Teong Eng Siong
Singapore
“Sir, on a point of order. (In Mandarin) Sir, just now the Minister said that by suggesting the granting of citizenship to these people I would be inviting competition because they would then be allowed to apply for hawker licence and HDB flats. I did not say that.”
“Only two? Mr Chua Sian Chin: Two out of 35 from the Land Divisions and 18 from the Radio Division. I think that is sufficient. If the Member is not aware, may I say that we have asked the Management Services Department of the Ministry of Finance to make a recent study into the adequacy of patrol cars on patrol at any one time.”
“Very often on pay days they crowd into the post office and pack up all the space, and the small number of staff would be kept very busy. According to my understanding, the small post office there will soon be receiving payments for PUB bills for the benefit of the people there. Of course, this will be convenient to the residents there.”
“Sir,I have also noticed that roads built under the gotong royong scheme are much better than those built by the contractors. Even after several years of use, these roads are still good.”
“Sir, in view of the Parliamentary Secretary's satisfactory explanation. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $159,839,000 for Head O ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $1,213,685,000 for Head O ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head P -”
“Another problem concerns the many HDB flats in certain areas which have not been taken up after allotment and have been left vacant for a long time. There are many such vacant flats in my constituency, for instance. Marsiling (a part of the Woodlands New Town), and I believe the same is true of other housing estates. Why?”
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“Sir, since the Minister has given a satisfactory reply, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $241,610 for Head 0801 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.. Head 0802 -”
“I hope the Ministry of Communications can take measures to reduce the number of such cars because they emit obnoxious fumes which endanger our health. Furthermore, these cars cause many traffic accidents. I would also like to ask the Minister whether he will consider issuing more taxi licences. According to statistics, there are about 14,000 drivers who have taxi-driving licences, but there are only 3,800 taxis. From these figures, we can see that there is a shortage of taxis. Therefore, I hope the Minister will seriously consider issuing new licences for taxis, as this can help resolve the question of unemployment to a certain extent. Sir, a Transport Advisory Board was set up last year. Can the Minister say what are the recommendations of this Board? How many recommendations have been implemented, and what are the recommendations that have not been implemented? What are the Minister's views on these recommendations? Finally, I would like to bring up the question of old bicycles. Sir, we often see people riding bicycles which are 20 or 30 years old. Some of them are without lamps, some without brakes,and some have worn-out parts. Accidents have occurred because of ineffective brakes. Therefore, I hope the Minister will look into this problem.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0801 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001. Mr Speaker, Sir, you yourself and the Minister for Communications will agree that we are faced with many serious problems in the field of communications, in particular, the traffic congestion and the number of traffic accidents. We know that traffic congestion and road accidents are problems which confront many countries. Since we are faced with these problems, we should think of some schemes to resolve them. I want to make two suggestions to relieve the traffic congestion. First, we should do away with parking lots on the streets in the city area. If you widen the streets, the traffic can flow more freely. This will reduce traffic congestion and, from the Government's viewpoint, this is better than taking 20 cents per hour from motorists for parking in the city area. The levy of this fee will not help the flow of traffic. Secondly, the building of more public highways is a pressing problem. We should undertake this task straightaway and not wait until several years later, otherwise it will complicate matters. According to statistics on accidents, there are about 200 deaths on the road every year. This is a very serious problem. I have two suggestions to reduce the number of traffic accidents. First, we should promote more campaigns on road courtesy and give them wide publicity. For instance, the Political Secretary attached to the Ministry of Defence is quite reckless in his driving. He should set a good example. We should ask all drivers to abide by the traffic rules and drive more carefully. After leaving the Political Secretary, I will now touch upon the question of old and shabby cars. The engines of these cars are not functioning efficiently.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I believe the Minister has not replied to my question on the setting up of a Chinese Language Research Centre.”
“The other complaint of the stallholders is about the change in regulations. For example, take a stall that sells fried mee. It happens that the school principal is changed. The stall-holder is told that he can sell only fried mee and not mee soup. I hope that such regulations are not changed every now and then so that no inconvenience is caused to the stallholders. The last point that I would like the Minister to clarify is the question of setting up a Chinese language study centre. I remember this question was also raised in the debate on the last Budget. The Minister then agreed, in principle, to set up a Chinese language study centre. Today, after a lapse of one year, can he tell us what are the plans for setting up this centre, and what progress has been made?”
“Their ages range from 14 to 15, and the Government has set up these classes so as to give them certain technical training to enable them to acquire certain skills which will be useful to them when they go on to the labour market. However, what is regrettable is that these classes are mostly concentrated in urban schools. In many schools in the rural areas, for example, in Sembawang and Nee Soon, such classes have not been set up. It is, therefore, very inconvenient for those who live in the rural areas to attend these classes in the city, and the expenses incurred on transport will be an extra burden on their parents. I would like to plead for those students who live in the rural areas, and urge the Ministry of Education to consider setting up such special classes in the rural areas in order to cope with the demand. The other question is about food stalls in school tuckshops. I have received many complaints from stallholders who are licensed to sell food and drinks to school children. One complaint is that the rental is too high. For example, a stall selling sweets at 5 cents or 10 cents has to pay a monthly rent of $20 to $30. Their profit is very small, and with such high rentals, it is impossible for them to earn a livelihood. I hope the Minister will consider reducing the rentals for such stalls. We know that most of these stallholders are former recipients of public assistance from the Social Welfare Department. The rule is that if they are given a stall licence, they will not receive any public assistance. Having set up a stall in a school tuckshop, they have to make a certain amount of profit in order to support their families. Therefore, I hope the Ministry will consider their hardship and be sympathetic to their case.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, everyone knows that we practise equality in all the four streams of education. In the last few years, we have placed emphasis on technical education so that more technical personnel can be trained to meet the requirements of our industrialisation programme. I would now like to talk on vocational and technical education. There are limited places in the institutes for technical education. According to statistics, the enrolment this year is about 8,000 students. However, the institutes are only able to absorb about 1,000 students, and about 7,000 students are unable to get places in these institutes. Can the Minister inform me how many places are available in the technical institutes? Sir, as we require a great number of technical personnel at this time, we must set up more technical schools so that we will be able to produce in the shortest possible time the necessary technical personnel that we need. I remember the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education saying that about 35,000 technical personnel will be trained in two or three years. But if we can only enrol about 1,000 students at present, the training of 35,000 technical personnel will take about 30 years. By that time, our factories will have closed down, or we will have to recruit more and more technicians from abroad. This is a matter of crucial importance, and I do not know if the Minister has any new plans on the training of technical personnel. Another problem is the special classes conducted by the Adult Education Board. These special classes, of course, are commendable because they are able to cater for the thousands of students who are not able to go to secondary schools.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in his reply to the question of citizenship, the Minister assured us that skilled and semi-skilled workers would be given sympathetic consideration when they apply for citizenship. He also said that if holders of blue identity cards who were permanent residents were willing to join the People's Defence Force, they would be granted citizenship. I hope the question of citizenship can be solved once and for all. I thank the Minister for his reply. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, before I withdraw my amendment, there is one question which has not been answered by the Minister. Perhaps he was confused by the many speeches made, and he has forgotten about it. I asked him what measures he proposes to take in order to prevent industrial accidents. He has not given a reply.”
“Sir, since you have directed me, I withdraw the expression. "He says one thing and does another."”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I think the expression, "He says one thing but practises, another," - Kou sze sin fei - will not have any adverse effect on him. If he can assure us that he will review the policy on citizenship now and then, then I withdraw.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to clarify certain points. I did not say that he was a stubborn person. I said he was not such a person.”
“We also hope that there is industrial peace so that Singapore can continue to enjoy economic prosperity. But we should not allow our workers to carry on with empty stomachs.”
“During the months before the festival, many shops are open for business the whole week without a day of rest. The shop assistants have lost the compulsory day of rest to which they are entitled. If the employers and employees are in sympathy with each other, business will thrive. The employees are willing to help because it is only during these few months that business improves a great deal. 3.45 p.m. Of course, they are willing to help their employers to make more profits. But the employers think that the workers are fools and that they can get them to work seven days a week without a day off. The employers just gloss over this matter and their employees are not given a rest day. Another matter is about bonus. During the Second Reading of the Employment Bill, the Minister said that on the question of bonus, there would be no specific provisions in the Bill. The reason he gave was that workers must compete against one another, thereby increasing productivity. After a lengthy debate, it was agreed that nothing specific about bonus should be provided in the Bill. Since there is no specific provision in the Employment Act as, regards bonus, employers take advantage of it and pay their employees a smaller bonus. I would like the Minister to clarify this point. In order to encourage workers to be more productive, they should be given incentives and the lazy ones should not get bonuses. Can the Minister say how many employers have on their own accord given bigger bonuses to their employees since the passage of the Employment Act? I feel that the Employment Act has adverse effects on the workers. Therefore, I hope the Minister will review it. Of course, we would like to see our country progress.”
“As Members of Parliament, we were pleased to hear this. In fact, all the people of Singapore were pleased to hear this. The Minister also said at that time that, as Members of Parliament reflect the opinions of the people, they would have some reservations about the Bill. The Bill would have certain unfavourable effects on labour. The Minister then gave a guarantee that after a certain time the Employment Act would be subject to review. However, a considerable length of time has elapsed since the Employment Bill was passed. We know that the Employment Act has been more favourable to the employers than to the employees. It is not to the advantage of the workers. Employers have often abused the powers given to them under this Act. They have forced the workers to work hard for them. There have been some cases of exploitation by employers. I can quote some examples. Before the Employment Act was passed, every shop assistant was entitled to 21 days' full-pay leave. However, I know that in many firms the shop assistants have now lost the right of full-pay leave. This right has been taken away from them. Furthermore, during Christmas or the Chinese festival, business is better and, of course, those who are in business would like to make money on these occasions. They like their shops to remain open even on Sunday although it is supposed to be a day of rest for the employees. There is no provision in the Act to say that Sunday should be a day of rest. In other words, they can have a day of rest any day of the week but not specifically on Sunday. The workers have accepted this as a matter of fact. The employers can have more business on Sunday and the employees can make more money and thus they can look after one another's interest. But the question is this.”
“There is thus a case for relaxing the conditions for granting work permits to ordinary workers. The last point I wish to touch upon is industrial accidents. As a result of the rapid expansion of our industries, there is a corresponding and shocking increase in the number of industrial accidents. According to the report, there were 8,147 cases of industrial accidents in 1968, 109 being fatal. In 1969 there were 8,714 cases of industrial accidents, 130 being fatal. We can thus see that the number of industrial accidents is increasing from year to year. As a result, many widows and orphans are left to suffer. In his replies to questions in this House, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour said that these industrial accidents had occurred as a result of the shortage of staff in the section for the prevention of industrial accidents. I think more people should be employed to strengthen the staff in this section of the Ministry of Labour. I hope the staff in this section are familiar, with the different types of machinery so that they can prevent the increase of industrial accidents. I would like to know what steps have been taken to overcome this problem. I hope the Parliamentary Secretary will take a more positive attitude towards this matter. I hope he will take immediate steps to prevent industrial accidents. It is only through effective measures that we can reduce its number. Madam Chan Choy Siong (Delta)(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, we all remember when the Minister for Labour introduced the Employment Bill. The reason he gave was that this Bill would improve the relationship between employers and employees to their mutual benefit. This would in turn help to promote our industrialisation efforts.”
“This goes to show that the Parliamentary Secretary says one thing and means another. His words and actions do not tally. Mr Speaker, I realise, of course, that the reason why we have to be strict with applications for citizenship is that our country is now facing serious economic problems. However, our economy is now showing an upward trend. The number of unemployed has fallen sharply. The time has therefore come for us to review the conditions which qualify a person for citizenship. Of course, we cannot completely relax the conditions. I would like to ask the Minister to relax at least 50 per cent of the conditions. If he can do this, I am sure we can relieve the hardships of many of the applicants. If we adopt a policy of gradual change, then in a few years' time we will be able to solve the question of citizenship completely. Let me now touch on the question of work permits. In his Budget speech recently, the Minister for Finance told the House that the Government intended to relax the conditions for the issuing of work permits. This is very good news to the would-be applicants. I am sure that when the Minister referred to the relaxation of immigration rules, he was referring to applicants with specialised skills. This is an important factor in our economy. I would also like to point out that in addition to workers with specialised skills, we are also short of unskilled labourers. As far as I know, some barber shops, coffee shops and restaurants are very short of workers. There are two reasons for this shortage. First, a large, number of our young people have been called up for national service. Secondly, our rapidly expanding industries have been absorbing many of our young workers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0601 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001*. (* The same amendment also stood in the names of Madam Chan Choy Siong, Mr P.Govindaswamy, Mr Hwang Soo un, Mr Seah Mui Kok, and Mr Cheong Yuen Chee.) Sir, I wish to raise three questions under this amendment, i.e., citizenship, work permits and industrial accidents. First, I will speak on citizenship. Backbenchers have often raised the question of citizenship. However, we do this not because we like to grumble at the Minister. As spokesmen of the people, it is our duty to give our views reflecting the current opinion of our people. The question of citizenship is a pressing problem to many of our people. Many of the applications for citizenship have come from old people, young wives and children. If people have no citizenship, how can they provide a livelihood for their family? I hope the Minister will adopt a sympathetic attitude towards these people. Mr Speaker, Sir, I remember on the 9th of this month the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour told the House that the Government would review the policy on citizenship. He said that each case would be carefully considered on its merits. This is a very wise attitude to take. It shows that the Parliamentary Secretary is not a stubborn man. However, as far as I know, the Government has not in fact changed its policy on citizenship for the past two or three years. There are applications which have been outstanding for a few years. After waiting for some years, the applicants have now received a notice that they have not been granted citizenship. I think the Government has not made a frequent enough review of its policy on this matter.”
“Sir, as the Minister has given satisfactory answers, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Secondly, I would like to know whether our representatives have been taking an active part in all the agencies of the United Nations and what are our contributions to them. What is our foreign policy for the current year? In which countries are we going to set up our foreign missions in order to maintain closer relations with them?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, although ours is a small country, we have been participating positively in international affairs since independence. In the United Nations, our representatives have spoken very frankly on international problems, and their speeches have been heeded by the other nations. This shows that ours is a youthful but progressive country and that we are on an equal footing with other big countries on foreign affairs. The main characteristics of our foreign policy are those of neutrality and non-alignment. We want to be friends with all countries, especially our neighbouring countries. If we want to have very close co-operation with these countries, we must continue with this policy of neutrality. This is a very enlightened policy. We will become the Switzerland of Asia if we adopt this policy of neutrality. This will be beneficial to both the country and the people. With the advancement in science and the improvement of communications, the world has shrunk. This is conducive to regional co-operation. Three years ago a regional association called the Association of South-east Asian Nations was formed. Through this association we have been co-operating closely with neighbouring countries in the spheres of education, culture, trade and so on. With regard to A.S.E.A.N., I believe our people are very concerned with whether it will bring benefit to our country. I would like the Minister concerned to enlighten this House on whether A.S.E.A.N., ever since its inception, has made any contribution to regional co-operation, and what its schemes are. What does it propose to do and what benefits have we enjoyed from A.S.E.A.N.? Each year we make some contribution to it, and therefore we must get some benefit in return.”
“I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Madam Chan Choy Siong - (2) That the sum to be allocated for Head 0406 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1041. Madam Chan Choy Siong: Sir, I am not moving. The following amendment stood in the names of Madam Chan Choy Siong, Mr Cheong Yuen Chee, Mr J. F. Conceicao, and Mr P. Selvadurai -- (3) That the sum to be allocated for Head 0406 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1101. Madam Chan Choy Siong: Sir, I am not moving.”
“This is fantastic and most unreasonable. If the officials of the Property Tax Division had agreed to receive payment every year or once every three months, then these people would not have to pay such a large sum. I hope the Minister will carry out a very detailed investigation into this unreasonable situation.”
“Those cases I have mentioned are quite commonly found in other rural areas including Choa Chu Kang, the constituency of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance. I am sure he has received similar complaints. I hope the Minister will consider lowering the rate of property tax for these people. Although I agree that it is the duty of the Government to increase property tax for the development of the country, in point of fact, I think there are better ways of raising revenue. For example, the government knows of many cases of tax evasion. If it could concentrate on this field, I am sure the extra revenue collected will be quite considerable. Sir, I am very pleased to note that the Government has recently invited certain specialists from America to help us deal with tax evasion. This is indeed a very good move. I would like to know how the government proposes to implement the measures to prevent tax evasion, and how much extra revenue Government will be able to raise. I hope the Government will take steps to arrest these people. Another point is that the Property Tax Division does not accept payment of taxes which come to $2 or $3. Superficially this appears beneficial to the people in the rural areas whose taxes are usually low. But this is not equivalent to a tax exemption. It is only a temporary suspension of collection. This also reflects the laziness and irresponsibility of officials in this Division. For a few years now, these rural people have not been paying this tax, because when they went to pay, their payments were not accepted. But recently they received notice to pay up their tax arrears. They found that their rates have increased more than a hundred times. In other words, from $2 to $3 per year, their rates have been increased to $200 to $300.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0406 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001*. (* The same amendment also stood in the.names of Mr Hwang Soo Jin and Mr N Govindasamy) Recently, revenue collection has increased tremendously. For example, our Property Tax estimate for next year will reach the figure of $114 million. This is the result of the prosperity we are enjoying now. On the other hand, it is also due to the Government increasing the rate of property tax. Unfortunately, the increased rate has affected both the rich and the poor. The burden of increased tax should fall on the rich as they can afford to pay. They live in luxurious bungalows and enjoy a high standard of living. It is unfair that the poor people living in, for example, the Sembawang area, Choa Chu Kang Constituency and Thomson Constituency and so on, have to pay the increased rate of property tax. In my constituency I have received several complaints from the people saying that their property tax has been doubled. For example, in a two-room flat, these people need to pay about $30 to $40 a year, but nowadays they have to pay something like $ 100 to $120 per year. This sort of measure is unfair. 6.45 p.m. Mr Speaker, Sir, very often we have been emphasising that we are a democratic socialist Government, and therefore we have a duty to look after the interests of the people, especially those belonging to the lower income group. The officials of the Income Tax Department should, therefore, understand the policy of the Government when they lay down the rates of tax that the people have to pay. They must sympathise with those whose income is limited, because it is already quite a task for them to support their families and they cannot afford to pay more tax.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, if the Minister is happy with the efficiency of the Customs and Excise Department, I am very pleased. This is because it would be favourable to our country. We must deal with many countries in our efforts to promote tourism. Therefore, we must treat the tourists with great respect. Only in this way can our country earn more foreign currency. This will be beneficial to our economy, and it will not give our Minister for Finance too much trouble in getting sufficient revenue. However, since the Customs and Excise Department is under good control, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $6,683,850 for Head 0405 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. Head 0406 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0405 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001 Mr Speaker, Sir, the Customs and Excise Department is a very important department because it deals with foreigners coming into our country. Therefore, it has to set a good example of service and maintain a high standard of efficiency. Unfortunately, I have received unfavourable complaints against it. For example, some tourists complained that certain officials of the department were discourteous, arrogant and so on. This attitude is likely to generate a feeling of resentment in the tourists. If the officials in the department continue to behave in this manner, then it will not only affect adversely our expanding tourist industry, but it will also affect the economy of our country. This arrogance on the part of the officials is a matter of serious concern. Therefore, I hope the Minister will take steps to remedy the situation. Another point is this. Certain officials of the Customs and Excise section at Paya Lebar Airport are very inefficient. They are very slow and take their own sweet time in dealing with tourists, This also arouses a feeling of resentment in the tourists. We should try to improve the standards of courtesy and efficiency of customs officers so that the tourists will go back with a good impression of our country. This will help us in our efforts to promote tourism. So I hope the Minister will deal immediately with this matter and take the necessary steps to improve the standard of efficiency and courtesy of the Customs and Excise Department.”
“For example, it I were living in a kampong or in a residential area and if I had a little money to buy simple machinery driven by electricity, I would start to produce something. But a few days later, if I were found out by the building inspector, he would immediately report me.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister's reply is not too satisfactory. First, about the imbalance of trade, he says that I am influenced by Radio Peking. I would like to inform him that I never listen to Radio Peking. I have raised this question because there is really a weakness in our trade. If our trade balance gets worse, it is of concern to us. I think the Minister will agree with me. Second, in respect of other fields of development, I think we should engage in a diversification of our economy in order to earn more for our country. I think the Minister will, of course, carry out these projects, Anyway, Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Mr Sim Boon Woo (Changi): Mr Speaker. Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0401 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1031. Sir, the progress of modern industrialisation in the Republic deserves high admiration. Almost every aspect is being looked after, such as technical facilities, training, research, both in large- and medium-scale industries. Needless to say, with these modern industrial facilities production from these industries will be speeded up and a vast consumption at home and abroad is expected. Sir, for export we have agencies like Intraco and the many missions abroad to look after sales. But at home I think we have not done enough. I would like to suggest that we encourage more citizens, who have a small capital, to start cottage industries or backyard industries in order to act as feeders to the manufactures of the big industries. I would also like to say that every assistance must be given to them. To do this, I think we must cut red tape to the minimum.”
“Although the figures show an improvement in our economy, generally from the ship-building industry, tourism and various other sectors of the economy, we cannot deny that the unfavourable balance of trade is a weakness. Therefore, I would like the Minister to find a solution to improve our balance of trade. For example, we should send more trade delegations to sell our goods overseas. We should not confine our trade only to entrepot trade but we should trade with many more countries on a mutually beneficial basis. 3.15 p.m. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister for Finance has given a warning that we must not be complacent about our present situation. This is very true. We must always remain alert. Because of this, we must look for more ways and means of increasing our income. We must explore new territories to expand our economy further. For example, can we not look into the question of starting fishery and dairy industries in our small island? We could also include the growing of orchids, or perhaps the rearing of tropical fish. It seems that our tropical products are very popular and welcome in Europe. In the past few years the income from the export of these tropical products has been several million dollars. Although our country is small, our agricultural industry has managed to earn about $200 million per year. So long as we continue to work hard in this direction, we will he able to expand our agricultural industry. The Chairman: Madam Chan Choy Siong is not here.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 0401 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001*. (* The same amendment also stood in the name of Madam Chan Choy Siong). Mr Speaker, Sir, our economy has continued to progress very well in the last year. New factories are springing up all the time. New investments are coming in at a constant pace. This has enabled the various sectors in our economy to become prosperous. It has also created a large number of employment opportunities. The Ministry of Finance, of course, has done a great deal of good work. As a result of the prosperity in our economy, we have been able to overcome the adverse factors brought about by the impending withdrawal of the British forces. In the past, some people had certain worries and reservations. These have proved to be unfounded. The reason why we are enjoying our prosperity now is on account of two factors. Firstly, the Government has looked after all aspects of economic development very well. It has laid down plans and has provided excellent opportunities and favourable conditions for foreign capitalists to come here and invest. Secondly, our workers possess the aptitude and ability to work hard. In the interest of the country, they are willing to work hard. By doing this, they help industries to prosper. Unfortunately, their wages are still rather low. That is why. I would ask the Minister for Finance to try to do something to raise their wages. Mr Speaker, Sir, there is another point I would like to make. Our external trade last year has increased considerably. Total trade last year has exceeded the sum of $10,984 million. It has increased by about $2,000 million over that of 1968.”
“With the joint effort of the people, a new and prosperous era will begin in the 1970s. 4.23 p.m.”
“This is to ensure that we are able to exist as an independent country. This is the correct action to take, and I am sure all our people will give their wholehearted support to the Government. However, in spite of the increased expenditure on defence, the Government has not neglected its responsibilities on education. In the budget for next year, $3.9 million is allocated to the University of Singapore, Nanyang University, the Singapore Polytechnic and Ngee Ann College. There is thus a nine per cent increase in expenditure over that of last year in the development of higher education. This is to ensure that we can produce people of high calibre to help in our nation building. This is a good measure. With regard to the question of immigration and the granting of citizenship, the Minister for Finance has said that the Government will relax the regulations for the granting of citizenship. I agree with this measure as it is in the interest of the country. I hope those who have been living in Singapore for a long time and who possess blue identity cards will be given some consideration in their applications for Singapore citizenship. They have families in our country who are willing to be loyal citizens. We should grant them citizenship so that they can make a positive contribution to our country. It is also necessary to mention that, although there is no increase in taxation, there is a credit balance of about $300,000. This speaks volumes for our Minister for Finance because it shows his ability and economic acumen. To sum up, this is a lively budget. I believe that with the present stable political situation and with continuing prosperity in our economic development, our Republic will enjoy a better year.”
“I have read the Budget statement many times and I am sure the Finance Minister has made an accurate analysis of our economic situation and that our future is bright. Of course, we have been stressing the fact that the 1970s will be a period of trial and challenge to us in view of the British withdrawal by the end of 1971. We have to bear the full brunt of maintaining our own defence and security and their effects on our economic development. We are confident of facing the future, because it is an undeniable fact that we have various factors in our favour. Our foreign reserves stand at $2,445 million, a four-fold increase in four years. This will ensure that our currency is stable and consequently international investors will have greater confidence in our country. We have also done well in developing our internal economy; for instance, the development of new industries, shipbuilding, housing construction, tourism, an increase in external trade and the undertaking of urban renewal projects. We have progressed in all these fields. If present conditions continue in the coming years, we will be able to maintain our economic prosperity. In the present budget, the estimate for defence is $328,670,000. Next comes social services, which takes up $319 million. Following these two items is the estimated expenditure for statutory boards and other economic services which cost a large sum of money. Every year the Development Fund will receive about $30 million to $40 million which will ensure the success of our development programmes. Defence has taken the biggest cut in our budget. This is because the Government is taking immediate steps to strengthen our defence in order to meet the situation created by the withdrawal of British troops in 1971.”
“All these good qualities are factors to stimulate our social progress and the dynamism behind our nation building. For instance, the members of the various Citizens' Consultative Committees, the community centre managements, and the committees of the various city organisations, give very concrete examples of their dedicated service to our country and our people. All this shows that our people have good qualities of character. Another example is that during the confrontation period our people quickly rallied round the Government when the call for national defence was made. They immediately joined the Vigilante Corps. The present good response of our youths to national service is another concrete example of the dedication of our people. This shows that the character of our people has been lifted to a higher plane - a necessary quality for nation building and one which will ensure success for our country. We are an emigrant society. During the colonial period we lacked a sense of group living. However, since our independence, we have been able to inculcate this good quality in our people. Our success so far has been due mainly to three factors. First, the Government's intimate contact with the people. The national leaders are able to discuss with the people various problems confronting the country and thus inculcate in them a sense of patriotism. Secondly, the educational and cultural levels of the people have been generally raised. They have a deeper understanding of the problems confronting our country. Thirdly, greater use has been made of the mass communication media, such as the newspapers, T.V. and the radio. This has increased the sense of patriotism of our people.”
“According to statistics, by the end of 1969 about 87,000 jobs were created. This solved our unemployment problem to a great extent. In addition to the high rate of our economic development, we have also made achievements in the fields of education and social services. For instance, we have successfully maintained our free universal primary education, and have done well in our eradication of illiteracy. We have also improved our technological and scientific education. This stream of education will provide high calibre personnel in large numbers needed for our nation building. Moreover, as a result of our improved educational programmes, more and more of our people will be better educated and equipped with modern technological knowledge. Undoubtedly they will become the future elite of our citizenry. Further, over the past few years, because of a nation-wide family planning campaign, our population growth has decreased from 40 per 1,000 to the present 18 per 1,000. As a result of the judicious planning of the Ministry of Health over the past two years, a nation-wide cleaning campaign was launched, and with the joint effort of the people we have, in fact, become the cleanest country in the whole of Southeast Asia. All these good performances clearly show that, in spite of the various political and economic difficulties, we have been able to overcome them and, in fact, have even achieved much in the l960s. These achievements have been greater than anything obtained in other countries in Southeast Asia. Sir, I agree with the Minister for Finance that in our society there is greater social cohesion and a higher degree of social discipline and self-reliance. There is also a sense of pride. among our people, who are ready to surge forward in spite of unfavourable conditions.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister for Finance has taken about two hours to deliver his Budget statement. It reveals in great detail the progress of our economy over the past ten years. It analyses the various stages of our economic development over the last decade, and has arrived at a very logical conclusion. Obviously the Minister has taken much time in its preparation in order to draw up such a comprehensive statement. The spirit shown by the Minister is really praiseworthy. Over the past ten years we have experienced various difficulties and drawbacks. For instance, in 1961-63 there were political disturbances when anti-national elements created trouble everywhere, trying to destroy our national existence. In 1963-65 there was the Indonesian confrontation which made the Indonesians stop trading with us. This period slowed down our economic progress. But under the able leadership and policy of our Government, together with the joint efforts of our people of all races and classes, we were able to overcome these difficulties and we now march steadily on to economic construction. Of these grand economic and social achievements, it is necessary to mention the following: (1) the achievements in building construction. Over the past ten years we have built 100,000 units of low-cost housing. This has solved our housing shortage problem. (2) The building of industries. Over the past eight years we have successfully laid a sound foundation to our industries, and industrial produce has increased. For instance, in 1959 the industrial sector's contribution to our Gross Domestic Product was $256 million. However, by 1969 this increased to $1,154 million. There was a great increase in the number of jobs available.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I fully support this Bill. Its purpose is to strengthen the hands of the Public Service Commission so that it will be more effective in doing its work. We know that the P.S.C, is busy all the year round, because it has to deal with thousands of applications for appointments as public officers and other jobs. There are only a few members sitting on the Commission and, as such, they are tied down to their work, and consequently there are delays in dealing with applications. Therefore, the amendment Bill has been introduced at the most appropriate time. Sir, we know that the Public Service Commission is a very important institution of the state. Its membership comprises capable citizens who will ensure that the public service will have the best qualified people who can perform their duties well. They will also be able to serve their country well. With regard to the appointment of members to the Public Service Commission, there is a stipulation in the Bill that Members of Parliament can also be recommended to be members of the Public Service Commission. This will enable some Members of Parliament to be appointed as members of the P.S.C, and render their services to the country well. In view of all this, I support this Bill.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, according to the reply given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education, it is not possible to set up a Pre-University class in the two constituencies in question because of the small number of students. I hope that in future when the number of students increases, the Parliamentary Secretary will reconsider the question of setting, up Pre-University classes.”
“In view of our ideals, namely, to tax those who are able to bear the additional burden of tariff, and to exempt those who are not able to bear it, I hope the Minister will reconsider imposing this proposed tariff, so that all the people will support the Government's policy. 6.50 p.m.”
“Undoubtedly, for the sake of our long-term interest and for the ensurance of our future water supply, the Government has to implement various schemes to achieve this objective, including legislation against waste of pipe-water. I believe that our people will understand the justifiable policy of the Government. However, Mr Speaker, Sir, the important question is whether the Government has considered the consequences of the increased water charges. We understand that about 70 to 80 per cent of the people belong to the lower income group, and their monthly income averages between $150 and $300. Normally even those with bigger monthly incomes than this do not find it easy to maintain a family with a few mouths to feed. For instance, just now the Member for Paya Lebar said that some people, like himself, spend $100 a month on cigarettes. You can thus see that this increased charge will make the burden on the poor people heavier. For those people who are now in receipt of public assistance, they have not only to maintain their family with this assistance, but also to meet other expenditure. This additional charge, as proposed, will therefore aggravate their problem. Small traders, hawkers, and small coffee stall-holders also belong to the low income group, and I hope the Minister will give sympathetic consideration to all these poor people and exempt them from this additional tax. For those in the higher income group, I agree to the imposition of the increased charge on them, because they are getting fat salaries. Even an additional charge of $50 or $100 will have no effect on them, as it is within their means to pay. Mr Speaker, Sir, our Government, being democratic and socialist, needs to look after the welfare and interest of our people.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, first of all, let me congratulate you on your election as Speaker of this House. This is an opportune moment for congratulation as, on the eve of Chinese New Year, many people will be wishing one another "Happy New Year". Let me, therefore, wish you a very happy term of office, Mr Speaker. Because the Minister in charge has introduced this amendment Bill which seeks to impose a levy on sanitary fittings and on the volume of sewage and trade waste discharge, the people's festive spirit has been dampened. From the speeches made by the two Ministers, we can understand clearly the reasons for this increased taxation. It is mainly because the World Bank has loaned us $18 million for the expansion of our sewerage scheme, on condition that the loan should help finance only the foreign exchange component of the sewerage project, and also that the revenue earned on the project should be adequate to cover operating expenses. Also, from the long-term point of view, it is clear that our water supply will be insufficient. Therefore, in the coming years we will have to build two more reservoirs. We have built reservoirs in the past, but we will need to build two more reservoirs - one in Kranji and the other in Ulu Pandan - in future. But the explanation given for the increased water charges is not justifiable. I, of course, realise the large sums of money involved in the expansion of sewerage services. This project will enable the Government to increase its revenue. The Government will, therefore, have to invest in something that will give us security, so that our economy will he viable.”
“I feel there should be certain regulations to ensure that the new tariff does not fall on the shoulders of the tourists. I understand there have been a number of complaints against the high charges made by the hotels, just as what the Member for Delta has described. If we impose on the tourists this additional cess, it would definitely have an unfavourable reaction on the tourist trade. Secondly, what yardstick would the Minister use in classifying hotels as tourist-class or first-. class? Thirdly, when can we see the, completion of the Bali project and how much money will be involved? Fourthly, at the moment we are short of good cooks. We have to recruit cooks, mainly from Hong Kong and elsewhere, because of the increase in hotels. This will not only incur a loss in our foreign, exchange, but will also deprive our people of jobs. So I wonder whether the Tourist Promotion Board can set up some kind of training school to train cooks for local employment. Sir, I support this Bill. 4.16 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, first of all let me avail myself of this opportunity to congratulate the Tourist Promotion Board on its success and achievements in promoting tourism. The main purpose of the amendment Bill is to enable the Board to collect a three per cent cess on all sales of food and drink from tourist food establishments and tourist public houses in order to use such cess to subsidise our publicity promotion efforts. This is a very practical method. We know that the Government has already spent large sums of money on tourist promotion and that it has set up offices in various parts of the world to publicise Singapore in order to attract more tourists to come here and in order to earn a large amount of foreign exchange for the benefit of our economy. As a result of the strenuous efforts of the Government to set up various tourist attractions, our tourist trade has improved greatly today. It has earned praise from all quarters. Since the promotion of tourism will involve Government in expending large sums of money, it has every reason to impose a cess on tourist hotels and food establishments to supplement its expenditure. By this means, it will be able to do more publicity and attract more tourists to Singapore. This will also bring about more job opportunities for our people. As a result, we will improve our economy. This measure is most appropriate. In this connection, I want to know who will have to pay the three per cent cess. If proprietors of hotels and food establishments are asked to pay, then they will pass the three per cent cess on to their customers. Therefore, the customers will have to bear the additional charges and the proprietors and owners of these establishments will not have to pay the cess.”
“Mr Speaker, can the Parliamentary Secretary state whether under this amending Bill we can deal with those officers who are inefficient?”
“The East Coast Reclamation Scheme has somehow affected the free flow of water. Can the Minister take steps to remedy the situation?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister said that Sembawang was affected by the floods for the first time. I hope it will not happen again there. Mr Lee Teck Him (Ulu Pandan)(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, in regard to the recent floods, the damage done was very serious. Some rich people had their cars totally submerged in the flood and these were completely damaged. Some people were killed and others injured. Damage to property was extensive. Just now the Minister mentioned big flood alleviation projects coming up. That is good news. But, from my point of view, projects are projects. In this connection, we must learn from our past experience in building flats and houses. We have been very speedy in putting up houses and flats. Therefore, we should be equally speedy in carrying out these flood alleviation schemes. For example, the Ulu Pandan scheme has been going on for the last few years. I paid visits to the work site a few times, but there were no men working on the scheme. Ulu Pandan Road is a very important main trunk road which will connect Singapore with Malaysia and even Thailand. lf it rains very heavily for two days, it is very difficult to go through this road. I would like to ask the Minister if he will send more men to work on the Ulu Pandan scheme. If they are not working fast enough, they should work day and night. Just now the Minister said that there was not enough money to spend on all the flood alleviation projects. That is wrong. If there is no money, how can we build houses and flats? We should spend part of the money allocated to flat-building on the Ulu Pandan scheme, which is a very important project. The small drains in the area should be widened so that the water will flow more quickly to the sea.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, has the Government any plans to carry out flood alleviation schemes in Sembawang Constituency? Certain areas in Sembawang were affected by the recent floods and had water as high as four feet. Some roads have been eroded by the flood waters. Will the Government take immediate steps to repair these roads?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, apart from these completed schemes and in view of the serious flood recently, can the Minister inform the House of other proposed flood alleviation schemes and when these will be started? Mr Barker: Sir, the biggest scheme which has not yet received approval is the second phase of the Bukit Timah flood alleviation scheme to cut a new canal from the 3� milestone Bukit Timah Road through Whitley Road and Thomson Road along part of Sungei Whampoa to join up with Sungei Kallang at Kallang Basin. The estimated cost is $7� million. The next scheme is at Potong Pasir and Lorong Chuan valley. This is a rather low-lying area. We could widen Sungei Kallang and realign and improve its subsidiary drains. We could even construct a storage reservoir in Lorong Chuan valley. But all this would cost $5� million. There are some smaller projects. For instance, Geylang Serai is a very low-lying area and some parts of it are below high tide level. There is a scheme which is being considered to provide adequate concrete-lined canals in Geylang Serai. This will cost about $300,000. Other smaller schemes are the improvement and lining of Rochore Canal costing about $1 million, the provision of adequate canals, and the raising of the level of the roads in the Boon Tat Street area which would cost about $� million.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, apart from the various schemes mentioned by the Minister, what are the flood alleviation schemes that have been completed and where are these schemes situated?”