Parliament Highlights - 4 Nov 2014

Singapore International Commercial Court
New court to be set up to hear cross-border commercial cases
Another change to legal landscape is single body to regulate all law firms
By K.c. Vijayan Senior Law Correspondent And Lim Yi Han, The Straits Times 5 Nov 2014

SIGNIFICANT changes to Singapore's legal landscape were passed by Parliament yesterday, allowing the setting up of a court to deal with international cases, and a new body to regulate all law firms - both local and foreign - here.

Traditional law firm structures are also set to change after non- lawyer employees were allowed to become partners, directors or shareholders.

Law Minister K. Shanmugam said the setting up of the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) will allow the country to draw on the significant opportunities in cross-border deals and disputes arising from the region's tremendous economic growth.

The SICC, which will hear international commercial disputes, complements existing arbitration services and an upcoming international mediation centre, allowing Singapore to provide a full suite of dispute resolution options.

"Parties involved in cross-border disputes rely on the courts in London or New York, if they do not want to arbitrate... There is presently no equivalent default court in Asia. Our intention is to become that default court. No other country provides this option. We want to be the first, and we want to succeed," said the minister.

He added that the new court will bank on Singapore's outstanding "brand name" for good governance, low corruption and efficiency, its highly regarded judiciary and high-quality legal services.

"Our neutrality is also an important factor which will help," he said.

Both sides of the House lauded the SICC's advent. Describing the move as "bold and creative", MP Hri Kumar Nair (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC) said "the SICC represents a new way of thinking about international dispute resolution".

Workers' Party MP Pritam Singh (Aljunied GRC) added the SICC and the appointment of international judges have "the potential of making Singapore a key centre for legal work in Asia".

Mr Shanmugam also provided details of the new Legal Services Regulatory Authority - under the Ministry of Law - which will regulate all law firms.

Before, the Attorney-General's Chambers dealt with foreign firms while the Law Society handled matters relating to local ones.

This "integrated licensing system" will make it more convenient for law firms to set up offices in Singapore by "streamlining processes" and will ensure that there is a more coherent and consistent regulatory approach, he said.

Changes to the Legal Profession Act also provide for the setting up of "Legal Disciplinary Practices" which allow non-lawyer employees to become partners, directors or shareholders.

But such firms will only be allowed to offer legal services for now, unlike other alternative models which allow them to offer other services such as accountancy.

A Professional Conduct Council to oversee the issue of professional conduct rules for both Singapore-qualified and foreign-qualified lawyers practising law here will also be set up.

WP MP Sylvia Lim (Aljunied GRC) noted that this "makes rather drastic changes in the way the legal profession is organised and regulated" and that it eroded the Law Society's role. But Mr Shanmugam said the move is necessary "for us to adapt, anticipate, and keep ahead of changes and have a certain logical framework".

Overall, the changes to the Legal Profession Act will modernise and streamline the regulatory framework for lawyers and law practices. These amendments seek to "maintain high professional standards in the legal industry", he said.




What's special about the SICC
By Lim Yi Han, The Straits Times 5 Nov 2014

- IT IS an international court with specialist jurists hearing international commercial disputes.

- Disputes it will hear include those governed by foreign law and in which the parties have agreed to use the SICC, or the case has been transferred from the High Court.

- It will complement existing arbitration services and broaden the suite of dispute resolution options to attract regional and international parties to settle their disputes here.

-Singapore lawyers and law firms will have more opportunities to tap Asia's growth, as the SICC brings "offshore work" here.

- It is the first in Asia to help businesses involved in cross-border disputes.

'When you have a small Bar and very small talent pool'
By Lydia Lim Associate Opinion Editor, The Straits Times 5 Nov 2014

THE Workers' Party yesterday made judicial independence the reason for not supporting an amendment to the Constitution tabled by Law Minister K. Shanmugam.

It was an odd move on the part of the opposition party. As Mr Shanmugam pointed out, the objections raised by Aljunied GRC MPs Sylvia Lim and Pritam Singh - both lawyers - had nothing to do with the amendment before the House, but were related to changes the WP wished the Government were making instead.

Any amendment to the Constitution - being the supreme law of the land - is a serious matter. To be passed, it needs the assent of not less than two-thirds of the elected Members of Parliament.

The key aspects of yesterday's amendment were to create two new judicial appointments, namely, International Judges and Senior Judges; and to introduce a gratuity plan in place of pensions for future holders of judicial and statutory appointments.

The first relates to the setting up of the Singapore International Commercial Court, as the Republic moves to realise its vision of becoming the leading dispute-resolution hub in the region.

The second follows from the Public Service Division's review of salaries last year.

These were clearly set out in Mr Shanmugam's speech.

But when Mr Singh joined the debate, he announced the WP's opposition to the Constitution Bill on the grounds that the party was uncomfortable with the change to allow retired High Court judges to be appointed on short terms as Senior Judges.

"This weakens a concept critical to judicial independence, namely, the security of tenure," he said.

The WP's view, as set out in its manifesto, is that the Constitution should instead be amended to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, with no prospect for extension thereafter, he said.

"While extensions and short- term appointments are administratively convenient," he added, "it is the Workers' Party view that they weaken the protective wall that upholds judicial independence.

"Under the existing regime, which this Bill re-enacts, it is conceivable that a judge past the retirement age may be retained by the Government because his or her judgments are 'safe' ones and acceptable to the Government, even as the Judiciary remains a separate organ of state.

"While I am not suggesting that this has occurred, such judgments may well be read as a signal by other judges who have not reached retirement age, as a factor that might determine the prospects for future judicial employment past the statutory retirement age or for a permanent appointment in the case of Judicial Commissioners."

A Judicial Commissioner or JC has all the powers and functions of a High Court judge but is appointed on a short tenure. Singapore's practice of appointing JCs dates back to 1979, when the Constitution was amended to allow for it.

Yesterday's amendment merely extended this practice to the appointment of Senior Judges.

Still, Mr Shanmugam chose to address the WP's concern over security of tenure seriously and factually, for which he is to be commended.

Currently, judges enjoy security of tenure up to the retirement age of 65. Should that be raised to 70?

In an ideal world, perhaps, he said, adding that on the issue of tenure, "fundamentally, we don't disagree".

"But the point is you have to take the profession as you find it and try and fit the rules to the best you can, and if you are too theoretical or too dogmatic about this, in the end you will not have had the judiciary that we have had with the outstanding reputation that it has," he said.

In 1979, Mr Lee Kuan Yew had explained to the House the need for JCs. Lawyers in private practice indicated - and they continue to indicate, said Mr Shanmugam - a preference for short-term appointments to the High Court bench, after which they could decide whether they wanted to continue or to go back into practice.

In 1986, former Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong became the first person to be appointed a Judicial Commissioner.

CJ Chan is "possibly the greatest jurist of his generation", Mr Shanmugam said, citing him as an example of an outstanding judge who started out as a JC.

The Law Minister also stressed the need to deal practically with the reality of "a small Bar, which is what we have, and a very small talent pool".

Therein lies a key difference between what those in Government find they have to do and what those in the opposition prefer they do.

All seven WP MPs voted against the constitutional amendment.

But it passed easily with 69 ayes, 11 more than the 58 needed, thanks to PAP MPs' strong turnout - the best the House has seen for some time.

Rehiring of retired judges a 'pragmatic necessity'
By Abdul Hafiz, The Straits Times 5 Nov 2014

AN AMENDMENT to the Constitution to pave the way for the short-term rehiring of retired judges as Senior Judges was opposed by Workers' Party (WP) MPs, who said that the move could give rise to questions about judicial independence.

But Law Minister K. Shanmugam dismissed their concerns, explaining that short-term tenures are a pragmatic necessity, given the small pool of legal talent here.

He also reminded Aljunied GRC MPs Pritam Singh and Sylvia Lim that Singapore's judiciary is highly regarded and is one of the most respected in the world.

The change, one of five made to the Constitution yesterday, was passed 69 votes to seven - more than the quorum of two-thirds of MPs needed for constitutional changes. All seven elected WP MPs voted against it.

Senior Judges are one of two new judicial appointments created by the change. The other is that of International Judges.

The latter appointments are part of the new Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC), which aims to make Singapore the dispute-resolution centre in Asia. International Judges can be appointed to hear specific cases or to a specific period at the SICC.

Senior Judges will be similarly appointed, but with a crucial difference: They can sit in the High Court and Court of Appeal.

Mr Alvin Yeo (Chua Chu Kang GRC), a lawyer, said this was an efficient way to tap the collective wisdom and experience of judges who have to retire at 65: "Many of them have the energy and commitment to still contribute."

But Ms Lim, a lawyer, made it clear the WP opposed temporary judges - including Judicial Commissioners (JCs), the first of whom was appointed in 1986 in a move to get lawyers in private practice on the Bench to clear the backlog of High Court cases.

Citing the possibility of executive interference in the judiciary, she said: "Whether they get their contracts renewed would depend on whether (it) is recommended by the Prime Minister and concurred with by the President."

This "carries a risk that short-term judges would be wary of making decisions that put the Government or ruling party politicians in a bad light, and might make 'safe' decisions so as not to jeopardise their re-appointment. We should remove this risk".

Her colleague, Mr Singh, also a lawyer, quoted former chief justice Chan Sek Keong as saying in 2010 that the judiciary's role as the linchpin of democracy is "heavily contingent on it being an independent institution".

Mr Singh suggested the retirement age of High Court judges be simply extended to 70.

Mr Shanmugam said that while "we don't disagree" on the importance of tenure and its relation to a judge's independence, there needs to be a balance: "We have a small Bar, a small pool and... a smaller pool of talent of the quality who can become your High Court judges and chief justices."

He pointed out that former chief justice Chan started as a JC and stayed on: "I don't think anyone questions his independence..."

All the current 14 High Court judges, including Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, started as JCs.

Not only is the judiciary ranked top by major global institutions, but Mr Shanmugam said Singapore has "a highly educated public and they can look at judgments and decide whether the Bench is of the quality that we want".

Yesterday's changes included creating the post of Deputy Attorney-General; changes to the Presidential Council for Minority Rights; and the renaming of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation to just GIC.

New gratuity plan 'not inconsistent'
By Tham Yuen-C, The Straits Times 5 Nov 2014

A CHANGE in the law that will result in future judges and Attorneys-General receiving a gratuity payment when they retire - instead of monthly pensions - was questioned by Workers' Party MP Pritam Singh (Aljunied GRC) in Parliament yesterday.

Speaking during the debate on proposed changes to the Constitution, he said the move was at odds with the Government's principle of paying public servants a "clean wage", without hidden perks.

The change involves replacing the existing pension scheme of various High Court judicial and statutory appointment holders with a gratuity plan, and giving the President the power to do so.

Those currently in the post of Chief Justice, Judges of Appeal, High Court judges, Attorney-General, Auditor-General and Public Service Commission chairman qualify for monthly payments and medical benefits after they retire.

But with changes passed yesterday, those appointed to these positions in future will come under a gratuity plan instead.

Mr Singh, noting that Parliamentary pensions were removed in 2012 and not replaced, asked why pensions for such appointment holders were being replaced.

Responding, Law Minister K. Shanmugam said there was no inconsistency at all.

A committee appointed to evaluate public service salaries last year found that judges were being paid adequately.

The level of pay, including pensions, was necessary to recruit and retain people of high ability, integrity and commitment to hold such key appointments.

Mr Shanmugam said the change from a pension to a gratuity system is in line with the direction adopted by most of the public service.

Also, the changes apply only to future judicial and statutory appointment holders - not those currently in the job, he said.

"This is the opportunity to make the constitutional amendments without impacting on the current judges, because we do not want any suggestion that we are making changes to their income in a way that is detrimental to them," he added.

Under the Constitution, High Court judges are appointed by the President and have security of tenure. Their remuneration is also protected and cannot be altered to their disadvantage after they are appointed.

Landmarks marking historic events to get prime locations
These efforts are strongly backed by Govt, community: Lawrence Wong
By Nur Asyiqin Mohamad Salleh, The Straits Times 5 Nov 2014

AS SINGAPORE heads towards its 50th year of independence, two landmarks to commemorate historic events in its turbulent past will be set up in bustling areas in the heart of the country.

A memorial to the victims of Konfrontasi will stand on Dhoby Ghaut Lawn opposite MacDonald House in Orchard Road.

Similarly, a marker to honour those who fought the Communists in Singapore's early years will be placed in Esplanade Park along Queen Elizabeth Walk.

The central and prominent location of the marker in the Civic District, said Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong, means it will be near the Cenotaph, the Lim Bo Seng Memorial and the Tan Kim Seng Fountain, which have collectively been gazetted as a national monument.

"By putting these markers and memorials together, we create a larger sense of Singapore's history and the context of our early years," he told Parliament yesterday.

Former president S R Nathan, who dealt with pro-Communist activists in the trade unions in the 1960s, will be the guest of honour at the unveiling of the marker on Dec 8.

December marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the 1989 Haadyai Peace Agreements between the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) and the governments of Malaysia and Thailand. The agreements marked the end of the CPM's four-decade campaign of violence and subversion.

The Konfrontasi memorial is expected to be completed next year.

Mr Wong said it would be a reminder of the events that unfolded on March 10, 1965 - "a date remembered by many as the darkest day of Konfrontasi". Two Indonesian marines bombed MacDonald House that day, killing three people and injuring more than 30.

Mr Wong gave details of these commemorative efforts in his reply to Nominated MP Tan Tai Yong, on behalf of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who had announced the plans at a National University of Singapore Society event last month.

Professor Tan, a historian, also asked if they were a community effort or a government decision.

Replying, Mr Wong said both the community and the Government strongly support them.

The marker on the fight against Communism came from feedback that the Home Team received in recent months from retired police officers.

Recalling the incidents of Communist violence, assassinations, student demonstrations and labour strikes, they asked for recognition for the people who stood up to the Communists.

The Konfrontasi memorial was an idea the Singapore Armed Forces Veterans' League came up with earlier this year.

But, even before this, members of the public sent letters suggesting various ways to commemorate the MacDonald House bombing, said Mr Wong.

Both events not only claimed lives, "but fundamentally threatened Singapore's sovereignty and security", he said. "Had the Communist side won, we would be living in a totally different Singapore today. Likewise, if Sukarno's campaign to 'crush Malaysia' had succeeded."

He added: "Therefore, it is important to have tangible landmarks to help younger and future generations of Singaporeans understand how we got here, and why it was critical that our forefathers supported and fought for the security and future of Singapore."

These landmarks, he added, will also remind Singaporeans to remain vigilant in safeguarding the country's peace and security.

Communist threat: A 40-year-long battle

SINGAPORE battled the violence and subversion waged by the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) for 40 years, from 1948 to 1989.

In June 1948, a state of emergency was declared when the CPM launched an armed insurrection to try to capture Malaya and Singapore and install a communist regime.

Thousands of civilians and security personnel were killed and injured on both sides of the Causeway, with at least 28 deaths in Singapore.



Konfrontasi: Armed conflict over Malaysia

THE Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation - known as Konfrontasi - spanned three years, from 1963 to 1966.

It was an armed conflict started by Indonesian President Sukarno to oppose the formation of Malaysia.

Singapore then had only two regular army units and they were deployed in Malaysia.

The defence of Singapore was entrusted to the Singapore Volunteer Corps and the Vigilante Corps, established in 1964.

In two months, more than 10,000 people volunteered.

'Completion delay, misjudgment' led to National Stadium's pitch woes
By May Chen, The Straits Times 5 Nov 2014

The National Stadium's pitch problems are due primarily to the three-month delay in its completion, as well as the Singapore Sports Hub management misjudging the impact that an intensive calendar schedule would have on the field.

Commenting on the sandy state of the pitch yesterday in Parliament, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong said that he shares concerns about how the unsatisfactory pitch condition could affect Singapore's global reputation.

Fielding questions from MPs Baey Yam Keng (Tampines GRC) and Pritam Singh (Aljunied GRC), he said: "SportsHub Pte Ltd (SHPL) had taken three months longer than expected to complete the National Stadium, and this meant there was not enough time to allow the grass on the pitch to take root and stabilise. In addition, SHPL misjudged the impact that the intensive events calendar would have on the pitch."

While SHPL had carried out testing before deciding on using a hybrid pitch for the National Stadium, and also used a cover designed to allow activities to take place on the pitch with reduced impact on the grass, he noted that it did not work out as planned, partly because the grass did not have sufficient time to anchor deeply enough.

Remedial actions since its opening in June, such as bringing in growth lights to enhance the growth of the grass, cancelling a rugby match featuring the Maori All Blacks, and the postponement of a concert by Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou, were taken, with SHPL bearing the costs.

Mr Wong said these measures have resulted in vast improvements to pitch conditions in time for the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup later this month.

Nevertheless, SHPL has been tasked to go through the results of its earlier testing to ensure a suitable long-term solution. He said: "(SHPL) will share results with the Government, with Sport Singapore, and we are also asking our own experts from NParks (National Parks Board) to satisfy ourselves that whatever solution proposed is a robust one."

Sports Hub chief operating officer Oon Jin Teik confirmed that SHPL is doing its utmost to get the pitch right.

"We are indeed working hard to optimise the pitch in preparation for the AFF Suzuki Cup and are tracking its progress very closely," he said.

Mr Wong acknowledged SHPL's efforts in taking ownership of the situation, and said that while there were exit provisions in the partnership that the Government could activate, they were not being considered.

Proposed law to restrict sale, public consumption of alcohol
By Hoe Pei Shan And Lim Yi Han, The Straits Times 5 Nov 2014

THE lessons learnt from the drunken riots in Little India last year could soon be applied elsewhere.

A tough new law could be in place by next year to restrict public consumption of alcohol and limit its selling hours, Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran told Parliament yesterday.

This follows an extensive review of alcohol restriction measures from October last year to August this year, which included public consultations.

"The respondents generally supported having some restrictions to mitigate law and order issues and disamenities," said Mr Iswaran, in response to a question from Mr Alex Yam (Chua Chu Kang GRC).

"The measures under consideration include restricting public consumption of liquor and the hours for retail sales of liquor."

He said that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) would take into account the experience from the alcohol restrictions imposed in Little India following the riot last December.

MHA has also been studying the practices of foreign jurisdictions. "In states like South Australia and Texas, for example, the consumption of alcohol in public places is not allowed at times when problems associated with alcohol consumption are more significant," said Mr Iswaran.

In Singapore, temporary measures, which remain in place till next April, were introduced in Little India following the Dec 8 riot which injured 54 responding officers and damaged 23 emergency vehicles.

These measures prohibit alcohol consumption in public places from 6am on Saturday to 6am on Monday. The prohibition also applies from 6am on the eve of public holidays to 6am on the day after the holiday.

The proposed new law could make its mark across the island, while maintaining tailored approaches for identified hot spots.

Two phases of public consultations were held, with the first concluding in December last year.

Eight in 10 people surveyed then said they supported a proposed ban on the drinking of alcohol in some public places, such as areas close to MRT stations, playgrounds and void decks.

The respondents also mostly wanted shortened sale hours of alcohol in residential areas.

This week, MHA will release its findings from its consultations on different models of public consumption and restrictions on alcohol sales.

Ms Denise Phua (Moulmein-Kallang GRC) urged the Government to continue with the current restrictions applied to Little India and extend them to other hot spots with large congregations of migrant workers, in particular residential areas. This would include Geylang, she said.

Geylang Serai Community Club managing committee chairman James Koh said residents would welcome tighter alcohol restrictions by time, rather than by selective enforcement.

Pioneer fund Bill to be amended following NMP's suggestion
By Tham Yuen-C, The Straits Times 5 Nov 2014

THE Pioneer Generation Fund Bill, passed by Parliament on Monday, will be amended to take in a suggestion by Nominated MP Chia Yong Yong.

Senior Minister of State for Finance Josephine Teo said, in a clarification to Parliament yesterday, that the amended clause would be formulated and tabled at an opportune time.

The Bill was to set up a fund for the Pioneer Generation Package announced earlier this year.

During Monday's debate on it, Ms Chia, a corporate lawyer, wanted Clause 3 to be changed.

At issue is "them who are now elderly and are or may be in need of financial relief, assistance or other support", which she said suggested pioneers could be subjected to means-testing.

She asked that it be replaced with "pioneers".

Replying, Mrs Teo stressed that the Government had no intention of introducing means-testing for pioneers. The Bill was passed without any change.

Yesterday, Mrs Teo explained that with the short notice given on Monday for the proposed amendment, there was no time to consider possible implications.

But the Finance Ministry had since gone through the legislation again, and agreed it should be changed.

Thanking Ms Chia for her thoughtful suggestion, she said the change would "better convey the intent of the Pioneer Generation Package and avoid any doubt that the fund could become restricted to providing relief to only the financially needy".

The fund will cover the cost of the nearly $9 billion Pioneer Generation Package, and ensure it can be paid for beyond the current term of government.

Pursue qualifications from institutions with 'substance': Tan Chuan-Jin
By Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid, Channel NewsAsia, 4 Nov 2014

The Republic will be at greater risk of graduate underemployment if more continue to pursue higher education from institutions with less desirable standards, Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said in Parliament on Tuesday (Nov 4).

In his speech, he urged the young to go for institutions with "substance" when considering their education and career paths.

Singapore's unemployment among graduates is low and stable at 2.3 per cent in June 2013. About nine in 10 of graduates from tertiary institutions find jobs within six months.

But the Manpower Minister said Singapore is not immune to trends of unemployment and underemployment seen in other countries. In June last year, the rate of unemployment among degree holders below 30 was 7.4 per cent.

Mr Tan said one reason is because the pool of degree holders has been increasing. With more options for higher education, there is a worrying trend that the Government wants to minimise.

“We are seeing increasing access to private educational institutions or alternative routes which offer degrees of varying quality despite their sleek packaging. Those who spend time and money on these institutions may bear the greater risk of underemployment,” he said.

He also noted that the employment market has begun differentiating degrees that “carry their full worth” in both knowledge and skills, in comparison with degrees that are paper qualifications.

“In terms of their employment opportunities and especially their remuneration packages, it is a lot less than desired and that is a worrying trend," he said.

Mr Tan said the Government will continue to ensure that the economy remains vibrant and competitive so that quality jobs can be created. The SkillsFuture Council, for example, will spearhead efforts to develop an integrated system of education, training and career progression for Singaporeans.

They include helping individuals make informed choices on their education and training development to better meet industry needs.

YOUNG GRADUATES HAVE 'UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS'

One HR expert Channel NewsAsia spoke to said some young graduates have "unrealistic expectations".

Ms Rebecca Tan, general manager of Operations at Human Capital Singapore, noted that young graduates can be “choosy” in their job search and also have “high expectations” about their salary.

“Besides that, they are also concerned over long working hours and they do not want to work weekends because they want to have work-life balance,” she said.

“They also feel they can take their time to choose the jobs that they want, probably because they do not have family commitments and they do not have to be concerned that they must get a job immediately,” Ms Tan added.

Stricter rules for operators of large dorms, pawnshops
By Toh Yong Chuan, The Straits Times 5 Nov 2014

LARGE dormitories built specifically to house 1,000 or more foreign workers will be governed by stricter rules from next year.

Under a proposed law introduced yesterday, dormitory operators will have to get a licence which requires them, among other things, to take steps to control the movement of workers, provide recreational facilities and have in place quarantine plans.

This new scheme was set out in the Foreign Employee Dormitories Bill tabled by Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin in Parliament.

It will affect about 50 dormitories.

Explaining the need for the licence, Mr Tan said in a statement that large dormitories "are more complex to manage" and tighter controls are needed "to ensure they are managed effectively".

Operators will have six months to apply for a licence; the new law is expected to take effect in the second half of next year. Licences are valid for up to three years.

Those without a licence face a fine of up to $500,000 or a maximum jail term of two years, or both.

Those who breach the licensing conditions may be fined up to $50,000 for each breach or jailed up to one year, or both.

About 200,000 foreign work permit holders live in the 50 or so large dormitories.

A further 180,000 live in shophouses, dormitories converted from factory spaces and temporary quarters built at construction sites. These will not be covered by the proposed law but will continue to be regulated under existing laws of five statutory boards.

Pawnshops will also come under stricter regulations next year.

The Pawnbrokers Bill, introduced by the Law Ministry yesterday, seeks to raise the security deposit of each pawnshop branch from $20,000 to $100,000.

Pawnbrokers will also need to maintain a minimum paid-up capital of $2 million for the first branch and $1 million for each subsequent branch.

And they will need to take steps to prevent money laundering, such as conducting stricter checks on their customers and reporting suspicious transactions to the police.

But pawnshops will get more leeway to sell unredeemed pledges through any means. Currently, they can only auction these items.

Singapore has 204 pawnbrokers, up from 57 in 1993 when the law was last updated. They lent about $5.5 billion last year, up from $856 million in 1993.

12,700 employers registered with National Jobs Bank
By Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia, 4 Nov 2014

A total of 12,700 employers have registered with the National Jobs Bank, since its launch in July, Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said in a written reply to Parliament on Tuesday (Nov 4).

He said 80 per cent of employers are actively posting job vacancies.

Mr Tan added that the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) will continue to work with industry associations, employer groups, unions, and community organisations to drive the adoption and use of the Jobs Bank among employers for their hiring needs. This is so local job seekers can have access to a larger and wider pool of job opportunities.

But Mr Tan stressed that the role of the Jobs Bank should be seen in a broader context.

"It is part of an ecosystem that benefits Singaporean job seekers. This ecosystem includes the number and types of jobs being created, and whether our people have the skills and passion for the job," he said.

"Our fundamental objective remains to ensure that our people are job ready, by equipping them with industry-relevant skills that would allow them to pursue good jobs and careers, and assisting them by providing quality training programmes, training incentives to defray costs, employment facilitation and career coaching services," the Minister added.

In this ecosystem, Mr Tan said the Jobs Bank helps to make job vacancies more visible to Singaporean job seekers and facilitate a fair hiring process.

"Singaporean job seekers are now able to make job applications directly through the Jobs Bank for a substantial list of job openings. The feedback from both employers and job seekers has been positive. It is a good start, and we hope that more employers and Singaporean job seekers will use it over time," he said.

About 150 foreigners prosecuted since 2012 for submitting false credentials
By Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia, 4 Nov 2014

Authorities have prosecuted about 150 foreigners between 2012 and the first half of 2014 for submitting false credentials when applying for a work pass, Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin revealed in a written Parliamentary reply on Tuesday (Nov 4).

He added that all were sentenced to jail terms and subsequently had their work passes revoked. They were also barred from working in Singapore.

Mr Tan was responding to a question by Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Gerald Giam, who wanted to know what authorities are doing to check on foreigners coming to work in Singapore, in light of cases of foreigners on employment passes who were revealed to have used false credentials.

Mr Tan said authorities have taken a risk-based approach to improve and strengthen credential checks, including supplementing these checks with third-party overseas screening agencies, verifying the authenticity of certificates directly with the issuing educational institution, and requiring the applicant to upload proof of diplomas and higher qualifications authentication.

He noted that the Employment Pass (EP) eligibility framework is based on a range of factors, such as the applicant's salary level, qualifications and experience. This is to identify individuals likely to possess expertise and capabilities to contribute to Singapore's economy. 

But Mr Tan added that possessing acceptable qualifications alone does not guarantee that the EP application will be approved. Conversely, not possessing acceptable qualifications does not automatically rule one out of being eligible for an EP.

In 2012, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) tightened legislation and increased penalties for making false statements or submitting false documents in support of work pass applications, including those relating to academic qualifications. Offenders may be fined up to S$20,000 and jailed up to two years.

"MOM will take strong actions against those who make false declarations in work pass applications. If members of the public know of such offences, they should report the matter to MOM," said Mr Tan.

Singapore firms need to set sights on global market: Lee Yi Shyan
Channel NewsAsia, 4 Nov 2014

World-class enterprises will not emerge in Singapore if busineses confine their revenues to Singapore’s market said Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Senior Ministrer of State for Trade and Industry.

Mr Lee spoke in Parliament on Tuesday (Nov 4) on how the Government is supporting the building of world-class Singapore enterprises, a motion introduced by Nominated Member of Parliament Thomas Chua Kee Seng.

A world-class enterprise has two distinguishing attributes, Mr Lee said: A visionary leader backed by talented people, and a business model that stands out from its competition. He cited the example of WhatsApp, which had only 55 employees when it was acquired for US$21 billion. “The question is whether we can produce our own Whatsapp and Facebook, small but world-class enterprises,” said Mr Lee.

Initiatives to help develop talent include SPRING’s SME Talent Programme, and IE Singapore’s Young Talent Programme. The Action Community for Entrepreneurship and JTC’s LaunchPad is also working to creative a conducive environment for tech-start-ups. Mr Lee cited a study that showed that at least 27 Singapore based start-ups were bought out for more than US$500 million in the past three years.

Other initiatives include boosting SMEs’ access to research and development under the the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2015 plan. The Partnerships for Capability Transformation (PACT) helps SMEs develop track record and build capabilities by supporting collaborative projects between large enterprises and SMEs. To help local businesses grow globally, there are support programmes under the Capability Development Grant, and the Global Company Partnership.

A CUSTOMISED APPROACH

Mr Lee noted that 99 per cent of the 180,000 businesses in the Singapore economy are SMEs, and they contribute to nearly half of the GDP and are responsible for 70 per cent of employment. As such, “we need a highly customised approach to help our companies of different sizes in different industries improve their productivity”, he said. 

Broad-based schemes include the Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC), which has given companies S$1.5 billion in benefits; and the Innovation and Capability Voucher - 8,500 vouchers amounting to S$42.5 million have been awarded to SMEs for consultancy and capability building since 2013. Access to such schemes have also been improved via the SME Centres and the SME Workgroup, which have reached out to some 100,000 SMEs.

The Government is also working to develop both general and industry-specific productivity solutions. “We hope that more Trade Associations and Chambers and bigger companies can tap on the Collaborative Industry Projects and other similar initiatives, such as the Call-For-Collaboration, to come together as a whole to help SMEs develop and innovate,” said Mr Lee.

Rethinking business models and improving productivity are essential to the economy-wide restructuring Singapore is undergoing, he urged. “Many SMEs understand the need to moderate labour supply at the national level but wish that their sector could somehow be exempted,” Mr Lee said, but also noted that more SMEs are starting to improve in these areas.

In all, the Government has invested more than S$2 billion through the various schemes and helped more than 70,000 SMEs in raising their productivity since the start of the productivity drive in 2010, he said.

Regulations for taxi apps on the way
By Christopher Tan Senior Transport Correspondent, The Straits Times 5 Nov 2014

THE slew of taxi apps providers here will soon have to meet some regulatory requirements, such as having relevant and adequate insurance.

Senior Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo told Parliament yesterday that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is studying the issue.

"Third-party taxi booking applications are currently allowed to operate in Singapore without regulation," Mrs Teo said. "However, to protect the safety, interest of commuters, some basic regulations may be required."

Her comments were in response to MP Pritam Singh (Aljunied GRC), who asked how the authorities were addressing the spate of taxi apps.

In the past two years, at least four such apps have been launched here, with more expected to arrive.

Their presence has riled incumbent taxi and limo operators, who say the newcomers are not competing on a level playing field, largely because they do not have to meet stringent requirements imposed on transport providers.

Similar accusations have arisen in cities where companies such as Uber and GrabTaxi operate. Germany has banned Uber outright, while Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai have restricted the use of taxi apps to non-peak periods.

In response to Mrs Teo's announcement, ComfortDelGro Corp, the largest taxi operator here, said: "As a service provider, safeguarding the interests of our commuters has always been a top priority, and we welcome any regulatory requirements towards this end."

Mr Singh also asked whether the new taxi apps have helped "address peak-hour taxi demand" or when it rains.

Mrs Teo said not quite. These apps "provide commuters and taxi drivers with an additional means of making and accepting taxi bookings".

"However, they do not increase the supply of taxis per se and hence will not help the situation if availability of supply is the constraint during the peak hours and inclement weather," she explained.

Hence, Mrs Teo said, Singapore's taxi Quality of Service standards will still be necessary to optimise availability.

"What Mr Pritam has highlighted is the fact that when we have these third-party applications, it could affect the taxi companies' ability to fulfil those Quality of Service standards," she said.

The LTA will decide on the next step after examining relevant data to determine the impact, she added.

Fewer foreign-registered cars enter S'pore after fee hike
By Christopher Tan, The Straits Times 5 Nov 2014

THE number of foreign cars entering Singapore has dipped since the Republic raised its vehicle entry permit (VEP) fee from $20 to $35 in August.

Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew told Parliament yesterday that during the April to September period, 10,900 and 12,100 foreign-registered cars entered Singapore a day on a weekday and weekend respectively.

This was about 8.4 per cent and 11 per cent fewer than the 11,900 and 13,600 foreign cars in the same period last year.

The fall might have been sharper if the August-September period was measured but Mr Lui was responding to Ms Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon GRC), who asked for the past six months' figures.

Ms Lee also asked whether the Government would move the free entry time for Malaysian cars into Singapore on weekdays to after 7pm, instead of 5pm currently.

She said this would be more in line with the off-peak car scheme, which allows free usage of red-plated cars between 7pm and 7am.

Mr Lui said the Government will consider the suggestion, and added that "we will also factor in the possibility of Malaysia implementing its proposed charge on non-Malaysian-registered vehicles entering Malaysia".

The minister was referring to Johor's plans to impose a VEP-like charge on non-Malaysian cars entering the country. Malaysia's Transport Ministry said the charge will be no more than RM50 (S$19.50) but has not announced an implementation date.

Malaysia has since raised Causeway tolls sharply. The increases were matched by Singapore last month.

A round trip to Malaysia using the Causeway now costs about $13.10 - more than five times the cost before revisions by the two sides. The cost of a similar trip using the Second Link in the west remains unchanged at $12.40.

CMPB's new location to provide more integrated and efficient services: Ng Eng Hen
By Kimberly Spykerman, Channel NewsAsia, 4 Nov 2014

The Central Manpower Base's (CMPB) move to Gombak will provide more integrated and efficient services relating to National Service, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said in a written Parliamentary reply on Tuesday (Nov 4).

Dr Ng said Gombak Base was assessed to be the best available site to house CMPB and other related agencies as it provides convenience and accessibility because of its proximity to the upcoming Cashew MRT station.

He was responding to Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC Pritam Singh, who asked about the anticipated cost of CMPB's move.

Mr Singh also asked what factors compelled the move, as well as whether the ministry had considered any other cost-effective alternatives before deciding on the construction of a new CMPB.

Dr Ng said the Defence Ministry is planning to call a public tender for the new integrated CMPB by early 2016, and costs will be made known. He noted that space constraints at the current CMPB had led to important departments being located elsewhere.

One example is the SAF Military Medicine Institute, where pre-enlistees are assessed for medical conditions.

"The segregation of needed services due to inadequate space at the current CMPB is not ideal for pre-enlistees and NSmen. MINDEF therefore reviewed possible sites for a one-stop centre that meet the needs of pre-enlistees and NSmen," Dr Ng added.

CMPB began operations in its current location at Depot Road Camp in 1989, and over the years grew to include various departments such as the SAF Career Centre and Defence Psychology Department. The aim was to centralise facilities to better serve pre-enlistees.

More foreign spouses on longer-term visa scheme
By Charissa Yong, The Straits Times, 5 Nov 2014

MORE foreigners married to Singaporeans are in the country on a longer-term visa scheme that makes it easier for them to live and work here.

This is in keeping with a growing trend of transnational marriages in Singapore.

A total of 7,300 foreign spouses were on the Long-Term Visit Pass Plus (LTVP+) scheme as of end-September, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said in a written reply to a question in Parliament yesterday.

This is nearly double the 3,900 spouses with visas under the same scheme as at end-December 2012, the last time these figures were released by the authorities.

The LTVP+ scheme was introduced in April 2012 for foreign spouses who have been married and living here for more than five years, noted Mr Teo.

Such pass holders can remain in Singapore for longer periods than those here under the Long- Term Visit Pass (LTVP) scheme.

They also qualify for health- care and employment benefits.

Between January and September this year, 2,000 foreign spouses were granted the LTVP+, Mr Teo said in reply to Mr Hri Kumar Nair (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC), who asked for recent figures regarding foreign spouses who are on the scheme.

Mr Nair also asked whether the Government would consider granting as a rule the LTVP+ to foreign spouses who have been married to Singaporeans and who have lived here for more than five years.

Mr Teo, who is also Home Affairs Minister, said that every application for the LTVP+ "is assessed on a range of factors rather than a single factor such as the length of marriage or length of stay in Singapore".

For example, the ability of the Singaporean spouse to support his or her family will be considered.

Mr Teo's reply follows an announcement by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority last month that foreign spouses can speed up their application for an LTVP by applying for a Letter of Eligibility.

Three in 10 marriages here involve transnational couples, compared to two in 10 in 2003.

$42m in Chas subsidies given out in first 8 months
By Charissa Yong, The Straits Times, 5 Nov 2014

A TOTAL of $42 million in Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) subsidies was given out in the first eight months of this year, benefiting 260,000 Singaporeans.

This is an increase from the $31 million handed out for the whole of last year to 145,000 Singaporeans, said Senior Minister of State for Health Amy Khor in Parliament yesterday.

She also said a total of 1.1 million Singaporeans are eligible for the scheme, which gives discounts on the medical fees of lower- and middle-income citizens.

About 850,000 of them were on CHAS before the scheme was extended this year to the pioneer generation: Singaporeans aged 65 and older this year.

Those pioneers who were already on CHAS before its extension have received higher subsidies since Sept 1.

Dr Khor provided these numbers in her reply to Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar (Ang Mo Kio GRC), who had asked about the cost of the scheme and the number of people who have benefited from it.

She also said the Health Ministry encourages clinics to display prominently their common charges such as consultation fees.

"This will make the charges more transparent to their patients.

"We also encourage patients to clarify with their doctors if they have any queries on their treatment and charges," she added, replying to Mr Baey Yam Keng (Tampines GRC) who wanted to know what her ministry can do to prevent doctors, especially those in the private sector, from overcharging.

This was recently a hot topic of debate.

Dr Khor said: "The vast majority of our doctors do observe the Singapore Medical Council's ethical code and ethical guidelines, which state that doctors cannot abuse the doctor-patient relationship for personal gain."

But charges differ according to various factors, she added, citing medical conditions, treatment provided, medications prescribed, length of consultation, and the operating costs of the clinics.

She also said her ministry monitors closely the CHAS claims submitted by clinics.

"Clinics have been and will continue to be called upon to account for any exceptional claims."

CHAS clinics are also audited once every quarter, and must abide by an audit framework, Dr Khor said.

Protecting animals is 'a shared social duty'
All stakeholders have a role to play, says Yeo Guat Kwang
By Audrey Tan And Rachel Au-yong, The Straits Times, 5 Nov 2014

PROTECTING the welfare of animals must involve more than just the Government, Parliament has been told.

The pet industry, pet owners and animal welfare groups will also play a role in safeguarding this, if proposals to reinforce animal welfare are passed in Parliament today.

Opening the debate on the Animals and Birds (Amendment) Bill in Parliament yesterday was Mr Yeo Guat Kwang (Ang Mo Kio GRC), who chaired the Animal Welfare Legislative Review Committee pushing for the changes.

"Much emphasis is placed on the Government to be the sole protector of animal welfare, when it should really be a shared social responsibility," he said.

The proposed amendments to the Act will try to "instil responsible and appropriate behaviour in all stakeholders who play a part in an animal's life cycle", Mr Yeo added.

These stakeholders will include people who work with animals, such as pet groomers and trainers, and individuals who do not own animals but care for them, such as in a shelter or in their homes.

The proposed amendments will also include harsher penalties for animal abuse, especially for repeat offenders and animal-related businesses.

The stiffer penalties for offences committed by animal-related businesses will target the industry's profit motives, Mr Yeo said. The tougher penalties will also highlight these businesses' obligations to care and provide for the welfare of animals, he added.

Under the proposed changes, staff in animal-related businesses are required to be trained in animal care.

For animal welfare groups, Mr Yeo said that they will not be exempt from the committee's original recommendation for harsher penalties that was initially targeted at pet-related businesses.

He explained: "(It is not) our intent to cause animal welfare groups to be over-penalised, but rather to ensure that these groups have the proper processes and systems in place, similar to any other businesses which handle animals."

If the proposed amendments to the Act are passed in Parliament today, pet owners must also provide reasonable care for animals that are under their charge.

Those who neglect to do so will, for the first time, face a fine, a jail term, or both.

If passed, the changes will also let the authorities adopt a code that sets new standards on animal welfare.

The debate continues today.