Yeo Toon Chia
Singapore
“Sir, is it not possible for the Ministry to work with the grassroots leaders to provide some health care service for the senior citizens, especially for those over 65 years old? I know that the polyclinics provide the normal check-ups but the time wasted in queuing up at the polyclinics is very long, especially in the mornings.”
“Sir, will the Minister consider to develop the following plots of land which have been vacant for many years: (1) vacant land in front of the mosque along Avenue 3; (2) vacant land opposite Block 150 along Avenue 5; (3) vacant land opposite the market at Block 226 along Street 22; (4) vacant land next to Townsville Primary School along St…”
“Sir, I know that most of the Government hospitals and clinics would advise the public about the charges. How about the private clinics? I strongly feel that the private clinics should display their charges, especially the common illnesses, so that the general public would know that they are not being over-charged by the doctors.”
“Sir, could the Minister ask the restructured hospitals to present statements of accounts to Parliament? Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, the hospitals are private companies owned by the Government and their accounts are published every year. If Members of Parliament wish to have them, I can arrange for Members to receive their annual reports.”
“To ensure that surgeons and consultants are not preoccupied with only the private patients, perhaps the Ministry should consider extending the Consultancy Fee Scheme (CFS) to cover subsidised patients as well. In this regard, I would like to hear from the Minister what plan does his Ministry have to modify this CFS scheme.”
“With our aim to be the centre of medical excellence, the challenge for the Ministry is not only to acquire all the latest medical technology, medical equipment and the best doctors, but also to be able to produce friendly, dedicated and compassionate nurses.”
The complete record
Every one of 181 lines we hold for Yeo Toon Chia, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 4.
“Sir, some supplementary questions. The fact that the majority of daily-rated workers have to take on odd jobs or a second job shows proof that their present salary is not enough. I know that in 1979 I requested the Minister for Finance to consider converting the daily-rated employees to monthly-rated status. As I mentioned just now, the Ministry of Finance seems to be satisfied with the present employment conditions. But I feel that with such an acute labour shortage and a wage structure of a yearly increment of 10 to 15 cents per day, it is not fair to the present workers. Perhaps we are taking advantage of their low level of education. I would like to urge the Minister to consider negotiating with the Ministry of Finance for a better wage structure for this group of people who are doing a good job for us. 5.00 p.m.”
“It may be because there are not many complaints, possibly due to the substantial wage increase recommended by the NWC for the last two years. The daily-rated workers may keep their mouths closed for another year as the NWC may recommend a last good increase for this year. But how about the year after and so on? With this spiralling inflation resulting in a high cost of living on the one hand and a very tight labour market on the other, will this group of workers stay on with an average yearly increment of 10 cents to 15 cents per day? Sir, I would like to urge the Ministry of the Environment, being the biggest single employer of about more than 6,000 temporary and daily-rated workers, to consider negotiating with the Ministry of Finance to convert this group of workers into monthly-paid permanent staff or, if this is not feasible, then a better and more realistic salary scale should be worked out. Otherwise we may well end up with a dirty, messy and smelly city one day.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head M be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead MB-02 Object Group 1310 of the Main Estimates. Sir, in moving this amendment, I am not going to complain against the temporary and daily-rated staff, but rather to compliment the Ministry of the Environment for the good work in keeping a clean and green Singapore. For this, we must of course thank the daily-rated workers who have contributed significantly to the cleanliness of our city - sweeping the roads, drains, parks and beaches, collecting nightsoil and other disposal services. Sir, for all this work done, the average wage of a daily-rated refuse collector is $10.50 up to a maximum of $12 per day, with a yearly increment of 15 cents per day and for a cleansing worker, it is $8.45 per day up to a maximum of $9.75 per day with a yearly increment of 10 cents per day. A daily-rated worker works, on average, 26 days a month which works out to be roughly $220 to $315 per month. This amount is grossly insufficient to meet the rising cost of living resulting in most of the workers having to rely on another job to make ends meet. Sir, most of the daily-rated workers are either illiterate or poorly educated. Because of a lack of education they are in the most unfortunate group of workers. We should not take advantage of their ignorance by giving them such a low salary scale for the good work done for us. Rather we should realize the present labour shortage and look ahead to provide them with a more reasonable wage structure so that they will be induced to stay on to keep our island a pleasant place to live in. Sir, I understand the Ministry of Finance is satisfied with the present employment conditions of the daily-rated workers.”
“Sir, I really do not know whether I should withdraw the amendment since it has been pointed out that the matter of conversion could be ultra vires. Anyway, I am happy with the reply given by the Hon. Minister and I hope that he will convey what the hon. Member for Jalan Kayu has said to the Finance Minister. In future, the Minister should make sure that funds must be approved by the House before extending them to statutory boards. Sir, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head X be reduced by $10 in respect of project 8304 of Subhead Code XB-01 of the Development Estimates. Sir, in moving this amendment, I wish to seek clarification from the Minister on the need to convert the existing loan of $105 million to the Sentosa Development Corporation into a grant. Is it because the Corporation is running at a loss and cannot generate enough revenue to pay the interest on the loan? Will the Hon. Minister enlighten the House on the present standing of the Corporation? Sir, I notice that, under Development Expenditure, an additional sum of $5.8 million is allocated to the Sentosa Development Corporation for the development of infrastructural facilities on Sentosa island. Can the Hon. Minister give some more details on the type of facilities that will be provided and, whether these facilities will cater for the general public or will they cater only a section of the population, like the present Sentosa Golf Club members? Can he give an assurance that, with the addition of $5.8 million, we can expect more visitors to Sentosa island and an increase in revenue?”
“Sir, a lot of our manufacturers complained about the too stringent and bureaucratic procedures adopted in processing applications for loans under the Capital Assistance Scheme. Would the Minister like to comment on this, and whether he would ask the EDB to review its procedures for application for grants under the Capital Assistance Scheme?”
“Sir, could the Minister give the number of companies, local as well as foreign, which were given grants under the Capital Assistance Scheme?”
“Sir, I am very pleased with the answer given by the Hon. Minister. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment by leave, withdrawn.”
“The existing Orchard Mall where pieces of an by local artists are displayed in the showcases is one example of an otherwise ordinary pedestrian walk made into an attractive place for both Singaporeans and tourists. Sir, because of the prime locality of this Canal, would the Hon. Minister elaborate on the plans for reconstructing the Canal and whether this project will require the acquisition of land of existing buildings and schools along the Canal?”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head M be reduced by $10 in respect of Project 8108 of Subhead Code M D-02 of the Development Estimates. Sir, Stamford Canal runs through one of the busiest places in Singapore. On one side of the canal is Stamford Road and not far away, is Orchard Road. Along these roads there are many tourist shops and places of national pride and of tourist interest, such as the National Museum and the National Library. As such, I feel that when reconstructing this Canal, we should also improve its appearance, especially the stretch from the mouth of the Canal to the YMCA building. With the skill of the architects of the Ministry of National Development, I am sure the appearance of this Canal could be enhanced while serving its purpose. The combined efforts of the Ministries of National Development and the Environment would surely make this Canal more interesting. An hon. Member: How?”
“Sir, will the Hon. Minister give the figures of the present capacity of production of sand and bricks, and what will be the increased volume of production?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am happy to inform the Minister that the new community centre in Ang Mo Kio is likely to be completed by the end of this year. With this new community centre, there will definitely be enough space for a mobile library. Will the Minister consider providing this mobile library service by the end of this year when the new centre is completed?”
“Sir, from the figures given of the number of provisional motorcycle driving licences issued since January 1979, we can see that the monthly average is 3,000. Can the Hon. Minister enlighten this House how many of the 3,000 provisional licence holders sat for the test? Will the Minister consider giving them time to sit for and pass the test so that there will be less PDL motorcyclists on the roads?”
“Sir, I think it is a very good idea if the Minister concerned can give us a list of the offenders and the demerit points awarded to all these offenders, especially when we, as Members of Parliament, find it very difficult to deal with the public when they come to see us about these matters. Sometimes, a lot of these cases are left to the discretion of the Traffic Police. I believe that with such a list of demerit points given to such offenders, it will be very much easier for us to explain to the public.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Minister enlighten this House on the criteria used in deciding the suspension period of the motorists? Mr Ong Teng Cheong: Mr Speaker, Sir, it all depends on the nature and the seriousness of the offence committed by the motorist. As I have mentioned sometime ago in this House, if a motorist commits only minor offences, such as crossing double white lines or forming up in the incorrect lane when turning left or right, and if it is the first time he accumulated 12 or more points on offences of this nature, then there will only be warning letters. There will be no suspension. The suspension can stretch up to a maximum of six months if the offences committed are of a serious nature. I do not know whether the Member wants me to go into the details on the types of offences and the combination of points in order to come to a decision on the period of suspension.”
“A supplementary question, Sir. Will the Minister inform the House whether the applicant has to pay any fees when submitting his application? If so, how much does he have to pay?”
“Sir,I would like to clarify this point. In fact, my kindergartens are utilising the void decks provided by the Housing and Development Board. We have two blocks of buildings with such partitions.”
“Sir, in addition to the playing field to be constructed at the vacant land fronting Block 214, is there any plan to build a sports complex in the Ang Mo Kio constituency?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Senior Parliamentary Secretary said that action has been taken to issue hawker licences to some, but not to all citizens who are affected by resettlement. Can the Parliamentary Secretary inform this House under what circumstances is allocation of stalls made, and so far how many of those who are affected by resettlement have been given hawker licences?”
“As technical training and communication services will develop into new dimensions in this world, we should be able to make the best use of our existing infrastructure and other facilities in Singapore to assist in the mutual economic development of Southeast Asia. We can become a kind of financial and service centre or a factor for the development of economic prosperity and political stability in this region. In this way, we will not only be able to bring more wealth to Singapore but also provide better life for our people. Sir, the total expenditure of the new financial year comes to $5,459 million with a deficit of $1,500 million. According to the Finance Minister, from this figure, we have earmarked $2,708 million for development purposes, to assist and stimulate our economic recovery. For the new financial year the total revenue of about $3,362 million will be sufficient to cover current expenditure. He further points out that we have already laid a sound foundation for our long term economic development and for a 6 - 8% economic growth rate in the coming financial year. I hope that our financial position will move ever onward, and I also like to express my support on behalf of my constituents for the Minister's Budget for the new financial year. 5.38 p.m.”
“There is, therefore, the need to step up a national export bureau to provide co-ordination in our export activities and to take charge of all services related thereto such as tariff exemption. export capital transference, export credit insurance, information collection, data dissemination, market research. etc. There should be more incentives and facilities to be provided for export promotion. Mr Speaker, Sir, we should have this national export bureau to provide our local industrialists and traders services and information and data to enable them to better understand the potential world markets so that they will be better equipped in their efforts to promote exports. This is a matter for immediate attention. Sir, because we have international trade we are vulnerable to changes in the world economy, and therefore our industrialists and management must be able to make a quick and immediate response to changes in the world economy. There should be more flexibility in our economy so that we will be able to weather through difficult situations that may arise in the horizon. We should have this kind of able management personnel who would be able to handle our future commercial and industrial affairs and successfully develop further our economy. Sir, following the greater economic cooperation among the ASEAN countries, there has been more commercial and industrial development in this region. Consequently, there is a greater need for more capital, industrial aid, managerial and technological knowhow. consultancy service, economic research and other services. This will further develop our financial and other services enhancing our financial position.”
“industrial powers like Japan and West Germany have in the short space of 20-30 years after the War relied gainfully on the supply of foreign capital and technological knowhow, coupled with the hard work and the assiduous learning of their peoples to become advanced industrial countries in the world. Sir, capital is an important factor in generating economic development. Therefore, for our continued economic development, we must create a favourable investment climate for our industries, just as the Minister has suggested in his Budget statement a third item of tax concession to strengthen our position as a financial centre to attract more capital to stimulate our economic development. Sir, we must also change the traditional investment habit of our local entrepreneurs. We have to inject more confidence in our local people for investments in our industries and provide the necessary service and safeguard relating thereto. After more than three years of very serious economic recession, even developed countries as well as developing countries in the world are taking proper steps to stimulate their domestic economy and to cut down unemployment. So they step up their efforts in export in order to increase foreign exchange earning. Therefore, competition has been very keen in the world markets. In order to keep the competitiveness of our economy in the world markets, we should improve the quality of our products, raise our labour productivity and cut down on production costs. In this way, we will be able to produce cheaply and compete effectively in the world market. In addition, we must also launch an offensive to get into hitherto neglected markets. including the oil producing countries.”
“But in the earlier stages of industrialisation the programme was carried out on a smaller scale and the production was meant only for consumption in Singapore and Malaysia. It had also been based mainly on light industries, such as food processing and the production of consumer goods. It is only in the recent four or five years that our industrialisation has entered a new phase, both in terms of capital and technology. We have since made great improvements quantitatively and qualitatively and our products have been exported to Southeast Asian countries. EEC countries and other parts of the world. But, unfortunately, the greater part of the capital and factories in Singapore are in the hands of foreign entrepreneurs. Local entrepreneurs take only a very minor place in our industries, although the Economic Development Board has an office on the promotion of joint ventures. where it collects and distributes information and data and renders assistance to prospective investors in joint ventures in order to promote our economic growth. But how many projects have materialised and are running smoothly under this scheme? I do not know. Local entrepreneurs do not seem to play a great part under the scheme. So our main task in the long-term interest of Singapore is to try and encourage more local capital to take the place of foreign capital in the major industrial sectors of Singapore. Sir, no country in the world can remain isolated in its economic development by depending solely on its resources, natural or manpowerwise. It will also have to depend on external sources. For example.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the 1973 oil embargo and the quadrupling of oil prices brought about in 1974 and in 1975 world economic recession, production decline and trade stagnation. There was a widespread decline in the economic growth of advanced countries in the world, in some cases there was even zero growth. Although there were signs of recovery from the world economic recession. in the first half of 1976 there was fear amongst the major industrial countries that too rapid a recovery might spark off another spate of inflation resulting in their taking preventive measures. Consequently, there was slower economic growth in the second half of 1976. Against this background it is encouraging to note that the Minister for Finance has reported a 7% economic growth in 1976 in his Budget Statement announced on the 28th of last month. Mr Speaker, Sir, after the war the sophisticated but high profit new industries like the oil industry, the petro-chemical industry and the electronic industry in the advanced countries have been fully developed. As a result of rising costs of raw materials and energy coupled with the growth in population, the costs of production have mounted and because of the growth in population consumption has been greater. With this trend there is going to be a shortage of raw materials if there is no recycling of used materials. So it will be quite impossible for the advanced countries to reach a double digit economic growth in the years to come. It will also be quite difficult for Singapore to achieve fast economic growth as in the early 70s. Mr Speaker, Sir, over the past decade there have been industrialisation efforts in Singapore.”
“Why can we not allow certain categories of workers to be paid monthly and to let them enjoy the same working conditions as others? There should not be any discrimination in the labour force. Sir, each one of us must contribute our best in order to get the reward according to our worth. We should also try our best for rewards according to our labour, so that better recognition may be given to the importance of the labourers, who are the less fortunate lot, in our nation building. We should create an amiable environment and better working conditions for all workers so that they may enjoy a better livelihood and the good things in life, so that they can be proud of themselves. We should enable all our nationals who are contributing to the Central Provident Fund to utilise their contributions to buy their own flats and be contented with their lot, so that they could think of themselves as part-owners of Singapore and feel secure and happy living in Singapore. Perhaps, we should go a step further by making a survey of their monthly needs, how much they spend a month on a family of four or five members so as to determine their cost of living. On this basis we should formulate their monthly wages so that they may get the necessary means for their basic livelihood and survival, adapting themselves to the environment and be happy and contented in their career and their lot. Finally, on behalf of my constituents, I thank the President for his Address. 3.07 p.m.”
“Since her foundation, upon which strenuous efforts had been made, education has been spread quite widely and the general level of education of the people is also rising, hopefully to a high standard. But with a short history and a limited economy, we cannot produce a greater number of people with a high level of education. Differences in level of education make for differences in life-style and career expectations, resulting in the fortunate and the unfortunate. The few fortunate people can enjoy the benefits of higher education and reap greater wealth. They are the ones who are better able to give of their best with higher performance, and of course, they get higher rewards. The others, however, those unfortunate ones with poor education and who come from poorer families who have been toiling hard all their lives contributing their best, because of their circumstances and without the benefit of higher education, still cannot reach the higher bracket of reward according to their performance, however hard they exert themselves. Sir, so far we have issued hundreds of thousands of work permits to foreign labourers to work in our industries. In the long run, are we sure whether foreign labour will serve our national interest, or will they not bring about more social problems and other burden to us? There is a saying that rather than depend on others, we should depend on our ownselves. For long term social security and in the interest of our nationals, we should look into the reasons why our own citizens do not want to join the labour force. Perhaps we should improve the working conditions of the workers. Why should certain workers be required to work 30 days a month, while others only 24 days?”
“For instance, in January this year a family in Bukit Merah was hard-pressed financially. The householder, an elderly widow, was a hawker but she was not given a licence to hawk. Being unable to make ends meet, the mother and daughter shut themselves in the flat and burned themselves to death. This very pitiful incident calls for our attention, however rare it may be in our society. When the officers come across cases of extenuating circumstances, they should inquire into them and lend a helping hand in getting them a hawker's licence or liaising with Social Welfare Department. The people concerned should also get in touch with the MP or the CCC in that area so as to avail themselves of better means to help solve their problems. However, it is a pity that out of so many thousands of officers in the various Government departments such as the Hawkers Department, the HDB, and the PUB there was hardly any one who ever tried to come out to study the problems of the unfortunate people and to render help to such people who are in difficulties. Sir, it is correct to stress in the Presidential Address that we must get from each his best and give to each according to his performance, since Singapore is a tiny island without any natural resources. Our only resource is manpower in spite of our excellent geographical position and rewarding entrepot trade. Even the footpath is formed by constant trodding. So everything has to depend on our human resources. As we have no other resources, our able political leadership has to mobilise the whole population and consolidate their boundless energy and strength into a concerted effort in nation building and economic progress of our country. Sir, Singapore is a new country.”
“When the HDB heard about this, they finally allowed him to return to his flat. The HDB could have been more tolerant and liaised with the Social Welfare Department for help. This illustrates the unsympathetic attitude on the part of the HDB. On another occasion, in September last year it was reported in the newspapers that the HDB issued notices to applicants of flats inquiring whether they would be carrying out renovation works to the kitchen and toilet with mosaic. The notice asked for a reply within 10 days failing which their right to apply for the flat would be cancelled. Sir, this is too harsh on them. Many applicants receive the notice late, as the date for a reply stamped on the notice has expired; if not, only a few days left to reply. Moreover, the notice `does not state how much more price they have to pay after such renovation works. In the end, the applicants are confounded over the whole thing and do not know what to do. So they blame the Government. Sir, in our meet-the-people sessions in the various constituencies we find a great number of such complaints. The attitude of the HDB in dealing with such cases is really too harsh. It should be rectified and improved. All notices and administrative action formulated by the HDB should be considered by Government leaders before promulgation. We are told that by 1980 about 75% of the population of Singapore, namely two million people, will be housed in HDB flats. They will decide in future which Party should be returned to power, who will form the government. If we do not think about these matters, the consequences may be unsavoury. Sir, perhaps we need not dwell too much on the efficiency and ability of Government officers.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the President in his speech at the opening of this Parliament said that the People's Action Party has once more been returned to power, securing some 72.4% of the votes, the highest ever recorded. With this overwhelming support, the PAP Government has to exercise its power with circumspection and moderation. The President also said that all major policies and legislation will have to be closely scrutinised before implementation. This is quite to the point, and it expresses the desire of the people. In fact, other than some statutory boards, the legislation of most government departments has been brought up to Parliament for scrutiny and debate. But the problem arises after its debate in Parliament when it is put into practice. There will be certain aberrations and inconsistencies in the administrative process, where officers concerned usually shirk their duty, thinking that by doing less fewer mistakes will be made, and that if they did nothing they would not commit any mistakes at all. So in the end, the voters will get nowhere. They would have wasted their time and money in dealing with the Government departments. Officers in some Government departments are just nonchalant in their attitude and keep themselves away from their post. They make no attempt to try to understand the problems and the needs of the people. Instead they cause the people unnecessary inconvenience. Let me quote some examples. In October last year, the newspapers stated that one, Chou Tieng Shiang, living in a HDB flat was suffering from some chronic illness and could not work and therefore could not pay his rental. He was subsequently evicted by the HDB. When this appeared in the press, members of the public rallied round to help him.”
“In order to prevent a short circuit of those underground cables and lamp-posts and thus endangering people who frequent the basketball court, I would like the Minister to direct the People's Association to take immediate measures to repair the lighting system, and to ensure that the People's Association does not delay by making any excuses. If anyone is electrocuted in the meantime, remedial action will be too late and the consequences will be tragic.”
“To raise funds for a rubbish centre, the CC considered following the example of other CCs by staging a concert where famous singing stars could be invited to take part and where senior officers from the People's Association together with other luminaries could also attend, and there would be no problem of raising enough money to build 20 to 30 rubbish centres. However, the high and haughty People's Association did not come to help, and moreover, the Management Committee did not want to bend themselves so low as to be sycophantic in their attitude. Therefore, nothing came out of that proposal. Since the People's Association said they had no money, therefore, the Management Committee suggested that the People's Association should ask the Minister for Finance, through the Ministry of Culture, to allocate the necessary funds for the building of the rubbish centre. Sir, under my amendment, I would like the Minister to explain why the sum of $348,500 out of last year's allocation for CCs was not utilised. Under FY 76, there is an allocation of $1 .1 million for the use of community centres. I would like the Minister to tell us whether a rubbish centre for my constituency costing about a thousand dollars is included under such allocation, so that in the end the Building Control Division will be able to issue a certificate of fitness for the whole building. I have to seize this opportunity to make a direct plea to the Minister. At the beginning of this year, the Management Committee wrote to the People's Association to say that the lighting for the basketball court was always out of order due to some fault with the underground cables. Repairs would cost about $3,000 to $5,000.”
“Sir, let me avail myself of this opportunity to inform the Minister how the People's Association carries out its under-cover activities. In September or October last year, in order to meet the requirements of the Building Control Division, in respect of the construction of a rubbish collecting centre and so qualify for a certificate of fitness, the People's Association did not consult the Management Committee on the CC officials. They decided to build the rubbish collecting centre by the side of the cooking c ass at a cost of about $1,600. They notified the Management Committee about this. After a meeting, the Management Committee felt that the rubbish centre should not be built beside the cooking classroom as the ground there is used for tea parties and other functions, and especially in the evenings when many people come to this place for recreation. So the Management Committee suggested that the rubbish ground should be built on a site adjacent to the sewing classroom on the night. The Association replied that if the rubbish collecting centre was sited elsewhere, it would require a new plan from the architects and this would delay the construction and would also mean an increase in costs, and the People's Association had no money. So unless the Management Committee was prepared to foot the bill, their suggestion could not be approved. Sir, such an arrogant and harsh reply on the part of the Association was really uncalled for.”
“For example, the MCs and CCCs offer scholarships, bursaries and so on and also there are other commercial and professional organisations which also have got scholarships, bursaries to develop academic pursuits and talent for our country. TV Singapore should capture and publicise all these awards including the award ceremony so that the people are made aware of such events as they are good for our society. There are also a lot of heroic acts. For example, someone has saved a life; this taxi-driver has found a lot of money from his taxi and has returned all of it to the owner. We should publicise and encourage such acts of heroism and honesty in our TV programmes so that the younger generation and all other members of our society will be inculcated with the right attitude and sense of social responsibility. This is good for the society and is important. 5.00 p.m. We are in the process of nation building. We should instil in our people a liking for work and service. I think our TV programme should also in this respect stimulate our younger generation into developing this trait for work and service, perhaps by devising some slogans in this direction. Though we cannot get money by refusing commercial advertisements, we can make up by better usage of the time to stimulate the correct value and attitude among our younger generation. This will be relevant and conducive to the well being and productivity of our country. This will also be of great help in our future development.”
“Sir, I would like to bring up the matter of commercial advertisements under my amendment but it has already been brought up by other Members. Sir, on advertisements. I entirely agree with the Member for Jalan Kayu. Just now the Minister said that if a company is prepared to pay a high advertising rate, it will increase our revenue and that it is very difficult to refuse the advertisement. This is not correct. If a very big company is willing to pay a very high price for the whole lot of advertising time for its commercial advertisements, like what the Member for Jalan Kayu has said, the Jean and Coke culture, where you see the youngsters swaying their hips along the road, this is no good. This will affect our second generation. This will lead to a lot of trouble. Sir, there are other certain commercial advertisements like Mortem insecticide, The advertisement says it does not harm human beings. But we know that insecticide contains DDT, and it is poisonous. This is no good. This is not a healthy commercial advertisement. The Programmes Section of TV Singapore must select and censor such advertisements. If we do not have such censorship or selection, then such advertisements will harm our people. Otherwise the advertisers will take Singaporeans to be idiots. Sir, I would like to touch on national campaigns. We have a lot of slogans such as those on National Day which stimulate our people to respond to our national call for economic development and social progress. Such slogans should be included in our TV programmes as often as possible. In addition, there are organisations that work in the society for meaningful purposes.”
“Sir, I am not happy with the Minister's reply. It costs about $3 million to construct the Club. I think we should try to allow more people to enjoy the facilities of a good club. Instead of limiting it, it should open its membership to more people. No doubt income from entrance fees will be reduced, but with a larger membership the total collection of fees will equalise the figure and it can still maintain the Club house.”
“Sir, from tie reply given by the Minister, we can see that the entrance fee is rather high. Will the JTC consider reducing the entrance fee so that more people will be able to enjoy the facilities provided by the Jurong Country Club?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, may I ask what are the determining factors in granting a lease of, say. 10 years. 20 years or 30 years? Does it depend on the amount of capital invested and the type of industry? Can the Minister enlighten us on this?”
“(15) That the sum to be allocated for Head O be reduced by $10 in respect of item (f) of subhead BBA 8115.”
“To keep pace with this rate of growth, the Authority is investing vast sums of money on equipment and cables as follows: Financial Capital Expenditure Year Million $ 1971 35.7 1972/73 29.9 1973/74 27.6 1974/75 53.6 1975/76 (estimate) 108.0 1976/77 (budgetted) 152.0 As development gathers momentum, the waiting list for telephones which is now 1 5.4% of total lines installed would be brought down progressively to just over 10% by the end of this year, and to 8% by the end of 1977. The Authority's long-term objective is to keep the waiting list to about 5%.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I thank the Minister for his detailed reply, which will give consumers a clear idea on how to calculate their consumption rates. TELEPHONE APPLICATIONS ON WAITING LIST (Particulars) 3. Mr Yeo Toon Chia asked the Minister for National Development and Communications if he will ascertain from the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore the number of applicants for telephones on the waiting list on 1st March, 1976; the average number annually of applicants for telephones and the number of telephones provided by the Authority since 1971; and what plans the Authority has to meet the increasing demand for telephones. The Minister of State for Communications (Mr Ong Teng Cheong) (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, as at 1st March, 1976, there were a total number of 32,082 applicants waiting for telephones. The number of applications for telephones and the number of telephones provided by the Authority since 1971 are as follows: Applications Direct telephone lines installed 1971 21,715 19,864 1972 27,098 20,257 1973 35,894 24,244 1974 40,876 25,240 1975 48,879 33,612 With increasing urbanisation and affluence, the growth in demand for telephone services had been phenomenal. In the 10 years since 1966, applications for telephones have almost increased five-fold from 11,000 to 51,000 today. The number of exchange lines installed has more than tripled from 64,000 to 210.000 today. Likewise, the number of people waiting for telephones has also increased. Actual growth is running at the rate of 20% per year while projected growth was only 1 5% per year.”
“To improve the situation, it is suggested that immediate action should be taken to partition off the frontage and air-condition the area. By doing so, it will reduce the noise pollution from the traffic outside. Moving on to the main concourse passengers are again faced with the over-crowded area because of the congestion. Announcements of departures at times could not be heard and passengers either miss their flight or the departure is delayed. The departure transit hail is also very congested. There are not enough benches for the passengers to sir and some of them either have to move around or even sit on the floor. `lopping it off is the fact that there is a lack of signboards, not only in this area but also in the whole terminal, to guide passengers. Sir, 1 am most concerned that with about 60 services operating at the Singapore International Airport this state of affairs should have been allowed to remain. Some of the areas in the terminal were constructed to cater for small domestic flights years ago. But with the fast growing air traffic and with affluent Singaporeans going abroad, the Singapore International Airport should expand and provide all necessary services and facilities to cater for the growing needs of passengers.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head O be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead CAA 1106*. ( *The same amendment also stood in the names of Messrs P. Govindaswamy and N. Govindasamy ). Sir, tourism is a budding industry in Singapore with a million people passing through Singapore annually. The Singapore International Airport is the place that gives the passenger his first impression on arrival and last impression on departure. On arrival a passenger is immediately accorded all the facilities and services. But when he leaves, the good impression that he had on arrival would be rudely disturbed when he finally boards the plane. Sir, Singaporeans and tourists alike leave Singapore at all times of the day via the Singapore International Airport. During the peak hours the check-in counters are very congested, and the passengers have to squeeze their way through the crowds of well-wishers. The check-in sometimes takes as long as 30 to 45 minutes, and during this time the passengers have to wait in discomfort. Not only is this area extremely inadequate to cater for the growing number of passengers but the atmosphere is also humid which the passengers have to endure before clearance. Of course, this check-in area is not air-conditioned. But it is ironical to note that the electric fans on the pillars should be directed at the staff behind the counters, instead of at the passengers. After all, the passengers are paying a service charge of $10 which is the highest rate in this part of the world. Furthermore, they are also made to feel the discomfort of the weather should there be a shower at this area, which is not partitioned off.”
“Sir, I am not fabricating all these complaints about the undue increase of PUB bills by 100-200%. In fact, on Friday, the 14th of March this year at my Meet-the-People session I met a member of the public who came to see me with his PUB bills. His monthly bills were at first $14.56 and then it increased to $51.88. So if it is necessary, I can give the Minister a photostat copy of the bills. Sir, I would like to thank the Minister for accepting my proposal to educate the consumers to take their own meter readings, as this will solve the problem and give a lot of convenience to the people. I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The sum of $5,247,700 for Head J ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. The sum of $54,120,800 for Head J ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. Head K -”
“Yes, I am talking first on the complaints about PUB bills, Sir. To the low income group people, it is a big burden to them. Sir, to meet the problem of shortage of staff and the dissatisfaction of the increasing number of consumers, and to rectify the situation to the satisfaction of both sides on a long term basis, I suggest that every household should be given the right to record their own consumption of public utilities so that this record can be used by the PUB to calculate the following month's bill. To do this the PUB should carry out publicity campaigns through the press and TV to tell the people how to record their bills correctly. To facilitate easy reading and recording, diagrams and instructions can be included in the PUB's monthly bills, also PUB meter-readers can turn up on the first such occasion to help the consumers record correctly and to avoid future contention. Through the mass media, the PUB should be able to educate members of the public on how to take readings of their consumption rates. All the necessary diagrams can be given to help the consumers to get proper readings and to submit them to the PUB for billing according to their own readings, and any adjustments may be made later against actual official readings. Mr Speaker, Sir, at my Meet-the-People sessions, I received complaints from members of the public that there had been irregularities and unnecessary increases in the PUB bills. Perhaps other Members of the House have also come across such complaints. Therefore, by education and other means of teaching consumers to take their own readings, we will be able to reduce the number of consumers' complaints and this will also help solve the PUB's shortage of meter-readers and other problems.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head J be reduced by $10 in respect of subhead AAA 8201. Sir, the more we deal with the daily affairs of the people, the more we meet with problems. It is inevitable. The PUB has to ensure the supply of water and electricity to 2.2 million people involving some 500,000 consumer accounts. The consumers are of different levels of education and have different capacities for understanding. The PUB has to depend on some 160 meter-readers to go from house to house to read the meters for the calculation of consumers' monthly bills. It is not an easy task for each meter reader to visit some 3,000 households to read meters to any degree of satisfaction. Therefore, most of the monthly bills give actual readings once in every two months or are based on the average consumption over three months. This mode of calculation is contained in the bills sent by the PUB to consumers for their information. Using the pretext of shortage of personnel or the wording as appearing on the bill in order to arrive at any calculation is groundless, inaccurate and unreliable. For instance, in the last year certain consumers' bills suddenly jumped by 100% to 200%. After enquiries by letter, the bill for the following month returned to normal. But after two or three months the bill would again increase by 200%. This is rather erratic and puzzling. To the rich people it does not matter very much, but to people in lower income group who have very tight budgets, it it very disturbing to have to meet the high cost of PUB bills.”
“Sir, perhaps during the period of their national service, in addition to the six months basic military and combat training, our national servicemen should be trained in all kinds of technology or in certain kinds of trade to match our development needs, so that upon the completion of their national service, these young people will be able to earn their livelihood or to work in certain activities of our economy, whether on their own volition or by deployment by the Central Manpower Base of the Ministry of Defence. This will prevent a waste of manpower, time and money. Mr Speaker, Sir, with the enlightened leadership in our Government and their rich experience, we have been able to achieve a growth rate of 7% last year, and in spite of world-wide economic recession our foreign reserves have been increased to $6~ billion. This indicates that with the support and unity of the people under a climate of political stability, we shall be able to continue to surmount all kinds of difficulties to ensure a healthy economy. In the coming year, in order to achieve a growth rate of 5-7% so as to build a stable society where every citizen will have an equal opportunity to live, learn, train and work according to his best and to his need, it is necessary to mobilise our people to continue to work hard, to be self-disciplined, thrifty and enterprising. Sir, on behalf of my Constituency, namely, Kampung Kapur, I would like to thank the President for his speech. 3.06 p.m.”
“We have been living in peace for so many years. We have not been affected by the ravages of war. Instead we have been able to live in peace and enjoy life so much so that the skill acquired during two years of national service has not been sufficient to meet the demand of our youngsters. Therefore, our youngsters would rather not undergo national service. Moreover, some parents are selfish and shortsighted. They feel that it is better not to have national service at all. Sir, the Addendum on the Ministry of Defence states that emphasis will be placed on the improvement on training, logistics administration and the better use of manpower. This is very correct. In the last few years, rapid urban renewal and other developments have resulted in a shortage of technical labour. We had to import all kinds of labour from abroad; hence the workers who were involved in industrial accidents were mostly foreigners. There is also an indication that most of the labour engaged in our construction industry have come from abroad, and that very few of our young citizens are interested in such work. In the event that foreign countries place a ban on the exit of this labour to Singapore because of their own need for construction workers or for political or national reasons, then our construction industry will come to a grinding halt or even paralysed.”
“, the staggered times for peak-hour travel and other traffic reforms will not provide a long-term solution to the transport problem. Therefore, I suggest that such high-rise buildings should be decentralised. Business enterprises and industries should be located in other parts 0' the island and not centralised in one small area. And in keeping with our long-term development aims, we should plan carefully for a better distribution of centres for Education, Commerce, Industry, Servicing, etc, so that the people may live, work, study and travel in the same centre or vicinity. This would save time and energy, so that they need not have to travel from east to west or from west to east to work, study or shopping. I believe such measures will help to solve our serious traffic problem. In the Addendum on the Ministry of Defence, it is stated: `The defence build-up is levelling off. Further improvement in our defence capacity will be achieved not by greater numbers but by higher quality.' In the past few years, the major portion of our Budget went to Armed Forces, enabling a build-up of our Armed Forces so that it can play a better role in defending and safeguarding our territorial integrity, our citizens and our property. National service has become a way of life of our young citizens. Although they undergo a service of only two years, the vigorous and disciplined military training has brought a moral sense of duty in our youngsters and has made them healthier citizens. They have been able to acquire the necessary know-how and expertise in military warfare. This will stand them in good stead in the event of war, when they will be able to take up arms to defend their country. This is very important. Sir, perhaps we have been lucky.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in his speech the President has said that the Government is going to take measures to encourage young couples to have their aged parents live with them. Firstly, this will minimise the problem of care for the old people. Secondly, it will enable the young couples to go out to work so that their children can be looked after by their grandparents. This has been well received by the young married couples. But I hope the Government will provide other facilities to encourage young couples to have their parents live with them. For example, there could be a priority in HDB fiat allocation, better designed flats and increasing the income tax relief for maintenance of aged parents. Mr Speaker, Sir, most big and busy cities are faced with the severe problem of traffic congestion. Singapore is no exception. As a result of rapid economic growth and high-rise urban redevelopment in the past few years, more and more high-rise buildings have been built in the City areas, thus attracting more business enterprises and workers into the CBD so that more and more people and cars fill up the road space in the City. But our road space is limited. During peak hours when both human and vehicular traffic flow in the same direction, this results in serious traffic congestion, waste of manpower, time and great financial loss. In view of this the Government will spare no effort to alleviate such pressing traffic problems and to achieve the final objective of setting up a Mass Rapid Transit system in order to solve our transport problem once and for all. Mr Speaker, Sir, if we allow more and more high-rise buildings to go up in the central city area of 4 sq, km.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the President, in his policy speech on the 21st February, has said that in 1974 the birth rate had gone down, to about 1.5%. Although experts had predicted that because many people had reached the fertility age there would be an increase in population, our birth rate in 1974 was lower than that for 1973. This shows the success of our family planning campaign. We have to continue to curb our population growth. Only then can we carry Out the various economic development projects. Only then can we ensure that our standard of living and the quality of our people in the next generation will be raised. From newspaper reports we learn that because of population explosion in many developing countries the people are living in poverty and filth and are starving by the roadside. Therefore, we in Singapore have to continue to work hard. This is especially so because we are only able to achieve a growth rate of 5-7%. In order to produce good citizens we have to provide them with adequate food, a decade of education and training and care by the family and the society. The old concept of "more children means more happiness" has no place in our new society, and those who bring up big families have themselves to blame. In fact, they are a burden and a stumbling block to the progress of our society. However, it is comforting to note that the Government has been successful in its family planning campaign, and with equality for women there is an increase in the employment of female citizens. There are more and more young unmarried women going to work. They know the disadvantages of bringing up big families. All these are a decisive factor in bringing down our birth rate.”