised only by the supervisors. However, Police has gone through a transformation and now junior police officers are better trained and educated. These restrictions that exist in the statute are outdated, unnecessary and, in fact, in some instances, they actually impede the exercise of police functions. For example, the Commissioner of Police now entrusts to certain selected officers the task of investigation. They are called assistant investigating officers and they have investigative tasks. To give you one example. The Criminal Procedure Code provides that when a search for anything is conducted in the premises in respect of any offence and a thing is capable of being concealed on a person, only a police officer of or above the rank of a sergeant is empowered to search the person in the premises.”