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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“I think Mr Chiam did not understand my answer. I have already answered the question.”
“Fostering community spirit and social cohesion cover all Singaporeans, regardless of race, language or religion.”
“Sir, the Government does not question the political inclination of the grassroots leaders. It is up to them. In fact, they may support the PAP.”
“Sir, what he is saying is that the Opposition Member of Parliament is excluded. But by excluding the Opposition Member of Parliament from the grassroots organisations does not mean that these grassroots organisations cannot perform the role of fostering community spirit and social cohesion. There are other leaders and people whom we can find to do the job, and they are much better than the Opposition.”
“Sir, the People's Association Act does not provide for such committees to be formed outside the Act, as required by the Member for Hougang. The PA Act has its own committees and organisations. Mr Low Thia Khiang rose ---”
“Sir, right now, the Opposition already have facilities to do that. They have access to town councils. They can do projects within the town councils. If you look at the Town Councils Act, it gives you enough leeway to do what you think is necessary for this purpose.”
“Sir, I mentioned the Government's programmes and policies. Of course, this is a PAP Government. There is no doubt about that. But Government's interest is to look after every Singaporean's interest. Therefore, social cohesion is one of the objectives and you must find the organisation that will serve this objective. There is nothing to stop the four Members of the Opposition from having their own committees to do the same thing. But as far as the organisations that the PA has, these are to serve the Government's interest and the Government's programmes.”
“Sir, it came as no surprise to me that the three Opposition MPs have raised the same point. I suppose they may have discussed among themselves. But this is not a new point. It is a question which has been raised on many occasions, ever since I was the Minister for Community Development. A question was raised by Mr Chiam about the role of grassroots organisations and the advisors and the role of the Opposition. And I have explained many times too that grassroots organisations and the PA serve the interest of the Government. The Government's objective is to ensure that its programmes are carried out, its policies are understood, facilities are open to the public, and to make sure that they come in and enjoy the facilities and at the same time to take part in discussions and feedback and various other activities. So, from time to time, the grassroots organisations carry out all these Government policies. I have also said in the past that I find it very difficult to believe that Opposition MPs will serve this role well, compared to the people that the Government will appoint. And, in this instance, we happen to appoint all our Members of Parliament to be the advisors of grassroots organisations and people whom we think can carry out Government policies to be their advisors. So, for the same reason now, I am telling the three Members here that we do not think that they can really perform the role that the Government envisages of the advisors of the grassroots organisations and therefore they will not be appointed as advisors.”
“This once again shows that the PAP Government does not respect the decision of the people. Are community-based organisations under the People's Association really formed for the purpose of enhancing the cohesiveness of the people? Or are they actually enhancing the cohesiveness of the PAP supporters? In order to remedy this, we should also amend the People's Association Act to give the following effect: that elected Members of Parliament of all the single constituencies and GRCs shall be consulted in all activities carried out by the People's Association in the constituencies, and the elected Members of Parliament shall be appointed advisors to the grassroots organisations therein, in order to achieve the objectives of the People's Association. Mr Cheo Chai Chen (Nee Soon Central)( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, the People's Association (Amendment) Bill 1996 seeks to enhance the social cohesiveness of the people. In order to enhance social cohesiveness, the elected Member of Parliament should be allowed to participate in the grassroots organisations because he is the representative elected by the people. He has the support of the majority of the constituents. Logically, he should be automatically appointed advisor to the grassroots organisations in the constituency to lead and motivate the residents into participating in activities organised by these grassroots organisations. However, there is no such provision in this Amendment Bill. Accordingly, I propose that there should be a provision in the People's Association Act that the elected Member of Parliament for the constituency should automatically become the advisor to the grassroots organisations therein.”
“The PA Act does not have this provision. Hence, clause 3 provides a new section 9A to protect grassroots leaders and staff of the PA from personal liability when they act in good faith under the direction of the PA Board. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed. Mr Low Thia Khiang (Hougang)( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, the People's Association is formed with the objective of fostering community bonding and enhancing the social cohesiveness of the people. In order to achieve this objective, it must be done regardless of race, religious and political beliefs. However, nowadays, the community-based organisations under the People's Association such as the CCCs and RCs have become grassroots organisations of the People's Action Party. In the past, when there were no opposition parties in Parliament, the elected Members of Parliament were automatically appointed advisors to the grassroots organisations in their respective constituencies. However, since the Secretary-General of the Workers' Party, Mr Jeyaretnam, was returned to Parliament, the arrangement was changed. A PAP Member of Parliament of another constituency was appointed advisor to the grassroots organisations there, and a second advisor was appointed to supervise grassroots organisation in an opposition constituency. As we all know, the second advisor would eventually become the PAP candidate in the next general election. Now the second advisors can work the ground in the constituency and gain political capital. On the other hand, the Opposition MP who was elected by the people to represent them in Parliament cannot make use of the facilities and resources of the community-based organisations. He is, in fact, excluded from these community-based organisations.”
“The CDC will: (a) have responsibility and funds to develop bonding among members of each local community; and (b) induct the more successful Singaporeans, especially those not presently involved in grassroots organisations, to serve, care for and help the less successful. A few CDCs will first be set up as a pilot scheme. Eventually, CDCs will be established to cover the whole country. Objects and Powers of the PA Sir, the Government proposes to establish the CDCs initially under the People's Association Act. However, the existing objects and powers of the PA specified in section 9 of the PA Act are not wide enough to cover all the activities of the CDCs. The proposed amendments will enlarge the functions of the PA Act to cover the activities of the CDCs. When formed under the PA Act, the CDCs will become committees of the PA. Clause 2 of the Bill amends section 9(1) of this Act to provide for this. In time, as more experience is gained, a new legislation could be introduced for the CDCs after they have been in operation for some years and when their role expands. That was also how Town Councils were developed. The Ang Mo Kio Town Council, for example, was established about two years before the Town Councils Act was enacted in 1988. As a "pilot" Town Council, the Ang Mo Kio Town Council was managing and maintaining the common properties of the HDB estates in Ang Mo Kio, delegated by the HDB. Protection from Personal Liability Sir, in view of the enlarged functions of the PA, there is also a need to protect its grassroots leaders and staff from being personally liable while acting under the direction of the PA or its committees. Protection from personal liability is a standard provision in the Acts of statutory boards, including the Town Councils Act.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This Bill seeks to amend the People's Association (PA) Act to enlarge its objects and powers and to provide protection from personal liability to grassroots leaders and staff of the People's Association. Establishment of the Community Development Councils Sir, as Singapore progresses economically, it must constantly be on guard against social stratification. We must take active measures to mitigate this should it happen. To preserve and maintain social harmony, there must be social cohesion between the successful and the less successful. The more able Singaporeans must have a sense of obligation to society and to help the less able. All Singaporeans, regardless of race and religion, have a responsibility to help foster community bonding. Hence, the Government proposes to set up Community Development Councils (CDCs) to strengthen the social glue that holds our people together and foster community bonding. The CDCs will allow Singaporeans a greater say in the development and management of the social infrastructure within their community. The more successful Singaporeans, especially those who are not already serving in grassroots organisations, can be inducted to serve in the CDCs to care for and help the less successful. Through this process of self-help, more Singaporeans will be involved in a localised form of participative Government. We already have the Town Councils to look after the estate management. The CDCs will look after the social infrastructure.”
“Clause 6 of this Bill seeks to amend section 7 to make the abetment of any act of terrorism at an international airport under the new section 6A an offence. Consequential Aamendment to Extradition Act (Cap. 103) Sir, the Protocol requires that these new offences be extraditable crimes. Currently, hijacking and other offences under the Hijacking and Protection of Aircraft Act are already listed as extraditable offences under paragraph 29 of the First Schedule to the Extradition Act. Clause 8 of this Bill therefore seeks to amend paragraph 29 of the First Schedule to the Extradition Act (Cap. 103) to include the new offences under section 6A, that is, acts of violence endangering safety of an international airport, as extraditable offences. Other Amendments Sir, as the Hijacking and Protection of Aircraft Act has been extended to include offences relating to international airports, it is necessary to amend the long and short titles of the Act to reflect this. Clause 2 of the Bill seeks to amend the long title to include the Protocol. Clause 3 of the Bill seeks to amend section 1 of the Act to rename the Act as the Hijacking and Protection of Aircraft and International Airports Act. 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 Wong Kan Seng]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment, read a Third time and passed. WOMEN'S CHARTER (AMENDMENT) BILL (As reported from Select Committee) Order for Third Reading read. 2.02 pm”
“New Section 6A - Offence of Acts of Violence which Endanger Lives or Property and Safe Operation at any International Airport Sir, the Protocol, as a supplement to the Montreal Convention deals, in essence, with acts of violence at international airports that cause serious injury or death, damage or destroy airport facilities or aircraft or disrupt airport operation. Clause 5 of this Bill, therefore, seeks to create a new section 6A. Section 6A(1) makes it an offence for any person to intentionally, by means of any device, substance or weapon, commit an act of violence at aerodromes serving international civil aviation, if such act causes or is likely to cause serious injury or death and endangers the safe operation of the airport or the safety of persons at the airport. A new section 6A(2) makes it an offence for any person to intentionally, by means of any device, substance or weapon, cause serious damage or destruction to the facilities of the airport or to any parked aircraft or disrupt airport services by such means and which act also endangers the safe operation of the airport or the safety of the persons there. Subsection 6A(3) makes it an offence for such acts to be carried out at any international airport and by any person, regardless of his nationality. The penalty for an offence under the new section 6A is imprisonment for life which is the same penalty applicable to hijackers as spelt out under section 8 of the Act. Amendment to Section 7 to Extend Section to Cover Abetment of Acts of Violence Sir, currently it is an offence under section 7 for any person to abet the commission of any offences under the Act. As a logical extension, it is necessary to amend section 7 to make abetment of any offence under the new section 6A an offence.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Sir, Singapore acceded to the Montreal Convention in 1978. This Convention requires contracting parties to recognise as offences acts of violence against passengers and crew on board civil aircraft, and acts that endanger the safety of aircraft. Singapore implemented the provisions of the Convention by enacting the Hijacking and Protection of Aircraft Act in 1978. The Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts of Violence at Airports serving International Civil Aviation (the Protocol) supplements the Montreal Convention. It came into effect on 6th August 1989. This Protocol aims at preventing acts of violence at international airports so as to protect and preserve the smooth operations of international air services and the security of passengers, airline personnel and facilities. Contracting parties to the Protocol will be given jurisdiction to try all offenders who commit acts of violence against international airports or to extradite them to the country of offence. Sir, this Bill therefore seeks to amend the Hijacking and Protection of Aircraft Act (Cap. 124) to give effect to the Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts of Violence at Airports serving International Civil Aviation. Specifically, it seeks to make the following main amendments: (a) create a new section 6A to make any act of terrorism committed against persons, airport facilities or aircraft parked at any international airport a specific offence; (b) amend existing section 7 to make the abetment of such an act of terrorism a specific offence; (c) make consequential amendment to the First Schedule of the Extradition Act (Cap. 103) to make these new offences extraditable crimes as required under the Protocol.”
“The function of the Gurkha Contingent is to guard selected key installations and locations in Singapore. These include the Istana, the penal institutions, the drug rehabilitation centres and the premises of the Board of Commissioners of Currency. The Gurkhas belong to the Gurkha Contingent of the Singapore Police Force. Its present strength is 1,177 men, comprising 36 senior officers and 1,141 junior officers. The operating budget for the Gurkha Contingent in FY 96 is $40.22 m. This comprises $34.25 million in manpower costs, and $5.97 million in other operating expenditure. ADMISSION TO THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION 3. Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Minister for Education if he will clarify whether relief teaching is a prerequisite for admission to the National Institute of Education and, if so, what are the details of this requirement and the rationale for it.”
“Yes, Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg leave to withdraw the motion. Motion, by leave, withdrawn. ADJOURNMENT Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn to a date to be fixed." - [Mr Wong Kan Seng]. Adjourned accordingly at Seven Minutes past Four o'clock pm to a date to be fixed.”
“Yes, Mr Speaker, Sir. I am sure in the last two days we have thoroughly debated the Prime Minister's statement and we have just heard the Prime Minister's closing remarks.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we already had quite a long debate today, almost 41/2 hours, and the Prime Minister will be winding up the debate tomorrow. I propose that we adjourn and come back tomorrow at 3.00 o'clock in the afternoon. Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, "That the Debate be now adjourned." - [Mr Wong Kan Seng]. ADJOURNMENT Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn." - [Mr Wong Kan Seng]. Adjourned accordingly at Thirty Minutes past five o'clock pm..”
“Sir, I wish to ask Mr Ling to clarify his party's statement. I read in the Straits Times of 9th May that his party was reported to have urged the PAP to require all Ministers and MPs to declare their incomes, investments and assets publicly. On declaring assets, it said, "the practice of Ministers reporting such details to the Prime Minister was inadequate." Why is it inadequate? The Prime Minister has explained why and how Ministers have to declare at the beginning of every term and that he informs the President. So why did the SDP consider this not adequate? It is also said in the statement that all voters have the right to know how wealthy the elected representatives were and their sources of income. The sources of income of Ministers are clear. Every year, they only receive a salary. There is nothing else that they receive. Is he or his party insinuating that there are other sources of income and therefore saying that the present method of declaring to the Prime Minister is not adequate?”
“Point of order. Sir, we are here debating about PM's statement on the HPL purchases. I do not think we need a long explanation from Mr Ling as to why he cannot take part. If he cannot take part, he just cannot take part. If he cannot get leave from the court, he should find a way to explain it to the court. And if the court cannot grant an adjournment, then he should draft a statement and give it to his colleague, Mr Chiam or Mr Cheo, and say that this is the Chairman's statement and be done with it. There is no need to give us a long explanation as to why he cannot speak in this House.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, many Members have been slated to speak but now it is past 7.00 o'clock. Sir, I beg to move, That the Debate be now adjourned. Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, "That the Debate be now adjourned." -- [Mr Wong Kan Seng].”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, many Members have asked to speak on this subject and it will definitely go beyond 4.30 pm. Sir, I beg to move, That the debate on the Statement made by the Prime Minister be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order No. 1 at this day's sitting. Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That the debate on the Statement made by the Prime Minister be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order No. 1 at this day's sitting. - [Mr Wong Kan Seng]. PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES BY SENIOR MINISTER AND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER BG LEE HSIEN LOONG 3.45 pm”
“Sir, pursuant to Standing Order No. 42, I beg to move, That Parliament do now adjourn. Question proposed. PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES BY SENIOR MINISTER AND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER BG LEE HSIEN LOONG”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in view of the public interest generated on the subject, I intend to move a motion on the adjournment under Standing Order No. 42 in order to allow Members to debate the Prime Minister's Statement. Before I proceed, may I seek your consent and the general assent of the Members present to move that the debate on the Prime Minister's Statement be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order No. 45 to enable Members to speak more than once and without being subjected to the time limit for speeches?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as Members would know, the Prime Minister had said recently that he would be making a statement on the purchases of the HPL properties by Senior Minister and DPM BG Lee. The Senior Minister has told me that he is still recovering from jet lag and it takes a while for his bio-rhythm to get adjusted. He would like to be present when the PM makes his statement. That being the case, Sir, may I propose that we take a short suspension and resume the sitting at 3 o'clock.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Prime Minister is going to make a statement at the conclusion of all items of business on the Order Paper. Sir, I beg to move, That the Prime Minister's statement be taken immediately after item 3 under Orders of the Day. Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That the Prime Minister's statement be taken immediately after item 3 under Orders of the Day. -- [Mr Wong Kan Seng]. BILLS INTRODUCED CUSTOMS (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Customs Act (Chapter 70 of the 1995 Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister for Finance (Dr Richard Hu Tsu Tau); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. GOODS AND SERVICES TAX (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Goods and Services Tax Act (Chapter 117A of the 1994 Revised Edition) and to make a related amendment to the State Immunity Act (Chapter 313 of the 1985 Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by Dr Richard Hu Tsu Tau; read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. STAMP DUTIES (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Stamp Duties Act (Chapter 312 of the 1985 Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by Dr Richard Hu Tsu Tau; read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. INCOME TAX (AMENDMENT) BILL "to amend the Income Tax Act (Chapter 134 of the 1996 Revised Edition)", recommendation of President signified; presented by Dr Richard Hu Tsu Tau; read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. DEPARTMENTAL TITLES (ALTERATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read.”
“In 1995, 3639 police reports involving violence in homes were made. The details are as follows: (I) (II) (III) Total number Number No. of cases of reports involving where the spouses sex of the alleged victim is (a) Cases of 508 280 Female: 412 verbal threats Male: 96 in the home (b) Cases of 3107 2157 Female: 2813 Voluntary Male: 294 Causing Hurt in the home (c) Cases of 24 9 Female: 20 Voluntary Male: 4 Causing Grevious Hurt in the home Grand Total: 3639 2446 3639 Note: The figures for (I) should include those in (II). ABUSE OF CHILD, SPOUSE AND ELDERLY 5. Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Minister for Health if he will give the sex disaggregated breakdown for each of the categories of cases of child abuse, spouse abuse and elderly abuse seen at government and restructured hospitals in 1995 and the percentage of repeat cases in each category. BG George Yong-Boon Yeo: Child Abuse The number of cases of child abuse seen in government and the restructured hospitals in 1995 was 152. This comprised 62 male and 90 female children. Spouse Abuse The total number of abused women seen at public sector hospitals in 1995 was 446. Elderly Abuse With regard to abuse of the elderly, a total of 119 cases were seen in public hospitals in 1995. Of this, 34 were male and 85 female elderly. There is no information on the number of repeat cases in each of the above categories of abused cases. FOREIGN WORKERS LEVY 6. Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister for Labour what were the amounts collected in respect of (i) foreign workers levy for 1995 and (ii) foreign domestic workers levy for each of the years from 1992 to 1995.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, we have come to the end of this Committee of Supply and Budget debate. Even though Mr Speaker did not say very much, we can all hear that he has a throat problem. Despite this, he carried on presiding at the proceedings of the Committee of Supply. The seriousness with which he undertook his responsibility is admirable. No MP or even Minister can take advantage of his soar throat. He and you, Mr Deputy Speaker, exercised the "guillotine" with precision. There was a record 417 amendments and our sittings were extended by 1 1/2 hours each day. Many issues have been dealt with and many major policies have been announced. Indeed, many Singaporeans have benefitted or will benefit from these policies. As we come to the end of this Budget session, on behalf of all the Members, I thank you, and Mr Speaker, for your patience, endurance and indulgence in listening to us. [Applause]. ADJOURNMENT Resolved, "That Parliament do now adjourn to a date to be fixed." - [Mr Wong Kan Seng]. Adjourned accordingly at Four Minutes past Six o'clock pm to a date to be fixed. WRITTEN ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS SHELTERS LINKING PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES 1. Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for Communications whether the overhead pedestrian bridges along the Pan-Island Expressway near Simei Estate will be provided with shelters, linking them to the nearest blocks of Housing and Development Board flats on both sides of the Expressway.”
“Sir, a quick answer to the question is that we must set our priorities right. The job of the Prisons Department is the safe and secure custody of prisoners and drug addicts and while they are in there, prison officers will try to provide them with as much rehabilitation as possible. So prisoners who want to further their education, and are interested in studying, or be trained, we will train them. In fact, we do have courses, like BEST, WISE, GCE 'A', GCE 'O' level, GCE 'N" level for prisoners who want to further their studies. For those who can be emplaced to work, we have many workshops for them to work. The primary responsibility of the Prisons Department must be to make sure that these prisoners are kept in the prison safely on release, they must be able to find a way to reintegrate into society on their own. But that responsibility of helping them to reintegrate is not completely that of the Government. It must be the responsibility of the individual himself and also his family and other voluntary organisations such as the After Care Association or indeed any organisation for that matter, which wants to help these ex-prisoners. We have only that many people who join the prison service. The prison is already overcrowded and we just cannot simply do more without sacrificing the other objectives of the Prisons Department. 5.15 pm”
“In some cases, members of the drug syndicates are themselves the loan sharks or gambling den operators. The Police will step up enforcement actions against loan sharks and gambling dens. I assure Members that we intend to deal severely with these international drug syndicates who recruit indebted Singaporeans as drug couriers. Not only do they engage in criminal activities which bring miseries to thousands of addicts, they also damage the image of Singapore overseas. CNB will continue to gather intelligence from overseas drug enforcement agencies and mount operations to arrest and prosecute members of such syndicates. If necessary, we will also detain these people under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act. Sir, I have highlighted many aspects of the fight against drug abuse, and I would like to repeat some of the points which I have mentioned earlier as I feel that these are critical to our fight against this insidious problem of drug abuse. The fight is a long-term one and we must be prepared to sustain our efforts in the years ahead. The fight against drug abuse is one which both the community and the Government must work hand in hand. In the past year, the support given by the community to my Ministry's effort has been tremendous and encouraging. And here, I would like to thank the community for its support and I think they will continue to help us to ensure that this problem is stamped out.”
“Today, I would like to inform this House that the legislative and the infrastructural preparations are being finalised so that persistent drug abusers can be detained for a very long period and may also be caned. Lest Members feel that such measures against recalcitrant addicts are harsh, let me assure Members that they are necessary to prevent the contamination of our youths and to protect the public from the evils and miseries of drug abuse. Long-term detention can be seen as a quarantine measure. Many drug addicts are unable to hold proper jobs and have to resort to pushing and trafficking drugs to sustain their drug habits. These are the addicts who contaminate the 1,000 odd new addicts each year who will, in turn, contaminate other addicts. The effect is staggering. In many countries, this effect has created drug problems that are beyond control despite massive government resources and effort. The danger is very real for a small country like ours. Therefore, if there are concerns that the proposed measures are too harsh, let me say that such sympathy for recalcitrant addicts is misplaced. I now come to Mr Kenneth Chen's point about loan sharks. What do we do to deal with this problem? I would like to inform Members that over the last five years, the number of Singaporeans arrested overseas for being drug couriers has increased from 5 in 1991 to 50 last year. Many of these couriers are people who are heavily indebted to loan sharks. The criminal underworld of drug traffickers, loan sharks, gambling and vice dens are inter-connected. Therefore, members of the drug syndicates are able to get their criminal associates to scout for and recruit potential drug couriers from heavily indebted Singaporeans.”
“The number of first-timer Indian addicts admitted to DRCs declined from 269 in 1994 to only 181 in 1995. The proportion of second and third-timer Indian addicts admitted into the DRCs also has stabilised. But the number of fourth-timer and above Indian addicts has increased from 183 in 1984 to 253 in 1995. 5.00 pm From the enforcement statistics' point of view, that means, arrests by CNB, the figures also seem to be encouraging. The relapse rate of drug supervisees which was at a high of 81% in 1994 had gone down to 77.5% last year. The number of new addicts arrested by CNB has registered a sharp decline of 27% from 1,341 in 1994 to 978 in 1995. And the number of new Malay addicts arrested has also decreased from 822 in 1994 to 521 in 1995. As for new Indian addicts arrested, it has also decreased from 219 in 1994 to 162 in 1995. But a significant fact to note is that, despite the intensive efforts by CNB, the number of drug addicts arrested in 1995 has indeed declined. It, therefore, appears that the drug situation has improved slightly. But I would be too hasty if I were to take out a champagne bottle to cheer. We must constantly be on our guard. The fight against drug abuse is a long-term one and we are in for the long haul. Despite the favourable situation in 1995, I intend to introduce additional measures to combat this problem. What are these additional measures? I informed the House last year that the measures undertaken by my Ministry would include a package of preventive, rehabilitative as well as punitive measures. I have given sufficient warnings and adequate opportunities for drug addicts to rehabilitate themselves before tougher measures are introduced.”
“SCORE will eventually build up its present pool of counsellors, which is 18, to 30 by the end of this year and to 58 in three years' time. They will then be able to provide effective aftercare support to about 1,500 ex-addicts. Now I come to last year's drug situation and what changes have we seen since the various programmes have been put in place. The drug situation in 1995 looks better than that in 1994. It indicates that our coordinated approach taken last year was in the right direction and is beginning to have some impact on the drug situation. What are some of these signs? First, on DRCs' statistics in the prisons. The average daily population in the DRCs has gone down from about 8,700 in 1994 to about 7,760 in 1995. On the Malay addicts, the proportion of Malay addicts admitted to the DRCs has declined from 53.2% in 1994 to 52.2% last year. Although it has marginally declined, it also shows some sign that it is improving. The number of Malay addicts admitted for the first time into the DRCs also declined from 881 in 1994 to 616 in 1995. The proportion of second- and third-timer Malay addicts admitted to DRCs also shows a downward trend, but the proportion of fourth-timer and above Malay addicts has increased. There are signs of improvement in the Malay drug addict situation, although Malays still comprise over 50% of the addict population. Although I have elaborated on the Malay drug situation, the drug problem is a national one, and not just a Malay problem. I also mentioned last year that the Indian drug addict population was over-represented. For these Indian drug addicts, the proportion admitted into the DRCs has also shown a slight decline from 15.2% in 1994 to 14.7% last year.”
“Naltrexone can now be obtained from private medical practitioners who prescribe such treatment, and by the middle of this year we hope that selected polyclinics would also be able to dispense Naltrexone. Mr Imram said that on the one hand we must be firm in order to be kind but at the same time we have to be compassionate. We want to be compassionate and indeed for that reason we have set up this voluntary treatment programme to allow first-timer addicts or drug experimenters who want to reform a chance to give themselves up, ie, to volunteer themselves. And all they need to do is to turn up at Changi Hospital for a period of detoxification and thereafter stay in a halfway house for rehabilitation. The idea is to give them a chance to seek treatment while still in the early stages of their drug addiction. Those who want to turn over a new leaf, I would suggest that they should take advantage of this programme. So far, I think there are less than 20 addicts taking advantage of this programme, and I would urge those who have not taken advantage of it to do so before they are caught by CNB, by which time it would be too late. On aftercare, SCORE has been tasked as the lead agency for the aftercare of drug addicts. Besides providing assistance to halfway houses on matters relating to funding and finding premises, SCORE also provides job placement services for ex-drug addicts. Recognising the importance of aftercare counselling and the lack of voluntary aftercare officers, SCORE has implemented the Aftercare Counselling Programme. Professionally trained full-time counsellors have been employed to provide counselling to ex-addicts. By the end of this year, SCORE counsellors will be able to manage a case load of 600 to 700 ex-addicts.”
“We will press on with this effort, and the NCADA will organise another national Anti-Drug Campaign this year in June. On treatment and rehabilitation, the Prisons Department has revamped its DRC regime to provide for more rehabilitative opportunities to amenable first- and second-timer addicts. The recalcitrant addicts, however, would have their privileges progressively reduced during their detention in the DRCs. These efforts have also been effective. On halfway houses, for those inmates who are amenable to rehabilitation, the Prisons Department has introduced the Halfway House Scheme. And under the scheme, DRC inmates are allowed to reside in a halfway house for six months as part of their rehabilitation process. The scheme was implemented in April last year and 17 halfway houses run by various voluntary organisations are now taking part in this scheme. As at end of last month, 363 inmates have been emplaced on the scheme and since October last year, several cohorts have successfully completed their six-month stay in halfway houses and are now under CNB's supervision. I am happy to inform Members that the average success rate for the programme is 90%. On Mr Zulkifli's point about the expansion of the Naltrexone programme, I have told the House quite a lot about the Naltrexone programme on a few occasions. The results of the Naltrexone Pilot Project have been encouraging and the Prisons Department has expanded the use of Naltrexone in its rehabilitation programme. Now, 209 inmates are emplaced on this programme on a residential scheme and are given Naltrexone. We also hope to make Naltrexone readily available to ex-addicts who may want to take Naltrexone when they face difficult times and when they feel particularly vulnerable to the temptation of drugs.”
“In fact, several schools have approached CNB for help to conduct more PDE talks in their schools. Some even asked CNB to refer them to the appropriate VWOs so that they could initiate joint PDE projects for the students. The 1995 National Anti-Drug Campaign organised by NCADA has heightened the public awareness of the dangerous effects of drug abuse on the family and society, and helped to reinforce and forge a national consensus against drug abuse. This national consensus against drug abuse is critical in our fight against drug abuse. Recently, we had a drug expert from the US who visited us. He had done studies on drug situation in many countries and he told me that be believed one reason why Singapore had managed to have the drug problem under control was because of the strong national consensus in rejecting drug abuse. In some countries, where the national consensus against drug abuse was weak, the message to the youths on drug abuse became ambiguous. I am satisfied that we have now in place an integrated and a coordinated preventive drug education programme. In our preventive drug education effort, I am happy to say that we have received strong support from the various voluntary organisations and religious bodies as well as the community. Many of these self-help groups run motivational and developmental programmes targeted at the high-risk youths in support of our PDE programme. In particular, CNB has been working with Malay community organisations to organise PDE programmes for high-risk groups and their families. More Malay counsellors are now also being employed to give counselling to the Malay drug addicts. Indeed, the Malay community has responded well to our call to fight this problem.”
“My Permanent Secretary also chairs a Steering Committee which coordinates and directs the implementation of our national anti-drug strategy that the Ministerial Committee outlined. So we do take this problem very seriously. Last year, we also formed the National Council Against Drug Abuse (NCADA) to mobilise community support against drug abuse, and I am pleased to say that Mr Imram himself is a member of our Council. The Council has been very active in promoting Preventive Drug Education (PDE) programmes and supporting the various community and voluntary welfare organisations such as AMP, SANA and PERTAPIS in this PDE effort. I would say that the NCADA has done an excellent job in raising the awareness of the problem through campaigns and seminars with professionals and the concerned organisations. My Ministry has also started a comprehensive preventive drug education programme in schools and for the general public. The education programme for schools included visits to the DRCs. Already 10,000 students from 183 upper primary and lower secondary schools have visited our DRCs to look at the consequences of abusing drugs. The evaluation of the teachers who accompanied these students indicated that these visits have a great impact on the students and they think that it will deter the potential drug abusers among them. CNB officers also give talks to the schools. We have put much thought into the PDE approach and the various organisations involved, ie, CNB, NCADA, MOE and VWOs, have initiated many creative projects. Activities range from seminars and camps for youths, anti-drug exhibitions and talks to skit performance by professional theatre groups, video presentations, poster competition, workshops for parents were organised. These efforts were successful.”
“Sir, I thank the Members for raising those points. And before I answer Mr Kenneth Chen's question on loan sharks and what the Police and the CNB intend to do, Mr Zulkifli's question on what plans we have on expanding the use of Naltrexone, and Mr Imram's point about slowing down our relentless effort, let me talk about this question of drug abuse first. Last year, I brought up this problem. I said it was a very serious problem and that we had to do something about it. Indeed, we did something about it and I am here to update Members of what we did and the progress that we have achieved so far. The average daily population in the DRCs in 1994 was 8,700 and the relapse rate was about 81%. These were just some figures to remind Members of the situation that we were in in 1994. At the same time, new addicts admitted to the DRCs increased by 63% from 912 in 1992 to 1,488 in 1994. Both the Malay and the Indian communities were over-represented in the DRC population. Given the seriousness of this problem, we therefore took a hard-headed and serious look and decided to deal with this problem in a comprehensive way. My Ministry adopted a multi-pronged approach to deal with the drug problem through better use of preventive drug education, enhanced treatment and rehabilitation, aftercare and deterrence. I chair a Supervisory Committee which comprises the Minister for Community Development, the Senior Minister of State for Health and Education, Dr Aline Wong, the Senior Minister of State for Education, Mr Sidek Saniff, and the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Home Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee. The Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Home Affairs, Education and Health also attend the meetings.”
“Otherwise, more old people will become victims of such crimes. Therefore, I hope the Ministry of Home Affairs can go on television to teach old people how to prevent such crimes. At the same time, the Ministry must also take strong measures to punish these heartless criminals, even using caning as a punishment. It is only in this way that we can make sure that we would not have too many of such cases of old people being robbed and cheated. I hope the Minister will consider my suggestion.”
“This move is to build upon the success of many CDCCs which in the past have been able to recall the volunteers at short notice to respond to mishaps in the constituencies. Here, I would like to commend Kreta Ayer, Jalan Besar, West Coast and the Radin Mas CDCCs as those which have played an exemplary role in responding speedily with their volunteers to incidents. I would like to emphasise that the reorganisation of the SCDF will bring about a leaner and stronger civil defence force without compromising its readiness and operational capability. This will enable the SCDF to be more focused in its efforts to enhance its effectiveness and professionalism while, at the same time, inject greater motivation and professionalism at the grassroots support level. Mr Peh Chin Hua( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am very concerned over the cases of robbery and cheating of senior citizens. From the Straits Times report, we can see that many senior citizens and housewives are the main target of criminals. The Lianhe Zaobao has also commented on this kind of cases. We all know that senior citizens are old and feeble. They are quite incapable of defending themselves. So they become easy target of criminals in Singapore. When cheating and robberies happen, the criminals have forgotten about the virtue of respecting and caring for the old. All they want is to get the money and jewelry from these old people. So they often beat up the defenceless old victims and then rob them. As a result, the old people not only suffer losses but also physical injuries and suffering. Furthermore, because of the shock, the old people also suffer mental anguish and injury. I feel that we must take strong measures against these criminals in order to prevent further occurrence of these cases.”
“In late 1994, when we did a review of the Civil Defence, the CD Volunteer Scheme was also reviewed and we enhanced it with the introduction of the volunteer leader scheme. Under this scheme, the more dedicated and committed volunteers are selected to undergo additional training to enable them to take charge of individual blocks of flats in times of emergencies and to provide guidance and direction to the residents. This scheme has been tremendously successful. Up to February this year, 1,147 volunteer leaders have completed the volunteer leadership training course. 4.15 pm The CDCC scheme has been constantly reviewed for further improvements. In the most recent review, the CDCCs have also been reorganised into three functional committees, namely, Operations, Public Education and Membership Sub-committees so that effort can be better focused on the operational capabilities and public education programmes. Each CDCC will also be given $1,000 to organise activities. As I mentioned earlier, CD NSmen on the holding list will be asked and approached to play an active role in serving the CDCCs. They will also be able to provide professional assistance in activities such as preparation of operation plans, the training of new volunteers and the organisation and conduct of public exercises and education programmes. Plans are being worked out to mobilise CDCCs and volunteers at short notice to assist in civil defence operations which may require their support. An example of such a situation can be, say, a tremor incident in which the presence of CD volunteers at the scene will bring relief and reassurance to the public.”
“In order to continue to tap the CD skills of these CD NSmen, they will be encouraged to join the CD Volunteer Scheme as volunteers, volunteer leaders or members of the volunteer company. The induction of these NS-trained volunteers into the volunteer units, like the CDCC, will not only reinforce the importance of civil defence but will also boost the competence and the capability of the volunteer companies. The presence of these NS-trained volunteers will have a galvanizing effect in fact, like what Mr Zulkifli said, it will provide an impetus to the volunteer organisations on the ground by raising the competence, professionalism and level of skills among the volunteers and, thereby, moulding them into a better organised manpower pool ready to respond and assist in any rescue activity in the community. The reorganisation of the SCDF will take place over the next two years, beginning in April this year. I would like to address Mr Zulkifli's concern about how the CDCCs' involvement in civil defence can be enhanced, especially in the light of these changes I have just announced. The CDCCs were established in 1982 as the main driving force behind the CD volunteer programme. Over the years, they have also been instrumental in propagating CD awareness and drawing community support for our civil defence activities. In an effort to gear up our CDCC members and CD volunteers for greater involvement in civil defence, the SCDF has embarked on a comprehensive range of programmes and schemes to help provide better training for our volunteers and secure greater commitment at the grassroots support level. For example, enhanced training in the form of modular courses will be conducted for these active volunteers.”
“Organisation objectives must be revisited and reaffirmed in order to keep the SCDF relevant. Correspondingly, the organisational structure also must be re-examined to help the Force stay agile and dynamic. It also needs to keep pace with the recent developments in management and operational doctrines to see if these can be applied to yield more effective ways of achieving the objectives. In the periodic review done last year, the SCDF concluded that it can operate more effectively by forming highly trained and well-equipped rapid deployment forces based in strategic locations. This has been made possible by the maturity of the SCDF, in terms of its professionalism and experience, as well as recent improvements in the educational profile of our NSmen, thereby enabling them to undertake higher levels of training in rescue techniques and equipment. A recent study of the CD organisations in developed countries, such as Sweden and Israel, has also shown that they have moved towards this direction. One of the changes to be carried out after this review by the SCDF is the disbandment of the CD zone units. In place of the CD zonal units will be highly trained and well-equipped rapid deployment forces that can respond swiftly to incidents and perform more effectively in emergencies. With the disbandment of the zone units, the number of CD NSmen will be substantially reduced from 62,000 to 23,000. In other words, about 39,000 CD NSmen involved in these units will not be called up for in-camp training. The CD NSmen who will no longer be called up for in-camp training will be placed on the Holding List.”
“(In English): On Dr Ker's question about the Civil Defence Force and whether we have any plans to review the Civil Defence Force in view of the fact that we are sending so many National Servicemen to the zones, indeed there are plans to review and reorganise the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). But before I explain this further, let me put these changes in the context of the development of the SCDF. The SCDF was established in 1982 with the primary mission to save lives and properties. The SCDF also takes charge of operating the Public Warning System, implementing the CD shelter programme and supporting emergency activities, such as water distribution, food and fuel rationing and blood collection. Since its inauguration, the Civil Defence Force has undergone various organisational changes. In 1989, the SCDF absorbed the Singapore Fire Service, thus taking on the additional responsibility of providing fire fighting, rescue and ambulance services, and also regulating fire safety in buildings. To enable the SCDF to perform these tasks effectively, SCDF built up its strength to 62,000 men, or what you call Operationally Ready Civil Defence NSmen (CD NSmen), in its establishment. These CD NSmen are deployed in 946 units island-wide based on the concept of territorial saturation with ground forces for immediate response. The current structure has served SCDF well over the years. For the past 14 years, since its inception, the SCDF has successfully played a leading role in responding to emergencies to save lives and properties of our people, especially in their hour of need. But like any other organisation, the SCDF has to continually review its organisation, operation methods and structure in order to maintain its effectiveness in the light of changing circumstances.”
“The Immigration Department is making every attempt to improve its services to members of the public and it has used various new work procedures. We are trying out new concepts so as to give better service to the public, eg, since January last year, we have extended the office hours by two hours on weekdays and on Saturdays it is extended to 3.00 pm. From June 1995, the Immigration Department has conducted a thorough review of the six groups that deal with applications. And by the end of this month, I think the applicants for employment pass would find that it is much easier to make their application and they would save a lot of time waiting at the counter. We will shorten the processing time for employment pass applicants. In fact, we could even attempt to use Internet for such applications. And with this new concept, we would be able to work more efficiently. The Immigration Department will also be introducing a new pilot scheme called Automated Immigration Checkpoint Clearance System for those people who travel very frequently. In other words, a smart card with auto clearance system so that frequent travellers would find it more convenient and easier to pass through our Immigration Checkpoints. I wish to assure the House that the Immigration Department will keep on looking for new methods to shorten waiting and processing time in order to serve our citizens and members of the public better. However, members of the public should also cooperate with the Immigration Department. Unless it is necessary, they do not have to make personal calls at the department.”
“I will ask my officers to look into it. In order to further simplify the procedures for passport application, the Immigration Department could send the renewal form to the applicants who wish to renew their passports. So the applicants need just to check the pre-printed personal particulars and if they are found to be correct, they would just send the form together with the photographs and fee back to the department and the department could process the application. When it is ready, they will inform the applicants to come down to the department to collect the passport. The reason why the form is sent nine months ahead of expiry of the passport is because many countries require that the passports must be valid for at least six months before they are allowed to be admitted. Within the next two years, there will be an increase in the number of applicants because the first batch of 10-year passports will expire and I hope that the applicants could just fill in the renewal form and send it back to the department. They do not have to make a personal trip to the department to renew their passports. When the scheme was first started, only 10% of the applicants used the renewals-by-post method. But when the scheme was publicised in 1995, it was increased to 15%. When the Immigration Department began to send out the forms with the particulars of the applicants printed on them, the number has increased. As at last month, it was increased to 25% or 36,000 applicants. As Dr Ker has mentioned just now, for a male citizen above the age of 11, this specification was made by the Ministry of Defence. Dr Ker can raise this point with the Ministry of Defence.”
“Dr Ker raised two cuts and Mr Zulkifli asked about Civil Defence. I will answer Dr Ker's first question on Immigration in Mandarin. (In Mandarin): Sir, first of all, let me refer to the point raised by Dr Ker on how to increase the efficiency of the Immigration Department. The Immigration Department has already made a lot of improvements in providing better services to the public in the application of passports. In fact, the Immigration Department has made a thorough change in the procedure for application of passports. Now members of the public can apply through the post for passports. This facility was introduced in July 1994. Singaporeans can now submit the application form together with three photographs and a cheque by post to the Immigration Department and the Immigration Department would make sure that the members of the public could also collect the application forms from the neighbourhood police posts, the CCs or community centres. In fact, they could also telephone the Immigration Department to ask for the forms. The Immigration Department has conducted a publicity campaign on this. Nowadays, members of the public can save one trip to the department when collecting the passport. In fact, there are still many people who go to the Immigration Department in person to submit their passport applications. They do not have to do that. Members of the public need not send the original copies of their personal documents to the department. Dr Ker has mentioned that such information can be obtained from within the Ministry, such as the birth certificate or citizenship certificate. I will ask my officials to look into this matter. As for collecting the passport from the department, I think they will still have to make a trip there, as Dr Ker has mentioned just now.”
“The main gate of the CID lock-up can only be opened from the outside. The main gate leads to the lock-up area which has cells for holding accused persons, a common bathing area and some ancillary rooms on both sides of the corridor. Under no circumstances will the key to the main gate be brought into the lock-up. The lock-up is monitored through closed circuit cameras. Also, no weapons are allowed into the lock-up. This measure ensures that persons detained will not have access to any weapon if they manage to overpower any officer. Sir, the two accused persons who recently attempted to escape from the CID lock-up are facing capital charges. Hence, they are desperate people. In the incident, one of the accused persons was being escorted to his cell from the common bathing area after a bath. When the cell door was opened, he, together with his cell mate, overpowered the officers in the lock-up. Sir, with the present structure of the CID lock-up, movement of persons within the lock-up is unavoidable. CID is looking into ways to minimise the movement of detained persons drawing from lessons learnt in their post-mortem of the incident. FOREIGNERS WORKING ILLEGALLY IN ENTERTAINMENT SECTOR 6. Mr Lau Ping Sum asked the Minister for Labour whether there has been an increase in the number of foreigners found working illegally in the entertainment sector.”
“00 in the evening when many vehicles want to depart for Malaysia at the same time. Whatever measures we take can only bring about minimal improvement to the present situation. But the situation will improve substantially when a new Checkpoint is built in Woodlands and that will be in a couple of years' time and also when the second link at Tuas is completed. So with two places to cross between Singapore and Malaysia, I think the traffic flow will improve substantially in 1997 or 1998. Meanwhile, the Immigration Department, together with the Police, will continue to monitor the situation and take all the necessary measures to improve clearance speed. When there is a substantial jam or congestion during the peak periods, the Police will increase its manpower to try to clear the traffic. While the Immigration Department will do its best, we have to expect that congestion will continue to occur. The only way of not having congestion is not to check people at the Causeway. From the security point of view, this is totally unacceptable. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT LOCK-UP (Security arrangements) 5. Mr Zulkifli bin Mohammed asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether he is satisfied with the existing security arrangements at the Criminal Investigation Department lock-up and whether any enhanced measures are being contemplated. The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Home Affairs (Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee)(for the Minister for Home Affairs): Sir, existing security measures at the CID lock-up are adequate to prevent detained persons from escaping. However, in view of a recent incident, CID is considering implementing additional measures to prevent a recurrence of the incident. Sir, first, let me describe some of the existing measures.”