Wee Toon Boon
Singapore
“Under the present provision, a medical officer is required to appear in Court for the purpose of giving evidence to prove that a particular mosquito or insect is, in fact, a disease-bearing insect.”
“The Bill provides, inter alia, for the appointment of a Licensing Officer and Assistant Licensing Officers, the manner of the application for the licence, the duration of the licence and the inspection of creche premises. In addition, it empowers the Minister to make regulations to carry out the purposes and provisions of the Act.”
“The time limit during which legal proceedings may be instituted in respect of offences has also been extended from the original 28 days to 56 days from the time of purchasing a sample of the article or food or appliance.”
“However exalted a soldier may consider his civilian occupation and standing, he is not outside the scope of military discipline once he is in uniform. The strong measures introduced in the Bill will deal appropriately with those predisposed to insolence, indifference and indiscipline which must not and cannot be tolerated.”
“Planning for the project will also take note of future development; that is to say, there will be one additional continuity studio for news service and one additional music and general purpose studio.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the fact is this. Everyone has agreed that we should develop and promote healthy culture so that our people and the younger generation can be properly brought up. In the past, because of our political struggle and other circumstances, the development of culture was neglected.”
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“Mr Speaker, Sir, in my reply, I have indicated that they have finished their reorientation course and they are going back to school. Some may be seeking employment. Therefore, the chance of any damage to the Institute does not arise.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, of the students expelled from secondary schools because of their anti-national activities, 15 were admitted to a special course at the Institute on 14th August, 1967. The course of instruction includes the study of Communist ideology, systems and organisations, and methods of subversion. In addition, provision is made in the syllabus for physical and cultural activities, and tuition in secondary school subjects. The students are satisfied with the reformative course. This is substantiated by the collective statement produced by them on 11th October, 1967, whereby they renounced Communism, expressed gratitude to the Government for giving them a second chance in life, and pledged loyalty to the Republic.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, my Ministry has received reports of this particular meeting. Because none of the persons concerned, however disaffected they may be, wield any mass influence either in the unions or through political parties, my officers do not consider their meetings of any security threat to Singapore. STATUTORY BOARD WORKERS' UNIONS (Applications for registration) 29. Inche Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi asked the Minister for Labour whether the Registrar of Trade Unions has received applications for registration of the Singapore Telephone Board Workers' Union, the Public Utilities Board Workers' Union and the Housing and Development Board Workers' Union.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there are always disaffected persons whether in the trade unions or in politics. The comings and goings of these persons do not generally give rise to any security concern except where such persons have influence over trade unions or political parties with a mass following, and are prepared to use the mass following contrary to the interest of the people of Singapore. If the Member for Telok Blangah could be more specific, my Ministry will look into the matter.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Partai Rakyat, Singapura, the Barisan Sosialis and Pan-Malayan Islamic Party are still in existence in Singapore. The Pan Malayan Islamic Party has changed its name to Angkatan Islam and has indicated that it will comply with the provisions of the Societies Act. The Partai Rakyat and the Barisan Sosialis have not indicated that they will comply with the law. Everybody is aware that they are now openly scornful of constitutional democratic processes and are concentrating on illegal activities. It will be some time before the folly of their ways will be apparent to them and the wisdom of retiring to the constitutional arena commend itself to their leaders. It is in order to leave this option open to them that the Government is exercising forbearance and restraint.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the urgency of printing the present restricted passport and the large number required necessitated the use of whatever stock of security printing material was then available. A total of 200,000 restricted passports were printed, of which 87,000 had been issued as on 18-7-67. The present stock will have to be used up before a fresh format can be introduced. There are plans to bring out a new restricted passport with improvements in appearance and in the quality of paper used. PARTAI RAKYAT, SINGAPURA, BARISAN SOSIALIS, AND PANMALAYAN ISLAMIC PARTY, SINGAPORE (Compliance with Societies Act) 26. Inche Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi asked the Minister of Defence whether Partai Rakyat, Singapura, Barisan Sosialis and Pan-Malayan Islamic Party, Singapore, still exist and whether they have complied with the Societies Act.”
“There is nothing in my records to show that the Member had discussed this matter with the People's Association. However, since the Member has found a site which is suitable for the construction of a community centre, I would suggest that he take the necessary initial action; that is to say, he should propose to the People's Association for the construction of a community centre at that particular site. RESTRICTED PASSPORTS FOR TRAVEL BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND WEST MALAYSIA 25. Mr S. V. Lingam asked the Minister of Defence if he will consider improving the appearance and quality of the paper of the restricted passport for travel between Singapore and West Malaysia.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, the usual procedure for establishing a Community Centre is for the Member of Parliament concerned to propose a site or premises for a Community Centre. The People's Association then commences negotiations with the landlord or house-owner to rent or acquire the place. In this case the proposal for a Community Centre in Jalan Membina has not been raised until now and if the Member has any site or premises in view, he should immediately contact the Director, People's Association, who will then take the necessary action.”
“That was the first time that the women P.D.F, participated in the National Day Parade and no doubt they put up a very smart march past. But to be fair to everyone, I would not dare to say that they were the best among the whole lot. I would like to say, however, that their turn-out at the Parade was very much above the average standard.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the weapons carried by the women P.D.F, on the National Day Parade were, of course, real ones and serviceable. In fact, many of the women P.D.F, have used them. However, as the Member for Delta has raised this point, I would like to say that I had occasion to go along with the Minister for Education to see teachers who went through a brief course of drill instructions, and we were told that many women had fainted during the course of training. So I would urge that while we, the male members of the country, including even Members of this Parliament, have volunteered for military training, the female Members of this House should do their part. While we may not have the facilities to provide training for women generally in the country, I would like them to indulge in more sporting activities and respond to the call of building a robust and rugged society, that is, take more part in outdoor games and do not just cover themselves when they are asked to do some training in the sun. Madam Chan Choy Siong rose -”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, the Minister was very satisfied with the People's Defence Force (Women) on their outstanding performance at the National Day March Past. There are no immediate plans to expand this unit. The Police Force (Women) did not participate in the National Day March Past. This was due to their numerous rehearsals in connection with the Police Military Display, which was another highlight of National Day Celebrations. There are no plans to increase this component of the Police Force. Madam Chan Choy Siong (Delta)(In Mandarin): I would like the Minister of State to clarify whether those women soldiers who took part in the National Day March Past were holding real rifles or fake ones, because many people, especially the male population, tend to say that women soldiers are not capable of carrying such big guns.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as far as this department is concerned, every measure has been taken to prevent illegal immigrants. However, as the Deputy Prime Minister has pointed out at a public rally, among our population, we have unscrupulous people who just go and look for easy money. On one occasion the Member for Choa Chu Kang approached me and inquired why a certain person was being detained under the Internal Security Ordinance. That person was a local citizen who, by profession is a sampan man, indulged in the illegal transaction of bringing in Indonesian immigrants. PEOPLE'S DEFENCE FORCE (WOMEN) AND POLICE FORCE (WOMEN) 22. Madam Chan Choy Siong asked the Minister of Defence whether he is satisfied with the overall performances of the People's Defence Force (Women) and the Police Force (Women) at the National Day March Past, and whether he intends to increase and expand both Units.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the strength of our marine police patrols is just sufficient for our present purposes, as the marine police have received an additional 11 patrol boats this year. Additional craft are being built and it is proposed to increase the police fleet by a further 20 launches in early 1968. In addition to Marine Police patrols, immigration and customs patrols are also available.”
“I am in no position to give the number of applications that have been submitted for deferment. However, on the question of how many applications have been favourably considered, the Board has just been constituted and, of course, they will look into these cases in the not too distant future.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as I have said in my answer, those civil servants who are of the required quality may be called up. But, of course, they can make a case to the Advisory Board for deferment on grounds of economic hardship.”
“Persons liable for National Service include civil servants employed since 1st January, 1967 and male citizens born on or between 1st January, 1949 and 31st December, 1949. So far, 1,842 male and 1.251 female civil servants have been registered. 9,504 male citizens born on or between 1st January, 1949 and 30th June, 1949 have also been registered. The number selected for two years' full-time service in 3 and 4 S.I.R. is 900. In addition to this, a number of youths have just been taken in for particular vocations in the Armed Forces, making a total of 1,350 persons selected for full-time service. With regard to full-time service, those who proved that they were fully employed were not called unless they indicated preference for full-time army service. However, some of those in the national service age group employed in the public service were called up if they were of the quality required. Students in Government or Government-Aided Schools or taking a full-time course of study in evening classes conducted by the Adult Education Board were not called up for full-time service. 2,133 students will be enrolled in the Special Constabulary and 2,550 employed and unemployed persons into the Vigilante Corps. Of these, 1,012 have proved that they are employed. Those who applied for deferment within the stipulated period on grounds of social hardship, for example, that they are sole bread-winners, have not been called up. All such applications will be referred to an Advisory Board consisting of prominent citizens, and each case will be considered on its merits. Until a decision on the application is reached, such applicant will not be called up.”
“Mr Bernard Rodrigues asked the Minister for Finance whether the present practice in international tenders for supplies to the Government, whereby the lowest local tender, which does not overbid the lowest foreign tender by more than 10 per cent, is accepted by the Government in preference to the latter, is sufficiently conducive to the promotion of local industries, and if he will consider increasing such preference margin to enable local industries to compete more favourably with foreign industries which may be in receipt of a generous subsidy from their governments.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, damage to public property caused by anti-national elements is as follows: - (a) 11 sets of traffic lights: (b) Hill Street Police Post window panes broken; (c) Police vehicles -smashed windscreens, flasher lights and dents to vehicles; (d) Central Fire Station -Door panes broken: (e) Jalan Haji Karim Community Centre. Other damages include defacing of bus shelters and road signs, breaking of glass, damage to streets, and the cost to obliterate slogans. These properties are installed for the benefit of the general public and, therefore, easily accessible. As far as possible, essential public properties are guarded and the police constantly patrol areas which are likely targets of vandalism. The police are always on the alert to prevent damage to property or acts of vandalism. The Government takes a serious view of any act of vandalism and offenders will be severely punished. The Government cannot tolerate any anti-national elements who are out to create chaos in the Republic and undermine the well., being of our nation. JALAN KAYU (House number allotments) 3. Mr Teo Hup Teck asked the Minister for Finance how many house numbers were allotted in the Jalan Kayu Constituency between 1st January, 1965, and 30th April, 1967. Mr Lim Kim San: Mr Speaker, Sir, altogether there were a total of 444 house numbers allotted in the Jalan Kayu Constituency during the period under review. Of these, 187 were for permanent houses and 257 for temporary ones. LOCAL AND FOREIGN TENDERS FOR SUPPLIES TO GOVERNMENT 4.”
“As the Member is aware, the police have taken the necessary measures to prevent any untoward incidents in the Court, and whichever persons are apprehended for criminal acts committed at the time, they, of course, will be dealt with according to the law. PUBLIC PROPERTY (Damage by anti-national elements and protective measures) 2. Mr Sim Boon Woo asked the Minister of Defence how much public property was damaged by anti-national elements between January, 1967, and 20th June, 1967, and what are the measures taken for the protection of public property.”
“That is what I thought - that the Member was asking that question.”
“I believe the Member is referring to the incident which occurred in the Court yesterday. I am sure that the -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as will he recalled, the Minister has stated in this House when moving the Second Reading of the National Service (Amendment) Bill, 1967, that all those youths called up for full-time service in the army would be placed in civilian occupations appropriate to their ability and qualifications on completion of their full-time military service. The Minister also stated then that sufficient numbers of such posts in Government service, the statutory boards and large private firms would be reserved for discharged national servicemen and that legislation on this would be presented to Parliament. A survey of the employment opportunities available is being conducted by officers of the Ministry, and the indications so far are that the employment opportunities that will be available should be more than sufficient to absorb all national servicemen discharged after completion of their full-time service. Since the first national servicemen to serve full-time will not be called up before July this year, legislation for the direction of employment of such persons on discharge need be implemented only by July 1969. In the meantime, a careful study of the results of the employment survey is being undertaken to decide on the extent and scope of the proposed legislation. This is to ensure that restrictions placed on employers by the proposed legislation are sufficient to achieve the desired end without being overly restrictive. ADULT EDUCATION CENTRE AND JUNIOR COLLEGES (Building progress and completion dates) 5. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Education what progress has been made in the building of (i) the Adult Education Centre, and (ii) the Junior Colleges, and the estimated dates for their completion.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, a traffic census has been taken and it has been discovered that traffic is heavy at this junction only between 7.00 a.m. and 8.15 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., and is negligible during the rest of the day. Also, the difficulty and congestion is the result of traffic making right turns at this junction. To solve this problem, a traffic points man is on duty at the junction during peak hours. The road has been widened a little with a view to minimising long queues of vehicles. Also a left turning slipway has been provided which will reduce congestion at the junction. The question of the installation of traffic lights at the junction is being studied. Drivers of vehicles traversing this junction should be more careful when approaching it if they wish to avoid accidents. The National Safety First Council has been conducting campaigns on safety on the roads and expects members of the public to be more receptive to ideas of safety. NATIONAL SERVICEMEN (Provision for civilian employment after military service) 4. Inche Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi asked the Minister of Defence whether provision for the employment by Statutory Boards and private firms of full-time National Servicemen discharged at the end of their military service will be made in the proposed legislation for the emplacement of such National Servicemen in civilian occupations.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there were two accidents at this junction in 1966 of which one was fatal. During the first three months in 1967 two accidents have occurred, both not fatal.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as you are aware, and probably the Member for Anson is also aware, we have passed the Women's Charter in Singapore and, therefore, marriages are governed by the Women's Charter.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, another point is that if they have decided to reside in Singapore, become Singapore citizens and have stayed in Singapore, they should have made the necessary arrangements for their family, or other members of their family, to be together with them. If they have not done so earlier and they want to do it now, I am afraid that it is a circumstance beyond our control and it is no fault of the Government.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as I have pointed out just now, the policy is that if the husband and the wife have been separated for five years and the husband is living here, then no approval can be given for the entry of the wife into Singapore. Mr Speaker: I think Mr Ng's question was that the separation was involuntary.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government does not consider that a relaxation is necessary. The legislation was introduced after careful consideration of the implications of allowing wives of Singapore Citizens entry without control. The rule has been enforced since December 1959. The Government does not advocate and has no intention of relaxing the control. I would urge the hon. Member first, to ask why Singapore citizens should go overseas to get married when there are so many healthy, well-educated and intelligent young women in Singapore? Are they not doing a disservice to the country? And if, after having married, they have remained separate from their wives for more than five years, something extraordinary must have taken place. Whatever it is, it does not call for sympathetic consideration from the Immigration authorities.”
“m. Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 2 - Question proposed, "That clause 2 stand part of the Bill."”
“Therefore, if industries do not expand and the economic situation does not improve, not only will the workers not get any improvement in their terms and conditions of service, but they themselves will probably have no work, or their dependants and friends will not be able to find jobs too. Mr Speaker, Sir, I believe we are not dictatorial in our labour policy, but I have just mentioned that in order to refute the allegation that ours is an anti-labour policy and that we are denying the workers their right to strike. I believe no one will swallow the false allegations made by my few colleagues just now. Question put. An hon. Member: Division. The House divided: Ayes, 39; Noes, 7; Abstention, Nil; Absent, 5. Ayes. Noes. A. Rahim Ishak. Govindaswamy, P. Ang Nam Piau. Ho See Beng. Barker, E. W. Lim Guan Hoo. Buang bin Omar Mohd. Ariff bin Junid. Suradi. Chan Chee Seng. Devan Nair, Mrs Chan Choy Siong, Bernard Rodrigues. Madam. Sim Boon Woo. Chor Yeok Eng. Chow Chiok Hock. Fong Sip Chee. Goh Keng Swee. Gonzales, R. A. Abstention. Ho Cheng Choon. Nil. Ho Kah Leong. Jek Yuen Thong. Absent. Lee Khoon Choy. Lee Teck Him. Chan Sun Wing. Lim Cheng Lock. Chew Chin Han. Lim Kim San. Lee Kuan Yew. Lim Soo Peng. Wong Soon Fong. Lingsam, S. V. Yaacob bin Mahmud Awang. Mohamed. Ng Kah Ting. Ng Yeow Chong. Ong Pang Boon. Othman bin Wok. Rahamat bin Kenap. Ayes - contd. Rajaratnam, S. Rajoo, S. Ramaswamy, S. Selvadurai, P. Sia Kah Hui. Tang See Chim. Tay Boon Too. Tea Hup Teck. Teong Eng Siong. Toh Chin Chye. Wee Toon Boon. Yeoh Ghim Seng. Yang Nyuk Lin. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. [Mr Wee Toon Boon]. Bill considered in Committee. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] 4.26 p.”
“As the Member for Anson has said just now, even with the amendment to the principal Ordinance, which requires the unions to serve 14 days' notice before a strike can take place, the matter has still to be resolved. That is exactly why the conciliation and arbitration machinery is there. Therefore, if the Union is responsible and has genuine grievances, I do not see why it should take the trouble to call a strike as a result of which not only the workers have to suffer but the whole country has to suffer. So if it is responsible, I would say we do not have to make this amendment. Mr Speaker. Sir, the trade unions under the present circumstances should not confine themselves to their narrow sectional interests. It has been mentioned that the Government and our Party have associated with the workers and have become what it is today. But at that time, the situation was different. We were not an independent country. We were still striving for political power so that we could run our own country for the benefit of our people. In the new situation now, the workers have their role to play and they must above all see that they contribute to the whole community. Of course, the Government can simply meet the demands of the unions. But we are the trustees of the public and, therefore, we have to look after the interests of the whole community and not a section of it. If we are to appease the unions, we can, of course, simply resolve the matter by conceding to their demands. But there is a limit to this. We are a Republic and have no natural resources. All of us know that we depend on our human resources to survive.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the few Members who have participated in the debate have raised the point, firstly, that by amending this Bill we have gone contrary to our pro-labour policy, and, secondly, that this amendment Bill denies the workers the right to strike. Firstly, Mr Speaker, Sir, if the Government had not devised a pro-labour policy, I am sure there would have been much squabbling between employers and employees during the period while we are in the Government. Secondly, we know that in the country the workers constitute a majority of the population and that they have played their part in the national interests and they should therefore be duly rewarded. In order to do that, the Government has, together with the trade unions and the employers, discussed and agreed to formulate the Industrial Arbitration Ordinance. Through this Ordinance we hope to maintain industrial peace with justice. But, unfortunately, as far as the Public Daily-Rated Employees Federation Union is concerned, they have not maintained the spirit of maintaining industrial peace with justice. They have always tried to hold the whole community to ransom in order to get something for their own selfish interest. We agree that if they have genuine grievances there is machinery for them to seek redress. But, unfortunately, Mr Speaker, Sir, as you have heard what the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labour has said, when the Government try to improve certain services so that the whole community can benefit from them, they are frustrated by the threat of a strike. A recent example of the irresponsibility of the Union is the strike carried out by the Cleansing Workers Union.”
“As these services are part of the vital services of the country, no strikes will be permitted in these areas which are already designated as protected places under the security laws of Singapore. For a strike must mean that the Government has to use troops to carry out the duties of these workers, which would, in fact, mean the assumption of powers to break a strike through the use of uniformed personnel. Members will agree that this is highly undesirable. Government is not unsympathetic to the genuine grievances of the workers and, therefore, any future disputes in the public utility services will be resolved by the established machinery of negotiation, conciliation and arbitration under our industrial relations laws. Another special feature of the Bill is that no strike or lock-out shall take place in respect of the other essential services, unless a notice is given at least 14 days before such strike or lock-out, and such notice will expire at the end of 30 days from the date of the notice. The existing provisions in the law are not clear in regard to the notice period and the proposed amendments clarify the position. As stated in the Explanatory Statement, the proposed amendments provide that no strike or lock-out shall take place before the date of the strike or lock-out specified in the notice or during the pendency of certain proceedings under the Industrial Relations Ordinance, 1960. Further, the penalties for offences under sections 26, 27 and 28 of the Ordinance have been increased and made uniform in line with the other Ordinances. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 3.28 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This Bill seeks to repeal and re-enact with certain amendments section 23 of the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Ordinance, 1955. As stated in the Explanatory Statement, the main object of the Bill is to make it unlawful for any workmen engaged in the very important essential services, namely, water, gas and electricity services, to go on strike at all, and similarly for the employer to lock-out any workmen engaged in these services. The prohibition by itself would appear to hon. Members to be a drastic step in curtailing the rights of trade unions to go on strike, but recent experience has made it necessary for the Government to take positive measures to ensure that the public are not held to ransom by a few irresponsible elements. Hon. Members will recall that in 1961, when the workers in the public utility services went on strike, British and Singapore Army technicians had to be brought in to man the essential services, as any failure in the water, electricity and gas supplies would not only mean a serious breakdown in the essentials of life, but also result in dangerous and serious damage to public property. The inexpert handling of electrical machinery and water pumping equipment and explosions by air getting into the gas main can cause extensive damage and havoc to the community. Further, a strike in these essential services would mean that the overall economic situation of Singapore and its economic future would be jeopardised. No government can allow any section of the population to cause such serious and irreparable damage to the country.”
“Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Interior and Defence commenced in June 1966 a full-scale review of all the existing uniforms of the Singapore Armed Forces. This has resulted in a new set of uniforms having been devised for the army and new patterns for the police are now being finalised. Arrangements are almost complete to introduce the new army uniform in the middle of 1967. With regard to the new badges of ranks, these have already been introduced for the army, and the British Crown is now no longer used by any officer. The crest of the Republic of Singapore has replaced this. New badges of ranks for the police have also been re-designed and, as soon as tenders have been called and accepted. It will be possible to introduce the new badges for the entire police force. AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN RURAL AREAS 4. Mr Ho Kah Leong asked the Minister for Education if he will consider introducing agricultural science as a subject in secondary schools in rural areas.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, with regard to this question, probably the Member is aware that the National Service (Amendment) Bill will he introduced at this sitting. Those who are requested to render national service will, of course, be covered by the National Service (Amendment) Bill. COLONIAL EMBLEM ON UNIFORMS OF POLICE AND ARMED FORCES 3. Madam Chan Choy Siong asked the Minister of Defence whether he is aware that the present uniforms of both the Police Force and the Armed Forces still carry the emblem of the British Crown, a symbol of the colonial era, and whether he has any plans to cease the use of the emblem.”
“Mr Speaker. Sir, the R.S.S. Panglima and R.S.S. Bedok belonging to our country have been patrolling the Singapore Straits since 14th November, 1966. However, owing to defects, the R.S.S. Bedok has not been operational since 8th December, 1966. The R.S.S. Panglima is now the only vessel doing sea-water defence patrol in the Singapore Straits. Regarding the point raised by the Member for Kampong Kembangan as to whether the Government is going to establish a Navy, we have now the Singapore Naval Volunteer Forces, and they will be expanded in due course. The Member also spoke of the condition of the S.I.R. barracks. Mr Speaker, Sir, it is not intended to make major alterations to buildings at Ulu Pandan since they are beyond economical repair, and a new home for the First S.I.R. has been planned. Nevertheless, officers and men are being given the means to improve their barracks and kitchen on a self-help basis as a temporary measure in order that the amenities can be improved during their temporary stay at Ulu Pandan.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, with regard to the delay in the payment of the uniform allowance to P.D.F, volunteers, this allowance will be paid as soon as decisions have been made concerning dress regulations for the P.D.F. volunteers. On the next point as to whether there are proper changing rooms for N.C.O.s and officer cadets at Beach Road Training Depot, there are changing rooms for N.C.O.s and officer cadets at this depot. More adequate facilities are being considered, but these will have to be determined by planning development requirements in the area. Regarding the shortage of stationery in training depots as a result of which lesson notes are not provided to trainees, all stationery requirements for training depots have been adequately met as and when demanded. Lesson notes are issued only at the discretion of instructors, and if they are not issued, it is not because of shortage of paper but because the inspectors feel that the trainees should be energetic and alert enough to make their own notes. The last point is with regard to the Seletar Range. It is not only being re-conditioned but it is also being reorganised to provide more training facilities. The project is expected to be completed in March 1967.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Prime Minister is not in the habit of making promises during his tours of constituencies. What was discussed in Ulu Pandan on the 13th February, 1966, was a proposal to establish a rural type community centre near Yoon Kin Road, off 7½ m.s. Holland Road. This was found to be unsuitable because of the scarcity of population. The Prime Minister advised the Ulu Pandan Citizens Consultative Committee to look for an alternative site. He said that if this site is found suitable, the People's Association would give consideration to the proposal to establish a community centre there. The suitability of this site is being investigated by the People's Association. My preliminary impression is that this locality is also too sparsely populated, there being only 200 families within a radius of two miles of the site. The Citizens Consultative Committee has claimed that there are 500 families. If this site is not suitable, the People's Association will assist in finding another site in the Constituency. SECOND LANGUAGE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS 6. Mr S. Rajoo asked the Minister for Education, in the implementation of the policy of compulsory study of a second language in all secondary schools as from the beginning of 1966, whether (a) teaching facilities for second languages are provided in all Government and Government-aided secondary schools (including Mission schools), and language teachers are available for all the four languages in all the schools, irrespective of the number of students wishing to take a particular language; and (b) all Government-aided secondary schools (including Mission schools) have been made to implement the policy and commence Tamil language classes, where formerly there were none.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since the beginning of 1966, three gang-fights have been reported to the Police, of which none took place in bars. COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 7 M.S. HOLLAND ROAD 5. Mr Chow Chiok Hock asked the Minister of Defence whether he is aware that the Prime Minister promised to build a community centre at the 7 m.s. Holland Road when he toured the Ulu Pandan Constituency on 13th February, 1966, and when the centre will be built.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Sir, the Bill seeks to amend the Minor Offences Ordinance so as to provide that the letting off of fireworks shall be restricted only when an Order has been issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police to restrict such fireworks. The Order issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police may specify a period or place in which the letting off of fireworks may be restricted. The present provision in the Ordinance in this respect empowers the Deputy Commissioner of Police to issue Orders authorising the letting off of fireworks during any specific periods and within specified areas and makes it an offence to let off fireworks otherwise than in accordance with such Orders. The amendment contained in clause 3 of the Bill will, in effect, mean that fireworks may be let off at any time and at any place except those specified in an Order made by the Deputy Commissioner of Police. Opportunity has been taken to effect certain amendments to the Ordinance which have become necessary in consequence of the present status of Singapore and the administrative set-up. These amendments are contained in clauses 2 and 4 to 11. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Mr Wee Toon Boon] Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. LIMITATION (EXTENSION) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 6.21 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, In page 1, at end, to add "and to make special provisions in regard to certain offences relating to public property". The inclusion of the new provisions requires the Long Title of the Bill to be expanded by the addition of the words "and to make special provisions in regard to certain offences relating to public property" at the end thereof. Amendment agreed to. Bill reported with amendments; read a Third time and passed. FREE TRADE ZONES BILL Order for Second Reading read. 5.46 p.m.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the clause be read a Second time." This clause is designed to discourage second-hand dealers from purchasing stolen public property. A second-hand dealer will engage himself in the dishonest act of purchasing or receiving stolen public property only at the risk of his licence being cancelled. No sensible second-hand dealer would risk cancellation of his licence, which is the means of his living, for the purchase of stolen public property of limited value. Question put, and agreed to. Clause read a Second time and added to the Bill. Long title -”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the clause be read a Second time." This clause contains provision for the presumption that a person who received or retained stolen public property knew or had reason to believe that such property was stolen public property. This provision is linked with section 411 of the Penal Code which relates to the dishonest receipt of stolen property and is designed to strengthen the case for the prosecution as effectively as possible. Members of the House are aware that recently many of our fountains were either damaged or had valuable parts stolen from them. The stolen parts, costing hundreds of dollars and which cannot be obtained locally or readily, found their way to second-hand dealers. This new clause is aimed at putting a stop to this kind of vandalism by making it difficult for second-hand dealers to purchase these spare parts. Question proposed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, In page 3, line 3, to leave out "1", and insert "2". This is due to drafting and clerical errors. Amendment agreed to. Clause 4, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clauses 5 and 6 ordered to stand part of the Bill. New Clause (A) - "Presumption For the purposes of any prosecution Cap. 119 under section 411 of the Penal Code, where the stolen property is public property, it shall be presumed, until the contrary is proved, that the person who received or retained such property knew or had reason to believe that such property was stolen public property and also that such person received or retained it dishonestly.". -[Mr Wee Toon Boon] Brought up, and read the First time.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, In page 2, line 39, to leave out "1", and insert "2". This amendment is due to drafting and clerical errors. Amendment agreed to.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, In page 2, line 34, after "caning", to insert "with not less than three strokes and not more than eight strokes". The provision in clause 3 with regard to caning does not specify the number of strokes of the cane. This leaves the position uncertain and throws a heavy burden on the Court. In order to avoid this, it is considered that provision should be made for the maximum and minimum number of strokes that should be inflicted on persons convicted of the offence, leaving to the Court only the discretion to decide on the number of strokes within the limits provided. Hence the inclusion of a maximum number of eight strokes and a minimum number of three strokes of the cane. Amendment agreed to.”
“Yes. Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, * In page 2, line 30, to leave out "one", and insert "two". The Penal Code provides a maximum of three years' imprisonment for theft and for receiving stolen property. Clause 3 of this Bill covers stealing of public property having regard to the provisions in the Penal Code. And in order to avoid inconsistency, it is necessary to increase the penalty in clause 3 of the Bill to a fine not exceeding $2,000 and to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years. Amendment agreed to. Amendment made: +In page 2, lines 31 and 32, to leave out "six months", and insert "three years". - [Mr Wee Toon Boon]”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, In page 2, lines 25 to 27, to leave out "paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section 11 of the Minor Offences Ordinance", and insert "any other written law". The reason for the substitution of the phrase "any other written law" for the expression at present in the Bill is that the substituted phrase will cover not only the Minor Offences Ordinance but also other legislation such as the Penal Code where punishment is provided for stealing. Amendment agreed to. Mr Wee Toon Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, may I seek your guidance? Can I take amendments (2) * and (3) + together?”
“These young people may not be expected to understand their acts and they could be disciplined by their elders giving them a good spanking. However, the person actually responsible for these acts has hitherto got away with it. This Bill now gives the power to use the rod effectively on those who are really behind such acts of vandalism. Indeed the punishment which would normally be meted out to children can now be meted out to the adult delinquents actually responsible for wanton acts of vandalism. I wish to state at this stage that two new clauses to the Bill will be proposed by me at the Committee stage of the House. I shall give reasons for these new clauses at that time. Mr Speaker, Sir, the reasons for the introduction of this Bill are quite clear and anyone who loves his country and who loves to see it clean and tidy will not oppose this Bill which is to provide exemplary punishment for acts of vandalism. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. 4.32 p.m.”