Economy & business — Topics

12 Mar 2014

Committee of Supply Reporting Progress

The Minister for Social and Family Development, Mr Chan Chun Sing, requested consent to move that progress be reported and for the Committee to sit again the following day.
The Chairman granted consent, and the motion was formally resolved with the Deputy Speaker assuming the chair of the House.
Mr Chan Chun Sing reported that the Committee of Supply had made further progress on the 2014/2015 Estimates of Expenditure and requested leave to continue the next day.
The Deputy Speaker approved the report, concluding the session.

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12 Mar 2014

Estimates of Expenditure for the Financial Year 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015

The Parliament convened a Committee of Supply session to examine and approve the expenditure estimates for the financial year 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015.
The debate focused on reviewing the government's proposed budget allocations and spending plans for the upcoming fiscal year.
Members were expected to scrutinize the details of the expenditure estimates and raise questions or concerns about specific allocations.
The session aimed to ensure transparency and accountability in the government's financial planning and resource distribution.

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11 Mar 2014

Committee of Supply Reporting Progress

Lawrence Wong moved to report progress and ask leave to sit again tomorrow, and the Chairman consented.
A motion was resolved to report progress and seek leave to sit again the following day.
The Deputy Speaker assumed the Chair of the House after the Committee of Supply’s proceedings.
Lawrence Wong reported that the Committee made further progress on the 2014/2015 Estimates and requested leave to sit again tomorrow.
The Deputy Speaker approved the request to sit again the next day.

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11 Mar 2014

Estimates of Expenditure for the Financial Year 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015

The Committee of Supply convened on the 5th Allotted Day to deliberate on the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year from 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015.
Procedural orders were formally read to initiate the consideration of the budgetary proposals within the parliamentary committee framework.
The Speaker presided over the proceedings, ensuring adherence to parliamentary rules during the debate on national expenditure plans.

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10 Mar 2014

Committee of Supply Reporting Progress

The Minister for the Environment and Water Resources sought consent to report progress and request leave to sit again the following day.
The Chairman consented, and the House resolved that progress be reported with leave to sit again tomorrow.
The Minister reported that the Committee of Supply had made further progress on the Estimates of Expenditure for the 2014/2015 financial year.
The Deputy Speaker affirmed the decision, concluding the progress reporting.

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10 Mar 2014

Estimates of Expenditure for the Financial Year 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015

The Committee of Supply met on the fourth allotted day to examine the expenditure estimates for the financial year from 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015.
The session was chaired by the Speaker, who formally opened the proceedings and managed the debate.
No substantive speeches or policy arguments were recorded in the provided excerpt of the debate.
The focus was on procedural matters, with no detailed discussions on budget allocations or government spending.

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7 Mar 2014

Committee of Supply Reporting Progress

Heng Swee Keat requested and received consent to report progress and reschedule the sitting to Monday, 10 March 2014.
The Chairman approved the motion, and procedural steps were taken to transition the Committee of Supply back to the House.
Heng Swee Keat formally reported that the Committee of Supply had made further progress on the 2014/2015 Estimates of Expenditure.
The Deputy Speaker confirmed the report and agreed to the rescheduled sitting.

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7 Mar 2014

Committee of Supply – Head M (Ministry of Finance)

The Senior Minister of State for Finance outlined measures to support SMEs and economic transformation, including streamlining grant applications, improving PIC claim processing, and enhancing corporate regulatory efficiency.
Discussions addressed tax incentives such as the R&D and M&A schemes, with commitments to review and provide clearer guidance for businesses, particularly startups.
The government emphasized the sustainability of the Net Investment Returns framework and explained the rationale behind CPF interest rates, highlighting the system's risk-free nature and fiscal support for lower-income groups.
Clarifications were made on challenges faced by businesses in claiming PIC and R&D benefits, with assurances that feedback would be taken seriously to improve processes.
The amendment to reduce funding for Head M was withdrawn after the ministry addressed the concerns raised.

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7 Mar 2014

Estimates of Expenditure for the Financial Year 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015

The Committee of Supply convened on the 3rd allotted day to examine the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year from 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015.
Mdm Speaker chaired the session and formally read the order for consideration of the expenditure estimates.
The debate focused on reviewing and approving the proposed government spending plans for the upcoming fiscal year.
The session represented a key parliamentary procedure for scrutinizing and authorizing public expenditure.

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6 Mar 2014

Committee of Supply Reporting Progress

The Deputy Prime Minister requested consent to report progress and adjourn the sitting, which the Chairman granted.
A resolution was passed to report progress and seek leave to resume the meeting the following day.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam formally reported that the Committee of Supply had made further progress on the 2013/2014 Estimates and asked leave to sit again tomorrow.

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6 Mar 2014

Committee of Supply – Head M (Ministry of Finance)

Jessica Tan questioned how the government tracks citizen satisfaction and ensures public services reach those most in need, urging better use of technology and data analytics for proactive engagement, while also expressing concerns about overly rigid procurement practices and seeking clearer metrics on SME access to government contracts.
Several members highlighted challenges faced by SMEs, including excessive red tape, low take-up of productivity schemes like PIC due to complexity and abuse risks, and suggested measures to simplify compliance, encourage mergers, and improve support for innovation and digital adoption.
Inderjit Singh raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of using reserves for budget items like the Pioneer Generation Package, questioning the rate of return on reserves and suggesting a review of CPF interest rates to better support citizens and reduce reliance on reserve draws.

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6 Mar 2014

Committee of Supply – Head V (Ministry of Trade and Industry)

Ministers responded to concerns about Singapore's manufacturing and services competitiveness, outlining strategies such as investing in R&D, building industry capabilities through institutes of higher learning, and helping companies transform to manage rising costs and manpower constraints.
The government emphasized the importance of productivity and restructuring, noting that while the pace may be challenging, a middle path is taken to avoid excessive attrition, and support schemes like PIC and SME Workgroup are in place to assist businesses.
Members raised issues on high business costs, especially rentals, consumer protection in travel and timeshare industries, and the need for better support for micro-enterprises, with ministers highlighting measures like transparency in rental data and enhanced assistance schemes.

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6 Mar 2014

Estimates of Expenditure for the Financial Year 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015

The Committee of Supply considered the expenditure estimates for the financial year 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015, following the order for the 2nd Allotted Day.
Mdm Speaker presided over the debate, with the proceedings recorded on Page 12 of the parliamentary records.
The discussion focused on the budgetary allocations and fiscal plans for the upcoming financial year.

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6 Mar 2014

Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for the Financial Year 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014

The Parliament approved supplementary estimates totaling $318.45 million for main expenditures and $1.67 billion for development expenditures for the financial year April 2013 to March 2014.
The Minister for Finance reported the resolutions from the Committee of Supply, detailing the sums allocated under various Heads of Expenditure.
The House agreed to the resolutions, formally authorizing the additional government spending for the specified financial year.

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6 Mar 2014

Price of Raw Water from Malaysia

Ms Ellen Lee asked if Malaysia can unilaterally raise the price of raw water before 2061, why Johor proposed a review now, and how bilateral relations would be affected if Singapore rejects the increase.
Minister Shanmugam stated that neither country can unilaterally change the 1962 Water Agreement terms, as it is guaranteed by the 1965 Separation Agreement and international law, and Malaysia forfeited its right to review prices in 1987.
He noted that Malaysia benefits from the current pricing, as Johor buys treated water from Singapore at a low rate, and Singapore’s subsequent investments like the Linggiu Dam also benefited Malaysia.
The Minister clarified that no official approach has been made by Malaysia on a price review, and Singapore will continue to work on enhancing cooperation while honouring all agreements.
When asked if Singapore still needs Malaysian raw water given its own water sources, the Environment Minister deferred the answer to a future session.

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5 Mar 2014

Committee of Supply Reporting Progress

The Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, requested and received consent to report progress and adjourn the session until the next day.
The Chairman formally approved the motion, and the Committee of Supply reported progress on the 2014/2015 financial year estimates.
The Deputy Speaker then took over the chair, and the session was adjourned to continue the following day.

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5 Mar 2014

Committee of Supply – Head R (Ministry of Law)

Law Minister K Shanmugam and Senior Minister of State Indranee Rajah outlined plans to establish the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) and the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC) to enhance Singapore's position as a leading international dispute resolution hub, addressing challenges like judgment enforcement and international perception.
The Ministry of Law is reviewing the moneylending regime, including interest rate caps, fee structures, and a central credit database, to better protect borrowers, with consultations ongoing but no definitive timeline for completion.
Proposals to update laws for online conduct, including cybercrime and hacking, were noted, with the Ministry committing to forward these concerns to the relevant authorities for further consideration.

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5 Mar 2014

Estimates of Expenditure for the Financial Year 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015

The Chairman outlined the procedure for debating the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 2014, noting 452 amendments and strict time limits for speeches.
The debate began with Head U – Prime Minister's Office, as the first item for discussion under the Committee of Supply.
The session was conducted under guillotine rules to manage time, with allowances for replies from ministers and front-bench members.
The Chairman emphasized adherence to speech times and the use of a digital timer to enforce time limits during the debate.

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5 Mar 2014

Commencement Time of Committee of Supply

Mdm Speaker announced that the debate on the Budget Statement has concluded and the Committee of Supply debate will now commence immediately.
The commencement time for the Committee of Supply was revised to start right away, affecting the schedule for Head U – Prime Minister's Office.
A revised "guillotine" time of 4:10 pm was set for Head U, with Members to be notified of revised conclusion times for subsequent Heads of Expenditure.
The revised guillotine times will be documented in the Official Report, specifically referenced in Annex 7.

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5 Mar 2014

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

Nominated Member Faizah Jamal supported the Budget but called for greater emphasis on emotional well-being, environmental conservation, and transparent governance, advocating for a healthcare system that addresses root causes rather than just symptoms.
MP Ang Wei Neng praised the Pioneer Generation Package for its inclusivity and prudent funding but cautioned against expanding such packages universally, suggesting targeted subsidies and support for SMEs facing rising costs.
Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam outlined three key themes: transforming the economy through productivity and SME support, building an equitable society with the Pioneer Generation Package and healthcare reforms, and ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability amid rising infrastructure and social spending.

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