Sha'ari bin Tadin
Singapore
“To ask the Minister for National Development (a) what was the rationale for closing up the opening in the divider, instead of installing traffic signals, at the New Upper Changi Road/Bedok South Avenue 1 junction, and is the Minister aware that the closure has resulted in (i) curtailment of bus services 31 and 401; and (ii) congestion of…”
“To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether there are plans to construct an overhead bridge at New Upper Changi Road near the Bedok Sports Complex, when the work will commence and when it is expected to be completed; and (b) whether his Ministry will look into the possibility of installing a signalised pedestrian crossing acr…”
“Sir, thank you for allowing me to speak. First of all, I would like to support the views expressed by the Member for Kim Song. Earlier we were talking a lot about the problems of the aged, and I am afraid I have to bring this up again. The Singapore Sports Council, Sir, has been successfully pursuing the Sports for All policy since 1973.”
“I feel that it is the responsibility of everyone involved in sports to continuously educate people on crowd behaviour and to stifle excesses. We must always acknowledge and cheer good play on both sides whether it comes from the victor or the vanquished. Crowd outbursts can contribute a major danger to sport.”
“Sometimes they have to carry cash and they are afraid that they might be confronted by robbers. I do not know whether the Minister would be able to enlighten us on this policy of building special car parks for lorries and buses only, and whether there is any possibility of complying with the special request of these lorry drivers.”
“According to my way of thinking, it is time the SBC began planning with the objective of becoming more than just a vehicle presenting syndicated programmes from abroad, collecting revenue from advertisements, thus trying to survive at a level little better than an ordinary broadcasting medium.”
The complete record
Every one of 226 lines we hold for Sha'ari bin Tadin, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 5.
“The provision included universal education, free primary education, free parental choice of language streams, equal treatment of the four official languages, bilingualism, emphasis on vocational and technical education, enhanced education with the development of knowledge and skills necessary for economic development, social and civic values and consciousness, health education and services as well as extra-curricular activities to ensure a healthy and robust society. Sir, in general, I am very pleased indeed with the Dr Goh Keng Swee's Report except that the criticisms were too severe on the Ministry officials. I find that the Goh Keng Swee Report on Education contains correct, incisive and perceptive observations as well as recommendations. It is unbiased, objective in its approach and very thorough in its presentation. As I have said earlier, it is timely. There is need for it. Timely because it is corrective at a time when correction is needed. Necessary because it is remedial at a time when a remedy is sorely needed. Many of the problems plaguing the Ministry of Education have been pin-pointed, identified, and solutions suggested. I would like to put it on record that, in the main, I concur with the observations and findings, and support many of the suggested solutions, and would like to command the Study Team's good work. That the Prime Minister has accepted the Report is certainly the real evidence of its worth. However, I also find that there are, at the same time, several areas of concern which have either been omitted altogether or not dealt with in depth. Similarly with some of the solutions suggested. Some of the recommendations bear a closer look because they appear to contain flaws, although at first glance they seem so secure.”
“It is not only timely but it is also necessary. Sir, I also said at that time that any matter pertaining to education is a matter very close to my heart. It is even more so today. What I have to say is said with sincerity, honesty and with well-meaning intent. What is the real challenge for education in Singapore? As I see it, it lies in continuing the seemingly unending search for quality and an endeavour to realise the quality that we ultimately want. In the past 1 1/2 decades, we in Singapore have experimented enough in all things educational. We paid a price for such experiments because innocent mistakes were committed, but these experiments were justified in the sense that we emerged wiser. While it must be admitted that pupils suffer as a result of the different emphases placed on education at different times, one consoling factor is that the new generation of pupils is bound to benefit from the lessons learned. I see the educational challenge ahead close to a paradox of some proportion. We have achieved quite substantially, but we have not really arrived at it yet. I think this time we have arrived at it. Let me at the very outset say that our educational policy has been formulated with social and economic development in mind. These included the fullest development of the individual potentialities with the purpose of ensuring the collective development and welfare of our democratic society, love for freedom, truth and justice, respect for fundamental human rights, racial, religious and cultural appreciation and tolerance, and all other aspects involved in building our nation, particularly loyalty and patriotism.”
“Lim Tay Boh Education Commission of Inquiry which was set up in 1962 when we were part of Malaysia. Its Final Report which embodied the unanimous findings and recommendations was submitted in 1963. Since then, more than a decade ago, our educational system has undergone so many changes not only in terms of the frequent ad hoc policy changes that have caused a great deal of confusion, irritation and frustration among teachers, principals, pupils and parents alike, but in that period of seven years there have been six changes of Ministers. In the Addendum on the Ministry of Education much stress has been laid on the Ministry's plans to reduce drastically the "enormous wastage in terms of pupils not benefiting from the system". . . To avoid further "mistakes" and in the light of what I have already mentioned, Sir, I would like to urge the Government to set up a Commission of Inquiry to review the present Government educational policy, its contents and administration in all fields and to make recommendations to the Government. I feel very strongly, Sir, that whilst we have done very well in the field of technical and vocational education, the implementation of our bilingual policy and the method of second language teaching and learning need a thorough study and, if need be, a general overhaul." The Study Team is, in some ways, such a Commission. In fact, it has done a better job than any Commission of Inquiry could do, as it has access to facilities and the know-how to get to the root of the problem. It is not my aim to take any credit; not at all. My purpose is to point out that these ills have been noticed before. I am, more than anything else, glad, very glad, that the 1978 Report on the Ministry of Education has come out.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, after listening to the eloquence of the Member for Anson and the Member for Delta, I rise to join my colleagues in this debate on the Report on the Ministry of Education which is now before the House. It is not my intention here nor my purpose - far from it - to harp on happenings that are history today. History, however, has the habit of repeating itself, and in repeating itself it affects people's lives - yours, mine and everyone else's. This is the trouble with history whose happenings are generally full of trouble. It was because of history that today we have the Goh Keng Swee Report on Education in Singapore. It was because of the many troubles plaguing the Ministry of Education that a Study Team was appointed to look into them. It was because of the troubles existent in our education system that we are here today debating this most important aspect of society. I mentioned many problem areas in my speech on Education in this very House in 1977 during the debate on the Presidential Address. Without wishing to make any claim to being prophetic in any way. I note with some satisfaction that several of the problem areas I identified at that time have, in fact, been proved correct. May I quote an extract of the speech I made (Hansard Vol. 36, Cols. 186-8): "Sir, the young that we are much concerned about are, in fact, the products of our educational policy - the PAP Government's educational policy based on the acceptance of the 1956 Report of the All-Party Committee of the Singapore Legislative Assembly on Chinese education which provided, inter alia, the introduction of bilingual education in primary schools and trilingual education in secondary schools. Our present educational system was the result of the Prof.”
“(3) That the sum to be allocated for Head S be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead Code SB-01 of the Main Estimates.”
“Sir, I am quite satisfied with the explanation given by the Minister, and I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn. The following amendments stood on the Order Paper Supplement:”
“I would like to impress upon the hon. Member that on matters like this, we have to retain a certain sense of balance because our Republic is essentially an open, competitive society, and shipowners should be given the flexibility to choose their own crew. The maritime officers should also be given the choice to work for anyone they like. I am not sure whether the Member is talking about the maritime officers as a whole or just the coastal trade officers. On the whole, we have to treat this with great care because about one-third of our seamen are employed on foreign flag ships. If we introduce these measures and other countries also introduce the same measures, we may end up a greater loser in the end. Sir, my Ministry is aware of the activities of these illegal job agents, especially for the coastal trade maritime officers. I have no objection to the suggestion to increase the penalty from $100 to a greater figure if the hon. Member thinks that it will solve the problem, but I think it is best for the Marine Department and the Immigration Department to get together and look into these problems facing our coastal trade maritime officers comprehensively, with a view to eliminating these illegal activities that are going on. Therefore, on the question of SMOU's request to come under the ambit of the National Maritime Board Act, I would suggest that he wait for a little while longer for the Ministry of Labour and the other related bodies to look into the matter more closely. 3.00 p.m.”
“Surely, Sir, it is abundantly clear that it is best to put the SMOU under the ambit of the NMB as it is the most appropriate body to represent the Union in matters pertaining to areas of disputes, claims, etc. Also the NMB could beneficially take over the present obviously unsatisfactory arrangement, whereby the Marine Office does the voluntary registration of unemployed officers. This is because the NMB has all the facilities, the infrastructure, the manpower and the experience to effectively take over this function. I am not alone in this area of concern. My colleagues, the Member for Bukit Merah and the Member for Khe Bong have also shown great concern over this whole set of problems facing the marine officers. The SMOU should rightly enjoy the same privileges enjoyed by the Singapore Organisation of Seamen (SOS) which is a member of the National Maritime Board. But apart from privileges, there is the more important question of effectiveness. The recent "Sankuru" and "Singapura" episodes and their subsequent release illustrated and proved a point, the very point I have been talking about - effectiveness. The part played by the SMOU on behalf of its sister organisation, the SOS, is now history. Without affiliation, without the support of the SMOU, without the solutions that have eluded them for so long, these marine officers are left to the mercy of all and sundry. I therefore, once again, Sir, plead on their behalf for better treatment. Mr Ong Teng Cheong: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am aware that the Singapore Maritime Officers Union have made a request early last year. The matter is still under careful study by the Marine Department as well as the Ministry of Labour. Initial reaction from the Singapore Merchant Navy Officers Association was not favourable.”
“I refer to the penalty imposed on those who extort "coffee money" from marine officers in return for jobs. I refer to the widespread illegal brokering for jobs. Is there any wonder why such a practice is so widespread? It is unhealthy. It is un-Singaporean in character. It is wrong. Sir, I have stated and outlined some of the many problems faced and encountered by the marine officers. To alleviate the pain endured by the marine officers, I would like to suggest that the SMOU be placed under the ambit of the National Maritime Board (NMB) in order to give it some status, some official standing. The Maritime Board extends its facilities and services to seamen, but not to the maritime officers. Why should there be a discrimination? Perhaps, Sir, a little amendment to the definition of "seamen" as it appears on page 252, No. 21 of 172 of the National Maritime Board Act would do the trick. It would solve this problem, at least, for a start. Other solutions could follow. Sir, I am told that the SMOU has made an application or request for it to come under the ambit of the NMB. In this, it has the support and backing of the NTUC. The Member for Anson can bear me out on this. Now, why has it taken so long to take a decision to accept the application and to admit the SMOU into the National Maritime Board? Has the Marine Department anything to do with the delay in the decision-making? Has any pressure been exerted from any quarters to have the decision delayed? I ask a lot of questions because I do not have the answers, and because the marine officers do not have the answers. But I am sure the Minister has them. We would like to know what they are.”
“This is a strange fact indeed - a seeming paradox. Singapore is today the world's third largest or busiest port. Yet her maritime officers are not given their due. How strange! What a disappointment! It is just incredible. The problems I have just outlined are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more - many, many more - encountered by our maritime officers. Let me enumerate further just a few more problems. There is the problem of a complete absence of local and home trade officers having any assurance of obtaining jobs with wages that are either reasonable or commensurate with skills possessed and today's acceptable standard of living. There should be some sort of mandatory ruling on this basic necessity for a reasonable life. The unemployment roster at the Maritime Office is only voluntary. Then there is the long-standing problem of complete absence of an official governing body to settle serious disputes concerning maritime officers. Section 65 (1) of the Merchant Shipping Act (Cap. 172) states that disputes involving amounts over $50 lie beyond the jurisdiction of the Marine Office. This means that such disputes have to be proceeded with in a civil court, a process which is not only time-consuming but also costly. These are two facets the average maritime officer can ill-afford. In fact, most of them would not be in a position to do it at all. Then, again, there is the other most disturbing problem, a problem which I stressed so seriously last year. Section 38 (1) of the Merchant Shipping Act imposes the ridiculously, the unbelievably tiny sum of a mere $100, as a fine on those who prey on the helplessness of the unfortunate marine officer desperately in need of a job.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head S be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead Code SA-01 of the Main Estimates. Sir, I would like to raise some very pertinent points with regard to certain age-old problems faced by the Singapore Maritime Officers Union (SMOU). I say they are very pertinent problems because they are. I say they are age-old because they are that too. It will be recalled that at about this very time last year I raised some of these very issues, these very same problems, these very same sore points. I raised them with all earnestness, with all seriousness, with a plea and a hope for these maritime officers. Yet what has happened since that time last year? Almost nothing - yes, all those problems encountered by these maritime officers have largely remained unresolved. Almost nothing has been done for them by way of protection. Does no one really care for their welfare? Does anybody care for their well-being? Does anyone at all really care for their professional and social betterment? The SMOU is not covered or protected by any Act of Parliament. Members have no official basis for negotiations on fundamental labour rights of various kinds, such as public holidays, overtime pay, leave entitlement, proper working hours, reasonable working conditions, access to various recreational facilities, and so on. These are, Sir, fundamental factors that go to make a man's life, both at work and recreation, a little more tolerable, a little better, that much more acceptable, that much more conducive to greater working happiness and productivity. Surely the maritime officer is entitled to expect all these in return for an honest day's work. Yet what has he got up to now? What is his lot? Why is he being ignored?”
“Perhaps it would be a good idea if the Hon. Minister could look into the possibility of resiting the said bin centre away from the flats, and in the meantime ensure that the rubbish is promptly removed and the place cleaned up regularly. Lastly, Sir, may I know whether the Minister would consider increasing the number of community halls. At the moment, it is one community hall per constituency, especially in the case of housing estates in new towns. I find the attitude of our Singaporeans, especially those who live in high-rise flats, is that they want everything at their doorstep. At the moment the community hall is located in the void deck of Block 39, Bedok South. This facility is open to residents, the residents' committees, and also the Citizens' Consultative Committees for their use, without any charge. Those who live in Bedok North will never make use of this facility because of the inconvenience of distance. Therefore, Sir, there is a need to have another community hall in Bedok North or Neighbourhood Ill to serve the residents in that neighbourhood.”
“The question of allowing the void decks to be converted for use as recreational facilities for the residents, like the aged or the senior citizens, should be considered. In my speech during the debate on the Presidential Address, I did mention the need for such purpose. The void deck seems to be a convenient place for the residents to meet, discuss, have indoor games, relax. So why can the HDB not allow some selected void decks to be partitioned off for such purposes? In the one-room blocks of flats, these partitioned void decks can also be used by students for study or as a reading room. The other question which I would like to ask the Hon. Minister, and for which I have received frequent complaints from the residents of Apartment Block 15, is the hazards posed by the bin centre located between the market and the hawker centre at Block 16, Bedok South Road. The complaint is about the foul smell from the bin centre. It is carried by the wind to the homes of residents living in the lower floors of Block 15 which is very close to the centre. Lately, according to the residents, the stench has become unbearable, especially at night. The situation has become unconducive to healthy living. The place has become alive with rodents. The cause of all this is probably due to an overheap of rubbish from the market, especially on Sundays, and the failure to clean the bin centre at regular periods. 2.45 p.m. In addition to this, I was told by the residents that they were sometimes awakened by the clanging noise of metallic bins being thrown about on the floor in the night. I should appreciate it if the Hon. Minister could look into this complaint because the several complaints made in the past did not bring about any action by those concerned.”
“Sir, yesterday we had a very interesting debate when this House adjourned, and we were all very impressed by the excellent replies given by the Minister for National Development in answer to queries raised by Members in this House. Sir, I would like to raise a few points with regard to problems in my constituency. First, I would like to raise this question of providing urinals in void decks close to children's play-grounds. In fact, I raised this matter last year, but I feel that it is still a pressing problem because the situation has not improved. I still get complaints from residents during my block tours that children continuously urinate in lifts. They do so simply because there are no toilet facilities near where they normally play. When they get the urgent call of nature, they go to the most convenient private place, i.e. the lift. The result needs no elaboration. I would therefore once again like to suggest that urinals be built near children's play-grounds or play areas. Such public urinals need not be an eye-sore. They can be taste-fully designed and, if looked after properly, will not cause any unpleasant effect on the environment. Children will not normally go all the way to hawker centres, markets or commercial premises, or even go back to their flats, to answer the call of nature. The suggested public urinals will thus do a great service not only to children but also to people who have to attend wedding receptions in the void decks. I have also received a similar complaint from these people. Sir, perhaps the Hon. Minister would like to consider the feasibility of a pilot scheme in Bedok in one or two void decks, although I know that similar projects were carried out in Bukit Ho Swee.”
“The problem is that our society is so prejudiced against drug addicts that they are so labelled or stigmatized to the extent that they cannot face society anymore. This is the problem that we are facing right now, as regards ex-drug addicts. Unless this label or stigma is removed, Sir, it is very difficult for these ex-addicts to start a new life. Society wants the addict to stop taking drugs the moment he leaves the DRCs and to be gainfully employed to stabilise his personal life and generally improve his character and become a useful and productive citizen. Of course, in practice, this seldom happens.”
“Sir, some of the issues that have been raised by my colleagues are similar. However, I would like to speak on the question of rehabilitation of drug addicts. Sir, since the successful launching of Operation Ferret, we have not heard from the Hon. Minister for Home Affairs the latest situation on drug abuse in the Republic. We know there has been occasional reference made with regard to problems of shortage of volunteer probationary officers to undertake the supervision of those ex-drug addicts who have undergone treatment at the drug rehabilitation centres. Very little is publicised on the actual position of drug abuse. I would like to know if the Minister could enlighten the House as to the number of addicts who are now undergoing treatment at the DRCs. What is the recidivism rate known? Is the figure for the relapse rate higher than before? If so, why? What kind of supervision is given for those who have been released from the DRCs, and whether the existing supervision is adequate or not? Have those drug addicts been given employment? Or, in the case of those who were employed before undergoing treatment, how many of them rejoined their former employers, in either the private or public sector? I do not want to go deeper into this because I think my colleagues have already touched on this subject. Sir, I would like to know whether any study or studies have been made to find out what happens to those who have undergone treatment. My colleague, the Member for Punggol, has also raised this question. I raise this question because I feel that our society is not really trying to help these ex-addicts to readjust themselves. I even hear of some families rejecting these addicts after they have undergone rehabilitation.”
“Sir, may I be permitted to speak on this subject of drug rehabilitation? My amendment is Amendment No. (13).”
“Sir, in view of the very detailed and satisfactory reply given by the Parliamentary Secretary, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave. withdrawn.”
“Although the crime rate in Bedok is comparatively low, some residents feel that there is a lack of security. Several of the block residents' committees in my constituency have set up their own security arrangements by engaging security officers to keep an eye on the blocks of flats. Is it possible to have an area security arrangement on a neighbourhood basis whereby full-time national servicemen or police officers can operate from a point in the neighbourhood and using the walkie-talkie to check on the movement of people in the area? By this I mean, Sir, that duty officers who are doing vertical as well as horizontal policing of the HDB estate will equip themselves with the walkie-talkie and give a situation report to the officer at the police post, so that within seconds of receiving any information of any possible housebreaking, theft or any crime, those on ground duty can be alerted to go to the scene of the crime immediately. In other words, a lot of precious time can be saved. At present, those officers go about without carrying any such equipment at all. How could they be more effective should they face a situation as I have just mentioned?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head Q be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead Code QF-01 of the Main Estimates. Sir, in the programme description of the full-time Police National Service, amongst the duties of the PNS are the policing of housing estates and the apprehension of drug addicts. I would appreciate, Sir, if the Hon. Minister could elaborate on how these police officers conduct the policing of housing estates. I would like to know from the Hon. Minister whether he would consider the suggestion I made in the last debate on the President's Address. I strongly feel that the policing of the housing estates, in order to make it really effective, has to be carried out in an earnest way. From my observation, Sir, I do not see the rapport being established between the residents and the officers. The Police national servicemen move in groups of four or five, or they just walk about showing no interest in what is going on around them. Sir, I see no reason why the officers should not stop for a while and talk to the residents to find out if they have any problems, like security in the blocks of flats, etc. In this way, the residents will have a high respect for the officers. The other thing is that there seems to be overlapping of functions or duties as I notice, besides the full-time Police National Servicemen, there are also the Vigilante Corps, the Special Constabulary, all of whom seem to be performing similar duties, i.e. policing the HDB estates. Also, Sir, may I know what are the plans for the setting up of a police post in Bedok constituency, as announced by the Hon. Minister in the Addendum to the President's Address. If so, where will the post be sited?”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head J be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead Code JB-04 of the Main Estimates. Sir, the immersion programme introduced recently to raise the English language proficiency of non-English medium pupils in secondary schools has met with some snags. Students who opt to participate in the programme are required to attend classes 20 periods a week, or an average of four periods a week, in an English-medium secondary school. By doing so, they can attain better proficiency in English language through immersion in an English-speaking environment and exposure to traditional lessons conducted in English. This Special Assistance Plan, as it is called, may be acceptable on paper but in practice it is not so in some schools. The problems faced by these pupils are that they have very little time to rest and that they do not have the opportunity to be exposed to the English-speaking environment of the school. No doubt they are expected to speak English with students of the receiving school, but in practice they would rather sit in a corner and speak a dialect. To overcome this, if the time-table could be adjusted, they could do one period of physical education or ECA in the receiving school to give them an opportunity to interact with the students of the receiving school. What they need more is an opportunity to speak with other students. Unless the immersion students are exposed and encouraged to mingle with the other students freely, it would take a long time before they develop self-confidence and the courage to speak to others in English.”
“Sir, in view of the explanation given by the Senior Minister of State, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”
“What I would like to hear from the Senior Minister of State is: (1) why should the ECA points not be taken into consideration, as the students already have four relevant subjects which are more than adequate for Pre-U requirements? (2) Why should all those doing the three-year Pre-U course be sent to Pre-U centres in schools, instead of junior colleges? (3) Why could not the Ministry set up the two-year and three-year Pre-U courses at the junior colleges without segregating the students? By putting all those who do the three-year Pre-U course at schools and those who do the two-year Pre-U course at the junior colleges, we are already labelling the students and attaching some stigma on them. If these students are allowed to socialise with the better students at the junior colleges, they would get better exposure, since the junior colleges offer better facilities in terms of language laboratories and others.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head J be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead Code JB-03 of the Main Estimates. Sir, the main purpose of raising this amendment is to find out from the Senior Minister of State the rationale of streaming the Pre-U students into two-year and three-year courses. If I remember correctly, Sir, in the last Budget debate, the Senior Minister of State for Education, in reply to queries from Members, did clarify that the aim of the three-year course for Chinese stream students in junior colleges was to help the students upgrade their proficiency in English, thereby enhancing the prospect of admission into the university. The facilities provided by the junior colleges and the environment for English language learning are far better than those at the Pre-U centres which are in schools. Those who satisfy the following academic admission requirements are eligible for admission to the Pre-U courses. The grades obtained at GCE 'O' level for the first language and second language should be at least C6, that is grades 1 to 6, and E8, that is grades 1 - 8 respectively. The aggregate points obtained for the best five subjects relevant to the Pre-U course of study should not exceed 20 points. ECA may be considered as a relevant subject. The Ministry of Education also stipulates the condition that those whose aggregate is between 18 and 20 points will not qualify for admission to junior colleges but they will be channelled to do a three-year course at the Pre-U centres. In deciding whether a student will qualify for the two-year or three-year course, ECA points will not be taken into consideration.”
“Sir, in view of the satisfactory explanation by the Minister, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”
“Some had even expressed the token desire for the ITB courses but because of their age, they would have to undergo yet another year of school and failed yet another time before they could be channelled into ITB in either 1979 or 1980. One solution, Sir, would be for Government to conduct more ITB courses so that these pupils not having exceeded the minimum age could still be channelled. They would be far happier here and be less of a problem to teachers and parents and to society in general, as they would be doing things they have set their hearts on. There is still no indication to-date of amendments or revision to the RSES scheme. Are schools allowed the leverage of promoting or retaining pupils? Are they supposed to continue with the same scheme and at the end of this year make yet another mockery of examinations? Sir, I would like the Senior Minister of State for Education to reply to my questions.”
“In this way, pupils who would normally be retained found themselves promoted to the next level at which level they were totally lost because of not having fully mastered the academic mechanics at the lower level, If the same practice is continued this year, these very same pupils could land themselves up in Secondary 3, and it is extremely hard to imagine how they are going to make it at the GCE 'O' level examinations, having been arbitrarily pushed up by computerised needs. There is a small possibility, Sir, that few might be late developers and it would be enlightening to find out through a survey just what this percentage is. Sir, despite the drive for standardisation, injustice still exists. In the better established schools, the cut-off maybe 50%, i.e. the normal accepted passing mark as they have better pupils. However, there might be pupils who scored less than 500/0 and who would be retained whereas these so-called slower pupils could have been easily promoted to a high level as the cut-off point was as low as 35%. So where is the standardisation? Sir, channelling into the ITB was conducted in the case of less academically inclined pupils who fell below the cut-off point and who were overaged. However, there were still many cases of pupils who failed very badly and would have been superannuated previously and had to be retained at the same level. Generally, these pupils are not interested in the academic studies and hence the truancy rate is very high. Some had even opted out of school as they simply could not cope with their academic studies.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head J be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead Code J B-02 of the Main Estimates. Sir, I would like to touch on the Revised Secondary Education System which was introduced in 1978. It was regarded brilliant in concept but made a mockery of the whole examination machinery and threw into disarray previously accepted norms for promotion and retention of students. The RSES exercise had these shortcomings because it presupposes that it would be possible to standardise examination levels in all schools, i.e. the paper set should not be too easy for premier pupils in premier schools. However, Sir, it failed to recognise the vast gap that existed between pupils in these premier schools and those in less established schools in our Republic. This gap will continue to exist until such time when certain less established schools cease to be mere dumping grounds for the less academically inclined pupils. Sir, when the computers came and predetermined the exact numbers of retentions possible per school, they threw out of gear acceptable procedures for promoting pupils. The actual numbers of failures far outnumbered estimates made during the second term last year. Thus arbitrary measures had to be made and in certain schools the cut-off point went as low as 35% passing grade for English and the total aggregate.”
“The Member for Kolam Ayer has also warned us of the dangers of the shortage in world oil supply and the measures to be taken to conserve the use of energy. Sir, while our economic forecast does not appear to be bright, there is still hope if we continue to develop at a fast pace and work even harder to ensure reasonable growth in the years to come. From his concluding remarks on economic policy, the Senior Minister of State predicted that, in spite of the sluggish world economy, he was confident that our economy would continue to do well so long as the people were prepared to put in their best efforts. On the Budget policy, the Minister of State has given us tax concessions instead of introducing new taxes which would incur additional financial burden. Most Members, if not all, who have spoken before me, have touched on these concessions in greater detail and I do not propose to repeat more or less the same views already expressed. Apart from the points that I have brought up, I feel that this year's budget and financial policy have brought forth happiness to many, and let us hope that Singapore will continue to perform better in the economic activities, thereby bringing prosperity to the people. On that note, I support the Motion in the name of the Senior Minister of State for Finance. 6.17 p.m.”
“The end result is lower labour costs with the same real purchasing power after tax. This leads us to the final tantalizing question. Can the Government afford to give away $26 million? I shall leave it to the Minister for Finance to answer the question!' Sir, the Minister for Finance in his reply, of course, said, inter alia, '.... I would be very reluctant to give any special consideration. I do not know whether this has been the accepted practice in many other jurisdictions, and I am loathe to be the first to start in Southeast Asia, if not, in Asia. There was the question whether I could spare $26 million. The answer is, I can spare it if I can find it ....'. Sir, what I would like to learn from the Senior Minister of State for Finance is whether, in the course of preparing the budget, the subject of personal and earned income reliefs has crossed his mind. Has he really forgotten about it? Because nowhere in the budget was any mention made about the subject. I sincerely hope that since he is fully responsible for the budget, he should consider increasing the personal relief to $2,000, as he originally proposed, in his next budget. The world economy progresses at the rate of 3.6% per annum. In spite of the slow growth rate of the world economy and increasing unemployment in industrial countries, Singapore was able to keep the rate of unemployment down to 3.6%. Sir, what concerns me most is the gloomy outlook as reflected in the Senior Minister of State's statement on the state of oil, which might lead to another major crisis if the present political turmoil in Iran continues unabated and Singapore will have to turn to some other countries for her oil supply.”
“Some countries like Canada have introduced indexation to income tax reliefs to ensure that these reliefs remain meaningful when cost of living goes up. I suggest the Ministry of Finance study this possibility. Let me briefly buttress our argument for a tax rebate - for that is what it is if personal reliefs are increased - with economic arguments. The Government has vowed to make the economy grow fast again, at least 6 - 8% in real terms. The Government has also emphasized the desirability of keeping costs down, including wages. First, if personal reliefs are increased by $1,000, the tax loss to Government is $26 million. By the same token, the money pumped into the economy is $26 million, assuming this entire amount is spent by the recipients. This should help to stimulate the economy. With economic growth, the tax collections should increase and hence the ultimate tax loss to Government will be less than $26 million. The tax rebate of $26 million will not be inflationary as we are an open economy. It is instead expansionary. Second, to the individuals it is real disposable income that matters, not salary, not even take-home pay. If the real disposal income is inadequate to sustain a minimum expected level of living, there will be pressure by employees to have their wages increased. Tax is an important element of cost. So long as the Government can afford it, it is better to have as low a tax rate as possible so that the overall wage required by an employee will not be artificially pushed up. It is better to give a tax rebate, assuming Government can afford it, and have a lower NWC annual increase for the taxpayers who benefit from such a rebate, than to give a higher NWC annual increase in order to achieve the same real disposable income.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to join my colleagues in expressing our thanks to the Senior Minister of State for Finance for delivering the Budget statement on behalf of the Minister for Finance. Whilst the financial statement on the budget for FY 1979-80 has brought joy all round, the Senior Minister of State for Finance must be congratulated and given full credit for his first budget, which he was fully responsible for the preparation and presentation in what he described as "completely painless and even mildly pleasurable". The budget contains a bagful of surprises in the form of tax concessions for the middle income earners, pensioners, and those who own homes. Sir, I do not propose to discuss the tax concessions as my colleagues have already touched on them in great detail. However, Sir, I was a little disappointed when no mention was made of the position of personal and earned income reliefs which have not been revised since 1948. I am even more disappointed because the Senior Minister of State himself was one of those who strongly advocated further increase in the earned income relief when he was a Backbencher. This subject has been raised by other colleagues in this House year after year but to no avail, as the Hon. Minister for Finance remains adamant about it. Sir, if I am allowed to quote what the Senior Minister of State for Finance said when he took up the issue as a Backbencher in the budget in 1976. I quote from Hansard, Vol. 36, col. 835: 'Let me ask, Sir, have we built a case for personal reliefs to be increased by, say, $1,000? I submit we have if the quantum of personal reliefs as originally allowed in 1948 is intended to apply in real terms to today's living environment.”
“The patrolmen should not only be present to arrest criminals, but they should also be so trained that the residents can approach them for help in general matters. In other words, they should know the workplace so well that they can offer direction or advice when called upon to do so. The person placed in charge of these police posts should be someone from the same estate where these posts are established. The residents should know well not only the locality of these posts but also the duty officer-in-charge at various times of the day and night. This calls for a campaign to get the residents and the duty officers to know each other really well. These officers too should have a sense of permanency in their area of service because knowing the people well would result in greater rapport. Transfers of these officers should be kept to the minimum. Lastly, to enhance the sense of rapport, those doing vertical patrolling of the various blocks should drop in at the homes of the residents at designated times to render service, if required, and to get to know the residents therein. To avoid the possibility of unauthorised persons entering these flats, the police posts should make the necessary appointment prior to their visits. These measures, Sir, if taken and implemented effectively, will enhance the objectives of the intensive patrolling scheme. Patrolmen should not just be there because they have been told to be there but they should be performing their duties as friends of the people, each side having a vested interest in ensuring the safety of the place they live in. 4.20 p.m.”
“This scheme, Sir, is of special interest as most of my constituents are or will be housed in HDB high-rise housing. I totally agree with the concept of more intensive patrolling by reservists and members of the VC as this will further ensure the safety of the residents and the force can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities. However, I wish to recommend that these men should perform their patrol duties not only during the day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. but also during the later part of the night, i.e. from 10.30 p.m. to 12 midnight so as to provide protection especially for young girls who work late shift hours. It is to be observed that certain areas of the housing estates are fairly dark and deserted at these times as most of the shops are closed. I wish now, Sir, to touch upon the objectives of this scheme. They should not only be restricted to crime detection. The primary aim should be crime prevention, and this should be the responsibility of the authorities and the residents themselves. In other words, there should be built up between them the gotong royong spirit of helping one another in times of need. There should be, therefore, rapport between them. May I therefore recommend the following measures: In order to command respect from the residents, those on patrol should be better disciplined. There is no room for long unkempt hair and sloppy dressing. Preferably, the patrolmen should be chosen from among those living in the same area of patrol. This will ensure that the residents are able to identify them and they, in their turn, can identify themselves with their work area as they have a vested interest in ensuring security for their own homes as well.”
“The establishment of the full-day school may give rise to, inter alia, unhappiness among teachers who are required to teach in full-day schools, as they consider their working day to be longer than that of teachers in two-session schools, although the teaching workload remains the same. A comparison of full-day and two-session schools shows a disadvantage to the latter as the former may acquire an elitist image in the eyes of the pupils, parents and the general public; a disruption of transport arrangements of pupils who attend two-session schools; and a financial burden on parents as expenditure on their children's lunch is necessary. Sir, while I am for the full-day schools, all efforts must be made to ensure their smooth implementation. I would like to propose, Sir. that consideration be given to the implementation of the proposed full-day schools in the new schools now being built in the New Towns, rather than converting the existing schools into full-day schools. If the concept of a full-day school is to bring about a total and complete involvement of pupils, teachers and principals, and to give the child "more interaction with teachers" and so create better rapport between the school and the community, then the choice of such schools should be confined to those schools within the housing estates of New Towns where the children and teachers come from the same neighbourhood. Then we would have achieved our objective of education in an enriched school environment. Sir, in the Addendum on the Ministry of Home Affairs, it was stated that "Police posts will be set up at the void decks of housing blocks. They will serve as a first contact point and immediate source of help to the residents nearby." This is very much welcomed by the residents.”
“To come to the concept of full-school, as we are aware, Sir, the quantitative expansion of the education system in Singapore, commencing with the post-war demand for education and accelerated in the 1960s with the electoral commitments of the PAP Government to provide a place for every child of school-going age, necessitated the use of school facilities on a double-shift system. A two-session school day has thus become a common feature in the local education scene. This constitutes an eminently neat solution in overcoming the problem of space constraint in an island-state where land is a scarce and expensive commodity. Optimum use of land dominates the thinking of physical planners. Now, Sir, with the quantitative targets met, the time is opportune to focus on the question of injecting quality into education through a number of educational measures, covering inter alia a comprehensive 5-year Rolling Plan on In-Service Education aimed at upgrading the professional competence of the entire teaching force, systematic development of curriculum, syllabus and instructional materials, and the plan to reduce class size and the introduction of full-day schools. At first sight, Sir, it may appear unrealistic to consider the introduction of full-day schools as it has immense financial and manpower implications. Sir, any consideration for new educational measures will have to take into account the implication of its implementation. The full-day school model is a radical departure from the current school-day model. The reactions of teachers, pupils, parents and the general public will have to be considered in the implementation of the proposal.”
“This clearly shows that there is a need for a co-ordinated study by the various interested parties in order to bring about better living standards for the flat-dwellers. In my observation of leisure pursuits in Housing Board estates and New Towns, the recreational needs of children and active adults are well catered for. However, I have yet to come across areas set aside for the elderly and senior citizens. They need quiet areas, away from the more boisterous activity of children and the active adults. Perhaps resident committees and neighbourhood committees can now think in terms of selecting one or two void decks for use by residents who wish to indulge in quiet games and even callisthenics, like Tai-Chi and Yoga. This is again subject to HDB approval. Sir, in the Ministry of Education Addendum to the Presidential Address, it was stated that: 'Full-day schooling will be introduced as a pilot project in selected secondary schools in 1980 to allow a more thorough treatment of the curriculum and to provide better interaction between pupils and teachers'. I wish to take the opportunity here to give a little of the background of this plan. I feel sometimes it is necessary even for a Backbencher to state what the fact is, if he happens to be in a position to explain. Sir, education is a very sensitive subject and it affects all of us. Several of my colleagues have already spoken on the changes recently introduced to our education system. Being one who is involved at the implementation level, I do not wish to add to critical comments made by those concerned with education.”
“In Bedok New Town, for example, Sir, the problem is compounded by the fact that out of the eight schools earmarked for the Town, only two are ready and functioning as of today. As a result, 10 Primary I classes, unable to be accommodated in the Bedok View Primary School, have to be temporarily housed in the Bedok View Secondary School, whilst a few hundred children who have registered for primary school this year had to be turned away because of lack of places, not counting the requests for transfer to schools in Bedok from parents whose children are still studying outside the constituency. I wish to suggest, Sir, that authorities like the HDB and the Ministry of Education should jointly conduct projection studies to determine, as far as possible, the number of classes that are required which should be commensurate with the rate of construction and occupation of flats in new towns and their neighbourhoods. If children can be absorbed into new schools smoothly, parents would not be subjected to unnecessary inconvenience and expense, and children could save time by not having to commute long distances to schools with vacancies. I would like to urge the planners to speed up the construction of the remaining schools in Bedok Constituency so as to avoid further hardship to these residents who have already moved into the Bedok New Town while their children continue to study in schools nearest their former homes. The other aspect which has been given a lot of emphasis, Sir, is the quality of life in the HDB estates. References made to the living conditions in HDB estate and the need for the people "to get out of their cocoons" brought out not only comments but generated interest amongst our sociologists.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the Motion of Thanks standing in the name of the Member for Serangoon Gardens. I would like to congratulate the President for having been re-elected to office and to thank him for his Address delivered on behalf of the Government. In his address at the opening of the Second Session of the Fourth Parliament, the President outlined three major factors that would influence events in this country. They were, namely, Singapore's economic growth, the conflict between Vietnam and Kampuchea and the issue of the next political leadership. Sir, with the fall of Kampuchea into the hands of the pro-Vietnam Kampuchean rebel forces, the future of peace in the whole of Southeast Asia is at stake. Sir, I do not propose to dwell on this topic and the other two major factors mentioned, as other Members have already dealt at great length with these subjects. Neither do I propose to give an overview of the Ministerial Addenda as the Member for Kampong Kembangan has ably and eloquently done so. However, Sir, what concerns me most, after reading through the Addenda of the various Ministries, are matters which have direct relevance to our daily lives, especially those who live in the housing estates or New Towns. I have singularly picked out a few aspects which, I think, are of interest to us all Singaporeans, and I would like to dwell on them with the limited time given at my disposal. Sir, these observations are personal, and I hope to draw the undivided attention of the authorities concerned so that these matters may not fall on deaf ears as had happened in the past. Firstly, Sir, a problem faced by residents in New Towns is the inability of schools to adequately absorb children who have moved in to take up residence with their parents.”
“I am anxious that they do not regard their schooling days as days of drudgery. Unhappy students do not make good citizens. As a long-standing educationist, I await the answers with great interest. I am, however, but one person. There are countless thousands of parents, teachers and students who, I am sure, await these answers with even greater interest and anxiety.”
“which, of course, means they would have spent a good 12 hours of each day's 24, in school and travelling to and from school. How much time and energy would they then have left for other things? Sir, I stated earlier that I am neither championing the cause of students nor pointing a finger of blame at the Ministry. I reiterate this here and now. But I do question the wisdom of the decision to make Junior College students stay the whole day in school. I do question the necessity for it. I do seek answers to the various questions I have raised and am raising. Parents, teachers, students and the public in general would be interested, deeply interested, in these answers - as much as I do, if not more. In addition to the various questions I raised earlier, I would like to know whether any follow-up evaluation has been done by the Ministry - an in-depth study and evaluation whether or not the original aims and purpose of the scheme have been achieved; whether there is unhappiness among the teacher and student population affected by the scheme; whether an assurance can be given that it is really found necessary to continue with the scheme; whether the general welfare and make-up of the students have suffered or, conversely; whether performance has really improved as a result of the system; whether it is time to review the case, and call for and implement modifications, whatever these may be. Perhaps adjustments are desirable or even necessary. Perhaps a re-thinking is required at this stage. Perhaps changes are needed. I do not know the answers. The Ministry does. I therefore hope to get straightforward and clear-cut answers to these various questions. What I have in mind is the welfare of the students.”
“There are serious doubts about the real ultimate value of these long hours in college. There is scepticism about the real purpose that is being achieved. Parents and the public are asking whether any real study and research have been carried out before the scheme was implemented, whether serious thought has been given to it before the Ministry of Education decided to slap it on the students. Or whether it was merely the sudden brainwave of one of the officials in the Ministry. Sir, we have all read reports in the press about the continuing controversy between "the DD" and the teachers and students. There seems to be a wide, yawning communication gap somewhere. I am neither siding the students nor blaming the Ministry of Education. I do not condone students who complain merely for the sake of complaining. I am merely interested in getting an answer whether or not those in authority in the Republic's educational matters are doing the right thing; when schemes are implemented whether they are done only after careful research and study, and whether the aims are achieved. Let us look at other areas having similar educational situations. In Britain, Sir, when we talk of a "full day" in school, we are actually talking about school beginning at 9.00 a.m. or thereabouts, where lunch is provided. So is tea. The hours spent in school is thus reasonably pleasant. In Singapore school begins at 7.30 a.m. And after finishing school at 4.00 p.m., many of the Junior College students are required to take part in various ECA activities. By the time they get home, especially those who live some distance away from their college and have to depend on public transport, it would invariably be close to 7.00 p.m. or even 7.30 p.m.”
“Sir, when the first Junior College was officially opened on 14th May 1970, the intention was to gradually bring pre-university classes in the various secondary schools under the management of a College Principal. This would not only provide the students with better facilities but also the necessary exposure and experience to prepare them for university education. Students would be put in classes according to the subjects they take, attending lectures together, quite unlike the way they are grouped in classes in secondary schools. Sir, since the National Junior College was opened, many other such colleges have been built both by Government and missionary bodies to cater for the needs of more students. The hours of study in these colleges were recently extended to 4.00 p.m., the stated aim and purpose being to enable them to do their studies in the school library, to attend tutorials and to facilitate their participation in the various extra-curricular activities of the college, as well as to provide better opportunities for greater interaction between staff and student so that closer rapport could be established. In the context of the pursuit of knowledge and human relationships, these are certainly desirable aims. However, Junior College students are now required to stay in school for long hours and this has become a subject of much comment from the students, parents and the public. There are mixed feelings about the real benefits of such long hours in the school, leaving little time for anything else. These are pertinent questions about the real usefulness of forcing students to remain in school till 4.00 p.m. and beyond, when they have to begin classes in the early hour of around 7.30 a.m.”
“Sir, my amendment is amendment (8) on Subhead Code TB-03 of the Main Estimates which the Member for Punggol has touched upon, i.e. Junior Colleges. May I be permitted to say something on this?”
“Yes, Sir. In the implementation of the revised secondary education system, the principals have been summoned to the Ministry for a series of meetings before and after the announcement that was made sometime in May last year. Only last week, Sir, teaching in workshops on the revised secondary education system has been organised by the Ministry for principals of various districts. The aim is to brief the principals on all aspects of the revised secondary education system and they in turn will organise briefing sessions and workshops with the teachers in order that they will also be able to fulfil their roles in the implementation of the revised secondary education system. If I may be allowed to say, the revised secondary education system creates problems which would have repercussions unless they are ironed out through an understanding of the implications. This is where sometimes members of the public are not fully aware of and make criticisms against the Ministry as well as the teaching profession. This is where both the Ministry and the schools have to explain to the parents how the revised secondary education system affects the children and, in this respect, the principals should make parents feel reassured that the whole exercise is aimed to help their children and not vice versa. So the schools will be organising a series of meetings with the parents on the question of assessment, promotion and retention procedures other than implication like class size, logistics and teacher requirements which will entail careful planning and organisation on the part of the principals. I agree with what the Member for Moulmein said that this revised system is all right on paper but when the time comes we will have to see how it works out in practice.”
“Being a school Principal and at the same time a Member of Parliament, Sir, I find my dual role rather exacting. I am not standing here to answer on behalf of the Senior Minister of State for Education. But I would like to make certain clarifications on certain comments made by some Members in regard to the RSES.”
“Sir, I would like to join my other colleagues in this debate. Earlier the Member for Anson mentioned one point about the present policy of posting PSLE students to secondary schools. The present policy of allowing parents to opt for schools of their choice has given rise to certain schools being categorised as a dumping ground, because the prestigious schools will get the best students. To be fair to those schools in this category, year after year they have been saddled with pupils of poor ability and low achievers and this, of course, demoralises the teachers who have to teach these students and this to some extent affect their performance. I would like to suggest if the Minister would consider doing away with the second and third choices and retain only the first option. I fully agree that parents should, be allowed to exercise this option, for no parent would want his children to go to the less prestigious schools. But since only a very limited number can get into such schools, Sir, the majority will have to find places in the less so-called prestigious schools. If the second and third choices are left to the Ministry to decide, then I would like to suggest that the Ministry takes into consideration the distance factor, i.e. pupils should be posted to schools nearest their homes. If this proposal is implemented, I am sure every school will get a fair share of the good and weak students as well. Speaking as an insider and not as an outsider like some Members in this House, I would like to say something about the recent announcement on the revision of the secondary school system which abolished automatic promotions. In short, the RSES or the Revised Secondary Education System is an extension of the primary education system which abolished automatic promotions.”
“Sir, I am happy with the reply given by the Minister, and I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”
“For the trafficker, the pedlar, the purveyor of suffering, nothing less than their just due - if caught, nothing less than the death penalty. This I support wholeheartedly. But. for the drug addict, help is what he needs. On the question of the drug rehabilitation centre, since launching Operation Ferret in April last year, as I have said earlier, the number of arrests has shown sharp increases month by month from the statistical returns. Because of the increase in the number of arrests, this has necessitated the establishment of more centres in addition to the main one at Telok Paku. As a result, we now have five drug rehabilitation centres to accommodate the inmates. When Phase II of Operation Ferret was launched on 1st January this year, the number of arrests has declined instead of increasing. With the large number of vacancies in the drug rehabilitation centres, will the Minister for Home Affairs consider converting some of these centres for other uses? If so, what are his Ministry's plans? Will the drug problem be contained in the immediate future? If so, what plans has the Minister got for a run-down of the staff of the drug rehabilitation centres in view of the fact that some of the centres might be closed down or converted to other use? Is the Minister considering employing drug addicts on work schemes in the drug rehabilitation centres not only to provide work discipline but to earn an income to pay for their stay in these centres?”
“There are therefore equally relevant questions that need to be asked, as their answers are equally important to parents. What I would like to know in this connection are:- (a) How are drug abusers and addicts being helped and cared for? (b) How are they being treated? Are they handled as if they are criminals? (c) What is the approach adopted by the authorities concerned? There seems, unfortunately, to be a general feeling outside that these people who have gone astray are handled and treated like hardened criminals. This, if true, is a cause for alarm. A different approach, a more sensible approach, a more humane approach would be necessary. It would be a mistake to treat them on the same basis as traffickers and pedlars. To impose criminal sanctions on such people, most of them young people, would cause far greater personal and social harm than whatever little good may be achieved. The damage, both short-term and long-term, would most likely far outweigh and outstrip the benefit. And equally important, if drug addicts are handled and treated like criminals, instead of benefiting from the help given them, it would create widespread resentment and disrespect for the drug laws. I am not suggesting here that we should treat drug abusers with kid gloves or pamper them. Not at all. I am suggesting that these people, mostly young offenders, have problems that may variously be medical and psychological in nature, that their problems be understood, that law enforcement officers should adopt an approach other than viewing them as drug abusers and therefore should not be too hard on them. Otherwise these drug addicts may eventually actually end up as criminals, having been treated as such. My plea here is that they be given different consideration.”