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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“There is a balance between considerations of whether they will be an asset, useful to Singapore, together with considerations of compassion, connections with Singapore, family roots and so on. This is the backdrop which we must never lose sight of, for it is very easy and tempting to talk about a very liberal policy on immigration. Let me now answer some of the specific points raised. The Member for Toa Payoh and the Member for Eunos asked me to shed some light on the problem of illegal immigrants and illegal overstayers. Perhaps that is a good point for me to start for it shows not only the dimension of the problems that we are having but it will also explain to all why is it that the Government, the Immigration Department and the Police have to take a very strict view on immigration matters and on illegal immigrants. As of 16th March, 1986, there were 715 persons in our jail for overstaying, for being illegal immigrants. The number would have been more had we not repatriated others. There is an average of about 60 persons arrested weekly for illegal overstaying or illegal entry, and about an average of 32 are prosecuted weekly. Those then are the stark figures. Here again, bear in mind, the Member for Anson says we are a police state, but all these people want to come to Singapore even at the risk of arrest and prosecution. 715 persons in our jails. Last year over 46,000 persons were detected for overstaying. Of them, more than 4,500 were arrested as they had overstayed a long time. As to what action is being taken on illegal workers, Sir, I am glad to say that the Immigration, Police, Ministry of Labour are very efficient. They have combined operations and it is very difficult for an illegal overstayer to escape detection and apprehension for too long.”
“Even though the Member for Anson paints Singapore as a terrible police state, there are 11,000 persons who want to be permanent residents, who are not fleeing away from the so-called police state. As it is, we have about 130,000 permanent residents, each one of them a potential citizen. Last year there were more than 46,000 persons who overstayed illegally and they tried desperately to stay on in Singapore, even if it meant illegal presence. The ideal perhaps is to take a humanitarian approach to our problems: open the floodgates, let everyone who wants to become a permanent resident and citizen become a permanent resident and citizen. But every decision that we take on permanent residence or citizenship has implications for the rest of society. It has implications for the rest of Singaporeans, the vast majority of our citizens, because permanent residence and citizenship bring along with it not only rights but it also brings privileges to education, housing, medical and other facilities. When it comes to citizenship, it also brings along with it political rights of voting, standing for elections, and so on. I would like Members to bear in mind these parameters, the realistic dimensions of our problems. I therefore do not hide the fact that we have a strict immigration policy but I make no apology for it because this is necessary by the very nature of our circumstances, our constraints and our problems. It would be disastrous to take a purely humanitarian approach to our immigration policy and to let in all who apply. We must and we will be cautious. Permanent residence and citizenship is not a right. It is a privilege. Persons will be assessed on the merits of each case.”
“Yes, Sir. Mr Speaker, Sir, I will deal with some of the points raised by hon. Members relating particularly to immigration, citizenship, fire service, civil defence, internal security, and my colleague, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, will deal with the other points which were raised. Sir, may I take the points raised under Immigration first. Let me preface my remarks by making some general observations on our immigration policy and the considerations that inevitably must go into shaping our immigration policy. I understand perfectly well what the Member for Changkat said in the beginning of her statement. She said that she had many cases at the meet-the-people sessions. This has been told to me by other Members and I myself know it because, don't forget, I am also an MP. Perhaps it is even more difficult for the Minister of State for Home Affairs and the Minister for Home Affairs in dealing with immigration problems with their constituents. Other Members can say they will write to the Minister for Home Affairs, but it is not an answer which the Minister for Home Affairs can easily give! Sir, our immigration policy must be shaped by the constraints, the problems and circumstances of our own country. Certain key statistics already indicate the dimensions of our problem. All of us know the size of our country, the available resources, the density of population, the scarcity of land which has been outlined by the Minister for National Development before. As a backdrop, last year more than 198,000 people applied for extension of the various passes. They are potentially long-term social visit pass holders and potential de facto permanent residents. More than 11,000 persons applied for permanent residence.”
“The Member's question is nonsensical. I have already said that CISCO constables can be compelled to work if the exigencies of service so require.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have answered the question. The CISCO is an Auxiliary Police Force. Like any other uniformed Police Force, there must be discipline on the part of its members. And where there is disobedience to orders, there must be disciplinary measures. Otherwise our uniformed services will never be able to respond effectively in any crisis or emergency.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, under Standing Order 95(7)(b), upon a complaint being made, the matter shall be referred to the Committee of Privileges if the Speaker is satisfied. Mr Speaker: Yes, I am quite satisfied. The complaint shall be referred to the Committee of Privileges.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have answered the question. Under section 31 of the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act, "a Member shall not in or before Parliament or any Committee take part in the discussion of any matter in which he has a direct personal pecuniary interest without disclosing the extent of that interest..." There is a separate provision as to whether a person can or cannot vote. That is section 32. The Member has admitted that this very question is the question which he took up in legal proceedings on behalf of a CISCO woman constable. He has not declared that, notwithstanding that in 1982, there were two occasions in which he was warned about not having raised personal pecuniary interest. I therefore, Mr Speaker, Sir, have to file a complaint under the relevant provisions of the Standing Orders, which is Standing Order 95(7)(b).”
“Sir, let me finish. The Member for Anson has taken up this case in his capacity as an advocate and solicitor. Now, he has filed a question which relates to the very point which he raised with the Commissioner of Police in his appeal. The Commissioner of Police rejected the appeal. The question before the House is, Sir, whether Members of the House who are advocates and solicitors, not having succeeded in their representation of the client's case, can then come to this House and ventilate and air their dissatisfaction with not having got redress according to the law. Should this not be a matter which he should properly pursue in a court of law? I think he owes us an explanation and if his explanation is not satisfactory, I would file a complaint with the Committee of Privileges.”
“On another occasion, on 31st August 1982, the Committee of Privileges reported to the House on another matter where he had failed to disclose to this House that he had raised a matter on which he had a pecuniary interest. This House on 31st August expressed its agreement with the Committee of Privileges and decided that he was guilty of dishonourable conduct and contempt of the House of having raised a matter in the House in which he had a personal pecuniary interest without first disclosing the extent of that interest. Upon instructions of Parliament, you, Sir, reprimanded him for his dishonourable conduct and contempt of the House and warned him against committing similar breach of privilege in the future. Here we have a case, Sir, where he took up in his professional capacity a legal point concerning a CISCO woman constable.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, precisely what happens must depend on the circumstances of the case and the decision of CISCO with regard to the facts of the particular case. Before I proceed, I must ask the Member for Anson whether or not it is true that he, in his capacity as an advocate and solicitor, did take up the case of a CISCO woman constable in his professional capacity in 1985? The CISCO woman constable was dismissed by CISCO from service for disobedience to orders in that she failed to turn up on four different occasions as instructed. She was dismissed. And the Member for Anson, as an advocate and solicitor, took up her case and sent an appeal to the Commissioner of Police. The main issue in that appeal was precisely whether or not a CISCO constable could or could not be required to work or report for duty on a rest day. If I may quote from the statement of appeal which he, as an advocate and solicitor, sent to the Commissioner of Police. I quote from page 2: 'The appellant was given two rest days a week, Mondays and Tuesdays, and was made to work so many hours. These conditions follow exactly those provided in the Employment Act. The Employment Act also provides that no employee shall be compelled to work on a rest day, except in specially defined circumstances set out in the Act.' Mr Speaker, Sir, twice in 1982, this House had occasion to ask the Member for Anson to explain why he failed to disclose a pecuniary interest on matters which he raised in this House. On one occasion, on 27th July 1982, you, Sir, ruled at the end of the discussion that he should have declared his interest and, upon your ruling, he so accepted the ruling and said that he was sorry that he did not tell the House that he had previously acted for the woman and that his firm had written a letter.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, a CISCO constable is not compelled to work on his rest day. However, as an Auxiliary Police Officer, he may be asked to do so where exigencies of the service so require.”
“It is irrelevant for the reason that investigations are still going on. And as long as investigations are going on, the innocence or guilt of any party cannot be predetermined. CISCO CONSTABLES (Work on rest days) 10. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether constables from the Commercial and Industrial Security Corporation are compelled to work on their weekly rest days.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the question is irrelevant.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, under the relevant rules and law, suspension or interdiction of duty arises when either disciplinary proceedings or criminal pro- ceedings are taken or will be taken, which means that only when investigations have been completed. And I have said that investigations are still going on and they have not been completed. The officer has been transferred to a different unit in the meantime.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, a junior woman police officer had lodged a report on 12th February 1986 to the Officer-in-Charge of the Tanglin Police Station that a senior police officer had sexually assaulted her on 8th February 1986. The case is being investigated.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as explained in this House on previous occasions, the Neighbourhood Police Posts are being introduced in phases. The NPP in Paya Lebar constituency will be introduced next year. Pending the introduction of the NPP there, the Police will continue to perform vertical policing, will deploy vehicular patrols and conduct ambushes and anti-crime operations. In addition, bicycle patrols have also been introduced in the constituency recently. SEXUAL ASSAULT ON A JUNIOR WOMAN POLICE OFFICER (Complaint) 9. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for Home Affairs if he will say whether a report was made at the Tanglin Police Station or at any other police station from a junior woman police officer of a sexual assault on her by a senior police officer in February 1986 or so.”
“Since the Member has said that he would be raising this under the Estimates of my Ministry, let us wait for that occasion, Sir. EFFECTIVE COUNTER SERVICES COURSES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS 8.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, a distinction must be made between sanctity of marriage and a marriage that confers rights of entry, rights of permanent residence or rights of citizenship. In most countries in the world that I know of, marriage does not ipso facto and automatically confer rights of entry and permanent residence. This is also the case with Singapore. Rights of immigration, rights of entry on any pass, rights of permanent residence, are determined in accordance with immigration policy. This is so with most countries in the world. This is so with Singapore too. So the fact that marriage does not automatically confer rights of residence or permanent residence is nothing new. This is the practice in most countries and it does not mean that the sanctity of marriage has been violated. As to the question whether there should be a fat bank account, this is absurd, Mr Speaker, Sir. As I have said many times previously in this House, approvals given to foreign spouses cut across all categories. Approval is given on considerations which I have mentioned previously and just now. It is not based only on monetary considerations. It is based on many considerations, including the consideration that the local spouse is able to maintain the intended foreign spouse and that the foreign spouse would not be a liability to the State. It also takes into account other compassionate considerations, such as roots with Singapore, and so on. Mr Jeyaretnam: Would the Minister tell us - I shall be raising this in the Estimates of his Ministry - how many countries in the world refuse a male citizen from bringing his wife into the country? Could he tell us, instead of saying "most countries"?”
“Would he also tell us the considerations that apply, in this case, before his Ministry allows the wives permanent residence? Is one of the considerations a big bank balance? Or are there other considerations?”
“Our citizens cannot expect the Government to grant their wives permanent residence, unless they can show evidence that they are well able to support a family in Singapore, and that their dependants will not later become a burden to the State. Applications for long-term Social Visit Pass must also be considered on a case-by-case basis. If those who are not eligible for permanent residence can stay here on a long-term Social Visit Pass, then they will become de facto permanent residents and the pool of such people will grow larger and larger, as evidenced by the nearly 200,000 persons who applied for extension of Social Visit Passes or other Passes last year. Granting long-term Social Visit Passes will therefore not solve our problem of discouraging our citizens who can ill-afford to marry foreigners from doing so. Therefore, a long-term Social Visit Pass can only be given selectively if there are compelling reasons. I would like to add that it would be in the interest of those intending to marry foreigners to seek the advice of the Immigration Department regarding permanent stay for their intended spouses beforehand. I should also like to point out that the Registry of Marriages as well as the Commissioner for Employment (in work permit cases) have made it clear in writing that marriage does not mean rights of permanent residence. Mr Jeyaretnam: Mr Speaker, Sir, may I ask the Minister by way of supplementary questions. First of all, does his Government recognize the sanctity of marriage? May we have an unequivocal answer to that? Secondly, following from it, does his Government recognize the right of a husband and wife to live together? May I say that I am concerned with Singapore male citizens who marry wives from other countries?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, our policy on the grant of permanent residence to non-citizen spouses of Singapore citizens has been explained before in this House. Ideally, we should allow all foreigners married to our citizens to come in for permanent stay. Unfortunately, we cannot afford to be so liberal as Singapore is a small country with no natural resources. Also, our population density of 4,122 persons per sq km is one of the highest in the world. Our foremost duty as a Government is to safeguard and promote the interest of the vast majority of Singaporeans. We will not be fulfilling our responsibility if all foreign spouses are freely allowed in without considering whether or not they will impose an additional strain on our public housing, medical and other social services. In 1985, 11,380 foreigners applied for permanent residence, most of whom were relatives of Singapore citizens. In addition, 198,430 foreigners applied for extension of Social Visit Passes. All these people who seek to extend or prolong their stay here are potential applicants for permanent residence. Permanent residence is a privilege, and not a right which a foreigner can acquire through marriage with a Singapore citizen. If the foreign husband of a Singapore citizen has recognized skills and he is able to contribute to our economic development, we would certainly welcome him to settle in Singapore. If he does not qualify for permanent residence, he can only stay in Singapore provided he holds a valid Employment Pass or Work Permit. Our policy on the grant of permanent residence to foreign wives of Singapore citizens is less stringent. However, each case is considered on its own merits.”
“The Member for Anson is, in fact, using this as a pretext for continuing a debate on a matter which was fully discussed yesterday. I think we should not prolong a debate which has been so exhaustively ventilated.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) formed in 1982 presently has a total strength of 8,500 men. This is made up of 280 regular officers, 2,500 full-time National Servicemen and 5,600 reservists. The SCDF has also over the years recruited and trained more than 11,000 volunteers in the various constituencies in basic civil defence skills under the Civil Defence Volunteer programme. Our civil defence and emergency plans can only work if the civilian population too do their part by participating in civil defence training and taking civil defence exercises seriously. Over the last three years, the SCDF has established, in addition to the command and control elements, specially trained rescue and construction units, residential zone and other types of support units. These units are made up mainly of reservists. They are equipped for civil defence operations. The types and number of such equipment are being built up as rapidly as possible. Wherever necessary, civilian resources will also be mobilized. BETTING CENTRES IN HOUSING ESTATES (Consideration for residents' views) 8. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for Finance whether any effort is made to ascertain the views and wishes of residents in housing estates before setting up betting centres in their estates.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not have that information with me here, but I shall be very happy to supply it to him subsequently.”
“- pertaining to that case and not just the meagre facts supplied by the Member for Anson. NON-PAYMENT OF INCENTIVE PAY (Particulars) 12. Dr Wong Kwei Cheong asked the Minister for Finance (a) what is the total number of employees affected by the cut in the half-month incentive pay recently announced by the Government; (b) what will be the total savings; and (c) whether the cut will further aggravate the recession by reducing the purchasing power of a sizeable proportion of the working population.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, if the Member for Anson wants an answer he should avoid interjecting rudely and in such an undignified manner. He has said that he knows of a case on which he has supplied me with very sparse particulars. If I am to give a sensible and considered reply, I would want to know all the facts -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would have thought that any legally trained person -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I think Members and viewers who are watching these proceedings must realize that it is manifestly unreasonable to ask the Minister to discuss details of a case of which he has not been given notice by the Member for Anson. If the Member for Anson feels strongly that this is a case which is typical in point, then he should let us have the particulars, send it to my Ministry, and I will cause an investigation to see whether this is a case where there has been an unjustifiable delay. But his question was phrased in general terms and I have given what I believe is a proper answer.”
“The Court said: 'The right of an arrested person to consult his lawyer begins from the moment of arrest but I am of the opinion that the right cannot be exercised immediately after the arrest. A balance has to be struck between the right of the arrested person to consult his lawyer on the one hand and on the other the duty of the Police to protect the public from wrongdoers by apprehending them and collecting whatever evidence exists against them. The interest of justice is as important as the interest of arrested persons and it is well-known that criminal elements are deterred most of all by the certainty of detection, arrest and punishment.'”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have already said that in the overwhelming majority of cases arrested persons are allowed to contact their friends and relatives immediately. It is in the category of cases where accomplices and conspirators would flee, evidence and weapons would be secreted away or destroyed, where the exercise of the right to consult counsel or to inform relatives is conditioned by the necessity to complete Police investigations. If the Member for Anson has information of cases which he considers that the law has been transgressed or the right has been delayed without justification, he should let us have the particulars and, of course, I will investigate it. But the point I want to stress is that the Government must ensure that the interest of the public and of maintaining law, order and security must have priority when we seek to strike a balance between the rights of arrested persons and the rights of the public at large. If I may quote, Sir, from a former President of the Federal Court of Malaysia and a leading constitutional authority on Malaysian/Singapore Constitutional law. This is what he has to say: 'The phrase "shall be allowed" clearly indicates that the right of the community for peace and tranquility is a greater right and therefore must be given priority to the right of individual persons. It is obvious that what is "reasonable time" and what are "reasonable restrictions" are incapable of ascertainment in advance. These criteria could only be decided with reference to each particular case, the facts of which may vary from case to case.' If I may quote from another leading authority, a leading case on this question. This is what the Courts had to say.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have pointed out that police procedures allow an arrested person to contact his family and counsel of his choice. The precise moment as to when he is allowed to do so must, of course, depend on the circumstances of each case, the interests of the arrested person as well as public interest and the duty of the police to effectively investigate the case. The Member for Anson referred to the Constitution. The Constitution says: 'Where a person is arrested he shall be informed as soon as may be of the grounds of his arrest and shall be allowed to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of his choice.' The law is complied with in all cases, and in the overwhelming majority of cases there is no problem whatsoever as the police have allowed arrested persons to contact their family or friends immediately. There may be some instances where it may not be possible and it may not be advisable to allow an arrested person to contact his family immediately. These would be cases where police investigations are not yet completed, or where contact with family and friends immediately would result in tampering or destruction of evidence, or where they involve conspirators or accomplices such that contacting family or counsel immediately upon arrrest would lead to the flight and disappearance of accomplices or friends. So, Mr Speaker, Sir, a balance must be struck between the interest of the arrested person and the interest of the public. We cannot go the way some Western countries have gone, where the rights of the criminal havebeen placed on a higher pedestal than the rights of victims and the rights of society at large to live in a crime-free environment-”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there is no need for such a directive. Existing police procedures are adequate. They allow an arrested person to contact his family and counsel of his choice.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, a total of 91 Neighbourhood Police Posts will be set up in phases by 1989. So far, 34 NPPs have been set up in four Police Divisions, namely, Toa Payoh, Paya Lebar, Jurong and Queenstown. The rest of the NPPs will be set up at a rate of 14-15 per year. The NPP for Pasir Panjang Constituency will be built at Block 3, Dover Crescent, in the second half of this year. We are not able to set it up ahead of schedule due to manpower, training and other constraints. ARRESTED PERSONS (Procedure on Contact with family and counsel) 11. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether his Ministry will issue a directive to all police stations that anyone arrested and brought to a police station should be given immediately an opportunity to contact his home or his relatives and even an Advocate and Solicitor of his choice.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am not very sure what the Member for Fengshan is addressing. But if I may interpret his question, I take it that his question is this. Will the continuation of rescue efforts be such that they are in accordance with what is advised as the best, the safest and the most expeditious method of rescuing survivors in a way that, although we are racing against time, we can still ensure maximum chances of safe rescue? If that is the question, the answer is yes.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, while rescue efforts are still going on, let us not talk about the possibility of other disasters. Let us get on with the job, mount the rescue operations and get as many of the persons who are trapped, rescued. When the whole operations are over, I can assure him that the relevant Ministries and the Ministry in charge of Civil Defence will undoubtedly make an analysis and assessment of the rescue efforts and draw whatever lessons that are necessary for future record.”
“Removing slabs was not easy because the steel reinforcement bars had to be cut. In those locations where victims were thought to be trapped, the position was more agonizing because it was not possible to cut the steel reinforcement bars because of the vibrations. Hence specialized equipment with high water pressure had to be used to cut the concrete, and even then there was the problem of the steel bars, for any vibrations could have led to a collapse of the concrete slabs. In certain other places, the area for manoeuvre was very cramped, allowing only rescuers to crawl on hands and knees. Bringing in the rescuers and equipment into that confined space also posed a problem. That is why I wish to stress that the efforts of rescue have all along, and even now, been based on professional advice of the engineers. I think that is the best way. There is no other way.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, what needs to be emphasized is this. From the beginning, each stage of the rescue effort has been conducted in accordance with the professional judgment and advice of the engineers, both local and foreign consultants. I would like to add that I myself was briefed by the engineers on two occasions on the first day and on separate occasions on the second day. I repeatedly asked them whether there was any more expeditious method or better alternative than the techniques they were using. They were unanimous in their view that the techniques used to cut portions of concrete slabs and removing them was the best way to ensure maximum chances of safe rescue and maximum chances of ensuring the survival of those who may be alive and trapped. As to whether we have adequate techniques and equipment, I would like to say that we can consider ourselves fortunate that we in Singapore launched Civil Defence at the time we did, because we were able to mobilize Civil Defence forces as well as equipment which was purchased for Civil Defence purposes, including equipment to cut steel bars and reinforced concrete. The Member for Potong Pasir says that he saw persons removing debris with bare hands. What happened was that, within the first few moments after the tragedy, passers-by and other well-intentioned persons on their own went to the site to remove the debris without instructions or advice. This is understandable. But the professionals and the rescue workers who were mobilized used methods and equipment which were proper. The task, as I said, was very intricate. Parts of the building were connected to other parts of the building. Pulling one part would cause collapse and movements of other parts of the building.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, responding to the questions, as I have said, the fire engines which were the first to respond were there within eight minutes. The Executive Group was activated immediately. In situations like this, there must be proper evaluation of the emergency, what type of vehicles and what type of rescue teams must be mobilized and requisitioned. All steps that need be taken were taken at the most speedy time. As I said, within an hour after the arrival of the Fire Service, seven casualties had already been conveyed to the hospitals. The Member for Punggol has asked what assistance is being given to the families. As reported in the press and by SBC, the Community Welfare Services from the Ministry of Community Development has set up a special station where the relatives are kept informed on the hour of the progress and developments of the rescue efforts. All necessary information is given to them, and they are briefed regularly. The Ministry of Community Development is also looking into other aspects concerning the plight and welfare of the relatives. How long will the rescue efforts continue? As I have said, the rescue efforts will continue without interruption, without drop in momentum, until we have located all the trapped persons.”
“Besides the volunteers in Civil Defence units helping out at the scene, some private individuals and organizations have volunteered their skills, time and equipment. We have also accepted help from the MRTC which has sent some of its engineers and workteams together with equipment to assist in the rescue effort. Sir, we express our deep condolences to the families of those who have died in this tragedy. We share the anguish of those who have friends or relatives still trapped in the collapsed building. Despite the immense problems posed by the nature of the collapse which I have described, we will spare no effort to locate and rescue all trapped persons. We are racing against time.”
“After arduous efforts, two persons were rescued at about 11.40 pm yesterday. Sir, just before leaving the location this morning for Parliament, I was personally briefed by the persons in charge of the rescue operations, the engineers and rescue teams. There are two locations where survivors are located. The number is not known. They are located in the basement level, ie, under about several floors of concrete slabs and debris. I was told that the circumstances under which these survivors are located are extremely dangerous, with overhanging concrete slabs perched above them most perilously. Rescue efforts are therefore very delicate and intricate. Whenever survivors are located or voices are heard, the priority is to establish access to them and to get them out. We have had to stop general concrete slab removal works in order that the vibrations and movements do not cause further collapse which could jeopardize the lives of these survivors. For example, at about 2.30 am this morning, at one location, rescuers were within moments of reaching one survivor when cement slabs crashed down, preventing further access to the survivor, though fortunately not injuring him or the rescuers. Efforts are now being mounted to reach him and other survivors in that location by alternative access routes by tunnelling or other means. Rescue workers, both Singaporeans and foreigners, both from Government services as well as the private sector, have been working round the clock since Saturday morning. All equipment and vehicles that are needed have been mobilized. We are much heartened by the tremendous response from the Singapore public to this tragedy.”
“Concerning the rescue, two fire engines from the Singapore Fire Service were the first to arrive at the scene at 11.34 am, responding within eight minutes after receiving the message at 11.26 am, and commenced rescue work immediately. Police, Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), SAF vehicles and units arrived subsequently. By 12.40 pm, ie, about an hour after the arrival of the Fire Service, seven casualties had already been conveyed to the hospitals. The First Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, immediately activated the Executive Group which is the Crisis Management Committee consisting of officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence and other departments. They worked out a rescue plan for action. For the rescue plan, they mobilized manpower and equipment from the Singapore Armed Forces, the medical services, the Singapore Civil Defence Force including reservists, the Singapore Fire Service and the Singapore Police Force. PWD engineers and other experts in rescue work were called upon for technical advice to the Executive Group and to supervise ground operations. In view of the precarious state of the collapsed structure, the team of engineers advised that the damaged structure should be removed carefully so as not to jeopardize the chances of safe rescue. The experts repeatedly warned that to act in haste might result in the death of any surviving victims. From time to time, rescuers also had to stop some activities in order to use sensitive sound detection devices to try to locate survivors. Accordingly, the rescue efforts have proceeded in a careful and systematic manner which included cutting reinforced concrete slabs and removing them separately. As a result of this approach, survivors were located in several locations.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, Members of the House, like all other Singaporeans, are already aware of the tragedy of the collapse of the six-storey building with a basement car park at the junction of Serangoon Road and Owen Road. The latest information I have to report on casualties is as follows: The number found dead - 10 persons; the number who were injured - 11 persons. It is still not possible to say exactly how many persons have been trapped. Our rough estimate is 100. The building was a conventional reinforced concrete structure built in 1971. A certificate of fitness was issued for it in 1972. There were no apparent reasons why the building should collapse after some 15 years of use. It is the first time such a catastrophe involving a building has occurred in Singapore. Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not propose to go into the likely causes. We must, and we will, spare no efforts in determining the cause of the tragedy. As already announced, the President will appoint a Commission of Inquiry, headed by a High Court Judge, to investigate the collapse. The Commission will make recommendations to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy. As regards investigative efforts, a Police investigation team led by a senior officer has been formed and investigations commenced immediately on the first day (15th March, 1986) itself. The team has taken many photographs at the scene. It is interviewing witnesses and recording their statements. The team will also examine records pertaining to the history of the building. A group of engineers will assist the investigating team. The debris and other materials which are cleared are being kept in a secure area guarded by the Police, as they could constitute evidence relevant to the Commission's inquiry.”
“For the reasons that I have stated, namely, that the experience was that the playing of music en route did slow down the pace of the procession and caused serious traffic congestion. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Anson and all Members here must realize that there must be a balance between, on the one hand, accommodating the religious objectives and sentiments and, on the other hand, maintaining a smooth flow of traffic, commerce and pedestrian movements during the whole day that the Thaipusam celebrations are going on. Indeed the Police presence has been appreciated by the devotees as well as the authorities of the temples. They have shown much tolerance, much care, in exercising their powers. And this measure concerning music and musical instruments is, in fact, to facilitate as far as possible the rapid flow of both kavadi carriers and normal traffic.”
“Religious music and musical instruments were not allowed for more than 10 years, from 1973.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have already stated that the singing of religious kavadi songs and hymns by those accompanying the kavadi carriers is not prohibited.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it is necessary for us to remind ourselves of the question asked by the Member for Anson. It shows that he has not got his facts correct. What was his question? His question was: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs why the police forbid the playing of religious music and singing of religious songs at temples. That is the first part of his question. There is no basis to this. The second part of his question concerns "those accompanying the persons carrying kavadi along the route during the observance of Thaipusam." I have answered the question, and I think I have answered the question adequately.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, let me repeat his question: "To ask the Minister for Home Affairs why the police forbid ---"”
“I think it is very, very irresponsible for any political party to try and abuse and misuse solemn religious occasions for purposes of distributing or selling their political propaganda. As to the other question, Mr Speaker, Sir, I have already answered. The first part of his question was: why did the police forbid the playing of religious music and singing of religious songs at temples? I have told him categorically that there is no truth in this.”
“--- of this nature occur, they have the potential for creating strife. They have the potential for creating discord. We have seen on our television this happening in other countries. We can be proud of the stability, the racial harmony that we have achieved all these years. I think ---”
“He has failed to be responsible and he has forgotten that events in other countries have shown when dangerous and mischievious activities ---”