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Trust Fund whereby the CPF provide a scheme to enable Muslim workers to make monthly contributions which could be withdrawn at the retirement age of 55 for the p…”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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“Facilities and opportunities for life-long education and training should be provided not only to upgrade our skills but also to better our academic qualifications and to enjoy life fruitfully, Workers should be grateful that the NTUC has prepared a comprehensive programme to help those who have missed the opportunity of a basic education. I notice that a sum of $6,849 million or about 55% of the total budget will be spent on development projects and $548 million of this development budget is allocated for the School and Junior College Building Programme, third phase development of the Kent Ridge Campus of NUS, new complex of NTI and expansion of the Ngee Ann Technical College. Our children can look forward to having the privilege of better opportunities and facilities for higher academic and professional qualifications at a cost which is highly subsidized by our Government. What about those adults, like myself, who have left school, worked and settled down but wish to improve their academic or gain professional qualifications? Is there a plan for the NUS to offer diploma or degree courses on a part-time basis to adult workers who can pursue their studies in the evenings or by correspondence? Many companies have seized the opportunity of the availability of the Skills Development Fund training grants to send their staff for training. To meet this demand, many agencies or training institutes have emerged or mushroomed in Singapore offering all kinds of training at exorbitant fees because they are conducted in posh hotels which provide sumptuous lunches and dinners to the participants. The lecturers are normally lecturers with a string of qualifications from overseas universities.”
“Our small boat should not be turned around but must continue to sail forward no matter how bad the weather and strong the current is or else the mast will break and the boat will sink. I therefore support the Government's economic policy as stated by the Minister for Trade and Industry but may I make some comments on certain areas of the policy, budget and tax changes. Let me first of all praise our Government for the commendable performance of the Singapore economy in 1981 despite the depressing economic conditions of the world, particularly in the West. This has been possible because of the forward-looking policies of the Government in the seventies. Whatever modifications, changes and concessions which have been made to the policies are due to the contribution of constructive criticisms, opposing views and suggestions from the majority of our Backbench Members of this House who have always the interest of their citizen constituents at heart. If this has been going on very satisfactorily for the last 13 years, I see no reason why we need anyone here to act as the so-called opposition. There is need for continued political stability and there is need to prevent the emergence of irresponsible opposition in this Parliament. Manpower training and development has been pointed out as the key to our ability to sustain economic growth in the coming years to ensure employment of our people at higher wages. There is need for coordinated efforts by all Ministries and statutory boards in the public sector and companies/corporations in the private sector to adopt a comprehensive national approach in human resource development and management covering all sectors of our society.”
“In the long run, it depends upon the effectiveness of the captain and his officers in leading the crew to steer the ship safely to its destination with its cargo intact despite bad weather and stormy seas. There is need for teamwork and close cooperation between the captain, his officers and crew. There is no place for any member of the crew to act as a rebel without cause, opposition for opposition's sake, but is still interested to join the rest in reaching the destination safely. Mr Speaker, Sir, we have enjoyed political stability for the last 16 years. This has made it possible for us to gain economic growth that generates employment opportunities for every citizen. The stability of prices is shaken considerably because of factors beyond our control. But what is important, in view of the gloomier years ahead, is to ensure that every citizen is equipped with an adequate capacity for employment in work of higher skills which will give higher wages to enable him or her to continue enjoying a higher standard of living. Therefore, we must continue to work hard to generate and sustain high economic growth at this opportune time and situation we are now in. At the same time, we must intensify consumer education among our people and take the necessary steps to combat inflation or control price stability. I appreciate the Chinese proverb quoted by the Member for Leng Kee that "A boat sailing against the current must forge ahead or else it will be driven back". Let me add here a Malay pantun which I used to sing at campfires: Kapal kecil jangan dibelok Kalau di belok patah tiangnya. Gadis kecil jangan di pelok Kilau di pelok patah pinggangnya.”
“They must be men of upright character and conviction, and have the necessary qualities of leadership and are ready to discuss national issues frankly on the basis of facts, figures and reality, and not on baseless rumours. They must have the capacity and the courage to lead the people from one difficult period to another; and help them to help themselves towards improving a standard of living of their own, their families and children. There is need for the Government and the people to work together to achieve these objectives. There is no need for any opposition, if it is for opposition's sake, and use rumours to support its views. With your indulgence, Sir, let me illustrate my point further by drawing my experience of working for the last one year in a shipping company whose business is to transport cargo from one international port to another by ship in the most profitable manner possible without jeopardizing future expansion. In deciding to buy or construct a ship, there is need to consider the following: first, the size of the ship so that as much cargo or containers as possible can be carried; second, the shape or design of the ship that will enable it to float and move fast through the waves and reach its destination safely in time; third, the type of marine engine for the ship which will ensure low consumption of oil. There are obvious constraints to a maximum achievement of all the three factors mentioned. Hence, the need for some sacrifice of one in order to have some achievement of the other. The most important thing to consider is that the transportation of the cargo by the ship should be done efficiently and in the most profitable manner possible, no matter what the size, speed and oil consumption is.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to join my colleagues, the PAP Members of Parliament who spoke yesterday and today in support of the Motion standing in the name of the Minister for Trade and Industry. I am no economist and cannot adequately comment on the Budget Statement. But I dare say that the Minister has presented a kind and enlightened Budget which very few of us can quarrel with. The Budget Statement reflects the caring attitude of our Government and the great concern it has for the well-being of its citizens, the workers and management staff alike, the young and the old. He gave a brief and concise description of the Singapore economy in 1981, without leaving any stone unturned. He clearly spelt out the Government's economic policy which he concluded with a message to Singaporeans that the Government will continue to govern firmly and fairly but we must pull up our socks if we want to avoid being dragged into the quagmire of economic stagnation. Yesterday two of my PAP colleagues who are prominent economics lecturers debated on the pros and cons of rapid economic growth. This gave me some insight and understanding of the formulation of economic policies. As a layman and non-economist, I believe that in our national development we should aim for achievement of political stability, economic growth, full employment and price stability so that we, the citizens, could hope and work for a reasonably decent and comfortable life, and seek opportunities to improve our quality of life. These four aims are closely related and interdependent of each other. There is, therefore, a need to set down priorities and strike a balance in our attempt to achieve all the four of them. What is crucial here is: who runs the Government?”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am interested to know what kind of moral education or religious instruction is being given to these boys to help them to develop and become good citizens.”
“Sir, the Minister of State is aware that the affected families do not make a voluntary choice to purchase flats. Can I ask for an assurance that they will get their flats at the present selling prices?”
“Sir, may I ask the Hon. Minister of State for National Development if he is aware that these affected families and persons who have not yet been resettled are living in constant anxiety and fear of whether they will be allocated flats in the estate of their choice and, in particular, at the current selling prices of flats. This feeling of anxiety and fear becomes worse whenever the Minister for National Development makes an announcement of price increases during his house-to-house visits. May I take this opportunity to ask the Minister of State whether he could give an assurance that steps will be taken to ensure that these affected families will be allocated flats before any announcement of price increases or, alternatively, not to increase the price of flats until they are allocated their flats.”
“Sir, I just want to ask the Minister of State whether the measures he has mentioned are based on the findings of whatever inquiry he has conducted to determine the cause for the collapse of the flyover at Jalan Eunos in 1979, and whether these findings have been released?”
“Sir, may I ask the Minister of State whether he is aware that some of these so-called hell-riders have been using that part of the Pan Island Expressway which passes through Bedok North as racing tracks usually at midnight or in the early mornings, thus increasing the noise pollution and disturbing my constituents who are residents in Bedok North? May I also ask him whether he will give an assurance that the Traffic Police will continue to take action to stop these hell-riders from using the place as racing tracks during those hours?”
“Surely, arguing from sound principles of logic, the units from the second floor upwards do not technically utilize any additional area of land. A block of 25 storeys, for instance, still utilizes the same area of land as the void deck. So if the cost can be re-computed, it will be found that the cost of each unit will be much less. Hence, assuming that the same subsidy is maintained, the cost of each unit should not be as high as it is now. I have great faith in my Government which does not only practise political democracy but is in itself an enlightened institution. It is far-sighted and stand prepared to make even drastic changes for the good of the whole. Still, whenever changes are made, maximum efforts are made to reduce the voltage of shock and hardship to citizens. This altruistic intent is well-known and appreciated. Standing firm on that belief, I appeal to the Minister to consider seriously the points I have brought up so that compromise prices can be arrived at. It is in the nature of things that in the process of effecting changes, be it a salary revision with its golden points, there will be some who stand to gain and some who stand to lose out a little. But in this change, too many of my constituents are involved. On that point, I rest my case, Sir. 4.45 p.m.”
“The rationale for this incentive is probably to encourage some Singaporeans at least to become outer suburbanites to avoid congestion in the urban zone. Whatever the merits of this incentive scheme, one salient point stands out. There are still available some HDB flats going at the old prices. In fact, there could be more, and indeed there are. Flats, I believe, are normally built in phases and each phase is contracted out on a tender basis. In simple terms, this implies that even some blocks that have yet to be built have been tendered for at lower costs. Therefore, it seems only logical and fair that those who are on the waiting list and are eligible should not be lumped together with new applicants and made to pay new prices. An analogy will make my point clear. Imagine a cigarette vendor selling old stocks of cigarettes at a higher price each time there is a price increase. Perhaps he can be excused for hoarding as he is swayed by higher profit margins. I am confident that the HDB is not a profiteer and therefore does not hoard in anticipation of higher profits. So I do not really understand why there is a sudden jump in prices for all flats when only some are affected. Lastly, the cost of building every unit of flat is met by the HDB. If the computation is right (I may be wrong here but I hope the Minister can enlighten me), the cost of land, at so many square metres, is added to the actual cost of labour and building materials. This is to be expected as all of us have accepted the principle that nothing is for free. But what appears to be irrational is the fact that the cost of land is added on to the cost of every unit of flat.”
“Averaging is a convenient mathematical term to use but it can be insidious for it assumes a lot of similarities that do not exist. For instance, the percentage price increase for a 3- room flat in the inner suburban zone is 50.7%, and not 38%. The enhanced value of this type of flat is attributed to the fact that it is now in the inner suburban zone. This brings me to my next point - zoning. Singapore has already acquired the reputation of being an urbanized society. Now we have a new battle of words. We are not just urbanites but we are also inner sub-urbanites and outer sub-urbanites. All very grandiose terms but what do they really mean? Do they make us feel less or more of a Singaporean? Nol The difference lies in the economic terms and a great stretch of our pockets where HDB prices are concerned. Because of these new zoning areas, a constituent in an area, particularly in Kaki Bukit, about to be resettled finds himself in a financial dilemma. He is on the waiting list for a new tow flat but he has now to pay inner-suburban rates. It would be interesting to learn the basis on which these demarcation lines are drawn. In the same breath, such a person living on Government land in the newly constituted inner suburban zone is being compensated at the old rates plus 30%. In simple terms, such a constituent loses out twice. He has to pay the new HDB prices which can amount to a substantial sum but there is no real increase in the compensation rates in actual fact. Is there no possibility of revising the compensation rates of those so affected? It has been brought to my attention that there are still quite a number of HDB units for sale to resettlement cases at the old prices, Such units can be found in the estates which are considered unpopular for various reasons.”
“To understand why this is so, it is imperative that we understand the kind of residents in Kaki Bukit Constituency, particularly those living in Jalan Eunos/Kaki Bukit Malay Settlement and the outlying areas of Jalan Lembah Bedok, Lorong Kancing and Lorong Wali. Most of them are not living below the poverty line. Neither can they, by any stretch of the imagination, be classified as affluent. They are mostly ordinary workers, wage-earners, retired senior citizens or pensioners and small-time farmers whose families have settled in the areas for the last 50 years or so. Given the choice, many would remain where they are right now if it is only for sentimental reasons. But being true Singaporeans, they know that personal sentiments must play second fiddle to national development and national interest. Nothing is static and, like everyone else, they do not only expect changes but have learnt to accept changes. They have taken it in their stride the fact that there will be further increases in the price of public housing. They appreciate the fact too that public housing has been and will continue to be subsidized. Still the recent announcement of price increases is a bitter pill to swallow as it is prefaced by explanations and rationale which do not border on the logical. First of all, it is not by their own design or choice that they have to purchase HDB flats and that they have been given notice to be resettled before the date of announcement of an increase in prices of HDB flats. It is my hope that the Minister would consider it justified for all those affected by the clearance scheme of the Resettlement Department to be allowed to purchase flats at the old prices if they are eligible. It has been announced that on the average the price increase is 38%.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, that Singapore is still a good place to live in despite some restrictions and constraints is beyond dispute. One has only to take a trip somewhere to establish this truth. That the majority of Singaporeans are decently and comfortably housed in HDB flats is also beyond dispute. This is due mainly to the hard work put in by HDB in its efforts to break the backbone of the housing problem. Therefore, I must pay this compliment because it is due, However, in some other areas, the HDB has not been so successful. This is why I rise to join my brother MPs to speak on the matter of the announced increase in prices of HDB flats which is exorbitant and, in some ways, unjustified. I am fully aware that Singapore is caught up in the era of advanced technology and micro-chips and perhaps it is not totally possible for some of the effects not to be rubbed off into our living patterns. But it would be tragic if human beings become mere cold statistical digits, and services rendered are computerized into balanced sheets showing profits and losses. We are all aware of what inflation is. Inflation is something we bring to bed with us each night, and each morning when we wake up we see it in the mirror. But it should be a challenge, something to be overcome. Inflation should not be allowed to become an ogre, something to frighten us, something that will melt our resolve because it is something that cannot be overcome. Where rising prices of flats are concerned, inflation has become an ogre, particularly in Kaki Bukit Constituency.”
“Sir, I withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Mr M.K.A. Jabbar (Radin Mas)( In Tamil): 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. In my constituency of Radin Mas there are a lot of children who cannot find suitable primary schools for themselves. And as a Member of Parliament of that constituency I know that this has caused concern among the parents. Therefore, I would like to request the Minister to state whether there are any plans to build more schools in my constituency.”
“Sir, before I withdraw my amendment, I would like to again draw the attention of the Hon. Minister to this point. I am quite aware of the camping activities that have been organized by the Ministry. I wish to thank the Minister for giving the information. The Member for Kampong Ubi mentioned the shortage of places for camping. What I would like to suggest is camping in the school during the holidays where activities can be organized at the school grounds. Camping can be carried out in many different forms. What I am interested is to provide an opportunity for all the school children. Many school children have come to see me and asked, "Mr Saidi, can you organize camping for us?" I said, "Why do you not ask your teachers to organize?" The children said that the teachers did not want to organize. So is it not possible to organize camping in the schools during the school holidays as this will provide an opportunity for community living?”
“Some of my school teacher friends object to these ideas for they believe that it will be an extra burden for them, particularly if it is being held during the school holidays. I suggest that this project could get the involvement of Residents' Committees and Parent-Teacher Associations in organizing, planning, and implementation of such projects. The whole community of the whole housing estate could be involved. In fact, community service projects could be organized during the camping period of the school holidays. I have only ten minutes but if I have an hour I can present the project proposals or the values of camping. I am sure the many ECA officers from the Ministry of Education who are present here would definitely back me up on this. So I hope that the Ministry would consider more seriously and perhaps provide more money to schools to organize such camps.”
“Better relationship between teachers and pupils and between pupils and pupils could be developed. Teachers could have a better insight of their pupils, and pupils a better understanding and acceptance of their teachers. Teachers could better learn about their students' problems, needs and learning capacity and their aspirations, etc. I am fully aware that camping as an activity has been and is being continually organized by the different student societies, particularly the uniformed organizations. But what I am suggesting is that every student should be given at least an opportunity to experience group life, staying up, living, working and playing with their classmates and teachers at any one time during their study in the school. It is important that we need to cater consciously and to promote the psycho-socio-emotional well-being of our students. It has been pointed out to me that there is a relationship between the psycho-socio-emotional well-being and academic achievement of a student, and also between the psycho-socio-emotional well-being and the well-adjustment of a student. In my experiences of dealing and training youths in leadership, I notice that those who have had experiences of group life - that is of living, working, facing hardships and challenges and enjoying life together with other members of their peer group, are more self-reliant, good mixers, outward going, more confident. In short they have better potentials of becoming leaders, if not, at least good followers. Camping in any form, on a classroom basis, on a school basis or on a society basis, according to the prevalent situation or resources available to the school, should be made as an ECA for every student to attend and participate.”
“It has been said that schools nowadays are mere knowledge factories and they have become impersonalized without any identity and do not give a sense of belonging to the students. Schools are looked upon as places to gain knowledge, pass examinations and get certificates to serve as passports for entry into the real world. Nowadays every housing estate or new town will have its own schools - primary, secondary and junior colleges. With industrialization and modernization, we will now have many mothers working in factories and offices. The school will have to assume a larger share of responsibility for the development of our young people, and therefore the school will be in a stronger position to exert influence over its students. The school will thus have tremendous potential, in terms of opportunities, in shaping and developing our students. Therefore, I believe that our schools should be developed in such a way that they blend with community life in the estates where the students live. They should look upon the school as their second home. The residents in the estate should look upon the school as part of their belonging in the whole community. During the school holidays particularly, camps can be organized where students can live together in the school and learn the demands of community living, the need for cooperation, team spirit, team work, caring for one another, and showing concern for one another. Basically the camp is to provide pupils with experience of group life. There would not be any book learning but the practical learning of relating to one another, living with each other and working for one another. The psycho-socio-emotional needs of our young children or youths could be enhanced with the guidance of adults, i.e. the teachers.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head L be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead LC-04 Object Group 2610 of the Main Estimates. Sir, may I take this opportunity to comment and make suggestions on the Extra-Curricular Activities Programme of the Ministry of Education. My ideas are not new but I believe they are worth repeating in this House to ensure that the Ministry give them due consideration in the interest of education for the benefit of our people and nation. I notice that there is no increase in the estimates for all the different items listed under ECA. So I can assume that the Ministry will be repeating these items, though their format may be different. In comparing all the items listed in the ECA programme, I observe that the budget for Combined schools camp for pupils and teachers gets the lowest allocation. Probably this activity is considered of least importance. May I seek some information on this particular item? How is this camping activity organized, which is allocated only $6,000? How many schools, students and teachers have participated in camping activities, and to what extent has the objective been achieved? It is my view, as one who loves outdoor life and who has gone on many mountain-climbing and adventurous camping expeditions with youths and students, that camping could be used as one of the best means for the overall development of intellectual, physical and psycho-socio-emotional well-being of young people, particularly in the context of our rapidly changing urbanized society. There are many things about life that teachers and pupils can learn from each other outside the classroom.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, from the feedback and the numerous complaints that I have received from my constituents, in particular their dissatisfaction with the feeder bus services in Bedok North, particularly the routes taken by the different services, I have asked my CCC to form a working committee to look into and make a study or a survey on all the bus services. I hope I can get the assurance of the Hon. Parliamentary Secretary that the Ministry will take up the recommendations of this committee.”
“This indicates that there is no effective system by which we can ensure that only desirable tapes are imported and that all tapes have been properly censored by the Ministry. It would be interesting if the Hon. Minister could enlighten me on the methods and the manner in which video tapes are being censored. What are the criteria used in censoring tapes and films? Have steps been taken to ensure that all video tapes are censored before release in the market? What measures have been taken to control the entry of insidious video tapes into the country at entry points? At present, our TV programmes consist principally of imported films, particularly from the West, Europe, the United States and Hong Kong. There is need for more locally-produced programmes and a truly balanced programme of information, education and entertainment. There is at present more of the latter and also of foreign culture, music and songs. It must be our aim always to inform and educate in whatever entertainment programmes that we produce locally. There must be more programmes of information and education, in particular, to enhance the awareness of our citizens on crucial issues affecting the country.”
“Sir, we are an open society. While we encourage the import of modern science and technology for our development, we must at the same time be on guard against the onslaught of foreign cultural influences which will erode our moral fibre. Our survival as a society and nation depends very much on our ability to withstand, overcome and avoid the negative influences of foreign or Western way of life, attitudes, standard of morality, which encroach upon our Asian ethics and moral beliefs of our forefathers who were the pioneers and who, through sheer hard work, strong family ties and obedience to cultural standards and values, helped build Singapore into what she is today. The channels through which we have been receiving Western cultural influences are the TV, cinemas and magazines. But the most widely used medium in Singapore is the TV. Nearly every home has a television set. If we visit a Singaporean's home in the evening, some members of the household will be watching TV. It is the most comfortable way of passing one's leisure time. But the impact and influence that television has on the minds of viewers is tremendous. It is no wonder that advertisers are ever ready to spend large sums of money in using this medium as the best means of promoting their products. There should, therefore, be a better and more effective control on what is offered by the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation over our TV network and what is available privately in the form of video tapes. Recently, it was reported in the press that the Police had made raids and seized thousands of video tapes which were suspected to be uncensored and even pornographic in content.”
“Sir, with your permission, may I just join the previous two Members on the topic of video tapes? I have given notice of an amendment on Sub-head JC-04 on Regulatory Services and so on. May I withdraw that notice, Sir, because what I am going to say is relevant to what is being discussed now?”
“Sir, I am happy to hear from the Hon. Minister that there is consultation between the HDB and the Ministry with regard to the planning of the transport system. I hope that this consultation will take into consideration the construction of traffic lights as well as bus shelters. On two occasions when I returned home by taxi after my meet-the-people session, when the taxi driver passed Bedok North junction with Bedok North Avenue 1, he told me that these traffic lights were put up only after two deaths had occurred at that particular junction. I have not established whether it is true or not, but on both occasions these two drivers told me that. This means that if there was proper planning of the whole transport system, probably the construction of traffic lights would have been considered before the whole town was occupied by residents. I would like to bring to the attention of the Minister that in Bedok North Constituency there is a lack of bus shelters for quite some time. I hope this can be taken into consideration.”
“The SBS will respond to the request of the constituents only when it receives complaints that there is no service in the neighbourhood. It will first ask how many people are already residing in the neighbourhood. It is only when 80% of the people have moved into the neighbourhood, will the SBS start a bus service. I think that the SBS should be service-oriented in its profit-making venture. There is nothing wrong in making a profit but the first consideration is to provide a service. What I would like to know from the Ministry is that, if it is responsible for planning the transport system, then whenever a new housing estate is being developed, studies should be made as to how soon can a bus service be started. For instance, the Ministry should also find out how many buses are required and not to start a service only when there are complaints from the residents. At present there are not enough facilities at the Bedok bus interchange. I would like to invite Members here or even the Minister to go there, especially in the morning. I am sure they will find that they have to queue up for the bus. A lot of incon- venience is caused to the residents. I hope the Ministry can look into this matter and ensure that the bus system, particularly in the housing estate, is continually being improved.”
“Sir, actually I am still writing out what I want to say. But, nevertheless, since I am called to speak, let me say a few things about the public transport system. Sir, the Programme Description on Public Transport states: 'The planning and regulation of the public transport system including field studies, research and implementation of traffic management measures.' When we discuss the public transport system, we are referring to the whole network of roads with their directional signs and traffic lights that govern the operation of all public transport vehicles, such as buses and taxis, for the purpose of effective, speedy and safe mobility of people from one place to another. I am particularly interested to reflect in this House the situation of the public transport system in my constituency, particularly in the HDB estate of Bedok North. Anybody who connects to Bedok North - and I had the experience when I went there for the first time, by bus particularly - might have the nightmarish experience of finding his way round to his destination. It has been pointed out to me by many of my constituents that the feeder bus services are inadequate in terms of timing and frequency. So when I heard that the bus fare will be increased by five cents for the feeder bus service, I am very sure that I am going to face a lot of criticisms from my constituents. First of all, to pay 15 cents is a bit difficult. Probably it is better to retain the fare at 10 cents than to increase it to 15 cents. But, anyway, I am sure the Minister will say that the commuters will have to face the inconvenience of paying 15 cents. 3.00 p.m. What I want to raise particularly is in regard to the new Neighbourhoods 6 and 7. To me, I feel that the SBS is always thinking of making profits only.”
“I am not even proposing that the rates of compensation keep pace with rising costs; what I am proposing is that these rates be reviewed at more frequent intervals, say, annually or once every two years. The additional sum will come in very handy to the residents involved for they are not from the millionaires' row but ordinary workers, wage-earners and retired senior citizens or pensioners. It may cost the Government a little more but the goodwill it will generate is surely worth the extra financial sacrifice. Sir, as a new Member of Parliament, I am comparatively less experienced in the school of politicking and the cut and thrust of parliamentary debate. But I would be failing in my duty if I fail to reflect the views, hopes, doubts and the fears of my constituents.”
“Cannot the same be done with Kaki Bukit or any other areas that may need development in the future? It does not really matter in what form the preservation takes, be it a street name, a religious building or even a physical feature, such as a hillock or even a stream. I am also a child of resettlement but whenever I pass by the area where Kampong Silat, Kampong Radin Mas, Kampong Heap Guan San was, I remember happy childhood memories associated with the Sikh Temple, Chinese Temple and the mosque still left magnificently intact amidst so many new changes. I fully realize that there may be cost and space constraints, but such constraints are man-made and can be weighed in the balance if the promotion of moral health merits far more important consideration. It cannot be avoided that old buildings have to be demolished to make way for development which is done in the national interests for the benefit of the mostest people. In its past development work, the Government has been cautious and gives due consideration before buildings of historical value and highly respected by the residents are pulled down. It is my hope therefore that the Hon. Minister will give the same weight of consideration in the redevelopment of Kaki Bukit. Secondly, may I propose that the compensation rate be reviewed with greater frequency. I believe that the last revision was done exactly two years ago on 22nd March, 1979. Government generosity is much appreciated even if it keeps to a regulated time schedule. Unfortunately, the spectre of inflation which roams our land has scant respect for Government schedules. The prices of HDB flats will continue to rise. The number of times such costs are raised is not regulated by light time schedules but the spiralling costs of labour and building materials.”
“It attempts to say many things but ends up in revealing nothing. I do not envy the job of the Hon. Minister for he has the unpleasant duty of having to resettle people and in some ways indirectly helping to uproot people. His task can be less unpleasant for himself and those thousands concerned if, in having to remove soul from the body, he still leaves behind a small semblance of the original 'soul' so that people can still identify the colourful and exciting past with any spot that has been so developed that it is now beyond recognition. I believe that the Hon. Minister is a kind-hearted man and I would be grateful indeed if he would consider the following for his guidance. In Singapore, so much emphasis is now being laid on our cultural heritage and our cultural roots which inevitably means that we must maintain our links with the past. May I, therefore, propose that the existing resettlement policy includes a deliberate attempt to preserve something of the past whenever an area has to be developed. Such efforts are seen to have been done in other areas, for example, Toa Payoh has its own temple which has been rebuilt and has become a tourist attraction. Whenever I visit the HDB estate in Jalan Bukit Merah and Telok Blangah Way, I remember Kampong Silat where I grew up and Kampong Radin Mas which used to be my playground. The kampongs have vanished but the two temples and a mosque remind me of the past. This is where I grew up and played. This is my kampong, my country and I will strongly defend it against any foreign invasion. But were such preservations implemented out of a conscious effort to link the past with the present, or were they accidental freaks of development as they blended with the new landscape?”
“It would be difficult to blame them for these unsettled feelings, if we can but capture a little of the 'soul' of such a community. I am tempted to invite my fellow hon. Members to make an extensive tour of the area so that they can better understand the misgivings of being resettled elsewhere. This applies, in particular, to the older generation, made up mainly of people who have loyally served the nation in various capacities in the past. Their homes represent their life savings and their dreams of spending their retirement years in the placidity and peace of kampong living surrounded by neighbours and friends of many years' standing. To them, resettlement is a symbolic 'uprooting' from all they have known so far. They do not share the adventurous spirit of the young. Hence, there is a greater emotional attachment to the settlement and if they are given a chance, they would rather stay where they are. To these people, in particular, there is a greater need for an assurance that they would be moving into a better environment with more modern amenities and better living conditions. However, being loyal and pragmatic Singaporeans, they recognize the need for resettlement of people within the Singapore context and have therefore accepted the concept in principle. This appears to be a typical reaction in other areas. Apart from having to explain the rationale for resettlement, we should try our level best to evolve an enthusiastic response from the residents to the reality of resettlement. The Hon. Minister's recent response to my question in the House when he said, "The affected residents will be resettled according to existing policies of the Resettlement Department" is a typical, cut and dry, unemotional, official and terse statement.”
“Sir, with your permission, I would like to take the opportunity, in speaking on this amendment, to reflect the views, hopes doubts and fears of my constituents relating to the question of re-settlement'. I am aware that it may be a futile effort on my part to achieve my objectives and, in fact, may even jeopardize my sincere intentions later. What I would like to do is to comment on two aspects of the Government's resettlement policy. One is in regard to the compensation rate and the other is the need to preserve certain features in the area which is scheduled for clearance. In doing so, Sir, may I use my constituency of Kaki Bukit as a case in point. Kaki Bukit Constituency is a vast estate consisting of two distinct areas - the suburban HDB area concentrated mainly in Bedok North and the more rural or kampong area of Jalan Lembah Bedok, Lorong Kancing, Lorong Waii and the Jalan Eunos/Kaki Bukit Malay Settlement. Into the HDB area have come in people who have been resettled from other places taken over by the Government for redevelopment. Since all the residents are, in the main, almost total strangers to one another, it is my responsibility to help them adjust to their new surroundings and eventually to help evolve a more cohesive, friendly, vibrant community. On the other hand, the rural or the kampong area has in an ironic sense an exact anti-thesis of the atmosphere still prevalent in most HDB estates. Having lived in the settlement for the last 50 years or so, a closely-knit community already exists among all the residents here. The community is bound by traditional ties of friendship, mutual respect and the spirit of gotong-royong. In this community will soon descend the unsettling thought of resettlement.”
“They would like to know what kind of remedial plans the authority will undertake to help solve their problems. Sir, I mentioned just now that these flat dwellers have to pay in advance conservancy charges for a whole year. For the wage-earners it is not easy for them to pay $300 to $400 in one lump sum, especially when they are also required to pay property tax and income tax almost at the same time. It is hoped that the HDB will allow them to pay their conservancy charges by monthly or quarterly instalments. Another matter that causes unhappiness is this. Before the upward revision of conser- vancy charges was implemented, they had already paid one year's conservancy charges in advance. But in the last revision in August last year the flat owners were required to pay the difference as a result of the higher charges. Sir, in the case of other levies such as road tax and driving licence fees, the respective departments have not found it necessary to collect the difference in revision nor are they imposed with retrospective effect. Why should the HDB make an exception to this standard practice? Sir, there is the recent circulation of surprising news that the HDB intends to acquire these pre-war flats for redevelopment, despite the fact that there is the 99-year lease. This could have been caused by the up-and-about-turn policy changes by the HUDC. It really makes the people there feel uncertain and worry about it. To set their minds at rest, I would like the Hon. Minister to state the Government's position on this matter.”
“However, as a result of inflation and wage increases, the HDB raised these charges for the first time in July 1974. They were raised from $100 to $204 per year for a two-room flat, $240 for a three-room flat, $300 for a four-room flat, $360 for a five-room flat and $420 for a six-room flat. 4.15 p.m. Sir, in August last year, they were further revised upwards, resulting in $228 for a two- room flat, $276 for a three-room flat, $348 for a four-room flat, $420 for a five-room flat, and $490 for a six-room flat. This caused more dissatisfaction among the flat owners, The tallest buildings in this estate are 5-storeys high, and they number very few. The majority of them are two or three-storeys high. They are therefore of the opinion that the flats there are much easier to maintain as compared with other HDB high-rise flats. There are also no common corridors. Therefore, there is no need for the lights to be switched on throughout the night. Moreover, there are no lights along the staircases and there is no lift for these low-rise flats. The end result is much lesser consumption of electricity. As for floor washing, the flat owners have to provide their own water. There is no rubbish chute in each flat. Almost all the open spaces have been converted into car parks. So, instead of spending money for maintenance, there are in fact extra incomes for the HDB. So the flat owners feel that it is unfair for them to pay so much for so little in return. Since they have to pay as much as the other flat owners, they expect similar facilities and services to be given. Their main vexing problem now is a lack of children's play-ground and facilities. The roads are narrow. This causes inconvenience to both vehicular traffic and pedestrians. There is an inadequate supply of car parks.”
“To solve this acute housing problem, one of the priority tasks of the PAP Government was to establish the Housing and Development Board with the objective of building low-cost flats for the people of Singapore. Over the years with great efforts, the HDB has achieved great success, which is evident to all of us. Following the establishment of the HDB, the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) closed down. The flats built by SIT were then transferred to the HDB's jurisdiction. This, however, brought about an anomaly. People living in the same HDB flats, i.e. those who were eligible for low-cost housing, had to pay a rental of about $60 for the newly allotted flats, whereas those who were occupying the pre-war flats in Tiong Bahru, although they were better off financially, were only required to pay $30-$40 in rent. In 1965 the HDB decided to rectify this anomaly by selling these pre-war flats in Tiong Bahru to its sitting tenants at their market prices and with a lease of 99 years. These pre-war flat dwellers, as they had been enjoying the benefit of low rents for a long time, were unhappy about the decision of the Government, and they opposed it. Fortunately, with the patient explanation and great effort of Mr Lee Teck Him, the former PAP Member for Tiong Bahru, a great majority of the tenants were persuaded to purchase the fists. So this storm in the tea cup was abated. In the contract of sale, it is provided that, irrespective of the types of flats, the flat owners have to pay $100 conservancy charges per year to the HDB for the maintenance and provision of common facilities like the lights in the common corridors, etc. These conservancy charges have to be paid in advance at the beginning of each year.”
“Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon (Tiong Bahru)( In Mandarin): Sir, I would like to take this opportunity to speak on matters relating to the Housing and Development Board and some other related problems in my constituency. I have already raised these issues with the Housing and Development Board, but I have not got any satisfactory answers. So I am taking this opportunity to raise them here in the hope that the Minister will give serious consideration to them. However, judging from his performance in this House over the past few days, it would appear that my hope of getting any solution is rather slim. Perhaps I may suggest that he refer these matters to his Parliamentary Secretary because, according to the Minister himself, he is more flexible in dealing with such matters. Sir, the 779 units of pre-war flats in Tiong Bahru were built in 1936 by the former Singapore Improvement Trust. It was said that these flats were intended for sale to the public but for some unknown reason the sale was not effected. Instead these flats were let out at rentals ranging from $20 to $50 per month. Sir, according to the level of living standard in pre-war days, those who could afford such high rentals must be well-to-do people. After the war, Singapore was faced with a very severe housing shortage. To prevent profiteering by increasing the rentals on the part of the landlord, the Rent Control Ordinance was enacted by the then colonial government to protect the interests of tenants of pre-war premises. Because the Tiong Bahru flats were built before the enforcement of the said Ordinance, this protection was also extended to the tenants of these flats. In 1959 when the PAP took office this housing shortage was at its peak.”
“Sir, lot me take this opportunity to reflect the frustrations and inconveniences suffered by my constituents, particularly those living in the new Neighbourhoods VI and VII at Bedok North. There are still many more blocks under construction in Neighbourhood VI. I hope the Hon. Minister will take into consideration whatever is being said today so that the same complaints could be prevented from occurring again. Residents are greatly inconvenienced when they move into the flats because many basic facilities, such as roads, street lights, and feeder bus services are not ready yet. When this matter was brought to the attention of the respective departments, there appeared to be a lack of coordination and the departments resorted to playing the game of passing the buck. When the PUB was asked why the street lights were not switched on, even though the lamp posts were already installed there, we were told that the PWD had not requested them to do so. When contacted, the PWD officer said that the roads were not ready yet for use since they were still levelling them. When asked why were the residents told to move in, the PWD officer said, "You ask the HDB. They are not supposed to move in yet because many of these services are not ready." May I suggest that the necessary infrastructure in any neighbourhood of a housing estate should be ready before allowing the residents to move in. May I take the opportunity to add here also that the HDB Area Office in Bedok North has done a commendable job by taking action readily on whatever complaints that the residents brought to them for their action.”
“But surely adequate numbers of national servicemen have been recruited into the Special Constabulary, and I am aware that there is the Vigilante Corps, the Community Security Force, who could be mobilized for the job of patrolling and policing. If they have been mobilized, then I suppose they have not been properly trained, directed, supervised or managed by the full-time personnel. In my interview with my constituents who reported to me about cases of robberies, thefts or other criminal offences, they mentioned that these crimes are normally committed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the daytime or after 10 p.m. at night. May I therefore suggest that the time of patrolling or policing be looked into and in order to ensure that the presence of the police is felt by residents and would-be thieves or robbers, the Hon. Minister should probably consider - just now there was a request for a police station in every new town - the setting up of mobile police posts in every neighbourhood of a new town. Can I have the assurance of the Hon. Minister that he will look into the whole system of pattolling and policing so that our HDB residents will feel secure and safe, especially those living in new neighbourhoods?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I just add on to what has been said by the Member for Punggol on policing and patrolling by policemen. I hope that the Hon. Minister for Home Affairs can at least enlighten me on the methods, the manner and the frequency the Police Force conducts its patrolling and policing of housing estates by its mobile policing teams. I am confident that if patrolling and policing by the police have been effectively carried out, there could have been less crimes in the housing estates. But this is not so in my Constituency, especially in the new neighbourhoods 6 and 7 of Bedok North. I have had numerous complaints from my constituents about robberies and thefts committed in the area. And I have been reliably informed that from January up to the 15th of this month, five cases of robbery and 23 cases of different kinds of theft have been committed and reported to the police. There may be many more cases which have not been reported. I was told that the number of crimes committed, as I mentioned just now, is high in comparison with other housing estates. The Hon. Minister has earlier said that the police carry out their work according to the principle that prevention is better than cure. I wonder what are the problems faced by the police to implement the present patrolling and policing system, especially in new neighbourhoods where residents who are strangers to one another are still coming in to occupy the flats. I am told that there is a manpower shortage in the Police Force. I think this point has been mentioned by the Member for Punggol.”
“This is usually not because of the failure of the HDB or its contractors in carrying out its cleaning operations daily. Residents' Committees have taken steps to organize cleanliness campaigns, and many concerned residents have participated in these campaigns which are directed towards inculcating social consciousness and responsibility for the cleanliness of their flats. From my own personal experience as a member of the Residents' Committee, I have personally organized such a campaign. The main purpose of such campaigns is basically to instil health consciousness and to educate the residents in the importance of environmental health. In doing so, my Committee has tried to get the cooperation and assistance of the Ministry of the Environment, particularly for the training in health education. The kind of help we normally get is only pamphlets to be distributed or films to be shown to the public. What I would like to suggest is that the Ministry of the Environment could work together with Residents' Committee in conducting educational programmes for residents on environmental health matters. That is why I would like to raise this question as to what kind of programmes the Ministry has been carrying out so far, particularly in educating the public. Probably more programmes should be formulated and more campaigns should be conducted together with the Residents' Committee.”
“Thank you, Sir. I wish to take this opportunity to seek clarification or information on the different kinds of programmes or activities to be organized, whether they have been carried out by the Ministry under this subhead, Training and Education. The objective of the programme is, first, to train staff in environmental public health matters and, second, to disseminate information on environmental health matters to the public. I have frequent contacts and dealings with their officers, the Assistant Public Health Inspectors and the Public Health Inspectors, in particular, in dealing with environmental problems in my constituency of Kaki Bukit, I have no complaints but praises for them. They have been efficient and prompt in taking the right action in dealing with matters that have been brought to their attention. This speaks well for whatever training they have received. What I am particularly concerned is the second objective of their programme which, I feel, should stress not just dissemination of information but educating the public in environmental health. Through the efforts and campaigns launched by the Government, particularly the Environment Ministry, Singapore has gained the recognition of being a clean city. But, Sir, if we visit our housing estates or HDB flats, the cleanliness of the environment of the flats is not really satisfactory. The void decks are usually littered, covered with black markings of chewing gum, the lifts are smelly owing to urination by unknown persons; there is indiscriminate dumping of rubbish along staircases or throwing of rubbish from the upper floors and also the indiscriminate placing of flower pots along corridors.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $26,000,000 for Head L ordered to stand part of the First Supplementary Development Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 1st April, 1980 to 31st March, 1981. Head N - The sum of $260,000,000 for Head N ordered to stand part of the First Supplementary Development Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 1st April, 1980 to 31st March, 1981. Question, "That the sum of $316,750,000 shall be supplied to the Government under the heads of expenditure for the public services shown in the First Supplementary Development Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 1st April, 1980 to 31st March, 1981 contained in Paper Cmd I of 1981, put and agreed to. Resolution to be reported. Thereupon Mr Speaker left the Chair of the Committee and took the Chair of the House.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head L be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead LC-01-8101. Sir, may I again seek your indulgence if I appear to be too ignorant and too curiousminded again this time. But, like many other hon. Members in this House, I wish to seek information or raise issues for the benefit of my constituents. Residents of Kaki Bukit, particularly those living in Bedok North, who have resided in the flats for less than four years, have always expressed their anxiety about getting places for their children in primary schools near their homes. There are presently only one secondary and one primary school in Kaki Bukit. They are situated in the rural area away from the Bedok North Housing Estate. It is my hope that the 23 schools mentioned include those being constructed and to be built in Bedok North. I feel that the construction of these schools should be speeded up so as to meet the increasing demand, as more families are now moving in to live in the newly-built flats. It appears to me that the Ministry has just discovered the demand for primary school places in HDB estates and, therefore, found it necessary to accelerate the construction of the schools to cope with the demand. Is it not possible for the Ministry to anticipate the demand and build the schools in the reserved sites at about the same time when the fists are being built?”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $30,750,000 for Head I ordered to stand part of the First Supplementary Development Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 1st April, 1980 to 31st March, 1981. Head L -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head I be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead IC-05-8102. Sir, I seek your indulgence if I appear to be too curious-minded. But like many other ordinary responsible citizens, I am concerned about how big sums of money are being spent by the Government, considering that the years ahead will be difficult. I wish to take this opportunity to seek information as to whether there is any error of judgement in decision-making by the responsible authority which has made it necessary to require a supplement of $5 1/2 million which is more than twice the amount provided in the current Development Estimates. I hope also that the Honourable Minister can inform the House of the causes for the unforeseen delay in the commissioning of the Surveillance Radar for the Changi Airport.”
“Steps must be taken to take effective control of the import of undesirable videotapes which are unobtrusively shown during private parties, and the activities of private marriage bureaus. The correct attitude of our people towards work is vital to the survival and progress of our society, especially when our survival is almost entirely dependent on human resources. The cultivation of correct work attitudes among our people is the concern of everyone of us. We need to inherit and nurture the capacity and stamina for work from our immigrant forefathers but at the same time discard the out-of-date immi- grant grab-and-run mentality. To do this, our schools should have teaching and learning materials which contain elements that can give an impact towards cultivating in the students a sense of belonging, a sense of pride, and a sense of responsibility to their families, community and country. Appropriate measures have to be taken against bad work attitudes at the work place or factory level. In a tight labour market, it is inevitable that workers with some experience would be tempted to join another company. To inculcate loyalty, it is the management's responsibility to offer its employee an attractive career path and provide training programmes which would help him in his career advancement. The workers should also be offered opportunities to shoulder new responsibilities which could make their job more challenging and meaningful. Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Motion. 2.50 P.M.”
“In addition to the setting up of the Schools Council, there must be a continuous dialogue with the teachers themselves at classroom level. Their acceptance and cooperation will ensure success in the implementation of the policies. Members of Parent-Teacher Associations and Advisory Committees could perhaps be included for they can represent the views of parents who will directly be affected by whatever policies are implemented. Teachers' Organization/Educational Institutions or Associations could also be invited to contribute their ideas. It is important that teachers must be competent professionally and, at the same time, have the right attitudes to instil in the students the basic values, the essentials of our philosophy of life. Historical evidence has shown that the major threat to the survival of most civilizations is the gradual decay in the driving spirit and moral standard of the rulers and people. They could not resist the temptation of the familiar vices of luxury, selfish pursuits and vulgar morals. They became soft and dissipated their energy on commercialized pleasures. With this in mind, it is imperative that we all become keenly aware of the social implications as we climb up the technological ladder and higher wages. There is always the inherent danger of our people becoming dehumanized and deculturized in the process of development. It is important that we channel our energies into devising guidelines on how we can use our time and money wisely and purposefully. Our TV must increasingly show local entertainment programmes of a high educational value in order to give an impact or arouse in the viewers a common appreciation of our local cultures towards evolving a national identity.”
“Therefore, there should be a systematic guiding of youths from the family to the educational establishments and eventually to the training institutions, thus integrating life in the house, the school and the workshop in a manner that the outcome is best, both for themselves and for those whom they come into contact. Youth organizations and other similarly orientated organizations should be committed to the training of youths so as to inculcate responsibility, consideration, cooperation and the basic values upon which our democratic society ultimately lies. They should identify with our efforts to enhance our ability to protect all that we have constructed. They are required to develop in their members basic values and ideas which can guide their conduct as choices are made and courses of action taken. There are many youth organizations in Singapore and no one can claim to have achieved or contributed most to the total development of youths. We should not question who has done what and for whom, and how effective they have been. It is time that efforts were made to evaluate youth organizations, particularly in their programme of activities and services to ensure that the right things were done the right way. There are presently doubts and fears among parents in our streaming policy. The grouping of children into 'special', 'express' and 'normal' streams has caused an unnecessary pressure and unintentional stigma. The object of ensuring that students will be taught at the most suitable pace can still be achieved if the aim of the teacher is to help the students learn rather than teach them for the purpose of passing examinations. Teachers are expected to carry out education policies and programmes. They must thoroughly understand and appreciate these policies.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the Motion moved by the Member for Mountbatten to thank the President for the speech he delivered on behalf of the Government at the opening of the First Session of this Parliament. The major tasks confronting us have been identified but the most essential considerations would be on how to carry out these tasks. We have been given the mandate to carry out this responsibility during the next four to five years. Our immediate target, to my mind, is to accelerate the process of developing our society into a nation of people equipped with the ideology of group survival, imbued with the ideals of individual excellence and fired with the realistic outlook and expectations of the future. These must be particularly instilled in the hearts and minds of our younger generation, especially the youths, at all levels and places. This could be done through a process of informal and formal continuing lifelong education and training programmes by the various institutions, organizations, the mass media and the Ministries with their respective departments having responsibility for the welfare of youths. The total development of our youths should encompass the spiritual, mental, physical and cultural aspects of every individual. This means that every young man and woman should be brought up and trained so as to be fully prepared to face the world at large and make the 6est use of life for himself, and simultaneously able to contribute to the fullest extent to the national life and its development.”