Wan Hussin bin Haji Zoohri
Singapore
“I have no alternative, Sir, but to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $3,425,000,000 for Head K ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $275,000,000 for Head K ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head W -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in conclusion, I would like to reiterate that the President's Address augurs well for our future. It sets clear directions and prepares the stage for Singapore's new phase of development. The new leadership has done much of the spade work. It is now poised to lead Singaporeans to greater heights.”
“If the Member for Potong Pasir strongly feels that the Government has breached the spirit and implementation of this Article, the onus is on him to prove it. I see no better place than to seek the finality of this spirit and implementation of this Article in a court of law. An hon. Member: Hear, hear!”
“Whatever the dislocation may be, it must be minimal. On the provision to allow religious studies to be taught outside curriculum time as an optional subject, I hope the Minister will take into consideration and allow Muslim students to study Islamic Religious Knowledge outside curriculum time should there be requests from them in certain…”
“From now on, we must redouble our efforts to promote our cultural activities in order to enrich our people's cultural life and create a new image. Our civic cultural groups, whether in the fields of music, arts or performing arts, have in the past been quite active, but there were relatively few active participants.”
“Sir, I thank the Minister of State for her encouraging reply but I hope the current compilation work by the Ministry could be expedited as it has taken slightly more than a year to complete. On that note, I withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
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“Sir, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated in the Presidential Addendum that they will take on new objectives. It will also prepare itself to meet new challenges and demands in the international scene. In fact, Sir, Singapore has already demonstrated its ability to perform these new roles when Singapore participated in the Namibia peace-keeping effort and the sending of a rescue mission after the Philippines earthquake, and again we have just successfully completed sending a medical contingent to Riyadh during the Gulf War. May I ask the Minister if he could elaborate on what new areas and opportunities open to us which would help enhance our international profile? One area which comes to mind and which has this potential is our role in promoting economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region through APEC and the East Asian Economic Grouping. The other is, of course, our active participation in the United Nations and its agencies. However, Sir, there is one other area which I hope the Minister will consider when taking on this higher profile in international obligations. This is in regard to our participation in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). Many of our hon. Members have attended CPA Conferences overseas as guests of the host nation. Perhaps, it is time that we held a CPA Conference in Singapore instead. We have the resources and experience in holding such international conferences. I am sure that the goodwill generated and the intangible benefits derived will further enhance our standing and stature in the international scene.”
“I have no alternative, Sir, but to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $3,425,000,000 for Head K ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $275,000,000 for Head K ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head W -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in conclusion, I would like to reiterate that the President's Address augurs well for our future. It sets clear directions and prepares the stage for Singapore's new phase of development. The new leadership has done much of the spade work. It is now poised to lead Singaporeans to greater heights. It has the ability and the qualities to transform Singapore into a global technopolis. Let us hope that this second long march to be led by our next Prime Minister will not be too long.”
“If the Member for Potong Pasir strongly feels that the Government has breached the spirit and implementation of this Article, the onus is on him to prove it. I see no better place than to seek the finality of this spirit and implementation of this Article in a court of law. An hon. Member: Hear, hear!”
“If the Government could help the NTUC in its formative years by seconding high calibre personnel to the Research Unit of the NTUC in which the benefits to the NTUC were acknowledged, the same could be done to MENDAKI. I hope the Government would seriously consider this matter. One other point that I would like both the Government and MENDAKI to consider is for MENDAKI to exercise some measure of flexibility in the implementation of the tuition subsidies for Malay students in tertiary education. It is stated that a means test would be used to determine the quantum of subsidy a student would receive during the 7-year period of its implementation. Seven years can be a long time. The economic situation may change during this period. Perhaps MENDAKI will be allowed to review or adjust the means test any time during the 7-year period taking cognizance of the changing economic situation. Mr Speaker, Sir, whilst on this subject, I am particularly heartened by the supportive remarks by our non-Malay MPs on MENDAKI. This reflects their genuine concern on the need for Government assistance in accelerating the process of uplifting the educational and socio-economic status of the Singaporean Malays. Their support is also a manifestation of the fact that this is a national problem and needs the joint efforts of both the Government and the community to resolve it. Seen in the national perspective, here is an example of the politics of multi-racialism working in an atmosphere of mutual tolerance and compromise. Mr Speaker, Sir, we heard the Member for Potong Pasir made reference to Article 152 of the Constitution in respect of the special position of the Malays. It seems to me there is a difference of opinion in the spirit and implementation of this Article.”
“The Government has stated that it supports MENDAKI and will give it whatever assistance it needs. It has in fact manifested its support with the provision of a $10 million advance to MENDAKI to implement the tuition subsidies to Malay students in tertiary education. As it stands now, the ball is at MENDAKI's feet, in other words, at the Malay community's feet. The time for debate and controversy over the tuition scheme is over. It is now time for action. The Government has stated its policy on this issue, sensitive as it may be. MEN- DAKI supports the policy as it sees merit in it. The next logical step is for MENDAKI to implement the policy correctly and fairly. It is my sincere hope that the community will not be sidetracked and preoccupied by this one issue alone. This tuition fee policy and its implementation is one of the many issues, albeit an important and sensitive one, affecting the education of the Malays. There are many more crucial educational matters which MENDAKI has to look into. On top of this, the present MENDAKI is also tasked with tackling the attendant social and economic problems of the Malays. These are new challenges facing the community. In this respect, MENDAKI needs the support of not only the community it serves but also the Government. One area which MENDAKI is weak in is the existence of highly qualified permanent staff in its Strategic Planning and Research Unit. MENDAKI needs high calibre officers to help formulate its long term and short term rolling plans in the educational, social and economic areas. The Government can lend its support by seconding such qualified persons at its disposal who need not necessarily be Malays to help MENDAKI in its formative years.”
“If they look at what is in store for Singaporeans, from the Singapore 2000 Global Technopolis Exhibition, or read the Ministry of Trade and Industry's addendum on the future plans for Sentosa and the Southern Islands and examine the Ministry of National Development's plans for a Civic District, future public parks and the overall concept plan for a City of Excellence, or better still, take heed of the First Deputy Prime Minister's press statement yesterday on developing a vibrant culture, they would realise that Singapore's pastures will be equally green, if not greener, than the pastures of foreign lands. Let us remember, Mr Speaker, Sir, that the foreign pastures may appear greener from far, I repeat, from far. But when the emigrants arrive in their promised land, they may not necessarily be so. Here, I am reminded of a remark by a foreigner who said to me just a week ago that he failed to understand how anyone would want to leave Singapore. I told him that if he were to meet Singaporeans planning to emigrate, he should say the same thing to them. This foreigner finds Singapore so attractive that he is contemplating to apply for permanent residence. He told me that having stayed in other cities of the West and the East, Singapore is still his first choice. The irony of it all is that while foreigners can appreciate the benefits of living in Singapore, there are Singaporeans who cannot. I would now like to turn my attention to a specific item mentioned in the President's Address. This is on the progress of the Malays. It is indeed gratifying to note, Mr Speaker, Sir, that this question is given special mention and dealt with at some length in the President's Address. The focus is on the role of MENDAKI.”
“One such area is the better and adequate use of the television. In matters of public interest such as the maintenance of religious harmony, the desire to evolve a set of shared values, and the question of an Elected President, the Ministers moving these Bills could go on television, discussing the various provisions of these Bills with panel members or selected audience. If this was done with the Minister for Finance on the Budget, it could again be held for other Ministers on other Bills of great public interest. I see this as another step in the political education of the electorate. In a democratic society, if the electorate is well informed of certain issues, they are in a better position to make the right decision or to support issues which are rational and beneficial to the society. Mr Speaker, Sir, our strive for excellence is not without constraints, one of which is the quantity and quality of our human resource. There are impatient Singaporeans who have decided to emigrate in search for greener pastures in foreign lands. This constitutes a drain in our talent pool. There could be many reasons why Singaporeans emigrate. Some which have been cited include the problem of the mother tongue or the second language for their children, the perceived regimented social atmosphere and the supposedly intolerance of the Government for criticisms, the lack of high quality cultural activities, and not forgetting, of course, their own social and cultural disorientation or anomie. But if they care to scrutinise the Government's Agenda for Action and be a little patient in giving time for the Vision 1999 to take shape, they will realise that what is in store for them will be a more developed and mature Singapore.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the motion standing in the name of the Member for Tanglin. Sir, we who are the citizens of Singapore are the fortunate beneficiaries of this modern Singapore. As I see it, Singaporeans will be even more fortunate in the years ahead. If we examine the President's Speech carefully, you will notice that it sets out the guidelines that will bring Singaporeans to a brighter and exciting future. Taking the Speech and the addenda together, they will provide Singaporeans with better and more beautiful homes, high standard of medical care, good and healthier environment, better and higher education, and of course a safe and secure country. These are the challenges facing the new leadership. These require strong resolution and team work, discipline and dedication, and physical and moral courage. The First Deputy Prime Minister once referred to these challenges ahead as the "second long march" for the new leadership. For him and his team, the 1990s will be a march towards excellence. The new leadership will have to deliver the goods in a package that will match the satisfaction and the aspiration of the new generation. For that, the leadership agreed on collective leadership and would encourage participatory democracy. In fact, the machinery for participatory democracy is already in place. Apart from the various Select Committees formed by Parliament to gather public opinions on matters of public interest, there are the Feedback Unit, the Government Parliamentary Committees with their respective Resource Panel members, and the various public forums organised by the grassroots organisations and other professional bodies. If these are seen to be inadequate channels for participatory democracy, other channels could be looked into.”
“MC king is definitely better than ping chia ta wang. Literally translated, it means "king of medical certificates". I think this interesting description will be more readily acceptable by the audience.”
“Mr Teo Chong Tee( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, in recent years, the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation has spared no effort in raising the production standard and quality of its programmes and has produced a number of Chinese TV serials of standard comparable to imported TV movies. Their efforts in providing our people with excellent broadcasting programmes are certainly commendable. However, I feel there is still room for improvement. In our Chinese TV serials with contemporary background and characters, not much emphasis is given nor is there sufficient reflection of the various lifestyles of the people of our multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious society and the concept of racial harmony in Singapore. Sir, this issue was raised by me in Parliament two years ago. However, I feel that the progress in this direction is still inadequate to meet the demand of our multi-racial society. I fully understand that details of daily life and subject matters of the TV stories need to be beautified and dramatised to achieve its dramatic effects. I have also noticed that in the dialogue of a number of locally-produced contemporary TV serials, some slangs and jargons frequently found in our daily life are being used. For example, in the TV serials about police and army life, the military and police personnel address their superior officers as "Sir", which is a term actually used in our armed forces and police force. If we use the Chinese characters chang kuan, meaning superior officer, instead of "Sir", then it will sound unnatural and unrealistic. In another environmental drama serial currently being screened, the character who is in the habit of taking medical leave is called MC king in English. This is an interesting description frequently used in real life.”
“Maybe SBC can look into the appointment of an Indian head of programmes. Secondly, maybe SBC could consider some additional inputs in the form of members of the advisory council to advise SBC on Indian programmes, particularly dramas. Encik Wan Hussin bin Hj Zoohri: Sir, it is gratifying to know that the SBC's Mandarin dramas command very higher viewership. According to the latest SBC Annual Report, the serials like Teahouse in Chinatown, Mystery, Ups and Downs, attracted an average viewership of more than 900,000. Now the SBC has started dubbing into English, selected SBC Mandarin serials and its success has led to the setting up of an English dubbing unit in SBC. Sir, many Singaporeans are very much Anglophile in their daily interactions. They speak the English language, they watch English TV programmes. Would it not be timely for SBC to start producing its own local English plays and dramas? I am told there are abundant talents in the local English theatre circles. Such a unit in SBC would certainly give our local players the added motivation and fillip to bring our local English plays to greater heights. Related to this, Sir, I would also like to know the frequency of SBC screening our locally-produced English plays over TV. Sir, lest I be accused of being a Western Oriental Gentleman (WOG), I would now like to turn my attention to the Malay drama. Currently, Malay drama is shown over TV only once a week. May I know from the Minister whether there are plans to increase the frequency of Malay drama over TV?”
“I beg to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Mr S. Chandra Das (Cheng San GRC): Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head I be reduced by $10 in respect of Code IJ 3100 of the Main Estimates. Sir, in moving this amendment, I would like to bring to the attention of the Minister to some of the suggestions for the improvement of SBC's Indian programmes. A committee was set up by the People's Association Cultural Group Coordinating Council to study the standards of the SBC's Indian production and programmes. This committee accepted the fact that Indian programmes are usually not revenue generating and it is usually difficult to get advertisements and sponsorship. Notwithstanding these limitations, it was felt that SBC could improve on the number and quality of the Indian programmes. As its impact cannot be denied, the programmes telecast must bear quality and be suitable. Mr Speaker, Sir, the committee reviewed the various Indian TV programmes and gave its views in respect of the quality, usefulness and drawback of the various programmes. News, documentaries and talentime programmes were rated good by this committee. It felt the news programmes could be further expanded to include financial reports as well. However, the committee was very critical on programmes relating to local drama largely because of the negative values portrayed. The general conclusion was that the SBC Indian TV programmes, particularly local dramas, leave much to be desired. Sir, I would like to make two suggestions to the Ministry on behalf of this committee. Firstly, SBC has not appointed a head or executive producer for the Indian programmes since the last gentleman retired. Maybe this lack of leadership is one of the problems.”
“Sir, let me move on to a less polluted and less unsavoury subject. Although Singapore is an affluent society, there is still a sizeable number of people who are considered poor. Amongst them are many widows, many of whom are also elderly but who still have to work to look after their young children. Some who are unable to work have to depend on welfare benefits and the charity of their relatives. Now, Sir, with the recent policy of the Ministry of the Environment of not accepting applications for hawker stalls on hardship cases, this avenue is now closed to them. My plea to the Minister is to consider allowing this group of people, widows especially and even some elderly widowers, to have their home-made cakes or kueh sold at hawker stalls. This will enable them to have some supplementary income for their families. As for their personal hygiene and cleanliness in the preparation of these cakes, I think certain practical steps can be taken by the Ministry. These would include: 1. Deserving cases can apply and they can be made to undergo health screening; 2. Perhaps the homes or kitchens can be inspected periodically and given the necessary advice accordingly. Again, periodic checks can be made on their houses to ensure compliance with these health standards. Sir, I am sure home-made cakes will be far more cleaner than those prepared en masse at some hidden tracks in some deserted areas of Singapore. I hope the Minister will consider these suggestions for the benefit of our poor widows and families.”
“Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“May I just make this simple plea that the Ministry of Home Affairs work together with the Ministry of Education and, that is, is it possible for the Ministry of Education to identify who these pre-school leavers are? They should get their addresses and inform the Ministry of Home Affairs so that the relevant agencies can work together with the Ministry of Community Development. Between them, they can send their social workers to work on these pre-school leavers so that they will not gravitate into anti-social behaviour. The details and the mechanics can be worked out later. This is a group of students or pupils who are potential dangers and if there is nothing meaningful to nip the problem in the bud they will unconsciously or consciously drift into this menace. Perhaps this is an area that could be looked into. In other words, we have to mount a positive intervention in this crucial area to prevent the increase of pre-school leavers drifting to drug addicts. Secondly, Sir, the Minister has just returned from Malaysia on his goodwill visit and it was reported that he had discussions with the Malaysian Deputy Minister for Home Affairs on the question of forfeiture of assets of those involved in drug transactions. I am just wondering what is the outcome of his visit in terms of discussion in this area. Is he contemplating to incorporate this feature into this amendment, if not now, but later on? Perhaps he can enlighten us on this matter.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to join in the debate. Firstly, I welcome this amendment simply because it reflects the Minister's foresight in anticipating the arrival of the potential drug, cocaine, from the west to the east and the relevant amendments to the sections of the Act will be able to plug the various loopholes in the area of enforcement and rehabilitation. But, Sir, the problem of drugs does not solely rest on these two aspects of enforcement and rehabilitation. It also includes, amongst other things, supervision, counselling and education. I must admit that because of our stringent laws our enforcement agencies have worked very hard to contain the drug problem here. But even in spite of this, we have figures to show that the number of drug addicts is on the increase. And what is more disturbing to me and to my other Malay MPs is that a preponderance of these drug addicts are Malays. I just like to focus on one area and that is the revelation from the report that more than 90% of the drug addicts are pre-school leavers. I am just wondering whether this problem has been properly addressed. In other words, when a student drops out from school, has there been any follow-up action by either the Ministry of Education or by other relevant authorities? Because if the number of pre-school leavers is there, it is only natural that they will slowly drift into this area. They have a lot of time. They have a lot of energy. They will gravitate to their own peers. Unfortunately, if they mix with the wrong company, they will graduate, as Encik Yatiman says, from drug addicts to drug pushers.”
“Whatever the dislocation may be, it must be minimal. On the provision to allow religious studies to be taught outside curriculum time as an optional subject, I hope the Minister will take into consideration and allow Muslim students to study Islamic Religious Knowledge outside curriculum time should there be requests from them in certain schools. In conclusion, Sir, I must say that to chop and change the syllabus mid-stream is an unhealthy practice. But here, I think it may be an exception to the rule. It seems to me that we need to chop or amputate the leg to save the body. The overriding reason in doing this is because this is Singapore. Our social, cultural and religious setting is unique. But we must not forget that it is also fragile. It can crack or crumble under growing inter-racial and inter-religious pressure. We therefore need to be vigilant and prevent this from happening. We must guard and preserve this racial harmony. Nothing should be allowed to destabilise it. Only then will our future be safe.”
“It should take the cue from what was said by the Prime Minister in his response to the Report on the Ministry of Education (1978). I think it is worth repeating, Sir. He said, and I quote: '... the litmus test of a good education is whether it nurtures citizens who can live, work, contend and co-operate in a civilised way. Is he, loyal and patriotic? Is he when the need arises, a good soldier, ready to defend his country, and to protect his wife and children ... Is he a good neighbour and a trustworthy friend?' And of direct relevance, Sir, to our debate today, the Prime Minister emphasised, and I quote again: ' ... Is he tolerant of Singaporeans of different races and religions?' This, Mr Speaker, Sir, encapsulates the kind of a rounded Singaporean that we hope will emerge from our education system. And it is this new expanded Civics and Moral Education that will have to provide the necessary ingredients for the making of this rounded Singaporean. Sir, this envisaged new syllabus will undoubtedly be a challenge to our curriculum developers. Apart from giving the syllabus its own intellectual basis, it must have a structure and character that is distinctively Singaporean. It must mirror the values and virtues of our social and cultural environment, circumstances and even temperament. When completed, the curriculum developers must ensure that the values and virtues inherent in the syllabus could be translated into the teaching materials and modules. And I am confident that the curriculum developers will succeed in venturing into this new educational frontier that is relevant to Singapore's multi-racial setting. Now, turning to the question of the transition period. I am glad to note that the Minister will be exercising great flexibility.”
“And again, on this question of the fundamental change on religious revivalism, to what extent are there indications that the teaching of Religious Knowledge will contribute to the rise of religious fervour amongst our students? However, Sir, based on the Minister's statement and against the backdrop of this heightened religious fervour, I do sympathise with his concern in this matter. If anything else, he wants to err on the side of caution. It is a precautionary step to ensure that the teaching of Religious Knowledge does not develop into a hornets' nest. It is a step to insulate the school system from this stream of religious fervour that is flowing upstream in our society. The Ministry wants to free the schools from later becoming the fertile soil or the vehicle or the conduit for religious fervour and maybe extremism. That is the underlying concern of the Ministry. If in the judgment of the Minister that the teaching of religious knowledge within the formal education system would one day be in danger of being influenced by the growing strength of religious fervour within our own environment, and if the education system does not have at its disposal the defusing mechanism on matters as sensitive as religion, then it is sane enough to expect the Ministry to neutralise the religious elements or the teaching of religious beliefs within the school curriculum. But, Sir, what then will be the alternative that will fill this educational vacuum? The Minister mentioned the possible introduction of an expanded version of Civics and Moral Education. But whatever the form and substance of this new syllabus will be, I hope the Ministry will not lose sight of the primary objective of educating our Singaporean children.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it is with mixed feelings that I listened to the Minister's statement on the status of the teaching of Religious Knowledge in schools. It is a feeling of regret tempered with anxiety. I regret that what was thought to be educationally sound in 1982 is now considered unsound. I recall that the Report on Moral Education (1979) recognised the fact that "religious studies help to reinforce the teaching of moral values." Hence, the introduction of Religious Knowledge in schools in 1982. Now, after seven years, just as Religious Knowledge is about to firm itself, this educational investment is now considered too risky. My anxiety, Sir, is over public response to the statement. Recognising the value of Religious Knowledge, what will be the form and substance of the substitute that will fill this educational vacuum? Will this substitute again have to suffer the same fate seven years after its formal adoption? These are some of the questions that will be asked by the public and the parents. Sir, as there is no consensus on this issue, as reported by the Minister, I would prefer that we maintain the status quo but with some modifications. Much time and effort have gone into this educational project. It has yet to reach its maturity stage, so to speak. Perhaps the question to ask is: has the teaching of Religious Knowledge served its purpose of reinforcing moral values? The Ministry could have done an interim survey or study on this. Like any curriculum development project, there are the expected and the unexpected results or by-products. If there are unexpected ones, what are they? Has the Ministry convinced itself that the unexpected or the undesirable by-products far outweigh the desirable ones?”
“Sir, I thank the Minister of State for her encouraging reply but I hope the current compilation work by the Ministry could be expedited as it has taken slightly more than a year to complete. On that note, I withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“From now on, we must redouble our efforts to promote our cultural activities in order to enrich our people's cultural life and create a new image. Our civic cultural groups, whether in the fields of music, arts or performing arts, have in the past been quite active, but there were relatively few active participants. Therefore, I hope the Ministry of Community Development will provide the most appropriate facilities to help in terms of human resources, financial support and physical facilities. For instance, for members of these groups, the activities are carried out after office hours. Therefore, we hope that when the Ministry convenes a meeting, it should be held after office hours in order not to cause them inconvenience. This year, the allocation for cultural activity is about $4,019,000. Last year, the allocation was $3,500,000. The increase has been 14.7%, but it is only 2.7% of the total allocation of $149 million for the Ministry of Community Development.”
“Because of limited domestic markets in their own countries and protected foreign markets, there is very keen competition. Therefore, those who can adapt to the situation will survive, those who cannot will be eliminated. The commercial world is just like the battle field, appearances can be deceptive. So human compassion and consideration are on the decline. In order to get a greater share of the market and higher profits the entrepreneurs will try all the tricks of the trade to get what they want. After-office entertainment and enjoyment of life have become routine. This is most apparent in Taiwan. Recently the Minister of State for Education and Community Development has been to Taiwan to study moral education. Has she noticed that sex trade is most active in Taiwan? When we want to study moral education, have we chosen the right place? Other than the tangible material life there is the spiritual life. That includes cultural life, family life and a compas- sionate society. If one were to pursue only material enjoyment, then life is meaningless. Cultural pursuits will enrich one's life, mould a common sense of belonging and help promote social cohesion as we progress towards a more meaningful and gracious society. We have several thousand years of cultural tradition. We should promote and adapt certain aspecsts of our heritage which are suitable for the present. In the past, our country has devoted its attention to economic development. Therefore, cultural development has not been given the same emphasis. During the initial stages of our nation building when our economic foundation had not been well laid, such a policy could not be faulted.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head J be reduced by $10 in respect of Code JF 1500 of the Main Estimates. On 16th November 1987, the composer of our National Anthem, Encik Zubir Said or better known as Pak Zubir passed away. He has bequeathed to Singaporeans something which we all can be proud of, ie, the National Anthem. He was reported to have said that what made him compose the National Anthem was the people and the life in Singapore. He was bestowed the national honour of Darjah Utama Temasek.In this respect, Sir, may I ask the Minister what efforts have been made by the Ministry towards recognizing the contributions of the late composer. Perhaps he would consider some of these suggestions I have. Firstly, would a scholarship in music be named after him to be awarded to talented local musicians to further their musical career? Secondly, would the Ministry undertake to compile and document the works done by the composer during his lifetime? Thirdly, would the Oral History Department of the Ministry be commissioned to record his life history and his contributions? Lastly, two local writers have published a book on his biography. Would the Ministry undertake to translate this book into other languages for the benefit of all Singaporeans? Mr Lau Ping Sum( In Mandarin): Sir, I have another amendment. Can I have added time to move the two together? Sir, our economic achievement is a recognized fact. In order to achieve quick returns Singaporeans sometimes unduly stress on short-term result. Therefore, they are eager to achieve instant success and quick profits. In a comercial environment there is very intense competition. This situation not only appears in Singapore but also obtains in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea.”
“Maximum penalty should be imposed to ensure that no pollutive foreign vehicles would take any chance and could get away by entering Singapore. I also hope that the ROV could draft a standard code on vehicle noise so that all noisy vehicles, including those fitted with sub-standard and modified exhaust silencer, could be sufficiently dealt with.”
“The shopping complex is there, the library is there, the supermarket is there, and yet it prefers to turn left instead of turning right. I think it defeats the purpose of bringing people from one estate to another to the concentration point. Again, I would like to request the SBS through the Minister to see whether it can bring people to the concentration area. Dr Low Seow Chay (Chua Chu Kang): Sir, on lead pollution, I am glad to note that the atmospheric suspension of lead particles has been drastically reduced to 0.4 micro-grammes per cubic metre. Sir, I believe that the lead level must be much higher than this figure in the heavy traffic zones like Orchard Road and the city centre. In addition, I was told that 50% of our land area is reserved as catchment areas for reservoirs. I wonder how much this lead will eventually end up in the reservoirs. I feel that we should set a long term lead-free target for petrol. It will help the refineries to upgrade their plants in the long term. Perhaps at that time, a high octane stock and a non-leaded octane booster could be produced at an affordable price. Sir, some roads are heavily used by non-local heavy trucks. In addition to what the Chairman of the GPC for the Environment said, these trucks are not only emitting excessive amounts of soot but they also radiate much louder noise than our local trucks. Those are the foreign trucks. Some residents living in the flats close to these roads are very much annoyed by the smoke and noise from these vehicles. I urge the ROV to take efficient action against such pollutive vehicles along roads such as Woodlands Road, Bukit Timah Expressway and Chua Chu Kang Road.”
“Sir, it is gratifying to know that there are many bus services plying in and around Ubi Avenue neighbourhood or estate. On this note, Sir, I would like to refer to two bus services. They are bus service No. 22 and bus service No. 65. These two bus services travel along Ubi Avenue 2. Ubi Avenue 2 is in fact on the periphery of this estate. However, there is another road, Ubi Avenue 1, which is only a short loop which goes inside the estate proper and it is very puzzling to reconcile why these services could not just go inside this loop road of hardly a few minutes, under five minutes, for the benefit of the residents. In fact, inside Ubi Avenue estate, HDB has already designated the Area Office. When this Area Office becomes operational for the Town Council, we will see an increased number of pedestrian traffic to and from this Area Office. May I request the Minister to refer this again to the SBS and see whether they could give a more favourable response to our request. In fact, this request has been made many many times by the Residents' Committee of this estate. The other matter is another service just introduced, which is service No. 76. This is an air-conditioned service. It runs from Yio Chu Kang terminal to Marine Parade terminal and it is also very gratifying again for this bus brings residents from the Ubi Avenue estate to Marine Parade area. However, it is again puzzling to note why, when it reaches Still Road on its way to Marine Parade it does not turn right, but it turns left, simply because the left side of the turning goes to the terminal, whereas on the right side is, in fact, the town centre. I do not know why the bus cannot turn right to the town centre where you have the main concentration of people.”
“Sir, on his suggestion, I will try and do that. I withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”
“Can we blame them, Sir, if they vent their youthful energies on playing football under these void decks? So, may I urge the Minister to re-examine this policy on the future use of these vacant lands and, where feasible, to convert them into mini-playing fields for these children. Sir, I think a little money spent on these plots will certainly bring much happiness to these children.”
“It would be a pity, Sir, for HDB's good image to be marred by these occasional defects in these flats. My next point is the question of HDB vacant lands. Quite often, MPs submit parliamentary questions pertaining to the future use of these vacant lands. This prompts me to ask the Minister concerned whether there is any clear-cut policy on the future use of these vacant lands. I have, Sir, in my Kampong Ubi division of Aljunied GRC few vacant lands which have not been developed for more than four years. It strikes me as something odd that the department cannot make up its mind after these years. Perhaps the Minister could give a definite answer or have a definite time limit. If any land is not to be used for a few years, perhaps he could accede to the request of the MP concerned for an alternative use of such vacant lands for the benefit of residents. Here, I would like to make a request to the Minister that he should convert such vacant lands into playing areas or mini-football fields. I say this because very often you notice children playing football under the void decks. Sir, this is because there are no vacant lands in the vicinity for them to play. If they play in these vacant lands, they will be chased away. Children, being what they are, love playing football. I am sure the Minister who is himself a very good sportsman will appreciate this. I still remember, Sir, how enjoyable it was to kick rubber balls with other children in the open spaces in the kampungs. Unlike the children of yesteryears, there are no natural greenery or landscape for them to catch spiders and there are no natural drains or canals for them to catch fighting fish. What they have are ample void decks.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, we know that Singaporeans are very proud of the HDB's achievements. From 1960 to 1988, it has built houses for 86% of our population. But in spite of these achievements and expertise over these years, and these are internationally acknowledged, we do hear reports of defects in certain housing estates. Earlier, the Senior Minister of State gave an answer to my question about the extensive defects or bad workmanship in Ubi Avenue neighbourhood. Sir, I concede that the HDB is moving towards improving this. I am happy to know that the HDB has already a system called the Construction Quality Control System. This is a system which ensures that buildings and facilities are built with zero defects. Again, the HDB has tried this system in two housing estates, namely, Bishan and Yishun. This pilot project is successful and they are extending this to other estates. In addition to this, HDB also has what is known as the Materials Inspectorate Unit. This unit, I am told, ensures that the materials supplied meet HDB standards. But even with these checks in place, one wonders how such defects do exist from time to time. My suspicion is that perhaps this is due to the lack of close supervision. If so, then would not the HDB consider revamping or, if not, setting up a permanent Building Supervisory Unit or Inspectorate? We have heard the previous speaker mention that perhaps this Unit could have a random inspection of units even after it has passed the time limit of one year, because sometimes, as in Ubi Avenue Estate, these defects, on a massive scale, did occur after the time limit of one year. And in this way, Sir, the defects will be detected early and residents need not be inconvenienced unnecessarily.”
“Thirdly, what would be the status and role of the Five-Power Defence Arrangement in the future?”
“Sir at the Sixth Reservists Officer Staff Course Graduation Ceremony and Dinner in December 1988, the First Deputy Prime Minister highlighted two significant points. First is the somewhat paradoxical statement when he referred to the building of the SAF as not to fight war but to preserve peace. It is this policy, he said, ie, that of preparing for war that has brought us the peace. Secondly, he referred to the staring analogy. By that he meant that the defence policy based only on deterrence will end up with two parties staring at each other. Staring breeds suspicion and if unlucky it may end up in blows. The First Deputy Prime Minister therefore suggested that the best policy in maintaining peace is to have "common interest and understanding based on mutual respect, balanced forces, intertwined interests and a shared destiny". I am encouraged to note that our defence programme is in consonance with this policy. This is manifested by our existing bilateral defence exercises. The current joint naval exercise codenamed "Exercise Malapura 6/89" is a case in point. It is an exercise in the South China Sea between the RMN and the RSN. This is testimony of the common realization that our defence and that of our neighbour is indivisible. Such an exercise and other forms of bilateral defence arrangements will undoubtedly contribute to the security and stability of the region. Sir, as our national and regional security is of paramount importance, may I ask the Minister if he is satisfied with the present state of bilateral and multilateral defence relations. Secondly, what other measures are being planned so that the defence policy, as enunciated by the First Deputy Prime Minister, could be effectively realized?”
“Would the Acting Minister for Health have the ethnic backgrounds for these abortions?”
“The Malays have their own unique problems in Singapore. Let these problems be resolved by Singaporeans in a Singaporean way.”
“If the Leadership has reasons and evidence to believe otherwise, we can find an acceptable way to make these known to them. I am sure, as rational Singaporeans, they would come round to reason. It is in our collective interest to better understand and appreciate the sensitive and delicate problem. If it is the very small number that we are concerned with, let us identify them, isolate them and contain them. Let not, because of the incorrigible few, we deny the vast majority of their obligations and responsibilities towards the nation. We must work towards bridging this perception gap by strengthening our mutual trust. Like in a family, father and son must have trust in each other. It is the father's duty to bring the son back to the right path if the son unknowingly strays away from it. When the son realizes his mistakes, he will rectify them and grow up to be a better son to his father. As I see it, Sir, the situation is not closed or static. It nevertheless needs a fresher look. Unlike other problems, this one needs a longer time to resolve. Let us give it the time it needs. But let us hope that, with reason and mutual trust, this issue could be resolved faster than expected. I am confident that this Government known for its sense of justice and fair play would work towards it. This is our challenge of making this country a Singaporean Singapore, a truly Singaporean Singapore. Before I conclude, Mr Chairman, there is one other thing that I need to mention and this is in relation to the unsolicited comments by foreign politicians, as mentioned by the Member for Chong Boon. Just as we have refrained from making judgments on their issues, we would expect that they reciprocate by not passing judgments on our domestic affairs.”
“The Malays are asking how is that after nearly 22 years of independence their national orientation is still being questioned. Are the ingredients and the environment towards a Singaporean identity still lacking? Like other Singaporeans, the Malays go through the same national education system with the Singaporean curriculum. They repeat the same national pledge, sing the same National Anthem. They live in the same HDB flats. Their children play in the same void deck and run around the same children's playground. Like other Singaporeans, these are their common experiences. Out of this, they manifest the same shared values. To them, Singapore is their home, their only home. Their orientation is towards Singapore and no other country. They cannot understand why, having gone through these long years of Singapore's version and experience in nation building, that their national orientation is still being questioned. Is there a missing link somewhere? If there is, what is it? Where is it? If it is in their religion, the question is whether their religion is incompatible or in conflict with the national interest. I do not think so. In fact, they can co-exist. They can even be mutually self-reinforcing. May I therefore suggest that to help us resolve this, we get some guidance from the Muslim Religious Council. They are the supreme authority on Islam in Singapore. Perhaps they can help enlighten us on this problem. To me it is clear that there seems to exist a perception gap between the Leadership and the Malays. I am confident that given time this perception gap can be bridged. It needs an honest and a rational approach. It is my belief that Singapore Malays are Singaporean in outlook and orientation.”
“There were signs of flexibility in the intake of Malay national servicemen, and now every eligible Malay youth is taken in for national service. There was also indication that some of them are now being deployed into units where previously there were no Malays in them. Some progress has been made. Unfortunately, the Herzog visit in November 1986 and the unusual response of some of the Singapore Malays have made it necessary for the Leadership to have another look at the present position. The recent statement by BG Lee, the Second Defence Minister, on the possibility of a conflict between a soldier's emotions for his nation and his emotions for his religion has put the issue into sharper focus. The statement has regrettably upset, if not angered, the Malay community. However, it has also alerted us on the latent problems in a multi-racial society as he reminded us: 'It is a reality of life and it is something we cannot dodge but which, gradually as a national identity develops, will grow to be less of a problem.' Sir, before attempting to offer any solution to the problem, let me just briefly sketch the perception of the Malay community on this issue. The first time that the Singapore Malays experienced what I term the 'psycho-emotional dilemma' was during the Separation of 1965. It took some time before they began to accept the political fait accompli. Today they accept that their future and their destiny lie with Singapore. However, since the Herzog visit and the recent controversy on the participation of Malays in the Armed Forces, they are again undergoing the same psycho-emotional strain. There exists some sense of alienation in some of them. They begin to ask many searching questions.”
“Sir, may I be permitted to elaborate on the subject that has just been mentioned by the Member for Chong Boon who is also the Head of the GPC for Defence and Foreign Affairs. Sir, there was a time when this subject of Singapore Malays in the Armed Forces was considered taboo and the public shied away from discussing it. But today with growing political maturity on the part of Singaporeans, including the Malay community, it is now possible to have such a sensitive subject discussed openly and at the same time calmly and rationally. It is in this spirit that I wish to present the issue to try and address the realities of the situation and to call upon all of us to gradually work towards resolving this delicate situation. As I see it, Sir, the question of Malays in the national defence of the country vis-a-vis the present Government's position is a result of our own recent history. This history has three different phases of developement. The first phase goes back to the events in the sixties. The experience of the racial riots in the sixties showed us that because of the nature of the Armed Forces then there were problems in dealing with the riots. As a result of this, corrective measures were taken to rectify the unsatisfactory situation in the Armed Forces. This brings us to the second phase of development in the seventies. And during this period, in the effort to correct the racial imbalance in the Armed Forces, many Malay youths were not enlisted for national service. There was, in fact, a near-exclusion of Malay youth from the national service. Unenlisted, unemployed, some of them sought solace through drugs. However, when it came to the third phase, ie, the beginning of the eighties, things began to change. Malay MPs began discussing this issue with 1DPM.”
“I also get the impression from the group of students attending my tuition classes in my own constituency that quite a percentage of the students, when asked by the tutors up to now, even up to the upper primary level, say they do not understand. Perhaps the Minister could monitor this and assure that this song is given its due respect.”
“Perhaps it may not be too early for me to say that at some point of the programme when it is developed, when it has reached a certain level of stability, ie, when it can be offered at the JC level, other than the pure linguistic or the language element being taught, perhaps some element of the cultural component of the language should be included because we should realize that these students who would perform in their duties later would not only have the linguistic and communicative skills but perhaps they should need some background as to the cultural component inherent in the language. Perhaps that could be borne in mind at a later stage. However, Sir, in congratulating the Ministry on this matter, I detect a sense of haste in introducing this because a programme which has been targetted to be of four years is now being introduced at 3r years. This would jeopardize those students who would like to take this subject at the expense of dropping their third language. I am not sure why this haste has been introduced. My final point, Sir, is just to beg the indulgence of the Minister to try and give a little explanation because when I raised this the last time it was not answered and, that is, the singing of the National Anthem. Much as we give reverence to the singing of the National Anthem, I am not so sure whether most of the children understand what they are singing, bearing in mind that the national language is not taught in schools any more. I have this feeling that the students will sing it but not internalize it and have that emotional attachment with the song because, instead of saying, "Let's sing the Majullah Singapura", we hear students saying, "Let's sing the Mari-kita." This is an indication as to the misplaced understanding of what the meaning should be.”
“Perhaps the Minister would enlighten us as to whether this is being monitored and what are the indicators that this is happening. Much has been said that teaching our students has been more of a book-bound method rather than a mind-centred approach. As far as the teacher is concerned, we would like to see that there should not be teaching-bound all the time but it should be more of a learning-centred approach. In other words, you can have a lot of teaching but you may not have a lot of learning. Perhaps there should be a corresponding balance between the two. The second point I would like to mention concerns the announcement just released, on the teaching of Malay as the third language (ML3). In this connection, I would like to congratulate the Ministry for introducing this because it is timely and they have taken cognizance of the future roles of our potential leaders. The target group that would be learning this subject is, I understand, confined to the top 10% or the high flyers of the non-ethnic Malay students. This is really timely because they would be holding important positions either in the diplomatic or the trade circles and also have to operate within the geo-political context of this region. I must say that initially, before this announcement, I had some doubts as to what is the definition and standard of this Malay language that is going to be taught. From the initial announcement, we heard that ML3 is going to be taught. This definition has been cleared because there is a difference between ML3 in our own definition as against Malay as a third language. So that area has been cleared. In other words, the proficiency standard that has been set would be somewhere along the ML2 standard.”
“Sir, I have three points to make under my amendment. Firstly, I would like to speak a little on school appraisal. In line with the qualitative emphasis in education, the concept and practice of school appraisal is an important component in professional development. We have heard that initially when this concept and practice of school appraisal was introduced, there was some apprehension amongst teachers and principals and it was at first thought to be a fault-finding mission. But after several years of implementation, I am of the opinion that teachers have overcome this psychological barrier and also the emotional anxiety. However, much as the schools have accepted this as an integral part of their profession, I would like to know whether the teachers and principals have been tutored well enough to develop that expertise and confidence in self-appraisal of their school's programme because one can be alerted to school appraisal just before the time due for the schools to be appraised and later lapse into non-professional practices. In this connection, I am of the opinion that schools that have been doing well should be able to share and disseminate what they have in their own schools to other schools. In other words, have there been programmes between schools to share these methods and strategies that have been developed in certain schools in certain areas by way of workshops, seminars or in some form of in-house publications? In our emphasis on qualitative upgrading in schools and in the teaching profession, we would like to know whether as the system matures there is a corresponding increase in the professional standards of schools, and this can only be detected and identified through a systematic and a more organized school appraisal.”
“We notice that at the rear of the building we have a beautiful garden, at the sides we have beautiful palm trees. So perhaps the beautification of the frontage will complete it all, and hopefully with a better beautification of the building it will be one of the popular scenes depicted in the postcards of Singapore. Sir, talking about trees will not be complete without mentioning the fruits and the flowers. We know that the Parks and Recreation Department has done a remarkable work in planting local fruit trees in housing estates. Just to quote a few, they include the mango, the star fruits, the jack fruits and the guava. Perhaps it is timely that the Parks and Recreation Department now do some research in the preservation and planting of local flowers because, with rapid resettlement and rapid urbanization, these local flowers would disappear from our scene. Just to mention a few of our local flowers, I am afraid I cannot mention their scientific names, they include among other flowers the cempaka (I am told it is called the gardenia), the kenanga and the melor and the melati and, of course, the bunga tanjong. Mr Speaker, Sir, these local flowers found ready outlets in our local markets. I know they are being sold during weddings or ceremonies and, of course, for some floral enthusiasts for floral arrangements. Perhaps the Parks and Recreation Department would consider it timely now to cultivate these local flowers for sale to the public. Perhaps it could be another profitable exercise.”
“Sir, although the Member for Ang Mo Kio has taken some of the wind off my sail, I nonetheless like to join forces with him in an area which concerns the maintenance of trees. He has quoted a tree that fell in Joo Chiat Road, that part of Joo Chiat which comes within my Kampong Ubi Constituency, and which has cost two lives. Perhaps the Minister would be kind enough to make a thorough inspection of the danger of trees within my Constituency so as to prevent a recurrence of such an incident. Recently I noticed an old banyan tree at the junction of Joo Chiat Terrace and Lorong 101. Perhaps another look at this tree is advisable. Although from the Estimates I observe that there is a reduction in the Maintenance estimates, perhaps this would not hamper the need for active inspection of old and dangerous trees for the safety of the public. Sir, in talking about trees, I would like to draw the attention of the Minister to the two big trees in front of Parliament. I consider these two big trees to be of some considerable age. I assume that they are safe because I notice that they have been pruned recently. But what strikes me is that the branches and leaves of these two trees seem to conceal the architectural beauty of this building. The over-arching of these branches and leaves seem to give more prominence to the sculpture of the elephant more than the facade of this building. I do not want tourists or some Singaporeans to mistake this august building as some kind of a museum of natural history. I therefore would like to request the Parks and Recreation Department to try and enhance the frontage of this Parliament with something that would harmonize with the architectural beauty of this building.”
“Perhaps these institutions and the Ministry of Education could organize supportive activities which are historically oriented and this, of course, will make History that much more interesting and captivating. My last point, Sir, is that associated with this building of a sense of loyalty and identity is the singing of the National Anthem. It is understandable that due to the competing demands in the teaching of the first and second languages, the teaching of the National Language has been de-emphasized. This has, of course, a bearing on the understanding of the lyrics of our National Anthem which is in the National Language. I am concerned, Sir, that there could be many pupils who are singing this National Anthem without understanding its full meaning and significance. And this is borne out of my recent inquiry from pupils who are attending my weekend classes in my education centre. The tutors informed me that a sizable number of the pupils do not understand the meaning of this National Anthem. I only hope that this is an exception and not the rule. May I therefore inquire of the Minister as to whether the Ministry of Education has made its own survey on this subject and regularly monitors the situation. It is a sad commentary if the National Anthem sung everyday by our pupils is not fully understood by them. Perhaps the Ministry could take remedial action on this.”
“And since history is a component of that curriculum or microculture, it can be a strong vehicle in trying to develop in our pupils a sense of national identity and loyalty. It is therefore crucial that the teaching of History be made interesting and be made alive. I think this subject lacks the practical element in the learning of History. After all, we know that there are other subjects which have the practical element built in, eg, Science, Geography, and for that matter even Literature has that practical element built in through dramas and plays. Here, may I know from the Minister to what extent this practical element is provided for in the teaching of History? To my knowledge, there are three institutions in Singapore which are currently a repository of our historical heritage. They are the National Museum, the Sentosa Pioneers' Gallery, not to mention the Surrender Chamber and, of course, the Archives and the Oral History Department. I would like to know, Sir, whether the Ministry has formalized arrangements on a permanent basis with these institutions in order that the resources of these institutions be maximized by the pupils. I know there are ad hoc visits made by schools to these institutions. But I would like to see a much more systematic, a more structured, relationship between the schools and these institutions so that on-going activities will be carried throughout the school calendar. I understand this is being done very well in the Science Centre. During and outside the school term, the Science Centre has been very popular with schools and they have organized activities.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, may I now cross over to an area on the curriculum of the schools. In spite of the many harsh criticisms levelled at the Ministry of Education on some of its controversial policies, perhaps we should not lose sight of some of the good things that the Ministry has done. In this case, Sir, I am referring particularly to the Curriculum Development Institute (CDIS). A case in point is the work that has been done in relation to the development of the History syllabus for secondary schools. I know now that the Social and Economic History of Modern Singapore is being taught in secondary schools. I would just like to make some observations. The Ministry of Education's project team on this subject has been fortunate in having the services of an historian of international repute, ie, Professor Wang Gung Wu, as the chief consultant. And in Professor Wang's own words with reference to this particular project, he said that this is "a unique curriculum and the first of its kind". I have gone through this textbook and also the workbook, and I find they are well written and well balanced. However, my concern is that History has always been regarded by pupils as a boring and a very dull subject. My belief, Sir, is not that History itself is dull and boring but perhaps the way and manner that the subject is taught by some teachers has contributed to dampening the historical outlook and thinking of the pupils. It is indeed axiomatic among education circles and educationists that we can have the best curriculum but this will be dead, Sir, if we do not have the proper teachers to give it life. Therefore, in my view, a curriculum is like a micro-culture. It brings forth the values, the traditions, the morals of that society.”
“And taking the cue from the contributions made by the SEC, I do not know whether the enthusiasm and the zealousness of the SEC would be too taxing on the principal and the staff who are already overloaded in many aspects. And tied with that, will there not be the possibility of loss of professional confidence in the school when the SEC is ostensibly seen to be leading the school and not the other way round? Associated with this, Sir, what will be the fate and future of the School Advisory Committees now existing in almost all Government schools? We must bear in mind that many members of the School Advisory Committees have given long and dedicated service to all the schools. In the same spirit of trying to have a working relationship between the school and the public through the SEC, may I also take this opportunity to know what the Ministry of Education's attitude and policy is towards the teachers' unions as of now? Because we hear that previously the teachers' unions were not too favourably seen by the Ministry of Education. May I state at this point that I am not in any way trying to usurp the role of the Member for Moulmein by advancing the status of the teachers' unions. I would simply like him to know that, as I have also been associated with one of the teachers' unions, I am equally concerned about this posture of the Ministry of Education towards teachers' unions. I hope there could be a change from this seemingly closed door attitude or closed door policy of the Ministry of Education towards a much more mutually beneficial posture and relationship, because both are, in essence, partners in education. In the words of the Minister for Education, perhaps both of them can enter a new phase and, hopefully, the "best is yet to be" in education will materialise.”