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.”
The complete record
Every one of 3,291 lines we hold for S Jayakumar, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 62 of 66.
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the rate of return on any investment is commensurate with its level of risks. Since CPF moneys are meant for members' old age, it must be invested conservatively and prudently. For this reason, the bulk of CPF funds are invested in long-term Singapore Government bonds. The returns from these bonds enable the Board to pay interest of 6 1/2% per annum to its members. This interest rate compares favourably with those paid by banks on savings and fixed deposits after adjustments for taxes which are generally payable for interest earned on bank deposits. From the table (Cols. 1381 - 1382) which will be distributed, the Member will see that the CPF interest rate was higher than the tax-adjusted bank's savings deposit rates for 17 out of the 18 years from 1966 to 1983 and higher than the tax-adjusted bank's 12-month fixed deposit rate for 15 years in the same period. table - Comparative Interest rates of CPF and the tax-adjusted 12-month and savings deposit rates of commercial banks for the years 1966-1982 (Cols. 1381 - 1382) Furthermore, in 14 out of the 18 years, during the same period the CPF interest rate was higher than the Consumer Price Index, which means that the real purchasing power of members' moneys has been maintained. MAIN AND DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES OF SINGAPORE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1984 TO 31ST MARCH, 1985 3.20 pm Order read for resumed consideration in Committee of Supply (5th Allotted Day). [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Head V (cont) - Resumption of Debate on Question [16th March, 1984], "That the sum to be allocated for Head V be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead VB-02 Object Group 1210 of the Main Estimates."-[Encik Othman bin Haron Eusofe]. Question again proposed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, asthma is an ailment which is caused by dust, polluted air, pollen and a number of other allergens. It may also be caused by exposure to certain chemicals, such as formaldehyde, or isocynate as mentioned by the Member. It is, therefore, difficult to distinguish whether it is caused by environmental factors or industrial chemicals. Nevertheless, I would like to assure the Member that my Ministry will be carrying out a study to assess the problem and consider if occupational asthma should be made a notifiable disease as suggested by the Member. CPF SAVINGS (Maintenance of purchasing power) 20. Mr Yeo Toon Chia asked the Acting Minister for Labour (a) what steps are being taken by the Central Provident Fund Board to ensure that savings of contributors will, on their retirement, be worth their current purchasing power; and (b) what are the investments the Board has made and what steps are being taken to ensure that they yield a better interest rate so that CPF members may get a better return on their savings.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as at 1st March this year, there were 3,133 registered societies. Of these, 617 or 20% had non-Singapore citizens on their management committees. Only political societies are restricted to Singapore citizens. Membership of non-political societies is not confined to Singapore citizens. There are adequate safeguards to prevent foreigners from making use of these societies for unlawful purposes or for purposes against the national interest. Groups seeking registration are required to state the objects of the proposed society and to provide the names and particulars of the pro-tem committee members. Each application is carefully considered to ensure that registration is not detrimental to national interest. Registered societies are also required to submit returns stating the names and particulars of persons elected each year to the management committee. Any society used for unlawful purposes or for purposes incompatible with its objects and rules can be dissolved. There is, therefore, no compelling reason at present to restrict membership of all societies to Singapore citizens. Such a move would deprive societies, such as charitable and civic organizations, of the useful contributions made by non-citizen officials. NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS 4. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked Mr Ong Teng Cheong, Minister without portfolio, what is the justification for celebrating Singapore's National Day this year from June to December and what the celebrations are expected to cost the taxpayers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Citizenship Advisory Committee is constituted under Article 18, clause 2 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of Singapore. The present members of the Committee are Mr G. Ramachandran, Encik Mohamed Ismail bin Haji Pitchay and Mr Philip Liau. REGISTERED SOCIETIES (Non-citizen officials) 3. Mr M.K.A. Jabbar asked the Minister for Home Affairs if he will inform the House of the number of registered societies which have non-citizen officials and whether such a situation is acceptable to the Government.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it looks like Ministers have to read the mind of the Member for Anson. If he wants us to take him seriously we must assume that he means what he says. If he asks a question about "professional visit passes", we must assume, by any reasonable construction, that he means professional visit passes. If he wants to ask a separate question on employment passes, he can do so on another occasion and, having seen the question, we will see whether an answer can be given.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not have all the detailed information. I think some countries may indeed need magicians for their banking problems! But to the best of my knowledge, the sectors that he mentioned do not have such performers.”
“Sir, I have already said that he has not established that he has been a permanent resident for the past number of years that is necessary to establish under the Constitution. Further, I have also said that even if residence requirements are met, we owe it a duty to the country and to the people to be sure as to the kind of persons we admit as citizens.”
“Sir, I think everyone knows that in the calculation of residence, the residence we are talking about is residence in Singapore on the basis of permanent residence. The Chairman: Mr Jeyaretnam, are you withdrawing your amendment?”
“1st February, 1983. I will quote: 'He (this applicant) has been employed by the Ministry of Environment since 1955.' Now, what is the first reason given to plead on his behalf? That he is committed or dedicated to Singapore, that his love is for Singapore? No. 'He will reach his retirement age in three years, but to be retired without a citizenship status would mean he would be ineligible to apply for an HDB flat.' This is the thinking that is dangerous for us in Singapore. If the person has indeed been here, as claimed, for 30 years and, in this case, there is a doubt as to whether he has, in fact, established his claim that he has been here for 30 years, why is it that only between the years 1975 and 1982 did he bother to apply for citizenship? If we grant citizenship liberally and freely to those persons who have been here but who never bother to apply for citizenship until they begin to think of an HDB flat, then there is great doubt as to the commitment and dedication of such people, if they are made citizens.”
“Sir, the Member for Anson just does not listen, as on other occasions. I have stated clearly that I am not going to be drawn into giving details of any investigation of any particular case. I painted two scenarios so that the Member, if he was interested to know the kind of situations where passports may need to be denied, he can be enlightened with those examples. Of course, it appears that he does not choose to be enlightened. As to his point whether we have been inconsistent in giving him an emergency certificate, the answer is no. In fact, we are trying to accommodate the person. If we give an international passport, he can travel to a string of countries. When we issue an emergency certificate, we can impose conditions on particular places and the times and conditions under which he can travel.”
“Sir, we could go on and on but I completely reject the proposition put forward by the Member for Anson that there is an inalienable international law or natural law right which binds a government to give, without any question or reservation, a passport to every citizen. I have demonstrated from the figures that an overwhelming majority of passport applications were granted. The question is: If Government had grounds to investigate any particular case . . . and I am not going to be drawn into giving details of investigation in any particular case, whether it is this or any other, it would be foolhardy for any government or, for any law enforcement agency to give away the cards. This is the basic rule of law enforcement. You do not supply the other side with information on a person whose possible criminal wrongdoings are being investigated. I thought it is so elementary that any school student reading detective stories should know about this. Let me take two scenarios, Sir. If we have grounds to believe that a citizen is engaged in international drug trafficking syndicate and that person wants to go purportedly on a bona fide travel business visit, it will be a miscarriage of our responsibility and a failure of our duty if we did not prevent him from leaving the country. If a person has engaged in currency counterfeiting criminal activities, would the Government be acting responsibly or irresponsibly in letting him go and estab- lish contacts with outside agencies before we completed our investigations? I think the answer to Members must be obvious.”
“Sir, maybe it would be helpful if the Member did give me a copy of his speech so that I know exactly what was said. But really I think we must be careful in the way we view these articles written in overseas publications. We must take them with more than a pinch of salt.”
“Sir, I am fully aware of the article in the Asian Wall Street Journal. To be fair to the Member, he is quite right that over various times he has expressed to me his concern over this problem.”
“45 pm A Written Answer was given to the Member for Anson on 31st August 1982, and the question he posed was: "To ask the Minister for Home Affairs on what grounds the Controller of Immigration refuses to issue passports to Singapore citizens for travel abroad." A question was asked. It has been answered. Relevant provisions of the law were cited. There is a rule in the Standing Orders - if I remember correctly - that questions once asked in a session will not be asked again. But, nevertheless, the relevant provisions were cited in that reply and the law is clear. There is legal power vested in the Minister for Home Affairs and in the Controller of Immigration to deny passports. On what grounds? Where he has been convicted of certain offences, and passports can also be rejected in situations where the applicants are under investigation or awaiting trial for serious offences or where the applicants are involved in activities prejudicial to the security and public order of the Republic. It goes without saying, therefore, that in any case where a passport is denied or a decision has not been taken, it is because of the considerations set out in the Written Answer on 31st August, 1982, and which I have summarized just now.”
“It is not so much that I am clever but that the Member is so characteristically predictable. The point he raised is, there is the rule of international law, Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. I was at the United Nations Division of Human Rights, helping in the drafting of this very Covenant. I know that the provision he talks about is qualified by other provisions in the Covenant, so also in- the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; an overriding provision which is vested in the country; an overriding consideration that all the other rights are subject to consideration of security and public order. He has obviously conveniently omitted the most overriding provision. So as a lawyer, if he cites law or international treaties, it will be useful not to mislead the House. Now leaving aside international law, we then come to national law. He has asked a question, championing the cause of human rights: Why is it that we have denied passports? Let me make it clear that we do not deny passports lightly. Let me just demonstrate this by one fact. Take 1983 alone. How many applications were there for the Singapore international passport? 176,811. How many were rejected? 82. The facts speak for themselves. Over a five-year period, the number of applications for new Singapore international passports and applications for renewal, 707,552. How many were rejected? 231. It is a very small minority of cases where we denied. But any government must have the authority to deny the right to a passport where it affects public order and law enforcement. 6.”
“Mr Jeyaretnam: Very clever. Let's give him an applause.”
“I have on many times discussed with them and I think Members of the House have also had occasion to deal with the Controller of Immigration and his officials. I know him, the Controller and his staff, to be made of sterner stuff than what the Member for Telok Blangah makes them out to be. Certainly they are not the persons to cringe and cave-in just because a foreigner threatens to write a letter to the editor. So unless the Member can give me specific instances of when and where did this happen, what are the instances when the foreigner is given the necessary employment pass in double quick time (I hope they are not rumours because it is really not a very fair accusation) it is difficult for me to reply. The Immigration Department has, in fact, a contrary reputation among those MPs who approached me. They are stern but fair and reasonable when circumstances warrant it. But I will be interested to have more information about that instance. Concerning the last point made by the Member about tax avoidance or evasion, I am sure that this point will be noted by the Ministry of Finance and will be looked into by that Ministry. I think I have covered the essential points. If I may now move on to the points made by the Member for Anson. Really, Sir, I do not know whether to be disappointed or to be amused or elated. Like other Ministers, we prepare for the Budget debate and we wonder what each Member is going to raise. So before coming to today's debate on Immigration, I had asked myself what possible points he may raise, and I thought he might raise this question of denial of passports. Judging by the tone of his letters - I have his letter here, 19th January, 1984 - and lo and behold, this is exactly what the Member for Anson has raised, predictable.”
“Unless there is a doubt, the employment pass has to rely on the information declared by the applicant on his application form. In the case of the employment pass holder which he mentioned in the Straits Times of 24th February, 1984, he was last granted an employment pass on 31st August, 1982, on the basis that he had a Bachelor of Arts Degree from London University and a certain number of years of working experience. When his false declaration of his paper qualifications was discovered, he was charged in court. He pleaded guilty; he was fined. This was towards the end of February, and contrary to the impression that the Member has that he was later given another pass, that is not so. He was not given any new or additional pass. We had to await the outcome of the trial, and after he was convicted, action was taken to terminate his employment pass and his employment pass has since been cancelled. In other cases where applicants give false information in connection with their applications, the Immigration Department, let me assure the Member for Telok Blangah, will certainly cancel the employment passes and, if necessary, institute prosecution. The Member for Telok Blangah also must be aware that earlier this year both the Immigration Department and the Ministry of Trade and Industry made announcements concerning the tightening up in May 1983 of the policy and implementation of the employment pass administration. This was really directed at employers who recruited unqualified and unskilled foreigners. So the matter is really under control. Sir, I listened to what the Member for Telok Blangah said about the Immigration Department. I must say that I was surprised to hear this. Perhaps it is not a very fair allegation to level at the Immigration Department.”
“Sir, first, may I respond to the points raised by the Member for Telok Blangah concerning the policy on employment passes. I think we all know of Singapore's limited pool of manpower and talent. In the past few years Singapore has been lucky to be able to maintain a satisfactory growth rate despite the absence or near absence of growth and the huge unemployment rate in many industrial countries. Singapore will benefit if the qualified, the talented and the experienced persons from other countries come to join us. Sir, employment passes have been given liberally and will continue to be given liberally to foreigners who can contribute to the economy and the general upgrading of the economy. It will include the talented, the skilled persons and others with the necessary qualifications and experience. The Member's point was about abuse and persons who are not in possession of the requisite qualifications. The Immigration Department does process each and every application for employment pass according to the applicant's track record, relevant experience and qualifications and, where necessary, other relevant Departments and agencies are consulted and their inputs also obtained on the merits or otherwise of individual applicants. The Member for Telok Blangah can. therefore be assured that the applications are carefully studied before the passes are given to those who are deserving. We are more flexible in processing applications from multi-national companies and other reputable employers. This is because multi-national companies must be assumed to be responsible organizations as there is a high cost to them in bringing expatriates, housing them, etc. in Singapore. The Employment Pass Section of the Immigration Department deals with 1,600 applications a month.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, when the hon. Member said, "How about we", I take it he was referring to the Members of the House! I do not know about the propriety of doing that. But I do not think that any cases of abuse have been brought to our attention to warrant a modification or increasing the severity of our conditions. But if and when it is demonstrated that indeed there are so many abuses that further measures have to be taken, then let me assure him that we will certainly take into account the suggestion that he has made.”
“The employer - and this pertains to the Member's point about depriving a local artiste - or the sponsor must show proof that in addition to the foreign artiste, there is at least one local artiste or performer who is also engaged in that performance. This is to encourage local establishments to employ local talents, which is the point that the Member made. Foreign artistes are usually allowed to perform for a period not exceeding six months and, as a general rule, we will only consider subsequent applications from such artistes if they had been away from Singapore for at least a year. Although the conditions are strictly enforced, it is of course difficult to prevent all possible abuses associated with their presence. In addition to the administrative rules, we also have controls such as requiring local establishments to execute an artiste-security bond of at least $1,000 which is a safeguard that they observe the conditions. Any breach of the conditions would mean forfeiture of the security deposit. Artistes who are engaged in undesirable activities will have their passes terminated and they will be repatriated out and we will blacklist them from coming back again. As for them being paid high fees, this is really a matter of market forces. The employing establishment is free to pay them whatever fees they think the artistes are worth. With that explanation and my assurance that if any abuses are brought to my knowledge, the Ministry will take appropriate action, I hope that it covers the ground.”
“Sir, I take it that the hon. Member is not campaigning for a bar on all talented artistes, but I gather that his grievance is with regard to those, to use his words, "who are without the talent that they claim to have." He may be privy to information on some specific instances where there has been an abuse and, if I am supplied with some information, I can assure him that appropriate action will be taken. But the point that he has made is well taken and we have noted it, namely, that if there had been abuses, we should take steps to ensure that the abuses are kept to a minimum. 6.15 pm May I however take this opportunity to very briefly mention that we are aware of the need to take steps and may I also mention that for many years, foreign artistes, singers and musicians, have been permitted to enter Singapore on professional visit passes for performance at our local establishments. In fact, as far back as 1971, strict controls have been enforced on foreign artistes to ensure that precisely the situation that he has mentioned does not occur and that they are here on genuine engagements. Some of the controls are the following: First, the artiste must produce evidence such as advance materials about himself or his band, where he has performed before, publicity materials, posters, programmes, as evidence that he is a bona fide and genuine artiste. The local sponsor must also produce a contract which embodies satisfactory terms of employment. No artiste is allowed to enter Singapore before the professional visit pass is actually granted.”
“Sir, in fact, this is being done. One of the premises on which the success of the programme works is that the family's cooperation be fully solicited in getting the addict through this period as well as after his release. I agree with the Member that as far as possible, we should enlighten the parents and relatives and I can assure him that this is being done. We will not fail to continue his process.”
“If we have bonds, then we will have to estreat the bonds and the result will be even more financial difficulties for the individuals. It will result in greater public expenditure in repeatedly having to treat hard-core addicts. In the ultimate analysis, whether as MPs and voluntary organizations, we will have to constantly convey the message to the relatives and parents that it is in their interest and in the interest of the addict that he be kept until he has kicked the habit. I can assure the Member for Pasir Panjang that if hardship cases are brought to our attention, my Ministry will refer them to the relevant agencies, like the Social Services Division of the Prisons De an- ment or the Ministry of Social Affairs for assistance.”
“I think we have, all of us, to explain to those constituents who come to see us that the long-term interest of the addict and of his family demands that he be cured of his drug addiction. If he does not kick the habit, and if he is released prematurely for consideration of compassion for the family, then there is a very high degree of probability that he will relapse. When this happens, the chances of his becoming a hard-core addict are very great. Therefore, although the family might have a short-term benefit in having him back earlier than otherwise would have been the case, they would be deprived of a breadwinner for a much longer period of time. So it is in the interest of the addict and his family that he be detained in the DRC until the doctors are satisfied that he has kicked the habit. The Government which spends, on a conservative estimate, at least $30,000 a day in feeding, housing and rehabilitating the addicts, would not want to keep any one of them longer than is necessary. Now, coming to the other point as to the possibilities of releasing them on a personal bond, here again we must be guided by the overall objective of the rehabilitation programme. If the overall objective is to ensure as far as is practicable that he kicks the habit, then if we release him on a personal bond to his family, are we doing the family any good? Our studies have shown that in cases where parents and relatives have lost control and where there is insufficient parental care, there is a high degree of reversion to drugs. Those who are released prematurely under these circumstances where it is very difficult for the parents to supervise will be relapse cases.”
“Sir, I thank the Member for raising this question because, as he has pointed out, there is some concern expressed by the next-of-kin, wives and parents of DRC detainees, and this gives me an opportunity to explain the position. As to the period for which they may be detained, this varies from nine to 36 months, depending on the degree of addiction. As the Member knows, there are two review committees headed by doctors to review the case to ascertain whether he has kicked the habit so that he can be released. As to the different types and programmes of DRC rehabilitation, there are about five stages. The first stage consists of detoxification. After that there is a stage of recuperation and orientation. Thirdly, there is a programme of indoctrination where he is inculcated with the lessons on the dangers of drug addiction and the consequences. Then there is the fourth stage of physical training which gives them physical exercises to make them physically fit so that they are not only mentally but physically alert. It is during this stage that they, in fact, look healthy, put on more weight and, therefore understandably, the relatives who come to visit them feel, from a layman's point of view, that their relatives must be cured because they look so well. The fifth stage until release is a programme of work and training them in some employment or skill so that upon release, together with the day release scheme, they will be usefully employed, lead straight paths, be gainfully employed and are not likely to revert to the drug habit. I fully understand the point made by the Member as to the concern expressed by relatives. What can we do?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the question posed by the Member is an interesting one, whether the propensity to drug addiction has any significant relationship to our family planning policies. While I do not have figures with me now, I can inform him that both the Minister and myself have had extensive discussions with the officials in charge of the running of these drug rehabilitation centres and officials in SANA. The interesting point is that many of the drug addicts come from large families where insufficient attention and parental care has been given to the children with the result that there are many dropouts, lack of education and leads them to bad company and so on. This is not to say that the point and fear as expressed by him is completely without foundation. But, at the moment, the characteristics and profile of the drug addict in Singapore shows that he comes from a large family with insufficient parental care, dropout from education at an early stage. So combating this problem requires cooperation and support from all sectors of the population to augment Government efforts.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I briefly respond to the point made by the hon. Member for Whampoa about drug rehabilitation provisions? I take his point to be this: have we been relatively successful in combatting the problem and, if we are, then why is there no corresponding decrease in the number of manpower? The answer to the question is that over the years we have been successful in combatting the problem. Some indicators are: in 1977 when we first had Operation Ferret, there were an estimated 13,000 heroin addict population. Now the estimated heroin addict population is 6,200. In 1977, the monthly admission rate to the DRC was 590. Now it is about 220. And the ratio of new to old addicts, in 1977 it was 2 : 1; now it is 1 : 4. We have other indicators. The point, however, which needs to be emphasized is that the drug menace is a continuing one in that we cannot hope to completely eradicate the danger. So there has to be continuing vigilance which requires a considerable manpower in enforcement, detection, obtaining information both within the country as well as on persons who may try and slip in through different checkpoints. There also needs to be manpower in the drug rehabilitation centres themselves, although figures show that the number of now addicts is going down. As the number of new addicts goes down, we will over the years have a residual problem of relapse cases, hardcore addicts, which require more intensive and thorough rehabilitative processes. With those comments, I hope the Member for Whampoa will be satisfied.”
“Sir, I have taken note of the points made by the hon. Member. First, he has referred to the points he made in last year's debate on this Head and the point he made then to the Minister for Law was to be more tight-fisted in the application of our criteria with regard to approvals t? foreigners to purchase bungalows, semi-detached houses and terrace houses. Certain figures were given last year, He wants to know whether the Minister for Law has been "well-behaved" since then. This will presumably have to be demonstrated by figures for 1983. Can I assure the Member that these figures will be collated and will be presented to him. I think if he looks at the figures he will be satisfied that the Ministry has, in consultation with other relevant agencies, been circumspect in regard to granting approval for foreigners to purchase these landed properties. But these figures will be given to him as soon as they have been collated. As to the second and third questions concerning acquisition and sale of land policies and the different categories of tenure, 99 years, 999 years and so on, over a period of 20 years of acquisitions, this will also require a considerable information searching. I take his point and the questions of principle and issues which legitimately require answer. Can I assure him that these points will also be looked into and information will be supplied as soon as it is available.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not propose to labour the point. I have answered his questions. I have gone through the Standing Orders. Standing Orders permit him to ask any question. I have not seen any Standing Order which compels me to give him the information in the manner and in the breakdown in which he has sought. Of course, Mr Speaker,l am subject to your orders and your directions.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it is a fact known not only in Singapore but elsewhere that we have a full employment situation. And because we have a labour shortage, it is necessary to import large numbers of foreign workers. I see no reason in giving him any information more than what I have already supplied. What every Singaporean needs to know is that there is a large number of foreign workers, 150,000, and we have to have them temporarily. But in the long-term economic and social interest, they will have to be phased out. The Government will phase them out. But while they are here, the Government will take strong measures to ensure that they do not sink roots here, whether or not the Member for Anson takes up cases for them for extensions and marriage restrictions or advances exceptions to policy and special circumstances for foreign workers to sink roots here. He may advance the cause of foreign workers but we as a Government have to be firm.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I think he should know that the wages paid to foreign workers or local workers are determined by market forces. They are not paid by the Government. Secondly, as to when can we give the information, I see no reason whatsoever in deploying large numbers of my staff from whatever work they are doing and to spend time, money and expensive computer time in churning out the information just for the gratification of the Member's debating or publicity desires. Even if the figures are available, I doubt whether any useful purpose is met in giving these to him. We have had previous instances where my Ministry or other Ministries had laboured to give figures. Has he proved himself responsible? Has he used the figures for public interest, in Singapore's interest? On the contrary, the record has shown that he is out to embarrass Singapore internationally with his attempt to fabricate, even concoct, figures for the international press about thousands starving in Singapore. Did he then come to the House to ask for figures? Did he ask for figures before he gave that interview? So, Mr Speaker, Sir, no over-riding public interest is advanced in my Ministry spending a large amount of its manpower and time in giving him the figures.”
“The Industrial Health Unit of the Ministry has anticipated this matter. A project team comprising representatives from relevant Government bodies was appointed in 1980 in the planning stage of the complex to ensure inter alia that adequate steps are taken to safeguard the health of workers. As a result of the team's recommendations, measures were incorporated into plant designs to minimise the risk of emission or leakage of hydrocarbons, thereby reducing the exposure of workers to these chemicals. The various plants in the complex have also been required to implement a monitoring programme to ensure that these control measures are effective. Finally, workers who are exposed to certain harmful hydrocarbons are also required to undergo pre-employment and annual medical examinations. Official Report - MAIN AND DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL 1984 to 31ST MARCH 1985 (Cols. 881 - 884) schedule - STATISTICS OF PERSONAL INCOME TAX ASSESSED FOR YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1982 (Cols. 885 - 886)”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member has asked two questions - whether any steps have been taken by the unions concerned to recover the monies. The answer is obvious - obviously yes, as the figures themselves demonstrate. Secondly, he has resurrected his question of a commission of inquiry, which was fully answered by the Prime Minister. And to summarize the Prime Minister's answer, a commission of inquiry can be held if the Member's purpose is to insinuate cover-ups or that anybody has been let off. But if the purpose is to traverse grounds and evidence with respect to the charges against Mr Phey Yew Kok, that will be sub judice and a written Opinion of the Attorney-General was circulated in this House. Mr Jeyaretnam rose - 3.30 pm”
“364) with regard to which a caveat has been lodged. The action is pending by the Unions concerning the property in question. But I am not, in this House, going to divulge the details which must be left to the Unions and which only can be divulged with the consent of the Unions concerned.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, first of all, I am indeed surprised that he himself has raised the matter of having wrongly addressed the Question to the Prime Minister. We know his insatiable desire to be equated with the Prime Minister but I thought he would be very embarrassed to find that he has directed it to the wrong Minister and that the person in charge of Labour is myself. So it is no surprise to him and to the House that the matter was redirected to the Minister for Labour. Second, Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not really see any usefulness in going into the details because the Member for Anson, quite obviously, in pursuing these tedious questions over two years has the objective of casting a slur or smear that there has been a cover-up and he has tried to create a myth, an impression, that only when he asks a Question that the Government begins to take action on this matter. So for the record, we should make it clear that long before he set foot in this Chamber and long before he espoused any interest on this subject, the Government has taken action to investigate, apprehend and prosecute the wrongdoers. And that record has to be emphasized to rebut the objective of his Question. I have already mentioned the sums recovered. The details of the processes whereby these sums are recovered are matters left to the Unions and their solicitors. I do not think that this Chamber is the proper place for me to disclose the details of the various legal steps which the Unions are taking in consultation with the solicitors. The figures speak for themselves. They have been very successful in recovering close to 80% of the sums missing or lost. The Prime Minister did mention a property in the March 1982 answer (Hansard, 3 March 1982 (Vol. 41, Col.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, our couns must have as a priority different tasks, and also the Member for Anson is unaware of the trends in administrative law in other countries where it is impossible to have administrative action reviewed individually by the courts or by the setting up of tribunals which will result in a tremendous delay. Adequate safeguards exist. The Member for Anson must also know that under the system of administrative law which we have inherited and which operates in Singapore, any person who feels that the exercise of administrative action is contrary to the law can have it reviewed in a court of law. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Prof. S. Jayakumar]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. SUBSCRIPTION TO ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK AUTHORISED CAPITAL STOCK 3.34 pm”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, first, the point raised by the Member for Toa Payoh who asked whether, under the proposed section relating to conditions and payment of security deposit, my Ministry will consider utilization of these provisions to ensure that the licensed employment agencies will meet their obligation for wages. This is not provided for in this Bill, and without giving a definitive answer I would like to thank him for his suggestion and will assure him that the Ministry will take this into consideration when the regulations are drawn up for the security deposit and the framing of the different conditions. I should add that the major objective of the proposal for a security deposit is to ensure that cost of repatriation will be forthcoming should they be stranded here. But I would nevertheless look into the suggestion which he has made. Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not propose to deal at length with the points raised by the Member for Anson for these are points which he has raised on diverse occasions relating to similar provisions in other Bills. He has asked why do we not provide for appeal to the courts. We have many instances of analogous legislation where administrative and ministerial decisions have to be taken, and taken fairly expeditiously. If all appeals against administrative and ministerial decisions are to go by way of appeal to the courts, obviously our courts will be completely bogged down with reviewing administrative decisions. They will have no time to deal with pressing matters, such as people charged with bicycle theft, assault on taxi drivers, commissions of contempt of court, deceiving creditors, and so on.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I had to refresh my memory of the Budget debate last year in preparation for the Second Reading of this Bill, and so I am familiar with the very exhaustive debate which took place during the Budget debate where the hon. Member spoke and expressed his criticisms of the factory designated doctor scheme. I am also aware that the then Minister for Labour had also given a very exhaustive reply upon which I could not possibly hope to improve. Suffice it for me to say, Mr Speaker, Sir, only two points. First, the hon. Member need not fear that this scheme will create a cartel because he and other medical practitioners are also free to enrol for the factory designated doctor course. Secondly, I would like to inform him that like him, other doctors had also initially expressed reservations about this scheme. But it would interest him and others to know that during the first course on occupational medicine which the National Productivity Board conducted, the NPB also conducted a survey amongst the 30 doctors who attended the course. 90% of them found the course useful to their work and 87% even said that they would recommend the course to fellow medical practitioners which, I think, proves that such training is indeed perceived to be useful and necessary even by those who initially had reservations. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Prof S. Jayakumar]. Bill considered in Committee. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Clause 1 -”
“Resolved, "That the Companies (Amendment) Bill be committed to a Select Committee consisting of the Speaker as Chairman and seven Members to be nominated by the Committee of Selection." - [Prof. S. Jayakumar].”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to thank the hon. Member for Toa Payoh for his comments on the Bill, in particular, clause 53. I have noted his points with regard to this clause. May I inform Members of the House that this clause 53, in seeking to amend section 292, actually takes into account proposals which were made by the NTUC about 1 1/2 years ago. I take it that the hon. Member for Toa Payoh is not in disagreement with the amendments, but he seeks to make further improvements and to bring in additional safeguards which he considers necessary. According to my notes, he has really proposed three safeguards, or three additional amendments. First, he has proposed to amend section 292, subsection (1), paragraph (b), to extend the period of four months to one year. The second amendment, I take it, is to extend the meaning of "salary" in that section to include any payment by way of gratuity or retrenchment benefit or provident fund contributions, subject to an over-riding limitation of five months' salary. His third amendment, I understand, is to require, as a condition for the registration of a company without a minimum amount of capital that is reasonably substantial, to show proof of its ability to meet its obligations to its employees, such as, as he has suggested, a banker's guarantee. Mr Speaker, Sir, in view of the fact that I have mentioned that it is proposed to refer this Bill to a Select Committee, perhaps it is best that we take cognizance of the three points made by the Member for Toa Payoh and to assure him that each of these three points will be examined very carefully by the Select Committee. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time.”
“That is precisely the kind of intimidation that I am referring to, where persons who want to form a house union are intimidated and threatened against supporting the idea of a house union. It is those kinds of threats and intimidation that the Member for Anson should seek to have publicly denounced in this House. BILLS INTRODUCED 3.10 pm INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Institute of Education Act (Chapter 176 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister of State of Education (Dr Tay Eng Soon); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. CRIMINAL PROCEDURE CODE (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Criminal Procedure Code (Chapter 113 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister of State for Law (Prof. S. Jayakumar); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Road Traffic Act (Chapter 92 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister for Home Affairs (Mr Chua Sian Chin); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Employment Agencies Act (Chapter 244 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Acting Minister for Labour (Prof. S. Jayakumar); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. FIRST SUPPLEMENTARY DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1983 TO 31ST MARCH, 1984 (Paper Cmd. 1 of 1984) 3.13 pm Order read for consideration in Committee of Supply [Allotted Day]. [Mr Speaker in the Chair]”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we again have the Member for Anson resorting to his usual parliamentary tactic of wild allegations without substantiation. I have just said that the Government will strongly promote the formation of house unions. There has been no instance of anyone being forced to have a house union. On the contrary, some unscrupulous and irresponsible leaders have resorted to intimidation and threats to prevent the genuine formation of house unions. It is that kind of intimidation which exists in isolated cases with regard to which the Ministry of Labour will take a strong stand. If he has specific details of anybody being forced to have a house union, then can he substantiate his allegation in this House now?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Anson has raised two questions. The first arises from his not having listened to the answer which I have just given and, that is, for whose benefit the house union is intended to promote. I took care to explain that the rationale of house unions is to precisely promote the benefit of workers as well as to promote the nexus between management and labour, which nexus will also bring about greater productivity, greater profits which in turn will be shared by the workers. And so the answer is clear - it benefits both the company and their management. The second question relates to the procedure of decision-making. The answer to that obviously must be that the decisions are taken in accordance with the rules and constitution of each union.”
“There are also coordinated joint activities involving all clubs such as a Boys' Club Military Band and a Police Boys' Club Camp. The clubs also organise educational and cultural activities and participate in community and constituency projects, such as visits to the Singapore Science Centre, visits to Homes for the Aged to help in their cleaning and maintenance, and participation in Civil Defence projects and in various activities of Residents' Committees. It is too early to assess the usefulness of the clubs as six of the 8 clubs are less than a year old. The early indications are that the clubs are useful. The police officers in all clubs are respected by the boys and a close relationship and trust between them has developed. A number of cases of indiscipline and potential delinquency involving the members were brought to the attention of the police and remedial action was taken promptly. Many parents have also on their own accord brought their sons to enrol in the clubs which demonstrates their confidence in the clubs. KANDANG KERBAU HOSPITAL (Upgrading of services and facilities) 8. Mr Rohan bin Kamis asked the Minister for Health what are the plans to upgrade the services and facilities of Kandang Kerbau Hospital for the convenience of both the public and the staff and is he aware that the condition of the consultation rooms of the specialists clinics is poor and that the current renovations of the hospital wards are disruptive to the services as well as inconvenient to the public.”
“The day-to-day activities of each Boys' Club are organised and controlled by 5 Police officers - one Sergeant and 4 others who are either Corporals or Constables. These 5 officers are engaged in these duties on a full-time basis. The main reasons for the establishment of Boys' Clubs by the Singapore Police Force are: (1) to help channel the energy of youths towards healthy sports, recreational and social activities which will inculcate correct values, develop character and leadership qualities, protect them from undesirable peer group influences and thereby pre-empt them from indulging in delinquency; (2) to identify youths with problems that could potentially lead them into delinquency and to ensure that such youths receive help and counselling from police officers and volunteer social workers with the objective of preventing alienation from the mainstream of society. There is a close link between juvenile delinquency and crime. By helping society tackle the problem of juvenile delinquency, the Police will also achieve another primary objective - that of reducing crime. It also serves to forge closer links and rapport between the community and the police. The response to the Boys' Clubs has been overwhelming. To date, 6,575 boys have joined the clubs. This is an increase of 80% from the initial membership of 3,658 when the clubs were formed. 72% of them are between the age group of 12 and 15 years. A number of them are premature school-leavers, an important group of young people who need proper guidance so that they are not led astray in their crucial formative years. The activities organised include regular games such as badminton, soccer, roller skating, table-tennis, carroms, swimming, jogging, hiking, Tae-Kwon-Do and boxing.”
“For example, the number of robberies was down by 9%, housebreakings by 29%, thefts of motor-vehicle by 16% and molestation cases by 44%. Thirdly, out of 384 persons who were detained or prosecuted for various criminal offences, several were, in fact, persons wanted by the Police in connection with serious offences including firearm offences, robbery, housebreaking, rape, secret society activities and drug offences. Arrests were also made for offences discovered during the operations. Weapons, including 3 firearms, were also recovered. Publicity through the mass media was essential. First, the Police were seen to be effective through intensive patrols and checks. Secondly, in a major operation like this, it was desirable to inform the public of the operation so that they would fully understand the rationale and would not be alarmed by the increased police presence. Such awareness through publicity helped the Police to gain the unprecedented cooperation and understanding of the public when they were subjected to checks or were delayed at a roadblock. BOYS' CLUBS (Progress Report) 7. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Home Affairs if he will give a progress report on the Boys' Clubs which have been established, setting out the reasons for the establishment, the extent of membership and his Ministry's assessment of the usefulness of these Clubs. The Acting Minister for Home Affairs (Prof. S. Jayakumar): Since June 1982, eight Boys' Clubs have been formed in eight constituencies, namely, MacPherson, Bedok, Tanjong Pagar, Kuo Chuan, Kim Seng, Ang Mo Kio, Jurong and Bukit Merah. Each Club has a Management Committee comprising civic group leaders, police representatives, representatives of People's Association and representatives of the boys.”
“Jayakumar): There was a sudden upsurge in crimes, particularly robberies, housebreakings and thefts of motor-vehicles for the first 10 months of this year as compared to the same period in 1982. In recent months, the situation had been aggravated by the occurrence of several violent crimes in which firearms were used. A feeling of insecurity and unease among the public was developing. Police therefore had to respond, and decided to launch a series of intensive island-wide anti-crime operation code-named 'Operation Senjata'. This was timed for the festive season, when crime could be expected to increase. The overall objective was to keep up pressure on potentially criminal groups, to emphasise our efforts to maintain law and order and to serve as a reminder to criminal elements that tough action will be taken against them. The specific objectives were: (a) to increase police presence on the ground and thereby help strengthen the feeling of public security and order; (b) to intensify discreet checks in locations which have been found to have habitually attracted criminals, and thereby deter crime; (c) to intensify efforts in apprehending specific targets wanted in connection with major offences committed in recent months. The operation was certainly a success in meeting these objectives. First, the operation which deployed uniformed officers drawn from the Divisional Police, Police Task Force, Volunteer Special Constabulary and non-operational Commands, had increased public perception of Police presence and enhanced public confidence. Secondly, a comparison of crime figures for the 3 weeks before and after the launching of Operation Senjata, showed that the operation had deterred criminals from committing various offences.”
“It is undesirable to divulge the quantum of compensation as the person involved may wish to have this information kept confidential. In deciding on the quantum of compensation, the circumstances of each case are considered carefully and the factors taken into account by the Ministry of Labour include the length of employment, the work attitude of the employee, prospects of finding alternate employment with similar salary and service condition, apportionment of blame for the dismissal and gravity of the employee's misconduct, if any. The amount of compensation awarded to the dismissed employee in the case mentioned by the MP for Anson did take into account the abovementioned factors. The quantum of compensation is deemed adequate. The Employment Act does not prescribe the quantum of compensation which the Minister can order. Section 14(4) of the Employment Act allows the Minister either to order compensation for the unfairly dismissed employee or the employer to reinstate him. In this particular case, my Ministry did not consider reinstatement as an appropriate remedy. This is because relationship between the employer and employee had already been soured to such an extent that reinstatement could only lead to suspicion, further friction and potential for yet another dispute. results - NATIONAL RESULTS FOR ALL SUBJECTS FROM 1980-1982 (ENGLISH STREAM) (Cols. 267 - 272) QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER (Not reached by 3.30 p.m.) OPERATION SENJATA 6. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Home Affairs if he will give the reasons for launching Operation Senjata and an evaluation of the operation, and whether the publicity which accompanied the operation was necessary. The Acting Minister for Home Affairs (Prof. S.”
“Jul 71 - Aug (Ulu the Holy See, and the 73 Pandan) European Communities Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, Apr 78 - Apr 82 Present Appointment, May 82 - to-date 2 Mr J.F. Indonesia Ambassador to the Union Conceicao of Soviet Socialist (Katong) Republics, Jul 77 - Apr 81 Present Appointment, Apr 81 - to-date 3 Mr A. Rahim New Zealand Ambassador to Indonesia, Ishak Dec 74 - Jun 77 (Siglap) Present Appointment, Jul 81 - to-date 4 Mr Jek Yeun United Kingdom, High Commissioner to the Thong Denmark and Ireland United Kingdom, (Queenstown) Oct 77 - to-date The terms and conditions of service for Members of Parliament who are Ambassadors are the same as those accorded to Ambassadors who are career or contract officers. PETROCHEMICAL PROJECT 5. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for Finance and Minister for Trade and Industry how much Singapore money has been sunk into the Petrochemical project and in view of the present oversupply of petrochemical capacity, what does he estimate the internal rate of return on the investment to be.”