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 Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.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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“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am of the view that the introduction of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill is mainly for the purposes of creating a climate that is conducive to investments in Singapore. It will also allay the doubts and fears of foreign investors who intend to set up business here. If a wrong impression is created, it will be detrimental to our policy of encouraging more foreign investors to come here. As a result of our pro-labour policy of industrial peace with justice, the industrial relationship between employer and worker has been very good in the last few years. Many trade disputes have been resolved by arbitration. There has been a marked reduction in the number of strikes and trade disputes. We must try to maintain the present good relationship between employer and worker. This Bill is quite fair to both employer and worker because it provides that the transfer of any employee must not be detrimental to his existing terms and conditions of service. It will therefore prevent unscrupulous employers from exploiting their employees. The Bill also provides that in the case of an employer who abuses his rights by sacking an employee, the latter can, within a month, appeal to the Minister for Labour for a withdrawal of the notice of termination of service and for reinstatement. Mr Speaker, Sir, the trade union leaders in the National Trades Union Congress look after not merely the interest of labour but also that of the nation as a whole. In doing so, they seldom interfere with the rights of employers. They merely advance advisory opinions and this is not construed as interference with the rights of employers. I hope that the introduction of this Bill will not affect our policy of industrial peace with justice and that this policy will be maintained.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to raise two questions. Firstly, in his Ministerial statement yesterday, the Finance Minister said that the Government propose to introduce two Superscale posts, 'A' and 'B' into the civil service. In the case of Superscale 'B', the salary would be $2,700 a month, and Super-scale 'A' $3,000 a month. This salary is more than a Minister's salary, which is only $2,500 a month. Generally speaking, the responsibilities of a Minister are greater than those of a Permanent Secretary. If that is the case, I wish to ask the Minister for Finance, if the pay of Ministers' pay will be correspondingly increased. I warmly welcome Government's acceptance of the recommendations of the Salaries Commission in respect of Division IV employees. In the Primary Production Division there are about 90 employees. I wish to ask the Minister if these employees are covered by the Report. If they are not, I would ask him whether he would consider extending the implemented recommendations to cover these employees.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Parliamentary Secretary tell us who are the members of the smaller ad hoc committees?”
“All this goes to show the socialist spirit of our Government and the humanitarianism that we are seeking to establish. As a centre for social services, the Government has a great responsi bility, particularly in view of the accelerated withdrawal of the British troops by 1971. We will be faced with two problems, namely, economic and defence. Under these circumstances, we will of necessity require more voluntary organisations to step up their activities and thereby assist the Government in carrying out social services and also help solve the problems relating to these services. It is my earnest hope that the well-to-do and rich members of our society will be more interested in social services. I appeal to them to be more generous in their contributions to the social services of Singapore so that all the voluntary organisations and the Singapore Council of Social Service will have more money to carry out social service work. 4.05 p.m.”
“This is a very good Bill which deserves our support. I give my full support to it. I hope the Member for Nee Soon will not say that he cannot support it. In my view, this Bill should have been introduced much earlier, so that all the voluntary organisations in Singapore could become members of this statutory body in order to improve the social services of our Republic. But it is not too late to introduce this Bill and we welcome it now. I would like to take this opportunity to associate myself with the last two Members who spoke in support of this Bill and in appreciation of the services rendered by the various voluntary organisations and their contributions to our nation. For example, these organisations have made great contributions in organising relief for the victims of outbreaks of fire and other kinds of calamity. They do this in a spirit of unselfishness and a sense of public-spiritedness. It is because of their contributions that the less fortunate members of our society are able to enjoy some of the comforts of life. They have thus the hope and the will to continue earning their livelihood. It goes without saying that the Singapore Government is always interested in the welfare services of the country. For example, we have given a lot of money by way of public assistance to the less fortunate members of our society. I remember that in 1966 the sum allotted for public assistance was about $9.6 million. In 1967 it was about $7 million. This money was disbursed to people who were suffering from chronic diseases, particularly those who suffered from tuberculosis, and to the unemployed. At the same time, we have also set up homes for the aged to look after old people and also homes for children to look after the helpless children of our Republic.”
“Where is the Institute and who is responsible for it? 2.45 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I fully support this Bill. Singapore is in the centre of Southeast Asia. All along we have been in close contact with our neighbouring countries in all fields of activities, such as trade, communications, shipping and aviation. These neighbouring countries have been making use of this place as a most convenient transit centre. We occupy a most important position in Southeast Asia. But we also realise that Southeast Asia is a very complicated area. The Vietnamese people are suffering from the ravages of war. Other countries are also suffering many calamities. They have different historical, political and social backgrounds. The people of these countries have different faiths, beliefs, creeds, customs and traditions. In order to understand the religious, cultural, political and social backgrounds and the conditions of our neighbouring countries and their people, it is necessary to set up the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies which can make a thorough study of all these matters. The emphasis in international relationships at present is on regional co-operation, either political or economic. It is in their mutual interest if they seek a wider and higher level of co-operation. The setting up of this Institute, therefore, is very necessary and timely at this juncture. If my memory does not play me false, I recollect that our scholarly Minister for Education has mentioned earlier in this House about the setting up of such an Institute as is now envisaged under this Bill. If action had been taken earlier, the Institute would already have been set up. I would now like to ask the Minister a few questions. What work has this Institute done so far? Has the Government allotted any sum of money to the Institute to carry on with its work?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I fully support the Constitution (Amendment) Bill. Its main purpose is to make provision for Parliament to elect a Vice-President in order to assist the President in such of his functions as the President may care to hand over to him. Also when the President is abroad or is absent for any other reason, he may act as President. As the Head of State of a newly emergent country, the President has a lot of duties and functions to carry out. Our present President, Inche Yusof bin Ishak, has been the Head of State since 1960. After 1965, when Singapore became independent, he has been the President of our Republic. We know that he seldom went abroad, but recently he went to Australia for a holiday. So in the absence of a Vice-President, we requested the Speaker of the House to be the Acting President. With the passage of the Bill, we will be in a better position and we will find it more convenient to have a Vice-President to act as President. However, I have a few points to raise. Firstly, when will a Vice-President be elected? The second point is similar to what the Member for Joo Chat has raised. Why should we limit his term of office to three years? As the President's term of office is for four years, I feel that the Vice-President's term of office should also be for four years. Otherwise we will have to elect again a Vice-President while the President is still in office. So I would like the Minister to explain why there should be the stipulation of three years of office for the Vice-President. 4.00 p.m.”
“This Bill also provides for various kinds of development in Jurong Town. There is a, proposal to form a Board comprising a number of members who will plan the development of Jurong Town. After this Bill becomes law, I am sure that Jurong will be a prosperous and efficient industrial area. I give my support to this Bill. 3.23 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I fully support this Bill which is far-sighted. The Minister has said just now that the main purpose of this Bill is to make plans to provide better facilities for Jurong Town so that it will not only be a new and modern town, but also a place where thousands of people can work and live. Since the P.A.P, came to power and started its industrialisation plan in 1960, Jurong has become a large industrial town. I understand that it covers about 18,000 acres and the Government has done a lot by putting all this acreage to various uses. For instance, about 1,700 acres are for heavy industries and about 7,000 acres are for light industries. The Government has made plans for residential and commercial areas, community services, facilities and amenities such as public telephones, etc. From this, we know that the Government does not intend to make Jurong only an industrial town but also a place where thousands of people can make a living. As a result of the rapid development of Jurong, various problems have arisen and have to be looked after, such as education, transport, etc, for the people living there. It would not be convenient for the Economic Development Board to do these things by itself. That is why there is need today for a Jurong Town Corporation which will take over the functions of the E.D.B, in respect of the Jurong industrial site. Sir, our achievements in the Jurong industrial site are well known throughout the world. Good progress has been made all round. In addition to industrial development, we have also set up a Fisheries Wharf in Jurong which will facilitate the distribution of fish to our markets. The harbour is good and deep with facilities for ship-repairing and ship-building in docks.”
“There have also been great improvement and reforms in the fields of culture, health and social welfare. In short, the President's policy speech is a very important document because it lays down correct directions in national construction for the next five years. It will enable us to achieve greater prosperity. With political stability, economic security and other favourable factors for economic expansion, I believe that if the people and the Government can work closely together in the crucial years ahead, they will not be daunted by the formidable challenges facing them. On the contrary, they will be able to surmount all difficulties and succeed in the great task of nation-building. 5.55 p.m.”
“In November 1967, the number of people who died in road accidents was 207 and the number who were severely injured was 1,575, while those who were slightly injured was 7,769. These figures are shocking. The Ministry of Communications, under the leadership of Mr Yong Nyuk Lin, in conjunction with the Ministry of National Development, will have to find a solution to our problem of traffic congestion so as to reduce the number of road accidents and to minimise the loss of lives. Sir, I would now like to say some-thing about the work of converting the Naval Base at Sembawang into a commercial dockyard. According to the Addendum to the President's Speech, the work of conversion will be carried out this year. As the representative of Sembawang, I have reason to be glad about such a project, because it will not only provide job opportunities for more than 11,000 people in my constituency and their families, but it will also play a very important role in promoting our economic prosperity. As a matter of fact, this 5-mile long Naval Base is a great asset to our country. It is the greatest naval base for the British Empire. But as a result of the change in circumstances, the British will be withdrawing its entire forces at the end of 1971 and they will leave behind all the facilities there. The Government has now decided to convert the Naval Base into a gigantic commercial dockyard. Therefore, after 1971 the Naval Base will not be dead. On the contrary, it will be a busier and more active dockyard and bring greater prosperity to our country. Lastly, let me touch on education. From now onwards the emphasis will be switched over from academic education to technology and science so as to fulfil the need of industrialisation.”
“The success of our industrialisation programme shows that if we have the verve and determination, any sort of difficulty can be overcome. Let me now touch on the various Government departments. There is one matter which should receive our attention, i.e., the Government has set up two new Ministries, namely, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Communications. As a matter of fact, these two Ministries are vitally necessary as they fulfil the need of national development. The Ministry of Science and Technology will have the function of co-ordinating the two Universities, the Polytechnic and other tertiary educational institutes. This Ministry is now headed by Dr Toh Chin Chye, who is concurrently the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Singapore. When the appointment was made, he won the acclaim of the academic world of the Republic and the Press. I believe that under his leadership the tertiary institutions in our Republic will make greater progress and more orderly improvement and that more talented and capable nationals will be trained for nation-building. The Ministry of Communications will have the stupendous task of solving our traffic congestion. According to statistics, the total number of vehicles last year was 578,855. Of these, 116,000 were private vehicles. With a population of two million people, it means that there was one car for every four persons. On the other hand, traffic congestion has also resulted in an increase of road accidents. The 1966 statistics show that the number of people who died in road accidents was 251 and the number who were severely injured was 1,646, the number slightly injured was 7,576.”
“I hope that in future more consideration will be given to the allotment of expenditure to promote tourism and that the Immigration Department and other Government departments dealing with tourists should accord them better facilities and extend them every courteous service. These are very necessary conditions in promoting tourism. In the field of shipping and communications, we know that we are geographically at the centre of South-east Asia and also that we are at the cross-roads of communication lines between Europe and Asia. Recently we have seen much development in this field. According to statistics, there are 21 airlines operating regular flight services through Singapore. Last year 964,244 air passengers passed through Singapore. This is about 25 per cent increase over that of 1966. This is a great help to our economic growth. There is even speedier development in the manufacturing industry. The Minister for Finance has said that total investments in 1961 amounted to $20,400,000. But in 1967 they had increased to $400,600,000, a twenty-fold increase. In 1961 only 330 persons were employed in the manufacturing industry. In 1967, 16,400 people were employed. This was an increase of 55 times the original figure. Sir, when we were at the initial stages of industrialisation, some people with ulterior motives and certain reactionary politicians criticised and ridiculed us, saying that we would surely fail in our industrialisation policy. But today, seven years later, we are witnessing industrial prosperity. More and more foreign investments are flowing in constantly. [Mr Lim Cheng Lock temporarily in the Chair] 5.46 p.m. This not only earns us more foreign exchange but also provides us with more employment opportunities.”
“Sir, we examine what we have achieved in our military build-up in the past two years and nine months, we can be proud of the fact that we have not only organised and trained military personnel, but we have also achieved good results. Furthermore, we have successfully built an armoury which is producing bullets, hand grenades and other weapons. This is a very good example of our great achievements in self-reliance. In the field of economic development, according to the analysis given by our Finance Minister, our economic growth mainly depends on four sectors: (1) Import and export trade; (2) tourism; (3) shipping and communications; (4) manufacturing industries. Ever since we won our independence and became our own masters, we have been implementing a non-aligned foreign policy and have also set up good trading relationships with many countries, both Communist and non-Communist. Thus we have greatly increased our foreign trade. For instance, in 1967 our foreign trade amounted to $7,886,510,000, an increase of $440 million on the figure for 1966. At present many countries are trying to set up trade relationships with us. This is a good sign. If the commercial and industrial sectors can co-operate closely with the Government to promote our trade and commerce, I believe that we will be able to increase our foreign trade. In the field of tourism, last year about 200,000 tourists came here. It would appear from this that the tourist trade has great hopes of expansion. We can now see many first-class hotels being built to receive tourists from other countries.”
“Sir, we, of course, understand that since we are a country of only 224 square miles, it is not possible to spend large sums of money and most of our resources on defence expenditure. If we do so, then our cultural, educational and social welfare programmes will be greatly curtailed. Therefore, we are now implementing national service which stipulates that all those citizens of 18 years of age will receive two years' full-time training or part-time military training. Thus, we need maintain only a small regular army which would be responsible for our major defence task. On the other hand, we have quite a large reserve force which ordinarily would carry on with their work in their various capacities. But when there is an emergency, these well-trained reserves will receive instructions to regroup and will be organised speedily to defend our security. Mr Speaker, Sir, in addition to the organisation of our Army, we should also, at the same time, set up an Air Force and a Navy to protect our air space and territorial waters. On this aspect, let me quote what the Prime Minister said on the occasion of the Military Officers Commissioning ceremony at the Istana Negara on 20th March. He said that in the next four years we must speedily build up our air defence capability jointly with Malaysia and other countries so that we may have a reliable air defence system and, at the same time, it should be one that can withstand any test and will live up to its reputation. This shows that the Government is quite determined to build up its air defence capability.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, on behalf of the people in Sembawang Constituency, I fully support the Prime Minister's motion. The speech made by the President in this House on the 6th of this month at 7 p.m, is undoubtedly historic. It is a very important document for nation building. It clearly outlines the three great objectives in our nation building, namely, the building of an effective defence capability and the promotion of greater economic growth and the enhancement of national consciousness, in order to overcome the various problems that will confront us. These objectives clearly show that the Government is determined to launch out in the task of nation building in the coming five years, namely, to build a more prosperous, more stable and more progressive Republic. Mr Speaker, Sir, at present our people attach much importance to the problems of how to strengthen our national defence and how to speed up tour economic growth. These are the major issues affecting our national survival. If a country is weak in its defence and is not always prepared, then it will not be able to safeguard its independence and sovereignty, because at the moment we are still in a predatory world and the ideal of having one world in the future, which is cherished by all mankind, is still far ahead. Therefore, as a newly-emergent country, in order to safeguard and protect our territorial integrity and sovereignty, and also to protect the right of survival of our two million people, we have to build up our defence force. We have to consolidate our defence arrangements in order to achieve internal security and defence capability.”
“Furthermore, the administration of this Bill when it becomes law will result in expenditure borne solely by the Government without a single cent of the money paid into the Fund being touched. Mr Speaker, Sir, certain politicians in Singapore have come out with adverse criticisms against this Bill to the effect that it is intended to exploit the workers. This is indeed mala fide propaganda because it is unfounded. The people who make this vicious accusation are unable to assist the workers. Their idea is to create confusion and unrest and they hope to fish in troubled waters. These vicious politicians must be made to understand that their attempt will not succeed because the workers are now more politically conscious and fully understand their own circumstances and the situation in our country. The workers are fully aware that the Government is planning ahead for them and also for the interest of the nation. So they understand the importance of cooperation with the Government. It is only when they co-operate with the Government that we will be able to tide over this difficult period. As a matter of fact, the accelerated British withdrawal will not only cause difficulties in employment but also in defence. But this is a challenge to the will and guts of the people. I believe that if the people stand united together, we will not be afraid to face any difficulties and that finally we will be triumphant. Mr Speaker, Sir, I fully support this Bill. 4.10 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I fully support the Bill before the House. It is the aim of this Bill to protect the civilian employees in the Armed Forces of the British Government so that the redundancy payments to be given to them will be protected by law. The purpose of this Bill is to look after the livelihood of the employees themselves as well as their families and dependants and to tide them over the difficulties with which they will be faced. The timely introduction of this Bill fully shows that the Government has foresight, advanced planning and a strong sense of responsibility. As a good Government, we are not only responsible to the employees themselves but also to their dependants. Therefore, the Government must assist and look after these civilian employees of the Armed Forces and see that their redundancy payments are gainfully utilised in business or will tide them over their difficulties for the time being. This is indeed a very wise measure. Mr Speaker, Sir, the N.T.U.C., which represents the democratic labour movement, has already indicated its full support for this Bill. Indeed, the unions of the civilian employees in the Army and Navy have also come out in its support. They are of the view that the Bill is a clear indication of the Government's intention to assist and look after the long-term interest of the workers as well as their families. Mr Speaker, Sir, there are certain provisions in this Bill which are particularly of benefit to the civilian employees. First, the redundancy payments paid into the Fund will earn interest at the rate of 5¼ per cent per annum. Second, such payments are exempted from income tax so that they are intact at all times. Third, they are out of the reach of creditors and moneylenders.”
“Mr Speaker, the Prime Minister has told the House just now about his talks with the British Government in London and about having obtained certain promises in the air defence involving Malaysia. I would like to ask the Prime Minister this question. On this point, what is the attitude of the Malaysian Government?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, according to my knowledge, this incident happened only recently. A period of six months' notice was given. I am afraid the administration is lacking in efficiency. GOVERNMENT REPAIR OF PRIVATE ROADS 12. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether he is aware that certain land-owners have persistently refused to allow their private roads, which have been used by residents in the area for more than 20 years, to be repaired by the Government in spite of many appeals by the residents, and what steps he will take to compel the land-owners under existing laws to repair such roads, or whether the Government will repair them and charge the cost to the land owners concerned.”
“According to the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, the work was approved by the Projects Committee on 7th August, 1967, and then the Public Works Department was notified. When did the Public Works Department notify the Projects Committee that this road could not be repaired under section 19?”
“I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $825,000 for Head 54 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 55 - The following amendment stood in the name of Madam Chan Choy Siong - That the sum to be allocacd for Head 55 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 103. Madam Chan Choy Siong: I am not moving. The following amendment stood in the names of Madam Chan Choy Siong and Inche Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi - That the sum to be allocated for Head 55 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 104. Madam Chan Choy Siong: I am not moving. The Chairman: Inche Mohd. Ariff is not here. Mr Ng Kah Ting, amendment (3) *”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there is an allocation of $500,000 for a Home for the Aged. I cannot understand why the Parliamentary Secretary has said that there is no need for more Homes for the Aged.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 54 be reduced by $100. The estimate for this Head is $825,000 for the year 1968. A sum of $200,000 is provided for Works and Buildings for the Junior Approved School and a sum of $500,000 is provided for the Home for the Aged, and so on. I suggest that the Government should build homes for handicapped children. At the moment, I know that such homes arc provided by charitable organisations and not by Government. May I know when the Home for the Aged will be ready?”
“Yes. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $125,000 for Head 53 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 54 -”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 53 be reduced by $100.* Sir, I have a question to ask: how many historical exhibits are there in the Museum?”
“I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $119,007,000 for Head 40 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 52 -”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 40 be reduced by $100. Under this head, the total estimated expenditure is $119,007,000 which will be mainly used to provide loans to the Housing Board of $50 million, to the Public Utilities Board of $20 million, and to the Jurong Industrial Estate of $20 million. I would like to put forward two suggestions under this topic. Firstly, I would like to point out to the Minister that the policy of house ownership for the people has been well received, but this policy has been confined only to certain areas. I would like to ask him whether he will consider selling all the Housing Board flats to the tenants because this will be welcomed by the people. Secondly, last year I suggested to the House that the Housing Board should employ lift attendants for the flats. The Minister seems not to have listened to what I said. I believe that the expenses for such lift attendants will be willingly borne by the tenants. There are three advantages to this. Firstly, more job opportunities will be created. Secondly, the lifts will be kept clean. Thirdly, the tenants' safety can be well taken care of.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, under this vote it seems that there is a reduction compared with what was voted for last year. I do not know whether this is due to the fact that we have enough schools. 3.30 p.m. That is why we have a reduction in the vote for next year. Whether there are sufficient schools or not, I feel that it is because we have two sessions in our schools. If we are going to revert back to the system of a full-day school, it seems there are not enough schools for the future. I would like to know the reason for the reduction of this vote. I remember the Minister said a few days ago that four vocational schools would be built in the future. Where are these schools to be built?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in view of the explanation by the Minister. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $4,863,310 for Head 20 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 21 - The following amendments stood in the name of Inche Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi - (1) That the sum to be allocated for Head 21 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 101. (2) That the sum to be allocated for Head 21 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 102. (3) That the sum to be allocated for Head 21 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 201.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 20 be reduced by $100. Sir, the allocation for this head totalling $4,863,310 is mainly for the following. $400,000 for the University of Singapore, $921,400 for Nanyang University, and $2,149,600 for the Ministry of Education Administrative Building. This shows that the Ministry of Education is paying great importance to higher education. But I would like to ask two questions. I remember the Minister for Education once declared that the Ministry would be considering the setting up of an aeronautical faculty in the University of Singapore. What is the progress of this plan so far? Secondly, can the Minister say when the Ministry of Education Administrative Building will be completed?”
“No. I want to say something. Mr Speaker, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated for Head 12 be reduced by $10 instead of $100. I would like to ask the Minister three questions. Firstly, why should there be only a token vote of $10? Secondly, since there is no plan, why should it be included in the Development Estimates? Thirdly, has any plan been drawn up? If so, why cannot he ask for a supplementary vote next year?”
“Mr Speaker, the provision for this Head is only $10 and so I cannot ask for a token reduction of $100.”
“Mr Speaker, I am not very satisfied with the answer. I ask for a division.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the total sum to be allocated fot Head 11 be reduced by $100.* This item involves a vote of $235,000 for the purpose of putting up new community centres in the rural areas. Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to ask the Minister three questions: firstly, how is the vote to be allocated? where will the community centres be built? and will there be any community centre for Sembawang? Secondly, has the staff conference of the People's Association achieved its proposed objectives? Thirdly, the staff should be trained in staff relations and their work duties so that they will be able to do their work better. Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the management committees of the various community centres.”
“I am not moving, Sir. The sum of $16,000,000 for Head 10 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 11 - The following amendment stood in the name of Inche Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi - That the sum to be allocated for Head 11 be reduced by $10 in respect of item (001) of subhead 10l.+”
“I am not moving, Sir. The sum of $7l6,l00 for head 02 ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head 10 - The following amendment stood in the name of Mr Teong Eng Siong - That the total sum to be allocated for Head 10 be reduced by $100.”
“I wish to speak a few more sentences on Head 1108.”
“Second, to supervise the contractors in carrying out the work in order to prevent any malpractices on the part of the contractors. What the Member for Delta has raised just now is very correct. We often receive a lot of complaints. I admit that our Minister is a capable and upright man. Maybe he does not have the time to hear, the complaints that we receive. So I would like the relevant department to take note of this problem. I personally know that some shop-keepers have been evicted and have great difficulty in finding alternative location. The department tells them that they cannot find other accommodation for them because other shop-keepers have been given accommodation. At the same time, the Land Office will go on collecting rent from them. How can the small businessmen maintain their livelihood when the Land Office continues to collect rent from them? I hope the Minister will consider all these points.”
“Taxi drivers have complained that their former taxi stands have been converted into car-parking spaces. This has caused some inconvenience to them. Therefore. I hope when the relevant departments are drawing up lots for parking, they will consider the businesses around those places. They should also consider the welfare of the taxi drivers. All these people pay taxes. Another point which I hope the Minister will consider and which I hope he will not misunderstand me is this. Arab Street is usually the place where I catch my taxi to go to Sembawang. The taxi drivers there have complained to me that there are no taxi stands in Arab Street and they are often booked by traffic policemen. At one time the Taxi Drivers' Association made a request to have a taxi stand in Arab Street, but the relevant department said that the streets were too narrow and not suitable for the construction of taxi stands. Therefore, their request was turned down. Not long after that, car-parking lots were drawn up at the same spot for the use of private cars. If private cars can be parked there, taxis can also be parked there. However, when the policemen see the taxi drivers parking there, they will charge them for parking their cars there. Is this not inconsistent? I hope the Minister will explain to me this contradiction. If he wishes to shift the responsibility to the Ministry of Defence, I hope the Minister of Defence will give a satisfactory answer because his Ministry is in charge of traffic policemen. In regard to urban and rural services, I have nothing but praise. But sometimes there has been delay in carrying out certain projects. I suggest that we should have a supervisory projects committee with two objectives. First, to increase the speed in carrying out the projects.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I know that the Ministry of National Development is in charge of many matters. It is in charge, for example, of the Primary Production Department, Urban and Rural Services, Car Parks and so on. [Mr Lim Cheng Lock in the Chair] 6.20 p.m. These tasks, which are in the interest of our economy, have been carried out very efficiently. But as far as the Primary Production Department is concerned, there are some aspects to which proper attention has not been given. For example, last year, there were two outbreaks of swine fever. This not only caused a great loss to the farmers but also reduced the consumption of pork by the people. This is due to the neglect of the Primary Production Department. I hope the authorities will pay more attention to this matter. The Primary Production Department should look after the interests of the farmers, whether they are rearing pigs, chickens, goats, cattle, ducks or other animals. They should plan beforehand and take preventive measures so that our farmers will not suffer further financial losses. Another point is that the officers in the Primary Production Department should explain to the farmers the desirability of their services. Sir, as far as car parks are concerned, a problem remains to be solved. We know that the construction of car parks has three objectives. First, to create more employment opportunities for the people. Second, to increase revenue for Government. Third. to improve the traffic system. These objectives are sound. However, the Department is building car-parking spaces almost everywhere. This has caused a great deal of inconvenience to the people. For example, the business of the shop-keepers has been affected.”
“Sir, I would also like to clarify. I did not mention anything about property tax. I am afraid the Minister has perhaps misunderstood me. I said that Singapore's Master Plan provides that certain areas should be green zones and that marshy land should not be developed for the construction of buildings. But I never mentioned anything about property tax.”
“Sir, the Land Office is in charge of Crown land in the State. This is an important task, no doubt. In the rural areas there are also pieces of Crown land. The Government has already made its plan in regard to these areas of land. Some pieces of land are meant for future development. Some marshy lands are not meant for any use. I remember last year I had occasion to raise this question, namely, the department concerned should realise that Singapore is developing. So the situation is entirely different from what was obtained 10 or 15 years ago. Singapore's Master Plan will be reviewed every five years. Whenever there is a review, changes will be made to it. These changes should not only take into consideration major projects but consideration should also be given to minor projects. Many areas which were not meant for development have recently been developed into housing estates by the Housing Board, and other social amenities have also been built. We are also facing the same problems. There are many cases of residents applying for public utility services such as the supply of electricity, water, house numbers and so on, but without getting replies to their requests. I hope the Minister can give us a satisfactory reply.”
“Sir, I would like to say a few words. Regarding the programmes on T.V, or over the radio, I feel that the authorities have exercised fair judgment. This is within their discretion, and I do not like to comment on it. But I would like to clarify that it is not because I praise the Government so much that I had more appearances on T.V. In actual fact, I had very little chance.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I must first clarify one point. The activities in Sembawang are not telecast very often. Therefore, the Member for Delta had better go there and make investigations before saying ---”
“I shall be grateful if the Minister will give details of the number of applications received by the Registry concerned and the number approved in respect of months. Mr Ho See Beng: Sir, my complaint against the Registry of Citizenship is somewhat different. 1 think there is or there has been a controversy between the Registry of Citizenship and the immigration Department. A number of applicants for citizenship certificates apparently are able to meet the qualifications laid down in the Citizership Ordinance such as residential qualification, language test and so on and so forth. But the applicant has received a reply from the Registry of Citizeiship to the effect that he has got no family roots, which means that the applicant is a bachelor and, therefore, is not entitled to a citizenship certificate. On the other hand, Sir, I think you are aware that last Friday, the Minister of Defence, who is also in charge on immigration, stated that he is not going to allow young women or even women of 83 to come in. But the applicant for a citizenship certificate has his wife in China or in Hong Kong. Apparently under the circumstances, this applicant has to divorce his wife and get himself married to a local girl here before applying for a citizenship certificate because the Immigration Department will certainly refuse to allow his original wife to come into Singapore. How is this man going to establish his family roots? This is really very absurd.”
“(6) reads as follows: That the sum to be allocated for Head 0901 be reduced by the whole sum in respect of subhead 1251. + Amendment No. (5) reads as follows: That the sum to be allocated for Head 0901 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1251. I quite understand and appreciate the difficulties in obtaining citizenship as explained by the Hon. Minister for Labour. My two colleagues have brought up almost identical points and they are centred on the time it takes for a person to acquire his citizenship. We all know that citizenship is priceless in that it accords a holder all the privileges pertaining to the State he lives in. I have just one little point in addition to what the other two Members have brought up. I am given to understand that when a person, who is eligible to apply for Singapore citizenship, goes r0 the Registry of Citizenship to make a formal application, all he is given is a blank form and he is asked to pay a certain sum as stamp fee and told to come back much later. I would suggest that before such a form is handed to an applicant, an explanation is given to him as to what he is expected to do with it. I am also given to understand that there have been cases where the officers in the Registry have been discourteous to the public. Of course, here again, Sir, I anticipate that the Minister will say, "Will the Member for Punggol name me one instance where such an incident happened?" I think I am quite prepared for it because one of my C.C.C, members was involved when he brought a friend along. It appears to me that it was not discourtesy but the attitude of the officers in the Registry, and I would like this to be rectified. Furthermore, will it be possible to minimise any undue delay?”
“Sir, I share the same sentiments as the Member for Bukit Panjang. In my "Meet the people sessions", I have 50 per cent of the people talking about citizenship. In his case, he has got only 20 per cent of the people trying to apply for citizenship. From all these cases we know that most of the applicants have applied for more than one year, or sometimes more than two years, without being granted citizenship. From what I know, they really meet the conditions stipulated and some members of their families are citizens. For instance, the applicant's father is a citizen whereas the mother may not be a citizen. So I hope the Minister can look into this situation and urge the Registry of Citizenship to pay special attention to this matter. Just as the Minister has said, with citizenship a person can have a lot of rights. Will it not give people a wrong impression because there is an increasing number of citizens? If there are more citizens in the making, then our Government will have to spend more money with the added burden of having to look after them. So we make use of this tactic of delaying to avoid this issue. Can the Minister clarify whether it is because of this that there is a delay in granting citizenship? The Minister has said that the applications should go through a thorough investigation. But I would like to know whether, in actual fact, this has taken place, because sonic applicants have waited for so long and they have not even been called for interview. How do we know whether any actual investigations have been carried out? Can the Minister explain? Mr Ng Kah Ting: Sir, as I will not be moving my amendment No. (6)* pertaining to the same subject, I would like to speak on amendment No. (5)+ now. * Amendment No.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I agree with all the reasons given by the Member for River Valley. But I think that since he has been so enthusiastic in his proposals, perhaps this matter has some relationship with his position, because he appears to be a member of the middle class. His proposal is to help more people in the middle class to own houses. One of the aims of the C.P.F, is to enable an employee, whether in the Government or in the private sector, to have certain funds to live on after he has retired. But we know that if a worker should begin working at the age of 20 years and retire at 55, it would be quite a long time before he could make use of his provident fund. To him, it is not quite economical, and although a certain rate of interest is paid by the C.P.F., it is very low. So the suggestion by the Member for River Valley that Government should consider allowing members of the C.P.F. to make use of their fund as a deposit to buy houses, is, I think, a very useful and good suggestion. Since our Government is one that looks after the interests of the people, we should always listen to the views given by the people. I hope the Minister can give serious consideration to the suggestion of the Member for River Valley. If we can accept suggestions from the people, we can help them to raise their standard of living, because with their own housing accommodation their livelihood will be better. I believe if we can do that, many people will thank our Minister for Labour.”