Saidi Haji Shariff
Singapore
“Here, I wish to give my support to the proposal made by the Member for Kolam Ayer on the establishment of DANAMIS (Dana Amanah Masyarakat Islam Singapura) or the Singapore Muslim Trust Fund whereby the CPF provide a scheme to enable Muslim workers to make monthly contributions which could be withdrawn at the retirement age of 55 for the p…”
“To ask the Minister for Home Affairs what steps are being taken (i) to reduce the number of traffic accidents along the Pan-Island Expressway and East Coast Parkway; and (ii) to stop or prevent hell drivers and riders from using the roads and expressways as racing tracks.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Hon. Minister has given very impressive figures and I am sure they are true. Anyway, I would just like to say that Kaki Bukit Constituency is very big and Bedok New Town is also a very big town. Kaki Bukit Constituency consists of at least three neighbourhoods.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to assure the Hon. Minister that we as Backbenchers do take an overall picture of the whole problem before we bring up residents' complaints to this House. And I would like to assure him that for me I always abide by the advice given by our Leader of the House on 3rd Feb- ruary, 1981. In Hansard, Vol.”
“A supplementary question, Sir. May I ask the Minister if he will just give an elaboration of what are the problems or difficulties faced by the Construction Brigade? And can I come to the conclusion that those who join the Construction Brigade have benefited very much from their whole experience in the Construction Brigade?”
“Sir, I stand to be corrected. I would like to urge the Minister to seriously consider, in line with the efforts of the Muslim community, to upgrade the achievements of our Malay students in education.”
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“Here, I wish to give my support to the proposal made by the Member for Kolam Ayer on the establishment of DANAMIS (Dana Amanah Masyarakat Islam Singapura) or the Singapore Muslim Trust Fund whereby the CPF provide a scheme to enable Muslim workers to make monthly contributions which could be withdrawn at the retirement age of 55 for the purpose of performing the Haj pilgrimage. On that note, Sir, I give my support to the Motion that the Report of the Committee on the Problems of the Aged be adopted after appropriate amendments have been made to the recommendations, taking into consideration the views expressed by the House. 5.20 pm”
“Let us assume that a son has been asked to contribute part of his hard-earned income to the family business on the irrevocable understanding that he would be entitled to the sum invested plus all profits accruing by a certain time in his life. Then imagine the consternation when he is told that the operating withdrawal date has been altered because he is either expected to live longer now or that there is a strong possibility that he may squander his newfound "fortune" in bad investments. Can one imagine what frustrations he must feel because the promise or the word given is broken? No valid arguments will assuage his anger or his unhappiness. This is an unhealthy trend, as it brings into disrepute any element of credibility that may be called for in a governing body, in this case, the Government itself. Another example is with regard to Muslim workers who have hopes and have made plans to perform their obligatory duty of going to Mecca at least once in their life-time. After having worked for many years, the withdrawal of their CPF at the retirement age of 55 years would enable them to go on pilgrimage for which it is desirable that they are physically fit so that they could perform their prayers and other compulsory religious rites among the millions of Muslims who gather together during the Haj period annually at the Holy Land of Mecca. May I therefore urge the Government to retain the present withdrawal age for CPF savings or to allow partial withdrawal for the great benefit of the workers.”
“As it is, such organizations are already burdened by the need to recruit the necessary manpower to run these services. Let us not make their task impossible with the imposition of exorbitant rents or costs. Finally, I wish to touch upon the sentence in the whole Report which had resulted in so much controversy especially among the constituents who are on the fringe of retirement. I believe the Committee's rationale and reasoning are sound and valid but the whole controversy rests on the question of principles. The hallmark of a democracy, I believe, lies in the individual's freedom to opt or to choose. Those who vehemently oppose the proposal are those who are given the option to withdraw their CPF at the age of 55. The question of whether these sums would be squandered or foolishly invested did not arise, and I believe should not arise. After all, what statistics exist now to show the percentage of such squanderings? Thus I fully support the view that an option once exercised should remain irrevocable. Otherwise the credibility of the governing body is brought into question and doubts like the insidious virus it is seeks to undermine any future undertaking that rests on the element of trust. Perhaps, an alternative arrangement is possible. Those who wish to defer the withdrawal age of their CPF, because they believe in the validity of the Committee's arguments, should voluntarily re-exercise their option, otherwise the present arrangement should remain. The question of "old" and "new" money could be made operable, but again it must be left to the CPF holders concerned to exercise this option once the cut-off date is set. An analogy, perhaps, is apt.”
“As nothing is static, even the market forces may change in the future. What then? Can we then depend on the private sector to re-employ the elderly, especially those who are unskilled, when it is strictly profit-oriented? I believe that a certain amount of legislation is called for on the part of Government in order to ensure that the private sector honours its obligations even under stringent conditions. I also fully support that the law should impose an obligation on children to maintain their parents, for to honour one's father and mother invariably embodies a sense of filial piety. However, I personally feel that no son or daughter should be exempted from the duty of maintenance if the aged parents had been guilty of neglect in their earlier years. There could have been extenuating circumstances for such a neglect, and children of such parents should learn the valuable lesson of forgiveness. Thus I would propose that it be made obligatory for all children to maintain their aged parents. Should these elderly persons be confined in the homes for the aged sick, for instance, then the recovery of such payments from the persons liable (in the case of unfilial children) in the form of compulsory deductions from their CPF. While on the question of looking after our elderly, I agree with the proposal that community organizations and voluntary bodies provide social services. However, for most of these organizations, it is more a question of costs. Thus, if it is necessary for them to use void-decks, for instance, for the provision of such services, then it should be made incumbent on the HDB to charge them only token fees or rents instead of the present rates which are far too high.”
“The recommendation that the aged dependants' relief be increased to $2,000 is fully endorsed too as this will encourage the support of aged parents by the younger generation. Besides, with inflation and eroded monetary values, the sum of $2,000 can be construed as "token". I fully support the concept that the Government should assist in the management of only two types of Homes for the Aged, i.e. Homes for the Aged Sick and Homes for the Destitute. Evidently, even the family has a responsibility towards the aged in that they have to care for them if they are not ill and are physically and mentally fit. This act of filial piety will not be a problem now but it will soon be with the next generation who may have become tainted with alien values. It is proposed therefore that the relevant authorities step up the moral education and religious programmes in schools to ensure that they work out successfully . I agree wholeheartedly that society must change its attitude towards old age, for the elderly are far from being a burden. It is proper that Government should set the example and the pace by deferring the retirement age by liberally re-employing its employees beyond 60 and later beyond 65 in view of the rise in the average life span of a Singaporean. In other words, employment patterns must change. But will this work with the private sector in the absence of any legislation to force companies or firms to retain a certain percentage of the elderly workers who have passed the age of 55? Notwithstanding the market forces, the phasing out of our foreign workers will, it is believed, ensure ample vacancies in the work force for the employment of the elderly. We are still depending on the "goodness" of the private employers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Report of the Committee on the Problems of the Aged is a unique report. Depending on one's perspective, it is either not comprehensive enough or it can be summarized into one sentence! However, a close and unbiased look into the Report can but produce the inevitable conclusion that it is well written and fairly comprehensive, full of salient points about what we have to do with our greying gene- ration. The whole Committee deserves to be complimented on having put in so much effort in the compilation of the Report. Much of the recommendations in my view can perhaps be adopted in toto. A few may need minor adjustments and amendments before they too can be adopted. It is heartening to note that the Government has been given the role of being a kind of surrogate parents in that it has to set the pace for the necessary changes as embodied in the Overview of a National Policy for the Elderly. It is also welcome news that a Central Coordinating Department within the purview of the Prime Minister's Office has been recommended so that it can oversee the implementation of the national policy on senior citizens. I shall now turn my attention to a few specific issues arising out of the Report. The recommendation that the earned income relief be increased to $6,000 for taxpayers between the ages of 55 and 59, and thereafter to $12,000, has my fullest support although this may mean that because of reduced income, these senior citizens make no personal contribution to the income tax net. This is fair, as having served faithfully society for so long, they have already made sufficient sacrifice to the national budget.”
“(11) That the sum to be allocated for Head R be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead RE-02 of the Main Estimates.”
“To ask the Minister for Home Affairs what steps are being taken (i) to reduce the number of traffic accidents along the Pan-Island Expressway and East Coast Parkway; and (ii) to stop or prevent hell drivers and riders from using the roads and expressways as racing tracks.”
“Sir, I nave an amendment under No. (11). The previous speaker has raised the issue of marriage. Can I speak now because I would like to speak on the same topic?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to assure the Hon. Minister that we as Backbenchers do take an overall picture of the whole problem before we bring up residents' complaints to this House. And I would like to assure him that for me I always abide by the advice given by our Leader of the House on 3rd Feb- ruary, 1981. In Hansard, Vol. 40, No. 1, col. 9, he said: 'A bit of advice from an old hand should not hurt. No Member will stray from the straight and narrow path if he always lets his conscience be his guide.' It is always my conscience that pushes me to bring up the issues in Parliament.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, first of all, I would like to thank the Hon. Minister for all the answers that he has given to my questions. I stand to be corrected. I do not know whether the Minister has answered my question with regard to the kind of training provided for new taxi drivers. I accept his advice that I should not have light ears. But I would like to assure the Minister that I have caring ears. Perhaps I would like to quote the President's Address at the opening of this Parliament on 3rd February 1981. Hansard, Vol. 40, No. 1, col. 13, states: 'Members of this Parliament, especially those who are not constrained by ministerial office, have a duty to voice the view of their constituents, in committees, in questions and in debates. Nothing should be passed without thorough, critical, and open debate. Parliament must mirror the views, the hopes, the doubts and the fears of Singaporeans.' My residents may have wrong views, may have unrealistic fears, but it is my duty to reflect these in Parliament. And I hope the Hon. Minister perhaps could answer whatever questions that we have brought up rather than telling us not to have light ears.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Hon. Minister has given very impressive figures and I am sure they are true. Anyway, I would just like to say that Kaki Bukit Constituency is very big and Bedok New Town is also a very big town. Kaki Bukit Constituency consists of at least three neighbourhoods. I would like to inform him that, just to ascertain whether what he has said is true, my Citizens Consultative Committee is going to conduct a questionnaire survey, beginning from April to June to find out exactly from the residents what actually is the true situation of the taxi service and the bus service. I understand that there is a request by taxi drivers to have a taxi stand in my Constituency. I do not know what is the position. I was told that it was turned down. The residents believe that one of the ways to improve the taxi service is to provide a taxi stand in Bedok New Town, particularly in the Kaki Bukit Constituency.”
“At certain times the taxi does not arrive at the time requested but the driver still insists that the passenger pay the extra fare, Can we make sure that the taxi drivers do not ask for this extra fare if they come too late from the time they are requested by the passengers. 6.30 pm The second point I would like to bring up is the complaint repeatedly brought up by my constituents with regard to the feeder bus services which provide the common means of transport for residents in Kaki Bukit, particularly in moving from Neighbourhood 5 to 6 and 7 and thereabout. The feeder service is the most convenient way of travelling within the constituency and I have been using the feeder service to travel within the constituency most of the time, particularly during week-ends. The main complaint is that the buses are not regular. Sometimes they bunch up and come along with all the three buses together and the buses are normally crowded. When this is brought to the attention of SBS, there will be improvement but the same problem will crop up again. Two Sundays ago I was waiting for the feeder bus service to join my constituents. There was a big crowd at the bus stop and one of the old men mentioned to me, "On Sundays, only four buses are being used for the feeder bus service." I asked him how did he know about this. He showed me a pass that he is a bus driver himself. So he knows. On Sundays and week-ends, only four buses are used. Therefore, all the buses will be full with passengers. Only on other days are more buses being used. I hope the Ministry will look into the whole matter and to ensure that the feeder service is always efficient and that it meets the demands of the public.”
“At certain times I have also come across young taxi drivers who having been just issued with their driving licences were faced with difficulties in deciding which was the best route to take and in locating my destination. May I ask the Hon. Minister if he will inform the House on how the Ministry makes its selection from among the thousands of applicants suitable candidates to be issued with taxi licences. What kind of training is provided for these taxi drivers before they are allowed to drive the taxis? Is age limit imposed on the qualification for taxi licences? Are taxi drivers subject to regular medical check-ups to ensure that they do not carry with them communicable diseases and that they are medically or physically fit to drive taxis safely? It is true that taxis are scarce and difficult to get at certain periods, particularly during peak hours in the city areas and also on week-ends, such as Saturday afternoons or evenings and also on Sundays as well as public holidays. My constituents have always complained about difficulties in getting taxis and the radio service is mostly engaged most of the time during these periods I have mentioned. The Ministry must seriously consider ways and means to encourage taxi drivers to ply their taxis during periods of high demand. I believe that with the addition of taxis run by SBS and the Singapore Commuter to the Comfort fleet of taxis and the Yellow-tops, there are a sufficient number of taxis operating in Singapore and therefore the Ministry should come out with a plan to further improve the whole taxi service. The radio phone service is the most convenient but not necessarily the most effective way of getting taxis, even though there is the need to pay an extra $3 as booking fee.”
“Sir, contrary to the many complaints brought up by members of the public against taxi drivers, vis-a-vis our taxi service, I found that from the past three years' experience of travelling daily by taxi that our taxis are generally clean and comfortable. I will continue to travel by taxis because I find it to be convenient and inexpensive. I have always been able to keep my appointment in time to attend meetings or functions. It is only a matter of waiting at the right place to get your taxi, or planning your journey ahead of time and make the necessary arrangement of booking for the taxi at the required time and place. I wish to commend and express my appreciation to all our taxi drivers who have provided a reliable and efficient service. But I feel there is room for improvement which I hope the Ministry of Communications will give due consideration. Taxi drivers represent a cross-section of our Singaporeans from different occupational backgrounds, particularly among those who are driving on a part-time basis. They are generally polite and ready to please the passengers so long as we, the passengers, are not too demanding or appear discourteous to them. They always give the impression that they want to send us to our destination as quickly as possible so that they could get other passengers within the period of time that they are scheduled to use the taxis. From the informal casual conversations with them, I gather that they enjoy the extra earnings that they are receiving. But from time to time I come across old drivers who appear to me to be having difficulties in driving as reflected by their trembling hands in controlling the driving wheels and struggling to seek their direction because of their poor eye sight.”
“In fact, many of the flats have been completed. So I hope this can be implemented as early as possible.”
“When will the two-way loop service be implemented, Sir?”
“A supplementary question, Sir. May I ask the Minister if he will just give an elaboration of what are the problems or difficulties faced by the Construction Brigade? And can I come to the conclusion that those who join the Construction Brigade have benefited very much from their whole experience in the Construction Brigade?”
“Sir, I stand to be corrected. I would like to urge the Minister to seriously consider, in line with the efforts of the Muslim community, to upgrade the achievements of our Malay students in education. Perhaps SBC could conduct a series of forums or discussion by a certain professional on family education, such as how to bring up children, conduct a discussion on education for children at home, and so on. I hope the Minister can consider it seriously.”
“What is most important to deter war is for us to always be prepared to go into battle, small though our country may be. Let the other countries wake up to the fact that small we may be but take heed because people who eat the small red pepper feel a burning sensation. I hope the Ministry of Defence will take note of the points that I have raised.”
“What are the criteria that qualifies a person to be called up to serve in the National Service? I hope the Hon. Minister can elucidate on this matter so that I can relay such information to those who have not been selected to serve in the National Service. The involvement of every citizen in the efforts to prepare ourselves for the defence of the nation through National Service should be a life-long commitment. Has the Ministry of Defence plans for every National Serviceman to serve on a life-long basis after he has completed 2 1/2 years' stint, followed by 12 years as a reservist? With this, I congratulate every one of our leaders and also every member of the Defence Ministry staff for their unstinting efforts and dedication to oversee the safety and defence of the nation and people. The defence of the country not only requires manpower resources but also modern and sophisticated military hardware. As such, I hope that the Defence Ministry will strive to ensure that the weaponry that we use are the most effective in keeping with scientific and technological advances. I am sure we possess the wherewithal to purchase the most up-to-date weapons although they may cost millions of dollars, And I am sure every member of the society is prepared to make material or monetary contributions to support the Government to acquire modern military paraphernalia which are really needed in this age of science and technology. I give my wholehearted support to the Defence Ministry to purchase such equipment like the E-2C or the Hawkeye so as to enable us to constantly confront any would-be aggressor or from wherever our enemy may come to destroy our nation and people. There is no necessity for us to determine who our enemies are, as suggested by the Member for Anson just now.”
“Sir, the Ministry of Defence was established 17 years ago. In its infant age, I am confident that it has the capability to fulfill its task of defending our nation. And with the total defence programme that is now being advocated, every citizen, and in fact all citizens can involve themselves directly or indirectly in all the five branches of defence according to their respective ability. The involvement of every stratum of society is essential in the defence of our country from any attack, be it from within and without. In view of the smallness of our island and its population, it is fundamental that we maintain our cohesiveness as a Singaporean society and a strong sense of loyalty ever ready to lay our lives and property in defence of our nation's sovereignty. In truth, we must be prepared to take part in every battle in any kind of war that threatens the safety of our nation. At all times we should uphold the mono that we will not surrender until the last man in our defence line is killed. I am sure that every member of our multi-racial society possesses the qualities that I mentioned earlier when it comes to the crunch. This has been evidenced and demonstrated when we are enjoying peace and tranquillity in our country, the enthusiasm shown by our youths to come forward and participate in the defence of the nation. In fact, many of our parents are desirous that their sons be inducted into the National Service. This is noticeable to me because the youths or their parents manifest frustration when they or their sons are not called up or selected to serve in the National Service. They are concerned for not being called up although they themselves feel that they are healthy and fit.”
“Yes, plastic covers, I mean. Or plastic liners. Many shophouses and factories and big firms are using these plastic covers for covering the rubbish and so on. I do not see why the HDB cannot use these plastic bags or plastic liners. Secondly, you have not answered one of my questions. What has happened to the plan of the HDB to start mechanizing cleaning operations in view of the shortage of labour?”
“Sir, I stand to be corrected. I do not understand the statement of the Minister just now when he said that when the HDB introduces the use of plastic bags, the HDB may have to engage an employee to look after these plastic bags. Is he implying that our Singaporean residents cannot be trusted and that they will steal the plastic bags from the HDB?”
“The Area Office is now considering the installation of fans in the market after a request has been made by the Citizens' Consultative Committee. The point that I would like to stress here is that there is a need for HDB to plan carefully the construction of new markets and engage reliable contractors, particularly in public places and which are frequented by our residents daily. It is also necessary for the HDB to upgrade the facilities of older markets for the benefit of our residents. 4.45 pm Finally, Sir, as a resident of Telok Blangah estate, I wish to lend support to the Member for Telok Blangah with regard to the need for HDB to change the TV aerial to improve the reception of Channel 12 in his estate. I hope he would also consider providing the same facilities of improving the TV aerial for the residents of Bedok North HDB estate.”
“Perhaps the HDB has resorted to the use of contract workers because it is cheaper. What has happened to the HDB's plan to mechanize or robotize the whole system of maintaining the cleanliness of flats in view of the shortage of labour? On our part, particularly the Residents Committees and the Citizens' Consultative Committee as well as the Block Committees, we will continue to persuade the residents to refrain from littering or throwing rubbish all over the housing estate. In fact, campaigns have been conducted to encourage residents to use plastic bags for the disposal of their rubbish. The response has been encouraging but it would have been more encouraging if the HDB itself set the example by ensuring that its own rubbish bins under the rubbish chutes and rubbish carts are lined with plastic liners. The plastic liners or bags could be tied up, thereby preventing the smell of rubbish from polluting the fresh environmental air of the estate and also the dirty fluid leaking from the rubbish bin and the can. Hence, I would like to urge the HDB to accept my suggestion even though it would incur some cost to the HDB. Recently, the ceiling of a market/food centre at Block 630 Bedok Reservoir Road suddenly fell and injured at least two residents. The market has been functioning for about a year only, I raise this incident to illustrate the lack of effective maintenance of these public places apart from the poor workmanship on the part of contractors who built the market. Another market/food centre at Block 511 Bedok North Avenue 2 is also in a poor state of affairs in view of its old age. The market has poor ventilation and need proper lighting as well as fans.”
“Sir, in response to my question for Oral Answer on 22nd December, 1981, the Hon. Minister replied that to improve the water pressure in the top floor units of apartment blocks, the HDB would install additional distribution mains and additional down-feed stainless steel pipes to the topmost two floors in Neighbourhoods 5, 6 and 7 of Bedok North beginning in March 1982. The HDB has indeed carried out the work as planned but the water pressure has not really improved. Many of these flats, particularly in Neighbourhoods 6 and 7, are quite new and the indoor water pipes could not therefore become encrusted with sediments if the HDB had installed good quality or the right type of water pipes. It has been announced by the Public Utilities Board that the water supply to the eastern part of Singapore will be from the Seletar River through the Bedok Reservoir and that it has a higher corrosive content. Thus, in no time all residents in Kaki Bukit constituency will be affected and the water pressure will be worsened. Would the Minister give details of the plan, if any, on how the HDB intend to help the residents in overcoming the above situation? Perhaps the HDB should undertake to change the indoor pipes of all the flats. In answering the Members' queries and complaints, the Minister on 23rd March 1981, stated that the HDB's cleaning work force consists of 50% HDB's own employees and 50% contract workers. It has been found that flats under the care and maintenance of HDB employees are generally cleaner than those assigned to contract workers. It appears that HDB workers do a better cleaning job than contract workers. Is it not possible for HDB to have 100% of the cleaners under its own employment and direct supervision?”
“Considering the healthy state of our economy as presented by the Budget Statement, enabling the Government to grant tax rebates and enhanced tax reliefs, it is perhaps appropriate that the Ministry review the resettlement compensation rates again and increase it in view of the announcement that the price of flats will be increased again this year. Sir, I am not flogging a dead horse. Whatever happened at Kaki Bukit perhaps could not be undone as it is in the lapse of resettlement. In response to my appeal in this House on 23rd March 1981, the Minister stated: 'The HDB will consider the retention of these features if they are consistent with the over all development plan of the area.' I am curious to know what are these features to be retained. I am also curious to know why there are still about 100 residents or families, according to my grassroots feedback report, who have not been allocated flats even though the Minister on 23rd October 1981, stated: '1,425 families have to be resettled to make way for the development of Kaki Bukit Estate. Resenlement of all affected families is .expected to be completed by 1983.' The Hon. Minister could perhaps give the present state of affairs. Anyway, I believe most residents affected owe a debt of gratitude to those Resettlement Department officers who have done their best to ensure a smooth and less painful removal to their new homes. However, the experience learnt could be worthwhile if the object lessons learnt here are used to benefit other estates yet to be resettled. Our Prime Minister has said that we should make resealement less painful and be more humane.”
“As a remedial measure, may I propose that in future resettlement cases, whatever department is ultimately responsible for the proper maintenance of the various physical facilities and the environment itself, the Resettlement Department be given the overall responsibility to oversee the situation so that no time is wasted in soliciting the necessary response from the departments concerned. To centralize authority in this way is good as it ensures that remedial measures are forthcoming without much undue delay. I wish to dwell a little now on another aspect of resenlement which has created some confusion and unhappiness among residents. Often they have to wait for a period of two to three years before they can be allocated their own flats as the flats are not yet available. This is so in the case of residents in Kaki Bukit Constituency who are affected by resenlement. Within such a time frame many unexpected things could have happened, arid often did happen. There were deaths, marriages and births. These subtractions and additions to the families affected their qualification for flats. Besides there was always the fear of yet another price rise. In fact, people affected by resenlement are allocated flats at a certain price while the remainder are allocated flats at different prices. To alleviate their anxiety, may I propose that the time frame be shortened and the actual price of flats be pegged to the actual cut-off date when the affected residents receive notices to quit. Furthermore, resettlement should not be announced and notice to quit the premises should not be given unless there are sufficient flats available for allocation to those affected within the shortest time possible.”
“Sir, the quotation "The buck stops here" should be adopted as a motto by a few Government Departments that exercise jurisdiction over the question of resettlement and the maintenance of the area that is undergoing resettlement. The way the buck has been passed around from department to department does not endear them to residents who, after the traumatic experience of being told that they would be resettled, have to stay behind until new homes are actually allocated to them. As a living example, I refer to the residents of Kaki Bukit Constituency who are affected by resettlement. No one disputed the necessity of resettlement within the context of national interest and national development. What caused some unhappiness among residents was the low standard of upkeep of the estate while the slow process of resettling people was under way. Thus, it was not rare to find residents having to share their abode with mosquitoes, snakes and flies. Whenever it poured, unwholesome lakes surfaced. Roads waiting for expansion stood in the meantime in glaring need of repairs. Faulty street lamps dimmed to add to the darkness. When the Citizens' Consultative Committee initiated remedial action, action was often deferred because no relevant department seemed to be in direct charge, leading to a wastage of time and lower quality of life. The real culprit behind all these is that the buck has been passed.”
“Sir, I have an amendment under Subhead TG-02 on the same subject. Can I speak now? It is amendment (7).”
“Thank you. I withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, may I have the assurance of the Minister that he will ask the committee which is responsible for naming schools to avoid naming schools according to their location, for example, Bedok West or Bedok North. Perhaps they can look for names which are more imaginative, which can inspire students, rather than by the most convenient way of naming schools according to their locations.”
“The iron brackets for hanging these screens which were fixed on top of the writing board in every class are awkward and unsightly to the eyes. They were not part of the package deal at the initial stage. Is this efficient and productive planning? There is room for improvement. I am all for new generation schools. But let them be tip-top in every way and up-to-date with present sophistication right from the beginning and right up to the last nail.”
“I contend that the grassroots leaders, surrogate parents though they may be, are the best people to name the schools as not only are these schools within the vicinity of their homes but, importantly, within the ambit of their hearts. While on the subject of mechanization, it is almost comic to note that the planners of schools sometimes forget their maps and directional apparatus, especially when they are planning schools within the housing estates. To illustrate my point, I propose to bring into focus two schools in Kaki Bukit Constituency, namely, Min Xin Primary School and Yu Neng Primary Schools. Both these schools are fronting a very narrow stretch of road where traffic poses a great hazard to the pupils. The net result was an access gate had to be built to direct student traffic and ensure a greater measure of safety. The same may have to be done to the latest addition of schools at Kaki Bukit Constituency, that of Damai Primary School and Bedok West Primary School. This does not speak well of productivity, does it? I am well aware of the concept of the lack of living and breathing space in the housing estate but must we subject our students to the concept of survival of the finest at such a tender age? This problem would not have arisen if planners had slightly more imagination and foresight. Last but not least, we are grateful for the provision of the now generation schools with the latest gadgets which were all supposed to be in place when these schools were conceived. Are they really, indeed? At Bedok North Secondary School they have sufficient overhead projectors and other audio-visual aids and equipment, but the projection screens were installed at a later date after the school had been functioning.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head L be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead LC-01 of the Development Estimates, Sir, Shakespeare once said or asked, "What's in a name?" Nothing much really, if one is talking about roses. I am not going to talk about roses. I am talking about schools and how each is named. And it is a somewhat thorny issue at that. It is the practice of the Ministry of Education to name schools as they are built. Evidently the people concerned are not averse to the rampant and almost indiscriminate use of location maps and compass when they come up with the names of newly born schools. This has led to very unimaginative and uninspiring names, such as Bedok West Primary School in Kaki Bukit Constituency. Will there be a Bedok East Primary School? Just how far West is West before we reach the East? With the changing of some constituency boundaries in the past as the need arises, we are landed with some misnomers too. Just to name a couple of examples which have led to a lot of confusion. Chai Chee Secondary School is at Upper East Coast Road, but the new East Coast Primary School is at Bedok North Road. It is time that the practice and "power" to name schools be placed in the hands of our grassroots leaders in each constituency. With the present trend towards knowing our heritage in our new History syllabus, what can be more inspiring than naming our schools after our famous heroes, leaders and places of great historical significance. We may be living in an era of computer chips but let us not lose the human touch. Let us stop being overtly mechanized in our approach and perspectives.”
“Sir, I hope the second language which is the mother tongue of our pupils will be taught properly and the standard will be maintained. With that, I thank the Minister of State of Education and I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head L be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead LB-04 of the Main Estimates. Sir, since the implementation of the 1978 Education Report, so much has been done to improve the school system and to introduce subjects such as Moral Education and Religious Knowledge. It is inevitable that changes have to be made whenever and wherever they are found to be necessary and essential. However controversial these changes are, I expect and hope that they are being done with the conscious belief that they are for the benefit of our society and in the national interest. It is my hope also, that every decision for any changes is made after careful analysis of the real facts, the figures and statistics drawn out from our past experience. One area of concern which I would like to raise is in respect of curriculum development and the writing of textbooks for subjects such as History, Islamic Religious Knowledge and Malay Language. Is it true that the History textbooks for primary schools cover only the history of Singapore's development from 1819 onwards and refer to the early history of the island briefly only as legendary stories of past kingdoms and empires? With regard to Islamic Religious Knowledge, what progress has been made in the development of the syllabus and textbooks? For the purpose of maintaining the standard of the Malay Language and also for its effective teaching, what has been done to provide enough reading and teaching materials which could help in the progress/development of the language? Perhaps in answering the questions, the Hon. Minister could inform the House of the problems and difficulties faced by the Ministry and the progress made in curriculum development and writing of textbooks for the subjects mentioned?”
“Sir, since the Minister has given the assurance that the National Stadium will not become a white elephant, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $36,014,840 for Head V ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $5,770,000 for Head V ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.”
“But later after the establishment of the "Kallang Roar" as a result of the Malaysia Cup matches, there was a feeling of satisfaction that the National Stadium was fully utilized. At present, I understand Singapore is not participating in the Malaysia Cup tournament. I therefore believe that it is only during such occasions that many Singaporeans visit the Stadium. May I know from the Minister what plans or steps are being taken by the SSC to ensure that the National Stadium will not turn out to be a white elephant?”
“I have the impression that there is no glamour or excitement or interest among our people to participate in these interconstituency tournaments. The number of spectators at most of these tournaments from my observation is not satisfactory. Nobody really cares whether his constituency is participating or represented in any particular inter-constituency tournament. I would like to suggest that perhaps the SSC review the constituency sports programme, such as how it is being organized and so on, to enhance its effectiveness at promoting grassroots involvement in sports. Perhaps there should be more concentration on helping the CSC in organizing intra-constituency mass events and tournaments. If the Hon. Minister is satisfied that we have motivated many Singaporeans to take up sports of one kind or other to the extent that we can call ourselves a sports-loving nation, is it not time that we considered the question of trying to produce outstanding sportsmen or sportswomen in any particular sports or games? At present, I understand that it is left to the individual national sports associations to develop their own sportsmen. The SSC spent about $246,585 on subsidies to sports organizations. The Singapore Sports Council should consider formulating a long-term programme to raise the standard of certain sports or games so that we will be able to produce outstanding sportsmen. According to the reports of the Parliamentary Budget debates of 1973 to 1979, there was so much discussion on the utilization of the National Stadium. Many Members felt that when the National Stadium was completed, it was going to become a white elephant.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head V be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead VD-01 of the Main Estimates. Sir, total budget provision for the Sports Programme for FY 83 is $14,565,000 and out of this amount $11,900,000 is provided as a grant to the Singapore Sports Council. This grant is about $3 million more than that provided for FY 82. I believe the SSC has an estimated income of about $6 million per year. As reflected in the statement of accounts for the year ended 31st March 1982, it is actually $6,724,648. With this income and Government grant, the SSC would have a total of about $17 million to spend on sports programmes towards achieving the objective of promoting mass participation in sports as a means of building a healthy and rugged society. I am curious to know from the Hon. Minister to what extent has the SSC achieved this objective. And is he satisfied that we have motivated many Singaporeans to take up sports of one kind or other to the extent that we can call ourselves a sports-loving nation? It is encouraging to note that the promotion of sports at the grassroots level has made progress by the inclusion of swimming as one of the eight inter-constituency tournaments being organized in 1982. A total of 7,220 persons participated in these tournaments and the SSC spent $341,252 on subsidies on these tournaments. To my mind, this works out to about $5,000 being spent for each constituency for the participation of 100 persons in the tournaments. I believe that if this $5,000 is given to my constituency, I am confident that the Constituency Sports Club (CSC) could organize sports and games, competitions and tournaments involving a higher number of participants in the constituency.”
“I hope that those who eventually qualify to become Sheikh Hajis will comprise people with sufficient experience and can be depended upon to provide good services and have contacts with Sheikh Hajis in the Holy land in whom we can put our trust. May I refer to the suggestion by the Member for Telok Blangah concerning the setting up of the Tabung Haji or the Haj Fund. I remember vividly that in 1970, 1972 until 1974, in the course of reading Hansards, the intention to set up the Tabung Haji was discussed and debated in this House. And if the same intention persists, I request that the Hon. Acting Minister give an indepth consideration before going ahead with the proposal because it is vital that we earn the confidence of the community towards MUIS, so that whatever we want to do can be carried out and the objectives realized.”
“Compare the provision for sports which is $50 per person but for the Haj pilgrims it is only $15 per person. I recommend that this provision be further increased in order to enhance the Haj services in the Holy land. According to newspaper reports, as of this year all prospective Haj pilgrims are required to register their names with MUIS and they will be issued visas by the Saudi Arabia's Charge d'Affaires in Singapore and further they will be transported to the Holy land by either Saudi Arabia's national airline or Singapore International Airlines. Hopefully, these new regulations will benefit and streamline as well as upgrade the management of Haj pilgrimage by MUIS for the good of all prospective Haj pilgrims. Can the Hon. Acting Minister give an assurance that these new regulations will not inhibit or burden the Muslim community from performing the Haj pilgrimage this year and will not result in increased costs or expenditure all round? From the verbal complaints that I received from the Haj pilgrims who returned to the country and also from my personal observations whilst I was in the Holy land last year, I concluded that the role played by the Sheikh Hajis or pilgrim brokers in Singapore and also in Makkah and Medina will determine how the pilgrims will fare during their sojourn in the Holy land. Therefore, the requirement that all Sheikh Hajis must register with and obtain licences from MUIS is most welcome in order that the organization of Haj pilgrimage can be further enhanced. I would like to know what are the conditions attached to the licences to be issued to people aspiring to be Sheikh Hajis or pilgrim brokers.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendments stood on the Order Paper Supplement:-”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, my purpose of raising this issue is not to waste our Members' time but at least to reflect the frustrations of my constituents who are affected by resettlement. Before I beg leave to withdraw, may I just ask three questions. Is the Minister aware that due to the delay in pulling down the vacant houses by the Resettlement Department, at least one house was burnt down?”
“Rather than penalize all by a reduction in the amount of enhanced compensation, the Resettlement Department should be given the onus of identifying the culprits in order to exact the required penalty. To my mind, it is unfair to bring the sins of their brothers to the doorsteps of all. Therefore, I am appealing against this unjustified reduction.”
“Secondly, I would appeal for a higher standard of maintenance for the remaining estate which has to be resettled. As residents move out, let it not assume the semblance of a ghost town with snakes crawling all over the place, electric wires that sag and empty homes still left standing as eyesores for any visitor. The least ensure that the quality of life does not suffer from neglect. It must work in coordination with other relevant departments like the Environment Ministry and also the other departments of the HDB to maintain the place until the last resident shifts out. At present, a letter from the CCC arising out of an unpleasant feedback brings about some action which however takes some weeks for it to mature. Does action has a price tag too? Thirdly, I wish to highlight the plight of the farming community as and when they are affected by resettlement. To offset the loss of personal income, farmers are given enhanced compensation for any evidence of their labour which appears in the form of fruit trees. It has been announced recently that this enhanced compensation would be drastically reduced because of the Ministry's decision to fix a ceiling because farmers were found to be cashing in on a good thing by planting a further crop of unauthorized trees while waiting for the cold fingers of resettlement to touch them and their livelihood. One should ponder to ask why farmers should resort to this immoral practice of trying to cheat the authorities. Is it because the compensation which is paid is not commensurate with the loss in livelihood? Perhaps they were merely lodging a visible protest. However, it is possible that a few of them are merely being greedy and selfish. But should all farmers suffer for the misdeeds of a few?”
“Their fear is genuine and it is within this context that I wish to mirror the plight of those who have not yet been allocated flats. We have shown that they can be loyal citizens of our Republic and I think it is time the authorities rewarded them accordingly. May I therefore bring forward the following suggestions for serious consideration by the authorities concerned. 6.30 p.m. First, the compensation, despite the recent revision, is still far too low. With the present recession, the prospect of unemployment looms high on the horizon of one's capacity to earn. This could mean a reduction in the total family income. And if this is coupled with the low compensation to make up the purchasing capacity, then the day may come when home ownership becomes a distant reality. One fair way out is for the authorities to peg this compensation rate to the rising cost of flats and this would entail continual reviews and revision of rates. Or perhaps we could conduct business Indonesian style and inject into the transaction the concept of the barter trade, a home for a home. What fairer exchange can there be? If the cost of the present occupier's home is not commensurate with the cost of a modern-generation HDB flat, then perhaps the furnishings of the old home could also be thrown in as an added incentive. If Aladdin were not a fictional character, he would have decried against this seemingly ludicrous idea, which it is not. Because he found almost to his great cost that the loss of big old lamp was worth more than the acquisition of a new one. Not everything new is worth more than the old and it is not necessary for everything in life to have a price tag. Sentiments and love are intangibles and beyond price.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head T be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead TG-02 of the Main Estimates. Sir, I wish to raise three issues with regard to resenlement. I believe this question was brought up by the Member for Nee Soon and discussed. I do not want to repeat, but I wish to stress the point in order to reflect the views of my constituents who are affected by resettlement. Moving house is a common everyday human experience and often it is the result of a personal choice. Resettlement, on the other hand, is more than moving house. Since it is not a question of personal choice, it can be a very traumatic experience for those who have formed deep attachments for the place of their origin. This intimate feeling for familiar things and surroundings is not in itself a bad thing at all and, indeed, should be encouraged. However, if we allow such nostalgic sentiments to impede the wheels of progress and advancement, then we shall be guilty of being overly conservative and unprogressive and of living in the past. Such a situation does not exist in the Kaki Bukit constituency where the residents are affected. After the first wave of nostalgia has swept the whole area, the people accept the inevitable and gear themselves for change. In fact a contradiction seems to exist at present. About 40% of the people who have yet to be resettled are raring to go. But it is not a contradiction if we take a closer look at the reasons for this. The reasons are exceptionally simple. They wish to accelerate their flight into the new environment for fear that the cost of the HDB flats will escalate further. In fact, the premise among the remaining population is that the longer they remain behind, the more heavily their purses will be taxed.”