Seah Mui Kok
Singapore
“Members of this House will support the recommendations of this Report if appropriate amendments as proposed by us are accepted. The Minister for Health has to give this assurance to this House.”
“The Member for Anson was saying that the workers of Singapore have lost their rights, and become serfs and slaves. Do not talk nonsense. Be more intelligent. I was the General Secretary of the United Workers of Petroleum Industry for 17 years.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am not a lawyer. But from the question raised by the Member for Anson that money deposited with the Government and statutory boards does not earn interest, I would like to know whether a lawyer pays interest on money put by his client into the lawyer's office. An hon. Member: Second account.”
“Sir, may I join the debate and say a few words just to clarify a point? Singapore has too many first-class, second-class and third-class divisions.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, Members of this House have heard the Hon. Minister of Defence saying that our Singapore military reservists are actually front-line soldiers. I fully agree with him and I support him. May I suggest to the Hon. Minister that instead of calling them "reservists", let us call them front-line soldiers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, although we are laughing, I think we have to be very serious about this matter. As far as Members of this House are concerned, I think the Singapore Government has the money, plenty of money. Some hon. Members: Yes. Mr Seah Mui Kok: We are not poor.”
The complete record
Every one of 195 lines we hold for Seah Mui Kok, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 4.
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the views expressed by the Member for Punggol and the Member for Anson against the priority admission of a child into a primary school through the sterilisation of a parent. This is an immoral incentive. Sir, the Archbishop of Singapore has expressed his views as follows: `The proposal to grant privileges on admission to a Catholic school to children one of whose parents has been known to be sterilised is not acceptable to the Catholic church on grounds of conscience. To accord such privileges is incompatible with the moral teaching which specifies our Catholic church. At no time has the Catholic church, either directly or indirectly, approved of the granting of privileges on admission to a child one of whose parents is known to have been sterilised. This is for us a matter of conscience.' Sir, since the Archbishop of Singapore has expressed his disapproval of the sterilisation of the parents so that their child could be admitted into a Catholic school, may I suggest to the Minister for Home Affairs and Education to review this policy and to accord a discussion with the Archbishop of Singapore and other Christian leaders on this moral issue?”
“Sir, may I suggest that if the list can be given fortnightly, it will have better use because if it is distributed monthly it gets out-of-date at times.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I fully support the views given by the Members for Boon Teck and Kim Seng. I strongly feel that if stoppage of work is the result of the employers neglecting proper safety measures and regulations, it is high time that the Ministry of Labour took serious action against them. And for God's sake, make them pay the workers for such negligence. The general impression of the public, especially the workers, is that it seems the Labour Ministry is very sympathetic towards the employers. Let us do something for the workers.”
“I sincerely hope that all ASEAN-designated industrial projects will be implemented as soon as possible. I am confident the next ASEAN Foreign Ministers Conference in Manila will achieve further good results. With the present ASEAN political and economic cooperation, and with the implementation of the major industrial projects, I am sure local and foreign investors will be encouraged to make their investment in ASEAN countries. Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to join my colleagues in this House in giving full support to the Budget Statement presented by the Hon. Minister for Finance to Parliament on 1st March, 1976. 6.32 p.m.”
“Thio, had said in his address to the Symposium on Productivity Agreements. Worker Motivation and Sharing the Gains of Productivity, held at Hotel Equatorial on 16th February. 1976, and I quote. `We should, therefore, give due attention towards developing team spirit, cooperation proper work attitudes and efforts, worker motivation and incentives which are part and parcel of a successful scheme in maximising productivity movements in all Sectors and to sharpen our competitive edge over others If workers felt they are not getting a fair share of the benefits of higher productivity, they would see little reason for exerting themselves for giving their cooperation and support. The process of apportioning the gains from increased productivity equitably by a spirit of goodwill understanding and willingness to give and take.' The workers fully understand the importance of increasing productivity, to better the quality of the products, to see that the prices of goods are competitive to other countries, and to accept the fact that investors want substantive profits for their investment. Commonsense tells us that if we achieve all these qualities, consumers in other countries will buy more of our Singapore-manufactured goods. The investors will get better profit and will expand their business and there will be job security and more jobs for the younger people. Sir, the people of ASEAN countries are very happy that their leaders have met recently at Bali and at Kuala Lumpur to foster better understanding and to establish political and economic cooperation. So far, the conferences have had successful results. I am glad that Singapore has been selected to manufacture diesel engines.”
“Sir, to prove my point, our Union has already submitted claims to the Shell Group of Companies on 20th November, 1975, including a clause for the formation of a Productivity Committee, which reads as follows: `The Company and the Union shall form Productivity Committee comprising members from Management and Union to monitor productivity and introduce productivity schemes in the Company The Company shall disclose fully the results of productivity and shall share equitably the fruits of productivity with their employees' This is the final reply from the Shell Management on 23rd February, 1976, as follows - `Productivity Committee Rejected, as matter within ambit of Department/Worksite Committee' Sir, the Union disagrees with the Shell Management's contention that a joint Productivity Committee to deal with policy matters, especially on the formula to measure productivity and the quantum of payment, is within the ambit of Departmental/Worksite Committee. These policy matters should be dealt with at the Union's Branch and Executive Council level. However, the Union's stand is simple. If employers are reluctant to form a Joint Productivity Committee in order to disclose the results of Productivity and to introduce productivity payment schemes, then they cannot expect increased productivity from the workers. Perhaps the NTUC should take up this matter with the Government to consider the enforcement of a Joint Productivity Committee and Productivity Payment Scheme through legislation in due course. Employers should appreciate that there is nothing free in this world. If they want increased productivity from the workers, they must compensate them accordingly. Sir, I fully agree with what the Chairman of the National Productivity Board. Mr G C.”
“We have to cooperate with the Government and the Employers' Groups in a mutual tripartite drive to attract local and foreign investors to invest in Singapore for the benefit of all. The workers get jobs with decent wage and good condition of service and the investors get substantial profits in return for their investment here. Sir, we cannot afford to be selfish and refuse to take steps to tackle the present slow industrial growth and unemployment situation. We must not allow the present unemployment figure of 39,500 to increase further. We must all be united and do our very best to achieve full employment as soon as possible by encouraging the investors to build more factories or plants so that our young school leavers can get jobs. Sir, much has already been said about the necessity to increase productivity, but unfortunately nothing has been said about the formula for incentive payment to the workers for increased production, not only in the manufacturing sector but also the administrative sector as well. Sir, all employers are in support of increasing productivity but very few are willing to pay the incentive payment to the workers for the good job they have done. I submit that employers who refuse to pay incentive payment to the workers for having achieved increased productivity, are shamefully exploiting the workers and this should be stopped. Sir, employers not only refuse to pay incentive payment to the workers for their effort in increasing productivity, they are also not interested to form a joint Productivity Committee with the Unions. I understand there are only a handful of Joint Productivity Committees in Singapore.”
“Sir, I am quite sure the workers and the people of Singapore will accept the advice given by Mr C. V. Devan Nair, the Secretary-General of NTUC, in his address to the Second Triennial Delegates Conference of the PIEU and SILO at the Singapore Conference Hall on Saturday, 28th February, 1976. With the present global inflation, slow industrial growth and unemployment, it is necessary to have a new pay strategy for the workers so as to attract investors here and to gradually achieve full employment. Belt-tightening is necessary for all categories of workers from the private and public sectors. In order to achieve full employment in 1976 and 1977, a total of 84.000 new jobs have to be created. So far, there is a possibility of achieving about 40,000 new jobs in the manufacturing, construction, transport and public service's sectors in 1976 and 1977, which are far below our target. Sir, investors will only invest in a country where there is political and economic stability, industrial peace, and workers who are willing to learn and are hard-working, wages are fair and with reasonable fringe benefits, prices of goods for export are competitive with other countries, manufactured products are of a good quality, and where they can make substantial profits out of their investment. Sir, for the sake of long-term national interest and for the good of our present young people and the coming new generation, the workers of Singapore should accept the wisdom and guidance of NTUC on the new pay strategy as well as wage policy in collective bargaining including fringe benefits. Again, we have to make a further self-sacrifice and to put reasonable claims to employers for new collective agreements.”
“The purchasers are quite willing to pay a little more for the flats provided the building quality of the flats is good and up to the standard. I hope the HDB will rectify the poor construction of the flats and exercise careful supervision over the construction of new blocks of HDB flats. Sir, the Singapore Bus Service has improved a lot. There are more buses running the various routes; the waiting time for buses has been lessened. One can hardly find any rude behaviour on the part of the conductors, the driving standard of the bus drivers is good. I am quite satisfied with the present standard of service. I think the female conductors are doing a good job. They perform their duties just as well as the male conductors. There is still room for further improvement, however, especially the following: - (1) Most of the windows of buses are damaged and need constant repair. The window frames and glass are very dirty and require cleaning. (2) The bus deck needs regular sweeping to keep it free of used tickets and other accumulated rubbish. (3) Something must be done for the students, especially in the evenings when they are on their way home. During, this period most of the buses are crowded and the students have no chance to get aboard. More buses should be put on the road in the evenings so that the tired and hungry students can get home earlier. (4) Some bus drivers have the bad habit of not stopping at the bus stop to pick up commuters who have signalled them to stop, especially when two or three buses arrive together. In such instances the driver of the second or third bus will drive away even the bus has only a few commuters in it. This bad habit must be stopped immediately to avoid inconvenience to the commuters.”
“For raping young girls or children, all rapists who are convicted under the law should be completely castrated by surgery, in addition to punishment under the law, This will save other innocent young girls and children from becoming victims of these sex maniacs. Sir, I am glad to read in the newspapers that the Government has permitted married couples to use their CPF contributions to purchase HUDC flats. I think it is not fair to deprive the bachelors and spinsters from buying HUDC flats, After all, they also pay income tax like other married couples. Also, a good number of them would like to stay with their parents. brothers and sisters, In fairness to them, I would request the Government to allow them to buy HUDC flats, just like other married couples, without further delay. Or else, the Government is indirectly forcing them to get married as quickly as possible in order to qualify for purchase of HUDC flats. The HUDC flats, especially those with prices ranging from $55,000 to $80,000, are most popular and in big demand, May I urge the HUDC to build more flats of this type and to cut down the building of the higher-priced flats which cost more than $80,000. There are still many applicants on the waiting list for HDB and HUDC flats. I hope the Government will do its best to build more flats to meet the demand so that the private developers will not increase the prices of their flats or houses to fantastic levels, as had occurred during the last economic boom. They have already made enough profit and they should not be allowed to enjoy it again. With regard to HDB flats, the purchasers have been complaining of the low standard of the construction work. A lot of money and inconvenience is involved in repairs or renovation.”
“After a careful and thorough study of the actual total cost of the fringe benefits given to the above three categories of employees, then only will the NWC be able to give a fair and proper recommendation on a review of all the fringe benefits given by a company. Sir, family planning is a necessary practice for all married workers in Singapore. They must accept the reality of life that the world does not owe them a living. They must agree to have a small family of two children only, irrespective of whether they are boys or girls. When they have two children, they must stop. Earning a salary of $400 a month, a worker is really asking for trouble if he has many children. He cannot afford to give his family a fair standard of living. There is every possibility that he will frequently worry over financial problems, resulting in his falling sick, in poor health and inefficient at his work. A wise worker will have a family of two children only. He will continue with higher studies, especially on technical subjects, to improve his knowledge and skill in order to get a better salary and quicker promotion or for better jobs. Sir, the crime rate has been increasing in Singapore. The Police has been doing its best to reduce the crime rate. The public must be more civic conscious and assist the Police to catch the culprits. Without public cooperation and assistance the Police will find difficulty in solving crimes. According to the latest newspaper reports a few sex maniacs are raping and molesting young girls and even children. The Police must smash the operation of blue films and pornographic literature. Those involved in this mean business should be punished severely.”
“(3) All Senior Executives are given a transport allowance of $420 a month and they can still claim mileage allowance for using their cars on Company's business beyond a certain mileage limit. (4) All Junior Executives are given $150 transport allowance. They have now abolished it, but have compensated it with a payment of $180 added into their salary. (5) The bargainable employees, such as labourers, clerks, technicians, supervisors, are given either $50 transport allowance a month or to use the Company's contract bus transport. (6) Now a few new bargainable employees are not given any transport allowance. They also cannot use the Company's transport. Our Union's transport grievance with the Company has not been resolved and our Union will have to bring the matter to the Ministry of Labour for settlement. Sir, from what I have just said, you will agree that managerial and executive staff are getting better fringe benefits than bargainable employees. So it is unfair to say that the fringe benefits given to the workers have caused labour costs to go up. In fact, a good portion of the costs of fringe benefits is also given to the local and foreign managerial and executive staff. Sir, we are not angry or jealous of the local and foreign managerial and executive staff getting better fringe benefits than the bargainable workers, We agree they deserve to enjoy such fringe benefits. However, should the NWC review the fringe benefits of the bargainable workers, it should look into the total cost of the fringe benefits given to the following three categories of employees: - (a) Foreign managerial and executive staff, (b) Local managerial and executive staff, and (c) All the bargainable employees covered by a Collective Agreement.”
“Also, you will notice there is no provision for entertainment, like going to the cinema, or for ordinary medical bills if one of his family is down with flu or fever, There is nothing for him to provide for unforeseeable financial needs such as when he is temporarily out of job; or someone in his family is seriously ill requiring admission to hospital, or even a sudden bereavement in the family. This clearly shows that a worker earning a monthly salary of $400 and with a family of five persons to support, after deducting his CPF contribution will not be able to meet his monthly family expenses. Therefore. Sir, when the NWC gives recommendations to the Government on adjustment on wage policy, it should bear in mind that annual bonus or annual wage supplement together with some fringe benefits are still necessary for the workers to help them to make both ends meet in their monthly family expenses. Sir, should there be a review on the fringe benefits by the NWC covered by collective agreements for the bargainable employees, it should also look into the fringe benefits given to local and foreign executive and managerial staff. The NWC should know what is the total cost of fringe benefits given to them and the actual cost for the bargainable employees, believe the payment of fringe benefits is part 36.00 and parcel of labour cost. Sir, I would like to quote the transport allowance given by the Caltex (Asia) Limited follows:- (1) All foreign managerial staff are provided with a car and a chauffeur at the expense of the Company. (2) All Departmental Heads are given the same privilege as No. 1 above.”
“According to a survey on labour force last year compiled by the Ministry of Labour and the National Statistical Commission, the total work-force in Singapore was 873.000 workers and about 75% of them earned less than $400 a month. The unemployment rate reached 4.5% last year with 39.500 people unemployed. However, I am glad to know that the service sector is still providing new jobs for the workers. Also, employment in the commerce, financing, insurance, business services, social and personal services sectors is increasing as well. Sir, my calculation of the expenses incurred by a worker to support a family of five persons, i.e. himself, his mother, his wife and two school-going children for a month, will be as follows. Assuming that his salary is $400 a month and after deducting 15% for CPF contribution, i.e. $60, the net balance is $340. a. HDB 3-room flat rental, electricity, water, gas, etc. $ 85.00 b. Marketing - foodstuffs 150.00 c. Rice for 5 persons 25.00 -------- c/f $260.00 b/f $260.00 d. His daily lunch at work $1.50 x 24 days 36.00 e. His daily bus fare 80 cts x 24 days 19.20 f. Newspaper 7.20 g. Bus fare for 2 school-going children, $15 x 2 30.00 h. School Supplementary Fees, $2.50 x 2 5.00 i. One loaf of bread daily 15.00 j. Coffee powder, sugar and butter or jam 8.60 ------- Total: $381.00 ------- Sir, you will appreciate that a worker with a family of five persons earning $400 a month and after deducting his CPF contribution of $60 will have a balance of $340 which is not sufficient to meet his monthly expenses of $381.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to join Hon. Members of this House in congratulating the Hon. Minister for Finance for presenting another fair and reasonable Budget on 1st March 1976 for the financial year 1st April, 1976 to 31st March, 1977, which would encourage local and foreign investors to proceed with their investment on various industrial projects. Sir, the Hon. Minister for Finance in his Budget Statement did mention that there should be an adjustment in the present wage policy. He also indicated that the National Wages Council ought to consider whether it should not include all forms of wage increases, including annual increments, incentive allowances and bonuses, in the computation of the annual NWC wage supplements, to arrive at a single total annual wage increase. Sir, should there be an adjustment of wage policy, I would request that there should be a thorough study on this important matter. There should not be a hasty conclusion. The NTUC and the Employers' Groups should be fully consulted and to arrive at a fair solution. Whatever recommendations the NWC would give to the Government on adjusting the wage policy, they should not be detrimental to the welfare of the workers and their take-home pay should not be reduced. All necessary fringe benefits enjoyed by the workers now should not be withdrawn. The workers are fully aware that the cost of labour should not be too high or else investors would go to other countries where labour cost is cheaper. If this happens, there will be further increase of unemployment in Singapore. On the other hand, the workers must get adequate wages to meet the present high cost of living due to the global inflation and the high prices of essential commodities, foodstuffs and manufactured products.”
“In the light of that consideration, I hope that the provision of the proposed paragraph (c) of subsection (10) be reworded to make it more equitable to workers who have legitimately come to enjoy such greater benefits than would be permitted in the Bill as it stands at present. 3.44 p.m.”
“That being the case, it will be rather difficult for a trade union to explain to its members how the situation has come about, that it is permitted for such an additional sum of money to be paid in October 1975 but not in December 1975, since such additional sum of money has been freely and voluntarily agreed to in the course of negotiations between the employer and the trade union. I express the hope that the Minister will give serious consideration to the effect of the provision of the proposed paragraph (c) of subsection (10), section 46, in clause 2 of the Bill, on the morale of workers who have conscientiously and rigorously conducted themselves within the framework of legitimate industrial relation practices in the Republic. Sir, I feel strongly on the points that I have just expressed. It is not because of the possible effect of the proposed provision on the members of my own union but because of its effect on organised workers in general, particularly those working in the pioneer manufacturing establishments. I am given to understand that a considerable number of such firms, because of their healthy financial position and their willingness to provide incentives to the workers and not because of any pressure brought to hear upon them by the union, are willing to pay and have, in fact, paid more than the prescribed limit of annual wage supplement to their employees. It will require no effort for the management to reconcile itself to any statutory prohibition against the payment of such additional sum of money and to apply for permission to make such payment. But for the workers to reconcile themselves to the suspense of waiting again for the employer to pay the additional sum of money previously negotiated for and agreed to may require super-human efforts.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Member for Boon Teck, who is also the President of NTUC. I agree with what he has said, but I wish to make a further comment on the Bill. In clause 2 of the Bill, the proposed paragraph (c) of subsection (10) of section 46 of the Employment Act seeks to make it illegal for any sum of money to be paid in addition to the annual wage supplement as set out in a contract of service or in a collective agreement. I have no doubt that this particular provision is intended to rectify the provision in the amending Act of 1972 regarding the upper limits for the payment of annual wage supplement. But the fact is that between 1st July, 1972, and today many contracts of service and collective agreements do provide for the payment of additional sums of money over and above the prescribed annual wage supplement. There are many reasons for such a situation to arise. One reason is that an employer wishing to expedite the signing of a collective agreement may propose an ex gratia payment to induce a trade union to forgo some of its claims and so conclude the negotiation for the collective agreement. Another reason is that an employer may prefer giving such ex gratia payments to committing himself to a permanent modification of the wage scales of his employees. The point I wish to make is that whatever sum of money that has been agreed to be paid in a contract of service or a collective agreement in addition to the prescribed annual wage supplement is not deliberately made for the purpose of avoiding the relevant provision of the Employment Act regarding the payment of annual wage supplement or annual bonus.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the Workmen's Compensation Bill. As it will go to a Select Committee, I sincerely hope that the Select Committee will not take too long to deliberate on it. And as soon as the Select Committee makes its report to Parliament, I hope Parliament as well as the Minister would implement it as soon as possible. There should not be any unnecessary delay in this matter. Question put, and agreed to~ Bill accordingly read a Second time. Resolved, "That the Workmen's Compensation Bill be committed to a Select Committee consisting of Mr Speaker as Chairman and the following Members: Mr Fong Sip Chee Mr N. Govindasamy Mr Hwang Soo Jin Mr Ong Pang Boon Mr Ong Teng Cheong Mr Phey Yew Kok Mr L. P. Rodrigo." -[Mr Ong Pang Boon]. BROADCASTING AND TELEVISION (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 7.10 p.m.”
“This gives a very bad image of Singapore and, if fleecing is not curbed, it will be damaging to our tourist industry. All tourists like to do their shopping in Singapore because of the variety of things at reasonable prices. I believe that one best way to tackle this problem of fleecing is to establish a Co-operative Tourist Shopping Centre through a joint enterprise between NTUC and Government. Perhaps the Tourist Promotion Board can also help in this matter. I hope the Government and NTUC would consider this guaranteed profit-making enterprise. Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to join my colleagues in this House in giving full support to the Budget statement presented by the Minister for Finance to Parliament on 3rd March, 1975. 5.48 p.m.”
“Sir, annually the National Wages Council gives its recommendations on guidelines for annual wage increases for the workers. Since the NWC is a tripartite representation, I suggest it should also give a guideline to the employers, especially on payment of directors' or managing directors' bonus. There must be a limit too. Sir, the Housing and Urban Development Co, will build 42,000 housing units in nine residential areas for the middle income group. I also understand that residents now staying in HDB fiats are interested to purchase the HUDC flats. I would suggest that priority of allocation for the HUDC flats should be given to the middle income group first, and if there is any surplus flats, then they could be given to present HDB residents. It is not fair to the middle income group to allow HDB residents to join in the queue for the HUDC flats. Sir, Singapore has very limited land and, in the national interest, I would request the Government to consider buying up all available vacant land in Singapore for residential or industrial development. All land that is vacant and not developed for three years, the Government must be given the power to take over after paying a fair price. We must not allow local or foreign investors to buy up our land and to speculate for fantastic profits. I am sure when the global inflation and recession subside and with the improvement of our economy, prices of land and housing will go up again. To avoid this land and housing speculation, the buying up of all available land by the Government will help to stabilise the prices of housing especially under the HDB and HUDC projects. Sir, the number of tourists visiting Singapore last year exceeded the one million mark. Some of these tourists have been fleeced by touts and shopkeepers.”
“3% of the Department's production capacity which result in greatly increased revenue and profits to the Company."'. Sir, to achieve 33.3% increase of productivity in that Castrol Blending Department, the workers had given full cooperation to the management and worked very hard. But who benefited? The Government would get the revenue and the Company would get the additional profit from the increased productivity. For the Castrol workers, they were not given a single cent as Productivity Incentive Payment! I am sure there are many employers doing the same thing like Castrol. Perhaps the Training Programme in the NPB on practical course on Work Study does not include the necessity and importance for Management to pay the workers Productivity Incentive Payment. Sir, there is another type of selfish greedy employer who wants to swallow all the profits for himself. I would like to quote from a Straits Times report dated 22nd February, 1975, as follows: "Union: MD's bonus raised fourfold `But company refused to pay full NWC'. A laundry company increased its managing director's bonus by four times but refused to pay the rest of its workers the full 1974 NWC wage increase, the Industrial Arbitration Court heard yesterday." If employers are serious and sincere about increased productivity, common sense will tell them that they have to offer to the workers what Productivity Incentive Payments they are prepared to pay and when they would like to form Productivity Committees. Employers should appreciate that increased productivity means workers are entitled to Productivity Incentive Payment. There is nothing free in this world. Employers want profit and workers would like to share the profit.”
“Also, during the period of training for a skilled job, the trainee should be given some reasonable Study Allowance to be paid by the Government and the employers. Sir, the workers in Singapore fully appreciate the necessity of upgrading their skill and to increase productivity. They have the capacity to learn a new trade as quickly as possible and the ability to achieve higher skill when given the opportunity to do so. I am glad to know that the Industrial Training Board has increased its industrial training capacity and I hope employers will give the workers the necessary time for training to increase their skill. Sir, we have heard so much emphasis being given to workers to increase their skill and to increase productivity especially from the employers, but when it comes to the question of incentive payment for the workers, there is a complete silence. Sir, I would like to quote from the NPB publication Minimax (January 1975) to prove what I have just said. `Castrol Ups Productivity 33% Writing to Minimax, Castrol management commented: "In common with the other industries which are conscious of a need for higher productivity, Castro! (Far East) Pte. Limited decided to improve its manufacturing know-how by sending two of its staff to the Work Study course conducted by National Productivity Board in July 1974. At the end of the course, we were motivated to apply in our own factory the knowledge and techniques acquired as part of an in-plant training programme. The results of the project undertaken are encouraging. As a result of introducing these improvements, the department is capable of producing an additional monthly output of 720 tons of oil, thereby increasing production capacity from 2,160 tons to 2,880 tons. This means an increase of 33.”
“Mr Speaker Sir, I would like to join hon. Members of this House in congratulating the Honourable Minister for Finance for presenting another fair and reasonable Budget on 3rd March, 1975, for the financial year 1st April, 1975 to 31st March, 1976. Sir, last year we achieved real growth around 7% in spite of global inflation and recession. This achievement of a 7% growth was made possible through the tripartite cooperation of Government, Management and Labour. I believe that so long as we maintain this tripartite cooperation we can overcome many difficulties and solve the various problems we are now facing. Sir, last year a total of 16,940 workers were retrenched and some more will follow this year. Luckily a good number of them could get alternative employment. Most of the retrenched workers are from the electronic, textile, garment and wood-based industries. In fact, about 70% of the total number of retrenched workers last year were from the electronic industry. This clearly shows that we should not depend too much on the electronic industry and we must concentrate more on sophisticated industries, such as machine-tool, industrial machinery, diesel machines, construction machinery, etc. Sir, concerning those workers who had been retrenched and are still unemployed, especially those who have little skill, may I request the Government to encourage them to take up a study for some skill work under the training programme of the National Productivity Board. The study is to be arranged in such a way that they learn in the NPB Training Centre and some of their time is to be spent in the factories for practical experience.”
“They prefer to stay in Housing Board flats and near to their own people rather than going to the Homes of the Aged. Sir, according to the Sunday Times report on 16th February, 1975, under the heading "Tax Sleuths to make the hawkers pay up", it is stated that the Inland Revenue Department has got several aces up its sleeve to make hawkers who are liable to income tax to pay up. Hon. Members of this House are fully aware that a good number of hawkers are making very good profit from their business. Some of them are earning more than hon. Members of this House. It is a fact that some hawkers are owners of houses, cars and partners of other enterprises. Hon. Members of this House will agree with me that when hawkers make big profits they have the capacity to pay income tax, and the Inland Revenue Department should not delay any further to make them pay income tax. It will be interesting to know how many hawkers have been paying income tax so far. Sir, there is some improvement in the public transport, especially, the bus service. The implementation of the scheme to use school buses to carry office commuters and other workers has greatly helped to ease the long wait for buses. Several new buses have already been added and I hope many more will follow. I would request that the school buses should not be withdrawn until there are adequate buses to serve the commuters. I also welcome the employment of women as bus drivers and conductresses. They are doing their jobs quite satisfactorily. I hope more female workers will be employed in the bus service. Sir, I support the Motion. 4.00 p.m.”
“I am happy to learn that the Factories Act will be amended to provide for more stringent safety measures and enhanced penalties will be imposed where contraventions are likely to cause death or bodily injury. I think we have given them enough warnings about giving proper industrial safety and health protection to their workers. It is time that severe action was taken against employers who neglect the safety of the workers, as their negligence may cause severe bodily injuries and death to their workers. I would recommend that we impose maximum penalty of a fine and imprisonment. Disciplinary action should also be taken against workers who refuse to use the safety equipment supplied to them. We cannot afford to lose so many workers in the industries, especially the skilled ones, through incapacity caused by industrial accidents. Sir, it is most appropriate that a new Workmen's Compensation Bill will be presented to Parliament for approval to increase the maximum compensation from $21,600 to $35,000 for a fatal case and from $28,800 to $45,000 for a case of permanent incapacity. I am sure all hon. Members in this House will give full support to this Bill. Sir, I would request the Government to expedite the passing of legislation to control the operations and management of private welfare homes and to ensure minimum standards for the care of inmates and cleanliness of homes. This legislation will stop the exploitation and suffering of the poor aged people. May I also request the Government to allocate a number of Housing Board flats to the aged people who wish to live collectively with their aged friends and near to members of their families in the Housing estates.”
“If, finally, retrenchment is unavoidable, the employers should give them ample notice so as to cushion a sudden shock and to enable them to make preparation to seek other employments. Also the workers should be given substantial compensation as retrenchment benefit for the years of service that they have given. If this procedure of retrenching the workers is adopted, I am sure there will be less misunderstanding and all hostile industrial disputes or confrontation can be avoided. To achieve industrial peace, employers must respect the workers as human beings and not to treat them like machines but to appreciate the importance of understanding the human feelings of the workers. To enjoy job security, good wages, and better conditions of service, workers must do their duty honestly, sincerely, efficiently and help to increase productivity. However, it is necessary for both sides to develop trust, understanding, confidence and cooperation to achieve good industrial relations and industrial peace. Sir, I fully support the Government's intention to raise the standards of industrial safety and health, especially in building construction, ship-building and ship-repairing. These industries have the highest rates of industrial accidents involving serious bodily injuries and even death as happened in several cases. In spite of the warning given by the Ministry of Labour to employers, there is not much evidence of a reduction in the number of industrial accidents and deaths in these industries. These employers are only interested in making big profits as quickly as possible. They do not care very much about adequate safety equipments necessary to safeguard and protect the workers from industrial accidents.”
“I believe by limiting the private developers from building unnecessary luxurious and costly multi-storey flats and houses, the Government can make good use of the construction workers and building materials to build many more HDB flats to reach the target of 40,000 units a year so as to eliminate the long waiting list of 80,000 intending purchasers and 20,000 applicants to rent HDB flats. Sir, several thousands of our young workers have been retrenched from the electronic, garment, plywood and other industries because of the present inflation and recession. Workers in America, U.K., Europe, Japan and other countries have also suffered retrenchment. Unemployment is on the increase everywhere. I am happy that the Ministry of Labour has already set up a special retrenchment unit in August 1974 to help the retrenched workers to get other employment. Young workers should not be too choosy in accepting a job. They should realise that all jobs are dignified, but to remain idle, unemployed and to depend on parental support is shameful and disgraceful. I hope the Ministry of Labour together with the unions will keep a close watch on the retrenchment situation and see that employers do not abuse their right to retrench workers unless there is real justification to do so. Should there be any retrenchment, it is appropriate that the employers should discuss these questions with the union leaders as early as possible - whether there is any possibility of avoiding it; or lessen the number of workers to be retrenched; or to deploy them to other departments or worksites; or to operate a four or five-day week; or any other ways and means to solve the problem to the satisfaction of both parties.”
“I fully support the Government in introducing full-time national service for the Police Force to help deal with the growing crime rates. I would request the Government to recruit more Police officers to maintain its full strength. Also the public must give full support and cooperation to the Police in dealing with criminals. I think we can be proud of our Police Force. It is efficient in dealing with crimes and not tainted by corruption. I would also like to praise the good work the Vigilante Corps are doing under the establishment of the Community Security Force, especially in helping the regular Police in crime prevention. Sir, the Housing and Development Board is doing a fine job. Last year it completed a record of 26,000 units. I am happy to learn that its building programme will eventually reach 40,000 units per year. In view of the fact that there is a waiting list of 80,000 intending purchasers and 20,000 applicants to rent HDB flats, may I request the Government to limit the private developers from building too many luxurious and costly flats or houses. Most Singaporeans cannot afford to purchase them because of the high prices. They are specially built for businessmen and rich foreigners in order to make big profit. These private developers care for their self-interest first, purely for profit-making and not for national interest. With the present inflation and recession, most of the luxurious and costly multi-storey flats and houses are vacant in spite of the fact that their prices have slightly gone down.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to join hon. Members of this House in supporting the Motion moved by the Member for Kim Keat to thank the President for his speech delivered on behalf of the Government at the opening of the Second Session of the Third Parliament on Friday, 21st February, 1975. Sir, the President's speech together with the Addendum on the various Ministries give us the full picture of what the Government intends to do for the people of Singapore, especially to maintain political and economic stability with industrial and economic growth. It is also very necessary to preserve the tripartite cooperation between Government, Management and Labour in order to solve all the various problems caused by the present world inflation and recession. However, let us all do our very best to achieve the same real growth around 7% like last year, and if possible, to score a higher percentage if we can, by the end of this year. I am glad to learn that the Singapore birth rates continued to fall and that total births declined in 1974 to 44,000 from 48,000 in 1973. For a country to achieve industrial growth and economic progress, it is important that its birth rates must be controlled. I sincerely hope that all the young married people in Singapore will have small families and to limit each family to two children only. Sir, it is true that crime rates have been increasing. The President had rightly said in his speech on 21st February, 1975, that "they want the good things in life but without working to pay for them." Quite frequently you will find reports in the newspapers about theft, armed robbery, gang fights, rape and murder. We must find ways and means to stop them.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I fully support this Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill. In fact, this Bill should have been introduced a few years ago. Many innocent persons have died or seriously injured by the actions of inconsiderate drivers who drove their motor vehicles recklessly and dangerously. Sir, according to the pamphlet on the Points Demerit System, six points will be given for reckless or dangerous driving. I think this is too lenient a punishment for such a serious offence, as a reckless and dangerous driver could kill an innocent person. I would request the Minister of State for Communications to give serious consideration to immediately suspend the driving licence of a driver for a period of six months if he is found guilty of reckless and dangerous driving. This is more effective than giving him six points for the offence, which is too lenient a punishment.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the Martial Arts Instruction Bill. I would like to inquire from the Minister for Health and Home Affairs whether he would consider encouraging members of the Police force to undergo training in all the various forms of martial arts because in Singapore at the present time a lot of bad hats have some experience in various forms of martial art. Members of the Armed Forces too have a duty to enforce law and order. Therefore, it would be advantageous and necessary, if it is possible, for all members of the Armed Forces to be trained in the martial arts. If there are sufficient instructors, members of the Vigilante Corps should also be encouraged to undergo this kind of training.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it was reported in the press that prices of school textbooks sold in certain book-shops were quite high. Moreover, at times students could not buy certain textbooks because they were not available. I understand that school principals have the right to select textbooks for use in their schools. In fact, certain schools change their textbooks from time to time. Sir, in order to stabilise or reduce the prices of school textbooks and to avoid the difficulty of getting certain textbooks, may I suggest to the Minister for Education for his consideration whether he would utilise $3 million out of the $7 million in the School Supplementary Fund to establish a School Textbook Co-operative for the bulk purchase of school textbooks and re-sale to the students. Perhaps this co-operative may also include buying cloth in bulk for school uniforms. This would definitely reduce the prices of textbooks and school uniforms. If this co-operative is to buy school textbooks and cloth for the students, then it should be called the School Textbook and Cloth Co-operative. I am sure all parents, teachers and students will give full support to this co-operative. I hope the Minister for Education will give his approval to establish this School Textbook and Cloth Co-operative as soon as possible.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I think it is a well-known fact that a good number of hawkers in Singapore are making good profits. In fact, a good number of them own houses, motor cars, and properties. I understand that some of them are also partners in finance companies. In view of this, I would urge the Minister for Finance to look into this matter. It is not fair that workers are required to reveal their income to the Income Tax Department, on which they have to pay income tax, while a good number of hawkers who are making good profits - some of them are earning more than executives, professional people or even MPs - do not have to do so. Perhaps the Minister will look into it to ensure that they do contribute their share of tax.”
“Sir, the Minister has just mentioned that so far a good case has not been made for his consideration to increase the allowance of the Vigilante Corps members. Can the Minister give some sort of guidance as to what he means by a good case, and what are the criteria? I should say that to pay the rate of 25 cents per hour is most ridiculous. That is a trade union's point of view, and I believe Members of this House would support my views too.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, Singapore has to import a good number of agricultural products from neighbouring countries, and the prices of these agricultural products are rising higher and higher. In view of this fact, I am enquiring from the Hon. Minister whether he would care to make a feasibility study of using a few of our small neighbouring islands for agricultural farming. If it is feasible, the farmers will be interested. Could the Minister please give consideration? 3.00 p.m.”
“Sir, I would like to ask the Minister whether he is satisfied with the general work of road-repairing or road-making done by the contractors, and whether the quality is satisfactory. In other words, can the contractor give a guarantee of the quality of his work for at least six months, or a year, failing which the contractor has to make good the defects?”
“Sir, I fully support the views expressed by the Members for Jurong and Telok Blangah with regard to the building of creches. I think it is important that employers, especially those investors who run factories, must themselves play an important part. If they want employees to work in their factories, it is high time they built small creches in their various factories. If I am not mistaken, they have such facilities in Japan. So it is high time they did something about it.”
“Sir, sending the old and aged people to such homes is, I think, the modern way of living. All these old people are facing a lot of problems and difficulties. I believe the mentality of the younger generation today is that they prefer to send their aged parents to the various homes. This is a modern way of living which we cannot escape. In view of this, I would strongly urge the Minister for Social Affairs to consider the possibility of a project whereby all old and aged people may be given decent places to live so that they can be well taken care of, especially those who can afford to pay. This is a project where the Minister can give certain consideration.”
“In view of the possible settlement of the conflict in the Middle East countries, I would like to appeal to the national leaders of the oil producing countries to give serious consideration to restore the oil cut as soon as possible and not to further increase the oil prices. The developing countries are suffering terribly because most of them do not have the financial means to pay for the oil at such high prices. The present oil cut and the increase of its prices have already badly affected their economic growth and industrial expansion which will eventually lead to further unemployment and starvation to some developing countries. This will be a great blow to the progress of the developing countries and may bring economic chaos to the world. Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to join my colleagues in this House in supporting the financial policy of the Government contained in the Budget Statement made by the Minister for Finance in this House on the 4th of March, 1974. 5.29 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister for Finance in his Budget Statement on 4th March, 1974, mentioned that the average price of crude oil is now well over US$8 (S$20) a barrel, which means a four-fold increase in price over the pre-October 1973 rate. This sudden and rapid increase of the crude oil prices has created an economic burden on the balance of payments of consumer nations, not only to the developed countries but the developing countries as well. The oil producing countries will be getting a lot of money from their oil supplies. In fact, millions and millions of dollars are pouring into their coffers, and they are faced with the problem of how to spend the money. All the oil companies in the world are also making hundreds of millions or billions of dollars because of the oil crisis and increase of oil prices. Sir, here is a report from the Straits Times of 5th February, 1974, and I quote: `Exxon Corporation .., annual earnings of US$2.44 billion. Texaco, the third largest but second in profits, registered $1.29 billion.' `So far, 16 of the US's 20 largest oil companies have reported their 1973 results, and they add up to nearly $8 billion in profits for the year.' There is another report from the Straits Times of 2nd March, 1974. I quote: `The Royal Dutch/Shell group reports net income for 1973 has risen from �281.7 million to �730.0 million on sales proceeds of �10,558 million against �7,961 million.' According to the Bank of Japan survey, Singapore and eight other nations would lose a total of about $6,750 million because of higher crude oil prices. Other developing countries are facing the same problem.”
“A lot of criticism has been published in the press expressing dissatisfaction with the present bus service - the buses are dirty, polluting the air with black smoke from their exhaust pipes, irregularity in running the bus schedules, drivers refuse to stop at bus stops, conductors are rude, frequent breakdown of buses. Of course, the commuters have some of their own faults to be blamed for. I would not like to add any more fuel to the fire, but may I just make a few recommendations to improve the bus service? (1) Expedite the repair of the 400 buses. (2) Expedite buying of more new buses to ease the acute shortage of buses. (3) The Management must hear the grievances and difficulties of the bus workers. Also to consider their views and recommendations to achieve an efficient bus service to the satisfaction of the commuters, bus workers and Management. Management, Union and Government must do their very best to solve this problem. (4) The Management to consider giving shares to the bus workers as incentive bonus. This will make them part-owners, when they will of course, work harder. Sir, in view of the detailed reply and assurance given by the Minister for Communications in Parliament yesterday to further improve the efficiency of the bus service, let us all hope that it will operate efficiently as soon as possible. I must add here that the successful and efficient operation of the bus service requires the full co-operation of the bus commuters as well. They must also appreciate the difficulties of the bus drivers and conductors.”
“I am sure all the unionised workers will get the $25, but I am very doubtful whether all the non-unionised workers will get the $25 from their employers. 1 would strongly urge them to join a union in order to get not only the $25 but also to obtain other benefits as well. I fully agree with the Minister for Finance that to meet the difficulties we have to face in 1974, concerted efforts by employers and workers, producers, traders and consumers must match the Government's own efforts to achieve continued economic growth, with inflation kept down as low as possible. He also mentioned in his Budget Speech that employers and employees must move vigorously towards productivity increases. Mr Speaker, Sir, the workers agree to the need to increase production. But what about giving them a productivity bonus? Most employers are very vociferous about increasing productivity but very silent about giving a productivity bonus. They would not even care to mention about it. When employers make substantial profit, they just keep quiet and expect the employees to work harder. When they are losing business or getting less profit, they run to the workers and tell them their woes and miseries. Subsequently, they will retrench as many workers as possible. Where is the justice and fairness to the workers? Employers pay wages according to the services rendered by the workers. If they work harder and make extra efforts to boost production, employers make extra profit and therefore they must give a productivity bonus. There is nothing free in this world, including labour service on productivity.”
“Another two supermarkets will be established, at Selegie Centre and Serangoon Gardens. Also NTUC's WELCOME will establish more supermarkets in the various housing estates in due course. Sir, the general feeling of workers in Singapore is that the Government can control wage increases very well but it is unable to exercise effective control over unreasonable price hiking and profiteering. The time is overdue already for the Government to take drastic action against them immediately. These hoarders and profiteers care for their ownselves in making more money, getting rich quickly and enjoying wine, women and song. They do not have the slightest concern for our national interest. I strongly urge the Government to prosecute them, fine them heavily, put them in prison, cancel their licences and confiscate their goods for hoarding and profiteering. However, Government action alone will not help solve the whole problem. It is necessary in the national interest that all workers, employers and the people co-operate with the Government to deal with these disgraceful, shameless, parasitic hoarders and profiteers. These hoarders and profiteers are indeed "social cancers" in our society, and we have to eliminate them. The workers fully appreciate Government's acceptance of the National Wages Council's interim wage supplement of $25 per month to those who are earning less than $1,000 with effect from February 1974, to be followed by another recommendation in July 1974. I hope the final National Wages Council recommendation in July 1974 will give more to the workers who are in the lower income group, especially those who are earning less than $300 a month. This $25 will at least help to lessen the financial strain of the workers to meet the present high cost of living.”
“Everyone knows that prices of commodities have gone up because of global inflation, uncertainties in the international monetary system, oil production cut and increase of oil prices by all the oil producing countries, shortage of food and raw materials, and other causes. Singapore has no natural resources like oil, gold, timber, rubber, tin, copra or rice, and we have to import all the things we want from other countries; therefore, we have to pay for the prices they demand. No one would object to the reasonable and fair increase of prices of things. What we strongly object to is the deliberate spreading of rumour that there is a shortage of certain commodities, for example, sugar, followed by hoarding, and finally increase in price. Luckily, our Government has the capacity to deal with it by releasing more sugar. Sir, in spite of repeated warnings by the Government, profiteering is still going on. Giving warnings only will not have the effect of restraining them from hoarding or profiteering. In fact, it has reached a stage where they are determined to get the maximum profit and to get rich as quickly as possible. The people are aware that the Government is doing its best to lessen the impact of inflation and to curb price hiking by profiteers. The people feel strongly that the Government is too lenient towards the profiteers. So many warnings have been given to them, but no drastic action has been taken. So far, there has been no prosecution against anyone indulging in hoarding, profiteering and giving short-weight in goods, like bread, for example. The NTUC is also doing its best to deal with the present inflation and price hiking. It has already established two co-operative supermarkets, one in Toa Payoh and the other in Bukit Ho Swee.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am glad that the Minister for Finance has presented another painless budget to this House on the 4th of March, 1974. Not only will there be no new taxes, but at the same time he was generous enough to give us a few tax concessions. The young people who are supporting their parents and grandparents are happy to know that the Minister for Finance has kindly agreed to increase the tax relief for dependent parents and grandparents from $300 to $750 per dependant. However, I hope the Minister for Finance will give further consideration to increase it to $1,000 per dependant, especially in view of the present high cost of living. Mr Speaker, Sir, everywhere you go in Singapore, you will hear people talking about price hiking, profiteering, the bus service is giving a lot of inconvenience, frustration and disappointment to the commuters, and other things affecting their daily life. The newspapers report about shortages of food and raw materials, trade associations announce price increases, unemployment on the increase in other countries, more young people taking drugs, and more people are committing suicide. Singapore is facing some of these difficulties but the people here are much more fortunate because we still maintain political, economic and industrial stability. There is economic growth and industrial expansion. There is full co-operation between management and labour, as well as Government. We are happy that there is almost full employment in Singapore. More than 50,000 jobs were created last year. I believe that so long as we continue this tripartite co-operation, we can meet all the challenges and overcome the difficulties.”
“In fairness to the workers, I suggest that the Employment Act and the Industrial Relations Act should be amended so that employers have no right to dismiss or retrench any employee unless they negotiate with the union. 3.35 p.m.”
“Sir, I would like to read part of the editorial from the Labour News of July 1973, published by SILO and PIEU, expressing concern over employers retrenching employees in order to cow the workers from becoming union leaders and to weaken the union. I quote: `Recent events showed that the hidden sharp point of the instrument of retrenchment is used by employers to get rid of branch committee officials; in a few instances, the retrenchment exercises have knifed off as many as half the total number of branch committee officials. In the first place, such retrenchment exercises are, basically, for the purpose of breaking up the branch committees and to make them impotent. In the second place, they are meant to cow other workers from offering themselves to stand for election or appointment to branch committees; and what is even more serious is the real intention of the employers, and that is, to break the faith and confidence of the rank and file members in the trade union. We would ask the Labour Ministry and the NTUC to make a close scrutiny of management's rights of retrenchment which, in practice, can camouflage other insidious intentions, and we hope to see positive results ensuing.' Sir, in view of the fact that some employers are taking advantage of the labour laws against the workers and union leaders by retrenching them so as to weaken the union, I would suggest to the Minister for Labour to deprive the employers of the right to dismiss or retrench their employees. The employers must negotiate with the union leaders before any dismissal or retrenchment of any employees.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I fully support the views expressed by the Member for Telok Blangah. The Employment Act and the Industrial Relations Act were implemented since 1968, which impose several restrictions on the workers, one of which is that employers have the right to promote, to transfer, to reorganise, to dismiss, or to retrench their employees. At that time the workers accepted these restrictions so as to help to create a good climate for investors to come to Singapore, and thereby provide employment for our people. Since 1968 Singapore has been enjoying industrial peace and today we are experiencing an economic boom with full employment. I am proud to say that, with the guidance of the NTUC and various trade union leaders, the workers in Singapore have conducted themselves very well and have maintained the continuity of industrial peace which, of course, helps to preserve the present political and economic stability. The workers and the union leaders have acted in a very intelligent and reasonable way towards the employers when dealing with the various industrial disputes. Unfortunately, some stupid and unreckoned employers mistook our reasonableness to be our weakness. There is a limit to everything. If employers still continue to take advantage of the labour laws by dismissing and retrenching workers and union leaders and to subtly victimise them so as to weaken the strength and unity of the trade union movement, then I suggest that the employers' right to dismiss and to retrench employees should be taken away from the Employment Act and the Industrial Relations Act. Why should the workers be made to suffer and to sacrifice all the time?”
“This type of foolish and unenlightened employers should be punished by law if it is proven true that they are victimising their employees for trade union activities. The Government must put an immediate stop to this kind of subtle way of victimisation. Such foolish employers are provoking employees into industrial action and should not be tolerated in Singapore. Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to join my colleagues in this House in giving full support to the Budget statement presented by the Minister for Finance to Parliament on 26th February, 1973. 5.59 p.m.”