Hansard, 1960-03-02

The following Members have, under the provisions of subsection (2) (g) of section 42 of the Singapore (Constitution) Order in Council, 1958, obtained from the Speaker, permission to be or to remain absent from sittings of the Assembly: Dr Toh Chin Chye (Rochore), Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the House - from 28th February to 5th March, 1960. Miss Fung Yin Ching (Stamford) - for three weeks from 2nd March, 1960.

I have received five messages from His Excellency the Yang di-Pertuan Negara informing me that His Excellency had, in accordance with the provisions of section 55 (1) of the Singapore (Constitution) Order in Council, 1958, on the days stated, assented to the following Bills: - 16th February, 1960. (i) Hospitals Board (Repeal) Bill; (ii) Exchange Control (Amendment) Bill; (iii) Women and Girls Protection (Amendment) Bill; (iv) War Savings Certificates (Winding Up) Bill. 18th February, 1960. (i) Treasury Deposit Receipts Bill; (ii) Evidence (Amendment) Bill 22nd February, 1960. Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill. 23rd February, 1960. Trade Disputes (Amendment) Bill. 25th February, 1960. Industrial Relations Bill.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the impending break up of the Alsagoff Trust, which includes the Alsagoff Estate, what steps will the Government take to ensure the protection of the tenants of the Estate against eviction.

Minister): Mr Speaker, Sir, I have been asked by the Prime Minister to reply to the question. The Alsagoff Estate is a private Estate and the Government has no information on any impending hypothetical situation.

(In Malay): If the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister has further information, could he enlighten us on this matter? Could the Government use its legislative power under the Land Acquisition Ordinance to purchase the Estate, divide it into lots and later on sell the lots to the present tenants?

Sir, I require further notice of that question. All I can say is that it does not seem likely that the situation of wholesale eviction of the tenants will arise. Like the other tenants, in Singapore, the Control of Rent Ordinance will afford them some protection.

asked the Prime Minister how many applications for allotment of land in the Jalan Eunos Malay Settlement were received since June 1959; how many such applications were approved and how many rejected; and what does the Government intend to do with the remaining applications.

Minister): Mr Speaker, Sir, I have also been asked by the Prime Minister to reply to this question. There have been 1,174 applications since June 1959. There have been no allocations and no rejections. The basis of future allocations will be according to a points system under which regard is taken of income, size of family and existing living conditions. Seventy-seven lots are now available and will be allocated in March or April in accordance with the points system.

(In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, I require a definite reply from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister as to whether or not the rejected applicants who have paid their deposits will be given further consideration when applications are invited again.

Yes.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will make Malay as the only official language of the State of Singapore; when will that be done; and for how long will English be retained as the official language in the administration of Government Departments.

(In Malay): It is at present impossible for the Government to say whether, or when, Malay will be the only official language of the State of Singapore. Until Malay has become sufficiently understood and adequately mastered by the civil service and political leaders, it is not practical to talk of Malay as the only official language. In these matters, we shall closely watch and learn from the progress and experience of the Government of the Federation of Malaya. Suffice it to sum up, "It is the heart's desire to embrace the mountain, but of no avail as it is beyond arm's reach."

(In Malay): The answer is ambiguous. Could I receive a definite reply as to why it is impossible for the Government to implement the policy of making Malay the official language?

(In Malay): Sir, I have explained just now that, at the present moment, it is impossible to say whether, or when, Malay will be the only official language of the State of Singapore.

asked the Prime Minister what was the total revenue for the year 1959 from the electricity supplied by Singapore to Johore, and what is the policy of the Government in regard to the continuance of such supply.

Minister): Mr Speaker, I have been asked by the Prime Minister to answer this question. The total revenue for the year 1959 from electricity supplied by Singapore to Johore was approximately $1.57 million which is 3.97 per cent of the total sales for 1959. This supply of electricity to Johore will continue until the Central Electricity Board's proposed new Power Station at Johore Bahru is in operation. The electrical connections can remain as a standby after that date if required.

asked the Minister for Home Affairs to state the half-yearly figures for 1959 in respect of (i) each type of offence committed and classified under "offences against the person" and "offences against property", and (ii) the number of secret society incidents.

Mr Speaker in view of the detailed statistical information involved, it would take too much of the time of the House to read it and I will, with your permission, circulate the information in the Official Report. Following is the information: Breakdown figures of "offences against the person" and "offences against property" are as follows:- 1-2-59 1-6-59 1-10-59 to to to 31-5-59 30-9-59 31-1-60 Murder ... ... ... 20 24 14 Attempted Murder ... ... 4 5 3 Hurt and Grievous Hurt ... 151 146 143 Extortion ... ... 169 220 253* Kidnapping and Abduction ... 16 10 12 Robberies ... ... 383 541 475 Housebreaking and Theft ... 841 843 809 All other thefts ... 2,119 2,555 2,850+ * An increase in Extortion reports is a sign of increasing confidence and does not necessarily denote an increase in prevalence. + Noteworthy among Thefts are the following:- Bicycle Thefts ... 569 725 781 Vehicle Thefts ... 110 163 166 1- 2-59 to 31-5-59 -- the months immediately preceding the General Elections. 1- 6-59 to 30-9-59 -- when the situation was being appreciated and plans were being made. 1-10-59 to 31-1-60 -- when the present Government's counter measures began in earnest. Breakdown figures of secret society incidents are as follows:- 1-2-59 1-6-59 1-10-59 to to to 31-5-59 30-9-59 31-1-60 Murders ... ... ... 6 6 4 Attempted Murders ... ... 3 1 - Acid throwing incidents ... 5 13 9 Attack on Police Officers ... 7 9 5 Abductions ... ... 5 3 8 Gang Fights ... ... 7 8 4 Unlawful Assembly ... ... 4 10 4 Assault of minor nature ... 99 71 32 Stabbings ... ... 39 44 33 ---- ---- ---- 175 165 99 ---- ---- ----

asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether he is aware of the, growing public concern over the increase in crimes in the last few months, and if he will state what steps the Government proposes to take or is taking in the matter.

Mr Speaker, Sir, there is no justification for growing concern because serious crime has, in fact, gone down during the last four months since the Government began its relentless campaign against criminal elements. In particular, the figures of secret society incidents have dropped from 175 in the four months between 1st February and 31st May, 1959, to 99 between 1st October, 1959, and 31st January, 1960. I am rather surprised to note that the Member for Farrer Park should now express his concern when not so long ago he criticised the Government for strengthening the law against motor vehicle of fences because he was so worried in case his car might be confiscated by Government. The measures being taken and which will continue to be taken are the detention and supervision of criminals under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Ordinance, the more intensive application of the various Ordinances passed recently, the maximum use of Police mobile reserves for systematic patrolling of the bad areas, recruiting to the full present establishment, strengthening of the C.I.D., increased training for detective police officers and the building up of the already improved police/public relations.

Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Minister for Home Affairs aware of the fact that during the months of January and February this year well-nigh 20 murders have been committed in Singapore, and does he think that that is not a serious situation?

Mr Speaker, Sir, I am hot certain whether the Member for Farrer Park has got his figures correct, that there were more than 20 murders in January and February. I think a distinction must be made between secret society murders and crimes of passion. If the Member next to him for some reason or other were to plunge a knife into his friend, the Police could not stop it. What the Police can do is to try to bring down the incidence of secret society murders.

Sir, like the Minister for Home Affairs, I am not interested in crime passionnel but I am interested in the rate of murder that goes on in Singapore at the moment. In the year 1958, Mr Speaker, Sir, according to the Singapore Annual Report, there were in all 42 murders; but for the months January and February in the year 1960, well-nigh 20 murders have already been committed, and if this rate of murder is maintained, Singapore will certainly -

Have a decreasing population!

Yes, it certainly will take unto itself the reputation of being the most "murderous" State in the world!

I think the hon. Member and every other Member must realise that this is Question Time and supplementary questions only are permitted, not statements.

Mr Speaker, for the information of the Member for Farrer Park, between 1st February and 31st May, 1959, six secret society murders were committed; between 1st June and 30th September, 1959, six murders were committed; and between 1st October, 1959, and 31st January, 1960, there were only four secret society murders. Mr Rajah rose -

A supplementary question?

Yes. Will the Minister be willing to give the figures for February, 1960?

Today is the 2nd of March and the figures for February 1960 are not available yet. Mrs Seow Peck Leng rose -

Mrs Seow, a supplementary question?

Mr Speaker, Sir, in the week before last, it was reported in the newspapers that there were five murders in seven days. Can the Minister tell us whether it is an accident that all the murders happened to be committed during those seven days, or whether that shows a rise in murder cases in Singapore?

We are now entering into a debate! If the hon. Member wishes to pursue the subject further, there is ample opportunity during the adjournment or by way of a motion.

asked the Minister for Education what is the estimated expenditure on free education for Malays in secondary schools in 1960, and whether free education includes the provision of textbooks and exemption from payment of fees for extra-curricular activities.

Mr Speaker, Sir, there is an estimated number of 4,700 Malay pupils attending post primary and secondary schools in the English and Malay streams in Singapore. Since free secondary education for Malays will be restricted to those who are either born in Singapore or are children of Singapore citizens, not all the 4,700 Malay pupils will qualify for free secondary education. But on the basis of 4,000, say, the total estimated loss in revenue for remission of school fees would be in the region of $150,000 per annum. The free secondary education scheme for Malays will not include free textbooks nor exemption from payment of fees for extra-curricular activities. The present free textbook loan scheme will continue to operate in accordance with the means test applicable to all children, that is: (a) if the family income is below $150 per month, and two or three children are attending school, or (b) if the family income is less than $200 per month, and four or more children attend school. The total 1960 vote for the free textbook loan scheme is $150,000, of which $50,000 is for secondary schools. According to 1959 experience, this sum should be adequate for 1960. Should it prove inadequate during the course of the year, an application for supplementary vote will be made as usual. As regards the remission of miscellaneous fees for extra-curricular activities, the discretion will continue to be exercised by principals of schools.

Will the Minister inform the House whether this figure of $150,000 for the textbook loan scheme includes provision for all school children in secondary schools, or is it meant only for Malay students in secondary schools?

Mr Speaker, Sir, I stated that the total 1960 vote for the free textbook loan scheme is $150,000, of which $50,000 is applicable to secondary schools and is meant for all secondary schools, not necessarily Malay pupils. I would further add that there is a special quota for Malay pupils, in that they get a double quota - that is, if the enrolment in a certain school deserves a book loan of $300, that school would have its loan increased to $600 if its pupils are composed entirely of Malays. A double quota is especially made for Malay pupils in our schools.

"to provide for monogamous marriages and for the solemnization and registration of such marriages; to amend and consolidate the law relating to divorce, the rights and duties of married persons, the maintenance of wives and children and the punishment of offences against women and girls; and to provide for matters incidental thereto", presented by the Minister for Labour and Law (Mr K. M. Byrne); read the First time; to be read a Second time on Wednesday, 6th April, 1960, and to be printed.

"to amend the Court of Criminal Appeal Ordinance (Chapter 129 of the Revised Edition)", presented by the Minister for Labour and Law (Mr K. M. Byrne); read the First time; to be read a Second time on Wednesday, 6th April, 1960, and to be printed.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the Order for the introduction of this Bill be discharged.

The Minister is not introducing?

I do not propose to introduce the Betting Bill.

That will suffice.

2.52 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, the remaining items of business not reached at the adjournment this day to stand over to tomorrow.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That, notwithstanding the Standing Orders, the remaining items of business not reached at the adjournment this day do stand over to tomorrow.

Order for Second Reading read. 2.53 p.m.

Mr Speaker. Sir, I have His Excellency's recommendation to proceed with the Bill, and I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." Mr Byrne resumed his seat.

Is the Minister not making a speech in support of the motion? Or is somebody else moving the Second Reading?

My Parliamentary Secretary is moving it.

So the Minister is not moving the Second Reading?

No, Mr Speaker, Sir, I have been advised that that is the correct way of proceeding.

Order. What was really required of the Minister was the signification of the Yang di-Pertuan Negara's recommendation. The Minister need not, in fact, move the Second Reading if his Parliamentary Secretary is to do that. The Parliamentary Secretary can now move the Second Reading. 2.55 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." The object of this Bill is to provide for the registration and control of all mutual benefit organisations as defined in clause 2 of the Bill. A number of such organisations are at present registered under the Business Names Ordinance, the Companies Ordinance or the Societies Ordinance, but it is proposed that in future all such mutual benefit organisations should be registered under the provisions of the new Ordinance. Existing mutual benefit organisations which are registered under the Business Names Ordinance or the Companies Ordinance are required to apply for registration under the new Ordinance within thirty days of the coming into operation of this Ordinance, while mutual benefit organisations registered or exempted from registration under the Societies Ordinance are required to apply for registration under the new Ordinance within one year of the date of coming into operation of this Ordinance. The reason for this difference is that, while it is possible to have some control of the organisations concerned if they are registered or exempted under the Societies Ordinance, no such control is possible if they have been registered under the Business Names Ordinance or the Companies Ordinance. I do not think it is necessary for me to elaborate on the reasons and the need for the registration and control of such mutual benefit organisations. Unless strict control is kept on the activities of such organisations, there is a possibility of persons being cheated of the moneys, which they have saved for their old age or for the benefit of their dependants. In the United Kingdom, the activities of similar organisations are controlled by the Friendly Societies Act, and in the Federation there are special provisions in the Societies Ordinance to deal with death benefit societies. The principal provisions of the Bill are dealt with in the Explanatory Statement of the Bill, and I feel it is unnecessary for me to elaborate on them. The provisions of the Bill are, to a large extent, based on those of the Friendly Societies Act of the United Kingdom, though some provisions are taken from the Federation Societies Ordinance. This Bill is complementary to the Societies (Amendment) Bill and, in order that the provisions of the Bill can be examined in detail, I propose, when the Bill is read a Second time, to move that it be referred to a Select Committee. Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time. Committed to a Select Committee consisting of Mr Speaker as Chairman and seven other Members to be nominated by the Committee of Selection.-[Mr Wee Toon Boon].

Order for Second Reading read. 2.58 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time." This is a very short and simple Bill, which seeks to repeal the Local Government Elections Ordinance, 1957, which is no longer required as there will no longer be any City Council or District Council elections. This is in keeping with the declared policy of the present Government to have unified administration in Singapore instead of two parallel administrations, namely, Central Government and Local Government. As Members are aware, the absorption by the Central Government of the City Council and the Rural Board, which was to be replaced by District Councils, and the integration of the various Local Government bodies with the various departments of the Central Government, are already in the process of implementation. With the abolition, therefore, of these Local Government bodies, the need for election to such bodies does not arise; and therefore the Local Government Elections Ordinance, 1957, can now be repealed. Sir, I beg to move.

Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole Assembly. Assembly immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill.-[Mr Ong Pang Boon]. Bill considered in Committee; reported, without amendment; read the Third time and passed.

Order for Second Reading read. 3.01 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, under Standing Order No. 23 (1) (b) , I name the 6th of April as the date for the second reading of the Bill.

So be it.

3.02 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I move the motion standing in my name in the Order Paper, namely, That this Assembly, pursuant to subsection (1) of section 174 of the Labour Ordinance, 1955 (No. 40 of 1955), resolves that the Labour Regulations, 1959, published as Notification No. S (N.S.) 63 in the Gazette Supplement No. 16 of 21st August, 1959, as contained in Paper S.L. (New Series) 10 of 1959, be approved. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Labour Regulations, 1959, were presented to the Legislative Assembly on the 29th August, 1959. These regulations were made to require employers of workmen to keep registers showing particulars regarding their employees, such as wages and allowances due during each wage period and details of holidays, annual leave and sick leave. They have not as yet been approved by a resolution of the Assembly, and are therefore not in force. To bring these regulations into force, it would be necessary for a resolution to be passed in the Assembly as provided in section 174 of the Labour Ordinance, 1955. Hence the necessity of this motion. Mr Speaker, Sir, I have repeatedly pointed out that this Government has had to carry the baby because of the lapses of the previous Government, and I should like to draw the attention of the House to the fact that it was necessary for this Government to introduce regulations to enforce the provisions of the Labour Ordinance which was passed by the previous Government in 1955. Sir, I now move that this Assembly approves the Labour Regulations, 1959, as presented to this House.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Assembly, pursuant to subsection (1) of section 174 of the Labour Ordinance, 1955 (No. 40 of 1955), resolves that the Labour Regulations, 1959, published as Notification No. S (N.S.) 63 in the Gazette Supplement No. 16 of 21st August 1959, as contained in Paper S.L. (New Series) 10 of 1959, be approved.

3.05 p.m.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I move the motion standing in my name in the Order Paper, namely, That this Assembly, pursuant to subsection (3) of section 30 of the Women and Girls Protection Ordinance (Cap. 126), resolves that the Women and Girls Protection (Amendment) Rules, 1960, made on the 13th day of February, 1960, and published as Notification No. S 58 in the Gazette Supplement No. 13 of 13th February, 1960, as contained in Paper S.L. 1 of 1960, be approved. Mr Speaker, Sir, approval of the motion now before this House will bring into existence another new place of safety under the Women and Girls Protection Ordinance, namely, the Jalan Eunos Muslim Women's Welfare Home, which is situated in Jalan Eunos. The Jalan Eunos Muslim Women's Welfare Home has already been gazetted as a place of safety under the Children and Young Persons Ordinance, and this was published as Notification No. S 58 in the Gazette Supplement No. 13 of the 13th February, 1960. Approval of the motion before this House will enable the Protector of Women and Girls to use the facilities of the Muslim Women's Welfare Home in Jalan Eunos to detain therein, under the provisions of the Ordinance, Muslim women and girls in need of care and protection. By the approval of this motion, Singapore will have another statutory home for the reception and rehabilitation of women and girls.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Assembly, pursuant to subsection (3) of section 30 of the Women and Girls Protection Ordinance (Cap. 126), resolves that the Women and Girls Protection (Amendment) Rules, 1960, made on the 13th day of February, 1960, and published as Notification No. S 58 in the Gazette Supplement No. 13 of 13th February 1960, as contained in Paper S.L. 1 of 1960, be approved.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I move, That this Assembly do now adjourn to Wednesday, 6th April, 1960.

Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That this Assembly do now adjourn to Wednesday, 6th April, 1960. Adjourned accordingly at seven minutes past Three o'clock p.m. to Wednesday, 6th April, 1960.