Sim Boon Woo
Singapore
“Thank you very much, Sir. As everyone is jumping on to the band wagon. I thought I would join in also. I regret to note that the Changi Airport Development which costs $129.6 million has been planned with total disregard for the welfare and livelihood of the fishermen directly affected by this project.”
“Some three weeks ago I asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development to convene a meeting with the Primary Production Department and the Housing and Development Board, but to my surprise nothing has been done.”
“Sir, I think the Minister is mistaken when he said that I was being unfair to him by saying that he did not tell me about the project that was going on in the Bedok resettlement. Perhaps the officers who briefed the Minister could have made the mistake. The first case of repossession of land was at Lorong Dangai and Koh Sek Lim.”
“But these people obeyed the warning of the land inspectors and resumed their farming. But after a month they were again issued with another notice stating that their land would be repossessed.”
“Sir, it is very hard to please the Minister. I have never mentioned about allowing every Tom, Dick and Harry to hawk all over the place. My request is that those fishermen, who are old and unable to fish because they have been resettled in Housing Board flats far away from the sea, be given licences in Bedok New Town where markets and sta…”
“But I feel that the point must be driven home to our people that what they have enjoyed and hope to continue to enjoy must be paid for by constant vigilance and no one can afford to be complacent, which would make it easier for the Communists to make a comeback.”
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“I would like to caution the Minister concerned that, by declaring the site along the Changi sea coast as a restricted area, more inshore fishermen will be greatly affected again, and I do not know whether the Fisheries Division is aware of it.”
“Sir, this, in my opinion, is a ridiculous way of assessing the compensation. Nibong poles constitute only about 20% of the total cost of the structures. Most of the cost goes to the labour involved. Moreover, I was informed that the compensation was based on the old 1963 policies of payment, which should be obsolete by now. Displaced kelong operators were not given any immediate alternative site nor their workers given consideration for alternative livelihood opportunities. Most of the kelong workers are too old. - 50. 60 and even 70 years, and very hard for them to learn a new trade. The displaced Siglap fishermen had been allocated pitches in the HDB market in Bedok New Town. The Fisheries Division seems to have made no immediate attempt to assist these displaced Changi fishermen, likewise. On the other hand, the Agricultural Division had allocated alternative sites for bona fide farmers. I am sure the Fisheries Division can do the same for the kelong operators, otherwise I suggest that this Division be closed down. 4.45 pm. May I request the Minister concerned to consider the following pleas of the fishermen more and adequate compensation he awarded to kelong operators who are affected: alternative sites to be allotted to kelong operators or all displaced fishermen to be allotted stalls in hawker centres or markets: kelong operators who were served with non-renewal notices in 1974 be considered for compensation or resiting of their kelongs; enforcement action to be suspended with immediate effect until their livelihood is settled.”
“No, Sir. The manner in which the Fisheries Division carried out the clearance has caused much dissatisfaction among the kelong operators and fishermen who are affected. I strongly feel that the Fisheries Division is only interested in the immediate clearance of the kelong operators and fishermen from the site. The Division has no plan whatsoever to alleviate the immediate suffering of the people affected by the clearance. For example, on the 27th December last year kelong operators were informed that their licences would not be renewed. But later, on 11th February, 1976, they were given two weeks' notice to vacate their kelongs by the 25th February this year. Sir, even unauthorised hawker stall holders need more time to vacate. The Fisheries Division all the while had the intention to cease the renewal of these kelong licences, and yet they verbally told the kelong operators that they could repair their kelongs. The repair of a kelong easily costs over $20,000. This money is literally dumped into the sea without any hope of recovery. It has always been the case that there is no rapport between the Ministries involved. The right hand does not know what the left hand is doing. On 7th July, 1975. kelongs SE 27 and SE 62 were issued with permits to resite. What is fantastic is that kelongs SE 32 and SE 34 had their licences renewed on 19th January, 1976, but on 26th February, 1 976 the operators were told that their licences could not be renewed. Sir, much money and trouble would have been saved if the Fisheries Division had earlier informed the kelong operators concerned of the clearance. The compensation to be paid to the kelong operators is grossly inadequate. The compensation is based on the number of nibong poles used in its construction.”
“Thank you very much, Sir. As everyone is jumping on to the band wagon. I thought I would join in also. I regret to note that the Changi Airport Development which costs $129.6 million has been planned with total disregard for the welfare and livelihood of the fishermen directly affected by this project. 25 kelongs have to give way for reclamation. The removal of the kelongs will affect the livelihood of about 60 fishermen and their dependants.”
“(7) That the sum to be allocated for Head V be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead DEA 1105.”
“(15) That the sum to be allocated for Head S be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead CAA 8104.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in view of the very kind remarks of the Minister, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendments stood on the Order Paper Supplement:”
“Some three weeks ago I asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development to convene a meeting with the Primary Production Department and the Housing and Development Board, but to my surprise nothing has been done. When I pressed the matter further I learned that the Primary Production Department officers were asking the Housing Board engineers as to who have got to pay for the bridge. Sir, this state of affairs has been going on for nearly two years. I was given to understand that the land reclamation work would be completed in about a year's time. I hope that this year, within a period of 12 months, something can be done to help these fishermen.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head S be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead CFE 1111. In moving this amendment, I would like to draw the attention of the Minister to cases where the Fisheries Division had refused to renew quite a number of kelong licences in my constituency. However, the operators were told verbally that they could carry on until such time as they were told to stop. I am given to understand that kelong licences cannot be renewed and that the operators are also unable to get boat licences. Sir, on the one hand they are allowed to carry on with kelong fishing but, on the other hand, they are not allowed to renew their boat licences. I wonder whether the Minister could look into this matter and give his sympathetic consideration. Sir, the question I am going to raise with the Minister has already been brought up by the Member for Jurong, and therefore I would like to ask another question. The fishermen in my constituency, that is, in Telok Mata ikan, Bedok and Ayer Gemuroh, are very badly affected by land reclamation work. Big monsoon drains have been built about two years ago. I have asked the Primary Production Department and the Housing and Development Board, who were in charge of the reclaimed land, to make every effort not to inconvenience the fishermen in that area. I remember having asked the Primary Production Department to construct a temporary bridge over the monsoon drain for the convenience of the fishermen so that they can bring their nets and other fishing gear to the sea. At the same time I have also asked the Department to construct a path leading to the sea for the fishermen. But until now this job has not been done and the fishermen are very unhappy about it.”
“Sir, I am still not satisfied with the Minister's answer, and I would like the Minister to refer this particular case to his officers. Anyway, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“That was the first case. This is the second one.”
“Sir, I think the Minister is mistaken when he said that I was being unfair to him by saying that he did not tell me about the project that was going on in the Bedok resettlement. Perhaps the officers who briefed the Minister could have made the mistake. The first case of repossession of land was at Lorong Dangai and Koh Sek Lim. But I was referring to a very recent case which was not acquired for the Bedok resettlement purposes. In this case the notice is for repossession of the TOL land and the lessees who have been there for 16 years were from the Paya Lebar International Airport. That is why I am asking the Minister that whenever such an exercise is to be carried out, the MPs should be informed beforehand, as was the case with the first repossession of land in Lorong Dangai and Koh Sek Lim.”
“But these people obeyed the warning of the land inspectors and resumed their farming. But after a month they were again issued with another notice stating that their land would be repossessed. Sir, it is rather unfair on the part of the Land Office, if there is a major change in policy, the MP should at least be given a chance to know about it so that he can be equipped with answers if he is approached by his constituents. I hope the Minister will investigate into these irregularities.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head S be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead BEA l107*. (*The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr Ho Kah Leong). Sir, I would be very grateful if the Minister could enlighten this House of the policy on agricultural land, with special reference to the Bedok resettlement area. I would like to know whether the policy has been changed recently, and if so, what are the changes. Recently, the Land Office has been issuing about 60 notices to repossess lands which are either leased or occupied by Temporary Occupation Licences. The occupants received the notice of repossession from the Land Office. This notice creates great anxiety and concern among these people over their future. I share the same view with the Member for Paya Lebar and the Member for Jalan Kayu that in any exercise of repossession or eviction, the Members of Parliament are kept in the dark. When these people received these notices they approached me but I was unable to explain to them and I had to write to the Parliamentary Secretary (National Development) for an explanation. Sir, this state of affairs must be remedied. Previously there were a number of cases of repossession of land. The usual procedure was that the Land Office would send out their land inspectors to go round and inspect the site. If the land inspectors found that the land was not being utilised for vegetable growing or farming, they would issue a letter warning them that if they did not do any farming or vegetable planting, their land would be repossessed. The inspectors did not find out the actual reasons why the licensees did not farm the land. It might be that salt water had seeped into the land and they could not plant any vegetables.”
“In view of the explanation, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I beg to move. That the sum to be allocated for Head R be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead BBA 8101. Sir, the first time I visited the Registry of Marriages was some nine years ago when I got married. The second time was two months ago - of course, not a second marriage - but to witness the marriage of a friend of mine who is a foreigner at the Registry. I am ashamed of the poor condition of the Registry building; it is small and unsuitable as a Registry of Marriages. With this year's provision, we are given to understand that the Registry of Marriages will be renovated. The Minister must be congratulated on this after such a long duration. I would like to suggest to the Minister that at least a decent reception hall should be provided in the Registry of Marriages. In Hong Kong, which is a British colony, the Registry of Marriages has a decent and beautiful reception ball with facilities for the holding of small receptions. Sir, what I am pointing out is that the Government is asking the people not to spend and throw unnecessarily big parties on such occasions, and it is also educating our people to cultivate the habit of saving. With the facilities of a decent reception hall, I am sure the young married couples could save a lot of money by making use of such a reception hall to give small tea reception to their relatives and friends after they are married by the Registrar of Marriages. I would also request the Minister to consider the provision of a reception hall not only in the Registry of Marriages but also in the Shariah Court for the Muslims.”
“Sir, it is very hard to please the Minister. I have never mentioned about allowing every Tom, Dick and Harry to hawk all over the place. My request is that those fishermen, who are old and unable to fish because they have been resettled in Housing Board flats far away from the sea, be given licences in Bedok New Town where markets and stalls will be built. That is my question, and that is my plea. I am not asking the Minister to allow everyone to hawk. At the present moment, as I said, the reason why these hawkers are hawking at one place at a certain time and at another place at a different time is because at that place in Changi there is no market or no proper hawker centre and therefore this problem has arisen. For humanitarian reasons, we have got to be flexible in life.”
“Sir, a point of clarification. The Chairman: Is the Minister prepared to give way?”
“I would, therefore, ask the Minister to consider these points sympathetically so as to make these people a little bit happier.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I do not wish to irritate the Minister, but I want something to be done about the hawkers in my constituency. Therefore, the tune of my plea will be very soft. I would like to touch on the problems of the hawkers in my constituency, and I hope the Minister for the Environment will give sympathetic consideration to my plea for those hawkers who are either licensed or are temporarily licensed to hawk. These hawkers were formerly living at Changi Point. They were affected by resettlement and, as a result, their livelihood has been severely affected. Sir, another problem is this. The fishermen at Lorong Dangai in Changi were also affected by resettlement and have been accommodated in Housing Board flats. Having been resettled far away from the sea, they have therefore completely lost their only means of living, i.e, fishing. These people have made an appeal for allocation of hawker stalls in the Bedok New Town. Sir, another appeal from the hawkers who are licensed to hawk at Changi Road and Bedok Road is that they be given permission to sell their goods at Koh Sek Lim Road between 7.00 a.m, and 8.00 a.m., before proceeding to the place which they are licensed to sell. Sir, I must stress that this practice has been going on for a long time. The former hawker inspector who was in charge of that place knew the situation of these hawkers. But the moment a new hawker inspector is posted to that place, he does not know about the situation. As a result, these poor hawkers have been warned, as the Minister has said, and then summoned. With the resettlement and redevelopment of Changi constituency and all its attendant problems. I hope inconvenience to these people can be reduced to the minimum.”
“Each country maintains its own defence forces. ASEAN's most useful role would be to serve as a catalyst for regional economic integration and assist in fostering closer links between Southeast Asian leaders.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in view of the deteriorating situation in Vietnam and Cambodia and the absence of US forces in the region, particularly in South-east Asia, and the very recent announcement by the new Thailand Prime Minister-designate that the 25,000 US troops will have to be pulled out from Thailand - all these appear to me to cause a threat to the security of the countries in South-east Asia and Singapore - would the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs inform this House what alternative arrangements will be made to fill the vacuum, and is any military arrangement being considered by ASEAN to safeguard the security and political stability of its member-countries? Mr Barker: Sir, whether American troops withdraw from Thailand or not is a matter for the Thais and Americans. As for the conflict in Indo-China, it is an internal matter for the people of these countries to decide. We are witnessing a civil war between two parties. In dealing with each country, our Government has consistently adopted a policy of non-interference and has recognised the government in situ as the government in power, irrespective of its ideology. In our view the security of Southeast Asia is best ensured by the existence of a multi-polar balance of power. The presence of a number of powers including the major powers will enable Singapore to safeguard its sovereignty and independence since the choice of alignment with individual states on particular issues would depend on the merits of each case. On the other hand, single power hegemony may mean that our freedom of action could be limited by the need to avoid antagonising the dominant power even when our interests are adversely affected. As for ASEAN, there are no multilateral military arrangements being considered by the member countries.”
“But I feel that the point must be driven home to our people that what they have enjoyed and hope to continue to enjoy must be paid for by constant vigilance and no one can afford to be complacent, which would make it easier for the Communists to make a comeback. I am sure that this House would like to be informed of the measures which are being considered to meet such a situation. Sir, I support the Motion moved by the Member for Kim Keat thanking the President for his speech. 3.11 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since Tuesday hon. Members of this House have deliberated very shrewdly on the President's Speech. I do not wish to waste much time by repeating what has been said but would like to make a short observation on the current political stability of South-East Asia with special reference to the Republic of Singapore. Hon. Members are aware that with the accelerated disengagement of American forces in South Vietnam and other parts of South-East Asia, together with the break-up of ANZUK due to the economic difficulties of the participant countries, and with world recession on the uptrend, the underdeveloped countries have been badly hit. With such a situation before us, I am concerned with the possibility that local Communists would cash in on the situation and renew their attempts at subversion, and that the right-wing political opportunists would make an attempt to come back to the political arena. Sir, recent events in neighbouring countries have shown that the Communists have built up their offensive. This may be a signal to local Communists to exploit the unemployment situation and to mount campaigns on unpopular measures that the Government may have to take for the survival of our nation. Sir, the Member for Whampoa yesterday predicted that there will be further inflation and economic hardship, which means that more and more workers will be retrenched. This could offer the Communists the best opportunity to create political unrest and other violent activities. If we are not vigilant, we may face a situation not unlike the fifties, and militant trade unionism may once again rear its ugly head. If this happens, all that we have built in the last 16 years may be destroyed. Sir, I am not trying to paint a grave picture of the situation.”
“Even then they have to pay an instalment of about $900 per month.”
“Sir, I share the sentiments expressed by the Member for Kim Seng. The Minister has said just now that the intention of this Bill is to help the young executives who do not qualify for Housing and Development Board fiats. I wonder whether these young executives are in a position to purchase flats built by private developers. Sir, I saw an advertisement only about a week ago on the sale of flats in the Cairnhill Plaza. The price of each flat ranges from $200,000 to $300,500. If someone takes a housing loan amounting to 80 per cent of the price of the flat, payable in 15 years, he would have to pay a monthly instalment of over $1,000. I wonder whether a young executive or a young professional person, like a doctor, who earns about $1,200 a month can afford to buy that sort of a house. Sir, my suggestion is this: with the increasing cost of building materials, cement and other things, perhaps the Government could allow development of certain places at a higher density than the present. This will help to lower the prices of land, and at the same time since more flats could be built this will naturally reduce the price of houses. I think this is much better than depending only on the Housing and Development Board flats. Even the HDB project in Ulu Pandan has to be stopped for the time being because of price increases in building materials. I wonder if this project is going to materialise and whether these young executives will be able to purchase those flats. 5.23 p.m.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I just want to make an observation on the teachers. I feel that the Ministry of Education has got to review the holiday scheme for the schools. I for one cannot blame the teachers for going to the Stock Exchange or anywhere else. It is because the holidays that are given to them are too long and it looks as if they are forced to take them. In one year there are four school terms with holidays in between. In March there is one week's holiday, in June, three weeks, and then in September, one week, and then the school year ends up with five weeks' holiday. So there is the problem of unproductive days. I think this is the problem that we have got to face. We are all humans. When we have got nothing to do, we would be looking for something to do. This is the problem, and there is no joke about that. I think this is a very valid point. Most of our very good teachers thought that they are forced to take a holiday.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am gratified to note that the community centres under the People's Association have intensified the emphasis on how to mobilise and attract our youths to participate in the youth group activities. Sir, no one can deny that the success of a nation depends on the character and the quality of her youth, because they constitute the next generation. It is therefore our responsibility to guide them, train and help them to develop as leaders of tomorrow. Sir, there are at present 66 Youth Sub-Committees under the management committees of the various community centres in our Republic. Apart from games organised by them, the most popular activities are canoeing, yachting, mountaineering, hiking and camping. But, it is sad to note that there is only one community centre, that is, the Changi Point Community Centre that has such facilities, but they are very limited. There is a small number of canoes to cater for a large number of members, who joined the adventurers club organised by the Youth Subcommittee. Sir, last Saturday the Member for Kallang and I were invited to the inauguration of the Kallang Adventurers Club, which was held at the Changi Point Community Centre. I was told that they have a membership of about 500, which is very encouraging. Sir, in the course of a discussion with the leaders, they brought up problems of lack of facilities and funds to promote their activities. In the light of this, it is useless for us to publicise or keep harping that we must look after our youths, train them, and so on. The basically important thing is that we must provide them with up-to-date facilities. Sir, I would like to urge the Minister for Culture to look into the matter with great urgency so that the enthusiasm of these youths is not killed.”
“Sir, I hope the Minister for Health and Home Affairs and the Minister for Education will take note of my suggestions.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, Members of this House know very well the problem of drug addiction in our schools, especially in the English stream. I was approached by many parents for help in this respect. We have talked a lot about drug addiction, how it has come into our society and the price we have got to pay for urbanisation. I think it is high time that we sought a highly positive measure to fight this evil. As a large percentage of our youths are still schooling, they could seek the help of school teachers. Their parents should also encourage them to come forward and give information to the Central Narcotics Bureau. 4.30 p.m. Sir, principals and teachers are reluctant to come forward and give information. It is because when a drug-taking case is reported by any school, the Ministry of Education will ask the principal or the teacher to submit reports after reports to the Ministry. What is worse is that the school is black-marked by the Ministry, and life is made very unpleasant for the principal and the teacher. Sir, I would like to suggest that every encouragement should be given to principals and teachers to bring to the notice of the proper authorities of any case of drug-taking. When they do so, they should be highly commended. They should not be black-marked or their life made miserable. If we encourage information, we would be able to get better results in our fight against the problem of drug abuse. Sir, I would also like to suggest to the Director of the Central Narcotics Bureau that when drug-pushers or traffickers are arrested, they should be made to take the drug themselves for some time and then to stop giving them the drug. They should be made to suffer. This is to show them how they make other people suffer.”
“(2) That the sum to be allocated for head 1202 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1231.”
“(2) That the sum to be allocated for Head 1201 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1004. The sum of $22,101,540 for Head 1201 ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $1,700,400 for Head 1201 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 1202 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am really surprised the Minister said just now that he would consider amending the legislation to impose heavier penalties, jail sentences or confiscation of the vessel. However, I remember the hon. Prime Minister stated in a function at the Tanah Merah Besar Community Centre on the 26th of June, 1971, that illegal activities must be stopped by imposition of heavier penalties and even jailing the operators, if necessary. This speech was made two years ago, but since then nothing has been done. The Prime Minister's statement has not been taken heed of. This is very much regretted. Sir, I wonder whether the Minister could assure the hon. Members for Punggol and Jurong that a special highly secret operation will be carried out against these illegal operators. As I have said just now, I am very suspicious over the fact that whenever a raid is to be carried out, the illegal trawler is never around. Sir, I hope the Minister will listen to the pleas of all the three Members here, myself included, of course.”
“This is a matter of great importance, and I hope the Minister will look into this matter with urgency. If such illegal operations are not stopped, I am afraid that the inshore fishermen might take the law into their own hands, as they have lost faith and confidence in the Fisheries Department. In that event I want to make it very clear that my Citizens' Consultative Committee and I myself will not be responsible for any eventual consequences that may happen, and at any moment now, Sir, I hope I will get a satisfactory reply from the Minister. 4.00 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to draw the attention of the Minister to the unscrupulous inshore illegal trawlers along the east coast. These trawlers started their illegal operations a few years ago. It is regrettable to note that even now they are still operating; thus destroying the fishing nets, crab nets and the pupus, or fishing traps, of our inshore fishermen. Sir, even the spawns of fish were destroyed in the process. Sir, my Citizens' Consultative Committee, through the Katong District Office, and I personally too, have written several letters of complaint to the Head of the Fisheries Department about this, but we have failed to get a satisfactory reply. Although the Fisheries Department, in conjunction with the Marine Police, have mounted more than ten raids but only a very few of them were arrested. Even among the very few who were arrested, one of them managed to escape under the very eyes of the Fisheries officers and the Marine Police. This happened on the night of 25th June, 1972, when two illegal trawlers were arrested and while they were being towed back to the depot, one of them escaped. Sir, this incident shows us how efficient the Department is. Sir, my Citizens' Consultative Committee have been very helpful. Although it is an honorary job, they have helped the Fisheries Department to stamp out these illegal operations. As a result, they are now being threatened by the illegal operators. Sir, I wish to draw the attention of the House to the fact that whenever the Fisheries Department conducts a raid of this nature on a particular night, the illegal trawlers would stay away. I am very suspicious of this and perhaps there has been a leakage of information.”
“In view of the not very unsatisfactory answer, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $1,914,180 for Head 1104 ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $25,500,000 for Head 1104 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 1107 -”
“Sir, I would also wish that the competent authority will accord all their applications with great speed. 3.45 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1104 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001*. (* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr P. Govindaswamy.) Sir, in moving this amendment, I would like to express my appreciation of the Government for the firm answer to the suggestion I made last year when the House debated on the Motion of Thanks to the President for his Address to Parliament. In my speech, I urged the Government to pay more attention to the development of the rural areas. Sir, Changi village is required by the State for development. The clearance exercise by the Land Office has been carried out recently. Hundreds of families and shops will be affected. Sir, no one in his right mind will go against the Government's policy of development of this village. Sir, the conditions set out in the Temporary Occupation Licence state that holders of TOLs are not eligible for any compensation or alternative accommodation on termination of the licence. Sir, my plea is that in the process of clearance, the Land Office should give the least inconvenience and hardship as possible to the affected families and shopkeepers, and try to arrange for alternative accommodation for them either in Housing and Development Board flats or shops. Sir, I would like to appeal to the Minister to consider the cases of those people who have prepared themselves for this eventuality, by buying small plots of land in other parts of Changi long ago. These people should be given permission to erect their own dwelling houses or small cottage factories on their land so that they can continue their business of manufacturing bread, potato chips, and other products.”
“In view of the explanation given by the Minister, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendments stood on the Order Paper Supplement:”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to he allocated for Head 0801 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1541*. (* The same amendment also stood in the name of Mr P. Govindaswamy.) Sir, the policy of licensing hawkers who were hawking before 1968 should be reviewed, especially in the case of Changi constituency. Hon. Members of this House will agree with me that Changi was hard hit economically by the British withdrawal. Many of the former RAF employees, whether directly or indirectly employed, were out of employment. Some of them were unable to get other jobs and they turned to hawking for their livelihood. This took place two or three years ago. With the present policy of licensing hawkers, these people are therefore not qualified to get a hawker's licence. I would strongly urge the Minister to reconsider the present hawker's licensing policy to enable many of the present hawkers, who were doing such business for their livelihood for the last two or three years to get a licence.”
“Sir, I will certainly give the Minister specific instances. In view of the explanation, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Mr P. Govindaswamy: Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0801 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1261. Sir, in moving this amendment, may I range over my next amendment* on subhead 1441? (* The amendment reads as follows: (5)That the sum to be allocated for Head 0801 be reduced by 510 in respect of subhead 1441.)”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. That the sum to be allocated for Head 0801 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1182. Sir, we should feel proud that foreigners visiting our country praise Singapore for its cleanliness. The cleanliness of our city is well looked after. But, to my surprise, the rural areas are neglected. During my periodical tour of my constituency, the residents approached me and complained that refuse in the kampungs were not removed, sonic-times for weeks. Sir, I think the other Members of the rural constituencies also face the same problem. I appeal to the Minister to immediately look into this matter with great urgency and to pay more attention to the health of the rural people. Sir, I would also like to bring to the attention of the Minister the problem of inconsiderate drivers of Public Health vehicles which carry refuse for dumping at Koh Sek Lim Road. They drive at a pretty fast speed along the narrow roads, thereby spilling the refuse on to the roads and, at the same time, this is quite dangerous to the children in the villages. I hope that the Minister will take immediate action to remedy the situation.”
“Instead of going through the other channel.”
“Sir, I am not complaining about the ROV.”
“Sir, I would like to draw the attention of the Minister to the number of second-hand motor dealers whose business is to import second-hand trucks or lorry bodies. They re-condition and re-assemble these second-hand vehicles and then re-export them to neighbouring countries or sell them locally. Sir, due to the rapid growth of our trade and industry a lot of these re-conditioned vehicles are sold locally. Those sold locally must have a weight certificate which is issued by only a few so-called qualified big motor firms. The dealers must obtain the weight certificates first, before they can send the vehicles to the Registry of Vehicles for registration. 7.15 p.m. Sir, these weight certificates are charged at $50 each by the big motor firms. The dealers are therefore faced with a lot of difficulties. Apart from having to pay $50 for a weight certificate, what is worse, Sir, is that they have to pay a few hundred dollars "under the table" to the person in charge for an early issue of a weight certificate. Sir, if it is not paid, these big motor firms may ask them to wait for days. I do not understand why the ROV has appointed only a few big motor firms to carry out the process of issuing weight certificates. The dealers told me that they are prepared to pay the ROV about $200 to $300 per vehicle if the issue of weight certificates for registration could be dealt with directly by the ROV. If this move is possible, then I think the Government will receive more revenue from the ROV.”
“However, I would like to urge the Government to consider very seriously and to implement immediately the building of rural town centres. Although the rural residents, farmers and fishermen, enjoy good roads, electricity, water, and street lights, but when these rural folks come down to the city they will compare the improvement and development of the city with that of the rural areas. They cannot help feeling that the rural areas have been left out or ignored. Therefore, these simple people will be an easy prey to Communist influence. Sir, although the Government has plans to build new towns in Woodlands and Telok Blangah, it is not enough. The Government should immediately draw up plans to build and improve the rural constituencies. Sir, a new mandate has just been given to us by the people in the recent general elections. For the next five years the Government's aim is to raise standards of skill and technological competence and to improve professional management and technological expertise. We are entrusted with this heavy task and we ensure that we will carry out this responsibility to the best of our ability; but the most important ingredient for its success is the full co-operation of our people. Sir, may I join hon. Members in this House in expressing our thanks to the President for his address. 5.44 p.m.”
“The Constitutional amendments to protect the sovereignty of our Republic is of paramount importance, and timely too. In building a robust and rugged society and to free our young people from evil influences of the West, of drug addiction and hippism, more emphasis and effort will be carried out by the Ministry of Social Affairs in the field of Sports. Many coaches in different games were engaged to promote the standards of our Sports. Sir, I am sure a lot of public funds will be spent on coaches and other facilities. I hope the aim is not only to produce gold medallists but to inculcate into our young people the sense of loyalty, discipline and good sportsmanship. Sir, owing to the fast growth of our industries, there is an unprecedented shortage of skilled workers. The Ministry of Labour, I presume, will issue work permits more liberally to non-citizens with at least a primary education and who must pass a medical examination. Sir, more and more work permit holders will be staying in Singapore to help our industrial production. This is, of course, good for our economy. But on the other hand I wonder whether the Ministry of Labour has made thorough investigations into their background so that they will not pose a security problem to our Republic in the years to come. Already we are faced with increased crime rates. Sir, almost everyday we read in the newspapers that shops are robbed, payrolls grabbed, and people kidnapped or murdered by gangsters or hired assassins. It is hoped that with the reorganisation of the Police Force, crimes will be reduced so that the life and property of the people will be protected. Sir, since the PAP took office, much effort has been done to develop the urban areas. The progress is tremendous and we deserve to be proud.”
“There are many reasons for these protest votes, for example, personal disappointment in not getting hawker licences or other permits, demolition of illegal structures, resettlement, and a good portion of the hard-core Communist supporters and the racialists. Sir, in the next five years, the Communists will change its line and tactics in their struggle. I must warn the House that the challenge will not come from the U.N.F. led by Vetrivelu, the Workers Party led by Jeyaretaam or the fly-by-night political parties, but the Communists. Sir, those of my colleagues who were with me in the `50s and early `60s will agree with me that the Communists will make rapid recovery of the ground they have lost if we are not careful and take things easy or becoming complacent in that event, we would lose not by the credits of others but by our default. Therefore, we must prepare our battle now, before it is too late. Sir, it was not easy for Singapore to become independent. We are living at the crossroads of the East and West, and it is because of our strategic position that the concept of an independent Singapore would be challenged from within and without for as long as we live. It is unavoidable that we Singaporeans have to face this in our lifetime - the Communists are out to destroy the independence of Singapore and the extreme reactionaries would wish to hand over independent Singapore to others either on a gold platter or by violence. We, therefore, must be vigilant and must be prepared to meet any contingency. Sir, the President's address, which was delivered in this House on the 12th of October, is a highly socialistic guideline for our people for the next five years.”
“If we did not have the guts, the stamina, the courage, the energy and determination to defeat the Communists and the reactionary forces, many of us will not be here in this Chamber and the situation in Singapore would be entirely different. In the process we have overcome a multitude of problems. Sir, when the PAP took over the administration in 1959, as a self-government, we knew that without honesty, determined and incorruptible leadership, proper planning, hard-work and above all loyalty to the country and its people we could not survive. We have never run away from any threat or any difficulty; we stood by our principles and fought for our objectives or we would never be able to survive the trials and tribulations befalling us through the years. Sir, when we were kicked out of Malaysia and became an independent Republic, we were faced with the hard facts - lack of natural resources, unemployment, economic uncertainty and, most important, national security which became even more intangible with the announcement of the British military rundown. This multitude of problems would have deterred those with less fortified minds. But not those who were in the PAP. Sir, the economic prosperity and political stability that we enjoy today does not fall from heaven, but paid at a very high price. These are the results of sheer hard work of our population and the honest, incorruptible, realistic and able leadership who are prepared to sacrifice even their lives for the country and the people. Sir, although the PAP had about 70 per cent of the total votes in the recent general elections, there are about 30 per cent of the votes cast against us.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, hon. Members of the House will agree with me that in very few countries in the world which practise parliamentary democracy for a party to have won all the seats in Parliament for two successive terms. Why is the PAP so overwhelmingly accepted by the people? Why are the majority of the people of Singapore subscribing to the ideals of the PAP? Sir, for a person who is unconcerned with the political life and pulse of Singapore, this might appear to be a complex exercise attempting to analyse the cause and result. But the reason behind it is really very simple: the PAP which was formed 18 years ago as a democratic, non-Communist, socialist, and multi-racial party, has adhered to two fundamental beliefs. They are written into the party constitution. (1) To abolish the unjust inequalities of wealth and opportunities existing in the present system; to establish an economic order which will give all citizens the right to work and full economic returns for their labour and skill; to ensure a decent living and social security to all those who, through sickness, infirmity or old age can no longer work. (2) To infuse into the people a spirit of national unity, self-respect and self-reliance, and to inspire them with a sense of endeavour in the creation of a prosperous, stable and just society. Sir, it is with these two fundamental beliefs and convictions that many of my colleagues have struggled fearlessly in order to achieve our ideals. We fought the colonialists, the right-wing reactionaries and their lackeys and the Communists.”