Wee Siew Kim
Singapore
“I hope these numbers will persuade the Minister to reconsider installing lifts at overhead pedestrian bridges that are linked to the MRT stations. My heart aches whenever I see elderly residents limp up the long flight of stairs at Khatib pedestrian overhead bridge. This is the fourth time I raise this issue in Parliament.”
“Could there be interim scheme plus, that is, a longer-term solution, maybe even dormitories? Although I fear to think that refugee camps-like enclaves will spring up in Singapore, we do have to find innovative ways to provide spartan-level housing for the down and out.”
“In my visits to the nursing homes and other interactions with the elderly and the not so old, like the neighbourhood vegetable and fruit seller, the florist, or the auntie that sells my favourite deep fat fried chicken wings – I have heard the same thing, they all do not want to stop working.”
“I urge the Ministry to extend the maternity leave, Baby Bonus Scheme, the cash grant for newborns and tax relief to employ domestic maids to single mothers. We may limit the grant to only the first child and make this point clear to the mother upon her collection of the grant.”
“We may not have all the answers and may not be right – but what are our alternatives? Unless we can pull together, marshal our resources, sustaining our quality of life is but a pipe dream. Our forefathers are no strangers to hardships and challenges. Risk taking and them are no strange bed fellows. We should be no different.”
“In conclusion, I believe what would make us different this time round is that in this recession, people who are in trouble look to themselves and their extended families and be self reliant; with the Government moving with speed, empathy and civil servants realising that they have the power to make a difference in many people’s live…”
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“I hope these numbers will persuade the Minister to reconsider installing lifts at overhead pedestrian bridges that are linked to the MRT stations. My heart aches whenever I see elderly residents limp up the long flight of stairs at Khatib pedestrian overhead bridge. This is the fourth time I raise this issue in Parliament. I urge the Minister to give priority to this matter. I hope that after a very long wait, the lifts will eventually come! Barrier-free access”
“I seek the Minister's consideration of the suggestion to look into the plight of the elderly who are facing difficulties getting to and boarding the various modes of public transportation. Lifts at passenger overhead bridge near MRT stations Er Lee Bee Wah (In Mandarin): [For vernacular speech, please refer to Appendix A*.] We all know that with each turn of the calendar, all of us are growing older. There is no turning back the clock. Even the best aesthetic surgeon cannot do it. What do we do then? We change our employment policy. We encourage older people to work. For those who have retired completely, we try to help them lead active lives. We organise activities. Doing all these require more than just a change in policy. There must be a coordinated effort so that our intentions can be implemented in an effective and realistic way. Hence, we have barrier-free access in our housing estates, in the city and in shopping malls. This is good but more can be done. We see so many people, men and women, ambling, or being assisted by walking sticks and even umbrellas. Most are older but some are in their 50s only. It is well known that weak joints and arthritis are common among old people. Osteoporosis usually affects women who *Cols. 4313-4314. are over 50, but men are not spared. According to information from the Health Promotion Board, women are more prone to osteoporosis as they can lose up to 20% of their bone mass in the five to seven years after menopause. A Straits Times' report noted that in 1998, 1,300 people in Singapore fractured their hips. By 2050, the number of hip fractures is expected to hit 9,000 annually. The International Osteoporosis Foundation said the rate of osteoporosis in Singapore is approaching those of Western countries.”
“Sir, for the elderly, mobility is key to active living. Convenient access to public transportation goes a long way to maintaining a good quality of life, going places and visiting friends. The sense of independence enriches the general well-being of a person. Over the years, as I interact with older residents, I notice that their mobility suffers curtailment and impairment one year worse than the year before. One recent situation that arose out of the re-routing of bus service 315 brought home starkly the considerations of the elderly that a younger able-bodied person may not instinctively appreciate. On this issue of bus service 315, a group of some 20-plus senior citizens were affected by the change. Having to walk some additional 300 metres to a bus stop poses a significant challenge for them. They have to walk across a precinct, negotiating steps and slopes along the way. Although the re-routing probably makes sense as the boarding numbers clearly indicated increased benefits to a larger group of commuters, however, we cannot ignore the plight of the elderly who has been inconvenienced. We can always make further refinements to the bus routes. Or is there a different approach to solving their problem? For example, for a specific group of elderly, is providing them with taxi vouchers a more cost-effective approach? Taxis would provide point-to-point transportation. We do not need to incur infrastructural and investment costs to have comprehensive and extensive wheelchair-accessibility for buses at bus stops. Neither do we need to go at breakneck speed to acquire low floorboard buses.”
“Mr Chairman, riding on a growing Asia is one key strategy for Singapore companies. In recent times, we cannot ignore the growth of China and India. The headroom for further growth is evident and tremendous. However, striking out and thriving in such markets pose their set of challenges and can be rather daunting for smaller companies. How can MTI assist Singapore companies to strike out and seize opportunities in the growth markets of Asia, especially India and China? What are the ways to help the SMEs and larger Singapore companies internationalise as well as build the set of capabilities that promotes survival in foreign markets? There is a myriad of schemes like the Productivity Fund, Enterprise Development Fund, the PIC, R&D incentives, etc. But they can all be rather bewildering for many smaller companies. How can the Ministry assist to reach out and help proactively as opposed to waiting for companies to come scampering for help? The MTI should set its mission as helping companies venture into new markets and, hopefully, as some of them find new growth opportunities, everybody succeeds. Innovation could also be a selling and differentiating point. I understand that there are new schemes that help fund test bedding of ideas in Singapore. I support this initiative as we already have the disadvantage of a small local market. This difficulty will be compounded if our companies cannot provide home market track record – making it an even harder sell. Can I plead with MTI to be more liberal in funding such test bedding and not be too fixated by any particular industry sector? One can never know where innovation will take root. In such situations, maybe let a thousand flowers bloom may be the way to go, rather than trying to pick winners.”
“Please do not make them wait and wait. *Cols. 3613-3614. 4.15 pm”
“I have seen new designs that facilitate the process of hanging out clothes. We should consider retrofitting such new innovative designs during the flat upgrading. I hope such learning lessons can be designed into our new flats, and even retrofitted into the older ones. Home Improvement Programme Er Lee Bee Wah (Ang Mo Kio) (In Mandarin): [For vernacular speech, please refer to Appendix A*.] Mr Chairman, the Government is busy improving our estates to improve the quality of people's life. We should not forget the older estates. Although the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) has been going on for some time, the progress is very slow. The HIP started from 2007. Many homes are eligible for this project but those being selected are few. We just hear the loud thunder but did not see the rain coming. In my constituency – Yishun south, there are only eight blocks selected. I believe that with MND's high work efficiency, we definitely can do better. In fact, many homes need major improvements. The early HDB apartments can meet the people's needs at that time. However, our population is ageing; young people then have now become old. They feel that their flats are more and more difficult to maintain, for example, they find it hard to climb up and down to fix the leaking pipes. It takes too much energy. Even taking out the bamboo pole to hang clothes out is taxing for them. Some residents have the resources to hire people to do maintenance job for them. When their flats will be selected by HIP does not matter to them that much. However, for those people who cannot afford to do so, they must face all the problems and inconveniences in the flat every day. I hope the Minister can shorten the waiting time for HIP. This will greatly improve these residents' lives.”
“Even with all the improvements that we have observed, I thought it still merits two minutes to emphasise again that aesthetics aside, for the new HDB flats and at the juncture of upgrading for the old HDB flats, the design features must reflect the way Singaporeans live. Let me name some considerations that when designing flats, it will give immeasurable joy to the residents as well as incalculable solace and relief to the Town Councils. They are: (i) Parking areas for bicycles within the flat, especially with the as yet unsolved problem of bicycle thefts and with bicycling getting more and more popular with the Wellness Programme; (ii) Laundry drying areas and racks. How many times have we attended to problems resulting from wet laundry on the higher levels irritating residents on the lower floors! I am sure that if we can design a ledge or other architectural devices that can solve such problems from the onset, it will be well appreciated; o r design features that make it harder for curry and other foodstuffs from being easily tossed over the ledge and soiling the people below; rain splashing onto windows and doors such that water seeps into the interior, especially when rain is accompanied by heavy winds. Some residents will be grateful if they no longer need to stuff towels under the gaps between the main door and floor to avoid inundation; and for the RCs having intermediate landings strategically located among different levels will facilitate floor parties and allow better interactions among neighbours, especially now that lifts stop at every floor; and (iii) New racks for the bamboo poles used for drying. I have received comments that it is actually not physically easy for older people to put out a pole lined with wet heavy laundry on to the bamboo holders.”
“Sir, there was a time when it was not so easy to convince people of the need for a lift on every level, especially for the residents staying just one floor removed from a lift landing. With the realisation of ageing and its attendant mobility impairment, and as the other benefits of lift upgrading become clearer and more evident, this programme is now popularly sought after, so much so that even with segmented and low rise blocks in which residents bear higher costs of upgrading, the LUP still attracts high levels of support at the polls. We now come up against the problem of meeting the requests for LUP from blocks which currently do not qualify because of their inability to meet the cost thresholds. Increasingly, it is more and more difficult to defer the solution to a day when cost pressures disappear or when technology brings more cost effective solutions. We can see clearly that the mobility impaired and the aged, often pointing to injured knees and their heavy dependence on walking sticks, need a lift on every floor. I happen to have 12 of these affected blocks. Can I ask HDB whether there are other options available besides a daily prayer for costs to drop to the threshold levels? The need for lifts on every floor is getting more and more urgent for many of my older residents. Design and upgrade of HDB flats Sir, on my next cut, HDB certainly has many reasons to be proud of its achievements. The latest HDB estates are well laid out and, in many instances, one is hard put to tell the difference between the private and public sector developments. In fact, with the DBSS, the flats are almost like private sector flats.”
“Could there be interim scheme plus, that is, a longer-term solution, maybe even dormitories? Although I fear to think that refugee camps-like enclaves will spring up in Singapore, we do have to find innovative ways to provide spartan-level housing for the down and out. Moral hazard notwithstanding, can I have the assurance that in CA cases, the needs of the young or elderly are attended to? Besides compulsory acquisition, what are the other alternatives? Can the Government own the flat and lease it back – Rentalfare as opposed to Workfare? Maybe in such cases they have to surrender the upside from the proceeds of an eventual open market sale to the HDB.”
“Mr Chairman, home ownership has an important place in Singapore society. The high rate of home ownership is a result of deliberate long-term policy to ensure that Singaporeans have a stake in the country. As the country prospers, up goes the value of real estate. For over 80% of Singaporeans, real estate actually means the HDB flat. In many instances, it is the single biggest asset he owns – which explains why the flat is so very important. 3.30 pm I want to discuss the plight of a small number of HDB flat owners who have fallen into arrears on their loan mortgages and run the risk of having their flats compulsorily acquired (CA). One can debate financial prudence, long-term planning and the need to take personal responsibility, but when confronted with a potential CA case, these discussions may well fall into the proverbial "closing the barn door after the horse has bolted" category. When it comes to an issue like home ownership, there are factors beyond just the financial aspects that need to be considered. The HDB does not have the luxury of behaving just like any other private sector developer. In many of the CA cases I have come across, there are sad human interest stories. Often times, the elderly and young are involved. These are the categories for whom roughing it out is not a viable option. Prior to the final act of repossessing the flat, can we be assured that the "having a roof over their heads" issue is settled? The list of options will probably have to extend beyond the advice to stay with relatives and friends; or to rent, as in many cases, these options are not viable. We already have the interim housing scheme which I heard is already meeting the needs of some 1,600 families. But interim, by definition, is short term.”
“Take ownership and make it your business to get the matter resolved. Why do I say that? Let me illustrate with a recent example. Just two weeks ago, we launched a 3G centre for the residents of Ang Mo Kio. Just days before the official opening ceremony, the short strip of road in front of the centre needed to be paved. It cuts across the jurisdiction of three agencies. Eventually, three agencies came and got the job done, but one after the other. The good thing is that, of course, the job got done, but it could well have been more efficient, and probably a lot cheaper if one party did it all at once, instead of three groups mobilised one after the other, all doing roughly the same work on three adjacent strips of pavement. I can well understand why it happened. Different agencies, each protecting its own budget and inevitably creating artificial boundaries. Empowerment and ownership are needed in order that the "no wrong lap" policy could work. Someone has to take the lead. And somebody has to take on the role of the honest broker so that no one agency eventually feels short changed. But I believe, eventually, it will be more efficient and costs will be reduced. Public appreciation of our civil service will be infinitely enhanced. With this, I support the Budget.”
“She has a younger brother aged five years old and sister aged two years old who are taken care of by her grandmother aged 65 years old. She has a son aged two years old born out of a wedlock. She is unemployed. Both her parents are now in Changi Prison for drug related offences. But she is determined to support her child and siblings while her parents are in jail, and she wants to work. In the meantime, the flat arrears are building up and the day of reckoning is approaching. Five lives, four of them young ones with the future ahead of them. They require very special assistance so that the young have a decent start in life. We wish that we could have worked with the parents before they turned to drugs and jail. Now, we must pay close attention to the kids that they left at home. Sir, the strains of coping with such dysfunctionality in families and also with the mentally infirmed tear at the seams of both families and the immediate community. Solutions to such problems, I argue, will further fortify our inclusive society and build the resilience that will prepare us for storms and challenges that we cannot yet foresee. We can only achieve if we have a good Government, good leaders who continue to grow the economic pie so that we can have the resources to blossom as a society. Execution is through an efficient and service oriented civil service. Here, I just want to make a small suggestion. We have the "no wrong door" policy. It is already a great step forward. It reflects the awareness that it could be frustrating navigating the milieu of administration. Still, more could be done. Why not take the "no wrong door" policy a step further to a "no wrong lap" policy? If it lands on your lap, you go and solve it.”
“Here I hope that more can be done for two groups within our midst: dysfunctional families and the mentally ill. In the past 10 years as an MP and advisor, I have seen more and more schemes that came along that address many of these problems. Workfare and ComCare are two key instruments. Through Workfare, a person acquires the monetary resources to live better, cope with rising costs and at the same time have the pride and self esteem that he is able to do his utmost to fend for himself, with society supplementing. ComCare addresses immediate crisis – it is a band-aid. We have to recognise that we need the resources to customise aid to every case post ComCare. If not, we will not have made a dent at the problem. Here, I am asking for more social workers to be dedicated to each Division on the ground for they are the ones that when appropriately complemented by the community and grassroots, ensure that the Many Helping Hands actually get their hands around the problems and reach out with the appropriate solutions. Where people are involved, broad brush cookie-cutter solutions may not be effective. We need to deploy social workers on the ground intimately working the cases. Just as society's continued good health needs PA, its staff and volunteers, social workers are needed for the dysfunctional families, mentally infirmed and bring about some relief to the strains on their families. 1.00 pm The sooner we act, the sooner we deploy more resources to the ground, more Singaporeans will be helped. Let me just illustrate with one case in my ward. A young woman, aged 17 is a resident in Block 541, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10. She is a single mother at 17 years and also the eldest of three in the family.”
“PA's success came at the expense of the countless hours its staff toil in the thick of the community, smoothening the jarring edges, polishing the melded pieces. It is a job that cannot be done on a 8.00 am to 5.00 pm basis, and the best PA staff I have encountered have treated the community that he has been entrusted with almost with the same love and care as his own extended family. Many lived and breathed their work. And the multiplier of their efforts is the grassroots leaders. The very reason why grassroots leaders volunteer, eschewing the comforts of their homes and working voluntarily for the betterment of their fellow community brethren. And many a times, also parting with their own funds because they have seen the importance of PA and grassroots' work. This work is relevant, and in fact a cornerstone to our continued societal strength. I hope that we continue to see this group as key to our societal firmament and to continue to more than adequately fund it so that we have the right type of people and the right number of people working in our community for our future continued good health. We can be too easily enamoured by KPIs and it is not easy to measure this intangible thing we called social capital. Hence, I hope we continue to put aside funds to ensure that we continue to fund the build-up of our treasure of social capital. For the very nature of this beast we call social capital is that it has to be continually fed, so that its reach remains extensive, its influence pervasive and its internal constitution intensively cross linked. For this to happen, PA needs funds and people. Trust and faith in society is assured only if every person in it feels that they have a stake. This is no new revelation. Our mantra of Inclusive Society sums it all up nicely.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for allowing me to catch the tail end of the debate. Looking through the list of the themes of each Budget for the past 10 years, in seven of the 10 years, the themes have the words society, home, community and future in them. This is no mere coincidence. Each Budget puts a little something into strengthening our Singapore society, and in bumper years like 2010, the Finance Minister brings forth three large vats of rice to distribute. This is what sets Singapore apart from many other countries. We squirrel away our reserves; taking some out on a rainy day and immediately putting them back when it is sunny again. We sow seeds for the future and continuously inject vitality and nourishment into our societal sinews. We know that when we believe in doing something, we persevere year after year, so clearly demonstrated by our Armed Forces which have grown unrecognisably from nearly two boats and a couple of platoons; and our societal networks and infrastructure are built up strength by strength, like a helix, growing more complex and stronger year after year. One piece of our infrastructure, the sinew that binds our people networks that I like to highlight is the People's Association and its group of Grassroots Volunteers. As I understand it, People's Association and the CCCs grew out of villages, kampong networks and councils. Progress brought along more modern facilities, and even the methods of outreach evolved to suit the times. But the spirit and the people element will never change. The very success of the People's Association, I dare say, is because of the people – the PA staff and its volunteers.”
“In my visits to the nursing homes and other interactions with the elderly and the not so old, like the neighbourhood vegetable and fruit seller, the florist, or the auntie that sells my favourite deep fat fried chicken wings – I have heard the same thing, they all do not want to stop working. They would rather live independently to preserve self-esteem, than to get handouts from the Government. I believe many more opportunities would be made available if we look at ways to rely less on market-based rules for this segment of people. We rather lower their cost of entry and ongoing business costs rather than giving them handouts. While some may question why should the aged work, I would say that let us make the opportunities available to them. Many derive a good sense of well-being by being economically independent and active. Re-employment of older workers”
“Madam, this Budget has seen much emphasis on continuing education. I would like to ask the Minister if he could elaborate on what would be the key differences that would make this new emphasis different from initiatives of the past. Specifically, as our population ages, continuing employment for older Singaporeans is important, especially as we ride on the back of the success of the wellness programmes, and for many of the older people, is the way to cope with the rising living costs. Could the Ministry look into more encouragement of cottage industries, so our seniors can continue to contribute economically? Perhaps some aid, training or funding can include entrepreneurial outreach and support for the older 'employable' population who can work from home. For those who do not have any skill, they would need training and help to create things that people will buy. For those who can bake, sew or create crafts, perhaps they will need help with distribution, packaging their work creatively and marketing them so that they will sell. I am sure many of us, at some point, have come across an elderly or a handicapped at a hawker centre or the market corner, selling furry key rings or cute handmade ornaments. I suspect that they may actually be flouting some regulations. The Ministry could consider co-opting self-help bodies and giving them roles in creating opportunities for older workers and making many of these activities legal. We can promote active ageing to ensure our seniors continue to integrate socially, and remain fit emotionally and mentally, even after one stops working. That is something we need to inculcate in our retirement culture. The sad thing is that most people think that once they stop work, they stop living.”
“I urge the Ministry to extend the maternity leave, Baby Bonus Scheme, the cash grant for newborns and tax relief to employ domestic maids to single mothers. We may limit the grant to only the first child and make this point clear to the mother upon her collection of the grant. This can be subject to conditions as well, not unlike the conditions that come along with the HOPE scheme. The case officer can even recommend childcare arrangements and provide job-matching assistance. From the NTUC Going Solo experience, the majority of single mothers are those resulting from widowhood or divorce. Again, these groups obviously need support. Let us not visit the sins of the parents on the child, let us build in support from the children's standpoint and allow them the same space to grow up in. Positive attitude about marriage and family”
“Have these allocations demonstrated to be sufficient to deal with the uptrend in view of our rapidly ageing population? As the Minister is studying the possibility of amending the Act, may I ask how soon this will take place and the areas which would further strengthen the Maintenance of Parents Act. An area which I feel should be enhanced is the enforcement of payment. I would like to suggest a form of automatic deduction, similar to our CPF deductions. This way, these parents are spared the humiliation of returning to the Tribunal to get their awarded monthly support enforced. Maintenance of parents and children is a responsibility we all have to bear, a responsibility that is immutable with time, and transcends cultures and civilisations. Today's sandwiched generation should not be an exception. One cannot be absolved of responsibility but should take the necessary steps to shoulder and fulfil one's social responsibility. The Government cannot be a substitute except in exceptional cases. Sir, the Government has always been reluctant to extend more assistance to single mothers in difficulties. It is justifiably worried that this will encourage more dependency on the State and lead to more pregnancies out of wedlock. However, we must consider the welfare and the future of the children involved. It serves no purpose to make a childhood already deprived of a father in a traditional family even more difficult by withholding financial and other social support assistance. I am not advocating measures to make such families on par with traditional family structures. Rather, we need not penalise such families which are, in most cases, already struggling financially, socially and psychologically.”
“Sir, on many occasions, an elderly person or couple would approach me at my Meet-the-People Session( MPS) to seek assistance. Their children are not supporting them and they are struggling to get by. Some are not even able to contact their children. Most are reluctant to take legal action against their children to claim maintenance. They would rather seek help from the Government or charitable organisations. Then there is this resident who has been out of work for the past three years and her brothers who hold good paying jobs, not only practically leaving all the caring of a mother stricken with diabetes and chronic renal failure to her but also loaded her with all the bills! This disproportionate sharing, while one can argue should be the purview of families themselves to solve, should also be an issue that siblings can bring up to the proposed Tribunal on behalf of their parents. Mediation and counselling should preferably be the standard course of action for such families but when this fails, I feel strongly that the Ministry should take firm action on behalf of aggrieved parents and victimised siblings. The Minister shared with us in August last year that for the prior 12 months, 172 applications were filed at the Tribunal for Maintenance of Parents compared to 100 cases each year in the past. It was a significant increase. With this upward trend, do we have a profile of such elderly persons and the main reasons for the increase? How many of these cases were successfully resolved? This in itself would provide insights on whether the current legislation is adequate. In addition, more resources were to be allocated to the office of the Commissioner for Maintenance of Parents. I hope that the Minister could elaborate on this.”
“I certainly understand the Government's concern that policymakers may not be able to pick winners. I suggest that we can adopt the ideology of making it "market based" and aligning interests through co-investing. This is because I do not believe that we have the scale and scope for a "let a thousand flowers bloom" approach. For Singapore, the risk of picking the wrong seedlings is less than not picking at all. I suggest the key aspects of selection criteria should include; substantially Singapore-based companies; equity capital is required to compete overseas; the "ticket size" is perceived as too big for the current shareholders and they must have proven success domestically. The idea of Government co-investment, with businesses taking the lead, is not new. In its earlier form, it had propelled our industrialisation in the 60s. In just the recent past the SRI is based on such a concept. For example, an agency like EDB Investments can co-invest directly in exchange for an equity-like stake. There is certainly a need for growth/patient capital. M&A is a crucial and under-used approach for Singapore companies to grow both domestically and overseas. The GPC had discussed using a new development agency (such as a Temasek II) to support acquisitions where there is a "ticket size" issue, especially when it is an overseas acquisition. In so doing, we can quickly build bulk and scope that in many sectors is a key differentiating element. I hope that the Ministry would give serious consideration to this GPC suggestion. Strengthening the SME sector”
“The Government may wish to consider providing such companies with incentives to do so. This is pack hunting with a lead. I am heartened to note that the Government will commit $100 million over five years to facilitate international market access for members of our business associations. All entrepreneurs have to start somewhere and often fail at the beginning before they can succeed. Hyflux, Creative and many other local enterprises started as SMEs. We need many more Singapore companies like them. Their eventual success translates into more jobs and greater tax revenue for Singapore. Only then, will our economic growth be truly sustainable. The Government has agreed with the ESC recommendation to raise our Gross Expenditure on R&D to 3.5% of GDP over the next five years. In the past, I appealed to the Government to give our local companies extra consideration when procuring services and goods for itself. Such support is vital to grow our own global companies. If we do not give them a chance – a break – who else would? Hence, I applaud the Government's decision, as a sizeable consumer of products and services, to play a larger role to help innovation-driven companies turn their R&D into marketable solutions on a more proactive and systematic basis. As the Government help innovation-driven companies turn R&D into marketable solutions through Public-Private Co-innovation Partnership, we must bear in mind that innovation is not only R&D. For beyond technological innovations, there are also innovations in business models, process, branding that would set our SMEs apart, and they should be given the same level of support. Many times, and even in this Debate, it has been mentioned that the Government can play an enabling role, not a deciding role. I do not agree.”
“Mr Chairman, global and regional competition is growing. At the same time, our businesses face resource constraints, particularly in foreign labour. What are we doing to ensure that our SMEs are equipped to meet this challenge, raise their productivity and expand internationally? As we restructure our overall economy towards higher-value activities and exit from less efficient ones, it is inevitable that many companies, particularly our local SMEs, will have to change their core businesses or move their operations to other countries where costs are lower. During the 2006 Budget Debate, I spoke about how our local companies should work together so that we can stake out a bigger slice of the global pie. Co-operation, collaboration and mutual help are key traits best exemplified by Japanese and Taiwanese companies. Not very much has changed in the last four years. There are still only a handful of Singapore companies which have the competence and talent base to compete on a global or regional basis. The Minister of Finance, Mr Tharman, had mentioned in his speech about Singapore Mozaic's success in promoting our local furniture makers collectively. We should have more of such collaborations. We should hunt as a pack. The Minister has mentioned using our business associations as growth champions. I agree that our trade associations and Chambers of Commerce can play a greater role in strengthening our capabilities as we go global. They are the most suitable agents to change the mindsets of our business leaders to think collectively as Team Singapore. I would like to suggest that big local companies, especially those which are government-linked, proactively take the lead when going overseas to capture contracts.”
“Some countries like China are already flushed with capital, such that some aspects of our earlier value proposition is no longer that attractive. In short, our window of opportunity is closing and we should try to leverage our strengths and make as much headway as possible. Many from the developed countries have their government pitching for them. I am very enthused by the recent pronouncements that give hope that our Government is pulling out all stops to assist businesses in their forays overseas. However, many times in the past, I feel that while the intention is there, we are constrained into paralysis by our elaborate considerations of all angles. I guess, if you think hard enough you can always find a problem. This brings me back to my suggestion in the budget debate that advocates for businesses be planted in Government agencies to pitch on behalf of businesses. If we depend on the same group of civil servants with the ingrained mindset, I fear that we may be disappointed. Let us not further compound our lack of size. An all-Government approach is important. Let us pay heed to the several speakers at the Budget debate who still detect silos in our Government. Growth strategies Assoc. Prof. Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (Marine Parade): Sir, many economies are reporting different pace of economic recovery following the downturn which we just experienced. I have met many Singaporeans who are hopeful that Singapore will rise again, particularly due to the potential of the Asian economies. I would like to ask the Minister, besides the rise of Asia, what other growth opportunities are available in the current upturn? And what are our growth strategies to capitalise on these opportunities? Singapore – hub strategy”
“Mr Chairman, for many of our companies, the growth opportunities lie outside Singapore. Can the Ministry provide the House with an update on our efforts to help local businesses internationalise? The ESC report mentioned that with the rise of Asia and emerging markets, economic opportunities abound. What is the Ministry doing to guide local companies to take advantage of these opportunities, especially tapping on the growth of economic giants like China and India, and highlighting the opportunities for Singapore in the current global recovery? Much has been done in the past years to give Singapore companies an advantage like the FTAs, positioning us as an active player in international economic cooperation. To date, what benefits has this strategy yielded for Singapore? I have no doubt that these efforts are very well appreciated. However, more could be done as we are participating in an uneven playing field, especially amongst players from developed countries and even from the less developed countries. We are squeezed. Let me give a couple of examples. Singapore stands for delivering value and straightforward ethical dealings – our hallmarks. Many of our entrepreneurs play by such rules as we go overseas. But others do not. Moreover, some of the ground rules and mindsets overseas are also different. For example, one of my Indian friends once told me – in India, to get on the bus is not to stand in line at the bus stop. Either you get on the bus before the bus stops or run after it and jump on it after it has left the bus stop. Imagine how uncomfortable that will be for our people in our interchanges. You can also imagine the mental dexterity and swiftness in action of people who have grown up in such an environment.”
“We may not have all the answers and may not be right – but what are our alternatives? Unless we can pull together, marshal our resources, sustaining our quality of life is but a pipe dream. Our forefathers are no strangers to hardships and challenges. Risk taking and them are no strange bed fellows. We should be no different. With this, I support the Budget. 1.05 pm”
“There is a group of Singaporeans that are less well endowed, less capable or who live with some constraints. In many cases, they would not be the pick of employers. Can we not create some incentives for employers to take on some of these people? Let us be realistic – every employer focused on competitiveness, and would go for the Aces at every level. Government agencies likewise. We are all subject to the tyranny of KPIs. Can we look into schemes to encourage employers, private and public sectors alike, to employ the aged, the handicapped, the caregivers at home that needed only short work hours or even ex-convicts? The Government should take the lead and subject each agency to do its part, to have diversity in our workforce. I am all for the key principle underlying Workfare. You get help when you help yourself. Go earn something and it gets topped up. But there is this group that really cannot work and just fall short of qualifying for public assistance. Today, our many helping hands – VWOs, GROs, community care networks and religious charitable organisations – all chip in. Last year's Budget also saw a resolve to raise the number of social workers and the Family Service Centres (FSCs). However, I would like to ask for a more robust social support network for those who, despite training, still have difficulties finding and holding down a job. I seek the Government to review and resource our outreach, such that it is pervasive enough to minimise the negative and often long-term impact on their families, particularly the children. Sir, many speakers before me have said that this is a Transformational Budget. I agree. I believe that in this transformation, there would be pain, disruptions and that Singaporeans should be prepared for them.”
“In fact, advocates within the system pushing for industry and for the people. The job is simply to keep asking, "Why not? Why no? Is there another way to help?" While we must continue to push the boundaries of growth and all the good things that come with wealth creation, I think that we must continue to impress on all the virtue of self reliance and living within our means. As we talk about improving incomes and better lives, we must also bear in mind that it is not possible to provide everyone with the same standard of living. The expectations of Singaporeans of today are much higher than those of our forefathers. Of course everyone looks forward to the good life but this has to be within his or her means. When an individual or family's circumstances change, one must be prepared to reset the base line and take off from there. We would not be short of examples of people who encashed their flats and live off the proceeds; people who run up large debts to upkeep a certain standard of living. Our expectations are high and many of these expectations are today far beyond the bread and butter, food and stomach issues. I know of one family with three cars that remain unhappy with me, as their second and third cars have to be parked further away from their HDB flat and require walking more than 400 metres. These are the expectations of today. So for many families, this message of self-reliance and living within one's means would sit well. Hence, I would not agree with Mr Low Thia Khiang's assertion yesterday that placed the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the Government. Self-reliance and living within one's means are, after all, age-tested Asian values. But there are two areas I feel need looking into.”
“These comments must be anchored from experience past. I think we would benefit from listening carefully to this feedback as they all have the elements of reality in them. And being aware, addressing them would result in a better outcome. For those who say hands off Government, I think they meant less constraints. Maybe, Government agencies in their respective fields could engage the business associations even harder on this matter. Hopefully, some of the perceived minefields would be cleared. For the comments that Government money is not easy to come by, justifications, paperwork, meetings bogged them down and wear them out, many ask that middle management in the Government to be more empowered. The Government should consider means to simplify accessibility to initiatives, programmes and funding. This brings me back to the earlier plead not to impose too many rules and regulation – as mentioned yesterday by both hon. Members, Ms Jessica Tan and Mr Liang Eng Hwa – but it bears repeating, especially with the seriousness these comments were articulated by serious, well-meaning people. Yesterday morning, service standards in Singapore caught the headline in the Straits Times. Poor standards – blame the CEO. Likewise, Government leaders, business association leaders must be bold enough such that the implementation of the schemes necessary for meaningful transformation, which in all instances are effected by many levels below them, is well resourced and empowered to move the ball forward. My own experience says that this is not easy as in many instances, it requires organisational culture changes and mindset recalibration. Could the Government appoint advocates within each agency whose KPIs are to render as much assistance as possible?”
“Subsidies of 90% to 95% of absentee payroll, course fee outlay and cash grants to WIS recipients when they complete their training, I anticipate, would go down very well. The structured training programme for those with low skills, including those who are unemployed, will also provide hope to those who are usually caught in the vicious cycle of low/no skills and long-term unemployment. The Budget is indeed about people and include all Singaporeans in growth, for everyone to have the best opportunity to reach further and stretch his potential. However, some clarification or enhancement of the schemes may be necessary, as I sense that for the PMETs, they learn and benefit not only from structured courses but also through attachments, overseas assignments, working alongside foreign talents either in Singapore or overseas. Under Productivity and Innovation Credit – training of employees enjoys the tax deductions. Could the remit be broad enough to cover such non-structured learning? Through these means, I believe that the capabilities of Singapore companies would further deepen and allow them to seize opportunities in Asia. But, at the end of the day, however good the intentions, it comes down to implementation. This registered hard when I sat in a discussion of the resource panel of business leaders of the GPC several days ago. I heard some of the Members rail away saying that it would be better if the Government just leaves them alone with less rules and things would work themselves out, I suspect they meant for the better. Then, on the other extreme, some of the members of the resource panel said that all the well-intentioned programmes are, from their experience, very difficult and resource intensive to get any benefit from.”
“Beyond the 10 years, the effort continues. Hence, for the weary, for the tired and for those still recovering from the last recession, and some from recessions before that, this is not a welcomed message. Let us take full measure of the challenge we face, fully aware that in transformation there would be pain and disruption. But we all take comfort in that we know where we want to get to, we have the resources to get us there and we are, by many measures, still ahead of the game but we cannot afford to stay still. It is, thus, not surprising that a number of my residents and grassroots leaders have expressed concerns that they cannot work any harder than they already are doing. In addition, many are apprehensive that the sectors or industries that they are employed in would become obsolete and they are also not confident of their own abilities to switch or upgrade their skill sets or adapt adequately to new environments. The older workers with little education are particularly apprehensive. So, firstly, we have to convince them and their employers that it is a misconception that higher productivity equals longer hours at work. Secondly, we have to convince them that they have the ability to adapt and the changes will result in a better quality of life for themselves and their families. And this national multi-faceted approach would be the best bet for the majority of us. With Deputy Prime Minister Teo leading the National Productivity and Continuing Education agenda, there is no doubt that all Government resources would be brought to bear. The new three-year Workfare Training Scheme (WTS), which will complement the Workfare Incentive Supplement (WIS) scheme as intended, will address many of the concerns for workers and employers as training needs increase.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for allowing me to join the debate. The Government has set very specific and ambitious targets for our transformation into a more advanced economy over the next 10 years. Only when real income grows can we continue to enjoy an increasing standard of living. Only then, can we individually live better, ensure that our children live better and that, as a society, we can care for those who are less well off, those that are less fortunate. The target is to grow real incomes by one-third in 10 years' time. And this is no mere thumping on the chest and slogan-making. To realise this, the Government is committing $5.5 billion over the next five years in the form of tax benefits, grants, training subsidies and programmes to support the national effort to raise productivity. We have much to applaud but it remains for us to convince Singaporeans to stand behind us in this effort. Productivity and Continuing Education – by themselves are not new to Singaporeans. Over the years, they have been exhorted to learn, re-learn, life-long learning and continuous training. They have seen our industrial landscape morph from sweat-shop factories to highly automated, high-tech ones. Along the way, they have seen many that are retrenched and their skills rendered obsolete. You would imagine that the affected would need no convincing of the need to retrain and reskill. But I am not so sure. Hence, I hope that Singaporeans realise and take to heart that the challenge from other economies is real and that the window of opportunity for us is rapidly closing if we do not all pull together and make our best efforts to see through this transformation. And even as we set 10-year goals, they are but milestones. In reality, it would be a continuous challenge.”
“In conclusion, I believe what would make us different this time round is that in this recession, people who are in trouble look to themselves and their extended families and be self reliant; with the Government moving with speed, empathy and civil servants realising that they have the power to make a difference in many people’s lives by being courageous enough to be different; and we continue to remain steadfast in investing on our infrastructure, people and our social fabric without forgetting the heritage that are our strengths. Mdm Deputy Speaker, I support the motion of thanks to the President. 5.56 pm”
“How many of our children know who kong zi (孔子) really is and are able to recite at least three of the sage’s teachings on filial piety? The schools can do more to introduce these festivals and teachings to the students. Schools can do their part and one can also appreciate that the curriculum is already bursting at the seams. Hence, parents may have to turn to other organisations to imbue such cultural awareness and sensitivity. This is where I believe the Clan Associations can play their roles. Once, they were protectors and looked after the welfare of new immigrants to Singapore. Today, they can be the guardians of Singapore’s Chinese heritage. Towards that end, they have established kindergartens and developed outreach programmes to allow the young to better appreciate Chinese language and culture. Their websites provide, amongst others, facts and information about the festivals and authoritative figures of Chinese history. These portals are full of facts for students. The clans can be enlisted to play a role in co-ordinating programmes and providing network between the schools and the students with the associations and schools in China. Their network can be utilised more intensively. There is a confluence of both the cultural identity and the economic realities for Singaporeans.”
“Today, no matter which way we turn in Asia, we see influences of the "West" in numerous aspects of our daily life, whether it is clothing, food, books, music, movies, and of course even the way we speak. My question today is thus this – how do we ensure that our children embrace our Chinese roots and culture as the Government and the education system inculcate in them the need to master the Chinese language? Apart from the 'Speak Mandarin' campaign, I know that schools organise Chinese immersion programmes for the primary school students. The immersion programme may be participated by selected students at a local venue such as a boarding school, day camps, or even overseas in China. The duration of the programme ranges from a few days to a month. During the immersion programme, students are encouraged to speak only in the Chinese language. They are taken on field trips to museums and societies where they learn about the Chinese communities in various parts of Asia. They are told stories or folklore of Chinese origin such as xi you ji (西游记)，san guo yan yi (三国演仪). Such efforts are to be applauded. More resources should be invested into initiatives such as these to make them more readily available to more students. But we need to do more than this. Learning our mother tongue, about our roots, our beliefs, is not a part-time affair. The learning must be integrated into our daily dose of mathematics, science, side by side. When was the last time any of our children attended a wayang show or ge tai (歌台), accompanied the adults to dust the tombstones of our ancestors at qing ming (清明)? Does any of our children call after the adults, in order of seniority, at every meal?”
“I hope through SPAR is embodied an objective accountability that sets our civil servants above those of all other countries. The second topic I want to touch on concerns building on our strengths. Even as we change to confront a different emerging worldscape, we have got to build on our strengths. Today, our businessmen go as far afield as the Middle East and Latin America. We move with ease in India and China – these two large economies liken to the two wings of Jetplane Singapore. This is our strength – our heritage and background allows us to move with ease in these diverse worlds. As a result, we must preserve this heritage of ours. We are different but through our heritage we connect with the 2.5 billion people in India and China. In the following discussion, I refer to Singaporean Chinese and China. But it is analogous for Singaporean Indians going to India. A Hong Konger friend who has extensive businesses in China go as far to say that Hong Kongers are different from the Chinese in the PRC. It leaves one to believe strongly that Singaporeans are different as well. But being different and yet the same is exactly why we are valuable. If we are exactly the same, there is no reason why the PRC would need us or come to us. But even as we are different, we have a bedrock that is common that we can build on. In earlier years, the Chinese educated businessmen amongst us Singaporeans were there in China making headways and inroads. Today, I suspect the SAP educated Singaporeans are there. They succeed. But we need the next wave of such Singaporeans. Hence, I see the importance of ensuring that our ethnic associations are given the right assistance to carry out their missions.”
“Can I suggest a scheme of employment so that social workers are placed in the community to provide localised day care and activity care for the elderly? At such centres, some could be taught skills, others can find companionship. This is one way to work around the inability of many families who are unable to get their elderly and infirmed into homes or cannot afford the high costs of old age homes. These could be job opportunities for retired staff nurses and older social workers. Having the elderly cared for in close proximity to their homes make the facilities a lot more appealing and accessible. With a judicious sprinkling of grassroots volunteers, I believe that the care would be enhanced as many are known to them as familiar faces in the immediate community. Additionally, I hope that having such facilities prominently visible in the community would, hopefully, tug at heartstrings so that more volunteers and funds are forthcoming from people and businesses in the immediate environment. Another area where speed is needed is the tightening up of the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents so that it is increasingly difficult for children to shirk their responsibilities to support needy parents. The present economic situation has been characterised as the worse Singapore has faced. Difficult times call for novel approaches. In the President’s speech and sitting in the addenda are many examples of how we are breaking new grounds to ensure we emerge stronger in a different world. While the people has to do their part, civil servants too must play their roles. Quality Service Managers must be more vigilant that service is delivered with more empathy.”
“But they work only if they are not overly constrained and helmed in. The entire fabric of ComCare has placed the immediate delivery of short-term help in the hands of the Grassroots Leaders. Many observations are that this is working well, as Grassroots Leaders know the lay of the land, and when they discharge their duties responsibly, things work. But it is the longer term permanent or semi permanent assistance that is sometimes harder to ascertain their effectiveness. For the clear cut Public Assistance cases, or those who have definite short term gaps that can be plugged, I believe they are well taken care of. But many distress cases are not so easily pigeonholed. One example I just came across. A 75-year old woman, both legs amputated as a result of diabetes, and long surviving on the medical benefits that her retiree police officer husband enjoyed. But once the husband passed on, she and her children were unable to keep up with the medical expenses and care. One daughter gave up work to care for the 75-year old mother full time, resulting in a further drop off in total family income. In such cases, I hope that FSC and CDC executives are charged with the right mandate and authority to push for customised solutions. These executives should push the boundaries so that their efforts are felt on the ground. They should devise the solutions and press home with their superiors the customised solutions. This is what I mean to be different and to make a difference. I also read with much enthusiasm that more mid-career entrants are encouraged to join the sector through Professional Conversion Programme under SPUR. Again if we can inject momentum into this process, the results would certainly be very favourably felt in the community.”
“Each time I come across such opportunities for the disadvantaged, an example – a part-time sushi roller in a food court, one whom I came across at a floor party yesterday, I am more convinced that there are many who are willing to work as long as the work is meaningful. Self reliance is key. As an MP, it is often the easy approach to give and give, but it is much, much harder to say "no" and tell a resident to rely on themselves and their families. It would be very much easier if we can find ways to place them in gainful employment and then push the self reliance message. For example, in the Town Council, we are trying hard to create opportunities for the unemployed to do tasks that needed more hands and feet on the ground. We should try to do more collectively. In the Committee of Supply (COS) responses, it is most heartening to hear that more resources would be made available to Family Service Centres (FSCs). They would be receiving more resources to improve their service delivery and establish themselves as the community focal point. Speed is of the essence. It is timely and I hope that we could accelerate the buildup of capabilities and capacities. It is exactly in these trying times, that professional services that can be brought to bear would make the most impact. In times like these, we would think, and we would hope that families pull together. Everyone looks after its own – the family and extended family help are the best remedies. But we all know that with stress on multiple fronts, emotions running high and tempers fraying at the edges, instead of families pulling together, many are actually tearing apart. How can the Government help? Close at hand professional help through the FSCs and CDCs would be the most potent weapons we can bring to bear.”
“It is not asking the Government to open the floodgates. Rather I am suggesting the use as a yardstick – whether by relaxing certain rules for some families, it allows them to reset their finances, and create a clear way forward. Almost a Chapter 11 for families. I am firmly behind the belief that as long as one has a job, many of the problems can be solved in time. It is about having a revenue source and self reliance, earning it through one’s own labour. Today, the challenge is to keep as many in the workforce as possible. I often meet taxi drivers who have their licences suspended as a result of maxing out on their demerit points. Sixteen weeks sitting at home is really quite a deterrent. But this harsh penalty notwithstanding, there are many who are in such plight. Maybe a once-off amnesty for those who are caught on the wrong side in this economic downturn so that they can continue to be self reliant. I can imagine the response that the rules are there for a good purpose. I understand that. But I do believe that if given a second chance, many would appreciate and would endeavour never be in the same tight corner again. Convincing many, who are able, to do meaningful work is key. For those who are willing, landing a job is usually not so easy. The CDC and other job placement executives understand that there is a group of unemployed Singaporeans who are very hard to place. The plight of many of them would not be amenable to straight forward solutions. Of the 18,000 job openings in the civil service, really how many are there for these people? Can we not have some bright minds thinking through how we can create opportunities for them.”
“Hence, the advice to steer clear of excesses and live within one’s means bears repeating and repeating. In my interactions with the community, I sense that this has not sunk in for many Singaporeans. Many cling on to a lifestyle that is from a past that is fuelled by a bigger pay packet. They continue to incur debts, living in bigger apartments that they could no longer afford, continuing to incur large utilities and phone bills and are unable to see ways to reduce expenditure. Many hold out for the good times to return soon. Lifestyles must change. Singaporeans caught in financial binds must make the hard adjustments. On the other hand, the Government has to make it easier for them – to facilitate their adjustments. On the Government’s part, I hope we can meet this recession’s effects with speed, empathy and courage to make a difference and be different. Let me elaborate with a couple of example. For example, removal of the biggest albatross around some citizens’ necks, their big HDB apartments. Downgrading from their large HDB apartments must be made easier. Yes, some may have made imprudent and profligate decisions in their past, but let us not continue to dwell on that. Whether it is a third or fourth HDB loan, as long as they, going forward, are prepared to live within their means and take up the commitment of being self-reliant, why not relax some of the policies that were clearly appropriate in former better times but not so now? In many cases, compulsory acquisition and its attendant loss, through the discount to market, deal them a double blow. Recognising that these are trying times – hope and assurance would go a long way to assuage the pain of many – and housing comes to the top of mind.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, thank you for allowing me to join the debate on the motion of thanks to the President's speech. Let me present my speech in two parts. The first part is on meeting this recession’s effects with speed, empathy and courage to make a difference and be different. The second part focuses on building on our strengths. These are trying times. All of us have heard the comments made by our leaders. They clearly see substantial challenges in our external environment and favourable trading conditions may not return for some time. There is always this strong desire to believe in green shoots taking root. Even so, it is early days. Worldwide demand has yet to recover and the many causes of the current problems have yet to see sustainable solutions. It would be prudent for all of us to assume that whilst the freefall is over, the economy may actually drag along the bottom for some time. Yes, there is always the temptation to talk up the market and, in the process, spawn an upturn through a resurgence of confidence. But we need to be prudent. Hence, I strongly support what the President had said about steering clear of excesses and continuing to live within our means. Many companies in Singapore have responded to the crisis by sending workers for training. By taking advantage of the Resilience Budget, business entities ensure that when demand comes back, we have the people and the industrial capacity ready. For companies, economic considerations predominate. They are going to continue to do so only as long as it is good business sense. But for the individuals, it is one of surviving through the recession. Pay cuts or, worse still, job losses are entirely possible, especially if the economy is unlikely to rebound vigorously.”
“Sir, today, in the face of economic downturn, it is worrying to see idle cranes at the port and drop-off in car transhipment volume. It naturally raises concerns on the competitiveness of our port. While it would be easy to attribute the current situation to a demand drop-off, we cannot just wait for demand to return. Other seaport competitors of ours, facing the same economic circumstances, would not be sitting still. They would be re-engineering their operations and cost structure to ensure that they are more productive and competitive when demand returns. Can the Ministry provide an update on measures to be taken to enhance the competitiveness of our port? How do we stack up against what we know our competitors are doing? And how much more do we need to do? While a competitive cost structure is key, are there additional upstream and downstream services, infrastructure and activities that we should be mobilizing or engaged in to ensure that shippers, ship owners and the other players of the maritime industry continue to place Singapore ahead of our competitors?”
“Are there learning lessons from this departure? Perhaps it is timely to have an objective review of the entire situation at the Airport. I think it could possibly result in learning lessons and benefit all stakeholders, airlines, MRO providers, warehouse, retailers, the authorities and, of course, the passengers. As Changi Airport has a big impact on Singapore's economy, it is vital to ensure the continued attraction of Changi Airport as an aviation hub of choice. That must be the ultimate goal.”
“Sir, from the recent performance data, it is clear that Changi Airport is not immune to the global downturn and the falling demand in air traffic. Will the economic recession dampen the aspirations of competing airports in the region to supplant Changi Airport's premier position? I do not believe so. As such, beyond the new T3, upgrades to T1 and T2, and expansion to the Budget Terminal, what other steps and initiatives are being planned to further entrench Changi Airport's lead? Changi Airport has led not only with world-class infrastructure but also with the customer experience. Changi Airport's ultra efficiency and warm service are often cited as its memorable traits. But these may not be sufficient to stave off the challenges in the aviation sector today. What more is being done to ensure Changi Airport's cost competitiveness? In these challenging times, this cost factor is even more critical for users of the Airport to determine if they stay or move to lower-cost airports. The 12th January announcement by Swissport to pull out of Changi Airport's ground handling market after only three years comes somewhat as a shock. Has this third provider's presence resulted in improved competitiveness of the Airport's ground handling sector? If yes, is this a setback in Changi Airport's drive to nurture competition at the airport? I guess incumbents at the Airport and business slowdown would have made the operating environment very difficult for Swissport. But other than these reasons, has any act of commission or omission on the part of the authorities also exacerbated the cost structure? Could there have been changes to the way Changi Airport manages and extracts value from service providers at the Airport that also worsened the issues?”
“Sir, the Land Transport Master Plan (LTMP) was launched last year. One key goal of the Plan is to shift preference to public transport. Commuters would only be persuaded to do so, if they are satisfied with an aggregate of several factors. As such, the LTMP would need to tackle the factors of convenience, connectivity, speed, service levels, comfort, cost and safety. Can the Ministry update us on the progress made on these factors and what measures are being taken to further enhance our public transportation? My next point on transportation is the facilitation of cycling. I certainly believe that pedestrians, bicyclists and motor vehicles can coexist. In Singapore, where cycling as a serious mode of transport is gaining strength, should there be more education and rules on the proper cycling etiquette? Many of my residents have raised concerns of errant bicyclists. Many bicyclists use walkways, void decks and garden pathways at will. As our estates become more barrier-free and accessible, this problem could worsen. With many young children and elderly in the estates, residents' concerns will only increase. Before any major tragic incident happen, could the Ministry work with other agencies to strike a good balance between the convenience for cyclists and the safety of pedestrians? ERP Matters and Provision of Traffic Information”
“This is a value that should be perpetuated so that the young generation knows that in the autumn and winter years of their lives, care is readily at hand for them as well. While a Chinese proverb says that every family has its unique set of problems and it is not easy for outsiders to judge and mediate, I believe that we must try because there will always be able but irresponsible children who will neglect their parents. While leeway may be made for children who are genuinely financially unable to provide for their parents, there are many who can make adjustments to their life styles and accommodate parent care within their means. They are just not willing to. The way we treat our elderly and care for the aged would reveal to the world the true value system of the Uniquely Singapore society. Mentoring of Youths At Risk”
“Sir, many of my parliamentary colleagues would have encountered instances of parents selling their flats and channelling the sales proceeds and their savings into a home with their children; only to be evicted when inter-generational tensions arise. Many turn to the HDB for help. But many would go away empty handed. This is but one example. Many old parents are left out in the cold. What more can we do to help parents who find themselves in such plight in their twilight years? Should MCYS consider enhancing the Maintenance of Parents Act to go after these children and adjudicate that they provide their parents with not only sustenance in terms of money, but also a roof and emotional support? In our aging society, such problems will only increase over time. The Minister of State also mentioned earlier that 60% of parents received the pot from their children. While we have made progress with the Maintenance of Parents Act, it may be time to arm ourselves legislatively or administratively to seek fairer outcomes for these mistreated elderly that fall outside the 60%. While some may argue that filial piety, a core value in Asian culture, may be diminishing in our modern society, it is no excuse for individuals in our midst from abrogating their responsibility. Through their irresponsibility, society will have to bear the unnecessary heavier burden. In good times and in bad, it is important for families to pull together and look after one another. True kinship sees everyone through thick and thin. We should encourage and regulate as necessary families to take responsibility and care for their aged parents and relatives.”
“Sir, I have heard from many affected parents that constant revisions and updates to the curriculum have resulted in textbooks being obsoleted within a span of a few short years. Siblings are no longer assured of using hand-me-down books. Even families on the look out for second-hand textbooks are no longer able to rely on them to defray costs. Yes, there are schemes in schools that address the needs of poorer students but they do not address the sense of waste that some parents have noticed. Can I suggest that the Ministry look into this phenomenon which parents have brought up and see if it is possible to highlight changes from edition to edition, or print supplementals or inserts to bring older editions up to date rather than having to resort to new books? In one instance, one distraught parent said that she combed through two editions of a textbook and came up with only very minor differences. And students would be left with no choice if teachers insisted on the newer editions. In a simpler age, when I was going through school, I do not recall such a wide variety of textbooks. Many schools in those days seemed to use common textbooks. Maybe we are enriched by the diversity and richness of choice we have today. But if we can coordinate better, and more schools use the same textbooks, then second-hand books for students would be a more viable option. Maybe in the not too distant future, when we go paperless and completely digital, this concern would disappear. But for now, something needs to be done. And in so doing, we also do a little bit for the environment. Dropouts”
“If a judgment call needs to be made, why not be generous in compassion or set up a system where people closer to the situation can be relied upon for an additional point of view or judgment? Just like the roles the grassroots leaders play in the delivery of ComCare support. In these difficult economic times, we can, perhaps, be more forgiving and try to go out of our way to be more understanding and sympathetic. 5.00 pm I have also mentioned earlier, the issues faced by SILRA Home. If the officers and the volunteers are aligned in their goals to provide the best value to the Home's residents, I am sure they would have been able to come to some general consensus in terms of the operating budget. They need not feel that they are on opposing sides, with one playing the domineering role of a custodian and a steward. But do not get me wrong. There are agencies that go out of their way to understand the ground, in order for them to perform their roles better. These agencies send representatives to community meetings, which are always invariably in the evenings. They take feedback seriously and they follow up. They communicate. If only this is common across the family of Government agencies. If we all go about our work and responsibilities in partnership, much more can be accomplished. Many helping hands make the load lighter. Many more hands would emerge, not for handouts but to hand-hold. The human touch can lift many out of depression.”