Mdm Speaker:\tOrder. I have to inform hon Members that I have on 1 February 2016 communicated to the President the Address of Thanks agreed to by resolution of this Parliament on 29 January 2016.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Administration of Oath","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OS","content":"Mdm Speaker: I also wish to inform hon Members that pursuant to the resolution of the House made on 29 January 2016 on the vacancy of a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) seat, the Clerk wrote to the Returning Officer on 1 February 2016 informing him of the vacancy arising under section 53 of the Parliamentary Elections Act and for the seat to be filled in accordance with the law.
On 4 February 2016, the Returning Officer informed me of his declaration of Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong of the Workers' Party as the candidate from East Coast Group Representative Constituency elected as a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament under section 52 of the said Act.
The declaration was gazetted on 4 February 2016.
The hon Member, present to take his seat, will please come forward when his name is called.
[(proc text) The following Member took and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance: (proc text)]
[(proc text) Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong (Non-Constituency Member of Parliament). (proc text)]
Mdm Speaker:\tOrder. Questions for Oral Answer.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Movement and Regulation of Petrol Pump Prices","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"1 Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked\tthe Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) (a) whether current retail petrol prices at petrol pumps reflect the fall in oil prices; (b) whether there is a trend of petrol companies increasing prices faster than they decrease when there are changes to the oil prices; and (c) if so, whether the Ministry plans to implement measures to ensure that petrol companies adjust prices accordingly.
2 Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked\tthe Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) whether the Competition Commission of Singapore regularly monitors the price of petrol in Singapore to ensure that there are no cartel practices that will breach the competition rules in Singapore.
3 Mr Ang Wei Neng asked\tthe Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) in view of local petrol prices not falling as much as crude oil prices, whether the Competition Commission of Singapore will consider launching an inquiry on the practices of local oil companies.
\tThe Minister of State for Trade and Industry (Dr Koh Poh Koon) (for the Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry)):\tMdm Speaker, may I have your permission to take Question Nos 1 to 3 together, please?
Mdm Speaker:\tYes, please.
\tDr Koh Poh Koon: In 2015, the Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS) commenced a study on the factors affecting the movement of petrol prices in Singapore since 2010. CCS found that the petrol companies use Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) prices, not crude oil prices, in their cost accounting and pricing decisions for retail petrol. Crude oil price is the price of unrefined oil while MOPS price is the price at which petrol companies purchase refined wholesale petrol from the refineries. MOPS price tends to be higher than crude oil price as it includes the cost of refining crude oil into wholesale petrol.
In 2015, MOPS price made up less than one-third of the listed retail petrol price. Other components of retail petrol price include operating costs, taxes and duties, land costs, discounts and rebates. These non-fuel components have generally increased in the past few years.
The retail petrol price that consumers generally pay includes the petrol levy as well as discounts and rebates. Consumers enjoyed an average of about 18% in discounts and rebates off the listed price for Octane 95 petrol in 2014 through site discounts, loyalty programmes and credit card payment.
Between June 2014 and January 2016, crude oil price fell by an average of S$0.59, MOPS price fell by S$0.52 and the listed price for Octane 95 petrol fell by S$0.35. The pass-through, while relatively high at around 70%, is not complete because of the non-fuel components which make up more than two-thirds of listed retail petrol price. After taking into account the discounts and rebates that consumers enjoy and the levy increase in February 2015, the effective price that consumers paid for Octane 95 petrol fell by S$0.45, implying a pass-through of over 85%.
Over the six-year period between 1 January 2010 and 31 January 2016, CCS observed that the listed prices for Octane 95 petrol moved in tandem with MOPS prices. There was no significant variation between the time taken to either raise or lower the listed prices for Octane 95 petrol in response to changes in MOPS prices. The magnitude of the change in listed prices for Octane 95 petrol relative to the change of MOPS prices was also observed to be the same, whether MOPS prices increased or decreased.
Based on the information gathered, there is no evidence, Mdm Speaker, to suggest collusion in retail petrol pricing, even though petrol companies do monitor and react to one another's published prices. CCS will continue to monitor developments in the retail petrol market.
\tMdm Speaker: Er Dr Lee Bee Wah.
\tEr Dr Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon): Mdm Speaker, I thank the Minister of State for the answer. We are not saying that they are colluding but we are not happy with the amount of the reduction in the petrol price. I would like to ask the Minister of State: did the Ministry study the price of petrol during the last cycle of upward trend of crude oil and how fast the petrol companies increased the petrol price?
The next question: could it be that there is a lack of competition in Singapore as there are just a few of them? Can the Ministry consider removing the three-quarter tank rule?
\tDr Koh Poh Koon: Mdm Speaker, between June 2014 and January 2016, MOPS price fell by S$0.52, or 53%, as I had said earlier, while the listed price of Octane 95 fell by S$0.35, which is about 15%. The smaller percentage drop largely reflects the fact that MOPS price made up only a third of the listed retail price. So, a third of S$0.52 would be a ballpark of about 15%. The lack of complete pass-through could also be due to changes in non-fuel components, as I have listed earlier.
As to whether we will be studying this further, yes, CCS will continue to monitor and study. We will be embarking on a study on the supply side of the equation to see if consumer behaviour does affect pricing from the petrol companies.
\tMdm Speaker: Mr Ang Wei Neng.
\tMr Ang Wei Neng (Jurong): I thank the Minister of State for the comprehensive reply. CCS said that MOPS price makes up about one third of the listed retail petrol price. When we look at the average MOPS price of Octane 95 last week, it was about US$46.5 per barrel. Three times of that average MOPS price is about US$139.5 per barrel.
When we look at the retail price of Octane 95 in Singapore at the petrol kiosks, it costs about S$1.82 per litre before discount. Even if we are given a discount of 15% on average, it costs about S$1.55 per litre or US$174.64 per barrel, as compared to three times the MOPS price which is equivalent to US$139.5 per barrel. That is, the retail price of Octane 95 is US$35.14 higher than US$139.50, or 25% more. It appears that the petrol companies are charging Singaporeans at least 25% more. A lot of Singaporeans are looking towards the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) to help us to regulate retail petrol prices, so that we are not over-charged. I hope the Minister of State can look into it.
\tDr Koh Poh Koon: Mdm Speaker, I thank the Member for his question. Let me just go through what exactly is the difference between listed prices and effective prices. Listed prices are prices that are observed at petrol stations, for example, those that are displayed at the pumps. Effective prices are listed prices that exclude the levy hike introduced in February 2015, but have factored in the discounts and the rebates that are enjoyed by the consumers. The price that consumers pay will be the listed prices minus the discounts and the rebates.
The question of whether the petrol companies' prices will go up and how much the increase in petrol prices are affecting the operating income of the companies, for example, in terms of the profit margins that the Member was alluding to, on average, on a per litre basis, the operating income of petrol companies has generally increased over the past few years, but the increase is smaller relative to the increase in the non-fuel components that the companies have to shoulder.
Unfortunately, CCS is unable to provide further details about the change in the operating income at the company level, as such information is deemed to be commercially sensitive. As to whether the companies are profiteering, on average, the operating income of petrol companies has generally increased over the past years.
As I have said earlier, this increase is smaller relative to the increase in the non-fuel components, such as operating costs, taxes and duties, land cost, discounts and rebates. An increase in profit, in itself, is not a contravention of the Competition Act, unless the increase is due to market players engaging in anti-competitive behaviours, which would contravene the Competition Act. Based on information that CCS has gathered in the market study, there is no evidence to suggest whether there is any collusion in petrol pricing even though they do monitor the prices.
Consumers, generally, as the Member pointed out, do enjoy discounts and rebates off the petrol prices. In 2014, consumers enjoyed an average of about 18% discounts and rebates off the retail petrol prices for Octane 95. The discounts and rebates, especially for credit cards, are quite variable and are not easily comparable due to varying terms and conditions.
\tMdm Speaker: Mr Lim Biow Chuan.
\tMr Lim Biow Chuan (Mountbatten): Mdm Speaker, may I ask the Minister of State whether MTI would consider publishing petrol prices, both retail and crude oil prices, and make them readily available to the public so that members of the public can see how the prices move? The Consumer Association of Singapore (CASE) did a study recently and realised that despite crude oil prices coming down, the price of Octane 98 went up by S$0.02. Clearly, there is some issue of education.
The other question that I wish to ask the Minister of State is whether MTI would consider encouraging a third party, for example, the cooperatives under the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), to run another petrol company, so that we would have greater competition. This is very much like what the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) did to introduce a fourth telco to provide greater competition, so that our consumers have greater choices.
\tDr Koh Poh Koon: Mdm Speaker, I thank the Member for his questions. There is currently no legal requirement for petrol companies to display their pump prices prominently. CCS notes that the reason why petrol companies do not display their prices prominently is because, in certain jurisdictions overseas, petrol companies are accused of anti-competitive price signalling when they do so, when it is not legally required to do so in the first place.
That said, CCS recognises that improved price transparency in the retail petrol market may facilitate easier comparison and more informed petrol buying decisions by consumers. CCS will be conducting a customer survey on petrol demand in Singapore to understand consumer choices and their switching behaviour on petrol purchases, in particular, whether improving price transparency will facilitate a more competitive market.
As to whether we should be having another petrol player in the market, that will be a commercial decision that NTUC has to take. I am not sure whether NTUC is contemplating this in the first place.
\tMdm Speaker: Mr Low Thia Khiang.
\tMr Low Thia Khiang (Aljunied):\tI would like to seek the view of the Minister of State. I would like to ask whether, in the view of the Minister of State, the petrol companies are profiteering at the expense of consumers' interest.
\tDr Koh Poh Koon: Mdm Speaker, I thank the Member for his question. The petrol companies do make a profit but as long as the profit that they make is not in excess of what is a reasonable margin that other similar petrol companies make over the same time period, I do not think that they are making a profit at the expense of consumers.
Mdm Speaker: Mr Low, do you have a follow-up question? \t
Mr Low Thia Khiang:\tThank you, Madam. How does the Minister of State know that the profit made by the petrol companies is not excessive and, if so, by what standard?
\tDr Koh Poh Koon:\tMdm Speaker, based on the CCS study, there is no evidence of collusion in pricing among the different companies. As far as the pricing of petrol is concerned for which the key variation in response to market crude oil prices is the MOPS pricing, that has been consistent with all the other companies. MOPS pricing was also used as an international standard in pricing for petrol sale across jurisdictions, so I think that is a fair method for pricing crude oil and how retail petrol is being used in Singapore.
\tMdm Speaker: Mr Vikram Nair.
\tMr Vikram Nair (Sembawang): Mdm Speaker, two clarifications. Firstly, I think there are two ways of addressing this issue. One is to regulate more and look more closely. The second is actually to open up competition. And I would prefer the second approach. One way of doing this will be, as the Minister of State had mentioned, to have more price transparency. In doing that, I would also suggest that any discounts and so on be factored in; otherwise, it is very difficult for customers to track what a 10% or 15% discount on this price is.
Secondly, I echo my colleague, Er Dr Lee Bee Wah's suggestion to review the three-quarter tank rule because, sometimes, the best way to raise competition may be to open up the market and allow the more price-sensitive customers to go overseas and top up their petrol tanks.
\tDr Koh Poh Koon: Mdm Speaker, I just want to clarify that with regard to actual petrol pricing, MOPS is a recognised international standard of pricing based on actual international trades from Singapore. The MOPS price is a price on which oil is traded in Singapore and the region. MOPS prices are also used in the region as a price benchmark to make an assessment of the financial value of oils which are transferred from upstream production to refineries and, subsequently, to the market.
For example, Australia imports wholesale petrol from Singapore based on MOPS price, which is a key pricing benchmark. So, in terms of pricing of petrol, how the price varies with crude oil changes, I think that has been used as a consistent and fair international benchmark.
As to whether we should continue to open up competition, as suggested by the Member, I think that is something that we will continue to study and see if the market is suitable for such an introduction.
Mdm Speaker:\tEr Dr Lee Bee Wah, last question.
\tEr Dr Lee Bee Wah: Thank you, Mdm Speaker. I think the Minister of State has not answered both my questions. I asked if the Ministry studied the price of petrol during the last cycle of the upward trend of crude oil. What he explained on MOPS pricing, we do not understand, but perhaps we could take a look at the upward trend of crude oil prices in the last round and how fast the petrol companies increased their pump prices. So, could the Ministry study this?
The other question is on removing the three-quarter tank rule so that there is more competition.
\tDr Koh Poh Koon: Mdm Speaker, using a time series regression analysis, CCS has found that for a longer period that we looked at between January 2010 and January 2016, for every S$0.10 increase or change in the price of MOPS pricing, the listed price of the petrol for Octane 95 changed by about S$0.07 in the same direction on average, and this took place over a relatively short 10-day period. On average, there was no significance between the prices, whether it was on the rise or on the decline. So, on a day-to-day basis, the level of pass-through and time taken for adjustments may deviate due to fluctuations in the fuel and non-fuel components but, on the whole, the fluctuations do reflect the changes in the petrol pricing.
On the three-quarter tank rule, that is something we have to continue to study and see the merits of whether it is something we should implement.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Safeguarding Interests of Young and Vulnerable Persons during Police Investigations","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"4 Dr Tan Wu Meng asked\tthe Minister for Home Affairs what measures are taken by the Police during the investigation and law enforcement process to safeguard the interests of children and vulnerable young persons who are suspected or accused of committing an offence.
5 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked\tthe Minister for Home Affairs if he can provide an update on the review of the procedure to allow an appropriate adult to be present when a young person is interviewed by the Police and whether more protection can be accorded to young persons during investigations.
6 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked\tthe Minister for Home Affairs (a) how does the Police keep parents or guardians of minors informed regarding interviews, investigation, arrest or custody of their minors; (b) how does the Police ensure that minors who are arrested or subject to Police interviews are made aware of their legal rights and have adequate and timely legal representation; (c) how do the Ministry and Police monitor and ensure compliance with the law, protocols and processes; and (d) whether interviews of minors are recorded on video as part of the pilot scheme to video-record Police interviews of accused persons and, if not, why not, and when will video recording be extended to minors.
7 Mr Desmond Choo asked\tthe Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Ministry could have timeously addressed the extensive speculation on social media surrounding the case of the 14-year-old boy who was found dead after being interviewed by the Police; and (b) whether there will be a thorough review of Police procedures on the interview of vulnerable suspects.
8 Ms Rahayu Mahzam asked\tthe Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether there are standard procedures for interviewing and investigating young persons who are suspected or accused of committing an offence and, if so, what is the age guideline and the standard procedures in place; and (b) whether there are standard procedures to keep the parents or guardians of these young persons informed of the legal process.
9 Mr Christopher de Souza asked\tthe Minister for Home Affairs what is the reason for the delay in the Ministry's response to speculation made on social media about the Police's conduct in the case of a 14-year-old boy who had died after having been questioned by the Police.
\tThe Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs (Mr Desmond Lee) (for the Minister for Home Affairs):\tMdm Speaker, may I have your permission for the Minister for Home Affairs to take Question Nos 4 to 9 in the Ministerial Statement later?
Mdm Speaker:\tI give my permission. Mr Dennis Tan.
\tMr Dennis Tan Lip Fong (Non-Constituency Member):\tMay I ask that the question be addressed in the Ministerial Statement later?
Mdm Speaker:\tThe Senior Minister of State has asked for Question Nos 4 to 9 to be taken together and for the questions to be replied in the Ministerial Statement. I have given my permission. So, can you please move Question No 10 standing in your name?
\tMr Dennis Tan Lip Fong:\tYes, Mdm Speaker. I apologise. Madam, can I ask for Question No 10 to be answered?
Mdm Speaker:\tYes, please.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"School Procedures for Students Involved in Police Investigations","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"10 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked\tthe Acting Minister for Education (Schools) (a) how do the Ministry and schools keep parents and guardians informed of developments when students are engaged in the law enforcement process; (b) what is being done to monitor and ensure compliance to the protocols put in place to protect minors who are subject to Police interviews or investigation; (c) how are these protocols reviewed, updated and improved upon; and (d) how does the Ministry ensure that these protocols are consistent with relevant laws and Singapore's obligations as a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
11 Mr Ang Wei Neng asked\tthe Acting Minister for Education (Schools) what are the schools' procedures when the Police go to a school to interview a student in relation to a crime and later decide to bring the student to the Police station for further questioning.
\tThe Acting Minister for Education (Schools) (Mr Ng Chee Meng):\tMdm Speaker, may I have your permission to take both Question Nos 10 and 11 later in the Ministerial Statement after the Ministerial Statement by the Minister for Home Affairs?
Mdm Speaker:\tI give my permission. Mr Louis Ng.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Factors In Considering Underground Alignments for Cross Island MRT Line","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"12 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Transport (a) what are the main factors taken into consideration when deciding on the possible underground alignments in the vicinity of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) for the Cross Island Line; (b) in view of the moderate environmental impact on the nature reserve for the alignment option that cuts beneath CCNR, whether the Ministry will consider the alternative alignment along Lornie Road which will allow the MRT line to serve more residents and commuters in that vicinity and also result in the protection of our nature reserve and primary forest; and (c) whether the Environmental Impact Assessment report that was recently published can be made available for viewing online.
\tThe Minister for Transport (Mr Khaw Boon Wan): Mdm Speaker, the Cross Island Line (CRL) will be an important part of our future mass rapid transit (MRT) network. It will link east to west, from Changi to Jurong, covering more than 50 kilometres with about 30 stations. The exact alignment is being studied. Our preliminary estimate is that commuters from residential areas like Loyang, Pasir Ris, Hougang, Ang Mo Kio, Sin Ming, Bukit Timah, Clementi and West Coast will make at least 600,000 trips on the CRL every day. This will place the CRL higher, in terms of capacity and usage, compared, for example, to the North East Line (NEL). The CRL will also significantly enhance our network resilience as commuters will have many more routing options with the CRL connecting to other lines.
What this means is that nearly half of the 30-plus new stations will be interchange stations and that means that every other station will be an exchange station where commuters can switch to another line. This will significantly enhance the resilience of our network.
Specific to the question raised by the Member, the Government is studying two possible alignments for CRL in the vicinity of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR). Both options are underground, and construction of the tunnels for this stretch of CRL will be carried out using bored tunnelling, instead of the cut-and-cover approach. Cut-and-cover means you cut through like a huge bulldozer and chop down whatever is in between, then you build the tunnel and you cover it up. With bored tunnelling, you avoid all the trauma and damages above the tunnel.
For the four-kilometre direct alignment option, two kilometres will be deep below CCNR. How deep is deep? About 40 metres – or 12 storeys – below ground level. More importantly, at that level, this is what geologists call the hard bedrock level. In our case, this is the Bukit Timah granite. At this level, there are no vegetation, no trees, no animals. Under this option, there will not be any construction of infrastructure at surface level within the CCNR.
The skirting alignment option, on the other hand, is about nine kilometres long. Because it is nine kilometres long, it will require longer tunnels. Therefore, it will require ventilation shafts and facilities on the surface; whereas in the earlier option, because it is short enough, you do not have to build all those quite ugly exhaust ducts which you see at some of our road junctions.
This option could incur around $2 billion – $2,000 million – more in expenditure and could result in land acquisitions. The Member suggested that the skirting alignment could potentially serve more residents. However, the catchment there is already served by the Circle Line and the upcoming Thomson-East Coast Line.
The CRL is a massive project and the Government will decide on its entire alignment only after making a total assessment, including financial viability, technical feasibility and other relevant considerations. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is only one of the many studies which we need to undertake to help us determine the best alignment for the stretch of the CRL in the vicinity of the CCNR. Later, my colleague in the Ministry of National Development (MND) will provide some details on the EIA and also describe how the Government agencies are working closely with the nature groups on the EIA. It has been a very productive collaboration, although much remains to be done.
As the alignments can have a different impact on the environment, commuters, taxpayers, businesses and home owners, the Government has a responsibility to study both options thoroughly. Besides the EIA, there are upcoming technical site investigation works which will allow us to determine the soil profile and condition. This will feed into the Engineering Feasibility study. Only after all these environmental and technical studies on both possible alignments have been completed and taking into account the potential impact on the nature reserve, the travelling distance and time for commuters, the cost to taxpayers and the potential acquisition of homes and businesses, will we be able to make an informed decision on the project and its exact alignment. There will be many more public consultations so that we can adequately factor in all views. All these studies and consultations may take two more years to complete.
Meanwhile, the EIA Phase 1 report is available online.
\tMdm Speaker: Mr Louis Ng.
\tMr Louis Ng Kok Kwang (Nee Soon): I thank the Minister for his reply. I have two supplementary questions. One, could the Minister clarify what is the total cost for the construction of the CRL and what percentage increase that is of the total construction cost if we use the skirting alignment?
Second, if we do use the skirting alignment, could the Minister clarify exactly which buildings or which houses may need to be acquired?
\tMr Khaw Boon Wan: Madam, a short answer to both questions is, I do not know yet. As I have said, this is a massive project and ,usually, it would take easily four to five years for all the important studies to be made. In fact, although the EIA is published now, this is a product of two years of discussions and consultations. In this particular instance, it is because of the interests of nature groups and the sensitivity of the possible impact of any work of this part of the CRL on the nature reserve that the issue now surfaces.
For the next leg of the studies, if we are allowed to proceed with the site investigation, we will be doing much more public consultations and that will allow us, the Land Transport Authority (LTA), to firm up on many of the answers to many of the questions that have yet to be answered, such as, who are affected, how much will it cost and so on. We have some idea because this is not the first time we are building an MRT line. We can have some idea about how much the cost will be, but one can never be sure because what happens underground is invisible; we do not know. And soil conditions, even though we are a tiny little red dot, the geology of east and west, north and south, can be very different. That is why it is so important to do a thorough site investigation.
The bottom line is this. What we are seeking is permission, in this case, from MND, to allow us to proceed with the site investigation for which there is a necessity to do this EIA. The EIA, after two years of study, is now published online. By the gazette requirements, Singaporeans, interest groups, stakeholders, are invited to give their comments. I am quite sure MND will take all those views into consideration and decide whether they would allow the site investigation to proceed. And if they do, we can then enter into Phase 2 of the EIA, which will study what are the tunnelling methods, what will be the impact of those construction works and the subsequent running of the train on the nature reserve and, more importantly, whether there are suitable mitigation measures.
Sorry for the long reply, but there are many questions which remain unanswered. What I urge of Singaporeans is this: keep an open mind. Go with the facts, keep an open mind and look for the evidence.
Madam, over the weekend, I took my granddaughter, three years old, to watch Disney's latest movie \"Zootopia\", the utopia for the animal kingdom where all animal species, even though they are former predators or preys, can live in harmony, peacefully with one another. It was a good movie because it was not just for the kids; it carries important values and some political messages. It tells the story of a little female bunny whose ambition is to bring about justice and change the world, and she wants to be a police officer. The police world at that time, was largely monopolised by larger animal species and all males. But she was determined to be a police officer. So, she had to fight stereotyping, sexism, racism, bias and prejudice. In the end, she succeeded through wit and effort, and demonstrated what she can achieve.
Likewise, for the EIA, let us keep an open mind. I have read some of the very toxic comments on the EIA. They were made even before the EIA was published. I think there is an English word for that and, that is, bias, prejudice.
\tMdm Speaker: Mr Gan Thiam Poh.
\tMr Gan Thiam Poh (Ang Mo Kio): I thank the Minister. I just want to find out if maintenance cost will also be considered, besides the capital cost in the study.
\tMr Khaw Boon Wan: Yes, indeed. As I have said, this four- to- five- year study is a total impact study. The EIA is just an environmental impact study on a short stretch of a line, but our job is to do a total impact study: the impact on the environment, the impact on taxpayers, the impact on the commuters. I should not be biased. I should not be prejudiced. So, I am not opting for one or the other yet. I am keeping a completely open mind. But there have been comments about the second option that, of course, clearly, anybody reading the map would know that it will take a longer route, takes a longer time. And to the commuters, it means extra time. The media have been guessing the figures; they say \"an extra four minutes\".
I asked LTA, \"Is their estimation correct?\" And they did a calculation. They said, \"No, not quite.\" The extra time taken to cross the reserve if it takes a longer route is six minutes. Some people commented, \"Well, that is just a few minutes.\" I am not so sure we can brush aside the extra six minutes just like that because, in the mindset of the MRT commuters, an extra half a minute is already terrible. We know it! When the train has a disruption, causing an extra one minute of delay, commuters can, within that one minute, send off, maybe, 100 tweets to flame LTA or SMRT. So, an extra one minute is a lot of time, let alone six minutes! That is why, in the rail industry, they define disruption as anything that causes delay of more than five minutes; and six is more than five.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Release of Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Cross Island MRT Line","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"13 Mr Leon Perera asked\tthe Minister for National Development (a) what are the impediments to releasing the Cross Island MRT Line (CIL) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Phase 1 report online; (b) what are the main environmental impact the EIA has identified about the site investigations preceding construction of the CIL through the Central Catchment Nature Reserve Area and how the Ministry intends to mitigate them; and (c) how is the \"moderate\" impact from the CIL (assuming successful mitigation measures) determined and what is the reasoning for why this is acceptable.
\tThe Senior Minister of State for National Development (Mr Desmond Lee) (for the Minister for National Development):\tMdm Speaker, before I begin, may I have your permission to distribute handouts to Members, please?
Mdm Speaker:\tYes, please. [Handouts were distributed to hon Members.]
\tMr Desmond Lee: Thank you. Let me begin as Members await the notes that are coming around. Madam, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the two possible underground alignments of the Cross Island Line (CRL) consists of two phases.
Phase 1 of the EIA, which is where we are right now, focuses on the impact of site investigation on the two alignment options. The data and the findings from the site investigation are needed for Phase 2 of the EIA, which will provide a detailed assessment of the environmental impact of the construction and the operations of the CRL based on those two possible alignments.
When LTA first announced the possible alignment of the CRL in 2013, nature groups understandably, raised concerns about the potential serious environmental impact that this may have on the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR). Because of these concerns, LTA formed a working group to define the scope of the EIA study of the CRL. This working group included representatives of nature groups. NParks also participated in the working group to provide views, inputs and the expertise. Separately, a group made up of residents staying around the CCNR expressed concern about how the possible alignments may affect their homes and LTA has been engaging them as well.
Over the course of more than two years, LTA consulted the nature groups extensively in preparing for Phase 1 of the EIA. For example, in studying the impact of the proposed site investigation works on the water quality, ecology and biodiversity within the Nature Reserve, LTA's EIA consultant took into consideration a very useful baseline study on various aspects of the CCNR which was put together by our nature groups.
As indicated in the Phase 1 EIA report, the impact assessment framework adopted by LTA's EIA consultant has two criteria. One, the sensitivity of the receptor, which is the CCNR in this case, and two, the magnitude of the environmental impact on the ground. So, if Members look at the handout: look at the x-axis – it talks about the sensitivity of the receptor; the y-axis – refers to the magnitude of the environmental impact. It is a framework which the EIA consultant uses to band an impact.
LTA's EIA consultant has rated the sensitivity of the CCNR as \"high\", as it comprises primary rainforest with ecologically sensitive habitats. While this is so, the consultant has assessed the magnitude of impact due to the site investigation to be mainly \"small\". This is because of the adoption of stringent mitigating measures that had been proposed. These mitigation measures were arrived at in close consultation with several representatives of the nature groups and NParks. Both groups saw the report before it was published.
Let me briefly describe what the site investigation entails and what mitigation measures have been proposed.
The site investigation adopts two methods to determine the geological properties of the site. The first method is borehole drilling, by which, boreholes, about 10 centimetres in diameter, are drilled to extract vertical columns of soil and rock samples. To minimise these disturbances and damage to the forest environment, the number of boreholes to be drilled will be reduced from an earlier estimate of 72 down to 16. More importantly, these boreholes will be confined to existing trails so as not to affect any vegetation. And the drilling machine will be modified to reduce the noise level and prevent spillage of slurry and fuel.
To make up for the drastic reduction in the number of boreholes and because boreholes will be restricted only to the trails, a second method of site investigation will be carried out. This involves a non-intrusive geophysical survey. To carry this out, surveyors will venture off-trail into the forest to collect data using hand-held equipment. This will be of significantly lower impact than actual borehole drilling in the forest. So, they will manpack the equipment into the forest and they will place it on the ground to detect the signals and to determine the geology of the ground at the location.
One of the concerns is that the surveyors may inadvertently trample on plants on the forest floor as they move through dense vegetation off-trail. The geophysical survey is therefore limited to a 100-metre wide corridor and will not be carried out in sensitive locations such as streams, swamps and dense vegetation. NParks officers will supervise the surveyors full-time to ensure that they adhere to the strict rules for movements in off-trail forested areas and to reduce damage from trampling on plants and vegetation. All site investigation activities will be restricted to daylight hours, so as not to affect nocturnal animals.
These stringent measures have been incorporated into the Phase 1 EIA report, which will reduce the impact of the site investigation to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable. A great amount of effort has been put in by all parties – representatives of nature groups, NParks and LTA – to arrive at this set of mitigation measures. The on-going public consultation for the EIA report – and this report has been put online – allows the public an opportunity to provide further suggestions to LTA on what more can be done to further reduce the impact of the site investigation.
\tMdm Speaker: Mr Leon Perera.
\tMr Leon Perera (Non-Constituency Member): Mdm Speaker, I thank the Senior Minister of State for his very detailed reply. I just have two supplementary questions. The first is regarding the EIA itself. Will the Government, as a default position, be releasing future EIAs that are done in relation to other projects online, as the default stance of the Government?
The second question is in relation to the on-going studies that are going to be done over the next two years, as the Senior Minister of State mentioned. This is early days yet, but my question is: will the Government consider publishing all the information that is relevant to making this decision and evaluating the trade-offs, in a single document and releasing that document for public debate and public consultation? The information I am referring to includes all the costs, the environmental impact, the commuting time impact and so on and so forth, when the information is ready, when the Phase 2 of the EIA is done and so on and so forth.
\tMr Desmond Lee: Madam, agencies will consider making these EIA reports in future projects more readily available online, especially when there is significant public interest involved, as was the case for the CRL.
As for the second question by the hon Member, we are still at Phase 1. Let us work through Phase 1, consider people's views, focus on what needs to be done for the soil investigation and, in tandem with the Ministry of Transport and LTA, let us consider the Member's suggestions as to what level of information would be useful for members of the public and interested persons to consider.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Payment for Rental of Sports Hub for Extra Rehearsal Days for National Day Parade","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"14 Ms Sylvia Lim asked\tthe Minister for Defence (a) how much is the Government paying for the extra days of National Day Parade (NDP) rehearsals at the Sports Hub; and (b) whether the Government expects to pay similar amounts for future years when the Sports Hub is chosen as the NDP venue again.
15 Ms Sylvia Lim asked\tthe Minister for Defence (a) what is the current estimated total cost for National Day Parade (NDP) 2016 after including the cost of rental for the extra days of rehearsals; and (b) how does this compare to the NDP costs of the previous five years.
\tThe Minister for Defence (Dr Ng Eng Hen):\tMdm Speaker, can I have your permission to take the next two questions together?
Mdm Speaker:\tYes, please.
\tDr Ng Eng Hen: Let me also inform Members that my reply will address the Question for Written Answer from the hon Member Mr Vikram Nair.
Mdm Speaker, this year we will celebrate the National Day Parade (NDP) at the National Stadium after a hiatus of 10 years. When compared to other NDP sites at the Padang and the Marina Bay Floating Platform, the new setting calls for a different format. For example, what Members here particularly like and what Singaporeans like, the Red Lions parachuting down into the site will not be possible for obvious safety reasons. We will also not be able to have a mobile column or aerial displays because we just cannot see them.
However, the new National Stadium also provides advantages for a different type of show, utilising the larger confined space and central pitch as a large stage. The NDP 2016 Executive Committee, the Exco, is excited about the possibilities that the new setting provides and has been hard at work preparing for NDP 2016 so that all Singaporeans can enjoy it and be proud of it.
Another distinct advantage of the new National Stadium, because it has a seating capacity of 55,000, almost twice the number of Singaporeans who can watch it either at the Padang or the Marina Bay Platform, is exactly this: there will be many more Singaporeans who will be able to watch the rehearsals and the NDP physically at the site, compared to the Marina Bay Floating Platform and the Padang. Both of these have capacities of about 25,000. In all, in the new site, we expect about 275,000 Singaporeans to be able to watch the National Education shows, the Preview show and NDP 2016 physically at the site. As with previous NDPs, \"live\" telecast will also allow Singaporeans to watch the shows at home.
Let me address the questions which have been posed regarding the costs of NDP at the National Stadium, and compare it, as asked, with NDPs held at the Marina Bay Floating Platform or the Padang. Previous NDPs at the Marina Bay Platform cost between $15.7 million and $17.9 million. The cost of NDP at the Padang in 2010 was $20.6 million and, in 2015, $40.5 million. The cost of NDP at the National Stadium this year is expected to be about $39.4 million.
There have been questions asked about itemised cost. Itemised cost comparisons between the three different sites are sometimes difficult and not meaningful as the venue conditions vary considerably for each site. For example, among these factors, the number of \"live\" spectators in the main venue and surrounding areas, the costs for added security in some sites will be more than the others, and also the collateral impact of opportunity costs on surrounding businesses and retails shops. Be that as it may, I will still give some figures and some comparisons.
The cost of the show segment, for example, for all three sites is similar, about half of total costs. But the cost to build infrastructure varies considerably. For example, each time we hold it at the Padang, we have to build all the spectator stands and that costs about 22% of the total cost, as you can well imagine. But it is negligible at the Marina Bay Floating Platform and the National Stadium because it is already built. Venue costs, which was the question asked, are expected to be very low for public sites at the Marina Bay Floating Platform and the Padang – about 4% of total costs – because the Padang and the Marina Bay Floating Platform are public sites. For NDP 2016 at the National Stadium, the venue cost is about 15% of total costs, similar to other national events held at private venues.
The Exco is aware that after the Golden Jubilee NDP and SG50 celebrations, expectations of this year's show, NDP 2016, are high and I think that they have resigned themselves to the fact that comparisons will be inevitable. However, I believe that, ultimately, the NDP is a show with Singaporeans, for Singaporeans and by Singaporeans. The committee will do their best to live up to expectations, but I ask that Singaporeans support the Exco so that they can put up a really good NDP this year for all of us to celebrate together.
\tMdm Speaker: Ms Sylvia Lim.
\tMs Sylvia Lim (Aljunied): Mdm Speaker, supplementary questions for the Minister. The first supplementary question is: the Minister mentioned that for NDP 2016, the venue cost would be about 15% of the infrastructure cost, if I heard him correctly. Could he specify in dollar terms, how much would the rental of the Sports Hub cost?
For the second question, Madam, we understand that the agreement between the Government and the Sports Hub allows the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) to use the Sports Hub for 45 days free of charge each year. My question is: did the Government foresee that it would be holding the NDP at the Sports Hub? Next, why were only 45 days provided for when we understand that the average number of days needed for the NDP is closer to about 80 days?
Third, is there any dispute resolution mechanism provided for under the public-private partnership between the Government and the Sports Hub over the use of the Hub?
\tDr Ng Eng Hen:\tMadam, 15% of $39.4 million is the figure which I have provided. The Member asked for details relating to the contract. The contract was negotiated as is, in the usual way that we negotiate with private providers and it is 15% of the total cost of the show, which is equivalent to the cost of public events held at private venues. Whether there is recourse for dispute resolution, I expect that it will be similar to all public contracts held in private venues as well.
\tMdm Speaker: Mr Zaqy Mohamad.
\tMr Zaqy Mohamad (Chua Chu Kang): I thank the Minister for the reply. I understand that the proportion of the amount spent this time has gone up from 4% to 15% just for venue cost. For 2016, what is the proportion between the cost for rehearsals versus the cost for the actual venue for the actual day itself, as well as the key rehearsals, for example, the 45 days set aside versus the 80 days needed? Did the Ministry consider doing the rehearsals elsewhere and why were alternative locations not considered to save on the cost?
\tDr Ng Eng Hen:\tMadam, I have left it to the Exco to decide whether they can hold it off-site and, indeed, many of the side rehearsals are held off-site. In other words, they come together when they feel that there is a need to be physically at the stadium. Whether it is held at the Padang, Floating Platform or the National Stadium, they start fairly early. In fact, they usually start about seven or eight months before the actual show in various groups, and some of these are held in camps. But ultimately, to put up a good show, we have to put people together and test it. Whether we could have done or we can do more of it off-site and then come to the venue itself, I leave it to the Exco. The mandate and the deliverable for them are to put up a good show. I will pass the suggestion by the Member to them, to see whether they can reduce costs by doing it off-site and they will have to determine whether they can.
\tMdm Speaker: Ms Sylvia Lim.
\tMs Sylvia Lim: Madam, supplementary questions for the Minister. The Minister mentioned that the 15% is a figure. So, I would like him to confirm that what he is saying is that the rental cost of the Sports Hub is calculated to be under $6 million.
The next question is: will the detailed figures be provided in the Government Budget in the coming Budget for 2016 in terms of the itemised costs for MINDEF?
The third question is: the Minister mentioned in his speech that public expectations have risen since the SG50 NDP. In last year's Budget, we were told by the Government that extra expenditure was expected for NDP 2015 because it was the SG50 year. So, I would like to ask the Minister whether it is actually not correct or not justifiable for the Government to proceed on the basis that SG50 is a benchmark for future parades in non-milestone years.
The last question is: the Minister did not quite answer my question about the dispute resolution under the public-private partnership (PPP). Is he able to give a more detailed answer about how disputes will be resolved under the agreement?
\tDr Ng Eng Hen: Madam, let me deal with the last question first. First, there is no dispute. I do not have the detailed answer to that question. So, if the Member could file it as a separate question about dispute resolution, I will be happy to answer it or get the relevant party to answer it.
I never said that last year's NDP would be used as a benchmark. This is what the Member has said. I have just given the cost for this year's NDP 2016. I have provided many figures, including the fact that the number of spectators in the show that can be physically there will be more than double. I said 275,000. The Member has chosen not to talk about that figure but to move back to her points.
So, let me clarify the answer to the question asked. We have given the cost. We have given what the spectators see. I have given itemised costs in terms of what it costs for infrastructure. The Member has asked whether we will provide details in the Budget. The Member has been in this House for many years and knows that we do not provide those details in the Budget and, if Members ask a question, we will tell you.
Mdm Speaker: Last question. Mr Vikram Nair.
\tMr Vikram Nair (Sembawang):\tI thank the Minister for the detailed reply. National Day has historically been at the National Stadium for many, many years. The Floating Platform and the Padang were a change for about the last 10 years or so. But now that it is coming back to the National Stadium, what I am really interested in is that the Minister mentioned that 275,000 people would be able to enjoy it. Would this also mean that there will be more tickets available for things like the previews and so on? What is the usual number of people who apply for these tickets because I know there are a lot of disappointed people every year?
\tDr Ng Eng Hen: Mdm Speaker, this is a vexing problem. We have usually many more who apply than can come. I dare not raise hopes. All I can say is that more than double the number of people will be able to watch it at the National Stadium. But still, there will be many more who cannot because the numbers go up. Now that I have given this figure that 275,000 can watch it, I am sure I will get more than double the number of people applying.
Mdm Speaker:\tMr Zaqy, next Parliamentary Question.
\tMs Sylvia Lim: Madam, one supplementary question.
Mdm Speaker:\tPlease make it short, Ms Lim.
\tMs Sylvia Lim:\tMadam, could the Minister answer my question about future NDPs, whether there is an expectation that we will go back to the Sports Hub and what is expected to be paid? That was in the Parliamentary Question I filed.
\tDr Ng Eng Hen:\tMadam, that is a theoretical question and I do not have the answer.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Telecommunication Cables Damaged by Earthworks","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"16 Mr Zaqy Mohamad asked\tthe Minister for Communications and Information (a) what is the frequency of incidents involving the cutting of telecommunication cables by contractors carrying out earthworks; and (b) what steps are being taken to reduce such occurrences.
\tThe Minister for Communications and Information (Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim): Madam, the number of cable cut incidents has increased in recent years. The number of incidents has grown steadily, from four each in 2013 and 2014 to seven in 2015. In 2016 alone, there have already been three of such incidents.
Madam, the rise in the number of cable cuts has been due to an increase in the number of road works and construction projects across Singapore in the past few years. All 18 cable cuts from 2013 to 2016 were caused by third-party contractors involved in the construction of new mass rapid transit (MRT) lines, such as the Downtown Line and the Thomson East-Coast Line, power cabling, water and sewage piping works and other development projects. Of the 18, one was caused by contractors hired by a telecommunications operator (telco).
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) takes a serious view of all cable cut incidents. Such incidents result in significant disruptions to telecommunication and media services delivered to our homes and businesses, causing great inconvenience to thousands of subscribers for many hours.
IDA's investigations revealed that most, if not all, of these cable cut incidents could have been avoided if contractors had exercised due diligence and caution when undertaking road works and construction projects. These contractors failed to comply with clearly established standard operating procedures (SOPs), such as ascertaining the location of telecommunication cables prior to commencing earthworks and protecting underground cables against damage when they carried out their earthworks. In 16 of these cases, the service plans and cable detection reports obtained by the contractors clearly indicated the presence of telecommunication cables. In the remaining two cases, the contractors did not obtain the necessary service plans and engage cable detection workers to detect the cables.
Madam, the Telecommunications Act requires any contractor who intends to carry out earthworks within the vicinity of telecommunication cables to take certain precautions. They have to:
first, give seven or more days' notice to the relevant telcos before the proposed earthworks;
second, obtain information on the location of telecommunication cables and consult the operators on appropriate steps to prevent possible cable damage while the earthworks are being carried out; and
finally, engage licensed telecommunication cable detection workers to detect such cables so that contractors can avoid these cables when carrying out their work.
Any contractor who fails to observe these precautions and damages any telecommunication cables while carrying out earthworks may be fined up to $1 million and imprisoned for five years. IDA has previously prosecuted errant parties in Court, which has imposed penalties ranging from $60,000 to $570,000.
Given the rise in the number of cable cut incidents, IDA is doing more. It is working closely with public agencies and telcos on preventive measures. I understand that our telcos operators have agreed to advise contractors on the type of earthworks that should be avoided and the additional procedures to adhere to before and during earthworks. These include digging \"trial holes\" to locate any cables in the vicinity before commencing any earthworks and to contact the relevant telcos should they encounter any difficulty in locating the cables. IDA has also been participating in regular dialogue sessions held by agencies, such as the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Energy Market Authority (EMA), with their contractors. These sessions are meant to educate the contractors on the established SOPs and the precautionary measures needed to prevent a cable from being cut.
To aid efforts in locating telecommunication cables going forward, IDA has directed all telcos to indicate GPS geographical coordinates for new deployments of telecommunication cables and manholes on their service plans; and to install metallic tracer wires along new underground optical fibre cables. These measures will help facilitate the detection of new underground telecommunication cables and, hopefully, reduce the occurrence of cable cuts.
At the same time, IDA will thoroughly investigate and prosecute those responsible for cable cuts, and will apply for deterrent sentences upon conviction.
Mdm Speaker, frequent telecommunication cable cuts will diminish Singapore's reputation as a reliable business and financial hub, and undermine our efforts to build a Smart Nation. My Ministry and IDA will continue to work closely with other public agencies to reduce the frequency of such cuts. I wish to emphasise that the parties involved in road works or construction projects must also adopt the necessary precautions to avoid such incidents. Only through a concerted effort by all relevant parties can cable cut incidents be avoided.
\t\tMdm Speaker: Mr Zaqy Mohamad.
\tMr Zaqy Mohamad (Chua Chu Kang): I thank the Minister for the reply. I have two supplementary questions.
Firstly, what are the Ministry's estimates in terms of the numbers of consumers or businesses affected and the number of hours impacted generally from the 18 cases that were raised?
Secondly, does the Minister think that the fines imposed are sufficient in terms of compensating and making good on the impact and damages done in each of those cases, and what is the average fine imposed or damages received in each case?
\tAssoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: I thank the Member for the two supplementary questions. On the second question, as mentioned in my reply, the range of fines determined by the Court is from $60,000 to $570,000. We think they are adequate. In fact, we have worked with all the operators to make sure that they can avoid such an incident.
On the first question as to the estimate, it varies. We have sometimes as long as a couple of days, as well as a couple of hours, and the consumers affected can also vary, depending on the network configuration. The largest area we know of is probably in some parts of the areas in the northwest of Singapore. By and large, the most important thing is that the telcos have remediation programmes in place to make sure that we can minimise the disruption.
At the end of the day, if we can minimise the cable cuts, then we do not have to deal with all these problems. We know that our underground is getting congested and, therefore, we need to work with the agencies and, more importantly, to educate the contractors that they have to take due diligence to avoid such an incident.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Companies Breaching Personal Data Protection Act and Do-Not-Call Provisions","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"17 Mr Zainal Sapari asked\tthe Minister for Communications and Information (a) what is the number of complaints that the Personal Data Protection Commission has received since the implementation of the Personal Data Protection Act on Do-Not-Call related offences; (b) how many companies have been convicted or have had their offences compounded; and (c) whether public education efforts have been effective in educating businesses with regard to compliance with the Act.
\tThe Minister for Communications and Information (Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim): Madam, the Do Not Call, or DNC, rules under the Personal Data Protection Act came into effect on 2 January 2014. Over the past two years, the Personal Data Protection Commission, or PDPC, has received about 9,700 valid public complaints against some 1,500 companies. A majority of these companies were from the property, retail and financial sectors.
PDPC's investigations revealed that most companies which flouted the DNC rules did not clearly understand the requirements of the rules and how to comply with them. Given that it was still early days of the Act and most complaints involved one-off breaches, PDPC issued advisory notices and warnings to about 3,000 organisations. These were meant to provide useful guidance to these companies on specific steps to be taken, in order to comply with the DNC rules.
For the more egregious cases, PDPC prosecuted two organisations: Star Zest Home Tuition and its director, and a salesperson from Huttons Asia in 2014. They continued to send multiple, unsolicited telemarketing messages to numbers listed in the DNC Registry, despite being notified by PDPC not to do so. In addition, two others had their offences compounded in lieu of prosecution, given that the breaches were not as serious.
Madam, PDPC has also received some 26,500 complaints on messages relating to illegal activities, such as unlicensed moneylending and illegal gambling, and the Minister is not exempt from these. As these activities come under the purview of the Police, PDPC has been referring such complaints to the Police.
PDPC has been proactive in its public education and outreach efforts to organisations and members of the public. PDPC has conducted briefings and workshops for organisations to explain how the Act would apply to various types of businesses and what organisations would need to do to ensure compliance. PDPC's online e-learning and educational resources have also been helpful, especially for smaller organisations. PDPC also collaborates with other agencies, such as the Law Society of Singapore and SPRING's small and medium enterprises (SME) Centres, to offer advice and consultation services to smaller businesses.
As of end 2015, PDPC has engaged more than 23,000 participants from some 7,500 organisations. These efforts have allowed organisations to gain a better understanding of the Act, which has helped to reduce the number of DNC complaints in 2015 by more than 50%.
I would like to assure the House that PDPC will continue to engage organisations, raise awareness and facilitate compliance with the Act. Organisations which require any guidance or advice can approach PDPC.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Measures to Protect Singaporeans from Zika Virus","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"18 Dr Lily Neo asked\tthe Minister for Health now that the World Health Organization has declared Zika as an international public health emergency (a) what are the additional measures implemented to better protect Singaporeans against Zika; and (b) whether there are inter-Ministry collaborations to prevent and control the spread of Zika here.
19 Ms Joan Pereira asked\tthe Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider (a) testing blood samples from travellers coming in from areas with ongoing Zika outbreaks and (b) requiring blood donors who have travelled to affected countries to wait at least 28 days before allowing them to donate blood, as advised by the World Health Organization and implemented in Hong Kong, Canada and Britain.
\tThe Senior Minister of State for Health (Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan) (for the Minister for Health):\tMadam, with your permission, may I take Question Nos 18 and 19 together?
\t\t\tMdm Speaker: Yes, please.
\tDr Amy Khor Lean Suan: Thank you. On 1 February 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the recent cluster of microcephaly cases and other neurological disorders reported in Brazil a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). WHO further noted that there was strong association of the PHEIC with Zika virus transmission in the affected areas.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) has an on-going surveillance programme for Zika virus since 2014. Prior to the WHO's declaration, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and NEA had already enhanced the surveillance, as well as stepped up measures, to reduce the risk of the Zika virus taking root in Singapore. Since 26 January this year, Zika virus infection has been added to the List of Notifiable Infectious Diseases under the Infectious Diseases Act. All doctors have been advised to stay vigilant against possible cases of Zika virus infection and on the protocols for testing and managing of suspect and confirmed cases. So far, there has not been any reported case of Zika virus infection in Singapore.
To reduce the risk of Zika becoming entrenched in Singapore, all confirmed cases will be admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital until they recover and test negative for the virus. MOH will also screen people in the vicinity of the home and workplace of confirmed cases for Zika virus infection.
In addition, we have issued advisories to travellers to and from Zika-affected countries on how to protect themselves against mosquito bites. We have also reminded travellers who have returned to Singapore from affected areas to monitor their health and consult a doctor if they have symptoms of Zika, such as fever, skin rashes, joint and muscle pains, headaches and red eyes, and to reveal their travel history to their doctor. If they have such symptoms after coming back from areas with Zika transmission, blood samples will be taken for Zika testing.
In the light of WHO's declaration, MOH and NEA have worked together to introduce additional measures. MOH is expanding Zika virus testing capability to more public hospital laboratories. NEA has also stepped up the testing of blood samples from patients with fever and rash and suspected dengue for Zika, as part of its Zika virus surveillance efforts. Given the suspected link between Zika virus infection during pregnancy and microcephaly in newborns, MOH has also set up a Clinical Advisory Group on Zika virus infection and pregnancy to provide expert advice on the management of pregnant women with Zika virus infection. In addition, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has also required that donors with a history of travel to outbreak areas be deferred from donating blood for 28 days upon return.
As recommended by WHO, surveillance for microcephaly and Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) has been enhanced, to pick up any unusual trends. MOH is also looking at potential areas for collaboration and research with the relevant institutions on Zika virus diagnostics, transmission and the association with microcephaly and GBS.
In addition, if a case is detected here, NEA and other agencies under the Inter-Agency Dengue Task Force, such as the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Public Utilities Board (PUB), will intensify search and destroy efforts to control the Aedes mosquito population at the implicated sites to contain any potential spread.
As Zika is transmitted through the same Aedes mosquito that transmits dengue, vector control remains the mainstay to prevent transmission of the Zika virus. NEA has stepped up its vector control efforts, in partnership with the community, agencies and stakeholders, to control the mosquito population. NEA has also brought forward the annual \"Do the Mozzie Wipeout\" campaign this year − in fact, it was held yesterday − as part of its community outreach efforts to raise awareness of the 5-Step Mozzie Wipeout and urge the community to take immediate action to prevent mosquito breeding. All of us can do our part by taking the appropriate precautions to prevent mosquito breeding.
\t\tMdm Speaker: Dr Lily Neo.
\tDr Lily Neo (Jalan Besar):\tMdm Speaker, may I ask the Senior Minister of State what is the stand of MOH on Zika-affected microcephaly? What sort of directive will MOH give to practising doctors looking after Zika-affected pregnant patients with microcephaly foetuses with regard to termination of pregnancy? Lastly, should circumstances arise, would MOH provide multiple free ultra-sound screening follow-up for Zika-affected pregnant patients to ascertain microcephaly?
\tDr Amy Khor Lean Suan: MOH has set up a clinical advisory group to provide assessment and advice on the clinical management of pregnant women with confirmed or suspected Zika virus infection. The clinical advisory group has just met and is still discussing their recommendations on the clinical management of pregnant women with confirmed or suspected Zika virus infection. MOH will issue guidelines and recommendations to doctors based on the recommendations of the advisory group.
Notwithstanding this, it is noted that in Singapore, in fact, all pregnant women are already recommended to undergo routine ultra-sound scans as part of ante-natal check-ups. Any abnormal foetal development, including microcephaly, that is picked up during these scans will be followed up by their doctors. The doctor is in the best place to provide advice to the individual cases. Termination of pregnancy is a personal choice made by the parents in consultation with their doctor.
With regard to ultra-sound scans and whether they will be given free, just let me say that, currently, subsidised patients in public hospitals will be able to receive subsidised ultra-sound screening. In fact, if patients have any financial difficulties, they will be referred to the medical social worker proactively and financial assistance will be given after means testing. MediFund also covers obstetrics care to ensure good ante-natal care for all pregnancies and to optimise pregnancy outcomes.
We will consider this and other issues after the clinical advisory group has made its recommendations.
\tMdm Speaker: Ms Joan Pereira.
\tMs Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar):\tMdm Speaker, I thank the Senior Minister of State for the very detailed reply. In the event of a Zika virus outbreak, are there lessons from the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus outbreak that MOH could apply?
\tDr Amy Khor Lean Suan:\tSARS and Zika viruses are spread through different modes of transmission. SARS is spread from person to person, while Zika is spread by mosquitoes. Containment measures like isolation of cases, contact tracing and quarantine of close contacts are important for SARS. For Zika, vector control remains paramount. MOH will isolate confirmed cases of Zika infection to reduce the risk of transmission in the community. But once there is community spread – that is, if the Zika virus takes root and infection takes root in the community – then we will move from containment to mitigation measures. Measures to admit a confirmed case, isolate him until he recovers and the history of the virus will not work anymore. So, we will move to containment and mitigation measures and this means that we will take measures similar to dengue prevention and control – that is, source reduction.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Repairs of Damaged or Old Drains to Prevent Water Stagnation and Mosquito Breeding","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"20 Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked\tthe Minister for the Environment and Water Resources whether PUB will expedite the repairs or replacement of damaged or very old drains so that water stagnation will be minimised and mosquito breeding places can be reduced.
\tThe Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M): Mdm Speaker, to maintain Singapore's vast network of drains and canals, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) works closely with the National Environment Agency (NEA) to adopt a comprehensive maintenance regime which comprises regular cleaning and structural maintenance.
PUB regularly inspects and upkeeps our drains to ensure their performance. Drains that show minor damage will be repaired promptly. Such repair works will be prioritised based on the drain conditions. Drains that are found to have severe structural wear beyond repair will be upgraded as soon as possible through PUB's drainage improvement programme.
NEA undertakes the regular cleaning of public drains. Debris, litter and shed leaves in the drains are removed promptly to allow stormwater to flow freely and to prevent pockets of stagnant water from forming. This is to avoid choked drains becoming mosquito breeding sites. Drains are also flushed periodically to remove silt.
PUB and NEA will continue to keep our drains and waterways clean and in good condition, so as to better protect Singaporeans from floods and vector-borne diseases like dengue.
\tMdm Speaker: Mr Lim Biow Chuan.
\tMr Lim Biow Chuan (Mountbatten):\tMdm Speaker, I just wanted to ask the Minister a clarification. Each time I speak to my residents who have got a damaged drain, PUB seems to give me the answer that I have got to wait for the Interim Estate Upgrading Programme (I-EUP). Can I ask the Minister to confirm that if I do have a damaged drain or a drain that is not flowing properly, I can request PUB to carry out immediate repairs? Otherwise, it becomes a potential source and we cannot solve the problem of dengue until the drains get repaired.
\tMr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: Mdm Speaker, I assure the Member that if it is a drainage problem, we will fix it.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Alternating Chemicals to Prevent Mosquitoes Developing Immunity against Repellents ","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"21 Mr Yee Chia Hsing asked\tthe Minister for the Environment and Water Resources as mosquitoes may build up their resistance to the same type of chemical being used consistently, whether the alternating of chemicals is currently practised in fogging and, if not, whether the Ministry will review the current practice of fogging.
\tThe Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources (Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan) (for the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources): Source reduction, or eliminating potential mosquito breeding habitats, is the most effective method to reduce the mosquito population. It is much easier to detect and kill mosquitos at the larval stage than to undertake fogging to try to eliminate them after they hatch.
Nonetheless, fogging may still be necessary as a complementary approach when there is urgency to reduce a large mosquito population, such as in areas where there is active dengue transmission. The National Environment Agency (NEA) does not practise the alternating of chemicals used in fogging as a standard procedure. Instead, fogging is carried out in a selective and targeted manner to avoid the build-up of resistance in the mosquito population. As an additional safeguard, NEA regularly monitors the resistance of mosquitoes against insecticides to ensure that the insecticides used are effective.
Fogging is only a small part of the mosquito control strategy. Other actions such as diligently removing any potential sources of mosquito breeding are needed to protect our families from mosquito-borne diseases. I urge everyone to continue to do his part to keep the mosquito population in check.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Review of Requirement for Joint Tenancy for Singles in Public Flat Rental Scheme","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"22 Mr David Ong asked\tthe Minister for National Development (a) what is the number of rental applications received under the Public Rental Scheme over the past year and how many of these applications are under the Joint Singles Scheme; and (b) how many complaints has HDB received of disputes among residents under the Joint Singles Scheme in the past two years.
23 Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked\tthe Minister for National Development whether HDB will consider implementing a pilot scheme for rental flats where single tenants are allowed to rent a smaller rental flat instead of requiring a minimum of two co-tenants.
\tThe Minister of State for National Development (Dr Koh Poh Koon) (for the Minister for National Development):\tMdm Speaker, may I have your permission to take the next two questions together?
\tMdm Speaker: Yes, please.
\tDr Koh Poh Koon: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) registered 2,184 rental applications in 2015, of which, 398 or 18% were registered under the Joint Singles Scheme (JSS). JSS ensures prudent use of limited public rental flats to help those in need.
Most JSS tenants are able to live together amicably. The key is mutual respect and tolerance. However, there are instances where tenants are unable to get along and request for a change of tenant. For the past two years, there were 235 such requests, out of around 12,000 JSS households. In such cases, HDB will advise them to settle their dispute amicably or seek help from the grassroots organisations or the Community Mediation Centre. If the dispute cannot be settled and one person needs to move out, HDB will advise the remaining person to include another eligible single to retain the flat. The out-going person may submit a fresh application to rent another public rental flat with another eligible person.
The Ministry of National Development (MND) and HDB have no plans to allow singles to rent a flat alone. Nonetheless, since 2015, HDB has made available some new 1-room rental flats with partitions to create separate sleeping areas for each occupant, for singles who prefer more privacy. Each sleeping area can accommodate a single bed and a small wardrobe, and has its own windows, while the living area, kitchen and toilet remain shared.
For those who need to stay alone for exceptional reasons, such as medical grounds, HDB will assess their requests on a case-by-case basis.
\tMdm Speaker: Mr David Ong.
\tMr David Ong (Bukit Batok):\tMdm Speaker, I would like to thank the Minister of State for the reply. A few supplementary questions: first, how effective is the HDB's current mediation framework in helping to resolve such disputes between co-tenants, because I do see quite frequent cases of co-tenants having disputes and having difficulties coping? The next question is: some of the flats under JSS are currently occupied by only one tenant instead of two. What actions is HDB taking to ensure that such flats are prudently and optimally rented out? My last question: although there is now the option of a rental flat with a partition, will HDB consider other rental flat options for singles, so as to reduce such conflicts of strangers living together? Perhaps, more of such schemes can be expanded to give more privacy to singles – maybe a single unit with shared toilets and cluster living options.
\tDr Koh Poh Koon:\tMadam, I thank the Member for his supplementary questions. First, on how many rental tenants have been allowed to retain the flat and stay alone when they are unable to find a flatmate, for the past three years, from 2013 to 2015, we have allowed 42 tenants or applicants to rent an HDB flat alone, owing to really extenuating circumstances. Usually, these are medical-related conditions. In cases of difficulty getting along, we will usually allow some time for the Residents' Committees (RCs), local grassroots as well as the Community Mediation Centre to mediate between the two tenants and hope for a good resolution. In cases where the tenants cannot get along, we would usually not force such pairings and may exercise some flexibility but we would usually seek an approach in which we encourage the tenants to continue to look for an eligible partner with whom they can get along to share the flat with.
\tMdm Speaker: Dr Intan Mokhtar.
\tDr Intan Azura Mokhtar (Ang Mo Kio):\tMdm Speaker, I thank the Minister of State. I understand he has answered my question and said that MND has no plans to carry out a pilot scheme for smaller rental flats where tenants can live alone. However, I am sure for most of us here, we have met residents who just cannot get along with their co-tenant, to the extent that they suffer from depression and it affects their mental and health well-being, even after attempts to mediate.
I am interested in the scheme that the Minister of State mentioned, the new 1-room rental flats with partitions. How many of such flats have been introduced, what are the areas where such flats have been introduced and are there plans to introduce such flats with partitions to more areas in our housing estates?
\tDr Koh Poh Koon: Madam, I thank the Member for her questions. For the last three years, HDB has not evicted any tenant in a rental flat who has been unable to find a co-tenant. HDB does exercise flexibility in each of the cases where there is difficulty in people getting along and staying together within the same rental flat.
For the question on whether we would be building more of such unique 1-room rental flats, from the 2012 Building Plan onwards, certain stacks of 1-room flats are designed where feasible, with dual windows and partition walls. The partitions will divide the bed area into two with the living area, kitchen and the toilets as the common amenities. Each bed area will have sufficient spaces, as I had said earlier, to accommodate a bed as well as a small wardrobe, so that there is some degree of privacy for the tenants within a 1-room configuration. Starting from some projects under the 2013 Building Plan, such 1-room flats are further designed with partitions and doors that compartmentalise the sleeping areas such that each occupant will have a semblance of his or her own bedroom.
To date, we have allocated 94 out of the 152 completed 1-room flats in Sengkang, Yishun and Sembawang with partition walls. Another 17 flats with partition walls and 348 flats with compartments are currently under construction. The first batch of 15 flats with compartments will be ready for allocation after they are completed in the third quarter of 2016 in Tampines town.
\tMdm Speaker: Mr Alex Yam.
\tMr Alex Yam (Marsiling-Yew Tee): Mdm Speaker, two clarifications for the Minister of State who mentioned that 42 tenants in the last three years had been granted exceptions. Can I ask the Minister of State for greater granularity, as to how many were for medical exceptions and how many were for other circumstances? I do not recall that a number was provided for those who are currently staying alone but not evicted because they have difficulty getting along with fellow tenants. Is there a number to that and does the Minister of State feel that this could become a potential issue? That is, if I want to stay alone, I just be very difficult with my co-tenants and I will, therefore, have the flat to myself?
\tMdm Speaker: Please keep your reply short, Minister of State.
\tDr Koh Poh Koon: Mdm Speaker, we do not have the numbers that the Member is asking for. Perhaps we could take this as a separate Parliamentary Question in subsequent Sittings.
\tMdm Speaker: That was indeed very short. Order. End of Question Time. Leader of the House.
[Pursuant to Standing Order No 22(3), provided that Members had not asked for questions standing in their names to be postponed to a later Sitting day or withdrawn, written answers to questions not reached by the end of Question Time are reproduced in the Appendix.]
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Rearrangement of Business","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OS","content":"The Leader of the House (Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien): Mdm Speaker, I beg to move, \"That the Ministerial Statements by the Minister for Home Affairs and Acting Minister for Education (Schools) standing on the Order Paper for today be taken after Item 8 of the Orders of the Day\".
[(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)]
[(proc text) Resolved, \"That the Ministerial Statements by the Minister for Home Affairs and Acting Minister for Education (Schools) standing on the Order Paper for today be taken after item 8 of the Orders of the Day\". − [Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien.] (proc text)]
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Economic Expansion Incentives (Relief from Income Tax) (Amendment) Bill","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"BI","content":"[(proc text) \"to amend the Economic Expansion Incentives (Relief from Income Tax) Act (Chapter 86 of the 2005 Revised Edition) and to make consequential amendments to the Income Tax Act (Chapter 134 of the 2014 Revised Edition)\", (proc text)]
[(proc text) recommendation of President signified; presented by the Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade) Mr Lim Hng Kiang; read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available Sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. (proc text)]
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) (Amendment) Bill","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"BI","content":"[(proc text) \"to amend the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act (Chapter 309 of the 2011 Revised Edition)\", (proc text)]
[(proc text) presented by the Minister for Health (Mr Gan Kim Yong); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available Sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. (proc text)]
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Mental Capacity (Amendment) Bill","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"BI","content":"[(proc text) \"to amend the Mental Capacity Act (Chapter 177A of the 2010 Revised Edition)\", (proc text)]
[(proc text) presented by the Minister for Social and Family Development (Mr Tan Chuan-Jin); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available Sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. (proc text)]
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Women's Charter (Amendment) Bill","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"BP","content":"[(proc text) Order for Second Reading read. (proc text)]
The Minister for Social and Family Development (Mr Tan Chuan-Jin): Mdm Speaker, I beg to move, \"That the Bill be now read a Second time.\"
With your permission, Mdm Speaker, may I ask the Clerks to distribute the documents that will illustrate the points covered in my speech?
Mdm Speaker: Yes, please. [Handouts were distributed to hon Members.]
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: The Women's Charter was passed in 1961. It is a historical and significant Act. It instituted the rights of women, and protected vulnerable women and girls exposed to vice. The Women's Charter was also pivotal in strengthening the family institution, which is a key pillar of our society. It upheld monogamy and outlined the rights and duties of married persons. Strong marriages and families are as important and relevant today, if not more so.
However, with the passage of time, families evolve. And families in Singapore are changing as well. Let me share a few trends which we have observed and which led us to review the Women's Charter.
First, there are more dual-income families where both the husband and wife work. We also see small, but increasing instances, of wives being the main breadwinner.
Second, divorces are becoming more common among recent cohorts, especially so for couples who got married at a very young age. Children are often adversely affected, even long after the divorces.
Third, there are more Singaporeans marrying non-Singaporeans. The vast majority are genuine but there are also some marriages of convenience for immigration advantage.
Fourth, the increasing prevalence of social media, which requires new measures to protect those who experience family violence and also the professionals who engage in protection work.
Our social policies, infrastructure and legal provisions must be regularly updated to support families. My Ministry has been doing so. The proposed legislative amendments we are making to the Women's Charter today are one part of this larger effort.
Specifically, the proposed amendments to the Women's Charter will, firstly, help support younger couples in their transition into married life and parenthood; secondly, better protect the interest of children affected by their parents' divorce; thirdly, allow incapacitated husbands and ex-husbands to apply for spousal maintenance when there is a clear need; fourthly, void marriages of convenience; fifthly, better support vulnerable persons in family violence and crisis situations; and lastly, strengthen law enforcement against online vice.
Let me elaborate.
First, we must continue to strengthen marriages and families. This is, and will remain, one of the Ministry of Social and Family Development's (MSF's) key priorities. We have different services, programmes and public outreach initiatives towards this objective.
However, notwithstanding these efforts, divorces are becoming more common. This is very much a global phenomenon. To cite a statistic, for example, 20.3% of our 1998 marriage cohort had dissolved before the 15th anniversary, compared to 12.3% of the 1987 marriage cohort. Marriages involving couples where one or both parties are very young face a higher risk. A fair number are not adequately prepared for marriage. Those who become parents shortly after marriage do face additional stress.
In 2011, the Women's Charter was amended to require minor couples to attend a Marriage Preparation Programme if one party is below the age of 18, or if both parties are minors below 21. About 200 minor couples have gone through the programme. We are very heartened that over 95% of them found it useful.
We will now amend the Women's Charter rules to extend the Marriage Preparation Programme to all marriages where one party is a minor. Agencies that currently conduct the Marriage Preparation Programme will do so for this additional group of couples. This will take effect for marriages on and after 1 October 2016.
Beyond legislation, we will also enhance the pre- and post-marriage support continuum for this group of couples. We will put in place group marriage education programmes, one-on-one marriage assessments and post-marriage support sessions by 2017.
Even as we try to strengthen marriages, there will be those that have irretrievably broken down. Divorcing couples and their family members go through periods of anger, anxiety, grief and stress. The children are often the ones most adversely impacted when caught in the middle of their parents' fights.
Let me cite some examples that we had picked up while working with families. There was a child whose paternal grandmother told her that if she really loved her daddy, she should stop thinking of mommy. The little girl grieved over this but hid it from her dad and grandmother because she did not want to disappoint them; she did not want to make them angry.
Another example. There was a child who was told by her mother that her daddy did not love her anymore, as he had a new family with a new baby. The child felt abandoned, unloved and insecure. She asked whether her mommy would also not love her anymore if she had a new baby herself. These are stories which the children shared with some of our workers who work with families. And these stories tell us that we must always make sure that children's voices are heard and their interests and needs are taken care of during divorces.
In 2011, the Ministry amended the Women's Charter to require divorcing parents with children to attend mandatory mediation and counselling after a writ of divorce has been filed. This has been quite effective in helping some divorcing couples to reach agreements on children's matters in less acrimonious ways.
But going for mandatory mediation and counselling on children's issues, after first battling it out in Court to settle the divorce, is really not ideal. Many divorcing parties have become hardened in their positions or too caught up with their emotions by then. Social workers, counsellors and lawyers have told us it is much better to have divorcing parents consider their children's well-being early, before the divorce process formally starts.
We are, therefore, introducing a new section 94A in the Women's Charter to require divorcing couples with minor children who are not able to agree on all matters of divorces to attend a mandatory parenting programme (MPP) before they can file for divorce. For a start, those with at least one child aged below 14 will be required to attend the programme. We plan to eventually extend this requirement to those with children aged below 21.
The new pre-divorce MPP will cover a range of issues that will have a tangible impact on children such as housing, school, care arrangements, and bread and butter. These practical aspects, when overlooked, add unnecessary turmoil to a child's life post-divorce.
The new mandatory programme will also stress the importance of positive co-parenting after divorce. Even though a marriage ends, parental responsibilities remain. And it is important that parents remember that. Children need both parents to co-parent even after divorce. Allow me to say this with the best of intentions. I know that co-parenting is not easy. But, in many cases, it is probably the best \"gift\" that divorced parents can give to their children – the certainty that they still have both parents to love them despite everything. Then, the children do not feel that they have to take sides; they do not feel they are to blame; and they do not feel guilty.
The process which divorcing parents go through in applying for MPP will also include self-reflection questions − questions that focus parents' minds on their children's well-being. For those who may still have questions about their marriage and divorce, we will also point them to agencies that provide marital counselling. I hope that with this, perhaps some, upon reflection, may actually reconsider divorce and seek help for their problems.
During our public consultation on the Bill, some members of the public expressed concern that the new mandatory requirement could lengthen the divorce process. They felt that in some situations, for example, where there is family violence, the divorce process needs to be expeditious.
Let me assure the House that our intention is not to make it more onerous for parties to be granted a divorce. Neither do we aim to make it easier. But the objective is to better equip parties with knowledge and awareness of the issues arising in a divorce that will affect their children. It will enable couples to be more informed and make child-centric decisions during the process of divorce.
The pre-divorce MPP will be funded by my Ministry and conducted by the Divorce Support Specialist Agencies (DSSAs). These four agencies offer a range of programmes and services. Since they started operating a year ago, they have served over 3,000 divorcing couples. The feedback from the couples and their children, as well as from judges and community partners, has been positive.
I will now move on to the next area of amendments, which is on maintenance. Today, under the Women's Charter, maintenance may be ordered for two broad categories. The first is maintenance for children. Both fathers and mothers are responsible for maintaining or contributing to the maintenance of their children. This is so even after a divorce, whether or not they have custody of the children. A mother may, therefore, seek child-maintenance from the father, and vice versa.
The second category of maintenance is for a spouse or ex-spouse. This is the focus of the proposed amendment. Today, a woman can seek spousal maintenance from her husband or ex-husband. The law, however, does not enable men to seek spousal maintenance from their wives or ex-wives. This is something that is increasingly being questioned and debated, and my Ministry has certainly received a broad range of opinions.
At one end of the spectrum, some Singaporeans have argued that spousal maintenance should be gender-blind and based on needs. Let me cite an email feedback that we received during the public consultation; and I think it sums it up quite neatly. The writer wrote, \"I find it hard to believe that Singapore, a First World society, is unable to accept that women should be our equals and should provide towards maintaining their ex-spouse equally if he is unable to do so.\"
Along this line of argument, some Singaporeans proposed that matters relating to marriage and divorce be addressed through a new \"Family Charter\", rather than the Woman's Charter.
At the other end of the spectrum, there are those who feel strongly that men should be the main breadwinner – and by and large they remain so – and spousal maintenance should be reserved for women only. After all, a wife is more likely to give up her career to care for the family. She is also more likely to be financially more vulnerable post-divorce. Allow me to quote from two emails we have received to illustrate.
One said, \"Despite the call of gender equality, we must face the reality that there cannot be absolute equality between the two genders. Moreover, it remains in our culture and, in fact, among men themselves, the notion that the husband is deemed the \"protector\" of the family.\"
Another argued: \"Remember that the Women's Charter is supposed to protect women's rights and not allow women to fall prey to the irresponsibility of men who wilfully refused to work, in the name of providing care for the family.\"
Clearly, there are very emotive and strong responses from various ends of the spectrum and in between them as well. I do not honestly think there is one decision that can satisfy all the differing views. This is one issue where there will be a range of issues. There is merit on both sides. Indeed, there are more women today with more successful careers. Some of you may have read about a recent Court of Appeal judgment which disallowed a woman's claim for a nominal maintenance order of $1. The Court found her \"more than capable\" of taking care of herself.
On the other hand, we still have many women who are struggling to provide a decent home for herself and her children, after years of being a homemaker during the marriage. As Members of Parliament, I think many of us would have encountered such real-life examples during our Meet-the-People Sessions and when we meet our residents.
After extensive discussions with stakeholders and internal deliberations, we have concluded that, our society is not quite fully ready for gender neutrality on the spousal maintenance front and we will not rename the Women's Charter as a Family Charter at this time, despite some calls to do so, in line with the philosophy of gender-neutrality.
There remain many vulnerable women, and many women who hold rank-and-file jobs who need to be able to rely on their husbands or ex-husbands for maintenance for themselves and their children. However, we do note the feedback provided and we will keep this issue on watch and consider it in the future.
That said, we do feel that time is right for us to take a step to allow incapacitated husband and ex-husbands to apply for spousal maintenance where there is a clear need.
Recently, one of our divorce support specialist agencies highlighted a case they handled. This concerns a man with a professional job. He was unfortunately struck with a debilitating illness while on an overseas work assignment. The illness left him mentally incapacitated and unable to work. His wife, equally successful in her career, divorced him and now he has no way to support himself.
In yet another case, my Parliamentary Secretary met a male resident who became severely disabled after a serious work accident. His wife divorced him. He is very bitter because he has no recourse for support, despite years of having provided for his wife and family.
We are proposing amendments that will allow, for the first time, spousal maintenance to be extended to such husbands and ex-husbands. This is part and parcel of the mutual help and support expected when a man and a woman enter into a marriage. Stories, such as what I have shared, reinforce our sense that this is one area in which we should do more.
We have set three clear criteria that must all be met. Only a man who is: one, incapacitated before or during the course of the marriage; two, unable to earn a livelihood and three, unable to support himself, therefore, can claim maintenance. He must also be unable to support himself at the time when the maintenance application is heard.
For clarity, I will give some examples which will not be covered. These include:
(a) an incapacitated husband or ex-husband who is able to earn a livelihood sufficient to maintain himself;
(b) an incapacitated husband or ex-husband who has other means, such as income from investments or insurance pay-outs, to support himself; and
(c) an ex-husband who became incapacitated after the divorce has been finalised.
An ex-wife is not expected and does not have any obligation to provide spousal maintenance if her ex-husband does not meet the criteria up to the point of divorce.
During our public consultation, we also received a lot of feedback on maintenance enforcement. I think many of us feel very strongly about this issue; I certainly do. We have received many heartfelt appeals and letters talking of maintenance payments slipping, being irregular or not being paid. I can understand how frustrating this can be for an ex-spouse who is not only entitled to but also relies on the maintenance to keep the family going after divorce.
In the last round of amendments in 2011, we introduced several measures to strengthen maintenance enforcement. Today, the Court may order a defaulter's employer to pay maintenance directly out of the defaulter's salary, mandate that a defaulter attend financial counselling and even sentence a defaulter to jail.
We do not need more legislative changes this round on this front. Many of the challenges lie instead with implementation. This is where we need to improve and this is what we must tackle.
To this end, my Ministry has been working closely with the Family Justice Courts and the Community Justice Centre to strengthen the working relationship among our agencies. We find that there are basically two broad groups of defaulters: firstly, those who \"cannot pay\"; secondly, those who \"won't pay\". We will need to address them differently.
We will extend timely financial assistance to vulnerable wives and ex-wives and their children in cases where the husband or ex-husband genuinely cannot pay maintenance. For example, he could be in jail or has had a serious accident and cannot work. Such wives or ex-wives will be directed to my Ministry's Social Service Offices (SSOs) for financial assistance. Our SSOs will also refer them to the Community Justice Centre for legal assistance should there be a need.
Our focus here is on the women and children, as they are often the victims. But that said, we will also help a husband or ex-husband whose circumstances have changed such that he genuinely cannot pay maintenance. For example, if he has a serious debilitating illness and is not able to work for a sustained period, he may approach the Community Justice Centre for legal assistance to review the maintenance orders. He may also approach the SSOs. The SSOs will help not only the man, but also his wife or ex-wife, with financial assistance so that the family may tide over the difficult period and get back on their feet.
In contrast to this more empathetic approach, we do intend to be very much more firm with these recalcitrant maintenance defaulters in the so-called \"won't pay\" group this means those who have the means but choose not to honour their maintenance payments. This is where there is much distress, anger and bitterness on the part of wives and ex-wives especially. They know their husbands refuse to pay maintenance for themselves and their children, and we intend to seriously stop such irresponsible behaviour.
So, we are working closely with the Courts to appoint a Maintenance Record Officer (MRO). This officer will assist the Court in certain maintenance enforcement applications so as to identify those who can afford but refuse to pay maintenance. With the assessment of the individual's ability to pay, judges will be in a better position to make full use of the range of enforcement levers introduced in the 2011 round of amendments. Judges can impose tougher penalties against these recalcitrant individuals and I hope that they do.
Related to maintenance are child access issues. As Members, and many of you can relate to this, we have encountered many heartrending appeals from divorced parents to see their children. Often, it is the fathers who have been denied access. By July this year, the Divorce Support Agencies will double their capacity of supervised exchange and visits for children. With an increase in capacity, our agencies will be better able to facilitate child access arrangements. Very importantly, they will work with parents to co-parent more effectively.
As a husband and a father, I would like to take this opportunity to remind all men to be responsible, especially when you have child maintenance to pay. Parenting your child does not stop even when the marriage is over. You can still and always be a loving father by not neglecting your responsibility to provide for your children. Even if your marriage is over, a caring relationship with you as a father will help your child to heal and learn to trust all over again. So, not only in terms of maintenance, spend time.
Earlier, I mentioned that there are more marriages between Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans. The number of marriages between Singaporeans and non-residents has been increasing from 5,411 in 2004, to 6,686 in 2014 a decade later.
The vast majority of such marriages are genuine. But there are instances where parties enter into a sham marriage for immigration purposes. In 2012, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) introduced a provision in the Immigration Act criminalising such marriages for immigration advantage. Parties convicted can be fined or imprisoned, or both, with their immigration facilities revoked. As of 2015, 218 parties have been convicted.
It is an offence for parties to abuse marriage laws for immigration advantage. It follows, therefore, that such marriages should be void. The new section 11A will now make a marriage void if one party to the marriage is convicted of the marriage of convenience offence under the Immigration Act.
Let me move on to the issue of protection. Men, women and children who experience family violence require help. Today, in the event of violence within the family, a married man or woman below 21 years of age has to rely on others, such as a parent or a guardian, to apply for a protection order on his or her behalf.
Given that most married persons below 21 years old already have familial responsibilities, such as care of children, section 65 is to be amended to provide for married or previously married persons below 21 years old to apply for protection orders for themselves and their children. This is similar to the provisions in the Act that govern the parties allowed to apply for maintenance orders.
Some women and girls in crisis situations may, at times, need temporary emergency accommodation at places of safety, such as crisis shelters or residential facilities. The Bill introduces new community-based care options by allowing the Director of Social Welfare to also place a vulnerable woman or girl below 21 years of age into the care of a \"fit individual\". This could be a relative or friend who could provide support in a \"home environment\", and not only in residential facilities or shelters.
Some professionals that my Ministry works with in protection work include the staff in Family Service Centres, Family Violence Specialist Centres and crisis shelters. We will provide immunity for such professionals when they assist vulnerable individuals or discharge their duties in good faith and with reasonable care. In this way, they are protected against lawsuits or other legal proceedings in their personal capacity when carrying out a Court order, acting under the direction of the Minister or the Director of Social Welfare in discharging duties under the Act.
The rise of online platforms and social media poses new dangers to victims of abuse and also challenges to the professionals who protect them. A new section 177A will prohibit the publication or broadcast of any information in the mass and social media that would reveal or is likely to identify the location of the shelter, residential facility or its residents. This is to better prevent perpetrators of violence from harassing, intimidating or harming persons residing or working at places of safety. The state may also act against serious breaches by the media which compromise the safety of the residents and staff.
A related amendment is made to section 153 to prohibit publishing of information via online media which may lead to women and girls being identified in certain in-camera Court proceedings.
The rise of online media has also allowed vice syndicates to take their businesses online to widen their reach to clients, while hiding behind the anonymity of the Internet. This makes it challenging for the Police to prevent and detect criminal groups conducting such a business. Sexual services at hotels and residences arranged by vice syndicates using new technologies also affect the public's sense of safety and security.
The proposed amendments will enhance the Police's levers to address online vice. They will make it an offence for persons in Singapore to operate or maintain in Singapore any website or other remote communication service that offers or facilitates the provision of sexual services in return for payment. They will also enable the Police to take action against a person who aids or will aid the prostitution of another person by providing any service, such as setting up a website to advertise such services, and who receives any gratification, whether cash or in kind, for providing that service.
Let me now conclude. The family remains the key pillar of our society. As families continue to change in Singapore, we will also have to continue to review our policies, services and programmes. We will also regularly update our legislation. The legislative amendments I am proposing to the Women's Charter today are one part of this broad effort.
Many Singaporean organisations and individuals have contributed to this exercise. Some have generously provided their professional knowledge and expertise. Others have given their inputs and feedback during our consultation. I would like to thank all of them for their contributions.
I believe that this set of amendments we are proposing, and the other changes we are making to policies and services will help strengthen marriages, support families and render protection and assistance to those who are more vulnerable. With that, Madam, I beg to move.
[(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]
Mdm Speaker: Er Dr Lee Bee Wah.
Er Dr Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon): Mdm Speaker, gender equality has long been a heavily debated issue across national borders, cultures and generations. Regardless of how far we have come, how much further we should go, one thing is for sure – as a nation, we pledged to build an equal and democratic society. Prejudice against either gender is frowned upon in the workplaces and public domains. Yet, it is common to find that cultural baggage from the past continues to hinder our progress in the pursuit of gender equality. There is a Chinese saying, 男主外，女主内. This continues to be presumed and desired as the default relationship dynamic.
Husbands are expected to build their careers and bring home the bread, while the wives handle the kids and household matters, regardless of their interests and professional abilities.
The Women's Charter was established in 1961 to empower the law to protect women who were seen as the weaker sex. Back in those days, many women did not pursue higher levels of learning and they would marry and become stay-home moms almost after leaving school. Or they would quit their jobs when they decided to have a family. Granting maintenance to women in a divorce has been the rightful thing to do in appreciation of her contribution to the family when she has sacrificed her youth and potential incomes. Today, the female demographic is vastly different. Labour force statistics last year showed that employment rate for women in Singapore was 76% for the prime working ages of 25 to 54.
Many also held positions of authority in their workplaces. According to some divorce lawyers, between 30% and 50% of women in divorce cases earn as much, if not more than the men.
MSF has, for years, called for the extension of spousal maintenance to men. This is in line with alimony laws in societies where gender equality is actively pursued, such as Britain, the United States and Canada. But the Ministry deduced from talks with various groups that our society is not ready for women to shoulder the same responsibilities as men, and so, up till today, men are still not able to claim alimony, apart from a small group of men in genuine need that can get spousal support. Hence, with this Bill, I would say any progress is good progress. It is good that we have made this small step.
I strongly believe that men who quit their jobs to become house-husbands on mutual consent and perform their designated roles adequately should also be entitled to maintenance. Please note \"mutual consent\" because I also have residents who told me that their husbands are lazy to work and, hence, they are forced to become the sole breadwinner and some of them have to work day and night, taking on more than one job, and their husband goes out jalan-jalan. So, for cases like this, when it comes to divorce, the husband should not be entitled to any maintenance, even though he is not fit to work.
I also believe that the Courts should weigh carefully in cases where the wife is better off than the husband, and has not been financially dependent on him during their marriage. I refer to the case where Justice Choo Han Teck, who, in 2014, generated somewhat of a debate when he rejected a woman's $120,000 maintenance claim from her former spouse after their 10-year marriage ended in 2012. The wife in this case earned slightly more than the husband, grossing $215,900 in annual income. She also had more than twice the assets he had. Justice Choo had rightly said that to award the woman even a token sum \"would be wrong if it was merely symbolic. That symbol for women has to be torn asunder, in fact and in spirit\". It is unfortunate that not every man in a similar situation gets a fair resolution.
I have heard from divorce lawyers' cases where men have clearly been taken advantage of, though there is not much publicity. So, this amendment is timely.
Mdm Speaker, what is equally important, if not more important, is to make maintenance claims more straightforward. More resources and enforcement should, in fact, be dedicated to spouses who are truly deserving of maintenance and alimony. We have to find a more effective means of prosecuting ex-spouses who default on maintenance fees that they are rightfully supposed to provide. I have encountered cases in which the women had to spend a lot of time frantically trying to secure much-needed child and financial support from their irresponsible ex-husbands.
Sometimes, a woman has to go to Court every few months to get her ex-husband to pay up. In one of those cases, a woman had her case dragged on for 10 years and heard by over 20 judges. Imagine! Ten years! Ten years of suffering! Ten years of uncertainty! She had given up her career for the sake of their four children and, upon divorce, was left to raise them on her own without monetary contribution from her ex-husband. Imprisoning the man for a token few days as a punishment is hardly beneficial if he is determined to make the life of his ex-wife very difficult. I think a woman should not have to haul her husband off to Court repeatedly if he is habitually paying maintenance fees late or not paying up at all. His poor track record should be more than enough for immediate tougher action. Right now, it is by definition the men who are defaulting. But in the future, we could see women defaulting as well. Reforms in this aspect will benefit spouses who are awarded alimony, whether male or female.
In 2014, Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam shared his concerns. He said that a faster, simpler and more effective system is being planned to get defaulters to pay up. I look forward to an update about this new system. The process of seeking maintenance from an unwilling hand is, undoubtedly a gruelling and worrisome one. I hope more support can be given to those long-suffering spouses. There should also be pro bono lawyers to help with the legal matters. There should be readily accessible support networks that they can tap on, with counsellors who can offer guidance and help to find fuss-free assistance for a range of related issues from financial aid to housing, health and school matters.
In a divorce, children are most vulnerable to negative emotions and negligence. I support the Bill's implementation of an MPP for divorcing parents.
A marriage may not be salvageable, but both parents can, and should continue to conduct their parental responsibilities, assist their children to adapt to the changes, and possibly continue to carry significant responsibility in the later part of the children's lives. Here is where I want to touch on visitation rights to children. This is something that needs to be addressed in the parenting programme as part of a post-divorce plan where all the arrangements concerning the child are mapped out, from visitation schedules, decision- making to parenting responsibilities and more. Additionally, make counselling and support programmes for children of divorced marriages comprehensive and easily accessible. Counsellors must work closely with parents to ensure that the children are attending the sessions and programmes as regularly as required with the goal of adapting well to their new life with one parent.
To conclude, we cannot prevent divorces, or the hard feelings that some divorces will bring. But we need to minimise the adverse effects of divorces to our society, especially the children. An equal maintenance regime, where ex-spouses can easily seek arrears, and encouragement to cooperate on childcare are all factors that bring about this positive change. Mdm Speaker, let me summarise in Mandarin as well.
(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] The amendments have two changes which can help families that, unfortunately, are going through divorce. First, those ex-husbands who cannot work due to health reasons will be able to seek maintenance from their ex-wife. Today, there are many women who are as successful as men in the workplace. Hence, we can gradually move towards gender equality in terms of paying maintenance. Second, we will make it mandatory for divorcing parents to attend specialised parenting programmes to minimise the impact of divorce on their children.
On the other hand, there are still many women who face the problem of their ex-husband not-paying maintenance. The Minister for Law said before that the Ministry was studying some changes in this area. I hope the authorities can simplify the relevant procedures and give these women greater help. I support the Bill.
Mdm Speaker: Ms Sun Xueling.
Ms Sun Xueling (Pasir Ris-Punggol): Mdm Speaker, I thank the Minister for his exposition on the amendments to the Bill.
On strengthening maintenance, enforcement and support, I agree with what the Minister has shared that it is not about increasing legislation and that we should consider the efficacy of the processes which are supposed to deliver the objectives espoused in the Women's Charter. I would like to highlight some instances where we should make the implementation more seamless.
For instance, where there is a default in the payment of the maintenance order, the aggrieved party has to make an application in person at the Family Courts to make a maintenance complaint and the Court will then serve a maintenance summons on the defaulter.
However, sometimes in the case of persistent serial defaulters, the aggrieved party may be so tired out by the process of having to physically attend Court each time the defaulter defaults, that she eventually gives up claiming the maintenance amount due to her. This is especially relevant for those who face financial difficulty in the first place and can ill afford to take leave from work or from taking care of their children to go to the Family Courts to make the application in person and attend Court for the subsequent mentions or for the trials. And in the case of \"incapacitated husbands\", I am not sure if he is physically able to make the application at the Family Courts should his ex-wife default.
Further, should the defaulter fail to turn up in Court, he or she can be found in contempt of the Court and a warrant of arrest issued. However, what in reality happens is that no arrest is actually made as warrants of arrests are issued for a variety of reasons including non-payment of parking fines or service and conservancy charges and it is impossible to task the Police to arrest every person who has a warrant of arrest issued against him or her.
Lastly, though a garnishee order can be made to secure maintenance payments against bank accounts, each garnishee order is once off, meaning, that the aggrieved party typically bundles months of arrears owed to him or her, before making an application for a garnishee order to the Courts and in the meantime, the aggrieved party faces financial difficulties without the maintenance payments. There are also instances where the bank account is closed by the defaulter and there is no information on his other bank accounts.
As such, while I listen with interest what the Minister has shared with regard to the appointment of an MRO, I would like to urge further the following considerations. That, one, the application process for maintenance complaints to be made more convenient for an ex-husband or ex-wife who wants to serve a private summons on their ex-spouse who has defaulted on maintenance payments. An example could be to have the application done at family service centres and in the case of an incapacitated husband, that a proxy should be allowed.
And in the case where there is a warrant of arrest issued for an ex-spouse who can pay and refuses to pay, that an agency or system of bailiffs and perhaps the MRO that the Minister has spoken about, be tasked to enforce the actual arrest of the defaulter to give teeth to the charter. With that, I support the amendments to the Bill.
Mdm Speaker: Dr Lily Neo.
Dr Lily Neo (Jalan Besar): Mdm Speaker, I stand to support the Women's Charter (Amendment) Bill. However, I would like to comment and seek clarification on some issues.
On maintenance for incapacitated husbands, whilst I consider it as a right and humane thing to do, there are some who argue that we are drifting towards the equal rights issue where, in the past, such responsibility rested solely on the men with the traditional role of men supporting women instead of vice versa. Some have also asked if this is going to be the beginning of change towards equal rights with more amendments to come on the Women's Charter to equalise in all aspects. I can understand this argument because with our Asian values-based society here, we have yet to reach the level of gender equality to be looking at equal rights in all aspects. For example, women are still under-represented at senior management levels; child-rearing and care-giving responsibilities are still considered roles for women with many young women having to put their jobs on hold; and also, some women are not paid equally as their male counterparts for similar jobs and so on.
Another issue with this amendment, Madam, is the resultant burden being too excessive for some, if not all, of the divorced wives with incapacitated spouses. This would be especially so for those with young children. It will definitely be doubly difficult for a wife to look after the children and also the long-term needs of the incapacitated ex-husband. In the past, the siblings or even the parents will take care of or share the care of the incapacitated spouses. With this Bill, this past norm of the extended family's responsibility will be shifted to the ex-wife and thus the possibility of leaving the entire long-term care to her. Another point is that the extra long-term burden on the wife may indeed disadvantage her in getting into another relationship. It is because the potential new partner may not be comfortable with having his future wife supporting another person permanently.
Putting the child's interest first in a divorce through an MPP for divorcing parents with children below 21 years old is welcome, indeed. Children do suffer from broken marriages through no fault of theirs. Studies have shown that children suffer from physical and psychological repercussions from the divorce of their parents. Such children are at a higher risk of social and psychological problems later in their adult lives.
Studies have also shown that children whose parents are married throughout the early childhood years are less likely to suffer from breathing problems, such as asthma, from becoming overweight and from being injured in accidents before they are five years of age. On the other hand, children troubled with parental divorce are particularly prone to develop problems with anger, disobedience, rule violations, prolonged sadness and even depression. Their performance in school can be adversely affected, too. The emotional, social, health and economic costs associated with marital conflict and family dissolution causing delinquency, depression, poverty and crime and, especially, the devastating harm done to children, have been well-documented.
The numbers of children below the age of 18 who were affected by the divorce of their parents in 2014 were 5,172 and 1,689 for marriages under the Women's Charter and the Administration of Muslim Law Act respectively.
May I ask MSF whether there is any support scheme, with professional assessment and assistance, in place to help, especially the more vulnerable children, during the transition stages of divorce proceedings? Most children are stressed and do not want their parents to divorce. Can school counsellors be roped in to assist and work with social workers of MSF to better help these children?
According to studies by Amato and Keith in 1991, the long-term consequences of parental divorce for adult attainment and quality of life may prove to be more serious than the transitional short-term emotional and social problems in children. Stress states have been noted to be prolonged for many children, especially those in lower-income families with financial instability following the divorce of their parents. Many children also have difficulty adjusting to new environments and perhaps new step-parents and step-siblings from any subsequent marriages.
Is it possible for MSF to set up a register to keep track of vulnerable children from divorces and to assist these children, especially the more disadvantaged ones, on a long-term basis? I feel that this will be an important step to ensure keeping these children on MSF's radar in order to give them a better footing in life subsequently and thereby prevent future problems for themselves and for society.
Concerning the new section 94A of the Bill on extending the Mandatory Marriage Preparation Programme to marriages where at least one party is a minor, I read it as MSF trying to apply the tenet of \"prevention is better than cure\". This is a good thing as divorces here are on the rise. The absolute numbers of divorces were 1,551 in 1980 and 6,861 in 2014, or 7,307 including annulments. MSF had previously published that marriages involving younger grooms, regardless of the age of the brides, were particularly vulnerable to divorces. Thus, this Mandatory Marriage Preparation Programme may be useful in preventing divorces. I feel that we should particularly take the opportunity at this early stage to identify couples with high divorce potential and counsel them accordingly.
Over the past two decades, the US government-funded researchers have declared that they can predict, with about 90% accuracy, which engaged couples will divorce. An early researcher in the field, regarded by many as its reigning genius, is John Gottman. Other researchers have developed programmes that can significantly change the odds for marriages that appear doomed.
May I ask whether MSF can take this one step further and identify those marriages, where at least one party is a minor, that seem to be starting on wrong footings or having higher chances of divorce so as to, under this new section 94A, proceed to mandate three more marriage counselling courses at the end of the first year, second year and fifth year of their marriages as well as mandate additional parenting tips for such couples should they have children by then? This will strengthen marriages more before they deteriorate or start to breakup. Thus, I am suggesting not just giving pre-marriage courses but three further subsequent marriage courses in communication, conflict resolution and marriage enhancements together with parenting courses for minors. Can MSF also set up a fund to make it easier for couples to have such courses without monetary constraints?
Regarding section 57C, I agree that we should strengthen our regulations to avoid marriages of convenience. In our small country with limited resources, we cannot afford to allow this immigration loophole.
Will MSF explore further preventive measures at the very beginning when requirements for marriages are being considered? When certain characteristics or signs, such as wide age gap, foreign bride and lower income, of a marriage of convenience exist, there should be extra measures in place to determine such applications. Madam, subjecting such couples to interviews or to filling-up questionnaires separately would be one such measure. Very often, conflicting answers to the same questions posed to such couples can give clues to such marriages of convenience.
Could MSF facilitate better collaboration of the various Ministries involved in order to enhance higher vigilance and detection?
Can our registrars of marriages be given the authority to investigate and form opinions on whether the marriage applications are genuine and perhaps to refuse issuance of certificates for fraudulent marriages? Can the registrars or, for that matter, any other Ministries refer with ease any suspected cases of marriage of convenience to MSF or the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) for follow-up?
Most times, it is the public or people in the community that is in the know about any marriages of convenience between couples. Therefore, we should try to make it easier and convenient for the public to inform on such couples so that the relevant Ministries can follow up. I hope MSF can further facilitate these areas.
I also feel that publicity on our rules and punishments concerning marriages of convenience can be made clearer. This should especially target the nationals that frequently use this route to gain permanent residency here. Maybe our embassies in the countries of these nationals should publicise this information and help to discourage them from using this route to gain permanent residency in Singapore. Mdm Speaker, I support the Bill.
Mdm Speaker: Assoc Prof Daniel Goh.
Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong (Non-Constituency Member): Mdm 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 of society. I would like to remind the House that the traditional values of Asian society just 60 years ago were the patriarchal treatment of women and the widespread acceptance of polygamy. The preservation of the so-called traditional family was not the original intent of the Charter. On the contrary, the Women's Charter instituted the modern moral view of the family as a cooperative partnership between husband and wife who have equal rights as independent individuals and have equal responsibilities in caring and providing for the children.
It is a waste that the present and recent amendments are cautious reactions to rising divorce rates. These were opportunities to replicate the visionary spirit of the framers of the original Charter in using the law to shape society for the empowerment of its members. The main changes proposed by the present Bill attempt to deal with two sets of problems besetting the modern family following the principles of the original Charter. The first set concerns the better protection of the well-being and interests of children and follows the principle of parental responsibility. The Bill gives the Courts powers to order divorcing parents to attend the MPP and restates who can apply for a protection order in situations of family violence. The second set follows the principle of gender equality and makes incapacitated ex-husbands eligible for receiving maintenance from their ex-wives. The proposed changes, each on their own and on the whole, do not go far enough to plug the widening cracks and empower the modern family in increasingly trying times.
On the matter of parental responsibility and better protection of children, I would like to make four points. The first point is on the MPP. My worry is that divorcing parents would go through the motion of attending the MPP. To be effective, the MPP should be tailored to parenting in divorced situations targeting both custodial and non-custodial parents. It should be integrated with mandatory mediation and counselling of divorcing parents at the Child Focused Resolution Centre (CFRC) and should stretch across the pre-divorce and post-divorce periods.
Furthermore, the MPP and the counselling should try to involve the children as much as possible. Children should not be treated simply as passive victims whose problems could be solved by positive parenting. Article 12 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child states that we should \"assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child\" and that these views be \"given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child\". In divorcing situations, children should be and could be active stakeholders whose participation in the process could help to protect their interests and help them achieve some emotional closure.
The second point I would like to raise is that while parental courses, mediation and counselling are good soft solutions persuading couples to go through amicable divorce in the interest of their children, they do not solve the hard problem of ex-husbands defaulting on maintenance support. The 2011 amendments to the Charter giving the Courts powers to impose financial counselling, community service, attachment of earnings and credit bureau recovery have only managed to cause a dent in the problem. It has been reported that the number of applications for enforcement orders on maintenance had only dropped from 1,900 in 2009 to 1,700 in 2013. This means thousands of children remain at serious financial risk.
Repeated stalling and refusal to pay maintenance could be the continuation of abusive relationships, specifically economic abuse to deprive other members of the family the sustenance to maintain a decent standard of living. The Charter continues to fail to recognise this as a form of family violence. Even if we allow that most ex-husbands who default on maintenance simply failed to put responsibility to their children as a priority in their economic affairs, this goes against the Charter's core principle of equal parental responsibility. Whatever it is, the children suffer and may grow resentful of their parents.
The principle of equal parental responsibility requires the law to make sure that the cost of recovery of maintenance does not reach unreasonable levels and is not laid on the single parent with custody of the children. There have been cases of mothers who have to drag their children to visit the Courts many times to get their maintenance, as they cannot afford legal representation. Many families end up in economic hardship because social service organisations are unable to help as long as the maintenance order is there to be enforced. The problem is precisely enforcement.
This is not a new proposal, as women's organisations have proposed it previously. The Government can help tremendously vulnerable divorcee families to protect the interest of the children by setting up a central agency with strong enforcement powers to recover maintenance on behalf of the families. These powers could include intensive debt collection, investigative surveillance, litigation and overseas travel bans, as in the Australian example. A central agency, let us call it the Commissioner for the Maintenance of Families, could also serve another purpose, which is to provide support to divorcee families dependent on maintenance so that they would not fall into the poverty trap while waiting for the recovery of owed maintenance. The Commissioner for the Maintenance of Families could provide means-tested advance support capped at a quantum to meet basic needs while the owed maintenance is being recovered.
My third point concerns maintenance for single unwed parents. The Charter could also give the Commissioner for the Maintenance of Families powers to take a proactive approach in helping single unwed parents, especially the mothers, to claim child maintenance from the biological father. This is in line with the principle of parental responsibility, as the onus of raising children out of wedlock should not fall on the women while men easily avoid taking responsibility. It is also important for the protection of the children since they are the ones who suffer most and should not be punished for the mistakes of their parents. Many single unwed mothers, because of their socio-economic background or due to the difficult situation of stigmatisation and isolation they are caught in, are not aware that they could apply for child maintenance from the fathers.
If the worry is that helping single unwed parents will cause the moral hazard of promoting more children born out of wedlock, then the Government should know that studies have shown that enforcing child support for single unwed mothers, when coupled with widespread education and publicity, can reduce the rate of non-marital pregnancies. Enforcing men's parental responsibility has the knock-on effect of making men responsible in their overall behaviour towards women.
My fourth point concerns the tackling of family violence. Is there any evidence that the \"Many Helping Hands\" approach has helped to reduce family violence? It seems that spousal violence, which makes up the majority of family violence cases, is taking place earlier in the first five years of marriage rather than in the later years of marriage. Family violence remains a pernicious problem. The Government's approach is to strengthen the touch-points that help identify family violence so that early intervention through counselling can be achieved. It is said that the legal route is not the best solution. So, the Courts and applications for Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) should be the last resort.
Notwithstanding this, access to the legal route is an important insurance to give victims a strong sense of security as well as provide an assured deterrence against repeated abuse. This Bill restates the persons who can apply for PPOs, which remain severely limited to the very victims of violence or the persons responsible for the victims if they are below the age of 21. However, women and mothers responsible for children being abused are often trapped in precarious positions of recurring violence. They often experience helplessness and cannot act to protect themselves and their families.
We need to expand the range of persons empowered to apply for PPOs. Family members, relatives and friends who are explicitly authorised by the victims are in a good position to know when violence takes place and should be empowered to apply for PPOs. Doctors are also an important touch-point. Right now, the onus is on the victims to tell doctors about the abuse and request a report for possible PPO application. By the time the violence results in physical injury, it is at a critical stage. Doctors should be empowered to report cases to the Police and draw up medical reports without request. In many jurisdictions, mandatory reporting by doctors to law enforcement has helped to mitigate family violence.
Other than the victims of abuse, children witnessing family violence are the worst affected. Most of them would try to intervene and a survey shows 10% called the Police. We need to protect the children and tweak the \"Many Helping Hands\" approach to allow children to become a trip-wire for early intervention.
Last, and definitely not least, like in many jurisdictions overseas, the Police, to whom social workers, doctors, victims and children of victims turn to as the trusted investigative and enforcement agency, should be empowered to apply for protection orders.
Gender equality. Allowing incapacitated ex-husbands to claim maintenance from their wives is a belated concession to the principle of gender equality. The call to allow ex-husbands to apply for maintenance was first raised in 1996. The Government rejected it on grounds of tradition, that it is the duty of the husband to maintain the wife. The same call was rejected six years ago on account that society is not ready for gender equality when it comes to maintenance. This is a double irony since the Women's Charter was enacted regardless of whether traditional polygamous society was ready for the modern nuclear family. Gender equality was enshrined in the Charter despite tradition or the readiness of society.
Gender equality in 1961 meant giving women equal rights in marriage. Thus, the division of matrimonial assets must be made in \"just and equitable\" proportions giving due credit to non-financial contributions to marriage. Realising this principle of gender equality today means doing two things. Men should be given full rights to being eligible for maintenance and we should allow the Courts to make gender-neutral decisions regarding asset division and maintenance based on discernments of financial and non-financial contribution to the matrimonial household and also potential earning power. Second, the law should factor in opportunity cost in lost earnings due to being a homemaker in the determination of maintenance, especially given that men and women have full access to the labour market.
In the same spirit of gender equality, but also because this is the hard reality today, we need to include boys and young male persons under Part XI, which protects women and girls from prostitution, sexual exploitation and trafficking. This Part is even more outdated than the Women's Charter as it reflects the old colonial Women and Girls' Protection Ordinance. The world in the 21st century has changed and, as scandals regarding the sexual grooming and sexual trafficking of boys indicate, we need to update this Part urgently. In fact, Part XI is an anomaly and its inclusion in the Charter conflates prostitution and sexual exploitation with the family. I believe this Part is best taken out and its provisions integrated with the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act and the Penal Code.
Once Part XI is removed, and the principles of parental responsibility and gender equality are re-affirmed, future revisions of the Women's Charter will provide us with the opportunity to do something progressive and leading the times, shaping society for the better, like what the original Charter did in 1961. There have been calls for the Women's Charter and all other pieces of legislation dealing with the family, including the Children and Young Persons Act, to be combined into a landmark piece called the Family Charter. I support this proposal. This is not just for the rationalisation of the law, but it will serve two important purposes.
First, this Government has reiterated that its ideology and policy are to protect, preserve and promote the modern nuclear family as the bedrock of our society. We should continue to do so. Nowhere else in the law is the modern family so well and morally defined as in the Women's Charter, as equal cooperative partnership with independent rights and parental responsibility has paved the way for families to thrive for 50 years now. It is time to rename the Charter to enshrine even more visibly the ideology of safeguarding families.
Second, the renaming does not just give symbolic effect to the moral view of the family. The Family Charter will form the basis with which we institutionalise the family further in the era of ageing, globalisation and consumption culture where the norm of non-marital unions and mixed family forms become increasingly prevalent. It will be the basis for positive legislation to empower children, men and women to lead healthy family lives if they so desire. It will signal to society that families are here to stay and that the Government is committed to protecting the vulnerable, especially when it comes to our children, to ensure that they do not suffer our failures.
Mdm Speaker, we like to tell our children to emulate the bold and progressive spirit of our Pioneer political leaders. The Women's Charter is a testament to that spirit, but it is in need of a bold revision that would do justice to its core principles of gender equality and parental responsibility. The measures in this Bill try to do this, which is reason for me to support it, but they do not go far enough.
There is no reason not to be bold. Treat children as stakeholders in the divorcing process, set up a central agency to help single-parent families collect maintenance, help single unwed mothers obtain child support to reduce poverty and out-of-wedlock pregnancies, tackle family violence by empowering the Police and persons who can help the victims to apply for protection orders, allow all ex-husbands to apply for maintenance and let the Courts decide on gender-neutral grounds, and consolidate the pieces of legislation as the Family Charter to establish a firm foundation for families to thrive into the 21st century.
The year 2021 will mark the 60th year of the enactment of the Charter. A bold revision will revive and honour the core principles of the Charter, and this Bill paves the way for the revision. All that is needed now is the courageous spirit.
Mdm Speaker: Ms Tin Pei Ling.
Ms Tin Pei Ling (MacPherson): Mdm Speaker, the Women's Charter is an important piece of legislation in Singapore. It was passed in 1961 to protect and advance the rights of women and girls in Singapore. At that time, the typical household division of labour was such that women would take care of the family at home, while men go out to work and bring the bread home. Many women, due to the lack of education and little control over or access to resources then, were often bullied and in worse instances, faced domestic violence. Therefore, I believe the Women's Charter passed in 1961 was a progressive and much needed piece of legislation.
Fast forward more than 50 years to today, Singapore has progressed significantly and women today have made huge leaps on many fronts. Singaporean women today are driven and well-educated. We are capable of holding our own at workplaces. And with jobs, this means that we are or can be financially independent, generally speaking. Moreover, we have also observed a small, but growing, group of men who give up their jobs to devote full time to caring for their families. Therefore, it is timely to review the Women's Charter and update parts of the Charter to offer somewhat more gender balance. In this case, inserting a provision to allow men, very specifically incapacitated men who cannot work and support themselves, to apply for maintenance from their ex-wives is a step in the right direction.
While we need to take bold steps and to recognise that the society has indeed, progressed and evolved and that there is greater gender equality that we observe now in our society, and that, with that, I support the provisions in principle, I do have a few concerns that I hope MSF can address.
Firstly, what safeguards will MSF put in place to ensure that even though the applicant is incapacitated and appears to be the weaker party, maintenance will be granted only on legitimate grounds? For instance, what if the applicant had not even contributed to the raising of the family before he was incapacitated?
Secondly, how will MSF ensure that this provision will not overburden the ex-wives, who are also granted custody of their children precisely because they are now the more abled party? These ex-wives may be in financial difficulties themselves. They are also most likely the sole breadwinner supporting their children.
Let me cite an example. I have a resident. Let us call her Mdm Foo. She has two young children, two sons still in primary school. Her husband decided to divorce her for various reasons, but through no fault of hers. She has been working and has been financially independent. But her financial prowess and position were simply not strong enough for her to afford the payment of the home after the divorce because of the mandatory requirement to sell off the matrimonial flat. And having custody of her two sons means she will have to take care of them. Yet, despite her being economically active throughout her working life, she was not even able to afford the extra $3,000 to settle the final payment for the home that she was desperately trying to secure in order to continue to provide a stable and normalised life, post-divorce.
So, in the likes of Mdm Foo, in the event that her ex-husband happens to be incapacitated and would like to demand for maintenance from her, how would she be able to afford? This would no doubt impose too much a burden on the likes of Mdm Foo and, in turn, would also impose a great burden and stress, to the disadvantage to the young children.
Thirdly, what about the divorced women today who are still not receiving their monthly maintenance? While the provision is a step in the right direction, I do urge MSF to continue to strengthen its implementation and support to the ex-wives who need but have yet to receive their monthly maintenance. Otherwise, while we may have moved a step forward on the gender equality front, we risk regressing a step backward in terms of protecting vulnerable women – the very group of people this Charter was enacted to protect in the 1960s. We must recognise and support the group of women who had sacrificed the prime of their lives to care for their families and raise their children and, as a result, left themselves in a very vulnerable position. This is made worse-off if they have to also take on the role of being a breadwinner to support their children.
Fourthly, I would like to ask whether MSF would consider putting in requirements to demand for maintenance from the irresponsible person who may have impregnated a woman, resulting in her becoming a single and unwed mother.
I say this because I have a resident whom I feel very sympathetic towards. I understand the controversy, issues and concerns that the general society may have towards unwed parents, but, in this case, I have full sympathy towards this resident who is just a young lady. When she was much younger, she met a man who impregnated her and they had three children together. Every time she got pregnant, the man would promise to marry her, but every time, that promise never gets realised. Finally, as she was pregnant with her third child, this man impregnated another woman and was getting ready to marry this other woman, leaving her in the lurch. This poor lady had to fend for herself and to take care of her three children whom she loves dearly.
Thankfully, her own family is supportive but they, too, are in financial difficulties. They came to me in tears because they were very upset that this man is going to leave her in the lurch while he marries this other woman whom he felt more attracted to, or for whatever reasons, he felt more strongly about. The three children will now have to face the consequences and the fate of having to depend on only a single source of resources and, that is, the mother. This mother is really struggling on her own.
In such instances, I feel very sorry for the three children. This is unfair and, therefore, I would like to ask whether MSF can do something to make a provision such that, in such instances, the demand for maintenance from the very irresponsible parent will be made available to the single unwed parent who has to take care of the children. In this case, the focus is really on the welfare of the children; they are innocent and they, too, deserve to have an equal and good start in life because they, too, are born Singaporeans and they are the children of Singapore.
Any end to a marriage can inflict great pain on both the man and woman who once loved each other and chose to be together till death do they part. However, if they have a family, the greatest pain is perhaps borne by their children. Children are born to their parents; they rely on, grow to love and share a deep bond with their parents. In a separation, children usually have no say in the decision and yet they are compelled to deal with the pain.
Therefore, I am encouraged to hear that MSF is trying to better protect the interest of children affected by their parents' divorce through the MPP. But besides targeting divorcing and divorced parents, are there efforts to enhance support for the children affected? Also, MPP is only for parties who cannot agree on the divorce or ancillary matters. What about divorcing couples who can agree on all matters? Their children will still be affected by their parents' separation. How will MSF help them?
On a related note, I believe that ensuring the children have continued access to both parents is important to their development. However, in some acrimonious divorces, the custodian parent may find ways to disallow the other party's access to the children, despite the agreement made. In some cases, the custodian parent hovers around and makes it difficult for the visiting parent to spend quality time with the children. In some cases, the custodian parent and visiting parent continue to fight during the visitation period. And in some cases, the custodian parent simply hides the children and refuses to reveal their whereabouts to the visiting parent.
There is another example that I came across at the Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS). The poor mother came crying to me because she could not have access to her two children as the father decided to smuggle the children out of Singapore to Malaysia. Since it is out of our jurisdiction in Singapore and she has no relatives or contacts there, she was at a total loss, not knowing where to find her children, but yet she misses them and wanted to make sure they are okay. This, no doubt, will only worsen the already detrimental impact on the children.
Currently, I am glad to note that some voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) have taken the initiative to address this issue. Thye Hua Kwan, for example, has a Centre for Family Harmony at Circuit Road in MacPherson. I have visited the centre and have also come to understand the plights of some of these divorced parents. This centre allows supervised visitations so that, despite a divorce, both parents can continue to be present and be a responsible father or mother to the child. In this respect, could MSF share whether such a service will be scaled up and whether MSF has other plans to complement such an effort?
Finally, while I am encouraged by MSF's move to provide more protection and support to children affected by their parents' divorce, the ideal must be to build strong families in Singapore. As I have said earlier, the biggest victim in a divorce would be the children. Not only do they have to cope with the immediate pain and anxieties, instability and other adjustment issues, they also risk suffering longer-term effects, such as trust and relationship problems in their adulthood. Hence, we must not subject innocent children to such pain as far as possible.
There is another group, another category of Singaporean families, that I feel we must continue to support as well – families with foreign parents. In most cases, there are genuine marriages involving a foreign spouse. While a marriage of convenience cannot be tolerated nor condoned, as it violates the sacredness of marriage, we must do more to recognise and support genuine marriages with foreign spouses. Love cannot be ordained; nobody should tell us who we can or cannot marry. Hence, I believe that supporting a family in which most are Singaporeans, that means perhaps with a foreign parent, we are no doubt helping to build strong Singaporean families.
Hence, I hope that MSF will continue its work in anchoring the ideal of strong families and work closely with other Ministries to ensure that our policies help young couples to build strong families that can stand the test of time.
Some things the Government cannot and should not interfere, but some things the Government can do to try to facilitate and help. For instance, we can try to allow or facilitate couples getting access to flats in mature estates near their parents so that they can have parental and familial support when they eventually have children. This, set against the background where the demand for childcare is increasingly high, I believe, is important. This is just an example, but I hope that MSF can continue to work with the various agencies and Ministries to look at how we can better support and help our young Singaporean families take root in Singapore. At the end of the day, the foundation of a strong Singaporean society would be to continue to have strong families. Therefore, helping them would, no doubt, help to build a stronger Singapore for the future.
Madam, notwithstanding the concerns I have raised, I believe the proposed amendments to the Women's Charter are made in the right spirit. Hence, I support the proposed amendments to the Act.
Mdm Speaker: Mr Alex Yam.
Mr Alex Yam (Marsiling-Yew Tee): \"This Bill is making a very great change in the personal lives of the greater majority of our citizens. It marks a complete break from the past and it is a big step forward. And it is just for that reason that we have thought it important that we consider this piece of legislation as something outside the ordinary stream of legislation that we consider it to be, in the real sense of the word, a Charter for the women of our State.\"
Mdm Speaker, these words were spoken in earnest by our first Labour and Law Minister Mr K M Byrne during the Second Reading of the Women's Charter Bill on 6 April 1960. The Bill was the culmination of the People's Action Party's (PAP's) rallying call in the 1959 Five Year Plan – \"The Tasks Forward\". To give a sense of how important a subject it was, the Five Year Plan dedicated an entire chapter called \"Women in the New Singapore\". Mdm Chan Choy Siong, the late hon Member for Delta, should be lauded for her tireless efforts in making the Women's Charter possible.
We last made amendments to the Women's Charter in 2011 to enforce maintenance in divorce cases. But now, after five years, more amendments are needed to finetune the Women's Charter, in view of the evolving needs of women and children. This Bill has seen numerous and seismic amendments, a sure sign of the importance of the Bill and the difference it has made in society. The proposed amendments in the Bill are largely focused on five key areas: (a) taking care of the child/children's interests through the MPP for divorcing parents; (b) maintenance for incapacitated men; (c) enhanced protection for women and professionals at places of safety; (d) voiding marriages of convenience; and (e) remote communications facilitating provision of sexual services.
I will go through them one by one.
MPP. Mdm Speaker, in any divorce, to say that the child or children suffer the most is an understatement. A broken home does no wonders to a child's self-confidence, esteem, educational development and health, and many studies attest to this.
Divorce is a battle of attrition, as MSF has rightly pointed out. Children are the losers as they bear the brunt of the collateral damage in any fight between father and mother. It is not fair to the children. Some may be more resilient and march on bravely in the face of a newly radicalised family environment, but there are many more out there who are left broken, bitter, by divorce. In many of the cases I have seen at MPS and in block visits, and I am sure many Members can attest to this, it is the children who need the most help.
Over the years in various Parliamentary Questions, the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and subsequently MSF, has provided various statistics on children affected by divorce. Between 2005 and 2009, an average of 6,025 divorces was filed at the Family Court and 1,780 at the Syariah Court. It was stated that half of the Family Court's and 70% of the Syariah Court's cases involved families with children and these figures continue to climb. Back then, 4,700 and 2,600 for marriages under the Women's Charter and the Administration of Muslim Law Act respectively, and the figures for 2014 have gone up even further.
These are alarming figures, indeed. One can only imagine the fate of the child pre- and post-divorce. The mental and physical nature of the fights, the ensuing loneliness, and ultimately, the feeling of abandonment would have the child traumatised.
According to a noted psychologist and researcher, Dr Judith S Wallerstein, who carried out studies on the effects of divorce on the children over a 25-year period, \"Divorce is a life-transforming experience. After divorce, childhood is different. Adolescence is different. Adulthood – with the decision to marry, to have or not have children – is different. Whether the outcome is good or bad, the whole trajectory of an individual's life is profoundly altered by the divorce experience\".
The MPP under section 94A is a welcome move. Our current law requires parents with children under 21 years of age to attend mediation and counselling after a divorce writ is filed. But the proposed amendment makes it compulsory to attend the programme before filing for divorce; this is welcome. Through MPP, one can only hope that the child's physical and mental needs are taken care of by both parents. The programme would be more fruitful if feuding parents could patch up after these counselling sessions, which should be introduced to those considering divorce.
It is encouraging that the mandatory programme at CFRC has been quite successful in helping divorcing couples focus on the best interests of their children. The Family Justice Courts' CFRC programme has been extended to cover all divorce cases with children below 21 years of age.
But I would like to suggest and urge the Ministry to consider pushing this even further: to take a bold move which matches the historic impact of the Women's Charter and, that is, to move this MPP upstream, together with the Mandatory Marriage Preparation programme.
Before I got married to my wife, we needed to attend a compulsory marriage preparation course called Engaged Encounter. Though it was just one weekend, it was intense and emotional. It made us realise that courtship and marriage are two very different kettles of fish. With the support of counsellors and experienced couples who journeyed with us, all of us \"junior\" couples had the opportunity to ask each other questions that would be too unromantic for courtship but all the more important for a life to be spent together.
To be truthful, through the many marriage preparation courses that are available out there, there are couples who spilt up after attending the courses, but I feel this is for the better. I hasten to add that many of those whom I know have remained friends with one another.
With that in mind, I, therefore, strongly believe that just as courtship does not prepare us for marriage, a wedding does not prepare us for parenthood. So, a mandatory course will equip couples with the ability to stay together and raise a happy family together.
On maintenance for incapacitated men, I feel this is an important step. But I hope that, at some point, we reach parity beyond just providing for those who are incapacitated. As many Members before me have pointed out, it is not just for parity's sake but it also points to the fact that women in society have improved their social standing by leaps and bounds and this must be applauded.
The late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, at his 1983 National Day Rally, mentioned that our economy is dependent on women and their contributions to Singapore and this is invaluable. He said: \"We've got to go one step beyond and try and fit in the problems in a new context. In other words, how do we so reshape our policies that we can educate them; that they will have full career opportunities that the valuable well-educated, whilst making a big contribution, will, at the same time, ensure their contribution to the next generation?\"
The generation that Mr Lee referred to so stirringly in that speech made more than 30 years ago, is this generation. Since then, women in Singapore have been breaking, in fact, smashing the glass ceiling. The Women's Charter is about empowering our Singapore women, and their financial standing has grown in tandem with their contributions to our nation, from bread-makers in the kitchen to breadwinners in this generation for their families.
This amendment also finally lays to rest the anomaly of section 46 of the same Charter, which states that husband and wife are both \"mutually bound to cooperate with each other in safeguarding the interests of the union and in caring and providing for the children\" and under section 46(4), \"have equal rights in the running of the matrimonial household\". Before this amendment, there was mutual obligation under the Charter but not when deciding maintenance. This amendment will also put an end to the dysfunctional carryover from common law that will fully restore equality to women in marriage.
Although such an amendment to the Women's charter was not considered in 1996 nor subsequently in 2011, this is an important first step. I, however, hope that, at some point, we reach parity beyond just, as I mentioned, providing for those who are incapacitated.
Therefore, in all fairness, if the wife is earning more, maintenance payments to incapacitated ex-husbands must be in order. I would, however, like to know if the Ministry could share, if available, the number or estimated number of incapacitated ex-husbands in Singapore who would benefit from this proposed amendment.
What are the parameters as well, as alluded to by the hon Member Ms Tin Pei Ling, to determine the level of incapacity and how will ex-husbands be deemed to be fully incapacitated? I hope the Ministry would shed more light on this area.
An upgrade from the proposed single MRO under the set of amendments, as mentioned by the Minister earlier, is a suggestion to set up a formal Tribunal, akin to the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents, to free the Courts and to determine and enforce maintenance payments for both ex-husbands and ex-wives. The late Mdm Chan Choy Siong advocated for Marriage Counselling Courts in 1959 and this came to fruition only in 1995 with the setting up of the Family Justice Courts. I hope that while maintenance for husbands took 19 years and the Family Court took 36 years to find realisation, it will not take another similar length of time before a tribunal is considered.
With regard to enhanced protection for women and professionals at places of safety, according to a 2013 report on the International Violence Against Women Survey conducted in Singapore, the prevalence of violence against women in Singapore shows that nearly one in 10 of the 2,006 female respondents surveyed, or 9.2%, reported having experienced at least one incidence of violence by a man in their adult lifetime since the age of 16.
These findings, of course, showed that over one-third of victimised women, or 35.8%, received some injuries during the most recent incidents.
I believe that, for some, their ordeal does not end there. The Minister, in his proposed amendment, has indicated that, in certain circumstances, women and children can be placed in the care of a fit personnel. But in cases like these where they are not placed in places of safety, such as a residential care home or a crisis centre, will their safety be compromised, because they do not have a proper set up for security measures?
These places of safety are supposed to offer a sanctuary to abused women and girls. And if this sanctuary fails to provide the promised protection, we will be deemed to have failed in our duty.
With regard to voiding marriages of convenience, it is timely that deterrent action has been taken to reign in the number of sham marriages. The number of those convicted has gone down – from 284 in 2013 to 170 in 2014. This is a positive development.
ICA has mentioned that the women in some of these marriages are sex workers or are made to prostitute themselves after the so-called legalities of the sham marriage.
Under the amendment proposed in this Bill, would a statutory declaration be enough to further deter such sham marriages? Agreed, it will void the marriage of convenience. But more proactive action is perhaps required by the respective agencies in ensuring that the matchmakers involved in bringing over foreign brides are bona fide and are not mere pimps in disguise, masquerading as arrangers of marriages of convenience.
With regard to remote communication, facilitating provision of sexual services under the new section 146, I would like to seek clarification from the Minister on how the Ministry will deal with sites that are located overseas. A simple Google search will reveal that there are many such sites but there are no provisions under section 146 for this.
Mdm Speaker, we have come a long way since the original Women's Charter was passed in 1961. Women form the core of a family and are the pillars of strength of society. They have contributed much and will contribute even more, as the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew has stated. This is one Bill that has brought bipartisan support from across different parties. It is therefore incumbent upon us to honour and treasure this Charter and it is timely that we make the necessary amendments so that it protects not only women but their families, and marriages, too. In the words of Mdm Chan Choy Siong, in her opening remarks on the debate on the Women's Charter, \"[The Women's Charter] will bring about revolutionary change in society.\"
I believe that this Charter will continue to be revolutionary, and all the more so with these amendments. I would not call them belated, but perhaps a timely evolution. While we take small steps with each amendment, women have taken giant leaps forward and, therefore, in this context, Mdm Speaker, I support this Bill.
Mdm Speaker: Ms Rahayu Mahzam.
Ms Rahayu Mahzam (Jurong): Mdm Speaker, at the outset, I would like to declare that I am a family lawyer. In my practice, I have assisted many clients in their divorce proceedings. One of the issues that is usually very difficult for couples to deal with is the arrangements in relation to the custody, care and control of and access to the children upon divorce. We have often heard stories of how the children become embroiled in their parents' acrimonious battles in Court and become emotional pawns in the situation. The Minister earlier alluded to this with some examples.
I have also encountered first-hand parties who let their children read their affidavits and those of their soon-to-be former spouse on the pre-text that the children should know what is happening. Or those who make their children write notes or letters to Court to say that they do not want to be with the other parent.
In my view, such actions are harmful to the children's mental development in the long run. The negativity which the parents show towards each other can have a traumatic impact on the children and usually, these children are unable to voice out their emotions to the parents. I recall a Family Court Judge sharing in one of the lectures I attended some years back. As adults, when we are unhappy or stressed, most of us can reach out for help, talk about our emotions with our family and friends. However, children may not be able to articulate their emotions as well and may not even have the opportunities to do so. Therefore, the divorce process should be child-centric and protect the interests of the children.
I would often advise my clients to try to put aside their grievances when it comes to matters relating to their children and always give paramount interest and consideration to their children. For the parents, this is actually easier said than done. I have come to realise that, most times, parties are too caught up with their emotions to be able to think rationally in the situation. They are angry, hurt and, sometimes even vengeful. It is important to put them in the right state of mind before they begin their divorce proceedings.
Over the years, there have been many developments at the Family Court to gradually introduce mandatory counselling and mediation for parties with young children. Parents are encouraged to resolve the issues on custody, care and control and access as early as possible. I am pleased to see further developments in the form of the proposed amendments to the Women's Charter, in particular the addition of the new section 94A to prescribe an MPP for appropriate parties before the commencement of divorce proceedings. I believe that the introduction of an MPP will be useful to remind parents of the impact of divorce on their children and the need to prioritise their children's interests in their decisions.
I note that in the proposed section 94A, provisions are made for exemptions from MPP. This is clearly necessary as such programmes may not be relevant for divorcing parties who do not have children and there is also some room for the Court to make appropriate orders in certain circumstances, for example, when a case needs to be expedited where there is domestic violence. I would like to seek clarification though on the phrase \"excluded party\" in the proposed section 94A sub-section 3(b) and the group of people who would fall into this category, aside from those without children. I think it is useful to clarify the intent of excluding certain groups from MPP, especially if we want to ensure that as many parents as possible are educated about the impact of divorce on their children.
The intent of introducing an MPP is clearly noble. However, for the initiative to be truly successful, MPP itself must be effective. In implementing this programme, I hope attention will be given to develop a curriculum that goes to the core of the problem and is going to be useful for the parents. I thank the Minister for earlier giving an insight into some of the items that would be covered in the programme. Such programmes should address the parents' needs, cater to the various family situations and be simple enough to be understood by all.
I would like to add that the execution of this programme is important, otherwise it will be seen as just another procedure that the parties would have to go through to obtain their divorce. In fact, the Minister mentioned that there were concerns raised during the public consultation exercise.
I would like to highlight that there must be sufficient capacity to schedule parties for programmes in a timely manner so that the divorce proceeding is not delayed. If there are insufficient slots, for example, parties would have to wait before they can attend the programme and they may be delayed in filing their divorce papers. This can cause angst and frustration amongst the already stressed and highly emotional couples. Divorce is an agonising process and we should not delay or complicate the procedures unnecessarily.
In keeping with making the divorce process more child-centric, I also welcome and appreciate the proposed amendments to section 50 of the Women's Charter. Where children are involved, whether they like it or not, couples will continue to be in a long-term relationship. An adversarial Court process can be damaging to parties and, in particular, their children. It is, therefore, important to have processes that in some way \"heal\" parties, to help them cope with the situation.
I believe that counselling and mediation are key \"healing\" processes. It is useful to extend the variety of such processes. I note that section 50 also extends to all proceedings under the Women's Charter. These involve disputes between families, between spouses or former spouses, between siblings and between parent and child. Familial relationships cannot be terminated and family members who are in dispute need processes which help to repair their relationships. I, therefore, support the proposal to empower the Court to also direct parties or their children to attend family support programmes and activities in appropriate circumstances.
The Family Court has, over time, taken a lot of effort in developing many aspects of the Family Justice System, including having mediators specially trained in family mediation. We need to continue building the family justice ecosystem. In particular, for divorce, we need to continue on the existing efforts of developing specialised lawyers who are equipped with appropriate knowledge and skills to handle divorces and other family disputes. Specialised lawyers can promote collaborative divorce, which encourages parties to discuss and resolve their disputes amicably. When parties can resolve matters on their own and avoid litigation, there is a greater chance that the relationship can remain cordial and their children are spared from the acrimony.
I would, lastly, like to touch on the proposed amendments to sections 69 and 113 of the Women's Charter. These amendments relate to the extension of maintenance to an incapacitated husband or former husband, a point which has been raised by fellow Members of this House.
I thank the Minister for sharing the spectrum of views garnered during the public consultation. I personally have some concerns about the call for allowing husbands in general, or former husbands, to claim maintenance from their wives. Yes, as a divorce lawyer, I also have male clients, and some have indicated unhappiness with the current regime in the Women's Charter. I acknowledge that while many Singaporean women have made good progress, this has not been uniform across all groups of women.
While the Ministry takes steps to keep pace with societal changes, I believe there is a need to recognise that the majority of women still lag behind their male counterparts, especially financially. A wife is more likely to have given up her career or job advancement to care for the family. Very often, we still see the traditional dynamics of the woman being the principal caregiver to her children, even when both husband and wife are working. So, post-divorce, such women are financially usually more vulnerable.
I, therefore, appreciate that the proposed changes are calibrated, nuanced and limited to incapacitated husbands. It is important that we move towards addressing gaps in the law, addressing the grievances for these husbands who may have difficulties in maintaining themselves. However, I think it is important to be cautious of any further move to allow husbands to claim maintenance from their wives, at this juncture.
Currently, I believe there is still some way to go in developing parity of financial status between men and women, especially across various income levels. The developments in the law, while they should be robust, need to be relevant and reflect the current state of affairs in society.
I am of the view that it is lofty to think that we should advocate gender equality without testing it against the actual realities of the society today. I am, therefore, grateful and heartened that most of the proposed changes are dynamic and in tandem with societal developments. I welcome and support the proposals in this Bill.
Mdm Speaker: Ms Jessica Tan.
Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo (East Coast): Madam, thank you for allowing me to speak on this Bill. The Women's Charter was enacted in 1961 with the intent to protect and advance the rights of women and girls in Singapore. It included regulations on the relationship between husband and wife, the relationship between parents and their children, termination of marriages, division of matrimonial assets and maintenance. The Women's Charter also provides protection against family violence and the penalty for offences against women and girls. Several amendments have been made since 1961, with the latest amendment made in 2011 to strengthen the enforcement of maintenance orders, provide improved support to those affected by divorces, as well as address emerging trends in marriages and divorce.
The changes to the Women Charter, as proposed in the Bill tabled for today's Reading are positive. They are up to date and take into account the changing realities in the family in Singapore.
Section 94A mandates that divorcing couples with children who cannot agree on all matters of divorce will need to attend an MPP before they can file for divorce. Like many who have spoken before me, I think this is a very important step as it does take the interest of the child who is involved in the divorce, at the centre. The Minister has shared that much of the content of this programme is around the care of the child, housing and schools, which are very important. But I do want to ask for more elaboration on the duration of MPP. The amendment also indicates that the person appointed to conduct MPP will determine whether any person that attends the programme has completed the programme. Although an appeal against the determination can be made to the Minister, what measures will be put in place to ensure that the primary objective of protecting the interest of the children involved is met and that the case can be resolved effectively?
I would like to touch on the maintenance for incapacitated men. The amendment proposed in sections 69 and 113 of the Bill is to allow incapacitated husbands or ex-husbands to claim spousal maintenance from their wife or ex-wives if they are incapacitated during the marriage to the extent that he is unable to work to support himself and at the time of the application for the maintenance is heard.
I feel that this amendment is fair as it recognises the support expected of husband and wife during times of illness and disability. This is in line with the spirit of the Women's Charter, as outlined in the Rights and Duties of Husband and Wife in Part VI, clause 46, where it says that \"Upon the solemnisation of marriage, the husband and the wife shall be mutually bound to co-operate with each other in safeguarding the interests of the union and in caring and providing for the children.\"
I have personally seen several cases during my MPS where wives have left their husbands after they were diagnosed with serious illnesses like cancer and they were left with no means to support themselves. This amendment, however, does assume that the wife has an income and the means to be able to afford the maintenance. This may or may not always be the case. And as the wife will most likely need to provide for the children as the husband is incapacitated, this may also put a heavy financial strain on her, even if she is working. We must also recognise that many women do make career choices to either slow down their careers or even leave their jobs for some period of time, if not permanently, when they have young children. This does disrupt their career, re-entry into the workforce, as well as their income. The Court, in deciding whether to order the wife to provide maintenance for her husband, I hope will take into account her financial circumstances and the need to provide for herself and her children.
Regarding protection for women, girls and residents at places of safety, and professionals engaged in protection work, while all of us are talking about the progress that we see in Singapore, I think the Bill recognises the need for protection of vulnerable women and girls. The sad reality is that they need protection as their abusers are usually their family members.
Based on a study done by PAVE in 2013, the most common form of family violence in Singapore is spousal abuse victims and these victims, who are physically or psychologically abused by their spouses made up 72% of all new cases. The study also discovered that while victims of spousal abuse came from all age groups, the majority are females in their 30s and 40s. The study also found that spousal victims and abusers were better educated. As the abusers in these cases are men, they will be, in all probability, considerably physically stronger than them, and, as they are family, they will have also emotional control over the women. Thus, a shelter or safe place which provides for their requisite safety is imperative for them, not just to ensure that they are physically safe, but that they are also given peace of mind to pick up the pieces so that they can continue with their lives. They need reassurance that their abusers will not be able to locate them when they are having sanctuary in shelters.
The Straits Times news article by Janice Tai published in November 2013 on the study also helped to give some insight into the rise of family violence. I quote: \"The worsening problem of family violence can be seen by the rise in the number of such cases that went to Court. In 1995, the Family Court heard 978 such cases. By last year, the figure had more than tripled to 3,200.\"
Recognising the realities and the increasing use of social media, the amendments made in sections 177A and 153 seek to protect the identity of vulnerable women and girls and persons in protection work and, hence, ensuring their safety. Section 177A also prohibits the publication or broadcast of any information in the mass and social media that would reveal or is likely to identify the location of the shelter or residential facility or their residents. This will prevent perpetrators of violence from harassing, intimidating or harming the persons residing and working at these places. This amendment does provide for the state to also take action against serious breaches that would compromise the safety of residents and staff. Section 153 is also amended to extend prohibition on the publishing of information which may lead to the identification of women and girls in certain in-camera Court proceedings to also include online media and social media.
There has been much discussion today around the question, \"Do we still need the Women's Charter?\"
When the Women's Charter was passed in 1961, the intent was to protect the rights of women. We must recognise that, since then, there has been much progress made in Singapore and we have seen strong advancement of women from education to their participation in the workforce. Some may then argue that there is not a need for the Women's Charter or that this is discriminating against men.
I agree that there has, indeed, been great progress in the advancement of women in Singapore in education, health, employment and income. However, there are still several areas that women lag behind men. Many of our hon Members have touched on this, and this includes salary, labour force participation, especially in the economically productive years, in senior management, and decision-making roles in organisations, including boards. While we are all seeing a trend in Singapore of men increasingly playing a bigger role in the family and involvement in caregiving, in the majority of households, women still play the primary caregiver role.
In Singapore, there are almost the same numbers of men and women attending university and obtaining degrees. But we still, however, see many women leaving the workforce to take care of their children and family members. There are still fewer women in senior leadership roles in organisations compared to men. While we see greater participation in the workforce, and the numbers have been very encouraging especially in the last few years, the female labour force participation rate rose significantly from 51.3% in 2004 to 58.6% in 2014. But if we actually look at the labour force participation of women aged 25 to 39, this has dropped significantly, compared to the total number of women and single women in labour force participation.
So, it is likely that these women left their work during the prime years of their career to take care of their children and family. We are also seeing greater participation of husbands in the home, as I have shared earlier, and some have even chosen to be the stay-at-home parent. However, while this trend will likely increase, for now, women continue to take on a greater role and family caring responsibilities.
The Women's Charter is more than just about the relationship between husband and wife and that of between parents and their children, and the division of matrimonial assets when marriages fail. There are still vulnerable groups of women and girls who need protection. So, I believe that there is continued relevance of the Women's Charter in Singapore today. The amendments proposed in this Bill are balanced and seek to recognise the spirit of the Women's Charter while addressing the changing realities in society and the family. Madam, I support the Bill.
Mdm Speaker: Mr Seah Kian Peng.
Mr Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade): Mdm Speaker, I am in support of the proposed amendments to the Bill. The last time this Bill was debated in January 2011, I also spoke it. Then, amongst other things, I was asking for men to be given reasonable access to their children by their ex-wives.
With the latest amendments, I find it encouraging and progressive that, amongst other things, the proposed amendments will include allowing incapacitated men to seek spousal support from their ex-wives. I believe the numbers to be small, though the Ministry does not reveal the figures of those who may be impacted. Moreover, the Court will still take into consideration the financial ability of the woman first before deciding if her ex-spouse is legally entitled to maintenance from his wife. I think this is the right thing to do.
Mdm Speaker, today, I would like to speak about two red herrings on this issue. I am mindful that it is still mostly women and their children who need help to recover maintenance/alimony fees from their ex-husbands. Hence, the critics of this Bill who say that we should be more concerned about this larger group rather than the smaller one, I think, missed the point. First, the amendment does not change this level of help. Second, the group may be small, but their cause is no less just.
Before I proceed, I should declare my interest as a board member of the Centre for Fathering – a non-profit organisation with an Institution of Public Character (IPC) status and a champion for the \"Dads for Life\" movement. I have been on the board longer than I have been in politics. It is commonplace when we speak of gender equality to think that we speak on behalf of women. But there is something unusual about male dependants.
I wish to draw Parliament's attention to this unusual group of men – bright men of amiable dispositions and ability, who choose to be homemakers while their wives work.
These husbands and fathers have embraced the role-reversal, because wife and husband believe it works best for their family unit.
In 2014, 10,200 male Singaporeans and Permanent Residents cited \"family responsibilities\", such as childcare, caregiving to family members and housework, as the main reason for not working. This is triple the number from 2006. One thousand and six hundred of them cited childcare as the main reason for being out of the workforce − more than double the number in 2006. Again, this is the minority, and 47,000 or 25% of females aged 25 to 54 cited childcare for their not being in the labour force.
In parallel, the labour force participation rate since 2011 increased more for women from 55% to 60%, versus men from 75% to 77%. The gap is still there, but it is steadily narrowing over 30 years. Certainly, nothing wrong nor surprising with these trends. Empirically, the argument is irrefutable. First, there are increasing role reversals. Second, the economics of home care and paid work follow this reversal. And when it comes to recompense, men should not be unjustly denied.
Mdm Speaker, I do not want to belabour this argument because the moral reasoning is simple. But, somehow, in more than 30 years, it has not been able to get through this House.
Back in 2011, it was raised in Parliament that role reversals were increasingly common; the wife takes on the sole breadwinner role and the husband stays behind to take care of the house and family. If the couple were to divorce, the husband should be allowed to claim maintenance from the woman.
In that year, that is, 2011, in response to calls for gender equality for men to be able to claim maintenance from women, the then-Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, said, and I quote, \"14 years ago, the Select Committee said we were not ready yet. I am afraid at this point in time, the answer is still we are not ready yet. I hope it will not take another 14 years but I am sure every time we review the Women's Charter, this question will arise.\"
Mdm Speaker, today, we are into this cycle of 14 years. So, are we finally ready after almost 30 years of debate?
I say, let us recognise the contributions of stay-at-home men and the notion of shared participation between two equals. This year, we mark the 55th anniversary of the Women's Charter, a piece of legislation made for a time when women needed special protection. Such protection remains needed today. Perhaps in another 55 years, at a time of true equality, we would not need such a charter. But until then, let us make the law a little more equal, by offering men the same protection as women. In the eyes of the law at least, we all ought to be equal. Mdm Speaker, I support the Bill.
Mdm Speaker: Mr Louis Ng.
Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang (Nee Soon): Madam, I would like to speak on four issues on this Women's Charter Amendment Bill and how we can make improvements.
Firstly, on Parenting Programme on Divorce – domestic violence situations. The new section 94A implements MSF's proposal that parties with children must complete an MPP before they can file for divorce, if they have not agreed on divorce and all ancillary matters.
In particular, I believe that special consideration should be given to cases of domestic violence. I understand from the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) that their experience is that the abused spouse is usually the one who wants the divorce whereas the abusive spouse may resist. In this situation, since the couple would not have agreed on divorce and all ancillary matters, according to the proposed amendment, they would have to go through MPP unless this is dispensed with by the Court.
I am concerned that the abused spouse could end up being trapped in a legally perpetuated situation of domestic violence. This will not be in the interest of the child as, in addition to spousal abuse, there may also be child abuse in such a situation.
Although the proposed section 94A(4) allows the Court's discretion in waiving the requirement of MPP, in my view, the law should explicitly and clearly state that no parenting programme needs to be attended in cases of domestic violence, rather than leaving the question up to the discretion of the judge.
Secondly, on Spousal Maintenance for Men, which many Members have spoken about. The Bill amends the Charter so that spousal maintenance is available to men, but only where they have been incapacitated and are unable to support themselves. I believe that spousal maintenance should be based on the principle of fairness, rather than gender. Maintenance should also be available to men in other appropriate cases, for example, where men make economic sacrifices to take a primary role in household labour and caregiving, even if such cases are rarely encountered.
Thirdly, Violence against Women. At the moment, section 160 allows the Director of Social Welfare to detain girls aged between16 and 21 on the following grounds: (a) if her lawful guardian requests the Director to detain her; (b) if the Director considers her to be in need of protection and whose lawful guardian cannot be found; (c) if the Director believes her to have been ill-treated; and lastly, (d) if the Director considers her to be in moral danger.
Is there any investigation of the \"lawful guardian\" who makes such a request? Is the girl in question consulted about her own needs or wishes?
The underlying assumption is that the \"lawful guardian\" always has the girl's best interests at heart; this would not be true in situations of family violence.
Even if the lawful guardians have their charges' best interests in mind, after the girl has been brought into detention, the Director can detain her until 21 years old, according to the amendment, and the guardian would have no control. It is problematic that girls can be detained against their will when they have not committed any criminal offences and, in fact, are in vulnerable situations at times.
The provisions of sections 160, 161 and 163, even after the amendment, are still overly vague, broad and open-ended. There is still no clear information about the Director of Social Welfare's decision-making process concerning whether or not to bring a girl into detention, how long to detain her and what the conditions of her detention should be. What are the factors and criteria used for decision-making?
I hope that we can have more explicit definitions of the conditions under which minors may be placed in protective shelters, including domestic violence as one of these conditions.
I also hope that there will be submissions of the decisions of the Director of Social Welfare, with justifications, to the Family Court with a Court review and a Court order required for continuation of protective shelter for the woman or girl at risk, with the duration of the stay stipulated as well. At the end of the period of stay, the case should be reviewed by the Court.
On the PPO regime, I note the amendment to section 65 to allow married or previously married persons below the age of 21 to apply for a protection order and expedited order for themselves and specific dependants. This is commendable, but it does not follow that a wife under 21 with her dependants can easily find shelter in a place of safety.
Will shelters for victims of domestic violence now accept married girls and women under 21? If not, what provisions are there for a wife who is under 21 and a victim of domestic violence to be housed in a place of safety?
In addition, I suggest that other than those who are married, all individuals under 21 be allowed to apply for Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) and Domestic Exclusion Orders (DEOs) so that they can be protected from all forms of domestic violence, that the need for parental consent be removed in such cases and that the application for protection can be made against anyone in their household.
Lastly, on Marriages of Convenience. I seek more clarity as to the process by which a marriage would be found void under the proposed new section 11A. The new section 11A(3) makes it clear that marriages will be deemed void if certain immigration offences are committed, but are there other circumstances in which section 11A would be invoked? If so, is there a Court process involved or is it just an administrative determination? In my view, a decision of such gravity should be subject to judicial process.
In conclusion, I am recommending the following.
First, amend the new section 94A to explicitly state that in situations of domestic violence, judges should not require divorcing parties to attend an MPP.
Second, make spousal maintenance available, regardless of gender, on the basis of fairness and need.
Third, section 160 allowing the Director of Social Welfare to detain girls aged between 16 and 21 is extremely vague, broad and open-ended. I seek more clarifications on this and also for the submission of the decisions of the Director of Social Welfare under this section to be reviewed by the Family Court.
Fourth, I note the extension of the PPO regime to married under-21s and would like to raise the question whether these people will now be able to access shelters and \"place of safety\" if they become victims of domestic violence.
Fifth, I recommend that all individuals under 21, not just those who have been married, can apply for PPOs on their own behalf.
Sixth, I seek more clarity as to the process by which a marriage can be found void and whether a decision of such gravity will be subject to judicial process.
Madam, I do feel that the proposed amendments are appropriate and timely. We, however, cannot legislate everything. Legislation is only one piece of the puzzle. There are also policies, support programmes and services and public education. They are all part of the overall effort. Families and the community also have a strong role to play in strengthening and supporting families. Madam, my request for the Government to review the above points I raised, notwithstanding, I support the Bill.
Mdm Speaker: Minister Tan Chuan-Jin.
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: Mdm Speaker, I thank Members for the robust and heartfelt debate and especially for the support of the Bill and the direction in which we are going.
Like many Bills and policies, all of us would like more to be done. Some of us would feel that we could go further, especially on matters, such as maintenance of men, marriages involving minors and enhancing maintenance enforcements for wives, ex-wives and children.
These are options we considered but, as I mentioned, societal attitudes, while changing in the directions which Members have highlighted, are also not uniform. From our consultations, it was clear that there were a fair number of Singaporeans who will feel that it would be too fast and too far if we move further at this stage. This is the dilemma. On one hand, while some of us may feel that to make some of these important changes represents a bold direction, but I think it is also about being effective, relevant and calibrating the different sensitivities involved because a lot of these issues are, in many ways, emotive.
I would like to thank Mr Louis Ng for highlighting that it is really an entire effort. Legislation is an important part, but it is not everything, because you cannot legislate everything. What we plan and intend to do and carry out is to make sure that where there are needs to be met, the needs will have to be addressed. It need not be addressed fully necessarily by legislation itself, but programmes, services have to be there. And especially, as highlighted, family and community play a very important part as well.
I would also like to highlight that this idea of a Family Charter was something our Ministry has looked at as well. It is something, as pointed out by Assoc Prof Daniel Goh, that we keep on the table. We have looked at it intently and, as we have mentioned, there are different views on how we should interpret this.
But what I would like to highlight is this: the emphasis on the family remains. Just because we do not call it a Family Charter does not, in itself, mean that we are not placing emphasis on the family. For all intents and purposes, the bulk of what we are setting out in the Women's Charter is aimed at supporting families and, moreover, whilst the Act is so named, its provisions are, in fact, gender-neutral, except in the areas of maintenance – which many Members have raised their views on as well – protection of women and girls, vice, prostitution activities. In other areas of the law, others are also covered. For example, boys are covered under the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act and also under the Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA).
We have noted the points raised and this is something that we will continue to review as time goes by. We have made important changes. The Women's Charter, when it was first launched, was a landmark Charter. Over the years, important changes have been made. This time round, important changes are being made as well.
While in some areas we are taking calibrated steps forward, society, like I said, is not static. We will continue to monitor how society evolves, continue to consult and continue to look at the suggestions and ideas brought up by many Members. We do not preclude future changes.
Let me move on to some of the specific points raised in the debate.
Members have given their support to mandate the marriage preparation programme for minor couples. Mr Alex Yam suggested that these young couples also attend a parenting programme. Indeed, the mandatory marriage preparation programme covers aspects of parenting. It also helps the couple to understand how their relationship will evolve when they start a family and have children. If the bride is expecting, grandparents are also invited to join in as extended family support is critical to the soon-to-be young parents.
Dr Lily Neo would be pleased to know that our enhanced marriage support framework will also help young couples to address challenges during their marriage. This includes link-ups to appropriate parenting programmes and support.
Many Members expressed empathy for children caught in the middle of their parents' divorce.
Ms Rahayu Mahzam and Ms Jessica Tan spoke on the importance of child-centricity, and I really could not agree more. This is why we want to amend the Women's Charter to require parents contemplating divorce to attend MPP. Dr Lily Neo shared about the negative impact on children and highlighted the need for assistance to ensure that children do not fall through the cracks.
My Ministry appointed the Divorce Support Specialist Agencies (DSSAs) to provide a continuum of care to divorced families. There is a very strong child-centric focus.
I would like to thank Ms Rahayu Mahzam for sharing with us her experiences on the realities of what actually happens. Many of us come into contact with such cases as well, either through friends or the residents we meet.
I think it is important that children remain the centre of our efforts. Giving voice to children comes in many ways but we need to be careful because, as we all know, sometimes, in an acrimonious divorce process, children become part of the game. They are being pitted, back and forth, between the couples. That can be very disturbing and can have a tremendous impact on the children.
What we want to make sure is that throughout the whole process, the children's interests are looked after. We want to make sure that they can undergo individual counselling. They may also attend an evidence-based programme called \"Children-In-Between\", which equips children with the skills to manage their feelings and develop resilience. Parents are also asked to attend, so that they reinforce the skills learnt by their children. Some of the stories I shared were very much surfaced through some of these processes where the children are encouraged to speak up so they could articulate their concerns and the things that trouble them.
Since the programme started in 2015, close to 150 children and their parents have benefited. The overwhelming majority – of about 96% reported a reduction in stress. But that is not something that we take for granted; it is something that we need to continue to work on.
Ms Jessica Tan asked for some details of the divorce support programmes. I will just very quickly run through how we are approaching it. We have four DSSAs. The MPP will include a couple of things: to make sure that there are considerations on financial challenges involved; housing and living arrangements in a divorce; child custody and child access; and joint agreement on a workable parenting plan.
There are face-to-face sessions. There are also counselling made available to rebuild the marriage and, as mentioned earlier, the \"Children-in-Between\" programme. There is also a Parenting PACT, which is a consultation session for divorced parents with minor children, designed to help parents understand the impact of a divorce on their children, learn co-parenting strategies and so on. There is a whole range of support being brought to bear, before filing for divorce, during the whole process itself and thereafter. We will be quite happy to explore other measures that we can put in place to support families in this process.
Mr Louis Ng suggested that the MPP should be automatically waived for victims of family violence in order to expedite the divorce proceedings and highlighted the particular profile of the families undergoing these difficulties.
I think there is an even greater need for these divorcing parties to be directed to receive help. We have measures in place to minimise the risk to victims of abuse.
Firstly, families facing family violence will attend this programme at the Family Violence Specialist Agencies where the staff are trained to handle cases involving family violence. Secondly, in cases where it is beneficial to the family and child for divorce proceedings to be expedited, section 94A(4) empowers the Courts to allow divorce proceedings to continue even when the parent has not completed the programme.
The idea is that while we do recognise the challenges that families face when violence occurs, we also recognise that these families need help and to intervene where we can. We also make sure that clauses are available, steps are available for families to be assisted even when this violence is perpetuated and continues to be perpetuated.
Another area that garnered much interest was spousal maintenance. Members have put forth a wide spectrum of views. Members, such as Mr Seah Kian Peng, Er Dr Lee Bee Wah and Assoc Prof Daniel Goh and Mr Louis Ng, spoke about moving towards a more gender-neutral approach. I hear you. I fully understand because we do see instances where there might seem to be a compelling need to move along these grounds while, on the other hand, as I have highlighted, there are also other views.
Ms Rahayu Mahzam expressed her concerns against it, reminding us that many women are still vulnerable. Her sentiments echoed a The Straits Times commentary in October last year which was titled \"A Reality Check in Gender Equality\". Let me quote:
\"Given the reality – supported by surveys – that the burden of care for children and the elderly still falls largely on the shoulders of women, the current law remains relevant.\"
I think attitudes are changing. They are gradually shifting towards greater gender neutrality, but we believe, at this stage, it is best to not rush and force the pace.
I also heard concerns about extending maintenance to incapacitated husbands, such as those shared by Ms Tin Pei Ling. The scenario of a woman of lesser means struggling to support herself and the children is a big concern. What more if such a woman had to maintain her incapacitated ex-husband. To reiterate, the incapacitated husband must meet all the criteria set out before he can apply for maintenance from the wife.
Even if all these criteria are met, it does not mean that the husband or ex-husband will automatically be entitled to maintenance. Dr Lily Neo expressed concerns for women who may be caught up in these situations where it will be a strain for them to provide maintenance for incapacitated husbands as well. So, the Court will have to consider all circumstances of the case, including the income and earning capacity of the wife or ex-wife, the financial needs of both parties and the needs of the children. This is no different from the considerations for maintenance for wives and ex-wives, where they are also not automatically entitled to maintenance, as highlighted by some of the examples that we have mentioned earlier.
To sum up, while we may review this in future, the proposal to extend maintenance only to incapacitated men is a calibrated measure. It strikes a balance at this stage of our societal development.
As rightly pointed out by Er Dr Lee Bee Wah and Ms Sun Xueling, there must be a clear priority to better enforce maintenance payments and to improve the process. And, indeed, I fully agree with many Members who have cited many examples that they have come across. It is very agonising for an individual to repeatedly go to the Courts because the ex-spouse vindictively does not want to pay up. This is why the way we want to approach this is to set in place to introduce in the Courts the MRO which would take place later this year. The purpose of this officer is to assist the Courts to better assess if a defaulter is incorrigible and, therefore, allows the Courts to take firm action against him, if it is so. Let me assure the House that we are going to do more to stop such irresponsibility.
We will also constantly and continually explore how to improve the processes and to make it less onerous for all those affected. This is something we recognise and we work closely with the Family Justice Courts on this as well.
Let me now address the issue raised by Dr Lily Neo on upstream measures to prevent sham marriages. All couples marrying under the Women's Charter must undergo document verification and make a statutory declaration on matters relating to the intended marriage. Where there are doubts, the Registry of Marriages (ROM) staff will interview the couple separately and explain the consequences of entering into a marriage of convenience. We have found this useful, intervening at this stage. Also, the Registrar will not issue any marriage licence to the couple unless the Registrar is satisfied that the intended marriage meets the conditions under the Women's Charter.
Mr Louis Ng asked if the decision to void a marriage should be subjected to the judicial process. Marriages are void only when at least one party is successfully charged and deemed guilty by the Courts under section 57C of the Immigration Act for entering into a marriage of convenience. Such cases would have been scrutinised through the judicial process. It is only consistent that such marriages are consequentially and automatically void, given that the act of entering into such a marriage is an offence.
Mr Louis Ng suggested that all persons under 21 years be allowed to apply for a PPO and DEO for themselves against anyone in their household, without the need for parental consent. It would be in a minor's interests to have a reliable adult apply on their behalf. The application may be made by the parent who is not the perpetrator of violence. If the parents or guardians are themselves the violence perpetrators, a relative or any social worker appointed by the Minister, can step in, without the need for consent from the minor's parents or guardians.
Mr Louis Ng also asked about the circumstances in which the Director of Social Welfare can detain vulnerable female minors aged 16 to 21 in places of safety. All cases which come to the attention of the Director are thoroughly investigated. A girl will only be admitted to a place of safety if the Director is satisfied it will be in her best interests, for example, if it is unsafe for the girl to remain with her immediate family or if she may engage in morally risky behaviours.
Mr Louis Ng also asked if married minors who have suffered domestic violence can seek refuge at places of safety. Yes, they can seek accommodation and support from crisis shelters.
Mr Alex Yam asked about incidents where the security of places of safety was compromised and measures to protect the residents and professionals. For the safety of their residents, crisis shelters are housed in secured premises with closed-circuit television cameras. Thus far, there have been no serious breaches. There were two instances of disturbances at the shelters known to MSF in the last couple of years. In both instances, the Police took swift action as the shelters had established good networks with them. No one was hurt in both incidents but I do take on-board the Member's concerns.
In conclusion, Mdm Speaker, our family provides us meaning, hope, support and an anchor in life. The Women's Charter is a piece of legislation with historical significance that seeks to balance the interests of different groups – the rights and protection of spouses, ex-spouses and their children. Members such as Ms Jessica Tan have also reaffirmed its relevance.
We will work closely with stakeholders as well as this House to shape our legislation to better reflect the changing Singapore society. At the same time, notwithstanding legislation, we will make sure that there are programmes in place to support Singaporeans who do have need for help. At the same time, I encourage families and the community to play an active role to support families in need.
Our efforts obviously must not end with the legislative changes. We all have a collective responsibility to support good marriages and positive parent-child relationships. Strong families are indeed a haven for each and every child.
Mdm Speaker: Mr Alex Yam, please keep your clarification short.
Mr Alex Yam: Thank you, Madam. Just three quick clarifications for the Minister. I note the Minister's point on the mandatory parenting component for minor couples. Will the Minister consider extending both programmes for all couples before marriage and not just minor couples?
The second clarification is on the Tribunal for Maintenance. Will the said Tribunal be considered by the Ministry in the near future?
Lastly, I thank the Minister for the clarification on safety at crisis shelters. But how will this be ensured for those who are under the care of fit persons who do not have the benefit of security measures or closed circuit television?
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: Mdm Speaker, can I seek a clarification on the second question?
Mr Alex Yam:\tThe second clarification is on whether a Tribunal for Maintenance will be considered by the Ministry in the near future.
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: Mdm Speaker, with regard to whether we should extend MPP to all couples and not just minor couples, what we are looking at now is just minor couples. We believe that there are counselling, programmes and support made available for all couples who are seeking help or who are looking for support. At this moment, we do not envisage making it mandatory but what we do want to make sure is that the support programmes are in place for those who do need the support. For adult couples, we encourage them to come forward. We are not at that stage where we plan to make it mandatory for non-minor couples.
With regard to the tribunal, that is one possibility. But we believe that the approach that we plan to take in terms of putting in the MRO, working with the Family Justice Courts, would be one way to address this issue. It is very much the responsibility of parents to see through their responsibilities. As we all know, there are those who fail to do it.
I want to highlight again, it is important to remember, that while we encounter frustrating cases where individuals do not receive their maintenance, there are two scenarios. One, there are fathers who are not able to pay because of the circumstances in which they find themselves. It is important to remember that. And it is important for us to understand and to check to fully understand the background and extend the appropriate assistance.
The latter group, which I have less sympathy for, are those who can pay but refuse to pay. Setting up a tribunal is one approach but actually the laws are in place. What we intend to do is to use the MRO to work the processes to make sure that it is as expeditious as possible. We will run all the necessary checks, so that we will try to minimise the burden on the women who are affected and then having the law to come in. That should have a salutary effect on those concerned. We will continue to keep a watch on this because we recognise that it is frustrating and difficult for the women involved and their families.
As for the safety of crisis shelters, we hear the Member's perspectives. For those we feel are particularly vulnerable, we would place them in crisis shelters. We also conduct checks in terms of those families and other safe places where we put the children in. Basically, what we have is a graduated approach to security. For those who need a much more secure environment, we will make sure that crisis shelters are available for them. For the others, we have a slightly more step-down provision.
Mdm Speaker: Dr Lily Neo.
Dr Lily Neo:\tMay I ask the Minister whether he would consider a register to keep track of children from disadvantaged families, from divorces, so that we can keep them on MSF's radar to give them long-term assistance, hopefully, to adulthood, so that they do not get into problems due to their circumstances, and for a better society?
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: Mdm Speaker, I fully understand the intent that Dr Lily Neo has raised in terms of maintaining a register for all children who are caught up in divorce. In fact, if we extend it further, there will be vulnerable children in other scenarios as well whom we should think about tracking. This is something that I have discussed with my colleagues in MSF, especially for troubled youths who have fallen afoul of the law, who have encountered problems, and whether we should track them and subsequently when they are looking at settling down, for example, do we also provide them counselling support and so on.
As Members would realise, with the numbers of divorces taking place and children being affected, to maintain a register of the affected children and to track them over the years, it is quite a heavy responsibility. We do not plan to do this at this point in time.
What we do want to make sure is that the support programmes are in place, whether by divorce or other circumstances. That means that for those who need help and support, counselling, support programmes, are available, so that they can provide both the children and the families support and for them to come forward to seek it when there is a need. To track them and to ensure that they are constantly being provided this support, that is a very different order of magnitude. At this point in time, we are not looking at that, but I take the Member's suggestion on-board.
While we encourage individuals to come forward, we also encourage family members to bring them forward for these support programmes, should there be a need.
Mdm Speaker: Mr Louis Ng.
Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang:\tCan I ask the Minister for a clarification with regard to section 160? Is it solely the Director of Social Welfare who makes a decision to detain a girl or is it up to a team of people? If it is solely up to one person, then may I ask if we could have a proposed amendment to make it a team of people that makes this decision?
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: Mdm Speaker, the Director of Social Welfare would be advised by the staff and that is the approach that we are taking for this.
Mdm Speaker: Assoc Prof Daniel Goh.
Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong:\tMay I ask the Minister what are the calibration considerations when it comes to not extending the PPO application powers to family members beyond the victims, immediate relatives and, perhaps, the Police? Because in other jurisdictions, when the Police are able to apply for protection orders, it does have a salutary effect on the perpetrators in reducing family violence, especially when it is coupled with early intervention, such as counselling and what not.
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin:\tMdm Speaker, the consideration we have is this: if the family members are perpetrators of violence, it would obviously not be appropriate for them to be involved in the application process. That is why we want to make sure that help is available for the concerned minor and that other adults can be brought to bear. Our Ministry can also direct individuals to support them. Where family violence is involved, it can be very emotive. Where a family member is the perpetrator, we want to make sure that other parties are able to advise and help them make the application.
Mdm Speaker: Dr Lily Neo.
Dr Lily Neo:\tI would just like to qualify that, earlier on, what I said was a register more for vulnerable children, and I did not really say for all children of divorces. So, would the Minister at least consider identifying such children, disadvantaged children, and then keep them on MSF’s radar, so that we can give them assistance on a long-term basis?
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: Mdm Speaker, as I had mentioned, there are many different vulnerable children. So, I hear the Member's point that it is not just all children who are affected by divorce. We do not have plans at this point in time to put all these children on a register. Like I said, the key thing is to make sure that the support programmes are in place, that assistance can be provided to children who are affected and for them or their families to come forward.
I take the Member's perspective on whether this is something we should track. We are looking at the possibility of tracking individuals who are affected in different ways, not just by divorce but vulnerable in a different sense, because there is a long social tail of issues that can happen if the support is not provided and, indeed, whether some of these interventions should be brought to bear even if the individuals do not come forward.
That is something that we are looking at but, at the present time, there are no immediate plans to put them on the register. We do recognise that vulnerable individuals, especially when they are young, do have serious concerns and whether we should play a much more active role on that front. That is something that we are looking at.
Mdm Speaker: Ms Sun Xueling.
Ms Sun Xueling:\tI have a question: would the MRO have any enforcement ability? I read that the role of the MRO is to obtain information on parties' financial circumstances to assist the Court in its fact-finding process and also have a standing in Court to tender the information obtained. So, is the ultimate penalty still a warrant of arrest on the defaulter? Who, then, enforces this warrant of arrest?
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin:\tMdm Speaker, the MRO is to facilitate the legal process of the Courts and to bring to bear. There is a range of options available. Jail will be one option. Basically, the MRO would be directed by the Court to investigate and to find out the background to the individuals concerned, especially in cases where they are able to pay. If they are deemed to be able to pay and not actively paying their maintenance, that is when the Courts will enforce some of these measures.
[(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)]
[(proc text) Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. (proc text)]
[(proc text) The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. – [Mr Tan Chuan-Jin]. (proc text)]
[(proc text) Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. (proc text)]
Mdm Speaker: Order. I propose to take the break now. I suspend the Sitting and will take the Chair again at 4.35 pm.
Sitting accordingly suspended
at 4.15 pm until 4.35 pm.
Sitting resumed at 4.35 pm
[Mdm Speaker in the Chair]
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Registration of Criminals (Amendment) Bill","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"BP","content":"[(proc text) Order for Second Reading read. (proc text)]
The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs (Mr Desmond Lee): Madam, I beg to move, \"That the Bill be now read a Second time.\"
Transnational organised crime and terrorism continue to pose a growing threat across the globe. According to international organisations, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and INTERPOL, organised criminal networks are expanding and diversifying their activities. Recent terrorist incidents, such as the Paris attacks, have also shown how attackers have been able to plan attacks from abroad and cross borders to carry out their activities.
As a global financial and transport hub, Singapore is a potential target for organised crime and terrorist groups and a possible conduit for their activities. In order to tackle this trend more effectively, governments and law enforcement agencies around the world need to cooperate more closely and intensively.
The exchange of information is essential to our international cooperation, crime control and border security efforts. Having access to information, such as photographs, fingerprints and criminal records, aids our law enforcement agencies in their investigations.
For example, fingerprints lifted from a crime scene in Singapore can be compared against fingerprint records held by a foreign law enforcement agency to identify potential foreign suspects. Information on the criminal background of an individual also helps investigations, allows law enforcement agencies to identify recalcitrant offenders and facilitates the detection of suspicious persons at border checkpoints.
For our law enforcement agencies to ask for and receive such information from our foreign counterparts for the purpose of investigating transnational crime in Singapore, we must be able to reciprocate and share such information in return. This requirement for reciprocity is a long-established and internationally accepted principle.
Madam, we have made steady strides to enhance our ability to cooperate with our international partners.
For example, the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act (MACMA) enables us to provide a range of assistance to other countries on criminal matters. This was amended in 2014 to simplify the conditions which must be satisfied before mutual legal assistance can be rendered and expand the range of offences in respect of which mutual legal assistance may be given or received under that Act.
Our law enforcement agencies also have long-standing arrangements to render assistance to their foreign counterparts at a Police-to-Police level for investigation purposes. This includes the regular exchange of information, such as criminal records and relevant identifying information, with other law enforcement agencies. This is a common and well-established practice among law enforcement agencies around the world. For instance, as a member of INTERPOL, Singapore exchanges information with INTERPOL member countries in accordance with established INTERPOL rules which serve to protect the integrity and confidentiality of the transmitted data. But, in the absence of express legislation, such sharing is heavily circumscribed. For instance, the information generally cannot be adduced as evidence in Court or used for any other purposes besides investigation.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), therefore, proposes to amend the Registration of Criminals Act (RCA) to expressly allow a Singapore -designated authority to share such information with foreign law enforcement agencies, on a reciprocal basis, that is, the foreign agencies must be prepared to share similar information with our agencies on the same terms. The transmission of information will be subject to stringent safeguards.
This will also enable us to implement the Preventing and Combating Serious Crime Agreement with the United States of America (US) by allowing information-sharing between both governments for the prevention and combating of serious crimes, such as transnational organised crime and terrorism. The implementation of this agreement enables us to continue to participate in the US Visa-Waiver Programme, which allows Singaporeans to travel to the US for tourism or business without the need for a visa.
Mdm Speaker, let me now turn to the main provisions of this Bill.
First, the Bill introduces a new section 13I to allow a Singapore designated authority, namely, the Head of the Criminal Records Office, to share information about the individual that is kept on the criminal register with a foreign law enforcement agency, so long as stringent safeguards relating to the retention, use and destruction of the register information are secured through an undertaking given by the foreign law enforcement agency.
This is similar to the practices of foreign jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom (UK), Australia and New Zealand.
What can be shared? These would include information, such as the fingerprints and photographs of any person who is convicted of a crime by a Court in Singapore. Such a person's conviction in the register must also not have been spent or treated as spent under RCA.
What are the safeguards that will be put in place to prevent the wrongful disclosure and abuse of the information?
First, sharing will only be permitted for certain specified purposes. Under section 13I, register information will only be shared with a foreign law enforcement agency if the information is requested for the purpose of comparing information transmitted and identifying matches for investigation in certain matters or for proceedings in respect of those matters; or for deciding whether to make a request under MACMA or a requisition under the Extradition Act or for a purpose prescribed under RCA.
Second, the foreign law enforcement agency will need to give us an appropriate undertaking in relation to the retention, use and destruction of the register information in order to assure us that the confidentiality of information shared will be adequately protected. The foreign law enforcement agency must also comply with conditions prescribed for transmission of register information and any other conditions that the Singapore-designated authority may impose in relation to the transmission. For instance, if a foreign authority has breached certain conditions in the previous undertaking, Singapore may impose additional procedures to prevent similar occurrences.
Third, we will not share the information requested, if it is contrary to Singapore's public interest, or may prejudice any criminal investigation or criminal proceedings in a Singapore Court or the safety of any person in Singapore.
Mdm Speaker, besides facilitating information sharing, the Bill will also strengthen operational procedures for the collection of particulars to be recorded in the Register of Criminals.
To aid investigations, RCA currently provides for the taking of registrable particulars, such as fingerprints and body samples of a person accused of a crime but only when he is under arrest. The period for which such a person may be detained in custody without a Magistrate's authority cannot exceed 48 hours.
The Bill amends sections 8 and 13B(1) to allow our law enforcement agencies to take the person's registrable particulars and body samples after the person has been released on bail or personal bond, whether by a Court or otherwise.
This is necessary because there are some situations where law enforcement agencies will not have the opportunity to take these fingerprints and samples within 48 hours after arrest. Such a scenario could arise during mass arrests or if an arrested person is warded in hospital for up to 48 hours or longer. Under section 68 of the Criminal Procedure Code, Police officers are not permitted to detain a person in custody who has been arrested without a warrant longer than 48 hours.
This also aligns the position in Singapore with that in foreign jurisdictions such as the UK, where the police may register a person while he is on bail if he has not had his fingerprints or samples taken in the course of investigations, or the fingerprints or samples taken are not suitable or of insufficient quality to allow matching comparison or analysis.
Mdm Speaker, with the increasingly transnational nature of crime and the growing number of terrorist attacks around the world, the need for enhanced international criminal cooperation is more critical than ever before. The enhanced RCA will allow the Police to better cooperate with the international community to prevent, detect and prosecute transnational crime. Mdm Speaker, I beg to move.
[(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]
Mdm Speaker: Ms Sylvia Lim.
Ms Sylvia Lim (Aljunied): Mdm Speaker, I am generally supportive of the Bill. However, I wish to raise some concerns about clause 4 which relates to the furnishing of information on our Register of Criminals to foreign law enforcement agencies.
Madam, we can certainly agree about the importance of sharing of information with foreign law enforcement agencies to prevent and solve crimes, just as we would value their sharing of information with us. To this end, clause 4 enables a Singapore-designated authority to share with a foreign law enforcement agency information about an individual recorded on our Register of Criminals.
I have noted that clause 4 details safeguards that the Singapore -designated authority should adhere to before deciding to release any information to the foreign law enforcement agency. Such safeguards include requiring the foreign agency to give an undertaking in relation to the retention, use and destruction of the register information. The foreign agency must also undertake that information received from Singapore will be kept and maintained using such methods and technologies that will ensure that unauthorised persons cannot access the information and that the information will not be used for ulterior purposes.
It all sounds very good on paper. My question is: to what extent will we exercise due diligence to verify whether the foreign agency requesting the information is able to fulfil the conditions we have set, before we furnish the information requested?
According to the proposed section 13I(4)(6) of the Bill, the Government intends to be able to share information with potentially all countries in the world, since it defines \"foreign law enforcement agency\" very broadly. \"Foreign law enforcement agency\" is defined to include agencies in countries that are members of INTERPOL, as well as those that are not. INTERPOL itself consists of 190 member countries, practically all the nations on earth.
Madam, there is a vast disparity worldwide in the effectiveness of governments, the strength of a country's institutions and state agencies, and levels of corruption. How will the Government go about ascertaining whether a requesting country can fulfil the obligations we expect of them under the Bill?
Earlier, in the opening speech, the Senior Minister of State referred to INTERPOL rules, but my question is: how do we know whether these countries can actually fulfil these rules that they have signed up to? And will we take their word for it, or will more be done to ascertain for ourselves? Indeed, Madam, according to the proposed section 13I(3), the Government actually foresees that a receiving country may breach an undertaking given, and this is rather worrying.
Madam, on a related note, the international cooperation envisaged by this Bill will touch on our regional responsibility as a member state of ASEAN. In line with greater ASEAN integration, there have been discussions amongst ASEAN country Ministers about the need for cooperation to combat transnational crime. Transnational crime in ASEAN is understood to refer to drug trafficking, terrorism, economic crimes, human trafficking, money laundering, piracy, weapon smuggling and cybercrime and, since 2015, includes illicit trafficking of wildlife and timber, and people smuggling. Last year, Singapore signed up to the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Combating Transnational Crime, which calls for a new ASEAN Plan of Action to Combat Transnational Crime and greater information sharing.
With this backdrop, I would have presumed that if a request for register information came from an ASEAN country, it would be contrary to ASEAN integration to reject the request. Given the different stages of development among ASEAN countries and each country's institutions, what has been done or is being done to ensure that ASEAN countries can, indeed, share crime information with one another, with the confidence that the information will be safeguarded and not abused?
Mdm Speaker: Mr Christopher de Souza.
Mr Christopher de Souza (Holland-Bukit Timah): Madam, now more than ever, there is a need for closer collaboration among law enforcement agencies, both regionally and globally, to deal with transnational crimes effectively. It is with these considerations in mind that I rise in support of this Bill.
Under the RCA, the Police are able to keep records in the Register of persons convicted of any crime specified in the First and Second Schedules of the Act. Particulars, such as the photograph, finger impressions and conviction records, are recorded. The Register of Criminals is useful in Police investigations, especially in the identification of suspects. By having access to fingerprints or DNA of persons that have been convicted of scheduled crimes, the Police may be able to expedite their investigations if they are able to find a match between evidence found as part of their investigations and those on the Register.
When RCA was last amended in 2005, it was amended to help former offenders to reintegrate into society by allowing those who have criminal records that have been \"spent\" to be deemed to have no record of that conviction if they are able to satisfy a five-year crime-free period. This was a timely and welcomed amendment. Likewise, the proposed amendments to RCA that are before the House this afternoon are timely and equally important. With the increasing links among countries, we are witnessing unprecedented levels of connectivity in our globalised world. As a result of this increased connectivity, we are also experiencing an increase in transnational crimes across borders.
Allow me to voice some advantages of this Bill. First, the proposed amendments will facilitate the sharing of information among our Home Team and foreign law enforcement agencies. This will enable us to deal with the scourge of transnational crime and terrorist groups more effectively and expeditiously. Through the proposed amendments in the Registration of Criminal (Amendment) Bill, information that is recorded in the Register of Criminals, such as fingerprints or photographs, can be shared with foreign law enforcement agencies for the prevention, investigation and prosecution of crimes regionally, or possibly, globally.
And to prevent any abuse or the wrongful disclosure of the information shared, foreign law enforcement agencies will be required to undertake to protect the confidentiality of the information shared and to only use the information for crime prevention, criminal investigation or related proceedings. The Singapore-designated authority would even have the ability to suspend the transmission of information about an individual if that authority is of the opinion that the foreign law enforcement agency has failed to comply with the undertaking that it had given and does not take steps to rectify the non-compliance. So, there are safeguards, Madam.
Furthermore, our Home Team will also be able to request reciprocal assistance from law enforcement agencies when investigating and prosecuting criminals in Singapore, through a crime prevention exchange of information arrangement with other foreign law enforcement agencies. This will strengthen Singapore's ability to pursue criminals who operate beyond national boundaries. This is especially important in light of the establishment of the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore in 2014. With the increasingly fast-paced criminal landscape, local and foreign enforcement agencies must ensure that there is a collaborative framework in place to facilitate the timely exchange of vital information and intelligence, so that we are able to deal with transnational crimes quickly and effectively.
Second, or second advantage, the proposed amendments will also strengthen operational procedures for the registration of criminals in Singapore. At present, the CRO only allows authorised officers to take finger impressions, photographs and body samples of persons who are arrested and are accused of a crime. However, authorised officers are not able to obtain these \"registrable particulars\" or body samples from individuals who have been released on bail or a personal bond but are still under investigation. This may hinder the conduct of a thorough investigation by the Police where a crime has been committed and the Police are conducting their investigations. It bears noting that there are already safeguards which may help ensure that these proposed augmented powers of the Police to obtain \"registrable particulars\" or body samples are not abused.
For instance, RCA already provides that in the event that finger impressions, photographs, registrable particulars and body samples are taken from a person during an investigation, but the person is acquitted or discharged without a conviction being recorded against him, the authorised officer in-charge of the case shall immediately inform the Registrar of the acquittal or discharge. The Registrar will then be required to destroy the finger impressions, photographs and registrable particulars that were obtained pursuant to RCA and to immediately remove the DNA information of that person from the DNA database. However, I have a series of questions here.
What if investigations cease before acquittal or before the case gets to Court? Or what if there is a long delay in investigations? Or if investigations are put on hold for an unduly long period of time? Should not the registrable particulars and the like be destroyed in these situations also?
In conclusion, the Bill reflects the new realities of transnational crimes and terrorist groups and the need for the timely exchange of information between Singapore and foreign law enforcement agencies. Ultimately, a collaborative approach to investigation and information sharing is essential if we want to be able to deal with transnational crimes quickly, decisively and effectively. However, Madam, it is equally important to emphasise that it is also incumbent on the Police and the authorities to ensure that such private information is not abused or illegitimately utilised. Madam, I support this Bill.
Mdm Speaker: Mr Ang Wei Neng.
Mr Ang Wei Neng (Jurong): Madam, I rise in support of the Bill. In today's porous, globally-connected world where terrorism has cast a growing shadow on lives worldwide, sharing criminal records across borders fulfils a basic security need.
Take the Paris terror attacks, which killed 130 people, as an example. The day after the gun and suicide-bomb attacks, one of the suspects who survived was stopped by the French police but was later released. Belgian police had, unfortunately, failed to share with their French counterparts about the information that this man was a known radical who had tried to travel to Syria to fight for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS. The man is still on the run today.
Closer to home, in Indonesia, several militant groups have pledged allegiance to ISIS. In January, at least eight people were killed in an ISIS-perpetrated attack near a Jakarta shopping mall.
The Malaysian authorities have foiled several ISIS-inspired attack plots and arrested several persons involved in ISIS activities. Just last week, the Australian government indicated that terrorists may be planning attacks in Malaysia and Indonesia. In Singapore, the Internal Security Department recently arrested 27 male Bangladeshi nationals working in Singapore who were planning to take part in extremist activities in other countries, including Bangladesh, their home country.
So, given this scenario, the sharing of criminal records, fingerprints and photographs across borders will make it harder for terrorists and criminals to travel under false identities. Cross-border cooperation does not just address concerns over terrorism, but also online commercial crime, money laundering and other transnational crimes.
In Europe, the European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS) was set up in 2012 to allow courts and law enforcement agencies to obtain criminal records from other European Union (EU) member states. Since the introduction of ECRIS, 288,000 such requests are made every year across the EU. In the wake of the Paris terror attacks, it was announced in January 2016 that ECRIS will be further expanded to include the fingerprints of non-EU citizens.
Closer to home, also in response to the Paris terror attacks, Malaysia and the US governments signed an agreement in November 2015 to share a database containing the biometric records of about 1.2 million people suspected of terrorism and other serious crimes. The list of suspects will be used by security officials at all entry points in Malaysia as well as across the US.
Transnational cooperation is a step in the right direction towards the prevention of global crime. I understand that Singapore enjoys a close working relationship with INTERPOL, as said by the Senior Minister of State, and MHA has set up units to facilitate international exchange. For instance, the Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO) within the Commercial Affairs Department shares financial intelligence with foreign counterparts if they had signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs), while the Singapore Police Force's International Cooperation Department facilitates cooperation and information exchange with foreign counterparts.
Thus, I would like to clarify with the Senior Minister of State how the proposed amendment Bill ties in with Singapore's international working arrangements with INTERPOL, and various other platforms which already exist for information exchange on global crimes. How many countries have similar provisions that can share their criminal records with Singapore besides the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand mentioned by the Senior Minister of State earlier on? Does it mean that no other ASEAN countries have a similar provision to share the information with Singapore?
In addition, I would like to request the Senior Minister of State to elaborate more on the safeguards to prevent abuse and to protect the interests of Singaporeans under the amendment Bill. The last thing we want is for a Singaporean with decades-old criminal records of petty crimes to have his history made known to the immigration officer at an immigration checkpoint of a foreign country, thereby subjecting him to unnecessary body and bag checks.
Therefore, we would like to know when, what and how the criminal records would be shared with other countries. Firstly, when would Singapore share the criminal records with foreign countries? Will the exchange of criminal records be shared on a request-only basis? Secondly, what kind of criminal records will be shared with other countries?
Singapore, as mentioned, has focused very much on the rehabilitation and re-integration of offenders into the society. The Yellow Ribbon Project has made much progress in recent years. Therefore, I am very glad that the Senior Minister of State has confirmed that criminal records that had been rendered spent will be not be shared with other countries. But does it mean that all other records, beside those spent, in the Register of Criminals will be shared with other countries?
Thirdly, how will the criminal records be shared with other countries? Will it be via a shared platform like ECRIS? If this is so, we could have a problem of different countries tracking different things to different degrees and for different lengths of time.
For example, when the EU adopted ECRIS, it became apparent that Britain hangs on to the most minor convictions for years. As a result, local jobseekers could not apply for \"sensitive\" jobs like teachers and policemen while migrants from other EU countries go to England and apply for these jobs because their countries wiped the slate clean or did not keep records of low-level offences. Clearly, the \"seriousness\" and treatment of crimes are regarded differently across borders and this constitutes a problem.
How will foreign law enforcement agencies undertake to protect the confidentiality of information? How do we ensure that the information shared will not be abused for other purposes? What other safeguards are there?
Will Singaporeans be unfairly treated when they work and live in other countries that have access to our criminal records? The implications could be even more acute if Singaporeans are residing in countries with high 99% or higher conviction in the court.
In conclusion, Madam, I support the RCA Bill to share the criminal records with a foreign law enforcement agency. However, Singaporeans deserve to know in detail what, when and how information is shared with a foreign country to prevent abuse so as not to disadvantage Singaporeans unnecessarily.
Mdm Speaker: Senior Minister of State Desmond Lee.
Mr Desmond Lee: Mdm Speaker, I would like to thank Mr Christopher de Souza, Ms Sylvia Lim and Mr Ang Wei Neng for speaking on the Bill. All three have raised a couple of questions which I will seek to address.
First, Madam, Mr Ang asked how the RCA amendments would complement existing working arrangements that we currently have with other countries. Let me, first, set the context for how international co-operation in criminal matters is carried out.
Singapore relies on a combination of formal and informal co-operation channels to exchange information with foreign counterparts.
I had mentioned earlier the Act known as MACMA. This provides a formal channel through which law enforcement agencies render legal assistance to foreign law enforcement agencies with respect to any criminal matter. So, for instance, under MACMA, you can ask for the collection of evidence, search and seizure, freezing of accounts, arrangements for witnesses to be made available to give evidence and so on and so forth.
But beyond the MACMA framework for formal assistance, our law enforcement agencies can also render assistance informally either through INTERPOL, which most countries are members of, as Ms Sylvia Lim pointed out, or directly with our foreign counterparts through Police-to-Police contacts.
Currently, any request for register information has to be assessed on a case-by-case basis for public interest. The Bill clarifies that register information can be shared for specified purposes only and this will enable us to act more quickly and effectively. For instance, register information can be shared to help identify suspects in time-critical investigations. The Bill also expressly allows register information to be shared as a precursor to a request for more formal assistance under MACMA. In other words, the Bill, which amends RCA, will complement the MACMA process and strengthen our fight against transnational crime.
Members also asked about the mechanics of sharing register information with foreign counterparts, so, in a sense, it addresses partly what Mr Ang and Ms Sylvia Lim have asked.
Under the proposed amendments, a foreign law enforcement agency may request register information for certain purposes specified in the Act, which I have just mentioned earlier, one of which is to compare the register information with information held by the foreign law enforcement agency to identify suspects involved in the investigation of a matter.
Exchange of information can also be made to prevent crime. Depending on the arrangement between Singapore and the foreign law enforcement agency, the Singapore- designated authority, or the head of CRO, may be able to share register information pursuant to the arrangement even in the absence of a specific request for the transmission of that information.
A Singapore- designated authority may share such information to assist a foreign law enforcement agency in investigating or prosecuting foreign offences, particularly serious criminal or terrorist offences. Even then, register information will be shared on a limited basis and foreign agencies will, certainly, not get unfettered access to all our data.
With regard to the transmission of register information in relation to the investigation of a foreign offence or an investigation to prevent the commission of a foreign offence, I should highlight that the Bill provides a definition of what a foreign offence is. A foreign offence is defined to mean an offence against the law of the foreign country, which if the conduct constituting the foreign offence had occurred in Singapore, would amount to an offence against the law of Singapore punishable with imprisonment for a term exceeding 12 months. And in this way, this ensures that information is not disclosed for non-serious or trivial matters.
I would also like to assure Mr Ang Wei Neng that the register information to be shared will not include spent criminal records.
I come now to the nub of Ms Sylvia Lim and Mr Ang's concerns, which are principally about safeguards to be imposed and the concern about whether our counterparts will adhere to the conditions that they have agreed to and the undertakings they have given and vice versa.
Before I go into the details, it is important to recognise the balance that we seek to strike here. On the one hand, we are certainly very concerned about the confidentiality of information, the identifiable information, names, photographs, fingerprints. But equally of concern is the need for law enforcement agencies around the world to get up to pace in terms of international cooperation. Crime knows no boundaries with the Internet, with travel being so easy and with borders being relatively porous. Transnational organised crime sometimes leads governments and foreign law enforcement agencies to scuttle around to try to nip the problem. So, cooperation is essential, otherwise, we fall behind the curve.
Mr Ang and Ms Sylvia Lim raised challenges and concerns regarding the sharing of information or data on certain shared platforms. Mr Ang mentioned ECRIS, and we are mindful of this and are careful to ensure that procedures and the infrastructure of all parties concerned protect the confidentiality of the information transmitted. We will certainly not deposit register information on such a shared platform.
We understand the privacy concerns associated with the sharing of information or data with foreign jurisdictions. We would like to assure Members of the House that the Bill will reduce the potential for misuse of information, and Singapore will not take any breach of confidentiality lightly. I earlier highlighted the key safeguards. Let me elaborate on the relevant provisions.
First, in order to allow the sharing of register information between Singapore and a foreign law enforcement agency, that agency must give us an appropriate undertaking to use the information disclosed only for a specified purpose listed under the Act. Requests that are made in a broad or tenuous manner, or by way of a \"fishing expedition\", will not be acceded to or entertained.
To be clear, we will not accede to any request for information to be disclosed for any purpose that is unrelated to the prevention and combating of crime and terrorism, such as, for employment screening purposes. Foreign law enforcement agencies should also never use our records for such irrelevant purposes. Should they do so or breach any of the terms of the undertaking, there will be consequences, as I will explain shortly.
Members asked whether a past criminal record of petty crime would expose a Singaporean to undue security checks at overseas border checkpoints. I believe Mr Ang Wei Neng did ask that at the end of his speech. The answer is no. A criminal record does not automatically result in enhanced checks at checkpoints. Every country, including us in Singapore, has its own entry requirements to prevent, deter and detect undesirable individuals entering their country. Singaporeans seeking to enter a foreign country must meet the country's entry requirements, which may include holding a valid passport or entry visa. Ultimately, a foreign country retains the right to impose conditions or refuse entry to migrants at the checkpoint.
Second, the foreign law enforcement agency is also required to undertake to protect the confidentiality of information by ensuring that the information is kept and maintained using methods and technologies that ensure that unauthorised persons cannot access the information. A Singapore- designated authority will be able to refuse further transmission of register information to a foreign agency if the Singapore- designated authority is of the opinion that the foreign law enforcement agency has breached such an undertaking and has not taken steps to rectify the non-compliance.
Third, the foreign law enforcement agency must be able to comply with conditions prescribed for the transmission of register information under the Act and any other conditions that the Singapore authority may impose, especially in relation to the transmission. This includes complying with any request by Singapore to delete or update the records if a criminal conviction has been rendered spent.
These safeguards will ensure that any exchange of information is limited to countries that ensure the confidentiality of information exchanged and prevent its unauthorised use.
In the course of her speech, Ms Sylvia Lim noted all these safeguards, but her concern was how we will ensure on a practical basis that these safeguards are met. She also mentioned that the membership of INTERPOL covers much of the globe and we are all party to this international co-operation arrangement for law enforcement.
While the Act does appear to allow us to share information with all these countries and more, the reality is that by striking that balance between the need for cooperation and privacy, Singapore will conduct its due diligence in working out arrangements, ensuring undertakings are made, given and also able to be abided by and audited. This is not something that can be done overnight. It involves agencies knowing one another, meeting one another, having lots of discussions about the safeguards that need to be put in place, the software, systems, audit mechanisms that need to be ensured, in order to ensure that level of trust to allow us to share information expeditiously. Because, sometimes, time is of the essence. Criminals will not wait for you. Sharing information quickly will help us to deter, prevent and, ultimately, solve crimes.
I believe Mr Christopher de Souza did ask a question about the taking of photographs and fingerprints of a person accused of crime. Under the current Act, it would be when a person is under arrest. Under this Bill, we seek to expand it to when a person is on bail or when the person is given a personal bond, and I believe Members who have spoken understand the necessity of having this mechanism. But Mr de Souza's concern is: what if a person's case has been put into abeyance for some time, or if the trial is particularly long or has been set for a date far into the future? Is it fair that the data is kept on the register?
If we look at section 4 of the Act, section 4 would not be touched. Section 4 states that the Register of Criminals is kept for persons who are convicted of crimes. While the fingerprints and photographs may have been taken at the point of arrest, they will not be recorded on the register. It will only be recorded when the case has been completed or if a person has been convicted.
If there is a subsequent acquittal, or if the conviction is rendered spent, the record will be deleted. So, I hope that this assures the Member that it will not unduly compromise the persons in Singapore whose trials may take a little longer.
Mdm Speaker, in conclusion, the threats of transnational crime and terrorism will continue to grow. To be effective against such threats, we must have greater cooperation in the information exchange among law enforcement agencies. This Bill will improve Singapore's ability to cooperate with our international partners while ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place.
Mdm Speaker: Ms Sylvia Lim.
Ms Sylvia Lim: I just have one clarification for the Senior Minister of State who mentioned in his round-up speech that each request will be assessed carefully and we may need to work with the foreign agency over a period of time to gain confidence in their capacity to fulfil the obligations.
I would like him to clarify whether this ongoing process applies also to our ASEAN counterparts or has that already been finalised and it is quite clear that we are confident that we can share information with our ASEAN counterparts without needing to go through this because it has been done earlier.
Mr Desmond Lee: Madam, this is an ongoing process. Our law enforcement agencies are frequently in touch with and cooperate with our ASEAN law enforcement partners. In every jurisdiction, there are a range of enforcement agencies and this is an on-going process.
[(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)]
[(proc text) Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. (proc text)]
[(proc text) The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. – [Mr Desmond Lee.] (proc text)]
[(proc text) Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. (proc text)]
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The Minister for Manpower (Mr Lim Swee Say): Madam, I beg to move, \"That the Bill be now read a Second Time.\"
This Bill will amend the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Act in four broad areas:
first, to implement previously announced policy changes related to Part 1 of the CPF Advisory Panel's recommendations;
second, enhance the insurance coverage under the Home Protection Scheme (HPS) and Dependants' Protection Scheme (DPS);
third, safeguard the MediSave monies claimed by medical institutions and approved insurers; and
fourth, make various amendments to clarify and streamline the administration of the CPF system.
Let me explain.
Madam, the first set of amendments pertains to Part 1 of the CPF Advisory Panel's recommendations. The Government has implemented the Panel's recommendations since January 2016 based on the provisions within the current CPF Act. We are now amending the CPF Act to enable CPF Board to implement these changes more directly.
Let me recap some new flexibilities that CPF members can now enjoy.
We are amending the CPF Act to make it directly explicit that CPF members aged 55 and above can transfer savings from their CPF accounts, including their Retirement Account (RA), to their spouses if they have set aside the Basic Retirement Sum, or BRS in short.
Previously, members, including those below age 55, would have to set aside the Full Retirement Sum (FRS), which is twice the BRS, before they could make transfers to their spouses' accounts.
We agreed with the CPF Advisory Panel to reduce the requirement from FRS to BRS so that more CPF members can make top-ups to their spouses' CPF savings. This flexibility will be useful for spouses who may not have enough CPF savings to join CPF LIFE for reasons, such as leaving the workforce earlier to take care of their children.
Both husband and wife can then have their own CPF LIFE plans and more secure retirement income for life. When one spouse passes away, the surviving spouse will still be assured of lifelong payouts. As a family unit, both husband and wife can also maximise the extra interest earned on their combined CPF savings.
I encourage members to make full use of this flexibility to enhance their spouses' retirement adequacy.
We are also amending the CPF Act to state clearly that members will not be assessed for inclusion into the CPF LIFE scheme at age 55. This is because members now need to choose their CPF LIFE plan only when they reach their Payout Eligibility Age (PEA). Hence, the previous requirement to select their CPF LIFE plan at age 55, which could be about 10 years before the start of payouts, is no longer necessary. Going forward, members will, therefore, need to be assessed for auto-inclusion into CPF LIFE only at their PEA.
The second set of amendments relates to enhancing the insurance coverage under the CPF insurance schemes. These are the Home Protection Scheme and the Dependants' Protection Scheme, or HPS and DPS for short.
Today, members can only make a claim from HPS and DPS in the event of death or incapacity. By incapacity, it means that a member must not be able to ever continue in any form of employment. Currently, members with terminal illnesses or total permanent disability but can still do some form of work, do not fall within this definition of incapacity and, hence, do not qualify to make claims under HPS and DPS.
We are amending the CPF Act to expand the definition of incapacity to include members with terminal illness and total permanent disability who may still be working or able to do some form of work, but in a diminished capacity. This change will benefit new and existing persons insured under HPS and DPS, subject to the exclusions in their individual insurance covers arising from pre-existing conditions.
I hope that this broader protection from our CPF insurance schemes will provide CPF members with greater peace of mind.
Today, insured members who have run out of Ordinary Account (OA) savings can only use their spouses' OA savings to pay for their HPS premiums if the spouse is a co-owner. We are now amending the CPF Act to allow such insured members to also use the OA savings of other co-owners, including children, parents or siblings, to help pay for their HPS premiums.
By allowing greater household support for the payment of HPS premiums, we can reduce the risk of lapsed insurance covers due to non-payment of HPS premiums. More CPF members and their families will, therefore, be protected from losing their homes in the unfortunate event of death, permanent incapacity, terminal illness or total permanent disability.
Madam, the third set of amendments pertains to strengthening safeguards for MediSave monies claimed by medical institutions and approved insurers.
Today, medical institutions and approved insurers help to facilitate the withdrawals from CPF member's MediSave accounts for approved treatments and uses under the MediSave Scheme. In 2015, about $2.7 billion of MediSave savings was withdrawn.
Most medical institutions and approved insurers have made proper claims of MediSave monies and complied with our audit requirements. However, a small number of medical institutions and approved insurers still make errors in some of their claims. For example, in the past three years, we saw an average of about 40 cases a year of claims from wrong members' accounts.
To strengthen the safeguards over MediSave claims, this amendment will allow CPF Board to impose administrative penalties on medical institutions and approved insurers that make wrong or unauthorised claims on members' MediSave monies or do not comply with audits ordered by CPF Board or other administrative requirements.
These amendments will make medical institutions and approved insurers more accountable when they make claims of MediSave monies. The amended CPF Act will also mandate the recovery of any MediSave monies arising from unauthorised or wrongful deductions or uncompleted prepaid treatment packages.
Madam, the fourth and last set of amendments pertains to other amendments that provide greater clarity in the administration of the CPF system. I will provide two examples.
The first example is to revise the method of estimating the additional wages that attract CPF contributions. Today, employers are required to make an estimation based on the previous year's income. We are amending the CPF Act to allow employers to also make an estimation based on the projected wages in the current year.
This amendment will improve efficiency as employers can estimate CPF liabilities more accurately, reducing the chances of employers overpaying CPF contributions. This will minimise the need for employers to apply for refunds for overpayments.
The second example is to allow CPF members to apply to withdraw cash payouts that were credited to their accounts under various Government schemes, such as the GST Voucher. This happens when the cheques were not cashed and subsequently expired. As these payouts are meant to support members' daily needs, this amendment will allow members to withdraw these credited monies without being subject to existing CPF withdrawal rules.
Madam, in conclusion, taken in total, the amendments in this Bill will enable CPF Board to implement policies aimed at providing greater flexibility while enhancing CPF members' retirement adequacy and also enhance insurance coverage and improve the accountability of MediSave usage for CPF members. Mdm Speaker, I beg to move.
[(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]
Mdm Speaker: Mr Pritam Singh.
Mr Pritam Singh (Aljunied): The importance of mortgage insurance coverage 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 sum remained outstanding and it was left to my aunt and cousins to commit significant resources to continue making mortgage payments on top of their own commitments.
At that time, I thought HPS non-coverage was a rare occurrence. But years later, it was heartbreaking to find out that some of my own residents, albeit a small number, found themselves in exactly the same position as my aunt and cousins when their sole breadwinner passes away unexpectedly.
To that end, I wish to acknowledge the compassion shown by CPF and the Housing and Development Board (HDB) staff to try their best to assist affected families by retrospectively reinstating HPS coverage in certain cases so that the other family members do not face hardship. In my last term, one particular family benefited from CPF's helpfulness and were profuse in their appreciation to me for pursuing the matter, but the appreciation should rightfully go to the agencies concerned.
[Deputy Speaker (Mr Lim Biow Chuan) in the Chair]
According to CPF, as of 2013, about 70% of all HDB flat owners were covered by HPS. In 2012, a total of 1,074 claims amounting to $89.8 million were made to HPS policyholders. At the 2014 Committee of Supply debate, I spoke on HPS, requesting the CPF to require HDB flat owners who are paying for their mortgage in cash to sign up for HPS as a matter of course. More generally, the cut requested the Government to step up education on the importance of HPS, especially for low- to middle-income households.
Separately, the statistics pointed to an increase in the number of members who had lapsed in their HPS premium payments or who were no longer insurable for medical and other reasons. It was 1.7% and 2% respectively in April 2011 and, by October 2013, the percentages had increased to 2% and 3%.
To this end, I welcome the current amendments to allow co-owners, who could be family members, to help pay for HPS premiums, not just spouses. This should mitigate or reduce the number of lapsed policyholders going forward. However, for greater clarity, can the Minister give the House a primer on the regulations CPF has in mind in reinstating HPS insurance cover for paid claims when it is not liable to do so?
Improvements to the scheme. While I welcome all the HPS-related amendments, I have three suggestions to make that could help strengthen HPS.
First, covering Singaporeans with pre-existing illnesses. In 2011, the CPF amendment modified the HPS scheme to allow for more portability, so that in the event the homeowner who purchased a new HDB flat was no longer in good health, he would remain insured under the scheme by way of earlier participation. This amendment acknowledges that a member in ill-health could yet be covered so as not to prejudice him or her. With the introduction of MediShield Life by the Government, a seminal change that differentiated it from the old MediShield scheme, was the inclusion of members with pre-existing conditions, albeit with a 30% increase in premiums payable. The philosophical basis of this move was in concert with making Singapore an inclusive society. Similarly, HPS coverage for Singaporeans with pre-existing illnesses will buttress this in.
The Government has raised its concerns about such an expansion, specifically on premium affordability in the past, and this is not an irrelevant consideration. However, similar misgivings were overcome in the move from MediShield to MediShield Life. In August 2015, CPF paid out more than at least $400 in HPS rebates to each of the 470,000 Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PRs) on HPS. This came up to almost $1.9 billion and with yet many thousands of other homeowners receiving less than the $400 but receiving a rebate nonetheless. The last time such rebates were paid out was in 2006. In between, in 2011, HPS premiums were lowered by an average of 12% for some 80% of HPS members. The remaining 20% were already paying low premiums.
With these numbers in mind, it would appear that there is some scope to relook at the prospect of covering members in poor health under HPS. I hope the Board can commit itself to look seriously to cover Singaporeans with pre-existing illnesses.
Secondly, plugging gaps for lapsed policyholders. While HPS is compulsory for all members who use their CPF to pay for their HDB flats, subject to HDB's approval, members can choose to opt out should they take up a similar mortgage-reducing insurance. In 2015, it was made known that 43,610 flat owners had been given permission to do so by HDB. However, my understanding is that HDB does not monitor these members thereafter, allowing them to theoretically opt out of their mortgage-reducing insurance shortly thereafter. In such a case, these households effectively fall through the cracks. Can the Minister confirm if CPF will consider plugging this hole in future and require them to sign up to HPS in the event their mortgage-reducing insurance lapses?
Thirdly, reminders. I understand CPF sends two reminder letters to the policyholder in the event of HPS premium non-payment. In an effort to highlight the importance of this scheme, can I confirm if these notifications are by ordinary post or registered mail? In addition, early reminders to the policyholders of low CPF balances for HPS premiums may be a powerful signalling tool that can prod members to top up their OA or, at the very least, seek assistance early, if they have other financial problems.
In conclusion, when I spoke on raising the awareness of HPS in the 2014 Committee of Supply debate, the Minister of State replied that HDB issues a booklet, on the purchase of a property, to educate home buyers of the scheme. With a rising senior citizen population and constant reminders in the press about how Singaporeans do not plan well for retirement, the Ministry should step up its efforts to constantly inform homeowners of the benefits of the scheme every few years through brochures and pamphlets as they service their mortgages and seriously look at including Singaporeans with pre-existing illnesses to improve the scheme further. Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the Bill.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Mr Dennis Tan.
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong (Non-Constituency Member): Mr Deputy Speaker, may I speak in Mandarin.
(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] I support the proposed amendments to the Bill in respect of HPS. HPS is a mortgage-reducing insurance that protects members and their families against losing their homes in the event of death or permanent incapacity before their housing loans are paid up. It is compulsory for any HDB home owner who is using his or her CPF savings to pay the monthly housing loan instalments for his or her HDB flat. The scheme does not cover private residential properties, executive condominiums (ECs) or privatised Housing and Urban Development Company (HUDC) flats. Buyers can only opt out of the scheme if they have taken a similar mortgage-reducing insurance policy.
The Bill seeks to enhance insurance coverage under HPS. Under the proposed amendments, a CPF member who is insured under the scheme will now be allowed to make a claim under the scheme for terminal illness and total permanent disability, even though the member is not incapacitated from ever continuing in any employment. If this is a substantial change, it will represent a departure from the existing ruling under the current Act and it will be a welcomed change as it may provide more flexibility for members who are caught in different situations. I note that the same change is also effected in the same Bill for DPS.
However, it seems to me, from a plain reading of the amendment Bill, that the only situations where a member can make a claim under the scheme for terminal illness and total permanent disability, even though the member is not incapacitated from ever continuing in any employment, are if (a) the member is suffering from terminal illness and is said by a registered medical practitioner to be expected to result in death within 12 months or (b) the member has suffered total or permanent disability of less than two eyes, two limbs or one eye and one limb. The scenarios seem rather limited. May the Minister please clarify whether this is what the Bill intended? Does the Bill provide for any other situation and where is this provided in the Bill?
If the Bill does not provide clearly for any other scenario, I am concerned that the Act may not be clear enough about the circumstances that may apply to the new situation where a CPF member who is insured under the scheme will now be allowed to make a claim under the scheme for terminal illness and total permanent disability, even though the member is not incapacitated from ever continuing in any employment. I seek the Minister's assurance that CPF Board will provide clear communication to CPF members for the circumstances which may apply under this proposed amendment.
The Bill also seeks to allow a non-spouse member who is a co-owner of a property to pay the premium for the HPS scheme of the other co-owner. I welcome this change as this recognises the possibility as well as perhaps the increasing occurrence of the situation where co-owners may not be spouses, for example, in the case of a flat which is owned by a man and his mother. The change will address the current anomaly in the present Act.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I refer to the amendment in clause 28(h) of the Bill whereby the Board has the right not to pay under the scheme where a member was suffering from an illness when he joins the scheme. May the Minister clarify what would be these circumstances where the board may permit a member to join the scheme even though the Board may be aware of the member suffering from an illness at the time of joining the scheme?
Mr Deputy Speaker, I understand that under the current Act, people with certain pre-existing illnesses are not covered by the Act. Can the Minister please confirm whether such members will still not be covered by the scheme after the amendment? Will the Minister consider allowing a special form of coverage under the scheme perhaps on a case-by-case basis and even on a different premium?
The Bill also provides for regulations to be made to prescribe the circumstances where CPF Board may issue or reinstate an insurance cover or pay claims where the board is not liable to do so under sections 36(9) or (10). May the Minister please clarify the intention behind this proposed inclusion?
I also support the amendments which allows the transfer of monies from the member's RA to another member's account for the purchase of an HDB flat.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Ms Jessica Tan.
Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo (East Coast): Mr Deputy Speaker, thank you for letting me speak on the Bill. CPF monies are, for many Singaporeans, a key source of funds and savings, and many seek greater flexibility on the withdrawal and use of the funds. While recognising the need to allow for greater flexibility, with Singaporeans living longer, CPF funds remain an important source for a basic level of retirement funds.
The amendments proposed provide for changes related to Part 1 of the CPF Advisory Panel's recommendations on enabling flexibility while ensuring retirement adequacy. But at the same time, I would say this is an extremely challenging balance to achieve.
The Retirement Sum and the CPF LIFE plan are to meet the objective of giving members a monthly payout for life. Currently, subject to the amount of the CPF balances and the amount that they desire for monthly payouts, CPF Members have to make a choice of CPF LIFE plan − whether it is the LIFE Standard or the LIFE Basic Plan − when they turn 55 years of age. The difference in the CPF LIFE plans is the monthly payouts you would receive and the amount you would bequest to the beneficiaries after you have passed on.
So, I do welcome this change of not requiring members to make that decision on the choice of the CPF LIFE plan at the age of 55 as this is effectively 10 years before their PEA which is currently age 65. With the amendments, members will now only need to choose their CPF LIFE plan closer to the start of their CPF LIFE payouts, which can be anytime between their PEA or, if they choose, up to age 70. Taking a decision closer to the date of the start of payouts will allow members to decide on the plan that best meets their retirement needs at the time.
This change, while giving greater flexibility and enabling better decisions to meet retirement needs of members, however, does not address some of the concerns that members have with regard to PEA. As PEA currently depends on your year of birth, this is not only confusing as to what your PEA is, there is also concern that this will continue to adjust for the subsequent age group of members. This does cause uncertainty for members as PEA determines when you can start receiving your CPF LIFE payouts. This gives a sense that access to CPF payouts is getting further delayed and can only be accessed when you get much older. While I understand the need to make the adjustments to be in line with people living longer and the standard of living, it is also important to give members some certainty.
Setting the expectations on previous PEAs, some members also –when they set the expectations, they kind of expect the payouts at that age – they feel misled that they had been expecting payouts at a certain age and, when that moves, it gets a little bit disappointing and, at other times, it leads to mistrust. So, it would be good to understand the criteria for changing the PEA and what members can expect in the future for PEA.
The proposed change also provides flexibility to allow for CPF members aged 55 and older, once they have set aside their BRS, to then transfer monies from their CPF accounts to their spouses’ RA or SA. So, this, until January this year, was twice the BRS. Therefore, this change is definitely welcomed because it will help them help their spouses to grow their retirement savings, as well as to benefit from the extra interest on lower CPF balances. This, as the Minister has pointed out, clearly will give the spouses better assurances of LIFE payouts for either of the spouses.
So, for older Singaporean women, this flexibility is important because, to receive top-ups from their spouses – as many of them have not accumulated as much CPF savings as men in that age group. In 2013, the median CPF savings for women aged 51 to 54 were about $90,000, compared to males in that age group which is about $130,000.
The changes proposed in the Bill of including terminal illness and total permanent disability as grounds for claims under HPS and DPS will allow members with terminal illness and total permanent disability to make claims on their HPS and DPS even when they are able to do some work, as the Minister has shared, although in a diminished capacity.
I applaud this change as it not only enhances, but it really does give assurance to members as well as their families that they will have access and support when their family most need it.
Similarly, this amendment also allows the OA savings of other co-owners, whether it is their children, parents or siblings, to help pay for the HPS premiums of insured members who have run out of OA savings. This additional flexibility will help to reduce the risk of lapsed insurance covers due to non-payment of premiums and this is especially so when members are facing financial challenges because this is exactly what they need, and home ownership, as we all know, is the key tenet for retirement adequacy.
HPS, as a mortgage-reducing insurance, gives members peace of mind that protects them and their families against losing their homes in the event of death or permanent incapacity before their housing loans are paid up. So, as I have mentioned, those facing financial difficulties and, hence, perhaps will have challenges to keep up with their HPS payments with their OA savings being low, this change will allow them to get help from co-owners and not have them having to trade-off not paying the premium hence leading to a policy lapse.
I have personally seen this happen when a family had their policy lapsed and they did not even know that the member had purchased HPS. When he passed on, they then realised that he had actually lapsed on his policy. It is quite sad because they still had to provide for the family. That is the time when you need it. You are grieving and homeownership is one aspect. If you had that addressed, that gives the remaining family members peace of mind.
MediSave – MediSave for many Singaporeans, is the fund for our and our immediate family's medical and future medical needs: hospitalisation, day surgery and other expenses. It is, therefore important and I am glad that this change looks to safeguard members' MediSave monies. While the Minister shared that there are not many cases, every case, to any person whose MediSave funds are important, is one case too many, as we all know. So, I am glad that this change is being done because what it does is that it not only sets aside the penalty framework, it also mandates the recovery of MediSave monies from the medical institutions as well as the approved insurers for those that have been mistakenly deducted as well as refunds for monies from the institutions due to uncompleted medical treatments.
The proposed amendments to the CPF Act are welcomed as they will benefit members with greater flexibility and enhance support and protection in the use of their CPF funds to build their retirement adequacy. It does not, however, address the frustration that members have expressed with regard to the complexity and changes in the CPF schemes when they do happen. This uncertainty does lead to angst and mistrust of the scheme; and the irony of offering more choices in the usage of members' CPF monies is that it adds to the complexity of the scheme.
To achieve simplicity is a very difficult balance, but CPF Board must continue to work on this. CPF is and will continue to be an integral part of the retirement adequacy for Singaporeans. The Ministry must continue to find effective channels to communicate and provide more timely and specific information to enable members to better understand the CPF schemes and changes as well as appropriate financial counselling. This will ensure that members have a good understanding and can make informed choices that are best suited to each of their retirement needs. Sir, I support the Bill.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Minister Lim.
Mr Lim Swee Say: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I thank Members Jessica Tan, Dennis Tan and Pritam Singh for speaking in support of the amendment.
First, on the issue of the HPS, I share the sentiments of the Members that it is very important that we do whatever we can to help to minimise the risk of losing a home when the home owner passes away. At the end of the day, it is very hard to keep a family together without a place to stay in. So, in that regard, we are very concerned that on the average every year, we see about 4,000 to 5,000 policy-holders dropping out of HPS due to various reasons.
On the part of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and CPF, we are doing what we can to minimise or reduce these cases of lapses. The amendment today, we believe, will help maybe 1,000 to 2,000 CPF members to overcome the inability of the home owner to pay the premium.
Having said so, we also continue to step up our efforts to remind and educate the homeowners of the importance of HPS. Mr Pritam Singh asked about cases where we paid the HPS claims even though we are not liable to do so. Here, I would like to give an illustration.
A policyholder fell sick; seriously ill and was hospitalised at the time when the premium payment was due. As a result, he was not able to take action, knowingly or unknowingly, to pay for the premium and, subsequently, he either passed away or suffered permanent disability. So, under such circumstances, CPF could have taken the position that since the policyholder did not pay for the premium, as a result, the policy has lapsed.
But we think that will be a wrong thing to do because the fact that the policyholder was not able to pay the premium was beyond his control. He was hospitalised at the time of the renewal. So, these are examples whereby the Board has exercised its judgement, knowing that if this is really beyond the control of the policyholder, in fact, we will find a way to pay them rather than to reject the claims.
Mr Pritam Singh asked what kinds of serious illnesses would we exclude an application due to pre-existing illnesses. For example, for a home owner who suffers from cancer, kidney failure or heart disorder and so on, the Board does look at the severity of the illness because if it is too severe and will lead clearly towards terminal illnesses, then I think we would have no choice but to reject such applications. Because at the end of the day, we would have to strike a balance between taking care of as many home owners as we can and yet, at the same time, be fair to the other home owners, bearing in mind that this is a risk-pooling programme.
Mr Pritam Singh also asked whether we can step up our efforts to send early reminders. The answer is yes. In fact, today, not only would we remind every new home owner when they collect the keys from the HDB of the importance of HPS, we also make sure that for any case of a lapsed payment, we would follow up with a repeated reminder. Obviously, more can be done; and we will keep doing more.
Mr Dennis Tan asked whether we can expand HPS to private housing. Mr Deputy Speaker, HPS' primary focus would be on HDB housing to cover the vast majority of home owners and the mass market. For owners of private properties, our advice to them is to take care of themselves by purchasing mortgage-reducing insurance in the private market.
Mr Tan asked whether we can be more specific with the definition of terminal illnesses and total permanent disability. All these are defined under the CPF Act and I would like to confirm that he is right that terminal illness, by and large, refers to a remaining lifespan of less than one year. In the case of total permanent disability, it refers to a loss of two eyes, two limbs or one eye and one limb.
Mr Dennis Tan also asked for section (39) regarding premium with interest. This refers to cases where the policyholder did not declare their serious pre-existing illnesses. So, at the time of claim, when it was discovered that the claim was not supportable, we will refund the remaining premium together with interest.
Ms Jessica Tan touched on a few important points. First, regarding PEA. I share her concern that each time, when PEA is adjusted, it will affect the retirement planning of those CPF members who are affected. And this is the reason why we take the review of PEA very seriously. The last time we made a revision to PEA was in 2007, when we raised PEA from the age of 62 to 65. We phased in this increase of 62 to 65 over 10 years.
It was announced in 2007 that the final adjustment of going up from age 64 to 65 will only take place in 2018, which is about two years from now. I agree with Ms Jessica Tan that this is a very major decision and should we decide to amend PEA, we should do so by giving policyholders and CPF members enough advance notice.
Let me say this, right now that we are on schedule to raise PEA to age 65 by 2018. At the same time, I want to highlight to this House that since January this year, CPF members have the option of deferring the start of their CPF payouts from PEA up to the age of 70. In other words, if a CPF member is in employment and he does not need to start his payouts at the age of 64 now and 65 come 2018, he has the option of deferring the starting of his pay-out up to the age of 70. For every year of deferment, he is expected to receive about 6% more every month permanently from the date of the pay-out.
We believe that the combination of progressively raising PEA to age 65 by 2018, coupled with the new flexibility of each member being able to, on a voluntary basis, defer the payout start age to 70, is about the right combination – providing the kind of flexibility that the members are looking for.
I also agree with Ms Jessica Tan regarding MediSave claims that are unauthorised or made by mistake. In fact, we are stepping up our efforts and one of our objectives for this amendment is to send a very clear message to medical institutions and approved insurers that we take this seriously. Whenever we discover any case of error, first, we mandate the recovery. And second, with this amendment, CPF Board will have the right to impose administrative penalties as well.
Last, but not least, Ms Jessica Tan also suggested stepping up our communications. Again, I fully agree. In fact, CPF Board is not only going to do more, we are going to do more in a simpler way so that more members out there can understand what is the purpose of CPF, why it is structured this way and what are the changes that are coming along the way to ensure that the CPF system will always be relevant and able to meet their needs better. With that, Mr Deputy Speaker, I beg to move.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Mr Dennis Tan.
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong: I thank the Minister for the clarification. I have one further question. It is more of a clarification regarding the question I raised earlier, which maybe I did not make it clear. I would just raise it again.
I understand that under the current Act, people with certain pre-existing illnesses are not covered by the Act. This presents a conundrum for members as it is normally compulsory for all members servicing their HDB loans through their CPF accounts. Can the Minister please confirm whether such members will merely be exempted from the scheme without any coverage from the scheme after the amendment?
Even if such members are exempted from the scheme, will the Minister consider allowing a special form of coverage under the scheme, perhaps on a case-by-case basis, and even perhaps on a different premium? This will certainly give a better peace of mind to affected members. After all, surely the original intention of the scheme is to provide peace of mind to all members who have taken loans to pay for their HDB flats.
Mr Lim Swee Say: Mr Deputy Speaker, in my reply, I thought I did explain that cases which are excluded from this coverage will be home owners who suffer from severe pre-existing conditions such as cancer, kidney diseases, heart disorders. So, only those who suffer from fairly severe pre-existing conditions, such as cancer, kidney, heart diseases, will have their applications rejected.
Mr Dennis Tan asked whether they can be exempted. In fact, I would like to clarify that HPS is not mandatory for members with severe pre-existing conditions. In other words, we encourage every home owner of HDB flats to come under HPS. We do whatever we can, including this amendment, to help them stay with HPS. So, for those who due to their medical conditions and had their applications rejected, are excluded from HPS. I hope that answers the Member's questions.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Mr Leon Perera.
Mr Leon Perera (Non-Constituency Member): Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, just a brief clarifying question to the hon Minister. I think this question was contained in Mr Pritam Singh's speech which is that for members who are on HPS who fail to make the premium payments and reminder letters are sent to them, are these sent by registered mail or non-registered mail? And if they are sent by normal mail, could CPF Board give some thought to perhaps sending those reminders by registered mail?
Mr Lim Swee Say:\tMr Deputy Speaker, as I have mentioned, we will make every effort possible to ensure that the members are notified whether it is through registered mail, normal mail, and through other channels as well. CPF Board does have regular communications with our members. For example, members who have recently received their CPF statement will see that CPF Board puts in tremendous efforts to provide a one-page summary of the status of all their transactions with CPF Board. I am happy to say that their coverage under HPS is part of that presentation. Obviously, we will keep looking for ways to improve our communications.
[(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)]
[(proc text) Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. (proc text)]
[(proc text) The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. – [Mr Lim Swee Say.] (proc text)]
[(proc text) Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. (proc text)]
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Banking (Amendment) Bill ","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"BP","content":"[(proc text) Order for Second Reading read. (proc text)]
The Minister for National Development (Mr Lawrence Wong): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, \"That the Bill be now read a Second Time.\"
Over the years, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has consistently held our banks to stringent capital and liquidity standards. This approach has served us well, as Singapore's banking system has remained resilient in the face of the Global Financial Crisis of 2008.
Following the crisis, MAS has been actively involved in coordinated efforts among international regulators to strengthen capital and liquidity standards for banks, and to create a more robust international banking system. Likewise within Singapore, MAS has been refining the regulatory and supervisory framework to strengthen the resilience of our financial institutions and to enhance the stability of the financial system as a whole. So, this Banking (Amendment) Bill forms part of the overall effort.
MAS has consulted extensively with the industry and the public on the policy changes and the draft Bill. It has studied the feedback received and incorporated it into the Bill where appropriate.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I will now go through the three broad areas of amendments in the Bill.
First, to strengthen prudential safeguards and enhance depositor protection. Currently, a foreign bank can choose to operate in Singapore as a branch or a locally incorporated subsidiary. A bank branch will rely on support from its head office, which is subject to capital and other requirements imposed by its home regulator on a group basis. In contrast, a locally incorporated subsidiary will have its own capital and be subject to MAS' capital and other regulatory requirements.
The Bill will empower MAS to require a foreign bank branch to incorporate all or part of its banking business, where it is in the interest of the public, the bank's depositors or the domestic financial system. This new regulatory power forms part of the suite of policy measures for domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs). This was announced by MAS in April last year. In retail banking, in particular, a bank with significant retail presence – defined as having more than 3% of resident non-bank deposits, and more than 150,000 deposit accounts with balances below S$250,000 – will be designated a D-SIB and be required to subsidiarise its retail operations. The subsidiary will then be subject to MAS' own regulatory requirements, based on its risk profile.
The Bill will also empower MAS to impose prudential requirements that cap banks' leverage and ensure that they maintain sufficient liquidity. As I mentioned earlier, MAS has always maintained high standards of prudential regulation and supervision for our banks; in fact, somewhat higher than in most other jurisdictions. Over the years, we have developed a system of regulation that allows well-managed risk-taking and innovation, ensuring the stable and sustainable development of the financial services sector. This Bill will update our rules to reflect new international standards, which MAS has been involved in shaping through its participation in various international financial forums.
The second purpose of the Bill is to strengthen the corporate governance of banks. Effective corporate governance plays a critical role in ensuring robust risk management, decision-making and accountability within banks. The Bill will vest MAS with the power to direct a bank to remove key appointment holders, including its chief executive officer and deputy chief executive officer, if they are found not to be fit and proper. The grounds of removal will be aligned with the criteria for approving their appointments. To enhance MAS' oversight of these appointments, the Bill will require banks to notify MAS as soon as they become aware of any material information which may negatively affect the fitness or propriety of any director or executive officer whose appointment was approved by MAS.
The Bill will also repeal the provision that makes bank directors jointly and severally liable for any bank losses arising from credit facilities or exposures to the directors and their related parties. This provision was intended to emphasise the fiduciary duty that bank directors owed to their bank. However, based on feedback provided by the banks, this provision discourages candidates from taking up bank directorships and more importantly, MAS has also assessed that it does not provide effective oversight over banks' related party transactions (RPTs).
Instead, to address the potential conflicts of interest arising from RPTs, MAS will require a bank to conduct all such transactions on an arm's length basis and to obtain board approval before entering into such transactions that pose material risks to the bank. The Bill will also enhance MAS' powers to direct a bank to terminate, prohibit and restrict transactions that the bank enters into with its related parties, if these are deemed detrimental to depositors' interests.
The Bill will also enhance corporate governance of banks by reinforcing the complementary role of external auditors in assessing a bank's risks and internal controls. This will be done through a few key measures, such as the introduction of a safe harbour provision to protect banks' external auditors from liability where they disclose confidential information to MAS as part of their reporting obligations under the Banking Act. Furthermore, MAS will be empowered to direct a bank to remove its external auditors if they have not discharged their statutory duties satisfactorily.
Third, to reinforce banks' risk management controls. This is the third broad area of amendments. These amendments will formalise MAS' expectation that banks establish risk management systems and controls that are commensurate with their business profiles and operations. MAS will be able to impose penalties on banks that fail to do so.
The Bill will also require banks to seek MAS' approval to establish new places of business where certain non-banking activities, such as money-changing and remittance business, are conducted. This will allow MAS to exercise better oversight of banks' activities at such locations. For example, MAS will be able to require a bank to institute adequate safeguards against money laundering and terrorism financing, before it can commence money-changing and remittance businesses at new locations.
Besides these three broad areas which I have just outlined, there are also several significant amendments to update the banking regulatory framework.
First, the Bill will introduce a requirement for banks to immediately inform MAS of adverse developments that may materially affect them. In the case of a bank incorporated in Singapore, this extends to any adverse developments that may materially affect related entities of the bank. This will allow MAS to take the necessary supervisory action in a timely manner.
Second, the Bill will empower MAS to inspect the local and overseas subsidiaries of a bank incorporated in Singapore. It will also allow the parent supervisory authority of a foreign bank or merchant bank to inspect all financial activities of the bank or merchant bank in Singapore, upon MAS' approval. So, the parent based overseas can inspect the financial activities of the bank or merchant bank in Singapore, subject to MAS' approval. These changes will facilitate the consolidated supervision of internationally active banks and merchant banks.
Finally, amendments have been made to rationalise the penalty provisions for the contravention of the various requirements in the Act.
Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, a sound and progressive financial sector will create a strong foundation for sustainable economic growth. These amendments to the Banking Act will help strengthen the banking industry and align our regulatory regime with international best practices. Sir, I beg to move.
[(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]
Mr Deputy Speaker: Mr Leon Perera.
Mr Leon Perera (Non-Constituency Member): Mr Deputy Speaker, it is important for MAS to be sufficiently empowered to take a proactive 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 empowering MAS to require a bank to incorporate locally in certain cases, only allowing fit and proper people to own significant stakes in banks, or to be a controller of the bank and providing safe harbour protection for external auditors who whistle blow, all these will enhance the ability of MAS to protect banking customers, as well as the stability and safety of the overall banking system.
Having said this, we must ensure the continued competitiveness of our banking sector. Singapore's financial services sector makes a very significant contribution to jobs and the gross domestic product (GDP) in Singapore. Regulations should be framed and implemented in such a way as to minimise ambiguity. This would ensure that banks do not \"overegg the pudding\" so as to drive up compliance costs that could end up being passed onto the end-customers of banking products, not to mention crimping the job-creation engine of the sector, however slightly.
In this context, while supporting the Bill, I would like to pose a few clarifying questions and make some suggestions with respect to implementing specific provisions of the Bill.
The Bill imposes new requirements and expanded penalties for engaging in related party transactions that are detrimental to the interests of depositors, including non-exposure transactions. If MAS uses this power to direct a bank to terminate a transaction with its related party, for example, that act could conceivably result in a financial loss much bigger than the $250,000 fine that is associated with this provision. Such a decision could also inflict reputational damage on the bank.
In relation to this provision – clause 17 – there is a risk that if banks do not clearly understand the guidelines which MAS will use to exercise its power to terminate transactions or eliminate exposures, this may create a culture of excessive notification and consultation with MAS at best, or excessive risk-aversion at worst.
The Bill also requires banks to immediately notify MAS of any developments that would adversely and materially affect its financial soundness, reputation and ability to conduct business.
In relation to this provision – clause 34 – there is a risk that if the banks do not clearly understand what needs and what does not need to be reported to MAS, this will create a burden of excessive notification which may raise compliance costs, however slightly. And these compliance costs may end up being passed onto end-consumers.
Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in respect of these two provisions – clauses 17 and 34 – I would like to ask if MAS will provide banks with guidelines that it will use to determine what constitutes a transaction or exposure that could be potentially terminated by MAS and what constitutes a notifiable material development. Will MAS, for instance, be publishing a guidance document on how it will operationalise these powers, similar to the guidance published on anti-money laundering and terrorism finance last year and private banking controls in 2014?
Moving onto the next part of my speech, there are certain provisions in the Bill which I do not oppose. Nevertheless, these provisions would give MAS additional powers over banks and in some cases, these powers may lengthen the turnaround time for decisions, limit business flexibility and, therefore, raise the cost of doing business, however slightly.
Therefore, in the interest of transparency, I would like to pose some questions to better understand – and for the banking community and stakeholders to better understand – the Government's thinking in relation to these issues and to ask what facts prompted the Government to include these provisions in the Bill. This information may be relevant to other national sectors, other than just the banking sector.
Clause 46, which inserts a new section 57EA, requires banks, credit and charge card issuers to obtain approval from MAS for places where they intend to conduct certain businesses.
I would like to ask what facts or trends have prompted the Government to impose a requirement that banks seek the approval of MAS for these decisions, as opposed to just notifying MAS. It would be helpful for the public to better understand what facts MAS is detecting about such practices by banking businesses as it may have implications for other sectors of society.
For instance, is MAS detecting overly aggressive marketing practices for credit or charge cards that may be fuelling unsustainable over-spending by at-risk families? If so, it would be useful to highlight this. Non-government organisations and voluntary welfare organisations working with at-risk families and at-risk individuals could help to provide feedback to MAS if they notice such unhealthy card marketing practices on the ground. This could help MAS to decide which locations are appropriate locations to allow credit or charge card-related or marketing activities, for example.
The Bill also requires banks to seek MAS approval for changing locations or adding locations for non-banking activities, including money-changing and remittance services, as the Minister observed in his speech earlier. Unlike wealth management products under the Financial Advisers Act with risk of capital loss, money-changing and remittance are considered non-banking activities. Once again, I would like to ask what facts or trends have prompted the Government to impose a requirement that banks seek the approval of MAS for location choice for these non-banking activities, as opposed to just notifying MAS. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with that, I support the Bill.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Mr Ong Teng Koon.
Mr Ong Teng Koon (Marsiling-Yew Tee): Mr Deputy Speaker, thank you for allowing me to speak today. To Mr Leon Perera's point on having card institutions needing to seek the approval of MAS for conduct of business in certain jurisdictions, I actually support the point because my credit card just had a charge from Azerbaijan and I have no idea how it came forth. So, I do support having MAS put in more controls on credit card companies' places of business.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise to speak today on some recent developments in our local business and SME funding landscape. These past few years have seen the rise of new financing arrangements and initiatives, providing businesses with alternatives to obtaining loans from banks or personal contacts. The specific arrangements that I would like to focus on today are the peer-to-peer lending platforms, or P2P platforms for short.
Very briefly, a company that wants to take a loan approaches the platform, which then offers the opportunity to its members. Members can choose to offer as much or as little as they are comfortable lending, within the guidelines of the platform. The platform will then aggregate contributions from many individual lenders into one single large loan to the company.
Such services are growing rapidly globally. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the United States (US) P2P lending market is expected to grow from US$5.5 billion in loans issued in 2014 to US$150 billion in 2025. Growth in the United Kingdom (UK) has been similarly explosive, with business P2P lending growing sevenfold from £200 million in 2013 to £1.5 billion in 2015. In Singapore, there are at least five such sites, which have collectively raised more than $10 million for their clients in 2015.
P2P lending is an example of the transformative power of the Internet – the business model simply could not work without fast and efficient communication and the ability to transact with multiple individuals. They benefit both sides. For upcoming businesses, it opens up new channels for funding, given that banks are typically reluctant to lend to companies with a limited track record.
Harnessing the \"wisdom of crowds\", individual lenders offering smaller sums could be better at allocating capital towards future potential, thereby improving the odds of success for the start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that we need to drive our economy forward. For lenders, such platforms offer a rare chance for them to earn higher returns on their money, typically above 10%, albeit with higher risks.
However, as with any new financial innovation, this raises concern about the appropriate extent of regulation, in order to both safeguard the financial system and protect the interests of lenders. MAS is currently in the process of drafting the required regulations and, hence, the platforms are effectively operating in a regulatory vacuum. We understand, of course, that the speed of innovation can make it challenging for the regulatory authorities to keep up. At the same time, an appropriate regulatory regime is urgently needed to reduce uncertainty and maximise benefits for all parties.
What are the key elements of an appropriate regulatory framework for P2P lending? If we start from the perspective of risks, P2P lending seems unlikely to be a source of systemic threat to the overall banking system in Singapore, at least for now, given that they are still small in comparison to commercial banks. The greatest risk, therefore, falls on the individual lenders, who risk losing all or part of their investment if the loan goes into default before the principal is repaid. How should we protect such individuals without inadvertently introducing moral hazard by creating the impression that such loans are iron-clad and can never go wrong?
The key piece of regulation should focus on preventing fraud by the platform. We need to ensure that the platforms are legitimate and are not operating pyramid schemes or funnelling funds towards uses other than what the individual lenders signed up for.
This brings to mind China's Ezubao P2P lending scheme for example, which turned out to be a US$7.6 billion Ponzi scheme. On the other hand, we need to ensure that the platforms have systems in place to prevent money laundering. This suggests the need for a licensing regime to ensure that the proper processes and accountability systems are in place at the platforms. A clear licensing regime helps reduce uncertainty and ambiguity on the part of the platforms. However, given that these companies will often be themselves startups, the requirements should not be so onerous as to stifle innovation.
Regulations should not go so far as to eliminate all risk from the transaction, as that would itself create unhealthy behaviours as people chase high interest rates while assuming they will be protected should something go wrong. There is also the need to balance access and protection. If, as has been proposed, we restrict participation to Accredited Investors or Institutions, we would be protecting the average man in the street, but also preventing them from accessing a potentially beneficial asset class. Here, we can take inspiration from the various consumer protection rules already in place across the financial industry, such as \"cooling-off periods\" where they can change their minds without penalty. This will, hopefully, reduce the risk that retail investors might invest in inappropriate products.
One key area is to ensure that the lenders are able to collectively pursue action should there be a default, just as any institutional creditor would. Each individual share may be too small to find it worthwhile to bear the cost and effort of pursuing a claim. Hence, collective instruments for protecting the interests of all lenders need to be put in place. Perhaps we could explore making the platforms pay part of their revenues into a national fund to create an industry body that can help lenders pursue their claims.
We have also seen that some P2P lenders in developed countries, such as Zopa in the UK, proactively designate a portion of their funds to provide a form of insurance to safeguard the interests of lenders in the event of a default. By addressing the concerns of potential lenders, this will, in turn, help convince more to participate and accelerate the growth of the industry.
Like it or not, technological innovation in the financial industry is going to grow and we should not stand in the way of initiatives that facilitate the creation of good businesses and jobs. Given that economic dark clouds are gathering, it is particularly key to maintain financing channels for SMEs, which are often not a target segment for major banks, as this could serve as a lifeline in tough times. What is important is to make sure the public is well-informed and that the P2P lenders operate in a regulatory environment that provides clear guidelines without being overly burdensome. Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the Bill.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Minister Lawrence Wong.
Mr Lawrence Wong: Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank the Members for their comments and support of the Bill.
I would, first, address Mr Leon Perera's point about finding the right balance. I fully agree with the Member that there is a need to find a balance between ensuring adequate prudential safeguards and ensuring the competitiveness of the financial sector in Singapore. I hope the Member agrees that we have, in fact, been doing so over the past few years, and we have managed it, I think, better than most other financial jurisdictions, if we look at it. After the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, we saw many global financial institutions downsizing their global operations significantly. Singapore has not been spared, but I would say, if we look at the scale of the downsizing at the international level, the impact on Singapore has been relatively contained.
In fact, our financial sector continued to post healthy employment gains in recent years. We have − 3,600 new jobs on a net basis over the first three quarters of 2015. This shows that while we have taken a path to find a balance with adequate strong safeguards, we also ensure that our financial sector is competitive and able to retain good jobs and generate good jobs for Singaporeans.
On the other points that the Member raised, I will address them specifically. On new requirements, the Member mentioned clauses 17 and 34 on related party transactions and the need for guidelines and the concerns over burden and compliance costs. MAS has been very mindful of ensuring that it does not add unnecessary compliance costs for banks and that is why I am coming up with this set of amendments. MAS consulted the industry extensively and, where appropriate, had, indeed, made adjustments to the requirements.
For example, as I mentioned just now, on the related party transaction provisions, we are not just adding more rules but we have, in fact, repealed an existing provision that makes bank directors jointly and severally liable for the bank losses arising from credit facilities or exposures to their directors and their related parties. So, we have repealed an existing provision which we have assessed to be not so effective. Instead, we have put in place other requirements to ensure and safeguard against related party transactions. MAS will, certainly, be mindful of implementing this well and providing sufficient transition time to the banks to make sure that they are able to have sufficient time to transit to meet the new requirements.
Mr Leon Perera had suggested having prescribed or detailed guidelines. MAS will consider this, but it is not always possible to prescribe each and every scenario where there are related party transactions, because there could be many circumstances under which they can happen. So, in some instances, it may be based on principles that are set out, and adequate consultation and engagement will be done with the banks to ensure that they are able to implement. That is the same approach we will take with regard to the initiatives or new provisions that Mr Perera had highlighted. He mentioned clause 46 with regard to place of business and the concerns that this may raise the cost of doing business. He also asked whether there were any trends, in particular, that had sparked off such a new provision.
Sir, the new provisions that had been put in place were not so much in response to any particular new trends that had emerged but were really with regard to looking at how MAS can provide better oversight over non-banking businesses conducted by the banks. MAS is looking at how we can do it in a more comprehensive way and to, again, ensure that we maintain our high prudential standards. The Member had suggested that this can be done just through notification. But notification alone may not be sufficient for MAS and will not give MAS the powers to act just on the basis of a notification. Whereas, with this amendment, MAS will now have more powers, more ability, to ensure that prudential standards are in place and to also supervise the conduct of non-banking businesses.
These are new and necessary measures that are needed to ensure that our prudential standards are maintained and held to a high standard. I would also add that many of the new measures that are being proposed are not just being done by MAS alone, but they are also measures that are done internationally. These are not done unilaterally by us, but they are measures that have been discussed in international financial forums which MAS has been active in. MAS has also played an active role in shaping these international standards, which are progressively being implemented in other jurisdictions as well.
Mr Ong Teng Koon talked about a new area of risk on P2P lending. It is potentially a benefit as well as an opportunity but, as he highlighted, it is also a new area of risk. I should, at the outset, clarify that P2P activities are not directly within the scope of the Banking Act, which focuses on the regulatory framework for banks involved in the business of taking deposits and lending funds. So, P2P lending may not be directly covered within the scope of the Banking Act. This is an area which is new, and it is a new form of financing globally. Within Singapore it is still at a nascent stage. But it is an area which is gaining more interest and attention, and we are certainly paying attention to it.
As the Member had noted, while these platforms add to the diversity of the financial landscape, investors participating in P2P platforms should be aware of the risks, and there are considerable risks involved. These include risks that the crowdfunding proposals may be fraudulent or that the promised returns do not materialise. Also, it is because crowdfunding is commonly used by startup businesses to raise funds for the initial stages of a business cycle, lenders would also be exposed to the higher failure rates associated with startups. So, these are the risks involved in P2P lending.
The regulatory framework for P2P lending must therefore address both the risks posed by such platforms, and strike a balance between that and allowing for innovation. So, we must strike a balance between investor protection and innovation. And that is why with this balance in mind, MAS had put up a consultation paper that the Member had alluded to. This was done in February last year. It was a consultation paper on securities-based crowdfunding. MAS had proposed to facilitate such securities-based crowdfunding offerings to accredited investors and institutional investors in the first instance, but not to retail investors because they may not fully appreciate the risks involved in P2P lending.
Sir, I would like to thank the Members for their comments. I believe I have addressed their questions and I hope that Members will support the amendment Bill that is being tabled.
For our financial system to remain stable and secure and to support economic development, the banking sector must be well-managed and remain resilient to shocks. That is the objective of the Banking Act amendments we have proposed today.
[(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)]
[(proc text) Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. (proc text)]
[(proc text) The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. – [Mr Lawrence Wong.] (proc text)]
[(proc text) Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. (proc text)]
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"BP","content":"[(proc text) Order for Second Reading read. (proc text)]
The Senior Minister of State for Finance (Ms Indranee Rajah): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, \"That the Bill be now read a Second time.\"
The Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill 2016, or the GST Bill in short, was released for public consultation in July last year. The Bill provides for three amendments, which arose from our ongoing review of the GST regime. The Ministry of Finance has evaluated the feedback received from the public consultation and, where appropriate, adopted the suggestions. Let me now explain the three amendments in turn.
First, allowing the Comptroller of GST to impose Travel Restriction Orders on persons who have wrongly claimed tourist refunds. The Comptroller of GST currently already has the power to impose Travel Restriction Orders on persons who fail to pay GST owed to the Government. Once such an order is imposed, the relevant person owing the GST generally will not be allowed to leave Singapore unless he pays the GST owed. This amendment expands this power to cover cases of persons who make wrongful GST tourist refund claims.
Under the GST Tourist Refund Scheme, only eligible tourists are allowed to claim a refund of the GST paid on goods purchased in and brought out of Singapore. To be eligible for tourist refunds, the individual must meet certain conditions. For example, he or she must not be a Singaporean Citizen or Permanent Resident, nor a crew member of an aircraft or ship, and is not employed in Singapore.
Where a tourist refund is wrongly claimed by a person and not repaid to the Comptroller, clause 3 of the Bill now allows the Comptroller to impose Travel Restrictions on the person. This change will not affect the local tourism industry, as genuine tourists remain eligible to claim the GST refunds and will not be affected by the change.
Second, clause 2 rationalises the definition of aircraft to make it clear when zero-rating of specified supplies relating to aircraft will apply. Under the current legislation, supplies relating to an aircraft qualify for GST zero-rating if the aircraft is not used or not intended to be used for recreation or pleasure. If the aircraft is used or intended to be used for recreation or pleasure, then it must be wholly used, or intended to be wholly used, for international travel. The Bill removes the reference to whether the aircraft is used for recreation or pleasure.
This amendment makes clear the policy intent of zero-rating supplies relating to international travel on the basis that they are not for domestic consumption. The revised definition will refer to all aircraft that is wholly used or intended to be wholly used for international travel, or any military aircraft.
Clause 2 also extends the GST zero-rating to supplies relating to international flights. Currently, supplies such as fuel and aircraft handling services, are zero-rated, for GST purposes, only if they were supplied in relation to aircraft that is wholly used for international travel.
The amendment will extend zero-rating of GST to specific supplies made in relation to any aircraft that is not wholly used or not intended to be wholly used for international travel, as long as the supplies can be specifically attributable to international flights. In essence, for such an aircraft, the relevant question will be whether the particular flight for which the specified supplies relate to is an international flight.
The final amendment is a technical amendment to make it clear that zero-rating of GST applies to the supply of the goods which are for use as merchandise for retail sale on board an aircraft or ship. Clause 2 of the Bill gives effect to this change. Mr Deputy Speaker, I beg to move.
[(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)]
[(proc text) Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. (proc text)]
[(proc text) The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. – [Ms Indranee Rajah.] (proc text)]
[(proc text) Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. (proc text)]
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Extension of a Sitting","subTitle":"In Parliament","sectionType":"OS","content":"Mr Deputy Speaker: Pursuant to Standing Order No. 2(5)(d), I propose to extend the time of this day's Sitting beyond the moment of interruption for a period of up to 30 minutes.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Income Tax (Amendment) Bill","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"BP","content":"[(proc text) Order for Second Reading read. (proc text)]
The Senior Minister of State for Finance (Ms Indranee Rajah): Mr Deputy Speaker, I beg to move, \"That the Bill be now read a Second time.\"
The Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2016, or the Bill in short, covers income tax changes announced in the 2015 Budget Statement, as well as other changes arising from the periodic review of our income tax regime.
The draft Bill was released for public consultation exercise from 26 June to 24 July 2015. The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has evaluated all the feedback received and, where relevant, accepted suggestions.
Sir, the tax changes announced in the 2015 Budget Statement have already been debated in this House. These changes are in line with ongoing efforts by the Committee on the Future Economy. In particular, there will be even greater support to help companies grow and scale through internationalisation. Let me highlight the key changes.
First, to help spur mergers and acquisitions (M&As) so that companies, especially small and medium enterprises, can acquire scale, attract talent and compete effectively overseas, the M&A scheme will be extended for another five years. The tax allowance for acquisition costs will also be increased, from the current 5% to 25% of the value of acquisition, with the cap on allowance remaining at $5 million for each Year of Assessment (YA). The final shareholding interest in a company to qualify an acquisition for M&A benefits will be lowered. Subject to conditions, companies would be able to claim M&A benefits for acquisitions resulting in at least 20% shareholding in the target company, down from the current threshold of 50% shareholding. Clause 24 of the Bill provides for the changes.
Second, to provide greater support to businesses expanding overseas, the Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation scheme has been enhanced to cover salaries incurred for Singaporeans posted to newly set up or acquired entities overseas.
Third, a new tax incentive, the International Growth Scheme, has also been introduced to provide support to Singapore companies in their internationalisation efforts. This incentive will help Singapore companies transform their businesses and explore new areas of growth. It will also provide opportunities to help more Singaporeans gain international exposure for their work. Qualifying companies will enjoy a 10% concessionary tax rate on their incremental income from internationalisation activities, such as income derived from the export of goods and services or from global or regional headquarter (HQ)-related activities. This will encourage more Singapore companies to expand overseas, while anchoring their key business activities in Singapore. The enhancement to the Double Tax Deduction scheme and the introduction of the International Growth Scheme are provided for in clauses 18 and 34 of the Bill respectively.
Fourth, to enhance progressivity and strengthen future revenues, the personal income tax rates for tax resident individuals will be increased. Specifically, the top marginal tax rate will be raised by two percentage points, from 20% to 22% for those with a chargeable income above $320,000. There will also be smaller adjustments to the marginal tax rates for chargeable income between $160,000 and $320,000. This change will take effect for income earned in 2016, in other words from YA 2017. Clause 50 provides for these changes.
Fifth, the tax deduction for donations has been increased from 250% to 300% in 2015, as part of the SG50 Jubilee celebrations. The 250% tax deduction for donations, which was to expire at the end of 2015, has also been extended for another three years till the end of 2018, to instil a culture of giving. This is provided for in Clause 22 of the Bill.
Sir, MOF regularly reviews and refines the income tax regime. I shall now outline two other key changes arising from MOF's periodic review of the tax regime.
The first change is that we will exempt from tax, up to $400,000 of the amount either deemed withdrawn under the Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) upon death of the SRS member or withdrawn in full on the ground of terminal illness or disease. This will ensure parity on the amount of SRS savings that could have been withdrawn tax-free, had the amount been withdrawn over the full 10-year withdrawal period. The change, which takes effect from YA2016, ensures that the SRS member is not unduly disadvantaged in the event of death, terminal illness or disease, and is provided for in clauses 7, 38 and 39 of the Bill.
The second amendment is to align the personal income tax rate for non-tax-resident individuals that is currently pegged to the highest resident marginal personal income tax rate, to the new top income tax rate for tax resident individuals, of 22%. This change will take effect from YA2017. Clause 26 provides for this change. At the same time, the withholding tax rate for non-resident individuals, which is currently pegged to the highest resident marginal personal income tax rate, will also be aligned to 22%. This change will take effect from 1 January 2016. Clauses 35, 36, 38 and 39 provide for this change.
The remaining legislative changes are mostly technical in nature or relate to improvements in tax administration. Mr Deputy Speaker, I beg to move.
[(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)]
[(proc text) Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. (proc text)]
[(proc text) The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. – [Ms Indranee Rajah.] (proc text)]
[(proc text) Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. (proc text)]
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Building a Ready, Resilient and Relevant Workforce in the Financial Sector","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OS","content":"The Leader of the House (Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, \"That Parliament do now adjourn.\"
[(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]
Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan (West Coast): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, thank you for this opportunity to raise a current topic of importance. I wish to declare my interest as Co-Chairperson of the Financial Sector Tripartite Committee (FSTC) which was launched a fortnight ago as part of the national SkillsFuture initiative.
Building a ready, resilient and relevant financial sector workforce is of importance because the financial sector is a strong contributor to our economic growth, our productivity growth and our growing influence and impact as a regional and global financial hub and centre. This is further accentuated by the fact that the sector is powered by a 170,000-strong workforce and whose productivity is one of the highest across various sectors and where Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs) form the majority of the workforce.
All the recent announcements about layoffs, wage freezes and lacklustre performance of global banking giants in the financial sector have fuelled global and local fears, uncertainties and doubts in the financial sector. This is further exacerbated by the plunge in crude oil prices, currency fluctuations and stock markets at new lows in the first two months of this year which all have ripple effects on the financial sector, whether it is demand on banking, finance, insurance, asset management services as well as stresses on loans and loan repayments.
National retrenchment figures have also crept up in 2015, compared with 2014. At the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), we are also seeing more PMEs from the financial sector visit our U PME Centre to seek assistance since the last quarter of 2015.
Standard Chartered announced in November last year that it plans to lay off 15,000 workers from its 86,000-strong global workforce by 2018. In Singapore alone, Standard Chartered employs 7,000 workers, many of whom are Singaporeans. HSBC had also announced it would slash 50,000 jobs worldwide through 2017 as part of a global overhaul. Credit Suisse also announced 4,000 job cuts globally after the Swiss bank reported its first annual loss since the Global Financial Crisis just weeks ago. In January, Barclays also had to let go some of its employees as part of its move to exit the global institutional cash equities, equity research and equities capital market businesses. In fact, two weeks ago, I met up with 10 of those who were retrenched in January. I share their worries, fears and concerns.
Why is this happening in the financial sector? There are many answers to that question: too rapid expansion; too high cost of manpower and rent; restructuring and recalibration; product consolidation, hence, the closure of major product lines; technological disruption of financial technology (fintech) and the overall global economic outlook.
These are just some of the reasons why foreign financial institutions are hitting rough patches. Notwithstanding, jobs were being created in the financial industry, especially in growth areas within the sector, such as in the areas of compliance, risk management and information technology (IT).
It is heartening to note from the recent financial results of our three local banks – United Overseas Bank, DBS and Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation – that they are profitable in 2015 and are still healthy, stable and are reportedly still hiring and not expected to undertake drastic headcount cuts.
Staying ready, resilient and relevant involves not just individuals and workers per se but includes our unions, employers, the Government, regulators and key stakeholders partnering in the journey.
What do we mean by \"ready\"? \"Ready\" means that we are prepared for anything that comes our way. It also means we can change and adapt in fluid, volatile, new and changing environment and circumstances.
What does \"resilient\" mean? It does not mean that a person does not experience difficulty or distress but that he or she has the power and ability to \"bounce back\" and recover quickly after weathering any challenges or adversity.
\"Relevant\" means staying abreast and even ahead of current developments and possessing the needed skills, learning and mindset to remain updated, current and both employed and employable.
How to build a 3R workforce in the financial sector? Building a ready, resilient and relevant workforce – a 3R workforce – requires beyond individual efforts to collective efforts by every individual and each of the tripartite partners.
NTUC's Financial and Business Services cluster of unions recently ran a series of focus group sessions and engaged more than 100 employees working in the financial sector from various financial institutions and in various job roles and grades. Workers and unions all agree that the financial sector landscape is changing rapidly.
New jobs are being created with the advent of digital age and disruptive technology. They are what are now called 3G jobs; \"3G\" meaning \"going, going, gone\".
Workers in this sector need to stay proactive and positive. Proactive to upskill to move up and stay ahead. Proactive to deep-skill to attain personal mastery. Proactive to reskill if old jobs are gone and new technology and ways of doing things are introduced. Proactive to second-skill themselves in case they need to move out or across to a new job. Positive to embrace change, stay in control and ahead of the challenges coming their way and overcome any adversity.
We want to ensure careers do not plateau because workers have stopped growing, stopped learning and stopped adapting. Unions, too, need to support, assist and encourage fellow workers and secure a positive environment and system for the worker to stay employed and employable. During this time of economic restructuring and transformation and amidst cyclical and structural challenges, besides ensuring that workers in this sector are protected and represented, unions need to strive to stay relevant, progressive and ahead in light of the changing workforce profile and employment landscape. Many in this sector are not aware of the latest and upcoming changes to labour legislation and that PMEs, too, can be union members and enjoy the protection and the entire host of services which NTUC and our affiliated unions can provide.
In the same vein, employers in the financial sector play a vital role in building a 3R workforce. It is imperative for employers to ensure they are progressive in practice and create progression pathways and build the Singaporean Core. Employers need to pay close attention to training, exposure and coaching to equip workers with skills to advance to better jobs. Employers need to motivate and empower more uptake of training opportunities. Employers also need to provide a clear progression path upward for employees who develop and demonstrate skills, capabilities and competencies.
The recent rise in layoffs in the banking sector affects PMEs the hardest. Anecdotally, many of those laid off are the mature, above 40 age group, experienced staff, including some well-performing frontline bankers who met their key performance indicators, yet had to be let go to cut costs. After all, younger, less experienced staff are cheaper to retain on the payroll. These displaced mature PMEs above 40 have families and children to support. Many are locals working in foreign banks.
How is Singapore to develop a resilient core of local talent if the first in line to be retrenched are these mature PMEs, ostensibly because the ones at the top making the decision are anxious to protect their own jobs? Have banks adequately considered the additional risk they potentially face by letting go experienced staff?
Even if employers need to lay off workers, I call out to them to do it fairly and responsibly. We have the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) guidelines on Managing Excess Manpower and the Tripartite Code of Good Industrial Relations Practice which are instructive documents and guidelines on how and what to do before a retrenchment is carried out.
What avenues to exhaust before retrenching? Can we redeploy? Who are to be retrenched? Who are entitled to retrenchment benefits? When should retrenchment exercises be carried out? Amount of retrenchment benefits to be paid to PMEs? How much notice must I give the worker or union? What is good industrial relations practice? What is the industry and market practice? These are questions I hope employers, in particular, those non-unionised ones, will give serious thought to and be fair and progressive in their practices.
Many global businesses are creating jobs of the future at breakneck pace and we need to ensure that Singaporean employees in the financial sector have the right skills to fill them. If you are ready to work, you should be able to find a job that fits your skills. And if you want to move up within your field into a better job, you should have access to training to get the skills you need. For the financial sector, as many are global companies not based in Singapore, to take on bigger roles, we need to provide the much needed regional and international exposure and not just skills alone.
The Government plays a vital role in minimising job mismatch, skills mismatch and expectation mismatch. We should go back to basics. Many of the curricula in finance courses in polytechnics and universities do not really teach banking. We should link our Pre-Employment Training courses with in depth Continuing Education and Training (CET) programmes so that our talent can be job-ready even before they enter the industry. So, if finance majors intend to build a career in banking, their internships should be coupled with certification programmes whilst attached to banks and learn as they earn, and not just limited to polytechnic but also for university students, and taking certification programmes with financial training institutes which are currently offering CET programmes.
Many of our banking talent, too, have become specialists and not given the opportunity to learn about other areas in banking. They are not encouraged to move through different areas or departments. I believe we should have an adult \"Earn and Learn\" as well. Give our local talent the opportunities to be attached or move across different areas of banking – front office, middle office and back office. And if there are opportunities to take on short-term global projects, do not just give to specialists to be posted for those overseas projects. Let our local talent be given those overseas projects as well and gradually assimilate and progress into the job.
So, with the current letting go of banking talent, can we redeploy the talent displaced to other areas and can they be given \"Earn and Learn\" opportunities as well? They can be sent for accredited programmes whilst being deployed in areas in the bank or other parts of the bank where they can be utilised.
All said, I am glad to share that, reflecting the spirit of tripartism and as a key SkillsFuture initiative for the financial sector, we have formed last year and recently officially launched the Financial Sector Tripartite Committee (FSTC) which brings together the industry associations, employers, financial cluster unions/Labour Movement and the Government to work in unison to build a common future by fostering a financial workforce that can meet the changing needs of the industry.
As part of the broader SkillsFuture agenda, it is important to equip financial sector professionals with information and knowledge to continuously upgrade themselves and better align their training efforts with their career development.
We will be embarking on the collaboration with the Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF) to continually review the IBF Standards and identify new cross-functional competencies needed, such as in data analytics and risk management. Structured progression pathways will also be developed for evolving job segments, including consumer banking, to encourage continuous learning and upskilling.
FSTC will also set up a financial sector-specific one-stop career advisory facility in April this year, leveraging the U PME Centre's operational experiences and infrastructure at NTUC Centre in One Marina Boulevard. This Financial Industry Career Advisory Centre (FiCAC) will provide guidance to those keen to join the financial industry as well as those looking to move to new jobs within the industry.
MAS, the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS), IBF, the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), U PME Centre and NTUC e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) will provide the expertise and resources to support FiCAC in its work. With the support of ABS and U PME Centre, FiCAC will also organise talks on job opportunities in the financial sector.
Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in conclusion, to achieve our desired outcome of building a 3R financial sector workforce, one which is ready, resilient and relevant and become co-creators of SG100 and beyond, we need to remind all that the single and collective effort of our tripartite partners is paramount. I urge our tripartite partners to leverage one another's strengths, continue to partner closely to drive our collective efforts for the sector and stay ahead of the game through innovation and shared goals.
It requires not just individual responsibility, proactiveness and initiative by our workers and unions but the conviction, commitment and tenacity of employers to develop their human capital and build a strong Singaporean Core; and finally, strong support, promotion and assistance from the Government, so that we stay on the right course of this journey.
As one of the top financial hubs that thrive in the region, it is crucial for the Singapore financial sector workforce to remain relevant, resilient and ready so as to stay ahead of the competition. The financial sector has to ensure that the workforce continues to enhance its competency level, capabilities and professionalism by acquiring work skills in new or developing business areas, or in developing more sophisticated or specialist skill-sets. Only then can we effectively stay future-ready to serve markets not just locally, but regionally and globally.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Minister Lawrence Wong.
The Minister for National Development (Mr Lawrence Wong): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I thank Mr Patrick Tay for his suggestions on our financial workforce. As he mentioned, with sluggish growth in the global economy, coupled with ongoing implementation of the international regulatory reform measures, we are, indeed, seeing consolidation pressures in financial sectors all over the world.
As I had mentioned just now, Singapore is not spared from these forces and consolidation pressures, but the impact on our financial sector has been relatively contained. Even as we see some retrenchments from certain banks, others continue to expand and hire. That is why, as I said, we are still generating, on a net basis, new jobs in the finance sector.
We also see demand for talent in key areas of finance, like asset and wealth management, insurance, compliance and risk management. Looking ahead, we expect to see continued job creation in the financial sector, although at a more moderated pace than before. Over the medium term, we have several plus points in our favour.
The strong pace of urbanisation in Asian cities will spur significant demand for infrastructure development and financing, as well as insurance. There will be growing affluence in Asia with the rising middle class, leading to increased demand for financial services. And as a key financial centre for the region, Singapore stands to benefit from these longer-term trends.
Financial institutions are also increasingly adopting new financial technology, or fintech. Demand is growing for people with competencies in these areas, like cybersecurity, data analytics, application design and development, as well as network and infrastructure. These are areas which Singaporeans can excel in, and secure potentially good jobs in the financial sector.
In the interim, we understand that the changes taking place are a cause for anxiety among affected financial sector workers, especially the mid-career professionals. This is one reason why we have set up FSTC with Mr Patrick Tay as Co-Chairman, to bring together industry associations, the Labour Movement and Government agencies to foster a workforce that can meet the changing needs of the financial industry.
MAS is working very closely with this tripartite committee, NTUC and the financial cluster unions to help and support those who are affected. In particular, individuals can approach a new one-stop career advisory facility for guidance relating to skills upgrading, and career opportunities in finance and beyond. We are setting up processes and mechanisms to help those, especially the mid-career professionals, who are affected. This advisory facility, FiCAC, will be set up in April this year, starting with a focus on the banking sector and it will be extended to insurance and asset management sectors in the near future.
Beyond immediate assistance to those who are affected, we also need to look ahead to the middle term to chart the future skills that are needed for the financial industry and systematically equip Singaporeans with these skills. Mr Patrick Tay had elaborated at length on this; I just want to comment briefly on three areas.
First, as Mr Patrick Tay had suggested, we must get our basics right and make sure that our education system prepares our young people and our potential entrants to the financial sector well for the financial sector.
Mr Patrick Tay mentioned that banking is not taught in polytechnics and universities. I did a check – banking is covered in the modules and curriculums of polytechnics and universities, but I agree that the curriculum can be improved. That is why MAS is working with the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) to enhance the curriculum of existing banking and finance modules, including having more well-structured internships, at both the polytechnic and university levels. In particular, our polytechnic students can look forward to the first Retail Banking Earn and Learn Programme, which will be implemented next year.
Second, we will provide more learning pathways and training opportunities for Singaporean finance professionals at all levels to tap on the SkillsFuture measures and pursue mastery in their respective fields.
MAS is already doing this through various schemes under SkillsFuture. For example, we have the Finance Scholarship Programme (FSP) to support early- and mid-career Singaporeans in developing specialist capabilities. We also recently launched Financial Sector SkillsFuture Study Award which is another channel of financial support to enable individuals to upgrade their skills through a range of programmes.
Looking ahead, we will collaborate with different stakeholders, including IBF and the unions, to review and develop additional programmes needed to upskill industry competencies.
Mr Patrick Tay had suggested that there may be too many of our banking professionals becoming specialists or taking on specialist roles. But, in fact, we need many more Singaporean specialists, in areas like risk management, compliance, wealth management and cybersecurity. We do need more people to go deeper into these specialist areas. We can do various things to nurture them. We can set up new centres of excellence to deepen capabilities and work with employers to develop meaningful career progression for these specialists.
At the same time, while we provide for specialist skills in areas of need, I agree with Mr Patrick Tay that we also need to develop professionals with a sufficient breadth of skills to be flexible and resilient in times of change. This means doing several things. We will need to pre-emptively identify the key jobs that are evolving and develop structured training pathways for professionals. We must identify new cross-functional competencies that may be needed for finance professionals, new competencies like data analytics and digital banking; new competencies that will help our professionals to be more resilient in the future. All these will support continual learning pathways under SkillsFuture and facilitate more seamless transitions for professionals across different areas of finance.
Third, we will continue to work closely with the key financial institutions to build a strong core of Singaporean finance professionals and uphold fair employment practices. This is something that I have talked about in this House at the last Committee of Supply debate. And I mentioned that MAS has been engaging the top leadership of key financial institutions in this area of strengthening the Singaporean Core in our financial sector workforce and ensuring fair employment practices.
The response that we have received from the top leadership of our key financial institutions – many of whom, incidentally, are Singaporeans as well – has been positive. Many of them are taking proactive steps to strengthen their Singaporean talent base. We want to ensure that there are more Singaporeans taking up leadership positions in our key financial institutions. So, MAS works with our financial institutions. We are supporting programmes for Singaporean professionals to be nurtured, for example, by enabling them to take up cross-functional roles within the bank or to take up international postings for better exposure.
These are some of the broad areas that I thought I should highlight and comment on. I am sure the tripartite committee co-chaired by Mr Patrick Tay will be having more detailed deliberations to see how these plans can be enhanced and well implemented on the ground. So, perhaps, next time, Mr Tay can respond to his Adjournment Motion with specific recommendations from the tripartite committee on its plans to improve in many of these areas.
In summary, the Government is stepping up its efforts and Singaporean financial sector workers can look forward to many more new programmes through SkillsFuture. But at the end of the day, a lot of this work comes down to individual mindsets. Everyone must be prepared to do his part.
As Mr Patrick Tay had highlighted correctly, the next decade will be both disruptive and transformative for financial institutions. This will have a significant bearing on the scale and nature of financial sector jobs around the world, including in Singapore. In this period of volatility and change, we must all embrace the desire to keep learning and improving ourselves. We must all have a greater sense of urgency towards reskilling, upskilling and acquiring new skills.
Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, MAS is committed to working with the industry, NTUC and our unions to build a ready, resilient and relevant workforce in the financial sector.
[(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)]
[(proc text) Resolved, \"That Parliament do now adjourn.\" (proc text)]
Adjourned accordingly at 7.22 pm.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":"Matter Raised On Adjournment Motion","questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Non-citizen Single Parents with Singaporean Children in HDB Rental Flats","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"24 Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many non-permanent resident/non-citizen widows/widowers with Singaporean children are currently renting a HDB flat; and (b) what are the available housing options for single mothers or fathers with Singaporean children.
Mr Lawrence Wong: There are currently 31 public rental tenants who are non-Singapore Citizen (SC) or non-Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) widows/widowers with Singaporean children. In general, they were allowed to retain the flat upon the demise of their SC spouses who had been the tenants of the flats.
Single parents who are widowed or divorced and have an SC child may buy a flat from the Housing and Development Board (HDB), or a resale flat on the open market if they meet the prevailing eligibility criteria, such as the citizenship requirement and income ceiling.
Single unmarried parents have the same housing options as singles. If they are SCs aged 35 and above and have not received a housing subsidy before, they may buy a new 2-room flexi flat in a non-mature estate, or a resale flat. They may also be eligible for housing grants.
Single parents in hardship who have no other viable housing options or family support could also rent a flat from HDB on a case-by-case basis.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Activation of Traffic Diversions to Ease Traffic during Oil Spills","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"26 Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the procedure to activate traffic diversions to ease traffic jams when there is a major oil spill or accident on a busy road; (b) how long does it take to despatch the Police to activate these diversions; (c) how long does it take to disseminate traffic news to the public to avoid the affected roads; and (d) what is the normal platform used in disseminating this traffic news.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Once a report of a major traffic incident or oil spill is received, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Traffic Police will assess its severity. If traffic diversion is needed, the nearest Traffic Police resources will be mobilised. Traffic diversions are implemented swiftly once the Traffic Police arrive on the scene, which is typically within 30 minutes of the report being received. Traffic advisories are immediately disseminated through various radio and online channels, such as the LTA Traffic News radio broadcast, the OneMotoring website, smartphone apps, such as MyTransport.sg and LTA's traffic news Twitter account.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Public Education and Resolution of Online Commercial Crime","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"27 Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what is the solving rate for online commercial offences; (b) whether the current legislative powers are sufficient for our law enforcement officers to tackle such cases effectively; and (c) what other measures is the Ministry implementing to improve the situation.
28 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what steps are the Police taking to address the significant spike in online commercial crime cases; and (b) whether the public education measures taken by the Police have been effective.
Mr K Shanmugam: Online commercial crime nearly doubled from 1,929 cases in 2014 to 3,759 cases in 2015. Examples of such crimes include cheating involving e-commerce, credit-for-sex scams and Internet love scams. The Police are taking active steps to address this increase. First, the Police are stepping up local enforcement efforts. In 2015, the Police conducted four island-wide enforcement operations targeting online scams and arrested 139 persons. Persons found to be perpetrating an online scam or who knowingly assist foreign syndicates in such criminal activities will be investigated and prosecuted.
Second, the Police work closely with their foreign counterparts to foil such syndicates. For example, the Police received reports of credit-for-sex scams committed by syndicates operating in China last year. As a result of collaboration between the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and their Chinese counterparts, the Chinese police conducted simultaneous raids and detained 43 members of one such syndicate.
Third, the Police are reviewing our laws to enhance the powers for officers to deal with online crime.
Fourth, the Police have stepped up public education programmes to raise awareness and prevent the public from falling victim to scams. Online crimes are particularly hard to solve because of the borderless nature of the Internet. A significant proportion of online commercial crimes are committed remotely by foreign syndicates. Despite our best efforts in going after the perpetrators in such online commercial crimes, they will find new ways to exploit and prey on the vulnerabilities of potential victims and hide themselves from law enforcement agencies. Awareness and prevention are, therefore, critical in addressing the rise in such crimes.
SPF and the National Crime Prevention Council launched a dedicated anti-scam website, www.scamalert.sg, as a one-stop resource to keep the public abreast of the latest scams and the modus operandi of various scams. The website has attracted more than 170,000 visitors since its launch in November 2014.
The Police also reach out to the public at locations with high human traffic, for example, displaying posters at hawker centres, bus stops and train stations. Crime prevention commercials are also aired on local TV channels and at over 500 office buildings. The Police will continually review and improve these public education measures to ensure they stay relevant and effective.
Ultimately, however, beyond public education and outreach efforts, it is about how we as individuals and families are aware about the threats on the Internet and how vigilant and alert we are. We have to be cautious when we are online as the stranger on the other side may not be who he says he is and when the offer sounds too good to be true.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Bogus Charges for Business Registration Services","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"30 Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Finance what actions are taken by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) to protect companies or businesses from being misled or deceived into paying for registration services purportedly rendered by ACRA or its related agencies.
Mr Heng Swee Keat: The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is the only statutory body responsible for the registration of companies and businesses in Singapore.
ACRA does not condone any attempt to use its name or a name resembling that of ACRA's to deceive or cause confusion to the public. ACRA will not hesitate to investigate suspected breaches and prosecute offenders. Under the ACRA Act, an offender will face a maximum penalty of $10,000 and six-month imprisonment, as well as a further fine of up to $250 per day for a continuing offence after conviction.
While non-government organisations can collect information from companies through private agreements, there are safeguards against such organisations trying to pass themselves off as Government entities. Letters from Government agencies, such as ACRA, have distinct letterheads, with their names and logos. Companies and other business entities are also required to state their name and registration number in all business correspondences. Those who breach this requirement are liable for a maximum fine of $1,000. In the past four years, ACRA has investigated 10 business entities for failing to properly state their name and/or registration number.
In addition to having these safeguards in place, companies should exercise vigilance when dealing with any unsolicited letter or email from third parties. First, companies should check the identity of the third party or check with ACRA before engaging third parties. Companies can make use of the free business entity search function on ACRA's website to verify the identity of the third party. Second, companies should peruse carefully all the terms and conditions set out by the third party before entering into any form of agreement. Third, companies should alert ACRA if there are any suspected wrongdoings or misrepresentations by third parties. Where companies become a victim, they should make a Police report.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Utilisation of ActiveSG$100 Credits","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"31 Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) what has been the utilisation of ActiveSG$100 since its launch in 2014; (b) whether the Ministry has intentions to top up the amount to encourage Singaporeans to lead active lifestyles; and (c) whether a special concession for Pioneer Generation cardholders can be allowed for them to use sports facilities for free.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: ActiveSG, the national movement for sport, was launched in April 2014. We are encouraged to see a growing membership that stands at more than 980,000 today. Thus far, almost two-thirds have started to utilise their $100 ActiveSG credits to book a sports facility or sign up for a sports programme.
The ActiveSG credits were intended to encourage members to kick-start an active lifestyle and for them to experience the various sports facilities and programmes. Originally meant for a limited period, we announced in November last year that the credits will not expire so long as members continue to use them at least once a year. The $100 ActiveSG credits will be provided to new members who joined after 2015. We do not have any plans to top up the accounts of existing members.
Sport Singapore is committed to ensuring that ActiveSG sports facilities and programmes are kept affordable to encourage Singaporeans to lead active lifestyles. For example, admission to swimming pools does not cost more than $1.50 on weekdays and $2 on weekends, whilst walk-in gymnasium admissions cost $2.50. Several of the programmes organised by ActiveSG, such as Sundays @ the Park, are free.
As part of the SG50 Seniors Package, we gave an additional top-up of $25 ActiveSG credits to ActiveSG members aged 55 and above in 2015. This is on top of the $100 ActiveSG credits received by all new members. All senior citizens aged 55 and above who are ActiveSG members also enjoy special discounted rates for admission to our gymnasiums and swimming pools.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Impact of NS IPPT Scheme Enhancement on First-attempt Pass Rate","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"33 Mr David Ong asked the Minister for Defence whether the recent enhancement to the NS IPPT system has improved the passing rate of the IPPT test for NSmen on their first attempt.
Dr Ng Eng Hen: The Member has asked for comparisons of results following the change in the individual physical proficiency test (IPPT) format from its previous five to the current three-station format. I propose to provide the data using results of the 2.4-kilometre run and the sit-ups, as these are the two stations that were common to both formats.
Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) have performed better in both these stations after the format was changed. They achieved, on average, an improvement of five sit-ups and ran 16 seconds faster for the 2.4-kilometre run. Compared to the previous format, the new scoring system encourages NSmen to go all out for each station to compensate for lower scores in any one station. NSmen can also better focus on their training with fewer stations in the new format. For the push-up station, which is new, NSmen were able to perform above the median number required in each age category. For example, Full-time NSmen on average, did 49 push-ups, while NSmen aged 34-39 performed an average of 30 push-ups within the minute stipulated. The overall pass rates for all those who took IPPT in the new format varied from 70% to 97%, depending on selected age categories.
The total number of NSmen who received IPPT monetary awards for achieving the standards for Gold, Silver, and Pass with Incentive has also increased. The proportion of NSmen who received Gold and Silver awards increased by 4% to about 30%, and the proportion of NSmen who received Pass with Incentive awards increased by 9% to about 30%. The results of the new IPPT format are, therefore, very encouraging and indicate that the change has motivated NSmen to train and perform better. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is confident that more NSmen will show improvement in their IPPT as they become familiar with the new format. SAF will continue to support NSmen through a variety of IPPT Preparatory Training (IPT) programmes and the IPT-in-the-Park initiative to make fitness training more convenient, flexible and effective. Better fitness will ensure that NSmen are better prepared for their operational demands.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Impact of Recent CPF Changes on Number and Amount of CPF Top-ups","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"38 Ms Foo Mee Har asked the Minister for Manpower what has been the impact of recent CPF changes on the number and amount of CPF top-ups that CPF members can make to (i) their own CPF accounts and (ii) their family members' CPF accounts.
Mr Lim Swee Say: Since January 2016, Central Provident Fund (CPF) members can transfer CPF savings above the Basic Retirement Sum (BRS) to their spouse's Special or Retirement Account. Previously, they could only do so when their CPF savings were above their Full Retirement Sum (FRS).
There were over 400 transfers of CPF savings to spouses in January 2016, about two and half times more than the same month last year. These transfers to spouses totalled $12 million. About one in 20 of these transfers was made by members with CPF savings above their BRS but below their FRS. We expect more CPF members to benefit from this change over time.
Since January 2016, CPF members above the age of 55 can have their Retirement Account topped-up to the current Enhanced Retirement Sum, instead of the FRS previously. In the month of January 2016, there were 1,700 such top-ups, with a total top-up sum of $80 million.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Complaints about and Bookings of Errant Cyclists","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"40 Ms Sun Xueling asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the number of incidents of cyclists colliding into pedestrians on footpaths in 2015; (b) what are the penalties meted out; and (c) how many complaints have been received in 2015 on near misses between cyclists and pedestrians on footpaths.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: In 2015, Government agencies received about 800 complaints of errant cyclists and issued about 1,300 summonses. Of these summonses, about 300 were related to cycling on footpaths, but not all of these would have involved collisions between cyclists and pedestrians. Agencies currently do not maintain statistics on the specific type of cycling incidents.
Cyclists who injure pedestrians because of rash behaviour may be prosecuted in Court. Upon conviction, the cyclist may be punished with a fine of up to $5,000, or an imprisonment term of up to one year, or both.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Updates on Licensing Irregularities at Singapore Rifle Association and Singapore Gun Club","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"41 Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether he can provide an update on the \"serious licensing irregularities\" discovered at the Singapore Rifle Association and Singapore Gun Club respectively in light of the current security environment; and (b) whether any firearms have been found missing or illegally removed from the armouries of these clubs.
Mr K Shanmugam: The Singapore Rifle Association (SRA) and Singapore Gun Club (SGC) are shooting clubs which have historically been licensed by the Police to allow Singaporeans to pursue shooting as a sport. Both shooting clubs operate separate armouries co-located at the National Shooting Centre.
On 4 February 2016, following an inspection of the SRA and SGC armouries, the Police took into custody several arms which the clubs were not able to produce valid licences for. All arms with licences were, however, accounted for, and none was missing from the armouries. Police investigations into these arms without valid licences are still ongoing at this stage.
In the interim, the Singapore Shooting Association, the national sports association for shooting, has been issued a licence to take charge of the armouries and arms within the National Shooting Centre. While Police investigations are still ongoing, access to the centre has since been strictly confined to national shooters from the Singapore Shooting Association and other persons specifically granted permission by the Police.
Alongside ongoing investigations, the Police are concurrently conducting a holistic review of the overall security of the National Shooting Centre and will work with Sport Singapore and the Singapore Shooting Association to ensure that the security measures and processes at the National Shooting Centre are robust and satisfy all licensing requirements.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Application Rate for Additional Childcare Subsidy for Non-working Mothers","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"44 Ms Sun Xueling asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) in 2015, how many applications have been received for additional childcare subsidies from non-working mothers and how many applications have been approved; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider liberalising the qualifying criteria for additional childcare subsidies for non-working mothers, for instance, those who have to care for multiple children and the elderly at home.
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: All parents of Singaporean children, regardless of their working status, are eligible for basic childcare subsidies. Other forms of support, such as the Baby Bonus Cash Gift and Child Development Account matched savings, are also available to help parents defray the cost of raising children. As working mothers have a greater need for childcare, we provide them added assistance in the form of additional childcare subsidies.
We recognise that some mothers who are not working full-time may also need childcare services for various reasons. These reasons may include long-term illness, disability, retrenchment, training or skills upgrading or other extenuating circumstances, such as needing to care for other dependants in the family. For such cases, we exercise flexibility and consider their circumstances on a case-by-case basis for additional childcare subsidies.
On this basis, 660 non-working mothers were provided additional childcare subsidies in 2015. This was out of 760 applicants.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Support for Retrenched Workers and Their Families","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"45 Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what help is available to support retrenched workers and their families in an economic downturn; (b) how quickly can help be given; and (c) whether there is sufficient capacity to cope with an increase in social welfare recipients, especially in an economic downturn.
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: In the event of an economic downturn, different Government assistance schemes and Government-operated or funded services are available to help retrenched individuals and families in financial need. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will work closely with relevant Government and community partners to ensure that those in need receive adequate and timely employment, financial and social assistance.
To help retrenched workers find jobs, MOM will scale up employment assistance and training measures.
These include place-and-train programmes to help Singaporeans re-skill to take on new jobs and the recently launched Career Support Programme to provide mature Singaporean professionals, managers and executives with greater opportunities to access mid-level and above jobs. The Workforce Development Agency's (WDA's) Jobs Bank is another avenue for individuals to access job opportunities. For individuals who require career coaching, counselling or training advisory services, WDA's Career Centres and the National Trades Union Congress' (NTUC's) Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) will organise employer networking sessions, job search related workshops and provide other relevant services. We will also help those unable to find a job immediately to upgrade their skills and become more employable.
For Singaporeans who require financial assistance to tide over a difficult period, they can approach their nearest Social Service Office (SSO). MSF's officers will consider their individual or family circumstances. During a downturn, we will expand capacity and exercise greater flexibility in extending help through schemes such as the ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance.
Other forms of assistance are also available to help those who have difficulties with housing, healthcare and education costs during a downturn. These include the temporary reduction or deferment of mortgage instalments for Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat owners who face short-term difficulties servicing their HDB loan, MediFund assistance for those unable to afford subsidised healthcare bills, and financial assistance for education-related costs for students from affected families.
Some retrenched workers may need support to manage family issues triggered by financial stress. They can also approach the SSOs or other social help agencies, such as the Family Service Centres (FSCs) or their grassroots leaders. FSCs, which receive MSF funding, will support the retrenched workers and their families, through casework and counselling, to manage their stress and access appropriate assistance.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Singapore's Response to Malaysia's Imposition of Higher Vehicle Permit Fees at the Causeway and Second Link","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"46 Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for Transport whether the Ministry will consider adjusting the Vehicle Entry Permit Fee, toll charges or other related fees given that the Malaysian Government has decided to impose RM20 on Singapore-registered vehicles entering Malaysia at the Causeway and Second Link.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: If Malaysia’s proposed road charge on non-Malaysia-registered vehicles entering Malaysia via Johor discriminates against Singapore-registered vehicles, we will match it in some form. Currently, we do not yet have the details of the final Malaysian proposal.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Adequacy of Speed Limit Signs","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"47 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether the present number of speed limit signs on all our roads are sufficient; (b) whether the distance interval between each sign is adequate for motorists; and (c) whether there is a plan to increase the speed limit signs in view of the speed limit monitors/cameras to be installed.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The speed limit on all our roads is 50 kilometres per hour (km/h), unless otherwise stated. This is in the Highway Code and also part of the driving test syllabus. Roads with speed limits other than 50km/h are clearly marked by signs. These are placed between 500 metres and one kilometre apart. Advance warning signs are also placed about 100-150 metres before speed cameras.
We regularly review the sufficiency of speed limit signs. But the best safeguard for motorists is not to speed at all times.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Impact of MAS' Imposition of Borrowing Limit on Easing of Individual Indebtedness","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"50 Ms Foo Mee Har asked the Prime Minister whether there has been a gradual easing of individual indebtedness as a result of MAS' imposition of the aggregated borrowing limit of 12 months' income.
Mr Lawrence Wong (for the Prime Minister): The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced in April 2015 that the limit on the amount of unsecured credit that a borrower can take on across all financial institutions (FIs) would be phased-in over four years. The borrowing limit was set at an initial level of 24 times a borrower’s monthly income from 1 June 2015. This will be lowered progressively to 18 times from 1 June 2017 and 12 times from 1 June 2019.
Since the introduction of the borrowing limit, the number of borrowers with unsecured debt exceeding 24 times of monthly income has approximately halved, from around 32,000 in February 2015 to around 17,000 in November 2015. This reduced number represents around 1% of all unsecured credit borrowers.
The number of borrowers whose unsecured debt exceeds 12 times their monthly income has also dropped by about 14%, from around 84,000 borrowers in February 2015 to around 72,000 borrowers in November 2015. This reduced number makes up about 4% of all unsecured credit borrowers.
The vast majority of borrowers use credit prudently and are not affected by the aggregate borrowing limit. We encourage indebted borrowers to reduce their outstanding unsecured debts over time. They can seek help from their FIs or Credit Counselling Singapore, which can help work out repayment plans and offer various assistance schemes.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Projected Tourist Arrivals and Hotel Rooms with Completion of Terminal 4","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"53 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) what is the projected number of tourist arrivals upon the opening of Changi Airport Terminal 4 and what is the number of hotel rooms that will be opened to meet the projected number of arrivals.
Mr S Iswaran: Changi Airport Terminal 4 is expected to open in 2017. An additional 5,700 hotel rooms will be completed by 2017 and a further 2,800 will be built from 2018 to 2020. This is sufficient to support the projected visitor arrivals growth in the medium term. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is constantly monitoring demand trends and will continue to work with industry partners and other relevant agencies to ensure that there is sufficient hospitality infrastructure to cater to the projected growth in visitor arrivals.
Apart from hospitality infrastructure, STB will also continue to work closely with industry to identify and support innovative tourism hardware and software development, while improving our capabilities. This is in line with STB's approach to Quality Tourism to achieve sustainable tourism growth in the longer term.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Employment Rights of Tertiary Students who Work Part-time","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"54 Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) what steps are in place to educate students from Institutes of Technical Education, polytechnics and universities, who work as part-timers during their school holidays or after school hours, on their employment rights so that they are not disadvantaged by their employers.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Various measures are taken to educate students on their basic employment rights, especially for those involved in part-time jobs. At the national level, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board have stepped up public education and outreach efforts on the Employment Act and CPF Act via the WorkRight initiative since 2012. Recent efforts include social media videos on Facebook and mobile clinics across 16 locations in the heartlands in January 2016. Both workers and students can also find out and verify their employment rights at the MOM website.
At the institutions level, the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) have supplemented national efforts with their own initiatives. Some initiatives include ensuring that staff at the Career Guidance Offices are educated on the Employment Act and can provide first-line advice to students, and making resources available to students through their online career resource portals. At the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), basic employment rights under the Employment Act are highlighted to ITE students as part of their 40-hour Education and Career Guidance (ECG) curriculum introduced in January 2015. This covers details such as the maximum number of working hours in a week, and the timeframe within which employers must pay their salaries.
IHLs also use guidebooks provided by WorkRight to educate their graduating students about their employment rights. I look forward to IHLs working even closer with the National Trade Union Congress' Professionals, Managers and Executives Unit and its U-Care Centre, to better educate our students on their employment rights, be it through on-campus talks or roadshows.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Obesity and Physical Activity Levels among Students and Youths","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"56 Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the current level of physical activity of the population according to age groups; (b) whether the proportion of overweight children in our schools is currently on the decline or rise; and (c) whether there are studies or Ministry-led initiatives to monitor the dietary habits, physical activity and healthy weight range of our children and youths.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: The Health Promotion Board conducts a triennial survey of lifestyle risk factors, including dietary habits and physical activity of students in secondary schools, Institutes of Technical Education (ITE), polytechnics, junior colleges/centralised institute (JCs/CI). The Ministry of Education (MOE) also monitors students’ weight status, measured as BMI-for-age, at the primary, secondary and JC/CI levels.
During the survey period 2012-2014, the median duration spent on physical activity, which includes leisure, school-related physical activities and walking or cycling while commuting between places was reported at 250 minutes per week for polytechnic students, 339 minutes per week for secondary and JC/CI students, and 360 minutes per week for ITE students.
In another survey conducted by the Ministry of Health in 2013, the median duration spent on physical activity, including leisure, work-related and commuting, was reported to be 450 minutes per week among adults aged 18 to 69 years. It was the highest among the young adults aged 18 to 29 years at 510 minutes per week but at its lowest among adults aged between 30 to 49 years at 420 minutes per week, before rising again in the 50 to 59 age group.
The proportion of overweight and severely overweight children in our mainstream schools has increased from 11% in 2011 to 12% in 2015. Various initiatives have been introduced in schools to encourage good dietary habits and regular physical activity to promote health and help in weight management. For example, there are now more healthier options in school canteens. School tuckshop operators are encouraged to use healthier ingredients and healthier food preparation methods. Drinking water is strongly encouraged through extensive presence of water coolers while all beverages sold in schools have to have reduced sugar levels. Through the increase in Physical Education (PE) periods, students’ base participation in sports and physical activities has also increased to at least two hours per week. Other opportunities for physical activity participation include Physical Sports Co-curricular Activities and sports enrichments, such as Sports Education Programme, inter-class games and sports carnivals. In addition, parents play a very important role in role-modelling active living and healthy eating for their children. Children develop these habits more effectively when these are done as a family, including the involvement of other care-givers.
We will continue to work with the other agencies to monitor the trends of overweight and obesity, levels of physical activity and other risk factors in the children, youth and adult populations. Achieving a healthy lifestyle that includes active living and healthy eating needs to start from young. In this regard, we are working with partners on a holistic approach to address the health challenges faced by our children and youths, including overweight. We will develop more programmes and initiatives to help them cultivate healthy habits. We will make the necessary announcements in due course.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Effectiveness of Existing Disease Surveillance Programmes","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"57 Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked the Minister for Health if he can provide an update on our disease surveillance programmes and the challenges and constraints involved in implementing them in our clinics and hospitals.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has a robust surveillance system to monitor communicable diseases and protect public health. Aside from notifications of infectious disease cases by clinicians and laboratories, MOH also works with hospitals, polyclinics and other Government agencies to analyse disease syndromes and trending of different strains of infectious agents.
With globalisation, there is an increased risk of infectious diseases spreading across borders. We have seen this with Ebola and, more recently, with Zika. In addition, infectious diseases can spread from animals to humans, as shown by diseases, such as Avian Flu and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. We need to remain vigilant and regularly review our systems and processes to keep an eye on these threats.
One important aspect of an effective surveillance system is for our healthcare workers to look out for suspicious cases and report them promptly. In doing so, we should be careful not to increase the administrative burden on our healthcare workers, so that they can continue to focus on their core work and patient care. We need to make good use of information technology and data analytics to streamline our reporting processes and continually improve the national surveillance and response system.
MOH is also enhancing our national capacity and capabilities in infectious diseases. We will work closely with the Institute of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology on prevention, surveillance and response. Building on this collaboration, we will set up the National Centre for Infectious Diseases by 2018 to serve as the national facility for outbreak prevention and containment.
Through these efforts, we aim to bring together the collective efforts of all stakeholders, so that we can work together to protect Singapore from existing and emerging threats of infectious diseases.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Recruitment Efforts of Singapore Police Force","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"58 Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what are the plans to attract more Singaporeans to join the Singapore Police Force (SPF); (b) what is the status of the Home Team's re-employment efforts; and (c) whether the SPF plans to assign more non-policing activities to civilian officers and allow uniformed officers to take on more operational roles.
Mr K Shanmugam: Over the last 10 years, the number of Police Officers has increased by about 18%, from 8,000 to 9,400. While it is more challenging to recruit officers with fewer Singaporean new entrants joining the workforce each year, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has kept the Police career attractive by offering meaningful and exciting jobs, competitive terms and conditions, as well as good career development and advancement prospects.
SPF is currently working on providing more seamless advancement opportunities for its officers by placing degree and non-degree holders on a single scheme of service. It is also introducing specialist career tracks to develop officers with deep expertise in specialist domains. Police jobs, especially at the frontline, will be redesigned to make greater use of data, technology and automation, with streamlined work processes.
In October 2013, the retirement age of Police Officers was extended from age 50 to 55. This enables our older Police Officers to continue their contributions to the Home Team.
After age 55, Police Officers may be offered re-employment depending on organisational needs. This is subject to performance, conduct and fitness criteria. About 60% of retired Police Officers were re-employed by SPF in the past five years, to both Police and civilian jobs.
To allow our Police Officers to perform their core policing functions, more civilian officers have been recruited to take on civilian specialist roles. The Home Team Specialist Scheme was introduced in 2010 for civilian officers to take on specialised roles in areas, such as engineering, technology, crime scene investigations and forensics. There are currently 290 civilian specialist officers in the Police Force. They play an important role in complementing Police Officers to maintain law and order and to fight crime.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Utilisation Rates of SCDF's First-Responder Apps for Civilians","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"59 Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what has been the utilisation rate and number of users following SCDF's launch of the Save-a-Life initiative and myResponder mobile app to enhance emergency response; and (b) whether there are plans to expand the reach to more public and private spaces and to more members of the public who are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and with using automated external defibrillators.
Mr K Shanmugam: The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) launched the Save-A-Life initiative in August 2015 to increase the survival rate of cardiac arrest victims by building a network of trained community first responders to respond to cardiac arrest cases in their immediate vicinity.
As part of the Save-a-life initiative, SCDF will install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at the lift lobbies of Housing and Development Board (HDB) blocks, with one AED for every two to three blocks. The first phase was implemented from August last year where 160 AEDs were installed in six constituencies in Bedok, Bukit Panjang, Choa Chu Kang, Pasir Ris West, Radin Mas and Tampines West. Another 227 AEDs will be installed this year at these constituencies. We will progressively extend this to all HDB estates by 2018.
The AED installation will be accompanied by training for residents to be community responders. SCDF has worked with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the People's Association to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED training to community responders through the \"Dispatcher Assisted first Responder\" (DARE) programme. To date, about 300 residents have been trained in each of the six pilot constituencies.
Residents and members of the public who are trained in CPR and AED skills are then encouraged to download the SCDF myResponder Mobile app and register themselves as Community First Responders. In the event of a cardiac arrest case, SCDF will notify, through the app, Community First Responders in the vicinity to respond. Since its launch in April 2015, the app has been downloaded about 9,000 times. The Community First Responders have been alerted to more than 3,800 cardiac arrest cases.
Apart from our neighbourhoods, SCDF is working with MOH and the Singapore Heart Foundation to encourage more public and private establishments to install AEDs and train their staff. All schools, community centres, sports stadiums, Singapore Armed Forces camps and Home Team facilities have already installed AEDs. A recent initiative that SCDF implemented last November was with SMRT and Temasek Cares to install AEDs in 100 SMRT taxis. In the event of a cardiac arrest case, the trained taxi driver can quickly go to the scene to help.
SCDF will continue to expand the reach of its \"Save-A-Life\" initiative to enhance community self-help and to improve the survival rate of cardiac arrest cases.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Update on HDB's Goodwill Repair Assistance Scheme","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"60 Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for National Development (a) from 2013 to 2015, what is the number of HDB home owners who have been beneficiaries of the \"Goodwill Repair Assistance\" (GRA) scheme; and (b) whether HDB has received feedback that the shared percentage of 25% of the repair cost required of both the upper-floor and lower-floor units is unfair and unjustifiable for the homeowner living at the lower unit.
Mr Lawrence Wong: Under the Housing and Development Board (HDB) lease, the repair of ceiling leaks is the joint responsibility of the upper- and lower-floor flat owners. From time to time, HDB has received feedback from lower-floor flat owners about having to co-pay the repair costs of ceiling leaks.
To lessen the financial burden on flat owners faced with a leaking ceiling situation, HDB introduced the Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) scheme. Under this scheme, HDB will pay 50% of the ceiling leak repair cost. The remaining 50% is then shared equally between the upper- and lower-floor flat owners.
The GRA scheme not only reduces the financial burden on the lower-floor lessee but also helps expedite such repairs by assisting the upper-floor lessee as well. From 2013 to 2015, HDB assisted with about 22,900 ceiling leak repairs under the GRA scheme.
Notwithstanding this, lower-floor lessees who prefer not to use the GRA scheme and wish to approach their upper-floor neighbours to make their own arrangements are free to do so.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Paper Road Tax Discs","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"64 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the purpose for the road tax disc to be displayed on motor vehicles; and (b) whether LTA will consider doing away with the paper road tax disc.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The paper road tax disc, which has to be displayed on the windscreen, shows that the vehicle has been licensed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), has adequate insurance coverage and complies with all other regulatory requirements. In recent times, Singapore Government agencies do not rely on the discs for checks on vehicles anymore, as they do these checks electronically. We have, therefore, been studying doing away with the discs.
However, for Singapore-registered vehicles entering Malaysia, the Malaysian authorities still rely on the discs as proof that the vehicle complies with LTA's regulatory requirements. LTA is reviewing how we can address the Malaysian authorities’ concerns.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Schools' Assistance to Ensure DSA Students Fulfil Academic Requirements","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"68 Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Acting Minister for Education (Schools) given the recent experience of students at Raffles Institution who took the GCE \"O\" level examinations, (a) how do schools help students who gain entry under the Direct Schools Admission (Secondary) Exercise (DSA-Sec) to juggle the schools' academic demands and their sporting commitments; and (b) what is the academic track record of students who have joined a secondary school under DSA-Sec over the past three years.
Mr Ng Chee Meng: The Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme was introduced to promote holistic education by reducing the emphasis on examination results and recognising a more diverse range of non-academic talents, achievements and personal qualities. Schools participating in DSA are committed to developing students to their fullest potential in both their studies and areas of talent and have put in place a range of programmes and support structures to help DSA students balance academic demands and co-curricular activities (CCA) commitments.
Schools help students who face academic challenges, regardless of whether they entered via DSA or not, in two broad ways. Firstly, they make efforts to know these students, their learning styles, their strengths and difficulties and what motivates them. Many schools ensure that their DSA students are assigned teacher mentors and class buddies. There are regular discussion sessions with the DSA students and dialogues with parents to better understand the students’ needs. With this knowledge, schools can then provide targeted academic support, structured guidance and adjust their curriculum and programmes to better cater to them.
Secondly, schools monitor these students closely. Schools track the academic performance of DSA students and have regular platforms to discuss whether and what kind of interventions are necessary. Schools also monitor the socio-emotional well-being of these students and work in partnership with their parents to ensure that the students are doing well.
Overall, the GCE \"O\" level performance of students admitted via DSA-Sec is comparable to their non-DSA peers with similar Primary School Leaving Examination results. Of the three batches of DSA students who have sat for GCE \"O\" levels from 2013 to 2015, about 80% of them were eligible for junior colleges.
Overall, DSA has broadened the definition of merit and promoted holistic education by reducing the emphasis on national examination results. As with all of our policies, we will continue to regularly review and improve the DSA scheme.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Compliance Rate for National Childhood and Adolescent Immunisation Schedule","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"69 Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked the Minister for Health with regard to the National Childhood and Adolescent Immunisation Schedule (a) what is the compliance rate for Singaporeans and foreign students, including Permanent Residents; (b) what measures are taken when parents do not comply; and (c) whether there have been any reported adverse effects caused by the immunisations in the last three years.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Vaccinations under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) are recommended as the standard of care to protect children against certain infectious diseases. Vaccinations against measles and diphtheria are compulsory in Singapore. The take-up rates for measles and diphtheria vaccinations are high among Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, with coverage in children aged two years maintained at around 95% or higher in the last five years. The high vaccination coverage confers herd immunity and reduces the risk of disease outbreaks. As measles and diphtheria vaccinations are bundled together in the form of combination vaccines with vaccinations on NCIS for other diseases, such as mumps, rubella, whooping cough, polio and tetanus, herd immunity is achieved for these diseases as well.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has taken an educational approach to encourage parents to comply with vaccinating their children. The National Immunisation Registry under the Health Promotion Board (HPB) tracks preschool children and sends letters to remind parents to bring their children for vaccination if they have not done so. HPB’s School Health Service actively follows up on unvaccinated children in primary schools. This has worked well and resulted in high levels of vaccination coverage among our children.
The Health Sciences Authority has in place a robust surveillance system to closely monitor the safety of vaccines used here. In the last three years, while there were reports of adverse reactions suspected to be associated with vaccines, the majority of the reports relate to known adverse reactions, such as injection-site swelling or pain, fever and febrile fits.
We will continue to work with HPB to monitor the take-up rate of vaccines under NCIS and, at the same time, enhance educational efforts to ensure that high vaccination coverage is maintained to protect our population.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Monitoring Lift Maintenance and Repair","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"71 Ms Sun Xueling asked the Minister for National Development (a) what recourse do residents have apart from calling up the Essential Maintenance Services Unit to repair lifts that constantly break down; and (b) whether maintenance frequencies can be increased for lifts that constantly break down and their performance stability monitored so as to re-establish confidence for users of these lifts.
Mr Lawrence Wong: Town Councils have the statutory responsibility to carry out maintenance of lifts in Housing and Development Board (HDB) estates. Therefore, besides contacting the Essential Maintenance Services Unit appointed by their Town Council, residents may also call their Town Council directly if they encounter lift breakdowns.
Under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act (Lift and Building Maintenance) Regulations, all lifts must be maintained at least once a month. However, Town Councils can work with their appointed lift servicing contractors to review whether a higher maintenance frequency is needed for specific lifts. This can be done with the help of the Tele-Monitoring System (TMS) installed in all HDB blocks, which provides data on lift performance, including lift breakdown rates.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Review of Arts Fund Guidelines","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"73 Mr David Ong asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) what has been the take-up rate for the Arts Fund over the last five years; and (b) whether NAC will consider reviewing its funding guidelines, in particular the measurable indicators.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Administered by the National Arts Council (NAC), the Arts Fund was set up by the Tote Board to bring the arts to the wider community.
Following a review in 2011, the Arts Fund sharpened its funding guidelines to encourage arts groups to reach out to new audiences with quality performances that resonate with Singaporeans. Artistic excellence has remained an important criterion. This is in line with the twin goals of the Arts and Culture Strategic Review to support arts excellence as well as make the arts an integral part of the lives of our people. There was an increase in funding provided by Tote Board from $750,000 to $1.5 million per year from financial year (FY)2012 onwards.
The take-up rate from FY2011 to FY2015 has been healthy at about 100% in FY2011, 80% in FY2012, 95% in FY2013, 100% in FY2014 and 75% for FY2015 thus far.
After the implementation of these funding guidelines, we have seen a growth in the audiences reached under the Arts Fund, from around 220,000 in FY2012 to a projected 340,000 by end of FY2015. This indicator and the measures of audience satisfaction continue to be relevant indicators, given the objectives of the Arts Fund.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Supply and Demand for Pilots","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"74 Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for Transport whether the demand for pilots in Singapore meets the supply of trainees from local pilot academies and what is done to help the trained pilots secure job placements.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: There are four approved pilot training academies in Singapore. Over the last two years, about 240 pilots graduated from these academies. About 80% of them were from Singapore carriers' cadet pilot programmes. The remaining 20% were self-sponsored.
Singapore carriers prefer to recruit new pilots through their own cadet pilot programmes, as they can then carefully screen and assess the candidates even before they commence their training. This approach also allows the airlines to better match their recruitment needs against their fleet growth plans.
The Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore do not interfere in the recruitment decisions of Singapore carriers, as it is their responsibility to determine the suitability of each candidate for their company.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Traffic Diversion Plans to Handle Major Traffic Jams","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"1 Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for Transport (a) what are the traffic diversion plans to handle events of major traffic jams caused by road accidents or incidents; and (b) whether LTA will consider putting mobile columns as road dividers that are similar to the movable potted plants placed along ECP so that traffic diversions and U-turns can be made in such an event.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Traffic diversions are managed by the Traffic Police (TP), with support from the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Typically, the TP would deploy officers to divert traffic away from the accident site and ensure that motorists continue to drive safely. LTA would facilitate the traffic diversion by adjusting traffic light timings along diversion corridors and disseminating incident information on the Expressway Monitoring and Advisory System (EMAS) and various online and radio channels.
The Member suggested the use of mobile columns like those in the East Coast Parkway as road dividers so that in the event of an accident, they could be flexibly removed to allow for traffic diversion. However, these mobile columns cannot be easily reconfigured at short notice.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"MRT Line to Connect Punggol, Sengkang, Fernvale, Buangkok, Yio Chu Kang, Nee Soon and Sembawang","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"2 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Transport whether the Government will consider constructing an MRT line to connect the estates of Punggol, Sengkang, Fernvale, Buangkok, Yio Chu Kang, Nee Soon and Sembawang.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: One of the MRT lines that the Government is currently studying is the Cross Island Line (CRL). If and when it is completed, CRL will, among other benefits, connect the estates in Punggol, Sengkang, Fernvale and Buangkok. In the meantime, commuter travel between the north and north-east regions is being supported by public buses.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Update on Dependants' Protection Scheme","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"3 Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what has been the claims experience of the Dependants' Protection Scheme in the last five years; (b) how many CPF members have opted out of the scheme since its inception and what are their income profiles; (c) whether there are plans to review the scheme so that lower-income Singaporeans are protected in view of its opt-out nature; and (d) whether the scheme can be extended beyond the current age cap of 60 to 67.
Mr Lim Swee Say: The Dependants' Protection Scheme (DPS) is a term insurance scheme that mitigates the impact of a loss of future income in the event of the member's untimely permanent incapacity or death. It provides his dependants with a sum of money to tide over the initial period.
In the last five years from 2011-2015, the average number of claims approved under DPS was about 2,800 per year. The corresponding claim amount paid was about $141 million per year.
On average, less than 1% of eligible Central Provident Fund (CPF) members opted out of DPS each year since its inception in 1989. About half of those who opted out were younger members aged 30 and below, and they may have done so because they did not have dependants. Of the members who opted out, about 40% were not working, 40% with monthly income of more than $2,000 and the remaining 20% with monthly income of less than $2,000.
Today, DPS coverage stops at age 60. The need for DPS is expected to decline as the member approaches retirement. This is because the member’s children are more likely to have attained financial independence and the member would have accumulated more savings to support his dependants in the event of his untimely demise or incapacitation. Extending DPS coverage beyond age 60 will provide longer insurance protection but will also mean much higher premiums because of higher mortality. We will review the DPS age limit periodically, bearing in mind the need to strike a balance between providing insurance protection for the CPF members' dependants and preserving their CPF savings for their own retirement needs. CPF members who wish to have life insurance coverage beyond age 60 may consider obtaining it from private insurers.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Labour Force Profile","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"4 Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Manpower (a) as at 31 December 2015, how many people in the labour force are self-employed and working as full-time freelancers; (b) what sectors/industries are they from; and (c) what is their educational breakdown in terms of numbers of those who are (i) diploma holders and (ii) those with qualifications of degree and above.
Mr Lim Swee Say: As of June 2015, 7.9%, or 169,500 of employed residents were own account workers. Own account workers are self-employed persons who operate their own business or trade without employing any paid worker.
And 93.1%, or 157,800, of the own account workers were in the services sector. In particular, this group of workers was most highly represented in the transportation and storage sector. Table 1 below captures the detailed breakdown of the own account workers by industry.
Additionally, 16.4% or 27,900 of the own account workers hold diplomas and professional qualifications, while 21.4% or 36,200 of these workers hold degrees and above. The proportion of own account workers with diplomas and above is 37.8%, compared to 53.3% with diploma and above qualifications amongst workers who are employees.
5 Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for Manpower (a) how many freelancers and self-employed workers are there currently in the workforce; (b) what is the number of freelancers and self-employed workers that make regular contributions to their MediSave accounts; and (c) whether the Work Injury Compensation Act can be extended to workers who are freelancers and self-employed.
Mr Lim Swee Say: As of June 2015, 300,500 or 14% of\t2,147,800 employed residents were self-employed persons (SEPs). Of these SEPs, 169,500 or 8% of employed residents were own account workers who operate their own business or trade without employing any paid worker.
Today, SEPs are required to contribute to their MediSave accounts so as to save for their healthcare needs. As of December 2015, 82% of SEPs have made regular contributions to their MediSave accounts. To encourage more SEPs to make timely and regular MediSave contributions, the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board reaches out to SEPs via annual mailers and road shows and allows SEPs to make their MediSave contributions via instalments. CPF Board also works with various licensing authorities to ensure that self-employed licensees make regular MediSave contributions.
The Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) requires employers to compensate their employees who have work-related injuries. As self-employed persons operate their own business or trade, there is no employer-employee relationship between them and their clients. As such, they are not covered under WICA. Nonetheless, we encourage self-employed persons to purchase adequate insurance to protect themselves in the event of a work injury. I am heartened to note that the National Trades Union Congress' Freelancers and Self-Employed Unit has been engaging various freelancer groups, such as taxi drivers and sports coaches, on this matter.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Additional Assistance for Retrenched PMETs to Retrain and Upgrade for Reemployment","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"6 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Manpower whether there will be any additional assistance, besides the $500 SkillsFuture grant, available for retrenched PMETs to retrain and upgrade themselves for re-employment.
Mr Lim Swee Say: The Ministry of Manpower is committed to actively support retrenched workers, including professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs), to secure new employment. Besides helping them to improve skills through the SkillsFuture Credit, the Government also offers the SkillsFuture Mid-career Enhanced Subsidy for Singaporeans aged 40 and above to receive up to 90% subsidy of course fees for Workforce Development Agency (WDA)-supported courses and at least 90% of programme cost for Ministry of Education (MOE)-subsidised full-time and part-time courses.
PMETs, including those retrenched, who wish to undergo skills conversion and change their professions, can tap on Professional Conversion Programmes (PCPs). Salary support of up to 70% of the monthly salary, subject to a cap of $2,000, is given to employers who hire them, with enhanced funding support for mature and long-term unemployed PMETs.
To help match job-seeking PMETs with suitable positions in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the P-Max programme supports SMEs in the recruitment, training and management of PMETs with job-matching services, workshops and an Assistance Grant of $5,000.
In addition, the Career Support Programme (CSP) launched in October last year, helps Singaporean PMETs aged 40 and above to have better access to mid- and higher-level jobs while learning on the job. Under this programme, employers are given wage support for employing mature PMETs who have been actively searching for jobs for at least six months with a monthly gross salary of at least $4,000.
Above all, WDA and the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) also help connect retrenched and at-risk PMETs to potential employers through platforms, such as the Jobs Bank portal, job fairs, recruitment and networking events. The Ministry is also monitoring the current economic and labour market situation closely and stands ready to strengthen employment support for all workers.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Complaints of Unauthorised Salary Deductions","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"7 Mr Chen Show Mao asked the Minister for Manpower (a) how many complaints of unauthorised salary deductions have been registered every year from 2010 to 2015; and (b) in how many of these cases are the complaints found to have been justified.
Mr Lim Swee Say: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) received and investigated an average of 50 complaints per year from 2010 to 2015 involving allegations of unauthorised salary deductions under the Employment Act (EA). About a third of these cases were found to have contravened EA following MOM's investigations.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Statistics on Foreigners Given Dependant Passes and Letter of Consent to Work in Singapore","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"8 Mr Chen Show Mao asked the Minister for Manpower (a) from 2011 to 2015, what is the number of foreigners given Dependant Passes; and (b) what is the number of Dependant Pass holders who are given the Letter of Consent (LOC) granting them permission to work.
Mr Lim Swee Say: The increase in Dependant Passes (DP) and Letters of Consent issued to DPs from 2011 to 2015 is as follows:
9 Mr Vikram Nair asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the preparations for the National Day Parade's return to the National Stadium and the Government's estimated total expenditure on the National Day Parade 2016.
Dr Ng Eng Hen: In response to separate but similar Parliamentary Questions on 29 February 2016, the Minister for Defence has provided an update on the preparations for the National Day Parade's return to the National Stadium and the Government's estimated total expenditure on the National Day Parade 2016. [Please refer to \"Payment for Rental of Sports Hub for Extra Rehearsal Days for National Day Parade\", Official Report, 29 February 2016, Vol 94, Issue 7, Oral Answers to Questions section.]
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Teenager Holding Dual Citizenship Seeking Exemption from National Service","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"10 Mr David Ong asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Ministry has entered into discussions with New Zealand on the issue of the teenager holding dual citizenships of Singapore and New Zealand who is seeking exemption from National Service and, if so, what is the progress of these discussions.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZ MFAT) made a request for Singapore to provide a point of contact on the case of a teenager who holds dual citizenship. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has informed NZ MFAT of the point of contact from the Ministry of Defence.
MFA has conveyed our citizenship laws and the principles underlying our National Service (NS), to MFAT. Pursuant to the Enlistment Act, all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents above the age of 18 are required to serve NS. As the teenager in question is a Singapore Citizen, he has to fulfil his NS obligations. Even if he were to subsequently apply for renunciation of his citizenship after he attains the age of majority, he would still remain liable for any breaches of the Enlistment Act. He is advised to return to Singapore as soon as possible to resolve the matter.
Singapore adheres to the fundamental principles of universality and equity for NS. All Singaporeans are expected to fulfil our NS obligations as citizens. It would not be fair to allow citizens to avoid NS just because they reside overseas.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Permanent Residents Renouncing PR Status Before Age 21","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"11 Mr David Ong asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether the Ministry will consider allowing Permanent Residents to renounce their PR status before the age of 21, especially if they are not residing in Singapore.
Mr K Shanmugam: There are currently no age restrictions imposed on Permanent Residents (PRs) who intend to renounce their PR status.
Being a PR is a step towards citizenship and only those who intend to take up Singapore Citizenship should apply for PR.
Male PRs who renounce their PR status before fulfilling their National Service obligations will face serious adverse consequences when they subsequently apply to study, work or live in Singapore. Any subsequent PR or citizenship applications will be affected. In addition, any renewal of Re-Entry Permits by PR's parents and immediate family members may be affected.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Number of Persons' Criminal Records Rendered Spent","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"12 Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) since the Registration of Criminals (Amendment) Act 2005 came into operation, how many persons have had their criminal records rendered spent as of 31 December 2015, with breakdowns by year; and (b) of these persons, how many are Singaporeans.
Mr K Shanmugam: The annual breakdown of persons who have had their criminal records rendered spent from 2005 to 2015 is provided in Table 1 below.
Under the Registration of Criminals Act, sections 7B and 7C provide that a record in the Register of Criminals will automatically be marked as spent if the ex-offender satisfies certain criteria.
To qualify for a record to be spent, the ex-offender must not have been sentenced to an imprisonment term exceeding three months or to a fine exceeding $2,000. The ex-offender must also satisfy a five-year crime-free period, among other criteria.
Based on these criteria, those who have had their records spent since 2005 include ex-offenders who committed minor offences, such as shop theft. They also include foreign offenders, the majority of whom are immigration offenders.
Of the 157,369 persons who have had their criminal records rendered spent as of 31 December 2015, 68,792 persons are Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PRs). Of the 88,577 foreigners who have had their criminal records rendered spent as of 31 December 2015, more than half or 47,836 persons were convicted for entering or attempting to enter Singapore without a valid pass, or are, in other words, illegal immigrants.
All of these illegal immigrants have been repatriated. Their convictions were recorded in the Register of Criminals and their criminal records would be automatically rendered spent after a five-year period. Notwithstanding the spent records, they are still required to seek prior written permission from the Controller of Immigration if they wish to enter Singapore.
13 Mr Png Eng Huat asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) as of January 2016, what is the number of stateless residents living in Singapore; (b) what is the gender profile of these residents; and (c) what is the number of such residents who are aged 50 and above.
Mr K Shanmugam: As at 31 January 2016, there were 1, 411 stateless persons living in Singapore.
Of these, 59% are male and 41% female.
One thousand and forty-eight or 74% of them are aged 50 and above.
The majority came from other countries to live and work in Singapore. Others were born in Singapore but were not eligible for Singapore Citizenship (SC) at birth as their parents were not Singapore Citizens at the time of their birth and did not obtain foreign citizenship for them from their home countries.
Many of the stateless persons have since become Permanent Residents (PRs). As PRs, they can enjoy the various benefits, such as healthcare, housing and education, that are accorded to PRs. Stateless PRs can also acquire SC if they meet the requirements for the grant of SC.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Applications for Legal Aid","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"14 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Law (a) what is the number of persons who applied to the Legal Aid Bureau for legal aid in each year from 2010 to 2015; and (b) what is the number of successful applicants in each of those years.
Mr K Shanmugam: The Legal Aid Bureau monitors the number of applications it receives and the number of cases which qualify for legal aid on a financial year (FY) basis, that is, from April to March the following year. The data for FY 2010 to FY 2014 are set out in the table below.
15 Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Health (a) whether there are plans to offer paediatric and neonatology services for residents living in the northern sector; and (b) if so, whether there is a timeframe as to when residents can expect these services to be ready.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Paediatric services are provided at various levels ranging from primary to tertiary care. At the primary healthcare level, general practitioners (GPs) and polyclinics manage common paediatric and neonatal conditions as well as provide well child services, such as developmental assessment and childhood vaccinations. There are already existing healthcare facilities in the north providing care for women and children at the primary care level, including the two polyclinics at Yishun and Woodlands and some general practitioner (GP) clinics, out of around 130 GP clinics in the north. In addition, there are nine specialised clinics that provide obstetrics and gynaecology and paediatric services in the community in the north.
Over the next few years, residents in the north can look forward to new service developments and healthcare facilities. We will be opening Woodlands Integrated Healthcare Campus (WIHC), which includes a new acute hospital, in phases from 2022 to complement the existing Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Yishun. The Ministry of Health is currently in the process of planning the clinical services for WIHC.
Services planning for this new campus will be based on both regional healthcare needs and the optimisation of clinical expertise and manpower resources across the national healthcare system. We will ensure that good quality healthcare services are accessible to patients.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Measures to Retain Nursing Graduates in Public Sector","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"16 Ms Cheng Li Hui asked the Minister for Health (a) for the last three years, what have been the percentages and numbers of nursing graduates who remain in the public sector after five years; and (b) what measures are there to retain them in the public sector in terms of their salaries, working hours, career opportunities and social recognition.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Among nursing graduates from the 2008, 2009 and 2010 cohorts who joined the public sector, 76% remained in the public sector after five years.
Since 2014, we have been progressively implementing the \"Care\" package recommended by the National Nursing Taskforce (NNT) to strengthen the development of the nursing profession in the areas of Career, Autonomy, Recognition and Education.
As part of the package, nurses in public healthcare institutions and Ministry of Health (MOH)-subvented intermediate and long-term care sectors have received base salary increases of between 3% and 10% each year in 2014 and 2015, as well as a Nurse Special Payment of 0.5 month of their monthly base salary in December 2014 and 2015.
To better enable nurses to balance their work with other family commitments, the public healthcare institutions are striving to make flexible and part-time work arrangements more accessible. After successful pilots of more flexible shift start times at Changi General Hospital, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore General Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital, we are working to scale up the innovations across all public hospitals.
To enhance the career progression of nurses in the public sector, the eligibility criteria for Enrolled Nurses (ENs) to undergo bridging studies have been revised. This has provided ENs with more opportunities to upgrade to become Registered Nurses, in line with the SkillsFuture initiative. In 2015, close to 180 ENs have enrolled in the bridging courses at Nanyang Polytechnic and Ngee Ann Polytechnic as compared to 45 in 2014. In addition, we have introduced the Assistant Nurse Clinician role in 2015 to enable experienced Senior Staff Nurses to take on a clinical leadership role. We are nurturing more Advanced Practice Nurses through greater support for their training. We are also increasing funding support to the public healthcare sector to provide more opportunities for nurses to undergo skills upgrading for their professional development.
Beyond salaries, working hours and career opportunities, another important area is for all of us, as a society, to continue to show appreciation, recognition and support for our nurses, not only on Nurses’ Day but every day.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Payments Made to Sports Hub Partner Per Year for Building, Maintaining and Operating Facility","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"17 Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) to date, how much payments has the Government made to the Sports Hub partner per year for building, maintaining and operating the facility; and (b) what is the estimated total amount that will be paid at the end of the 25 years.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Sports Hub Pte Ltd (SHPL) was contracted to design, build, finance and operate the Sports Hub for 25 years under the public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement.
Under the PPP arrangement, Sport Singapore is contracted to pay SHPL an annual availability payment of $193.7 million, subject to inflation, from the commencement of operations.
The Government began making the full annual availability payments to SHPL in July 2014. At the end of the concession period, SHPL is required to hand back the facilities to the Government.
The availability payments under the PPP arrangement help to spread the total project cost evenly over the duration of the contract. It also requires the private partner to bear the construction and operational risks of the project. For instance, SHPL had to manage, at its own cost, the challenges of poor soil conditions during the construction phase, as well as rectify early issues with the National Stadium pitch and roof.
Sport Singapore closely monitors the performance of SHPL to ensure that they remain accountable for the goals of the project and seek to maximise the value of the Sports Hub for Singaporeans.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Efficacy of Social Service Offices","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"18 Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what has been the efficacy of the Social Service Offices since their inception; (b) what are the top five support schemes provided; and (c) whether there is a stable trend observed in the social assistance and services sought.
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) established the Social Service Offices (SSOs) in 2013 to bring about more accessible and coordinated social help for Singaporeans. SSOs provide financial assistance to low-income families who need help. They also work with voluntary welfare organisations and community partners to coordinate social services within each Housing and Development Board (HDB) town.
With the full network of 24 centres up, some 95% of SSO beneficiaries living in HDB towns can access an SSO within two kilometres of where they live or work. Based on a 2015 MSF survey, nine in 10 SSO beneficiaries were satisfied with the SSOs’ location and service quality.
SSOs are also working with community partners, such as the Family Service Centres, to better coordinate help for families with more complex needs. This is a work in progress. Part of it includes piloting new service delivery models. For example, the SSOs at Taman Jurong and Kreta Ayer offer financial assistance, employment assistance and family services under one roof.
When delivering financial assistance, SSOs adopt a needs-based approach. The assistance can be classified into a few categories. In order of decreasing number of beneficiaries, these would be (a) short-to-medium-term assistance for those looking for work or are temporarily unable to work; (b) long-term assistance for those permanently unable to work; and (c) interim assistance for those who require immediate or one-off assistance.
With better accessibility and greater awareness, SSOs have helped more Singaporeans. For example, the number of households that received ComCare short-to-medium term and long-term financial assistance has increased from 23,992 in financial year (FY) 2012 to 31,307 in FY2014.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Early Intervention Services for Children with Speech Delay, Autism and at Risk of Moderate to Severe Disabilities","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"19 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how many children below the age of seven with speech delay, autism and at risk of moderate to severe disabilities are currently receiving and awaiting early intervention services at Government-funded voluntary welfare organisations; and (b) what is the current waiting time for these early intervention programmes.
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: The Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) serves children with moderate to severe disabilities with speech delay, autism and other developmental needs. Subsidised by the Government, EIPIC services are available at 17 voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) located across Singapore. About 2,600 children benefited from EIPIC in 2015. Of these, 6% were diagnosed with speech and language delays, and 47% were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
Children currently have to wait an average of five to six months to enrol in an EIPIC centre. Some centres have a longer wait time due to parents' preferences. The Ministry of Social and Family Development will continue to work with VWOs to expand capacity to meet the demand. There will be 28% more EIPIC places, or a total of 3,200 places, by 2018.
As children are best served in their natural settings, children with milder needs are served in mainstream preschools that offer the Development Support Programme (DSP). In 2015, about 1,200 children benefited from the DSP. The capacity and capability of these preschools will be further developed to meet demand.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Disbursements from Open Door Fund","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"20 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how many awards under the Open Door Fund have been disbursed each year since the fund was launched; (b) what is the average quantum of the disbursal; and (c) what results have been reported in terms of the number of persons with disabilities hired in cases where the funds have been applied.
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: In 2014, the Open Door Fund (ODF) was enhanced and renamed the Open Door Programme (ODP). The ODP is supported by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency and the Ministry of Social and Family Development and administered by SG Enable. It encourages the employment of persons with disabilities, through a range of initiatives, including apprenticeships, training, job and workplace re-design. Since 2014, 140 companies have applied for ODP support for the employment of persons with disabilities. The average claim per company is $3,000.
Besides the ODP, there are other initiatives to promote the employment of persons with disabilities. For example, SG Enable works with voluntary welfare organisation partners to provide job placement and support services for persons with disabilities. Collectively, they have placed about 650 persons with disabilities in employment over the past two years, some with the support of the ODP.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Change in Income Profile and Consumption of Public Utilities by Housing Type","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"21 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for National Development for the past 10 years (a) what has been the change in (i) average income per household and (ii) per capita income for each housing type of 2-room, 3-room, 4-room and 5-room or more in public, private and landed properties; and (b) what has been the average consumption of public utilities, that is, water and electricity, for each housing type.
Mr Lawrence Wong: Based on data published by the Department of Statistics, the change in average monthly household income for each housing type over the past 10 years is shown in Table 1 below.
The change in average monthly per capita household income over the same period for each housing type is shown in Table 2 below.
The Household Expenditure Survey provides data on the average consumption of water and electricity for each housing type. This does not account for Government rebates on utilities, which would have helped to reduce household expenditures. The consumption data is shown in Table 3 below.
22 Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the progress of HDB's study on implementing reverse mortgages for HDB flats; (b) what are the benefits of this mortgage scheme over the current HDB Lease Buyback Scheme; and (c) whether HDB will consider allowing owners to make use of reverse mortgages on a case-by-case basis, especially for those who find this more suited for their needs.
Mr Lawrence Wong: The Ministry of National Development (MND) has completed its study on reverse mortgages for Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats. A reverse mortgage is a loan taken up by a property owner using his property as collateral. However, unlike a conventional mortgage, the borrower does not need to make cash repayment during the loan tenure. He only needs to repay the loan with accumulated interest upon loan termination or death, typically from the sales proceeds of his property. A reverse mortgage thus allows the property owner to unlock some equity while retaining the financial upside from any appreciation in property value.
A reverse mortgage is a complex financial product with inherent risks. First, as it does not require periodic cash repayments, the loan balance grows with interest. Second, the flat owner has to bear property risks. If the market value of the property becomes less than the outstanding loan, the owners may have to sell the property prematurely to repay the loan, resulting in them having to look for alternative accommodation at an old age.
We note that National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Income offered reverse mortgage for HDB flats in 2006. As only 24 households signed up, NTUC Income has since stopped offering the product. The take-up overseas is also not high.
There are various other monetisation options for HDB flat owners today, such as the Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS). LBS is an equity sale scheme where flat owners sell the tail-end lease of their flat to HDB and retain a shorter lease. This enables elderly households to receive a lifelong stream of income to supplement their retirement income. As compared to reverse mortgage, while LBS owners cannot sell their flat in the open market, they do not face any property equity risks. We recently enhanced LBS in April 2015, and this was well received.
Besides LBS, elderly flat owners may take up the Silver Housing Bonus if they right-size to a 3-room or smaller flat. They also have other options of subletting either a bedroom or the entire flat and staying with their family members.
Thus, MND has no plans to introduce reverse mortgage for HDB flats for now. MND will continue to regularly review and adjust our various schemes to meet the needs of our elderly.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Review of Property Cooling Measures","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"23 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for National Development whether he will consider reviewing the property cooling measures by removing the Additional Buyers Stamp Duty (ABSD) for Singaporeans but retaining ABSD for foreigners.
Mr Lawrence Wong: The property market cooling measures are intended to keep the market stable and sustainable. It is too early to relax the measures now. Doing so could result in a market rebound.
The Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) was introduced to moderate the demand for residential property from investors, non-citizens and corporate entities. Singapore Citizens who do not own any residential property do not need to pay ABSD.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Upgrading under Home Improvement Programme","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"24 Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many flats have yet to be announced for upgrading under the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) for each Town Council; and (b) whether HDB is on track to complete the announcement of all eligible flats for HIP by 2018.
Mr Lawrence Wong: The Home Improvement Programme (HIP) was introduced in 2007 with about 300,000 eligible flats.
To date, HIP has been announced for slightly over 200,000 flats. The remaining 100,000 or so flats have not been selected or announced. All Town Councils would be aware of the blocks in their constituencies which would meet the HIP nomination and selection criteria.
The Housing and Development Board is still working to complete the selection of the remaining HIP-eligible flats by financial year 2018. But as with all publicly-funded programmes, this will be contingent on the Government's fiscal position and budget availability.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"HDB Flats Eligible for Neighbourhood Renewal Programme","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"25 Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for National Development how many flats are eligible for the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) for each Town Council and whether HDB plans to increase the tempo of this programme.
Mr Lawrence Wong: The Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) was launched in 2007 and will benefit about 200,000 eligible flats. In September 2014, the age criteria for NRP was extended to include blocks built up to 1995, increasing the number of eligible flats by another 100,000. Thereafter, the Housing and Development Board had informed all Town Councils of the blocks that are eligible for NRP. The pace of NRP is dependent on the availability of resources to fund these programmes and also the ability of the Town Councils to effectively implement and manage these projects on the ground.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Applications by Homeless Singaporeans for HDB Rental Flats","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"26 Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for National Development (a) from 2013 to 2015, how many applications have been made by homeless Singaporeans for a flat under (i) HDB's public rental scheme and (ii) HDB's interim rental housing scheme; (b) how many of such applications are successful; and (c) what follow-up measures are being put in place to ensure that unsuccessful applicants have a roof over their heads.
Mr Lawrence Wong: From 2013 to 2015, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) provided shelter to about 900 individuals and families. Among them, 400 applied for a public rental flat. Around half of these applications were successful. This includes several who were provided with Interim Rental Housing (IRH), which is offered on a case-by-case basis and is not open for public application.
Those who were unsuccessful in their rental flat applications mostly had other housing options when they applied, such as being able to afford a flat or having family support. Some were existing owners, tenants or authorised occupiers of Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats but who were no longer living in their current homes for a variety of reasons, for example, due to family disputes. For those who have no place to stay, MSF will work with the social service agencies to provide temporary shelter while they find alternative accommodation.
HDB, MSF and the social service agencies also work together to help individuals and families address the underlying causes of their housing instability. This may include counselling, financial assistance, employment support and advice on their housing options. HDB will continue to exercise flexibility to provide rental flats for deserving cases.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Flats Available under HDB's Interim Rental Housing Scheme","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"27 Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the number of rental flats that are presently made available under HDB's Interim Rental Housing Scheme (IRH); (b) how many families can the existing IRH scheme accommodate; and (c) whether the present number of rental flats is adequate to ensure that the most vulnerable in our society has a roof over their heads.
Mr Lawrence Wong: There are currently about 500 Interim Rental Housing (IRH) scheme flats which provide housing for 1,000 families on a flat-sharing basis.
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) reviews its rental flat supply regularly to ensure that there are sufficient flats. This is why HDB has progressively increased the public rental flat supply from 42,000 in 2007 to the present 53,000 units, with the aim of reaching 60,000 by 2017. In addition, HDB evaluates applications carefully to ensure that rental flats are safeguarded for the lower-income and vulnerable households.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Stateless People Living in Public Rental Flats","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"28 Mr Png Eng Huat asked the Minister for National Development as of January 2016, what is the number of stateless people who are living in public rental flats.
Mr Lawrence Wong: As of January 2016, there are 613 stateless persons living in Housing and Development Board (HDB) public rental flats. Most live with their Singapore Citizen (SC) family members or another SC single.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Update on Pilot MOE Kindergarten Project","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"29 Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Acting Minister for Education (Schools) if he will provide an update on the Ministry's pilot MOE Kindergarten project and the response to the Ministry's recruitment of pre-school educators.
Mr Ng Chee Meng: The Ministry of Education (MOE) Kindergartens (MKs) were first set up in 2014 with the intent to provide quality and affordable preschool education to Singaporeans and catalyse quality improvements in kindergarten education. To date, there are 15 MKs of which 12 are located within our primary schools and the remaining three in community sites. All are situated in Housing Development Board (HDB) heartlands for accessibility to children from a variety of backgrounds. The MKs currently serve a total of almost 1,700 children.
The MK positions, comprising Centre Heads, Deputy Centre Heads and teachers, have attracted the interest of both trained teachers from the sector, as well as fresh graduands from early childhood and care education courses. To better meet the manpower needs of MKs and other providers in the pre-school sector, MOE has also partnered Singapore Polytechnic to pilot a full-time place-and-train programme to select suitable candidates and put them through the Diploma in Kindergarten Education. MOE will continue its efforts to attract and retain good MK educators.
Over the past two years, we have received consistent favourable feedback from parents that their children enjoy the learning activities and are eager to attend MK. They shared that their children are better able to express themselves and are more independent, and conveyed their appreciation for the dedication of the teachers in providing a fun and engaging learning environment for their children.
MOE will continue to monitor the progress of MKs in delivering a quality curriculum that is relevant to the Singaporean child and work towards sharing good practices with the pre-school sector.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Criteria for Edusave Merit Award","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"30 Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Acting Minister for Education (Schools) (a) what is the number of students in 2015 who are eligible for the Edusave Merit Award but who did not qualify because they exceeded the income eligibility criteria; and (b) whether the Ministry can consider giving these certificates to the students to affirm their achievements for being in the top 25% of the cohort stream.
Mr Ng Chee Meng: In 2015, about 47,000 students who met the Edusave Merit Bursary's (EMB’s) academic criterion, that is, they were in the top 25% of their level and course in school, did not apply for EMB, likely because their families exceeded its income criterion.
All students who are eligible to apply for EMB based on its academic criterion are currently issued a Certificate of Academic Achievement to recognise them for their good performance, regardless of whether they meet the income criterion. They receive this certificate when they are informed of their eligibility to apply for EMB. Furthermore, students who perform well in various academic and non-academic domains can also strive for other Edusave Awards which have no income criterion, such as the Edusave Scholarship, Edusave Good Progress Award, Edusave Character Award and Edusave Award for Achievement, Good Leadership and Service (EAGLES).
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Availability of Student Care Places","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"31 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Acting Minister for Education (Schools) (a) how many student care places are currently available at schools; (b) how many places are available at places outside of schools; (c) what is the mean and median waiting list for student care places; and (d) what are the Ministry's plans to gauge demand and adapt supply to fit demand in future.
Mr Ng Chee Meng: The Ministry of Education (MOE) recognises that Student Care Centres (SCCs) provide important after-school support for students. Over the last four years, we have steadily increased the number of school-based SCCs from fewer than 50 to 127, and the overall student enrolment from around 3,000 to more than 15,000.
Amongst SCCs registered with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), around 300 are in community spaces, with a combined enrolment of over 12,000 students. These centres complement school-based SCCs in the provision of after-school care.
The average and median number of waitlisted students in school-based SCCs is smaller than 10. However, the waitlist situation varies from school to school. MOE will continue to work with MSF to monitor the demand for SCC places both in our schools and in the community. We will also work with our schools to facilitate the setting up of new SCCs as well as expanding enrolment for existing ones at a pace that does not cause quality to be compromised.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Number of Junior College Students not Proceeding to University after Graduation","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"32 Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) for the past five years (a) how many junior college students do not go on to university after their graduation; and (b) of these students, how many are male students who do not go on to university after completing their National Service.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: About three in 10 GCE \"A\" level students who graduated from junior colleges from 2007 to 2011 chose not to or were unable to progress to a full-time programme in a local autonomous university (AU). This is about 4,400 students per year, of which, about 1,600 per year, or two in five, were male students who have served their National Service. Most of the students who do not progress to AUs have been pursuing other upgrading options based on their interest and strengths, such as polytechnics, arts institutions, overseas universities and private education institutions, or proceed to work.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null}],"writtenAnswersVOList":[],"writtenAnsNAVOList":[],"annexureList":[],"vernacularList":[{"vernacularID":2006,"sittingDate":null,"vernacularTitle":"Vernacular Speech by Er Dr Lee Bee Wah","filePath":"d:/apps/reports/solr_files/20160229/vernacular-Lee Bee Wah(1).pdf","fileName":"Lee Bee Wah(1).pdf"},{"vernacularID":2007,"sittingDate":null,"vernacularTitle":"Vernacular Speech by Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong","filePath":"d:/apps/reports/solr_files/20160229/vernacular-Dennis Tan(1).pdf","fileName":"Dennis Tan(1).pdf"}],"onlinePDFFileName":""}