LABOUR

Re-Registration of Population and Issue of Identity Cards

My Government proposes to re-register the population by issuing them with plastic laminated identity cards. The fundamental aim of this exercise is to obviate the forging of identity cards on a mass scale for sale to illegal immigrants. The scheme for re-registration of the population will ensure that the new identity cards are forgery-proof and that Singapore's survival is not jeopardised by immigrants, illegal or otherwise. It is proposed to issue two types of identity cards, one for citizens and one for non-citizens who are permanent residents so that citizens and non-citizens can be easily distinguished.

The new system of registration will give each Singapore resident a number which will be used for all purposes in future.

Work Permits

Restrictive measures have now to he introduced to safeguard the interests of our citizens. Before and after Malaysia, workers from Malaya have been freely allowed to take up employment in Singapore. It is with considerable reluctance that my Government decided to reverse this policy. But in the absence of an economic common market the Government must prevent the influx of unskilled workers from outside and increasing the pressures on our employment opportunities, housing and social services. In 1964 alone there was a net increase of ten thousand workers from Malaya. Since separation from Malaysia the rate of immigration has nearly doubled. If measures are not taken, Singapore's economic and social burdens will be unmanageable.

Trade Unions

The Government's policy is to promote the development of a healthy non-Communist democratic trade union movement, as an essential element in our economic life. The Government will continue to give every assistance to the non-Communist unions who now represent the more than three quarters of the organised workers in Singapore.

To foster the growth of a healthy non-Communist trade union movement certain amendments to the trade union ]aw will be introduced.

Industrial Relations

In the light of experience gained from the operation of the Industrial Relations Ordinance in the last five years, it has become apparent that certain amendments are necessary. An Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill will be introduced for this purpose in this Session of Parliament.

Labour Legislation

In the light of changed economic, political and social conditions, active consideration is being given to improving four other Ordinances, namely, the Labour Ordinance, 1955, the Shop Assistants Employment Ordinance, 1957, the Clerks Employment Ordinance, 1957, and the Workmen's Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 157). An Amendment Bill will be prepared in respect of each of these Ordinances for introduction into Parliament in one of its subsequent sittings.

Health and Education are not only the rights of our citizens as individuals, but a crucial investment in the quality of our citizens which is our pride and basic human investment for the years ahead.