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SPEECH BY MR ZAINUDIN NORDIN, MAYOR OF CENTRAL SINGAPORE DISTRICT AND MP FOR BISHAN-TOA PAYOH GRC AT PARLIAMENT’S BUDGET 2011 COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY DEBATE FOR MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH AND SPORTS

SPEECH BY MR ZAINUDIN NORDIN, MAYOR OF CENTRAL SINGAPORE DISTRICT AND MP FOR BISHAN-TOA PAYOH GRC AT PARLIAMENT’S BUDGET 2011 COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY DEBATE FOR MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH AND SPORTS

Chairman, Sir

The Community Leaders Forum (CLF) Labs recently unveiled in November 2010, aims to help youths implement their ideas to help uplift the Malay/Muslim Community. It was created with noble intentions to provide a platform for the Malay/Muslim community to work together to address issues that affect the community and come up with effective solutions.

I applaud the efforts of younger members of the community from diverse backgrounds and professions who have stepped forward to take on the challenge of plotting new strategies for our community’s future. Given the community’s large youth base and the over representation of our youth in delinquencies, certainly there is a genuine need to dealing with these issues related to youth.

I hope the Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs can share with the House how the CLF Labs intend to entice youths from different background to come forward and share their ideas? What are some of the initiatives that have been developed under CLF Labs, particularly initiatives that engage the community?

Thank you. 

SPEECH BY MR ZAINUDIN NORDIN, MAYOR OF CENTRAL SINGAPORE DISTRICT AND MP FOR BISHAN-TOA PAYOH GRC AT PARLIAMENT’S BUDGET 2011 COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY DEBATE FOR MINISTRY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Chairman, Sir

Certainly it is good to see the Government share surpluses with Singaporeans this year through the Budget 2011. However in recent times the world was hit by multiple natural disasters globally, from earthquakes to severe weather conditions. These have resulted in several food supply disruptions and crop failures. On the other hand, there is growing demand for food worldwide as population increase. The UN Food and Agricultural Organization has warned of a world food crisis after its benchmark index of agricultural commodities prices shot up, surpassing the levels of the 2007-08 food crisis.  The warning from the UN body comes as inflation is becoming an increasing economic and political challenge in several countries, including China and India.

Singapore is  also vulnerable to rising costs of goods and inflation, a fact which is highlighted further by our need to import most of our food from overseas. As such, it is imperative that the Government find ways to adopt anti-inflationary measures.

I would like Singaporeans to recall the events that took place in the year 2008, where prices of commodities, in particular rice, increased sharply by at least 50 percent. Then Singapore had to ensure that there were enough food supplies. We were able to keep prices stable and get through those challenging times. More of the same is required this time around if the Government is serious about coming up with solutions to help lower the costs of living among Singaporeans.

It has been observed that the price of oil has been remaining at record high and this will impact on all economic activity. May I ask the Minister to share with the House what is the government doing to help mitigate the situation and ensure that our food supply is adequate?

Thank you. 

BUDGET 2011 COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY DEBATE FOR MINISTRY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

SPEECH BY MR ZAINUDIN NORDIN, MAYOR OF CENTRAL SINGAPORE DISTRICT AND MP FOR BISHAN-TOA PAYOH GRC AT PARLIAMENT’S BUDGET 2011 COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY DEBATE FOR MINISTRY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Chairman, Sir

The productivity of the construction industry is of paramount importance to Singapore as it is an initial component of a growing economy. The Government has taken several measures to help the construction industry improve productivity and strengthen its capabilities through measures such as the establishment of the Construction Productivity and Capability Fund (CPCF).

It is common knowledge that the construction industry in Singapore is mostly transitional. Made up mostly of foreigners, very few workers choose to stay long enough to accumulate the desired experience and skills. In that regard, new measures have to be taken to encourage upgrading of skills with the aim of raising productivity of the individual worker. As is the current scenario, Singaporeans are not willing to take on the jobs done by these foreign workers because they don’t see much incentive.

It is never enough to rely on government initiatives alone to overcome the challenges that are facing the industry. It is a shared responsibility between government agencies and private sectors to improve the productivity of the construction industry as a whole.

The construction productivity roadmap was launched in 2010. Can the Minister share with the House what has been the progress in improving productivity and has the $250 million Construction Productivity and Capability Fund (CPCF) been effective in achieving productivity improvements? Thank you. 

COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY DEBATE FOR MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

SPEECH BY MR ZAINUDIN NORDIN, MAYOR OF CENTRAL SINGAPORE DISTRICT AND MP FOR BISHAN-TOA PAYOH GRC AT PARLIAMENT’S BUDGET 2011 COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY DEBATE FOR MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Chairman, Sir

The Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) was established with the intention of raising the professionalism of the real estate agency industry and to better safeguard consumer interest. Ever since its establishment, much has been done to impose a regulatory framework that binds conduct of estate agency work, resolving disputes and educating the public.

The property sector in Singapore is a significant part of our economy, with property transactions amounting to billions of dollars annually. For most Singaporeans, housing would likely be the largest investment they will make in their lifetime. It is not hard to see why Singaporeans demand competent individuals to give them the best possible advice and world-class service.

This is why housing agents are important stakeholders of the property industry. Their qualification, capability, professionalism and integrity are vital in ensuring that the property industry remains vibrant, dynamic and continue to provide high level of service to the public. It was therefore somewhat unnerving when I read in the papers about property agents who had past criminal records or who were involved in illegal loan shark activities. We should have cleaned up the industry sooner and the Ministry should have reacted years ago at the height of the property boom instead of waiting till now. However, I recognize that it is better late than never, but I hope that going forward the Ministry would be more nimble in responding to market developments in all areas, and not just when property prices are escalating.

May I ask the Minister give this House an update on the CEA’s work since it started operations? How has the public benefited from its establishment? Does CEA also oversees property agents from overseas who are coming here occasionally to sell projects overseas in Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, US and the UK?

Thank you. 

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