Sidek bin Saniff
Singapore
“Sir, I understand that roads and walkways in Neighourhoods 5 and 6 are still being maintained by HDB, as the roads and walkways in these two neighbourhoods have not been taken over by LTA as public thoroughfares. Notwithstanding this, my Ministry has moved in and taken over the cleaning of the roads and walkways from HDB.”
“For that particular area, we have our men to do the job. WOH HUP GOLDEN MILE COMPLEX (Additions to balconies) 11. Mr Goh Chong Chia asked the Minister for National Development whether the additions to the balconies at the Woh Hup Golden Mile Complex facing Beach Road have been approved by the planning and building authorities.”
“If so, it requires identification of the recycled products, in other words, labelling of recycled products. Are we prepared to consider labelling all recycled products? Recycled products could only be viable if the public accepts them.”
“They are also produced by some industrial and natural processes. ENV has been monitoring dioxin levels in ambient air since 1999. So far, trace levels have been detected occasionally. The levels are lower than the levels found in quite a number of developed countries, such as Germany, UK and Netherlands.”
“I share the concern. But, somehow, we do not have any species, like eagles or vultures, that can take care of the crows. In Malaysia or Indonesia, they have musang (fox) that can really mash their nests. In our case, it is just ourselves.”
“Sir, I thought we are taking a concerted effort with all the measures taken. There is no intention at all to pass the buck. To me, it is a matter of asking cooperation, rather than you and me with a gulf in between.”
The complete record
Every one of 250 lines we hold for Sidek bin Saniff, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 4 of 5.
“What I want to drive home here is the point that if there are amendments to the Constitution, we must be aware of them. It is true that we inherited the Constitution from Britain, but we also know that there are many enactments which either have been or still are of great importance. One needs only to cite as examples the Magna Carta, "The Bill of Rights", "The Act of Settlement" and so forth, Therefore, again on credibility, I wish to address the two Opposition Members here that, first, they must comprehend fully these major issues. Then we can take note of the developments in our country. Our developments have our own background. We may have borrowed our Constitution from others, but it is adapted to our own conditions. And Singapore, hon. Members, is not in Britain or in America or elsewhere, but Singapore is our own country. We must of necessity mould and shape Singapore based on our own circumstances. Only then can we contribute to the progress of our country. If the Member for Anson indulges in trivialities such as, numbered ballot papers - the numbers are still there - it is already a stale issue, and yet he is able to enter into Parliament. How then can he charge that this Government is attempting to obstruct him? There are many other issues about which, I think, he should first enhance his credibility before bringing them up. For instance, the question of the HDB accounting system which is now history. It has been deliberately distorted by the Member for Potong Pasir. So all these matters must be seen in the context of the world at large and the world surrounding us and adapted to our development accordingly.”
“The British Constitution which we inherited.”
“It only means that the Constitution is not embodied in any single document. Mr Chiam See Tong rose -”
“Hon. Members, when Hiroshima and Nagasaki were wiped out by atomic bombs, the conventional war ended. All subsequent wars will be nuclear wars. So much so when we talk about war, we have to mention nuclear weapons, such as Strategic Weapons, Intermediate Weapons, just like the installation by Russia of the SS4s and SS5s which have now been replaced by SS20 missiles, while the British were obliged to receive the Cruise Missiles from America and West Germany accepting the Pershings. Another is the Tactical Weapon-nuclear warhead fitted to battlefield weapons. And here the Member is criticizing the E-2C. He has been so clouded by his own polluted mind that I think it is necessary for him to look at developments that are taking place all over the world today. Once again, my thoughts return to our credibility which we must upgrade in facing the present situation, only then can we voice our opinions. Otherwise, the lengthy points that are contained in not less than one page of small print that I have with me are too lopsided in comparison with the Member's allegations. What is regrettable today is that the Member for Potong Pasir has also fallen into this quagmire when he echoed the Member for Anson. In his speech, if my memory is correct, he stated that we have inherited a parliamentary system which is 500 years old, it is an unwritten constitution, one which is based only on customs and traditions. I think his statement is incomplete. Let us revert to the British Constitution. One would conclude, firstly, that it was not written, that is to say, it has never been wholly reduced to writing. Secondly, the statement that the British Constitution is not written does not mean that they possess no important constitutional documents.”
“Sir, I would like to commend the initiative of the hon. Member and his activists. I can assure him that the Ministry, and especially the SBS, will always consider any good suggestion or recommendation made by the public or by the constituents subject, of course, to the confirmation of our engineers or people who are concerned with this matter. MARRIAGES BETWEEN NON-SINGAPOREANS AND SINGAPOREANS (Policy) 4. Encik Saidi Shariff asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour (a) how many applications to contract marriage between non-Singaporeans and Singaporeans or permanent residents were received in 1980; (b) how many of those applicants were approved; and (c) if he will state the Labour Ministry's policy on such applications. The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour (Mr Fong Sip Chee) (for the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour): Mr Speaker, Sir, in 1980, there were 2,385 applications from non-Singaporeans to contract marriage with Singaporeans or Singapore permanent residents. Of these, 848 were approved. Approval of marriage applications are normally granted if the non-Singaporean worker is skilled and has satisfied our marriage policy criteria such as five years of employment on work permit and that both parties are above 18 years of age. IN-CAMP TRAINING FOR RESERVISTS (Exemption and Deferment) 5. Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister of Defence under what circumstances a Reservist may be exempted from prolonged periods of in-camp training if, indeed, such exemption is allowed.”
“Sir, as of now, the answer is no. For the information of the hon. Member, with the concession rates that are being given, we have to take from the kitty of the SBS a subsidy to the tune of several million dollars. NEW UPPER CHANGI ROAD/ BEDOK SOUTH AVENUE 1 (Openings in road divider) 11.”
“Sir, as far as the service is concerned, I would say that the SBS would look into the matter and improve the service. As for the concession, one way out for them is to buy a minimum of 500 SBS shares using part of their CPF money, so that they can travel at the concessionary fare of $24 a month.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, my Ministry has taken up with SBS from time to time the subject of providing season bus passes to commuters who have to make several transfers to and from work. The difficulty, it seems, is not that these passes cannot be provided, but at what price. SBS shareholders and school children who currently enjoy the use of such passes do so at a concession rate. They pay much less than what they would normally have to pay, i.e. they are subsidised. Since SBS is a privately-owned company, this subsidy must come from bus fares paid by other commuters. It is therefore not possible to extend these concession passes to ordinary bus commuters without somebody having to pay more.”
“Sir, before I withdraw my amendment, I just wish to make one comment. If a man leaves behind his widow and children who are living in a three-room flat, it may take about two or three months before they can move to another flat or to rent a one-room flat, I am therefore concerned about the period of two, three or even four months during which the widow has to adjust to the new situation and environment. How is she going to get immediate employment with all these problems? These are the social problems we have to face. I would still say that for an affluent country like Singapore, we can afford to make a bigger provision than $4.5 million. The Minister may perhaps want to discuss this idea with the Minister for Finance. Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I must say that if a man leaves behind a widow with two or three children living in a three-room flat, the total expenses would be around $300 or $400 a month. If the amount of public assistance is $120, it would be troublesome for the poor widow who may be illiterate to go from one organisation to another for further funds. Another point is this. The total provision for public assistance is only $4.5 million. I am quite sure that, with an affluent society like Singapore, we can increase that figure.”
“Sir, I would like to know if it is possible for the Minister to give a specific reply in the case of a man who passed away, leaving a widow and three children. How much money or assistance will she be given? Is it $200 or $300 per month? Can he give some figures for the information of the House?”
“I would suggest that if the Minister for Social Affairs is all that concerned, he should put forward the idea and to please propose a more reasonable sum, especially to those recipients whose husbands have passed away. I have just read a very disturbing report today on a book titled: The Psychotherapy of Aging. Having read the report, I found there are three areas which concern me. I have got complaints about attempted suicide from at least a couple who are receiving public assistance. Let me read the findings of The Psychotherapy of Aging which are found in one country. Maybe they are not very similar but there is some similarity. The report says that the tendency to suicide is greatest among those above 40 years of age. I am 40 myself. It also states that: 'Physical disabilities and illnesses also tend to increase chances of suicide, especially for those over 60. Lower economic-strata men are also more likely to commit suicide than upper or middle class men.'”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head W be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead Code WC-06 of the Main Estimates. Sir, whenever the Budget is being considered in this august Chamber, four categories of people deserve our utmost concern. They are the pensioners, the disabled, the aged, and the less fortunate, especially those receiving public assistance. I must congratulate the Minister for Finance for taking care of our pensioners last year. But, unfortunately, this year he has forgotten to include them, As far as the Ministry of Social Affairs is concerned, they even took the initiative of asking the Minister for Finance to increase the rate of public assistance from $40 and $100 to $60 and $120 respectively. I appreciate the initiative of the Ministry but the rising cost of living is such that I find it difficult to really imagine how these people, especially those whose husbands have passed away and who have to look after the household and the children, can manage with that meagre sum. The Minister may say that if we need more money, then we must pass the buck to the Finance Minister. But let me assure the Minister that during our journey to Chine, besides a sense of camaraderie, I find that the Finance Minister is very compassionate, reasonable and concerned and, at times, fatherly. In fact, when the plight of the flat-owners in Lagoon View was mentioned and when my colleague, the hon. Member for Whampoa suggested that instead of deducting $600 per month from their salaries, the Minister was even willing to consider reducing the rate to $300 per month.”
“Sir, in view of the very good answer from the Minister, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn. 3.30 p.m.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head W be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead Code WC-02 of the Main Estimates. Sir, last year $7,200 was spent on the Family Service Centre Pilot Project. It was a pilot project. My interpretation of a pilot project is that it should be followed by the actual project. May I be enlightened about this matter, please?”
“In FY 79 there was no allocation for Horticultural and Aquarium Fish Exhibition in FY 80. But for FY 80 there is a provision of $261,000 for this Exhibition, which is slightly more then a quarter of a million dollars. I think it is a big project. Is this project going to be simply a tourist attraction or is it to provide a social amenity, or for both purposes?”
“Yes, Sir, and thank you. I would just like to ask the Minister how soon can the Housing and Development Board complete the installation of closed circuit TV in the lifts in all HDB estates. Secondly, there is the question of rented flats. Over 70% of flat dwellers can purchase their own flats. My question is whether those who do not purchase these flats can still rent them, and for how long? If the monthly income of a flat dweller is more than $2,500, would he be given a chance to buy, say, a five-room HDB flat? I find it rather astonishing how the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education recently resolved the most important aspect of our education system - at one stroke he took away the Curriculum Development Division from the bureaucratic control of the Ministry of Education and made it into an institution called the Curriculum Development Institute of Singapore. As an HDB flat dweller, I think one of the most important functions of the HDB is not so much in landscaping housing estates - although there is some shoddy workmanship - but the provision of good lifts. The breakdown of lifts is getting rather frequent. Is it possible for the Minister to compare the rate of breakdown of lifts in Singapore with that of certain industrial cities like Hong Kong? If the breakdown is due to the poor quality of the lift, I would suggest that we look for better quality lifts than those already installed in HDB estates. As a flat dweller, I must say that there is a constant uneasy fooling whenever I step into a lift. I think of the possibility of children or even old women being trapped in a jammed lift, say, for half an hour. I would like the Minister to make a thorough investigation into the efficiency or inefficiency of lifts in HDB housing estates.”
“Well, the Japanese did it. This will help us eventually to project a better image of ourselves. If this is done, I am sure that our Singapore Chinese will not be mistaken as Beijing Chinese, Singapore Malays as Kelantan Malays, and Singapore Indian as Kerala Indian. As an ideal, we must think of a universal identity in which man begins to see common factors and common needs as human beings, not by religious or cultural creeds. If this is done prudently, it will also rectify certain disturbing characteristics of our young Singaporeans. In this region I believe there is a tendency among some of our people to look upon themselves as superior in many ways. Our people must be made to understand that, with time, there will be better economic growth and more equitable distribution of wealth, and with it a better spread of economic well-being. Given that prerogative, we and our neighbours will identify ourselves by common impersonal factors and less and less with racial factors and origins. We will find then that the saying, "Blood is thicker than water" does not hold water; it may not apply anymore. Instead, the Chinese saying Yuan gin bu ru jin ling [ ] which means "Distant relatives are no better than close neighbours" may be more appropriate because close neighbours are often better than distant relatives.”
“Unlike our critics, the scientist will tell us that if a child looks like his father it does not mean that he will behave exactly like his father and have the same ideal. But common cheap critics will do just that: "because the Chinese form the majority in this state, we will be like China. We will be pro-China always." This is certainly being too simplistic, at the same time socially and politically myopic. If we have been perceived poorly, may be it is partly our fault. We have not sufficiently projected our image, especially abroad. Foreigners may have known more of our Singapore Girl than the real Singaporeans. To correct this, I would like to suggest that along with the more conscious role of our mass media, the government services and the private sector should provide more tour opportunities to our hard-working people as bonuses. They should be given holidays, with all expenses paid, to visit ASEAN countries, primarily. An hon. Member: Hear! Hear!”
“A new emerging Singapore cannot help being the centre of attraction among nations. Ours was a bold experiment in nation building and as such became a subject of scrutiny. The pragmatism that had weathered us through the hopeless situation in the 60's to the present progress and achievements have awed many nations to disbelief (and some with envy), and they can only conclude that we have so succeeded at the expense, at the sacrifice, of a national identity. Many hard-core critics find comfort in continuously painting us as faceless Singaporeans. But to Singaporeans at large, especially the new Singapore generation, these critics serve only one role: a constant reminder of what we should not fall into. Scientists could be more appreciative of our stature by virtue of their training and their faith in the realm of possibilities. We have seen as a fact that a baby can be born of a mother other than the natural mother. Such new-born babies are new beings and yet similar and normal like others. They have a bit of their natural parents and a bit of their surrogate parent. Such babies are a reality and a possibility of the present age. Singaporeans are in some ways like this new breed of babies born out of the womb of the goo-politics of this age. We are new-born that some people could only see skin-deep. They quite often fail to see beyond our physical outlooks. They do not see our inheritance, endowments and potentialities and the environment that nurture us. Thus, those critics not only fail to see the difference but also our own special traits. However, social scientists like Ibn Khaldun and Le Play had dealt at great length about "the environmental factor" in the moulding of a person's personality and subsequently the emerging of a nation's identity.”
“And among the youth there is some affection as a result of misguided idealism. Nevertheless, I am sure many Singaporeans believe that they can evolve a new civilisation out of the three great cultures and traditions they have inherited. We are a plant with many roots and, as such, we are a strong, green and lively plant to be reckoned with in the near future. A social scientist by the name of Klapp says: 'What others perceive as our identity is equally important as what we ourselves say what we are.' He defines identity as: "All things a person may legitimately say about himself - his status, his name, his personality, his past life. The clue to the problem is to be found in the structural changes in society. If his social context is unreliable, it follows that he cannot say anything legitimately and reliably about himself. His statement of identity has no more reliability then a currency which depends upon the willingness of the people to recognise and accept it. An identity problem is "almost" always associated with unsatisfactory "feed back" from others.' 3.15 p.m. Since it is difficult for us Singaporeans to be identified by our physical features, we have to project our image by behaviours that we have been known to have claimed. As far as this goes, we have made quite a name for ourselves as I mentioned earlier, "People recognise us as a strong, viable, industrious, incorruptible and intelligent people, with multi-lingual ability and very soon they will also recognise us as a socially disciplined and a more courteous people." The Singaporean is slowly but surely projecting a good image of himself all over the world. I speak with optimism which will be so characteristic of the Singaporean in the future.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it took us almost 20 years to build up confidence and faith to finally emerge as a strong and viable nation, free of attachment to any nation. Under the unhappy pressures of the early 60's, our leaders managed successfully to generate clear ideas about our nation-to-be. With clear perceptions of the problems and with correct values imposed, we managed to build our nation of Singaporeans. The process of nation-building is not complete yet, but we can already feel that a new nation is born. It has emerged out of difficulties and complexities to become strong, viable and proud of its own identity. To me, this identity at times is more felt than visible. I am made more aware of this new breed of notion every time I go abroad. Once, while in New Zealand, a Singapore student of Chinese origin took time off to visit me in my capacity as a Singapore MP, and not a Malay MP. Incidents like these are very gratifying. I am sure many citizens who have travelled abroad have felt the tie and pride of our nation every time we meet another Singaporean. As far as our national identity is concerned, I do not think it is a problem yet. We Singaporeans do not suffer any identity crisis. Ours is a new-born nation. Our visible identity as such is freshness and youth. Many nations have recognised us as a strong, viable, industrious, incorruptible and intelligent people. Very soon they will also recognise us as a socially disciplined and a more courteous people. Travellers who stop in Singapore know that we are people of multilingual ability. Singaporeans are aware that they are multi-racial but they also know that they have no racial prejudice. But there is, among the older generation, some emotional attachments.”
“Sir, I must thank the Minister for answering so eloquently, especially when the matter is not under his charge, as he has said. I will pursue this matter with the Minister for Labour and maybe incorporate the suggestion by the Member for Whampoa. On that note, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”
“For instance, if a flat costs $49,000; eligibility is $39,000; second loan from POSB is $10,000. Sir, MINDEF officers occupying Normanton Park Estate have been allowed to use their CPF savings. Is it because the conditions of sale of flats for MINDEF officers are different Rom those in these estates? Can some modification be made so that these residents or home-owners could also benefit from the same criteria? I hope the Hon. Minister would consider the matter favourably.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head N be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead Code N B-01 of the Main Estimates. Sir, Government servants living in public housing estates of Lagoon View, Marine Vista, Orchard Court and Town House are asking the Government to let them pay off their housing loans with their CPF savings. The appeal has been rejected and I am told that the ball is now in the court of the Labour Ministry. While I understand that the owners were told at the time of purchase that they would not be allowed to use their CPF for such a purpose, but being Singaporeans, as I told Parliament on the first day of the Budget debate, that we are triers and not quitters, they felt that this matter could be settled amicably. Knowing the sort of Government that we have, we are always reasonable and compassionate as the Minister is towards the people, especially the so-called Government servants. They could not believe that the Government could be completely inflexible. They are hopeful that the Government will grant their reasonable request. But up to now, their expectation is still hanging in the thin air of uncertainty, while the following developments aggravate the situation: (1) Many of the residents are hardpressed to keep up with the payments, in view of inflation and the rising cost of living. Those seriously affected are officers in Division 11 and officers who are nearing retirement age. One officer has to pay as much as slightly more than $600 a month and he is nearing retirement age. Another officer says that he is paying about half his salary, and his family is suffering tremendously. (2) Some residents have had to take a second housing loan from the POSB because of Government loan eligibility.”
“Sir, in view of the satisfactory answer, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head Q be reduced by $10 in respect of Object Group 2210 of Subhead Code QF-10 of the Main Estimates. Sir, I must say that our flat dwellers are appreciative of the efforts of the Vigilante Corps for their vigilant security patrols round the estates. It gives the residents that extra sense of security. My question here is a very simple one. I would like to be enlightened about the allocated sum for FY 79 which was only $2,350 while for FY 80, it is nearly 50 times more, which is $103,900.”
“In view of the answer given by the Minister, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”
“He may have quarrelled within his organisation and was a persona non grata. 3. A fraud and a selfish, unethical person who changes a little bit here and there of the original art, creates a "new art" and a new school and makes money out of it. 2.45 p.m.”
“Friend, the Member for Kim Seng who enlightened this august Chamber with his six commandments, I can only manage to impart three elements: They are: right thinking, right speaking and right doing. Be careful about what you do, be extra-careful about what you speak because these elements emanate from what you think. Even though only God knows what you think but a mere mortal could make his conclusion judging from what you say and do. This is the crux and the most difficult part of learning and teaching. But experience and age will help a great deal - they will be the essential factors. That is why I think the minimum age of an instructor should be 25 years with due respect to the exceptionally younger ones who mature faster and possess endurance and patience of a master. Sir, I would like to know the minimum age of instructors that the Hon. Minister has so far permitted or accepted. My second question is: will the Ministry register an instructor who has already been registered under one school of martial art but has now created a new one? With due respect to my colleague, the hon. Member for Serangoon Gardens who, we all know, is prominent in the art of Taekwondo, I would like to elaborate on this point by making a simple example without any offence intended. Let us say, a person has been registered as an instructor of Taekwondo. After learning another an for some time, say, Hapkido, he later on creates a combination of these two arts and calls it Taktido (because of the sleepless night to create it - he 'tak tidor' which means, he does not sleep). Would the Ministry register him as an instructor, knowing full well that there are at least three important possibilities? 1. He may be a creative person. 2.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head Q be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead Code QA-03 of the Main Estimates. Sir, while some of our youths drown themselves in the troubled waters of drug-taking - whether it be methaqualone, cannabis or narcotics; and some aping the latest craze of disco dancing - we are relieved to know that many of them still spend their leisure time in a more meaningful way, like learning the art of self-defence or martial arts. May I first congratulate the Hon. Minister for his Ministry's efforts which result in a lesser number of drug-takers. I would also like to congratulate those individuals and social and religious organisations like SANA, Muslim Council of Service (MCS) and the Volunteer Aftercare Officers (VAO's) for their valuable contributions. A word of caution to those who introduced disco dancing to our institutions, like the community centre, especially to the conclusion made in the western countries, and that is: "Those who think that disco has nothing to do with drug-taking, illegal sex and permissiveness, they are socially myopic." Sir, we must clearly think and encourage more in terms of what our citizens will and can do during their leisure time. Every form of literary, artistic, aesthetic and physical activity (like martial arts) in which the self can be expressed in a creative and meaningful way must be encouraged. Martial art is an art where one could nurture the development of one's physical ability as well as one's mental capability. The former could be easily learned. But the latter needs every grain of correct and right guidance. This is where the role of the leader or instructor comes into the picture. There are three basic elements in order to be a good human being. Unlike my hon.”
“Every form of literary, artistic, aesthetic and physical activity in which the self can be expressed in creation should be an essential part of our curriculum for living. It is not education, for play but education for a full life. Much deviant and delinquent behaviour derives from the inability of individuals to fill their leisure time creatively, and when these indi- viduals become frustrated in the dimension of their creative potentials - bogged down with assessments, tests, examinations and parent's high expectation - they frequently become destructive. Initially, students may start by telling lies or cheating, especially if they know that their marks at the last test or assessment are far below expectations. They have to exert themselves in order to do better. If they succeed, it becomes a plus-factor. If the reverse happens, it becomes even worse - "destructive" behaviour will creep in slowly but surely. I hope the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister will give this matter some careful consideration and with all urgency before it is too late. I hope I do not sound like the prophet of doom.”
“I am very concerned about the latest move by the Ministry of Education regarding continual assessment. Apart from the mid-year and end-of-year examinations, there exist no less than six assessments in a year, sometimes once a month. While I accept the basic principle that continual assessment be incorporated in the school system, I cannot fully agree to its frequency. The most I could agree is to have two and not six assessments in a year. I have four reasons and I hope they are sufficient for consideration. 1. To avoid students from thinking that they have to do so many tests. Psychologically, an assessment is equal to a test which is synonymous with examinations. Their minds will be bogged down with examinations, and our education system will appear to be examination-orientated. 2. It may create extra-caution and vigilance among parents who would like to see their children do well in every assessment. There is no doubt about it. Their attitude in this matter may affect their childrens' participation in ECA, another pillar of importance in our education system and nation. 3. They need a breather - adequate time for preparation - before they face another examination, assessment or test. Too frequent an assessment may prove to be counter-productive rather than fulfil the expected results or objective. 4. Last but not least, even more important, is the concept of leisure. While we educate, we must clearly think more in terms of what our pupils will do and can do during their leisure. They have to be trained to create a worthwhile life and culture and they have to be assisted to fulfil themselves creatively and in a satisfying way.”
“Karl Marx concluded that the determining factors which were of paramount importance were economic, hence the power of economic production and class struggle between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. All this was based upon the Hagelian dialectic - the so-called philosophicohistoricist triad of thesis, anthesis and synthesis. Another thinker, Thorstein Veblen, has been referred to as a technological determinist: he argued that the technological advance is reflected in the process of our social system. According to him, the variety of our working environment explains the variety of social structure and now technologies create new habits in industry and commerce and, ultimately, are responsible for overthrowing the old institution of society. But, Mr Speaker, Sir, man initiates activity, he creates his technological world, and he modifies his society accordingly. And Culture is a determinant and basic condition of social change. At the same time Moral or Morality is the key pillar of the healthy development of that culture - of course, in the final analysis of that society. In other words, the curriculum development must consider besides Mathematics, Science, etc, the importance of Moral Value in the same breath. They are inseparable. May I suggest to the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education that when he forms the CDIS in June this year he include Moral Education under the ambit. Would the Minister also consider, besides individual respectable organisations, such as religious organisations like the Muslim Religious Council to sit on the committee or they be asked to provide their contributions to Moral Education. Sir, another point I would like to make here is about continual assessment.”
“He is asked to stand in front of the class and say what mistakes he has made, while the teacher continues teaching. He has to answer questions and also admit his mistake and pledge not to do it again. Another example can be cited. In Britain, Summerhill is a self-governing school which is democratic in form. Everything connected with social or group life, including punishment for social offences, is settled by a vote at the Saturday night general school meeting. Each member of the teaching staff and each child, regardless of his age, has one vote, including the vote of the teacher which carries the same weight as that of a seven-year old. One school in Singapore, however, made quite a bold experiment of forming their own Parliament hoping that it would inject social awareness. Students voted in their representatives and those elected would work closely with the school. Karl Manheim, another thinker, suggested that in education we must seek to provide curricula which have sound cultural justification; that is, they must be firmly based on the social situation of the learner in which there is involved the pattern of inherited culture, the unique content of the contemporary and the culture of foreseeable future. The whole complex of social relationship is a part of this intricate cultural pattern, and only a full awareness of what this implies will ensure a society and a world in which individuals accept their responsibility for others. The above statement implies that curriculum development is not confined only to the so-called hard sciences. Let us compare, for instance, two schools of thought: one by Karl Marx and the other by Thorstein Veblen.”
“Yes, Sir. Mr Speaker, Sir, the school is an important dimension of society and the educational process is, in part at least, an attempt to ease the child's passage in and through society, not into society. Increasingly, therefore, the work of the school may be seen as a real attempt to make each child socially aware throughout his career, in such a way that the school is not viewed as an isolated phenomenon but as "essentially united with the macro society, or the society at large." Throughout his school career the child has to be made aware that society is here and now and not something in the future or out there, out of the school compound; that the school itself is not an element separate from the total society but an integral part of it, and that freedom is not a quality granted at the end of a period of socialization, but something gained in free, but limited social participation. If self-discipline is gained only through the assumption of responsibility, any real sense of social identity can be acquired only through its continuous practice. Again, the school is not simply a training ground for life and the larger society; it is life itself and social being. Sir, the school creates its own character. Participation in evolving their moral value differs from country to country. Basically, the school produces books or set rules containing important or essential moral values written by prominent people in this field, whether inherited or created. But what is even more important is to practise what they preach or what has been written or taught. There are ways of doing it. 3.45 p.m. In USSR, for instance, a boy who misbehaves is asked to stand in front of the class and answer questions from the teacher and/or the pupil as to why he has misbehaved.”
“If they are conscious of this, and internally we make further significant progress, then the hopes and convictions of the Minister for Trade and Industry, which are also ours, will be realized. Mr Speaker, Sir, on that note, I support the Motion in the name of the Minister for Trade and Industry. 5.20 p.m.”
“such as the IL-38 aircraft which can fly across the Arabian Peninsula to Diego Garcia and return to Moscow without refuelling. While all these are happening, the non-communist countries have failed to scrutinize or to sift the grand-design of the aggressor which is ingrained in their blood and is part and parcel of their policy. With a combination of all these factors they feel so strong that they have even ignored the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly and peace-loving countries like ASEAN. In fact, it is a slap in the face of countries which maintain relations with them, such as Iraq which has a Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation and which has condemned the invasion of Afghanistan. And, it is a castigation of the Marxist PLO which considered the invasion as reactionary. Further, 38 African countries opposed them in the UN General Assembly, with only four countries supporting, i.e. Yemen, Ethiopia, Angola and Mozambique. The aggressor's attitude has shown a gross misinterpretation between MIGHT and RIGHT. Might without right is useless. It is hollow. With right, one will fight no matter how mighty the other party is; no matter what the sacrifice is. Nevertheless, Afghanistan is a good lesson to the people of the world. And let us hope that while the leaders of the world understand the functions of politics, they must equally be aware of the final analysis of politics. To me, the final analysis of politics should be morally pegged with the development of mankind and humanity and not just the glorification of power or, even worse, the venal crowning of power for its own sake.”
“And ideally, there will be a time, after this crucial effort, when we will be able to form a diamond-shaped society (wherein there will be very few poor as well as very few rich amongst us) from the so-called pyramid-shaped society (wherein many are poor) which I would say at this juncture does not concern us. All this depends on the kind of education they receive and the unique position of the society they inherit. Let me now deal with the external problems. In the year 1979 and the beginning of the 1980's man has shown a trend towards a return to the era of the Dark Ages where the law of the jungle reigned supreme. This marks the beginning of a monstrous decade, the monstrosity of which will prove fatal and bring about its destruction. Feuds between nations are rife in the world. However, this breach of the peace has no equal to what is happening in Kampuchea and Afghanistan. Particularly in respect of the latter, the aggression was perpetrated because of the arrogance of the aggressor. The reasons are easy for us to see. 1. Its influence is spreading rapidly in Ethiopia. The Horn of Africa, South Yemen and the South-Western tip of the Arabian Peninsula where it can control oil production and contain other countries, particularly the West, from securing the mineral. 2. Its ideological influence in Algeria, Libya, North Africa, Guinea, Zambia, Mozambique, Sub-Saharan Africa, French colonies, such as Benin and Madagascar. 3. Its relationship at government level with pacts signed with about 25 Black African countries. 4. The powerful relationship with Cuba and East European Surrogates is on the rise. 5. Has trained roughly 13,000 Africans who have already obtained diplomas from the aggressor country. 6. In possession of sophisticated weapons, e.g.”
“What we have to be careful about is an overplay of meritocracy to such an extent that it tends to create a society that worships success in terms of material or money. Everything is equated with money. If there is no monetary reward, nobody will work or nobody will help others. In short, "No money, no work, no help", so much so that money has become the standard value. This is dangerous, even if it were to happen to a small section of our society. The spirit of love for work - any form of legitimate work - should be cultivated further in the hearts and minds of our people, especially the young. This is important because those who have reached the age of 40 years and above at present readily accept any kind of job offered to them, including manual jobs; but among those in the younger generation who are educated, this is not the case. They refuse manual jobs outright, or try them out for some time, and leave the jobs whenever they feel like it. So what attitude will reign supreme? They are well fed with affluence! This is where Moral Education mooted by the Education Ministry becomes very important and vital. There is also a need for the Use Your Hands campaign to be further intensified, and school children should be made to understand the philosophy behind the campaign. Furthermore, considering that our workers are at present geared to the concept of the Second Industrial Revolution, we should aim to drastically reduce the number of manual jobs and upgrade them to the level of skilled workers.”
“Nevertheless I think that there are already in existence aspects which are plus-factors as far as we are concerned. (1) The world's awareness of this reality and cooperation among them, like the countries in the EEC, ASEAN, etc. (2) The more and more evident emergence of a distinct nationality - The Singaporean - a society of "triers" and not "quitters". With regard to the second factor, we should be grateful and proud that after 20 years of self-government and 14 years of independence we have advanced from a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural society to become a society which is more and more SINGAPOREAN - the society which we aspire to create. We learnt a very bitter lesson in the early sixties and now, thanks to a fair and just government, the earnestness of leaders from all sectors and the high level of their leadership qualities, a broad-based education policy where all students from all walks of life share and mingle under the same roof and a common-type residence in the housing estates, integration and the emergence of the feeling of being Singaporean have been expedited. If what happens at football matches can be taken as an indication, then from this angle alone we can see the Singaporean spirit in matches against Malaysia, India, China or Iran. May I, Sir, at this juncture congratulate Jitta and his boys and others involved, for making this game reach a new height in the history of our nation. Our policy of meritocracy has also played an important role. It has averted a situation in which to climb the ladder of success one has to depend on wealth, rank and position, connection and bribery.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Budget statement for FY 1980 presented by the Minister for Trade and Industry on 5th March 1980, by and large, gives a ray of comfort to the people, not all though, at the same time exhorting us to be on the watch for the ever-increasing uncertainties in the global scene. The global scene, for instance, has caused a higher price of oil to the Government, which also means an additional burden to consumers on their bills, especially the PUB bills. Still, we can consider ourselves lucky because inflation in our country is much lower compared to the rest of the world - the developing or even developed countries. The United States of America, the industrial superpower experienced just last Friday that her wholesale price statistics released showed an annual inflation of nearly 20%. Simply put: it is a pragmatic Budget. There is no doubt that if all goes well, the targeted growth of 7-9% GNP hoped for will be achieved. This means that we are assured of continued progress, thanks to a judicious policy and to the response of our hardworking people, which is indeed gratifying. I am confident that our toil and sweat and dedication can only bring in its train reward, except that we need to be vigilant and alert to our surroundings. Meanwhile the decision of the OPEC countries certainly plays an important role on the question of stabilizing the world economy. It is a fact that any error in their decision will not only affect the world but also all 13 of them and dragging them into the morass of instability. Mr Speaker, Sir, the situation mentioned above constitutes the latest trend in the world economy which we must be cautious against, mentally and physically.”
“At the time of our submission on 16th November last year, the estimated capital cost of the stadium was in the region of $40 million. At current prices, the estimated cost of the indoor stadium is $54 million. I have received word from the Ministry of Finance this morning that the proposal has not been approved by my colleague, the Minister for Finance. As for the reasons, economic or otherwise, why the proposal has been rejected, I think it is best if I leave them to my colleague, the Minister for Finance, to elaborate. I think he has some very good reasons for not approving this proposal.”
“The Acting Minister for Social Affairs (Dr Ahmad Mattar): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am deeply moved by the sentiments expressed by the hon. Members for Jurong, Kim Seng and Kolam Ayer on the need for a modern indoor stadium. In fact, the Singapore Sports Council and my Ministry have been actively considering such an indoor stadium for some time now. As mentioned by the hon. Members for Jurong and Kim Seng, the facilities for indoor sports in Singapore are not adequate. The Gay World Stadium which has a capacity of 6,000 is more than 40 years old and, I think, it is due for condemnation. I will be surprised if my colleague, the Minister for National Development, has not already been eyeing for the site. The Singapore Badminton Hall, with a seating capacity of 4,000, is also old, and with poor facilities. These two stadia are no longer suitable for holding international competitions. They are also uncomfortable and do not attract local spectators. The Singapore Sports Council and my Ministry believe that local indoor sports can be improved if there are adequate facilities for their promotion. A good indoor stadium will not only provide a venue for the promotion of local sports activities but also be used for holding local and international tournaments. As mentioned by hon. Members just now, a large indoor stadium will also allow for family-type of entertainment, like the Holiday on Ice, etc. Sir, based on these considerations and also on some of the reasons highlighted by hon. Members just now, my Ministry therefore submitted to the Development Planning Committee (DPC) our proposal to build an international indoor stadium with a seating capacity of 12,000 next to the National Stadium at Kallang.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we live in a modern civilisation. I would like to term it as "the automobile civilisation". Everything goes very fast and because of this our life-style is bound to deprive us of maximum physical activity. Many people find little time for games or exercise, but with Government policy on sports, culminating in the building of the National Stadium in 1973, their attitude has changed drastically. Young and old participate in sports. As the English proverb says, "There are toys for all ages." Sir, as early as 1920, a person by the name of George Santayana said, "To the art of working well, a civilised way of doing things would be to add the art of playing well." I must say that so far our policy has been very good indeed. We recognise that games or sports create a healthy body, a healthy mind, a rugged mind and a rugged body. We can inculcate good values among the people and, of course, while playing, we also reveal the kind of people we are. I would say that we are doing this and we must maintain the momentum. One of the solutions is the building of an indoor stadium. I would say that with this indoor stadium we can prevent ourselves from becoming an under-exercised nation. Further, we will create avenues for more and more people to participate in sports. It is rather a fallacy to think that by watching a football match the people are really participating in that game. Mr Speaker, Sir, we must not wait for any fatal accidents to occur to convince us of the need for an indoor stadium, What has happened at the Gay World is something which even the gay people may laugh at. It is high time we realised that there is no alternative but to build a new modern indoor stadium.”
“For instance, I would also suggest that since we are talking so much nowadays about moral education, maybe it is important that the Minister look into this matter and try to introduce moral education on television, if possible during prime time. 5.18 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, while embarking on a new horizon, I think it is only appropriate that we congratulate the RTS for the services it has rendered. Sir, every child has a parent, but not every child has an extra parent - from plain black and white films to colour and more attractive programmes. Of course, I am referring to television which allows millions of people to watch the same film and to share the same jokes. Those who try to hate it, I would say were rather quite unsuccessful. For instance, the famous actor, Orson Welles, once said about television: "I hate television. I hate it as much as peanuts. But, by gosh, I can't stop eating peanuts." I would suggest that the SBC especially must be very selective as well as innovative - selective in the selection of material, films or whatever it is, whether from abroad or local; innovative in the sense that we must make it a point to further accelerate and refine our local production so as to reflect our people, our thinking, our way of life and, in the final analysis, our identity. This must be checked constantly. Otherwise TV will be offering not popular art but entertainment which is consumed like food, forgotten and replaced by new dish. So consonant with this, I think we need to inculcate further interest in our local talent. I would suggest that the Minister look after our local talent and their quality. For instance, in drama, or whatever it is of the art that they are involved, I must say that many of them simply out of love, continue painstakingly even though the payment I would say is rather meagre. I hope the SBC will be the impetus to our young local artistes willing to create a special identity through the modern, important media.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I appreciate the idea to prolong the detention of drug addicts in the drug rehabilitation centres so that they can be totally cured. I also appreciate the Hon. Minister's confidence in social scientists because I know of one Minister who has yet to appreciate it. I also appreciate the introduction of professional psychiatrists to look after the drug addicts in the final stage of rehabilitation. But I think there are more important or rather equally important factors to be considered by the professionals or those working in the DRC. Correct me if I am wrong, but I was told that most of the officers in the DRC are former prison wardens. With due respect to them, I hope the Hon. Minister will consider training these officers to understand the problem of drug addicts, especially during their first year of detention.”
“To ask the Minister for National Development if he will consider allowing the conversion of three instead of two units of void deck space for use as community halls. The following Question has been withdrawn: 32.”
“Sir, we must be fair to our news readers. I think there is a grain of truth in the saying that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. In the eyes of a bachelor as against the eyes of a married man like me, maybe it is different. Being a married man, I do not know whether or not it is wise for me to say this. I think there is nothing wrong at all with the looks of our lady news readers. To me, they are quite all right. In fact, I would say that some of them are quite beautiful. Please do not tell my wife about this. I am a Muslim and I do not know about wine but they say there is something special about vintage wine. Perhaps, I can say this from my own personal experience. I met a girl at the age of 18 years. She now has four children and I still find her very attractive.”