Wong Kan Seng
Singapore
“We all want a better future for our children and the future generations. Amid the debates, let us not lose sight of what we are working for – we are working for the benefit and future of Singaporeans. Not for growth targets, not for foreigners, but for Singaporeans.”
“Mrs Mildred Tan also suggested doing a longitudinal study on the impact of new citizens on Singapore. I am told that there is a periodic study on the perception of integration and rootedness of Singaporeans and PRs. A study is now ongoing too.”
“All they need to do is simply declare that they meet the residential criteria. EASING IN US ECONOMY (Impact on Singapore) 9. Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Senior Minister what will be the expected impact on the Singapore economy arising from the US Federal Reserve's announcement on 3rd November 2010 of a "quantitative easing" of the US economy…”
“Well, from the data I have here, 553 registered to vote before the 2006 GE and this is the data I have but Ms Lim may be right. There may be 1,000-odd that Ms Lim had mentioned. From what I am told now, we have 1,325 Singaporean overseas who are eligible to register to vote have registered.”
“But, as I said, there are so many other possibilities that they could come in and there could also be many possibilities that we could have missed and they have entered or left Singapore. LAND SWAP AGREEMENT FOR KTM STATION AND RAILWAY LANDS 2.”
“They are also recruiting people by offering them scholarships. So, we hope more of our companies can do that. Hopefully they come here to work for a while and, if they like our place, they may want to settle down. This is a place which they can think about. POPULATION AND TALENT DIVISION 5. Assoc. Prof.”
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“In 1994, 1,402 persons tested positive for drug consumption at our checkpoints. In 1997, the figure was 1,768 persons or a 26% increase over the 1994 figure. With more Singaporeans travelling overseas, the easy access of drugs nearby in neighbouring countries and the proposed harsher penalties for hardcore addicts, it is prudent to plug this loophole. Otherwise, local addicts would intentionally make trips out of Singapore to neighbouring countries to get their fixes to avoid arrest and prosecution in Singapore, and to make a mockery of our drug laws. Clause 5 of the Amendment Bill would create a new section 8A to confer on our Courts the jurisdiction to try the offence of drug consumption overseas by a Singaporean citizen or Permanent Resident whose urine sample was found positive in Singapore and to deal with them as though the act of consumption was committed in Singapore. 1988 UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances While we have taken firm and incisive actions against drug abuse and trafficking domestically, we remain committed to international efforts to stamp out the drug problem. This is because drugs and the proceeds from drug-related activities are global problems that respect no borders. In this regard, Singapore is committed to tackling international drug trafficking, importing, exporting and manufacturing. It has acceded to the three United Nations drug abuse conventions: namely, the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and, late last year, the 1988 United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic In Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.”
“Clause 21(f) would amend the Second Schedule of the Act to equate the penalty for the offence of failing to provide urine specimen with the penalty for drug consumption. For the same reason, clause 14 would amend section 33(3) to include a previous offence for failing to provide urine sample as a previous drug antecedent for the purpose of sentencing. Hence, the new regime of long-term imprisonment and caning will apply to addicts who are caught for the consumption of opiate drugs or fail to provide urine sample, and have, let me elaborate: (a) at least two previous DRC admissions for opiate abuse; or (b) at least two previous convictions for opiate abuse; or (c) at least two previous convictions for failure to provide a urine specimen; or (d) one previous DRC admission and one previous conviction for opiate abuse; or (e) one previous DRC admission and one previous conviction for failure to provide urine sample; or (f) one previous conviction for opiate abuse and one previous conviction for failure to provide urine specimen. A previous conviction by a subordinate military court for the opiate abuse will also be considered as a previous conviction for purposes of sentencing. Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction over Offence of Drug Consumption I now wish to turn to the issue of consumption of controlled drugs outside Singapore. Currently, only consumption of controlled drugs within Singapore is punishable under the MDA. The Central Narcotics Bureau cannot charge persons who abused drugs overseas, say, in Malaysia, Batam, Bintan or Karimun, or anywhere else, and tested positive for drugs upon their return at our immigration entry points. There has been a noticeable trend of Singaporeans consuming drugs overseas in recent years.”
“Under the second tier penalty, any addict who has been punished under the first tier penalty and who is arrested again for a drug consumption offence will, upon conviction, be punished with a longer imprisonment term of between 7 and 13 years, and between 6 and 12 strokes of the cane. For the purpose of prosecuting an addict under this new section, the Government will only rely on DRC admissions and drug conviction records on or after 1st October 1992. The current intention is to only target the long-term imprisonment regime and caning at hardcore abusers of opiate drugs, ie, heroin, opium and morphine. This is because among the various drugs of abuse, opiate drugs have the strongest physical and psychological hold over their users. Besides, these are the main drugs abused in Singapore, with more than 75% of all addicts arrested each year since 1994 abusing these drugs. However, the Government will carefully monitor the situation and will not hesitate to impose similar measures against hardcore addicts of other drugs, such as "Ice", should the situation warrant it. A related amendment is to enhance the penalty for failing to provide urine specimen under section 31(2) to that of drug consumption. The former offence, ie, failure to provide urine sample, refers to instances where arrested addicts refuse to provide urine samples for testing purposes without reasonable excuse when asked to do so. This amendment is necessary. Otherwise, suspected drug addicts would rather refuse to provide a urine specimen and be only liable for a lesser penalty of a maximum $5000 fine under section 31(2), than be liable for the harsher penalties of drug consumption.”
“Secondly, these hardcore addicts contaminate the innocent and lead them to experiment with, and consume drugs, thus perpetuating a drug culture. Every addict, especially a hardcore addict, is a potential pusher and trafficker. These hardcore addicts also inflict untold misery on their families and are a financial burden to their family members. They are bad role models, especially if they are fathers or mothers. Long Term Imprisonment and Caning for Hardcore Addicts That is why the Act is amended to provide for long-term imprisonment and caning for hardcore addicts. This serves a number of objectives. Firstly, by putting these addicts out of circulation for a long time, it will help to protect the public from them, especially as the majority of these addicts turn to crime to feed their habit. Secondly, it is also aimed at deterring drug addicts from persisting in their drug addiction by making the consequences of continued addiction very severe. In the long run, the long-term imprisonment and caning should help to reduce the relapse rate of drug addicts and deter potential drug abusers from falling into the drug trap. Thirdly, it is to punish these recalcitrant addicts for persisting with their drug habit. Public reaction to my announcement that we would enhance punishment for hardcore addicts, has been positive. Clause 15 of the Bill will introduce a new section 33A in the MDA to provide for this new regime. Upon conviction in Court, hardcore addicts would be given a mandatory imprisonment term of between five and seven years and between three and six strokes of the cane under the first tier penalty.”
“In addition, clauses 21(a) to (c) of the Bill amend the Second Schedule of the MDA to make the death penalty mandatory for anyone who is convicted of trafficking, manufacturing, importing or exporting more than 250 grammes of "Ice". This amount is equivalent to 1,000 doses of the daily estimated consumption of the drug. This is also the basis for deriving the amount attracting capital punishment for the other drugs which I mentioned. Unlike "Ice" which is extremely dangerous, "Ecstasy" is less potent and dangerous. Hence, MHA is not proposing at this stage to introduce the death penalty for "Ecstasy"-related offences. Nevertheless, the penalties are still heavy as "Ecstasy" is a Class A drug. For example, trafficking in "Ecstasy" currently attracts a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane, and a minimum penalty of 5 years' imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane. Hardcore Addicts Let me now turn to the next set of amendments, which are related to the proposed long-term imprisonment and caning for hardcore drug addicts. Sir, although the overall drug situation in Singapore has improved, the problem of a large number of hardcore addicts who repeatedly relapse still remains. A hardcore addict is one who has been admitted to DRC or Prison for a drug offence for more than two times. In fact, the proportion of hardcore addicts among our total DRC population has increased from 65% in 1994 to 71% in 1997. It is important that these hardcore drug addicts are not treated as victims. They are bad people. Firstly, to feed their expensive habit, many of them turn to crime. More than 73% of hardcore drug addicts have some form of criminal record, while about 76% of all addicts with criminal records are hardcore addicts. So, they are criminals also.”
“The number fell to 403 in 1997 after intensive CNB enforcement. In 1995, no "Ecstasy" was seized. But in 1996, almost 39,000 were seized, and in 1997, almost 55,000 "Ecstasy" pills were seized. No "Ice" abuser was arrested in 1995 also. But 5 were arrested in 1996 and 82 in 1997. There has also been an increase in "Ice" trafficking activities in Singapore. In 1995, 12.3 grammes were seized and in 1996, 0.69 grammes were seized. But in 1997, 90.3 grammes were seized. But in the first four months of this year, we have already seized about 560 grammes of "Ice", due to the success of major CNB operations like Operation Phantom. Enhanced Penalties for "Ice" and "Ecstasy" Traffickers Although the "Ecstasy" abuse situation today is under control, we must act decisively to ensure that it does not gain a foothold in Singapore. Stricter legislation against traffickers of "Ecstasy" and "Ice" will also deter international syndicates from using Singapore as a transhipment point for these drugs. My Ministry proposes that the Act be amended to facilitate the prosecution of "Ice" and "Ecstasy" traffickers. Clause 7 of the Bill amends section 17 of the Act to extend the presumption clause for trafficking to include "Ice" and "Ecstasy". A person caught in possession of more than 25 grammes of "Ice" or 10 grammes of "Ecstasy" is presumed to be trafficking in these drugs and would be charged with the offence of trafficking Thus the burden of proof against trafficking would rightly be placed on the offender. These amounts, ie, 25 grammes of "Ice" and 10 grammes of "Ecstasy" are equivalent to 100 doses of the estimated daily consumption of these drugs. This is the same basis for deriving the presumption amounts for other drugs such as heroin, opium, morphine and cocaine.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time. Sir, since the last amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) in 1993, both the global and local drug situations have changed significantly. Further amendments to the MDA are now necessary so that we can continue to effectively curb drug abuse and drug trafficking in Singapore. "Ice" and "Ecstasy" Firstly, psychotropic drugs are increasingly emerging as a major global threat. The UN International Drug Control Programme has reported that synthetic and psychotropic drugs will be a problem of global concern in the 21st century. Psychotropic drugs are synthetic substances made entirely from chemicals. They act on the central nervous system and have mind-altering effects which can have stimulating, tranquillising or hallucinating effects. Besides inducing adverse changes in behaviour, these drugs can also have extremely harmful effects on the body. "Ice" and "Ecstasy" are examples of psychotropic drugs. These drugs are easy to produce and can be manufactured from easily obtainable chemicals and raw materials in makeshift laboratories. I am told that "Ice", for example, can be produced using ephedrine, several washtubs and a stove. "Ecstasy" causes hallucinations, anxiety and can cause death by overheating of the body or dehydration. "Ice" is even more harmful and lethal. It is known to cause severe convulsions, hallucinations, liver and kidney damage, cardiac damage, stroke and death. "Ice" abusers are also prone to violent behaviour after abusing it. Although not yet rampantly abused in Singapore, "Ice" currently poses a major threat due to its widespread and growing popularity in the region. In Singapore, no "Ecstasy" abuser was arrested in 1995. But in 1996, 661 were arrested.”
“Mr Chiam See Tong asked the Minister for Communications whether he will construct barriers or other devices at bus stands to protect commuters waiting for buses at such stands. The Minister of State for Communications (Dr John Chen Seow Phun) (for the Minister for Communications): Sir, can I take Questions 22 and 23 together?”
“The notice carries messages on the seriousness of illegal entry and the penalties associated with it, and are translated into the four official languages, as well as in Thai, Myanmar and Bangladeshi languages. SIR has also started screening a video clip on IIs at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, World Trade Centre and on board ferry boats. The video clip shows how the Home Team agencies have stepped up their enforcement efforts to curb the II problem, eg. stepped up action by PCG, police raids at construction sites, and so on. The message that we convey is that anyone who tries to enter Singapore illegally will be arrested, punished and deported. What about crime rates and IIs? The number of IIs arrested for crimes in 1997 averaged 13 per month. For the first four months of this year, the average figure was 23. Although there is an increase, the absolute number is negligible compared with the overall crime picture from January to April 1998 where there was a monthly average of 1,468 arrested for various offences. Therefore, there is no cause for alarm for the present. As I told Dr Yaacob Ibrahim at the last Parliament sitting, the crime situation presently is under control. The fact that more illegal immigrants are arrested does not so far indicate a deterioration in the security situation in Singapore. My Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and take steps to ensure that the law and order situation continues to remain under control. MEASURES TO PROTECT PEOPLE AT BUS STOPS 22. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim asked the Minister for Communications what measures to protect people at bus stops from being hit by motor vehicles are being implemented islandwide and whether these measures are effective. CONSTRUCTION OF BARRIERS AT BUS STANDS 23.”
“Sir, since March 1998, the Police has intensified its enforcement action against illegal immigrants (IIs). Police has raided various II haunts, including construction sites, workplaces, forested areas, HDB flats as well as lodging houses. The Police Coast Guard (PCG) has stepped up both sea and shore patrols to detect those who attempt to enter by sea. PCG also uses sophisticated radars to detect illegal immigrants attempting to enter Singapore by sea. Singapore Immigration and Registration (SIR) has also been playing its part. It has stepped up its checks at our air, land and sea border entry points to detect the smuggling of IIs into Singapore and also turning away suspected illegal workers who try to come to Singapore. The Home Team's intensified enforcement action so far has yielded good results and kept the II situation under control. However, because of the regional downturn, the risk of people sneaking into Singapore illegally is still high. We should keep up our guard. In addition to Police and Singapore Immigration and Registration continuing rigorous enforcement action, my Ministry is amending the Immigration Act to enhance its deterrent effect of the law against immigration offences. The Home Team has taken several measures to spread the message to potential IIs that Singapore is serious in tackling the illegal immigration problem, and that the penalties in our laws are severe. Since early April 1998, SIR started handing out notices in the form of flyers to all immigration offenders who were repatriated after they have served their sentences, so that they can send the message to potential immigration offenders back home.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there has not been any influx of Indonesian illegal immigrants since the outbreak of unrest in Indonesia. Police arrested only 77 Indonesian illegal immigrants on land and at sea in May, compared to 258 in April. Potential illegal immigrants should know that they will be discovered and punished for illegal entry into Singapore. Intensive police operations have also crippled illegal immigrant smuggling activities. The Police Coast Guard will continue to be vigilant against illegals coming by sea. On land, Police will continue to mount operations against illegal immigrants. We will continue with our very strict and tough stance against all illegal immigrants, their employers and those who harbour them. The Police, Immigration and the other agencies will spare no effort to detect and deal firmly with offenders. We will take all necessary actions to stay on top of the illegal immigrant situation, to ensure that the safety and security of Singapore is not compromised. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN SINGAPORE (Enforcement action) The following Question stood in the name of Mr Cyrille Tan - 21. To ask the Minister for Home Affairs whether his Ministry (i) is planning any new measures to stem the flow of illegal immigrants that the country is facing and (ii) has compiled and analysed any statistical data linking this increased inflow of illegal immigrants to the crime rates in Singapore.”
“Sir, this Bill provides a framework which would equip TAS with the necessary powers and safeguards for a dynamic, multi-operator, telecommunications environment. The implementation of the proposed amendments to the Act would serve to better regulate the industry and protect the interest of the public as well as improve the standards of performance of the operators. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed.”
“TAS is empowered to determine the space and access requirements by the developer or owner of the building who requires a telecommunication service to be provided in a building. This is important in a multi-operator environment. TAS, the regulator, is in the best position to ensure the optimally-efficient space requirements of all operators in a multi-operator environment. By doing so, TAS would ensure that consumers are not deprived of the choice of more than one service provider, for the provision of a telecommunication service. Clause 24 expands section 103 to allow all telecommunication licensees, and not just a public telecommunication licensee, to enter any building for the purpose of eliminating interruptions or interference to a radio-communication system or service. This is necessary to maintain the quality of service to its customers. Clause 25 introduces two new sections, sections 103A and 103B. Section 103A empowers TAS to give directions to a telecommunication licensee, and to a developer or an owner of a building, on the provision of access for the installation of facilities, necessary for the provision or enhancement of quality of a telecommunication service. Section 103B empowers TAS to direct a licensee to co-ordinate and cooperate with any other person in the use or sharing of any telecommunication installation, plant or system to minimise duplication or wastage of resources. The remaining provisions of the Bill are housekeeping matters, such as the deletion of obsolete provisions, the enhancement of penalties under the existing Act as well as some minor amendments, such as removing the restriction on the number of Board members of TAS. This is to allow TAS to tap the expertise of members from various industries.”
“Clause 15 of the Bill provides for further measures against telecommunication fraud. Two new offences in connection with dishonestly obtaining a telecommunication service are introduced. With changes in technology, there has been a shift in offences from the traditional telephony environment to mobile communications. Under the first offence, a person is guilty if he has in his custody or control, anything which he intends to use to obtain a service dishonestly or which he intends dishonestly, to allow others to use to obtain a service. Under the second offence, a person is guilty if he supplies or offers to supply anything, which is intended to be used to obtain a service dishonestly. These provisions would address those who possess cloned telecommunication equipment and use them to dishonestly obtain or use a telecommunication service. It is important to control the incidence of fraud, not just to safeguard the industry but also to ensure that the higher costs of operations do not ultimately translate to higher prices to legitimate end-users. Sir, in light of the various cable cut incidents last year and early this year, we have put in place further measures to ensure that parties take due care against such incidents. Clause 18 increases the fine that may be imposed for an offence of damaging a cable of a telecommunication system to $1 million. Clause 19 introduces a new section which imposes a duty for persons who excavate any land to first ascertain the location of any main, cable, pipe, conduit, circuit or wire belonging to or under the control of a telecommunication system licensee. Another significant new provision is introduced in clause 23 of the Bill.”
“As part of the regulatory framework that TAS will establish, TAS proposes to issue codes of practice, which would apply to its licensees. Clauses 4 and 7 of the Bill provide for additional conditions that TAS may impose on a telecommunication or a postal licensee. In particular, conditions requiring the licensee to enter into agreements or arrangements relating to interconnection, access and sharing of infrastructure, would be made express. The guiding principle is that where licensees are unable to agree on the terms and conditions for interconnection, access and sharing of infrastructure, these would be determined by TAS. These issues are critical issues in a multi-operator environment. Interconnection and equitable access between and among operators are essential for end-to-end connectivity and ensure transparency to end users in a multi-operator environment. While TAS has set broad guidelines for operators to co-operate in this area, TAS would need to be empowered to determine these terms and conditions where licensees are unable to agree. Clauses 4 and 7 of the Bill also require telecommunication and postal licensees to comply with TAS' codes of practice and standards of performance which TAS is empowered to issue under clause 27 of the Bill. TAS may also give directions with respect to standards of performance and procedures for compliance by licensees. Clauses 5 and 8 empower TAS to suspend specific services instead of the entire licence which may cover several services, depending on the circumstances. Clause 6 makes it a requirement for TAS' prior approval to be sought for connection of equipment to a telecommunication system or equipment of any licensee, and not just a public telecommunication licensee. This is to protect the integrity of our networks.”
“This can only be realised if there is in place a strong and clear regulatory framework which supports a level playing field and ensures fair, effective and sustainable competition among all operators. In addition, the convergence of telecommunications, computing and broadcasting technologies is a worldwide trend giving rise to a new info-communications industry. We will have to encourage the introduction of new and innovative technologies in Singapore to ensure our services and infrastructure meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of businesses and consumers. The regulatory framework that we develop must therefore be able to address these rapid changes in both the market environment and technology advancements. In order to address these varying issues, the current TAS Act that was passed in April 1992 needs to be amended to: (1) ensure that TAS has the necessary powers to carry out its functions and duties in a liberalised, multi-operator environment; (2) bring the TAS Act up-to-date given changes in technology and new types of offences; and (3) ensure that the penalties and enforcement measures specified in the TAS Act are adequate to regulate telecommunication and postal licensees. Sir, I now come to the key provisions of the Bill. Clause 3 of the Bill provides for a new function and duty for TAS to create an economic framework for the operation and provision of telecommunication and postal systems and services. Such a framework would promote and safeguard competition and fair and efficient market conduct. This is necessary if TAS is to regulate any conduct which may restrict competition in telecommunication services or in the telecommunication market.”
“I believe I have dealt with most of the questions. If there is any other question which I have left out, please let me know. 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 Wong Kan Seng]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. TELECOMMUNICATION AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. The Minister of State for Communications (Dr John Chen Seow Phun): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Sir, the focus of the TAS Act, 1992, was on the separation of the regulatory function of TAS from the commercial and operational functions, and on the transfer of rights and liabilities of the reconstituted TAS to the privatised Singapore Telecom and Singapore Post. Since then, the telecommunication environment has greatly changed. From a single monopoly operator environment, we are now moving towards a multi-operator environment where there is aggressive competition between all players. Today, we already see competition in value-added network services, cellular mobile telephone services, radio paging services, and Internet-access services, to name a few. Come Year 2000, there will be competition in the biggest piece of the pie, which is the domestic and international basic telecommunication services. The whole process of liberalisation aims to sharpen our competitive edge as a global business centre and bring maximum benefits to the consumers.”
“So the Ministry has been quite flexible, understanding and compassionate in considering the plight of those foreign domestic workers who have paid a lot of money to come here to work and who really genuinely want to work. As to the drafting suggestions made by Mr Tay, I have been guided by the Attorney-General that this is the way we should draft our laws. Whether or not we should deem a person who is the employer as a registered employer of the domestic worker, even though that worker may not be working in his household, and deem the person liable for the enhanced punishment, I think we take it one step at a time. If there is a trend to show that employers overcome the law by getting another person to employ that worker, and eventually allow the person to work in his home and abuse the maid, then we will amend the law to take care of the problem. So, don't worry employers, if you intend to do that, be sure the law will catch up with you in no time. Mr Baharudin suggested banning employers from hiring maids if they were found to have abused their maids. Yes, in fact, that is what the Manpower Ministry does. If a maid makes a complaint, and the complaint is substantiated, then the employer would be banned from hiring a domestic worker. Employers will be shamed indeed if their cases go to court and you will see that their names will be all over the newspapers. There is no doubt about that. Our newspapers will make sure of that too. As regards the code of conduct, as suggested by Prof. Chin Tet Yung, I understand from my colleague, the Manpower Minister, that this is indeed being considered. They have already considered putting up a guide for employers so that they know their obligations and how they should treat their workers.”
“With effect from March last year, employers of foreign domestic maids are also required to take up a personal accident policy for their foreign workers as a condition for grant of a work permit, and the minimum sum to be assured is $10,000 and the compensation, should it be payable, will be given to the foreign domestic worker or her beneficiaries. So these are steps that the Ministry has taken to improve the working conditions and the terms of the foreign domestic workers. And I am sure the Manpower Ministry will consider other approaches and measures which they may think about from time to time which can help improve the lot of the domestic workers in Singapore. Mr Tay also asked whether his understanding was correct regarding the repatriation policy of foreign domestic workers, that is, if a worker were to complain, then the worker would lose the job and be repatriated by the Ministry or by the employer. Apparently, according to the Manpower Ministry, this is not true. If a complaint were to be lodged against an employer, the Manpower Ministry will not allow the employer to cancel the work permit just like that, because they want to investigate the complaint. And sometimes the domestic worker could have gone to the embassy and be housed in the embassy, and during that period the worker also cannot be repatriated. And eventually should the maid be found to be not at fault and the employer is at fault, and she has paid a lot of money or she really wants to work in Singapore, the Manpower Ministry will allow her to continue to work in Singapore under a work permit for a different employer.”
“Mr Simon Tay suggested that there should be other approaches to help resolve problems between maids and their employers. As I said, the Manpower Ministry does have a unit to help to mediate in employer-employee disputes between the maids and employers. But there are other measures that the Manpower Ministry is also considering. For example, they are considering issuing an advisory to all foreign workers in Singapore. This advisory will give them information concerning the conditions of work permit laws and employment in Singapore, the telephone numbers of the helpline of the Ministry, the contact numbers of the relevant agencies such as embassies and the Police. As Mr Tay suggested, there could be other NGOs who could help in mediation and conciliation of problems between employers and employees. I am sure the Manpower Ministry will consider co-opting them if they can provide assistance to the Ministry. The Ministry is also considering doing an orientation video on the culture and norms in Singapore and what the foreign workers can expect here, and this will be produced and distributed free to all the employment agencies. The employment agencies are also encouraged to screen the video to foreign workers before they even start work. The advisory and the video will be available in a few months' time. But in the interim, the Manpower Ministry has provided the contact numbers of the Foreign Workers' Unit in the Ministry, through a letter issued to all the employers, to all the domestic foreign workers in Singapore. I believe those of us who are employers of foreign maids would have received such a notice some time ago.”
“But until they are ready, I will not be able to tell you more about the sort of amendments that we are going to make and whether or not we are going to enhance the penalties for family violence. Mdm Claire Chiang and others have also suggested that we should have a standardised contract for maids and this subject has been raised many times, particularly with the Ministry of Manpower. My colleague, the Minister for Manpower, tells me that actually the contract between maid and employer is really between the two of them. Maids work under different circumstances for different reasons, for different employers and so on, and therefore it is quite difficult to have a standard contract specifying the exact terms for each of the maids and employers. But the Manpower Ministry encourages the employers to have a contract with their maids, so that they know what their obligations are, what their duties are, what the terms are, and so on. And I believe that most employers have contracts for their maids. Otherwise, they will not be able to settle disputes when these disputes arise. The Manpower Ministry does have a unit in the Ministry to help settle disputes for the maids who complain to them or even for the employers who complain about their maids to the Ministry. My colleague tells me that the Ministry has been quite successful in settling most of these disputes. Therefore, they do not see the need to impose a standard contract for hiring of maids. Some embassies, for example, do insist that maids have a standard contract. For example, the Philippine Embassy does insist that the maids have a standard contract; otherwise they will not be allowed to work in Singapore. Again, we leave it to the individual embassies to work out such arrangements.”
“I would say most of them are illiterate and live in rural areas. Some have practically no idea what Singapore really is like until they step on to our shores and, therefore, adjustment can become quite difficult for them. More so, when they have to be separated from their families and work in a totally strange environment under very strange conditions. I think we have to pay some special attention to how they adjust and cope with the new environment. If in the process of working here, the employers were to take advantage of them or abuse them, then, in order to become a gracious and civil society, we have got to find ways of protecting them. Hence, this particular amendment to enhance the punishment for those who abuse their maids. I do not think we should also equate our wives with maids. We really do not think our wives are maids. I think all of us love our wives. There is no doubt about that. But for some who do not, there are other ways for the wives to seek redress from their relatives and from those around them and they, unlike maids who are confined to the home, will know how to find a place to go to if they are abused by their husbands. So we should not take this lightly and think that our wives are like maids and, therefore, we should enhance the punishment for those who abuse their wives. But, as I said, if in time, indeed the abuse of wives is a serious problem, then I have no doubt that the Government will pay particular attention to that and amend the law, if necessary. We are also in the process of reviewing the Penal Code for other offences and the review has been on-going for a while and I hope to be able to move the amendments in Parliament during this session.”
“Sir, I thank the Members for speaking in support of the Bill. I have heard all the comments that they have made and, in particular, I just want to address a few points raised by the Members who have spoken. Mr Chng Hee Kok and Mdm Claire Chiang asked whether we would enhance or look at the punishment for family violence. I think the issue of family violence was fully debated when we amended the Women's Charter about 1� years ago, and under those amendments we have provided a lot of access to women who are abused by their husbands and more or less given them an easier way of getting redress from the courts or the authorities when they are abused by their husbands. Of course, I believe my colleague in the Ministry of Community Development will continue to look at the trends in wife abuse and if the amendments do not deal with the problem, then in future we may have to relook at the punishments again. But, as of now, I do not think MCD is going to do anything about changing the Women's Charter, because I believe the amendments that it has made have adequately dealt with the problem. On the children who are vulnerable and, therefore, need particular protection, I believe we have also made revision to the Children and Young Persons Act not long ago to enhance the penalties for people who abuse children. I think we have to wait and see whether the amendments have the intended effect or not. If not, I believe my colleague will also do something about that. But, as of now, I think we should leave the situation as it is. The reason why we have brought up this subject of maids to this House and ask Parliament to enhance the punishment is that maids are very different from our relatives and other categories of workers. These maids come from far away countries.”
“Police will warn and, where appropriate, prosecute a maid for giving false information to a public servant, under the Penal Code. Foreign maids who misconduct themselves stand to lose their work permit and can also be debarred from working in Singapore. Jurisdiction The Magistrate's and District Courts are currently empowered, under the Criminal Procedure Code, to impose sentences up to two years' and seven years' imprisonment respectively. To enable these Courts to continue to hear maid abuse cases carrying the enhanced penalties, clause 2 of the Bill provides for these Courts to continue to have jurisdiction over such cases and impose the enhanced penalties. Conclusion Sir, this Bill is intended to send a strong signal to those employers who have a tendency to abuse their domestic maids that we take a very stern view against such abuse. My Ministry will continue to monitor closely maid abuse trends after the enhanced penalties have been implemented. If necessary, we will take additional measures to tackle maid abuse, including expanding the situations when the enhanced penalties would apply. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed.”
“Applicability of enhanced penalties Sir, the enhanced penalties will apply whether the offences take place inside or outside the employer's place of residence. This is because the abuse need not necessarily take place within the four walls of the employer's home. Employer's household will be defined as family members of the maid's employer who are residing in the same home as the employer and the maid. It will exclude visiting relatives and friends, as they do not exercise any authority over the maid. The enhanced penalties will also not apply in situations such as when a maid's employer sends her to work in another household, say, his brother's home on an ad hoc basis, and a member of that household, say, his brother, subsequently abuses her. Of course, the employer should not have sent the maid to work in his brother's home in the first place, as this is against the Employment of Foreign Workers Act. But should he do that, the enhanced penalties would not apply because like visiting relatives and friends, the brother does not exercise any real authority over the maid. By the definition of domestic maid in the Bill, the enhanced penalties will also not apply to part-time maids. This is because part-time maids maintain their network of family and friends, and are consequently less vulnerable to abuse. Since I first introduced the Amendment Bill in this House, I have received feedback that some employers are concerned that their maids may exploit the special protection provided to them under the Amendment Bill to get out of their contracts or to spite their employers. Let me assure Members that we will continue to safeguard employers' interests against such maids.”
“The recent case of Hartati, the Indonesian maid, for example, was widely reported in the Indonesian media. Jakarta imposed a temporary ban on maids coming to Singapore, following that incident. Enhanced Penalties My Ministry proposes to designate certain offences in the Penal Code to carry 1.5 times the normal maximum penalties, if perpetrated upon a domestic maid (regardless of whether she is a local or a foreigner) by the employer or a member of the employer's household. This will signal clearly to employers of domestic maids that the Government takes a serious view of maid abuse. Specifically, these offences are: (1) Hurt or Grievous Hurt (section 323, section 324 and section 325) of the Penal Code; (2) Wrongful Confinement (section 342, section 343 and section 344); (3) Assault or use of Criminal Force with intent to outrage modesty (section 354); and (4) Insult of Modesty (section 509). Simple hurt and outraging of modesty are the two most common forms of maid abuse. These two offences together constitute about 92% of all cases in the last four years. Clause 2 of the Bill creates a new section 73 in the Penal Code, prescribing that the maximum penalties for the offences I have listed would be 1.5 times what the offender would otherwise have been liable for, when the victim is a domestic maid, and the offender is the employer or a member of the employer's household. For example, the current maximum penalty for voluntarily causing hurt is 1 year's imprisonment, or up to $1,000 fine, or both. The maximum penalty will become 1.5 years' imprisonment, or up to $1,500 fine, or both. Clause 2 will also make any attempt to commit or abet these offences punishable with the enhanced penalties.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Introduction Sir, the number of foreign maids has increased from around 80,000 in December 1993 to more than 100,000 in December 1997. We also have a few thousand locals working as maids. Many could be working part-time. Domestic maids are female, work within the confines of their employers' home for 24 hours of the day, and except during their time-off, are isolated from the rest of society nearly all the time, and depend on their employer for food and lodging. Maids are therefore more vulnerable to abuse by employers and their immediate family members, than any other categories of employees. All employers have an obligation to treat their maids humanly and decently. The great majority of employers treat their maids well, but a small minority behave as if their maids are slaves. They get upset easily when their maids do not meet their expectations. Some even physically abuse them. Maid abuse could be in the form of simple assault or causing serious hurt. Some employers took advantage of their maids by outraging their modesty. The number of maid abuse cases reported to the Police nearly doubled, from 105 in 1994, to 192 in 1997. Of the 192 reported cases in 1997, 157 cases were substantiated with evidence, and appropriate actions had been or are being taken against the offenders. Although the number is still small relative to the maid population in Singapore, we should curb such incidents before they get out of hand. Maid abuse runs counter to Singapore's aspiration to become a gracious and civil society. Abuse of foreign domestic maids can also damage our international reputation and bilateral relations.”
“Sir, it requires more than just government effort to tell these people who come from China, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia all the countries around us that they should not come here illegally. I am sure the embassies here also do their job. They know that our Police are taking enforcement action against people who had come in illegally or overstayed beyond the validity of their social visit passes. They report back to their governments and they could also help us by telling their people not to come here illegally. On our part, we have already passed the message to all these illegal immigrants and overstayers that when they go home, please tell their friends not to come here illegally. We give them newspaper cuttings and a lot of information, for example, when they are in prison, we educate them to come here legally, if they want to, otherwise they should not try to come here. The programmes on our television are being watched in parts of Malaysia and Batam and I am sure those who watch television would also know that police enforcement action is very intensive and they should not try to enter Singapore illegally. HIRING OF ILLEGAL FOREIGN WORKERS 4. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim asked the Minister for Manpower, in the light of the number of illegal immigrants coming into Singapore, whether there has been an increase in the number of employers hiring illegal workers, and, if so, whether he intends to amend the legislation to increase the penalties for such employers.”
“The reason is that when they come in here illegally they have committed an offence. If they have committed an act which is not lawful and when the police has received such information they must act. It is only natural that they must act. If not, they are not doing their job.”
“Yes, these are well publicised in the newspapers. It is true.”
“Sir, the current penalties for most of the offences under the Immigration Act are adequate. But we are now looking at amending some parts of it to make the penalties heavier for certain types of offences, for example, attempting illegal entry, abetting in bringing in illegal immigrants into Singapore, and so on. When the details are finalised, I will move the amendments in this House.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the number of illegal immigrants arrested in January 1998 and February 1998 were 431 and 644 respectively. The number for March 1998 was 2,086. The increase in arrests is due mainly to more intensive enforcement action by the Police. There is no cause for alarm. Police operations are aimed at containing the illegal immigration problem to prevent it from getting out of hand. They are a warning to potential illegal immigrants that they should not come to Singapore as there is no work for them and that the Police are alert. The fact that more illegal immigrants are arrested does not indicate a deterioration in the security situation in Singapore. For March 1998, the number of illegal immigrants arrested for criminal activities was only 32. The security, and law and order situation in Singapore is firmly under control. The arrests of illegal immigrants demonstrate that the Police and the other Home Team agencies such as Singapore Immigration and Prisons are, for the present, well-equipped to deal with this problem.”
“Sir, the Budget and the Committee of Supply debates have finally come to an end. In all my years in Parliament since 1984, this must be the longest Committee of Supply debate that we have had so far. Sixty-one Members have moved 465 cuts in this Committee of Supply. As a result, we had to extend our sitting days and time by more than two hours each day and also sat for an extra day. Two Members accounted for 14% of the cuts, although they only made up 3% of those who have moved the amendments. I want to congratulate them for their efforts which they have put in to make this Parliament session a memorable one. There are also other Members who have made this session a memorable one, and I leave it to you to remember them for whatever reasons that you want to remember them for. Anyway, let me assure Members that no prize would be given for anyone trying to break the record next year. On behalf of this House, Sir, may I express our thanks to you and the Deputy Speaker for having been so patient with us in the last two weeks. For all of us sitting on two sides of this Chamber, we have the option of leaving this Chamber whenever we think of a reason to do so, but that is not the case for the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker when they are sitting in the Chair. Once again, Sir, thank you, and thank the Deputy Speaker, for your indulgence and your patience. [Applause.] Sir, I beg to move, That Parliament do now adjourn to a date to be fixed.”
“Sir, I think Mr Jeyaretnam is really making it sound like there is something sinister and is insinuating that the Government is on a cover up for Mr Teh Cheang Wan. I think he would not have forgotten that many years ago when he made such a suggestion with his ill conceived remarks, he paid $260,000 for those remarks. Here, I have given him answers free of charge and he is still not satisfied. SAFE WATER SUPPLY 2. Mr Simon S. C. Tay asked the Minister for the Environment whether Singapore's water supply remains safe for human consumption and its coastal water safe for swimming and water sports following the recent chemical fire in Tuas. The Minister for the Environment (Mr Yeo Cheow Tong): Sir, the recent fire in Tuas poses no danger at all to the safety of our water supply. The factory that was destroyed by fire on 7th March 1998 is located outside PUB's water catchment area. Water that was used to fight the fire was also discharged outside the water catchment area into the sea at the Northern Tuas Basin. The basin and the surrounding area are not used for swimming and other recreational activities. Nonetheless, as a precaution, we alerted the factories in the vicinity immediately to warn their workers not to use the water in the basin. We also issued a press statement on 7th March 1998 to advise members of the public to keep out of the area. By 9th March, the quality of the water in the Northern Tuas Basin had returned to normal. Sir, to protect our water resources, my Ministry requires industries that use or store hazardous chemicals to be sited in designated areas such as Tuas and the Jurong industrial estates, which are outside water catchment areas.”
“Sir, I am really puzzled by the sudden interest of Mr Jeyaretnam on this subject of how Mr Teh Cheang Wan got his drug more than 11 years ago. The Police had done all they could to determine how he got the drug by asking his doctors, his pharmacist and the people whom he could have obtained the drugs from. Unless the Member is able to give us some lead as to where the late Mr Teh got his drug, I am afraid that we will be on a wild goose chase, as Mr Chiam had led the House and the Commission of Inquiry on a wild goose chase many years ago. I do not know why Mr Jeyaretnam is interested in this question. I think nobody, other than the person who gave Mr Teh that drug or Mr Teh himself, would know where the drug came from. And even if that person who gave him the drug were to own up and say, "I am the one who gave", I do not think that can be corroborated because Mr Teh is already dead. So the only person who can really tell where Mr Teh got his drug from is Mr Teh. Maybe for those who are really interested in finding out where he got his drug from, I think that can be done one day when we leave this world. And if their path crosses that of Mr Teh Cheang Wan, ask him the question. Then their curiosity will be satisfied.”
“Sir, this drug could be obtained anywhere in the world. It could have been obtained from outside Singapore. And if the Police were to be led, as Mr Jeyaretnam suggests, on a wild goose chase in checking all the drugstores, then it is really a waste of Police resources, unless Mr Jeyaretnam has information to show that indeed somebody actually prescribed him and gave him the drug that led to his suicide. Is he suggesting that?”
“Sir, I do not see that as a meaningful exercise and I do not think the Police did this, because they could go round checking all the pharmacies and what does it prove?”
“Sir, the late Mr Teh Cheang Wan died of an overdose of Amytal, a barbiturate. The Police, in the course of their investigations, interviewed the doctors who had attended to the deceased's health problems, and the pharmacist who had dispensed drugs to him previously. None of them said that they had prescribed or sold Amytal to him. Checks with the Ministry of Health revealed that it had stopped using the drug Amytal about a year before Mr Teh Cheang Wan's death. Mr Teh's wife and daughter also could not tell the police how and where he had obtained the drug. Mr J. B. Jeyaretnam (Non-Constituency Member): Sir, may I ask the Minister whether the stocks of all the suppliers of this drug were checked against their records?”
“For illegal parking in HDB estates, the HDB wardens are already doing that. If it is illegal parking along our roads, we will have to look at the Road Traffic Act and find a way to delegate or empower other groups to do the job. We are looking into that.”
“Any proposed society which feels that its application has been unfairly treated may appeal to the Minister for Home Affairs for further consideration. Sir, this approach that we have adopted does not really run counter to efforts to build an active civil society. In fact, it can be said that this approach really keeps at bay those groups whose formation will pose a threat to the interests of an active civil society.”
“First, let me say that the objective of the Societies Act is to ensure that groups which may pose a threat to public order and national security interest are not allowed to establish themselves in Singapore. I am sure Mr Tay agrees with that objective. The Registrar of Societies does not really have a wide discretion to reject applications. Under the Societies Act, the Registrar can reject an application when the group is likely to be used for unlawful purposes, or for purposes detrimental to public peace, national security or national interest. But let me assure Mr Tay that the Registrar exercises this discretion judiciously and will continue to do so. And indeed this springs from Article 14 that he talked about. Article 14(2)(c) also mentions the need for parameters. Mr Tay brings up the point about delay. I think it is a point taken. In fact, MHA has been monitoring this. As Members know, MHA has been asking its agencies to serve the public better and, certainly, we have asked them to facilitate applications. Sometimes, of course, delays are caused because when the ROS makes inquiries, the applicants take some time to come back. So it is not entirely the fault of the Registry. I think it is a point well taken. We will certainly take that into account. And indeed we have acted on it as shown by because of a recent measure that we introduced. Now, the Registry of Societies provides applicants with a draft constitution based on model rules, because some applicants may not be very clear as to how to proceed to apply. The Registry would readily approve any application which adopts the draft model constitution provided as long as the society is not set up for unlawful or unacceptable purposes.”
“In addition, Police can arrange for the victim and the offending party to undergo conflict resolution and recommend recalcitrant cases for court action. This is one of the refinements Police has made in dealing with family violence crimes and victims of such crimes, something again introduceddone over the last two to three years. Mdm Chiang talks about the need for police officers and social counsellors to understand each other's mindset so as to be able to effectively work together. She is probably also aware that police and social workers conduct cross- training programmes for one another. For example, Police has conducted lectures for social workers and MCD staff on police procedures and handling of family violence cases. Likewise, the Society Against Family Violence has conducted workshops for police officers to equip them with the relevant knowledge and skills in dealing with abuse cases, such as family violence. Such cross-training has helped the police and social workers to better understand each other's role in handling of family violence cases. Sir, we feel this is a better approach. To find ways to strengthen these working ties between police and social work agencies. It produces all the benefits that Mdm Chiang has talked about, and more, better synergy and complementarity can be found this way than by the Police Force employing its own social workers. This approach, we feel, taps diverse community expertise in different ways of counselling and fosters community involvement and ownership. 4.00 pm Sir, let me now respond to Mr Tay's point as to whether or not the Registrar of Societies' discretion can be kept to a minimum.”
“T, this collaboration and synergy has evolved steadily, especially overfor the last three years, and I believe with Mdm Chiang playing a part in bringing this about. Police and social workers now cooperate and coordinate closely with each other at both policy formulation and ground operation levels. At the policy level, the Director of Operations of the Singapore Police Force chairs the Women and Family Violence Committee, comprising members from MCD, MOH and VWOs, such as the Singapore Council of Women Organisations and the Society Against Family Violence. The Committee sets out and reviews the work processes of various agencies involved in managing family violence. It also serves as an avenue to explore new strategies to handle family violence. On the ground level, medical social workers refer suspected abuse cases to police officers stationed in hospitals. Police officers also work with social work counsellors when investigating rape, juvenile delinquency and family violence cases. Police have also worked out guidelines to deal with family violence cases jointly with relevant agencies, such as MCD and the VWOs. Mdm Chiang talks about the Community Focused Plans that the Minister for Home Affairs has mentioned earlier on. Every Neighbourhood Police Post (NPP) is linked to a Family Service Centre to which the NPP can refer victims of spousal violence for counselling and conflict resolution. But besides responding to cases, managing the scene of incident, investigating and prosecuting offenders, the police officers also advise victims of spousal violence on the courses of action available, such as the taking out of Personal Protection Orders from the courts.”
“I will leave it to Prof. Ho Peng Kee to answer the other questions. Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee: Sir, first, let me take NMP Mdm Claire Chiang's point. Mdm Chiang asked if a central database on family violence cases can be set up. I am pleased to inform her that the Ministry of Community Development is leading a task force, comprising representatives from MHA, Police, Ministry of Health and the National University of Singapore to develop a central database on abused victims and family violence cases. The online database will not only facilitate research into family violence cases but will also assist frontline officers from MCD, Police and the Health Ministry in the operational work. I think this was her concern. It should not be just an archival database, but one where the parties can tap online to help them in their work. I understand that MCD has established the basic requirements of the database and will commence its study on the systems design soon. Police will do its part in the context of this Committee and I will ask them to bear Mdm Chiang's points in mind. The other suggestion that she made is whether MHA could consider employing social workers in the Police Force. Sir, our response is that it is not really necessary for Police to employ full-time social workers as cases requiring social work expertise occur sporadically. Police is nevertheless prepared to consider making arrangements with voluntary welfare organisations to have social workers on a standby basis to assist Police as and when needed. Instead of Police employing social workers full time, a better approach and a more effective one in the longer term is for Police and social workers to develop a good and close working relationship with one another. I am glad that, and indeed this has been so.”
“So I do not think there is a need therefore to extend the MTE beyond the five-year period. A better approach would be to encourage these officers on the MTE scheme to remain by offering them a more fulfiling job, enlarged job, better training, more satisfying opportunities for career advancement and give them competitive terms and conditions which we have recently done. Hopefully, with all these measures, they will remain with us. But even if they were to leave, it is no loss because they will continue to be liable for NS under the law. Mr Ong's suggestion about rehiring those junior officers who retire at the age of 45 is already being done. For oOfficerss whose performance is good, we will ccontinue to re-employ them on contract. So long as they are operationally efficient and continue to be able to do their best, we will give them a job. Can I just deal with the point which I forgot to answer Prof. Chin just now about electronic surveillance in HDB estates, car parks, void decks, and so on. We do not see a major need in this area. But I know that in some HDB estates, they already have such security systems. In Bedok, for example, there is a system where the residents can help to monitor themselves. But if there is a need and the community feels that there is a need, the Police will help them set up such a system. The Police will not be able to invest resources and money in setting up the system. But in places where we have a large congregation of people from time to time and we need to find a way to effectively police the area, the Police is considering having a mobile surveillance system. For example, in Little India or in places where large crowds of people gather, the Police is thinking of buying the mobile surveillance system to help them with the Police work.”
“Sir, first, let me answer Mr Ong Ah Heng's question about extending the minimum term of engagement of those national service liable persons who serve in the Police Force. NS liable persons are allowed to serve not just in the Police Force but also in the Singapore Armed Forces as well as the Singapore Civil Defence Force. The minimum period is really five years, that is, about double their NS full-time liability. The minimum term of engagement (MTE) for Police was reduced from eight years to five years to attract more of such NS liable persons to join the Police Force. In the past, we had eight years. I think the results were not that good and that is why we decided to bring it down to five years. These MTE police officers play an essential role in ensuring the safety and security of Singapore and their contributions are no less than those who serve the full-time NS in the SAF, the Police or the Civil Defence. They have chosen to serve their extended period as regulars in order to fulfil their full-time NS obligations. But when they leave after five years of the MTE, they will be liable as operational ready NSmen and their training which they receive while in full-time regular Police Force will not be wasted because they will still have to do their NS while in the Police. Contrary to Mr Ong's impression that many of them left the service after five years, the statistics do not seem to show that. Between 1984 and 1992, an average of 67% of those who served their NS under the MTE scheme remained with the Police Force. I think that is a pretty good retention rate. Many of those who did not stay on decided to go for further studies or have found other jobs, which is quite natural for Singaporeans. If they want to find something else to do, they will do so.”
“In a few months' time, we will organise another speed management campaign to raise the awareness of the motoring public of the dangers and consequences of speeding. But one effective way of dealing with people who speed is really to raise the penalty for speeding in terms of raising the demerit points and probably even raising the fines. The police is studying this. If, instead of 6 points for a particular offence or 9 points for a particular offence, thesey were to be increased the demerit points, then moreit will take the motorists will be taken off the road sooner than under the current system. The Traffic Police is also reviewing the Road Traffic Act to make sure that they are in line with the current problems that we face. If the law needs to be amended, we will certainly amend the law to make sure our roads remain safe for everybody, not just motorists but also pedestrians who form a significant group of people being killed on our roads.”
“Of the number of accidents we had last year, 257 people died as a result of road accidents and that number is slightly more than the previous year of 225. Of these 200-odd fatalities as a result of road accidents, about 110 of them are either motor-cyclists or their pillions. We are also very concerned about the motorcyclists because, of this number of fatalities of motorcyclists and pillion riders, about one-third of them are Malaysians who come here to work or visit people. Certainly, his suggestion about lowering the speed limit by motorcyclists and also by probationary drivers can be studied by the police. But let me tell him that I have also asked them to do this some time ago and they have told me that it is really not so practical to enforce a lower speed limit for motorcyclists. You must be on the road all the time to be on the watch-out to make sure that they do not speed, and then you can book them. If you do not see them, they will be speeding anyway. Not just motorcyclists but also motor cars. So basically, we are talking about enforcement and to do this we need to have other means of helping the Traffic Police, particularly the mobile squad, in tackling this problem of speeding. One of the things that we will do is the installation of more speed cameras on our expressways. We have installed quite a number of speed cameras already and more such speed cameras will be installed. The Traffic Police will continue to have campaigns to educate our motorists. and mMany campaigns are organised right through the year, whether they are drink driving campaign, don't drink and drive at the same time, don't speed, be more courteous, and so on.”
“In fact, some time ago, I did study this and I did put up such a proposal to the Ministry of Communications and they declined. I think they have good reasons not to do it. I have decided to leave the matter be. But if the Ministry of Communications decides to take this over, I have no objection. I will leave it to them. But if Prof. Chin thinks that it is better to do so, I suggest he also takes it up with the Minister for Communications. Mr Kenneth Chen is concerned about the traffic accidents and the number of traffic accidents that he reads about in the newspapers. He is concerned whether the Traffic Police has studied the causes of these accidents and whether it is due to the training of the drivers or due to speeding, or whatever reason. He has suggested lowering the speed limits for probationer drivers and motorcyclists. Let me just quickly give him some statistics on the causes of accidents. In the year 1996 and also in 1997, the major cause of accidents is speeding, which accounts for at least a quarter of the number of accidents. The other causes are careless driving, inconsiderate driving and so on. Whether it is due to training or not, we know that when we go for training we obey all the rules and everything the instructor tells us. Sometimes, after we have passed, some of us do forget some of the rules that we have learnt and decided to take short cuts. I think all of us were taught not to speed. I am sure many of us do. All of us were taught not to beat the red light. I am sure that some of us also do. So really the responsibility is that of the driver. But whether there is a serious concern about the number of accidents or not, certainly we are very concerned.”
“For big organisers who want to organise big events which involve a lot of people and they need crowd control, unless it is absolutely necessary for the purpose of maintaining law and order and the police hasve an interest in it, like a national function, we will also ask these organisers to employ their own guards to safeguard the place. The police will also be reviewing other types of services to see whether they can be transferred to other Ministries or other agencies. For example, noise pollution. I know that from time to time residents would ring up and say, "This construction site is making a lot of noise. My neighbour is making a lot of noise. Please come and stop them from making noise." The police will not do that in future. The police will rightfully pass this on to the right Ministry to tackle noise pollution from construction sites. We also know that from time to time people will call up the police and say, "So and so urinates in the lift. Please come and arrest him." That again the police will also in future not do, and it will consider asking the town council or whoever that is the rightful authority to take over this task. For illegal parking in void decks, as Mr Chng said, weyou do not need a fully-trained police officer to book people for parking illegally. We will also consider passing this function to the right people. As I said, the police will continue to review its roles and functions to ensure that they stay focused on crime prevention and maintaining law and order. Prof. Chin has asked about the Traffic Police department and whether the Singapore Police Force is really the right place for the Traffic Police to be sited in. He has presented a number of good reasons why the Traffic Police should be merged with the LTA. I am not averse to that.”