Mayor Zai's Blog

Speech at the Central Singapore Environmental Regional Workshop - 28 March 2009

Introduction

This workshop is jointly organized by NEA Central Regional Office and the Central Singapore Community Development Council.

The Central Singapore Environmental Regional Workshop is now into its fifth year and since 2004, it has served as a useful platform for our grassroots leaders and community partners to network, exchange views and plan new environmental initiatives for the coming year.

Challenges still lie ahead as we move forward into the new FY against a backdrop of the current global economic downturn. However, such environmental initiatives will continue to play a crucial part in not only promoting an environmentally conscious community but in also helping our residents to realize costs savings through the adoption of environmentally friendly practices at home, work and at school.

Central Singapore District Sustainability Plan

The focus for this afternoon’s workshop is on the Central Singapore District Sustainability Plan.  Our vision for the Central Singapore District is to be a model and vibrant home where our community embraces sustainable development by making fundamental changes in their lifestyles and living habits.

The long term goal for our district is to build a Clean Environment that is litter-free and low on dengue cases, a Green Community that recycles and minimizes wastage, and people who work in sync to achieve these environmental goals.

Creating Greater Awareness for a Clean Environment and Green Community

One of the environmental and public health threats that we face today is from the Aedes mosquitoes and chikungunya.  Littering has been identified as one of the causes which contribute to the breeding of the Aedes mosquitoes, that is, through the accumulation of water in the discarded cups and food containers.  One of the ways we can address this issue is by ensuring that all our community programmes incorporate reminders to our residents to keep the venues free from litter.

The Home Energy Audit scheme, which was piloted in January 2008, has helped convey to families on how they can reduce their electricity consumption and therefore save on their household expenses. These costs savings tips are especially useful under such trying economic circumstances.

Promoting more Engagement amongst Community and Corporate Partners

Recycling is essential in land-scarce Singapore as it will help us reduce the number of additional landfills to manage our waste. Recycling will also ensure that materials like paper, glass and plastic are given a second lease of life and reproduced into useful items.

I would now like to highlight the Thomson CCC’s “Community Partnership To SAve Vulnerable Earth” which was a recycling programme organised over a one-month period in 2008. This programme involved the setting up of 23 collection points through the CCC’s engagement of various stakeholders including the religious organisations, condominiums, Residents' Committees’ Centres and Community Centres. 100 volunteers were also deployed to go door-to-door in six private estates to collect recyclables from residents. The result of this joint collaboration was the successful collection of 7,372 kg of recyclables and raising $3,824 for the Thomson Welfare Fund, which will go towards helping the needy community in the constituency.

Other recycling programmes have also been carried out, for example, by Kolam Ayer Division. The Bishan – Toa Payoh North Division Grassroots Leaders are also planning a 3 month recycling initiative, called Cash for Trash, which is a joint collaboration with the waste management company 800 Super, NEA Central Regional Office and Central Singapore CDC.

Community Ownership of Environmental Initiatives

Another initiative that we are keen to expand is the My Environment Community Alert Network (MECAN), which has been established in the Toa Payoh East and Toa Payoh Central Divisions to link the grassroots organizations, schools and Voluntary Welfare Organisations. If there is a dengue outbreak, partners in the network will be promptly notified to reach out to their respective target groups. These initiatives will only work if the relevant stakeholders take ownership of their respective roles and responsibilities.

Conclusion

The Central Singapore District Sustainability Plan will only be successful if all of us plan for and implement regular, consistent and sustainable programmes which will help shape the way in which our residents embrace environmental consciousness in the way they live, work, play and commute.  I certainly look forward to hearing your plans to help us achieve our vision of a community leading a clean and green lifestyle.

On the use of revised MBMF

This was presented at the Parliment debate on the use of the Revised MBMF:

1. Sir, last year in spite of increasing living costs, the Muslim community generously agreed to partake in a change in the AMLA in 2008 to increase contributions to the MBMF Fund. Thus, it is important that we ensure the funds are well-spent and that our Malay/Muslim community will benefit from the additional contribution and expenditure.

2. I wish to enquire about the progress of the implementation of the revised MBMF. Some of these funds are scheduled to be allocated to the renovation and rebuilding of various old mosques. May I ask the Minister what are the criteria of selection for the mosques that will be earmarked for this initiative? How is the Ministry strategizing to allocate this fund for the various aspects of revamping work? What is the estimated amount of funds which would be required in the next 5 to 10 years to renovate and rebuild these mosques? 

3. Sir, our country’s mainstream education system is often undergoing changes, transformation and upgrading in the last few years. This is beneficial and useful for the future of Singapore. Similarly Sir, I also believe that we have to continue to upgrade and improve the Joint Madrasah System, which provides a strong foundation in religious education for Malay/Muslim students. A proper and quality religious education can complement the contemporary education. This will assist our younger generation in contextualising their religious knowledge and provide relevant guidance for Malay/Muslims living and working in a multi-racial and multi-religious modern city such as Singapore.

4. Furthermore, the Malay/Muslim community in Singapore should aspire to develop our own group of Islamic scholars and thinkers who have a proper understanding of Singapore. We cannot always depend foreign religious scholars for our needs. Young Malay/Muslims who aspire to be one such scholar would need to receive religious education in a conducive environment.

5. In this respect Sir, may I ask how would we be able to measure the positive impacts and value-added of the additional resources that go to the JMS?

6. In this recession, the welfare of our Malay/Muslim Community should not take a backseat. In fact Sir, I hope for more to be done. Could Minister give an update on the plans to assist the community to cope and manage the challenges over and above the malaise that already afflict the community such as dysfunctional families, divorce rate and school drop out rates?

Thank you.

On regional security.

This was presented at the recent Parliment Debate on Regional Security

1. Sir, in his keynote speech at the 6th Asia Security Summit last year, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong called on Asian countries to continue to work together and strengthen their framework of cooperation.  He stated "One challenge for Asia is to develop the right framework for regional cooperation, within which countries can deepen cooperation, discuss sensitive issues, and contain and manage frictions so as to ensure a stable environment in Asia for the benefit of all,"

2. The economic crisis will see the creation of a new world order in the financial market. More than that, the crisis and the resulting disarray may prompt militant and terrorist groups to regroup and create havoc in some countries. This is where countries must establish not only good diplomatic relations but also build up a networking and trust between their military forces so that they can present a united front against such groups.

3. While the overall regional security outlook for the Asia-Pacific remains largely positive, many uncertainties remain. With growing economic cooperation and traction towards integrated markets in Asia, a framework for regional cooperation appears to be emerging. However, major challenges like terrorism, maritime security, competing boundary claims, and growing competition for scarce resources will still need to be carefully managed. We are all aware of the damage done by the pirate attacks in the waters of Somalia, and the potential risk of these incidents in our surrounding waters.

4. Our nation’s peace and prosperity are inevitably linked to the region’s stability. As we become more integrated with the global economy, we should be cognizant that both our security and economic well being will become even more susceptible to any instability in our external environment.

5. In these uncertain times, how do we ensure peace and stability in our region? We must acknowledge that regional security and stability is best served by having an open and inclusive security architecture that comprises strong bilateral relationships and multilateral arrangements, especially with the strong and emerging powers.  What is the status of our bilateral relationships with these powers? Have we done enough to strengthen and deepen these bilateral ties with them? Are there plans to open new areas of co-operation apart from exchanges of visits? How do we balance these relations with the new emerging powers vis-à-vis the existing big powers?

6. And what about our closest neighbours? Have we made much improvement in the defence cooperation and relationship with Malaysia and Indonesia?

7. I would also like to enquire on SAF’s 3rd Generation transformation journey and operational readiness? How do we compare to our regional neighbours in terms of defence resources and capability?

Thank you.

Mental Healthcare in Singapore

This was presented at the Parliment, with regards to the mental health care.

1. In a study done several years ago, it was reported that more people in Singapore die from suicide than from road traffic accidents every year, and conditions like schizophrenia, major depression, and alcohol-use disorders are increasing significantly.

2. The burden of disease attributable to neuropsychiatric disorders is expected to rise, with depression being the second most common cause of disability. The effect of major depression on quality of life is as great, or greater than, that of chronic medical conditions.

3. I am aware that in 2005, the Ministry of Health had tasked a Committee of policy makers and mental health professionals to formulate the first National Mental Health Policy and Blueprint for the year 2007 to 2010 to try to improve the Mental Health Care System in Singapore.

4. However, it has been several years since then, and I would like to enquire on the progress of the recommendations that were made. More specifically, I would like to know how much has been allocated to carry out the recommendations made in the blueprint? Is the amount provided sufficient for our current and future needs?

5. Has there been much improvement in the way we care for mental patients? Is there a comprehensive epidemiological research done to gauge the extent of psychiatric morbidity in Singapore?  The findings would allow us to target population subgroups at increased risk, facilitating prevention, early intervention and treatment of psychological morbidity in the community.

6. Have we managed to address the issue of “stigma” of the illnesses? Are there efforts to develop community support for patients released from IMH and assist them to integrate back into society? And do we have support, resources and system in place in the community to assist caregivers?

7. There is a need for us in Singapore, to invest adequately in mental health research and delivery. In so doing, we can do much to ensure a healthy and vital society for ourselves in the future.

Thank you.

The issue of Organ transplant

Cadaveric Organ donation is an emotional issue. And for Muslims, we must also recognize the religious sensitivity attached to organ donation. I empathize with those who are involved in handling cadaveric organs donations. Their task is a difficult and delicate one, and I am fortunate that I do not have to make the decisions that they do. The passing of a loved one is always heart wrenching and an emotional and stressful affair for the next-of-kin. Yet we must not avoid confronting difficult questions because the benefits of organ transplant are obvious. For some, getting a timely transplant makes the difference between life and death, or between prolonged suffering and hope for a better quality of life.

I would like to ask the Minister to revisit the issue of cadaveric organ donation and see how the system can be improved. To begin, perhaps he could advise this House how many Muslim patients have benefited since the introduction of the Human Organ Transplant Act or HOTA.

In line with religious obligations, we will also need to arrange for the prompt recovery of the cadaver once the organs are harvested, in order to proceed with an early burial.

Can the process be improved to minimize the time taken to recover the body of a departed loved one? I believe if this issue can be resolved then perhaps we can allay some of the concerns of Malay/Muslim community.

Thank you.