Yu-Foo Yee Shoon
Singapore
“I thank the Member for her suggestions. PRICING GUIDELINES ON CANTEEN FOOD FOR STUDENTS 19. Er Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Education (a) what are the Ministry's pricing guidelines on the sale of food to students in school canteens; (b) how does the Ministry balance the needs of the students and those of the canteen operators to mee…”
“[For vernacular speech, please refer to Appendix A*.] Sir, I would like to say that Mr Calvin Cheng must have thought deeply about what I have said. I have mentioned that 80% of singles actually wanted to get married. The responsibility of providing a social network used to be borne by the Government.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Centre-based Financial Assistance Scheme for Child Care (CFAC) and Kindergarten Financial Assistance Scheme (KiFAS) provide fee subsidies to help low-income families send their preschool children to childcare centres and kindergartens respectively.”
“The childcare philosophy is to encourage the women to work. We have already relaxed the criteria because for those housewives who send their children for half-day care, we would still help them, so that they can get half subsidy.”
“I think we can consider that. INCOME CEILING FOR CHILDCARE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEMES 16. Mdm Halimah Yacob asked the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports whether the Ministry will consider increasing the family income ceiling for eligibility to the Centre-based Financial Assistance Scheme for Child Care (CFAC) and Kinde…”
“Very soon. IMPROVING ROAD SAFETY FOR ELDERLY PEDESTRIANS 17. Mr Laurence Wee Yoke Thong asked the Minister for Transport (a) what are the measures in place to (i) promote the safety of elderly pedestrians, especially at traffic crossings; (ii) encourage the able-bodied public to assist the vulnerable frail elderly crossing alone; and (b)…”
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Every one of 618 lines we hold for Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 13 of 13.
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to comment on the part-time work which has been mentioned by the Minister. In the years ahead, part-time employment in Singapore is likely to increase. With a maturing population, there will be more retirees seeking employment. Also, with the recent policy of encouraging women to have more children, more women will seek part-time employment. In 1982, there were 12,000 female part-timers as compared to 16,000 in 1983. In 1986, there were 24,000 female part-timers out of a total of 41,000 part-timers. If we were to include the self-employed part-timers, such as tutors and domestic servants, the number will be even higher. However, despite the increase in the number of part-time workers, employers still express difficulty in getting part-timers. I think employers should not depend or call upon the Government to amend the present legislation to exclude part-timers. Instead, employers should try harder to recruit part-time workers by providing more attractive terms and conditions. We know that the Employment Act is working very well in providing a guideline for both employers and employees. We should therefore not sacrifice the principle of the Act to achieve one single objective. In considering what provision should apply to part-timers, the Ministry of Labour should maintain a balanced and objective view. Whilst the question of cost for employers is important, whatever terms provided must at the same time be fair and acceptable to workers. At present, part-time work is covered under the Employment Act. This should continue and under no circumstances must part-time work be excluded. I would like to suggest that the maximum number of working hours for part-timers be set at 25 hours.”
“Sir, will the Ministry allow two licensed hawkers of the same trade to share a stall if they have mutually agreed to do so? The second question is: since the Ministry is not going to build any new hawker centre, in order to allow those who need to operate a food stall for a living, will the Ministry allow private developers to build hawker centres? Mr Eugene Yap Giau Cheng: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in answer to the first question, the suggestion seems interesting enough. I will ask my officers to look into it. As regards the private development of hawker centres, there is already some arrangement of this sort. They are at Changi Hawker Centre, Scotts, Forum Galeria, and others. I do not see any reason why my Ministry should object to a group of private developers wanting to develop a hawker centre and run the business. REDUCED TAS TARIFFS (Revenue loss) 7. Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister for Communications and Information (a) whether he will inform the House about the reduction in tariffs that the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore had made to help businesses stay competitive; (b) what is the loss in revenue as a result of such reduction; and (c) whether more reductions are to be made in 1988.”
“Sir, in order to curb theft and vandalism in schools and also to allow the grassroots organizations to utilize the school facilities and at the same time provide employment for the retirees, will the Parliamentary Secretary consider allowing the schools to hire their own watchmen?”
“Does the Minister not agree that the 25% CPF contribution from the employee is money earned through the blood and sweat of the workers? Therefore, this money should be given greater priority than what is presently provided under the law when a company winds up.”
“To ask the Minister for Communications and Information whether the Port of Singapore Authority, following the example of the Housing and Development Board, will implement the free parking scheme on Sundays and public holidays for the World Trade Centre car parks.”
“I consider the present office at the Empress Place is no longer suitable. Has MUIS got any plans to acquire a new office which is more comfortable and modern,consonant with other developments in our Republic? 4.35 pm [Mr Deputy Speaker in the Chair]”
“In order to preserve the nation's image and also that of the Muslims in Singapore, I wish to make an appeal again to the Government not to delay any further work on improvement and renovation of the Habib Noh Shrine and Haji Salleh Mosque. Hopefully, there will be no need for me to raise this matter again next year. What are the steps that have been taken to expedite the renovation work? I hope to have clarification on the subject. Finally, upgrading of MUIS administration. Since the establishment of MUIS in 1968, the duties and responsibilities of MUIS have increased and expanded. I wish to know whether the present staffing position is adequate and what measures are being taken to further upgrade the quality and efficiency of MUIS staff. I think MUIS should not concentrate on routine administrative work. On the other hand, MUIS should plan and study important issues and how the issues are resolved and convey them to the Muslim community accurately and without any doubts whatsoever. A good example concerns the activities of the Fatwa Committee which should continue to activate itself and issue Fatwa or rulings for guidance as quickly as possible. It is noteworthy if MUIS could compile the rulings issued so far for the guidance of the local Muslim community. I think there is no need for MUIS to wait until the question is posed to them and then reply. One of MUIS's tasks is to collect and administer funds of the Muslim community for the construction of mosques in housing estates. The question I want to pose is: how does the Mosque Building Fund stand now in the light of the present economic recession? Will it affect MUIS's plan to continue to build new mosques in the second phase? Finally, Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to know about the MUIS's office.”
“Sir, I now move on to problems in connection with the Muslim Religious Council or MUIS. I would like to hear an explanation from the Minister on three matters. Firstly, the redevelopment of wakaf lands, secondly, improvement and renovation work of the Habib Noh Shrine and Haji Salleh Mosque and, thirdly, upgrading of MUIS administration. Concerning the redevelopment of wakaf land, I seek clarification regarding the type of existing wakaf and wakaf lands, and who are responsible for the redevelopment of these wakaf lands. What measures have been taken by MUIS to discuss with the Ministry of National Development and the trustees of these wakaf lands concerning the redevelopment of the wakaf lands in line with the development and redevelopment of urban areas or the districts concerned? My second question is on improvement and renovation of Habib Noh Shrine and Haji Salleh Mosque at Palmer Road. In the Budget debate last year, I raised a query concerning work on the improvement and renovation of Habib Noh Shrine and Haji Salleh Mosque at Palmer Road. As we have ourselves witnessed, both these historical buildings are in an advanced stage of dilapidation. The reply that I received was to the effect that Government had already approved expenditure to carry out the works. However, to date the condition of the two buildings remains unchanged. One year has elapsed and the condition of the buildings has deteriorated further. In fact, the Mosque tower where the moon crescent symbol is located is tilting and dangling. Mr Speaker, Sir, it must be remembered that besides being a place of worship, the Mosque and Habib Noh Shrine often become places of interest for Muslim tourists from neighbouring countries and from other countries also.”
“They have made sacrifices to turn up for training. Finding time to train is not a problem. Getting leave for overseas competition is a tougher nut to crack. There are many examples I can cite and such news have been carried by local newspapers. A badminton player is going to Jakarta to represent Singapore in the finals of the Thomas Cup. He has exhausted his leave. Therefore he will have to take future leave due to him. This means that the player concerned will have to work without vacation for a long time. Another example concerns a boxer. He gave up his job so that he could train and participate in the last SEA Games recently. He was fortunate. He ended up with a gold medal. Likewise, the table-tennis player who sacrificed her time to represent the State, time which should be used to prepare for her 'A' level examinations. The good news is that she brought home gold medals for Singapore. In other words, our sports personalities are prepared to go to great lengths to win glory for our country. If only our employers would match such a sacrifice in the national interest, this would be ideal. Sir, I also know that there are some employers who have been cooperative in giving time-off for training and granting leave to these sportsmen so that they can represent the nation. We are indeed grateful to such employers. What I hope is that the Ministry concerned should convey to the employers of these sportsmen to be more tolerant and to support our sportsmen so that they could represent the nation without worrying too much about their commitment and leave problems. They need the mental stability for this purpose. If we want more of our sportsmen to achieve glory, there must be all-round cooperation from all concerned.”
“In that case, I will speak later on. Encik Abbas Abu Amin (Pasir Panjang)( In Malay): Sir, I wish to touch on two matters. Firstly, matters concerning sports and, secondly, matters relating to the Muslim Religious Council of Singapore. First, I would like to declare my interest because I am a member of the Singapore Sports Council. Sir, last year I raised the question of the Government's loan of about $16 million for the building of the National Stadium at Kallang. I appealed for the loan to be treated as a grant by the Government on the same ground as that of the Sentosa Development Corporation. I do not intend to repeat the reasons for the appeal. I would only like the Minister for Community Development to pursue this matter again with the Minister for Finance so that the Singapore Sports Council can organize its sports activities more vigorously. The second matter is the floodlighting of the various athletic centres. I wish to appeal to the Minister to look into the possibility of providing floodlight facilities at some of the athletic centres in the bigger housing estates. With floodlights, more sports and games and competitions could be organized by the national sports organizations to attract more young people to participate in meaningful recreational activities. Another matter I would like to talk about concerns indoor stadium. Much talk and discussion has been generated and many sports officials and enthusiasts are looking forward to the realization of this long-awaited multi-purpose indoor stadium. I would like the Minister to let us have more details on the progress and development made so far for the construction of the proposed indoor stadium. Finally, the plight of sportsmen. We all know that our sportsmen are ordinary citizens and not professionals.”
“Last year, the Ministry introduced a scheme to subsidize low-cost centres. It has also provided a flexible budget for this scheme depending on supply and demand. However, to-date, only two low-cost centres with a total capacity of 140 places have been set up. Considering the number of low-cost centres needed, the setting up of low cost child care centres is certainly growing at a very slow pace. I would therefore like to propose that the Ministry of Community Development monitor the development of low-cost centres closely. The Ministry should review the policy of leaving low-cost centres solely to the private sector. The Ministry may have to consider setting up and operating low-cost centres itself on a national scale. Sir, I have another amendment under this Ministry. Can I continue in Mandarin, Sir?”
“Sir, in 1983, there were only 34 child care centres for 2,144 children before the age of 6. Today, there are 91 centres, an increase of 170% compared to 1983. They cater for 5,417 children. The Ministry of Community Development should be commended for this increase of more than 3,000 child care places in less than three years. Efforts to increase the number of centres were made to meet the need for female workers in a tight labour market. As recommended by the Economic Committee, we should increase the female labour force participation rate from 46% to 50% by 1995. If we were to look at the current supply and demand for child care centres, we will realize that we are still very far off our target. At present, there are about 250,000 children below six years old in Singapore. If 10% of them, or 25,000 children, are in need of child care places we would have to set up at least 250 centres with a capacity of 100 each. I am aware that with the current economic recession there may be a reduction in demand for child care services. In this case, I understand that a temporary adjustment will have to be made in the setting up of more centres. However, my concern is that, when the recession is over and more women are required to work, we should not be caught again by the lack of child care centres. Therefore, I would like to call upon the Ministry to continue with the original plan with only slight adjustment. The other aspect which I would like the Ministry to look into is the provision of child care centres for the lower income group. Of the 25,000 children who need child care services, about 25% or 5,000 are from lower income families. Obviously, there is a need to build more low-cost child care centres.”
“On the other hand, as the loans under the Small Industries Finance Scheme are not interest-free, I feel that the EDB should be more relaxed in granting loans to our local industries so that more local firms can be saved from going bust. The EDB should also help nurture local enterprises by entering into partnership within potential industries and withdraw from the business after the firms have been nurtured into public-listed companies. Last but not least, our small local industries also face difficulties in looking for markets. I am pleased to note that the Trade Development Board and the SEB have been helping them in this area. But I feel that the Government being the biggest purchaser should consider buying more from local enterprises and try as far as possible not to compete with them. Although the philosophy of free competition is upheld, a minimum level of protection must be given to the local industries. I would like to point out that free economies like Japan and America also protect their own enterprises. In conclusion, I would say that with the efforts of the people and the support of the Government, our Singapore label products will be able to attain a good reputation and popularity in the world market.”
“Sir, the setting up of the Small Enterprises Bureau is definitely a timely move as our small industries have been in great need of Government assistance and support. Currently about 30% or 270,000 of our workers are employed by the small and medium-sized industries. It is very important that the service and assistance provided by the SEB will also benefit this group of wage earners in enhancing their job security. Our small local industries are facing a lot of problems and I would like to highlight some of them here. The first is that many of the small industries are facing temporary cash flow problems. Such problems will have a chain effect on other businesses, as many of them have established a close business relationship with one another. I have been told that hundreds of shop tenants and industrial tenants of statutory boards are not able to pay their rentals. If legal action is taken against them, many of them will go bust and our workers will lose their job. My view is that our statutory boards should not take the lead in forcing these firms out of business. My second point concerns the Skills Development Fund and the Small Industries Finance Scheme. As the small local industries are not as professionally managed as their big multi-national counterparts, they may have difficulties in drawing up plans and submitting applications to the SDF for training grants. In this respect, I would like to urge the SDF to be more sympathetic and flexible with the local firm. They should conduct more direct discussions with the local businessmen to ascertain their training needs. I would also like to see a separate set of approval criteria for the local industries, so that the unique needs and special circumstances facing our local industries, can be taken into consideration.”
“Likewise, this particular policy ought to be reviewed as it is based on the argument that men are the sole breadwinners which is no longer relevant today. There are compelling reasons to have a serious rethink of this issue. I therefore hope that the new Finance Minister will be more enlightened and will give a favourable reply to this question.”
“I must say, Sir, that women in Singapore have come a long way. The female labour force participation rate today is 46%. The Economic Committee has, in fact, recommended that this rate be increased to 50% by 1995. To attract more women into the labour force, the condition must be made more attractive to them. Besides, the various measures like part-time work, flexi-time work, tax relief, child-care centre, etc., extension of medical benefits to the families of female employees would certainly be an added incentive. Since 1961, with the passing of the Women's Charter, the recognition of women's rights and protection of women are given legal basis. Among the employers in Singapore, the Government has also been the pioneer in implementing the equal pay and equal opportunity principle for equal work. While I must acknowledge the Government's contribution towards improving the women's lot, there are, however, I feel, certain existing policies applied to female Government employees that ought to be reviewed. One such policy is the refusal to grant medical benefits to family members of female employees while their male colleagues enjoy such benefits. The answers given on previous occasions when this issue was raised were not convincing. These answers appear to be based on the premise that men are the sole breadwinners. The situation today, however, is vastly different, as I have pointed out earlier on. The ratio of men and women in the tertiary institution is already 1:1. The chances of women marrying men less educated than her are higher. There is no justification to deny their family of this benefit. Employment policies, in my view, cannot be formulated in isolation. It must be reviewed and, if necessary, amended from time to time to suit the changing needs of employees.”
“Sir, the question I am going to raise is not a new one. It concerns the Government's refusal to extend medical benefits to the family members of its female employees. Though an old issue, it still affects many people. I hope that the new Finance Minister will not give us the old reply. The recession, as Members know, has hit wage-earners hard. Many have had to accept a severe wage restraint or even a wage cut. Others have lost their jobs. Some may be under-employed. Even the self-employed operating small business have not been spared. Some of those affected will have wives working for the Government. Of the 65,094 people employed by the Government, 32,058, or about half, are females. This means that half the public employees are deprived of this benefit for their families. The high rate of female participation in the civil service is an indication of the significant contribution of women to the public sector. Sir, I am not here to be the champion of the women's liberation movement. In my view, this is not a woman's issue. This is an issue that concerns many families and their benefits. It concerns the improvement of a family's welfare. It must therefore be re-examined in this light. In Singapore today, the average family with husband, wife and two children must have at least two people working. The median income for men is about $700 and for women it is about $500. Otherwise the family would have difficulty making ends meet. Women may come out to work for various reasons but the most frequent and compelling one is the need to help support the family. This can become critical when the husband loses his job, which is not uncommon in the current recession. Then the wife's income becomes the sole means of survival.”
“I thank the Minister for the answer and I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The following amendment stood on the Order Paper Supplement -”