EXTRA New Cabinet line-up
A Q U A R T E R LY P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E P E O P L E ' S A C T I O N P A R T Y
June 2018
CHARTING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER More affordable formula milk
Greater coordination in social services
Tribute to Old Guard leader Jek Yeun Thong
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pg31
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Contents JUNE 2018
PUBLICITY AND PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE Lawrence Wong (Chairman) Desmond Lee Chee Hong Tat Seah Kian Peng Lim Wee Kiak Baey Yam Keng Zaqy Mohamad Janil Puthucheary Chiang Heng Liang Diana Pang Dexter Chan Benjamin Tay Teo Lin Lee Adrian Liew Editor Chee Li Foong Editorial and Design Focus Publishing Limited (Tel: 6319-2392) Printer KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd Photos Singapore Press Holdings, istockphoto.com
MCI (P) 169/03/2018 Petir is published by the People’s Action Party Central Executive Committee. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior consent of the publisher. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the PAP or the Government. All rights reserved. PAP Headquarters Block 57B, New Upper Changi Road, #01-1402, PCF Building, Singapore 463057 Telephone: 6244-4600 Telefax: 6243-0114 Internet: www.pap.org.sg Please send feedback, suggestions and comments to paphq@pap.org.sg.
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June 2018
04 FEATURE
A new generation, a new chapter and frontiers The Prime Minister assures workers the Government and labour movement will continue to support them as they navigate disruptions.
08 COVER STORY
4G leaders map out directions for Singapore They spell out their vision and priorities as they take on more responsibilities.
12 SPECIAL
New leaders for three Government Parliamentary Committees Changes in Government Parliamentary Committees following Cabinet reshuffle.
13 SPECIAL
Thank you for the invaluable contributions Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong pays tribute to three retired ministers, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Mr Lim Swee Say and Dr Yaacob Ibrahim.
15 SPECIAL
4G leaders get more responsibility in Cabinet reshuffle They now helm two-thirds of the ministries.
18 TRIBUTE
Old Guard who served the PAP and Nation with dedication The PAP pays tribute to Mr Jek Yeun Thong, a key member of the PAP Old Guard.
26 SPECIAL
Behind the scenes: Formula milk mission Key members of a task force tell Petir how they worked across government agencies and with the private sector to import more affordable but just as good formula milk powder brands for babies.
GROUNDWORK 31 PAP Policy Forum
Benefitting Singaporeans with greater social service coordination Minister for Social and Family Development Mr Desmond Lee talks about initiatives to ensure that no one falls through the cracks.
32 PAP Policy Forum
PPF submits report to Select Committee on Deliberate Online Falsehoods A foreign funded Non-Governmental Organisation used misleading facts and false context to paint a negative picture of Singapore.
FEATURE
“The Government and the labour movement will walk with you and support you all the way.” – PM Lee promised Singapore workers as they navigate disruptions.
A new generation, a new chapter and frontiers As we renew Singapore, we must hold fast to the values that have made us successful, says Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
T
ripartism is a crucial ingredient unique to Singapore’s survival and success, says Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. As the 4G political leaders and a new generation of union leaders take over the reins, “they must renew the trust between the Government and the NTUC, and renew their commitment to the tripartite partnership,’’ he said. Describing tripartism as “a secret in a sense that people can see it but they cannot do it,’’ PM Lee called on Singaporeans to “open a new chapter, to create new possibilities and frontiers for our country.” Speaking to about 1,600 unionists, workers, employers and Cabinet ministers at this year’s May Day Rally at D’Marquee in Downtown East, he also updated on the economic outlook for Singapore and its challenges. Sustaining the momentum from last year’s 3.6 per cent economic growth, he expected the economy this year to grow between 1.5 per cent and 3.5 per cent, and “if all goes well, we should do better than 2.5 per cent.” However, Singapore’s performance is dependent on how the external environment shapes up. Prospects for the global economy have been clouded by recent trade tensions between the US and China. There are dark clouds on the horizon but the storm will take a while to gather, he added. “If these trends
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continue, it will be very bad for the world, and very bad for Singapore.”
Learn new skills, become more employable On the home front, he highlighted the disruptions and opportunities brought about by technology and what the Government, labour movement and workers can do together to seize the opportunities and strengthen the economy. “In the last few years, our strategy has been to restructure our economy, to upgrade our workforce and we are helping businesses to transform and adapt,” said the PM. He encouraged workers to adapt and embrace the changes by taking advantage of the slew of training programmes such as Adapt and Grow and Professional Conversion Programmes to make themselves more employable. At the same time, the Government has put in place 23 Industry Transformation Maps, each with a detailed skills map to help workers figure out the kind of skills and capabilities they need to progress in these industries.
Workers’ interests will continue to be looked after He also spoke about the leadership renewal in the
Government and the labour movement. Former Minister for Education (Schools) and Second Minister for Transport, Mr Ng Chee Meng, succeeded Mr Chan Chun Sing after his resignation as NTUC Secretary-General on May 22. Mr Chan became Trade and Industry Minister on May 1. Senior Minister of State (Trade and Industry), Mr Koh Poh Koon, was earlier appointed NTUC deputy secretarygeneral. PM Lee commented: “In MTI, Mr Chan's experience in the labour movement will prove
valuable, as he has now got first-hand experience of the labour movement, of workers' concerns, of dealing with the tripartite partners." Mr Ng, pointed out the PM, "is no stranger to the labour movement, as he has worked closely with the teachers and transport workers’ unions in his previous portfolios.” Mr Koh will strengthen the labour movement’s links with industry and businesses, and the labour movement’s links with the Government as he is co-chairing one of the Industry Transformation Map clusters at MTI.
Staying representative and relevant in the new economy
Handing over. Mr Chan (centre), introduces his successor, Mr Ng (right), and Mr Koh at the May Day Rally.
The National Trades Union Congress has widened its representation and ramped up its efforts to help workers stay ahead of the challenges. Its Secretary-General, Mr Chan Chun Sing, said that while the three Ps of the labour movement – privileges, protections and placements – are important and must be done, it needs to add a fourth P – progression, to help workers stay ahead and relevant because “we firmly believe that the best protection, the best welfare for workers, is a good job.” Therefore, the labour movement has injected $200 million into the NTUC-Education and Training Fund that subsidises training for union members. The sum comprises $50 million raised by NTUC through sponsorships and a $150-million matching grant from the Government. Mr Chan said: “Despite the economic situation, all of us chipped in because we believe in the value of training and preparing our workers for the next lap.” Speaking at his last May Day Rally as NTUC chief, he noted that while the labour movement has grown from strength to strength in terms of the number of branches and workers but more importantly, it has started new unions and associations in new sectors of the economy to stay representative. The new Supply Chain Employees' Union, formed on April 30, is an example of this effort.
Lim Swee Say conferred highest May Day Award Retired Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say received the labour movement's highest May Day award this year, in recognition of his contributions to improving the lives of Singapore workers during his time in NTUC. The Distinguished Comrade of Labour award is conferred upon “individuals who have made unique and supreme contributions to the labour movement”. Past recipients of the award include Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong in 2001, the late president Ong Teng Cheong in 1994, and the late prime minister Lee Kuan Yew in 1991. It marked Mr Lim’s return to the NTUC family. He was appointed trustee of NTUC, chairman of NTUC Administration and Research Unit’s board of trustees, as well as adviser to NTUC Training Council which will focus on career and training opportunities for workers.
June 2018
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FEATURE
新一代、新篇章、新高峰 李显龙总理指出，劳资政伙伴关系是新加
响。李总理指出，中美近期的贸易摩擦让全球
准备接棒， “他们必须延续政府和职总之间的
全球、对新加坡都很不利”。
说，随着第四代领导人和新一代的工会领袖 信任，以及重申他们对劳资政伙伴关系的承
—李总理给面临挑战的
新加坡工作人士的承诺。
经济展望蒙上阴影， “如果这些趋势持续，对
诺”。
学习新技能 提升就业能力
劳资政协作关系为“一种秘方，因为其他人看
和机遇，而劳资政三方可共同抓住这些机遇
篇章，为我们的国家创造新的可能性和新高
他说： “在 过 去 几 年 里，我 们 的 策 略 是 重
在今年的劳动节群众大会上，李总理形容
“政 府 和 职 工 运 动 将 与 国 人 并 肩 同 行，并 给予鼎力支持。”
不 过，新 加 坡 的 经 济 表 现 受 外 部 环 境 影
坡赖以生存和取得成功的独特关键因素。他
得到但做不到”。他也呼吁新加坡人“开创新 峰”。
他也提到了新加坡的经济展望和挑战。
李总理表示，延续去年3.6%的增长势头，
预计我国经济今年将取得1.5%至3.5%的 增长，而“如果一切顺利，经济增长有望超过
李总理强调，科技为国人带来了一些挑战
并强化经济。
组经济，提升劳动力，以及帮助企业转型和调 整。”他鼓励工友通过应变与提升计划和专业
人士转业计划等培训计划，适应和接受变化， 提升自己的就业能力。
2.5%”。
Generasi baru, lembaran baru dan ruang baru Tripatisme merupakan ramuan penting yang unik kepada penakatan dan kejayaan Singapura, kata Perdana Menteri Lee Hsien Loong. Sedang pemimpin politik 4G dan generasi baru pemimpin kesatuan sekerja mengambil alih kepimpinan, “mereka mesti memperbaharui kepercayaan antara Pemerintah dan NTUC, dan memperbaharui komitmen mereka kepada kerjasama tiga pihak,” ujarnya. Berucap di Rapat Hari Pekerja tahun ini, beliau menyifatkan gagasan tiga pihak sebagai “satu rahsia dimana orang boleh melihatnya tetapi tidak boleh melakukannya”. PM Lee menggesa warga Singapura untuk “membuka lembaran baru, mewujudkan peluang baru dan ruang baru untuk negara kita.” Beliau juga memberi pandangan terbaharu tentang kedudukan ekonomi Singapura dan cabaran yang dihadapinya. Singapura dijangka mengekalkan rentak 6
June 2018
pertumbuhan ekonomi menurut kadar 3.6 peratus sepertimana yang dicatatkan pada tahun lalu, namun PM Lee menjangkakan ekonomi tahun ini akan tumbuh antara 1.5 peratus dan 3.5 peratus, dan “sekiranya semua berjalan dengan baik, kita akan menikmati pertumbuhan lebih baik dari 2.5 peratus.” Bagaimanapun, kelakonan Singapura bergantung kepada pembentukan sekitaran luaran. Keadaan ekonomi sejagat dikeruhkan oleh ketegangan perdagangan antara Amerika Syarikat dan China. “Jika trend ini berterusan, ia adalah buruk untuk dunia, dan bertambah buruk untuk Singapura.”
Pelajari kemah iran baru, lebih berupaya beroleh pekerjaan Di dalam negara, beliau menarik perhatian tentang gangguan dan peluang, yang dibawakan oleh teknologi dan apa yang boleh dilakukan oleh Pemerintah, pergerakan
“Pemerintah dan pergerakan buruh akan berjalan bersama anda dan memberi sokongan berterusan kepada anda.” – PM Lee memberi jaminan kepada pekerja Singapura sedang mereka menyusur pelbagai gangguan yang ada.
buruh dan pekerja secara bersamasama demi merebut peluang dan memperkukuh ekonomi. “Dalam beberapa tahun ini, strategi kita adalah untuk menyusun semula ekonomi, mempertingkat tenaga kerja dan membantu perniagaan membuat perubahan dan penyesuaian,” kata PM. Beliau menggalak pekerja untuk membuat penyesuaian dan mendakapi perubahan dengan memanfaatkan pelbagai program latihan seperti Program Peralihan Kerjaya dan Adapt and Grow (Menyesuaikan dan Memajukan Diri) demi menjadikan mereka lebih lebih berupaya mendapat pekerjaan.
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COVER STORY
4G
leaders map out directions for Singapore
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said “the next generation of leaders has to feel a collective mission and work as a team to succeed.’’ They must be “prepared to do difficult things when necessary, convince the people that we do such things for a good reason, and maintain the trust of Singaporeans,’’ he said during the debate in Parliament on the President’s Address. Observing that political parties do not have a fixed lifespan, he said: “The PAP is determined to perform. We treat every election as a serious contest.” His message to all PAP MPs: “Work hard, serve the people, hold the ground, and win elections.” Some of the 4th generation leaders spoke at the opening of the second session of the 13th Parliament. They focused on three key issues during the debate from May 14 to 18.
Photo Credit: GOV.SG/YOUTUBE
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Enhance social cohesion, narrow social inequality Education Minister Mr Ong Ye Kung noted that in recent years, there has been a perceptible reduction in social mixing among Singaporeans. “When groups are predominantly formed along socio-economic status – whether one is rich or poor – it is the start of stratification and that will poison society over time.” Describing it as a “national priority” to tackle inequality, Mr Ong said Singapore must keep working at it. “We must do so by appealing to the sense of unity of Singaporeans, never by pitting one group against another, or pandering to the divisive forces in society.” Policies such as SkillsFuture, boosting pre-school education and developing more pathways will yield results in the years to come. For instance, to ensure the social mix in schools is maintained, Mr Ong said from next year, secondary schools with affiliated primary schools would have to admit at least 20 per cent of students without affiliations. Housing is also another way to tackle social inequality, by having both rental and purchased HDB flats in the same block, said National Development Minister Mr Lawrence Wong.
Three Build-To-Order blocks in Woodlands, Bukit Batok and Sengkang are being built which will feature such integration at the outset. “Our housing and urban plans must continue to push back against the growing pressures of inequality and social stratification. We cannot just leave things to chance, we must deliberately plan for a more equal and inclusive society,’’ emphasised Mr Wong, who is also Second Finance Minister. More integration in the works Being socially inclusive means looking after the elderly living in studio or two-room flexi apartments, as well as families in rental flats. The Government supported about 1,000 households last year with housing grants and new programmes such as the Fresh Start Housing Scheme which helped rental households become home owners. For the elderly, more complexes like the new Kampung Admiralty in Woodlands, which integrates flats with community services, medical facilities and shared spaces, are being planned in other HDB towns, said Mr Wong. Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Mr Masagos Zulkifli called for the development of a Singapore brand of meritocracy,
to build a “Singapore where nobody is left behind and a Singapore which continues to provide opportunities for everyone to realise his dreams.” He identified three ingredients for the Singapore brand of meritocracy: the successful giving back to society; maintaining common spaces and experiences for all Singaporeans; and support from the Government. He noted that common spaces such as hawker centres, parks and town centres are key nodes in building cohesion as they are where people of all races and social levels interact. “These common spaces are even more meaningful because they guarantee common access to quality public facilities and infrastructure for all,” said Mr Masagos, who is also Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs. The Government must distribute rental housing across the island and mix public and private housing more deliberately to ensure the needy are not deprived of access to quality public facilities. “Resist the ‘Not In My Back Yard’ tendency to shove critical but undesirable facilities like funeral parlours behind rental blocks,” he said.
Grow a resilient workforce Minister for Trade and June 2018
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COVER STORY
Industry Mr Chan Chun Sing said Singaporeans must be equipped with the mindset and skillsets to operate globally. The Government will also help individuals and businesses access and penetrate the global market better. “It is not just about giving Singaporeans the best opportunities here in Singapore, but it is also about helping Singaporeans to seize the opportunities beyond Singapore,” he pointed out. Mr Chan said it was important to “beat our own standards, even when we are at the top” for future Singaporeans to have even brighter prospects. His vision was for the nation to become Singapore Unlimited – “unlimited by our geography, unlimited by our size, unlimited by our resources.” He noted: “It is also our responsibility to continue building and planning ahead for the next generation. As we progress towards SG100, we need to start planning not just for the next 50 years, but also beyond.” New labour chief Mr Ng Chee Meng, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, said workers were concerned about the rising cost of living and had the feeling that no matter how hard they work, they would still not be able to adequately provide for their needs. He said workers must constantly 10
June 2018
strive to upgrade their work skills and stay relevant in a changing business environment. Wages can only increase with gains in productivity, he added, and real wage increase is needed to help workers cope with the cost of living. He also proposed the formation of a tripartite committee to better support older workers as we grapple with an ageing workforce. And even though the Government has been repeatedly urging companies to upskill workers, this has not been carried out quickly enough, Mr Ng pointed out. “The labour movement will push the transformation agenda by working even closer with the Government and businesses.”
Build a Singapore identity Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Ms Indranee Rajah, noted that the question of the Singapore identity was especially pertinent now as the country enters a new phase of the Singapore Story. She urged young people to help write the next chapter of Singapore’s story. In her view, being Singaporean is to care. Many Singaporeans recognise that social inequality and the lack of social mixing are a problem. “We know it is a problem. The real point to note is that we care that it is becoming a problem and we are determined to do something about it. That is the essence of being
Singaporean. If we see something wrong, our first instinct is to help, to fix it, to improve the situation.” That, she pointed out, is the essence of being Singaporean. Ms Indranee, who is also Second Minister for Education and Finance, added: “No matter what our background, each of us has a role to play, each has something to contribute to make Singapore a better place.” Finance Minister Mr Heng Swee Keat wants to get more Singaporeans involved in decisions concerning their country by launching a series of discussions with various groups in society to hear their views on national issues. Pledging that the 4G leaders will listen with “humility and respect”, he said as he wrapped up the debate: “We will consider all views with an open mind and adjust our course accordingly. We will communicate the thinking behind our decisions clearly. We will bring Singaporeans together and give everyone a role to turn good ideas into concrete action.” To build a deeper partnership between the Government and the people, Mr Heng said the relationship must be sincere and grounded in trust. “The more we partner one another, the better we understand one another, the more the trust will grow.”
The challenges Singapore and its younger leaders face President Halimah Yacob marked the mid-point of Singapore’s 13th Parliament on May 7, 2018 with an address where she highlighted the tasks the Government has fulfilled in the first half of its term and the priorities it needs to focus on in the second session
S
ingapore has “navigated a steady path amidst an uncertain external environment,” said President Halimah Yacob. She noted we have deepened our ties with our neighbours and major global powers. Our economy is growing steadily, real wages have risen for all income groups and the Government, industries and unions are working together to ensure the country is ready to face the future. However, she cautioned: “Do not assume that Singapore will always continue to be successful. There are significant developments in our external and domestic environments that we must understand and deal with.” Pointing out how income inequality and social stratification have broken the social compact in many countries, she said Singapore must tackle these problems before they become entrenched in society and cause “our politics to turn vicious, our society to fracture and our nation to wither.” We must also guard against religious polarisation, xenophobia and extreme nationalism which are divisive forces that
have grown stronger in many parts of the world.
Leaders must earn the right to lead The fourth generation leadership must “fire up and mobilise the spirit and energy of young Singaporeans” and grow with the people they represent, she said in her address which was largely drafted by the 4G leaders. They will need to listen to the views and feelings of the people but still have the courage to lead and mobilise public opinion to support difficult policies which are in the long-term interest of Singapore. Emphasising the need to “earn the right to lead”, Madam Halimah said: “The trust between the people and their leaders is not automatically passed on from one generation to the next. In each generation, the people and leaders must work with one another, go through trials and tribulations together, and forge their own bonds afresh.” Here are the five priorities outlined by President Halimah:
Singapore’s place in the world •
•
•
Singapore Armed Forces and Home Team build up their capabilities to fight threats like terrorism and cyber-attacks Despite rising protectionism, we must champion free trade and explore new collaborations Forge friendships with as many countries as possible, especially with the US and China
•
More opportunities for workers in vibrant economy •
•
•
•
•
•
•
Build a fair and just society based on meritocracy but still doing our best not to leave any one behind Tackle social inequality vigorously, provide the right support for those who need help to catch up Help the elderly with elderly-friendly infrastructure, new housing options and better healthcare facilities Inculcate a strong culture where the better-off devote time and resources to help the less fortunate
Nurture Singaporean identity • •
Invest in key infrastructure such as Changi Airport Terminal 5 and Tuas Port Invest heavily in new MRT infrastructure, renew our heartlands
Adapt to changing economic conditions, embrace technological changes and keep upgrading our workforce’s skills and knowledge New business centres like Jurong Lake District, Punggol Digital District and Woodlands North Coast will have its own character and industry niche Education must change to prepare Singaporeans for life, emphasising less on grades and more on skills and adaptability
Caring and inclusive society •
World-class city for Singaporeans •
Free up Paya Lebar Air Base and Greater Southern Waterfront for new developments
•
Singaporeans want to feel a strong sense of nationhood Our diverse cultures and traditions are now interwoven Bicentennial celebrations in 2019 to reflect on what it means to be Singaporean and our common values and beliefs that bind us as a people
June 2018
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SPECIAL
New leaders for three Government Parliamentary Committees The changes took effect on May 7, 2018, in the second term of the 13th Parliament, after four backbenchers became office holders in the recent Cabinet reshuffle
From left: Mr Cedric Foo now heads the Communications and Information GPC. There are also new deputy chairs in the following GPCs: Ms Tin Pei Ling, (Communications and Information), Mr Murali Pillai (Home Affairs and Law), and Ms Rahayu Mahzam (Social and Family Development).
T
he appointment of four backbenchers to political office during the recent Cabinet reshuffle has resulted in several changes to the Government Parliamentary Committees (GPCs). The new GPC appointments came into effect from the second term of the 13th Parliament, which commenced with the President’s Address on May 7, 2018, said the PAP in a statement. The GPCs were set up by the PAP in 1987 to scrutinise the legislation and programmes of the various ministries, as well as serve as an additional channel of feedback on government policies. Pioneer MP Mr Cedric Foo has taken over as chairman of Communications and Information GPC following the appointment of Mr Zaqy Mohamad (Chua Chu Kang GRC MP) as Minister of State for the Ministry of National Development, and Manpower. The committee’s deputy chair has also been changed. Ms Tin Pei Ling, MP for MacPherson Single Member Constituency, has replaced Ms Sun Xueling, MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC as the GPC’s deputy chair. Ms Sun is now Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs, and National Development. Two other GPCs have new deputy chairs following the cabinet reshuffle which came into effect on May 1. They are: • Bukit Batok Single Member Constituency MP, Mr Murali Pillai, took over from Marine Parade GRC MP, Mr Edwin Tong, in the Home Affairs and Law GPC. Mr Tong became Senior Minister of State for Law and Health on July 1. • Jurong GRC MP, Ms Rahayu Mahzam, took over Ms Tin’s post as deputy chair in the Social and Family Development GPC.
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Dr Tan Wu Meng, (Jurong GRC MP) the fourth backbencher who became an office holder, has left the two GPCs he was involved in – Health as well as Finance and Trade and Industry. He is now Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs as well as Trade and Industry. Apart from the leadership changes, the titles of some GPCs have been amended to reflect their wider scope. The Communications and Information GPC now looks after the Smart Nation initiative while the Environment and Water Resources GPC has climate change under its wing. There are altogether 12 GPCs whose portfolios correspond to one or more ministerial portfolios. They are: - Communications and Information (including Smart Nation) - Culture, Community and Youth (including Muslim Affairs) - Defence and Foreign Affairs - Education - Environment and Water Resources (including Climate Change) - Finance and Trade and Industry - Health (including Ageing and Silver Generation Office) - Home Affairs and Law - Manpower - National Development (including Municipal Services Office) - Social and Family Development (including National Population and Talent Division) - Transport For more information about Government Parliamentary Committees, please scan QR code for details.
SPECIAL
With their 66 years of collective service as officeholders, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Mr Lim Swee Say and Dr Yaacob Ibrahim have done much for the country. They stepped down from their ministerial posts on May 1, 2018 to make way for younger leaders. However, they will continue as MPs — Mr Lim Hng Kiang for West Coast GRC, Mr Lim Swee Say for East Coast GRC and Dr Yaacob for Jalan Besar GRC. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong thanked them for their invaluable contributions in the valedictory letter he sent to each of them.
Thank you for the invaluable contributions Hard-headed yet with a human touch With 27 years in government -- the last 14 at the helm of the Ministry of Trade and Industry -- Mr Lim Hng Kiang has the longest service record among the trio. After stepping down from the Cabinet, Mr Lim, 64, will continue in the ministry as special adviser, giving counsel to his successor, Mr Chan Chun Sing. Mr Lim will also remain deputy chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore and a board director of GIC. In his valedictory letter to Mr Lim, PM Lee wrote: “You are steady under pressure, analyse problems rationally and objectively, and have a sensitive feel for political considerations. Your approach is hardheaded and practical, yet infused with a human touch.” The PM said when the Global Financial Crisis hit in 2008, “your calmness and experience were pillars of strength”. “You systematically reviewed the options, and worked out a bold and effective package of measures, including notably the Special Risk-Sharing Initiative and Jobs Credit schemes. This response bolstered confidence, saved jobs, and enabled the Singapore economy to recover swiftly.”
Thank you very much for your contributions and memories. PM Lee (from left), took a wefie with the three retired ministers, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim and Mr Lim Swee Say at an appreciation dinner at Parliament House on May 30, 2018. He presented each of them with a portrait by artist Ang Wei Tyng as a token of appreciation.
Mr Lim entered politics in 1991 when he was elected unopposed in Tanjong Pagar GRC. He held portfolios that included National Development, Foreign Affairs and Health.
Practical, persuasive and effective Mr Lim Swee Say, 64, joined the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and politics in 1996. He
PM Lee wrote:
“You are steady under pressure, analyse problems rationally and objectively, and have a sensitive feel for political considerations. Your approach is hardheaded and practical, yet infused with a human touch.”
Mr Lim Hng Kiang at the Asean ministers’ retreat in Singapore in March 2018. (MTI photo)
June 2018
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SPECIAL PM Lee wrote:
“Both businesses and workers found in you a reliable, trusted partner who understood their concerns and aspirations.”
Explaining with graphs and charts is Mr Lim's trademark.
was elected unopposed to Tanjong Pagar GRC. He served as deputy Secretary-General of the NTUC from 1997 to 1999 after which he was appointed Minister of State for Trade and Industry, as well as Communications and Information Technology. Among the various portfolios he held were the Environment and National Development but it was the labour movement, where he stayed the longest, that he is most closely associated with. He returned to the NTUC in 2005, first as its Deputy SecretaryGeneral and in 2007, became its Secretary-General, an appointment he held for eight years. In 2015, he relinquished the labour chief’s post but continued to be involved with manpower – this time as Manpower Minister, from where he has just retired. “Both businesses and workers found in you a reliable, trusted partner who understood their concerns and aspirations,” wrote PM Lee. Another contribution highlighted by the PM was how, as Environment Minister, Mr Lim persuaded Singaporeans to accept the idea of recycling and consuming used water. “This you achieved brilliantly. You guided PUB to come up with the name NEWater, and the idea of packaging NEWater in elegant bottles, branded just like high-end bottled water.” “Today, Singaporeans are happy and proud to use NEWater, which accounts for up to two-fifths of our water needs,’’ pointed out Mr Lee.
Improving quality of life In his letter to Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, who was also Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, PM Lee wrote: “On sensitive issues involving race and religion, I could rely on you to understand the national imperatives, present forthrightly the Malay/Muslim 14
June 2018
point of view, and advise me candidly on how best to move forward with the support of the community.” “At critical moments, such as after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, when the tudung issue got worked up, or when the government implemented compulsory education, you rallied the Malay/Muslim PAP MPs and the community, took the political heat, made the arguments with conviction, and held the ground. In doing so, you did great service to the Malay/Muslim community, and also to racial and religious harmony in Singapore.” Since Dr Yaacob, 63, entered politics in 1997 as an MP for Jalan Besar GRC, he has held various portfolios, including Community Development and Sports, and the Environment. He became Minister for Communications and Information in 2011 and in 2015, also took on additional responsibilities as Minister-in-charge of Cyber Security. As Minister for Communications and Information, PM Lee noted that Dr Yaacob had pushed for investment in infrastructure, so that Singapore today boasts one of the highest broadband speeds and Internet penetration rates in the world. “You made sure that no one was left behind by the new technology. You implemented programmes to develop capabilities and promote the adoption of digital technologies, especially among the smallmedium enterprises. You also launched programmes to teach digital skills to seniors, and to help lowincome families receive digital TV and connect to the Internet.” In his 21 years in politics, Dr Yaacob, has been guided by the belief that one must always “find things to do to improve the quality of life around us.”
PM Lee wrote:
“On sensitive issues involving race and religion, I could rely on you to understand the national imperatives, present forthrightly the Malay/Muslim point of view, and advise me candidly on how best to move forward with the support of the community.”
Dr Yaacob Ibrahim with children at the Queenstown Community Club in 2015.
SPECIAL
4G leaders get more responsibility in Cabinet reshuffle
Leadership transition is well underway, says PM Lee Hsien Loong, and asks Singaporeans to work with him and his team to take Singapore forward
M
ore members of the 4th generation political leadership have been put in charge of ministries in a leadership transition that will progressively give the younger group more responsibility for governing Singapore. In the Cabinet reshuffle announced on April 24, the 4G leaders are heading two-thirds of the ministries – 10 of the 16 ministries are under their charge. Three veteran ministers – Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade) Mr Lim Hng Kiang; Minister for Manpower, Mr Lim Swee Say; and Minister for Communications and Information, Mr Yaacob Ibrahim – who are in their 60s – have retired from the front bench. Succeeding them are: Mr Chan Chun Sing (Trade and Industry); Mrs Josephine Teo (Manpower) and Mr S Iswaran, Minister for Communications and Information. The changes lower the average age of the Cabinet to 55, from 56 previously. The youngest minister, Minister for Social and Family Development Desmond Lee, is 41. Other ministers in their 40s include: Mr Lawrence Wong, 45, Mr Chan and Mr Ong Ye Kung, both 48, and Mr Ng Chee Meng and Mrs Teo, both 49. All changes took effect from May 1, 2018 unless stated otherwise.
Younger leaders show their mettle PM Lee said this Cabinet reshuffle was “more extensive than usual”. “I have decided to stretch the younger ones, giving many of them two ministries and additional responsibilities,” he wrote in a Facebook post after the Cabinet announcement. “The younger ministers will progressively take over
more responsibility for governing Singapore,” PM Lee added, noting that two-thirds of the ministries are helmed by the younger ministers, except for key ones like Transport, Health, Defence, Home Affairs and Law. Ms Indranee Rajah became the third woman in the Cabinet upon her promotion to full minister from Senior Minister of State. She is Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and also serves as Second Minister for Finance and Education in the new Cabinet line-up. The other two women in the Cabinet are Mrs Teo and Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth. Four Members of Parliament have also joined the Cabinet. Mr Zaqy Mohamad is now Minister of State for National Development and Manpower; Ms Sun Xueling, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs and National Development; and Dr Tan Wu Meng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry. Mr Edwin Tong will be Senior Minister of State for Law and Health from July 1. After attending the swearing-in ceremony for new office holders on May 2, PM Lee wrote on his Facebook page: “The younger leaders have shown that they can do more. Look forward to them growing into their new responsibilities, and building a better future together with Singaporeans.” In another Facebook post on April 27 when he wrote valedictory letters to each of the three retiring ministers, Mr Lee paid tribute to them. “All three have been invaluable members of my team, and will be deeply missed. But I have to let them go, so as to renew the leadership team for Singapore,” he said. June 2018
15
Who’s who in the new Cabinet
4G leaders take on more responsibilities in Cabinet line-up announced on April 24, 2018 PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean
Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Minister, PMO Ng Chee Meng
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
Minister Chan Chun Sing
Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations S Iswaran
MANPOWER
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan
Minister, PMO Indranee Rajah
COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION
EDUCATION
Minister Josephine Teo
Minister Ong Ye Kung
Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat
Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad
Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat
Senior Minister of State Sim Ann
Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Low Yen Ling
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Muhammad Faishal Bin Ibrahim
Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Tan Wu Meng
Second Minister Indranee Rajah
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Low Yen Ling
Minister S Iswaran
DEFENCE
HOME AFFAIRS
Second Minister Josephine Teo
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Minister Ng Eng Hen
Minister K Shanmugam
Minister Vivian Balakrishnan
Senior Minister of State Heng Chee How
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Amrin Amin
Senior Minister of State Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman
Senior Minister of State Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Sun Xueling
Minister of State Sam Tan Senior Parliamentary Secretary Tan Wu Meng
LAW
Minister K Shanmugam
TRANSPORT
Second Minister Indranee Rajah
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Minister Khaw Boon Wan
Minister Lawrence Wong
Second Minister Desmond Lee
Senior Minister of State Lam Pin Min
Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad
Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Sun Xueling
FINANCE
Minister Heng Swee Keat
Second Minister Lawrence Wong
Second Minister Indranee Rajah
ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES
Minister Masagos Zulkifli
(until June 30, 2018)
Senior Minister of State Edwin Tong (with effect from July 1, 2018)
Senior Minister of State Amy Khor
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng
HEALTH
SOCIAL AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND YOUTH
MAYORS North East District Desmond Choo South East District Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman
Minister Gan Kim Yong
Minister Desmond Lee
Minister Grace Fu
Senior Minister of State Amy Khor
Minister of State Sam Tan
Senior Minister of State Sim Ann
Senior Minister of State Lam Pin Min
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Muhammad Faishal Bin Ibrahim
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng
Senior Minister of State Edwin Tong (with effect from July 1, 2018) Senior Parliamentary Secretary Amrin Amin
North West District Teo Ho Pin South West District (Coordinator) Low Yen Ling Central Singapore District Denise Phua
TRIBUTE
Jek Yeun Thong 1930 — 2018
Old Guard who served the PAP and Nation with dedication Petir pays tribute to Jek Yeun Thong, a key member of the PAP Old Guard who passed away on June 3, 2018
A
s one of Singapore’s pioneer leaders, Mr Jek Yeun Thong was among the 10 ministers who signed the Independence of Singapore Agreement in 1965 when Singapore separated from Malaysia. Mr Jek, who would have turned 88 in July, had served in multiple capacities in the Cabinet and in public service, and contributed significantly to the building of modern Singapore, said a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. In Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s condolence letter to Mr Jek’s widow, Madam Huang Kek Chee, he described her late husband as a “key member of the PAP Old Guard” and said his passing was a “deep loss to the nation”. “Throughout his years in public service, Mr Jek made notable contributions, and demonstrated a strong sense of dedication to the nation,” added PM Lee.
Mobilised Chinese-speaking ground The PM said one of Mr Jek’s biggest contributions was during the July 1961 split in the PAP, where he stood firmly with the party’s non-communist leaders, and “mobilised the Chinese-speaking ground to support the PAP’s vision of a non-communist, multi18
June 2018
racial Singapore”. attempted sedition. He was released in April 1958. Mr Lee noted that Mr Jek was instrumental in The following year, Mr Jek became political building trust with the Chinese-speaking trade secretary to Mr Lee Kuan Yew. He stood in the unions and helping the National Trades Union Legislative Assembly general election in September Congress wrest control of them from the Communist 1963, and was elected the legislative assemblyman for United Front. Queenstown. He held this seat until his retirement Mr Jek, he noted, also helped draft and win from politics in 1988. support for the 1968 As a member of the 1960 Employment Act - a key panel tasked to reform the “A friendly Sin Pao reporter milestone in building then Nanyang University, Mr called Jek Yeun Thong drafted harmonious labour relations Jek stood firm on the PAP’s in Singapore which paved the vision of a multi-cultural two paragraphs for me, and way for Singapore to attract Singapore, championing a then spent several hours investments and industrialise Chinese identity that was coaching me to read a speech in the 1970s. divorced from communism that took only three minutes During his 25 years of and chauvinism. to deliver. But the crowd was public service, Mr Jek held Promoting arts and the ministerial portfolios with me, and they cheered me culture to foster of labour, culture, science for the effort.” community ties and technology. In 1977, he – Mr Lee Kuan Yew in his memoirs about As Minister for Culture was appointed Singapore’s his first Mandarin rally speech in 1955. from 1968 to 1979, Mr Jek High Commissioner to the raised the profile of cultural United Kingdom and in 1978, activities in Singapore. Ambassador to Denmark. PM Lee said in his condolence letter: “He believed Mr Jek was conferred the Order of Nila Utama that art transcended barriers of race, language (Second Class) in recognition of his significant and culture, and that traditional art could keep political, economic, diplomatic and social Singaporeans grounded at a time when the country contributions to the nation in 1990. was quickly modernising." Politically aware since teenage days Mr Jek leaves behind his wife, Madam Huang, Mr Jek became politically aware at an early age. 84, sons Kian Jin, 59, and Kian Yee, 55, and five While studying at The Chinese High School, he was a grandchildren. In keeping with Mr Jek’s wishes, the student union leader and edited a “wall” newspaper, family held a private wake and a funeral on June 5. which was put up on the walls of the school. It led to As a mark of respect and in recognition of Mr his expulsion for anti-colonial activities in 1950. He Jek’s contributions to the nation, the State Flag on was monitored by the Special Branch and blacklisted all Government buildings was flown at half-mast on by the British colonial government and could not June 7. continue his studies in any school in Singapore. He joined the PAP in 1954 and helped the Party by writing speeches and pamphlets in Chinese to reach out to the Chinese ground. Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, credited Mr Jek with playing a crucial role in his first Mandarin rally speech when he stood for election in Tanjong Pagar in 1955. In 1957, Mr Jek was appointed a political secretary to the PAP’s Central Executive Committee. Later the same year, he was detained under the Internal Security Act by the Lim Yew Hock government, for June 2018
19
TRIBUTE
为党为国无私奉献的先驱
人民行动党元勋易润堂先生于2018年6月3日与世长辞， 《行动报》特此向他致敬。 新加坡先驱领袖之一易润堂
先 生 ，是 1 9 6 5 年 签 署 新 马 分 家 协
议，10名部长的其中一名内阁部长。 总 理 公 署 发 表 文 告 说，享 年 8 7
岁的易润堂曾在内阁和公共服务
部门担任多个职务，并为建设现代 新加坡做出了巨大贡献。
李显龙总理在写给易润堂遗孀
黄 洁 之 的 唁 函 中，形 容 他 为“行 动
工艺部长。在1977年和1978年，他
分别担任我国驻英国和丹麦大使。 在1990年，易润堂获颁尼拉乌
达玛（二级）勋章，以表扬他对国家
政 治、经 济、外 交 和 社 会 的 重 大 贡 献。
少年时期就有政治意识
易润堂就读于华侨中学时是一
党 先 驱 的 重 要 成 员”，并 表 示 他 的
名 学 生 领 袖 ，负 责 编 辑 学 校 的 壁
李总理说： “ 在他的多年公职生
运 动 被 开 除 学 籍 ，还 被 列 入 黑 名
逝世是“国家的重大损失”。
涯 中，易 润 堂 做 出 了 巨 大 的 贡 献， 并展现对国家强烈的奉献精神。”
动员讲华语社群
李 总 理 表 示 ，易 润 堂 最 大 的 贡
献之一，就是在1961年7月行动党 分裂时，坚定地和非共产党领袖并
肩 作 战， “动 员 讲 华 语 社 群 支 持 行 动党建设非共产多元种族社会的
报。1950年，他因积极参与反殖民 单，无法在新加坡报读其他学府。
在1954年，易润堂加入行动党，
并以中文撰写演讲稿和手册，和华 人社群建立联系。新加坡已故建国 总理李光耀曾表示，他于1955年在
丹戎巴葛参加竞选时，易润堂帮他 撰写的第一份华文竞选演讲稿对 胜选起了关键的作用。
在1959年，易润堂受委为李光
愿景”。
耀的政治秘书。他于1963年9月参
和讲华语的工会建立信任方面，扮
他一直坚守这个议席，直至1988年
李 总 理 也 指 出 ，易 润 堂 在 政 党
演了关键的角色，帮助全国职工总 会摆脱共产主义阵线的辖制。
出 任 公 职 期 间 ，易 润 堂 曾 受 委
为 劳 工 部 长、文 化 部 长，以 及 科 学 20
June 2018
选，并当选为女皇镇区议员。之后， 退出政坛。
6 月 7 日 当 天，所 有 政 府 建 筑 都
降半旗，肯定易润堂先生对国家的 贡献，并向这位建国元勋致敬。
TOP Mr Jek (with microphone) thanking his constituents after he won handsomely with 81.24 per cent of the total votes in a three-cornered fight in his Queenstown ward in the 1972 general elections. ABOVE A hands-on Mr Jek adjusting a poster during the 1972 hustings.
Pemimpin perintis yang berkhidmat penuh dedikasi kepada PAP dan Negara Petir memberi penghargaan kepada Jek Yeun Thong, seorang anggota Perintis PAP yang meninggal dunia pada 3 Jun 2018
Sebagai salah seorang pemimpin perintis, Encik Jek Yeun Thong, merupakan diantara 10 menteri yang menandatangani Perjanjian Kemerdekaan Singapura pada 1965 apabila Singapura berpisah dari Malaysia. Encik Jek, yang meninggal dunia pada usia 87 tahun, telah menyumbang dalam pelbagai jawatan dalam Kabinet dan perkhidmatan awam, dan telah membuat sumbangan besar dalam pembangunan Singapura moden, kata satu kenyataan dari Pejabat Perdana Menteri. Dalam surat takziahnya kepada balu mendiang Encik Jek, Cik Huang Kek Chee, Perdana Menteri Lee Hsien Loong menyifatkan mendiang suaminya sebagai salah seorang “anggota utama Pemimpin Perintis PAP” dan berkata, pemergiannya merupakan “satu kehilangan besar kepada negara,” tambah Encik Lee. “Sepanjang berkhidmat dalam perkhidmatan awam, Encik Jek telah membuat sumbangan penting, dan menonjolkan semangat dedikasi yang tinggi kepada negara,” tambah Encik Lee.
Menggerakkan masyarakat Cina Menurut PM, salah satu sumbangan terbesar mendiang Encik Jek adalah semasa perpecahan PAP pada Julai 1961, di mana beliau kekal berdiri teguh bersama pemimpin bukan komunis, dan “menggerakkan masyarakat Cina untuk menyokong visi PAP dalam menjadikan Singapura sebuah negara bukan komunis dan berbilang bangsa”. Encik Lee juga berkata, Encik Jek berperanan penting dalam membina keyakinan dengan kesatuan sekerja berbahasa Cina dan membantu Kongres Kesatuan Sekerja Kebangsaan merebut kuasa dari Barisan Bersatu Komunis. Semasa berkhidmat dalam perkhidmatan awam, Encik Jek memegang portfolio seperti buruh, budaya,
sains dan teknologi. Pada 1977, beliau dilantik sebagai Pesuruhjaya Tinggi Singapura ke United Kingdom dan pada 1978, dilantik sebagai Duta Besar Singapura ke Denmark. Encik Jek telah dianugerahkan Darjah Nila Utama (Kelas Kedua) pada 1990 sebagai menghargai sumbangan besarnya kepada negara dalam bidang politik, ekonomi, diplomatik dan masyarakat
Kesedaran politik sejak remaja Semasa belajar di Sekolah Tinggi Cina, Encik Jek merupakan seorang pemimpin kesatuan pelajar dan menyunting sebuah akhbar ‘dinding’, yang ditampal di dinding-dinding sekolah. Ia membawa kepada pembuangannya dari sekolah kerana melakukan kegiatan antipenjajah pada 1950. Beliau disenaraihitam dan tidak boleh meneruskan pengajian di mana-mana sekolah di Singapura. Beliau menyertai PAP pada 1954 dan membantu menulis ucapan dan risalah dalam Bahasa Cina untuk mendekati masyarakat Cina. Perdana Menteri Singapura, mendiang Encik Lee Kuan Yew, mengiktiraf peranan penting Encik Jek dalam ucapan rapat umum Bahasa Mandarin pertamanya apabila beliau bertanding dalam pilihan raya di kawasan undi Tanjong Pagar pada 1955. Pada 1959, Encik Jek dilantik sebagai setiausaha politik kepada Encik Lee Kuan Yew. Beliau bertanding dalam pilihan raya umum Dewan Undangan pada September 1963, dan telah dilantik sebagai wakil rakyat untuk Queenstown. Beliau kekal di kerusi itu sehingga bersara dari politik pada 1988. Bendera Negara telah dikibarkan separuh tiang di kesemua bangunan Pemerintah pada 7 Jun lalu sebagai tanda penghormatan dan mengiktiraf sumbangan mendiang kepada negara. June 2018
21
TRIBUTE
22
June 2018
Tributes from past and present PAP leaders
“Mr Jek was one of our pioneering leaders and made significant contributions to the early days of our nation-building. For almost two decades, he helmed various ministries in important areas such as labour and culture. Many of his initiatives, such as the focus on the correct climate of labour relations, laid the foundation of many of our national policies today. “Singapore owes much to Mr Jek and the other founding fathers for their untiring dedication and desire to do what is needed for our nation to thrive.” – President Halimah Yacob “I remember Mr Jek Yeun Thong as a Minister in my boyhood days. After coming into Parliament, I met Mr Jek at national and Party events. At the PAP 60th anniversary event, I went to say hello and shake his hand. I noticed his shirt was damp. It was raining and he had got wet when he arrived. But he didn’t say anything, and sat through the event. He said he didn’t want to trouble anyone. He was always very gracious.” – Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean “Mr Jek was an astute and perceptive observer of political currents and under-currents, and I found his reports useful to understand the UK.” – former Foreign Minister Mr S Dhanabalan
“He was very friendly to people, very approachable. Never put on airs. Spoke to you gently.” – former MP Mr Ho Kah Leong “As Minister for Culture (1968-1979) and Deputy Chairman of the People’s Association (1971-1977), he (Mr Jek) believed in the power of the arts to transcend barriers, and bring Singaporeans closer together. The first Chingay was organised under Mr Jek’s guidance in 1973. “Mr Jek’s contributions laid a strong foundation for our vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as common spaces where Singaporeans could enjoy shared experiences. “I will fondly remember Mr Jek for his unwavering commitment ‘to make Singapore a better home for ourselves and our children’. ” – Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Grace Fu “He was one of the Cabinet ministers who signed the Separation Agreement, together with the late Mr Othman Wok. “Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew had described Mr Jek as one of the early members of PAP who had fought fearlessly for the Party during the ‘tumultuous, hectic and frantic years’. According to Mr Lee, they were men of great moral strength and conviction, or they would not have survived.” – Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Masagos Zulkifli
June 2018
23
TRIBUTE
ÝMr Jek Yeun Thong and founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew accepted a banner from workers who supported the PAP, at the Party’s 5th anniversary in 1959. The banner said “Bringing peace and stability to the country”.
ÜMr Jek Yeun Thong, the PAP’s candidate in Hong Lim by-election in 1961. He was speaking at a rally in Fullerton Square.
ÝBull’s eye. Mr Jek, then Culture Minister, tried his hand at a games stall at a fun fair in Queenstown constituency where he was its long-time MP from 1963 to1988 when he retired.
ÞMr Jek inspecting rice grains, part of a 15,000-tonne shipment of white rice from the US in 1973. The rice, to ease a shortage in Singapore, had arrived at Jurong Port and was imported by trading company Intraco on behalf of the Singapore government.
ÝNomination Day for Anson by-election on June 10, 1961, at Victoria Memorial Hall, now renamed Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall. Mr Lee Kuan Yew, in foreground, was there to lend his support to PAP’s candidate, Mr Mahmud bin Awang. From left: Mahmud bin Awang, S Rajaratnam, Toh Chin Chye, Mr Jek and Ong Chang Sam.
24
June 2018
ÜMr Jek was chaired by supporters after he was returned unopposed as MP for Queenstown on Nomination Day in the 1976 general elections. He held the seat from 1963 to 1988 when he retired.
ÝMr Jek, (in suit), bidding farewell to friends, relatives and constituents at the airport prior to his departure for London with his wife to take up his new appointment as Singapore’s High Commissioner to London in 1977.
ÝThree of Singapore’s PAP Old Guards, (second row from the left) the late Mr Othman Wok, Mr Jek and Mr Ong Pang Boon were honoured at the Aug 9, 2015 National Day celebrations at the Padang, which also marked the nation’s 50 years of independence. They were seated next to an empty chair in honour of the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew who passed on in March 2015. They were among the 10 men who signed the Independence of Singapore Agreement in 1965. ÜOne of Mr Jek’s last few public appearances was at the PAP’s 60th anniversary celebrations at Victoria Concert Hall on Nov 7, 2014. Mr Jek (seated) was between Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean and Transport Minister Mr Khaw Boon Wan.
ÛFittingly, the “We Built Nation” exhibition caught Mr Jek’s attention. A pioneer leader of Singapore, Mr Jek was at the exhibition’s official opening at the National Museum in Sept 2015. He was accompanied by younger son Kian Yee.
June 2018
25
SPECIAL BY WONG SHER MAINE
Behind the scenes: Formula milk mission
Formula milk prices had been rising significantly. Parents, lacking awareness about infant nutrition, were buying into the idea that more expensive formula milk is best for baby. The Government assembled a high-level team in May 2017 to combat the problem. Petir takes a closer look at how the team members collectively worked with multiple agencies to ace their mission
U
p till the point they start on solid foods at six months old, newborn babies do not have much choice when it comes to nutrition. They either drink breast milk or if mummy is unable to breastfeed, formula milk. The problem was, the prices of formula milk in Singapore had risen significantly. The average price of a 900 g tin of formula milk had increased 120 per cent over the last decade. Parents who were unable to breastfeed had little choice but to pay. Some even went to Johor Bahru to stock up on more affordable options. 26
June 2018
The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS), which regulates competition in Singapore, was alerted to this issue. It spent nearly a year hitting the ground to find out why milk prices were going up. In a report which was released in May 2017, one of the conclusions was: Manufacturers were raising their prices after convincing consumers that they were paying for “premium� and improved milk formulas. That same month, the Government swung into action and set up a high-level team to tackle the issues.
“Babies have no alternative other than breast milk or formula, it’s a captive group,” said task force leader Dr Koh Poh Koon, who was then Senior Minister of State, at the Ministries of National Development (MND) and Trade and Industry (MTI), when Petir asked him about the decision behind the huge effort. “Based on the CCCS report, the problem was clearly multi-faceted and would require the involvement of multiple government agencies. A task force, above all the agencies, can work across agency boundaries,” he said. Hence, the task force comprised representatives from the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) which was under Dr Koh’s purview at MND then, and the Ministry of Health and the healthcare institutions under Dr Amy Khor. Also on the task force are MPs who can speak for young parents, Sun Xueling and Rahayu Mahzam, and medical professionals, while secretariat support was provided by the Prime Minister’s Office. Working closely, the task force quickly achieved results. More affordable brands were imported. Efforts were made to increase parents’ awareness of the nutritional requirements of their babies, including the importance of weaning and that all formula milk approved for sale in Singapore, regardless of price and brand, is nutritionally adequate for their babies. There was also a push to foster more conducive environments for breastfeeding at hospitals. The task force is continuing to monitor the market to assess the outcome of longerterm public education initiatives and regulatory changes. If there is one takeaway from the mission, it was that all the task force members are convinced that a coordinated approach across agencies is one that will be increasingly relevant as issues become more complex to solve. Said Dr Khor, who is Senior Minister of State at the Ministry of Health: “As there were representatives from the different agencies, it was
easier for us to understand one another’s challenges and coordination was smooth and effective.” Added Dr Koh: “This experience has given us insights into how to pull people together from different teams with different mandates. For instance, someone who is concerned with safety may not agree with someone who is only concerned with efficiency, but what we have to do is talk to everyone, balance all the different perspectives and achieve an outcome which matters to the man-on-the-street. That’s what Government is about.”
More choices, lower prices Problem: Formula milk prices were high Aim: Import cheaper but equally good quality formula milk to give parents more choices — and bring down prices. Method: The task force quickly made it easier and faster to import formula milk so that there would be more choices on the shelves. Instead of requiring distributors to obtain all the relevant certifications on the safety of formula milk from manufacturers, the AVA, which supervises food safety in Singapore, communicated directly with the regulators in those exporting countries to check if the milk had met the necessary requirements. This shaved the time needed to obtain an import permit — from several months to just several weeks. This meant a change in the way the AVA did its work. Dr Koh observed: “While there was some degree of adjustment to internal workflows, the agencies understand that it is their job to facilitate the work of industry and partners, for the benefit of both consumers and enterprises.” With the streamlining of import requirements, retailers like NTUC FairPrice were able to quickly introduce a new range of formula milk into its stores in June 2017, a month after the task force was set up. FairPrice also introduced an infant milk formula under its own house brand – FairPrice Gold – the first in Singapore, which was priced lower than comparable brands while meeting international requirements on the nutritional needs for babies.
Said FairPrice CEO Seah Kian Peng: “In bringing in new products, we had to make sure manufacturers adhere to very high quality and safety standards but were also affordably priced. We also had to work very closely with the authorities to ensure the necessary approvals and checks were done expeditiously, so that we can bring these products to market quickly. “To date, customer reception to these new products has been positive as we continue to play our part in moderating the cost of living for Singapore,’’ said Mr Seah, who is also MP for Marine Parade GRC. Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP, Ms Sun, who is now the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs and National Development, worked closely with retailers. On the ground, she attended new product launches, learnt about their nutritional value, tried out the new products with her two children aged five and one, and shared her knowledge with residents about the new brands. She also ensured that even as new formula milk products were swiftly brought into the market, safety was not compromised. “I was confident of AVA’s stringent food safety checks and know that they have conducted their due diligence. Retailers also took steps to ensure the nutritional composition of their products meet regulatory requirements. For example, a retailer which started its own house brand also engaged an Institute of Higher Learning to conduct nutritional testing on its product.” Result: Between May and November 2017, average prices of formula milk fell by 4.8 per cent. Prices of those for infants below six months fell most, by 13 per cent. Six new brands and 25 new product lines of formula milk were introduced by May 2018. In response to increased competition, some premium brands also re-packed their products from metal tins to value packs to cut costs, passing the savings to consumers.
Educate the parents Problem: Parents believed that more June 2018
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The task force looked into providing more formula milk powder options, which are equally adequate, at lower prices for babies.
expensive milk powder was best for baby. They thought formula milk was necessary, even after the child turned one. Aim: Raise awareness on the nutritional needs of infants, and educate parents that cow’s milk can replace formula milk after the child turns one. Method: Dr Koh described it as the “most important” part of the mission. “I can change regulations but if I put 20 cheaper brands out there and parents still keep buying the most expensive, the market is still distorted,” he said. Parents also seemed to think that more expensive formula milk was better. Expensive brands with advertisements that touted a host of added nutrients as being good for baby, were being snapped up. Task force member and Jurong GRC MP, Ms Rahayu, who has a one-year-old son, said: “It’s the parental instinct, to give the child the best. I think surmounting this mindset was our biggest challenge. Even parents from low-income families would say they don’t want to short-change 28
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their child.” The task force, with the help of the Health Promotion Board (HPB), went all out to educate parents on the nutritional needs of their babies. The core message was that breast milk was best for baby but if mummy could not breastfeed, all formula milk sold in Singapore was sufficient for infant nutrition, as they all met international standards on the nutritional composition necessary for the healthy growth of babies. Information cards, comparing the nutritional content of different brands of formula milk, were put up at 250 supermarkets across the island. Community road shows, where nutritionists were invited to give talks, were held to reach out to nearly 5,500 parents. Guidebooks were printed and over 20,000 copies were distributed at childcare centres and healthcare facilities, including maternity hospitals, outpatient clinics and polyclinics. The task force took pains to also inform parents on weaning foods which were often superior to formula milk in providing a host
of key nutrients. Ms Sun said: “We wanted to make sure consumers were making educated purchase decisions. For instance, we actively shared with residents that for babies six months and older, one and a half tablespoons of salmon can provide as much DHA as 30 bottles of formula milk. For babies above one year old who were no longer breastfed, they could switch to full cream cow’s milk.” Result: A HPB campaign survey showed that more mothers today were aware that all formula milk sold here provide sufficient nutrition for their baby. There was also a 19 percentage point increase in the proportion of mothers who wanted to switch from formula to whole cow’s milk once their babies turned one.
Regulate labelling & advertising Problem: Formula milk companies made various claims in their marketing collaterals. They were using images on their labels which “idealised” their brands of formula milk. Aim: Make provisions in the law to allow regulation of information on labels and
“We’re doctors and we should have known better” When his elder daughter was two and a half years old, Dr Koh and his wife, also a doctor, had to go to the United States for medical training. The child was drinking formula milk. However, they could not find formula milk for 2 ½-year-olds on the US supermarket shelves. “My colleague later told me, why do you need that? Once a child is a year old, we give them fresh cow’s milk,” said Dr Koh. The couple switched, with no problems. In fact, drinking cow’s milk solved a constipation issue which his child had. “The extra iron in the fortified formula milk powder she had been consuming might have given her the problem,” he said. “Even as doctors, without proper public education, we were just as ignorant as many young parents,” he pointed out.
advertisements for infant formula products. Method: The task force worked closely with the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC). The Sale of Food Act was enhanced to allow AVA to regulate information on labels and advertisements for infant formula products. Parliament has passed the Bill, which was tabled by Dr Koh in Oct 2017, to amend the Act. In all of its work, the task force also engaged those who would be most affected: The formula milk companies. Before the Bill was tabled, Dr Koh met with company representatives, as a group and individually, to explain the proposed changes. “They would prefer to maintain the status quo. But in the end, they understood that certain marketing claims are distorting the market, and that it’s better to work together to make sure the market is sustainable,” said Dr Koh. To complement regulatory means, the task force and HPB engaged the Sale of Infant Foods Ethics Committee Singapore (SIFECS) to tighten its Code of Ethics, which directly relates to formula milk marketing. Result: The tightened SIFECS code is still being drafted. Once it comes into effect, formula milk companies will have to ensure that their labels on products for infants aged 0-12 months do not promote formula milk over breastfeeding.
Baby-friendly hospital initiative Problem: Some hospitals where mothers gave birth received sponsorships from formula milk companies. Parents may be “locked in” to expensive brands which the hospitals used to feed infants who could not be breastfed. Aim: Encourage hospitals to be certified under World Health Organisation and UNICEF’s international Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) Method: MOH and HPB worked closely with the hospitals, both private and public, to encourage a more conducive environment for breastfeeding. Under the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, the hospitals’ priority is to encourage and support mothers in their breastfeeding efforts. “Hospitals are an
important touch-point for parents, and they can shape the behaviour of parents,” said Dr Khor. “All three of our public hospitals with maternity services have attained BFHI certification in the past few years. We have also been working closely with private hospitals and providing the necessary support for interested hospitals to achieve certification under the international Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.” Dr Khor shared how she encouraged doctors from KK Women's and Children's Hospital to share their experience at other hospitals, on its journey to achieving BFHI certification. When mothers were unable to breastfeed, hospitals would feed the infants with hygienically pre-packed ready-tofeed (RTF) formula milk. The milk used, however, was often the more expensive brands as these were the ones offered by the companies in RTF form. Once parents left the hospital, they tended to prefer to stick to the same formula milk which their baby had been fed, “locking” them into higher priced milk. The task force worked to encourage formula milk companies to provide more affordable brands of ready-to-feed milk. It also worked with the three public hospitals offering maternity services to change their formula milk procurement policies from July 1, 2018, so that they only offer more affordable RTF formula. This helps to prevent lock-in by expensive brands. Formula milk companies which want to provide RTF formula must stipulate the cost of providing the same brand to the baby for an entire year as part of the procurement process. This takes into account the total cost of buying the RTF formula, and Stage 1 and 2 products until the baby reaches one year of age. Result: Raffles Hospital is the first private hospital to commit to achieving BFHI status by early 2019. Separately, only more affordable RTF formula will be rotated at the KK Women's and Children's Hospital, National University Hospital and Singapore General Hospital from July 1, 2018. KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital has included more affordable RTF formula milk as part of its rotation schedule since March 2018. June 2018
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PAP POLICY FORUM
W
hen a Singaporean family applies for a public rental flat, it could be a sign of financial
difficulty. As part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen social service delivery, we will be equipping frontline officers from the Government and community agencies to assess the clients’ needs, provide basic information on relevant assistance and make referrals to other agencies where necessary. To illustrate, if an HDB officer, in the course of working with a client who is having difficulty paying the rent or servicing the mortgage, finds that the client might require other social services, such as social assistance or family services, the HDB officer would alert social service agencies so that they can approach the family to see if more help is needed to get them back on their feet. These could include ensuring that the children receive child care or education assistance, or medical care for an ill family member, said Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Social and Family development.
Tackle underlying problems, not just symptoms Speaking at a dialogue session organised by the PAP Policy Forum (PPF) on middle class challenges and Singapore’s social compact and future challenges on April 21, 2018 at the Party headquarters, he explained to activists: “With greater coordination and sharing of relevant information among Social Service Offices, Family Service Centres, VWOs (voluntary welfare organisations) and other relevant organisations, we can address the underlying problems and not just tackle the symptoms.” “Also, there are multiple layers of assistance to help needy households. Better coordination and better harnessing of community resources will ensure that those who need help most will have easier access to it.” He noted that as part of Singapore’s social compact, the Government creates the conditions for growth and opportunity while individuals take personal responsibility, with support from their family and community. Where more help is
Benefitting Singaporeans with greater social service coordination Minister for Social and Family Development Desmond Lee on initiatives to help the lower income and middle class required, the government assistance can act as a trampoline to help individuals bounce back on their feet, and also provide a safety net for those who require longer-term help. As a result, the living standards and prospects for each successive generation have improved. Mr Lee, who is also Second Minister for National Development, pointed out that home ownership here was a high 90.7 per cent in 2017. It is an achievement that always attracted attention at international conferences, with many other countries asking about Singapore’s home ownership strategy.
Addressing middle class challenges The PMET group, comprising professionals, managers, executives and technicians, makes up the bulk of the middle class here. Globally, technological advancements are disrupting traditional employment models and making certain jobs redundant. As our economy restructures, the job security of older PMET workers remain a concern. Last year, about 30 per cent of resident PMET retrenchments were among those aged 50 years old and above. Older job seekers who were previously in PMET jobs
were also more likely to be “long-term unemployed” and had lower re-entry rates into employment. Some possible reasons were mismatch of jobs, skills and wage expectations. To help this group, the Government continues to create a good economic climate so that there will be all-round job growth. Mr Lee also cited the Workfare, SkillsFuture and Adapt and Grow programmes, which allow workers to acquire new skills to improve their employability. As for healthcare (which is another concern among the middle class), he pointed out that the Government is now footing close to half of total healthcare spending. He added: “The implementation of MediShield Life will further ensure Singaporeans are not denied medical care as it pools healthcare risks so that those who require medical treatment will receive it.” Among the audience was Mr Yong Boon Tao, 41, a director of an engineering firm. An activist from Zhenghua branch, he said: “Minister Lee gave a lot of details of what’s happening and how the government is taking the necessary steps. It was a useful presentation to keep us activists in the know.” June 2018
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PPF submits report to Select Committee on Deliberate Online Falsehoods Its submission highlights how a foreign funded NGO used misleading facts and false context to paint a negative picture of Singapore
I
n a first of its kind, the PPF made a written submission to the Select Committee on Deliberate Online Falsehoods: Causes, Consequences and Countermeasures in February 2018. In our paper, we considered a case study of how deliberate falsehoods can be weaved in by a foreign funded Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) seeking to influence policy in Singapore. The Human Rights Watch (HRW) had written a report, Kill the Chicken to Scare the Monkeys, to advocate for political and policy change in Singapore. In the report, HRW leveraged heavily on the selective views and opinions of just 34 people, which resulted in the report lacking fair context in its argument and neutrality in analysing the issues at hand. Instead, the report confirmed various pre-determined views without basis. As PPF council member Sujatha Selvakumar said: “The HRW report failed as an objective and independent report. Instead, it used misleading facts and false context in its attempt to mislead the public and the international community. I am glad that PPF was able to advocate for policies that should address such deliberate online falsehoods.” The HRW report falsely paints Singapore in a negative light and could impact both our international standing and undermine our ability to carry out our domestic policies if it is not addressed and checked. The PPF had been studying the subject of the impact of deliberate online 32
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Council Member, 7th PPF Council, Chua Chu Kang Branch
falsehoods since 2017 and felt that this was an appropriate case study to elaborate how deliberate online falsehoods can be used to further foreign agendas in Singapore.
Dangers of deliberate online falsehoods Deliberate online falsehoods have been around since the advent of news. However, the speed and reach have grown exponentially and spread with ease through social media and dark media. A study by a team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology published in the Science 1 Journal found that political falsehoods spread more quickly, and had further reach, than the truth. Political falsehoods also had greater traction amongst people than with other categories of false news. Such false news were seen to be more novel, and gave the impression that the spreader of the news was “more in the know” and thus, more likely to be shared by people than the truth. Thus, the ability of politically motivated false news to further foreign agendas on sovereign states should not be underestimated.
HRW skewed the truth The team, comprising PPF Member and Member of Parliament (Sembawang GRC) Vikram Nair, Council Chairman Benjamin Tay, and Council Members Jude Tan and Sujatha Selvakumar, studied the HRW report and we concluded that: “The HRW report deliberately paints a highly
misleading picture of Singapore. It does so by carefully selecting 34 individuals who do not represent what most Singaporeans experience. HRW also carefully omits facts which are inconvenient,” and that, “the HRW report is a type of deliberate falsehood that is becoming increasingly prevalent. It can be easily put online and circulated, with or without attribution. And it can influence opinions, impede fair, honest debate on issues.” The team identified where the HRW report strayed away from the principles of transparency, fair context and factual accuracy. Several falsehoods were cleverly intertwined with selective opinions to give it greater credibility and on other occasions, there was deliberate omission of facts which contradicted the opinion that HRW sought to perpetuate. The team was invited to appear before the Select Committee on March 23 to present evidence on our submission. With some clarifications from MP Edwin Tong, who is a member of the Select Committee, the Select Committee accepted the PPF submission. 1. Science 09 Mar 2018: Vol. 359, Issue 6380, pp. 1146-1151