Zainul Abidin Rasheed
Singapore
“I think much has been done as far as recovery is concerned, and the Japanese government itself is now paying due attention to reconstruction. Just at the Jakarta meeting, in fact, there was a lot of sharing of what has been done, and while they are grateful, they also look forward to us working together in terms of the reconstruction.”
“Kelp that he had met Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew when Mr Lee visited Moscow in 1970. Even though then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew at that time showed an interest to learn from the Soviet socialist system, he changed his mind after visiting the Soviet Union and made changes to the political system and the system of governance in Singapore…”
“In my opinion, the measures and programmes to achieve progress are quite visible and numerous. The Community Leaders’ Forum network continues to develop. What else should be given attention to, especially in relation to dysfunctional families and divorce cases?”
“I found the Malay workers in the Middle East very encouraging. This is one of the best opportunities for us in this new area. Finally, the three-prong Government measure is to ensure that every citizen will continue to contribute towards the development of Singapore to ensure that every Singaporean will be given the best opportunity to en…”
“Sir, I believe ASEAN's credibility does not just hinge on Myanmar. ASEAN's credibility has been built over the years and we have shown a lot of credibility in many areas in terms of international relations.”
“As the President has said, when we take advantage of the existing opportunities through globalisation, we must also pay attention to the fact that these new opportunities should not result in a wide income gap.”
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“We are the voice of the people and a vital link between them and the Government. If we do not speak up for them, who would. Though, of course, we must always be careful of the many different sensitivities at play. Mr Speaker, Sir, in this House, I intend to speak my mind, though I shall also mind what I say. Honestly and sincerely, no man can do more, and the people of Singapore deserve no less. We must not run away from our responsibilities just because issues raised or policies adopted may be unpleasant or unpopular. We are Singaporeans, pragmatic and realistic. Our leaders have brought us thus far, that we can walk with our heads held high in any company, not by sweeping the dust under the carpet but facing adversity down and turning obstacles into opportunities. Against all odds, Singapore has not only survived but also succeeded beyond expectations. We are eternally grateful to the early leaders for all they have done, for all their personal sacrifices. But we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. If conditions were difficult in the early years, they promise to be even tougher in the future. Domestically, the people have higher expectations and demands. Ironically, this has come about because of the country's success. With the attendant higher standard of living and education, the electorate has become more demanding and critical. However, our society is still scored with sensitive cracks and fissures. In this context, Sir, efforts by the Ministry of Education to make a success of our National Education Programme deserve all the support. It goes without saying that the teaching of modern history is not easy, especially when it is recent, when memories are still fresh and when it is filled with many controversies.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you for the opportunity to speak at this session. I rise in support of the motion by the hon. Member for Bukit Timah. Sir, to my mind, the gist of the President's Address highlights the need for us to stand tall, to stand proud of and to stand up for Singapore. However, these are also areas where if we are not careful, we can be misinterpreted as being conceited, arrogant and insensitive. No, I am not saying that we should offer our other cheek, but instead let us put our shoulders to the wheel and stand together, graciously. Mr Speaker, Sir, before I proceed on this point, allow me first to share with the House some of my thoughts about Parliament and I. When I first took my seat here last week, I must confess that I felt not a little over-awed by the imposing stateliness and the dignity of the House, and the presence of some of the strongest pillars, some of the most important people in the history of modern Singapore and its success. Almost before that feeling passed, I was struck by the realisation that I was now a member of this body charged with looking after and securing the future of our country and our people. Together with the privilege of service comes the responsibility - no, the obligation - to give of our best to justify the people's trust in us. As elected MPs, it is our sacred duty to strive to satisfy as many as possible the people's wants and needs - social, economic and political. To help them meet and overcome their problems, to examine and explore their views and ideas, and to help them achieve their aspirations and goals. In the multi-racial, multi-lingual and multi-cultural dynamics of Singapore, these are perforce, diverse and ever-changing and not always easy to handle. But we must try anyway.”
“And let it be said that in presenting the aspirations of the people, I hope the opposition Members will understand that it is never the monopoly of the opposition.”
“It was a sham, he said. I think it is shameless to call that a sham. Because I stood for election in Cheng San together with my team and I think we all fought very hard for the election and, to us, it was a contest of ideas. We were able to go down the ground, meet the people and they were all debating issues, ideas and programmes which we had to come forth with our own explanations. And I believe that we won because we were the better team. To me, it was real democracy at work and it has proven to be fruitful. On the question of violation of the Parliamentary Elections Act, yes, there were allegations. There were also allegations made against me as a candidate in Cheng San. We have given our response and I find the allegations not only baseless but meaningless. So we should just wait for the outcome of the investigations rather than listen to the NCMP wanting to know what action needs to be taken now. Finally, Mr Speaker, Sir, on the reason why he is calling for an amendment to the motion, I find it simply unacceptable because we have been sitting here for the last few days listening to hon. Members talking about what we have to do to prepare for the challenges of the 21st century. If the President had not raised those issues in his Address, I cannot think that as though our Members here are just imagining those things. So I must say that, in fact, it is ludicrous to suggest an amendment because the President had not mentioned about how to prepare our people for the challenges of the 21st century. On the question about the press, I do not think I will have the time to answer it today, but just to say that coming from the press before, I do not think the press will want to be slavish to the ideas of the NCMP.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I have yet to make my maiden speech but I suppose the maiden has to wait because I cannot let the NCMP get by with his remarks. I am speaking here not just because I stood for election at Cheng San but because, as a Singaporean, I am very proud of our achievements and, in fact, we are seriously preparing for the challenges of the 21st century. We all know that thinking is indeed in the air. We have this thinking conference in Singapore but, unfortunately, thinking does not seem to permeate the air evenly. I enjoy watching the film `Godfather' although I cringed sometimes at the violence in the film. But it is just incredible for me to accept that I am now considered as a member of a mafia government. It is just shameless to say that hon. Members here are now belonging to this mafia government and he calls it a "shameless" election. Is it shameless?”