Zulkifli bin Mohammed
Singapore
“This is because there is little or no opportunity at all for this group of people to undergo training, as many of the SMEs they are employed in have not been involved in training, as they are too preoccupied with bottom-line profits and survival.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head S of the Main Estimates be reduced by $10 in respect of Code SI 1500. Sir, the first point I wish to raise is on noise induced deafness.”
“Sir, I also share my colleague's view on the concern about safety and fatalities at hazardous work sites. Sir, I would like to touch on the safety management system and safety audit whereby, last year, some tough regulations were introduced.”
“Sir, I beg to move, That the sum to be allocated for Head S of the Main Estimates be reduced by $10 in respect of Code SL 1500. Sir, I just like to know from the Ministry what plans do they have to expand further the level of cooperation between the Ministry and the NTUC in the field of safety and health programmes.”
“Sir, the issue I wish to address is hit-and-run accidents that hit the newspaper headlines recently. 1.30 pm Sir, in 1993, there were three fatalities but this had jumped to eight in 1994 and it shows an increasing trend and therefore a great cause for concern.”
“In addition, overcrowding at public entertainment places is now under better control, as owners are taking steps to limit the admission rate to the permissible level. The bottom line, Sir, is that so far the Fire Safety Act has worked well and the beneficiaries of course are Singaporeans who can now feel safer.”
The complete record
Every one of 127 lines we hold for Zulkifli bin Mohammed, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 3.
“(In Malay): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I support the motion standing in the names of the Members for Braddell Heights and Radin Mas. I would just like to touch on the issue of foreign interference in our domestic affairs. Although the large majority of Singaporeans do not welcome this, there are still some quarters who have doubts about this incident. Yes, it is true that the episode is hard to believe. But those who have been following the history and development of international politics will not be surprised that this had happened. It showed us to that a country one considers a friend can also have officials who would act like our foes. This is one of the realities of international relations which Singaporeans must accept. Another reality is that this controversy is no trivial matter but a national issue affecting the integrity and honour of Singaporeans and the sovereignty and independence of our nation. Thus, the reaction that we have shown is not without basis but something that is appropriate and measured mindful that this issue is not a mere fabrication. This careful response is the best course of action as we do not wish to violate the principles governing relationships between two independent, sovereign nations. We must not forget that the objective of relations between friendly nations is to build enduring ties on the basis of mutual trust and confidence. In this respect, I was relieved to hear the explanations given by the Deputy Prime Minister and other Ministers that the exposure of this interference is not meant to seek a quarrel with the superpowers or with any parties but is intended to show how vulnerable Singapore is to foreign interference.”
“I will leave it to the Minister to reply. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, if I may carry on. I must commend the Ministry of Home Affairs for coming up with this piece of legislation after a thorough and careful study. The caution and warning approach provided for in this Bill is a positive one as our aim is to assist the family in coping with the problem. I also agree with the Minister that the detention order of six months plus a subsequent period of an additional six months is proportionate, bearing in mind that we are dealing with young people and it reflects the authority's concern for the future of the young by not imposing a prolonged sentence. I am also pleased, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, to note that the rights of retailers are also adequately protected under this Bill and that those who are found guilty can only be prosecuted based on proven knowledge. Sir, I am also aware that presently inhalant abusers are being placed in existing Government institutions for treatment and rehabilitation. What I would like to know from the Hon. Minister is whether there are plans to set up a separate inhalant abuse rehabilitation centre when this Bill becomes law in due course.”
“Maybe the Member for Potong Pasir has not been paying too much attention on what has been done by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Education and other related agencies in this field. I can :rly remember that preventive and education programmes have already been launched in schools, especially primary schools, to disseminate information about the dangers of inhalant abuse. And I am a bit surprised to hear that he is asking the Minister what has been done.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise to join my other colleagues, the PAP Backbenchers, in supporting this Bill. Not only distraught parents but many concerned Singaporeans can now sigh a big relief. I disagree with the Member for Potong Pasir who said that this is just a social problem. Because inhalant abuse is more than a social and health problem as already elaborated by the Minister for Home Affairs. It is also an enforcement problem, judging from the number of detected cases and the number of repeat cases. Inhalant abuse is not a passing fad and I can vouch for this too. Two years ago in my constituency there were no detected cases. But now I have been told that there are 44 such cases.”
“Sir, during Question time yesterday in this House we heard the Minister for Home Affairs mention about outside organizations interfering in our internal affairs, when replying on this Marxist conspiracy. In this connection, Sir, I would like to ask the Minister in the case of the four Malay Singaporeans who were recently detained for racial incitation whether there were outside elements involved. Before I end my speech, Sir, I would also like to point out the error made by the Member for Potong Pasir that the Government allocated the Irving Road Community Centre to the Geylang Welfare Centre. This is not the case. In fact, the Irving Road Community Centre was originally occupied by the Mission of Charity for attending to the aged sick. They subsequently moved out to another place in Punggol. The Geylang Welfare Centre moved to Irving Road Community Centre on its own, at the initiative of Father Arotcarena, without the approval of his superior authority. The Archbishop subsequently closed down the Centre on his own. In conclusion, Sir, I would like to congratulate the Ministry of Home Affairs for doing an excellent job all these years by not hesitating to take measures to protect Singapore's internal security when it comes to matters of national importance. 12.40 pm”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the amendment to the motion made by the Member for Clementi. I am confident, Sir, the majority of Singaporeans fully support the Government's action in detaining the 15 persons involved in the Marxist conspiracy. Despite outside pressures and the vocal protests made by several groups, including the Member for Potong Pasir, I believe that Singaporeans are able to rationalize that the Government had acted on the basis of what best serves the interests of Singapore. And Singaporeans are also appreciative that the Government has been vigilant in guarding our security and stability and is firm in moving against anyone regardless of race, language and religion who endangers these principles. Those clamouring for the immediate or unconditonal release of the detainees chose to ignore the fact that our society, as already mentioned by the Member for Changkat, is made up of different races and religion and is therefore fragile and vulnerable to internal and external influences. Older generation Singaporeans had witnessed strikes, demonstrations and riots that caused chaos and bloodshed engineered by Communist elements, communalists and other mischief makers. Such turmoils will plague present-day Singaporeans and our future generations if we allow "trouble-makers" such as this Marxist group to carry on their clandestine activities, especially when they employ a dangerous tactic by using religion or race to propagate their political beliefs. But what must be of greater concern to us is their connection with groups outside of Singapore, like the Communist Party of Philippines, who share their goal of destabilizing our country.”
“Drug Enforcement and Rehabilitation (16) That the sum to be allocated for Head Q be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead QG-01 of the Main Estimates.”
“Public Transport (6) That the sum to be allocated for Head I be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead IC-05 of the Main Estimates.”
“In this connection, I would like to ask the Hon. Minister that, in the circumstances I have just described, whether the HDB would consider a more equitable solution as a gesture of goodwill to the HUDC flat dwellers, bearing in mind that they have paid a substantial sum for their HUDC flats. Secondly, I wish to ask the Hon. Minister whether HDB has sufficiently tightened its control measures to check or minimize "sub-standard" quality work by errant contractors?”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, thank you for allowing me to join in the debate at this stage. I would like to take this opportunity to raise the issue of HDB's supervision of its contractors during the various construction stages. Lest I be misunderstood, let me state from the outset that I am not implying that the HDB is lax in this area. The success of public housing over the past two decades is sufficient proof of HDB's achievements. But no matter how efficient a system of control one may have, some things are bound to go amiss. In this instance, I am referring to the complaints of major defects and design faults in some housing estates. A relevant example is the problem of iron grille gate and the wooden door at the main entrance of certain blocks in the two-year old HUDC neighbourhood in Bedok North which happens to be in my constituency. For the past two years, residents who are big built, fat or even expectant mothers suffer the incon- venience of having to open both leaves of the iron grille door in order to get in. In doing so, they expose themselves to a security risk, especially when they return home late at night. This problem is compounded by the warping of the main entrance wooden door. To date, Sir, the problem has not been satisfactorily resolved. Acknowledging that the source of the problem can be attributed to a fault in the design and possibly the supply of poor quality material, the best the HDB did was to allow residents to replace the iron grille gate and main entrance wooden door with one of a better design and quality but at the resident's own expense. In relating this incident, Sir, my concern is that there could be other residents elsewhere in Singapore encountering similar problems and are suffering in silence.”
“To illustrate, Sir, I would like to draw to the attention of the Ministry of Home Affairs that Bedok Reservoir Road which is a four-lane dual carriageway is often reduced to a two-lane dual carriageway, especially during the evenings when vehicles blatantly flout traffic rules by parking on both sides of the road. On behalf of my constituents, some of whom are having many sleepless nights over this, I strongly urge the Ministry to instruct the Traffic Police to review and step up their enforcement measures before the situation gets out of control. May I have the Hon. Minister's comments, please?”
“Sir, I intend to raise only two points with the Minister for Home Affairs. First, Sir, like the Member for Toa Payoh, I would like to touch on the issue of illegal immigrants. I read with deep concern a recent press report which highlighted the number of illegal immigrants detected in 1985 - 9,500 against 3,700 in 1983. This represents a 257% jump over a short span of two years, and this is indeed alarming. What we have to constantly remind ourselves is that for every case detected, there are many others that go undetected. To safeguard the well-being of our fellow citizens, Sir, I am all ears to hear the answers to be given by the Minister to the queries put forward by the Member for Toa Payoh. But at the same time I would like to ask the Minister just one question on this problem, ie, how effective is our Immigration Department's computerized checking system in tracking down illegal immigrants and overstayers? The next issue, Sir, which I wish to raise is with regard to road safety along Bedok Reservoir Road, in particular the stretch from Bedok North Road junction to Bedok North Avenue 3 junction. Road safety there is endangered by illegal kerbside parking of vehicles, an issue which I first raised during the sitting of this House on 31st October, 1985. At that time, Sir, the Minister assured me that strict enforcement action has been taken and will continue to be taken by the Traffic Police. However, it is with regret that I have to inform the Minister that my constituents feel otherwise as the situation is not getting any better.”
“Finally, Sir, how does the PUB propose to utilize its reserves and what are its development plans?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to touch on two points pertaining to the Public Utilities Board, namely, PUB tariffs and PUB reserves. Presently, Singapore is totally dependent on imported oil for its energy needs. As much as 60% of the PUB's total operating expenses goes towards the financing of fuel oil imports and/or fuel oil stocks. I am aware, Sir, our fuel oil purchases are subjected to world-wide oil price fluctuations which are beyond our control. As already mentioned by the Member for Thomson, crude oil prices have dropped sharply to a new current low of around US$12 per barrel. The savings derived from the lower cost of importing fuel oil have indeed benefited consumers who not too long ago enjoyed lower PUB tariffs effective 1st November 1985 and 1st February 1986 respectively, with the next adjustment due on 1st May 1986 in line with the PUB's policy of a three-monthly price review. With this current trend in oil prices, consumers are looking forward to further revisions down the road. Sir, this is because they are aware that to date, the PUB has accumulated a sum of $180 million in reserves which is indeed no small amount. At the same time, we know that the PUB is continuing its efforts to look for alternative sources of fuel in keeping with its objective to diversify energy sources to promote energy conservation and the efficient use of electricity. Against the scenario I have just described, Sir, I would like to pose the following questions to the Acting Minister. In view of the decline in oil prices and the glut in oil supply, what is the scope for lowering PUB electricity tariffs in the immediate future? My second question is whether alternative sources of fuel which are cheaper or competitive with fuel oil are now available for use by the PUB.”
“I am confident, Sir, being better informed and better educated, the majority of Singaporeans are level-headed, able to rationalize things and able to perceive between what is pragmatic and what is a pipe-dream. Let us all heed the call by our national leaders to join forces to share both joys and sorrows for, as the President said, "It is more vital now than ever that all Singaporeans work together, both with each other and with the Government, to overcome our difficulties." Let us carry on with our job to lay the foundation for our future growth. Now is the time for us to demonstrate to the outside world that we have the capacity to survive and that we are determined to get out of the downturn. Now is the time for all loyal Singaporeans to stand up for Singapore. On this note, Sir, I once again support the motion moved by the Member for Changkat. 11.55 pm”
“It is noteworthy that, in passing, it was mentioned by the First Deputy Prime Minister that a sum of $3 billion will be spent over the next 10 years or so to upgrade our schools and other institutions of learning. This will open new dimensions to enable us to improve our future competitiveness which is very clearly expressed on page 8 of the President's Address. I quote: 'Our products must be known for their high quality. Excellence must be our way of life. Each one of us must be well trained. Each individual must seek to do his job conscientiously and competently.' As such, Sir, all Singaporeans have to impress upon themselves on the necessity to raise their educational standards. What we have to understand is that this is an unending battle. Students and workers alike must seek and explore every available opportunity. I would like to suggest that the NTUC explore the possibility of working closely with grassroots organizations to reach out to those lower income, primary level educated workers who live from hand to mouth daily and who seem to be cut off from the mainstream of our national life. I am making this suggestion because I believe current efforts aimed at this group may achieve limited success. A more concerted effort is needed in this direction. At the same time, I trust the Government will see to it that there will be sufficient places and facilities to meet our future educational requirements. Sir, it is going be an arduous and difficult task for all of us to get out of this recession. We are indeed in difficult straits and we, as a nation, are undergoing a severe test. It is a test of whether we are a mature society, cohesive, decisive, steadfast, showing care and concern for each other when faced with a crisis situation.”
“This CPF cut together with the voluntary wage restraint is a big sacrifice on the part of the workers which must be equitably matched by the management staff. When effected from 1st April, 1986, I would like to propose that a systematic monitoring be done by the Government to prevent any potential abuse with a view to gradually restoring the CPF rate in keeping with our national objective of a high savings rate. Sir, the next point I would like to touch upon is on the rescheduling of housing loans. Indeed, it is reassuring to hear of the relaxation of CPF rules to assist home owners. It is adequate for the majority of members affected by the 15% reduction. It is fair to assume that some of our worst fears have been dispelled. However, this is just the beginning and how the implementation of this reduction will work remains to be seen. Sir, at this juncture, like the Member for Braddell Heights, I would like to appeal to the HDB and other Government agencies to be extra sensitive in their dealings with members of the public, in particular, those from the lower income group who are the hardest hit by the CPF reduction. In this connection, I applaud the HDB's decision to consider deferring or suspending the instalment payments temporarily. Next, Sir, the personal income tax relief is an occasion for joy also to the lower income workers. I say this because it has come to my attention that some workers have resorted to borrowing money to pay their income tax as they are unable to make ends meet during this current slump. Surely, Sir, we do not want this trend to worsen and this step will definitely alleviate genuine financial hardship. The third point which I would like to touch upon is on education investment.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the motion moved by the Member for Changkat. Sir, the current economic recession is indeed an event of great historical significance. Its significance lies in the revolutionary recommendations of the Economic Committee and the Government's response to it as spelt out by the First Deputy Prime Minister in this House yesterday that will reshape the lives of all Singaporeans and determine our nation's destiny in the next 10 to 15 years. We have no alternative but to look ahead, now that the golden age of economic growth for Singapore is over. We are now thrust into a future which has become increasingly turbulent and unpredictable. Sir, the measures announced by the First Deputy Prime Minister are more than ample proof of the deep concern and interest the Government has for our nation and for our people. The forthcoming injection of $2.8 billion into the economy should be a welcome relief to the business community. It cannot be otherwise as it incorporates the major recommendations of the Economic Committee. Sir, permit me to touch on the bold decision to cut employer's CPF contribution by 15% points. No one can deny that this move is painful but necessary as it means cutting workers' salaries and savings. If I may suggest, besides the unions, employers must take the lead to show conscious efforts to patiently explain to our workers and make them fully understand this far-reaching implication. We also expect employers to act positively and responsibly to assure the workers that whatever savings that are derived are for the viability of the long-term security of the firms and its employees.”
“We would be failing in our duty if we do not do more to make our roads safer for the public. I would like to appeal to the Ministry of Home Affairs that its officers, in enforcing these new measures, will exercise their utmost care and discretion when dealing with the motoring public. On this note, Sir, I once again support the Bill.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Bill moved by the Hon. Minister for Home Affairs. It is beyond dispute that there is a close correlation between vehicle growth and accident rate. Although road death statistics are just beginning to come down, it is not an occasion to rejoice and be complacent. We should continue to be vigilant and endlessly strive to improve traffic management on our roads. This downward trend is still too early to confirm that current measures are adequate, bearing in mind that there could be a repeat of the high incidence of road deaths as was evidenced during 1978 to 1984 as given by the Minister. Let us pause for a moment and cast our minds on our existing roads and expressways. Often times, we feel helpless seeing our thoroughfares being turned into racing circuits that send shivers down the spines of the more considerate and safety-conscious road users. Our traffic law enforcement officers cannot be around all the time. There is, therefore, a need for more stringent deterrents to be implemented to minimize traffic accidents and traffic violations. The provision in the proposed Bill is not meant to unfairly penalize the motoring public. It is selective and discriminatory and it is directed only at those road users who are more prone or more likely to contribute to road accidents. I welcome the assurance given by the Minister that the proposed Bill will still permit traffic offenders to pay composition fines of $50 or less for most offences, although the maximum compoundable fine will be raised to $200. Sir, I view with deep concern at the alarming statistics disclosed by the Hon. Minister, in particular the high motor cyclist fatalities and increasing cases of drunken driving on our roads.”
“To ask the Minister for Communications and Information and Second Minister for Defence (a) if he is aware that taxi driver's vocational licences have been issued to employees of Government and statutory boards; (b) what is the number of licences issued to this group of employees as at 21st March, 1985; and (c) what action will be taken to rectify this anomaly in order for the Registry of Vehicles to be seen as according fair treatment to those rejected and potential applicants who are Government or statutory board employees.”
“To ask the Minister for National Development, in view of the shortage of car parking lots in many Housing and Development Board housing estates, whether there are plans to build multi-storey car parks to alleviate this problem; and, if so, how many such car parks HDB intends to build and in which housing estates.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I understand there is a piece of land pledged for the building of a mosque to replace the Masjid Alkaff in Jalan Eunos in Bedok Reservoir. Can the Minister confirm that this is so and give an assurance that Masjid Alkaff will not be demolished until the construction and completion of the alternative mosque?”
“For in this way will we minimize the danger of over-looking the interest and concern of any particular group. If something can be worked out to the satisfaction of all, it will be beneficial in the long run, with people having their views and opinions heard at the outset and thereby making the Government less vulnerable to accusations of bull-dozing major decisions. Lastly, Mr Speaker, Sir, although this has been mentioned several times, allow me to remind our fellow Singaporeans that for the goals and objectives outlined in the Presidential Address to be achievable, effective leadership to ensure political stability is of paramount importance. There must not be any let-up in the search for the best and the ablest to lead the country. Singapore must continue to produce men and women who can provide continuity in good government, a change in policies, flexibility to reflect the changing mood and aspirations of the electorate. Only then can the pre-conditions set out in the Presidential Address be created, namely, "an efficient and honest administration, strong defence, political stability, social and racial harmony, good industrial relations and a free market economy". Once again, Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the motion moved by the Member for Ayer Rajah. 11.55 am”
“It is gratifying to note in the Addendum to the Presidential Address that the Ministry of Community Development has given due acknowledgment and recognition to them to "develop and express their potential and abilities". Allow me, Mr Speaker, Sir, now to move to another aspect of the Presidential Address, ie the call for greater participation by the population in the decisions which will reshape their life. With more Singaporeans, young and old, being better educated and better informed, the decision to set up town councils or estate committees for the purpose of managing new towns is a step in the right direction. Besides promoting good neighbourliness and community solidarity, involvement in town councils, in particular, will bring with it a whole range of new vistas, a first-hand and in-depth knowledge of the scope and dimensions of estate management. It will pave the way for people to voice their views and bring in new ideas to issues and matters that affect their daily lives. If at all possible, Mr Speaker, Sir, may I suggest that selected potential residents of a new town be given the opportunity to be involved at an early stage, say, at some point during the planning stage, and thereafter following through the various stages of development until completion. This will be in line with the indication given earlier this year that new groups be established to reach out to professionals and RCs to be strengthened to discuss policies at the proposal stage. To play the desired role, this grouping must be as representative as possible, encompassing a wide spectrum of people, the young and old, professionals and non-professionals, the high income and the low income.”
“Bearing in mind the hidden dangers, there is definitely a need to implement more community development programmes, like those which are already in existence at Bukit Merah, Ang Mo Kio and Bedok South. Called the "Out-reach Project", this is a programme designed to reach out to what we call "detached youths" between the ages of 7 and 17 years from low income families, by mobilizing and organizing them to participate in social, recreational and community activities, with a view to making their lives meaningful so that they can grow up to be useful citizens. This 15-20.0/0 group cannot help but feel that they are not given a fair hearing in that some controversial Government policies affect them more than it affects the middle and higher income groups. They therefore require outside help not only from the Government departments and agencies but also from their better endowed fellow Singaporeans to enable them to stand on their own feet. In this regard, the proposal by the Member for Leng Kee that interest-free loan be provided to help the poor to purchase their own homes merits serious consideration by the Government. In addition, community-based organizations, like the CCCs, CCMCs and RCs, must take the cue by widening and upgrading the scope of their activities to reach out to these target groups, working closely with other social community organizations, be it at the national level or the constituency level. Given this scenario, we can, with confidence, look forward to the day when our society will have, what the Addendum by the First Deputy Prime Minister calls, "the attributes of a mature people: cohesive, tolerant, charitable and compassionate". Mr Speaker, Sir, equal attention should also be paid to the disadvantaged, the disabled and the aged by all concerned.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the motion moved by the Member for Ayer Rajah, thanking the President for the speech which he delivered on behalf of the Government at the opening of the First Session of this Parliament. The President in his Address to the nation on 25th February, 1985, clearly outlined the goals and directions of the Government from now until the end of the century. He stated that the major task of the Government is two-fold, which is: 'To safeguard what we have achieved and to improve upon what has been achieved by building a better society.' In moving towards this goal, the declaration to pay particular attention to the 15-20% lower income group and the aged, like what has been mentioned by the Member for Paya Lebar, deserves high applause. We are for the ordinary man and our deeds and actions must manifest so. What better way than to show that we have not forgotten them and that it is our sincere desire to assist those who are struggling to keep pace with changes around them. They must be assisted in order to ensure that they are not left out of the mainstream of our fast developing society. Not to address ourselves sufficiently to this group is to invite trouble down the road and aggravating the problems already faced by this sector of the population, like big family size, crammed living conditions, vulnerability to anti-social activities and financial hardship. It is not uncommon to observe children from these low income families loitering around aimlessly at the void decks of their 1- or 2-room flats, and thus exposing themselves to the influence of undesirable elements in our society.”