Speeches from 13th Parliament in Year 2017
Parliamentary Q&A for 7 November 2017 Sitting – Ministerial Statement on SMRT Flooding Incident
INVESTIGATIONS INTO MRT TUNNEL FLOODING ON NORTH-SOUTH LINE Dennis Tan asked when the pumps in the tunnel between Bishan and Braddell MRT stations were last inspected before the tunnel flooding. Khaw Boon Wan replied that he is not giving excuses for not checking the pumps or other small things the Member talked about. But in
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 6 & 7 November 2017 Sittings
REVIEW OF MOT AND LTA SENIOR STAFF REMUNERATION AND BONUSES Leon Perera asked whether the recent episode of MRT tunnel flooding will affect the compensation of senior staff in the Ministry of Transport and LTA tasked with oversight of the MRT operator. Khaw Boon Wan did not directly answer the question, but he replied that
READ MORE Maximizing Every Student’s Potential in Classrooms of the Future – Adjournment Motion by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 7 November 2017) Few subjects are as important to the future of our economy and our society than education. The quality of human resources is key to boosting investment, innovation, productivity and entrepreneurship in a developed economy like ours. Effective education is tied to quality of life and good physical and
READ MORE Sale of Food (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Sylvia Lim
(Delivered in Parliament on 7 November 2017) This Bill seeks to enhance the regulation of the sale of food, to allow the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) to take food safety measures and to promote public health. While nobody can quarrel with such aims, the amendments potentially allow AVA to impose onerous obligations on a
READ MORE Cross-Border Railways Bill – Speech by Dennis Tan
(Delivered in Parliament on 6 November 2017) The Cross-Border Railways Bill is an important bill in various ways. It provides legislative support for the construction, management and operation of both the proposed Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) and the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS). Both the HSR and RTS will likely enhance cross-border
READ MORE Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 7 November 2017) Madam Speaker, smoking substantially harms human health. The health of the smoker. The health of those inhaling second-hand smoke. It has been causally linked to conditions like lung cancer, stroke, heart disease, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. I support the raising of the legal smoking age to 21 as
READ MORE Central Provident Fund (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Png Eng Huat
(Delivered in Parliament on 6 November 2017) Mr Speaker. Each time the CPF Act is tweaked, lives will be impacted, one way or another. For many Singaporeans, their dreams and plans for retirement, flat ownership, or even going on a once-in-a-lifetime haj could hinge on the policy directions set by some of these amendments. As
READ MORE Workplace Safety and Health (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Daniel Goh
(Delivered in Parliament on 6 November 2017) Mr Speaker Sir, workplace safety and health is a serious concern. When the viaduct at the Pan-Island Expressway worksite at Upper Changi Road East collapsed killed a worker and injured 10 others in July, Singaporeans were shocked and saddened. Even though many of the workers who are
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 2 & 3 October 2017 Sitting
REQUIREMENT FOR THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATORS TO ADHERE TO SINGAPORE MEDICAL COUNCIL ETHICAL GUIDELINES Dennis Tan asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry tracks the number of medical professionals that has agreements with third party administrators (TPAs) and whether the Ministry will consider TPA should adhere to Singapore Medical Council (SMC) ethical guidelines. Dr
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Multiculturalism – Speech by Faisal Manap
(Delivered in Parliament on 3 October 2017) (in Malay) Tuan Speaker, saya menyokong usul yang dibentangkan ini dan ingin menyumbang cadangan dalam usaha untuk memperkukuhkan perpaduan sosial agar masyarakat Singapura yang berbilang kaum dan agama berdiri teguh, sehati-sejiwa, bersama-sama mencegah, memerangi dan membasmi gejala radikalisma dan keganasan atau terorisme. Tuan...
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 11 September 2017 Sitting
ENSURING SMOOTH INTEGRATION OF NEW SIGNALLING SYSTEM ON NORTH-SOUTH AND EAST-WEST MRT LINES Dennis Tan asked for an update on the integration of new signaling equipment on the NS and EW lines, and the timeline for completion of the required tests and checks. Khaw Boon Wan replied that implementation has been “smoother than … feared,”
READ MORE Multiculturalism – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 3 October 2017) Mr Speaker sir, thank you for the opportunity to speak on this motion and I thank the honourable member Mr Christopher D’Souza for moving this timely and important motion. Singapore has not faced a terrorist attack in recent times. Will it happen one day? Probably yes. How
READ MORE Towards Interculturalism – Speech by Daniel Goh
(Delivered in Parliament on 3 October 2017) The Three Phases of Multiracialism Mr. Speaker Sir, this is an important motion that touches upon the state of the foundation of our nation. Multiracialism is the bedrock of our nation. When we were trying to get out of the colonial mess of divide and rule
READ MORE Staying United Against the Terrorism Threat – Speech by Pritam Singh
(Delivered in Parliament on 3 October 2017) Mr Speaker, the Workers’ Party supports the motion. The spectre of terrorism has been with us for slightly over 15 years since the bombing of the twin towers on 11 Sep 2011. Many of us remember the shocking revelations of Al-Qaeda inspired plans to attack foreign embassies
READ MORE Counting from President Wee Kim Wee or President Ong Teng Cheong for Reserved Presidential Election – Policy Decision or Legal Question? – Speech by Sylvia Lim
(Delivered in Parliament on 3 October 2017) President Halimah Yacob took her oath of office on 14 September 2017. President Halimah is a popular figure who is well-respected in many circles. She was also my former Member of Parliament, who worked hard to serve her constituents. Yet, despite her personal attributes, the lightning circumstances
READ MORE Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Dennis Tan
(Delivered in Parliament on 2 October 2017) The new Part XIIA A major part of the amendments in this Bill is none other than the introduction of a new Part XIIA relating to the control of designated public licensees, designated business trusts and designated equity interest holders. The new Part XIIA which includes Sections
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Infrastructure Protection Bill – Speech by Sylvia Lim
(Delivered in Parliament on 2 October 2017) This Bill seeks to protect selected areas and buildings against security risks. These threats are not merely terrorism-related but include threats from crime and accidents. It goes without saying that appropriate security measures can safeguard lives and property, and minimize disruptions to essential services. Thus, this
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Building Maintenance and Strata Management Bill – Speech by Dennis Tan Lip Fong
(Delivered in Parliament on 11 September 2017) Mr Speaker, this Bill introduces fairly substantial amendments. While I do agree with most of the amendments here, I have some concerns and require some clarifications regarding this Bill. Suspension of Management Council and appointment of official management Clause 53 of the Bill introduces new sections
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Jurong Town Corporation (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 11 September 2017) Mr Speaker sir, the Jurong Town Corporation (Amendment) Bill provides for the transfer of HDB’s industrial properties to JTC. With this transfer, all public sector industrial properties will be consolidated under one agency. I do not object to the thrust of this bill, and I support its
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 1 August 2017 sitting
INSTRUCTIONS ON SAFE USE OF PERSONAL MOBILITY DEVICES Dennis Tan asked how does the Ministry ensure that employees are adequately instructed by their employers on road traffic rules and safe use of bicycles and PWDs. Lim Swee Say replied that under the Workplace Safety and Health Act, all companies are required to ensure the safety
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Administration of Muslim Law (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap
(Delivered in Parliament on 1 August 2017) In Malay Puan, Rang undang-undang Pindaan AMLA atau Akta Pentadbiran Hukum Islam yang dibentangkan ini adalah bertujuan untuk, memperteguh institusi-institusi Muslim; mempertingkat pengurusan aset-aset Muslim; (iii) dan memperkukuh keluarga-keluarga Muslim dengan memperhalusi serta memperbaiki proses-proses dan undang-undang yang sedia ada...
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 4 July 2017 sitting
HDB’S HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME Png Eng Huat enquired delays in implementing HIP since the programme started and about which precincts have experienced the longest delays. Desmond Lee replied that the average time taken between the award of an HIP contract to polling is about nine months. After polling, residents are given six weeks to select
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 3 July 2017 sitting
RELEASE OF INFORMATION RELATED TO DEEDS OF GIFTS Daniel Goh asked whether deeds of gifts executed with the NHB may be shared with third parties and if the 38 Oxley Road Deed of Gift had been protected by a confidentiality clause. Lawrence Wong replied that NHB would verify consent on items donated from an estate
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Monetary Authority of Singapore (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 4 July 2017) Madam Speaker, the MAS Amendment Bill seeks to strengthen the MAS’ powers to resolve distressed financial institutions, taking reference from the Financial Stability Board or FSB’s Key Attributes of Effective Resolution Regimes. I do not object to the Bill or any of its provisions. In particular, the
READ MORE Debate on PM, DPM Statements – Speech by Low Thia Khiang
(Delivered in Parliament on 3 July 2017) Madam Speaker, this is a sad day for Parliament that we have to hear and debate the dispute of the descendants of our Founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. It is sadder still that this whole saga is centered on Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s will because
READ MORE Abuse of Power: Debate on PM, DPM Statements – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 3 July 2017) Mr Deputy Speaker sir, imagine, if you will, a public listed company where two ex-employees have made allegations on Facebook of abuse of power by the CEO. The Board of Directors meets. It decides to convene an extraordinary meeting of shareholders or EOGM to debate the allegations. While
READ MORE Debate on PM, DPM Statements – Speech by Png Eng Huat
(Delivered in Parliament on 3 July 2017) Madam, I am not here today to debate on how the last will of Mr Lee Kuan Yew was made or who drafted it. I am not even bothered why the current owner of 38 Oxley Road would want it demolished as soon as possible. These are really
READ MORE Singapore’s Political Culture and Allegations of Abuse of Power by the Prime Minister in the matter of 38 Oxley Road – Speech by Pritam Singh
(Delivered in Parliament on 3 July 2017) Introduction: Back up your allegations or be sued Madam Speaker, Singapore has been a one-party dominant state since independence. The ruling party has thus single-handedly shaped the political culture in Singapore. Our political culture is one that does not condone any allegations of wrongdoing or impropriety against the
READ MORE Defend our organs of state, before it’s too late – Speech by Sylvia Lim
(Delivered in Parliament on 3 July 2017) The Lee siblings have stated that their Big Brother has misused his position and influence over government agencies to drive his personal agenda, and that they feared the use of the Organs of State against them. These are serious charges and deeply troubling. But to be fair to
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 8 May 2017 Sitting
UNSUCCESSFUL BTO FLAT APPLICATIONS IN 2016 Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap requested for the number of first-timer, second-timer and third-timer unsuccessful Build-to-Order Applications in 2016. Lawrence Wong said the numbers were unavailable as the selection process was still on-going. Read the full exchange here. HDB FLATS AND PRIVATE CONDOMINIUM UNITS BUILT IN 2015-2016 Muhamad Faisal
READ MORE Amendment of Parliament Standing Orders – Speech by Sylvia Lim
(Delivered in Parliament on 8 May 2017) Petitions - A Critical Parliamentary Process While I am prepared to support the Motion, I would like to place on record my concern about one of the proposed amendments. This relates to the change to Standing Order No 18 on Petitions. In gist, my concern is that the
READ MORE Adjournment Motion: Redundancy Insurance – Speech by Daniel Goh
(Delivered in Parliament on 8 May 2017) Deputy Speaker Sir, the Workers’ Party has mooted the idea of a redundancy insurance scheme for some time now. We raised it in our manifestoes for the general elections in 2011 and 2015, and the honourable member Ms Sylvia Lim raised it in the Budget debate
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Applied Social Sciences in a Complex Social Landscape – Speech by Daniel Goh
(Delivered in Parliament on 8 May 2017) Speech on the Singapore University of Social Sciences Bill Deputy Speaker Sir, as a social scientist by vocation, I was pleasantly surprised that the Government announced the renaming of SIM University as the Singapore University of Social Sciences. This is, of course, not a simple
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Public Entertainments and Meetings Amendment Bill – Speech by Sylvia Lim
(Delivered in Parliament on 8 May 2017) One of the key thrusts of the Bill is to reduce the likelihood of our public entertainment night spots being owned and managed by those engaged in serious crime or organised crime activities. I agree that this is important, not only to promote a safe environment
READ MORE Amendments to Parliament Standing Orders – Speech by Pritam Singh
(Delivered in Parliament on 8 May 2017) Madam Speaker, at the outset, I would like to thank the Standing Orders Committee for its work. I seek some clarity on Standing Order No. 54(4) which is to be deleted by way of these amendments. I would like to enquire about the original reason for
READ MORE Prevention of Pollution of the Sea (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Dennis Tan Lip Fong
(Delivered in Parliament on 8 May 2017) Madam, by this proposed Prevention of Pollution of the Sea (Amendment) Bill, the Government intend to ratify and bring into force the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004. Ships have been using sea water as ballast to stabilize
READ MORE Merchant Shipping (Wreck Removal) Bill – Speech by Dennis Tan Lip Fong
(Delivered in Parliament on 8 May 2017) Through this Merchant Shipping (Wreck Removal) Bill, Singapore will, finally, be ratifying the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks of 2007. Madam, according to the International Maritime Organization’s website, the number of abandoned wrecks, currently estimated at almost 1300 worldwide, has increased and the problems
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 3 & 4 April 2017 Sitting
SPACE CRUNCH FOR SUBSIDISED KIDNEY DIALYSIS PATIENTS Daniel Goh asked how serious is the space crunch for kidney dialysis patients and how the is Ministry planning ahead for the increase in numbers. He also asked for the percentage of patients opting for home hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) and what programmes are there to support
READ MORE Strengthening Singapore’s Fight against Drugs – Speech by Pritam Singh
(Delivered in Parliament on 4 April 2017) Mr Deputy Speaker, like most Singaporeans of my generation, having been born here and socialized to uncompromising anti-drug messages throughout my growing years, I have not experienced the reality commonplace in other countries where drugs are available to teenagers in schools or in bars and university campuses
READ MORE Aspirations of Singapore Women – Speech by Faisal Manap
(Delivered in Parliament on 4 April 2017) Puan, dalam perbincangan usul yang dibentangkan ini, iaitu ‘Aspirasi Wanita-wanita Singapura’, pelbagai usaha-usaha secara bersepadu dan kolektif harus diambil bagi meyokong kaum wanita Singapura mencapai aspirasi ini. Pemerintah, masyarakat, keluarga dan setiap individu harus memainkan peranan masing-masing. Puan, dalam ucapan ini, saya ingin...
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Aspirations of Women – Speech By Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 3 April 2017) Mister Deputy Speaker sir, my Party Chairman the honourable Ms Sylvia Lim is away on a Parliamentary trip in Bangladesh. But, like Sylvia, the eight male members of the Workers’ Party in the chamber today wish to affirm our strong support for the aspirations of Singapore women.
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Energy Conservation Act (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 3 April 2017) Madam Speaker, the Energy Conservation Act Amendment Bill seeks to update and improve the law that governs energy use among energy-intensive companies, so as to better position us to meet our greenhouse gas emission target under the Paris climate change accords. Meeting these obligations is a matter
READ MORE Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Dennis Tan
(Delivered in Parliament on 3 April 2017) Madam, the threats of cyber attacks have increased in recent years. Such attacks affect government agencies as well as companies and individuals. Attacks on government IT systems may have national security implications. Recently Mindef’s I-net system was breached and the personal details of 850 national servicemen and
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 8 & 9 March 2017 Sitting
PRESIDENTIAL COUNCIL FOR MINORITY RIGHTS’ (PCMR) ASSENT TO BILLS Leon Perera asked over the past two terms of Parliament, about the times the PCMR suggested changes to, or withheld assent to, a Bill passed in Parliament. Chan Chun Sing replied that over the past two terms of Parliament, no legislation passed by Parliament has received
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 3 March 2017 Sitting
EXIT OF MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS BY US COMPANIES Dennis Tan asked how does the Government intend to help Singapore companies mitigate the effects of the manufacturing move back to the US by US companies. Lim Hng Kiang said that Singapore must maintain our economic competitiveness. He explained that existing schemes like the Industry Transformation Maps (ITMs),
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 2 March 2017 Sitting
COMPOSITION OF SG ENABLE MANAGEMENT TEAM Dennis Tan asked how many persons with disabilities and/or special needs are there on the SG Enable’s management team and what percentage of the management team do they comprise. Tan Chuan-Jin said that currently there are two of the 13 board members who are persons with disabilities and he
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 28 February 2017 Sitting
IMPACT OF ALGAE BLOOMS AND OIL SPILLS ON LOCALLY FARMED FISH Leon Perera asked what impact algae blooms and the recent oil spill have on local fish consumption target and what measures are taken to help coastal fish farmers cope and change their production methods to be more efficient and less susceptible to such events.
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 20 February 2017
UPDATING PRIMARY 1 PUPIL DATA FORM Leon Perera asked if the occupations listed for parents on the pupil data form could be updated to reflect the gender diversity in an increasing number of occupations. Ng Chee Meng said MOE is planning to digitise the form and will review of the various data fields in the
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Town Councils (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Sylvia Lim
(Delivered in Parliament on 10 March 2017) I will focus on the issue of Conflicts of Interest and the Proposed Mechanism for Oversight by the Ministry and HDB. In doing so, I will draw on my experiences as the former Chairman of the Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council and the current Vice-Chairman of Aljunied-Hougang Town
READ MORE Town Councils (Amendment) Bill: Scrutinising the Opposition – Speech by Pritam Singh
(Delivered in Parliament on 10 March 2017) Madam Speaker, this amendment Bill does not seek to review the original objective of the Town Councils Act. That is not on the Government’s agenda. We are debating this Bill with a view to improve the existing Act. I do not oppose that objective per se, but
READ MORE Companies (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Dennis Tan
(Delivered in Parliament on 10 March 2017) Madam, I wish to declare that company and insolvency laws form part of my legal practice areas. This Amendment Bill came up for first reading only last Tuesday. Today, after 8 days of sittings for the Budget and Committee of Supply debates, this Bill is up
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Ministry of Health Committee of Supply 2017 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered In Parliament On 9 March 2017) Meeting the Needs of an Ageing Population – Low Thia Khiang Madam, the percentage of our population aged 65 years and above increased from 11.2% in 2014 to 12.4% in 2016, and will rise further. It is crucial that we plan ahead in tandem with the expected ageing population
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Ministry of Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Committee of Supply 2017 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered In Parliament On 9 March 2017) Aspirations of Malay/Muslim Community – Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap Pada November tahun lalu, dewan in telah membahaskan rang undang-undang Perlembagaan (pindaan) Republik Singapura. Salah satu isu mendapat perhatian dan hangat dibahaskan adalah mengenai cadangan untuk mengadakan pilihanraya presiden khusus untuk kaum minoriti. Suruhanjaya...
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Ministry of Transport Committee of Supply 2017 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered In Parliament On 8 March 2017) Train Disruptions – Dennis Tan At COS 2016 I highlighted the alarming regularity of train faults, breakdowns and disruptions, and asked for the Ministry’s plans to abate these unacceptable occurrences. Unfortunately I have to repeat the cut again this year. Contrary to recent survey findings, train breakdowns and
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Ministry of Social and Family Development Committee of Supply 2017 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered In Parliament On 8 March 2017) ComCare – Sylvia Lim There are two broad ComCare schemes to assist those financial difficulties – Temporary Assistance via the Short to Medium Term Assistance Scheme, and the Long Term Assistance, the latter commonly called the Public Assistance (PA) Allowance. Regarding Temporary Assistance, I would like to
READ MORE Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources Committee of Supply 2017 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered In Parliament On 8 March 2017) Curbing Roadside Pollution – Daniel Goh In September 2016, a research scientist from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (Smart) found that commuters who wait at bus stops could suffer more from the pollution of the toxic ultrafine particles emitted by vehicles. His research showed that a
READ MORE Ministry of National Development Committee of Supply 2017 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered In Parliament On 7 March 2017) Rental Flats and Non-citizen Spouses – Pritam Singh Chairman, HDB rental flats can be a life-saver for many vulnerable families. They also represent an important safety net for the children of rental lessees and their next generation. I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge the flexibility granted by
READ MORE Ministry of Finance Committee of Supply 2017 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered In Parliament On 7 March 2017) Office of Budget Responsibility – Low Thia Khiang Madam, I would like to call for the government to consider setting up an independent office for budgetary responsibility that provides expert, non-partisan, open-source analysis of the government’s budgetary plans, and is accountable to Parliament. I believe an independent fiscal
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Ministry of Manpower Committee of Supply 2017 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 6 March 2017) Strengthening the Singaporean Core Workforce – Low Thia Khiang Madam, if we want Singapore to remain a shining red dot for Singaporeans, it is important that we make every effort to strengthen the Singaporean core workforce and remove any potential impediment to the employment of Singaporean workers.
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Ministry of Education Committee of Supply 2017 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 6 March 2017) Sports in Schools – Png Eng Huat Madam, the journey to becoming a sporting nation and achieving sporting glory at the highest level surely must start somewhere. Look at the vibrancy of the sporting scene in the schools in the United States. They used to send their college
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Ministry of Communications and Information Committee of Supply 2017 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 6 March 2017) Live Proceedings and Smart Nation – Pritam Singh Madam Chair, since the launch of the “Smart Nation” initiative in 2014, much has been said about facilitating initiatives that allow easier access to information on state-related services. The Smart Nation envisions a Singapore where citizens are empowered by technology to live meaningful
READ MORE Ministry of Trade and Industry Committee of Supply 2017 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 3 March 2017) Business Space and Rental – Chen Show Mao Over the past year and more, commercial rental for industry, office and shops has declined. Yet a significant number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) continue to cite the need for government assistance relating to business rental. After this
READ MORE Attorney-General’s Chambers Committee of Supply 2017 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 3 March 2017) Staffing and Culture of Attorney-General’s Chambers – Sylvia Lim AGC’s establishment headcount this year will be at an all-time high of 594, which compared to the actual headcount 7 years ago is a 42% jump. It would be enlightening to know why so many more officers are needed
READ MORE Ministry of Home Affairs Committee of Supply 2017 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 3 March 2017) Auxiliary Police – Sylvia Lim The need for additional resources for policing is clear. The population of Singapore is now more than 5.6 million, compared to 4.4 million in 2006, a 1.2 million increase over 10 years. More people means a higher population density, increased interaction and proximity, more potential for
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Ministry of Defence Committee of Supply 2017 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 3 March 2017) Military Ties with Malaysia and Indonesia – Pritam Singh Mdm Chairperson, at the recent 7th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat, PM Lee and PM Najib reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations and reiterated the importance of defence cooperation between the two countries and to strengthen bilateral defence...
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs Committee of Supply 2017 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 2 March 2017) Staffing Levels: Preparing for a more Complex world – Pritam Singh Mr Chairman, to say that the last year financial year was a public education in diplomacy for many younger Singaporeans, would be an understatement. The release of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s judgment in favour of
READ MORE Prime Minister’s Office Committee of Supply 2017 – Cuts by WP MPs and NCMPs
(Delivered in Parliament on 2 March 2017) Singapore Citizenship Journey – Leon Perera Madam Chairperson, new citizens undergo the Singapore citizenship journey or SCJ so as to familiarize them with our national norms, culture, history and institutions. However I am concerned about the possibility of one-sidedness in the political education that new citizens receive. In
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Budget Debate 2017 – Speech by Sylvia Lim
(Delivered in Parliament on 2 March 2017) Justifying Revenue and Expenditure When the Minister for Finance delivered the Budget Statement last week, the announcement which grabbed the most attention was the increase in the price of water by 30%. Besides the quantum of the increase, what shook people was the suddenness of the announcement
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Budget 2017 – Speech by Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap
(Delivered in Parliament on 1 March 2017) Madam, in 2016, we have witnessed two major events that had surprised many, Brexit and the American presidential election. Many expressed concerns on the possibility of a major global impact these two events may pose, especially on the economic front. Many see a future with uncertainties. Madam,
READ MORE Budget Debate 2017 – Speech by Png Eng Huat
(Delivered in Parliament on 1 March 2017) Madam, the geopolitical uncertainty and shifts in policy impacting the international economy, balance of power around the region, and free trade may not have fully sunken in yet for the man in the street, but in time to come, it will become a worrying concern in the
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Budget Debate 2017 – Speech by Daniel Goh
(Delivered in Parliament on 28 February 2017) A Disappointing “Wait and See” Budget? Madam Speaker, my initial reaction to the Minister of Finance’s Budget Statement last Monday was deep dissatisfaction and disappointment. I thought a lot about it in the next few days. Was I disappointed because this Budget contained relatively few goodies for
READ MORE Budget Debate 2017 – Speech by Dennis Tan Lip Fong
(Delivered in Parliament on 28 February 2017) 议长女士，我非常关注今年财政预算案所宣布的一些措施。 首先是水价上涨百分之三十，并同时实施耗水税 财政部长在今年的财政预算案宣布水费将上涨百分之三十。许多新加坡人对水费涨价感到心惊胆跳。 水费上調不仅突然，涨幅更是出乎人们意料的高。同时政府又决定推出征收耗水税，这将更加重人民水费涨价的负担。 虽然政府已宣布将通过GST Voucher-U-Save方式对某些家庭给与回扣，不过，多数的新加坡人和工商业用户，将会因为不符合回扣的条件，或者只获得象征性的回扣，而受到影响。 首当其冲的是必须依赖食水的行业，例如食品和饮料行业以及需要大量用水的工业。...
READ MORE Budget Debate 2017 – Speech by Pritam Singh
(Delivered in Parliament on 28 February 2017) Water – Understanding how it is priced in Singapore Mr Deputy Speaker, this year’s budget has brought the focus on cost of living issues by way of an increase in water prices. This increase comes on the back of a 15%-odd increase in HDB car park charges,
READ MORE Budget Debate 2017 – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 28 February 2017) The Economy and the CFE: Missed Opportunities Madam Speaker, Singapore’s economy is at a crossroads. In the past, there was an economy driven by foreign direct investment, state initiatives and capital and labour inputs. In the future lies an economy driven more by productivity and innovation, local enterprises
READ MORE Early Childhood Development Centres Bill – Speech by Daniel Goh
(Delivered in Parliament on 28 February 2017) Regulate for Innovation, Professionalism, Affordability Madam Speaker, I am a father of two young boys, the oldest in Kindergarten One and the youngest likely to enter Nursery One next year. I am thus speaking from the point of view as a parent and I support the Bill.
READ MORE Early Childhood Development Centres Bill – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 28 February 2017) Madam Speaker, it is important that we regulate our early childhood development centres sensibly and responsibly to ensure good outcomes for our precious children who will carry the light of Singapore forward into the future. While I do not oppose the intent of this bill, I shall
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 7 February 2017 Sitting
PERSONS APPOINTED AS NON-RESIDENT AMBASSADORS FROM 2011 TO 2016 Sylvia Lim asked if a list of the persons appointed by the Government as Non-Resident Ambassadors from 2011 to 2016 can be provided. Vivan Balakrishnan replied that 45 Non-Resident Ambassadors were appointed from 2011 and 2016. He referred Ms Lim to the MFA website for the
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 6 February 2017 Sitting
ENFORCEMENT OF LABOUR COURT ORDERS ON ERRANT EMPLOYERS Sylvia Lim asked what mechanisms are in place to ensure that employers who are in financial problems continue to pay salaries that are due to their employees. Lim Swee Say replied that it is “not quite possible” for MOM to assess whether the company is able to
READ MORE Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Dennis Tan
(Delivered in Parliament on 7 February 2017) The Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill is introducing changes covering different aspects of road traffic regulations. Among other things, the Bill is seeking to establish a regulatory framework for the undertaking of trials and use on Singapore roads for autonomous or driverless vehicles. The Bill is also seeking
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Parks and Trees (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 7 February 2017) Madam Speaker, the Parks and Trees Amendment Bill seeks to update the Parks and Trees Act to expand the powers of NParks to appoint park rangers, to increase penalties for nature-related offences and to extend certain protections to marine parks, among other things. I have no objection
READ MORE Parks and Trees (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Daniel Goh
(Delivered in Parliament on 7 February 2017) Our Marine Park is Not A Mere Public Park Madam Speaker, I recall reading with delight back in 2014 the initiative to establish our country’s first marine park at Sisters’ Islands. The objective to protect Singapore’s coral reefs, which are home to rare and endangered marine life,
READ MORE Reserved Elections for the Presidency: Does Form Follow Function? – Speech by Pritam Singh
(Delivered in Parliament on 6 February 2017) Madam Speaker, the Workers’ Party opposes this Bill. The Workers’ Party believes that Singapore is best served by an appointed President and a system that would allow the Government to appoint a President, regardless of race or religion. One of the most significant aspects of this Bill
READ MORE Presidential Elections (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Chen Show Mao
(Delivered in Parliament on 6 February 2017) The Constitutional Amendment Bill last November effected changes to the Constitution relating to our Elected Presidency. This bill proposes to put in place nuts and bolts to give effect to those changes and to improve election procedures. Today I ask about election procedures. Clause 15 of the
READ MORE Presidential Elections (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Sylvia Lim
(Delivered in Parliament on 6 February 2017) Madam Speaker, In November last year, Parliament debated the Constitution Amendment Bill which provided for the Presidency to continue to be an Elected office and for Presidential elections to be reserved for ethnic communities. The Workers’ Party rejects both these concepts and thus opposed the Bill then.
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 10 January 2017 Sitting
PAYMENT FOR FAILED ERP DEDUCTIONS WITHOUT INCURRING ADMINISTRATIVE FEE Faisal Manap asked if payments for failed ERP deductions could be made without incurring administrative or punitive fees. Khaw Boon Wan said an administrative fee was required to cover costs for “processing the ERP violation, notification and payment”. Read the full exchange here. REPAIRS BEYOND
READ MORE Parliamentary Q&A for 9 January 2017 Sitting
MENDAKI EDUCATIONAL LOANS FOR POST-GRADUATE PROGRAMMES Faisal Manap asked for the reason why MENDAKI is not providing educational loans for post-graduate programmes. Yaacob Ibrahim replied that the initiative was discontinued from 2015 to focus MENDAKI’s resources and support for Muslim students pursuing first-time degrees and diplomas. Read the full exchange here. COLLECTION AND...
READ MORE Active Mobility Bill – Speech by Pritam Singh
(Delivered in Parliament on 10 January 2017) This Bill aims to regulate the use of public paths, in response to the popularity of Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) and Power-Assisted Bicycles (PABs). While the evolution and use of such devices has been rapid, there is no doubt that a set of easily understandable rules needs
READ MORE Active Mobility Bill – Speech by Dennis Tan
(Delivered in Parliament on 10 January 2017) Madam, the Active Mobility Bill provides for a new legal regime for use of public paths by bicycles and other personal mobility devices. Today I would like to touch on three issues relating to cycling and mobility issues in Singapore. They are cycling culture, political will and
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Civil Law (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Dennis Tan
(Delivered in Parliament on 10 January 2017) Madam, this Bill essentially legalizes and introduces Third Party Funding for legal costs of international arbitration proceedings in Singapore. Third Party Funding is essentially financing provided by financing firms for claims in arbitration or litigation. These companies treat arbitration or litigation claims as assets. Like insurance...
READ MORE Allowing Civil Claims for Negligence Arising from Safety Breaches during SAF Training – Adjournment Motion by Dennis Tan
(Delivered in Parliament on 9 January 2017) Deputy Speaker, sir, I would like to take this opportunity to address the House today about the Government Proceedings Act (GPA). Specifically, I would like to propose that Section 14 of the GPA should be amended to allow civil liability in the tort of negligence in respect of
READ MORE Retirement and Re-employment (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Daniel Goh
(Delivered in Parliament on 9 January 2017) Finally, the Effective Retirement Age of 67 Madam Speaker, this train has taken a very long time to arrive. Back in 1993 when Parliament amended the law to raise the retirement age from 55 to 60, the Government set 67 as the target retirement age to be
READ MORE Retirement and Re-employment (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 9 January 2017) Madam, the Retirement and Re-employment Amendment bill seeks to amend the existing law to raise the re-employment age to up to 67 years and to repeal the section which allowed employers to reduce the salaries of older workers once they reached 60, among other things. My colleague
READ MORE Securities and Futures (Amendment) Bill – Speech by Leon Perera
(Delivered in Parliament on 9 January 2017) Madam Speaker, the Securities and Futures Amendment Bill seeks to update and broaden the regulations that apply to the trading of capital market products, the operation of approved exchanges, the disclosure requirements for certain types of trades and so on. On the whole, these changes are positive
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