Steve Chia Kiah Hong
Singapore
“A similar prohibition would apply to the videocasting, or video streaming of explicitly political content. At this point, the Government has no intention to amend the legislation regulating Internet campaigning during an election.”
“Sir, may I clarify with the Senior Minister of State? He did not answer my question exactly. My question is this. From the "positive list" of the websites that are approved and registered, a concerned citizen downloads all these materials and prints them out on his own, using photostating machine or whatever, and distributes them to the m…”
“Sir, with regard to chicken farms and especially slaughter house workers, I believe they must be well trained and briefed on the precautionary measures to take. But are they insured under the Workmen's Compensation Act or any other kind of insurance in the event that they are afflicted with the bird flu virus?”
“Sir, I hope that the Minister of State understands that suicide is basically an attempt to cry out for help. In that time, if they do not have an easy number to remember, like SOS' 1800-2214444 hotline, can they call 999 or 995 and be redirected to the SOS in the event that they are thinking of suicide?”
“The clarification is that this individual, whom we do not know, is not our election agent or election helper. This is an individual in the constituency who wants to download anything and distributes it to the residents in the contested constituency. Is it an offence?”
“Active political recruitment has been going on inside and outside the RC and PA s organisation and premises. Although grassroots leaders are under no compulsion to join the PAP and can opt out if they want to, Straits Times' Forum writer, Ms Yee, had correctly pointed out that "joining a grassroots organisation seems to be a sure way for…”
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“More importantly, we want to be assured that none of our friends, family members and loved ones will ever become addicted to gambling, resulting in bankruptcy, crimes and/or even suicide, like Simon Lee's case. Thanks, but no thanks to the casino, integrated or not, whatever. Sir, consider that at present, even without a casino, the police are already having real big problems dealing with and eradicating the illegal loan-shark syndicates and the problems it creates among the cash-strapped. With a casino, it will only get from bad to worse. Higher penalty and installing CCTV at the innocent victims' premises will not make the problems go away. What more can the Government do to eradicate this problem? More police action will also not make the problem go away if there is huge money to be made. The problem is in the demand, and a casino in our little island will definitely drive up demand. Consider also how people get addicted to cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and the consumption of recreational drugs. It always gets socially started innocently among friends having fun. But, over time, months or even years, the neural pathways in our brains get more established and a bigger, stronger dosage is needed. Before he knows it, the person becomes addicted. It is the same for recreational gambling. It takes a person of great will power and determination not to fall into addiction and to get out of it if he does. The problems and damage it caused are tremendous to the suffering addict and his or her family. Sir, I like gambling, and I know I would be easily tempted to go to the casino to gamble when it is set up.”
“They had worked and argued hard in the hope that their moral, social and health arguments will persuade the Government from setting up a casino in Singapore. It seems certain to many anti-casinoians that all calls to debate are all hogwash - a big PR exercise. At the end of the day, the Government will always proceed with whatever decision it had made, all in the argument that it will ultimately benefit Singapore. Sir, the argument "that it will ultimately benefit Singapore" is a very deceptively attractive argument. How can any sensible Singaporean object to any initiatives that the Government says "will ultimately benefit Singapore"? How can anyone answer to MM Lee's question "can we afford not to" persuasively? Either these people are not sensible, or they will be construed as religious people or high moralists. But, Sir, could it also be that these people see beyond the arguments put forward by the pro-casino camp as deceptive? As the Prime Minister had rightly pointed it out, their concern is not about economic advantage. Rather, it is about stopping the gambling vice from taking root in Singapore. It is about preventing people from getting addicted to a Government-sanctioned vice. It is about preventing a rise in organised and petty crimes in our society due to the gambling addiction. It is also about preventing family breakdowns and suicides due to problem gambling. In short, it is about the preservation of our society as we know and hold dear to. Now that the vice of gambling is going to be introduced here, the people have every right to question how effective can we expect the additional measures and safeguards announced by the Government on 18th April to prevent gambling addiction, increased crime and suicides will be.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, for allowing me to participate in this debate. Before I proceed, I just want to say that I do not understand Minister Lim's point just now about the Workers Party and Mr Low Thia Khiang politicising the whole issue. He said he is not criticising Mr Low but then he spent the next 25 minutes criticising the Workers Party and Mr Low Thia Khiang. If that is not politicising the whole issue, then what is it about? Sir, the big decision had been made. Singapore is going ahead with two casinos. To borrow Minister Lim Hng Kiang's illustration about cooking porridge which was also mentioned in this debate, what I and many Singaporeans are interested to know is this: will they get a share of this cooked porridge - "nang ming wu hoong bor"? Although the SDA is morally against the idea of having a casino in Singapore, I do not want to repeat and belabour the many strong arguments brought up by the anti-casino supporters in this House. The decision to cook the porridge has been made, so let us move forward towards ensuring that the maximum number of Singaporeans will benefit from this project, possibly at the expense of some addicted gamblers and their families, and we will try to keep the number of "sacrificial lambs" down. Sir, the focus of my speech today will be on three main points. One, the safeguards against addiction, increased crime and suicides. Two, the economic benefits accrued from the casino going to Singaporeans and Singapore society. Three, and my last point, now that the additional vice of the casino has come into Singapore, where do we go from here? Sir, as some Members have spoken quite correctly, 18th April is a sad day for many anti-casino Singaporeans.”
“Sir, I hope not to hear the Minister wrongly. Does it imply that those who are elected are not competent or not professional in the way they handle the job, that is why the Government needs to appoint competent and professional people to be in the Council?”
“Sir, does the Minister know that some businessmen are treating Singapore as the ATM of the East where if they need money, they will come over to draw funds through the listing of the IPO which they will peg it at a very high price and that would subsequently flop over the months? Over time, they would probably acquire a majority of 90% and then demand for compulsory delisting. This has happened recently in the case of a company that was listed. So would the Minister explain this matter?”
“Sir, of those students who are from China and all the other lower income countries coming to Singapore, how many could have afforded to pay or even be willing to pay a higher tuition fee that they are currently paying?”
“Many of these Plus plan policyholders have actually been very loyal and faithful customers of this MediShield plan, so it would not be really right to sell them away just like that. Accuracy of Medical Record”
“Sir, I wish to ask the Minister the following questions. First, the existing MediShield arrangement allows flexibility among the Plus plan and the Basic plan. So a person who is doing well might opt for the Plus plan but when affected by economic restructuring, this person can opt to downgrade to a Basic plan and with the flexibility to move back when his financial situation improves. Once this Plus plan has been outsourced, how does this class of people with changing fortune downgrade? Sir, many current Plus plan policyholders are actually middle-income Singaporeans. Second, how can the existing Basic plan policyholders opt for the Plus plan in the future? If they are healthy, they will be accepted by private insurers. However, if they are not, the CPF Board will again be saddled with these leftovers. Third, what are the steps that will be taken to ensure that the interest of the current Plus plan policyholders will be fully protected once it has been outsourced to a private insurer? 5.15 pm Fourth, how would the Ministry ensure that the increases in premium after the three years by the private insurers are within reasonable limit? And what is this definition of "reasonable limit"? Fifth, would the private insurer have to consult the Ministry to obtain approval for every increase in the premium rates in the Plus plan? Sixth, would the Ministry set a series of criteria for the private insurer to satisfy when proposing increase in premium rates? And, if yes, what are these criteria? And the last question, during the transition period of the MediShield reform, would the current Plus plan policyholders be given the option to continue as Basic plan holders, instead of being sold to a private insurer?”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, like some speakers before me, I feel that the recent announcement in the increases in the premiums and deductibles for MediShield are giving CPF MediShield members a "worse off" package deal than before. With the increase in deductibles, most normal patients, except the most severe ones, are having to incur a larger medical expenses bill due to the higher deductibles that they have to pay. This is most disturbing to many people. The feedback that I have been receiving is that CPF members are comfortable or they may be willing to pay a slightly higher premium, but not the corresponding increase in the deductibles payable by cash. I hope the Ministry can re-look at its figures and work out a more satisfactory package that does not ask patients to fork out more cash to cover these higher deductibles despite higher premiums. There must be ways to channel and keep medical cost down without resorting to increases in insurance premiums and co-payment deductibles at the same time. Assoc. Prof. Ong Soh Khim: Many Members have touched on deductibles and premiums. So I would only focus on MediShield Plus outsourcing. In the MediShield reform, the MediShield Plus scheme will be sold through an open competitive tender to a private insurer which offers the lowest premiums. The MediShield Plus plan actually gives greater coverage than the MediShield Basic plan, although at a higher cost. There are currently 350,000 policy holders under the Plus plan. And the Ministry has stated that the company that wins the bid will have to guarantee the premium rates will not be raised for at least three years. This is to prevent a company winning the tender with a low premium bid and then immediately hiking rates once it has secured it.”
“While allowing more newspaper vendors will not pose a public health problem, there are other considerations, such as inconvenience to the public, for example, obstruction to pedestrians or even vehicular traffic on crowded pavements and roads, as well as unfair competition to the shopkeepers that we have to bear in mind. But we will review the scheme and consult the relevant agencies, including our town councils. Sir, in conclusion, Singapore will continue to face its own unique challenges in balancing both our economic and social progress while achieving environmental sustainability. However, we are determined to ensure that all who live in Singapore continue to enjoy a quality environment conducive for work and play, by working in partnership with the joint owners of the environment, mainly the local communities and the businesses who operate here. Together, we can achieve a sustainable Singapore for our children and children's children.”
“In addition, my Ministry, NEA and PUB are also working with the industry associations on their trade events, such as EnviroAsia 2005 and Environmex/Watermex Asia 2005. All this is to create platforms for our companies to meet, network and, hopefully, to profit from such arrangements. Sir, for the water industry, which was also asked by Dr Ong, we have established WaterHub to link up our local water and waste water companies to international water networks and global markets. We also have regular dialogues with the recently-formed Singapore Water Association to better understand the needs of the water industry and gather feedback on how the Government can play a role in facilitating development in the industry. Sir, let me address the specific concern by Dr Khor on newspaper vendors. When the street hawkers were resited to hawker centres in the 1980s, some street hawkers whose trades were not compatible with those in the hawker centres were allowed to operate in the streets. In 1994, street hawkers were licensed in a one-time exercise to control their numbers and no more licences were issued after that. The intention was to phase out these street hawkers through natural attrition and allow such trades to move into proper premises. In 2000, the trade hawking scheme was reopened to allow itinerant ice-cream vendors to operate in the town council estates and parks. In August 2004, the scheme was extended to allow non-easily perishable food, like sealed packed food, nuts, and others, to help those in financial difficulties. Dr Khor has suggested that NEA consider allowing new newspaper vendors under the Street Hawking Scheme.”
“In addition, we will be calling a DBOO tender for the fifth refuse incineration plant soon. Sir, apart from collaborating with environment companies within Singapore, my Ministry is also working with the industry to venture out to the region. Last year, the former Environment Minister Lim Swee Say had led a trade mission to China, and I led a trade mission to UAE and Qatar. We plan to do so again this year, as it has provided good opportunities for our companies to expand overseas. Sir, to help Singapore environment companies acquire a technological edge when they compete in overseas markets, we have been providing seed funding for innovative environmental projects under the $20-million Innovation for Environmental Sustainability Fund, set up in 2001. In addition, under the joint Environmental Test-bedding Initiative with EDB, we allow environment companies to use our facilities and resources to test-bed their technologies. One company that has benefited from both funding and test-bedding support is local SME, Aromatrix Technologies Pte Ltd, whose patented odour control technology for wastewater treatment is one of only a few available on the global market today. Sir, 2005 will be a watershed year for Singapore, in terms of environmental and water conferences and events. At least three major international environmental and water conferences will be held here this year, namely, the first International Water Association-Asia Pacific Regional Group (IWA-ASPIRE) Conference in July, the International Desalination Association (IDA) World Congress in September, and the World Hydrogen Technologies Convention in October.”
“All these have helped to encourage workers to upgrade their skills to qualify for higher paying jobs. Sir, the second lesson is that a conscious effort has to be made to raise the image and improve the working environment for the workers. For example, workers doing redesigned cleaning jobs in hawker centres are provided with uniforms, meal coupons and proper rest areas. Sir, where do we go from here? My Ministry, with our 3P partners, will focus our efforts on raising the competency and enhancing the employability of the environment workforce through education and training. Dr Amy Khor has asked what plans and initiatives we have to help develop our environmental industry. I am happy to report that, through the involvement of the private sector in environment and water management over the years, we have facilitated the development of a vibrant and dynamic environmental industry in Singapore today. For example, refuse collection, recycling and public cleansing services are now carried out almost completely by the private sector. My Ministry, in collaboration with EDB and IE Singapore, will continue to build upon our initial success to further help our local environment companies strengthen their expertise and grow their business. For example, we are exploring other ways to involve the private sector, for example, through public-private partnership (PPP) schemes. In the area of water supply, through the Design-Build-Own-Operate (DBOO) contract arrangements, SingSpring will provide desalinated water over 20 years from the later part of 2005. Also, Ulu Pandan NEWater factory which will be our fourth and largest, to be owned and operated by Keppel, in Singapore when it turns operational in 2006.”
“Together with the Town Councils, the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and environment companies, my Ministry has started to upgrade and redesign jobs in conservancy cleaning, waste collection, hawker centre cleaning, street cleaning and waste recycling. The job redesign changes may include introducing greater mechanisation, performance-based contracts, work scope enlargement and flexible working hours. This will improve the image of the job and attract more Singaporeans. Sir, Mr Othman has asked about the "1000 by 1000" initiative. Under this initiative, the environment companies, NEA, WDA and CDC worked together to create and match 1,000 jobs paying more than $1,000 a month within 18 months, from October 2003 to March 2005. I am pleased to inform the House that, at end-February, NEA and our partners have successfully matched 958 workers with jobs paying more than $1,000 a month for Singaporean workers. We have about a month to go, but we are confident that we will be able to meet the target. Mr Othman also asked whether we have learned anything useful. We have learnt two lessons. Firstly, Singaporean workers, including the more mature workers, are capable of taking on redesigned jobs with appropriate training. To this end, environment companies, together with NEA and WDA, have developed skill standards under the National Skills Recognition System (NSRS) and trained workers to attain NSRS certification. Sir, in addition, cleaning and waste collection contracts called by NEA specify that a certain proportion of workers need to be NSRS-certified. Town councils and private companies were also encouraged to employ workers with NSRS certification and to adopt performance-based contracts.”
“NEA will work towards matching more schools with private companies this year. Sir, we will also be consulting the public this year on the review of the Singapore Green Plan 2012 targets and programmes. The review will commence in the second quarter and the revised targets and programmes will be launched in the later part of this year. This is in line with the earlier announced plan of a three- yearly review of the Singapore Green Plan 2012 targets since its launch in 2002. In this review, we will involve representatives from the people, private and public sectors. We will organise three focus groups in March. We will set up an on-line channel to solicit the public's feedback, and we will have a public exhibition to highlight the achievements so far and what are the new directions and priorities going forward. 3.00 pm Sir, let me turn to the section on the economic opportunities. The environment sector has been traditionally viewed as a spender of public monies. However, with increasing emphasis on the need for good environmental management globally and in the region, we are well poised to take advantage of our good environmental track record to grow our environmental services industry as a source of revenue and jobs. Both Dr Khor and Mr Othman have asked about the Ministry's efforts in manpower training and job redesign for the environmental sector. Sir, for many years, many jobs in the environment industry sector have been low-paying and carried a poor image. As a result, the number of Singaporeans employed in this sector is small, accounting for only about 0.4% of the total Singaporean workforce.”
“Sir, if we can foster a sustained interest in environmental volunteerism in our young, we would have laid a good foundation for a generation of Singaporeans who are more conscious and engaged towards our environment. My Ministry has put in place a variety of programmes and activities to involve students on environmental issues. The NEA has begun to build up a network of environmental champions among students to reach out to their peers. To date, NEA has trained some 470 student champions from 82 primary and 58 secondary schools. Some of them have begun to give environmental talks in their schools to encourage fellow students to adopt good environmental practices. In addition, we hope to see every school having a club that organises environmental activities. Such clubs could be dedicated Environment Clubs, or as part of other clubs such as Science or Geography Clubs. Currently, 25% of schools have Environment Clubs while another 65% have clubs with environmental activities. NEA will similarly support Environment Clubs in schools through the 3P Partnership Fund when they organise environmental activities for students. NEA is also now working with the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre to develop more environment-related Community Involvement Programme (CIP) projects for students in primary and secondary schools. Such projects will commence from the third quarter of 2005. Sir, we also launched the Adopt-A-School scheme where schools are matched with private companies to work together on environmental projects. To date, 43 schools have been matched with companies. For example, Dunman Secondary School and Singapore Airlines Limited teamed up to build roof gardens to reduce the temperature of upper floor classrooms in the school.”
“For example, the mangroves on Pulau Semakau were conserved while new mangroves were planted to replace those affected by the construction of the landfill. Biodiversity surveys conducted on the island also revealed a rich variety of flora and fauna. These include a species of seagrass found nowhere else in Singapore and rare birds such as the Great-billed Heron. However, as there are ongoing landfill operations on the island, opening up the landfill for recreational activities must be done in a gradual manner. So I urge SPS Mr Yatiman to be patient. Currently, students have been visiting Semakau landfill under MOE's Learning Journey Programme. Grassroots organisations have also organised visits to the landfill for their residents during the Clean and Green Week campaign. NEA has approached various interest groups while exploring the possibility of opening up Semakau landfill for more recreational activities. So far, Wild Singapore has expressed interest in conducting biodiversity surveys on Semakau; Nature Society for bird-watching; and the Sport Fishing Association of Singapore for sport fishing. NEA will be putting in place the necessary amenities to support these activities. We can expect the first groups to commence their activities on the island in the second quarter of this year. Sir, both Dr Khor and Mdm Phua have asked how do we engage the community, especially the young. Our young are naturally passionate about the environment. I found this out during a recent dialogue which I had with some young people. Several of them were enthusiastic about having more opportunities to engage on environmental issues.”
“In the recent Speed Crossing event, which was jointly organised by the Seletar Country Club and the Boardsailing Association of Singapore, more than 100 local and regional windsurfers, most of them in their early teens, took part in a race across the Lower Seletar Reservoir. In fact, we have been very encouraged by the interest and positive support shown by the public for our initiative to open up the reservoirs. In a public consultation last year, about 80% of the 2,000-plus public feedback supported PUB's proposed plans to open up the Bedok and MacRitchie Reservoirs for more recreational activities. But we have to be mindful that as we open up the reservoirs, we should be concerned that the reservoirs have their own unique characteristics. So the PUB has formed the Water Network comprising members from the 3P sectors to serve as a sounding board to ensure that the activities introduced would keep to the unique character of the reservoir. So for reservoirs like MacRitchie where residents and visitors prefer the serenity and quiet surroundings, activities would be more subdued, such as fishing and canoeing, in keeping with the character of the place. In contrast, more active recreational activities like wakeboarding and dragon boating would be introduced in the more urban reservoirs such as Bedok. Besides the reservoirs, we are also looking at opening up the Pulau Semakau landfill, which SPS Mr Yatiman Yusof has described so vividly. Many people picture a landfill as a dirty and smelly place. This is not the case with the Semakau landfill. In fact, if Members are interested, we could organise for them a trip to the landfill one day. Semakau landfill today has a pleasant environment as a result of environmental and conservation measures taken by the NEA.”
“Moving forward, and as these prove successful, we intend to progressively introduce more recreational activities in our reservoirs and encourage more groups of people to participate in these activities. Members in the House and Prof. Png may be pleased to note that there are plans to open up facilities for walk-in members of the public. For example, the PUB is working with the Singapore Canoe Federation to start a kayaking centre in MacRitchie Reservoir. The centre, expected to be launched later this month, will not only cater to school and national training but will offer rental of kayaks for members of the public, including Prof. Png and his family. As we anticipate a high level of interest from the public, there are plans to open similar centres for kayaking and sailing at other reservoirs, such as Bedok Reservoir. Prof. Png mentioned that we should ensure that the opening up of the reservoirs benefit the general public and not only exclusive groups. I agree with him and I would like to reassure him that this has always been our intention. Let me just explain the case of the Seletar Country Club. In the case of the Seletar Country Club, the PUB has imposed a condition that the sailing and kayaking facilities put in place and operated by the Club will be made available for organised groups of the public. Instead of individuals, we think we should open up to organised groups, because these are clubs and therefore they can organise it better that way. Hence, there is no need to join the Club to enjoy the facilities. Members should come as a group. The PUB can facilitate members to enjoy the waters in the Lower Seletar Reservoir. Let me cite an example, Sir.”
“In addition, over the next twelve months, PUB will provide $1 million towards its 3P - or people, public, private sectors - partnership programmes to engage more Singaporeans to appreciate, value and take ownership of our water resources. This is on top of the existing $1 million 3P Partnership fund that NEA has set aside to help support the various 3P initiatives. My Ministry continues to involve interest groups through various environmental events and activities, such as the Environmental Education Advisors Workshops and Clean and Green Week activities. NEA is currently working with the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) and CASE on increasing public awareness on the Energy Efficiency Labelling scheme for air-conditioners and refrigerators. Dr Khor has asked a question on energy labelling. With your permission, Sir, I will take it up when I speak on the energy efficient cut. Besides collective community efforts, we want people to feel that they have a personal stake in keeping the environment clean and beautiful. To this end, we will create more opportunities for the community to enjoy and appreciate our environment and water resources. This is reflected in PUB's new tagline "Water For All: Conserve, Value, Enjoy", which sums up our new approach in encouraging Singaporeans to build a closer relationship with water and, in so doing, learn to appreciate and treasure this precious resource. Sir, we have taken a cautious but proactive approach in our efforts to open up the reservoirs for more recreational activities. As a start, we have encouraged mainly organised groups, like schools, the national sports associations and clubs, to conduct their training and events in our reservoirs.”
“About 500 building owners have also achieved similar water savings under the Water Efficient Buildings programme. PUB intends to reach out to another 120,000 households and 200 building owners this year. Our interest groups and NGOs have also been active in helping to engage the community. For example, the Restroom Association of Singapore has launched the "Happy Toilet" rating scheme to encourage building management to achieve high standard of cleanliness for their public toilets. Sir, another commendable example is the Waterways Watch Society (WWS). On a Sunday morning last month, they took me on their small patrol boat up and down the Singapore River, and showed me how they picked up flotsam and other rubbish in the water. They have been doing so almost every Sunday in the Kallang Basin and Singapore River area. The WWS also gives presentations to schools and conducts beach clean ups to reach out to more people and cultivate the spirit of "keeping our waterways clean". My Ministry will continue therefore to work closely with the CDCs, Town Councils and CCCs to sustain various public outreach efforts, such as the Rat Attack, Mozzie Attack and other community programmes initiated under the banner of the Singapore's OK campaign. We are quite comfortable with the current structure. We do not see the need for us to put everything together. But, certainly, where there are synergies to collaborate and to streamline, we will do so. Sir, in support of the CDCs and CCCs in these efforts, we will provide appropriate funding support, which could amount to $250,000 for all the CDCs and another $420,000 for all the CCCs.”
“To this end, civic and community groups play an important part in helping to foster shared ownership of our environment. Indeed, I am happy to see that there have been more community-driven efforts that promote a greater sense of personal and shared responsibilities towards our environment. The "Make Singapore Sparkle" Programme that Mdm Phua mentioned encourages residents to keep the environment and public toilets clean. Last year, South-West CDC, under the able leadership of Dr Khor, jointly organised the Clean and Green Week launch event with NEA, making it the first community group to do so. Recently, both the North-East and South-East CDCs have also organised dengue prevention workshops in their respective districts. The strong support of our community groups has given good results in some areas. For example, greater participation in recycling has contributed towards a drop in the amount of waste disposed. We hope that we could also reap similar benefits in our joint battle against the dengue scourge. The community's efforts are also important in helping us close the water loop. Conserving water and caring for our waterways and water catchments require the cooperation of all. On a per capita domestic basis, our water consumption has dropped from 165 litres per day in previous years to 162 litres per day in 2004. This is good but we can do better. Our target is to reduce this to 160 litres per day by 2007. Sir, this target is achievable if each of us takes ownership of our water consumption and adopts water conservation habits. Some 190,000 households in 54 constituencies have made a start by installing water saving devices in their homes under the Water Efficient Homes programme. They have seen savings of up to 5% in their monthly water consumption.”
“Sir, if need be, Singapore can be self-sufficient beyond 2061. Sir, an integral part of the water loop is the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS). This system allows us to channel used water to what we now call Water Reclamation Plants, and then on to NEWater factories, thus allowing us to "close the water loop". Prof. Low was concerned that the possible introduction of foreign materials into the deep tunnel sewers could pose a potential security risk in the production of NEWater. Sir, let me take this opportunity to allay his fears. Sir, as the 48 km deep tunnel is an extension of the existing 3,100 km gravity sewers, the potential risks are no different from the current risk. Due to the greater dilution effect of the deep sewers, a large amount, and continuous dosage, of contaminants would be needed to affect the downstream process. Sir, even if contaminants get in, the used water would first be treated by the PUB to international standards, before the effluent is discharged or used as feedstock in our NEWater factories. The NEWater process itself is also very stringent, where all contaminants are removed through a three-stage process. As a further safeguard, a comprehensive online monitoring system ensures that the NEWater supplied for use is always of high quality, meeting the World Health Organisation's and US Environmental Protection Agency's drinking water guidelines and standards. Such comprehensive measures ensure that our NEWater supply meets the high standards of water quality and will be free of contaminants. 2.45 pm Sir, let me now move on to greater community involvement raised both by Dr Amy Khor and Mdm Phua. I agree with them that we must continue to build on our existing partnerships and strengthening it further.”
“Allow me to elaborate, Sir. Sir, the yield from our existing reservoirs will be increased with the completion of the Reservoir Integration Scheme in mid-2006. By 2009, our local catchment area will increase from half to two-thirds of Singapore's land surface with the completion of other reservoir schemes, including the Marina Reservoir. It means that all of us by then will be living in a reservoir. Dr Ong also asked what we are doing to ensure that water in the future Marina Reservoir is kept clean. Sir, with the availability of advanced water treatment technology, the quality of water in the Marina Reservoir is less of a concern. Nonetheless, we would want to keep the water clean and aesthetic so that Singaporeans could also enjoy and participate in recreational activities in the waters. A multi-agency steering committee has been formed to help ensure this, for example, by ensuring that proper pollution control and safety measures are undertaken for activities such as non-motorised boating, water taxis, duck tours and river cruises. Sir, our third tap - NEWater - has been turned on since 2003, and we now have three NEWater plants with a total supply of 20 mgd (million gallons per day) of NEWater. Another plant in Ulu Pandan is on the way and when completed in 2006 would be our largest plant, with a capacity of 25 mgd of NEWater. Sir, our target is to increase the direct non-potable use of NEWater to 55 mgd or 15% of total Singapore's water demand by 2011. Sir, our fourth tap, which is desalinated water, is set to come on stream this year. So, with these diversified sources in place, we have sufficient capacity to make up for the loss of the water supply under the 1961 Agreement, and are well-placed to meet our future water needs.”
“Sir, the air we breathe is clean. Going by the Pollutant Standards Index, or PSI, our air quality was in the 'Good' range for 88% of days last year. The remaining days were in the 'Moderate' range. We are well within the international standards in controlling most of the air pollutants. However, like many other urban cities, we have yet to meet the PM2.5 standards. Introducing the Euro IV standards next year would help us address this issue. Sir, Mr Steve Chia suggested that we introduce an hourly PSI reading and indicate the time of day when the highest PSI reading is taken. Sir, I would like to inform Mr Chia and the House that NEA already has a system for reporting PSI readings hourly. This system is activated automatically when the daily 24-hour PSI reading exceeds 65, which is when the hazy conditions become perceptible over prolonged periods of the day. For example, when PSI hit 66 in June of last year, the reporting of the PSI readings at hourly intervals was automatically activated. The daily PSI readings already take into consideration the highest pollutant reading within the 24-hour period. Sir, although PSI readings have crossed into the "moderate" air quality range during the recent dry spell, as a result of some localised bush fires, the highest daily PSI reading during this dry spell was only 56. Sir, NEA will continue to monitor the situation and initiate the reporting of PSI readings at hourly intervals when the daily 24-hour PSI reading exceeds 65. Sir, Dr Ong asked whether we have enough water in future and whether our taps will ever run dry. Sir, I would like to assure him and the House that we have, and will continue to have, an adequate supply of water for all our needs. Sir, our programme to increase our local water sources is on track.”
“Sir, allow me to highlight a few key achievements. Sir, all households continue to enjoy daily refuse collection services, now provided entirely by private companies appointed by the NEA. Last year, Sir, we incinerated 2.26 million tonnes of rubbish. On a daily basis, this works out to 6,200 tonnes of rubbish or 880 truck-loads of refuse every day. But the good news, Sir, is that the amount of waste we are incinerating is declining, from 2.31 million tonnes in 2003 to 2.26 million tonnes last year. The overall recycling rate, as noted by Dr Khor, is up. It now stands at 48% - not 47% as she cited - up from 40% in 2000. Sir, we are seeing greater participation from schools, up from 30% in 2003 to 50% in 2004; from households, up from 45% in 2003 to 54% in 2004; and condominiums, up from 20% in 2003 to 34% in January this year. All 21 JTC flatted factory industrial estates in Singapore now have a waste recycling programme. NEA is working on extending the collective recycling system to other smaller factories and workshops. In all, these efforts have helped cut down on the waste going to our landfill and extend the Semakau landfill's expected lifespan by another 10 years to 2040. So going forward, we are targeting for 80% of our schools to have recycling programmes by the end of this year, up from the current 50%. We are also piloting a regional recycling scheme to serve clusters of private condominiums and apartments to encourage even more people to recycle their waste. Sir, more restaurants and foodstalls have attained the "A" grade. Foodcourt management have also been playing a more active role in getting their stallholders to attain and maintain the "A" grade. We now have 52 foodcourts on the "Straight As" list, up from the 39 in 2003.”
“Two things worthy of mention today. She missed having her rubbish collected daily. Where she now lives, her rubbish is collected once in two weeks. Once she missed the collection day, she had to tolerate the smell and flies for a month. She also misses the neighbourhood wet market. She has to travel miles to a supermarket to get her marketing done, but there she cannot get meat cut to the size she wants, or fish which are cleaned and scaled so that she can cook it readily. Sir, she misses the efficiency, service and convenience that we have here in Singapore. But, having said all that, Sir, I think we all agree that we must not rest on our laurels. Having reached the base camp of environmental performance, we must now continue to push towards environmental sustainability as our next peak. Going beyond just keeping Singapore clean when we are reminded to, we want every Singaporean to feel for, and care for, our environment. This is not beyond us. In fact, this behaviour is already of 'export quality'. Indeed, I have been told by the Saudi authorities that Singaporeans are the cleanest lot there. Our Haj pilgrims never fail to bag their rubbish and dispose of them at the right places. Sir, last year, we released the first Clean Card to inform the public about how our environment is faring and what more we could do to make it even better. Sir, we have just updated the Clean Card and we would make this available to all schools, public libraries and community clubs. Sir, we have also put together Singapore's first State of the Environment report, and I hope Members have the chance to go through it. Sir, this report is a handy, yet comprehensive, account of Singapore's environmental challenges, strategies and performance towards environmental sustainability.”
“Dr Yaacob Ibrahim): Sir, first, I would like to thank Dr Amy Khor, our new GPC Chairman and other Members for the various suggestions and questions. Sir, today, being the International Women's Day, may I take this opportunity to wish all the women folk in Singapore a better future. Sir, indeed, my Ministry is committed towards continuing to build on past successes to further improve the management of Singapore's environment and water resources. Sir, Dr Amy Khor and several other MPs have alluded to how Singapore has progressed in terms of our environment. Indeed, we have done well as a nation. Just take a look at the Singapore River from the Members' Room. Looking back over 40 years of nation building, our environmental achievements to date are no mean feat. Today, Singapore is 100% sewered, with all used water collected and treated. Proper waste management facilities and systems have been put in place. Singapore is recognised by the World Health Organisation as being free from malaria. Sir, we are indeed clean and green. Sir, we could not have done all this alone. Over the years, many groups and civic-minded individuals have worked hand-in-hand with us and other Government agencies to engender pride in our environment, and promote the message of keeping our environment clean. Through these meticulous, collective and continuous efforts, our environment became and, has remained, a key factor in making Singapore an attractive place to live, work and play. Mr Chairman, sometimes, being away from Singapore makes one appreciate more of what we have going here. In a letter to the Business Times in December last year, one Ms Vanessa Ng, now living in a small town about 90 minutes outside London, wrote about the little things that she missed.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, the NEA currently publishes the overall daily PSI value which effectively shows the highest indices in accordance with the USEPA guidelines for PSI reporting. Since 14th February 2005, the agency had also implemented a system of publishing the PSI reading categorised into the five major regions in Singapore over the same period. The recent spate of bush fires in Singapore from the hot weather had exposed an inadequacy in the PSI information dispensed by the agency. Our suggestion: could NEA consider putting in place a system which allows the indication of the time of day where the highest PSI value is registered? Such information could serve as an advisory alert, allowing Singaporeans to make an informed choice on the time of day where they may like to conduct their outdoor activities. This information will certainly hold more practical value than a tabulated presentation of the PSI by regions within Singapore. To further refine the proposal, NEA may even adopt a farsighted and proactive approach by issuing an hourly PSI automatically, without prompting, when the situation demands. For example, during times of local and regional blazes. If the cost is minimal, such an hourly update might even become the daily norm. Such a mechanism is apparently feasible as seen during the times when an hourly update of the PSI was released in view of the haze emitted from the Indonesian fires which had periodically and severely enveloped the region in recent years. Distinction of the seriousness of the haze problem should not be dependent on whether it is of a local or foreign origin. As such, the measures taken to inform the public should universally be applied to all situations. The Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (Assoc. Prof.”
“Sir, I find it hard to reconcile the statistics given by the Prime Minister at the Debate on the President's Speech this year that Singapore's per capita income has risen over the last 10 years. Considering the fact that there is record unemployment, high number of retrenchments, constant pay cuts, CPF cuts and, at the same time, problems of those above 40 who find it hard to get a decent job, many Singaporeans, including myself, wonder how the Ministry of Trade and Industry had arrived at the reported statistical figures. I hope that the statistical calculations do not take into account the earnings of PRs, expatriate staff and foreign workers working and earning good pay in Singapore into the average income calculation and computation. Otherwise, we will be giving a false impression to our citizens that our income is indeed rising faster than imagined. Finally, of what benefit or good in showing an increase in the per capita income to Singaporean men who have been retrenched and unemployed for more than half a year? What we need is finding more good jobs for them, not about how the average income of Singaporeans has risen because of foreign talent contribution to the GDP.”
“Sir, the Minister did not answer my point about car park charges. When will minute-by-minute charging be extended to all HDB and URA car parks which use the cash-card? It is not whether the technology is available or not. I know that the technology is available. When will it be extended? I want the date. My second clarification is on lift upgrading. When will the blocks which have undergone the interim upgrading but without the lift upgrading programme in the earlier precincts be given a chance for lift upgrading too?”
“Sir, on another matter regarding carparking, two years have passed since the testing and implementation of minute-by-minute charging at certain public carparks like those in Toa Payoh Central, I am wondering how are the testing and the results of the tests so far. Since minute-by-minute charging of public carparking benefits the consumer and makes for a more efficient pricing system, I would like to ask the Minister when will this system of minute-by-minute charging be implemented island-wide across all the URA and HDB carparks.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment, as you have requested.”
“Sir, I thought the guillotine time is at 2.00 o'clock.”
“Sir, I just want to ask the question: why are the countries selected in favour of limiting time when there are many others who do not have such restrictions? While there is sufficient time given for MPs to talk about their cuts, there are not enough cuts, in the first place, to go around. That is why we have too much time and we are trying to fill up so much time now.”
“Sir, I have a few points of clarification. First of all, how could Parliament break the rules just to favour us? Rules are rules and they have to be followed. How could the rules be broken just in favour of us as the Opposition? That is the first point. Secondly, a point of clarification, the extra two minutes that have been given to me is, I suppose, because I moved the cut as the only person speaking on this head. That is to answer Ms Irene Ng. Sir, I would like to ask the Minister what weightage of work is accorded between parliamentary duties and constituency work. As it is, the NCMP and NMPs are only paid 15% of what elected MPs are paid. Effectively, you are saying that constituency work is 85% more important than parliamentary work. Is that how Parliament accords the responsibility? Next clarification: why choose countries that are in favour of limiting the time? There are so many other countries that do not have ---”
“If the speaking and questioning rights of MPs are being reduced through restrictions in the Standing Orders, and their effectiveness to perform that duty is being reduced accordingly, I would suggest that Parliamentarians' and Ministerial allowance, by the same argument, should be reduced accordingly. Instead of taking the average of the top-earners in the top six professions, they should adopt this simple formula used here. Just take the simple average of the earnings of Singaporeans and pay a simple average to the Ministers and civil servants. Whereas this is not the case, I hope that the Parliamentary Standing Orders Committee would use a more equitable formula in allocating more speaking time for active MPs than taking the simple average of the total time used divided by the total number of MPs.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head F of the Estimates be reduced by $100. Mr Chairman, Sir, one of the key duties of a Member of Parliament is to represent his constituents and speak up in Parliament. They must be prepared and able to have the time and opportunity to ask questions and speak on topics and issues concerning their residents and affecting Singapore. Yet, this ability to speak and ask questions is continuously being restricted by the Parliamentary Standing Orders. First, the right to ask oral and written questions is being curbed to a total of three plus two (maximum). Then, the right and the time given to raise matters at the Committee of Supply is also restricted to 18 minutes for us. The use of the simple average of 18 minutes for this Committee of Supply debate and five questions in total for oral and written questions is limiting the ability of MPs who are harder at Parliamentary work and more willing to take their work more seriously to speak up and ask more questions than some others. It is terrible to read that the number of cuts filed by MPs has dropped by 65% because of this time limit imposed and that the largest number of cuts on a Ministry dropped drastically from 104 last year to only 29 this year. There are MPs who would have submitted more cuts and asked more questions than others who would not even have been actively seen in Parliament. Using this important average ratio of the active and inactive MPs forces the active and outspoken MPs to become mediocre and less active in their duties. This is not good for their track records.”
“Sir, I have a question for the Senior Parliamentary Secretary. Instead of marking Total Defence day as the day that Singapore fell to the Japanese on 15th February, why not we consider marking it as the day the Japanese surrendered and Singapore regained its sovereignty on 12th September as the day that we began Total Defence? I think it is more meaningful in that sense because we mark that day of independence as the day of sovereignty. Assoc. Prof. Koo Tsai Kee: Sir, Singapore did not gain sovereignty on th September 1945 because the Japanese surrendered to Lord Mountbatten. Singapore gained sovereignty on National Day, 9th August 1965. We already have National Day to celebrate that day. It is like Independence Day, 4th July. 1st October is China's National Day. That is the day when the Chinese gained sovereignty. The Americans became a whole, so to speak, on 4th July. In Singapore, we have a National Day to celebrate our independence day. So 15th February is actually a solemn day for us to remember the fall of Singapore.”
“Sir, in my opinion, the possibility of a terrorist attack here is a lot more remote than when compared to the likely threat of a bird flu human-to-human transmission occurring in our neighbouring countries and in particular, in Singapore. I read of how the virus is constantly mutating and infecting people in Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. Our real fear begins when it starts jumping from patient to patient as quickly as the SARS virus did. My question is: how is the Home Team putting its efforts and resources together to get Singapore totally prepared in this Total Defence plan against this invisible enemy - the H5N1 flu virus - that will also potentially cripple our economy much more badly than when SARS hit? If the bird flu virus eventually mutates and evolves into this deadly human transmission form in our region, how is the Ministry working to prevent its entry into Singapore? Are we totally prepared for any such outbreak of this life-threatening flu pandemic in the unlikely event if it ever happens? What is the Government's Total Defence plan that will involve all Ministries on this matter? Search of Internet Service Provider”
“Sir, if the Minister by his answer says that we may not collect much revenue from the casino, then I do not see the point why, after considering all the negative social consequences, we should still go ahead with the casino project. We are prepared to support having a casino if it is bringing in revenue for the Government and that results in lower taxes for the people.”
“Sir, I seek a point of clarification. The purpose of the Integrated Resort is to promote and increase tourism. Would increasing tourism not help to increase our GDP and indirectly increase Government revenue? At the same time, with the tax revenue that we collect from the casino, if we have a casino, would it not add to the Government revenue? All these increases in our GDP and GDP growth, would they not result in bigger bonuses for Ministers and civil servants, since bonuses are pegged to the growth in the GDP? That is my first point. Secondly, the Minister has not answered whether it is prepared to give an undertaking to cut the taxes, if revenues are coming in from the casino.”
“Sir, with the Government's plan to build an integrated casino resort, what is the projected tax revenue and profits from this investment that will go into the Government's coffers? And considering the negative social consequences, what is the expected benefit going to Singaporeans for supporting such a casino project? With the expected increase in Government revenue, can we expect to see a possible reduction in the GST? Or more reductions in the corporate and/or income tax rate? Or more new Singapore shares to be given out? Or more Medisave and MediShield top-ups for citizens? Or will we see greater Government revenue and expected rise in the GDP figures, because of this casino project translated into higher bonuses for our Ministers and civil servants only? Sir, to answer our hon. colleague, Mr Tan Soo Khoon's question to me yesterday, I am hesitant about supporting the casino project here because of the negative social consequences such a project will bring. However, I am prepared to commit and support it if this casino project will translate into less financial burden and taxes for our general population. Sir, if the Government is prepared to give an undertaking that it will cut GST, corporate and/or personal income tax further once the casino revenue comes in, then I will be more prepared to speak in support of this integrated casino resort project. Otherwise, there is no deal. Tobacco and Liquor Duties”
“Sir, the Minister replied that the last election was supposed to be much later but, because of 911, the Government felt there was an urgent need to call the election earlier. Because they took into consideration that it was to their advantage to call the election earlier without reference or due consideration to the Opposition's position. That was very unfair to us - to have the election immediately after the boundaries were announced when Parliament was dissolved.”
“Sir, I am clarifying that it has to be more fair. If you look at the last general election, the way the electoral boundaries were redrawn and the way the timing was given, all these were explained in the past. But it goes to show that a certain process leading up to the election was not very fair to the non-governing party. So what we are asking for is to make it appear more fair to everybody.”
“Sir, I would like to clarify my point. It is not that the elections are not free or not fair, but the image that is presented both in Singapore and internationally. We have international bodies coming to understand and study our elections system, and putting up reports saying that the electoral process could be more fair and free. It is the image that we need to project to the world that has to be done. I believe that the setting up of an independent elections commission would address that issue.”
“Sir, I said it in the last two years' budget debates and I asked for it again at the debate on the President's Address this year, and I still think it is very important for me to raise it again in this year's Budget debate, ie, to have an independent elections commission. Sir, until our public - local and international communities - can see, agree and be satisfied by an independent elections commission that the general election in Singapore is truly free and fair, we are far from being a vibrant democratic, cosmopolitan, advanced and talent-attracting society. There is no better way to silence all the critics - myself included - than the setting up of such an independent elections commission, headed by a retired Judge and comprising citizens of public repute, like retired CEOs, ex-NMPs, Government and non-Government NMPs. If the Government is good, and currently it is good, there is no need for it to be afraid of setting up such an independent elections commission to help promote our image as a country with a free and fair elections system. Why the big hesitation? This lack of an independent impartial referee to oversee our political system is the greatest disgruntlement any Singaporeans have against our Government. By removing itself as the referee when playing in the game, the PAP Government will silence all critics immediately about any unfair electioneering activities and it will win more praises - both locally and internationally.”
“This way of calling for project proposals is similar to the way the Singapore Land Office calls for public tender in the sale of public land. Their intention is to sell. All they are waiting for is the right proposal at the right tender price. Therefore, the debate is no longer about whether to have a casino or not, but refocus it as whether the submitted proposals at yesterday's deadline is worth proceeding with, considering the consequences. I hope the Government can release the submitted proposals for public viewing, scrutiny and further discussion - while taking the public's feedback on the various proposals into consideration - before making its final decision to proceed or not to proceed with the casino. Anyway, I will further elaborate on my position on the casino at the Committee of Supply debate. With this, I thank you, Sir, for the indulgence.”
“Sir, although it takes a man and a woman to make a child, it takes a village to care, nurture and build up good values in the child. To quote Prime Minister Lee at last year's National Day Rally, "Grandparents are a tremendous help to families who have children ... Because the grandmother will help look after them, guide them, spot what's wrong and nag you to have a few more children." Giving incentives for grandparents to stay together with grandchildren will help build such a village. Mr Speaker, Sir, these two proposals will not only give greater incentives for aged parents to chase their children to have more children, it will also promote a tighter and integrated family, promote home care services and, at the same time, it will significantly and immediately reduce the unemployment figures for those aged workers looking for menial work. Integrated Casino Resort Next, I move on to the integrated casino resort proposal. Sir, the Government keeps denying that they have made up their minds on having a casino. Like what Mr Tan Soo Khoon has said, I do not think they have not made up their mind. I say that they have already made up their mind to have this integrated resort with a casino built in. Why do I say so? Because they have already laid out the parameters and set the ground rules for interested investors to submit their concept plans, which they have already done by yesterday's deadline. Their intention to proceed is already clear with the announcement of this set of social safeguards to go with the casino. Only what is not decided is whether to accept any of the proposals submitted at yesterday's deadline, whether to have one, two or none, ie, whether the submitted proposals are good enough to have the go ahead.”
“This is the best job any aged worker, who has become a grandparent, will be most willing to undertake in the comfort of his own home, taking care of his own loved ones. It adds life to his years and helps build a child with strong values for the community. This type of job is better than asking the aged grandparents to go for training and retraining so as to become a public cleaner or a sweeper earning $600-$800 a month doing all those dirty jobs in their old age. They are already well trained to take care of children and infants from their past experience as parents. And the young parents will definitely feel safer leaving their infants and children in their grandparents' care than a stranger or a foreign maid speaking a foreign language in their own homes. Allow grandparents to rent out whole HDB flats to stay with grandchildren Second, to encourage the young parents, grandparents and grandchildren to stay together as a multi-generation family, the Government should liberalise the rules on the rental of whole-unit HDB approved flats further, ie, to allow HDB flat owners who become grandparents to rent out their whole HDB flat as an approved unit - if they choose and opt to stay together with their children and grandchildren. This will free up a locked asset and make it productive, helping them to generate additional income together with the salary as a paid child care giver. This is definitely a better option than allowing and asking them to go for reverse mortgages, as some MPs have suggested. It is also good for the young parents as they now do not have to rush back immediately after work to pick up their infants or children from the child care centre. Also, they may get to enjoy mum's cooking after a hard day's work.”