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 Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.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, I would like to ask the Minister about the two questions I mentioned just now. The first question relates to the appointment of members of the Presidential Council. Can the Minister assure the House that the members of the Council will include people from various races and all walks of life, and also from all the streams of education?”
“There were some questions which were not replied to. Can I ask him to clarify?”
“Sir, I would like to ask the Minister some questions and would also like him to clarify certain points.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I think the Member for Bukit Merah has deviated in his speech on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill. He is referring to the rally held at Fullerton Square which has no relationship at all with the Constitution (Amendment) Bill.”
“We all know that in dictatorial countries, the authorities do not like freedom of expression for the people. They would like to shut them up. But this is not a judicious policy. There is a Chinese saying that it is more difficult to shut up the people than to stop the flow of a river. This is something that cannot be controlled. We must develop the spirit of parliamentary democracy. In this respect, the setting up of the Presidential Council will afford an opportunity for people who have distinguished themselves in public service or attained eminence in their respective walks of life to contribute their part in nation-building for the benefit of the people. As regards the appointment of members of the Council, I would like to make some suggestions. First, the Council should be composed of representatives of various races in various walks of life. Second, the members of the Council should come from the four streams of education. They should not come from only one stream of education. As we are implementing the policy of multi-lingualism, the Council should conduct its proceedings in the four official languages. Finally, can the Minister say when this Presidential Council will be set up? Two or three years have elapsed since the setting up of the Constitutional Commission. As ours is an efficient government, every kind of work should be efficiently carried out. The people of Singapore would like to know when the Presidential Council can be set up. Sir, I support this Bill. 5.20 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Constitution (Amendment) Bill. I wish to touch upon the second part of the Bill, namely, the Presidential Council and matters related thereto. When the Bill was read a Second time in Parliament, I remember I made a statement supporting the setting up of the Presidential Council. In my opinion, I regard it as the second most progressive measure ever taken by Parliament in the history of our parliamentary democracy. The Select Committee took into consideration various matters, including procedural, relating to the Presidential Council. The Government is to be praised for exercising care in the introduction of this Bill and its passage through all its stages. For instance, there is a provision stipulating that members of the Council should be people above 35 years of age. This will enable people who are mature and knowledgeable to be appointed as members. The Bill also provides that people of unsound mind shall be disqualified for appointment as members of the Council. These provisions are very appropriate. The Select Committee also gave careful consideration to the various details in the Bill. The Presidential Council's main function is to see that there is no discriminatory measure in all our legislation against the minority groups. In this way, various opinions and views can be advanced so that the Government can take a judicious stand in its policies for the people's benefit. In this respect, the Government has set up community centres and citizens' consultative committees throughout the Republic to look after the interest of the people of Singapore, and also to assess their views and opinions so as to help the Government in the implementation of its policies.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the amendment Bill mainly looks after the interests of the rich and big enterprises. Naturally I support this Bill because it is beneficial to our economy. But I would like to take this opportunity to remind the Minister that he must also look after the interests of the working class. For example, we should reduce the property tax rates on Housing Board flats in order to reduce their burden. All in all, this amendment Bill is a progressive and equitable measure. I support it. 4.15 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to congratulate the Parliamentary Secretary on introducing this Bill which is a fair and progressive measure. It clearly shows that we have a very healthy economic policy. Before the amendments were introduced, the Income Tax Ordinance was rather confusing but now it is more reasonable. Income tax will now be based on the income derived in the preceding year, and the tax to be paid next year will be based on the income derived this year. I believe that all taxpayers will be satisfied with this arrangement. Sir, where does this fair and equitable taxation policy come from? We know that our Government practises democratic socialism. We often need to emphasise that it is our noble aim to build a more fair and more equitable society. In order to achieve this aim, we must lay down a fair and reasonable taxation policy. We must specify that the rich will bear a greater part of the tax burden and the poor will be exempted from income tax. It is only through this progressive policy that we can realise an egalitarian society. We know that a healthy and progressive taxation policy will promote the development of our economy and improve the prosperity of the country. For example, the Bill provides that ships registered in our country as well as deposits which are put in our banks by foreigners will be exempted from income tax. I think this will encourage more foreign capital to be invested in our country. Once we have got hold of these investments they will be used to finance the various activities of our commerce and industry. This will also encourage more ships to be registered in our country. In this way, our economy will improve and more employment opportunities will be created. Therefore, we must maintain a progressive economic policy.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether he agrees that this is a question of priority? If there are frequent occurrences of accidents in factories, I think we should consider it as a priority question.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that some factories in Jurong have a shortage of workers, especially technicians and artisans? If such a situation exists, can the Parliamentary Secretary inform the House what measures the Government intends to take to deal with it?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I understand your ruling, and I will cut short my speech. As I have said just now, I feel that artificial aids are very necessary for these unfortunate people. But if the cost is to be borne by the workers themselves, it might be impossible for them to get artificial limbs because they draw a very low pay. According to calculations, an artificial limb costs about $2,000. If the worker happens to be working in a Government department, I feel that the authorities concerned should look into the matter and try to do all they can to enable him to maintain his livelihood and the livelihood of his family. This is what we, as a Government that looks after the welfare of the people, should do to help him discharge his responsibility.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I sympathise with the Member for Moulmein when he makes a request for the supply of artificial limbs. This is a matter of aftercare, because if a worker meets with an accident and has to have one arm or leg amputated, he will have to fit himself with an artificial limb in order to carry on his daily activities so as to look after the livelihood of his family. This brings me to the subject of better methods of safety in industrial firms. There have been serious cases recently of industrial accidents. According to the statistics of the Ministry of Labour for 1968, there was a total of 8,147 cases, of which 109 were fatal. A total of 195 persons have become permanently disabled, and 1,343 persons have been disabled to the extent that they are unable to work further. From these statistics you can see the seriousness of the situation. Singapore is peaceful. We have no wars. However, every year, unfortunately, we find that more than 100 people lose their lives and limbs. This is really a very serious matter and is a problem to ponder on. So a more practical attitude is not just to discuss the supply of artificial limbs but to adopt better effective measures. I think the Ministry of Labour should engage more inspectors to go to the factories and other places of work to make routine or surprise inspections to see whether the facilities there are safe and without hazards.”
“We must examine the reasons for this dropping of standard and take remedial measures. In order to promote sports, particularly to raise the standard of our national teams, I would like to make four suggestions for the Minister's consideration. (1) To engage international coaches of repute. (2) All national team members should be given certain safeguards in respect of their employment, so that they can have peace of mind while taking part in sports. (3) Once a year there should be a definite programme for centralised group training. This will help the team members to attain all-round improvement, in addition to improvement in their physique, their spirit and their standards. And while they are taking part in group training, they should continue to draw their salaries if they are employed. (4) We should inculcate into them the spirit of patriotism in order to win honour for our country. The implementation of all these measures needs a lot of money. But the Minister has pointed out that there is provision for the setting up of the National Sports Promotion Fund to receive donations from various sources, such as commercial organisations and individuals, to meet expenses. These donations will be tax free. I believe this is a good measure, and with the setting up of this Fund, we will be able to have more funds to carry out our sports activities. Here I would like to appeal to sports enthusiasts, particularly those who are rich, to donate generously to help promote sport. Sir, I support this Bill. 4.59 p.m.”
“They are: (1) To train our people to have healthy and strong bodies so that our country will be able to shoulder the heavy task of nation building. (2) Through the various sports tournaments and competitions, the people will be able to enjoy some recreational activity. (3) To raise the competitive standard of the various kinds of sports, our national teams should be sent abroad to take part in regional as well as international tournaments in order to gain honour as well as publicity for our country. So these are very grand objectives and high ideals in the promotion of sports. Let us now examine the progress of sports over the past few years. Undoubtedly through the efforts of the Ministry of Social Affairs and with the help of various sports circles, we have had great achievements in many fields of sports, such as basketball, badminton, football, table tennis, swimming, and weightlifting. They are now flourishing. Now and then we see many youngsters training or taking part in tournaments either in school grounds or in community centres. These activities were never seen before. Although we are a small country, our standard of sports is not far below that of other countries. We can be said to be comparable to them. This has been proved in the results we achieved at the last Asian Games and the SEAP Games. But we should also recognise that in certain kinds of sports we have not done as well as before. For instance, our basketball team brought back a "big zero" in the last international competition. Our badminton standard has dropped even further. A few years ago we claimed to be the champions of the world in badminton, but just about a month ago we unexpectedly lost to an unknown national team from New Zealand. Is this not a pity? How did this come about?”
“Mr Speaker, I fully support this Bill. Undoubtedly it has very grand objectives. When it is implemented, I believe it will have a very decisive effect on the promotion of sports in our country and on the raising of our standard in sports. Sir, the purpose of this Bill, as the Minister has already described, is to set up the National Sports Promotion Board. Its tasks can be said to be quite comprehensive, with such functions as to encourage, develop and promote sports on a national basis for both competitive and recreational purposes; to co-ordinate the activities of voluntary sports organisations; to organise, in consultation with national sports organisations, including the National Olympic Committee, national and international competitions and games; and to foster research and study in sports and physical education and to provide for the training of instructors. [Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair] 4.51 p.m. All these functions will ensure that this Board plays an important part in the promotion of sports in our country. Because of the various important tasks entrusted to the Board, it will have very great responsibilities, such as co-ordinating the various sports organisations and raising the standard of the various sports and popularising them. In carrying out these responsibilities, there are questions to look into and matters to be taken care of. In working to achieve the objectives envisaged in the Bill, the National Sports Promotion Board will, I am confident, do its best to live up to its expectations. Sir, I believe you will agree with me that in promoting sports, there are three main objectives which should be well recognised.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, especially in regard to the establishment of a Presidential Council. I would like to congratulate the Minister on this, because the establishment of a Presidential Council is in line with the recommendation of the Constitutional Commission of 1966. Once again the Government has demonstrated that it intends to carry out whatever it has promised to do. Mr Speaker, although we have been independent for only four years, the democratic system has worked very successfully in our country. This is due to the fact that, firstly, we have an efficient and honest government; secondly, our multi-racial society is accustomed to democratic practices. This can be seen in the last few elections held. I feel that the various clauses in the Bill are appropriate. One of the provisions in the Bill stipulates that the Council should not take more than one month to examine a Bill passed by Parliament. This will ensure that all Bills passed by Parliament will be implemented smoothly. However, I would like to offer two points for the consideration of the Minister. One is about the appointment of members to the Presidential Council. Secondly, the composition of the members of the Presidential Council must be multi-racial, 1 hope we can appoint people who have extensive social experience, and who are impartial and patriotic. I hope the Minister will pay attention to these points because the task of the Council is to look after the interests and rights of the minorities in Singapore. 3.35 p.m.”
“We know that the port of Singapore has played a great role in the development of our trade and economy. It has been the lifeline of Singapore for the last 100 years, and we will continue to enjoy the same position side by side with our development in shipbuilding. So we must do all we can to maintain this rate of progress and high efficiency.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in my opinion, the Bill introduced by the Minister seeks to incorporate a company in shipbuilding, and this is a clear indication of the progress that we have made in the field of shipbuilding. We know that the shipbuilding industry in Singapore has provided a great deal of employment opportunities for thousands of our citizens, and has also earned a great deal of foreign exchange for Singapore, amounting to at least $400 million per annum. This is a pioneer industry that we should seek to encourage further. For example, Sembawang Shipyard, now properly developed, has many workers. The continued development of shipbuilding is, in my opinion, a great step forward in the promotion of our economy. In the same way that we have developed our port facilities - we have advanced to be the fourth greatest port in the world - so we should try to go a step further in enhancing our reputation in shipbuilding in order to gain the fourth place in shipbuilding in the world. We can even advance to first place if we put in further efforts, so that we will not only have a nice port but also a fine shipbuilding industry in our Republic. We have a hard-working labour force, high productivity, fine workmanship, and also an efficient Port of Singapore Authority. All these are favourable conditions for further increased development. Mr Speaker, Sir, as we all know, we have entered into a new era in shipbuilding with the introduction of containerisation. We have spent a great deal of money to develop our port facilities in order to meet the new requirements of containerisation so that we will be able to handle cargoes faster than ever before. We have a three-shift system in our dockyard so that cargoes can be handled all round the clock.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I support this Bill. It seeks to widen the scope of the Economic Development Board and provide for a greater degree of efficiency in promoting industrialisation. Since the industrialisation programme was introduced by the Government, under the able leadership of the Economic Development Board, we have seen the results of this programme. At present, in Jurong and in other industrial estates, there is a boom in industrial activities. The total number of workers employed exceeds 70,000. I know that in some factories there is a shortage of workers, especially skilled workers. This is a very good sign. On the question of appointing six additional members to the Board, I hope the Minister will appoint people who are economists with a great deal of experience so that they can look into the problem of promoting industrialisation more efficiently. The Parliamentary Secretary has just now mentioned the quality and standards of local products. I am glad he has paid attention to this matter. This will remind our industrialists that they should ensure that the quality of their products is sufficiently competitive so that their products will be able to compete with foreign goods. In addition, this will give a greater degree of confidence to our local consumers. Although our industrialisation programme has been going on for about six or seven years, we already have had fairly good results and we are glad about this. I hope that the amendment to the Bill will further speed up our industrialisation programme. 3.23 p.m.”
“Firstly, that continued pregnancy will endanger life; secondly, financial hardship does not justify the continuance of pregnancy; thirdly, the doctor must be satisfied that there is a risk that the child to be born will be abnormal; and, fourthly, the pregnancy is the result of rape, incest or intercourse with an insane or feeble-minded person. Because of these four safeguards, the present social order and moral standards can and will still be maintained. Another feature of this Bill is that there is a provision for its review within five years, so that whatever defects there might be will be corrected in due course. In short, this Bill is based on national interest and has been carefully drafted. It will bring about social progress and promote human welfare as well as economic development. In the long-term interest, the Bill is a good one. It will advance human welfare. For all these reasons, I fully support this Bill. 4.17 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, our Government is now encouraging the people to have small families with, at the most, three children in a family. This is not only beneficial to the individual family but also conducive to a better state of social well-being. According to statistics, many illegal abortions are done in Singapore, amounting to at least 500 cases per annum, and the women involved will eventually go to the Kandang Kerbau Hospital for assistance when their lives are in danger. We must take every possible step to prevent the recurrence or the worsening of this situation. Mr Speaker, Sir, some people will say that this Bill will lower the standard of morality. I thin-k the people who hold this view are too passionate and incapable of making a cool and calculating analysis of the situation. If they open their eyes and look around the world, they will change their attitude. We can see that thousands and thousands of people are dying because of war, starvation and malnutrition, and many thousands are on the brink of starvation. In my view, it is a sin for human society to allow such misery to continue to exist. It is, in fact, a tragedy for human society to be in such a state. We must not allow these things to happen. We must take positive steps to prevent an occurrence of such a state of affairs. We must effectively control our population growth. We must stress that in this Bill, abortion is performed on a voluntary basis. It is not compulsory at all, and people can, on religious grounds or for some other reason, very well refuse to accept abortion if they so choose. In addition, there are certain conditions - I can see at least four of them - to be satisfied before an abortion can be authorised.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in my view, the Abortion Bill has been introduced on two main grounds. Firstly, to control effectively the growth of our population and, secondly, to stop the increase or existence of illegal abortions. On the question of population control, it i5 my view that in so far as a small nation like Singapore is concerned, such a Bill is very important because we lack natural resources and we have a population of two million. Both in terms of our economy and the un employment problem, we are shouldering very heavy responsibilities. At the present moment, about 60,000 of our citizens are in a state of unemployment or under-employment. Furthermore, we have to look after our citizens in the fields of health, education and social welfare. Therefore, we must stress that effective control of population growth is very important in Singapore. We must make sure that every child in Singapore is a healthy child and a wanted child. We must also ensure that every child in our society will have a place in the sun. We have achieved a certain measure of success in family planning and, in this respect, the Singapore Government should be congratulated on its foresight. As a matter of fact, when family planning was first introduced in Singapore, views were expressed against it. Sir, had it not been for the adamant attitude adopted by our Government, our population growth rate would have been about 40 per 1,000 and, as a result, our population by now would have been at least 2.5 million instead of two million. So, on the same basis, the Singapore Government is trying to effect better control over the growth of population and this, in my view, is in keeping with our national interests.”
“Sir, the Parliamentary Secretary has not said when the books will be ready for the pupils.”
“The Parliamentary Secretary referred to the outstanding achievements of the Adult Education Board. However, the fact that there were no textbooks after the classes were opened was a shortcoming and not an achievement. Another point is that the lack of textbooks would lead to a great deal of inconvenience both to the teachers and the pupils. I am not quite satisfied with his reply.”
“Sir, when does the Parliamentary Secretary expect some im provement in our economy in order to vary the policy on the grant of citizenship?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to ask the Minister one question. When an illegitimate child grows up and marries, will he still be illegitimate?”
“This is a praiseworthy plan. I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $1,516,430 for Head 82 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 83 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 82 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 301. Mr Speaker, Sir, this item concerns prison industries for which a provision of $150,000 is made. Since we are spending so much money on prison industries, what is their total output and what is the amount of revenue collected by the Government per annum? I fully endorse the idea of making use of prisoners to run prison industries. They will learn a trade which will be useful to them in making a living after they have served their sentences. I wish to have more details about this.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $40,020 for Head 81 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. 5.00 p.m. Head 82 - Madam Chan Choy Siong(In Mandarin): Sir, in moving my first amendment, I wish to speak on my second amendment* as well. * Amendment (2) reads as follows: That the sum to be allocated for Head 82 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 106.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to he allocated for Head 81 he reduced by $100. The sum allocated for social welfare is only 540.020 which is extremely meagre and detrimental to the poor people. I wonder whether this is because of the increase in defence expenditure. Will the Minister indicate whether this is so? Does the Minister have a plan to accommodate retarded children who have to wait for a very long time to go to school? For instance, if the Member for Bukit Merah wants to go there, he will have to wait for half a year.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood in the name of Mr L. P. Rodrigo --- (2) That the sum to be allocated for Head 71 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 301.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 71 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 201. The sum of $182,080 is provided for Head 71. Will the Minister describe the different types of equipment that will be purchased with this sum of money? May I also know whether the purchase of such equipment will improve the programmes over the radio and on television?”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. The sum of $341,220 for Head 62 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 71 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 62 be reduced by $l00*. * The same amendment also stood in the names of Mr Ho Kah Leong and Mr Ch'ng Jit Koon. Sir, the total expenditure for this head is $341,220. I feel this sum is too little. It should be increased. There is an item on works and buildings for rural community centres. I would like to know where the community centres are to be built. Sir, the Naval Base, which is in Sembawang Constituency, has been transferred to the Government of Singapore. May I request the Minister to build a rural community centre in the Naval Base in future? I also notice that there is no provision for the building of holiday camps. I understand that applicants for holiday camps have to wait for quite a long time before they are allotted a camp. Therefore, I would like to ask the Minister whether we have sufficient holiday camps. My last point concerns the People's Centre. Last year, there was a provision of $92,000 for the construction of the People's Centre. Has this sum been used, and has the project been carried out half-way?”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $47,900,000 for Head 61 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 62 -”
“I just want to ask the Minister whether he can give some details about this $47,900,000 allocation.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, how is the sum of $47,900,000 to be expended?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 61 be reduced by $100. The provision for Head 61 is $47,900,000. The Ministry of Interior and Defence was set up not long ago and it has already made great strides. May I inquire how this sum of $47.900,000 will be allocated. And to what use will the Defence Fund be put?”
“I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $3,906,710 for Head 51 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 52 -”
“The Member's third question was when the jumbo jets, the Boeing 747s, are expected to arrive in Singapore. I think I have given this information on a few occasions. 3.45 p.m. We do definitely know that some jumbo jets should arrive at Singapore Airport around 1971. It could be earlier. Therefore, we have a little more than two years to plan for their arrival. But may I say that personally I had the opportunity to visit Seattle two months ago? This is the place where the Boeing 747s are manufactured by the Boeing Company. I am given to understand that, except for the number of passengers involved (that is, twice as many passengers will be discharged from the jumbo jets), no great difficulty should be experienced, because the jumbo jets have been designed to take off and land on runways which can take the lighter Boeing 707s. I think the plane has also had a test flight recently.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 51 be reduced by $100. The sum allocated for this head is 53,906,710. Our Republic has become the fourth largest port in the world, and in external telecommunications, it has reached quite an important position. But the sum collected in this respect is rather small. This may be due to large sums of money being allotted to other more important projects. On the extension of the runway in the airport, can the Minister say when the work will be completed? Secondly, under subhead 305, where will the new car park be situated and when will it be completed? Thirdly, when will the jumbo jets call here, because they are very important to the further development of our commerce and tourism? The Minister for Communications (Mr Yong Nyuk Lin): Mr Speaker, Sir, for the information of the Member for Sembawang. I would like to say that the original cost of the extension to the airport runway is $5 million, but it has since been revised and brought down to $3.8 million. One million dollars was expended last year and almost $800,000 has been expended this year. I can say that the extension of the runway from 9,000 to 11,000 feet should be completed by the middle of next year. Seventy-five per cent of the work has been completed. The next query raised by the Member was on the new car park under subhead 305. I think I have already answered this question a few days ago, but in order to meet the request of the Member, I shall give him the answer again. This car park can accommodate 200 cars and has been in use since June this year. There is, however, a sum of $18,000 for next year which is the estimated cost for the construction of bus and car park attendant kiosks which will be built next year and rented out.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $30,850,070 for Head 41 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 51 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister has not answered one point, and that is, where will vocational institutes be built?”
“If students in the rural areas desire to study in vocational schools, they have to travel all the way to the city because voca tional schools are built only in the city areas and the expenditure on travelling will mean a greater burden to their parents. Thirdly, what is the basis for the selection of principals in integrated schools? In my view, the principals should be bilingual. But, at the moment, the principals of many integrated schools are only monolingual. Therefore, they have difficulties when conversing with parents, and their senior assistants have to act as interpreters. Sir, this arrangement is most unsatisfactory and I hope the Minister will consider a better basis for the selection of principals in integrated schools. The emphasis should be on bilingualism in order to provide a more effective administration. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 3.35 p.m.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 41 be reduced by $100. The sum allocated for this Head is $30,850,070. Apart from the sum required for the new administrative building of the Ministry of Education, there are five items of expenditure for higher education. Allocation is made for Nanyang University, the University of Singapore and Ngee Ann College which amounts to about $1½ million. The Polytechnic is allocated a sum of about $¼ million. This very clearly shows that the emphasis is on technical and vocational education. But the sum allocated for primary and secondary education is very small. From the various allocations, we can see that the Government is biased towards the development of technical education. From the rate of industrialisation and the various changes that are taking place, we realise that there is a need to provide technical education so that we will be able to provide the necessary industrial personnel for our development needs. Sir, I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate the Minister for Education on his successful achievement in encouraging technical education. How ever, I wish to raise some questions. When will the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies be established? When will work on it be started and when is completion expected? How and when will enrolment take place? Secondly, where will the vocational institutes be set up? Are there any plans for building vocational schools in the rural areas to look after the needs of the students in these areas?”
“I wish to ask the Parliamentary Secretary why the trainees should have a certain height before they can be recruited as trainees.”
“In view of the Minister's explanation, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $131,480,900 for Head 21 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 31 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 21 be reduced by $100. Sir, the sum of $131,480,900 under this head is provided for various purposes, such as "Loan to Development Bank of Singapore - $30 million", "Loan to Jurong Town Corporation -$30 million", "Loan to Public Utilities Board - $20 million", "Loan to Housing and Development Board -$50 million", etc. These allocations are very important for our economic development and prosperity. But I would like to know the purposes of the other subheads for which various sums of money have been allocated. Can I have more details of the item "Seletar Dam - Anti-Pollution Measures - $463,200", and of the remaining subheads 401, 402, 501 and 601?”
“Sir, in view of the Minister's explanation, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $341,000 for Head 11 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 21 -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 11 be reduced by $100. The sum allocated for this Head is $341,000 for the period 1969-70. The main purpose of this sum is to purchase furniture and equipment and also for works and buildings. We all know that the National Museum is very important because it provides educative information to our people, but in the past it has been neglected. Now that the Museum is under the Ministry of Science and Technology, I hope that it will be properly developed, and since the Minister is a specialist in biology, he will be able to get exhibits of animals and insects from all over the world to replenish the present stock in the Museum. In this way, our student population will be able to widen their knowledge and also to learn more about past and present dev elopments, especially on the history of natural science. I would like to ask the Minister two questions. The captions of the exhibits in the Museum are in English and the scientific names are also in English. Will the Minister consider whether the captions can be put in the four official languages for the benefit of the people? Secondly, what types of furniture and equipment will be purchased?”