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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“This will help reduce land transport time for importers and exporters as well as for sea-air freighters. Singapore intends to maintain its position as the world's busiest port. For the first nine months of this year, shipping tonnage calling at Singapore increased by another 4%, bringing the total tonnage to 250 million gross registered tonnes. We will ensure that our port services are efficient and that our port charges competitive. We will strive for higher standards of productivity to give lower costs and to streamline port tariffs to maintain competitiveness. New computer hardware will be acquired and software developed to improve planning as well as to facilitate information and communication between the port, port users as well as the relevant Government departments. More aggressive marketing programmes will also be initiated to attract more ships and cargo to Singapore. No effort will be spared to maintain our position as the premier port internationally. NATIONAL LION SYMBOL (Response to use) 8. Dr Arthur Beng Kian Lam asked the Minister for Communications and Information what the response has been from both the public and private sectors to the use of our National Symbol, since it was launched in 1986.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in the first nine months of this year, containerised cargo at our Port increased by 21% to reach 28 million tonnes. General cargo throughput also increased by 16%, compared with the same period last year, to 38 million tonnes. Thanks to long-term planning, our Port has been able to accommodate these substantial increases without any adverse effect. The port continues to maintain a high level of productivity. On the average, the port turns a container ship around in about seven hours, handling something like 600 containers. This turnaround time is one of the fastest in the world. It means much lower costs for shipowners as well as shippers. As for the foreseeable future, we expect containerised cargo to continue to increase. To meet this expected growth, the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) is increasing the capacity of its existing container facilities by adding more quay cranes and other handling equipment. These cranes will be computerized to handle fourth-generation container vessels even more efficiently. The contract for 10 such cranes, amounting to $55 million, was recently awarded. PSA is also converting two conventional berths into a container berth at a cost of about $30 million. The new container berth will be ready in the second half of next year. This additional berth will be equipped with the latest container handling facilities and should be sufficient to meet the expected growth up to 1992. Beyond 1992, PSA plans to develop a new container terminal on Pulau Brani. Pulau Brani will have a modern terminal with maximum use of automation, mechanization and computerization in all its operations. Pulau Brani will also be linked to the mainland by a causeway.”
“Sir, I mentioned in my reply that the studies are nearing completion. I expect them to provide the information to the public very soon. TAX RELIEF FOR PROVIDING FINANCIAL CARE FOR SIBLINGS The following Question stood in the name of Mr Heng Chiang Meng - 9.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry is always concerned with the welfare of the commuters and has already advised the operators to bear in mind the concerns of commuters and also to take into consideration the fact that the MRT system will be phased in over a period of some three years. Also, particularly at this time, the operators should also bear in mind the fact that our workers have voluntarily exercised wage restraint. The operators have assured the Ministry that they will bear these factors in mind when they conduct their studies which are currently near completion. Sir, I am confident that with the newly established Public Transport Council which will look after the interests of the commuters, the Council will not approve any increase unless there are justifications for it.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Public Transport Council Bill was recently debated and passed at the last sitting of this House and has since been enacted. One of the functions of the Council is to receive and consider applications on fares from bus and taxi operators. The Council in making its decision must safeguard the public's interest and also take into account the financial viability of the operators. So far, the Council has not received any application from taxi operators and bus operators.”
“Bedok Reservoir Housing Estate is a relatively small housing estate with a population of about 18,000 people only. As such, it cannot support a post office. Instead, a postal agency will be set up so that postal services such as mail registration and posting of parcels can be provided to the residents. In addition, five stamp vendors have been established along Bedok Reservoir Road for the sale of stamps to residents. ASSISTANCE TO FISH FARMERS AFFECTED BY OIL SLICK 8. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development how many fish farmers were affected by the recent oil slick and what was the estimated loss sustained by them; and what assistance is being contemplated by his Ministry for fish farmers in the sea off Serangoon Harbour and Pulau Ubin to face their plight.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the MRT system represents a gigantic step for us in the development of our land transport system. The logo has now been associated with that major project. It is a project that all Singaporeans are proud of. I would prefer that we move cautiously rather than open the floodgates, and to find the symbol used to market all kinds of undesirable products. 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. - [Dr Yeo Ning Hong]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. PUBLIC SERVICE (VARIATION OF 1984 ANNUAL WAGE INCREASES) BILL 3.35 pm Order for Second Reading read.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as stated, the symbol should be used by the Corporation or permitted parties. Sir, we want to ensure that the MRT logo does not go on to undesirable products.”
“One of the provisions, for example, empowers the Minister to appoint inspectors to carry out inspections for the purpose of ensuring the safety of the railway or when an accident has occurred on any part of the railway. The Bill also makes it an offence to wilfully do any act which endangers the safety of any traveller, for which on conviction there is a maximum fine of $10,000 or imprisonment of up to five years or both. The provisions pertaining to the safety of the railway are similar to those provided in other MRT systems. Clause 14 of the Bill gives the Corporation powers to make regulations on matters concerning the maintenance, use, operation, and safety of the railway, the protection of the property of the railway, and the powers and duties of inspectors. Finally, clause 17 adds a new Schedule to the Act which gives the MRTC or permitted parties the exclusive right to use the well-known MRT logo. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed.”
“It is important that there be sufficient safeguards to protect the travelling public and the MRT system which is a national asset. As such, in clause 5 the considerations in granting a licence are the financial standing of the licensee and its ability to maintain an adequate, safe, satisfactory, and efficient service. The MRTC may impose conditions relating to the general level of service, the safety of persons using the railway and the maintenance and operation of the railway. The MRTC can suspend or revoke the licence if the licensee fails or is likely to fail to provide and maintain an adequate, safe, satisfactory, and efficient service. At present the MRTC Act deals only with the construction of the MRT system. So, amendments to the MRTC Act are necessary to enable efficient operation of the railway. So clauses 7 and 8 permit the Corporation or any person authorized by the Corporation to enter upon State or other land within the railway area for the purpose of operation and maintenance of the railway. The MRT system when fully operational is projected to have about 860,000 passenger trips daily. It is therefore essential that the system be operated and maintained safely. Incidental to the operation of the MRT system by a licensee, the provisions presently in the MRTC Act concerning the rights to claim compensation from the Corporation have been extended to the licensee in clauses 9 and 10. Procedures for making such claims shall apply to the licensee as with the MRTC. Clause 12 of the Bill inserts a new Part VIA to the Act relating to the safety of the railway.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Sir, at the Parliamentary sitting in March this year, I gave this House a progress report on the construction of the MRT system. I indicated that the first train is expected to begin its public service in early December this year, running from Yio Chu Kang to Toa Payoh, and then towards the end of the year to Outram Park. The Mass Rapid Transit Corporation has maintained good progress and the project is still on schedule. I also indicated that detailed studies are undertaken to look into how we can privatize the MRT operations. Members of the House will recall that the objective of privatization is to ensure that the MRT system will be run efficiently and be more responsive to the changing needs of the travelling public. Sir, the impending commencement of operation and privatization of the MRT system have made it necessary to update the Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Act. The amendments in this Bill are divided into four main categories:- Firstly, amendments related to the operation of the MRT system by a licensee; Secondly, provisions required for the purpose of operating the railway; Thirdly, provisions relating to the safety of the railway; and Fourthly, other incidental amendments. I shall now highlight the major amendments. Clause 3 of the Bill provides for amendment to section 4 of the MRTC Act so as to allow the Corporation to become a regulatory and licensing authority of the MRT system, in addition to its primary role as the builder of the MRT lines. Clause 4 of the Bill provides for the Corporation to license the MRT operations to any such company that it deems fit.”
“Sir, future lines of the MRT system will to a very large extent be determined by the Ministry for National Development, in fact, by the HDB, because future lines will go to the new housing estates with heaviest population concentration. 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. - [Dr Yeo Ning Hong]. Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. MASS RAPID TRANSIT CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 3.24 pm”
“That way, we ensure that the bus companies are well managed. Members of the House may remember way back in the late 60s and early 70s when a number of bus companies were very badly managed. Some of them went bankrupt and as a result of that land transportation in Singapore was severely disrupted. That is the sort of situation that we do not want to happen again. The Member for Fengshan also asked about the ROV. The ROV and the Public Transport Council are two distinct bodies. The ROV has its primary function of registering vehicles on our roads and of ensuring and maintaining the safety standards of our public service vehicles. ROV has over the last decade or so built up a pool of expertise. They have an army of computers to help resolve many of the problems in their area of responsibility. They have built up expertise in software. They have also a collection of maps and routes. These can be of use in the initial stages to the Public Transport Council as it seeks to take off with the minimum of teething problems. In the initial stages, I think it would be useful for the ROV to assist the Public Transport Council. Once the Public Transport Council finds its own feet, it should operate independently of the ROV. Sir, I believe I have covered the questions raised by the two Members. Dr Arthur Beng Kian Lam: Sir, may I just clarify one point? When I referred to MRT routes, I was referring to the future routes that will be taken and I asked whether if the MRTC wanted to extend the route in the future, will it have to go through the PTC? Will the PTC have a say in the future?”
“Rather than duplicating all the functions of the MRTC in the PTC, it is preferable for the MRTC to serve as the supervising statutory board for matters concerning the maintenance, operations and safety of the MRT system. Both the Members for Whampoa and Fengshan asked about fares and seek clarification on the two statements found in clause 21 regarding "the need for operators to remain financially viable and the need for public interest to be safeguarded." I have mentioned in my Second Reading speech that it is important that we safeguard the public interest. It is the purpose of the Public Transport Council to ensure that while we leave as much as possible, fares to be determined by market forces, to be determined by cost factors, such as labour costs, fuel costs and other costs which add to the total cost of the bus companies, the Public Transport Council is in a position to act as a watchdog on behalf of the public. I mentioned also that obviously commuters want fares to be as low as possible but we must bear in mind that the bus companies have got to be viable. If bus companies are not viable, then sooner or later the bus companies will wind down on the services that they provide. Bus companies will reduce the number of services. They may have to lower maintenance. They may have to use older buses. They may have to reduce frequency. And these are factors that will not contribute to a better, safer or more adequate transport system for the people. The important thing, Sir, as I mentioned earlier, is to ensure that the bus companies are efficiently managed. This is why there is a clause inside the Public Transport Council Bill giving the Public Transport Council the authority to approve the board of directors for these companies.”
“Their role primarily is to supplement, as the name implies, to supplement the existing scheduled buses and they will continue with that role, supplementing the scheduled buses in their new routes. The Member asked about public participation. Sir, I have indicated in my Second Reading that we will be including members from various grassroots organizations. These will come from the Consumers Association, the CCCs and the RCs. So there will be public participation in the Public Transport Council. The Member for Whampoa together with the Member for Fengshan mentioned the possibility of spelling out in greater detail the functions of the Public Transport Council. Sir, some of the details indeed are mentioned in clauses 11(a) to (e) and 12(a) to (e). We believe that the Act as it stands, taken from BSLA, is effective in giving the Council sufficient leeway to make decisions that are necessary. Quite obviously, the guidelines for the determination of a route that serves a rural area will have to be slightly different from the factors that will be taken into account in the determination of a route for an urban area. Rather than putting the Council into a straitjacket by having too many rules, it is better to have general principles like those that have been outlined in the Bill. The Member for Fengshan asked about MRT routes. Once the rail has been constructed and the stations put up, it is unlikely that we will want to change the routes. The matter of determination of routes by the Public Transport Council for the MRT system will not be relevant at the moment. The Member also asked why the MRT system is treated slightly differently from buses. The MRT system is an extremely complex system. There is a pool of expertise already existing in the MRTC.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I want to thank the two Members for speaking on the Bill. Sir, the Member for Fengshan who spoke on behalf of the Government Parliamentary Committee has raised a number of points. Sir, the Member has rightly pointed out the importance of the role of the Chairman in a statutory board. Indeed the Chairman is the key figure in any statutory board and the appointment of such a Chairman has always been undertaken by the Government with great care, simply because statutory boards have statutory powers and these powers have got to be exercised responsibly by the individual and his Committee. Sir, in looking for a Chairman of a statutory board, the Government looks for a person with integrity, a person with proven ability and experience, a person preferably with a record of public service, having demonstrated in other statutory boards as a member, his capability and dedication to the public service. And of course, if at all possible, the Chairman of any statutory board should have some experience in the particular industry that he will supervise. And, of course, the Chairman must be somebody willing to give of his time and his effort in order to serve the Council. Sir, these are some of the factors that we will have to take into account when we consider the appointment of the Chairman for the Public Transport Council. The Member asked about the rules as applied to the smaller operators. Sir, rules made by the Public Transport Council will apply to all operators, whether they are big or small. I can assure the House that all applicants will be treated fairly by the Public Transport Council. The Member also asked about the supplementary Scheme B buses. Sir, these buses will continue to have a role as they have at the moment.”
“The final part, Part VI, deals with miscellaneous provisions, including the power for the Council to make regulations for its proper functioning and the repeal of the Bus Services Licensing Act. Sir, I beg to move. Question proposed.”
“The Council will operate as a non-profit making statutory body with a supporting staff, and will be funded by a Government grant. Part IV, taken from the Bus Services Licensing Authority Act, which will be repealed in Part VI of the Bill, deals with the licensing of bus services. In granting bus licences, the PTC will consider, inter alia, the applicant's ability to maintain an adequate, safe, suitable and efficient service. To ensure that the bus companies which provide an essential service to the public are properly managed, the Bill provides for the Board of Directors of bus companies to consist only of persons approved by the Council. Part V empowers the Council to approve bus, taxi and MRT fares. The setting of fares is essentially a commercial decision, best decided by market forces between the commuters and the operators, much as the prices of goods in a supermarket or department store are. The travelling public naturally wants fares to be as low as possible. Transport operators however have to remain financially viable. If the revenue collected does not meet cost, then service must inevitably deteriorate to the detriment of the commuters. Hence it is important for the Council in approving fares to take into account the need for public interest to be safeguarded as well as the need for the operators to remain financially viable so that we will continue to have a safe, suitable, adequate and efficient land transport system in Singapore. Indeed, the best guarantee that fares will be kept low is for operators to be as efficient and productive as possible, and to minimize wasteful duplication of services.”
“This Public Transport Council Bill seeks to bring about greater public representation in the consideration of land transport matters such as fares and routes. This Bill will enable the appointment of 13 members in the PTC, an increase from the six in BSLA, and to enable wide representation from amongst grassroots organizations such as CASE, the CCCs and RCs. We have also incorporated the major operators of land transport systems in Singapore, namely, SBS, TIBS, NTUC Comfort and the licensed operators of the MRT System into the PTC, so that the PTC will have first-hand knowledge of the industry that it seeks to supervise. Sir, this practice of including the operators is in line with the practice in many other statutory boards such as PSA, where major operators such as shipping companies and shipowners are invited to serve on the board. Of course, as is common administrative practice, such members will not vote on matters in which they have or are deemed to have an interest. The PTC will continue the work of BSLA, namely, to receive and consider applications for the issue of bus service licences for bus routes. This is spelt out in Part IV of the Bill which is taken from the Bus Services Licensing Authority Act. In addition, the PTC will also consider applications for approval of bus, taxi and MRT fares. That way, the PTC can protect the public interest over fares, and ensure that commuters get value for their money. Sir, let me now deal briefly with the details of the Bill. Part II of the Bill, together with the First Schedule, deals with the establishment, functions, powers and administration of the Council. Part III, together with the Second Schedule, deals with the Financial Provisions and the accounting procedures for the Council.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." At present, there is a statutory board called the Bus Services Licensing Authority (BSLA). Its primary function is to license bus routes. It comprises six members, with representaives from different Government departments involved with land transport, such as PWD, HDB and the ROV. BSLA has worked well, as evidenced by the vast network of bus routes serving practically every part of Singapore. Since the formation of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) early this year, Members of the GPC for Communications and Information had various briefings and discussions with Ministry officials. They have acquired a full understanding of the workings of my Ministry and the various statutory boards under the Ministry's charge. During the budget debate in March this year, the Chairman of the GPC pointed out that there was no representative from grassroots organizations such as CASE, CCCs and RCs in the decision process for the determination of routes. He further suggested that such representation be considered as they would serve as useful watchdogs on behalf of the public in matters of fares and bus routes, matters that affect commuters. Furthermore, he highlighted examples of transport authorities in other countries where different transport operators participated, in order to provide a well-integrated public transport system. In my reply, I indicated that my Ministry would look into the GPC's suggestion and if there are advantages in having such a Committee with wider representation, my Ministry would certainly consider it. I am now happy to inform the House that, after careful study, my Ministry has accepted the GPC's recommendation.”
“Sir, there are fewer breakdowns on our roads because there are fewer older cars on our roads. TAX RELIEF FOR PARENTS OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN 9. Mr Lau Ping Sum asked the Minister for Finance whether the income tax relief for parents of handicapped children will be increased.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the PARF scheme was introduced in 1975 as an incentive to encourage motorists to scrap their cars before they are 10 years old. The objective is to reduce the number of old cars so that there will be fewer breakdowns on our roads and greater safety for our users. Traffic congestion during peak hours because of such breakdowns will also be minimized. The measure would also cut down on noise and air pollution on our roads. This policy has proved effective. Raising the 10-year limit would be counter productive. It would mean encouraging more old vehicles to be on the road, with greater likelihood of breakdowns, thus, leading to greater traffic congestions and inconvenience to all road users. Sir, I wish to point out once again that the PARF scheme is an incentive to motorists to scrap their cars before they become unroadworthy. There is no compulsion. Car owners are free to choose when to scrap their cars. Those who find it economical to maintain their cars at a high level beyond the 10 years are free to do so.”
“Measures that are in the process of implementation include the designation of seats in buses for the elderly and the disabled and the purchase of buses with lower steps. DRUG ADDICTION (Situation report) 7. Dr Ho Tat Kin asked the Minister for Home Affairs what is the current situation in Singapore as regards drug addiction; has the number of cases been on the increase; and what measures will be taken to improve the situation.”
“Sir, the Mass Rapid Transit Corporation has, wherever practicable, provided facilities in the MRT system to make it safe and easily accessible to all passengers including the ambulant disabled. These facilities include heavy-duty public service-type escalators which have been designed with longer steps. Such escalators allow slightly longer reaction times and hence make it easier for passengers to get on or off. In addition, inside every train car, eight seats will be reserved for senior citizens and the disabled. These seats will have a sticker over them to request passengers to give priority to the elderly and the disabled. The public education programme planned by the MRTC to introduce the MRT system to Singaporeans will also include information on how the public can help the disabled to get around, especially within the stations. The primary objective of the Mass Rapid Transit system, as its name conveys, is to transport rapidly large masses of people. Therefore the service will only be in areas with heavy traffic density. The average stopping times at stations will be approximately 30 to 45 seconds. As such, it is not a safe and practical means of transport for the wheelchair-bound. They are better served by point to point transportation, such as mini buses, taxis, or cars. A Committee in the Ministry of Community Development has been looking into the transportation needs of the disabled and making the public transport system more convenient for the disabled. Members of the House may like to note that the Member for Bo Wen has very kindly served as Chairman of this Committee which includes a member of the Handicapped Welfare Association.”
“Sir, the cooperation between the Asean countries will continue. [Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair] CHANGES IN POLITICAL LEADERSHIP OF VIETNAM (Effect on Cambodian issue) 2. Mr Leong Horn Kee asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, with the recent changes in the political leadership of Vietnam, whether (i) the possibility of the Cambodian issue being resolved has improved and (ii) tension in the region has ameliorated with a Vietnam that is focussing its attention on economic reforms.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am happy to note that in rising to protect the interest of all Singaporeans against MPs who make scurrilous remarks about them, I have managed to get the Member for Potong Pasir to withdraw his statement and to apologize to the journalist concerned. Sir, this is important. The purpose of it all is not to challenge any individual Member of Parliament but to protect the interest of the public. On this particular occasion, it is a journalist. On another occasion, it can be an engineer, an accountant, a hawker, a bus driver, anybody, anybody who crosses the path of MPs. They should not be attacked in this House where the member of the public is unable to defend himself. Sir, I would also like to bring to the attention of the House the fact that the Member, in his speech on Monday, has also misled the House. The Member told us that the article that he took offence with was headlined, "PAP will win". According to a newspaper report in the Straits Times this morning, an article with such a headline did not exist. The headline was "PAP is confident of win in Anson today". This is totally different from what the Member for Potong Pasir told us the other day. MAIN AND DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES OF SINGAPORE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1987 TO 31ST MARCH, 1988 Order read for consideration in Committee of Supply [7th Allotted Day]. [Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair] Head V - 11.23 am”
“Sir, yesterday, I rose to tender a transcript of the speech given by the Member for Potong Pasir on Monday in order to give him the exact words that he asked for, which he said he would repeat outside the House. I rise again this morning to give the Member the opportunity to respond.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with your permission, I would like to start again.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as Standing Orders would only permit me to make a statement in the morning, I will make it this morning even though the Member for Potong Pasir is yet again slow in taking up his seat and is not here. Sir, yesterday, I rose to tender a transcript of the Member's speech given on Monday to provide him with the exact words which he asked for on Monday. Mr Chiam See Tong entered the Chamber and took his seat.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, yesterday during the Committee of Supply debate on the Ministry of Communications and Information, I pointed out that if the Member for Potong Pasir was going to run down an individual outside of this House, I suggest that he be man enough to repeat whatever he said outside the House. He said, "I will repeat it if I know the exact words." Sir, I submit a transcript of yesterday's debate giving the Member's speech right up to the time when I raised the point. If the Member is man enough, he should repeat his speech outside the House to allow the journalist who was attacked to defend himself. Sir, I submit the transcript. MAIN AND DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES OF SINGAPORE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1987 TO 31ST MARCH, 1988 Order read for consideration in Committee of Supply [6th Allotted Day]. Head R - Resumption of Debate on Question [23rd March, 1987], "That the sum to be allocated for Head R be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead RA-01-1100 of the Main Estimates." - [Mr Lim Boon Heng]. Question again proposed. 11.17 am”
“The best way of ensuring that our bus fares are kept low is to make sure that our bus companies are efficient, and that there is high productivity and that cost is kept as low as possible. Sir, the Member asked why the supplementary buses are able to charge only 50 cents. The answer is very simple. If anybody were to travel on scheduled buses they would have noticed that the state of these buses is very different from the state of buses on the supplementary bus network. Secondly, these supplementary buses operate only the high density routes. Furthermore, they operate only during peak hours. The Chairman: Order. Guillotine time, Dr Yeo. Dr Arthur Beng, can you withdraw your amendment? Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The time allotted for Head I having expired, the following amendments were not proceeded with:”
“But I would like to point out the erroneous way at which the Member for Potong Pasir looks at the situation. Sir, at the moment, for 40 cents a bus commuter travels any distance up to four fare stages. This is approximately 3.2 km. So for 40 cents he is entitled to travel any distance up to 3.2 km. But for 80 cents a commuter can travel unlimited, 14 or more fare stages. In other words, he is able to travel more than 11 km. So already we are finding some measure of cross-subsidy where the commuters on long distances are being subsidized and being subsidized heavily by the commuters on short distances. This is an anomaly and this is something that the consultants are currently looking into. Sir, it is not a good idea to have fares organized in such a manner that one particular group of Singaporean is cross-subsidizing another group. What we should be moving towards is a situation where commuters pay the fare that is appropriate to the distance that they travel. That way, everybody will have a much more equitable system, everybody will be getting value for the money that they pay. Just as an additional illustration of aberration that we have in the present fare system. A person travels from A to C over a particular distance, say, 6 kilometres, pays 50 cents. But if he has to make a change from A to B and from B to C, then the commuter got to pay 40 cents twice, which makes his fare 80 cents. This is obviously very unfair to the individual who has got to make that change. The objective is to move away from this system, which is presently quite anomalous and not completely equitable, to a system that is fairer where individuals pay for the distance that they travel. The important thing, Sir, is to keep the cost low.”
“But in practically all cases there has been very serious attempts on the part of both the local companies as well as the foreign partners to work closely in order that there will be technology transfer. I will just mention some of the things that are carried out in the different companies to give an indication of the extent of the transfer of technology that is taking place. Foreign contractors have undertaken to have training programmes for local employees. In many cases some professional and technical staff were sent overseas for training as soon as the contracts were awarded. In other cases, senior members of the local company were placed in positions where it was possible for them to learn on the job, working closely with the foreign partner. This includes areas like project management, site organization, tunnelling technology, diaphragm walls, underpinning and a whole range of other civil engineering activities. In other cases, junior workers in the local joint venture had training courses conducted for them, supervisory staff were brought in together with the foreign partner so that they worked hand in hand together on site,learning on the job and acquiring experience. There is a long list which I do not have time to go into at the moment. Sir, I come now to the Member for Potong Pasir. The Member for Potong Pasir has indicated that the bus companies will continue to make money if they make a reduction of fares. Sir, let me emphasize before I go into the details that bus fares, just as taxi fares, are decided by the bus companies and taxi operators. We believe this is the best way. For them to be responsible for providing their commuters, with a reasonable service at a reasonable cost. Whether the fares ought to be reduced or not is a matter for them to consider.”
“Last year, with the economy moving steadily ahead, the collection was $3,894 per month. This represents a 12% increase over the figure for 1984. So our taxi drivers had been having a reasonable time over the last year and those operating two shifts over the last two years. Sir, as I indicated earlier, I understand their concern and the Ministry will bear in mind the views expressed by the two Members of the House, the Members for Bukit Timah and West Coast. We will take that into consideration in considering the timing for the introduction of diesel tax. Sir, the Member for Chong Boon raised the issue of joint ventures in the MRTC. Sir, there are a total of 33 joint ventures for MRTC contracts. Just for purposes of a comparison, there are a total of 40 contracts awarded to Singapore companies and 44 awarded to foreign companies. Out of the 33, because of the relative competitiveness, only 3 joint ventures were awarded with preferential margin available to the local company. The total value of the contracts awarded to the joint ventures is approximately $2 billion. So far the joint ventures have been reasonably successful. Only one joint venture, and this is the one where there was no necessity for any preferential margin to be invoked, had some problems. But it is not going to affect our construction at all because we will be proceeding with the Japanese partner who has undertaken to carry on with the contract. So the MRT construction would not be affected at all. Concerning the transfer of technology, there has been transfer of technology. The extent depends obviously on the individual joint ventures themselves, the ability on the part of the local partner to assimilate the technology and the extent of the joint partnership.”
“Sir, the Government is sensitive and conscious of the desire of the taxi drivers that the diesel tax should not be increased if their collections do not go up. This is the reason why the Government, way back in 1985, decided to impose only $1,100 instead of the original proposal for $6,600. This gradual introduction of the diesel tax permitted taxi drivers time to adjust. Sir, I am happy to note that the incomes or collections of taxi drivers have not stagnated at the situation when the introduction of new fares was made. I am happy to note that the collections of taxi drivers have indeed improved and improved quite significantly. Before the introduction of the diesel tax and the change in taxi fares, the figure given by me for 1984 was for taxi drivers operating one shift to have an average collection per month of $2,439. For the year 1985, when the economy was in a recession, the average collection after fare adjustments were made was $2,404. This represented a drop of about 1% of the collections by the taxi drivers. When the economy recovered in 1986, by only 2% or specifically 1.9% growth in the economy, the taxi driver's collection on the average per month increased by about 9%, relative to the 1984 figures, ie $2,656. So the taxi drivers are not in the difficult position that the Member for Bukit Timah has indicated. They are now much better off than they were before. And bearing in mind that large numbers of our workers in Singapore did not have significant increases in their wages in these last two years, the taxi drivers have been reasonably well off. As for two-shift drivers, the figure for 1984 that I gave in 1985 was $3,482 for taxis operating two shifts. Even during the recession in 1985, collection went up by about 4% to $3,612 per month.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, time is running out. I will try to be as brief as possible with the various points that were raised. The Member for Bukit Timah and the Member for West Coast spoke about the concern of taxi drivers with the coming into operation of the MRT trains. Sir, I share the Members' concern for the taxi drivers. As I have indicated, the taxi drivers operate a slightly different system from that of the buses. The apprehension felt by the taxi drivers with the coming operation of the trains is quite understandable. The Government will do its best to ensure that the taxi stands are available so that it will be easy for people to travel by taxis if they so wish. Sir, the problem is not so much the MRT trains. The greater problem is the unpredictability of our economy. When the economy does not grow, then people will have less money to spend. They will then save by travelling by buses rather than taxis. So the bigger concern should not be about the MRT operations because the MRT trains will be siphoning off, taking passengers off buses, more than taking passengers off taxis, though a certain number may probably occur. What is important is to ensure that our economy continues to grow and to continue to grow at a reasonable pace. That is the best insurance for all Singaporeans, including the taxi drivers. We will allow the transport system in Singapore, the buses, the MRT trains and the taxis, some time to settle down to the new travel pattern. People will make the appropriate adjustments. The diesel tax has already been announced way back in 1985. That is a policy to ensure that the tax anomaly between private cars and taxis will be corrected.”
“I understand it is taking positive steps to counter the adverse effects of MRT on the taxi-drivers when the MRT is in service. To overcome the resulting financial constrictions, COMFORT is, on the one hand, decreasing the pool of taxis by natural attrition to counter a drop in fares. On the other hand, it has drawn up a comprehensive plan of training to upgrade the quality of taxi service. It has also started a special savings plan to overcome any future financial problems taxi drivers may face in view of the MRT service. Taxi-drivers are particularly concerned about the Ministry's policy and plans on the prices of diesel fuel which will directly affect their daily living. So you can understand their concern and worry. At the moment the tax on diesel paid by the taxi operator is an indirect allowance given to the passenger, as the lower the diesel tax paid, the less taxi fare the passenger will have to pay. Therefore, the diesel tax should be hinged on the effective income of the taxi operator and should therefore be paid by the passenger. Therefore, I would urge that before the situation arises when the MRT comes into service, the Ministry should give the taxi operators a clear-cut assurance that it would not increase the diesel tax which will affect the livelihood of the taxi operators, so that they can have peace of mind now and feel safe when the national event of the commission of the MRT arrives.”
“Collectively, the three major statutory boards in the Ministry, namely, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Telecoms and Port of Singapore Authority, have already made available approximately a billion dollars of business to the private sector for participation. Dr Wang Kai Yuen (Bukit Timah)( In Mandarin): Mr Chairman, Sir, allow me to touch on the MRT and taxi services. First of all, I congratulate the Minister for his able leadership for the early launching of the MRT service at the end of this year so that the people will have a new choice of commuting which will cause fundamental changes to nation-wide communication services. Buses and taxis will supply supplementary services to the MRT in the service of our people. The challenge posed by the MRT will have an increasing burden on the minds of taxi-drivers. Let me here reflect their feelings. Mr Chairman, running a taxi is a rather tough job. Taxi drivers have to drive about in their taxis all day long. The amount of money they get depends on their effort, diligence and they are also subjected to traffic conditions, the weather and market forces. Although in recent years the conditions of taxi service and their income have been stabilized, they still cannot reach up to the standard which they enjoyed prior to April 1985 when taxi fares were drastically adjusted, resulting in a great reduction in passengers and earnings, so much so that even now their income could not still offset their losses. With the imminent service of the MRT, taxi-drivers cannot help but feel worried about the effect on their income. Mr Chairman, I am on the board of directors of COMFORT which is the largest taxi organization in our country.”
“Sir, I have indicated that economially, the trains would be viable. The important thing is to keep the costs down, and that is something that the consultants and the MRTC are working very hard at. Talking about privatization in general: yes, the statutory boards in the Ministry of Communications and Information are the more successful statutory boards. They have been making reasonable returns and therefore have been indicated as candidates that are worthy of closer study. My Ministry will arrange for these statutory boards that have been recommended by the Divestment Committee to have these studied carefully. Sir, I share the Member's point of view that it is extremely important that we move into this exercise very, very cautiously. As the Minister for Finance has indicated earlier on in the Budget Debate, the surpluses of the statutory boards will be taken back partially by the Minister for Finance. Other operating surpluses each year will also be charged at the corporate tax rate of 33%. This represents money available to the Consolidated Fund. If we do not carefully consider the consequences, the profits of the statutory boards which are to be converted into private companies, will not go to the Consolidated Fund (collectively the citizens of Singapore) but will go to the shareholders of the private companies. So we have to be extremely careful. I take note of the Member's advice that we should proceed with this particular exercise very cautiously. Meanwhile, Sir, the statutory boards in the Ministry will continue the process of permitting the private sector to participate in as many areas of activity as possible. We have done that quite extensively.”
“However, since the Member has raised it, my Ministry will take note of it and look at the issue very carefully, and if there should be advantages in formalizing this Committee or to convert it into one where there is much wider representation, the Ministry will certainly consider it. The Member asked about taxis and how they could be integrated. As I mentioned in the reply to questions raised the other day, taxis do not operate fixed routes. They are a personalized service, more akin to cars than to buses and trains. However, the Physical Infrastructure Integration Committee has representation from the taxi operators, from NTUC Comfort. Their job is to ensure that there are all these physical facilities at the MRT stations, wherever possible, so that it would be convenient for commuters to switch from one mode of transportation, whether it is from buses or from taxis, over to the MRT trains. The Member also raised the question of privatization, whether we ought to delay privatization of the MRT operating company. Sir, the objective is, if at all possible, to start off with a clean slate - have the company, have it listed, and have it operating the trains all from the very start. However, as I indicated the other day, we have only about nine months to go. The consultants have not completed their studies. They are about half way through. If they can complete it and if the company looks viable, that it is going to make a profit right from the word "Go", it is going to be possible to privatize it. If the consultants are unable to complete their studies because financial implications have not been completely resolved, then we may have to delay it for a while. But the Ministry's preference is to start off, if at all possible, on a clean slate.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Member for Fengshan touched on a number of points. The Member suggested the possibility of setting up an authority to oversee the integration. Up until now, a Committee has already been formed. This is not the formal statutory authority, as suggested by the Member for Fengshan, but a closed Working Committee with representatives from the MRTC and the bus companies, in particular SBS and TIBS. The Member for Fengshan asked for names of the committee. I indicated that I would provide him with that. Sir, with your permission, I would like to circulate the names of the Committee (Cols. 903 - 904), together with the names of the Physical Infrastructure Integration Committee, made up of representatives from a large number of different bodies. [Copies of documents circulated to hon. Members.] Committee - MRT/BUS INTEGRATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS (Cols. 903 - 904) Sir, up until now, they have worked together very closely with the common objective of ensuring that, having built the MRT, we will have it available and running soonest possible because we do not want to have a large amount of capital tied down, unable to have the trains start running, that we are delayed as a result of a lot of red tape, that we are delayed because many of the things that could have been resolved quickly and amicably have to go through a lot of processes at the different stages. Up until now, things have worked very well and I would like to state the Ministry's position that, if at all possible, we would like to have this continued without any disruption so that we will not delay the running of the MRT trains end of this year, in December.”
“Just one final word, Sir. What I am asking is that the Member give the members of the public the right to defend themselves if they so wish, and that is all that I am asking.”
“Sir, my advice to the Member for Potong Pasir is that he be extremely careful with the words that he said because the more he says the more words will be quoted back to him tomorrow. I shall arrange for a copy of it to be made available to the House and then I shall point out the words that he ought to repeat outside the House if he wishes to continue. Mr Chiam See Tong: Sir, if I repeat outside the House and if it is not libellous, what will the Minister say then? Unless you are sure of something, do not make me do it. You cannot ask me just to go and repeat something which is what I said in the House. Unless you are certain that what I said is libellous ---”
“Sir, the Member has been going round and round saying more or less the same thing. The only one point that has not been responded to is the so-called non-independent editorial policy of the newspapers. Again, I ask the Member for Potong Pasir if he is prepared to say outside of this House that the editors are not operating their own independent editorial policies. We are talking about small numbers of people now, no longer the press in general which we will allow the Member for Potong Pasir to get away with. He can smear the entire press. But when he starts narrowing down and starts smearing smaller and smaller numbers of people, and going on to individuals, then I think he owes it to the members outside of this House to repeat it outside the House.”
“Unless the Member is going to provide evidence that there are reporters who are not reporting the truth, as he claimed in this specific instance.”
“Sir, the Member did attack a specific individual and we shall be looking at the records this evening. When the records are available, I would suggest that he would either apologize to the particular individual, the senior sub-editor, or he should repeat it outside of this House.”
“No, I am not accusing you of schizophrenia. Sir, this morning we are back to the old Member for Potong Pasir again. The Member for Potong Pasir that attacked the Press. It is not at all unexpected. From the way he debates we expect that, from attacking the press generally, he will move on to attacking individuals. And a moment ago we have him standing up and telling us about a particular journalist who spoke to him, a sub-editor, a senior journalist in his words, who knew the truth about the situation and wrote an article, not conveying that same truth. Sir, I stood up a moment ago and pointed out that the Member should not be attacking individuals. If he wants to attack the press, let him do so. If he wishes to attack the Government, let him do so. The Government will reply. But when he attacks a specific individual, he should be man enough to repeat outside whatever he says in this House so that that particular sub-editor will have the opportunity to defend himself and defend his good name. That is what we expect of hon. Members in this House. He can continue to attack anyone of us in this House, whether he is a Minister or a Backbencher, we are here to reply. But he should not, (I repeat) he should not attack somebody outside of this House.”
“Sir, the Member is present in the House. If he wants to, he is well able to defend himself. Then this morning again, Sir ---”
“Sir, what we are seeing is a display of somersaulting of views, representative of schizophrenia.”
“I give way to you too. Mr Chiam See Tong resumed his seat.”