Speeches from 13th Parliament in Year 2016
Parliamentary Q&A for 10 November 2016 Sitting
IMPACT ON SINGAPORE OF PHASE THREE OF US REBALANCING STRATEGY Dennis Tan asked what the Phase Three of the US Rebalancing Strategy entailed for Singapore and the region in terms of security. Ng Eng Hen said that Singapore’s starting point is whatever the calculations of other countries, whatever their foreign policy, we start from this
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 9 November 2016 Sitting
INCIDENCE OF PRE-SCHOOL CENTRES ALLOWING STAFF TO START WORK BEFORE PASSING PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL SCREENING Dennis Tan asked, for the past three years, how many cases have there been of schools and childcare centres allowing potential teachers or staff to start work before they have passed the pre-employment medical screening. Tan Chuan-Jin said that over the
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 8 November 2016 sitting
HELP FOR TEACHERS TO COPE WITH STRESS Faisal Manap asked about the dispute resolution mechanisms for teachers and parents, and how MOE addresses work-related stress faced by teachers. Ng Chee Ming said that there are professional counsellors within MOE who provide counselling support and stress management workshops. He also said “measures have been put in
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 7 November 2016 sitting
CONSIDERATION FOR REVIEW OF FIRE CODE AFTER JURONG WEST MARKET AND COFFEESHOP FIRE Daniel Goh asked if MHA would review the Fire Code, especially after questions on the Jurong West Market and Coffeeship fire, such as the fire cause and risk-minimising requirements have not been addressed. K Shanmugam responded that this incident was treated as
READ MORE Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Dennis Tan
(Delivered in Parliament on 10 November 2016) Madam, I declare my interest as a shipping lawyer. This Bill wishes to introduce the amendments by the International Labour Organization to the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006. Amongst other things, the proposed amendments will require shipowners to obtain financial security to cover up to four months
READ MORE National Registration (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 10 November 2016) Madam Speaker, the National Registration Amendment Bill seeks to make changes to the law governing the national register and NRICs in light of current realities and technology developments. I do not oppose the thrust of the bill, but I have a number of queries about the context
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The Well-Being of Children as the Heartbeat of Social Policy – Speech by Daniel Goh
(Delivered in Parliament on 10 November 2016) Madam Speaker, this bill recognizes that equality matters for the promotion of family life. While it is important to continue to promote parenthood within the ambit of marital unions, there is a need to balance it with the recognition that not everyone is so fortunate to be
READ MORE Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Png Eng Huat
(Delivered in Parliament on 9 November 2016) Madam, as stated by my fellow MPs of the Workers’ Party, we agree with the Constitutional Commission and Government, that this Parliament should be the centre of power in our democracy. The Constitutional Commission observed that in the “two-key” mechanism, “Singapore can ill-afford an impasse on
READ MORE Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 9 November 2016) Madam Speaker, yesterday saw a robust debate on the government’s constitution amendment bill and the WP’s proposal for an elected Senate. But what we saw from the PAP was a disappointing point-scoring exercise focusing on technical aspects of our proposal, as well as casting misleading aspersions like
READ MORE Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendments) Bill – Speech by Low Thia Khiang
(Delivered in Parliament on 8 November 2016) (In Mandarin) 总统是我国的元首，代表新加坡，是国家和人民的象征。工人党认为，总统的尊贵身份和地位，不会因为是通过国会委任产生而打折扣。 但是，从1980年代开始，工人党就极力反对民选总统制。这不是因为我们反对国家有总统，而是因为这整个机制背后的动机会造成对国家不良的深远影响。很显然的，候选人所必须具备的严格条件，都是为了保证最后能胜出成为总统的，是一名亲人民行动党人士。这名亲行动党的总统，就可在行动党万一落选的情况下，阻挠一个非人民行动党政府有效执政。为什么行动党在1981年安顺区补选和1984年大选失去波东巴西以后，才想到要推行民选总统制呢？...
READ MORE Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendments) Bill – Speech by Faisal Manap
(Delivered in Parliament on 8 November 2016) (In Malay) Parti Pekerja menolak rang undang-undang (pindaan) yang dibentang dan sedang diperdebatkan ini. Kami ingin menyatakan bahawa kami tetap dengan pendirian kami yang asal, sejak penubuhan jawatan Presiden DiPilih (EP), iaitu kami tidak menyetujui dengan jawatan EP dan menyeru agar jawatan presiden dikembalikan kepada jawatan asal
READ MORE Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendments) Bill – Speech by Chen Show Mao
(Delivered in Parliament on 8 November 2016) Sir, the office of the Presidency, in these days of increasing diversity amongst our people, can have an even bigger unifying role to play. A few years ago, I said in this house: How do we find as much common ground as possible? I believe it
READ MORE Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill – Speech By Dennis Tan
(Delivered in Parliament on 8 November 2016) Madam, I rise to oppose this Bill. In my speech today, I will be touching on the contradictions of the President being a head of state and unifier of the country versus the President in his custodial role. I will also be touching on the topic of
READ MORE Elect a Senate and Free the President – Speech by Daniel Goh
(Delivered in Parliament on 8 November 2016) Madam Speaker, the Government calls the constant reworking of the Elected Presidency as part of the evolution of the institution. But let’s call a spade a spade. The institution is being reengineered because the Government experienced a discomforting close shave with the Elected Presidency almost becoming a
READ MORE Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Pritam Singh
(Delivered in Parliament on 8 November 2016) Madam Speaker, the changes proposed by the Government to the provisions that deal with the Elected Presidency in the Constitution by way of this Bill are uniquely significant. A key significance lies in the fact that a Constitutional Commission was formed to review the Elected Presidency –
READ MORE Depoliticising the Presidency, Safeguarding our Assets – Speech by Sylvia Lim
(Delivered in Parliament on 8 November 2016) This Bill is evidence of how a nightmare may come back to haunt us. The Elected Presidency was created in the 1990s with the intention of safeguarding our past reserves from being squandered by a “rogue government”. However, the experience with the EP has seen the PAP
READ MORE Preventing the Scourge of Online Gambling in Singapore – Speech by Pritam Singh
(Delivered in Parliament on 7 November 2016) Madam Speaker, I am speaking on this adjournment motion as a result of the debate that took place during the second reading of the Remote Gambling Bill in 2014. I noted in my speech then that terrestrial and online gambling are two very different realms that would
READ MORE Tribute to Paralympians: Rallying A Nation – Speech by Sylvia Lim
(Delivered in Parliament on 7 November 2016) The Workers’ Party joins the Minister and all Members in congratulating our Paralympians on their inspiring achievements at Rio. Indeed, there is much for Singaporeans to celebrate this year in international sporting competition, with Team Singapore’s successes at the most prestigious international competitions – the Olympic and Paralympic...
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 10 October 2016 Sitting
PUBLICATION OF FULL REPORT OF 22 MARCH FATAL TRAIN INCIDENT Faisal Manap asked if LTA would publish the full report of the Accident Review Panel which investigated the fatal train accident near Pasir Ris MRT station and whether the Panel had concluded that the train driver was at fault. Khaw Boon Wan replied that the
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CPF (Amendment No. 2) Bill – Speech by Png Eng Huat
(Delivered in Parliament on 10 October 2016) Madam Speaker, the Central Provident Fund (CPF) has to evolve to stay relevant with time. Members are living longer, medical expenses are rising, and housing commitments and inflation are factors that may impact our retirement plans in more ways than one. The latest amendments to the CPF Act is
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 13 September 2016 Sitting
NEW BENCHMARK FOR MADRASAHS UNDER NEW PSLE SCORING SYSTEM Faisal Manap asked what will be the new benchmark set for the six madrasahs under the new PSLE scoring system. Ng Chee Meng said that the benchmark is pegged to the average PSLE Score of Malay pupils in the six lowest-performing national primary schools who take
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Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 13 September 2016) Madam Speaker the Consumer Protection Fair Trading Amendment Bill seeks to empower SPRING Singapore to become an enforcement agency to investigate, obtain and enforce Court injunctions against errant retailers. The amendments aim to deter errant retail practices and to publicise the occurrence of such practices so that consumers
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Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Amendment Bill – Speech by Dennis Tan Lip Fong
(Delivered in Parliament on 13 September 2016) Madam speaker, I am in support of strengthening existing laws to provide better protection for consumers. Whether it is to protect local shoppers or foreign tourists. It may only take a few bad hats give a bad name to Singapore. We cannot afford that as Singapore is a
READ MORE Tribute to SR Nathan – Speech by Pritam Singh
(Delivered in Parliament on 13 September 2016) Madam Speaker, like many younger Singaporeans, I am of a generation that grew up with President Nathan when he became President and took on a significantly more public persona. His passing however is also an opportunity to remember his immense courage in service of Singapore. Specifically, his role
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Tribute to SR Nathan – Speech by Sylvia Lim
(Delivered in Parliament on 13 September 2016) On Monday 22 August, I was at a Seventh Month dinner at Serangoon Gardens. At just after 10 pm, someone at a neighbouring table showed me her phone carrying the news that President SR Nathan had passed away. My immediate thoughts were: how typical of him. August had
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 16 August 2016 Sitting
BOARD MEMBERS’ AWARENESS OF TRAIN DEFECTS Faisal Manap asked if members of the PTC, board members of SMRT and LTA, and the management of Temasek Holdings were aware of the MRT train defects and the subsequent train recall exercise in 2013. Khaw Boon Wan said that the issue was discussed between the ministry, LTA, and
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 15 August 2016 Sitting
HDB GOODWILL REPAIR ASSISTANCE SCHEME Faisal Manap asked about the current policy and approval process for granting subsidies under HDB’s Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) scheme, and what roles do MPs and grassroots advisors play in this process. Lawrence Wong said that if the leak or spalling concrete is due to wear and tear, flat owners
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Info-communications Media Development Authority Bill – Speech by Png Eng Huat
(Delivered in Parliament on 16 August 2016) Madam Speaker, the Digital Age has certainly arrived. The convergence of infocomm and media sectors in the digital realm has transformed the way we live, interact, learn, teach, travel, shop, and more. When I first dabbled in digital technology more than a quarter century ago, I would have
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Government Technology Agency Bill – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 16 August 2016) Madam Speaker the creation of the Government Technology Agency or GOVTECH marks the turning of a page in the evolution of Singapore’s IT infrastructure. The new GOVTECH will and I quote from the bill, “undertake the procurement of infocomm technology and related engineering goods for the public sector…”
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Employment Claims Bill – Speech by Daniel Goh
(Delivered in Parliament on 16 August 2016) Madam Speaker, the setting up of the Employment Claims Tribunal is long overdue. This bill is a welcome relief for workers. I am sure there will be many refinements down the road to ensure that workers get paid their rightful salaries. For now I have a few issues
READ MORE Employment Claims Bill – Speech by Faisal Manap
(Delivered in Parliament on 16 August 2016) Madam, The move to replace the current Labour Court with the Employment Claims Tribunal are based on two main considerations, (i) inclusivity and (ii) enhancing efficiency in reaching resolutions. The ECT will basically cover all employees who have an employment contract with their employers, regardless of their salary
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Employment Claims Bill – Speech by Dennis Tan
(Delivered in Parliament on 16 August 2016) Deputy speaker sir, I declare my interest as a lawyer who does handle employment matters and disputes in the course of my work. The proposed constitution of the Employment Claims Tribunal to decide on employment claims as proposed under this Employment Claims Bill is indeed a step in
READ MORE SkillsFuture Singapore Agency Bill – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 16 August 2016) Madam Speaker the SkillsFuture Singapore Agency Bill aims to bring about a far-reaching change in our adult education and training landscape by establishing an agency that is solely focused on adult education in ways that are intimately linked to economic goals such as employability, productivity and innovation. In
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Administration of Justice (Protection) Bill – Speech by Pritam Singh
(Delivered in Parliament on 15 August 2016) Introduction Mdm Speaker, at paragraph 17 of the judgment in Alan Shadrake, the Singapore Court of Appeal notes that the balance between freedom of speech on the one hand and protection of the administration of justice on the other is at the heart of the law relating to
READ MORE Administration of Justice (Protection) Bill – Speech by Sylvia Lim
(Delivered in Parliament on 15 August 2016) I rise to register the Workers’ Party’s objection to this Bill. As acknowledged by the Ministry, our existing law on contempt of court already protects the due administration of justice. The law is to be found in case law and it has worked well thus far. I have
READ MORE Administration of Justice (Protection) Bill – Speech by Low Thia Khiang
(Delivered in Parliament on 15 August 2016) 司法行政（维护）法案 Administration of Justice (protection) Bill 议长女士， 首先，工人党要在此清楚表明我们反对这个司法行政（维护）法案。我们认为，现有的法律，已经足够以确保恶意藐视法庭的人，得到应有的惩罚。到目前为止，也没有任何证据显示现有的法律已经失效。 政府提出这个新的，有关藐视法庭的法案，其真正的目的，并不是为了维护司法公正，而是在阻吓公众对法庭审理的案件提出原本是合理、合法的意见；但同时又准许部长可以对在法庭审理的案件发表声明。部长所发表的声明有可能会影响法官对案件的判决。 这种情况，等于只许州官放火，不准百姓点灯。...
READ MORE Administration of Justice (Protection) Bill – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 15 August 2016) Madam Speaker the government has said that the Administration of Justice (Protection) Bill aims to consolidate common law on contempt of Court. However in so doing, it poses unsatisfactory and problematic solutions to a non-existent problem. And in so doing, it generates grave dangers to the freedom of
READ MORE Administration of Justice (Protection) Bill – Speech by Dennis Tan
(Delivered in Parliament on 15 August 2016) Madam speaker, I do recognise the need for us to have laws to help maintain public confidence in our judiciary or the protection of the administration of justice. However I would like to share with this House some grave concerns I have about this Bill. New test of risk?
READ MORE Administration of Justice (Protection) Bill – Speech by Daniel Goh
(Delivered in Parliament on 15 August 2016) Madam Speaker, I join my Workers’ Party colleagues to oppose this bill. As an ordinary person who relies on the law to protect my family, I find this proposed law casts too large and fearful a shadow on the whole of Singapore and diminishes my sense of security
READ MORE Sport as the Heartbeat of the Nation – Speech by Sylvia Lim
(Delivered in Parliament on 15 August 2016) Madam Speaker, The Workers’ Party joins the Minster and Members in congratulating Joseph Schooling and his family on a most remarkable achievement at the Rio Olympics. Behind what seemed to us as an effortless 50.39 seconds must have been a lifetime of discipline, training and sacrifice. Joseph’s parents have
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 11 July 2016 Sitting
WET MARKET AND HAWKER CENTRE IN BEDOK NORTH Faisal Manap queried the development plans for the wet market and hawker centre at Block 511, Bedok North Street after the expiry of its lease in October 2017. Masagos Zulkifli said stall-owners who wish to continue their businesses will have the option to do so. The wet
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Parliamentary Q&A for 9 May 2016 Sitting
EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION Leon Perera queried enforcement powers for addressing discriminatory employment practices relating to personal attributes other than nationality. Teo Ser Luck said MOM investigates complaints about race, language, family status and works with TAFEP. MOM may revoke work pass privileges of employers who discriminate against age or maternity. Read the full exchange here...
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 24 March 2016 Sitting
USE OF CAREGIVERS TRAINING GRANT Daniel Goh asked how much specialised caregivers receive on average and whether the MOH will consider increasing the grant quantum for specialised caregivers. Gan Kim Yong replied that the average annual utilisation by these caregivers was $116 per grant recipient in FY2015 and there are currently no plans to increase
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Statutes (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill – Speech by Sylvia Lim
(Delivered in Parliament on 9 May 2016) I would like to seek some clarifications on the amendments being made to the Wills Act, the Government Proceedings Act and the Legal Profession Act. I declare that I am a lawyer with a practising certificate in force. Wills Act Clause 50 of the Bill will introduce a
READ MORE Child Development Co-Savings (Amendment) Bill – Speech By Daniel Goh
(Delivered in Parliament on 9 May 2016) Madam Speaker, the birth rate in Singapore seems to be recovering from record lows. In 2010, we hit our lowest number of citizen births at just over 30,000 babies born. In 2012, in the Chinese zodiac Year of the Dragon, citizen births increased to over 33,000 babies. The good
READ MORE Choice of Court Agreements Bill – Speech by Dennis Tan
(Delivered in Parliament on 14 April 2016) I declare my interest as a lawyer with a practice involving international commercial work. I rise in support of the Choice of Court Agreements Bill. On 25 March 2015, Singapore signed the Hague Convention on Choice of Court Agreements of 2005. For the rest of my speech I
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Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Committee of Supply 2016 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 13 April 2016) Malay/Muslim Community Development Fund (MMCDF) – Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap Dalam menjawab soalan saya didewan ini, sama ada pengunaan MMCDF boleh dilanjutkan kepada institusi masjid, Menteri berkata, ini tidak dapat dilakukan kerana masjid tidak dianggap sebagai sebuah badan Melayu-Islam. Namun beliau menambah bahawa Masjid boleh meraih dari...
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Ministry of Health Committee of Supply 2016 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 12 & 13 April 2016) Waiting Time in Polyclinics – Leon Perera Madam Chairperson, in business when a target is surpassed by a wide margin, sometimes it is due to good performance, sometimes it is due to good fortune and sometimes it is due to the target being set too low.
READ MORE Prime Minister’s Office Committee of Supply 2016 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 13 April 2016) Anti-Corruption Reputation – Sylvia Lim According to the CPIB, Singapore is one of the least corrupt countries in the world. The number of corruption cases registered for CPIB investigations is at 30-year lows. This, CPIB says, is testament to Singapore’s continued vigilance, commitment and zero-tolerance approach in our
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Ministry of Social and Family Development Committee of Supply 2016 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 12 April 2016) Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KiFAS) – Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap All children are unique as are the learning methods that are most effective for them. They are naturally eager for knowledge and some children require a very structured, teacher-led style of learning while others learn better in a
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Ministry of Transport Committee of Supply 2016 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 11 & 12 April 2016) MRT Breakdowns – Dennis Tan Two years ago, at the Committee of Supply debates, my colleague Png Eng Huat spoke about the reliability of our train services. Two years on, the regularity of train disruptions and the reliability of our MRT remain disconcerting issues. In the past 13
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Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources Committee of Supply 2016 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 12 April 2016) Climate Change Fund – Pritam Singh Madam Chairperson, climate change and the reality of rising sea-levels are upon us. Just a couple of months ago a friend, shared with me a video clip of how far up the tide had reached, at the area of East Coast beach
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Ministry of National Development Committee of Supply 2016 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 11 April 2016) Mitigating Homelessness – Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap Madam, one case of homelessness in Singapore is one too many for our collective comfort. Deprived of a permanent shelter, an essential human need, it has a direct negative impact on the well being of the affected individual as well as
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Ministry of Communications and Information Committee of Supply 2016 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 11 April 2016) Withdrawal of 2G Phone Services – Pritam Singh Madam Chairperson, the withdrawal of 2G phone services by April 2017 will affect up to 250,000 individuals, in particular the elderly who are seek a basic device for their use, and foreign workers who rely on the cheapest handsets. Customers
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Ministry of Finance Committee of Supply 2016 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 11 April 2016) Government Procurement – Chen Show Mao I would like to call on the government to look into encouraging the increased use of price adjustment clauses, or escalation clauses, in government procurement. These clauses provide that, should some key cost in a government contract rise significantly from the time
READ MORE Ministry of Manpower Committee of Supply 2016 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 8 April 2016) Fairness in Employment – Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap It is recognised that MOM has taken a couple of steps towards ensuring fair employment within Singaporean workplaces, with TAFEP and the FCF as two examples. However, there are two key problems with existing schemes. First, a lack of enforcement
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Ministry of Education Committee of Supply 2016 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 8 April 2016) Ensuring Every School is a Good School – Png Eng Huat Madam, The 7 neighbourhood schools that received no secondary one postings from MOE this year were attributed to the falling cohort size. Indeed the 2015 cohort of 38,600 secondary one students is about 10 per cent lower
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Ministry of Defence Committee of Supply 2016 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 7 April 2016) Cyber Defence – Low Thia Khiang Madam, I note that the SAF established a Centralised Cyber Defence Operations Hub in 2013. Such capabilities are important today given the network centric nature of contemporary society and indeed military operations today. I have three sets of questions for MINDEF on
READ MORE Ministry of Trade and Industry Committee of Supply 2016 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 7 April 2016) TPP and Singapore Businesses – Pritam Singh Madam Chairperson, I first spoke on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and its impact on Singapore businesses at the President’s Address in 2014. Then, I had asked the Government to flesh out the opportunities and pitfalls awaiting our local SMEs when the TPP is
READ MORE Ministry of Foreign Affairs Committee of Supply 2016 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 6 April 2016) South China Sea Tension – Pritam Singh Mr Chairman, the tensions in the South China Sea appear to have taken a turn for the worse in 2016, manifested most acutely by the timing of China’s deployment of an air defence unit on the disputed Woody Island, precisely when
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Ministry of Law Committee of Supply 2016 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 6 April 2016) External Law Degree Holders – Dennis Tan The Fourth Committee on the Supply of Lawyers had in 2013 recommended that the third law school at UniSIM offer a conversion course for external law degree holders or holders of law degrees who are not on the list of approved
READ MORE Ministry of Home Affairs Committee of Supply 2016 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 6 April 2016) Terrorism Threat – Pritam Singh Madam Chairperson, the scourge of terrorism does not appear to be going away anytime soon. As quickly as Al Qaeda affiliates such as Jemaah Islamiyah faded from the public eye in the decade or so after 9/11, and after the death of Osama bin
READ MORE Debate on Budget 2016: Fiscal Prudence and Sustainability – Deepening the Discussion – Speech by Pritam Singh
(Delivered in Parliament on 5 April 2016) Madam Speaker, this is the first Budget that allows the Government to tap on Temasek’s Net Investment Returns Contribution (NIRC) alongside the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC), presenting the Government with a cumulative total of $14.7b. This is a substantial
READ MORE Debate on Budget 2016: Focusing On HDB Shops, The Unemployed and Our Youth – Speech by Dennis Tan
(Delivered in Parliament on 5 April 2016) Madam Speaker, today I shall be touching on three different aspects of Budget 2016. I will first start with the Budget proposal to enhance the Revitalisation of Shops Scheme (ROS). In November 2007, the Government introduced the ROS to enhance the vibrancy and competitiveness of HDB shops. As
READ MORE Debate on Budget 2016: Semangat Kerjasama ke Arah Pemupukkan Masyarakat yang Daya Tahan, Inklusif dan Penyayang – Speech by Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap
(Delivered in Parliament on 5 April 2016) Pendahuluan Puan, antara tema utama bagi belanjawan tahun ini adalah Semangat Kerjasama (Spirit of partnership). Dalam ucapan Menteri Heng Swee Keat, beliau menekan peri penting nya faktor ini dalam membuat transformasi ekonomi negara dan juga dalam mengukuhkan masyarakat Singapura kearah masyarakat yang inklusif dan penyanyang. Saya setuju dan
READ MORE Debate on Budget 2016: Understanding and Addressing Employment Insecurity – Speech by Sylvia Lim
(Delivered in Parliament on 4 April 2016) This year’s Budget Statement acknowledges that businesses are facing difficult and uncertain conditions. To this end, we see the continuation of some existing schemes to support businesses, such as the Wage Credit Scheme and an extension of the Special Employment Credit which provide a modest offset for wages
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Debate on Budget 2016: Unlocking the Entrepreneurial Potential Of Local Firms And Singaporeans – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 4 April 2016) Madam Speaker, before I begin please allow me to declare my interest as the owner of a mid-size Singapore-based enterprise. Madam, we need local enterprises as the third pillar of our economy, standing alongside MNCs and government-linked enterprises or GLCs. Right now the share of SMEs in value-added
READ MORE Debate on Budget 2016: Seeding Innovation for All Singaporeans – Speech by Daniel Goh
(Delivered in Parliament on 4 April 2016) Madam Speaker, the emphasis on innovation as the third pillar in the Industry Transformation Programme is a right emphasis. This is more than just a good thing to do. As the Minister said in his Budget statement, it is critical to the Programme. If we fail at innovation,
READ MORE Mental Capacity (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Dennis Tan
(Delivered in Parliament on 14 March 2016) Madam Speaker, I would like to declare my interest in that as a lawyer, I have assisted in matters relating to the Mental Capacity Act. Madam, I am in support of the proposed amendments to allow the appointment of professional donees and professional deputies. I recognise that it is necessary
READ MORE Mental Capacity (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Sylvia Lim
(Delivered in Parliament on 14 March 2016) The Bill enhances the regime of the Mental Capacity Act passed in 2008. The Bill will allow professionals to become donees and court-appointed deputies under the Act. It also gives the Court additional powers to manage cases where a donee’s or deputy’s powers may need to be revoked, restricted or suspended. While
READ MORE Adjournment Motion on ‘Growing New Industries that Promise Economic and Non-Economic Benefits’ – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 1 March 2016) Madam Speaker, as a nation, we have always prided ourselves on our ability to think long-term, and our willingness to defy conventional wisdom about our limitations. Water is a prime example. In the 1990s, few thought we could make progress towards self-sufficiency in water supply. Two decades on,
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National Environment Agency (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill – Speech by Png Eng Huat
(Delivered in Parliament on 1 March 2016) Madam Speaker, keeping Singapore clean and green, and safe from mosquito borne diseases is everyone’s responsibility. In a densely populated city like ours, community living is all about respecting shared spaces and taking shared responsibilities for the environment we live in. In the area of shared responsibilities, residents
READ MORE National Environment Agency (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill – Speech by Pritam Singh
(Delivered in Parliament on 1 March 2016) Madam Speaker, A central aspect of this Bill is the inclusion of volunteers to assist the NEA in its efforts to make Singapore a clean, and not cleaned city. The Workers’ Party supports the principle that underpins this Bill – which is to rope community volunteers to preserve
READ MORE National Environment Agency (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill – Speech by Daniel Goh
(Delivered in Parliament on 1 March 2016) NEA Auxiliaries with Enforcement Powers Will Undermine Community Ownership Madam Speaker, this bill seeks to appoint individuals, including community volunteers, as auxiliary officers of the National Environmental Agency to police and enforce the law on public health offences. The Workers’ Party cannot support the bill in this form. Without
READ MORE Banking (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 29 February 2016) Madam Speaker, it is important for the MAS to be sufficiently empowered to take a pro-active stance in regulating the banking sector. The global financial crisis showed the world how high the stakes are in getting our banking regulatory frameworks right. Prudential safeguards such as, for example, empowering
READ MORE Central Provident Fund (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Dennis Tan (Chinese)
(Delivered in Parliament on 29 February 2016) 议长女士 我支持这个家居保障计划 (HPS) 修正案。 这个家居保障计划是保障公积金成员及其家属，不会因为一旦以住家作为抵押的贷款者死亡或永久性丧失工作能力时，因为没有购买贷款余额递减保险，无法继续支付每月的分期付款而失去家园。这是个强制性的措施，适用在使用公积金储蓄来支付组屋贷款，每月必须支付分期付款的业主。不过，这个计划并不包括私人住宅，共管公寓 (ECs) 或私有化HUDC 公寓的业主。 这个修正法案旨在加强家居保障计划的保险范围。根据提议的修订， 在该计划下投保的公积金会员， 一旦身罹绝症或永久完全伤残，即使该成员并非完全丧失能力，甚至永远不能持续从事任何职业，仍然可以在这个保险计划下索赔。这是一个重大的改变，...
READ MORE Central Provident Fund (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Dennis Tan (English)
(Delivered in Parliament on 29 February 2016) Madam, I rise in support of the bill. I support the proposed amendments to the bill in respect of the Home Protection Scheme (HPS). The HPS is a mortgage-reducing insurance that protects members and their families against losing their homes in the event of death or permanent incapacity
READ MORE Central Provident Fund (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Pritam Singh
(Delivered in Parliament on 29 February 2016) Introduction Mdm Speaker, The benefits of the Home Protection Scheme (HPS) struck close to home when I lost an uncle more than a decade ago. He passed away in a motorcycle accident and did not have any HPS coverage. A sizeable mortgage remained outstanding and it was left
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Women’s Charter (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Daniel Goh
(Delivered in Parliament on 29 February 2016) Towards the Family Charter Madam Speaker, this bill takes steps to adjust the 55-year old legislation to the changing social environment affecting family life. When enacted in 1961, the Women’s Charter was a momentous and courageous legislation that swam against the tide of opinions and the traditional values
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Registration of Criminals (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Sylvia Lim
(Delivered in Parliament on 29 February 2016) I am generally supportive of the Bill. However, I wish to raise some concerns about Clause 4, which relates to the furnishing information on our Register of Criminals to foreign law enforcement agencies. We can certainly agree about the importance of sharing of information with foreign law enforcement
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Motion on NCMP Seat – Speech by Png Eng Huat
Madam Speaker, the last time a motion of such nature was tabled in Parliament was in 1985. Back then, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minster for Community Development, Mr. S Dhanabalan, moved the motion stating that it is to provide for the filling of the vacant NCMP seat. The PAP Government then believed it
READ MORE Motion on NCMP Seat – Closing Speech by Low Thia Khiang
Madam Speaker, The Workers’ Party remains in principle opposed to the NCMP scheme. Essentially, Parliament is representative of the People. MPs secure the mandate from the People to make decisions on their behalf in Parliament. Thus, “representation” is the foundation of Parliament. Any politicians who aspire to enter Parliament must seek and obtain the mandate
READ MORE Motion on NCMP Seat – Opening Speech by Low Thia Khiang
Madam Speaker, The motion before the house is to provide for the filling of the vacant seat, in accordance with the relevant sections of the Parliamentary Elections Act. Ms Lee Li Lian of the Workers’ Party was declared a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) at the General Election 2015, but has decided not to take
READ MORE Motion on NCMP Seat – Speech by Sylvia Lim
I rise in support of the motion. I was a Non-Constituency Member from 2006 to 2011, and wish to share my perspective on this motion which will determine if the House will have another NCMP or not. I refer to MP Charles Chong’s speech on Ms Lee Li Lian’s decision not to take up the
READ MORE Debate on President’s Address – Pritam Singh
Empowering our Future through Parliament Thank you Madam Speaker. Much of the attention surrounding the President’s speech at the opening of parliament concerned the upcoming changes to the political system. The President’s speech intimated that an inclusive Singapore is a clear objective of the government, and I will speak on one aspect of our political
READ MORE Debate on President’s Address – Low Thia Khiang
Madam Speaker, the President asked an important question that should concern all Singaporeans in the next decade, “How do we ensure our island-nation remains a shining red dot, so that our children and grandchildren will thrive?” In the last 50 years, the question that has occupied us was different, it was how to make
READ MORE Debate on President’s Address – Png Eng Huat
Madam Speaker, the President ended his address 2 Fridays ago with a call for Singaporeans to write the next chapter of our future together. The next chapter, in the words of President Tony Tan, will see Singapore “progress as an exceptional nation with a thriving economy, and a caring and inclusive society.” Politics It
READ MORE Debate on President’s Address – Dennis Tan
Madam Speaker, in the President’s speech, he mentioned five key aims that the Government hopes to fulfil in this coming term: to keep Singapore safe and secure to renew our economy to foster a more caring society to transform our urban landscape; and to engage and partner with Singaporeans in nation building. I will
READ MORE Debate on President’s Address – Leon Perera
Madam speaker, it is my privilege to address this House today. It is not a privilege I take lightly. I shall speak today on the subject of national unity and specifically what ideas and values we should unite around. My starting point is the reaction to the results of GE2015. One keynote quickly emerged from some
READ MORE Debate on President’s Address – Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap
Pertama sekali, saya ingin mengambil peluang ini untuk merakamkan ucapan terima kasih saya kepada pengundi-pengundi GRC Aljunied yang telah memberi saya dan rakan-rakan seperjuangan saya kepercayaan buat kali yang kedua untuk menjadi suara mereka didalam dewan ini. Dalam ucapan Tuan Presiden tempoh hari, beliau telah menyentuh lima matlamat penting bagi masyarakat Singapura agar negara...
READ MORE Debate on President’s Address – Sylvia Lim
Exceptional Nation – An Empowered Nation In his address, the President asked Singaporeans to progress as an “exceptional nation, with a thriving economy, and a caring and inclusive society”. This aspirational statement bears examination. What is an “exceptional nation”? SG50 has come and gone. 2015 also saw the passing of our founding Prime Minister Mr
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