Tay Boon Too
Singapore
“Of course, I am glad to hear that the answer is "No". Sir, I would like to ask, or rather make a suggestion. Can the two languages be given equal exposure time, i.e. 50% for the mother tongue and 50% for English?”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would just like to request the Senior Minister of State to clarify certain matters in regard to bilingualism. I have already quoted the Prime Minister in my speech just now.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister of State's answer to the question of six- and seven-year primary education seems to be wrong. According to my understanding, the curriculum committee has already revised the six-year syllabus to a seven-year syllabus. For example, there is a textbook graded Book Seven.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to ask a supplementary question. If a student's home environment is not conducive to his learning the language in a particular language stream, under our bilingual policy is it possible for him to learn more in the language in which he is proficient?”
“As a result of this statement the school inspectors in charge of second language teaching are very worried. So they visit all the various Chinese schools, not with the purpose of advising the teachers how to raise the standard of English as the second language but to tell the teachers, "My superior has pulled me up, so I must pull you up…”
“Sir, earlier on the Minister for Education mentioned that the discretion of limited corporal punishment has been given to principals and senior teachers. I do not know whether he realises a situation like this.”
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“P, came to power, we have been allotting large sums of money on education. The purpose is to educate and bring up our younger generation so that in future they may make a better contribution and render more service to our country. It cannot be denied that the achievements of our country in education have been meritorious. But now, because of the rapid changes in our situation, it is necessary to make our education pattern meet the needs of a new environment. We have to review and reform our existing education policy. In the past, there was a quantitative bias in our education policy because we had to eradicate illiteracy quickly. This objective has now been achieved. The teachers played an important role in achieving this objective. But today, the quantitative bias in our education policy is outdated. What we are looking for today is a qualitative education policy because, in such a country as ours where there are no natural resources, the youths are the precious wealth we have. If we do not educate them well and turn them out into rugged, brave and intelligent people endowed with scientific and technological knowledge, the perpetual existence of Singapore will be at stake. Sir, in July last year, I saw the Youth Festival organised by the Ministry of Education. We have witnessed the sudden re-awakening of the younger generation who have changed their past attitudes. They have responded keenly to cadetship in schools, the Police, the Army, the Air Force and the Navy. This is proof that they are awakening to new challenges and demonstrating the spirit of a new generation. If the Ministry of Education can make military training one of the compulsory subjects in the middle school curriculum, these youths will be like hedge- hogs which cannot be swallowed easily.”
“But more important is that it has made significant achievements in raising the standard of living of the people. Otherwise, the P.A.P, would have already followed the footsteps of some Afro-Asian countries whose governments do not have a firm foundation. In some of the Afro-Asian countries, no matter what political pattern or political party is in power, it is only a matter of eight to ten years before military men take over the government. There is no democratic election. Following this, there is violent revolution and the Communists take over. Then there is a one-party dictatorship and the young shoot of democracy is uprooted. Why? The cause for this kind of situation mainly lies in the fact that the people in power are interested only in making money and they have forgotten the well-being of the people and the duty to be of service to the people. Sir, we all know that in the 1970s we have to spend large sums of money on defence and military establishments. But it cannot be denied that public construction in the rural areas is still lagging far behind that in the urban areas. So we must redouble our efforts in public construction in the rural areas. Otherwise, what happened in 1963 in the rural areas would be repeated, i.e., the rural areas would be manipulated by anti-national elements. Sir, let me talk about education. We all know that in a newly independent country like Singapore, the long-term policy and objectives of the People's Action Party have a telling effect on the future of the people and on the policy of democratic socialism amongst the new generation. The long-term objectives of the P.A.P, will play a very important role in this aspect. One of the means to achieve these long-term objectives is education. Ever since we in the P.A.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, one encouraging point in the President's policy speech is that our Government will be making use of the available time to build up our defence capability, because by 1971 the British will have withdrawn their troops from Singapore. We can make use of our available human and other resources, not to expand rapidly our military establishment, but to recruit only a limited number of regular national servicemen to be in the reserves. They will be receiving regular training so that our resources may be used for nation-building and for constructive production. Furthermore, our population may take part in production while they are always ready for combat. This is a very wise policy. We all know that not very long ago Israeli troops defeated their enemies who were ten times more powerful than they were in just a matter of a few days. What does this mean? It means that the people of a country should place the interest of the country above individual interest. At the same time, the people should have very high morale. Our Government realises that we are a small country with a small population. We have been able to learn a lesson from the historical incident which I have just mentioned and we shall implement our policy accordingly. This is laudable. Sir, I feel that there was not enough emphasis on a programme for public construction and social welfare in the President's speech. Such a programme will improve the livelihood of the people. Also, there is a lack of planning to reduce the difference between the living standard of the rural people and that of the urban people. It cannot be denied that the People's Action Party was elected to power for the third time because it has shown a high degree of efficiency, integrity and incorruptibility.”
“Sir, I am not satisfied with the answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary. But because of time --- 7.55 p.m.”
“The next question I would like to ask is about the principle and basis of allotment. 95 per cent of the Paya Lebar area is rural and the rest is suburban. We are getting less funds now for the improvement of this area. What I mean to say is this. There are some constituencies where one-quarter or one-eighth of the area is rural or urban. I would like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether he can adjust his allotment so that the overall development of the constituencies is fair.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir,I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 68 be reduced by $l00*. * The same amendment also stood in the names of Inche Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi, Mr. Ho Kah Leong, Mr. Ng Kah Ting, and Mr. Teong Eng Siong. [ Mr Lim Cheng Lock in the Chair ] 7.23 p.m. Sir, under this Head, I would like to ask several questions. We all know that every year the Urban and Rural Services Committee is allotted large sums of money to be distributed to various constituencies. But in some constituencies the money is not fully used or even used, and in certain rural areas the sums allotted are not sufficient for their use. So will the Urban and Rural Services Committee consider re-allotting those sums of money which are not made use of to other constituencies which are urgently in need of more money? In some areas, not a single cent was spent out of the vote given to them, while in my constituency Paya Lebar, two years have already elapsed without the necessary funds being approved for the construction of a drain. $60,000 is required for the building of the drain, and yet only $2,000 is allotted each year. Sir, I would like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development whether he will consider transferring the unspent sums to needy areas for such development projects. Sir, there is another question I would like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary regarding the neighbourhood of Housing Board estates in certain constituencies. It usually happens that when a new housing estate is being built, the roads are made up and street lamps are provided. I wonder whether in such cases the balance of the vote for these constituencies can be transferred to the rural constituencies to be used.”
“Sir, in view of the fact that the Minister has not given a clear explanation to satisfy me, I would like to put it to a vote. Question on the amendment put, and negatived. 3.15 p.m. The following amendment stood in the name of Madam Chan Choy Siong. That the sum to be allocated for Head 1001 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1091. Madam Chan Choy Siong: I am not moving. Inche Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi (Kampong Kembangan)(In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, in order to save time, may I take my amendments (3)*, (4)+ and (5)++ together? + Amendment No. (4) reads as follows: That the sum to be allocated for Head 1001 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1143. ++ Amendment No. (5) reads as follows: That the sum to be allocated for Head 1001 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1151.”
“Sir, I sympathise with the Member for Delta. Yesterday I was scheduled to speak on two items, and yet the Member for Delta took all the time and so I had no chance to speak. Today I must allow her to get a taste of what I tasted yesterday. Sir, what I want to clarify is this. I did not blame the Minister. I did not say that he had made any errors. But I blame some of the members on the National Sports Control Board. They should be removed from the Board.”
“Although the Minister has given his explanation, I am not satisfied. First, the Minister does not know to which organisation I belong. I am not the vice-president of the basketball team. I am the president of the Volleyball Association. I speak as the Member for Paya Lebar and not as president of the Volleyball Association. Secondly, he said the volleyball team did not have much training. As I said earlier, the team had been training four times a week from June last year. Up to now, the team has had 400 hours of practice. Which sports organisation has exceeded this period of training? The Minister has said that there is no bias in the selection. Perhaps it may be due to the swimming team. Madam Chan Choy Siong: Sir, is there any time for me to move my amendment?”
“Thank you, Sir, for your reminder. I have almost come to the end of my speech. Yet the selection committee said that the women's volleyball team had not reached the standard required. I should say that the committee concerned was actually behaving like a blind man groping for the tail of the elephant. Sir, there are 15 organisations under the Singapore Olympic Sports Council and the Secretary of the Council had very close relations with seven of the organisations. Recently, out of the 11 organisations which had members in the Singapore contingent to the SEAP Games, seven organisations were under him. I would like to ask how many gold, silver or bronze medals were gained by these seven organisations? How many got zero marks back? The idea of holding the SEAP Games, other than enabling all countries in South-east Asia to take part in competition and raising the standard of sports, is also meant to improve the relationship among the participating countries. The sponsor country recently sent a delegation here specially to persuade our authorities to allow our volleyball team, basketball team, football team and rugby team to take part in the SEAP Games. Yet its request was rejected. Would it affect the relationship between Singapore and Thailand, especially in rugby? Rugby was proposed by our country to be added as an item in the SEAP Games and yet we did not send any rugby team to take part. What is past is past but for the future, we can still do something to rectify the situation. I hope the Minister can take some measures towards this end without fear or favour.”
“This volleyball team can be said to be one of the most hard-working teams among our sports organisations. The women's team also improved greatly its standard. Recently at the match with the Malaysian women's volleyball team, the Singapore team defeated them 3 - 0. At the recent SEAP Games, the Malaysian women's volleyball team got the bronze medal. The Burmese team got the silver medal. The Burmese team defeated the Malaysian team 3 - 1. So judging from the standard of our team in April, our women's volleyball team's standard was not only higher than that of the Malaysian team, but was also higher than that of the Burmese team. They can be said to be a match for Thailand's women's volleyball team. Yet the selection committee said that our volleyball team -”
“It is the lowest among all international sports meets. 3.00 p.m. So what kind of standard did we use to select our team members? Did we base our standard on the Olympic Games or the Asian Games? In what events of the Olympic Games did Singapore's contingents ever win any gold medals? If our sports teams are not sent abroad to compete in international games, how do we expect them to raise their sports standard? We will be just closing our eyes. The relevant authorities have said that the selections were based on quality and not on quan tity. Of course, I agree with this. But what is the quality required? Is it that the members selected should be up to the standard that they can expect to win gold medals? If that is so, then the selectors must have been very sure that the members selected for the SEAP Games must be people who had already reached the gold medal standard. But there were many members who got only zero back from the SEAP Games, especially the men's table tennis team. Since it was claimed that selection was based on quality and not on quantity, what happened to those teams selected to represent us at the SEAP Games who got zero marks back for Singapore? Were they affected by Thailand's sunny weather so that there was some sort of chemical reaction which changed their quality and which was different from what they had expected it to be? There is some suspicion that there was bias in selecting our contingent members. Sir, our volleyball team under the able leadership of our Minister of State of Defence had made much progress. They had been training since June last year. There were four collective training periods per week. There had been 200 such occasions totalling some 400 hours.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1001 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1051. Sir, the building of a rugged and brave next generation is one of the national policies of Singapore. This shows the farsightedness and the deep thought given by the Government of the Republic of Singapore. This policy is in keeping with the principles of nation building, that is, in order to build a strong nation, we must first have a strong and healthy people. However, there is a certain amount of dissatisfaction among sports circles in Singapore today with certain members in the National Sports Control Board. Mismanagement and the erroneous views of certain members on this Board have produced some bad consequences. The Government has been trying to promote sports in recent years. Towards that end, it has been trying to reorganise the sports organisations. However, certain members holding responsible positions in the Sports Control Board have behaved in a prejudicial manner. I feel that this behaviour should be corrected. In the past, the sporting activities in our country were under the management of the Singapore Olympic Council. But this year, as a successor to the Singapore Olympic Sports Council, there has been established a body called the Singapore National Sports Control Board which manages all matters pertaining to sports. However, there are no experts on the Board who are conversant with the technique of volleyball and basketball matches. Sir, I would like to recount an incident. The recent SEAP Games were meant mainly to raise the standard of sports of certain countries in this region where the standards are low. Compared with some other international sports meets, the SEAP Games standard is the lowest.”
“Therefore, we cannot close our eyes to it and sit idly by without doing anything. The difficult and onerous task before us should not be borne by the Government alone. It is not enough for the Government alone to resolve this problem. It needs the co-operation of people in all walks of life. Otherwise, when the river overflows its banks, when the danger line is overstepped, it will mean that our whole country and all the people will face disaster. Sir, in order to prepare for the rainy day, we must take certain measures. I agree with the Member for Havelock. We must devise some means to solve our unemployment problem. I suggest that the Government should create more hawker sites or bazaars and provide loans to the unemployed as capital for their business. The loan should be free of interest in order to assist them in their livelihood. Secondly, the Government should set up some kind of national factory in order to use this cheap labour. The Government should also legislate to put these unemployed persons in various commercial firms to work. If the Government can do all this, it will not only be able to create more and new opportunities for employment, but will also be able to lay an optimistic foundation for our future economy, thereby automatically resolving our unemployment situation with ease.”
“The working class, whether hawkers or wage-earners, also need not have to fear an increase in the prices of consumer goods because of tax increase. At the same time, the Budget also serves as concrete proof to foreign investors that Singapore's economy is very stable and sound: its political situation is very stable: and Singapore is a haven for foreign investment. But, Mr Speaker, I have just said that this is only the germination of democratic socialism. We must go a step further and irrigate and cultivate the shoot of democratic socialism in order to enable the shoot to blossom into flower and achieve the highest ideal of socialism - from each according to his ability and to each according to his need. In order to achieve this, all the citizens of Singapore should stand firm on their respective positions and redouble their efforts in order to ensure the security and economic progress of the country. I believe that with the co-operation and joint efforts of our people, our economy will grow year by year and our national revenue will increase year by year which will be followed by social stability and economic prosperity and progress. Sir, as democratic socialists, we are dedicated to the establishment of an egalitarian society where there is no hunger, no shortage of material supplies and where the people can live peacefully together. Therefore, the figures of unemployment disclosed in the Minister's Budget Statement are rather alarming. This really is a very grave economic problem. The number of unemployed persons is 52,630, which is 9 per cent of our working population of 124,025 persons. So this is not far away from the danger line where there will be social insecurity and social disturbances.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, when it comes to the end of the year, people pay particular attention to Parliament. It is mainly because they want to know whether the Government will propose any tax increases in the Budget for the coming year. Generally speaking, the Government Budget should provide at least for the maintenance of efficient administration, social services, educational facilities and a large sum of expenditure relating to security and foreign affairs of the country. There will then be a review of whether revenue and expenditure will balance. Fortunately the people of Singapore are under the guidance of a democratic socialist, clean, honest, incorruptible and highly efficient P.A.P. Government which has endured two years of independence. The Republic of Singapore does not only exist but also continues to progress and prosper. The standard of living of the people is also improving. This augurs well for the germination of a new generation of democratic socialists in this newly emergent independent country of ours. At the same time, it is also a victory for the democratic socialist economic policy of the Government, and also tolls the death knell for the exploiting private capitalist economic policy and the Communist belt-tightening economic policy. Sir, when the Budget of the Finance Minister was introduced in this House and there was no proposal for a tax increase next year, all the people of Singapore were elated. They praised it. It was a stimulant to them. People in all walks of life, be they merchants or hawkers, need not have to worry about the increase in prices of consumer goods because of tax increases and they need not have to worry about any economic recession.”
“Sir, is the Minister of State aware that a tricycle for carrying goods costs only slightly more than a hundred dollars, but every year its owner has to pay about $43 for road tax? Tuan Haji Yaacob(In Malay): Sir, I have stated earlier that if at all the suggestion is to be considered, it will be examined from the point of view of the use of the vehicle. I would like to suggest to those who use tricycles, to Use motorised tricycles for convenience. CONSIDERATION OF MORE THAN ONE ITEM OF SUPPLY BUSINESS 2.38 p.m. Resolved, "That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, the First Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for 1967 and the First Supplementary Development Estimates for 1967 be taken today." -[Dr Goh Keng Swee]. FIRST SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR 1967 AND FIRST SUPPLEMENTARY DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR 1967 Order read for consideration in Committee of Supply [Allotted Day]. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 2.40 p.m.”
“Sir, is the Minister of State for Education aware that in some schools there are senior teachers in charge of administration who hand over the work load entrusted to them to other teachers, who are not senior administrative teachers, to carry out? Thus all these teachers will have to share their work. Therefore, the senior teachers in charge of administration enjoy free periods, whereas the other teachers do not enjoy.”
“I would like to thank the Parliamentary Secretary for saying that work will start soon. FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS GEYLANG RIVER 29. Mr Ng Yeow Chong asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether the Government will consider building a footbridge across the Geylang River for school children travelling on foot between Dakota Crescent housing estate and Broadrick Road Primary School.”
“I would not like to debate with the Parliamentary Secretary -”
“The Minister's explanation was in connection with the pupil's academic records. But I am concerned with other aspects. Is he aware that, because of a lack of detailed records on all aspects, there is a secondary school in which, the administrative officer has selected an anti-national leader as a model student for the whole school?”
“The Minister has said that these record cards are of a cumulative nature. Does he have any detailed records - in one case an administrative officer of a secondary school?”
“Our new Republic wants to go forward and become viable. We are taking all possible action to develop our country - building multi-storey flats and schools, improving the traffic system and erecting more traffic lights - so as to enhance our standard of living. So we cannot allow these hooligans and anti-national elements to put a spoke in our wheel. Finally, Mr Speaker, let me reiterate my full support for this amendment Bill. 3.54 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, we are aware that recently there have been frequent occurrences involving young people who have been misguided and misled by the anti-national elements and they have somewhat imitated the cultural revolution that is going on in Red China now. Carrying red flags, they rampaged all over the streets of Singapore, shouting slogans and causing damage everywhere. In addition, they caused traffic jams and great damage to traffic lights. They have also damaged the property of people by burning vehicles in the streets. All this disregard for the rule of law and the interest of the public should never be condoned or connived at. Strict action must be taken to deal with such misbehaviour and violence. Otherwise Singapore will become an anarchic State and representative government will have failed in its duty towards the people. Therefore, as a representative Government having the mandate of the people, we have the responsibility - a great responsibility, indeed, Mr Speaker - to ensure that there is social order and happiness among our people. In other words, we must take all possible action to protect the people, their property and their lives from these anti-national elements. This is our solemn duty. In order that there is peace in our country and to ensure that the people of Singapore are able to continue their normal way of life, I fully support this amendment Bill. I believe it will go a long way towards preventing further damage and violence by the anti-national elements. They will not be able to stay at large under the protective cover of bail to carry out further damage and create more chaos in our State. The area of this small island Republic of Singapore is only 225 square miles. It is not a place for those who know only how to shout Communist slogans.”
“They carry on their so-called struggle outside Parliament. Mr Speaker, we also know that in many constituencies in our Republic there are certain remote areas which are quite favourable for anti-national elements to carry out their nefarious activities. It is in these areas that their activities are rife. They go on a rampage in these places, resorting to violence, hooliganism and even sometimes committing acts of robbery. Mr Speaker, under cover of darkness, these people cause great damage to public property by using axes and other weapons. These happen in out-of-the-way places and away from the arm of the law. We know that the people in the rural areas are quite appreciative of the value of the recreational opportunities given to them through the community centres. They all make use of the services provided by these centres. But, unfortunately, it is often these areas where the anti-national elements are active. They damage telephone posts, television sets, tables and chairs and other property in the community centres. Their irrational and barbarous acts have aroused the indignation of the people. Be that as it may, Mr Speaker, the people by themselves are quite helpless and so action must be taken to curb the activities of these anti-national elements. Their violence must he restricted and confined and, if possible, prevented. Mr Speaker, if the law in Singapore is inadequate to deal with them, if no preventive measures are available under the existing law, then I believe the situation will be further exploited by these anti-national elements. Their violence will be further intensified because of the loopholes in our laws.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we all know that the anti-national elements in our Republic are abusing the democratic system and that they have been discarded by the people in general. Mr Speaker, these anti-national elements are committing political suicide. They are on the brink of bankruptcy and are without proper leadership. They are now in despair and have almost become desperadoes. So they resort to violence in order to achieve their aims. They behave like mad dogs barking at and biting people in the streets. Their behaviour causes great distress to the people who think that they are really pathetic. Mr Speaker, Sir, admittedly in a country which practises parliamentary democracy, personal liberty is of great value. The rights of the individual must be respected. We all concede this point. But we must also realise that personal liberty and personal rights must not go against the interest of the social order and the national security. Our people have the right of freedom, freedom of speech and freedom of thought without interference. But all these freedoms do not mean that we can allow the anti-national elements to create chaos. These are not absolute freedoms, but are freedoms relative to the national interest. So we must not allow these ill-behaved anti-national elements to create collective violence and commit acts of hooliganism in the Republic of Singapore. Mr Speaker, in the past few months various incidents have shown beyond all doubt that a small minority of anti-national elements have some plans which they intend to carry out stage by stage in order to cause damage and create chaos in our society. They are causing great damage to public property which is paid for at the expense of the rate-payers and the general public. They have no regard for public property.”
“I suggest that the composition of the Senate should also include at least one or two scholars of high international standing to carry out joint research into measures to strengthen the discipline and to raise the academic standard of the college. Briefly, university education is the acme of our national education. It not only produces specialists but it is also a matter of prestige for a country to have a university. Whether a university is properly run or not will affect other levels of education, for example, secondary and primary education. It will also affect the international image of the country. What I would like to point out is that every year every student is entitled to a bursary of $120 from Ngee Ann College, compared with $2,000 for the Polytechnic students. We know that Ngee Ann College cannot truly be a college. What it should do is to build itself up gradually by setting up courses which are needed by our society, and eventually grow into a full-fledged college. As a matter of fact, every college, apart from its general courses, should concentrate on one or two important courses in order to cope with the needs of our society, such as training university talent to promote the development of our country and to make a greater contribution towards the advancement of our society. 4.08 p.m.”
“Teachers from abroad are not suitable to train our younger generation, as they can only train people to be courageous but lacking in patriotism. Let us look at the countries around us in South-east Asia. For example, Cambodia, Thailand and Formosa have an institute for physical education. But in our own country, where the Government is stressing the need for physical education, we do not have a college for physical education. This is a matter for regret. Everybody cannot deny that as an independent nation, we must stress the importance of national survival. Emphasis should not be put on the survival of a particular college, and this should be our assessment of values. We should train our younger generation to be brave, strong, and determined citizens, and to become members of a closely-knit society. We should strengthen our younger generation so that they will be energetic, of upright character, and strong in body and mind, to enable them to play their role in nation-building. Therefore, university undergrads or college students should be people who are strong in body and mind, who are determined, and who are full of vitality, energy and stamina. Apart from this, it is also important that they should also be equipped with knowledge and discipline. They should be patriotic and loyal to their country, dedicated, and be willing or prepared to sacrifice themselves in the interests of the country. On the other hand, we must also pay attention to the academic side of a college or university. The Principal of Ngee Ann College is to be appointed by the Council according to this Bill, and there will be a Senate formed by the academic staff who will supervise its academic affairs.”
“We must admit that the setting up of such courses is not in keeping with our need for a proper division of labour and is a waste of our human and material resources. These courses have not only been duplicated in Nanyang University but also in the Polytechnic. In other words, all these courses, with the exception of Domestic Science, have also been set up in Nanyang University and the Polytechnic. Such duplication of courses is not in keeping with the spirit of making use of what we have learnt and has not taken account of our needs. What special talents do we need in our society? Ngee Ann College should set up courses such as Arts and those courses connected with Arts. Everyone is aware of the fact that any university or college is an institute for the training of talents. We must set up courses which are needed by society. Our next generation must learn to make full use of their talents. If higher education is not concerned with the employment opportunities of students, and if students are mass produced, the graduates of institutes will not be able to find employment. They and their parents will inevitably be disappointed. Therefore, I suggest that the courses which are taught in other universities and colleges should not be duplicated in Ngee Ann College. For example, Ngee Ann College can train people on the physical side of education. This is a very important need of our society. Our past education policy has not paid much attention to the need of physical education. As Singapore is now an independent nation, we must have a rugged and brave generation. Therefore, we must train our teachers to teach our next generation to be rugged and brave.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we all know that education in Singapore has been making great progress in keeping with the political situation. This progress has been revolutionary in nature and we must trace its development. Such a development should be in keeping with our situation and time. Ever since Singapore became a sovereign independent State, tremendous advance has been made in various fields and this has instilled a spirit of optimism in the people and augurs well for our future. Education plays a very important role in national development. The trend and development of education is a matter of great concern to the people of Singapore. Everyone must sit up and take notice of this fact. On 22nd November, 1965, at the Asian Educational Conference in Bangkok, the Minister for Education spoke on the Five-Year Education Plan of Singapore and emphasised the following points: (1) to improve the quality of education; (2) to expand secondary education and tertiary education; and (3) to set up various kinds of special institutes and colleges in order to cope with the needs of an industrialised society. He also said that we should expand our existing facilities to improve the standard of education and, in general, foster the growth of a multi-racial society through education. From all this, it is obvious that before this Bill was tabled, the educational content of Ngee Ann College had not kept pace with the post-independent era of Singapore. Let us look at the various courses in Ngee Ann College. There are seven courses: (1) Chinese language; (2) Malay language; (3) Domestic Science; (4) Business Administration; (5) Accountancy; (6) Applied Chemistry; and (7) Telecommunications. This is mentioned in the first chapter of the Thong Saw Pak Report.”
“C, will be a very good solution to the present problem. On the whole, many views in the Report of the Constitutional Commission are valuable and acceptable. I support the Government's endorsement of such views expressed in the Report.”
“The recommendation for the Council of State seems to have arisen from the fact that there is no effective Opposition in this House. Although at present Select Committees consist of all P.A.P, members because there is no Opposition, it does not mean that in future when there is an Opposition Select Committees will not consist of the majority of members of the Party in power. So if you want to use this argument alone to justify the establishment of the Council of State, it cannot hold any water, for it will give the same impression to the people. Finally, as regards the recommendation relating to the Public Service Commission, the Government has agreed that all members of the P.S.C, must be distinguished members of the public with high administrative ability and wide experience who can command the respect and enjoy the confidence of all sections of the society. The Government has also accepted the principle that the P.S.C, must be an absolutely independent body, in this respect, the Government has agreed to increase the membership of the P.S.C, in order to facilitate its business. I agree that this is a matter of urgency. Mr Speaker, ever since we attained independence there has been a rapid expansion in the various Government departments and the staff required in these departments are increasing from day to day. So the existing number of seven members on the Public Service Commission have their responsibilities and duties increased manifold, and I am afraid they may not be able to cope with the increased volume of work. This may cause some delay in processing applications and the appointments of officers, thereby giving dissatisfaction all round. In my view, therefore, the immediate increase of the membership of the P.S.”
“But I do not agree with this view, because if we do, it will be tantamount to paying undue respect to a person who has the wealth to get himself educated to achieve such a position. So I should say that this is an outdated idea. If any man is capable of doing such a job, he should be glad to contribute his services to the country and not just look after his own interests. If he is so capable, then, as a citizen of the country, he should contribute his bit and not be mercenary. The Member for Punggol has advanced the reason that because the Council of State may serve the same purpose as a Select Committee of Parliament, there is no need for such a Council. I disagree with that. As the Prime Minister has said, the Council of State can save the President of making any decision which is unpleasant. I would like to add that the Council of State is merely an advisory body. It should not be something like an Upper House with all the rights and powers of an Upper House. About the composition of the Council of State, I feel that the number of members on it is rather unwieldy, and I think it is also not necessary to categorise them into different types. The term of removable members should not be three years or nine years. It should be the same; five years should be better. If they are non-political appointments or if they do not belong to any political party, then when they come to deliberate upon any matter in private, they will not be doing so with a view to publicity or for political gain and they can deliberate more frankly and constructively and arrive at conclusions more easily. At the same time, the impression that this Council of State would be serving the same purpose as that of a Select Committee may be erased.”
“Other than the opinion aired by the Prime Minister that the setting up of the Ombudsman may delay Government's administrative machinery, in addition to other disadvantages, I agree with the views expressed by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture that the Ombudsman will be having a kind of function similar to that exercised by the Central Complaints Bureau. If any citizen has any complaints to make against the administration, he can complain to the Central Complaints Bureau to get redress. I must add that the P.A.P. Members of Parliament come from the people and they meet and mingle with the people. Because of this, they understand very well the conditions of the people. If there is anything amiss or if there is any complaint, they can serve as a bridge between the Government and the people by raising the matter with the Ministry concerned to be dealt with. At the same time, the P.A.P. Members of Parliament go to various parts of the Republic to see for themselves the actual conditions existing among the people there. If there is any complaint or anything to he improved upon, the P.A.P. Members will no doubt take care of that. Members of Parliament have been assigned to various Government departments to serve as liaison officers between the Government and the people. So if there is any malpractice or any faulty administration, Members of Parliament can, in their capacity as liaison officers, negotiate with the Ministry concerned and put it right. Therefore, I do not agree that it is necessary now to set up an Ombudsman system here. The recommendation by the Commission is that the Ombudsman should be well qualified, is a distinguished personage, and should be remunerated adequately for this specialised job.”
“It is better, safer and more meaningful this way than to stress special privileges or a special position for any group in society. Sir, this Report can be said to be based on the principle of multi-racialism and equality of rights. It can ensure the establishment and development of a multi-racial country where the rights and interests of the various races are safeguarded. It will not only enlighten people of other societies, but will also enable our people to understand that we have a common destiny and in the end we shall be able jointly to build up a harmonious multi-racial society in which every component will enjoy equal rights and prosperity. It helps to remove any conflicts which may exist among people of different races. The members of the Commission have spent much energy and have undertaken much research in their work. They have spent one year on the problem and have now finalised their conclusions as presented in the Report which can serve as a model to other people. Most of the recommendations have been accepted by the Government. The comprehensiveness and the depth of this Report can be appreciated by all. The Government, in accepting certain recommendations of the Report, have, by doing so, laid a foundation to wards a better future. This goes to show that the P.A.P. Government is planning not only for the immediate 10 years, but also for the next and future generations. We can say that we now plant so that our future generations may reap the fruits of our labours. Sir, I express my support for the motion by the Minister for Law. But I would like to raise some points relating to certain details. About the system of Ombudsman, the Government has refused to accept the recommendation on it. I can say that Government's action is judicious.”
“Sir, most of the people here, including the minority races, have taken Singapore as their homeland, and they share common sympathies and sentiments in relation to this country. They have been living together in the same milieu, whether they are the minority or the majority, and they have been working together and seeking the same objectives and enjoying equal opportunities. They have adopted an attitude in keeping with the new independent position of Singapore. In other words, at this stage of our development, we should have a new attitude and new kind of concept. In order to achieve this, we must have a new sense of national consciousness and outlook. We must discard past history and look ahead and build a better future. We can jointly help to build our country, and the people can elect their representatives to Parliament. These representatives can represent various interests - religious, racial and others. I see no reason why our country cannot do that. We should be proud of a common nationality. Although we cannot be proud of a common past heritage, we can be proud of a common nationality and a common destiny. Representation in proportion of race is a poisonous seed which we must not sow now. We must endeavour to seek further achievements. With concerted effort, we shall be able to realise our objectives in creating a better future and a new society. Sir, the tenet of multi-racialism means mutual tolerance, co-operation and joint effort. If every citizen, irrespective of his race, creed, descent or differences of culture, language or other things, can work jointly with other citizens, discard any suspicion about others, we shall all be able to enjoy equal opportunities and live harmoniously together..”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in 1954 the P.A.P, had in one of its policy statements pledged the setting up of a multi-racial democratic socialist country as one of its platforms. Obviously we can see that that platform will be most appropriate for the purpose of establishing an equal multi-racial society where the people can live harmoniously together and enjoy equal rights irrespective of racial and other differences. And we have all along for the past 13 years been working for this ideal. I feel that in a society such as ours, if we insist upon one language, one race and one religion as our national basis, then it will surely lead to chaos and perdition. Therefore, at the first Parliamentary sitting after our independence, in order to perpetuate the institution of a multi-racial society, we set up a Commission to study the provisions that should be included in Singapore's Constitution to safeguard the basic rights and interests of the minorities so as to ensure their equal position in our independent Republic. And I thank the members of the Commission for their work over the period of one year. I must also thank members of the Commission for having made the recommendations relating to the various provisions to be entrenched in the Constitution, which are very valuable to our constitutional history and our democratic institution. From the Report we can also know the background and history of Singapore. The Commission have studied the history, geography, the ethnic composition and every other aspect of Singapore. After lengthy discussions and study, and after having taken into consideration the interests and aspirations of the various races, the Commission have arrived at this Report which will serve as a guide to our future course of action.”
“My colleagues have already said that national service is not a unique thing. Many advanced countries also have national service. However, I hope the Minister will take note of one point; that is, that those people who are in possession of the blue identity cards and who fall within this age group, if they have acquired the necessary qualifications for citizenship and are desirous of becoming Singapore citizens, should also be called up to take up the national service. This will show whether they are loyal to our nation. Lastly, I wish to express my full-hearted support for this Bill. 4.36 p.m.”
“The people must not be indifferent, self-centred and self-seeking. They must organise themselves to look after their own interest. There is a Chinese saying that the existence of a nation rests on the shoulders of the people. It is the duty of everybody to see that the nation survives. That is why those people who are liable to be called up must take this opportunity to do their part. Under the leadership of the P.A.P. Government, Singapore has won independence and has enhanced its position internationally. It is playing a more important role in world politics. It is occupying a very important and strategic position in South-east Asia. In view of this, we must set up our own defence system. We must not continue to rely on foreign troops to safeguard our country. We must, as a Republic and as a people, express our loyalty to the nation and give our lives to it. We must not forget that during the Second World War, the Japanese swept into Malaya and there were two disturbances in 1964. These disastrous historical lessons have taught us that it is not wise to rely on other people's troops. We would be merely humiliated and maltreated by other people. Even our very lives and property will not be safeguarded. The people in this Republic are enjoying security, the educational facilities, housing and other public amenities which are being provided by the Government. They must meet their obligation to protect whatever they are enjoying at present, and to ensure that the nation will not be invaded by others. The National Service (Amendment) Bill is only a further measure to prepare our young people to be rugged, brave, imbued with self-respect, and well equipped with modern weapons and dedicated to the protection of our country.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, ever since 9th August, 1965, when Singapore proclaimed its independence to the world, the three important problems confronting it have been: (1) how to stabilise our political situation; (2) how to develop our economy; and (3) how to strengthen our national defence. The first two problems have been solved in the short time of one year by the far-sighted leadership of the Government and with the backing of the people. We have accomplished much during this short period of one year. Now that we have achieved this, how are we going to protect the fruits of our achievements? That is why the Minister of Defence has to table this National Service (Amendment) Bill which will consolidate our achievements and strengthen our national defence. Everyone is aware that externally and internally there are two kinds of people who do not like to see Singapore succeed. The first class of people are the racial extremists. They do not like to see the success of a multi-racial society. They like to impose their will upon others. They are bent on deceiving the people. The second class of enemies are the open-front organisations of the Communists. They fear that our success and happiness will not help them to incite the people to overthrow our Government. Because of the existence of these two kinds of people, we find it necessary to seek a more stable political situation, and further, to seek greater security for our nation, and to strengthen the nation's defences so that the lives and property of our people may be protected and safeguarded. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Singapore of today is not like what it was when it was under British colonialism. The Singapore of today is a Singapore which belongs to all the people here.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to speak on this head and to raise three questions. I hope the Minister will answer them. Firstly, I would like to know whether the Urban and Rural Services Committee has any plans to deal with the delay in the improvement in the rural areas. When a Member of Parliament of a constituency raises the question of improvement to be made in his constituency, his letter will first be considered by the Urban and Rural Services Committee. This will take about half a year to complete. So I see no benefit in this procedure. Secondly, I would like to know whether the Urban and Rural Services Committee has any good plan to carry out the various projects in the rural constituencies according to the votes given to them. For instance, in my constituency, the vote is already exhausted before it can be used to provide more street lights. Thirdly, I would like to ask the Minister whether after the votes have been allotted, there is any planning for the development of the various constituencies; whether the department concerned has any consultation with all the organisations and people concerned to formulate plans and to carry out the plans and projects speedily without red tape; and whether the department concerned can develop the various projects in the various constituencies evenly and on a balanced basis. 7.45 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, I would like to speak on two development programmes in this head. The first point has some similarity to the suggestion given by the Member for Sembawang. However, he is a little selfish, because he only wants a school for his own Sembawang area. I am putting myself on a different footing. The first point is that I would like the Minister to tell this House whether he has paid any attention to the development of schools in the rural areas. I believe if we have more secondary schools in the rural areas, then this will go a long way towards raising the educational standard of the rural people. At the same time, it will go a step further towards implementing a very important item in the P.A.P. manifesto which aims at raising the educational standard of the rural people. The second point is this. I would like to know what plans are being proposed to build halls and gymnasiums in the new schools, and whether extensive use of such places in the school buildings will be made. I have recently visited several school halls. They all look very grand. But in practice they are not very good. They are very expensive. Some cost about $400,000 each. They are only good for show but are of not much use in practice. In some cases, they are not useful for sports, because the ceilings are too low or the hall lengths are inadequate for their purposes. If the new school buildings under the school development programme will make adequate provision for school halls of a practical nature instead of for show, they will be more useful.”
“Sir, I just want to say that I did mention this incident to the Parliamentary Secretary in May, but I did not get any reply from him. But in view of the reply by the Minister, I would like to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The time allotted for Head 0702 having expired, the following amendment, standing in the names of Mr Tang See Chim and Mr S. V. Lingam, was not proceeded with: That the total sum to be allocated for Head 0702 be reduced by $100. The sum of $44,088,790 for Head 0702 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 0703 -”
“Sir, may I be allowed to say a few words more before I withdraw my amendment?”
“I will round it off very quickly. I will discard a part of my speech and try to finish what I have to say as soon as possible. Mr Speaker, Sir, this sort of attitude by public servants is bad for the Government. In a democratic society, the Government is like a bus and its servants are part and parcel of the bus, like petrol. If the petrol is dirty and not filtered and the engine is out of order and needs repairs, it will be bad and possibly disastrous for the Government.”
“Sir, what I want to say is that my amendment touches on all the three hospitals.”
“Sir, I was hoping to air all my views, but I will try to shorten my speech as much as possible because of the time limit. So this patient said to the nurse on duty that it was about time for her to give birth. But the nurse told her, "You have given birth to so many babies. Do you not know that this is not the time for you to deliver?" It was only when the patient shouted, "The head of the baby is almost coming out," that the nurse took steps to put her in the labour room. So this is really a bad situation and it is beyond my description. There have been cases like this. When patients say to the nurses, "If you act like this towards us, we do not care to come here again," the nurses reply, "If that is the case, then it will be more convenient for us and we will not have work to do. It will be much better for us." This minority group of people who are ignorant and adopt such a contemptuous attitude towards patients at the expense of the paying public are not worth their salt.”
“This will cast an aspersion on the white angels - namely, the nurses in the Kandang Kerbau Hospital! Let me give some examples. This year, a pregnant woman was warded there and she was in great labour pains. She was yelling for her papa and mama and the nurse cursed her saying, "When you feel pleasant and happy, you do not shout for your papa and mama. Why do you now call for them?" This is a very awkward situation. When she felt the labour pangs -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0702 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1051.++ Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Delta has touched a little on what I had intended to say. In the past under the colonial regime, we had various staff in the hospitals - doctors, nurses, attendants and others. The doctors could be said to be heads of the various departments and they acted like emperors. They were very pompous and the patients regarded them with fear. They did not pay attention to the patients. On the contrary, the patients were ridiculed and neglected. This sort of situation prevailed in the old colonial days, but it was wiped out when the P.A.P. came to power in 1959. The situation now is quite different. But, unfortunately, it is not manifest in all the hospitals. Some staff in the hospitals have again adopted the colonial type of attitude which prevailed before. They ill-treat the patients and adopt a contemptuous attitude towards them. There have been many such complaints. I myself have received quite a number of them, especially from the poorer people in the rural areas. These people seek treatment in Government hospitals. Contrary to their expectations, they are ill-treated and suffer mental cruelty at the hands of certain staff in the hospitals. As they are in need of medical attention, there is no other way out for them. I have several suggestions to make in connection with the Kandang Kerbau Hospital. The treatment meted out to certain patients is rather unfair. We have read in the Press and also heard a lot about the ill-treatment meted out by the Kandang Kerbau Hospital staff. Even my wife has experienced maltreatment in that hospital. This is very regrettable and is the cause of my anger.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we all know that the vote for education is the largest for next year. I have two suggestions to make regarding education and schools. The first point is about the post allowance for principals - in other words, this allowance is to enable them to look after their schools better. But, in actual fact, the result is just the contrary, because once a principal gets a handsome pay with an additional post allowance, he will not like to lose his job and he will not like to take steps to get rid of anti-national elements in his school. He will appease these elements and will not take action against them. The other point is this. The Ministry of Education is not quite efficient in controlling the purchase and sale of text-books through the principals - the Member for Kampong Kembangan has raised the question of the purchase of school text-books - because they are allowed a certain percentage of commission on the purchase of text-books. This means that they can make money out of such transactions and they, therefore, do not like the text-books to remain unchanged. A certain number of them just try to obtain a commission on the bills sent by the sellers of text-books without even looking into the details or taking the trouble to find out whether the books are worth the money. This does no good to our education and nation. Why should we then give such a big vote to education and waste so much allowance on the principals?”