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 3 of 5.
“The questions are:- (a) To-date, what is the number of arrests made, and how many of those so arrested have been sent to the drug rehabilitation centres? (b) What happens to the rest of the addicts? (c) Have they gone underground? To prevent a general proliferation of the drug situation, the source of supply has to be plugged. The drug problem in Singapore has gone on long enough. The CNB and the Police must be commended for the good work they have done. The CNB must really work hard, doubly hard, to get at drug traffickers and pedlars. I know this is easier said than done, Singapore being what she is, a wide open global city-state. But it has to be done if we parents are to sleep well. The supply of heroin to this country is apparently on the increase. A most disturbing thought indeed; a cause for much discomfort for parents. 3.45 p.m. I know that a recent amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act was made with the object of plugging a loophole in the Act; a good move in the tactical war against traffickers. But amendments alone would not do the trick. It is the enforcement, the application, and the implementation that count. The punishment of pedlars and traffickers must be hard, relentless and pursued with greater vigour. This has been said before, but it bears reiteration. The problem must be nipped in the bud, stamped out quickly, and its possible spread contained. All this can only be done if sources of supply are identified, acted upon, crushed, and the culprits brought to book. The penalty of death and despair meted out to traffickers and pedlars must be swift and severe. For them, nothing less than a tooth for a tooth for what they perpetrate. The problem of drug abusers and addicts deserves a different approach.”
“Sir, the enforcement of the Misuse of Drugs Act has lately been stepped up. Operation Ferret II was launched earlier this year. Paradoxically, the number of arrests has declined, under-scoring the effectiveness of the drastic measures taken by the Drug Enforcement Unit of the Central Narcotics Bureau and the Police. In the first eight months of Operation Ferret more than 6,000 heroin abusers were arrested and sent to drug rehabilitation centres. But do we really know the number of drug abusers in our midst? However, the figure of 700 was given by the Deputy Prime Minister in this House last year in answer to an Oral Question on the number of drug addicts among national servicemen. This figure would represent about 1% of those in national service. Extrapolation would suggest that there would be something like 23,000 drug addicts among us, basing on a population of 2.3 million. This is a figure which should not be treated lightly, a figure which should give cause for the gravest concern. On 28th December, 1977 when announcing Phase II of Operation Ferret, the Hon. Minister said that the heroin population as at September 1977 was 12,000. He also said that the twin aims of this phase II would be to ferret out the more elusive heroin abusers and prevent recidivism among those abusers who had undergone treatment and rehabilitation. Since then we have not heard of further development as to what has happened to the remaining heroin addicts. I have, therefore, Sir, some questions which I would like to ask the Minister. Most of us here in this House, if not all, are parents. The answers to these questions would be relevant to all parents within this House and without.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head S be reduced by $10 in respect of item 1210 of Subhead Code SG-02 of the Main Estimates*. Sir, may I be permitted to speak on Amendment (8) standing in my name, as the subject of drugs which is under discussion is closely related to drug enforcement?”
“Sir, in view of the satisfactory reply given by the Senior Minister of State, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”
“This is a serious matter and the authorities concerned should look into it, put a stop to it, and come out with a statement of assurance that it will no longer be tolerated. Lastly, I suggest that these local officers be placed under the National Maritime Board, so that their welfare will at least be looked after and their interests safeguarded. This can be done by a simple amendment to the Maritime Board Act. Let us show some consideration for our own citizens, our own officers, our own people. Up to now this has all been glaringly and sadly lacking. This is a big shame indeed. Under the circumstances, Sir, I beg to move.”
“Yet another cause for serious concern is the fact that these maritime officers are not covered by any industrial or maritime Act whatsoever, unlike other seamen, port workers, etc. They are thus left wide open to the tender mercy of exploiters of the situation. They are left totally unprotected. They have no recourse to appeal, no one to turn to in their plight and suffering. They are helpless. This is a most unfair and an unhealthy state of affairs. It smacks of downright injustice. Imagine the morale of these officers. It should not be too difficult to imagine the magnitude of their grievance, the extent of their frustration, and the seriousness of their position. This matter seems to be riddled with problems, all because these officers have been neglected and forgotten. The very sore point is the fact that these officers have to find jobs through "brokers", who extract, naturally, commission. Why should this be the case? It is entirely wrong. It is a form of blackmail, a form of blood-sucking. It should be stamped out, and quickly, before it gets too deep-rooted and becomes widespread. Sir, these local officers are not suggesting that expatriate officers should be prohibited from seeking employment in Singapore. But if recruitment is done in Singapore, priority should be given to local officers. This is only logical and fair. There is not much use if the Marine Department merely "encourages" shipowners to employ local qualified officers. It should be a requirement. Only when the required local officers are not available should foreigners be considered. In any case, is it not against the law for social visit pass holders to obtain employment here?”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head O be reduced by $10 in respect of item 1210 of Subhead Code OB -01 of the Main Estimates. Sir, allow me to speak on a matter which concerns our maritime officers. A recent report in a local English daily made interesting but rather disturbing reading. It referred to the plight of our local maritime officers. Apparently these local officers have been by-passed or neglected when it came to recruitment of shipping crews by the foreign-owned locally registered ship. It is alleged that the nod is more often than not given to foreigners, leaving our very own Singaporean officers unhappy and frustrated. To add insult to injury, the story is that these foreigners who are recruited here in the Republic are actually here in Singapore on social visit passes. If the story is true the damage, in terms of national image and pride, would be incalculable. A further very disconcerting happening is the fact that this whole question has actually been brought to the attention of the relevant authorities, but in vain. No interview of any kind has been accorded to the unemployed officers. Nothing positive or concrete has resulted from the discussions held with the authorities concerned. The excuse given by the authorities is that our boys are "choosy and fussy" and that these officers should easily find employment as "jobs are easy to come by". This is unbelievable. It is inconceivable that our own Singaporean officers should be accorded such shabby treatment. It just does not make sense. Where are we heading for? Surely there is an urgent need to institute corrective action.”
“Some may have started to earn a living, thereby contributing to the family income. Thus, the same problem recurs. Because of the $1,500 ceiling, such families are ineligible to re-register for a bigger flat. This would in many ways defeat the basic purpose of providing the people with HDB housing which is to provide better accommodation, a better environment, less overcrowding, a happier life. I would therefore strongly suggest that the present policy be changed to accommodate the needs of the category of families outlined above, to enable them to purchase bigger flats.”
“Under the present policy of the Housing and Development Board, families with a combined income exceeding $1,500 per month are today ineligible to purchase HDB flats. This ceiling poses a problem to many a family wishing to acquire such a flat. People do seem to earn a little more these days. The ceiling of $1,500 does, therefore, prevent many families who genuinely need flats from applying for them. I would therefore like to suggest that this ceiling be raised to $2,000 per month. If this is done, it would enable many families which would otherwise be barred from getting much needed accommodation to purchase these HDB flats. I am making this suggestion because there is, as everybody knows, a vast difference between the cost of an HDB flat and an HUDC apartment. The wide gap makes it extremely difficult, if not almost impossible, for such families to purchase an HUDC flat. At the same time they are barred from applying for an HDB flat. So they are caught between the devil and the deep sea, as the saying goes. Their dilemma has no solution at the moment. But if the current ceiling of $1,500 is raised to $2,000 some solution to the problem would be found. It would make many families eligible to apply for HDB flats. It would make many people happy. It would curb people from resorting to all kinds of devious ways and means in an attempt to bring down their total family income to $1,500 per month in order to make themselves eligible for an HDB flat. Another point I like to raise refers to owners of 3-room HDB flats but who would now like to purchase 5-room flats after a period of five years, when they are allowed to sell their flats, not because of a desire for luxury but out of sheer necessity. The children have grown. More space is needed.”
“Another point which I would like to raise, Sir, is with regard to the problem of urinating in the lifts. Earlier this year, in January, I raised a very pressing point with the Minister for National Development. I asked him if the HDB would consider the construction of public toilets in selected sites in HDB housing estates or even on the void decks of flats. I was then told that they were not necessary since there were many public toilets in the markets, at hawker centres and at the various commercial premises. I call it a pressing problem because it is. The problem has not improved. If anything, it has got worse. I am raising it again because people in these housing estates are continuously complaining that children are urinating 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 - lifts! The result needs no elaboration. I would, therefore, once again like to urgently suggest that urinals be built near children's play areas. Such public toilets need not be an eyesore. They could be tastefully designed and if looked after properly, would not cause any unpleasant consequences to the environment. Children would not normally go all the way to hawker centres, markets or enter commercial premises to answer the call of nature. The suggested public urinals would thus be a great service not only to the children but also to all residents who would enjoy using cleaner lifts, without any unsightly mess or stench. This is indeed a real problem encountered daily in many housing estates. It is a very pressing problem.”
“Sir, last year, it will be recalled, I complained in this House that Bedok New Town Neighbourhood 1, lacked recreational facilities. It is with much happiness that I stand here today to report that practically all my requests have been met - except one. Unfortunately, this one wish that has not been fulfilled is a very important one. It refers to a playing field for children. I am told, however, that an effort is being made to look for a suitable open space large enough to be converted into a football field. It is desirable that this playing field be constructed quickly. My main concern is for the younger children. They are being pushed out of the basketball court, the sepak takraw court, etc., by the bigger and older ones. So they play in car parks, on roads, along sidewalks, on five-foot ways, etc. The Minister for National Development will agree that this situation is not only undesirable and a source of annoyance to residents, but also dangerous for the children. The more timid idle themselves away, thus opening themselves to all kinds of doubtful influences and making themselves vulnerable to moments of mischief. These would not happen - at least probably not - if they were engaged in proper recreational and sporting activities. Proper recreational and sporting activities could only be conducted in proper play areas such as a playing field. 6.00 p.m. May I therefore, once more, urge the urgent construction of a suitable playing field in Bedok New Town. Such a facility would be of immense benefit to all concerned. Parents would heave a great sigh of relief, for their children would then be able to play in a safe area instead of at car parks, along the road or five-foot ways.”
“As a closing remark, Sir, may I make one final observation. To many Singaporeans, only the tax concessions interest them. They do not realise the full implication of the Budget. They are only interested in what way the tax concessions affect their income and expenditure. Other than this aspect, very little is discussed in terms of economic growth. What more when the Budget language is such that it is full of economic terms such as GNP, GDP, etc, which mean very little to the man-in-the-street. Sir, if I may suggest (whether this comes under the purview of the Ministry of Finance or Education) that informative booklets to explain in very simple language, the implication of the Budget, be brought out so that even secondary school children can understand it. The Budget has always generated interest amongst certain people but the time has come for us to make the Budget better understood among our young and the not-so-well educated. Perhaps, the Press would start a series called "Understanding Our Budget" to achieve this. In this way, more of our people will appreciate the efforts made by our Government to achieve greater economic growth. 7.28 p.m.”
“The other thing, Sir, the financial assistance to be extended to our local entrepreneurs who wish to enter into business of their own after acquiring the necessary skills will be most welcome. Singapore as a city state with no natural resources will have to push its market through participation at international trade fairs and trade missions abroad. In this respect, Sir, the Department of Trade which carries out this function of export promotion must be commended for its relentless effort in trying to sill and find new markets for our Singapore-made products. From the account given by the Hon. Minister in his Budget and financial policies, it is clear that our main economic growth seems to be in the services sector (mainly in commerce and transportation which accounted for 64% of the increase). It is therefore important and necessary that our efforts to make Singapore a financial, convention, warehouse and services centre be stepped up, especially when we also face competition from cities like Hong Kong, Manila and Tokyo. The measures taken by the Hon. Minister to reduce the company taxes and other tax concessionary measures auger well for the future of Singapore. Sir, Singapore's economic success and rapid industrial growth were not due to miracles but through hard work and pain-staking effort on the part of our economic planners. Yet, today, Sir, many Singaporeans take our success story for granted. For example, the recent outbursts and comments made by some students of Junior Colleges over the long stay in campus is a case in point. These youngsters should be grateful for what they are getting or enjoying. Sir, speaking of tax increases introduced by the Finance Minister to recover the loss in revenue, I share the views expressed by Members of this House.”
“Sir, there is one disturbing fact of the Minister's Budget which he pointed out posed a threat to our economic growth, i.e. the reclassification of Singapore as a "developed country" according to IMF yardstick. Our per capita income, which is second only to Japan because of our high GNP growth and our much publicised success story, has earned us the reputation of the most "developed" of all developing countries in the Third World countries. However, I do not think it is to our advantage to be reclassified as a developed country like the advanced and developed countries in Europe and North America. We have quite a long way to go to achieve the same level as that of the countries mentioned. We have enjoyed a good measure of political and economic stability making us unmatched not only in all Asia but also in almost the entire world. However, the fact still remains that Singapore is a city state with no natural resources to depend on and our economy is so vulnerable to external factors. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, may I now touch on another aspect of the growth and prospect of our Budget, i.e. our industrial development. In this respect, Sir, I must commend the efforts made by the Economic Development Board in their promotional efforts to get more investment to Singapore. The steps taken by the Minister to improve upon the present incentives in the Economic Expansion Incentives Act by introducing an investment credit scheme in order to allow the local and foreign companies to expand is definitely a big booster and will help our economy tremendously, especially in the field of industrialisation.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, allow me to make some comments and observations with the little time at my disposal, and I shall try to be as brief as possible. Sir, the budget has been described by a leading newspaper as "being pragmatic and appropriate" and also hailed by business circles as "fair". One thing, Sir, which struck me and many of us both inside and outside the House is the unexpected "tax concessions" in personal income tax which came rather as a surprise. Here, Sir, I would like to quote the Finance Minister's remarks, inter alia, "the need to reward effort whether manual skills or intellectual discipline and at all levels," is well taken. The Government was prepared to lose $53.9 million in the first year and this gesture was welcomed by all of us in this House as well as those 26% of the work-force who are paying annual income tax. Much to everyone's relief it comes at a time when Singapore's economy is slowly picking up. The 7.8% growth achievement for the year 1977 was, in fact, a satisfactory performance considering the year was a difficult one. Looking at the prospects for 1978 the Minister predicted that this year 1978 may turn out to be a difficult year in view of the protectionist measures taken by developed nations against our products. As rightly pointed out by the Minister, if this tendency towards protectionism increases our own exports will be greatly affected and we may be in for hard times. However, Sir, the economic strategy and measures, like diversifying our economy and moving into higher technological and more sophisticated products as outlined by the Minister, will put us in good stead and Singapore's economic prospects will not be that gloomy in the coming years.”
“To ask the Minister for Social Affairs to explain the recent action taken by the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura in fixing sound attenuators to amplifiers used in mosques. 34.”
“To ask the Minister for Social Affairs to explain the recent action taken by the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura in fixing sound attenuators to amplifiers used in mosques. 50.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, before withdrawing my amendment, I would just like to complete my sentence just now when you cut me off, so that the sentence would not be left hanging - "I hope a similar situation will not happen to residents in Neighbourhood II and other Neighbourhoods in the New Town." Since the Minister has given a satisfactory reply and an assurance that this thing will not happen, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Can I have another one or two minutes, Sir.”
“Finally, Sir, I would like to make this special request to the Minister in regard to planning and development of recreational facilities in Neighbourhood II of Bedok New Town. It might be an administrative oversight or bad planning on the part of HDB that in the case of residents of Neighbourhood I who had to wait almost two years before they could get their playgrounds and recreational facilities -”
“In the case of Neighbourhood I where the population is now concentrated, the general complaints that I receive from residents are the conspicuous absence or lack of playing grounds and recreational facilities, whereas the residents of Marine Parade who moved in at the same time as the Bedok New Town residents are enjoying all Sorts of facilities and amenities which are provided not only by the Housing and Development Board but also by the Singapore Sports Council and the Parks and Recreation Department of the Ministry of National Development. Sir, to avoid such situations which could easily lead to misinterpretations and grouses by disgruntled residents, would the Minister for National Development and Communications consider proposing to the HDB to delegate more powers to the Area Estate Officers who, in fact, come directly under the Estates Department, which is within the Estates and Land Division of the HDB, so that they can make decisions that are urgent and obvious without the time-consuming necessity of having to refer everything to Headquarters at Maxwell Road. If this is done, Sir, it will cut down a lot of the customary red-tape, bureaucractic muddle and much of the official arrogance that is sometimes experienced. It will lead to greater efficiency in the management of the housing estates. Sir, new towns like Bedok New Town, which may not be very large in terms of size, are nevertheless densely populated when the flats are fully occupied, and therefore concern the lives and livelihood of people from all walks of life. A fully developed New Town could house as many as a quarter of a million or more people in the Republic, and that is no mean figure, considering the Republic's total population of just over two million.”
“They are thus forced to play in car parks, in the estate's by-roads, void decks, open spaces between blocks, and at the concrete concourse at the market and hawker food centre which causes annoyance to the residents. Yet there are five hectares of open space which is earmarked for a miniature park and recreational facilities. It is being planted with trees and one section has been fenced in with barbed wires. The barbed wires have been removed recently after the residents had made complaints through me and direct to the officers concerned. What is the rationale behind all this? I know why the HDB did this. They do not want the children and the youngsters to play in it. Could you imagine a population of 16,000 more than half of whom are young people, without a single place for them to play? I have made some suggestions to the Area Office as to how the problem of lack of playing facilities could be temporarily solved. I suggested to the officials concerned to remove some of the trees to somewhere else so that the children could play there temporarily until the open space was developed. But they had no authority to act as such matters could only be decided by the top officials at Maxwell Road. However, I am happy to inform the House that the Minister of State has recently announced in his reply to an Oral Question that the development of recreational facilities for Neighbourhood I would be carried out soon and that it is expected to be completed by early next year. Sir, the Housing and Development Board is naturally primarily concerned with achieving targets to cut down the waiting period for applicants. This is accepted. But in the anxiety to meet targets of building flats, a lot of things tend to be overlooked in some areas.”
“It may be true that the Estate Area Office and the HDB Headquarters are monitoring the situation. But from what I have personally experienced over the past three months at Bedok New Town, there is a whole host of shortcomings. I do not mean to say that I am not getting the full cooperation of the officials concerned. Far from it. My relationship with the Estate Area Officer and his officials is, at the best of terms. They are even present at my monthly meet-the-people sessions or forums where they have to answer some of the queries made by the residents on matters pertaining to HDB policies. My complaints are more in the area of decision-making and prompt action in attending to problems or requests made either by the residents or through me. All important matters, Sir, have to be referred to the Headquarters in Maxwell Road. Strange as it may seem, but nevertheless true, matters and problems pertaining to Bedok New Town have to be referred to the Area Office in Marine Parade. Why, Sir? Because there is no Area Office in Bedok New Town. This is not so bad. In another New Town that I know, the residents have to travel quite a long distance to pay their rentals, etc. However, I am glad to hear that the plan to construct the new Area Office in Bedok New Town has been finalised and construction will start very soon and it is expected to be completed by early next year. My point is: why is the planning and construction of the Area Office not done simultaneously with the moving in of residents to avoid unnecessary inconvenience and grumblings from them? Secondly, Sir, for almost two years now, the children and the youths in Neighbourhood I of Bedok New Town have no playground or recreational facilities.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head O be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AAA 1004*. (* The same amendment also stood in the names of Messrs Cheong Yuen Chee, P. Govindaswamy, Ivan Baptist and Ch'ng Jit Koon). It is common knowledge, Sir, that the Housing and Development Board is the largest statutory body in the Republic. It has an annual budget approximating $1,000 million. It is also common knowledge that the HDB is ruler of more than half the population. As its building statistics go up, which is, of course, commendable, it becomes more and more powerful, "ruling" more and more people with each passing day. It is expected that by 1980, some 75% of the population will be living in high-rise flats, for it is an inexorable truth that high-rise living will be a way of life for most of us, whether we like it or not. Apart from the effective leadership, our political stability and economic progress, the HDB's successful housing programme has in many ways reflected the Republic's multifarious achievements. However, I must point out that as a consequence of all this success - a consequence that is rather disconcerting there appears to be a deterioration of administrative efficiency and effectiveness in the HDB. This is especially true in planning the provision of recreational facilities in housing estates in New Towns. I say this with all seriousness. It is a growing sore point which should be checked. A fully developed New Town can engender and stimulate the growth of a crop of urban problems. In years to come, these problems can assume insurmountable proportions unless there is the administrative skill, efficiency and effectiveness to stem the tide.”
“(13) That the sum to be allocated for Head W be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead CCA 3020.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. 4.00 p.m.”
“Yes, Sir. Sir, there seems to be some unhappiness among teachers who have been asked to take P.E. in schools, when they are not trained to do so. Also, there seems to be a feedback that those trained in P.E. are not fully utilised in teaching physical education. Could the Minister enlighten the House on these questions? The Chairman: Mr Chai, you have only one minute to reply.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head W be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead CCA 1101. Since the establishment of the Extra Curricular Activities Centre in 1967 a tremendous effort has been made by those concerned to improve the physical health and develop the talents of school children both at the primary and secondary levels. This is evident in the extra-curricular activities in uniformed organisations, music and dance, and physical education. The enthusiasm that has been injected over the years through the emphasis on ECA in schools has brought about the formation of school bands, the biennial Youth and Music festivals and, most important of all, the physical development of school children through participation in games and physical education lessons. In other words, through ECA the children's talents and potential are being exploited. All these are good. However, Sir, I would like the Minister of State for Education to inform the House whether (1) there is any move to establish a Physical Education Institute or to enlarge the present Department of Physical Education in the Institute of Education to overcome the present shortage of qualified P.E. teachers in schools. (2) Has any survey been conducted to find out the proper utilisation of P.E.-trained resources among the schools? (3) What are the required staffing needs for teaching physical education in both the primary and secondary schools in the Republic? Are these needs being made? I ask these questions. Sir, because there seems to be some unhappiness among those teachers -”
“(4) That the sum to be allocated for Head W be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead CCA 1101.”
“In view of the reply, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Where law enforcement fails to stamp the supply of illegal drugs, and rehabilitation efforts have so far failed to reclaim many abusers why not pour the money that we collect from the seizure of smuggling heroin and other drugs by the Customs into education to stop the problem before it begins. Perhaps we could make drug education as part of the school curriculum in the teaching of Civics. Of course, this will require a very careful in-depth study and planning before it is introduced and implemented.”
“Meanwhile, drug abuse is spreading. For the sake of the majority of our youths who are struggling to do the right things in life and who come under the influence of drug-prone youths, we must have a strong and vigorous on-going anti-drug prevention campaign or programme, not only at the level of schools and youth organizations, but at the community centre and neighbourhood levels, in order to educate parents and community leaders who are in charge of guiding our youth. What is disturbing is the feeling in some quarters that the efforts mounted by the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association to take anti-drug education in schools are being nullified by the inconceivable attitudes and thinking of some Ministry of Education officials. If there is any truth in this, it is my hope that the Minister who is also the Minister for Education would take immediate steps to look into the matter, It is in the schools that we can prevent the beginnings of drug abuse. It is with the schools that we can inculcate in the young the sense of personal well-being by avoiding drugs. It is in the school that will find most ready reception. It would be most unfortunate if it was true that some Ministry officials are trying to rock the boat that prevents a "prevention" campaign being carried out. Sir, the dangers of drug abuse are very real. There are no doubts about this. Every ounce of effort must be geared towards eradication of this scourge in society. What we do today in this respect will have a profound effect on the quality of a society that our children will have tomorrow. In fact, Sir, if I could suggest to the Minister whether he could consider "Prevention through education" to be the panacea of the drug-abuse field.”
“Sir, once again I would like to battle against drug abuse. This is because the problem has assumed such proportions that it has become a national concern. The Deputy Prime Minister only two days ago in replying to a query by a Member informed the House that there were about 700 cases of drug abuse amongst the national servicemen in the SAF, which is about 1%. Let it remain a national concern, and let it not become a matter of national proportion. The latter would be a calamity if it is allowed to materialise. From the latest arrest figures issued by the Central Narcotics Bureau, two trends stand out boldly: One, that more and more of those between the ages of 15 and 35 are abusing drugs and, two, more of those in this age group are abusing heroin. The total number of persons arrested has also gone up: from 2,858 in 1971 to 6,556 in 1976, a rise of more than two-fold in numbers alone. What about the unknown addicts? How many are there? The question is: what other efforts and approaches are being made by the CNB, besides making arrests of addicts and abusers and sending them to the Drug Rehabilitation Centre at Telok Paku? While this points to the increased efficiency of law enforcement, I have certain observations to make in regard to the policy. This is the `cure', although there are real doubts about this too. But what about the `prevention'? Sir, I am a firm believer in adages, and certainly the most famous of these is "Prevention is better than Cure". Is the island-wide anti-drug abuse campaign reportedly planned for next month code-named Operation Ferret designed to be `curative' or `preventive' in function? From what has been published, it appears to be more attempted `cure' than `prevention'. It should lay equal emphasis on both aspects, at least.”
“Sir, in view of the Minister's reply, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“The co ordination of youth affairs and youth matters is a vital aspect of our growing society, a society which is wide open to influences of all kinds, Singapore being what she is geographically, socially and economically. As I have stated earlier on, correct co-ordination and guidance of youth is of the utmost importance. The quality of our youth, its mentality. its attitudes, its responses, are all necessarily aspects of society the leadership has to be very concerned about. "Today's young people are to-morrow's leaders" -that, as it may, is a cliche. Nevertheless, a cliche with a tremendous lot of meaning and message in it. One misguided youth is a problem. A whole lot of misguided young people will be disastrous. It is therefore imperative that we, who are today's leaders, pay sufficient, and more, attention to this vital question of guiding and inculcating in the young, correct attitudes and responses through a concerted and co-ordinated youth programme, allowing at the same time, avenues of expression and criticism, so long as these are positive and constructive. For, in the final analysis, Sir, the battleground lies in the mind. We have just seen abundant proof of this.”
“Many activity-programmes look good on paper. But it is the areas of performance, participation and production of desired results that really count. How and where do we stand in this respect? It is a question worth pursuing at this stage of the country's progress, because it is important that we take stock, assess and evaluate the position, so that strength and weaknesses are brought to light. In this manner we can consolidate the good and eliminate the bad. This question of youth is also directed to other areas, not just the People's Association. Several Ministries have close connection and association with youth and youth matters too. For example, the Ministry of Education is in the forefront in this regard. The Ministry of Social Affairs, as well as those of Home Affairs, Defence, Culture and Science and Technology, are all inextricably involved with the young. No doubt there are all kinds of activities going on in all these places; whether or not such activities are designed particularly for youth is another matter. Whether or not there is cohesion and proper planning and execution in these activities is another question. Whether or not there is a lot of unnecessary duplication and therefore manpower and time wastage is also worthwhile looking into. The point I am making. Sir, is whether or not the question of co-ordination of youth activities has crossed the minds of the planners and programme-directors. Perhaps a Department of Youth or a Ministry of Youth would be the answer. Admittedly, this is not a new suggestion, but it is a fresh call for more thought and greater concern.”
“Yet it is ever so susceptible to influences and distractions: drugs, crime, political clutches, and other anti-social and anti-national behaviour and conduct. The distracted youth can, collectively, become both a de-stablising and a destructive force in society. But accorded the correct channels of communication and constructive activity, the young is undoubtedly a factor in the nation's favour. Given avenues of expression and performance areas that are conducive to productive results, our youth can be the fountain of life in Singapore's future. In short, youth has an important role to play in the affairs of the nation. This is amply demonstrated everywhere: where youth's role has been positive, the results have been most constructive; where its role has been negative, the consequences have been very destructive. In this light, Sir, I would like to touch upon the subject of youth in Singapore. What are we doing for these young people? The primary establishment responsible for the right answer to this question appears to be the People's Association. It is acknowledged that the People's Association is doing a good job. But is it doing enough? That is the more important question. It is noticed that in many of the community centres, real activity is often conspicuously absent. They appear to be deserted most of the time. It will be interesting to know the actual response, both in terms of numbers and percentages, to programmes of activities that are planned by community centres. We know that more than half of our population are under 21 years of age. They form the core of our young. How many of them are attracted to the activities of the various community centres and the People's Association? I understand the figure is very small.”
“They will not succeed simply because they are acting against the interests of the people of Singapore as a whole, their well-being, their happiness, their future. The future - what does it hold for us? A good one, I believe, if we together put our shoulders to the wheel. Looking at the prospects for the fiscal year 1977-78, as strategically outlined by the Minister for Finance, there appears to be five basic objectives - namely, manpower development, science and technology, infrastructure, taxation and promotion, and the measures to be taken by major industrialised countries to stimulate their economies by creating more employment. In this context, Singapore can confidently look to the future if we keep the present momentum. However, Singapore's future is, of course, not all a bed of roses. With higher standards of living, a better life, and greater affluence, there will be problem areas, particularly among the younger generation of the population. There will be changes in job attitudes. Expectations go higher each day. There will be the crave for better life-styles. All this can generate and coagulate into one big social evil. But it can be prevented. Youth tends to be restless, and this restlessness must not at any time be ignored. In our eagerness and anxiety to achieve something, we often stumble and fall over the most obvious. Therein lies the danger. And the young is one of our greatest assets. It can also turn out to be one of our greatest drawbacks, if we neglect it. The young is a creature of many potentials and paradoxes. It is the country's source of manpower. It forms the sinews of the nation. It forms the future leadership.”
“The civil service has made its valuable contribution. But what is most heartening is the part played by the people of Singapore at large. We have been able to keep wage increases, for example, to proportionate levels so that the situation would not get out of hand, thereby endangering the economic position of the country. This has been possible because of the cooperation of the people of Singapore. The close rapport the Government has been able to achieve with the people is, in many ways, the deciding factor. The recent General Elections, in which the PAP made a clean sweep, was ample testimony of the confidence and the rapport existing. The Government and the people, together, have proved Singapore's prophets of doom all wrong, all the way. Those who have written off Singapore, those who have tried to subvert the nation, those who have left the country because they thought we were doomed to sink, are now all red in the face with envy and embarrassment. These people are now having second thoughts. The recent disclosures and confessions of G. Raman and his repentant colleagues are examples. They wanted to put Singapore in bad light internationally. They wanted to discredit the country. They did not want to see the nation make good, prosper and progress. They tried to subvert Singapore. We know now why reputable publications, which should have known better in the first place, like the Far Eastern Economic Review, the Financial Times, and others, were so critical of Singapore. But there will always be people like G. Raman and company who fall prey to the evil designs and machinations of foreigners and Euro-communists bent on seeing the downfall of the PAP and Singapore. They perpetrate acts which are both treacherous and traitorous. But they will not succeed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to join my other colleagues in support of the Budget Statement made by the Minister for Finance for the financial year 1977-78. My colleagues spoke in high praise. They were greatly impressed by the presentation of the fiscal policy which, on the whole, gives a rather optimistic picture of our economic prospects. All these years, the Minister for Finance's Budget Statements have always been supported by facts and figures. This year is no exception. He has the Economic Survey to back him up. Sir, although I am not competent enough to give an in-depth analysis of the economic prospects of our country. I would like to contribute some ideas by way of one or two observations. It is my hope that these observations and ideas would find a place in the various aspects of planning and strategy to make the nation an even better place to live in, to work in, and to conduct business in. First of all, it is common knowledge that Singapore's success story has been, and is to a very large extent, due to its political stability and the pragmatic leadership of the PAP government, a government that has the foresight and the far-sightedness to chart troubled waters ahead, thereby enabling it to go through and overcome the many stormy seas lying in the path of the country's economic, social and political progress. We have been able to take positive and realistic measures that have helped us to come out of crisis after crisis in the recent past - the energy crisis, inflation, economic recession, etc. - relatively unscathed. In spite of the many world-wide problems, Singapore has been able to achieve commendable economic growth and development. In this respect, the part played by our efficient civil service should not be overlooked.”
“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". This may appear to be fine on paper but I do not think that some of those measures that will be taken could produce the desired results. 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. Sir, I have tried to be both critical and constructive. I hope my comments will not fall on deaf ears - as so many comments on education have in the past. Some hon. Members: Hear, hear!”
“Otherwise the unhealthy feeling of "throat-ramming" will, rightly or wrongly, persist. Needless to say, a policy change in .education that has the acceptance and support of the people - parents in particular - is certainly bound to have a greater chance of success than otherwise. Any successful policy change is also bound to be easier to maintain and sustain upon implementation, thereby avoiding the rather unpleasant task of having to make frequent "chops and changes" and to offer repeated explanations. In his Addendum to the President's Speech the Prime Minister, amongst other things, correctly pointed out that our youth "take the relative prosperity of Singapore as the norm" and everything else that goes with it, like "high expectations, the desire to seek jobs in comfortable surroundings". 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. 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.”
“Pupils participate in ECA activities not so much to better themselves physically or to better the correct enjoyment of their leisure, but to gain points to add to their academic achievements, in order to gain admission to pre.-university classes. This is true in countless instances in schools all over the island. All this again has been the result of over-emphasis placed on a "new idea" - I say "new idea" because the idea of physical well-being complementing mental and intellectual well-being is as old as the hills. Sir, my purpose in bringing up all these various points is not so much to be unduly critical, but merely to express the general feeling prevalent among principals, teachers, parents and pupils like. But more importantly, to urge the authorities concerned to make a careful and an in-depth study - a real, genuine survey - of a situation before making policy changes which in the ultimate analysis affect our citizens as a whole, for today's school children are tomorrow's citizens of the State, who will have a hand in the running of the government, the business world and society. The implications of a drastic change is often lost sight of in the enthusiasm of implementing a new idea. The frequency of changes can also be bewildering. But these would be quite in order if they are made after a careful study, not just because a few principals happen to agree with the changes. I do not think I need elaborate on the importance of a good survey and the value of a thorough study before one embarks upon a new idea which is to be implemented and which will affect the lives of hundreds of thousands of our future citizens. Then there is the question of making the reasons for far-reaching changes widely known. This is equally important for general information and acceptance.”
“Sir, the current wave of social ills prevalent all around us is another aspect of education I would like to touch upon. For the ills of society are traceable to the schools. I feel that there should be a spiritual balance too in our education system. This would certainly combat the making of future drug addicts, drug traffickers, gangsters and other such like men of menace in society. A touch of religion is always good. Any moral value, strengthened by religious belief, at once becomes a matter of greater conviction and a better sense. Otherwise, the trend towards a money-minded and materialistic society would continue unabated. Proper, correct all round education should provide for the development of the intellectual, physical, social, aesthetic, and spiritual, areas of a growing person. One need not be a fanatic in any of these areas. A balance of all these aspects of the growing process is most desirable. This should be our aim and purpose in teaching the young. As a last point, may I now turn my attention to the area of Extra-Curricular Activities, or ECA for short. The aims and objectives are laudable enough. We do want the rugged Singaporean more than just bookworms, As they say, a sound mind in a sound body is the best thing in the world. Games are made for health. Debates and the like are made for intelligent enjoyment. Uniformed organisations are made for smartness and discipline. Other ,extracurricular activities are made for leisure. These are all fine, until their implementation goes wrong, until the importance becomes lopsided, until the real purpose goes cockeyed. The over-stress placed on ECA activities in the recent years has turned the original aim and purpose more than a little awry. The result?”
“Then again, the Education For Living idea is carried Out only in the primary schools, but not in the secondary schools, where Civics, History and Geography are required to be offered separately. Where is the continuity? Sir, it is the feeling that the problems in education today are traceable to the primary schools, where all kinds of what must have appeared to parents and pupils alike, very ad hoc ideas and decisions - like the Primary Pilot Project, the Education For Living, and what have you! While the number of these new-fangled ideas introduced in the recent years has been disconcerting, the frequency with which they have been introduced has been astounding. Where have all these ideas so suddenly come from? The answer would be enlightening. The resulting frustration is inevitable. The resulting feeling of insecurity rears its ugly head. The resulting position can be most damaging. Take what took place a few years back when almost equal weightage was given to the second language because of a policy change. Many pupils attempting to achieve equal proficiency in languages at the same time actually ended up achieving neither. They finished "half baked" in both languages What was, for example, the rationale behind this policy change? Was there any attempt made to assess the damage done as a result? Our education system, with its examination and achievement oriented characteristics, places demands and pressures upon our children to an extent of daily harassment with hardly any let-up. Language learning capacity differs from person to person. This must be realised. To expect everyone and all to progress similarly together in this difficult learning process is to expect too much. It would be unrealistic, and it would be impractical.”
“And would this really create a new thirst for the learning of a second or third language? Or would students do it simply because they are compelled to and not because they are interested? There are, too, numerous other attendant aspects of the second language learning process that must necessarily be looked into before a far-reaching change of this nature is implemented. We must presume that the situation has been fully assessed and evaluated. But has it? Factual and forthright answers to these various questions would go a long way to dispel the doubts lingering in the minds of parents and pupils. I think we need these answers and assurances. Mr Speaker, Sir, in the Addendum to the Presidential Address on the Ministry of Education, it says, amongst other things, that: `Moral and civics education is mainly taught through the subject Education For Living which is a combination of Civics. History and Geography) in the pupils' mother tongue' Sir, as far as I know, when the Education For Living idea was introduced, it was aimed to give exposure to pupils doing a second language, which may not necessarily be the mother tongue. Let me give an example. To many children who go to an English-medium school, English is a foreign language. Even for children of Chinese ethnic origin who come from English-speaking homes, they will find that the learning of Mandarin is not an easy task to cope with, Mandarin not being their mother tongue. In such homes, it is probable that other than English, Cantonese, or Hokkien or Teochew would be spoken. But Malay children attending an English-medium school would find it easy enough to learn Malay as a second language because they speak Malay at home.”
“The general feeling during the past few years has been that students have been made the "guinea-pigs" of what appeared to be a series of rather haphazard experiments formulated totally on an ad hoc basis, without any prior research nor any in-depth study done. Principals and teachers are equally apprehensive and concerned over the frequent "chops and changes". But most concerned of all are parents, naturally. They are often heard complaining about the frequent implementation of short-lived policies and new ideas, only to be aborted before they have time to take root. New experiments are abandoned as swiftly as they are implemented. Can we wonder the concern expressed all around? The recent Ministry of Education announcement of its decision to impose a second language requirement for entry into pre-university classes in 1979 and 1980 is an example of what has generated much concern among parents. It has also aroused anger and annoyance. Students begin to feel insecure all over again, unsure of their future and what is actually to come. What is needed now is to convince all concerned, especially parents whose children are, in the final analysis, the ones to benefit or to suffer, that there is every justification for this fresh imposition. There may be, as there should be, very good grounds for the move. But if there are, we have not heard them in clear terms, in simple language, and in convincing tone. What parents and pupils are uneasy about is that this may yet be another one of those many new experiments and new ideas that crop up in the minds of Ministry officials. What they wish to know is whether this new decision is the result of a careful study and survey of the real needs of pre-university students.”
“It is a difficult task, rio doubt. And upon the shoulders of the Ministry of Education has fallen this difficult task. The Ministry of Education is not only responsible for the formulation of our present educational policies, it should also be responsible for their successful implementation and to ensure their practicality and usefulness. Has this been the case? This is the question. The past few years have seen a great deal of debate on and discussion of our education system, not only within this House but also without. In some cases, the deliberations have been very intense, mainly in the problem areas. Much has also been printed on the subject. One particular newspaper published a series of articles, based on surveys it conducted. Parents and teachers joined in the fray with their letters and articles in the Mentor, the official organ of the Singapore Teachers' Union. Much of the statements has been critical. Some of the utterances have been evaluative and useful. There have also been instances of angry and contemptuous comment. All these go to show the immense concern our people in general have over the education of their children, in the future of their children. The questions that follow are: How much have we who are in Government taken note of all these? How much of the useful points raised have we used in our reviews and reevaluation of policies? There appears to be a continuing discontent over our educational policies. Sir, let me touch upon a few areas in our educational policies and our education system which have brought about a great deal of unhappiness and not a little confusion. The unhappiness and confusion apparently cut across the entire score board - principals, teachers, parents and pupils.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the motion moved by the Member for Ulu Pandan to thank the President for his address at the Opening of the First Session of the Fourth Parliament. It was an inspiring speech which should constitute the main guiding factor in our deliberations in this new session of Parliament. Many of my colleagues have already spoken on various vital issues ranging from PUB charges to Communist threats. All the 11 new Members have already made their maiden speeches, touching upon matters of bread and butter issues which are of common concern to the common man - the man-in-the-street. For it is the man-in-the-street who ultimately matters most. His life, his livelihood, his well-being, his problems, his family, his happiness - these are issues which should be our prime concern. I have therefore chosen to speak, on a subject which is first and foremost of great concern to us all Singaporeans and which, at the same time, is very close to my own heart. I speak not only in my new role as a Backbencher and educationist but as a parent as well. The subject I shall speak on will concern all parents, that is, Education, It is, I believe, the responsibility of the Government to provide the right kind of education for our children, as the right kind of education is the key to a good life, a good conduct, a correct attitude, a key to the world, both our own and the bigger one outside. Education being a process of living and an inseparable part of one's personal development, as one journeys through life's maze of problems and pressures, its importance cannot be over-stressed. This, I think, is recognized. However, while we have all recognized its importance and implications, have we been mapping out and implementing the right policies in education?”
“More often than not, the expertise of these foreign experts have proven to be wide of the mark simply because they are not familiar with existing local situations, and the net result is often a precious waste of both time and money. A pool of wisdom created from among our own citizens should prove a source of inspiration that can fuel many worthwhile policies, innovations and reforms of real practical value. Let us not waste any time in creating such a source for dynamism in the education mill, Now that we have started to look closely and critically at our educational system, we can hope to make some real progress. I hope that the new spirit of criticism and inquiry is viewed in a positive and optimistic light by all concerned. What we need for the future may be education "in questions rather than answers" as one educational sociologist puts it. For teachers, administrators and students it sounds a workable philosophy, for education in questions pre-supposes education in the right answers.”