Sitoh Yih Pin
Singapore
“Madam, apart from a healthy diet and regular preventive health checks, one of the key elements of keeping healthy in our silver years is to pursue an active lifestyle. Playing and participating in sports is a fun and engaging way to do so. Granted that as one ages, we may not be able to participate in intense sports activities.”
“Mr Chairman, as a market-oriented, open economy, there will be, over time, inflows and outflows of foreigners who live and work in our country, alongside fellow Singaporeans. These foreigners come from different backgrounds and cultures and take on work in various forms as PMETs, skilled or manual workers.”
“Madam, many Singaporeans are very excited about the Kallang Alive Masterplan announced at the Prime Minister's National Day Rally last year and are looking forward to how the plans will revitalise the Sports Hub and its surrounding areas.”
“Mdm Chair, Singapore's arts sector has matured over the years with globally recognised artists and companies supported by world class venues. Importantly, local audience support is critical in building a vibrant arts scene engaged with the Community.”
“Yes, Sir, I will keep it very short. I would like to thank the entire MCCY team and all the speakers for their speeches. With that, I ask for leave to withdraw my amendment. [(proc text) Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. (proc text)] [(proc text) The sum of $2,270,827,200 for Head X ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates.”
“Sir, I thank the political office holders for their responses. Sir, in the last few hours, several media outlets reported that Lady Gaga will be performing here at the National Stadium. I think four concerts in May this year.”
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“Mr Chairman, the SCDF responded to 191,468 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls in 2019 – an average of 520 calls a day. The SCDF is an integral part of our frontline response team whenever Singaporeans encounter emergency medical situations in their everyday lives. Their jobs to put it mildly, is to respond quickly anywhere in Singapore and try to save the lives of Singaporeans in trouble. In fact, we can all see the tremendous work they do, day to day, as we continue to battle the COVID-19 virus outbreak in Singapore. I must, take time, to put on record our heart-felt appreciation to them and our medical healthcare team for their dedication and sacrifice in this on-going battle. Sir, we can see that the number of EMS calls have increased, year on year, since 1998. The 2019 figures showed a 2.1% increase from 2018. As each year passed, the SCDF EMS team has to deal with progressively larger volumes of medical emergency situations every day. We must, therefore, address this and support them in their work. However, a statistic that I found to be worrying in the Fire, Emergency Medical Services and Enforcement Statistics 2019 is that non-emergency and false alarm calls constitutes 9.2% of EMS calls. That means, almost 1 in every 10 calls is a non-emergency or a false alarm. Based on the statistics, the SCDF EMS team has to deal with almost 52 such calls every day. As we can imagine, such calls require the SCDF team to deploy resources which could otherwise have been dispatched to genuine life-threatening emergency cases. Sir, I understand that the SCDF is working hard to raise awareness between emergency and non-emergency calls through public education in a bid to bring down the numbers of such calls.”
“Mr Chairman, I believe the issue of drug abuse among our youths in Singapore is an important matter for our Government to address. The potential damage and detrimental effects that drug abusers cause themselves, their families and the wider Singaporean Community can be significant. This has been the cornerstone of our drug abuse policy in Singapore and I believe that the majority of Singaporeans strongly support the Government’s tough stance against drug abuse over the years. The recent statistics for 2019 released by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), however, suggests that we continue to have a worrying trend in Singapore. This is especially so when it is about new and young drug abusers. The total number of new drug abusers arrested in 2019 increased by 8% from 2018. Of the 1,469 new drug abusers who were arrested in 2019, about 61% were below 30 years old. Drug abusers in the 20 to 29 years old age group continue to form the largest group of abusers in 2019. One of the reasons for this worrying trend could because our youths are being influenced by misinformation, especially in relation, to what some deem as "less harmful soft drugs". Because of this, some of our youths may then adopt a more liberal attitude towards the use of drugs. Sir, this is a trend that we must arrest. I invite the Minister to share with this House further details of the Ministry's plans on changing the drug narrative that influences our youths and to reduce the number of youths involved in the consumption of drugs. Drug Abuse among Youths in Singapore”
“If more litigated commercial disputes are referred to mediation, this could also potentially reduce the case load burden of the Singapore Courts. On the arbitration front, the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, or SIAC, has also seen a steady rise of cases over the years. Based on information from its website, 80% of SIAC’s case load is international in nature and they have an experienced international panel of over 400 expert arbitrators from over 40 jurisdictions around the world. It, therefore, appears to me that Singapore is well-placed to capitalise on these developments and resources to position ourselves as a leading global dispute resolution hub. In the premises, Sir, I invite the Minister to share with this House the Ministry's larger strategic plans to promote Singapore as a leading global dispute resolution hub to resolve international cross-border commercial disputes. 6.30 pm Support for Law Firms and Legal Sector”
“Mr Chairman, I think mediation is a good dispute resolution mechanism for commercial disputes. I had once personally participated in a mediation under the auspices of the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) as my firm was involved in a commercial dispute that resulted in litigation. I was, at the time, quite impressed with the mediation format. It was less contentious and driven by parties instead of lawyers to seek a win-win solution where both parties are in a position to accept. It also makes sense from a commercial perspective. Mediation is more efficient than litigation in terms of time and cost. There is no need for commercial entities to be distracted from their day-to-day businesses by being embroiled in long drawn out and costly litigation. Sir, I was therefore extremely pleased to note that, in August 2019, Singapore facilitated and was also among the first to sign the Singapore Convention on Mediation. This House has also passed the Singapore Convention on Mediation Bill earlier this month. We could be one of the first signatories to ratify the Convention. This will pave the way for cross-border enforcement of mediated settlement agreements, give businesses greater certainty and assurance and encourage the greater use of mediation to resolve international commercial disputes. I note that in the past three years, the SMC has conducted under its auspices, close to 1,500 mediations with a recorded settlement rate of between 65% and 69% each year. This means that almost seven in 10 commercial disputes referred to mediation are resolved amicably. This is an excellent rate of return. It is a reflection of the good work that the SMC puts in to resolve a majority of the disputes referred to them.”
“There was even suggestion that the Government had a political agenda behind more prudent spending in the early years of a term of government. Had the Government done as what was popularly asked – spend more in the good years – then, this year, we could very well have had to dip into our reserves in order to introduce first-instance measures to support Singaporeans as a result of the COVID-19 virus outbreak. I used the term "first-instance" because I worry that we may not have seen the eye of this particular storm. Even as we speak, we continue to see worrying signs of the COVID-19 virus outbreak seriously affecting many countries, such as Japan, South Korea, Italy, Iran and many others. We can anticipate further adverse headwinds against Singapore's globally interconnected economy. We could very well require even further measures from the Government to support and assist Singaporeans in the days ahead. Sir, in my mind, there is another term for consistent financial prudence in our Budgets and, that is, always be ready and prepared for any eventuality. And I am sure I am not alone when I say that I am glad we did so for the past five years and, indeed, for many terms of Government before. In the premises, Sir, I would invite our Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister to share with us the Government's intentions and plans to further support Singaporeans and businesses in the event that the situation is drawn out over a prolonged period of time. 11.32 am”
“So, that is also good for Potong Pasir residents because that is one MRT station away. However, I think I found some space for MOH. The residents of Bidadari are moving in and I think there should be some space in Bidadari estate to build a polyclinic for our Potong Pasir residents. So, if you can, Sir – please. [Laughter.] Sir, let me continue with the Budget. A large part of the estimated Budget deficit for 2020, as Deputy Prime Minister Heng have explained in his Budget Statement, it should fund measures to address the impending difficult economic landscape that confront Singapore as a result of the COVID-19 virus outbreak. This includes the $4 billion Stabilisation and Support package for workers and businesses and also the $1.6 billion Care and Support package to help Singaporeans with household expenses. In the Budget Statement, the sentence that captured my attention the most, was when Deputy Prime Minister Heng announced that there will be no draw on our reserves, no draw on our reserves. For FY2020, we have an expansionary budget with an estimated $10.5 billion deficit, but we need not draw on our reserves. Why? Only because the Government had accumulated sufficient budget surpluses during this term of Government. As we have read in recent international media of other jurisdictions, similarly announcing support packages in their respective economies, I doubt you will find a jurisdiction that can say that they are able to fund such support packages in the manner that we have. I have not seen any. During previous Budget debates in this term of Government, I am sure Members of this House will also recollect repeated calls for more spending of the surpluses or the use of more income derived from our reserves.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to speak on an issue that I have raised before in previous Budget debates – the importance of fiscal sustainability and financial prudence. Sir, my friends often accuse me of being obsessed with numbers. I tell them it is an occupational hazard because I am a chartered accountant by training. But, I have found over the years in practice that numbers give us the most precise and clearest indication of one's financial position. Sir, this year's Budget Statement is no different. Overall, we estimate our position to be in deficit of $10.95 billion. Year on year, we hope for increases in our operating revenue amid very challenging global competition. For example, our tax collections can increase if our companies do well and pay more corporate taxes. At the same time, we also hope for more revenue from our Net Investment Returns Contribution (NIRC). Our NIRC only became possible because of the prudence and wise investment decisions made by our earlier generation of leaders. Against this backdrop, our estimated to the expenditure is expected to increase much larger because we need to fund our healthcare needs and infrastructure developments, like our MRT lines, to bring a better life for Singaporeans. Sir, talking about healthcare amenities, I have for the last many years, been asking for a polyclinic in my constituency of Potong Pasir. I even filed a Parliamentary Question (PQ) for that. [Laughter.] In my discussions with MOH, they informed me that there is no more space in Potong Pasir estate because it is all built up. That is true. But, MOH is building Kallang polyclinic, which is connected to Kwong Wai Shiu hospital. I see Dr Yaacob had a thumbs-up because that is in his Jalan Besar constituency.”
“Teething issues abound and serving our residents and ensuring that their lives are not disrupted unnecessarily were at the top of our minds. And more importantly, we must do it right and ensure accountability in our duties in the Town Council. It is in this context, Mr Speaker, that I fully support the Motion.”
“At the same time, we also had to deal with situations, such as fairly large groups of petitioners seeking signatures to request for a by-election after the General Election. There were scenes of great disappointment of SPP supporters at our coffee shops, post the General Election. We had to level up and reunite the community. It was a tough and stressful time for all of us then. I pay tribute to our team in Potong Pasir. They were stoic and unwavering in the heat. We came together with whatever we had to deliver our promise to the residents of Potong Pasir. Sir, after nine years, I am glad to share that we have, by and large, turned things around. This even includes the financial situation of the Town Council. In 2011, we had more than 400 households in arrears of Service and Conservancy charges for more than three months. Some were in arrears for years. The total amount then was approximately $350,000. What did we do? We visited these households, assisted them where required and put in place plans that were acceptable to their financial situation. Today, we have less than 100 such families in Potong Pasir Division in similar arrears and the total amount is below $100,000. Mr Speaker, Sir, my experiences in Potong Pasir showed me that it is, indeed, a difficult ordeal when Town Councils switch political parties. It is the same in most corporate takeovers. But the stakes in Town Councils are much higher because we are dealing with the lives and well-being of thousands of families. We were clear in our minds that we had a heavy duty to discharge. There were no celebration or sweeping changes made in Potong Pasir post-General Election 2011. There was no time.”
“He was a formidable opponent, but I knew he always puts our residents' interests first in whatever decision he makes. However, the transition then remained a difficult one when we took over the Town Council in 2011. I remember a particular SPP member who frequented the Town Council office almost every day then to advise the staff to claim one month of compensation for every year of service if they were to lose their jobs. I was informed some of the staff at the Town Council then had worked there for almost 27 years! The easy way out then would be for me to pay them the compensation they asked for. But how could I? These are residents' monies. We are only the custodians of the monies. In addition, at that time, we also inherited a Town Council that already had severe financial challenges. There was no way we could pay anyone any financial compensation. We did not make wholesale mistakes. Certainly not immediately. We were well aware that most, if not all, of the staff then were supporters of the SPP. After all, Town Councils are political organisations. We redeployed some of the staff to other Town Councils and retained some. Today, two of these staff are still with us. We were very clear in our minds we cannot let our residents down. We had to get on with our task of building a better home and, really, there was no time for politics. One week after the 2011 General Elections, rubbish was piling up all over the estate. We were told that the maintenance contractors appointed by the previous Town Council had stopped work for no good reason. A huge problem was on hand. We had many problems to fix and we did. This is a true story. We convinced our residents to help. They patrolled our estate daily to ensure cleanliness and that essential services were functioning normally.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for allowing me to speak. Sir, I rise to share my personal experiences in Potong Pasir. As Members of this House may be aware, I was elected Member of Parliament for Potong Pasir in 2011. As a result, I took over the management of the Potong Pasir Town Council from Mr Chiam See Tong of the Singapore People's Party (SPP) after 27 years. A transition was the first order of business. This was quite similar to what transpired at Aljunied GRC in 2011 at about the same time. Sir, I am a private sector commercial person and I draw the analogy of such a transition as being akin to a takeover of a company in the commercial world. It will be fraught with difficulties and problems. I started serving in Potong Pasir in the year 2000, about 20 years ago. For 11 years, from 2000 to 2011, we fought a good, clean fight between Mr Chiam See Tong's team and ours. It was a hard fight nevertheless and we worked very hard to win the hearts and minds of our residents. In the 2011 General Elections, we regained Potong Pasir by the slimmest of margins – 114 votes. We were happy but immediately understood the heavy responsibility and daunting task that lay before us. I knew that for every two residents I met, one voted for us and one did not. We are now in charge, but we are cognisant that we owe a duty of care and service to all Potong Pasir residents. Our mindset changed immediately. We switched from being "fighters" to "builders". Why? Because we understood, fundamentally, that we are in charge, our ultimate responsibility must be towards the well-being of all our residents. The General Election was over; politics must now take a back seat. I have great personal respect for Mr Chiam See Tong.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I thank the Senior Minister of State for the Statement. The Senior Minister of State mentioned about the new deadlines of April and July 2020. Whilst this is a welcomed move, it is still eight to 11 months away. Given the high numbers of fires involving PMDs recently, is there anything else that MOT can do to mitigate these things that are happening?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I feel compelled to ask this because some of us only look at what is happening now in the rail system. I checked my notes last night and at the first MOT Committee of Supply after the last General Election in April 2016, the Minister mentioned to this House that this Government will solve all the rail problems by the end of this term of Government. I was sitting there and when I heard the Minister say it, I nearly fell off my chair. That night, I wrote to the Minister and I told the Minister that we have set ourselves an uphill task and I was concerned that we may have over-promised. I know the problem would be solved but I was cautious as to whether it could be solved within four to five years. I think today, compared to 2016, it was a seven-fold increase in MKBF. So, with that in mind, Minister, can I ask, what are your thoughts between April 2016 and now, and whether going forward – I know you have said it is for the next Transport Minister to decide – maybe some goals and objectives?”
“Mr Speaker, I thank the Minister. I would just like to ask one question. Now that we are at the sweet spot of 950,000 MKBF, does MOT strive to achieve a higher number? The reason why I ask this is because, in life, whilst it is always good to have nicer things, ultimately, somebody needs to pay for it.”
“Chairman, I would like to thank all speakers and the entire MOT team for their hard work. With that, Mr Chairman, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. [(proc text) Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. (proc text)] [(proc text) The sum of $2,033,424,400 for Head W ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. (proc text)] [(proc text) The sum of $9,513,685,300 for Head W ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. (proc text)]”
“Mr Chairman, there was a report in the Straits Times yesterday about NTU and Volvo launching an autonomous electric bus that is 12 metres long. I noted that Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary has mentioned that AVs are still a long way away from our roads. But can I ask, does MOT have a rough timeline as to when such AVs can be on our roads?”
“Instead, what I found when I visited the Jewel was a beautifully designed garden concept recreational centre which complements the existing Airport and exemplifies our position as a garden city. It will also create many job opportunities for Singaporeans. The Jewel will certainly be a delight for visitors and Singaporeans alike! We can be rightfully proud to be considered as one of the leading aviation and maritime hubs in the world. But we cannot rest on our laurels. As we move towards the future, we must ensure that our air and sea hubs continue to remain relevant and competitive. I would, therefore, like to invite the Acting Minister for Transport to share with us the Ministry's current and/or future plans on how we can continue to do so and also to address the other issues raised with regard to the future of transportation in Singapore. [(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]”
“Minister Khaw Boon Wan had previously shared with this House that the increased maintenance and renewal costs of our train systems at Singapore MRT (SMRT) and Singapore Bus Services Transit (SBST) have resulted in significant losses for both companies in the past financial year. What does this mean for commuters? How will this cost burden affect the affordability of public transportation? I hope that MOT can share with this House its plans on how it intends to manage these cost outlays efficiently and without an undue high cost burden on commuters. Sir, our domestic transportation system is, however, not the only focus of MOT's attention. Internationally, Singapore has traditionally been a trading port which used its strategic location in the region and excellent connectivity to the rest of the world to position itself as an aviation and maritime hub. Over the years, Singapore has managed to create a world-class infrastructure and regulatory environment at our port in Keppel and Changi Airport to spur growth in both the aviation and maritime industries. This not only contributed significantly to our Budget but also created many jobs for Singaporeans. These are key industries for Singapore. Singapore cannot, therefore, afford to remain stagnant. As of now, we have moved our port from Keppel to Tuas and continue to improve and expand Changi Airport, with Terminal 5 as the next phase. We have also added the Jewel to Changi Airport. I must confess that before I visited the Jewel in early February this year, I had my doubts about the need for yet another shopping area at Changi Airport, given the shopping opportunities already available at the existing Terminals.”
“It is an ambitious plan to build a transportation system that is inclusive, promotes healthy and safe journeys that can be completed within the target of 20-minute town and 45-minute city for all. This will require a seamless integration of public, active and shared transport networks that include enhanced infrastructure to support all modes of transportation. Viewed in the lens of the vision provided by LTMP 2040, the different projects and initiatives begin to complement one another better and the various pieces of the puzzle begin to fit together. This bodes well for the future of transportation in Singapore and I am sure many of us are excited to see this vision realised. Sir, in terms of rail reliability, after three years of hard work, it appears that we may have turned a corner. The Mean Kilometres Between Failure (MKBF) for the entire MRT network increased from 181,000 train kilometres in 2017 to 690,000 train kilometres in 2018. The latest annual Public Transport Customer Satisfaction Survey showed an improvement in commuters’ satisfaction for MRT rising from 7.5 out of 10 in 2017 to 7.9 in 2018. There is still much work to be done, with more expansion and renewal work to be done to our MRT system in the pipeline. But, for now, we can at least look forward to some stability in rail reliability as we continue to strive to improve. This vision of building an inclusive, efficient and reliable domestic transport network, however, will come at a significant cost. The ambitious targets outlined in LTMP 2040 will not come cheap.”
“Our domestic demographic and scarcity of land require us to adapt and constantly review our transportation system. In order to do this, the Government continues to invest heavily in transportation infrastructure and also to push the transport industry to its technological forefront. These include the rapid expansion and renewal of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, the support of technological disruptions to the transportation industry, the proliferation of personal mobility devices (PMDs), e-bikes and bike sharing. Other new technologies, such as driverless automated vehicles, are not far off on the horizon. The Budget numbers also reflect this. Ten years ago, in financial year 2009, MOT's expenditure was approximately $5.4 billion. This year, the estimate is $11.5 billion. It has been a consistently increasing trend over the years. With rapid changes however, difficulties and challenges will inevitably arise. Some of these include the rail reliability of our MRT system, the disruption that private hire cars brought to the point-to-point (P2P) transportation market, safety issues between pedestrians and e-bikes and PMD users and even the irresponsible use and placement of shared bikes. These and other issues, when put together, often colour the public's perception of the efficiency and reliability of our entire transportation network. In fairness, it is understandable how a new project or initiative, like the proliferation of e-bikes and PMDs, when viewed in isolation, can appear disjointed, or its challenges overwhelming. However, the recently released Land Transport Master Plan (LTMP) 2040 sets out the vision which I believe all Singaporeans can aspire and look forward to.”
“Mr Chairman, I beg to move, "That the total sum to be allocated for Head W of the Estimates be reduced by $100." Mr Chairman, before I kick off the Committee of Supply (COS) Debate for the Ministry of Transport (MOT), I believe I speak for all Members of this House when I wish Minister Khaw Boon Wan a speedy recovery from his injury and we all look forward to the return of a formidable presence in this House very soon! [Applause.] Incidentally, Mr Chairman, as I cast my eyes across the floor, it suddenly dawned on me that with Minister Vivian Balakrishnan temporarily in-charge, the Ministry of Transport is now helmed by three doctors, all with a sub-specialty in children. But, of course, we all agree that transport is no child's play. Let me carry on. I remember when I was appointed as the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) Chair for Transport in 2015, it was at a time when public satisfaction in our public transportation system and, in particular, the MRT system, was at one of its lowest points. Being involved in GPC work for Transport then was quite a baptism of fire for me. On hindsight, it is understandable why public transportation is an issue close to the hearts of Singaporeans. Transportation is a key pillar and enabler of our economy. It connects us domestically within Singapore and also to the rest of the world. It is the first thing we plan for when we leave home in the morning and the last thing we rely on to bring us safely home each night. In recent years, MOT has had to deal with the rapid evolution and the changing landscape of transportation in Singapore. Advances in transport technology forces us to rethink and evolve the way we travel.”
“From a commercial perspective, Sir, I could see mediation as a cost-effective and efficient mechanism for businesses to resolve commercial disputes without being embroiled in litigation. In the premises, I invite the Minister to share with this House the Ministry’s plans, if any, to promote the greater use of mediation as a platform to resolve commercial disputes.”
“Mr Chairman, I like to declare my interest that I am a practising accountant. Not too long ago, my firm had the unfortunate experience to be involved in a commercial dispute that resulted in my firm taking a legal suit against a defendant party. I say this, with the greatest of respect to the many litigation lawyers in this House, that being a litigant is not a pleasant experience. In the business world, civil litigation has traditionally been the primary tool for commercial dispute resolution. However, those amongst us who have ever been involved in litigation will tell you that it is a costly and resource-intensive exercise for the litigants concerned. The litigants often have little or no control over the process and, at the end of the day, it often produces outcomes that leave one or sometimes both litigants dissatisfied. The commercial dispute that my firm was involved in was referred to the Singapore Mediation Centre for Mediation as a form of alternative dispute resolution. This, I understand, is something that is strongly encouraged by the Courts in recent years. I was hesitant at the outset, unsure if a mediated settlement was possible, especially in disputes where parties were deeply entrenched in their respective commercial positions. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. The mediation was expertly handled with clear directions and targets set by the experienced and professional mediators. I found the mediation format to be less contentious, driven by parties instead of lawyers, and crafted to empower parties to directly address their key concerns in the dispute, hear from each other and seek a solution where both parties are prepared to accept.”
“Mr Chairman, traffic accidents are regrettable occurrences on our roads. In Singapore, we legislate strong measures to minimise the number of traffic accidents. In an ideal world, all traffic accidents should be prevented. In the meantime, it is clear that certain road user behaviours directly increase the risk of traffic accidents that could potentially result in injuries or fatalities. Instances, such as drink driving or running a red light, are two examples. Traffic accidents arising out of these reckless and irresponsible driving behaviors are avoidable and should be sternly dealt with as these drivers put not only themselves, but other road users at risk. Some of the numbers recently released by MHA on the road traffic accident situation for 2018 raises serious concerns about such reckless and irresponsible driving behaviours. Drink-driving accidents increased by 17% from 2017 to 2018. In particular, the number of motorcyclists who were drink-driving and got involved in accidents increased by 51%! Red-light running violations increased by 15%, with the number of accidents resulting from red-light running increasing by 2.6%. It has been reported that MHA is already taking steps to impose stiffer penalties for drink-driving and other road traffic offences. I invite the Minister to share with this House if the Ministry is considering taking any other steps, such as further raising awareness amongst the public or the imposition of a review course requirement, for responsible driving on new or experienced drivers. Public Safety on the Roads”
“Mr Chairman, Singapore has always taken a tough stance against drug abuse. For drug traffickers, the death penalty may even be imposed. This policy stance takes into account the potential damage and detrimental effects that drug abusers cause themselves, their families and the wider Singaporean community. I do not think that this belief has changed over the years amongst the majority of Singaporeans. The recent numbers for 2018 released by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), however, reveal a worrying trend. The total number of drug abusers arrested in 2018 increased by 11% from 2017. Of the 3,438 drug abusers who were arrested in 2018, about 40% or 1,370 of them were below 30 years old. Drug abusers in the 20-29 age group continue to form the largest group of abusers in 2018. In particular, of the total number of drug abusers arrested in 2018, 40% were new abusers. Of these new abusers, about two-thirds, or about 64%, were under 30 years old. The numbers suggest that there is a worrying trend where our youths of today have a more liberal attitude towards the use of drugs and are more likely to engage or partake in them. Sir, this is a trend that we must arrest. It has been reported in the media just this week that there are plans by MHA to engage youths on the dangers of drug abuse as well as to legislate stiffer laws against the promotion of drugs to youths. I invite the Minister to share with this House further details of the Ministry’s plans to reduce the number of youths involved in the consumption of drugs. Dadah Itu Haram Campaign”
“Careful judgement needs to be applied to ascertain the financial sustainability and viability of each major infrastructure project funded by borrowing. How can this be done? Will the Government consider measures, such as an independent panel or body, to provide oversight over major infrastructure projects funded through borrowings? I am supportive of the strategy of borrowing for our major infrastructure projects and agree with the Finance Minister that it will achieve fairer and more equitable outcomes in the allocation of resources on expenditure. I invite the Minister for Finance to elaborate on his Ministry's plans to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability in light of the expected increasing expenditure as well as the measures that MOF intends to take in order to protect our Reserves in the light of the Government's decision to borrow to finance major infrastructure projects. Sir, I support this Budget.”
“Sir, estimated GST receipts for FY2019, that is, this financial year, is about $11.7 billion. A further 2% increase in GST is expected to bring in an estimated additional $3.3 billion, at best. As stated earlier, our estimated expenditure for 2019 is $80.3 billion. This does not even include Special Transfers, which covers items, such as, CPF and MediSave top-ups, GST Vouchers, S&CC rebates, Wage Credit Scheme and so on, which are estimated at $15.3 billion for FY2019. The projected GST increase is, therefore, simply only one measure to mitigate the trend of rising expenditure but, clearly, is unable to meet it in full. One approach raised by Minister Heng Swee Keat in the Budget Statement is to pay for major infrastructure investments by borrowing. As the Minister explained, this has been done before, for example, in the building of our MRT lines in the 1980s. Other Statutory Boards and Government-owned companies continue to borrow to finance major infrastructure projects. The Changi Airport Group is expected to take up loans to finance the development of Terminal 5. Singapore is in a better position now to dictate favourable borrowing terms than in the past as our Government's credit rating is now amongst the world’s best. If the Government provides a guarantee, presumably with the President's concurrence, we are likely to obtain even better terms. But borrowing is not without risk. We have seen enough examples around the world of countries mired in debt arising from careless borrowings and reckless funding of projects. It is, therefore, imperative that decision makers are prudent and that proper due diligence is carried out.”
“The Government needs to look after our seniors and, therefore, we expect national healthcare expenditure to continue to increase in the future. Sir, I will now speak on paying for this increased expenditure. The trend on expenditure is, therefore, quite clear. Increased spending is also likely required in Defence, Education and Transport, just to name three other sectors. The question is, how do we pay for these expected increases in expenditure? For FY2009, overall expenditure was approximately $57 billion. In 2019, this has increased to an estimated $80.25 billion. Every year, the Net Investment Returns (NIR), which represents returns on our invested Reserves, contribute about 20% of the Budget. The fact is that, without the NIR, our Budgets will be substantially in deficit every year. Of the total NIR every year, 50% is used to contribute to the Budget and the other 50% reinvested as part of our Reserves to ensure continued sustainable contribution to Budgets of the future. There are those who advocate for more NIR to be used for the present, but I think the current arrangement is fair. As they say in Hokkein: "jit lang jit pua" (一人一半), half for this generation and half saved for future generations. Sir, having said that, are there any other alternatives? In business, when expenses exceed income, we balance our budgets either by increasing revenue or reducing expenditure. But, Sir, expenditure is unlikely to decrease in the short term. Our domestic demographic dictates this and the need for infrastructure expansion and renewal is a pressing one. There are also no "magic bullets" to significantly increase revenue. Some argue that the projected increase in GST by 2% is about increasing taxes on Singaporeans to return the same to them. What do the numbers say?”
“Sir, I am an accountant by training and I must confess to an inclination for numbers. Every Budget Statement, I reach first for the Budget numbers for the financial year (FY) and compare them with previous years. I do so, not because Minister Heng Swee Keat’s annual Budget Statements are unimportant – they are always enlightening. But because, like many of my generation and those before me, fiscal sustainability and financial prudence are foremost on my mind. Numbers, I have found, give me the clearest indication of both. Sir, there are trends that emerge from the numbers and the significant decisions taken by the Government as a result. I rise today to speak on these trends and decisions. First, increasing expenditure. Our expenditure has increased significantly over the years. This, in and of itself, is no surprise. Minister Heng Swee Keat raised in his Budget Statement several domestic demographic issues that confront us – an ageing population, social mobility, inequality, economic transformation and climate change. I would add the need for infrastructure expansion and renewal. To address these issues, monies need to be spent. There are no two ways about it. The numbers confirm this. For example, MOH's expenditure increased from approximately $3.8 billion for FY2009 to an estimated $11.7 billion for this FY. This is about a three-fold increase in 10 years. This, in part, is due to our ageing population. In my constituency of Potong Pasir, more than 40% of my residents are above 50 years old, one in five above 65. Even as I speak, we are building one nursing home and one senior day care centre within our constituency. There is a genuine need for these healthcare facilities. An ageing population is the reality on the ground.”
“Their goals may differ, but the result that is hoped for is always the same – to improve themselves and achieve what they set out to do. As such, all Singaporeans, regardless of background, must believe, deep in their hearts, that they or their children have an equal opportunity to improve their lives and achieve their goals. So, while the task of “tweaks” or “bold” changes to policies or mechanisms put in place to address inequality is crucial, of equal importance is the need to imbue and inspire the belief amongst Singaporeans that all Singaporeans, regardless of backgrounds, have an equal chance of achieving their dreams and aspirations. Mdm President is right when she says that the 4G leadership team has a tough road ahead of them. The right to lead has to be earned, trust and bonds have to be forged. But this is not the first transition of a new generation of Government leaders and I am fully confident that they will meet the challenges as well as, if not better, than previous generations have. Sir, I support the Motion.”
“Sir, I quote: “We must tackle inequality vigorously. We need to provide the right additional support to those needing it – in housing, education, skills training and employment – so that meritocracy works well. Only then can everyone do well through hard work, talent and skills, regardless of their backgrounds.” Mr Speaker, Sir, I see this as a bold shift in the policy stance of the Government. It is a promise, not only to create opportunities for Singaporeans to succeed, but a commitment to provide the “right additional support” to those who need it. It is an acknowledgement that there are Singaporeans amongst us, especially the children, who are placed at a disadvantaged starting point, because of the widening inequality and the rigours of our system. I await with anticipation the action plans that will bring this promise to fruition. Sir, the importance of addressing the issue of widening inequality cannot be emphasised enough. Because deep within our social compact is a belief, a belief that, as a community, regardless of race, language or religion, we will always improve our lives together. The delta of improvement may differ, as a meritocracy mandates, but we move forward as one. Once any number of Singaporeans loses this belief, social stratification will occur and our social compact will be broken. We cannot and must not allow Singaporeans to have a sense of resignation about their station of life or, worse, that of their children. It is the desire of every parent to see their children better themselves and lead fulfilling lives. Similarly, every generation of young Singaporeans growing up have their own set of dreams and aspirations.”
“This has worked well for Singapore for two to three generations where many Singaporean families have bettered themselves, through education, hard work, grit and determination. The argument on the other end of the spectrum, however, is that meritocracy works well, if the gap between the "haves" and the "have nots" is closer. This was, indeed, the case during the days of our parents and grandparents. Now, income inequality is wider. The gap in resources available to families with higher income and those with lower income is stark. One of the areas where the Government has targeted is in the preschool arena. KidSTART is a pilot programme that aims to narrow the inequality gap of young children from disadvantaged, less privileged backgrounds. In Singapore, formal education begins at Primary 1. Students of different backgrounds, where the perceived “difference” – and I say "difference" in inverted commas – in ability between students, such as the ability to read, write or count, could stem from the environment of their homes and the resources of their parents instead of their true inherent abilities. And when these students are streamed and valued in our education system, sometimes quite early on in their formal education, they may then be denied the opportunity to succeed as they may, if the playing field was more level to begin with. However, we all appreciate that the issue of widening inequality in Singapore is decidedly more complex and requires much more attention than just the preschool arena. Sir, I am, therefore, heartened that our 4G leadership team had included an emphatic statement in the President’s Address on how the Government intends to tackle inequality. I think it bears repeating and I shall do so briefly.”
“To not change is to not improve. But change must be for a purpose, especially if it is to a policy or system that has served us well. I remember not too long ago, a Parliamentary colleague brought up the possibility of abolishing the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). It was debated. Good valid arguments were made for and against. I did not speak then. But I managed to speak to many parents of primary school children after, and their views were mixed. Some felt changes should be made, but most were not in favour of abolishing the PSLE completely. And yet, as the prevailing view that the PSLE is a high stakes exam that has serious ramifications on our young students’ future remain, the problems of stress on our young students and anxious parents will continue. But not all possible solutions require the slaughter of a “sacred cow”. Pilot projects that consider alternative models can be explored. There must be a careful calibration of what requires “tweaks” and what should be “boldly” changed. As Singapore grows and evolves, her context changes. New issues, such as widening inequality, have arisen. The more important question now is therefore, not an inquest into fault, but about what needs to be done moving forward. Can the next generation leadership team exercise political leadership to “tweak” or “boldly” slaughter any “sacred cows” where necessary? One argument against “doing more” to deal with widening inequality lies in the fundamental principle of one of our foundational values – meritocracy. Inherent within the concept of meritocracy is the ideal that if an individual works hard enough, is determined enough and possesses the ability to succeed, he or she will.”
“Mr Speaker, the President’s Address for the Second Session of the 13th Parliament comes three years after our SG50 year in 2015. Mdm President hits the nail on its head when she pointed out in her Address that the key question now confronting the fourth generation (4G) leadership team is “What is next for Singapore?” An issue that has arisen and garnered keen interest amongst Singaporeans is the widening class divide and income inequality in Singapore. This issue was brought to the fore by the Institute of Policy Studies’ (IPS') Study on Social Capital in Singapore. It was subsequently raised by several hon Members of this House during the Budget Debate earlier this year. There has also been much discussion in academia, the media and online platforms amongst all segments of Singaporeans. So, why the keen interest? Because this issue resonates with Singaporeans. It does because it cuts to the heart of the foundational values of our social compact; values, such as meritocracy, equal opportunities and self-reliance. It makes us sit up and question these values, their relevance in the context of modern-day Singapore and whether they have become the metaphorical “sacred cows” that are impossible to slaughter. I disagree, however, with detractors who recklessly attribute the widening inequality as a consequence of our existing policies. This is unfair. Public policies are made within the context of its time and it is not reasonable to suggest that our existing policies have not served us well. Singapore, as a country, and Singaporeans as a citizenry, have come a long way since 1965 and our policies over the years, implemented by our Founding, second and third generation leaders, contributed significantly to our success. Sir, change is important.”
“Mr Chairman, I thank Members for their participation and I also thank Minister Khaw Boon Wan, Second Minister Ng Chee Meng and Senior Minister of State Lam Pin Min, as well as the entire MOT team for the responses. Sir, with that I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. [(proc text) Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. (proc text)] [(proc text) The sum of $1,809,017,700 for Head W ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. (proc text)] [(proc text) The sum of $13,087,199,900 for Head W ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. (proc text)]”
“I would like to ask this question to Minister Khaw if I can. The MOT Budget has increased by more than half ‒ from $9 billion in 2017 last year, to $13.7 billion this year, a 52% increase. In fact, this year's Budget is very close to the budget for MINDEF which, traditionally, has been the highest. I would like to ask Minister Khaw, while this is money well-spent, how long do we expect this high expenditure to persist?”
“Any combination of the problems and difficulties faced is likely to cause unpleasant experiences for many people on a daily basis. It is, therefore, important that the Government co-opt and communicate effectively with Singaporeans on the vision of our transportation landscape for the future. It is imperative that the Government and Singaporeans work together to leverage new technologies to their fullest and work hand in hand together to overcome any difficulties and problems we face as we continue to build a first-class transportation network for Singapore. In conclusion, I invite the Minister to share with us the Ministry's current and future plans to holistically address the issues of and arising out of new technologies and the rapid changes affecting the transportation industry. [(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]”
“Public housing, town planning, port facilities, Changi Airport, roads and our first MRT system each presented similar difficulties and problems at its time. Each of these was meticulously planned, executed with vision and foresight by our founding leaders. They were policies implemented not only to satisfy the current requirements of its time but also to cater for the potential needs in the future. Changi Airport is a great example. The choice of location and the anticipation of our future needs set the foundations for the possibility of the state-of-the-art multi-terminal international airport that we have today. The same vision is being applied today in the relocation of our port facilities to Tuas, the massive expansion of our MRT lines and the entire array of car-lite initiatives to alter our transportation landscape in the future. I am sure that we will continue to encounter further difficulties and problems as we move forward, just like what we encountered in the generation before us. We overcame them then, and I have full faith that Minister Khaw Boon Wan and our Transport team, together with the cohesive support of Singaporeans, will overcome them now. Naturally, due to the various issues and recent lapses, some Singaporeans might have lost some faith in our transportation system. I think we can all empathise. It is understandable. But, as I have said earlier, we will improve and we will do better. Transport is an indelible part of the everyday life of Singaporeans. On any given day, Singaporeans potentially utilise and come into contact with private hire cars, taxis, buses, the MRT, PMDs, e-bikes, cyclists on bikes and shared bikes.”
“Driverless, autonomous vehicles are being tested and piloted. Difficulties and problems arising from these will not be dissimilar or unique. We should expect them. This does not mean that we ignore the difficulties and problems. They are real and should never be trivialised. Policy solutions need to be urgently found to solve or mitigate the issues. The question we should ask ourselves, Sir, is this. Should the Government hesitate to promote technological changes in transport and maintain the status quo because of these difficulties and problems? I think that the clear answer is a clear no. Stifling new innovative technology can only end in a negative outcome for the overall Singapore economy and for Singaporeans in general. We did not get where we are as a country by being fearful of the difficulties and problems that change will bring. The same applies to our MRT system. It is perhaps an understatement to say that it has been a difficult year for our MRT system and for Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) in particular. There have been several avoidable lapses. Some minor, others of a serious nature that need to be addressed immediately. This is irrefutable and I do not think anyone disagrees. We need to improve and we will. However, we are also driving a massive expansion of our MRT capacity. New lines are being progressively completed. The signalling system on old lines is being upgraded to increase efficiency and to cope with increased demand. This is in line with our population growth and new towns and housing estates being developed. Such problems and difficulties arising from the evolution and changes in the transport industry is not unprecedented. It has happened many times in the past. We built our city from scratch.”
“Private hire car companies leverage technology through their mobile apps to plug a service gap by providing a platform to efficiently match private hire car drivers and passengers directly in real time and space. Their model significantly shrinks transaction costs, giving passengers greater choices and value. However, this caused a disruption in the point-to-point transportation industry, leading to many taxi drivers, who are facing the pressures of increased competition, to worry and fear for their livelihoods. Technology has also brought about new options for first- and last-mile travel between our homes and the various transport nodes. These include e-bikes and PMDs and also bike sharing systems. I expressed reservations about the proliferation of e-bikes and PMDs during the Active Mobility Debate. My reservations are primarily on safety concerns for other road and pathway users as well as whether an adequate accident compensation scheme, like those for motor vehicles, can apply to e-bikes and PMDs. I continue to hold these views. Bike sharing systems, while intuitively an efficient and convenient option for Singaporeans to use for short distance travel, face teething issues, such as abusive use and abandonment of the shared bikes. I shall not delve too much into these details as they have been well-documented in the mass media and many of my hon colleagues on both sides of the House will raise the same during this COS. An important point to note, however, is that new technologies will continue to disrupt and bring new options into the transportation industry. This is unlikely to abate. Further technology-driven changes in transport are already at our doorstep. BlueSG, Singapore's first electric car sharing service, has been launched.”
“Mr Chairman, I beg to move, "That the total sum to be allocated for Head W of the estimates be reduced by $100". 6.30 pm Sir, Singapore's entire transportation industry is undergoing rapid evolution and major changes. Technological disruptions and our changing economic and social needs are the main drivers of this. New Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines and stations are being built in many places. Private hire cars and their distinct blue decals ply our roads. There is a proliferation of e-bikes, personal mobility devices (PMDs) and shared bicycles on our roads and pathways. Our once bustling port in Keppel has gone silent as the move to Tuas continues. Changi Airport has transformed from its humble beginnings to an international air travel hub of four terminals with a fifth one in the works. The Ministry of Transport's (MOT's) budget estimation for 2018 has grown significantly from 2017 and is now comparable to traditionally big-ticket Ministries, such as Defence, Health and Education. And it is absolutely vital that we do so! Our transport industry is a key pillar and enabler of our economy. It not only connects us domestically within Singapore but also to the rest of the world. Sir, I think Singaporeans appreciate, understand and accept the reasons and need for this evolution, growth and change in our transportation landscape. However, rapid evolution and major changes in transport have brought about its own set of challenges and issues. Sir, I spoke at length at last year's Committee of Supply (COS) on Technology in Transport and, in particular, the advent of Private Hire Cars in the point-to-point transportation industry.”
“Mr Speaker, technological disruptions in our economy are one of the hottest topics in the forefront of everyone's mind. In the manufacturing sector, the advent of new technology is challenging traditional manufacturing processes. Manufacturing companies, especially the SMEs, sometimes struggle to stay competitive and relevant in the face of technological advances in their processes. However, instead of fearing change, we should encourage our SMEs to take advantage of the opportunity to grow by embarking on innovation and the adoption of technology. The question, however, is how can we help them to do so? We are all aware that the Government has many schemes in place to help SMEs in this area. These include broad-based technology adoption to the granting of financial support. However, in the face of a wide array of options in Government support, on top of the overwhelming breadth of technology options available, many companies just simply do not know where to start. Many SMEs also do not have a good sense of where their internal processes stand in terms of readiness and suitability to adopt smart technologies and processes to begin this transformation process. As a result, some can get disillusioned and disappointed. They need help. In the premises, I invite the Minister to share with us (a) on any plans to assist companies to navigate the large set of options in support schemes and technology offerings; and (b) on any plans to help companies better understand what they lack in terms of technological capacity and the steps they can take to remedy this. Competitive Manufacturing Sector”
“Sir, I declare that I am a practising accountant and I have clients that include SMEs. Mr Chairman, Singapore has a comparatively small domestic market that is extremely competitive. As such, for our local companies and businesses, especially our SMEs, to be able to achieve sustainable growth, they need to take advantage of external opportunities. There has been a great push by the Government on internationalisation and the opportunities abroad that Singapore companies can take advantage of. However, many SMEs in Singapore face financial and manpower constraints to do so. This is understandable. If an SME is to venture abroad, there is a lot of groundwork or "homework" that needs to be done first. For example, before breaking into a new market, they will need to undertake market research, navigate the business and regulatory environment and make the necessary investments in order to put themselves in the best possible position to succeed. These are the challenges our SMEs face even when an opportunity to venture abroad arises. In the premises, I invite the Minister to share with us on the following: (a) the specific efforts and measures our Government and its economic agencies have taken to help Singapore companies tap on opportunities to break into new markets overseas; (b) an update on the progress of these efforts and measures; and (c) how Singapore companies have benefited from these.”
“Based on this backdrop of recent incidents and events, it is clear that within consensus-based ASEAN, there are members with strong divergent views, both within ASEAN and with our dialogue partners. ASEAN will not only have to navigate fishes amongst its member states but also with external actors. As such, the diverse and sometimes contrasting interests of different ASEAN members and other external influences could cause various actors who may seek to influence Singapore, as ASEAN Chair, in order to get their way on the regional platform. I invite the Minister to share with us on how we can, as a country, respond to these possible external challenges and influences. Relations with Other Southeast Asian Countries”
“Mr Chairman, Singapore has, historically, positioned itself as a centre for global exchange and a key hub for trade and investment. This remains true today. We are now one of the world's most highly connected cities and are exposed to and facilitate massive flows of data and information with other cultures and economies. Our economy is diverse and complex. To remain relevant and competitive, we fight and compete for ideas, opinions and talent in the global marketplace. In this matrix, therefore, it is inevitable that we become susceptible to external influences. Consequentially, Singapore will now not only need to rally support for its foreign policy positions with our international partners, such as our ASEAN neighbours, but also domestically amongst us Singaporeans. Over the past year, there had been several instances that reflect this. I shall briefly highlight two. The South China Sea dispute has been widely reported in the mass media and commented upon in governmental and academic circles. A territorial dispute between some of our ASEAN neighbours and China alludes to a larger geopolitical strategic tussle for global influence between the dominant global superpower, that is, the US, and a rising China. The situation in the Rakhine state in Myanmar is another potentially divisive issue within ASEAN. There are divergent views on this complex intercommunal issue among ASEAN member states, and it could undermine ASEAN unity. Singapore assumes the Chairmanship of ASEAN this year. One of the focuses of our chairmanship year is to strengthen the collective resilience of ASEAN members.”
“My sense, from talking with businesses, is that there may well be a gap of understanding as to which ITM is relevant to them and what they should be doing. This is an opportunity for the Government and businesses to deepen their existing collaboration and roll out targeted, quality communication on ITM execution. The communication model could be that of the excellent quality of communication from MOF's team for this year’s Budget. Mr Speaker, Sir, I contend that this House needs to build on the vision expressed in the Budget Statement about the impact of our ageing population. This is another vital component in sustaining all that Singaporeans and its Government have built since 1965. Sir, I think this may well be the first year since Independence that the number of Singaporeans aged 65 and above is greater than the number of Singaporeans aged 15 and below. As the Minister said in his Budget Statement, by 2030, we will have 900,000 Singaporeans aged 65 and above. These facts are a cause for concern. They certainly are of concern for our SMEs which provide most jobs for Singaporeans and for those businesses which invest in Singapore and which also provide jobs for Singaporeans. In closing, Mr Speaker, Sir, I commend the Minister for an integrated and strategic Budget which benefits Singaporeans and the economy of Singapore. I support the Budget.”
“Secondly, by maintaining Singapore’s attractiveness to foreign direct investment (FDI) by keeping taxation competitive. Our SMEs and the FDI which the Economic Development Board (EDB) works tirelessly to attract and retain are two sides of the same coin. Our economy needs both to stay successful. The focus on sustaining a vibrant and innovative economy is the vital component to ensuring our country’s goals are achieved and, indeed, to ensuring its continued survival. It is only with a vibrant and innovative economy that we can support and defend ourselves. It is only with a vibrant and innovative economy that the little red dot can continue to punch above its weight internationally. It is only with a vibrant and innovative economy that the Singapore passport allows visa-free entry to more countries than most other passports. Mr Speaker, Sir, I think Singapore needs to benchmark itself not only against large developed economies as has been the practice to date but also against other global cities. If we are to do this, we would quickly discover that our rates of economic growth are less than other global cities. I am well aware that other cities do not need to incur big ticket items, such as defence, in their budgets. However, Sir, for us to ultimately continuously punch above our weight, we need to compare ourselves with what other cities are doing. With this in mind, it becomes even more important that Singaporeans work together and find ever more visionary ways to grow our economy. The need for continual innovation becomes even more imperative. Many people here and abroad have complemented Singapore on its ITMs. The amount of work which has gone into producing these ITMs is considerable and very impressive. However, how will they be implemented?”
“It is right that we take measures to respect and help our senior citizens who have contributed so much to making Singapore what it is today. It is right that we square up to and act to increase inclusivity by looking after those less fortunate to reduce income inequality and strengthen community cohesion. It is also right, Mr Speaker, that public expenditure is governed by the principle of fiscal sustainability. Every citizen understands that, whether they are managing a household's accounts or those of a business. To paraphrase Charles Dickens’ character Mr Micawber of David Copperfield: "Monthly income $5,000, monthly expenditure $4,500, result happiness. Monthly income $5,000, monthly expenditure $5,500, result misery." On another note, Sir, I am most encouraged by our Government’s proposed innovative approach to using our country’s Reserves to guarantee loans for large-scale infrastructure projects. This is eminently preferable to spending our Reserves and reducing the very source of net investment returns (NIR) which contribute so much to this country’s Budget revenue. Utilising our Reserves as guarantees for loans to fund long-term, large-scale infrastructure projects is both innovative and wise. As the Minister stated in his announcement, this approach should enhance the Singapore Bond Market. The approach is also fairer to all Singaporeans as it spreads the burden of costs across the generations in an equitable manner. Sir, let me now turn to the theme of vision. The Budget Statement demonstrated our Government’s commitment to sustaining a vibrant and innovative economy in two key ways. Firstly, by a range of measures to support our SMEs, which form the backbone of any country's economy.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as I reflect on the Budget Statement, several key themes stand out. They are integrity, fiscal sustainability and vision. Sir, our Government stated some time ago that it had sufficient funds to meet its public expenditure needs for the current term. That is why the GST increase of 2%, announced in the Budget Statement, does not need to come into effect during this term of Government. As the Prime Minister and his Cabinet colleagues have signalled for some time, our taxes must rise to pay for our future public spending needs. Sir, I am not aware of any government in any part of the world that announces GST increases three to four years ahead of time. Not only does this approach demonstrate our Government’s ability to plan for the long term, it also demonstrates, once again, its integrity. Our Government does what it says it will do. Our Government means what it says. And our Government keeps faith with Singaporeans whom it both represents and serves. This is, Mr Speaker, Sir, only right and proper. It should and must always be the Singapore norm. But it is by no means the norm elsewhere. Singaporeans can be justly proud of their Government’s record of integrity, especially at a time when flip-flopping on policy decisions and policy positions is the order of the day in some countries. Sir, the same integrity is demonstrated in the measures announced in the Budget to benefit Singaporeans. Our Government is fulfilling its role of always acting in the best long-term interests of Singaporeans. It is right that we invest in our children because they will form the core of our future. It is right that we take measures to help workers stay relevant.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker, Sir. The Minister has used the phrase "小儿科" in discovering the maintenance of those pumps and has also described it as low-risk. I completely agree with the Minister because these are waterpumps, these are not cardiovascular pumps that you put in your heart, which is quite different. So, with that in mind, I would like to ask the Minister whether it is possible for LTA to work with SMRT to outsource some of these what I would describe as non-core business that we are doing, so that the management of SMRT today can focus on its core competency, its core businesses.”