Sia Khoon Seong
Singapore
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head L be reduced by $10 in respect of Code LD 1500 of the Main Estimates. Earlier, I stated that the morale of the teachers is dependent on their conditions of work.”
“For one thing it must be clear to the parents that the Day School is not just another name for a day care centre. Neither does the Day School scheme diminish parental role and responsibility in the moral upbringing of their children. Children can and will do just so much during school hours.”
“I must urge the Ministry of Education to allow as many serving non-graduate teachers as possible, who have the ability and qualifications, to join the degree programme and attain graduate status. Those who have proven their worth in the service more than deserve the opportunity to further themselves.”
“I have not finished. Of course, the underlying reasons for the teaching of Religious Knowledge are always valid since time immemorial - to teach man to be good. After all, our moral education basically wants to achieve that. Since 1959, not just 1982, the underlying reasons for moral education have always been the same.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I want to ask the Minister of State, is it not true that prior to 1982 Religious Knowledge was also an optional subject? Prior to 1982, all along Religious Knowledge was taught as an optional subject. In 1989, we are going back to pre-1982. The mistake in 1982 was to make RK compulsory.”
“With the introduction of caning for traffickers and employers who employ illegal immigrant workers, I am quite sure it will act as a strong deterrent to them from doing so. With the passing of this Bill, employers and traffickers will now find it not worth the while to take risk in employing foreign workers illegally.”
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“The Member for Telok Blangah has just given an example of one such employer. I would, therefore, like to seek the assurance of the hon. Minister for Labour that he would exercise his good offices to ensure that unenlightened employers do not frustrate the objectives of the Government in setting up the National Wages Council, by refusing to honour the National Wages Council's recommendations on technical grounds.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Employment (Amendment) Bill before this House is a logical consequence to the setting up and operation of the National Wages Council. It is to provide enabling provisions in the employment legislation to give effect to the implementation of the recommendations of the National Wages Council. However, there is a legal loophole in this exercise whereby some mischievous employers may take advantage of by denying their employees the benefit of the recommendations of the National Wages Council on the ground that they are technically not covered by the Employment Act. Recently, three NTUC affiliated unions received negative response from the employers to their invitation to negotiate wage increases along the national guidelines of the National Wages Council in respect of their members who are drawing monthly salaries exceeding $750. The immediate reply from these employers was that those drawing $750 and above do not come within the scope of the Employment Act, and therefore, are not entitled to receive any increments on the basis of the 1972 national wage guidelines laid down by the National Wages Council. The general understanding, when the National Wages Council was set up and when its recommendations were made this year, was that the National Wages Council's recommendations would apply to all workers, whether they are paid more or less than $750 per month. It will not lead to harmonious industrial relations if employers are to deny some of their employees the benefits of the recommendations of the National Wages Council, simply because their employees are drawing more than $750. You will be surprised, Sir, that in modern Singapore, we still have a few employers adopting a medieval approach to industrial relations.”
“Barker; read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Pensions Act (Chapter 55 of the Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Finance (Mr Hon Sui Sen); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the ,next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. CONSTITUTION (AMENDMENT) (PROTECTION OF THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 2.50 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, arithmetic is something that is worked out, and it can be changed if the Government so decides. But what I am asking is this: has not some thought been given to this point that arithmetic can be changed? An attempt is made to give tax reliefs to the professionally qualified women. It is an indication that the Government is conscious of wanting to draw out this particular category of workers. What I am saying is, why is the same consideration not given to the other categories of women workers? There could be some other method by which the same purpose of drawing more women to participate in our economic development could be achieved. Mr Hon Sui Sen: Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not think I have very much to add to what has been said. The fact that any married woman who is earning income can apply for a separate assessment of her income is already an inducement to her to go to work. So there is already an incentive. If there are any other ideas of further incentives which the Member may have, I would be very grateful if he would pass them on to the Treasury for consideration. BILLS INTRODUCED 2.47 p.m. CONSTITUTION (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Constitution of Singapore", recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Law and National Development (Mr E. W. Barker); read the First time, to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS (TEMPORARY PROVISIONS) BILL "to dispense with the revision in 1972 of the registers of electors for the electoral divisions of the Republic of Singapore for purposes of elections under the Parliamentary Elections Act (Chapter 50 of the Revised Edition)", presented by Mr E. W.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I fully agree with the Minister that professionally qualified women who have undergone a considerable amount of training should be encouraged to come forward, as it would be a waste not to use their talent and ability. Such measures are desirable and I accept and support them. However, my point is this: why should the same encouragement not be given also to the others? There is also a shortage of manpower in the other categories of workers. The move should be to encourage our women-folk to come out of their households to participate in our economic development.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to ask the Minister for Finance what is the logic of discriminating the professionally qualified from those who are not professionally qualified, when the question of encouragement for greater participation in the economy of the country does not lie only in getting more pro fessionally qualified women involved. The shortage of manpower today falls within all categories - from the highly-trained workers to the less skilled workers. Recently, there was an attempt to encourage married women to work in the factories and so on, where there is a serious shortage of such manpower. Therefore, I would like to know what is the logic behind the rationalisation of granting these reliefs only to women who are classified as professionally qualified.”
“Sir, in view of the explanation given by the Minister, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. In the absence of Mr J. F. Conceicao, the following amendment, standing in his name, was not proceeded with - That the sum to be allocated for Head 1107 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (2) of subhead 2123. The sum of $14,593,210 for Head 1107 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 1108 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1107 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1517. Sir, I notice that car park attendants are normally young men and women who are in their early twenties. It would seem to me that a better future is in store for them if they are encouraged to take up jobs in factories where opportunities for skill-upgrading are available for them to improve their earning capacity and future prospects. On the other hand, there are retrenched employees who are too old to learn any new skill and are unable to find alternative employment. In future recruitment exercises of car park attendants, I would like to enquire whether the Ministry of National Development will consider giving preference to those retrenched employees who are willing to work as car park attendants.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would also like to suggest to the Minister of State for Finance that one of the ways to encourage culture to develop from the ground is to increase the financial assistance.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to take this opportunity to enquire from the Minister for Finance whether his Ministry will consider allowing aided school teachers to apply for holiday bungalows in Changi, which were recently acquired by the Government from the Royal Air Force, on the same terms offered to their counterparts in the Government service? 3.15p.m. In making this inquiry, I am prompted by two considerations: (1) The recent policy of the Finance Ministry is to allow members of the public to occupy such bungalows, thus indicating that the availability of holiday bungalows exceeds the needs of civil servants. (2) That aided school teachers are granted medical facilities like their counterparts in the Government service. That being so, will they also be granted the same privileges as their counterparts in the Government service?”
“In view of the explanation by the Minister of State, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi (Kampong Kembangan)(In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 0801 be reduced by $100*.(* The same amendment also stood in the names of Messrs Sia Khoon Seong and Ng Kah Ting.) Sir, the Government Printing Office is now a commercial corporation and is competing with the private sector in placing tenders prom statutory boards and private firms for printing work. But in respect of the magazine Harapan which I know is printed by Eurasia Press, why was the printing job not given to the Government Printer? Were tenders invited before the job was given to Eurasia Press? What was the cost per copy charged by Eurasia Press as compared with that of the Government Printer? Because a lot of technical work is required, I wish to know how many Malay students from both the Malay and English streams have opted for technical education? From this number, how many have passed and how many have failed? Are these technical students given the opportunity to opt for the particular subjects of their choice, or are they being taught technical subjects not of their choice? Another point that I wish to know, Sir, is - this, The Government has encouraged its staff, including the teachers, to enhance their knowledge. Those teachers who wish to go to the university after having served 10 or 12 years, can they be given study leave, if they have been accepted by the University of Singapore, the Nanyang University or the University of Malaya?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0801 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 3001. Sir, I notice that there is a reduction in the vote for this subhead, from $7.00() to $5,200. I would like to enquire what educational exhibitions, career conventions and teachers' seminars were held last year? Moreover, why is there a reduction in the vote for the next financial year instead of an increase, seeing that they are such highly desirable educational activities?”
“Sir, in spite of the very vague answer, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr Sia Khoon Seong - (21) That the sum to be allocated for Head 080! be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2257. The Chairman: Amendment (21), Mr Sia.”
“What is the criteria for determining the payment of bonus? In other words, what are the conditions that the teachers must satisfy before they are eligible for bonus payments?”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0801 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2251. Sir, I would like to enquire what approved courses were organised last year, and what bonus payments were made to participants of such courses? What approved courses are planned for the coming financial year? And what are the criteria for determining bonus payments to participants of such courses?”
“Sir, in view of the explanation, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr Ng Kah Ting- (19) That the sum to be allocated for Head 0801 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2127.”
“Sir, I am not moving amendment (17), but I will proceed with amendment (18). Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0801 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2120. Sir, the holding of the Annual Youth Festival by the Ministry of Education places great strain both on the teachers and the pupils in those schools which annually participate in this Festival, I wonder whether the Ministry of Education has considered the desirability of zoning the schools into two zones, so that the schools need only to take part in the Annual Youth Festival once in two years.”
“(17) That the sum to be allocated for Head 0801 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 2116.”
“Sir, in view of the explanation by the Minister of State for Education, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendments stood on the Order Paper Supplement -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0801 he reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1401*.(* The same amendment also stood in the names of Messrs P. Govindaswamy, Ng Kah Ting and Ho Kah Leong.) Sir, in view of the current campaign to promote industrial safety conscious ness, I would like to enquire what steps have been taken by the Ministry of Education to promote such consciousness in the technical workshops. What schemes are there, if any, to cover occupational risks and accidents for teachers? Will the technical teachers in the aided schools be covered by any insurance scheme in case of accidents in the technical workshop?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, with regard to recognition of foreign degrees, while accepting the fact that it is the prerogative and the role of the Special Committee, a set-up by the P.S.C. to assess foreign degrees, the point at issue is this. This particular Committee was set up sometime in 1961, and is no longer active. Since then, there could be deserving cases requiring the assessment of this Committee. Perhaps a solution to this particular problem is to resuscitate this Committee so that it could assess the merits of foreign degree holders.”
“Sir, I am not happy with the reply to the second question. However, since he has passed the buck to the Ministry of Finance, I will in due course raise the matter again with the Minister for Finance. Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“I am not moving amendment (9), Sir,If I may proceed with my next amendment. Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0801 he reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1211. With the recent restructuring of the Education Service, promotional opportunities for aided school teachers will be considerably enhanced. In view of the fact that the promotion exercise for aided school teachers does not come under the purview of the Public Service Commission, what steps will be taken by the Education Ministry to ensure that promotion exercises are conducted for them, regularly and fairly? Will the Education Ministry also consider seeking the Finance Ministry's concurrence to allow aided school teachers to apply for holiday bungalows recently acquired by the Government from the Royal Air Force, particularly in view of the recent policy of the Finance Ministry to let out such holiday bungalows to members of the public? 7.15 p.m.”
“In view of the reply given by the Minister of State for Education, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr Sia Khoon Seong - (9) That the sum to be allocated for Head 0801 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1192.”
“Point of clarification, Mr Speaker, Sir. He has mentioned that the immediate promotion exercise will be conducted for craft teachers first and then for technical teachers. Will there be a promotion exercise for the other teachers? If so, how soon?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0801 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1191. The recent restructuring of the Education Service has enhanced the promotional prospects of the serving officers in the Education Service. May I know what steps have been taken by the Education Ministry to determine the criteria for assessing the merits of deserving Education Officers for promotion from one grade to another? How and when will the Ministry conduct the next promotion exercise, and how regular will future promotion exercises be conducted?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to comment on a particular point on the post-allowance for Vice-Principals which the Minister, in his reply, had left out. He mentioned that this allowance was possibly a point his officials and the unions had missed in their negotiations. I would like to tell him that that is not so, because the principles enunciated in the agreement are very clearly spelt out and they cover them. May I suggest that someone in the Finance Ministry has messed it up.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to make my contribution on a point arising out of the Minister's reply. With regard to the Member's remarks that teachers should be motivated other than monetary reasons when taking up in-service courses, I would like to tell him that normally teachers, on their own accord and in the interest of the service and career, take up extra courses without any expectation of bonuses, and so on. But this is the case only with courses which are related to their own interest and their own liking. Very often because of the major shifts in the educational system in the last few years, teachers sometimes are asked to do jobs contrary to their own aptitudes and interests. Sometimes it helps to pay bonuses for attending these courses, as the Ministry itself has recognised. Therefore, while agreeing with the Minister that the main motivation must be for the love of it, there is no harm for the Ministry to increase the number of courses where bonus payments are made. Therefore, this question of motivation for the wrong purposes should not be given too much prominence. Otherwise, the impression would be given that it is only for the sake of bonuses that teachers take up these courses.”
“It is my hope that the Government will be able to take the necessary steps to streamline our immigration procedures so as to eradicate the abuses in respect of the employment of foreign personnel. In my view, it will be a step in the right direction if the Government is able to set up a "consultative machinery" whereby the Immigration Department could form a reasonably correct judgment as to whether the skill of any foreigner is of any use to the Republic. 3.01 p.m.”
“As a result, there is resentment and frustration among the local musicians for being unable to earn a living in this trade or to obtain an opportunity to improve their skills for employment in the international market. Recently, when it became apparently necessary for an advertising firm to effect a retrenchment exercise, a local executive, not a foreign executive, was given the walking certificate, regardless of the fact that the local executive was much better qualified. In such a situation, it would be extremely difficult for the Immigration Department to form an opinion as to whether the advertising firm should have dispensed with the services of the foreign executive rather than the local executive. The talents of a good advertising executive cannot be readily measured by any objective criteria. My point is that if an employer wishes to employ a foreign executive in preference to a local executive, it would not be difficult for him to advance one pretext or another to convince the Immigration Department of the need for an entry permit for the foreign executive. All the abuses resulting from the present mode of implementation of Government's immigration policy in relation to foreign personnel, if left unremedied, would surely bring about a demoralising effect on the local personnel who are qualified to replace such foreign personnel. It is not only in the interests of our local technicians or executives but also in the interests of the Republic as a whole that the Government's immigration policy should be implemented in a constructive manner so as to give a fair balance between the need for foreign expertise and skill and the need to give our local citizens every opportunity to acquire such expertise and skill.”
“On the face of it, the policies of the Government in this area seem to be correct. I must, however, draw the attention of the Government to the difference between the formulation of a policy and its actual implementation. While the grounds for formulating a policy have been given the most careful consideration, the manner in which it is implemented is, however, not given the same amount of detailed consideration, and is consequently likely to be fraught with abuses, some flagrant, some petty. Where the applicants are technicians and possess technical or scientific qualifications, no great difficulty is entailed in the evaluation of the economic significance of their talents. But where they possess skills which are based on aesthetic or popular taste, or fashion, for which there is no objective criterion, it frequently appears that the policy of the Government on the control of entry of foreign labour into the Republic is open to abuse. A case in point is the employment of foreign musicians. With the help of the Tourist Promotion Board, some hoteliers and impresarios, have, under the pretext of promoting tourism, succeeded in obtaining entry permits for foreign musicians who are, in fact, no better than our local musicians. Many such foreign musicians, who have not been able to make a name in their own countries or have yet to gain inter-national national experience and reputation, are willing to take on jobs at very low wages. It is hard to believe that tourists who come to Singapore from the three main tourist countries, the United States, Japan and Australia, where their own artistes are of a much higher standard, are likely to return to be entertained with such inferior musical talent.”
“While the recent statement on the wage policy of the Government and other indications point to an era of greater affluence for the workers of the Republic, the fear that wage increases for the workers would be more than swallowed up by price increases is still valid. Legislation for price controls may seem to be necessary in order to eliminate profiteering by traders, but there are other practical considerations which are likely to stultify such legislation. For this reason, the N.T.U.C, has decided to initiate measures, which are compatible with the limited resources at its disposal, to protect the workers against the ravages of profiteering by unscrupulous traders. One such measure is the establishment of CASE (Consumers' Association of Singapore) to promote a greater consciousness among the individual consumers in Singapore against exploitation by traders in respect of prices, qualities and quantities of goods and services offered for sale to the public. Another measure is the proposal to set up a Consumers' Co-operative which, by offering goods and services to consumers at reasonable prices, will place the unscrupulous traders who charge extortionate prices at great risk. In his Budget Statement, the Minister for Finance stated that steps are being taken to streamline the Immigration procedures to ensure that persons who can positively contribute to the economy of Singapore are permitted entry into the Republic. It also appears that the Government is encouraging employers, both in the public and private sectors, to establish schemes for the training of workers within the industry as part of a scheme to develop and to use our own manpower resources to its maximum so as to reduce our dependence on foreign labour.”
“In this respect, the recent decision of the Government to increase the rates of the Central Provident Fund contributions and also to increase the remuneration of employees in the public sector in order to promote Government's home-ownership scheme for Singapore citizens, is highly commendable. It is natural that, with increasing economic prosperity, there should follow a rising level of our expectations which have manifested themselves in, for instance, the desire to own the house or flat in which we live, and also the desire for more and better facilities for recreational and cultural pursuits. The setting up of the National Wages Council, in which the Government, the National Trades Union Congress, and the employers are equally represented, for the purpose of formulating guidelines on wages, indicates an awareness of the need for workers to be given an equitable stake in the fruits of the economic development and progress of Singapore. At the same time it is vitally important for the future of the Republic that wage increases should not be allowed to get out of hand or it would result in a vicious spiral of inflation which can only damage the interest of the Republic. The National Wages Council, therefore, has assumed a role of utmost significance not only to the workers but also to the rest of the people of Singapore, in that it serves as a regulator for the economic health of the Republic. In relation to the economy of Singapore itself and in relation to the competition among the developing nations of the world for foreign capital and investment, the difference between a rational and a chaotic wage policy can spell the difference between prosperity and disaster.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister for Finance's painless Budget, which was presented to this House last week, has been well received both inside and outside this House. What is most welcome is his declaration that no new tax measures, either directly or indirectly, are to be introduced for the next financial year. He has, in fact, "sweetened" the painless Budget with certain tax reliefs in order to benefit the common man. The Budget Statement reflects the foresight of the Government and the soundness of its economic planning and its programmes of expansion in the past decade, and it exudes an atmosphere of quiet confidence for the future. The tribute which the Minister for Finance paid to the workers of all ranks and occupations for their contribution to the success of Singapore's economic development is very appropriate. Now that the workers can see for themselves the fruits of their past efforts and sacrifices, they should have the determination to work even harder to ensure a continuing, if not greater, prosperity and progress in the coming years. The actions of the Government, as reflected in the Budget Statement presented to this House, and elsewhere, have clearly shown that it is not oblivious to the part played by workers in the economic development of the Republic. As far as practicable, the Government has made every attempt to utilise the success of Singapore's economic development for social upliftment so that every citizen of Singapore, including the workers, will be able to cultivate a more gracious life-style that is in accord with their enhanced financial means.”
“Sir, I wish to commend the Minister for Labour for having the interest of the workers so close to heart. It can be seen from the proposed amendment that the retirement and other benefits of the workers provided under collective agreements would be safeguarded if an employer were to cease business. It is as a further safeguard to provide such protection of workers' interests in the event of an employer transferring the whole or part of his undertaking or property that I beg to move, In line 8 of new sub-clause (2), after "reason,", to insert "or by reason of the employer transferring the whole or part of his undertaking or property, as the case may be,". Amendment to the amendment agreed to. Further amendments to the amendment made: In line 13 of new sub-clause (2), after "reason", to insert "or transferring the whole or part of his undertaking or property, as the case may be,". [Mr Sia Khoon Seong]. In last line of new sub-clause (2), after "business", to insert "or transfers the whole or part of his undertaking or property, as the case may be". -[Mr Sia Khoon Seong]. In last line of new sub-clause (3), after "reason", to insert "or transferring the whole or part of his undertaking or property, as the case may be".- [Mr Sia Khoon Seong]. Original amendment, as amended, agreed to.”
“Sir, I wish to propose an amendment to the new sub-clause (2) as proposed by the Minister for Labour. I have here copies of my amendment to the amendment for distribution to Members. Typed copies of the amendment to the amendment distributed to Members.”
“With the Government's considerable experience in housing programmes, I am sure that Government can build comparatively cheap houses and sell them to deserving civil servants at cost as an inducement to them to remain in the civil service. Finally, I wish to comment, from my own personal observation, that the various Government Ministries and departments seem to be poorly served in the field of public relations. The sum total of public relations efforts of Government Ministries and departments seems to be the employment of a public relations officer whose sole function seems to be the drafting of replies to letters of complaints in the press. Surely public relations, which constitute an important aspect of modern and efficient management and organisation, should be conducted on a more constructive and effective basis. This is all the more important from the point of view of the Government in that it is both desirable and necessary to obtain the support of the public for the policies of the Government through the better understanding of such policies. It is vital that Government should give more attention and make efforts to improving its public relations activities, as what is at stake is the public image of the Ministries, departments or statutory boards concerned. It is not my intention to cast any aspersion or slur on the fine work done by the serving public relations officers in the various Ministries. What I am suggesting is that more funds should be allocated for public relations work so that the necessary staff and facilities can be obtained for effective public relations efforts. 3.05p.m.”
“They are usually well-educated as their jobs demand that of them. They get domestic help to do the chores of housework and the caring of their children. The position of the housewives from the lower income homes, however, is different. They cannot afford to hire domestic help. With many clean factories now sited in housing estates providing job opportunities, steps should be taken to encourage the housewives living nearby to seek employment in the factories. One such step is the building of more creches in housing estates. Perhaps tax incentives could be given to factories requiring large numbers of female workers to encourage them to build creches. Some of our more enterprising Singaporeans should be encouraged to establish laundrettes in housing estates to provide cheap laundry services with the use of washing machines. With the creches to look after their children and laundry services to look after their laundry, many housewives will be freed from their household chores and enabled to find suitable employment in nearby factories. By doing so, they will help to increase the income of their families and improve the standard of living of their families. At the same time, they are making a useful contribution to the economic development of the country. I also hope that the Government, as an employer, will not forget the civil service in its review of the wage policy next year. The role of the civil service in the socio-economic development of Singapore has been both significant and vital. With regard to the problem of brain drain from the civil service to the private sector because of greater rewards offered, perhaps the Government can take one positive measure to counter the attraction of the private sector, that is, a home-ownership scheme of Government-built houses.”
“The COMFORT taxis and mini-buses not only help to provide improved transport services, but also enable the respective operators to be owners of the taxis and mini-buses. I now come to the question of the shortage of labour. The importation of foreign labour to meet the labour shortage is fraught with all kinds of implications and may be inimical to the long-term interests of Singapore. Though I accept the rationale that the present shortage of labour being experienced by our factories, if not counteracted as speedily as possible, would slacken the pace of our industrial expansion, I am of the view that we should not be contented now that the importation of foreign labour seems to have resolved the labour shortage problem. The present shortage of labour should serve as a timely reminder to us of the urgent need to make constructive plans for the future regarding the maximum utilisation of our own human resources for our manpower requirements. The importation of foreign labour is at best a short-term solution. Perhaps some scheme may be devised for the employment of a greater number of women, especially housewives, in factories. The validity of the old saying, "A woman's place is in the home", has already been disputed by the women's liberation movement. In industrially advanced countries, women have abandoned the chores of housework and taken to employment in the offices and factories. The departure from the traditional concept of the role of women is in keeping with the concept of "fraternity, liberty, equality (with man)", and is also rewarding in terms of enhancing the family income. In Singapore, we find many of our married women working in offices, schools, hospitals, and so on, but they come largely from the middle-income or upper middle-income groups.”
“And these persons form the bulk of our factory workers, without whom our industrial growth would not have been possible; our Division IV civil servants and our public daily-rated employees, without whom our streets would not be clean, and the Public Utilities Board and the Housing and Development Board would not function efficiently. It seems to me, therefore, that one of the urgent tasks before the Government is to uplift the social conditions of the low-income group of workers. I hope that after assessing the effects of the British run-down in May 1972, the Government will pay particular attention to them in the general review of the wage policy. Apart from any general wage increases for them, active steps must be taken to initiate schemes to improve and upgrade their skills in order to enlarge their earning capacity. The hawkers and taxi drivers also make up the lower strata of our society. Unless they find a stake in Singapore's prosperity, they are likely to pose a social problem in the years to come. The Government must be congratulated on proposing steps recently to improve the lot of such persons. I refer to the proposal to allocate $5 million for the acquisition of land in a pilot scheme to build clean and attractive footstall complexes for renting out on a subsidised basis. Apart from providing cheap and wholesome meals, the hawkers can look forward to better business in view of their cleaner and more attractive stalls. The support given by the Government to the N.T.U.C, has enabled it to run a transport co-operative (COMFORT) with the purchase of some 1,000 taxis and 200 mini-buses for our taxi-drivers and mini-bus drivers.”
“It is meaningless for workers to regard themselves as partners with the Government and employers in Singapore's progress and prosperity when the employers make it a point to preclude them from having a fair share of the fruits of the prosperity to which they have greatly contributed. The problem today is one of educating some of our tight-fisted employers to realise the folly of their persistent refusal to see beyond their nose that their true interest must necessarily lie in the fair treatment of their workers. With economic growth, some degree of inflationary effect is inevitable. What is important is that the rate of inflation should be kept to the lowest level possible. Inflation in our Republic thus far, unlike inflation in the highly developed countries of the world, is not due to wage increases. Wage levels in Singapore have remained remarkably stable over a considerable period of time. On the other hand, the same comment cannot be made of the price levels in Singapore. In the past few months, there have been rampant increases in the prices of consumer goods, which are very often unjustified price-hikes and profiteering by some unscrupulous traders and shopkeepers. These runaway price increases are bound to upset not only wage stability, but also cause genuine hardships, particularly to families in the low-income group. We must not forget that there are some 120,000 workers employed both in the private and public sectors whose take-home pay per month is between $100 and $200, and many of them have families to support. They are the persons most affected by any increase in the cost of living, no matter how slight.”
“One of them re-marked that the Government had its, own idea of the council. By that remark,. I take it to mean that he had a different idea of what the council should be. Another employers' representative piously remarked that "If the wage increases were kept in hand, there would be no inflationary effect." Before even considering what constitute fair wage increases, they are already sounding a warning on the inflationary effects of wage increases. In yesterday's Straits Times, a spokesman of the International Chamber of Commerce was reported to have said that the proposed telephone rental increase would only tend to "narrow the area of manoeuvre for wage increases". Both the International Chamber of Commerce and the Singapore Employers' Federation represent some of the most successful employers in the Republic, many of whom are not Singapore-incorporated firms. Their reactions and remarks are significant in that they betray the reluctance of some employers to grant a fair share of their substantial profits to their employees. The irony of it all is that even if the trade unions manage to squeeze an additional one or two months' salary from such employers, the latter would have no hesitation in passing the bill to the consumers, who include the workers. As a matter of fact, wage increases can be easily met out of the substantial profits of the employers even without steps being taken to streamline and modernise the prevailing set-up and operations of the various enterprises. It goes without saying, of course, that a prudent employer would be expected to take all the necessary steps to reduce production and operation costs.”
“No less important than any factor is the part played by labour in the success of our socio-economic progress. We in the N.T.U.C, made it clear in 1968, when accepting the Employment Act, that we did so not for the purpose of enriching the pockets of employers, but for the purpose of ensuring the success of our industrial expansion; first, to overcome the growing unemployment situation, and then to raise the standard of living of our workers. I am pleased to note that the Government is conscious of the sacrifices and contributions made by labour to rapid economic growth and has urged employers making exceptional profits to give better bonuses to their workers. The announcement by the Government to review the prevailing wage policy, after the full effects of the run-down of the British bases have been assessed, is also a welcome move. While not doubting the sincerity of the Government's intention to improve the general wage level in the best possible way at the right time, I cannot help' having a strong suspicion that some employers may not take kindly to such a move and will do their best to thwart it under one pretext and another. It is, most conceivable that such employers will attempt to equate any upward revision of the wage level with terms like "inflation", and advance the argument that "prohibitive labour costs" would damage Singapore's congenial climate for foreign investment. A very recent example of such an unhealthy attitude of some employers, is the atavistic reaction of their representatives in the International Chamber of Commerce and the Singapore Employers' Federation to the Government's, proposal to set up a national wage council as reported in the Straits Times on 14th July, 1971.”
“Not only were a general economic depression and massive unemployment averted, but an extraordinary industrial development was also generated, giving rise to boom conditions and a serious labour shortage in the Republic. Parallel with, and equally as impressive as, the economic development is the significant social progress that has taken place in Singapore during the past six years. Social progress is not automatically a consequence of economic growth, even when the rate of such growth is exceptionally high. Despite favourable growth records, many countries in Asia have greater unemployment now than a decade ago, and millions of their citizens still lack educational opportunities, despite heavy investment in educational facilities. These problems are compounded by the rapid growth in population which in itself is swallowing a vast amount of the additional capital generated by economic development. Millions live in poverty and do not even enjoy the minimum degree of well-being and security compatible with human dignity. On the other hand, Singapore has not only brought population growth under control, but has also achieved a situation of nearly full employment. Our social amenities such as low-cost housing, educational and medical facilities, and communication services are among the best in the region and comparable to any part of the world. Our educational system, after decades of colonial inertia, has now been oriented and geared to our manpower needs. There are parks and gardens to make for a more gracious living. We may yet attain in the near future, as the Prime Minister himself has so wished, a gracious way of life. As it is, a combination of so many factors has been responsible for our relative economic affluence, social order and political stability at present.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for Ulu Pandan, and proposing a vote of thanks to the President for the speech that he has delivered on behalf of the Government. A worker in Singapore, whether a citizen or otherwise, can exert considerable influence, for better or for worse, on matters pertaining to the well-being of the nation at large. In order, therefore, for him to earn a fair share of the fruits of prosperity, he has to exert himself to contribute to the achievement of the optimum economic growth as a condition precedent for any prosperity. In 1968, the Employment Act was enacted in order to create a favourable investment climate for Singapore, in anticipation of and preparation for the crucial years ahead. We in the National Trades Union Congress have accepted the unpleasant conclusion that if Singapore did not become economically viable, the bells will toll first for the organised labour. Although we detested certain features of the Employment Act as restrictive, nonetheless we accepted the underlying objectives of the Act,, that is, the curbing of malpractices and the creation of a more favourable industrial relations climate to attract foreign investments. The consequences of any other alternative would not only be more painful, but also disastrous. Subsequent events proved that, on the whole, it was a right decision taken by the N.T.U.C, leaders in accepting the Employment Act as inevitable and infinitely more desirable than the chaos that would have resulted if the problems of growing unemployment had not been checked in 1968 before they posed a serious threat to Singapore's survival.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to ask the Minister of State whether the Hotel and Catering Training Centre is contemplating starting a training scheme for cooks. One of the problems which the hotels are faced with today is the shortage of cooks. Many of the cooks are engaged from foreign countries and they are paid exorbitant wages. Is there a scheme to meet this shortage of cooks? Dr Lee Chiaw Meng: Sir, there is at present a two-year course for the training of cooks. There are some 20 trainees at present. Since the course takes two years, we have not produced any graduates as yet. So this figure was not mentioned in the statistics which I gave just now.”
“Bodies. I think it is a matter of revamping the whole set-up and adopting a new approach in keeping with the progress of Singapore. Mr N. Govindasamy: Sir, this is an important issue. Fortunately for me, Sir, I have dealt with the Ministry of Finance on grievances of civil servants, daily-rated employees, the lot. The Minister is right - they have an Establishment Branch where a Deputy Secretary, who is in charge of so many other matters, is also in charge of personnel problems. When I said that there is only an Executive Officer, acting as Higher Executive Officer, who handles the problems of 13,000 daily-rated employees, I meant it, Sir. That is a fact. They do not have a Personnel Department in the Ministry of Finance as such. The Estimates do not provide for it. But there are persons in the Establishment Branch who, when grievances are taken up, deal with them. As the Member for Moulmein has pointed out, what we want is a department that looks after nothing else but this, and a department which has sufficient people to handle the day-to-day problems that arise in such a large civil service as ours, perhaps even to match the personnel departments in the private sector. In the long run, Sir, this will be a worthwhile investment on the part of the Government in that it will have a less frustrated civil service. Although it may not be possible to remove all the frustrations, perhaps we could have a less frustrated civil service.”
“Persons, yes. The Minister replied to my colleague, the Member for Telok Blangah, that there is such a department with the Permanent Secretary in charge, and Deputy Secretaries and so on. It is accepted. But I think it is the manner of handling these personnel problems. And as has been pointed out by my colleague, the Member for Whampoa, some of the rules and regulations are obsolete. I think there should be some adoption of modern management techniques, personnel relationship. I suggest that we follow some of the private firms where they have much less employees, and they adopt very modern, close personnel relations, human relations, absolutely important, not bureaucratic, impersonal. I was told that in the civil service they are just digits -”
“Sir, on the question of the Personnel Department, it is true that there are persons or bodies in this department handling personnel matters and so on. But I think it is not so much a question of bodies handling these problems, but the approach adopted by the -”
“But if there is a more efficient and more intelligent manner of handling civil service problems, many of the grievances will be removed, and there will be greater contentment in the civil service.”