Yeo Ning Hong
Singapore
“The SAF always reviews and enhances its training system to maximise the contributions of NSFs to national defence during their NSF stint. We will continue to ensure that the training syllabus is relevant to the defence needs of Singapore, and NSFs' time in the SAF used meaningfully and efficiently.”
“New recruits will find military training less onerous if they take on the personal responsibility of preparing themselves well physically before enlistment. AUCTION OF #03-06 PEK CHUAN BUILDING 6.”
“Sir, on a point of clarification. I believe Dr Ahmad Mattar had earlier on attributed some comments to me. I just want to clarify that I am not waiting for July to have my views on SBC made known to the Minister for Information and the Arts.”
“Sir, to encourage the new NSmen to maintain the same physical fitness that they have achieved while they were in full-time National Service, Mindef will increase the IPPT pass standards for new NSmen who ROD on or after 1st April to the same level that they attained when they were NSF.”
“Sir, I do not think Mr Chiam has any clue whatsoever about what is involved in basic military training. It is not fitness. It is the acquiring of basic military skills, to know how to fight, to know how to ensure that you do not get killed.”
“Sir, Mr Chiam would make a most popular Member of Parliament in Kuwait - if only they had a Parliament in Kuwait. That is exactly the sort of situation that had brought the Kuwaitis the disaster they had a year and a half ago, when people are only interested in having a better life and are not prepared to make the effort to ensure that th…”
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“My Ministry is presently studying various proposals to improve our public transportation. Firstly, the number of buses during the short "peak within the peak" period in the mornings and evenings can be increased slightly. This can be done either by SBS putting more buses on the road or introducing more Scheme B services to help take some of the load off SBS during these peak hours. Secondly, we will also consider the use of more bus lanes to help speed up travel by bus and improve its regularity. Thirdly, for those who would like a higher level of comfort and convenience and are prepared to pay more, we are examining the possibility of encouraging taxi pools, to carry commuters to work and back on a fixed monthly contract basis. Our preliminary assessment indicates that both car owners and taxi-drivers might find this to be of mutual advantage. Such a service would be very much like that provided by the school mini-buses which provide door-to-door service for school children for a fixed monthly sum. The difference will be that the taxi provides an air-conditioned ride, with a shorter waiting period because it carries 4 passengers only. For the taxi driver there is the assurance of a basic monthly revenue from this fixed morning and evening service leaving him free to earn more during the rest of the day. The ROV can provide a central processing facility to match operators and commuters who are interested in joining the scheme. Details are now being worked out. This scheme can also be extended to air-conditioned mini-buses. Fourthly, the number of taxis will be increased gradually to match increasing demand. A Taxi Task Force has also been set up by my Ministry to carry out a thorough review to improve the taxi service.”
“Foreign-registered cars are allowed free entry into Singapore for up to 90 days. Most of them are Malaysian-registered cars. Permits are issued for periods ranging from 1 to 5 days. The daily average number of permits issued for more than a day's stay in 1983 was 1,816. The daily average number of permits for goods vehicles and public service vehicles was 75 and 6 respectively. My Ministry does not intend to restrict the entry of these vehicles into Singapore. CASE OF THE DISMISSED TYPIST 9. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Acting Minister for Labour (a) if he will say what compensation he ordered the employer to pay to the typist who was dismissed, the story of whose dismissal he related at the dinner of the Singapore Manufacturers Association; (b) whether he considers the compensation provided for under the Employment Act is adequate for unfair dismissals; and (c) will he say why he did not order the employer to reinstate the typist in this particular case.”
“Adjourned accordingly at One minute past Seven o'clock pm to a date to be fixed. WRITTEN ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT IN STATUTORY BOARDS AND GOVERNMENT-OWNED COMPANIES 1. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Prime Minister if he will inform the House of the number of Members of Parliament employed full-time or part-time in statutory boards and companies either wholly or partly owned by the Government giving their names and their places of employment and details of all remuneration of whatsoever kind and howsoever called earned by the said Members.”
“On the other hand, the cost of ownership and usage of cars must eventually take into account the social and economic costs of such land-intensive mode of transportation, Singaporeans are free to choose and will always be free to choose their preferred mode of transportation. If they prefer to use the bus, they would save themselves a lot of money which they can spend on themselves, on their children, on their home or even on their holidays. If they choose to own a car, then they must be prepared to pay the economic cost of the extra convenience and comfort that comes with owning a car. The Member for Geylang Serai raised the possibility of the use of the Area Licensing Scheme. Sir, this scheme has been found to be effective after implementation, and it is indeed the intention of my Ministry to extend the ALS both in time and boundary as and when the need for such extension arises. The Member asked if tax measures to-date have been effective. Our records over the last decade indicate that together with other measures implemented progressively in a comprehensive manner, the increases in road tax and ARF have indeed been very effective. Following the tax increases in 1975 the number of cars com- ing on to the roads in 1976 and 1977 showed a decrease of 5.6% and 0.4% respectively. The recent increases have also reduced the rate of increase by about 30% and this has been achieved in spite of the strenuous efforts by car dealers to get rid of their old and existing stock during this pre-festive season. The Question having been proposed at thirty-one minutes past Six o'clock pm and the Debate having continued for half an hour, Mr Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.”
“Thank you, Sir, My Ministry has always taken a comprehensive approach in working out the problems of land transportation, liaising with the other relevant ministries and taking full account of the implications of policies made. Such comprehensive studies of the problems will continue. However, I must stress that having a comprehensive plan does not mean that all the measures must be implemented together at one and the same time, on a once-and-for-all basis. The recent measures on ARF, PARF, road tax, parking fees, petrol tax as well as the streamlining of the bus routes, the increases in the number of taxis, the widening of our roads and the increased computerization of our traffic junctions, all these plus many others reflect the comprehensive approach that we are taking towards traffic management. Other measures will be implemented at the appropriate time. It should be stressed that land transportation is a constantly evolving problem. It is not a static problem. There are therefore no solutions or combinations of solutions that will give it a permanent effect. Therefore, the management of the problem must be dynamic. It must adapt and respond to the changing circumstances and demands. Sir, I wish to assure the House that my Ministry is carefully studying the problem of land transportation in Singapore not just for the near future but for the longer term future. We will continue to make improvements in public transportation, to make it as cheap, as convenient and as comfortable as possible for users of public transport, be it the bus or the MRT.”
“Sir, I now ask this House to approve by resolution, pursuant to section 11(4) of the Military Manoeuvres Act, without amendment, the Firing Ground Rules, 1983, as it did for the Pasir Laba Firing Ground Rules, 1966 on 21st December, 1966. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Parliament, pursuant to section 11 (4) of the Military Manoeuvres Act (Chapter 232), resolves that the Firing Ground Rules 1983 published as Notification No. S 86 in the Government Gazette Subsidiary Legislation Supplement No. 16 of 15th April, 1983, as contained in Paper S.L. 55 of 1983, be approved. 4.02 p.m. MEDISAVE SCHEME”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, on behalf of my Minister, I beg to move the Motion* standing in his name as it appears on the Order Paper. *The Motion, standing in the name of the Minister of Defence and Second Minister for Health, reads as follows: That this Parliament, pursuant to section 11(4) of the Military Manoeuvres Act (Chapter 232), resolves that the Firing Ground Rules 1983 published as Notification No. S 86 in the Government Gazette Subsidiary Legislation Supplement No. 16 of 15th April, 1983, as contained in Paper S.L. 55 of 1983, be approved. Sir, on 4th March, 1983, I had the honour in this House to move the Second Reading of the Military Manoeuvres (Amendment) Bill, 1983. 1 informed the House that upon that Bill passing into law, the Firing Ground Rules 1983 would be made pursuant to the Act. The Bill became law on 15th April, 1983. The Firing Ground Rules have been duly promulgated by the Armed Forces Council in exercise of its powers under section 11, subsection (1), of the Military Manoeuvres Act. These Rules revoke the Pasir Laba Firing Ground Rules, 1966. These Rules, like the Pasir Laba Firing Ground Rules, have been made to secure the safety of the public during the use of any firing ground for the purposes of military or air force exercises and to exclude persons not engaged in such exercises from the whole or any part of the firing ground. These Rules have, in Rule 6 therein, made it an offence for any unauthorized person to enter or remain within any firing ground. The punishment for such an offence is a fine not exceeding $2,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both such fine and imprisonment.”
“Sir, the answer is no. We are not assuming the role of policeman for this region; but our vital interest, the interest of our nation, is at stake, hence the need for the E-2C. 3.30 p.m.”
“Sir, we have not advertised them as such but I can assure the Member for Serangoon Gardens that large numbers of people are aware of its availability. I would say that people who nave an interest in such activities would have known about it. We have students coming in to participate in these programmes. We have people from the People's Association. We also have NTUC members. We have staff from Government departments, statutory board staff, employees of commercial firms. We have civilians on an individual basis. So obviously many of them know about it. We have the Boy Scouts and so forth. So it is fairly publicized, if not in the mass media at least by word of mouth.”
“Sir, the Outward Bound School conducts courses throughout the whole year. During the last financial year, which is 1982-83, the following courses were conducted: Standard course . . . 21 days - 9 courses Junior course . . . 14 days - 1 course Special course . . . 9 days - 10 courses Adventure training . . . 5 days - 24 courses Sir, the Outward Bound School (OBS) is optimally utilized and there is no capacity that has gone to waste. Members of the public who are interested in the Outward Bound School activities can join many of the courses that I have mentioned, in particular, the standard 21-day course or the special 9-day course. Sir, there has been a fair amount of interest in physical activities in line with our policy of physical fitness both for our reservists and our population at large. We want to ensure that the Outward Bound School will continue to be well utilized. There is a chief instructor, and 18 instructors. Obviously, there is one warden. We do not need to have more, One is adequate. As far as instructors are concerned, the number is also adequate. On the odd occasion when the peak period comes about, the SAF makes available additional personnel to assist. It is not a prudent use of personnel to have a large staff in the Outward Bound School to cater for all conditions. That would represent a waste. Whenever there is a peak demand and additional instructors are required, they will be made available. So both the instructors' time as well as the facilities in the Outward Bound School are made good use of. 7.30 p.m.”
“Sir, again the Member for Anson is unaware that even in peace time we take our training seriously. We train realistically. We do live firings involving live ammunitions and people can, under such circumstances, get hurt. This is the reason why, as far as the SAF is concerned, peace time can be considered as probably no different from periods of tension and war time. The training undertaken is exactly the same, with the same level of realism and the same level of severity.”
“Sir, I will explain very simply to the Member for Anson why we followed the British. Sir, the British have a long military tradition which we do not have, and it would not be wise for us to try to devise legislation in military matters on our own without acquiring adequate experience. This must have been obvious to anybody who bothers to think about such matters, but somehow it escapes the Member for Anson. Sir, can he imagine the number of soldiers who were killed in the Falklands trying to sue the British Government?”
“Sir, I think the Member obviously follows Britain when it is convenient for him to make political mileage out of it and refuses to follow British legislation when it is no longer convenient to make political mileage.”
“Sir, I think an explanation was given to the Member for Anson earlier on, Again, he has not heard it. Sir, only yesterday the Member for Anson was holding up Great Britain and its marvellous system for us to follow, and now he complains that we are following the British as far as legislation for compensation is concerned.”
“Sir, obviously the Member for Anson was not listening when I told him that the mother had been given a detailed explanation. I am not very sure whether the Member for Anson was able to communicate with the mother. But she had been given an explanation. She might have told the Member for Anson that, but I am just not sure.”
“We have allowance for lower standard of occupation. We have treatment allowance. We have allowance for wear and tear of clothings. We have children's allowance if the individual does have children. On top of that, we arrange for free medical and rehabilitative treatment for disability in all Government clinics and hospitals. Even after his release from national service and reservist training, we also ensure that the disablement equipment and aids, such as wheelchairs, artificial limbs, etc. are provided whenever they are applicable.”
“The second case raised by the Member for Anson is obviously of a similar nature, Sir, again another tragedy has happened. We regret it. But unfortunately as long as there are large numbers of young servicemen with us undergoing strenuous physical exercises, undergoing realistic military training, there will be occasions where a youth will be involved. In a large number of cases these were all very minor accidents. In the very rare exceptions - and this is a rare exception - there is a particular case of an individual who was paralysed. Sir, extensive efforts have been made by the SAF in again trying to help him as far as possible. I can read out all the details of the case, Sir. I have them here with me but I would just selectively pick out some of the things that we have done to illustrate that the SAF is concerned and wherever possible we would do our best to help. Again I do not wish to go into too much details because it would not do much good to bring up this unpleasantness for the particular individual concerned. But suffice it to have some of the details so that we can assure the House that the SAF goes out of its way and tries wherever possible to help in cases of this sort. Sir, following the discharge of this particular individual on 16th June, a lump sum compensation of $20,000 was made. A lump sum of another $15,000 was also made for constant attention. A monthly allowance totalling $300 as disability pension and allowance for lower standard of occupation and an ex-gratia payment of another $6,000 were made. 7.15 p.m. A long list of activities to help the particular individual with his disability has also been made. Sir, we do have a long list of allowances to help cases of this sort. For example, we have disability pension allowance for constant attention.”
“And who stands to benefit from a case like this? Who, for example, is trading on human misery?”
“Sir, I am sure that was not a point of order. But since the Member wishes to interrupt, he is most welcome to do so. Sir, the mother was given a detailed explanation. She knows about the circumstances leading to the accident. I would just briefly say for the benefit of Members of this House that this particular soldier together with other soldiers illegally took a military truck. The driver of that particular military vehicle - it was a jeep - did not have a proper licence and was not authorized to operate that particular vehicle. These soldiers took it for a joy ride not knowing how to handle the vehicle, and therefore the accident occurred. So this particular individual, the soldier himself, was involved in an illegal act. Sir, the regulations under such circumstances do not permit us to treat this as death due to service. It was not due to service and therefore the mother was compensated accordingly and was given one year's pay as compensation. Obviously the mother is not happy. We understand it. If the death had been due to an accident outside of the SAF, she would have got nothing at all. We sympathize with the mother but unfortunately we cannot bend the rules and that has been explained in great detail to the mother. In sending the mother round in circles and holding up hopes, false hopes as it would eventually turn out, the mother is going to end up being very disappointed , very bitter and she is going to be very, very much against the Government. She has been given a detailed explanation by the officers in the SAF. She understands the situation perfectly. But if somebody were to hold up false hopes and empty promises, she is going to be very disappointed, and she is going to be very, very unhappy, and she is going to be very much against the Government.”
“He talks about military duties and so on and so forth. Obviously if the Member for Anson had spoken to the mother, he would have realized that the case is totally different from what he is trying to tell the House. Sir, I do not intend to go into the details of this particular case because it is a tragedy. The mother is obviously very very sad and I do not think we should permit people to exploit or to take advantage of people under such conditions, like in this case for their own personal interest.”
“We continue to encourage our national servicemen to participate in these activities. But in sports where the parallel with physical fitness that relates to military requirement is low, the encouragement is obviously not as high as I believe the Member for Pasir Panjang would like. But let me assure the Member for Pasir Panjang that SAFSA is indeed doing well in various sports. For example, in the last SAFSIM, which is the shooting match, SAFSA came out with very high honours, right at the very top, and was a long way ahead of the team that came in second. Let me turn now to the Member for Serangoon Gardens. The Member is concerned about the welfare of the NCOs and junior officers and whether there are opportunities for upgrading. It is our desire to ensure that men and officers in the SAF are given as much encouragement as possible to upgrade themselves. An answer to a written question was given yesterday where a listing of all the various officers and men who are taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the SAF is recorded. I believe that particular answer would meet the question raised by the Member for Serangoon Gardens. We continue to provide the educational incentives as well as in-house upgrading courses. Sir, in peace time the SAF concentrates very heavily on upgrading our national servicemen and regulars, both officers and men, and these courses are provided throughout the entire year. Opportunities are available and men and junior officers do indeed take advantage of them. I come now to the Member for Anson. As usual, the Member for Anson talks without knowing the full details of his case. I think by now we have come to expect it. He talks about a man who was killed during service when his vehicle overturned.”
“Thirdly, it is also important that the combat physical skills of the soldiers be continually maintained and this must include ability to engage in unarmed combat, taekwon-do and the other military field crafts. 7.03 p.m. [Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair] Let me assure the Member for Pasir Panjang that the standard of physical fitness among the reservists is extremely high. Last year more than 91% of the reservists passed their IPPT. We have made a great attempt since then in ensuring that an even higher percentage will pass this year. It has been reported recently in the press that we have revised the programme for residential training. This we believe will provide further incentives for the reservists to ensure that they maintain themselves at the appropriate level of physical fitness. Reservists are required to take their IPPTs twice a year, once every six months, and it is our belief that if they pass IPPT twice a year at that sort of interval they would be of the appropriate physical fitness that we require. The Member for Pasir Panjang asked about the sports fitness of our national servicemen. While we do encourage our national servicemen to participate in sports, particularly sports which, in parallel, develop those capabilities that we are looking for, as I mentioned earlier. We must also remember that the priority in the SAF must be towards the military aspects of physical fitness rather than the recreational aspects. Wherever possible, national service sportsmen who have been selected to represent Singapore, are given time-off to train. They are also given full pay unrecorded leave when they play for the Republic. In 1982, a total of 81 SAF personnel represented Singapore in various sports.”
“Sir, let me first of all thank the Member for Pasir Panjang and the Member for Serangoon Gardens for their very kind words for the men of the SAF - the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. Indeed they had put their lives on the line on that particular occasion of attempting to rescue people who were in severe danger, and it is the role of the SAF and will continue to be the role of the SAF to look after the interest of our people under all circumstances. I come to the specific points that the Member for Pasir Panjang has raised. The Member for Pasir Panjang is concerned about the physical fitness of our men, and rightly so. We thank him for his continued concern. I would like to assure him that the physical fitness of national servicemen and of reservists is continually of great importance to the SAF. We place severe emphasis on this. I have spoken in this House on numerous occasions emphasizing its importance. Outside the House various Ministers and Members of this House have also spoken on this subject and we have gone to great length to make absolutely sure that the message has got across to our national servicemen. There are three major components in physical fitness that the SAF wishes to put emphasis on. Firstly, it is the physical fitness and our objective is to ensure that there is endurance, there is muscular strength, and there is flexibility, motor skills and abilities. Secondly, we also want to be assured of a high level of combat fitness. This will be the physical and mental capacity of the soldier to endure and to sustain periods of high physical and muscular strain. This is extremely important if one bears in mind combat conditions.”
“Sir, I have mentioned in my reply earlier that advertisements have been put in the mass media by the SAF for more than a decade. This is not a new thing. CAPITAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME (Particulars) 6. Mr Yeo Toon Chia asked the Minister for Trade and Industry, since the implementation of the Capital Assistance Scheme, (i) how much has been loaned to companies so far; (ii) how many companies, especially local companies, have benefitted from this scheme; and (iii) what measures the Economic Development Board has to assist local Industries to invest in or develop into capital intensive and high technology industries.”
“Sir, can I ask the Member for Telok Blangah to repeat his question?.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am not an advertising man and I do not believe the Member for Serangoon Gardens is either. We have engaged a number of consultants to advise us on the best way of getting the message across and of reaching the target groups that we have in mind. Their advice to us is that doing it the way we have done so far represents our best investment. Sir, getting good people into the Armed Forces is probably one of the most important tasks for the SAF to do. All the sophisticated equipment, weaponry and other heavy plants that we have would be of little use to us unless we have people who know how to operate them optimally. It is, therefore, in our considered opinion not a waste of money at all. We are basically trying to target our messages to the people whom we wish to attract. On the second question whether we should spell out more details, again that is another point that has been debated by our people in the Personnel Department in consultation with our experts, and I believe that this advertisement as it is, is adequate to put the message across. We do not believe that inundating a lot of information on to a piece of advertisement would get the message across. It would probably not be read at all.”
“It is also important that our Singaporeans of the fairer sex, be they sisters, girl friends, wives, mothers, of these national servicemen and reservists, should continue to give full support to their men. Sir, coming to the second, third and fourth part of the question, a total of 358 young men before the age of 17 1/2 went abroad over the last five years to do their 'O' and 'A' levels. The number is small compared to the total number of national service registrants. Of these 358, 119 have returned from their studies having completed it and they are all doing their National Service. Some have completed it. There has been no case of abscondence. There is therefore no need to change the present policy since it is working very satisfactorily and there has been no abuse.”
“Sir, MINDEF is conscious of the effects of the failing birth rate on the number of males available for national service. Parallel to our success in family planning, the number of men enlisted into the SAF has fallen. Our projections indicate that the pool of 18-year old males for the next five years will continue to fall steadily from about 26,000 this year, 1983, to about 22,000 in 1987. Sir, fortunately the profile of the national serviceman has also changed. Thanks to better nutrition, living standards and education, our young men coming into the national service at the age of 18 are now better educated, physically much fitter and stronger and in a better state of health than before. This means that a much larger proportion can be deployed for the combat vocations. Members of the House, I am sure, are aware of the efforts made by MINDEF over the years to increase the productivity of the SAF, to streamline the management systems, and to extensively computerize our administration and operations. All these factors have contributed to minimizing the effects of the dwindling intake. Therefore, at the moment, there is no plan to enlist girls into the national service. Notwithstanding what I have just said, all of us, citizens of Singapore, know that in the event of war which we will obviously do our utmost to prevent, but in the event of war, every citizen will be involved in the war effort in all sorts of capacities. When the survival of our nation is at stake, there can be no bystander. It is therefore of utmost importance that our national servicemen and reservists take their full-time training and their in-camp training seriously.”
“,, years old, whether the Ministry of Defence has plans to take girls into National Service in the near future to keep up the SAF's level; (b) how many young males have left the country to continue O" level or "A" level studies abroad in the past five years; (c) how many have not returned to do National Service upon completion of their studies; and (d) whether he will change the present policy in order to ensure that no males except for reasons accepted by the Public Service Commission or the Ministry are allowed to leave for overseas studies before they have completed their National Service.”
“Sir, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is tasked with the responsibility of maintaining peace and security. It is therefore important that some of our best brains in Singapore be put in charge of this crucial national task. The salary increases for SAF servicemen last year reflects MINDEF's concern that it is the civilian sectors which have been depriving the SAF of its fair share of better qualified personnel, and not the other way round. This is because a military career is very onerous and very demanding, much more so than most civilian jobs. Obviously, we must try to strike a correct balance. I would like to assure the Member for Punggol that the problem that he envisages will be continually monitored. Sir, our target is to have approximately 100 graduates join the SAF each year. Given an average output of approximately 2,500 graduates coming out of the National University of Singapore over the next few years, it is unlikely that the civilian sector will be deprived of qualified personnel. NATIONAL SERVICE (Enlistment of girls and Number of Young Males studying overseas) 15. Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister of Defence and Second Minister for Health (a) in view of the fact that the success of family planning has reduced the manpower available to the Singapore Armed Forces and that many young males have left for overseas studies before they reached the age of 17.”
“The data appear to suggest that those who have higher education form a lower percentage of people who believe it to be a waste of time. Obviously, as in any group in society, there are always the black sheep. SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES (Recruitment of better quality personnel) 14. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister of Defence and Second Minister for Health how the Ministry of Defence will ensure that, in its programme to recruit better quality personnel into the Singapore Armed Forces, it will not deprive the public and private sectors of their fair share of such personnel.”
“Sir, it is not possible, on the basis of the survey data that is available to us, to determine who form this particular group. But judging from the available data, of what we are able to break down, the suggestions are that the majority of the people who believe National Service to be a waste of time are the people who have a low level of education.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, MINDEF has a comprehensive national education programme to educate full-time national servicemen and reservists on the importance of National Service and why they must take military training seriously. The programme begins even long before they are enlisted into the SAF, continues through the period of full-time national service, and extends into their reservist period. Sir, I do not intend to go into the details, but I have asked the Clerk of Parliament to circulate details for the benefit of Members of this House [Copies distributed to Members]. In spite of the efforts put in by MINDEF, outlined in the Addendum (Cols. 1241 - 1242) circulated, there continues to be a sizeable minority of Singaporeans who believe that National Service is a waste of time. This is highly paradoxical in view of the fact that the vast majority, in excess of 96%, believe that defence is essential for Singapore. The people who believe it to be a waste of time include: Addendum - IMPORTANCE OF NATIONAL SERVICE (Cols. 1241 - 1242) (1) Those who are ignorant of the relationship between our defence and our peace, prosperity and security. This, we believe, to be a relatively small group of people. (2) Those who are naive and believe that peace and security will last forever without the necessity of active efforts in defence; and (3) Those who know full well the importance of National Service and defence, yet expect others to perform the defence role on their behalf while they enjoy the benefits of peace and prosperity. MINDEF will continue to look for better ways of getting the message across to these people. There is no doubt that without a strong defence force, there will not be a Singapore as we know it.”
“Sir, this subject, I believe, has been brought up in this House before. The answer then was "No". The answer still is "No". TRAINING CENTRE FOR BANK OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES 13. Mr Lim Boon Heng asked the Minister for Trade and Industry, in view of the need to upgrade the quality of our international and regional financial services, whether there are plans to set up a training centre to enable local bank officers and employees to acquire the requisite skills and periodically to enhance such skills.”
“Sir, MINDEF's advertising programme, recently made public, centres around the theme: "The SAF: Because A Generation's Effort Can Be Wiped Out In Days". This is only the first step of our educational programme for the nation. Changing attitudes and perceptions is always a long process. One thing is certain: the efforts will not succeed if MINDEF is expected to do it alone. This is a national effort requiring the support of all in positions of influence and responsibility, be they parents, teachers, employers, hon. Members of this House, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture as well as the various mass media bodies. All Singaporeans must rally to this national endeavour for our own and for our children's sake.”
“Total Defence requires that each citizen makes a life-long commitment to the well-being and progress of Singapore. It requires also that we build up confidence in the citizen himself, that he and his fellow citizens will come to the defence of the nation. This is not merely a call for patriotism or the demonstration of loyalty. Rather, it is action which must make it abundantly clear that the defence of Singapore is ultimately a collective duty. If we Singaporeans do not make the effort to defend ourselves, who will? Bringing the message of Total Defence home to our citizens will help them to realize that the defence of the nation does not rest on the SAF alone, nor is defence to be planned only in terms of military and civil defence. Coming to the second part of the question, our defence capability is ultimately dependent on the moral courage and commitment of our citizen soldiers as well as our non-soldier citizens. The SAF has a national education programme to educate its servicemen on the importance of national service and to instil in them a sense of confidence and commitment. A concerted programme is presently being worked out to educate our citizens at large in the following precepts: (1) Singapore is our homeland and its well-being is every citizen's responsibility. (2) Singapore is worth defending. (3) Singapore is defensible. We have the resources, the means, and the will to ensure the nation's continued well-being. (4) If we ourselves are not prepared to defend Singapore, no one will do the job for us. (5) It is only with peace and stability that we can progress and prosper but it is up to us to be prepared to defend ourselves at all times.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, this question is a very broad one and a very long one, and therefore I intend to be as brief as possible yet do justice to this particular question. Military action is not the only means by which potential aggressors may attempt to put pressure on Singapore. Long before the first soldier is moved against us, we would have been attacked verbally, psychologically and economically. Total Defence is the means whereby we organize ourselves to be able to with stand such "attacks" in all areas which may threaten the survival of Singapore. Such an approach is along the lines of the Swiss defence planning, where Total Defence comprises not only military defence and civil defence, but also economic defence, social defence and psychological defence. Military Defence is the special responsibility of the SAF under the charge of MINDEF. The Ministry of Home Affairs is in charge of Civil Defence. The responsibility for economic defence, social defence and psychological defence is rather more diffused. But clearly, we have to so organize our activities, to strengthen our social framework and to imbue our citizens with pride and loyalty to the nation such that the aggressor will find no weaknesses that he can exploit. If we create any internal conflict, the aggressor will most certainly exploit them. The Swiss have over many years carefully built their government machinery upon the concept of Total Defence. We have to attune our citizens to thinking of defence in a similar manner. But planning for military defence, civil defence, economic defence, social defence and psychological defence can only do so much. The most critical element is the attitude of the individual citizen.”
“It is completely voluntary. CONCEPT OF TOTAL DEFENCE 12. Mr Lim Boon Heng asked the Minister of Defence and Second Minister for Health, in view of the greater emphasis given to the concept of total defence, what is the Ministry of Defence doing to ensure that the public develops a better understanding of this concept; what does the Ministry expect in terms of commitment and direct response from the public, and whether the Ministry has any plans to educate our youth and make them more aware of the need for commitment to defend the nation.”
“Sir, these are obviously criteria for which there is no simple rule that one can pick out of a textbooK and apply immediately at the point of recruitment. But what we do have are experienced officers who, through a whole series of interviews, by talking to the individual candidates and applicants, are able to ascertain within limits, of course, the reliability, trustworthiness, loyalty and commitment of the candidate or applicant. We hope that we are not too far off but, as with so many other things concerning the individual's character, it is difficult to be 100% sure. SUPPLY AND SUPPLEMENTARY SUPPLY BILLS (Business Motion) 2.44 p.m. Resolved, That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, the second and third readings of the Supply Bill for the financial year 1st April, 1983 to 31st March, 1984 and the Supplementary Supply Bill for the financial year 1st April, 1982 to 31st March, 1983 may be proceeded with immediately on the conclusion of the proceedings on the Budget for the financial year 1st April, 1983 to 31st March, 1984. - [Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam]. ANNUAL BUDGET STATEMENT Order read for Resumption of Debate on Question [4th March, 1983] [2nd Allotted Day], "That Parliament approves the financial policy of the Government for the financial year 1st April, 1983 to 31st March, 1984.". - [Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam]. Question again proposed.”
“Sir, our objective is to ensure that the better officers and other ranks should choose to remain with us in the SAF and, as I have indicated in my answer to the Oral Question, more than two-thirds of the officers have chosen to do so.”
“Sir, we are aware that service in the SAF is less attractive than jobs which require comparable edu- cational qualifications and experience. Hence it is MINDEF's policy to ensure that the salaries are much better than those for comparable jobs in the private sector.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the productive period, in other words, the period during which the officer or other rank can make a contribution to the organization, is relatively short by comparison with the period required for his training, and therefore in order to ensure that public funds are properly utilized, there should be a reasonable period of contract when an officer or other rank is employed by the SAF.”
“All in all, computerization in MINDEF has permitted us to make much better use of our limited manpower to fulfil more effectively our primary role - that of ensuring the peace and security of Singapore. SINGAPORE BROADCASTING CORPORATION (Third TV channel) 11. Mr Sia Khoon Seong asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Culture (a) whether the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation has any plan to establish a third TV channel, and, if so, when will it begin operation and what will be its hours of transmission; (b) how will this new channel contribute towards the cultural and moral enlightenment of our people and what will be the programme content and policy of this channel; and (c) what will be the costs in capital investment and recurrent expenditure.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there are three main areas for the use of computer-technology in MINDEF. They are resource management, training and administration. Resource management systems have already been developed to help our officers manage manpower and stock inventories. Most of these are now fully operational. A few of them are even in the process of being upgraded to take advantage of the latest advances in computer technology. Computerized simulators are being used to develop war games to train commanders in battle procedures and tactics. These do not replace, but instead supplement and balance, field exercises. Two war-gaming centres using microcomputers are being developed for the Army. Over the past year and a half, the SAF has embarked on the use of computers for instructional purposes. Through such means, servicemen would be better able to update their knowledge on the latest doctrines and procedures. Five SAF training centres will have such facilities, each with 20 computer terminals, by the middle of 1983. Over 40 SAF instructors have been trained to develop such systems. These are in addition to the 450 officers who have so far been trained in basic computer knowledge at the MINDEF micro-computer centre. Computers are also used to help in administration within the SAF units. Training schools will soon be equipped with computers to assist in their course administration and updating of training publications. Information systems for operational units are being streamlined. Trials are being conducted at seven SAF units. Micro-computers performing various administrative functions have been installed in all these units. Reserve units will also get their share of computers to help them improve the administration of reservist matters.”
“(ii) The offences under the Act are made seizable offences by empowering the police or any commissioned officer engaged in the manoeuvres, or warrant officer, non-commissioned officer or military policeman of the Singapore Armed Forces to arrest the trespasser without warrant. (iii) All persons not engaged in military or air force activities during exercises are excluded at all times from the whole or any part of any firing ground. In consequence of the amendment to section 11 of the Military Manoeuvres Act, the Pasir Laba Firing Ground Rules, 1966, will be revoked, and new Rules made thereunder. My Ministry has prepared these Rules and upon this Bill passing into law, the new Rules, to be called "The Firing Ground Rules, 1983", will be gazetted accordingly. Sir, I beg to move. Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and commifted to a Comminee of the whole House. The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. - [Dr Yeo Ning Hong]. Bill considered in Committee. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] Clause 1 -”
“The State Coroner inquiring into their deaths, besides being satisfied that the SAF had taken all reasonable steps to warn the public and trespassers of the dangers of entering live firing areas, found that the junkyard operators must have obtained the blind from the nearby live firing area. On 3rd August, 1980, another junkyard operator died under similar circumstances. Recently, on 23rd June, 1982, a civilian trespassed into the live firing area to pick durians and was injured, fortunately not fatally. The Government is very concerned about the unnecessary loss of lives and the injuries to trespassers into these areas. Police action against these trespassers have not been effective, largely because of the inadequate penalties that can be imposed on them. For unlawfully interfering with the execution of manoeuvres, under section 6 of the Military Manoeuvres Act, the fine is only $20. Where such trespassers without due authority remove any distinguishing flag or other mark or maliciously cut or damage any telecommunication facilities used for the manoeuvres, the fine is only $50. Furthermore, for unauthorized entry and remaining within firing grounds when it is closed, an offence under Rule 7 of the Pasir Laba Firing Ground Rules, 1966, read with section 11 of the Military Manoeuvres Act, the fine is only a maximum of $100. These fines are obviously ineffective. Hence this Bill. The main features of this Bill are: (i) The penalties are enhanced to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both such fine and imprisonment. This will make it unprofitable for trespassers to risk conviction and hence reduce the temptation to trespass.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Sir, the Singapore Armed Forces regularly conducts military and live firing exercises as part of its training. Certain areas, largely in Lincuogang, have been accordingly set aside for this purpose. They have been proclaimed by the President in exercise of his powers under section 8 of the Military Manoeuvres Act as manoeuvring or firing grounds. Military exercises by the Army are conducted in the manoeuvring grounds. In firing grounds, artillery and rifle practices, air firing and bomb dropping are carried out from weapons on the ground or from aircraft in flight. To prevent members of the public from entering into these grounds at grave risk to themselves, my Ministry has demarcated and gazetted the boundaries of these grounds. Warning signboards in the four languages are also posted along these boundaries. Public announcements are made to remind members of the public of the dangers of entering into these areas. Sentries are also posted at various strategic points along the boundaries. Boats also patrol the coastal boundaries before live firing commences. Some members of the public, however, surreptitiously evade the sentries and deliberately trespass into these areas. Most of them are scrap metal and fruit dealers. They are prepared to risk their lives to pick a few fruits and to collect the scrap metal even when military and live firing exercises are in progress. Others enter into these areas to fish. In November 1978, a junkyard operator, his wife and an employee, died in their junkyard when they tried to dismantle a blind ammunition.”
“The point raised by the hon. Member concerning SAF scholars going to the university is but one of the very many schemes made available to assist our officers to upgrade themselves, I do not think it relevant in this particular context to compare one out of a whole range of possibilities against another scheme operated by the Ministry of Education. Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi (Kampong Kembangan): Sir, as a matter of policy, is the Ministry of Education in favour of promoting part-time education at tertiary level?”
“Sir, although this question was not directed to me, but since the SAF was raised, could I take this opportunity to reply?”
“Sir, if the apparatus at Bedok North is also under-utilized, which at the moment I am unable to say whether it is or is not, I can assure the Member that it will be looked into. If it is under-utilized, I think there obviously must have been a shift in population in new housing estates. If we are able to confirm that the shift is sufficiently significant to warrant a relocation of the apparatus, we will carry it out in Bedok North, just as I have assured the Member for Punggol. Regarding the physical fitness of our reservists, the Member for Kaki Bukit obviously did not pick up the number which I gave, which was 83% of more than 100,000 reservists are found to be physically fit in the first test. And we continue to carry out a re-test until they pass. So we are talking of about close to 100% passes of more than 100,000 reservists.”