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 Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.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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“Only thus can we realise the ideals of democratic socialism. Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to talk on the subjects of industrial progress and external trade and to offer my views on them. Undeniably in the past one year our industrial programme under the guidance of the Economic Development Board has made good progress. Let me now quote a certain portion of the speech by the Minister about the pioneer industry. He says there are about 165 pioneer industries. In 1964 there were only 113. At present about 103 are already in production, while 33 are in various stages of implementation. By September 1966 the total investment of these pioneer firms, in terms of fixed assets, has grown from $255 million at the end of 1965 to more than $300 million, showing an increase of $45 million. The total value of output of these firms is expected to reach $450 million this year as against $318 million in 1965, showing an increase of $132 million. In terms of employment, the total number of workers in pioneer firms has grown from 5,400 at the end of 1964 to 12,000 today, an increase of more than 120 per cent. Therefore, we can see that our industrial programme has been carried out in practice. I remember that in the past two or three years certain ignorant politicians, including the anti-national Barisan Sosialis, have made statements mocking our industrial programme. They ridiculed it saying that it would be a flop. They said that the Jurong industrial estate was a stretch of bleak and desolate land; but now, after a few years, this so-called bleak and desolate land has become a grand industrial town, with chimneys springing up here and there. The Jurong industrial estate has been able to earn a large amount of foreign exchange for us.”
“It should boost up our economy and raise the standard of living of our people. It should create more job opportunities for our people. In other words, the benefits accruing from economic development should be shared equally by all the people. Only thus can it be compatible with the principle of democratic socialism. Only thus can we carry out, step by step, our high ideals of democratic socialism. Mr Speaker, Sir, in the past five years, because of the active encouragement given by the Government in the field of industrial development, we have been able to create 58,000 more jobs. Nonetheless, there are still about 60,000 people who are jobless. They are waiting for us to help them. Therefore, unemployment is still a very critical and grave social problem in our nation. As the Finance Minister has said, unless we can during the coming five years reduce this spectre then all the economic gains would be lost in the turmoil of social and political unrest. He has also said that over the next five years, from 1966 to 1970, Singapore would need not only to wipe out the backlog of the existing unemployed, but also provide another 95,000 jobs for our youths. They would be leaving schools and seeking entry into the labour market. Therefore, it is not a small problem. It involves the very survival of our nation. Five years from now, if we are not able to solve this grave problem of unemployment, then our people will suffer and all construction programmes will have to come to a standstill. Our struggle for democratic socialism will come to a critical stage. Therefore, we must concentrate all our efforts and go all out to expand our industrial programme. We should also expand our trade to provide more jobs for our people in order to solve the grave unemployment problem.”
“An increase of about 230 per cent. Therefore, there is a further improvement in our national financial situation. Let us look at the countries around us in South-East Asia. Whenever a budget is brought into Parliament, whenever a Finance Minister tables his budget, he will have either to increase taxation or borrow money from other countries. As a result, his country's foreign debt will accumulate. Therefore, it is small wonder that our Finance Minister has said that, as the Finance Minister for two successive years, he has been fortunate enough to be able to maintain a balanced budget and end up even with a small surplus. I feel that it is not only the good fortune of the Finance Minister but it is also the good fortune of all the people in our Republic. We do not have to worry, as people elsewhere do, whether we will have increased taxation whenever the Government tables its budget. The fundamental spirit of the budget is that of progress in the midst of stability. This is no exaggeration. This budget incorporates the elements of encouragement, vigour and the spirit for betterment. This is evident from the Development Estimates which total about $411 million. Mr Speaker, Sir, as a Government which professes to carry out democratic socialism, there is no doubt that the purpose of our economic development is not just for the benefit of a few capitalists. It is not to widen the gap between the rich and the poor so that the rich becomes richer and the poor becomes poorer. If this were so, then our economic development would lose its meaning. What is significant in our economic development? What are its objectives? I am of the view that the purpose of economic development is to consolidate our national economy.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, firstly, let me thank the Finance Minister for the financial statement which he delivered in this House. It was full of life and vigour. The Budget for 1967, like the one for last year, is a balanced one. Although the Government does not seek to increase taxes, yet it is able to balance its budget. It has also been able to get a surplus of $5-odd million, and $30 million is transferred to the Development Fund. When we analyse this budget, we will find that there are more surpluses. For example, we have contributed a sum of $23.3 million to the International Monetary Fund and a sum of $1 million to the World Bank. And these two sums of money are meant for investment in order to boost up our economic development. These two items are not recurrent expenditure. There are some items which have been increased. For example, the development item for Education. This year, the item was $15.8 million, but for next year the amount voted is $26.5 million, an increase of about $10.7 million. This is an increase of 68 per cent. The amount voted for the Ministry of the Interior and Defence this year was $33.67 million, but for next year the amount to be voted will be $78.89 million, an increase of about -”
“The land in these surrounding islands can be used for rearing fishes, ducks and for the cultivation of vegetables. I appreciate that we will have to invest a lot of money to develop these islands, but in the long-term interest this is worth doing. Another point is the exorbitant T.O.L. fees the farmers have to pay for their land and the planning fees. In order to alleviate their burden, the department concerned should give consideration to their request. A further point is about those who are not bona fide farmers. These people have some land near their houses and they carry out poultry and other farming activities as a side-line in order to supplement their income. They are also affected by the resettlement schemes, but the Government should give only accommodation but not any land to them. Therefore, I would like the Minister concerned to carry out his policy in a more flexible way. These not bona fide farmers should be given a small piece of land in order that they can continue to earn their customary income from their side-line activities so as not to suffer any hardship when they are resettled elsewhere. 5.44 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, ours is a country which practises democratic socialism. Therefore, the Government is very concerned with the welfare of the farmers. It has set up the Primary Production Department in order to help the farmers carry out their farming activities. Just now the Member for Bras Basah has aired the grievances of those farmers who have been resettled, that they have been given only two acres of land on resettlement. This will cause some difficulties to them. I realise that our Government is faced with the problem of land scarcity. However, I am of the opinion that although the available land for farming is very limited, I still think we should give better protection and consideration to those farmers who have been affected by our development programmes, as they constitute a very great proportion of our population and have contributed a lot to the economic welfare of our State. They have contributed about $100 million worth of goods to our economy. They have produced enough vegetables, eggs and other farming products for export to other countries, thus earning a lot of foreign exchange for our country. Therefore, I believe that the Minister concerned will agree with me when I say that if the Government allots a bigger piece of land to the affected farmers so as to facilitate their farming activities in order to increase their productivity, the farmers will bring greater prosperity to our country. Mr Speaker, Sir, as to how to solve the problem of land scarcity, I am of the opinion that the departments concerned should have an overall and better plan in allocating land and developing land in the surrounding islands for farming purposes, as enunciated by our Prime Minister.”
“After the passage of the Nanyang University (Amendment) Bill, which is now before the House, I hope that the Ministry of Education will adopt quicker measures to implement the various recommendations of the Nanyang University Reform Committee, such as the revision of salaries and better working conditions of the teaching staff in order to enable the teachers, professors and lecturers to devote more time and energy to raising the academic standards of the students so that they will be well educated and be able to contribute to nation-building. There is a great difference between the salary scales of the teachers of Nanyang University and those of the University of Singapore. There is a saying that we want the horse to run well, but we also want it not to eat any grass. How is it possible? I hope the Minister concerned will look into the working conditions and salaries of the teaching staff whilst he is promoting Chinese education.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, with Singapore becoming an independent Republic, the introduction of the Nanyang University (Amendment) Bill is necessary. There are anti-national elements with ulterior motives who make use of this amendment Bill as a pretext to accuse the Government of wanting to destroy Chinese education and of trying to further control Nanyang University. All these accusations are groundless. In fact, the people of Singapore know what kind of people they are who say such things. It is very obvious from the statement of the Minister of Defence that all these accusations are made by only a minority who are anti-national elements and who have close relationship with the anti-national Barisan Sosialis. Mr Speaker, Sir, the people of Singapore know very well that the Government is implementing the policy of equal treatment to all the four streams of education. It is allotting large sums of money for the development and promotion of the four streams of education. It has also allotted large sums of money to aid Nanyang University, such as the building of a Library. All this goes to show that the Government does not discriminate against Nanyang University. In other words, this shows that the Government is actually promoting Chinese education by actual deeds. It is proof that the Government is looking after the highest Chinese educational institution --- Nanyang University. This is the correct attitude taken by a responsible Government. This attitude and action on the part of the Government of Singapore should be supported and praised by all conscientious people. Therefore, the accusations by the anti-national elements with ulterior motives are puerile and sheer nonsense. Mr Speaker, Sir, the present problem facing Nanyang University is how to raise its academic standard.”
“(2) A Cultural Consultative Committee be formed, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Culture, educational, arts, cultural, religious and journalistic circles and the N.T.U.C. to put forward to the Minister now and then views on cultural construction.”
“Therefore, cultural construction is very important to the cultivation of character in the people and to the great task of nation-building. The renaissance of Europe in about the 14th century is a good example. In a multi-racial society such as ours, we must, first and foremost, develop and give expression to the inherent fine traditional cultures of the various races. Of course, I do not mean to do away with all Western culture or to impose the culture of one race upon the other races, as this is absolutely impracticable. In fact, being situated at the hub of South-East Asia and the cross-roads of Asia and Europe, Singapore cannot entirely escape from the influence of foreign culture. Even so, in order to look after the interest of our people, we still have to curb any foreign culture which has excessive poisons. Secondly, as an emergent independent Republic, we should create and enrich our own fine culture. Of course, our cultural mission should aim at the dual objectives of enriching the healthy and recreational life of our people and helping in the promotion of the task of nation-building. How to achieve these ideal aims? I feel it lies in the joint effort of our Government and the art circles. If pioneers and workers in our art circles will exert themselves, they will definitely be able to promote and enrich the cultural life of Singapore. Mr Speaker, Sir, finally, on the question of cultural construction, I would like to offer my ten-point suggestions for the Minister's reference: (1) A complete set of cultural policy be formulated to serve as guidance to all future cultural activities of the country.”
“It is obvious that posters and advertisements of such obscenity should not be allowed to be publicly displayed, for they will give rise to a chain of dangerous reactions, daydreaming, culminating in fatal traffic accidents and other mishaps. But what puzzles me is that, in spite of the fact that my colleague, comrade Chan Choy Siong, the Member for Delta, raised this question in this House last year and made criticisms of these obscene advertisements, so far no measures have been taken by the department concerned to curb such advertisements. Of course, Mr Speaker, by enumerating those phenomena of unhealthy culture, I do not mean to say that yellow and unhealthy culture is out of all control in our country. No. In fact, it is still under effective control. But while we are in the course of nation-building and bringing up a fine generation after us, while the country is engaged in the setting up of a disciplined society, and while our Prime Minister has again and again stressed the need actively to bring up a new generation with learning, scientific knowledge, strength and courage, we should prevent such poisonous culture from continuing its inroads into our country, bringing in its train harmful effects on our younger generation. Therefore, we should take early steps to prevent and wipe out the spread of such yellow culture, because it is against our aim and endeavour to nurture and bring up a fine new generation. If we tolerate its existence, it may even wipe out all our efforts. Mr Speaker, Sir, undoubtedly a fine and healthy culture will bring up and imbue a people with fine thinking and character. On the contrary, a bad culture will make a people decadent in thought and lethargic.”
“Meanwhile, with the active encouragement of the Ministry of Culture, various artist bodies of our community have also been very active in recent years and our painters have also held many exhibitions of works with realistic themes. Therefore, except for those obnoxious phenomena I have mentioned, the cultural activities in our Republic are, by and large, developing towards the better side. But no matter how strict and stringent the Government may have been in its measures, the sex-mongers are still able to have their way in carrying on their nefarious activities. This is particularly so when the authorities concerned become lax, thus facilitating such yellow culture to invade our country, spreading its evil effects, and continuing to poison the minds of our younger generation. For instance, only last month 44 chain-picture story book publishers in Hong-Kong were banned from selling their publications in Singapore, but such publications had already been in circulation here for more than one year before they were found out and banned. I think it is necessary to find out why such phantom comics had been allowed in Singapore for one year before they were banned. Obviously this is ascribable to the laxity and negligence on the part of the censoring authorities. Apart from this, I would like to point out another aspect of the matter which is rather serious. There are huge cinema posters displayed at prominent places on the roadside and advertisements put up by dancing troupes in the newspapers. They all depict sex and love-making and excessive exposure. Similarly, advertisements by the cinemas and dance troupes appearing in the newspapers also contain pictures of excessive sensual exposure.”
“Yes, Sir. And make them despondent, daydream and go astray; worse, make them commit criminal acts. Many criminal acts that are taking place in society, such as fighting, robbery, theft, raping, etc., are mostly done by young people. To get down to the cause of all this, yellow films and publications are mostly to blame. Last month, a robbery took place in the Department of Social Welfare. The robbers first handed a letter to the victim. On opening the letter, it was found to contain these words, "This is a hold-up." Is not such a dramatic robbery learnt from and modelled on the style of Western films depicting robbery? The harm caused by these unhealthy films is, therefore, not a small problem. Mr Speaker, Sir, of course, it has been the consistent policy of our Government in the field of culture to uphold and promote the excellent cultural traditions of the various races and to curb all yellow culture. Hence, after our Party was voted into power to form the Government of self-governing Singapore, we immediately launched an anti-yellow culture campaign. Measures were taken to ban pornographic publications, close down massage parlours, and impose a more stringent film censorship. On the other hand, we have actively promoted a campaign for healthy culture, such as the holding of Aneka Ragam Rakyat in various constituencies which will help promote the interchange and flow of the cultures and arts of the various races, playwriting contests, the building of the National Theatre, the holding of the South-East Asian Cultural Festival and other activities. As a result, there is manifest in our country a lively, flourishing, healthy culture.”
“If I were to speak slowly, would I be restricted with regard to time?”
“I have said earlier on that all unhealthy culture, be it in the form of film shows, books, newspapers, magazines or chain-picture books, will definitely exert an undesirable effect on our people, especially our younger generation who will suffer even more harm, for, being young people, they are not quite mature in their thinking, are easily subjected to the influence of yellow culture which will corrupt their thought -”
“The streets of Singapore are flooded with chain-picture story books (Chinese comics) about monsters, goblins, and fantasies, in spite of the action Government took last month to ban the sale and circulation of such publications by 44 publishing houses in Hongkong. Extensive damage is being done to our school children, causing them to procrastinate in their studies and to dream of becoming flying heroes like Batman. In the fields of radio and T.V. broadcasting, apart from programmes on political talks, forums, and traditional dramas which are commendable, our radio and T.V, stations have hardly been able to offer anything new and meaningful. The films shown on T.V., except for a small number of good educational ones which are very few and far between, are mostly of a farcical nature. If we allow this kind of situation to develop in its own course, it will inevitably lead to the emergence of some serious social problem. It is, therefore, necessary to review the position with the utmost care and attention. The good and healthy culture which I have been talking about refers to those movies, radio and T.V. programmes, books and publications, etc., whose contents are such as to extol virtues and condemn vices, to cultivate an excellent character, to enlighten and educate people to be noble in their thought, to nurture and to bring about a keen sense of morality among the people, and to encourage them to strive for goodness and progress. At the present juncture, culture should serve the purpose of fostering the growth of national consciousness, the idea of loving one's country and a spirit of patriotism.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Speaker, I shall continue. On the other hand, bad culture will paralyse the human mind, make a person pessimistic, despondent, torpid, and lead him to decadence and even ultimate destruction. This is the kind of bad culture which we must discard by all means. The bad culture I have mentioned refers to films, books, newspapers and magazines which contain licentious, indecent, corrupting, fantastic and immoral material. In the national language this kind of culture is described as Kebudayaan Chabul. This expression has a profound significance which connotes incest, promiscuity, immorality, the infringement of the proper code of conduct, sensual, adulterous and criminal behaviour. In Singapore at the present moment, what aspects of this bad culture have we? Let me give you a few examples. Our cinemas are still flooded with pictures depicting fantasy, monstrosity, shameless sex, murders, brigandism, hooliganism, and James Bond-ism. Rare indeed are there occasions when one is treated to film shows with good themes of an educative and meaningful nature. What educative effect will films of this undesirable nature have on our people? What bad influence will they exert on our youthful generation? In the world of night clubs, Rock-n-Roll and A-Go-Go is the rule, and in the dance troupes, excessive exposure of a sexy nature is the centre of interest used to attract an audience. What undesirable influence will this kind of culture have on our younger generation? Apart from this, they learn nothing but the art of jumping-jack and flirting and petting in their crudest forms.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, after attainment of independence, Singapore has made impressive and smooth progress in various fields, such as internal administration, foreign affairs, defence, economy, labour, education, culture, health, social affairs, industrial construction and trade expansion. To the two million people of Singapore, this is undoubtedly a great achievement to be proud of. Recently, however, in the field of cultural activities which are so very essential to the spiritual life of our people, some symptoms of decadence seem to have appeared. By cultural activities, I refer to the cinemas, the night-clubs, the dance troupes, books, newspapers and magazines, chain-picture story books, and the programmes broadcast over the radio and T.V. The problems I want to deliberate on today concern some unhealthy tendencies in the above-mentioned cultural activities. As we all know, culture and art constitute an integral part of the spiritual life of the human being, whose four necessities of material life are food, clothing, shelter and travel. Cultural life exerts a great influence on mankind as a whole. A good culture will not only substantiate their spiritual life but will also help foster a good and wholesome character. It will also spark off their wisdom and thinking, quite apart from stimulating their will and spirit to move upwards and towards goodness and nobility. This is the kind of good culture needed by our newly emergent independent Republic. 8.00 p.m. It being 8.00 p.m., the Motion for the Adjournment of Parliament lapsed without Question put.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister has said that he has sent out inspectors to inspect the various factories.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, a supplementary question. The Minister has mentioned just now that a unit will be formed to look into and to prevent accidents in industries. I would like to ask whether his Ministry has regularly sent out officers to inspect the various factories and installations in the factories. He has also said just now that some of the accidents were due to faulty machinery. I would therefore like to ask whether there will be adequate compensation to those workers who met with such accidents. These accidents are disastrous because they bring about more widows and orphans. So I would ask the Minister to take appropriate steps to prevent them.”
“I would like to ask the Minister concerned, since this is a place which many tourists will be visiting, whether we can take immediate steps to remove this advertisement and, instead, other advertisements, posters, or slogans of a national nature be posted there. For instance, we can publicise that we want to build a multi-racial society, or that we welcome all international tourists to come to Singapore.”
“Mr Speaker, can I raise a supplementary question?”
“We have also heard the Minister say just now that the proceeds from this lottery will be devoted to social welfare and charitable organisations. It is meant to benefit the public as a whole. A dollar from each person will accumulate into a large sum, which will help our development and assist in the work of social welfare. It is because of this that I am not of the view that running a lottery will be detrimental to the nation, or to the economy or livelihood of the people. On the contrary, it will contribute to the social welfare work of our country.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to express my views on this Bill. Just now I have listened to the Member for Bras Basah's views on it. He says that a lottery is contrary to the principle of democratic socialism, and that the introduction of this Bill will cause a lot of unhappiness to many families. But I am of the view that it will not necessarily bring about this unhappiness. If the Member's reasoning could hold water, then I will enumerate two facts to counter his arguments. Do you remember that nine years ago when Singapore was in Malaya there was the Social Welfare Lottery? Even now there is the running of a Social Welfare Lottery. Many people even go to Johore Bahru to buy lottery tickets. These people go over there to buy tickets because of economic reasons. Some buy only two or three tickets. This will not be seriously detrimental to their economic situation. If they are lucky enough, they may get some prizes which may help increase their income. It may help them economically. The other point is that we know that for several years Singapore has horse-racing. If the Member for Bras Basah argues that horse-racing causes many families to be unhappy, then, according to his calculations, there will be many hundreds and thousands of families who are very unhappy. But, on the other hand, we see Singapore developing all the time. According to a World Bank Report, the standard of living of Singapore is the third highest in the whole of Asia. Whether or not the issue of lottery tickets is contrary to the tenets of democratic socialism, I will say this that in many socialist countries there is also the practice of running lotteries.”
“Mr Speaker, I would like to speak on this item to express some of my personal views. On the question of establishing a paying car park, some Members have expressed their objection to paying car parks in certain areas. I feel that in some places it is necessary to have paying car parks. For example, on a public holiday many people go to the MacRitchie Reservoir grounds. So if there is a car park, it will be a great convenience to the holiday makers and visitors. And if the authority should impose a fee of, say, 40 cents per hour it is quite reasonable. Otherwise, without this imposition of a fee, there will be some jaga kereta boys operating in this area. They will demand payment from motorists, an act which is illegal. So the payment of 40 cents per hour or 20 cents per half hour is quite a reasonable measure. Government will in turn provide the necessary facilities and make use of the money in some other fields and the public will benefit. 4.15 p.m.”
“A supplementary question, Sir. I would like to ask the Minister concerned this question. In my constituency there is a resident who is a citizen of Singapore and who has a mother of over 60 years of age in China. Several years ago he made a request for her to come to Singapore but it was not approved. The reason was that he had a relative in China to support her. The complaint of this resident is that this relative of his mother in China has already been transferred to another place in China. So I would like to ask whether the Minister will reconsider this application.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, what I want to ask is very brief. Once our country issues our own currency, I would like to ask the Minister concerned whether there will be any change in our currency system. For instance, will the value of our currency be higher than its present value? Secondly, I would like to ask the Minister this: once we issue our own currency, what will be the convertibility of the currency between Singapore and Malaysia, and whether there will be any arrangement or system to channelise this convertibility between the two currencies?”
“What I am going to say is not on something which has already been covered, as you have suggested, Mr Speaker, Sir.”
“A supplementary question. According to what I know, approval was given for this road to be improved in April last year. Can the Minister answer why there has been a delay?”
“This will only give the impression to the public that there are even Members on this side of the House who think that the Government is anti-labour. I hope this is not the intention of the Member for Bras Basah. I hope that all the amendments proposed here will be implemented correctly and properly. 6.08 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, many Members on the Government side have expressed their opinions on this amendment Bill. The Member for Bras Basah was not actually expressing his opposition to this amendment Bill. He was directing himself against the new section 24A and he was expressing his opinion thereon. He thought this new section is beneficial to employers and not to employees. I feel that it is not so, because the important thing lies in the organisation and leadership of a trade union. If the leadership of a trade union can guide it well and can look after the interest of its members so that a secret ballot can be taken before any industrial action, then the Member for Bras Basah will have no cause to worry. The next point is about the executive members of the trade union headquarters or branch having to register with the Registrar. I think this will help to consolidate the organisation and discipline of a trade union, and is good. It will also prevent anti-national elements designs on trade unions. The strength of trade unions cannot be ignored, and our Government has all along been looking after the welfare and interest of the workers by legislative action. Let me refer to an example concerning workmen's compensation. In the past one year, the compensation amounted to $400,000. At the same time, the Government has always been encouraging healthy trade unionism. For instance, the Government has a big sum of money to build Union House to show its keen for democratic trade unionism, and it is still continuing to give such support in order that trade unionism can develop and grow from strength to strength. It is ridiculous to say that this Government has all of a sudden become an anti-labour Government because of the introduction of this amendment Bill.”
“Can I repeat my question? I would like to ask the Minister concerned whether he has any plans to build smaller fountains in the rural areas?”
“Just now I have heard the Member for Delta say that the Government has built fountains in rich men's areas. I would like to ask the Minister concerned whether he has any plans to build fountains on a smaller scale in rural areas.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, just now I was asking the Minister concerned if there are any Primary Six students who do not have any accommodation in their schools, will the Ministry of Education, on a report from the Principals concerned, allot places for them in order to allow them to continue for one more year?”
“I would like to ask the Minister concerned this: when the Primary Six students have no more places in their schools, will the Principals of these schools report to the Ministry of Education so that the Minister can take steps to allocate places for these pupils in other schools?”
“A supplementary question, Sir. I would like to ask the Minister concerned about the Primary Six students in the Sembawang Constituency. If they do not have any -”
“Since the Housing and Development Board plans to have a Residents' Committee to run and manage the flats they are living in, I suggest that the authorities concerned will encourage the residents to join this Committee so that special paid staff can be engaged to look after the lifts, thus helping to solve the employment problem. I hope the Minister will look into it.”
“Moreover, land prices in the rural areas are cheaper. So I hope that the Government will build more houses in the rural areas, and rent them out to the rural people at low rentals, because their income is somewhat less than that of the urban people. Low rentals will be more in keeping with the living standard of the rural people. 6.00 p.m. I would also like the Minister to pay attention to the building standards of the flats built. For instance, the flats in Queenstown have cracks in the walls. Some flats have been built to last for 99 years, but after a period of only two or three years, some cracks appear in the walls of certain flats in the Queenstown and Tanjong Rhu areas and elsewhere. What is the cause? I hope the Minister concerned will look into the matter and see that the building materials used for the flats are up to the standards stipulated, so that in future there will be no such flats of poor quality. There are also other shortcomings in regard to the lifts in these flats. They usually go out of order, and the lights suddenly go out. This inconveniences the residents, especially the children. When they are trapped inside the lifts, they cry aloud but they are not heard. Therefore, there should be more proper management of these lifts in the flats. Another thing is that the lifts are very unhygenic because of poor maintenance. Some children pass motion inside the lifts which usually stink. Of course, I understand that it is not the sole responsibility of the Housing and Development Board, but if the Ministry concerned will look into it and try to seek some way to improve the situation, of course, things will improve.”
“Mr Speaker, under this subhead, the allocation is $45 million for 1966 for 14,000 flats. This sum of money is quite a large one. I know that there are many people who need housing accommodation. Although the Government has built 60,000 flats of the two-room or three-room type for people of the lower income group, according to the actual situation now, we need to build more houses and flats in order to meet the requirements of the people. I understand that flats are mainly built in the city area - in Queenstown and Toa Payoh. In the rural areas, it seems that no flats are being built; the rural areas have been overlooked. I feel that the Minister concerned should look into this matter because ours is a developing country. The construction plans of our country should take into consideration all parts of the island - not only the city area but all the rural areas - so that there is a balance in respect of housing development. So I hope that the Minister concerned will allot part of this sum to build houses in the rural areas, including the surrounding islands. I refer to such areas as Changi, Tampines, Punggol, Nee Soon and Sembawang. The people in these areas, I understand, need housing accommodation. The houses at the moment are very small, dirty, quite untidy and mostly in a dilapidated state. Thus the people who live in them risk their lives if there is any outbreak of fire. The Fire Brigade has very poor equipment to deal with this situation. So if the Government will build more houses in the rural areas, this will be welcomed by the rural people, and this will also show that the Government is carrying out the policy of building houses both for the urban and rural people. The housing plans should be carried out equally both in the rural and city areas.”
“I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head D 06 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 002. Mr Speaker, under this subhead we are allocating $180,000 to buy a Videotape Recorder with Electronic Editor. Of course, with the acquisition of this equipment for our television, the standard of T.V. will be raised. The programmes will be better. This will enable our people to enjoy their recreation better. This is something to be commended. Since we are to have this new equipment, I hope the T.V. Section will have more programmes produced locally. The T.V. Section should shoot more local scenes and reduce, as far as possible, the number of programmes imported from abroad - the so-called "canned" foreign programmes. They are not suitable for the taste of our local people. According to what I understand, a foreign film costs about $120 to $170 to hire. This is expensive. We are thus losing no small amount of foreign exchange.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to seek clarification. My original motion is to reduce the sum by $100. I would like the Minister concerned to allow me to talk on general problems. If I am not allowed, then I will speak on the next amendment.”
“My amendment is on Secondary Schools also.”
“Mr Speaker, I am not moving. Inche Mahmud Awang (Kampong Kapor)(In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head D 02 be reduced by $10 in respect of item 001 of subhead 002. Mr Speaker, Sir, in the Development Estimates, there is provision for the building of a holiday camp for the national workers who took part in the struggle to defeat the anti-national elements led by the Barisan Sosialis whose allegiance is to a country outside the Republic of Singapore. What has happened, and what is going to happen to the workers' holiday camp which was proposed to be sited at Changi Beach and which is now being used by the Fisheries Department? If there is provision for a workers' holiday camp, it should be administered by the N.T.U.C. which can look into the question of applications for the use of the holiday camp by national workers who have dedicated themselves in the past, and who will continue to do so, in order to strengthen the workers' organisation, to the task of nation-building with disciplined workers. The use of existing and future holiday camps should be properly supervised to prevent undesirable elements from poisoning the minds of our people who desire to build a multi-racial society and live in peace and prosperity. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move.”
“Yes. Mr Speaker, I beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Mr Govindaswamy(In Tamil): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1003 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1101. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government has established many creches and rendered facilities to the people. However, more creches should be built so that parents can be relieved of a heavy burden. Quite a number of parents have to go out to work. Therefore, they have no time to look after their children. I hope the Ministry will take adequate steps in this connection.”
“Yet there are some Government officers who are not properly carrying out Government's policy in this regard, and so they have not been able promptly to deal with cases in, say, approving applications and giving out the assistance. The recipients earnestly hope that they will be able to receive their aid in time, because they have to incur various family expenses, such as rent for their house and other things. As far as I understand it, the delay has been even up to six months, and the shortest delay is three months. So I would like the Minister concerned to investigate and see whether there are such instances of delay or not. I would also like the Ministry concerned to give special attention to applications for public assistance from people in rural areas. Usually when replies to these people are delayed for several weeks, they will have to go to the Social Welfare Department to enquire, thus incurring transport expenses to town and also expenses for their meals when in town. We know that these poor people cannot afford such expenses, and if the Department concerned can help them, it will reduce their burden.”
“Mr Speaker, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head 1003 be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead 1001. Mr Speaker, our Government is one that looks after the benefits given to the people. Annually we appropriate a sum of more than $10 million for public assistance. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Affairs has already stated that last year public assistance came to $10 million. But this year it is only $9 million. This shows that there is a reduction in public assistance, and the reason given is that the number of people seeking assistance has decreased and, therefore, the expenditure also has decreased. Yet I have received many complaints from members of the public that their applications to the Department concerned for assistance have been delayed unduly. What are the reasons? I would like the Minister concerned to look into the matter and to see how best to deal with it. Our Government is a Government that looks after the interests of the people, especially the poorer class, and we should be sympathetic to such people who apply for public assistance. The staff in the Social Affairs Department, being public servants, should be sympathetic to people who need assistance. I know that recipients of public assistance are mostly aged people who have no means to rely upon to make a living, and widows, widowers and other destitute people. Some of these people have been unemployed for quite a long time and are unable to get some means of support. Their situation is very difficult and should merit our sympathy. Therefore, since our Government is one that looks after the interests and welfare of the people, special attention should be paid to this matter so that we can be of assistance to them.”
“I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Mr Speaker, I am glad to hear the speech of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Culture. He said that, in regard to culture, the Government's policy would not be contrary to what has been laid down in 1959. I am glad to hear that. I also agree with him that one section of the people cannot impose the characteristics of its culture on the other sections of the people. I should tell him that I have never mentioned that we should do so. I have never said that Chinese culture is the only one that is healthy or that Western culture is the only healthy one. So if the Parliamentary Secretary has been vague about this in his speech, I hope he will clarify. As regards the film, "War and Peace", there is also some controversy over it. Even among Western pictures, there are also good ones. I consider "War and Peace" a good film. We should judge films according to their contents. I am glad to say that the Parliamentary Secretary has assured us that the Government will in its policy on films pursue the same policy as has been laid down. So I give my support to him.”
“I am convinced there are other films which have not been passed by the Film Censors Board and these are particularly sexual films of an immoral content. I hope the Board will continue to adopt stringent measures in this respect. There are films which have not been passed in Singapore but have been passed in Johore. So you will invariably find crowds of people going to Johore to view these films which have been extensively advertised in the local Press. Often the advertisements appear in mysterious ways, sometimes even with question marks, in order to arouse the curiosity of the people and make the films more mysterious and more appealing.”