Hansard, 1983-03-22

PERMISSION TO MEMBERS TO BE ABSENT Under the provisions of clause 2(d) of Article 46 of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, the following Members have been granted permission to be or to remain absent from sittings of Parliament (or any Committee of Parliament to which they have been appointed) for the periods stated:- Mr Lee Kuan Yew (Tanjong Pagar), Prime Minister - from 22nd to 30th March 1983. Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam (Sembawang), Minister for Trade and Industry - from 25th to 31st March, 1983. YEOH GHIM SENG, Speaker, Parliament of Singapore

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS - ADMISSION TO PRE-U CLASSES, - POLYTECHNICS AND VITB INSTITUTES - (English Language requirement) To ask the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education whether he is aware that students who fail to obtain a credit in English as the first language are denied admission to pre-university classes, the Polytechnics and vocational institutes although they obtain good results in other subjects, and whether his Ministry will permit such students to pursue pre-university education and at the same time be given remedial instruction in English, in order that such students are given the opportunity to maximise their potential.

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS - ADMISSION TO PRE-U CLASSES, - POLYTECHNICS AND VITB INSTITUTES - (English Language requirement) Question No. 1, Sir.

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS - ADMISSION TO PRE-U CLASSES, - POLYTECHNICS AND VITB INSTITUTES - (English Language requirement) Mr Speaker, Sir, it is untrue that students who fail to obtain a credit in EL1 but obtain good results in other subjects are denied admission to Pre-university classes, the two Polytechnics and VITB institutes. The Ministry allows students who fail to obtain a credit in EL1 but who have done well in other subjects to join the Pre-university courses. Those who obtain 15 points or better in five subjects, i.e. in EL1 plus four other subjects, are admitted to the 3-year course at Pre-U centres. Amongst this group, those who do especially well in three relevant subjects are allowed to join the 2-year course in junior colleges. At the Pre-U centres, students are given supplementary English lessons to improve their English and two years in which to resit their EL1 examination. The purpose is to give good students who are weak in English as much opportunity as possible to get through the Pre-U course. In 1980, there were 45 such students, out of a total intake of 8,580 into Pre-university classes. In 1981, there were 67 out of 8,040 and in 1982, there were 136 out of 7,717. The majority of such students are able to pass EL1. For the 1980 batch, for example, more than 70% passed their EL1. As for the Singapore Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic and VITB, the majority of their courses require only a Grade 7 or 8 in either EL1 or EL2 as admission requirements. Both Polytechnics provide English Language proficiency classes to help their students. The only courses that require a credit in English at these institutions are those that require a high level of language proficiency such as Business Studies and Computer Studies.

PART-TIME WORK IN CIVIL SERVICE - (Scheme for married women) asked the Minister for Finance how successful has been the scheme to encourage non-working married women to work part-time in the Civil Service, and what are the jobs performed by the majority of these pan-time workers.

PART-TIME WORK IN CIVIL SERVICE - (Scheme for married women) Mr Speaker, Sir, the scheme to attract married women to work part-time in the Civil Service was introduced in January 1981. It attracted only 19 part-time workers. The scheme did not meet with good response mainly because of the rigid requirement that a part-time worker had to put in a minimum of 21 working hours and five days per week and the fact that a part-time worker was paid only half the salary of a full-time worker. The scheme was also restricted to only 31 grades of appointment. In July, 1982, an improved scheme with more attractive terms was introduced. Under the new scheme working hours are flexible, to be determined between the part-time worker and the employing Ministry. Wages are also higher under the new scheme because the hourly rates of payment have been enhanced to compensate for the lack of leave and medical benefits. Although the scheme has not attracted as many part-time workers as we would like, it is encouraging to note that the number of part-time workers has increased from 11 in August 1982 (including nine who were converted from the old scheme) to 78 in January 1983. The majority, about 80%, of the part-time workers are employed as clerks, The rest are employed as typists, executive officers, research officers and technicians.

HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD ESTATES - (Deterioration in cleanliness) asked the Minister for the Environment, as cleanliness in Housing and Development Board estates has deteriorated in spite of the many "Keep Singapore Clean" campaigns, what new measures his Ministry and HDB will take to improve the state of cleanliness.

HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD ESTATES - (Deterioration in cleanliness) Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry of the Environment, together with the Housing and Development Board, will continue to provide cleansing services, educate the public against littering and take enforcement action against those who litter. The Ministry, together with the Housing and Development Board, deploys more than 3,000 workers and 30 mechanical sweepers each day to clean up HDB's housing estates. Enforcement action on littering offences in HDB's housing estates has also been stepped up. In 1982, a total of 13,712 people were fined for littering in HDB's estates compared to 8,881 in 1981. Last year, a total of 43 public health educational programmes comprising talks, slides and film shows and exhibitions were held in various HDB housing estates, community centres and schools. The themes of these programmes varied from anti-littering to the use of plastic bags for the proper disposal of refuse. MPs, CCCs and RCs have actively participated in these campaigns. It is imperative that residents cooperate and make a concerted effort not to litter. Parents should refrain their children from littering and the children, in turn, should exert pressure on their friends. When there is sufficient social pressure against littering, and every resident makes a concerted effort not to litter, then we will have a cleaner environment to live in.

HELL RIDING ACTIVITIES - (Measures to eradicate) asked the Minister for Home Affairs how many hell riders were arrested in 1980, 1981 and 1982, and what action was taken against them; and, in view of the high risk of injury to life and of being a nuisance to the public, what measures are being taken to stop the dangerous riding practices of these hell riders. The Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs (Prof. S. Jayakumar) (for the Minister for Home Affairs): Mr Speaker, Sir; the number of hell riders against whom court action was taken during 1980, 1981 and 1982 was as follows:- Year 1980 72 1981 83 1982 158 They were mostly charged for rash riding, which is an offence under section 279 of the Penal Code. Many others suspected of hell riding but were not caught red-handed in the act were not proceeded against in court. However, they were offered composition for lesser offences, and their machines were impounded and sent to ROV for inspection to detect whether any illegal modifications, i.e. modification to exhaust pipes and engines, had been carried out. Further, action was taken against both the registered owners who had modified their machines, and the riders. The number of motor cycles sent to the Registry of Vehicles for inspection as a result of anti-hell riding operations in 1980, 1981 and 1982, and the number found to be modified were as follows:- No. sent for No. found Year Inspection Modified 1980 1,594 627 1981 2,392 1,097 1982 3,995 2,124 Consequently, Sir, the Registrar of Vehicles is looking into the possibility of amending the Road Traffic Act to make mechanics or owners of workshops liable for carrying out illegal modification of motor cycles. The following measures have been taken to stop dangerous riding practices of hell riders:-

HELL RIDING ACTIVITIES - (Measures to eradicate) Sir, instead of taking repressive measures only, would the Minister consider the provision of special circuits where races could be organized under regulated conditions and, therefore, safer to both riders and third parties?

HELL RIDING ACTIVITIES - (Measures to eradicate) Sir, I have taken note of the suggestion of the Member, but whether we should think in terms of providing a grand prix or mini grand prix circuit to contain the activities of such persons is a matter that has to be carefully considered. I think the Minister has in this House outlined plans for training circuits, but these circuits will not be for the enjoyment of those motor cyclists except to ensure that future motor cyclists who are licensed to ride on the road would be properly trained.

DRUG ADDICTS - (Treatment and rehabilitation) asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what is the total number of drug addicts arrested in 1980, 1981 and 1982, and of these how many were arrested more than once; (b) what measures are being taken by the Drug Rehabilitation Centres to prevent drug addicts, who have been released from the Centres, from going back to drugs, besides the usual counselling and close supervision; (c) what are the reasons for the high percentage of recidivism of drug addicts and whether his Ministry has plans to overcome this problem; and (d) whether there are any medical aids to help the drug addicts released from the DRCs to overcome their dependence on drugs.

DRUG ADDICTS - (Treatment and rehabilitation) Mr Speaker, Sir, (a) The total number of drug addicts arrested and admitted to the Drug Rehabilitation Centres from 1980 to 1982 is as follows:- 1980 1981 1982 Total no. of drug addicts arrested and admitted to DRC 1,802 2,263 2,008 No. detained more than once (i.e. on drug records) 1,256 1,755 1,624 (b) The treatment and rehabilitation programme is designed to treat both physical and psychological dependence on drugs. While in the DRCs, inmates are put through a five-stage treatment programme which starts with a week's detoxification, followed by recuperation, reorientation, physical exercises and workshop training. The regime is intended not only to rid them of their craving for drugs but also to inculcate in them the work ethic and a degree of social responsibility which will stand them in good stead when they are discharged from the centres. Counselling is also provided in the centres which include religious counselling. On discharge from the centres, most inmates go through the Day Release Scheme which is a half-way house concept aimed at assisting the ex-addict to reintegrate into the mainstream of society. While on the scheme, the ex-addict stays in a camp and employment is found for him in the private sector. He leaves the camp everyday for work outside and returns to the camp in the evening. He is paid market wages. On weekends he is allowed to go home. His urine is tested daily. On completion of Day Release which lasts six months, all ex-addicts are placed on compulsory 24-month supervision. jobs are found for them as well. Their urine is tested regularly to ensure that they do not relapse. (c) When we talk of recidivism, we are referring to a study of a monthly cohort of drug supervisees placed on the 24-month supervision scheme whose progress is monitored throughout the 24 months. Anyone relapsing to drugs during the 24-month period is a recidivist. Using this criterion, we have gradually reduced our recidivism rate from 70% in 1977 to 40% in 1982. Although we have halved the addict population in the last six years, there will be a residual problem of hardcore addicts who have weak will power and tend to relapse repeatedly. We are trying to reduce the recidivism rate further. The treatment programme is being modified to suit the needs of these hardcore addicts. Trained professional counsellors will be recruited to provide intensive counselling in the DRCs. Here, the main problem is to break their psychological dependence on drugs and it is a more difficult task. (d) Presently, the medical aids for the drug addicts are actually substitute drugs which are also addictive. Our treatment and rehabilitation policy is designed to condition the addict so that he can go through life without any form of drugs. We have therefore avoided using such medication in our drug treatment and rehabilitation programme. Several western countries are experimenting with drug antagonists. These chemicals are supposedly to reduce or eliminate the desire to consume drugs. However, they are at the moment only at the experimental stage.

DRUG ADDICTS - (Treatment and rehabilitation) Mr Speaker, Sir, may I ask the Minister of State, by way of a supplementary question, whether his Ministry would allow lady welfare workers from outside SANA to visit the women detainees at these drug centres? I have had this request conveyed to me. I am told that only women welfare workers from SANA are allowed to visit them and nobody else, and that these women detainees are complaining of boredom.

DRUG ADDICTS - (Treatment and rehabilitation) Sir, I am not sure whether the persons who would like to visit the drug addicts are going there to counsel and rehabilitate or to relieve them of alleged boredom. But, Mr Speaker, Sir, let me say, in response to the Member for Anson, that in our attempts to rehabilitate and counsel the drug addicts to put them on the correct path and to reintegrate them into society, we would of course welcome all bona fide attempts and offers of assistance. But obviously when we are dealing with such a specialized problem of drug addiction for which there are specified methods of rehabilitation, we must ensure that all those who wish to have access to the drug addicts are properly trained, coordinated, and this is why we insist that they must go to SANA which is the body which has the experience in dealing with this matter. It is for this reason, and I think a very good reason, that we want all those who have made such offers to channel their assistance through SANA.

DRUG ADDICTS - (Treatment and rehabilitation) Sir, the Minister of State asked what would be the purpose for the visits. May I inform him that, as I understand it, they would go there to conduct classes in English or teach them some craft. May I know from the Minister of State whether I could ask these people to make their request to him?

DRUG ADDICTS - (Treatment and rehabilitation) The answer is that if that is the offer of assistance, SANA would be very happy to get further particulars, and the Member for Anson should, in fact, give their names to SANA as soon as possible.

DRUG ADDICTS - (Treatment and rehabilitation) I will ask them to send their particulars to you.

VIDEO-FILM CENSORSHIP SYSTEM To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Culture whether prior comparative studies were made of the video-film censorship systems in other countries in the formulation and setting-up of the video-film censorship system in Singapore; and which countries were used in such studies, stating how our system varies from the systems in those countries.

VIDEO-FILM CENSORSHIP SYSTEM Question No. 6, Sir.

VIDEO-FILM CENSORSHIP SYSTEM Mr Speaker, Sir, the control of video tapes is a world-wide problem. Before the censorship and licensing system was formulated, the Ministry of Culture wrote to a number of countries to seek information on their control systems. Unfortunately, none of these countries has a system that could serve as a model for us. Western countries either have a very lax censorship or dispense with censorship of video tapes completely. Japan has a voluntary censorship system under which video tapes are censored by a private organization called the Video Tape Ethics Control Council. Other countries, including developing countries, are in the process of updating and reviewing their control systems to deal with the video tape problem. Without any effective model to emulate, Singapore drew upon its experience in the control of cinematograph films. Our video tape control system has two components:-

JOINT INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRES - (Courses and Entry Requirements) To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry if he will report on the progress of the German-Singapore, French-Singapore and Japanese-Singapore joint industrial training centres, stating the types of courses available, entry requirements, methods of application for entry, and the allocation of training places that will be offered by these centres.

JOINT INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRES - (Courses and Entry Requirements) Question No. 7, Sir.

JOINT INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRES - (Courses and Entry Requirements) Mr Speaker, Sir, both the German-Singapore Institute of Production Technology (GSI) and the Japan-Singapore Institute of Software Technology (JSIST) have been in operation since February 1982. The French-Singapore Institute (FSI) will take in its first batch of students in August this year. Courses Available The GSI offers a two-year diploma course in production technology with emphasis on cutting technology and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) techniques, design (i.e. tool and die, jigs and fixtures), production processes and industrial engineering. The JSIST offers a two-year diploma course in programming and systems analysis. From January 1984, it will also offer advanced three- and six-month courses in systems analysis. The FSI will be offering a two-year diploma course in electro-technology with emphasis on control engineering, instrumentation, electronics, robotics, Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing or CAD/CAM, micro-processor and computer applications. Entry Requirements Applicants to the above courses must be Singapore citizens or permanent residents. In addition, they must possess passes in at least two 'A' level subjects, one of which must be Mathematics, and General Paper or English at 'O' level. However, the GSI and FSI will accept applicants without such passes if they possess the relevant National Trade Certificate (NTC) 2 or EDB's Craftsmen Certificate with a minimum of two years' relevant working experience and a GCE 'O' level. For the more advanced systems analysis courses at JSIST, only applicants with tertiary educational qualifications beyond 'A' level will be accepted. Method of Application The Economic Development Board (EDB) normally advertises in the local press three months in advance before the commencement of the diploma courses for the three Institutes. Applicants are invited to apply for the various courses through the EDB. Allocation of Training Places Applicants are required to sit for an aptitude test and attend an interview before a panel comprising members from the EDB and the Institutes. Progress Report The GSI has recruited three batches of students since February 1982. The intakes are scheduled six-monthly, in February and August. 50 students are accepted per intake and this will increase to 100 from August 1983 onwards. There are 151 students currently undergoing training at the Institute. It will reach its maximum enrolment capacity of 450 by February 1985. The JSIST has recruited two batches of students since February 1982. Current student enrolment is 100. Another batch of 50 students will be recruited in August 1983. From 1984 onwards, a systems analysis course will be offered to graduates of tertiary institutions. JSIST is expected to reach its maximum enrolment capacity of 250 by August 1984. The construction of the FSI will be completed by April 1983. The Institute will take in the first batch of 50 students in August 1983. The intake of students is scheduled six monthly. The number of students per intake will increase to 100 from August 1984 onwards. The Institute will reach its maximum enrolment capacity of 400 by February 1986.

REGISTRY OF MUSLIM MARRIAGES - (New location and Computerization of records) asked the Acting Minister for Social Affairs if he will report on the progress of the construction of the new Registry of Muslim Marriages, and state what new or better facilities will be provided in the new building, with details concerning the computerised registry system, its benefit and improved service.

REGISTRY OF MUSLIM MARRIAGES - (New location and Computerization of records) Mr Speaker, Sir, the new Registry of Muslim Marriages will be housed under the same roof as the Registry of Civil Marriages. It will be completed soon and staff are expected to move into the new building by the middle of April 1983. The new Registry of Muslim Marriages will be more spacious than its existing premises. It will be in quieter surroundings. The Bersanding Hall will be tastefully decorated and can accommodate up to 90 persons who wish to witness the Bersanding ceremony. There are make-up rooms for the bride and the groom to freshen up before the wedding ceremony. The new building is located in park-like surroundings and couples will find that there will be many picturesque areas in Fort Canning Park suitable for taking photographs after their wedding. The records of the Registry of Muslim Marriages will be computerized towards the end of this year. The computerization of the marriage records will lessen the work-load of the staff as they no longer have to manually retrieve information on marriages solemnized. Staff can also update information on the marital status of persons whose records are in the Registry of Muslim Marriages, e.g. when they have been granted a divorce by the Syariah Court. With computerization of the Registry's records, the Statistics Department will also be able to compile statistics on Muslim marriages more speedily and directly from the data entered into computer tapes by the Registry staff. There will be savings in manpower for the Statistics Department, as staff no longer have to extract the raw data from application forms submitted by the couples.

MENDAKI - (Response from Muslim Community) asked the Acting Minister for Social Affairs what has been the response from the Malay community, in particular from residents in Ang Mo Kio constituency, to Mendaki, and what progress has been made in its programmes to date.

MENDAKI - (Response from Muslim Community) Mr Speaker, Sir, I am pleased to inform the House that the response to MENDAKI from the Muslim community has been very encouraging. The Muslim community in Ang Mo Kio is no exception. The enthusiasm of the Muslim community was evident at the 13 dialogue sessions which members of the MENDAKI Council have so far held with the residents of different localities. The questions posed, and the suggestions made, at these sessions prove that Muslims are now more conscious than ever of the importance of education. MENDAKI has, I believe, succeeded in putting the message across to Muslims that the improvement in the educational attainment of Muslim children depends no less on parents as on the children themselves. Before MENDAKI launched its tuition classes, it held six briefing sessions for parents of the children who would be attending these classes. More than 500 parents attended these sessions, at which MENDAKI officials explained what they, the parents, could do to complement the work of MENDAKI. In all, MENDAKI has so far opened nine Tuition Centres. There are 79 Primary 6 classes, 93 Secondary 4 classes and 8 Pre-University classes with an enrolment of 1,126, 966 and 99 respectively. In Ang Mo Kio constituency, 200 Primary 6 students, 140 Secondary 4 students and 40 Pre-University students are now attending tuition classes in Mayflower Secondary School. Most of the teachers come from the Ang Mo Kio area itself. These classes are managed by the Al Muttaqin Mosque Management Committee. Mr Speaker, Sir, MENDAKI would not have succeeded as well as it has but for its representative character. The Council of MENDAKI consists of representatives of 11 different Muslim organisations in addition to all Muslim Members of Parliament. The Muslim community of Singapore is an ethnically diverse community. The Council of Mendaki is conscious that its responsibility is to uplift the educational standard of all Muslim children and not of Malay children alone. May I, Mr Speaker, Sir, in conclusion remind the House that MENDAKI is not an organ of the Ministry of Social Affairs. It is a voluntary effort on the part of the Muslim community. In my capacity as Chairman of the Council of MENDAKI, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the support it has received from the non-Muslims of Singapore.

MENDAKI - (Response from Muslim Community) Sir, would the Minister care to comment on an allegation made by an opposition political party that MENDAKI was initiated by the Government with the intention of using it as a tool to show the Malay community that the Government was helping them in education?

MENDAKI - (Response from Muslim Community) Mr Speaker, Sir, the opposition political party referred to by the hon. Member for Ang Mo Kio is the Pertubohan Kebangsaan Melayu Singapore (PKMS). As I have stated in my concluding remark, Sir, MENDAKI is not an organ of the Ministry of Social Affairs. It is a voluntary effort on the part of the Muslim community. So since MENDAKI is not an organ of the Ministry of Social Affairs, it cannot be an organ of the Government, Even if MENDAKI was initiated by the Government, so what? If it is to profit the Muslim Singaporeans, why not? Let us take the Mosque Building Fund, Sir, as an example. Had it not been for the Government's efforts to set up the Fund through the CPF, the Muslim Religious Council (MUIS) could not have built ultramodern, multi-purpose mosques at the rate of one a year. This is a fact, Sir, and it is not something we need be apologetic about. MUIS has built six mosques under Phase I of its Mosque Building Programme, and it will be building nine more between now and the end of the decade. Mr Speaker, Sir, I can still vividly recall the Prime Minister's speech at the opening of the MENDAKI Congress in May last year. His words are still ringing in my ears. The Prime Minister said, Sir: 'it is in the interest of all to have Malay Singaporeans better-educated and better-qualified and to increase their contribution to Singapore's development.' For the benefit of this House and with your indulgence, Sir, I shall briefly describe how MENDAKI was formed. As a group of individuals, Sir, and more importantly, as Muslims, we, the Muslim Members of this House, have been very concerned with the poor achievements of Muslim Singaporeans, in particular the Malays in their educational performances. So what prompted us to form MENDAKI, you may ask, Sir? The answer is: the Report of the Census of Singapore Population, 1980. This Report revealed that there were only 679 Malays with University qualifications in Singapore in 1980 compared to about 31,000 Chinese and 3,500 Indians. The Report further revealed, Sir, that of the total number of Malays aged five years and above in 1980, about 65% of them did not possess GCE 'O' level qualifications. Of these, 42% did not even pass the PSLE. So with these facts and figures staring in the eyes, Sir, the Muslim Members of this House got together one day to consider what best could be done to improve the situation, Following this, two meetings were held with leaders of seven leading Muslim organizations in Singapore which have been active in the field of secular education. It was agreed at these meetings, Sir, that we should put our heads together to see what could be done to improve the educational performances of Muslim students. Hence MENDAKI was formed on 10th October 1981. Subsequently four other leading Muslim organizations active in the field of religious education were included on MENDAKI. This, in a nutshell, is a brief account of events leading to the formation of MENDAKI.

MENDAKI - (Response from Muslim Community) Could the Minister tell the House whether the PKMS has, like the Alumni of Chung Cheng High School, contributed anything to MENDAKI.

MENDAKI - (Response from Muslim Community) Mr Speaker, Sir, nothing.

MAIN AND DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES OF SINGAPORE - FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, - 1983 TO 31ST MARCH, 1984 Order read for resumed consideration in Committee of Supply [5th Allotted Day].

MAIN AND DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES OF SINGAPORE - FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, - 1983 TO 31ST MARCH, 1984 3.12 p.m. Head R (cont.) - Resumption of Debate on Question [21st March, 1983]. "That the sum to be allocated for Head R be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead RD-03 of the Main Estimates." - [Dr Chau Sik Ting]. Question again proposed