Jilid I Bari lsnin Bil. 9 18hb November, 1974

PENYA1~A RASMI P ARLIMEN PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES

DEWAN RAKYAT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

PARLIMEN KEEMPAT Fourth Parliament

PENGGAL PERTAMA First Session

KANDUNGANNYA

JAWAPAN-JAWAPAN MULUT BAGI PERTANYAAN-PERTANYAAN [Ruangan 725]

RANG UNDANG-UNDANG: Rang Undang-undang Perbekalan, tc>75 [Ruangan 737]

USUL-USUL: Anggaran Pembangunan, 1975 [Ruangan 737] Aturan Urusan Mesyuarat [Ruangan 73()] MALAYSIA DEWAN RAKYAT YANG KEEMPAT Penyata Rasmi Parlimen PENGGAL YANG PERTAMA

Hari Isnin, 18hb November, 1974

Mesyuarat dimu/akan pada pukul 2.30 petang

YANG HADIR: Yang Berhormat Tuan Yang di-Pertua, TAN SRI HAJI NIK AHMED KAMIL, D.K., P.M.N., s.P.M.K., S.J.M.K. Yang Amat Berhormat Perdana Menteri, Menteri Luar Negeri dan Menteri Pertahanan, TUN HAJI ABDUL RAZAK BIN DATUK HUSSEIN, S.M.N., K.O.M. (Pekan). Yang Berhormat Menteri Pertanian dan Pembangunan Luar Bandar, TUAN ABDUL GHAFAR BIN BABA (Alor Gajah). Menteri Buruh dan Tenaga Rakyat, DATUK LEE SAN CHOON, s.P.M.I., K.M.N. " (Segamat). Menteri Tanah dan Galian· dan Tugas-tugas Khas, DATUK HAJI MOHAMED. " ASRI BIN HAJI MuDA, s.P.M.K., s.P.D.K. (Nilam Puri). Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri, TAN SRI HAJI MUHAMMAD GHAZALI BIN " SHAFIE, P.M.N., D.I.M.P., P.D.K. (Lipis). Menteri Undang-undang dan Peguam Negara, TAN SRI ABDUL KADIR BIN " YusoF, P.M.N. (Tenggaroh). Menteri Perancangan Am dan Penyelidikan Sosio-Ekonomi, DATUK HAJI " ABDUL T AIB BIN MAHMUD, P.G.D.K. (Samarahan). Menteri Penerangan dan Tugas-tugas Khas bagi Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri, Y.M. TENGKU AHMAD RITHAUDEEN AL-HAJ BIN TENGKU ISMAIL, P.M.K. (Kota Bharu). Menteri Tenaga, Teknoloji dan Penyelidikan, TUAN HAn MOHAMED BIN YAACOB, P.M.K., s.M.T. (Tanah Merah). · Menteri Perumahan dan Kampung-kampung Baru, TUAN MICHAEL CHEN WING SUM {Ulu Selangor). Menteri Perusahaan Utama, DATUK MusA HITAM, s.P.M.J. (Labis). " Menteri Pelajaran, DR MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD (Kubang Pasu). Timbalan Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri, DATUK ABDUL SAMAD BIN IDRIS, J.M.N., A.M.N., P.J.K. (Kuala Pilah). Timbalan Menteri Buruh dan Tenaga Rakyat, TUAN HAJI HASSAN ADLI BIN " HAJI ARSHAD (Bagan Datok). Timbalan Menteri Pelajaran, TUAN CHAN SIANG SuN, J.S.M., A.M.N., P.J.K., J.P. (Bentong). Timbalan Menteri Kewangan, TAN SRI CHONG HoN NYAN, P.S.M., J.M.N. " (Batu Berendam). Timbalan Menteri Jabatan Perdana Menteri, DATUK ABDULLAH AHMAD (Machang). 715 18 NOVEMBER 1974 716

Yang Berhormat Timbalan Menteri Pertanian dan Pembangunan Luar Bandar, TUAN MoKHTAR BIN HAJI HASHIM (Tampin). ,, Timbalan Menteri Kesihatan, TUAN ABU BAKAR BIN UMAR (Kota Setar). Timbalan Menteri Kerja Raya dan Pengangkutan, TUAN RICHARD Ho UNG HUN (Lumut). Timbalan Menteri Perusahaan Utama, TUAN PAUL LEONG KHEE SEONG (Taiping). ., Setiausaha Parlimen kepada Perdana Menteri, TUAN ABDULLAH BIN MAJID, K.M.N. (Raub). Setiausaha Parlimen kepada Menteri Buruh dan Tenaga Rakyat, TUAN S. SUBRAMANIAM (Damansara). Setiausaha Parlimen kepada Menteri Perdagangan dan Perindastrian, TUAN MusTAPHA BIN ALI (Kuala Trengganu). Setiausaha Parlimen kepada Perdana Menteri, DR GOH CHENG TEIK (Nibong Tebal). Setiausaha Parlimen kepada Menteri Tenaga, Teknoloji dan Penyelidikan, DR NEO YEE PAN (Muar). Setiausaha Parlimen kepada Menteri Perumahan dan Kampung-kampung Baru, TUAN MOHD. ALI BIN M. SHARIF (Kuantan). Setiausaha Parlimen kepada Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan, TUAN RAIS BIN YATIM (Jelebu). ,, Tuan (Timbalan) Yang di-Pertua, TAN SRI SYED NASIR BIN ISMAIL, P.M.N., D.P.M.J., D.P.M.P., J.M.N., P.I.S. (Pagoh). ,, TUAN HAJI NIK ABDUL AZIZ BIN NIK MAT, K.M.N., J.P. (Pengkalan Chepa). TAN SRI ABDUL Aziz BIN YEOP (Padang Rengas). TUAN ABDUL JALAL BIN HAJI ABU BAKAR, A.M.N. (Batu Pahat). " TUAN HAJI ABDUL RASHID BIN HAJI JAis, A.D.K. (Ulu Padas). " ,, TUAN HAJI ABDUL W AHAB BIN YuNus (Dungun). PENGHULU ABIT ANAK ANGKIN, P.P.N. (Kapit). ,, TUAN ABU BAKAR BIN ARSHAD (Hilir Perak). TUAN HAJI AHMAD BIN HAJI lTHNIN (Jasin). " TUAN HAJI AHMAD SHUKRI BIN HAJI ABD. SHUKOR (Padang Terap). TUAN ARIFFIN BIN HAJI DAUD (Permatang Pauh). TUAN Au How CHEONG (Telok Anson). " ,, TUAN AzAHARI BIN MD. TAIB, J.s.M., A.M.N., s.M.K., J.P. (Kulim-Bandar Bahru). TUAN AzHARUL ABIDIN BIN HAJI ABDUL RAHIM (Batang Padang). ,, TUAN BUJA BIN GUMBILAI (Tuaran). ,, DR CHEN MAN HIN (Seremban). TUAN CHIAN HENG KAI (Batu Gajah). " ,, TUAN CHIENG TIONG KAI alias CHIENG Sm LUNG (Sarikei). TUAN CHIN HON NGIAN (Rengam). ,, TUAN RICHARD DAMPENG ANAK LAKI (Serian). TUAN EDWIN ANAK TANGKUN, A.B.S. (Batang Lupar). ,, TUAN EMBONG BIN YAHYA, A.M.N. (Ledang). ,, TUAN F ARN SEONG THAN (Sungai Besi). ,, DATIN HAJJAH FATIMAH BINTI HAJI ABDUL MAJID, J.M.N., P.1.s. (Semerah). TUAN HAJI HADADAK BIN HAJI D. PASAUK (Simunjan). 717 18 NOVEMBER 1974 718

Yang Berhormat TUAN HASHIM BIN GHAZALI (Matang). DATUK NIK HASSAN BIN ABDUL RAHMAN, s.P.M.T., P.S.D., K.M.N. (Kuala Nerus). TUAN SYED HASSAN BIN SYED MOHAMED (Arau). " TUAN HISHAMUDDIN BIN HAJI YAHAYA (Maran). TAN SRI SYED JA'AFAR ALBAR, P.M.N., D.P.M.J. (Panti). " TUAN JA'AFAR BIN HAMZAH, P.I.S. (Johor Bahru). TUAN HAJI JAMIL BIN ISHAK, P.J.K. (Tanjong Karang). TuAN JAWAN ANAK EMPALING (Rajang). " TUAN JONATHAN NARWIN ANAK JINGGONG (Lubok Antu). TUAN EDMUND LANGGU ANAK SAGA, P.B.S. (Saratok). " TUAN LATIP BIN HAJI DRIS (Mukah). " TUAN LEE BooN PENG, A.M.N., J.P., P.J.K. (Mantin). " TUAN LEE LAM THYE (Kuala Lumpur Bandar). TUAN LEO MOGGIE ANAK IROKE (Kanowit). TUAN LIBEN ANAK KATO alias WAIRY LEBEN ANAK KATO (Betong). TUAN ·LIM KIT SIANG (Kota Melaka).' " DATUK LIM Pm Ho, P.G.D.K., J.P., B.K. (Sandakan). TUAN WALTER LOH PoH KHAN (Selayang). DATUK PETER Lo Su YIN, P.G.D.K. (Gaya). TUAN LUHAT WAN (Baram). " TUAN LUKMAN BIN ABDUL KADIR (Ulu Nerus). TUAN MADINA BIN UNGGUT (Bandau). DATUK ALBERT MAH, K.M.N., D.M.P.N., P.J.K. (Bukit Bendera). TUAN MAK HON KAM, A.M.P. (Tanjong Malim). TUAN MOHAMED SOPIEE BIN SHEIKH IBRAHIM, J.M.N. (Kepala Batas). TUAN MOHD. BAKRI BIN ABDUL RAIS (Parit). TUAN MOHD. IDRIS BIN HAJI IBRAHIM (Setapak). " TUAN MOHD. SALLEH BIN DATUK PANGLIMA ABDULLAH (Silam). TUAN HAJI MOHD. ZAIN BIN ABDULLAH (Bachok). " DATUK ENGKU MUHSEIN BIN ABDUL KADIR, D.P.M.T., J.M.N. (Ulu Trengganu). DATUK SYED NAHAR BIN TUN SYED SHEH SHAHABUDDIN, D.P.M.K., K.M.N. (Jerlun-Langkawi). RAJA NASRON BIN RAJA ISHAK, P.J.K. (Kuala Selangor). TUAN NGAN SIONG HING (Kinta). TENGKU NOOR ASIAH BINTI TENGKU AHMAD (Tumpat). " TUAN OH KENG SENG (Petaling). PUAN OON ZARIAH BINTI ABU BAKAR, A.M.N., A.M.P., P.J.K. (Kuala Kangsar). TUAN Oo GIN SUN (Alor Setar). " TUAN PANG Sm CHEE alias ALEX PANG (Tawau). TUAN K. PATHMANABAN, K.M.N. (Telok Kemang). TUAN RACHA UMONG (Limbang-Lawas). " TUAN RASIAH RAJASINGAM (Jelutong). " TUAN s. SAMY VELLU, A.M.N. (Sungai Siput). " TUAN SANUSI BIN JUNID (Jerai). 719 18 NOVEMBER 1974 720

Yang Berhormat DATUK SENU BIN ABDUL RAHMAN (Kuala Kedah). TUAN SHAARI BIN JusoH, P.P.N., P.P.M. (Kangar). " TUAN HAJI SHAFIE BIN ABDULLAH, A.M.N., B.C.K., P.B.S., J.P. (Baling). " TUAN SHAMSUDDIN BIN DIN, P.P.N. (Gerik). TUAN SHAMSURI BIN MD. SALEH, A.M.N., J.P. (Balik Pulau). TUAN SIBAT ANAK TAGONG alias SIBUT MIYUT ANAK TAGONG (Ulu Rajang). " TUAN THOMAS SALANG SIDEN (Julau). TUAN HAJI SUHAIMI BIN DATUK HAJI KAMARUDDIN (Sepang). w AN SULAIMAN BIN HAJI IBRAHIM, S.M.K. (Pasir Puteh). TUAN SuLAIMAN BIN HAJI TAIB (Parit Buntar). " TUAN Su LIANG Yu (Bruas). " PENGIRAN TAHIR BIN PENGIRAN PATERA (Kimanis). DR TAN CHEE KHOON (Kepong). TUAN TAN CHENG BEE, A.M.N., J.P. (Bukit Mertajam). TUAN WEE Ho SOON (Bandar Sibu). " TUAN YANG SIEW SIANG (Miri-Subis). TUAN HAJI YusoF RAWA alias HAJ1. YusoF BIN HAJI ABDULLAH, J.P. (Ulu Muda). TENGKU ZAID AL-HAJ BIN TENGKU AHMAD, D.P.M.K., J.M.K., S.M.K. (Pasir Mas). WAN ZAINAB ~INTI M. A. BAKAR, A.M.N., P.J.K. (Sungai Petani). TUAN ZAKARIA BIN HAJI ABDUL RAHMAN (Besut). TUAN HAJI ZAKARIA BIN ISMAIL (Rantau Panjang).

YANG TIDAK HADIR: Yang Amat Berhormat Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Menteri Kewangan dan Menteri Penyela­ rasan Perbadanan Awam, DATUK HUSSEIN BIN DATUK ONN, s.P.M.J., P.I.S. (Sri Gading). Yang Berhormat Menteri Perhubungan, TAN SRI MANICKAVASAGAM, P.M.N., s.P.M.S., J.M.N., P.J.K. (Pelabohan Kelang). Menteri Perdagangan dan Perindastrian, DATUK HAJI HAMZAH BIN DATUK ABU SAMAH, s.M.K., D.S.R., s.I.M.P. (Temerloh). Menteri Kerajaan Tempatan dan Alam Sekitar, DATUK ONG KEE HUI, P.N.B.s. (Bandar Kuching). Menteri Kerja Raya dan Pengangkutan, DATUK HAJI ABDUL GHANI BIN " GILONG, P.D.K., J.P. (Kinabalu). Menteri Kesihatan, TAN SRI LEE SIOK YEW, P.M.N., A.M.N., P.J.K. " (Ulu Langat). Menteri Kebajikan Am, PUAN HAJJAH AISHAH BINTI HAJI ABDUL GHANI (Kuala Langat). Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan, DATUK Au BIN HAJI AHMAD, s.P.M.J., S.M.J. (Pontian). Timbalan Menteri Penerangan, TUAN SHARIFF AHMAD, J.M.N. (Jerantut). . Timbalan Menteri Perhubungan, DATUK HAJI WAN ABDUL KADIR BIN ISMAIL, D.P.M.T., P.P.T. (Kemaman). 721 18 NOVEMBER 1974 722 Yang Berhormat Timbalan Menteri Penyelarasan Perbadanan Awam, DATUK MOHAMED BIN RAHMAT, D.P.M.J., K.M.N. (Pulai). Timbalan Menteri Pertanian dan Pembangunan Luar Bandar, DATUK HAJI " MusTAPHA BIN HAJI ABDUL JABAR, D.P.M.s., J.M.N., J.P. (Sabak Bernam). Timbalan Menteri Jabatan Perdana Menteri, DATUK SRI HAJJ KAMARUDDIN " BIN HAJJ MAT ISA (Larut). Timbalan Menteri Tanah dan Galian, DR SuLAIMAN BIN HAJJ DAUD " (Santubong). Setiausaha Parlimen kepada Menteri Perhubungan, TUAN HAJJ RAMU BIN " OMAR, P.M.P., K.M.N. (Bagan Serai). DATUK PATINGGI HAJJ ABDUL-RAHMAN BIN YA'KUB, D.P., P.N.B.S., S.I.M.P. (Payang). " PENGIRAN AHMAD BIN PENGIRAN INDAR (Kinabatangan). " TUAN AJAD BIN 0. T. 0YUNG (Labuk Sugut). TUAN STEPHEN RO.SERT EVANS (Keningau). TUAN FAN YEW TENG (Menglembu). DR HEE THIAN LYE alias HEE TIEN LAI (Ayer Hitam). TUAN LEW SIP HON, K.M.N. (Shah Alam). " TUAN LIM CHO HOCK (lpoh). DR LIM CHONG Eu (Tanjong). " TUAN LIM AH YING alias LIM KIAM HOON (Padang Serai). " DR LING LIONG SIK (Mata Kuching). TUAN LOH FooK YEN (Kluang). " TUAN HAJJ MOHAMED KHIR JoHARI (Kuala Muda). " TAN SRI HAJJ MOHAMED SAID BIN KERUAK, P.M.N., S.P.D.K. (Kota Belud). " TUAN HAJJ MOHD. TAUFECK BIN 0. K. K. HAJI ASNEH (Hilir Padas). " TUAN MOHD. ZAHARI BIN AWANG (Kuala Krai). " TUN DATU HAJJ MUSTAPHA BIN DATU HARUN, S.M.N., P.D.K., K.V.O., O.B.E. " (Marudu). TUAN PATRICK ANEK UREN (Bau-Lundu). " TENGKU RAZALEIGH BIN TENGKU MOHD. HAMZAH, S.P.M.K., P.S.M. " (Ulu Kelantan). TUAN JAMES STEPHEN TrnoK, A.D.K. (Penampang). " TUAN TING LING Krnw (Bintulu). " DATUK STEPHEN YoNG KuET TzE, P.N.B.S. (Padawan).

YANG HADIR BERSAMA: Yang Berhormat Timbalan Menteri Undang-undang, DATUK ATHI NAHAPPAN, D.P.M.s. (Dilantik). Timbalan Menteri Pertahanan, DATUK HAJJ DzuLKIFLI BIN DATUK HAJI ABDUL HAMID, A.S.D.K•• A.M.N. (Dilantik). 723 18 NOVEMBER 1974 724

DEWAN RAKYAT

PEGAWAl-PEGAWAI KANAN

Setiausaha Dewan Rakyat : Datuk Azizul Rahman bin Abdul Aziz.

Timbalan Setiausaha: Haji A. Hasmuni bin Haji Hussein.

Penolong Setiausaha: Mohd. Salleh bin Abu Bakar.

Penterjemah Melayu Kanan/Pemangku Penolong Setiausaha: Ghazali bin Haji Abel. Hamid.

BAHAGIAN PENYATA RASMI PARLIMEN

Penyunting: Yahya Manap.

Penolong Penyunting : P. B. Menon.

Penolong Penyunting: Osman bin Sidik.

Pemberita-pemberita: N. Ramaswamy. Louis Yeoh Sim Ngoh. Abdul Rahman bin Haji Abu Samah. Rani bin Rahim. Suhor bin Rusin. Jamaludin bin Haji Ali. Amran bin Ahmad. Mohd. Saleh bin Mohd. Yusof. Margaret Chye Kim Lian. Quah Mei Lan. Puan Kong Yooi Thong. J uliah binti A warn. Supiah binti Dewak. Ismail bin Hassan.

BENTARA MESYUARAT Mejar (B) Musa bin Alang Ahmad. 725 18 NOVEMBER 1974 726 DOA mereka dan meletakkan kepercayaan mereka untuk menentukan bahawa wakil-wakil (Tuan Yang di-Pertua mempengerusikan mereka tidak menyeleweng daripada tugas­ Mesyuarat) tugas dan tanggungjawab mereka kepada rakyat. JAWAPAN-JAWAPAN MULUT Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Soalan tambahan. BAGI PERTANYAAN­ Yang Amat Berhormat Perdana Menteri me­ PERTANYAAN nyatakan Wakil-wakil RakyBarisan Nasional pula, oleh kerana mereka peringkat harga dan mutu oleh pengusaha­ tidak memegang apa-apa jawatan bergaji pengusaha, pengilang-pengilang dan mono­ yang mempunyai "executive powers", maka poli-monopoli. tidaklah perlu mereka memberitahu harta mereka kepada Perdana Menteri, akan tetapi Perdana Menteri: Tuan Yang di-Pertua, kawalan tatatertib mereka diadakan melalui sebagaimana Ahli Yang Berhormat maklum, parti "network". Kementerian Perdagangan dan Perindastrian telah pun menubuhkan Majlis Penasihat Bagi Ahli-ahli Parlimen dari Parti Pem­ Pelindung Pengguna Kebangsaan mengikut bangkang, terpulanglah kepada Parti mereka Akta Kawalan Harga (Pindaan), 1974 dengan sendiri untuk menentukan perkara ini. Dalam tanggungjawab memberi nasihat kepada penganalisaan terakhir (in the final analysis) Kerajaan supaya beberapa langkah-langkah dalam sesebuah negara yang mengamalkan dapat diambil bagi melindungi kepentingan demokrasi berparlimen, terpulanglah kepada pengguna dan mengawal inftasi secara rakyat yang telah memilih wakil-wakn langsung ataupun tidak langsung. Buat pada 727 18 NOVEMBER 1974 728 masa ini saya berpendapat bahawa usaha­ ini boleh menjalankan tugasnya berkenaan usaha Majlis tersebut dan tugas-tugas dengan perkara ini, dan tidaklah perlu di­ Bahagian-bahagian lain dalam Kementerian adakan satu Kementerian yang khas berkait tersebut dengan dibantu oleh usaha-usaha dengan perkara ini. Kementerian-kementerian dan Jabatan­ jabatan lain adalah mencukupi untuk melin­ SYARIKAT-SYARIKAT MINYAK­ dungi pengguna-pengguna di neeara ini. HARGA Tuan Lim Kit Siang: Soalan tambahan, Tuan Yang di-Pertua. Adakah Yang Amat 3. Tuan Lim Kit Siang minta Perdana Berhormat Perdana Menteri sedar bahawa Menteri menyatakan samada syarikat-syarikat Majlis Penasihat Pelindung Pengguna Ke­ minyak di Malaysia telah meminta untuk bangsaan tidak berkesan (ineffective) untuk menaikkan harga keluaran-keluaran minyak, mengawal dan mencegah inflasi dan kenaikan dan jika ia, nyatakan butir-butir lanjut. harga-harga barang yang kita nampak tidak Perdana Menteri: Tuan Yang di-Pertua, berhenti-henti termasuk barang-barang ke­ buat masa ini tidak ada syarikat-syarikat perluan seperti gula dan tepong gandum minyak yang meminta untuk menaikkan harga baharu-baharu ini. Bolehkah Yang Amat keluaran-keluaran minyak. Berhormat Perdana Menteri menyatakan bagaimana harga-harga barang boleh dikawal Tuan Lim Kit Siang: Soalan tambahan, jika suara pengguna-pengguna tidak didehgar Tuan Yang di-Pertua. Adakah Yang Amat atau ditimbangkan dengan teliti sebelum Berhormat Perdana Menteri sedar bahawa Kerajaan meluluskan harga barang-barang ada syarikat-syarikat minyak telah mengu­ keperluan? lni boleh dibuat jika diadakan rangkan bekalan minyak petrol kepada petrol satu Kementerian Hal-Ehwal Pengguna. station, dan daripada amalan yang terdahulu sebelum harga satu-satu barang itu naik Perdana Menteri: Tuan Yang di-Pertua, kekurangan bekalan akan timbul daripada Majlis Penasihat Pelindung Pengguna Ke­ manipulation syarikat-syarikat itu. Adakah bangsaan tentulah tidak boleh dengan sen­ kekurangan bekalan petrol sekarang ini satu dirinya hendak mengawal kenaikan harga­ langkah yang pertama sebelum syarikat harga barang. Majlis ini hanyalah boleh me­ minyak meminta atau mendesak Kerajaan nasihatkan kepada Kerajaan di atas langkah­ supaya membenarkan kenaikan harga petrol? langkah yang patut diambil dan terpulanglah kepada Kerajaan untuk menimbang dan Tuan Yang di-Pertua: Soalan itu tidak melaksanakan langkah-langkah itu. Masaalah bersangkut dengan soalan asal. kenaikan harga barang adalah satu masaalah yang rumit yang telah pun diterangkan tiap­ PERUTUSAN DIPLOMATIK PEKING­ tiap kali di Dewan ini, dan saya fikir perkara KUALA LUMPUR ini besar, kalau hendak dibangkitkan boleh dibangkitkan dalam perbahasan Belanjawan 4. Dr Chen Man Hin minta Menteri Luar ini supaya dapat pihak Menteri-menteri Negeri menyatakan samada penubuhan atas menjawab dengan jelas di atas hal ini. kedua belah pihak perutusan diplomatik Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Soalan tambahan, antara Kuala Lumpur dan Peking telah Tuan Yang di-Pertua. Adakah Yang Amat selesai diadakan dan jika ya, bilakah sekatan Berhormat Perdana Menteri sedar bahawa perjalanan akan ditamatkan, bagi mengatasi Yang Berhormat Menteri Perdagangan dan kelambatan atau kesusahan kepada rakyat Perindastrian sendiri telah mengakui ke­ Malaysia yang ingin melawat Negeri China. naikan semua harga barang-barang keper­ Menteri Penerangan dao Togas-togas Khas luan umpamanya gula dan tepung gandum bagi Hal Ehwal Loar Negeri (Tengku Ahmad perkara itu bukan diserahkan kepada Majlis RHhaudden Al-Haj): Tuan Yang di-Pertua, Penasihat Perlindungan Pengguna. Oleh sebab kedua-dua buah negara telahpun menubuh­ itu, pcrlu Kerajaan menubuhkan sebuah kan perutusan diplomatik mereka masing­ Kementerian Hal Ehwal Pengguna. masing di Peking dan Kuala Lumpur dan Perdana Menteri: Tuan Yang di-Pertua, penempatan Duta-duta akan berlangsung sava fikir kuasa-kuasa berkenaan hal ini tidak berapa lama lagi. Mengenai soal acialah di dalam tangan Kementerian Per­ membatalkan sekatan-sekatan perjalanan, dagangan dan Perindastrian dan Kementerian saya menasihatkan Ahli Yang Berhormat 729 18 NOVEMBER 1974 730 merujuk kepada jawapan yang diberi oleh bagi mempereratkan lagi perhubungan Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam persahabatan di antara Malaysia dengan Negeri kepada pertanyaan mulut No. 7 ber­ China memandangkan pada masa ini tarikh 6 November, 1974. perhubungan diplomatik telah ditubuh­ kan antara kedua-dua negara ini, kalau tidak, kenapa; dan HUBUNGAN DIPLOMATIK DENGAN KOREA UTARA/VIETNAM UTARA (b) samada dan bilakah Kerajaan Malaysia akan mengundang Perdana Menteri S. Tuan Ngan Siong Hing minta Menteri Luar China untuk mengadakan lawatan balas Negeri menyatakan samada Kementerian ke Malaysia. Luar Negeri telah sejauh ini mengambil sebarang langkah untuk mengadakan hubu­ Tengku Abmad Rithauddeen Al-Haj: Tuan ngan diplomatik dengan Korea Utara dan Yang di-Pertua, Vietnam Utara. (a) Sebagaimana Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen AI-Haj: Tuan sedia maklum satu rombongan Kera­ Yang di-Pertua, untuk makluman Ahli Yang jaan yang diketuai oleh Yang Amat Berh0rmat, Malaysia telahpun menubuhkan Berhormat Perdana Menteri telah baru perhubungan diplomatik dengan Repablik sahaja membuat lawatan ke negara Rakyat Demokratik Korea semenjak Jun China untuk menjalinkan perhubungan 1973, dan dengan Repablik Demokratik Viet­ di antara kedua buah-negara. Oleh yang nam semenjak Mac 1973. demikian, saya berasa tidaklah perlu buat masa ini mengadakan satu rohl­ bongan terdiri daripada semua parti­ KERAJAAN PERPADU AN NEGARA parti untuk melawat ke negara China. KHMER (GRUNK) (b) Semasa lawatan Yang Amat Berhormat 6. Tuan Fam Seong Than (di bawah S.O. 24 Perdana Menteri baru-baru ini beliau (2)) minta Menteri Luar Negeri menyatakan telahpun menjemput Premier Chou mengapa Kerajaan masih terus-menerus melawat Malaysia. Premier Chou me­ enggan mengiktirafkan GRUNK, Kerajaan ngetahui bahawa Malaysia sedia mene­ Perpaduan Negara Khemar Di Raja, yang rimanya bila-bila masa sahaja ia ingin diketuai oleh Putera Norodom Sihanouk membuat lawatannya. dan menyokong kemasukannya ke Bangsa­ bangsa Bersatu bila mana lebih dari separuh daripada negara-negara progresif di ·dunia sudah berbuat demikian. KONSEP GUGUSAN/ARCHIPELAGO­ PENDIRIAN MALAYSIA Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen AI-Haj: Tuan Yang di-Pertua, dalam pandangan Kerajaan 8. Tuan Fam Seong Than (di bawah S.O. 24 Malaysia, satu Kerajaan tempatan Repablik (2)) minta Menteri Luar Negeri menyatakan Khmer di Phnom Penh telahpun ujud dan pendirian Kerajaan Malaysia atas konsep telah pun menjadi ahli Bangsa-bangsa Ber­ kepulauan Indonesia (Indonesian Archipelago) satu. Memandangkan ini, Kerajaan Malaysia sejauh ia menyentuh kedudukan dan ke­ tidaklah dapat mengiktirafkan Kerajaan daulatan wilayah kita. Perpaduan Negara Khmer Di Raja yang diketuai oleh Putera Norodom Sihanouk itu Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen Al-Haj: Tuan ataupun menyokong kemasukannya ke dalam Yang di-Pertua, pendirian Malaysia ialah Bangsa-bangsa Bersatu. kita menyokong konsep Gugusan atau Archi­ pelago yang dicadangkan oleh Indonesia selagi konsep tersebut tidak mengurangkan ROMBONGAN MALAYSIA KE CHINA hak-hak mutlak dan hak-hak yang sekarang 7. Tuan Lee Lam Thye minta Menteri Luar dinikmati oleh Malaysia. Ini terutama apa­ Negeri menyatakan: bila ia melibatkan hak-hak kita di segi ke­ (a) samada Kerajaan bercadang menghantar bebasan perhubungan di antara Semenanjung satu rombongan terdiri daripada Malaysia dan Sabah serta Sarawak, supaya semua parti yang melawat Negeri China perpaduan kita tidaklah terjejas. 731 18 NOVEMBER 1974 732

Ketika m1, kedua-dua buah Kerajaan pihak Pembangkang telah dikenakan "phone­ sedang mencari jalan untuk mencapai satu tapping" dalam masa lampau, dan jika ya, kesimpulan yang memuaskan kedua-dua nyatakan butir-butir lanjut. belah pihak serta diiktirafkan oleh Persi­ dangan Undang-undang Laut. Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri (Tan Sri Haji Muhammad Ghazali bin Shafie): Tuan Yang di-Pertua, di bawah Seksyen 5 (1) (c) "Telecommunication Act 1950 (Revised- SOALAN No. 9 DITARIK BALIK 1970)" sekiranya berlaku sesuatu darurat awam ataupun di atas dasar kepentingan Datuk Albert Mah: Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya minta menarik balik soalan No. 9 ini, keselamatan awam, Yang Amat Berhormat Perdana Menteri atau siapa juga pegawai sebab sudah terdapat keterang~n di dalam yang diberi kuasa olehnya boleh mengarah­ Dewan ini dua tiga hari yang lalu. kan memasang telinga atau pendengaran per­ cakapan talipon secara rahsia. Oleh yang demikian, garis panduannya terikat pada soal PERKATAAN "BUMIPUTRA" DAN kepentingan keselamatan awam. lni akan di­ "BUKAN BUMIPUTRA"-PENGGUNAAN laksanakan tanpa diskriminasi kerana pertimbangan utama ialah keselamatan awam. 10. Tuan Faro Soong Than (di bawah S.O. Oleh kerana soal kepentingan keselamatan 24 (2)) minta Menteri Undang-undang dan awam berbangkit dan untuk memelihara Peguam Negara menyatakan samada Kera­ faedah orangramai saya minta izin, Tuan, jaan sedar bahawa suatu keadaan yang tidak soalan ini tidak dipanjangkan mengikut Per­ memuaskan makin bertambah di kalangan aturan Dewan Rakyat 23 (4). orangramai mengenai penggunaan perkataan­ perkataan "Bumiputra dan Bukan Bumi­ Tuan Lim Kit Siang: Tuan Yang di-Pertua, putra" oleh Kerajaan dalam susunan dan oleh kerana Yang Berhormat Menteri telah perlaksanaan polisi politik, pelajaran, sosial memberi penjelasan, saya hendak bertanya dan ekonomi Kerajaan, dan jika ya, apakah samada phone-tapping dilakukan sekarang tindakan-tindakan Kerajaan akan ambil untuk sebab kalau saya tidak silap di bawah membasmikan punca keadaan tidak puas­ Undang-undang Dharurat (State of Emer­ hati ini. gency) masih ada dan belum dibatalkan. Bolehkah Yang Berhormat Menteri memberi Menteri Undang-undang dan Peguam penjelasan? Negara (Tan Sri Abdul Kadir bin Yusof): Tuan Yang di-Pertua, tidaklah benar adanya Tuan Yang di-Pertau: Tadi Yang Ber­ sesuatu keadaan yang tidak memuaskan di hormat Menteri telah mengatakan tidak kalangan orangramai mengenai penggunaan hendak dipanjangkan atas soalan ini. perkataan-perkataan "Bumiputra" dan "Bukan Bumiputra" oleh Kerajaan di dalam susunan dan pelaksanaan polisi Kerajaan. GULA PERAK/GULA NS BERHAD Yang demikian bagi kedua-dua soalan itu tidak timbul. Kalau ada pun yang iri hati ialah 12. Tuan Oh Keng Seng minta Menteri pihak-pihak Pembangkang yang bukan bumi­ Perdagangan dan Perindastrian menyatakan putra agak saya. kemajuan te;itang GULA PERAK dan GULA NS, dan samada Kerajaan pemah mengambil pakar untuk menyaksikan keadaan GULA PERAK. PERCAKAPAN TALIPON SECARA RAH~IA (PHONE-TAPPING) Setiausaha Parlimen kepada Menteri Per­ dagangan dan Perindastrian (Tuan Mustapha 11. Tuan Lim Kit Siang minta Menteri Hal bin Ali): Tuan Yang di-Pertua, GULA Ehwal Dalam Negeri menyatakan garis-garis PERAK BERHAD telah memulakan penge­ panduan yang digunakan oleh Kerajaan untuk luaran gula pasir pada bulan April, 1971. membenarkan pihak Polis dan lain-lain pihak Pada tahun 1973 pengeluaran gula pasir ber­ berkuasa Kerajaan mendengar percakapan iumlah 10,000 tan dan dalam tahun 1974 talipon orang secara rahsia (phone-tapping); pengeluaran dijangka akan dibuat pada dan nyatakan samada pemimpin-pemimpin jumlah yang sama. 733 18 NOVEMBER 1974 734 Kerajaan tidak ada mendapatkan perkhid­ Timbalan Menteri Pertanian dan Pem­ matan mana-mana pakar untuk menyiasat bangunan Loar Bandar (Tuan Mokhtar bin kedudukan Syarikat ini, tetapi Syarikat ini Haji Hashim): Tuan Yang di-Pertua, seluruh sendiri telah melantik satu firma perunding tempat dalam kawasan Rancangan Pengairan luar negeri untuk menjalankan kajian ke arah Besut telah mengalami banjir pada masa yang pembaikan Syarikat ini. lalu dan ban-ban yang dibina di bawah ran­ cangan tersebut sendirinya tidak akan mem­ SYARIKAT GULA NS (SDN) BHD. ini burukkan lagi keadaan jikalau berlaku banjir. akan memulakan pengeluaran gula pasir pada Jawatankuasa Banjir Daerah Besut sudah akhir bulan November, 1974 ini. mengetahui tempat-tempat yang kerap dilanda Tuan Oh Keng Seng: Soalan tambahan. banjir dan persiapan menghadapinya telah di­ Adakah Kerajaan sedar tentang Syarikat Gula atur oleh Jawatankuasa tersebut itu. NS yang projek-projek itu Kerajaan telah berjan ji akan mengeluarkan basil pada bulan Jun, kemudian ditangguhkan pada bulan PEKERJA-PEKERJA KILANG September. Apakah sebabnya Kerajaan me­ ELETRONIK . ngatakan akan mengeluarkan basil pada bulan November? Bolehkah diberikan sebab-sebab 14. Tuan Mohd. Salleh bin Datuk Panglima penangguhan pengeluaran syarikat gula itu? Abdullah minta Menteri Buruh dan Tenaga Rakyat menyatakan: Tuan Mustapha bin Ali: Tuan Yang di­ Pertua, ini adalah disebabkan oleh keku­ (a) samada benar bahawa banyak pekerja­ rangan infra-structor dalam kawasan itu pekerja kilang letronik telah diberhenti­ sendiri, misalnya bangunan-bangunan untuk kan pekerjaannya oleh kerana pemia­ menjalankan kerja-kerja itu yang telah di­ gaannya kurang laris sekarang; jika ya, lambatkan oleh kekurangan simen dan bahan­ nyatakan bilangan pekerja yang terlibat; bahan lain. Inilah yang menyebabkan kelam­ dan batan pengeluaran itu dijalankan sehingga (b) tindakan Kerajaan di atas pember­ bulan November tahun ini. hentian pekerja beramai-ramai ini dan samada pekerja-pekerja dari lain-lain Tuan Oh Keng Seng: Soalan tambahan. perusahaan juga terlibat; jika ya, nyata­ Tentang soal Syarikat Gula Perak, adakah kan jenis perusahaan dan bilangan Kerajaan sedar bahawa ajensi-ajensi Kera­ pekerja yang terlibat. jaan seperti MARA dan lain-lainnya sudah menjualkan saham Syarikat Gula Perak, oleh Menteri Buruh dan Tenaga Rakyat (Datuk sebab mereka tidak ada confidence dalam Lee San Choon): Tuan Yang di-Pertua, projek itu. Adakah Kerajaan sedar? (a) Berpunca kepada kemerosotan ekonomi Tuan Yang di-Pertua: Tidak bersangkut dan inflasi di seluruh dunia, permintaan dengan soalan asal. bagi barang-barang eletronik telah ber­ _kurangan dan ini telah I11¥ngakibatkan pembuangan sebilangan pekerja-pekerja. Pada 30-10-1974 ada terdapat 43 kilang­ BANJIR-RANCANGAN PENGAIRAN kilang eletronik di Semenanjung Malay­ BESUT sia dan mereka menggajikan sejumlah 13. Tuan Zakaria bin Haji Abdul Rahman 27,544 pekerja-pekerja. Semenjak bulan minta Menteri Pertanian dan Pembangunan Ogos tahun ini, 341 pekerja-pekerja Luarbandar menyatakan samada: Kerajaan telah diberhentikan dari bekerja di tiga sedar bahawa tambak-tambak taliair yang buah tempat pekerjaan. sedang dibina di tempat dalam Rancangan (b) Setakat ini tiada lapuran pembangunan Pengairan Besut sekarang ini mungkin meng­ pekerja-pekerja secara besar-besaran akibatkan banjir besar yang mengejut dan · di lain-lain perusahaan. Perusahaan­ merbahaya bagi setengah-setengah kawasan; perusahaan kain, papan dan "plywood" dan jika ya, samada beliau telah memberi­ telah terlibat sedikit disebabkan ber­ tahu senarai kawasan-kawasan yang mungkin kurangan permintaan dari seberang terlibat itu kepada Jawatankuasa Banjir di laut. Kerajaan adalah sedang mengawasi semua peringkat untuk persediaan·sewajamya. keadaan dan telah menubuhkan sebuah 735 18 NOVEMBER 1974 736 jawatankuasa untuk mengkaji perkem­ Waiau bagaimanapun, untuk maklumat bangan dengan teliti dan melapurkan­ Ahli Yang Berhormat tersebut, Kementerian nya kepada Kerajaan supaya tindakan­ Pertanian dan Pembangunan Luar Bandar ada tindakan dasar yang sewajamya dapat menjalankan kelas-kelas tadika di beberapa dirangka. Mengenai perusahaan kain. kawasan di luar bandar. Kerajaan telahpun mengambil tindakan menghadkan impot jenis-jenis kain yang GURU-GURU SEMENTARA-LATIHAN tertentu supaya pasaran-pasaran tem­ PERGURUAN patan dibuka luas bagi pengusaha­ pengusaha tempatan. 16. Tuan Chia Heng Kai minta Menteri Pelajaran menyatakan samada Kementerian Tuan Lim Kit Siang: Soalan tambahan. beliau mempunyai satu rancangan yang Mengenai tindakan Kerajaan terhadap per­ sempurna untuk menyelesaikan masaalah kembangan-perkembangan ini, adakah Ke­ guru-guru sementara dan samada Kerajaan menterian atau Kerajaan berniat untuk boleh menjamin bahawa mereka akan terus memperkenalkan undang-undang atau per­ menjadi guru-guru tetap apabila mereka di­ aturan-peraturan mewajibkan majikan atau latih oleh Kerajaan untuk menjadi guru­ kilang-kilang letronik dan lain-lain membayar guru terlatih. retrenchment allowance kepada setiap pekerja Tuan Chan Siang Sun: Tuan Yang di­ yang terlibat atau yang dibuang? Pertua, Kementerian Pelajaran sedang me­ Tuan Yang di-Pertua: Soalan itu tak ada nyusun rancangan untuk memberi latihan bersangkut dengan soalan yang asal. Menteri perguruan kepada semua guru sementara pun tidak menjawabnya. yang memenuhi syarat-syarat yang ditetap­ kan. Perlantikan mereka sebagai guru tetap Tuan Lim Kit Siang: Tetapi di bawah adalah tertakluk kepada peraturan-peraturan perenggan kedua, ianya ada berkaitan. pengambilan yang diamalkan sekarang. Tuan Yang di-Pertua: Jawapan atas soalan Kerajaan ·tidak dapat menjamin bahawa mereka yang terlatih akan terus menjadi guru­ itu pun tak timbul, jadi bagaimana Yang guru tetap oleh kerana ada guru-guru yang Berhormat hendak bertanya? ingin menamatkan perkhidmatan mereka apa­ bila dapat peluang lain yang lebih baik. KELAS-KELAS TADIKA USUL 15. Tuan Chia Heng Kai minta Menteri Pelajaran menyatakan samada Kerajaan ATURAN URUSAN MESYUARAT berniat membuka tadika-tadika kebangsaan dan jenis kebangsaan untuk kanak-kanak Timbalan Menteri Kewangan (Tan Sri Chong dari keluarga miskin supaya dapat setanding Hon Nyan): Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya dengan kanak-kanak dari keluarga kaya yang mohon mencada:igkan: sudahpun belajar di tadika-tadika persen­ Bahawa menurut peruntukan Peraturan dirian sebelum mereka masuk sekolah. Mesyuarat 14 (2) Majlis sekarang akan terus menimbangkan usul bagi menyam­ Timbalan Menteri Pelajaran (Tuan Chan bung semula perbahasan untuk bacaan kali Siang Sun): Tuan Yang di-Pertua, kelas-kelas yang kedua Rang Undang-undang Perbe­ Tadika tidak termasuk di dalam sistem pela­ kalan, 1975 dan Usul merujukkan kete­ jaran sekarang ini. Kelas-kelas ini diseleng­ tapan perbelanjaan Pembangunan kepada garakan oleh pihak swasta. Jawatankuasa sebuah-buah Majlis sebagai­ Setakat ini Kementerian Pelajaran belum mana yang tertera sebagai perkara 5 dalam ada rancangan mengadakan kelas-kelas Aturan Urusan Mesyuarat dan Pemberitahu tadika. Kementerian saya memang sudah lama U sul untuk hari ini. sedar bHhawa kanak-kanak dari keluarga Timbalan Menteri Jabatan Perdana Men­ miskin tidak dapat setanding dengan kanak­ teri (Datuk Abdulllah Ahmad): Tuan Yang kanak dari keluarga kaya. Kesedaran ini di­ di-Pertua. saya mohan menyokong. kalangan wakil-wakil Pembangkang akan memudahkan usaha Kerajaan memperseim­ Usul dikemuka bagi diputuskan, dan di­ bangkan peluang-peluang pelajaran antara setujukan. miskin dan kaya. Diputuslfan, 737 18 NOVEMBER 1974 738 Bahawa menurut peruntukan Peraturan 1975 dan bagi memperuntukkan wang itu dan Mesyuarat 14 (2) Majlis sekarang akan lain-lain wang sebagaimana yang telah dibenar terus menimbangkan Usul bagi menyam­ dikeluarkan untuk perkhidmatan bagi tahun bung semula: perba:hasan untuk bacaan kali itu" yang telah dikemukakan untuk bacaan yang kedua Rang Undang-undang Perbe­ kali yang kedua, dan Usul atas nama Yang kalan, 1975 dan Usul merujukkan kete­ Berhormat Menteri Kewangan dalam Aturan tapan perbelanjaan Pemhangunan kepada Urusan Mesyuarat hari ini, adalah sekarang Jawatankuasa sebuah-buah Majlis sebagai­ terbuka untuk perbahasan. mana yang tertera sebagai perkara 5 dalam Aturan Urusan Mesyuarat clan Pemberitahu Perbahasan di'Sambung semula. Usul untuk hari ini. 3.01 pig. RANG UNDANG-UNDANG Tuan Edmund Langgu anak Saga (Saratok): Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya ingin RANG UNDANG-UNDANG mengambil kesempatan ini untuk berucap PERBEKALAN, 1975 sedikit atas usul yang dikemukakan oleh B:Icaan Kali Yan2 Kedna Yang Amat Berhormat Timbalan Perdana Menteri merangkap Menteri Kewangan yang Aturan Urusan Mesyuarat dibacakan bagi telah dibuka untuk diperbahaskan pada hari menyambung semula perbahasan yang di­ ini. Bila membaca ucapan itu, saya merasa tangguhkan atas masaalah, "Bahawa Rang puashati oleh kerana Rang Undang-undang Undang-undang ini dibacakan kali yang kedua Perbekalan, 1975 itu telah disemak dengan sekarang" (12hb November, 1974). teliti. Waiau bagaimanapun, Ucapan Belan­ jawan ini tidak boleh diterima dengan sete­ DAN rusnya dengan tidak ada teguran. Di samping itu, izinkan saya berucap dalam bahasa USUL lnggeris. ANGGARAN PEMBANGUNAN, 1975 Tuan Yang di-Pertua: Diizinkan. Aturan Urusan Mesyuarat dibacakan bagi Tuan Edmund Langgu anak Saga: menyambung semula perbahasan yang di­ (Dengan iziin) Mr Speaker, Sir, first and fore­ tangguhkan atas masaalah, "Bahawa Usul most, I would like to express my appreciation yang berikut ini dirujukkan kepada Jawatan­ for the 1975 Supply Bill which was delivered kuasa sebuah-buah Majlis: · by Yang Amat Berhormat the Deputy Prime Bahawa Dewan ini membuat ketetapan Minister and Minister of Finance. Personally iaitu satu jumlah wang sebanya:k tidak lebih I think, and I am sure my colleagues on daripada $2,406,598,777 dibelanjakan dari­ this side of the House agree with me, that pada Kumpulanwang Pembangunan bagi the Bill has been well thought of and carefully tahun 1975, dan bagi maksud kepa:la dan elaborated, especially on our national eco­ pecahan-pecahan kepala perbelanjaan pem­ nomic problems, due to international stag­ bangunan yang dinyatakan di bawah flation. The Government had made and Kepala Pembangunan atau ("P") dalam outlined some specific measures to encounter senarai Belanjawan Persekutuan, 1975 yang recession and inflation in Malaysia. Personally dibentangkan sebagai Kertas Perintah 22 I would like to mention and sugge~t some tahun 1974, adalah diuntukkan di bawah approaches to the Government in this respect. kepala-kepala yang berkenaan jumlah­ The Government should encourage and jumlah yang setentang dengan pecahan­ accelerate manufacturing activities in order pecahan kepala itu di ruangan enam dan to eliminate some imports, especially in the tujuh senarai tersebut." (12hb November, manufacturing of building materials, where 1974). public and private sectors spend quite a Tuan Yang di-Pertua: Ahli-ahli Yang tremendous amount of money. While still Berhormat, Rang Undang-undang yang ber­ talking on this subject, I would like to nama "Suatu Akta bagi menggunakan suggest that- sejumlah wang daripada Kumpulanwang (1) The Government should provide credit Disatukan untuk perkhidmatan bagi tahun facilities to the private sectors on easier 739 18 NOVEMBER 1974 740 and more flexible terms for production one pikul of rubber. Therefore, I do not activities. see any justification for removing the abate­ (2) Loans for speculations, hoarding and ment of income tax in Sabah and Sarawak unnecessary consumption should not at this time. In addition to this, Sir, the only be discouraged but totally res­ people in Sabah a'?-d Sarawak still. have .to tricted. pay more than their counterparts m Pemn­ sular Malaysia for most, if not all, of the (3) The Government should not only in­ manufactured goods and essential commo­ culcate the saving habit in our people dities. but see to that the savings habit is encouraged. This should be done. by So, I feel that by removing the abatement increasing the interest rate for savmgs of income tax completely, it is just like and also increase the interest rates for extracting a tooth without giving prior ana.es­ borrowing with the intention to dis­ thetic. Therefore the pain out of extractmg courage unnecessary borrowing and the tooth will not be relieved but will become would reduce the supply of money in more painful. In this respect, Sir, I urge the the market. Government to seriously think about with­ drawing this proposal. Mr Speaker, Sir, I would l~e to touch ~n Mr Speaker, Sir, I would further like to the subject of abatement of mcome tax m express my appreciation on the intention of Sabah and Sarawak which the Minister of the Minister of Finance to increase the Finance mentioned in his speech of intro­ import duty especially on unmanufactured duction of the 1975 Supply Bill. The tobacco. Of course the economic effects Honourable Minister of Finance stated that following the increase of the import duty on the abatement of income tax in Sabah and tobacco will reduce the imports of unmanu­ Sarawak will be removed next year. I suggest factured tobacco and there will be a possi­ that the Government should reconsider the bility for the local tobacco industry to be timing of this decision for one simple reason, expanded and improved. This, of course, will because the people in the two States do not create employment and increase our G.N.P. enjoy the same purchasing power for every and also discourage or reduce imports of dollar they earn as those in P~ninsular tobacco. However, I would like to sound my Malaysia. For example, a comparison can concern over the effect of the increase of be made between the price of sugar in a import duty of tobacc~ in Saraw~. Sho~ld remote area of Sarawak and a remote area the import duty of this commodity be ~­ of Peninsular Malaysia. A kati of sugar in creased in Sarawak at the same rate as m Peninsular Malaysia is not sold for more than· Peninsular Malaysia, then due to the extra 55 cents whereas in the rural areas of cost on shipping and extra profit made by Sarawak and Sabah a kati of sugar is even the exporters from Peninsular Malaysia when purchased at the price of 80 or 90 cents per they re-export to Sara~ak •. then the co!l· kati. sumers of this commodity m Sarawak will To compare the income of the rural people have to pay more for the. same amount ?f in Sabah and Sarawak with the people in tobacco consumed by their counterparts m Peninsular Malaysia here, a good example Peninsular Malaysia. Therefore, owing to can be made out of the same amount and the above reasons, I suggest that there should quality of rubber sold by . an . individual be a barrier in the rate of increase for the either in Sabah or Sarawak with his counter­ import duty of unmanufactured tobacco part in Peninsular Malaysia. An individual in for the importers in Sa.-awak. The importers Sabah or Sarawak will receive $40 from a from this State will pay lesser increase for each pound of the said comm? cope with inflation. raised. Hence, I welcome these new taxes on I am amazed that the Minister, in his these items. lengthy speech, has not spared a single When we debated the Land Speculation thought for public debt and debt servicing. Tax last year, many of us on both sides of However, on page 39 of the Economic Report, the House said that the ceiling of $200,000 it has this to say and I quote: was too high and would not curb land "The Public Debt situation continues to speculation. Hence, I welcome the move to be favourable and is not a cause of major lower the ceiling to $100,000 and I have no concern for the Federal Government." doubt that it will now greatly reduce land This is sweeping our problem under the speculation and bring in additional revenue carpet with a vengeance. Contrast this un­ as well. · concern and optimism with the Budget speech made by Tun Tan last year. Tun Tan then Gaming Tax expressed concern about the rising public I am delighted that the gaming tax can debt and the rising cost of debt servicing. now be effectively implemented for casinos, He went on to say and I quote: but I call on the Government not to issue "I feel that we should live wit.h this any more licences for other casinos. National state of affairs for a little while more. At Front interests are involved in gambling in the same time, we cannot afford to be this country, and I do not expect the Govern­ complacent and hence I have asked both ment to do anything serious about this social the International Monetary Fund and the evil. Already we have Toto, we have Empat World Bank to send out separate teams to Ekor, Social Welfare Lotteries, Turf Clubs, advise us on this matter." and to me there is already too much orga­ This, of course, was the view of a Minister nised and private and uncrganised gambling who had vast experience on the finances of in this country. Hence, I am alarmed that this country, and yet our present Minister the Prime Minister has approved or is about of Finance is very complacent about this to approve a licence for another form of state of affairs. gambling, namely "36 Numbers". This is akin to the "Chee Fah" amongst the Chinese. Let us look at the rapidly increasing The Pekemas protests most vehemently public debt and the rising cost of debt against this further extension of gambling servicing. At the end of 1974, the public in this country. Already there is too much debt stood at $8,923 million of which 85 %' gambling in this country and, in this time was domestic borrowing and the foreign debt of recession and inflation when it is vital element was 13.6%'. In 1960, servicing of to bend all our energies to gainful employ­ our national debt amounted to 8.8% of the ment and work, we cannot afford to have Ordinary Expenditure. In 1973, it rose to our citizen squandering away their time and 13 % and this year it again rose further money at the gambling tables. Besides, to 13.4%. Next year, it will be 14.78%. Islam is the official religion in this country which means that for every dollar spent on and yet the Barisan Government is actively the Current or Ordinary Expenditure, 14.78 advocating the spread of gambling in this cents goes towards debt servicing. This country. Hence, the Pekemas calls on the year, debt servicing accounted for $482.9 ------

757 18 NOVEMBER 1974 758 millions which is $45 million or 10% more Mr Speaker, Sir, from the foregoing tables, than the 1973 provision. Next year, it has it will be seen that in 1957 the top of house­ been raised to $683.7 million, which is hold received about half of the total income. $200.8 million or 43.5% more than this The next 20% got their proportionate share year's allocation. These stark figures must of 20%, but the remaining 60% shared send a chill through thet hearts of the people 30% of the total income and the richest of this country. Unless it is curbed, it means 5% of households received 23.3% of the that we will have to cut back on other much income-this was nearly the same as the needed expenditures in order to service our income received by the bottom 60 % of public debts. Again, I reiterate, we must households. not load generations yet unborn in this country with our public debts. The trend from 1957 to 1970 is even more depressing if one analyses it. The change in Mr Speaker, Sir, one of the declared distribution of income from 1957 to 1970 policies of the Alliance Government and now shows that the pattern of inequality had the Barisan, is to eradicate poverty and increased over the period 1957 to 1970. The narrow the gap between the have and the richest 20 % of households had increased have-nots. This is revealed on page 84 of their share from 49 % to 55 % of the income. the Economic Report 1974-1975, and with The lowest 60% of households saw the share your permission, Mr Speaker, Sir, I shall of their income reduced. The poorest 20 %­ quote very briefly from the speech on "Eco­ of households by 1970 was now receiving nomic Progress in Malaysia, How widely only 4 % of all income. has it been shared?" given by Professor The second table show:; that the bottom Charles Hirschman at the U.M.B.C. Mana­ 40% of the households actually recejved gers Conference held on 1st September, 1974. fewer dollars of income in 1970 than they Table 2 of that speech on Household Income did in 1957. The bottom 20% on the average Distribution, Peninsular Malaysia, 1957 and received only $54.00 per month compared to 1970 states: $63.00 in 1957. These tables show clearly "The highest 20% of households in that during the 13 years of Alliance rule 1957 had 49.3%; by 1970, it had gone since Merdeka till 1970, the rich have become up to 55.5%. The next 20% of households richer and the poor have gotten poorer. in 1957 had 20.5%; in 1970 it had gone All the increase in household income over up a little to 20.7%. The Middle 20% this 13·year . period was received by the of households in 1957 had 14.3%; in 1970 upper half of the households, most of it by it had gone down to 12.4%. The next the top 20% of households. 20% of households in 1957 had 10.1 %; in The have-nots have not only become 1970, it had gone down to 7.9%. The poorer in the relative sense that the gap lowest 20% of households in 1957 had between them and the haves has widened, 5.8%; in 1970, it had gone down to 4.0%. but also in absolute terms their actual income The highest 5 % of households in 1957 had is less in 1970 than it was in 1957. 23.3 % of the total income; in 1970 it had gone up to 27.7%." From the tables that I have quoted, it will be seen that about 50% of the households The distribution of households in terms of in Malaysia live in poverty and their numbers dollars. "In 1957, the highest 20% of have increased rather than diminished since households had $535; by 1970, it had Merdeka in 1957. This bears out what I gone up to $745, a rise of 39%. The next I have always stated and it is a terrible 20% of households had $220 in 1957; by indictment on the 13 years of Alliance rule, 1970, it had gone up to $280 a rise of 26%. and I ask what manner of the restructuring The middle 20%. of households in 1957 of society the Alliance and now the Barisan had $155; by 1970 it had gone up to $168, has planned for us when the privileged few a rise of 8%. The next 20% of households rich become richer and the vast majority of in 1957 had $110; in 1970 it had gone the poor become poorer? down to $107, a deficit of 3%. The lowest Mr Speaker, Sir, it is evident that with 20% of households in 1957 had $63; in recession and inflation, retrenchment and 1970 it had $54, a fall of 14%.'' unemployment. the workers are in for a 759 18 NOVEMBER 1974 760 rough time and their fate will soon be a adalah wajar dan adil memandangkan tragic one unless Government takes immediate kepada keadaan di luar dan di dalam negeri steps to improve their lot. kita dan juga keadaan antarabangsa. A sign of the times is the extent of Tuan Yang di-Pertua, negara kita tidak industrial unrest. The number of man-days akan dapat melarikan diri atau terlepas lost increased by 205 % in the first nine daripada bahang keadaan antarabangsa iaitu months of this year is significant. If the dari kesan-kesan kemerosotan yang ada Government does not take immediate and sekarang. Apa yang diharapkan ialah ke­ urgent steps to improve the lot of the adaan itu tidak akan berterusan. Selewat­ workers, the degrees of unrest will grow. It is lewatnya pada awal tahun 1976 keadaan important that a more enlightened wages negara-negara perusahaan akan pulih dan ini poljcy be introduced and the real earnings pula akan membawa kepada kepulihan of the workers protected. keadaan di seluruh dunia. Pada ketika ini I urge the Government, if it is really pun negara-negara yang menguasai bahan­ serious and sincere in protecting the welfare bahan seperti minyak, gula, tepung, beras dan of the poor workers, to do index linking of lain-lain sedang membuat rundingan dan wages with trends in the consumer price mencarj langkah-langkah yang sepatutnya index. This method has been tried success­ dibuat untuk mengawal keadaan inflasi di fully in Canada and Brazil. It is only equit­ seluruh dunia ini. Kita percaya bahawa able that wages have to be protected in real mereka tidak akan membelakangkan kepen­ terms as profits have an advantages, in that tingan negara-negara kecil dan negara-negara they are always adjusted by the businessmen yang sedang membangun. Pendek kata, apa in period of inflation. Already the poor yang telah diramalkan oleh Yang Amat Ber­ Malays and the non-Malays too are in hormat Menteri Kewangan, sungguhpun beliau desperate straits even as the wealthy Malays bukan seorang malaikat ataupun bukan Raja and other tycoons grow rich beyond their Sulaiman, adalah bukan berdasarkan kepada wildest dream and yet are not satisfied. sangka-sangka ataupun angka-angka tetapi sesudah dikaji aspek-aspek di luar dan di The action of the N.E.B. workers and dalam negeri. other strikes, picketings, lockouts, etc. are a warning to the Government that workers Saya suka menyampaikan ucapan tahniah are desperate and angered. I have already saya kepada Kementerian Kewangan yang shown that the gap between the haves and telah dapat menyediakan suatu Belanjawan the have-nots has widened and it is not being sebagaimana saya nyatakan tadi tanpa mem­ narrowed in real terms and the wages of the bawa kesusahan kepada rakyat jelata kese­ workers have shrunken. How can they hiruhannya. Dan di sini saya suka menyata­ survive, Mr Speaker, Sir, if in these days of kan kepada Ahli Yang Berhormat dari pihak inflation their wages in real terms shrink? pembangkang, saya percaya ~idak ada siapa This is a question that the Government must pun daripada golongan mereka yang boleh seriously ponder upon and must find imme­ membuat satu persediaan Belanjawan yang diate solutions unless the Government wants lebih daripada yang telah disediakan oleh a wide-spread industrial unrest in this country. Yang Berhormat Menteri Kewangan. 4.05 ptg. Tuan Yang di-Pertua, adalah penting bagi kita semua, terutama Ahli-ahli Yang Ber­ Raja Nasron bin Raja Ishak (Kuala hormat untuk menerangkan kepada rakyat Selangor): Tuan Yang di-Pertua, sebelum jelata bahawa keadaan inflasi itu bukanlah Yang Amat Berhormat Timbalan Perdana hanya di Malaysia sahaja didapati tetapi di Menteri selaku Menteri Kewangan menyam­ paikan Rang Undang-undang Perbekalan, seluruh dunia. Bahkan keadaan kita di 1975 di Dewan yang mulia ini, memang Malaysia tidak begitu buruk jika diban­ banyak ada didengar ramalan-ramalan dan dingkan dengan negara-negara lain. Rakyat spekulasi yang tidak menyenangkan, tetapi jelata, bukanlah semuanya daripada golongan sekarang bo1eh dikatakau semua peringkat orang-orang bijak-pandai (intelli>ctual) atau mengemukakan kepuasan hati masing-masing orang-orang terpelajar yang boleh mengerti dan menganggap bahawa Belanjawan yang selok-belok kaitan negara kita dengan kea­ dibentangkan oleh Ment:eri Kewangan itu daan antarabangsa. 761 18 NOVEMBER 1974 762 Saya menganggap bahawa sesiapa jua yang Di sini bukanlah saya hendak mengecil­ mengambil kesempatan membuat keadaan ngecilkan undang-undang ataupun mengecil­ inftasi sekarang ini sebagai satu issue untuk ngecilkan keputusan mahkamah, tetapi apa kepentingan dirinya ataupun untuk kepen­ yang terjadi tidak berapa lama dahulu iaitu tingan partinya mengapi-apikan rakyat adalah satu perkara menyorokkan gula berharga golongan anti-nasional dan tindakan sewajar­ lebih $1.4 juta telah menjadi satu tanda-tanya nya diambil ke atas mereka. Kita boleh yang besar-wang berkuasa (money talks) bertikam lidah di Dewan yang mulia ini, iaitu jika seseorang mempunyai wang apa lcita boleh bertengkar di Dewan yang mulia pun kesalahan. yang dilakukannya dengan ini, tetapi habiskanlah di sini sahaja. Nasihat menggunakan kuasa wang dan dengan meng­ ini, saya tujukan kepada Ahli-ahli Yang Ber­ gunakan peguam-peguam yang bijak dan hormat dari parti Pembangkang. terkenal, maka orang itu akan berjaya mele­ paskan diri daripada tuduhan-tuduhan yang Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Tuan Yang di-Pertua, dihadapinya. izinkan saya meminta penjelasan daripada Ahli Yang Berhormat itu. Apa yang perlu di sini ialah pegawai­ pegawai yang bertugas, bekerja di dalam Tuan (Timbalan) Yang di-Pertua: Ahli kempen-kempen anti-sorok hendaklah pega­ Yang Berhormat hendak menegur di bawah wai-pegawai yang benar-benar mempunyai Peraturan 37 (a) atau (b)? pengalaman yang luas. Bukan sahaja penga­ laman untuk menangkap, tetapi untuk Dr Tan Chee Khoon: Saya hendak me­ membawa perkara-perkara tersebut di mah­ minfa penjelasan daripada beliau. kamah dengan hujah-hujah dan dengan bukti-bukti yang tidak dapat dipusing-belit­ Tuan (Timbalanj Yang di-Pertua: Kalau kan oleh peguam-peguam yang membela. Ahli Yang Berhormat itu bcrsetuju, boleh. Satu perkara jua yang dianggap mustahak Raja Nasron bin Raja Ishak: Saya tidak bagi Kerajaan mengawasi ialah mencegah bersetuju memberi jalan. percubaan yang akan dibuat oleh pengeluar­ pengeluar merendahkan mutu barang-barang Tuan (Timbalan) Yang di-Pertua: Kalau keluaran mereka untuk mendapat keuntungan Ahli Yang Berhormat tidak bersetuju, sila yang berlebihan, misalnya, minyak rambut, teruskan ucapan. sabun, serbuk kopi, gula, beras dan ratusan lagi alat-alat makanan dan pakaian. Misal­ Raja Nasron bin Raja Ishak: Kerana pada nya, jikalau minyak rambut itu dicampurkan pendapat saya inilah masanya semua lapisan dengan bahan yang lain supaya mutunya warganegara Malaysia membuktikan taat direndahkan dan dijual kepada pengguna­ setia mereka di dalam menghadapi masaalah pengguna, maka siapa juga yang mengguna­ inftasi itu. Apa yang perlu ialah perpaduan kan minyak rambut itu mungkin rambutnya dan persefahaman walau apapun ideoloji gugur, dia menjadi botak ataupun belum siasah kita. Di samping itu, Kerajaan sampai masanya rambutnya putih beruban. hendaklah mengawasi dengan sikap yang Begitu juga alat-alat solek, kalau dengan tegas mencegah sebarang percubaan dari tipu-daya ini merbahaya bagi pengguna­ pihak-pihak yang tidak bertanggungjawab pengguRa, boleh jadi kulitnya akan sakit dan menggunakan sebagai alasan kenaikan cukai sebagainya. Begitu juga benda-benda makanan untuk menaikkan pula harga barang­ seperti kopi, kalau dicampurkan dengan barang dan alat-alat yang tidak kena-mengena bahan-bahan yang lain, katakanlah kacang, dengan kenaikan cukai tersebut. Kerajaan jua jagung, beras maka ini juga mendatangkan hendaklah bersikap tegas mengambil tin­ keburukan kepada pengguna-pengguna. Di dakan di dalam menjayakan kempen-kempen sini, Tuan Yang di-Pertua, Jabatan Kimia anti-sorok. Orang-orang yang tidak ber­ hendaklah bertanggungjawab mengawal tanggungjawab menambahkan keburukan kejadian-kejadian tersebut. Orang-orang di keadaan inflasi sekarang dengan menyorok­ luarbandar juga hendaklah dilindungi dari­ kan barang-barang hendaklah dikenakan pada menjadi mangsa menaik dan menurun­ seberat-berat hukuman pada segi undang­ kan mutu ha.rang keluaran luarbandar. undang supaya menjadi tauladan kepada misalannya, getah beku atau cair didapati yang lain. pembeli-pembeli menentukan quality atau 763 18 NOVEMBER 1974 764 grading sesuka hati mereka tanpa kawalan. itu. Saya minta supaya pihak yang bertang· Getah beku atau cair yang Gred I dibeli gungjawab seperti kadhi dan imam dan oleh mereka dengan harga Gred III. Kawalan badan-badan swasta seperti PERKIM me­ hendaklah diperketatkan bagi melindungi nasihatkan bakal-bakal saudara baru untuk kaum-kaum tani dan. pekebun-pekebun kecil. mengelakkan tersinggung adat-istiadat pusaka Melayu yang boleh mendatangkan silap Saya berpendapat bahawa di luarbandar. di kampung-kampung, ketua-ketua kampung faham. ataupun penghulu-penghulu atau penggawa­ Saya berpendapat bahawa bukan semua penggawa memainkan peranan yang penting boleh dibeli dengan wang. Ada adat resam menghubungi rakyat dengan Kerajaan. Melayu yang tidak dapat dijual-beli walau Mereka adalah saya anggap sebagai pegawai dengan harga apapun, dan inilah yang perhubungan. Pegawai-pegawai inilah hubu­ hendak dikekalkan selama-lamanya sebagai ngan yang pertama bagi penduduk-penduduk pusaka kedaulatan Melayu; tidak dapat di· luarbandar menggunakan mereka untuk jejaskan oleh hujan atau panas atau apa menyampaikan maklumat dan sebagainya musim sekalipun. membantu Kerajaan mencegah anasir-anasir jahat yang boleh membinasakan negara. 4.20 ptg. Dari itu patut benarlah rumah-rumah peng­ hulu ataupun penggawa-penggawa dan ketua­ Datuk Peter Lo Su Yin (Gaya): Tuan ketua kampung ini dilengkapkan dengan Yang di-Pertua, saya bangun untuk menyo­ talipon. Inflasi atau tidak inflasi perkara ini kong Rang Undang-undang dan Usul yang dianggap sangat perlu diutamakan. Pejabat­ dicadangkan oleh Yang Amat Berhormat pejabat penghulu dan penggawa-penggawa Timbalan Menteri merangkap Menteri Ke­ pun hendaklah diperbaiki agar seimbang wangan, dan saya minta izin untu~ bercakap dengan tanggungjawab mereka. Keadaan dalam bahasa lnggeris. sekarang sangat-sangat tidak memuaskan. (Dengan izin) Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like Sebagai penutupnya, saya suka menyentuh to begin by congratulating the Honourable berkenaan dengan kebudayaan dan adat­ Finance Minister on his Budget speech. It is istiadat yang sedang giat digalakkan oleh an inspiring speech and one that is bound. Kementerian yang berkenaan untuk meng· if it has not already done so, to help boost gambarkan perpaduan kaum di negara kita. sagging morale among our people in these Memang diakui bahawa melalui kebudayaan, rather uncertain times. For we cannot deny, kita akan dapat mencipta persefahaman yang as the Honourable Finance Minister has not erat dan berkekalan. Adat istiadat yang di­ denied, and indeed he has admitted it in the pusakai oleh berbagai kaum di negara kita most forthright manner, that Malaysia, in inipun adalah penting dihormati, kerana ini­ common with the other countries of the lah maka satu daripada ajaran di dalam world, both developed and developing, is Rukunegara ialah: Menghormati kesopanan going through a period of stress and strain dan kesusilaan. due to stagflation, the magnitude of which appears to threaten the very fabric of life Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya suka meminta of many a country. It is against this general izin untuk menyentuh di sini kejadian tidak background of unhappy events that the berapa lama dahulu, iaitu seorang ~udara speech of the Honourable Finance Minis­ baru yang telah menukar namanya apabila ter should be judged. And judged in this memeluk ugama Islam dengan menggunakan way, the speech is an unusual document, nama pusaka adat-istiadat Melayu, iaitu for document it is, in terms of achievements "Raja". Kalau nama dia misalnya Ah and prospects. Would all Finance Ministers Chong maka dia gunakan nama Raja the world over be in a position to do like­ Mohamad bin Raja Abdullah bila dia masuk wise! memeluk ugama Islam. Perbuatan ini ber­ tentangan dengan adat Melayu kerana Sir, many will say that Malaysia is simply gelaran pusaka seperti Tengku, Raja, fortunate in that it is endowed with vast Pengiran, Abang, Radin, Syed, Nik, Wan, natural resources and so is better equipped Megat, Mior dan lain-lain hanya boleh di­ to meet the challenge ahead. And many will gunakan, pada segi adat kita, oleh mereka say, too, that Malaysia is "all right" simply yang berketurunan mempusakai gelaran because it is under the charge of a wise and 765 18 NOVEMBER 1974 766 responsible Government. Both views are un­ long-term, so that we could all look back doubtedly correct, but for my part, I would in time and say that our policy of growth, say that Malaysia owes its success to both geared as it is to the country's economic of the considerations ref erred to. Thus, it strength, was both wise and sound. In any is Malaysia's judicious use of its assets that event, I do not believe that, embarking on it has managed to build up a strong economy expansionary programmes of projects, and a sound financial base and it is Malay­ whether economic or otherwise, constitutes sia's continual use, again in a judicious way, a risk such as to jeopardise our general well· of those assets that we shall ultimately being in the future. At worst, it is a calcu­ weather the storm of stagflation. lated risk and one which we are fully justified Sir, · the Government's counter-cyclical to take since any damage that might thereby policy as an instrument for effecting a be occasioned will have only minimal effect balance for the growth of a healthy economy on the economy as a whole. must be pursued with greater vigour now Speaking of projects in the pipeline, Sir, than it has ever done before. The policy I would therefore make the plea that Govern­ should be tilted in favour of spending more ment should go ahead with its plans to money by the public sector instead of implement them as expeditiously as possible. imposing constraints on spending. Spending There should be no deferment of implemen­ is necessary to mitigate the effects of reces­ tation as in the case of the three General sion, which have proved fatal to certain Hospitals planned for Sabah under the industries in a number of cases. I believe Second Malaysia Plan. The need for these there is at no time, as it now is, a greater hospitals is urgent, and our people would need to inject massive funds by the Govern­ be greatly disappointed if plans to build them ment into the economy for purposes either are now shelved merely because of high of salvage work, or better still, for expansion prices in building materials. In any event, of industries relevant to our needs. To say there is no guarantee that prices in building this is not to ignore the world's econom~c materials will come down lower than they trends. Nor is it to propound views which have; and if the world's economic trends are ·may be regarded as heretical. It is rather any guide, prices tend to go up rather than to emphasise the point that, as we have what come down; unless we say that the present might conveniently be described as a "mixed trends are an unusual and indeed an economy", we can focus our attention a little abnormal phenomenon which will dissipate more on projects which have or might be in time. Apart from which, the heaith of thought to have a greater relevance to the the people cannot really be postponed and country's capacity to produce both from the we therefore owe it to them to do the best point of view of exports and in terms of we can whatever the cost may be. our requirements. It is, in a way, a shift of direction in the implementation of pro­ Similarly, Sir, Government should speed grammes, and thus it is more a matter of a up the construction of the three main trunk change of tactics rather than a change of roads in Sabah. This refers particularly to substance. the East-West Highway linking Kota Kina­ balu and Sandakan, a highway which has Having said this, Sir, I suggest that we been under construction on an off-and-on ought not to be slow, or even timid, to basis for as long as one cares to remember. spend money merely because projects which The road is vitally important to the people are in the pipeline could only be carried out and country, connecting as it does the two at costs which are high compared to estimates major towns in Sabah across some of the when those projects were planned for. As most fertile land in the region; I cannot there­ I have said, our economic and financial fore emphasise too strongly the need to position is strong. Also our reserves are high, complete the construction of this road espe­ and our borrowings, both from outside and cially in regard to sealing the surface on that inside of the country, are small compared portion of the road commencing from Mile with those of many countries regarded as 26 or thereabout on the Sandakan side right far more advanced than us. To be sure, we up to Telupid. In the past, delays were per­ can afford it. And what is more, I am con­ haps inevitable due to lack of stones. Now fident that when the projects are completed that the Government has responded favour­ they will pay handsome dividends in the ably to the call for funds to set up qu~rries 767 18 NOVEMBER 1974 768' by the Public Works Department, to the tune we seem to think that inflation is the begin­ of some $3.2 million, there is really no reason ning and end of the problems confronting the why construction should be further delayed. world. Sir, the spectre of famine looms large in many a horizon. With this consideration in Sir, as the Government is only too well mind, and with our past experiences of the aware, Sabah relies to a considerable extent difficulty of obtaining rice supplies, due to for its prosperity on the timber industry poor haIVest or other reasons, it would be through the export of round logs. Due to the criminal negligence not to take notice of the recession in trade, the industry has now come storm signals that lie ahead. We welcome, almost to a standstill resulting, according to then, the plan to intensify the growing of rice. reports here and there, in some 15,000 We welcome, in particular, without seeming workers being laid off. This is a sizeable work to sound selfish, the plan to open up vast force on any view, and one which. we can tracts of land to grow this crop in Sabah and ignore only at our peril. Already, one effect Sarawak, since these two States depend largely of the cessation of work is the ·marked in­ for their requirements on outside sources. It cr~ in the incidence of crime. Thefts, big may well be that in undertaking large-scale and small, and indeed robberies. are slowly cultivation, we will produce more than we but steadily becoming the order of the day. ·need, but there is a ready market for this We read only yesterday in the newspapers of commodity. And, believing as we all do that the apparent loss of $! million whilst being charity always begins at home, we can transported on board an MAS plane. This is nevertheless afford to be a little generous a most disturbing turn of events. Sabah, which to less fortunate countries in times of want. until recently prided itself as a most peaceful on humanitarian grounds. place on earth, is no longer in this enviable position; it has, so to speak, joined the big So far, Sir, I have spoken of rice cultiva­ league. As a consequence, our Police Force, tion. There is also obviously a need to grow which are small in numbers but are otherwise more foodstuffs, such as tapioca, sago, vege­ superbly trained, have to work overtime to ta,bles and fruits. Again this need is even take preventive measures and to take other more pronounced in Sabah than in any other actions to bring the culprits to book. The task States in Malaysia. We should therefore, of doing this is putting a severe strain on begin the task at once. We should provide them. This seems hardly fair; and the answer incentives to the growers-in the form of must be either to increase the strength of the various subsidies, such as land, fertilisers and Force, or to create jobs for the unemployed. seedlings, for like all human activities to satisfy As a long-term proposition, it is always wiser human wants, the result must be rewarding to carry out the latter task. to those engaged in these activities. Above all. we need to provide a ready market for their There is a case, then, Sir, to create more produce at fair and reasonable prices. And we job opportunities in Sabah before the rot sets ought to provide suitable transport facilities. in. This means (1) that we must start to create for the produce to be collected. As things now more labour-intensive industries in the State stand, there is a high proportion of waste and (2) that no projects envisaged, or actually due to lack of marketing facilities, with the blueprinted under the Second Malaysia Plan, result that vegetables and fruits are left to rot should be deferred in the interest of so-called in the kebun or, when they have been taken ecomony. We cannot just wait and wait for out, by the roadside. This, of course, is a the world economy to pick up again. Too great pity. much damage will have been caused by then, and we may find that subsequent repairs to Sir, it only remains for me to say a word the damage may prove to be long and or two about the tax measures as proposed expensive. in the Budget, by way of conclusion. The measures are eminently fair, and should not Sir, it is good to hear from the speech of create too great a hardship on our people. the Honourable Finance Minister that food Indeed, the fact that the Government has not production will be speeded up. This is a step gone farther than they have on tax imposi­ in the right direction and one which should tions, is testimony of our financial strength, receive the whole-hearted support of every­ and an affirmation of our determination not one of us. Too often we tend to forget that to lag behind on development progress in all there is a world-wide shortage of food, and fields. 769 18 NOVEMBER 1974 770

4.38 ptg. Consumer Price Index is still in the two-digit region. The price of sugar has shot up by Dr Chen Man Hin (Serembao): Tuan Yang 10 cents a kati recently. Flour has gone up di-Pertua, saya ingin bercakap sedikit tentang by 10 cents a pound, an increase of about Rang Undang-undang Perbekalan, 1975, dan 25 %. Inflation is not abating yet and with Usul yang dikemukakan oleh Menteri Ke­ the prospects of a worldwide shortage of wangan berkenaan Anggaran Pembangunan, grain, it is not likely to come down to 1975. Di sini saya minta izin bercakap dalam manageable levels so soon. As an anti-infla­ bahasa lnggeris. tionary gesture, the excise duty of one cent per pound on condensed milk has been (Dengan izin) Tuan Yang di-Pertua, just removed. Another measure is the proposed before the Honourable Finance Minister deli­ National Savings Bank which is designed to vered his speech on the 1975 Budget, there mop up excess money or liquidity by encour­ were three questions uppermost in the minds aging the people to save. The snag is that at of the people. this period of recession, there is not much The first question was, as a Budget deficit excess money to save for the average person was anticipated, what new taxes would be or family. The Government intends to open imposed and would these be painful? up half a million acres for food production which is a good thing, but it takes a lot of The second question was, what new time for implementation to proceed and by measures were there to counter the effects of which time inflation may have gone out of inflation? hand. And the third question was, what steps In the strategy to counter recession, it is would be taken to boost the economy in proposed to double the loans and advances recession and to provide jobs for the to the manufacturing sector and for individual retrenched workers? housing loans from 20% to 40%. in the hope By and large the new taxes affect those who that more industries will spring up and the could afford to pay and the poor and the low housing construction will be revived. Unfor­ income groups have been spared this time. tunately, it is not just tight money that is This was a wise move, considering that the hampering industries and construction but it low income groups have been affected is the prevailing extraordinarily high interest severely by the present high rate of inflation. rates which deter potential investors and The Honourable Finance Minister in his first house-buyers. For the average house buyer, Budget has started on the right foot and it is inflation has eaten into his income and he hoped that future Budgets would continue cannot save as much as he used to. This, to spare the poor. coupled with the high interest rates, would make it difficult to fulfil his commitments to However, the 1975 Budget does not relieve the bank should h~ decide to buy a house. the accummulated suffering of the poor as a Therefore, he is not likely to invest in a house result of the previous Budgets. As a Budget under the present conditions. The same goes to fight inflation and ·to counter recession, it for the manufacturer, who will have to con­ has fallen far short of expectations. The Bud­ tend with the high interest rates and a worsen­ get is inadequate as an anti-inflationary ing recession. weapon and neither is it anti-recessionary~ The fall in the Consumer Price Index from To be effective as an instrument to 21.4 at the beginning of the year to 16 in counter recession. the lifting the ceiling September this year might have given the for loans to the manufacturing and house­ impression to the Finance Minister that ownership sectors, there should have been a inflationary forces are under control and that lowering of the interest rates as well. no new radical measures are indicated. Let not the Price Index give a false ~ense of The selective lowering of credit should complacency. also be extended to food production. At the moment, tight credit, high interest rates and The· people are still suffering from the high cost of fertilisers are dissuading poten­ agonies of inflation, especially the poor and tial investors in food production such as the low income groups. They spend about livestock rearing and farming. Since food 80% of their income on food alone. The production is going to play an important 771 18 NOVEMBER 1974 772 role to combat nsmg food prices and to The unhappy part is that the public debt stave off starvation in the coming critical keeps on rising every year by about 10%, years of famine and food shortages, the and every year servicing of this debt takes selective relaxation of credit should also be about 9% to 10% of the current revenue. allowed here. For example, in 1974. this year, 13% of the On the road tax for motor vehicles, Mr current revenue of $4,400 million is required Speaker, Sir, there is no outcry against this to service the public debt, that is $483 increase of road tax except for motorcycle million is required this year to pay off a owners who feel that the $10 increase is portion of the debt. If there had been more unfair as they belong to the low income careful spending, there would not be the groups. On the other hand, there is support necessity to service a debt of $4,400 million for higher road tax for the bigger cars in the or more which could be put to much better luxury range, i.e. those above 2,000 c.c. or use such as low cost housing, free schooling more. The new road tax for large cars is and education up to university level. much too mild, much too low, and could be increased four-fold and yet not hurt the Mr Speaker, Sir. ways and means must be pockets of luxury car owners. The additional found to cut down unnecessary spending. road tax on motorcycles should be with­ The Ministers themselves should set the drawn. lead by an austere style of living. Big and flashy cars should be avoided. This is a On the bonus limit, Mr. Speaker, Sir, time of recession an1 austerity should be employees fear that the limit of two months the code word. Overseas jaunts should be bonus as tax deductable expenditure to the out. Prestige projects and lavish expenditure employer may well mean that their annual on holidays should also be disallowed. There bonus will be limited to two months only. is need for a closer look at the expenditure Traditionally, firms give huge bonuses at the side of the Budget. For example, Mr Speaker. end of the year when business is good and Sir. the defence and security share of the employees look forward to these· bonuses. expenditure is still high. The question is With this new limitation, it is most likely asked as to whether this could be pared down that the annual bonus would become smaller to a more reasonable level. There is a case and the take-home earnings of thousands for this. There is now detente between the of shop assistants, clerks and workers will be superpowers and the Cold War with its affected. accompanying tensions having waned or On the Budget deficit, Mr. Speaker, Sir, diminished. when both the Operational and Development Expenditures are taken into account toge­ The concept of neutralisation of South ther, the estimated excess of expenditure East Asia is gaining wider acceptance, espe­ over revenue for 1975 will be $1,430 million. cially among the countries in South East By any account, this is a huge deficit and Asia. True, there is still a communist menace will also increase the public debt. in the jungles. but with the general gathering momentum for peace, a second look at the The total debt of· the Federal Government defence expenditure should be made and the at the end of 1974 stood at $8,923 million money conserved for more productive uses according to the Treasury's Economic Report. in the field of economic expansion or in the By the end of 1975, it will be $10,353 field of education where vocational and million. With a population of 11.6 million, technical colleges are so urgently needed. it works out to be a per capita debt of Indeed. the recruits for the defence and $892 or nearly $900 debt per person. security forces could be channelled to these Fortunately, a greater proportion of this institutes thereby transforming them into public debt is from domestic sources such productive citizens in the manufacturing or in as the Employees Provident Fund where the the agricultural industries. people's monies are deposited and from public loans or Treasury bills floated by the Mr Speaker, Sir, a sum of $2,306 million Government now and then. Were the public has been appropriated for Development debt to be largely from foreign sources, then Expenditure. This is a huge sum of money the ringgit would be in trouble and our to be spent and is part of the Government credit standing jeopardised. strategy to play a counter cyclical role to 773 18 NOVEMBER 1974 774 fight off recession. But it will be largely are badly affected by inflation, and the latest responsible for the estimated overall deficit barrage of price increase of 10 cents per of $1,490 million for 1975. kati of sugar, another 10 cents for one Many well-known economists agree that pound of flour, and 40 cents extra for each deficit budgets are notoriously responsible pound of milk powder and so on has shocked for inflation, and some even go so far as the people badly. They are all crying for to say that the deficit is financed by printing action 1o stop these prices increases. more money. I would not like to believe West Germany kept its annual inflation that this is true in this country and we would rate to a respectable 7 % by tight money like an assurance from the Honourable policies and good export performance. Finance Minister that each Malaysian dollar Malaysia, with its natural resources should do has a definite gold parity of 0.290299 as well, if not better with the correct mone­ grammes of fine gold as promised. tary policies, more exports and better pro­ As for Development Expenditure, a stricter ductivity from the people, be they farmers, definition of "development" is required, and workers, clerks or managers. The people are such Expenditure should be approved only weighed down with rising prices and rising when the project is economic and productive. unemployment, and to relieve them of this Spending on uneconomic and unproductive twin burden, an effective economic pro­ projects will not bring in the returns and gramme is required. The D.A.P. calls for: deficit budgets may well become a permanent (1) An efficient price control system, where feature. a most unpleasant prospect. It will a Price Control Committee will study be like pouring in money down a deep, deep, all the factors of pricing of controlled bottomless pit. and essential goods before allowing a Mr Speaker, Sir, inflation is not a new price increase. If conditions turn out phenomenon. It happened in Scotland in the for the better, the same Price Control 18th century, in France during the Revolution Committee can also authorise a price of 1789, in the United States during the production. Civil War period and in Germany in 1922. (2) A profits control body which should The German example is perhaps the most see that no undue profits are made well-known, where inflation went completely through exploitation of the people by out of control until eventually the price of large companies or syarikat-syarikat. a dozen eggs was one billion marks. The then Federatiqn of Malaya, in 1941-45 during (3) A fair wages council which would see the Japanese Occupation, also had a runaway that wages are turned to the inflationary inflation where a bowl of "mee" would cost rise of food and other consumer goods. about 30 Japanese "banana dollars". How­ (4) Greater efforts to look for cheaper ever, these examples occurred and were con­ sources of sugar, flour, milk and ferti­ fined to one nation at a time, and the lisers, other than traditional suppliers. inflation soon abated or was resolved when Our missions abroad should look for the country returned to gold or silver as a cheaper sources of these products. base. (5) The abolition of the Sales Tax, because Inflation today is a world-wide affliction, it is one of the chief domestic or local barring the communist bloc, and its resolution cause of inflation. There are evidences is that much difficult, unless there is inter­ and comp!aints that the Sales Tax is national consensus. This year the inflation not a single-stage tax, but is multi­ rate is 26% in Japan, 18% in Malaysia, staged. It is also a regressive form of 7.3% in West Germany and 12% in lJSA. tax. For a country like ours with vast natural (6) Reduction of the Government tax on resources, an estimated inflation rate of oil. The daily production of 100,000 18%-it may well go up to 20% or more barrels of oil from our off -shores is judging by present conditions-is highly sufficient for the country's needs, and regrettable. Morever, the large majority of the therefore a way must be found to trans­ people are poor with an average income of late this into cheaper oil for the people. $250 per month for the average household With cheap oil, manufactured goods (say, 5 persons per household). These people would be cheaper, transportation would 775 18 NOVEMBER 1974 776 cost less and fuel for domestic use way of life of hard work and ascetic would also be priced lower. living. The root cause of the present (7) Land must be given to those who want inflation is excess consumption over to grow food either to sustain them­ production-in other words, too much selves or for commercial purposes. A money chasing too few goods. If each survey of all arab!e land should be of us could be more productive by be made and allocated to genuine working harder and consuming less, farmers. Everywhere there is the such as fewer lavish dinners, walking or common sight of thousands of acres of cycling to work, there would be more vacant land, unused and untilled. This goods to go round and prices would is a shameful waste of good land, from start to fall. which, with. proper organisation and in (15) Government Ministers and leaders in good hands, valuable food can be grown all walks of life should set an example for the table or the market. of aust~re living, for the people will only discipline themselves when they (8) Free education up to university level. see their leaders are doing the same During these hard times, school fees thing. should not be levied, and children of poor parents should be given the (16) Lastly, the habit of recurrent annual opportunity to study as much as they budget deficits must stop. Huge budget can. deficits are a major cause of inflation. It is also true that in times of recession, (9) Interest on savings with the National money must be sought to prime the Saving Bank or with the commercial pump and get the economy moving, but banks should be tax-free. This would let this House know that money is spent encourage more savings and mop up only on economic and productive pro­ the excess liquidity. People would be jects. more inclined to deposit their money with Banks if the interests on these On the unemployment situation, Mr deposits are tax free. Speaker, Sir, the Treasury's Economic Report states that at the end of September, 1974 (10) A massive low cost housing scheme registered unemployment was 137,202 com­ should be lau:iched by the Government, pared to 151,874 in September, 1973. The so that shelter is given to the houseless monthly Newsletter of the Ministry of who now have to pay high rentals for Labour states that the September 1974 a small room or even a shack. Such a figure of 137,202 indicated a drop of 3,582 low cost housing programme will also over the previous month. Now, if we go by provide employment for those retren­ the figures supplied by official sources, then ched from depressed industries. recession has not yet come to this country. (11) A drive to encourage the manufacturing But the Honourable Minister of Finance him­ sector to export more and to earn more self has hinted that recession is here. The foreign exchange. Besides the selective answer is that obviously the thousands relaxation of credit, lower interest rates of workers who have been retrenched from and more export incentives should be textile mills, electronic industries and the provided. timber industry have not bothered to register (12) A renewed efforts to seek more markets themselves at the Labour Exchange. Reliable for rubber and timber and to intensify sources say that the lack of overseas demand the research into more uses for rubber, and the falling prices have forced about palm oil and other commodities. 150 sawmills to shut down in Peninsular Malaysia and another 200 or more are (13) Petro-chemical complexes and fertiliser operating at half the usual pace. They also plants should be set up in different say that at least 15,000 sawmill workers and areas in the country. This would provide 10,000 loggers in Peninsular Malaysia are adequate and cheap fertilisers to farmers now jobless. Then again sources from Sabah in food production areas. state that 15,000 timber workers have been (14) The adoption of a more disciplined life retrenched. Retrenchment in Indonesia and style suited to Asian conditions. We Singaonre have also caused thousands must revert back to the traditional of workers to return to Malaysia. With all 777 18 NOVEMBER 1974 778 these reports of retrenchments, the number for all items. Thus food prices is a major of non-registered workers must be quite cause of inflation. Recognising this, the considerable, and probably equal to, if not Government is now concentrating on food more than, the number registered at Labour production and intends to open 500,000 acres Offices. for this purpose. In fact, some economists predict that by While this move is welcomed, more details the end of the year there will be at least are required. It is not clear where these food 300,000 unemployed in the country. As the schemes will be located, how many acres will · recession worsens, it is safe to assume that be allocated for grain such as padi or maize, the number of jobless will increase. It is how many acres for livestock rearing and important to be able to project the percentage whether these schemes will be run on of unemployment in the coming months, so collective or co-operative basis. as to take measures to keep unemployment For the past year or so there have been down, and to relocate the unemployed to new calls to the people to grow more food. But growth industries, such as the plan to increase the peasants and farmers a.,ked, "Where is food production on some half a million acres the land? Give us land". Therefore they of land and in PETRONAS which has taken wait expectantly for more details about the full charge of all activities related to oil 500,000 acres allocated for food production. exploration, refining and marketing. The prob:em is not shortage of farming man­ Productive industries in the manufacturing power, but shortage of land. During these sector should be encouraged to create new times of food shortages and high prices, land jobs and absorb the unemployed. Incentives should be made readily available to farmers. to investors and to entrepreneurs should be The D.A.P. calls upon the Government to given to promote the setting up of new give land to the landless farmers and pea­ factories. Many of the jobless youths that we sants, who can boost food production with see today are now hanging in groups at the right type of assistance. These are: street corners idling away doing nothing. It I. Land reforms where the farmer himself is obvious that these youths will soon fall will be the owner of the land and not the prey to exploiting agents who would lure absentee landlord. It has been shown in them into crime or taking drugs. Here the countries where land is owned by the tiller Welfare Services Department and the or farmer the production of food has trebled Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports should or even quadrupled. Small plots of land can pay more attention and provide recreational be parcelled out to individual farmers or facilities which would keep these youths busy large acreages of land can be run as co­ in healthy activities. It is highly regrettable operatives, or collectives. Whichever system that in many parts of the country, there are is used, the tiller is the one who profits and lack of recreational facilities like foot-ball profits is a big incentive for him to work grounds, indoor sports stadiums, swimming harder and produce more. pools and the like. 2. Credit should be made available to the Job training for the unemployed is also farmers to buy his implements, fuel and important. Sample surveys reveal that many fertilisers. of these youths have passed the LCE and 3. Fertilisers should be sold to them at MCE examinations but few of them are subsidised rates. The high cost of fertilisers trained in any form of skill. It is therefore is a disincentive and food production may imperative that more vocational and suffer as is happening right now where technical institutions be set-up in order that because of fertiliser shortage the production these youths be given specialised training to of rice this year is estimated to have dropped. equip to seek employment more easily, as This is a shocking state of affairs and steps there is a definite shortage of skilled workers should be taken to supply fertilisers to and personnel in the industrial sector. farmers adequately. Mr Speaker, Sir, on food production, 4. Cheap fuel should also be available. it is now admitted that food prices have Modern methods of farming include increased greatly this year. For the first nine mechanised ploughing and harvesting. Cheap months, the consumer price index for food fuel for the farmers can cut the cost of food rose by 30%, in contrast to foe average 18% production and also increase productivity. 779 18 NOVEMBER 1974 780 It is often said that despite the vast land the present ridiculous situation where ~esources in this country we still have to only 20% of Malaysia's crude oil is llllport much of our food. Rice production refined locally, while 80% is exported. is not yet self-sufficient and about 200,000 tons have to be imported this year. Practically (3) The setting up of fertiliser plants to all the sugar is imported and this despite manufacture much needed fertilisers, the fact that there are several large sugar because of the existing world-wide platations in the country. If more sugar­ shortage and because this shortage has cane could be planted locally, the price of ~lready affected the production of padi sugar would not have to rise ever so often. m the country. If the shortage persists, The latest rise of 10 cents per kati is a big the two main export earners, rubber blow to tht! poor. What is happening to and palm oil may also be severely hit domes~ic sugar production? An Enquiry in the future. More than one petro­ Committee o;hould be set-up to look into the chemical plant will be required. As a matter. The D.A.P. calls upon the Minister largely agricultural country and since of Agriculture to set up a Special Commis­ food is now a top priority project, sion to study why domestic sugar production several petro-chemical complexes should is so slow and poor, and whether they should be planned for this country in different require assistance in the form of advice from areas. the research boys of MARDI. (4) With the active oil exploration in pro­ Of the total imports of $9,400 million this gress, the petroleum industry is ex - year, some $1,173 million is estimated to be pected to provide a good number of spent on food, beverages and tobacco. It jobs. This is one field which can reduce is not shown how much of this $1,173 million the unemployment caused by the was spent for food, but the proportion must present recession. Attempts should be be ~gh. ~s is valuable foreign exchange made to absorb workers who have been earrungs bemg spent unnecessarily. If there laid off in the timber industry or in the had been foresight and better planning, much manufacturing sector. As the unem­ of the type of food imported can be home­ ployed and the poor come from all grown or reared. It is high time for the races, it is hoped the work force of Ministry concerned with food production to PETRONAS will reflect the multi-racial gear food production not only for domestic composition of the people. consumption but also for export as well to earn foreign and to help to provide food for While it is true to say that in the early people starving in famine areas. stages of the petrol industry, foreign experts w~ll have to be brought in and local personnel The whole world is facing a food crisis. wtll have. to seek specialised training overseas, Millions of people in developing countries whether m the U.S.A., Canada, France_or the are facing starvation. Malaysia should try to Middle East countries, plans must now be increase its food production to help these made for the establishment of local training people as well. facilities for our boys. Mr Speaker, Sir, with the passage of the Petroleum Development Act of 1974, A college of oil engineering should be petroleum o\vnership rights are now invested instituted where technicians and engineers can in Petroliam Nasional Berhad. PETRONAS receive the teaching to equip them for oil came into operation in October 1974, but exploration, oil extraction, refining and other it must act quickly to ensure that the people branches of oil technology. As a lesson ben~fit from the oil found in Malaysian from rubber, research should also now be temtory. envisaged to look into the problems of the end uses of oil, for while oil is in great The immediate tasks ahead will be- demand now because of the energy shortage, (1) The provision of cheap energy whether the situation may be altered in the future. in the form of kerosene, petrol, diesel Many countries are looking for alternative or fuel oil. sources of energy, and it is therefore a wise (2) The establishment of refineries to refine policy now to prepare for the day when oil most, if not all, of the oil, and change may become less popular. 781 18 NOVEMBER 1974 782 (Tuan Yang di-Pertua mempengerusikan should be made to the educational system. Mesyuarat) Nothing is static in this world, and as pres­ sures and demands change in a fast moving On education. Mr Speaker. Sir, the esti­ world, so must there be a flexible approach mated expenditure on education for 1975 is to education. If we are inflexible and do close to $1.5 billion. Apart from the fact that not adapt to changing demands. then we this is a huge sum of money, there is also shall be left behind. doubt as to whether the present education system is producing students equipped to The educational system can be devised as serve a multi-racial society and whether the to be an important instrument to unite the quality of education has improved to produce people. provided the aspirations of multi­ students who will be able to make Malaysia racial Malaysians are heeded and implemen­ dynamic and progressive. ted. Bahasa Malaysia as the national lang­ uage will serve as the common language Because of the many complaints raised by for Malaysians to communicate and inter­ parents and educationists. a special Minis­ change ideas. The mother tongues of the terial Committee has been set-up to review Chinese and Tamil speaking Malaysians the education system. This is welcome, but to should be fostered, nurtured and used freely. achieve anything useful, this Committee must The quality of education should be raised so be open-minded in its approach and be that every student that passes out will be prepared to listen to the voices and aspi­ useful and productive to the country. rations of parents in multi-racial Malaysia. The present educational policy provides It would serve no purpose at all if a small that Bahasa Malaysia shall be the main group of Ministers and their friends merely medium of instruction. A time-table has sat at several meetings to exchange their own been set to implement this. However. the views (not the people's) and drew up a series snag is that there is a shortage of competent of so-called educational reforms. In which Bahasa Malaysia teachers. Crash pro­ case, the whole exercise is merely an act to grammes to train teachers to communicate whitewash the present inadequate educational to their pupils and students have not worked system. out quite so well. As a result in many schools both the teachers and pupils are at If the intention is to get to the root causes a loss. and the quality of education has of the educational mess. then this Ministerial fallen and suffered. Pupils should not be Committee must include impartial represen­ made to suffer because of this, and they tatives from parents, educational specialists deserve a chance to improve their studies. and Chinese and Tamil speaking educa­ Therefore. while teachers are being trained tionists. An independent an impartial Com­ to gain proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia. and mittee with members who are ready to speak this takes time, there is a case to consider out their minds will be more likely to stretching the time schedule to make Bahasa produce solutions to the educational problems Malaysia the main medium of instruction. of this country. In a rapidly shrinking world. the more This same Committee should be prepared languages one masters the better it will be. to listen to the views and opinions of parents A second language. whether it is Man­ throughout the country. It must be prepared darin. Tamil, English, French or Russian to travel to all parts of Malaysia and hold will be useful. In this country. Mandarin, meetings with the people and meet the people. Tamil and English appear to be more This is the best approach to find out the acceptable to the people. because both truth and obtain first-hand information of Mandarin and Tamil are mother tongues. what the people really want. and in the case of English because it appears Time and again we hear the Minister of to be more popular. The study of a second Education and other Ministers also making language needs more exposure time for decisions and refusing petitions by invoking a student to have a working knowledge. It the phrase "in the national interest". The is true that Bahasa Malaysia is the main national interest is the people's interest, and medium of instruction. and a second lang­ the people feel that changes or modifications uage like English can be a medium of 783 18 NOVEMBER 1974 784 instruction in. say. mathematics and science. cannot but ask: What meaning has the Similarly in secondary schools, Mandarin Budget speech on the low income groups. can be the medium of instruction in the especially the workers? Chinese language, mathematics and science. Sir, it may be one thing te> say that eco­ nomic prosperity was enjoyed by the lower It is a matter of regret that the Govern­ income groups, but it is another thing to ask ment has not yet recognised the degrees of if this is so. The fact that there has been a Malaysians who graduated from Nanyang significant increase in motor-cars, motor­ University and other universities in Taiwan. cycles, bicycles, clothings and the like, as It would be a wise policy to recognise these pointed out in the speech, does not neces­ degrees as well as degrees from other univer­ sarily show that the masses, especially the sities in Indonesia, India and the Middle Malay peasantry, and of course the non­ East, because of the acute shortage of skilled Bumiputra workers, are relatively prospe­ and talented manpower. rous-this is far from the truth. Now this is The recent announcement by the Minister not necessarily so as I have said, and of of Education that the Government has not course, as pointed out in the Treasury approved the application to set up the Report for 1974-1975 on page 87, there has Merdeka College to be run on polytechnic been a substantial increase in the population lines, is received with misgivings by many of this country which is estimated to reach people. 11.6 million in mid-1974 after growing by 2.7 per cent during the period of 1970-1975. Mr Speaker, Sir, there is inflation and Sir, this increase in population growth means there is recession. The economy of the coun­ that there are now more prospective purcha­ try must accelerate or speed up fast enough sers, and with easy hire-purchase facilities, in order to provide employment and raise more of the above-mentioned items have living standards of the poor. This objective become easily consumable to a larger section requires talented manpower who can think of the community. of new ways to utilise the country's natural But in terms of hard economic realities resources. We also require skilled manpower of the day, the people, especially those in the to man the factories and work the fields, to rural areas, have not benefited. Notwith­ produce cheaper consumer goods and more standing the glorious pronouncement that food. In the light of these views, it is the Malaysia is going to have an estimated people's hope and wish that the Minister of surplus of some $660 million, it means Education and the special Ministerial Com­ nothing if the gap between the 'haves' and mittee on Education will think deeply and the 'have-nots' keeps widening. Although find an equitable formula which will help Malaysia has often boasted a high per capita to resolve the educational problems of this income of some M$1,200, this is only, Sir, country. a statistical figure and, as we all know, 85 per cent of the people are poor. Tuan Ngan Siong Hing (Kinta): Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya minta izin untuk ber­ The Budget speech, apart from all that ucap dalam bahasa lnggeris. has been said by Honourable Member for Seremban, makes no recommendation to Tuan Yang di-Pertua: Campur-campur boost the earning capacities of the 'have­ boleh? nots' in the country. Now, according to the Treasury Report, the Chapter on 'Income Tuan Ngan Siong Hing: (Dengan izin) Distribution' bears witness to the great in­ Tuan Speaker, Sir, the Budget speech by equalities that now exist in the midst of our the Finance Minister on the 12th November, so-called prosperity. The statistical analysis, 1974, appeared to me to have created a Sir, provides a clear-cut indication of the gusto of confidence. Sir, while inflation, as woes, of the sickness, experienced by the we all know, has had tremendous impact on workers in this country. the majority of people in this country, Of the three ethnic groups the statistical especially those in the lower income group, analysis shows that not only are the Malays the Finance Minister overtly played it down and Indians poor, but there are also poor by blaming it on the world economic scene. Chinese on a race to race basis. This shat­ To some extent, Sir. this is true. but one ters, Sir, the myth long sustained by the 785 18 NOVEMBER 1974 786 obscurantists in the ruling party that the by other primary export earnings like tin, Chinese are rich and therefore control the palm oil, etc. but to the people whose liveli­ economy of the country. The Treasury hood is the rubber tree, the poor rubber Report has now shattered that myth, and it prices mean privation and hunger and loss shows that the people who really control the of opportunities for their. children. economy of this country are not the Chinese, More than anything else, the Budget speech but the foreign capitalist monopolists. gives no indication that the wage structure Sir, I wish to quote from page 54: among lower-paid workers would be revised "Inequality between the races contri­ in view of present-day economic circum­ buted to only a relatively small proportion stances. I really, cannot find a reason why of the total inequality of incomes in the it should not be so in view of the hardships country and does not provide a sufficient and the sufferings experienced by the explanation for the total inequality in the workers, some of whom earn as little as levels of living in Malaysia". only $2 a day in factories and some of them, It then goes on and I further quote: if they do not work properly, might even get a sack. This sort of economic situation pre­ "The inequality comparison between vails because of the economic structure of races makes the unrealistic assumption this country which is capitalistic in nature that everyone within each race has the and the Government is not determined to same income, namely, the monthly mean make it more socialistic for the benefit of income for that race group, whereas there the majority of the people in this country. are large differences in income within each Our system is such that it is designed to race group. The comparison of mean benefit less than 2 % of the people in this incomes," the Report goes on, "by race country, that is to say, those with 'big capitals can be misleading as it tends to under­ to invest. Sir, this is very true in view of the state the "poor" elements within each fact that one of the few gimmicks, or if one group.'' may say, one of the few attractions is the Thus, it is a truism Sir, to say that poverty use of the frequent term "cheap labour" cuts across racial lines and it scourges every by our Ministers when they go on overseas man in every race. tours to attract foreign capitalists, and mono­ polists to this country. The use of the term Whilst it is highly desirable to raise the "cheap labour", Sir, is an insult to the level of Bumiputra economic participation, country and a term which I think we all we wish to warn the Government that this should, especially those on the Government will not necessarily bridge the gap between side, stop using in future. the rich and the poor, between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots'. What it will do, in our As reported, there were 68 strikes in the humble opinion, is that it will build up a past nine months of this year. Sir, all of the new class of capitalists among the Malay 68 strikes were inevitably caused by employers rich at the expense of the Malay peasantry. refusing to pay special relief allowances in Sir, in simple parlance, one can put it this the midst of a spiralling cost of living. way, that the poor will remain poor and the What the workers asked in the past many rich, richer and fatter. months, especially in the past 12 to . 14 months were nothing but peanuts. in that The past two years were indeed difficult what they wanted was a small sum, the most years as we all agree. As a result of the slow $30, just to help them get along and to down in the industrial countries, rubber string along in view of the rise in commodity export declined, as pointed out in the Trea­ prices especially essential commodity items sury Report. And with the rocketing rate of like milk, sugar and so on. But, Sir, they inflation many rubber tappers in the rubber found it so difficult even tol get that $30 and estates, and kampungs, many of whom are they had to strike for months on ends. Malays were working below capacity pro­ sometimes and ·yet get nothing; and each time duction. This slow down or deceleration in when the matter is referred to the Ministry rubber output greatly affected, and mainly of Labour for decisions, none of the decisions affected the ruralites and smallholders, thus far made seems to have been made in although it is comforting to say that the loss favour of the unions and the workers. This in earnings from rubber is more than offset is another thing, Sir, to show that whatever 787 18 NOVEMBER 1974 788 decisions are made, are made in suchi a way an imaginative economic revolution will save as to protect only the interest of the rich the workers from exploitation. and to protect the interest of the employers. Sir. in closing, let us not be deceived that It is our belief that if our workers are paid the Budget is one to soak the rich-in a little more than what they have now, life will small way it is. It is a Budget, if I may say, not only become better for them but will to suck the poor and only pin-prick the rich. also become better for all of us, in that all of us irrespective of our status and so on would 5.25 ptg. become happier. But this is not so. Our Tuan Hishamuddin bin Haji Y ahya labour laws, whatever those may be, seem (Maran): Tuan Yang di-Pertua, izinkan to be against the workers. They can strike, saya mengucapkan tahniah kepada Yang of course, but there is a limit to everything Amat Berhormat Timbalan Perdana Menteri and one wonders when the Government, merangkap Menteri Kewangan di atas ucapan especially the Barisan Government, will take Belanjawannya yang dijadikan panduan dasar steps to revise some of the unfair labour ekonomi negara yang aktif dan dinamik itu. laws-the Industrial Relations Act, the Mungkin tidak keterlaluan jika saya mengata­ Employment Act and so on and so forth­ kan bahawa panduan dasar ekonomi yang so that the workers in this country would berasaskan ucapan Belanjawan ini adalah have a bigger share in the national cake and panduan yang paling ideal untuk disesuai­ a bigger stake in the so-called prosperity kan dengan keadaan ekonomi negara kita brought about by the Barisan Government. yang sekarang ini sedang menghadapi ke­ adaan stagflasi. For all that has been said, it shows one thing-that the workers are frustrated and Kita semua mengalu-alukan Kerajaan di the Government of the day is not very sym­ atas kebijaksanaannya di dalam membentuk pathetic towards them although they make dasar ini dan kita juga berdoa semoga ianya nice pronouncements and say good things. mencapai matlamat yang dicita-citakan itu. Although many times the Mihlster of Labour Tetapi, Tuan Yang di-Pertua, di sebalik and other Ministers have promised the kita mengalu-alukan: dasar yang ideal dan workers the heaven on earth, but we all kukuh ini adalah juga menjadi tanggung­ know that in reality they have not been jawab kita untuk mengingatkan Kerajaan given what they have asked and this I believe supaya menyedari serta dapat mengatasi lebih will not be forthcoming at least in the near awal akan segala masaalah yang akan di­ future. What bold innovations are there if hadapi oleh Kerajaan di dalam melaksanakan the workers are so struck down by all the dasar ini. unfavourable labour laws? I believe, and we Mungkin beberapa masaalah asas akan in the D.A.P. believe, that nothing short of berbangkit di dalam usaha melaksanakan a minimum wage policy can be called bold, projek mengeluarkan lebih bahan-bahan imaginative and much less dynamic. When makanan seperti buah-buahan, padi dan will that minimum wage policy be brought daging di mana tanah adalah menjadi faktor about? I do not believe, Sir, that the Govern­ utama adalah lebih rialistik daripada yang ment of the day will have the courage to in­ lain-lain. Masaalah asas ini bukanlah masa­ troduce a minimum wage policy for the alah kita kekurangan tanah ataupun kita ke­ benefit of the majority of workers in the kurangan pakar-pakar ataupun kekurangan country. tenaga pekerja, akan tetapi masaalah ini ialah masaalah untuk mendapatkan tanah itu sen­ Sir, the economic edifice of Malaysia may diri. Kesulitan serta kerumitan untuk men­ be strong and not many of us doubt that. dapatkan tanah adalah menjadi pengetahuan We have resources, as has been pointed out umum dan biasa dibangkitkan di dalam earlier on-we have rubber, tin and so on Dewan yang mulia ini. Kesulitan-kesulitan and so forth and now we have mineral oil ini mungkin tidak dihadapi oleh pihak Kera­ or petrol-but if the resource base on which jaan, jika Kerajaan sendiri hendak mendapat­ our economy is built is restructured lop­ kan tanah untuk projek-projek tersebut, sidedly, then the ends to be desired by the tetapi seribu satu masaalah akan dihadapi so-called New Economic Policy of the oleh pihak swasta di dalam hal mendapatkan Government will also be lop-sided. As I see tanah ini jika pihak swasta hendak memain­ it, poverty will remain and nothing short of kan peranan mereka untuk menjayakan 789 18 NOVEMBER 1974 790 projek-projek mengeluarkan barang-barang Tuan Yang ,di-Pertua, saya suka menekan­ makanan ini seperti yang diserukan oleh kan di sini bahawa soal tanah adalah soal Timbalan Perdana Menteri dalam ucapan yang sangat-sangat bersangkut-paut dengan Belanjawan. kejayaan Kerajaan untuk menggalakkan swasta mengambil peranan yang aktif di Saya penuh percaya bahawa kesulitan ini dalam usaha mengeluarkan barang-barang timbul bukan oleh kerana Kerajaan Negeri makanan yang lebih, kerana tanah adalah di­ yang mentadbirkan hal-hal tanah tidak meng­ gunakan sebagai asset utama untuk cagaran galakkan projek-projek yang digalakkan oleh kepada pinjaman memodali sebarang projek. Kerajaan Pusat dan dengan yang demikian enggan memberikan tanah kepada swasta, Tuan Yang di-Pertua, masaalah berkaitan tetapi masaalah pokok ialah perasaan desakan dengan pentadbiran tanah ini bukanlah satu (sense of urgency) ini tidak atau belum lahir perkara baru bahkan ianya ialah suatu masa­ di kalangan pegawai Kerajaan sendiri. Kebe­ alah lama, lebih lama daripada kelahiran naran di atas perkara ini dapat disokong Dewan ini sehinggakan kita semua telah jemu oleh pengalaman kita yang sudah-sudah mendengamya. Berkali-kali Parlimen ber­ dimana kita dapati bahawa sesatu projek itu sidang maka berkali-kali pula masaalah tanah pemah gagal disebabkan oleh perasaan dibangkitkan. Kian lama perkara ini di­ desakan itu tidak lahir dikalangan pegawai­ bangkitkan dan diungkitkan maka kian pegawai Kerajaan yang kita ketahui adalah lama pula pihak Kerajaan tidak berjaya menjadi alat utama dan tempat Kerajaan mengambil langkah yang positif mengenainya. meletakkan kepercayaan yang penuh bagi Saya percaya bahawa rakyat diseluruh negara menolong melaksanakan hasrat Kerajaan. ini bersedia memberikan mandat kepada Kerajaan untuk membelanjakan walaupun Kita masih ingat, di dalam beberapa bulan berpuluh juta ringgit untuk menyusun semula yang sudah Menteri Kemajuan Tanah di serta membuat peraturan baru mengenai dalam suatu ulusan akhbamya secara tidak pentadbiran tanah demi kepentingan rakyat langsung memberi jaminan bahawa perkara seluruhnya. Jika Kerajaan dapat mengatasi mengenai permohonan serta tukar hakmilik masaalah ini maka Kerajaan telah berjaya tanah akan dipercepatkan lagi, tetapi hingga mengatasi 50% daripada kesulitan rakyat di hari ini kita masih dapati bahawa tukar negara kita. Saya menyeru Kerajaan meng­ hakmilik tanah memakan masa selama 3 atau ambil tindakan yang serious dalam perkara 6 bulan. Mendaftarkan gadaian memakan ini kerana jika tidak. saya takut maka rakyat masa tidak kurang daripada 3 bulan. Per­ pula akan mengatakan kepada Kerajaan mohonan tanah memakan masa 6 atau 7 supaya mempunyai semangat drive, imagi:. tahun. nation dan urgency seperti yang diperkatakan di dalam Ucapan Belanjawan tersebut. Di dalam hal-hal menukar hakmilik tanah dan mendaftarkan gadaian alasannya sentiasa Apa yang kita harus tekankan di sini diberikan oleh jabatan yang berkenaan ialah ialah Kerajaan hendaklah mengambil suatu mereka kekurangan pegawai. Di dalam hal tindakan yang positif dan mengaturkan permohonan tanah pula alasannya juga sama, suatu progrem yang comprehensive serta akan tetapi baru-baru ini pula alasan yang realistik untuk memasukkan perasaan de­ diberi oleh Jabatan Tanah disetengah­ sakan ditiap-tiap orang pegawai Kerajaan setengah Negeri di dalam hal permohonan yang menjadi alat utama menolong menjaya­ tanah agak anih sedikit. Permohonan tanah kan hasrat Kerajaan itu, khasnya pegawai­ tidak dapat dilayan dengan alasan Pegawai pegawai di Pejabat Tanah. Inilah merupa­ Pemeriksa Tanah tidak dapat memeriksa kan satu jaminan bagi kita untuk menjaya­ tanah dengan sebab Kerajaan telah mem­ kan hasrat Kerajaan itu. Kursus-kursus sivik bekukan elaun perbelanjaan. Tetapi jawapan sahaja tidak mencukupi jika ianya tidak paling mengeciwakan sekali yang baru-baru pula dituruti dengan tindakan disiplin yang ini telah pula menjadi kebiasaan ialah fail wajar di atas pegawai-pegawai yang tidak berkenaan telah hilang di dalam pejabat. menjalankan tugas dengan sempurna. Jawapan-jawapan seperti ini lebih biasa di terima oleh rakyat dari kampung-kampung Perkara yang kedua ialah masaalah daripada rakyat yang mempunyai ikhtiar modal. Kita haruslah mengambil perhatian yang agak lebih dari bandar. berat di dalam perkara ini walaupun kita 791 18 NOVEMBER 1974 792 menghadapi keadaan darurat ekonomi (eco­ pertukaran kehendak jenis-jenis kayu di nomic emergency) dan progrem yang diga­ Eropah Barat telah menyebabkan keme­ riskan di dalam Ucapan Belanjawan itu rosotan ekspot kayu di negara ini, akibat­ hendaklah dilaksanakan dengan seberapa nya di Sabah dan juga di Semenanjung cepat yang boleh. Kita tidak seharusnya Malaysia 19,000 orang pekerja terpaksa melupakan tujuan asal dasar ekonomi untuk diberhentikan. K~aan ini amatlah men­ menggalakkan bumiputra memasuki lapa­ dukacitakan kita kerana bukan sahaja ngan perniagaan. Peniaga-peniaga kecil pemberhentian pekerja-pekerja itu akan bumiputra hari ini mendapati sukar sekali menyusahkan keluarga mereka, akan tetapi untuk mendapatkan modal disebabkan dis­ majikan juga terpaksa menutup perniagaan kriminasi yang dipraktikkan oleh bank-bank mereka kerana tidak dapat membayar balik di negara ini. Dari jumlah 35 buah bank di pinjaman kepada institusi pinjaman mereka. negara ini cuma 3 buah bank sahaja yang Kerajaan pula tidak kurang merasakan memberi layanan yang baik kepada pin­ kerugian di dalam hal ini. jaman peniaga kecil bumiputra. Peniaga­ peniaga yang bukan bumiputra tidak meng­ Apa yang mendukacitakan kita bukanlah hadapi masaalah ini dan di samping itu kerana ekspot kita telah merosot disebabkan mereka juga menikmati keistimewaan ke­ oleh kemerosotan ekonomi negara-negara mudahan yang diberi oleh Credit Guarantee yang membeli kerana ini sentiasa menjadi Corporation kepada peniaga-peniaga kecil. penderitaan negara-negara yang sentiasa Tidak hairanlah maka di dalam tahun 1974 bergantung kepada pengeluaran bahan-ba­ sahaja dari jumlah pinjaman peniaga-pe­ han mentah, tetapi apa yang mengeciwakan niaga kecil yang berjumlah lebih daripada kita ialah kita tidak mempunyai sistem $118 juta itu cuma lebih $46 juta sahaja check and balances di dalam hal pengelu­ atau 39% sahaja adalah pinjaman peniaga­ aran barang-barang mentah kita sendiri un­ peniaga kecil bumiputra. Keadaan ini meng­ tuk mengimbangkan pengeluaran dengan ke­ hendakkan kajian semula dan tindakan hendak-kehendak pembeli untuk menjaga positif hendaklah diambil untuk menjaga kesetabilan harga. Dengan hal yang demi­ kepentingan kaum bumiputra. kian, pengeluaran kita tidak diawasi dan akibatnya ialah apabila sahaja ada pertu­ Selain daripada mengambil tindakan di karan di dalam corak pemilihan pembeli dalam dua perkara ini Kerajaan seharusnya­ dari luar negeri, maka kita akan menerima­ lah juga melahirkan dikalangan rakyat di nya dengan keadaan terperanjat dan tidak negara ini suatu perasaan darurat ekonomi bersiap sedia untuk mengubahsuaikan supaya dengan perasaan ini mereka lebih dengan pertukaran keadaan itu. Perusahaan bersedia serta menerima cabaran-cabaran kayu adalah menjadi contoh utama di dalam dimasa hadapan. Alat-alat sebaran am ter­ hal ini. utamanya radio dan talivisyen bolehlah memainkan peranan ini dengan giat dan Untuk mengatasi perkara seperti m1 berkesan. berlaku pada masa-masa yang akan datang, Tuan Yang di-Pertua, setelah meneliti saya merayu supaya Kerajaan menubuhkan Economic Report 1974/75 maka kita dapati Yunit Perisik Perdagangan (Commercial bahawa perusahaan getah dan kayu amatlah Intelligence) yang effective yang akan di­ terdedah kepada pengaruh ekonomi di luar tugaskan membuat penyelidikan disepanjang negeri. Misalnya, ekspot getah telah jatuh tahun supaya kita boleh membuat ramalan­ sebanyak 1.5 % dari angka ekspot tahun ramalan ekonomi negara yang ada hubu­ 1973 dan ini ialah disebabkan kemerosotan ngannya dengan negara kita supaya kita perusahaan motokar di United States. Keku­ boleh bersiap sedia untuk mengubahsuaikan rangan pembelian ini juga telah mengakibat­ dasar ekonomi kita dengan sebarang pertu­ kan kejatuhan harga getah, demikian juga karan yang akan berlaku. Dengan jalan ini keadaannya dengan perusahaan kayu. kita bukan sahaja dapat mengesan apakah Mengikut report tersebut kemerosotan akibat perubahan itu kepada ekonomi ne­ ekspot sebanyak 5% bagi sawlogs dan 8% gara kita sendiri, akan tetapi ia juga mem­ bagi sawn timber adalah disebabkan keme­ beri kita kesempatan yang cukup untuk kita rosotan perusahaan bangunan di negara bersiap sedia mengubahsuaikan aktiviti eko­ pembeli-pembeli yang terbesar iaitu negara­ nomi kita mengikut sebarang perubahan negara EEC, Australia dan J epun. J uga corak di luar negeri. Dan dengan demikian 793 18 NOVEMBER 1974 794 kita berharap akan dapat mengelakkan ke­ bility of such land for any particular lumpuhan di sesuatu sektor ekonomi kita purpose. I have yet to hear that any land yang semata-mata bergantung kepada pem­ have not been taken up by anyone. TQ.e beli di luar negeri. only strange news that I read in the Straits Times a few days ago is about the 6,000 5.42 ptg. acres of padi land in the Endau area in the State of Johore which has no taker. Tuan Au How Cheong (felok Anson): Tuan Yang di-Pertua, disamping saya Tuan Yang di-Pertua, I suggest the cons­ bercakap dalam Bahasa Malaysia, saya truction of roads and drains to land schemes minta izin berucap dalam bahasa Inggeris. where necessary because in Teluk Anson we have the experience of 336 acres of land Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya bangun being given to the people of Kampung Dua­ menyokong usul yang dikemukakan oleh belas in 1962, but for 12 years the people Yang Berhormat Menreri Kewangan. Negara could not cultivate the land as the area was kita telah mendengar Ucapan Belanjawan under water. Survey to drain the area has pertama dari Yang Berhormat Menteri just started this month and I sincerely hope Kewangan pada 12hb November, 1974 dan the work to drain the area can actually saya berpendapat Belanjawan itu telah begin early next year. · mengelakkan kebimbangan yang pada mula­ nya dijangka oleh orang ramai. Tuan Yang di-Pertua, I am very glad to read that the Budget is not just a plan on Belanjawan ini merupakan satu Belan­ paper but will continue to actually implement jawan yang dinamik serta realistik yang the objectives of the Second Malaysia Plan. tidak terlalu menyusahkan golongan-golo­ For I was most worried when I read Page 6, ngan miskin. Pada masa yang akan datang Paragraph 14 of Kertas Perintah 22-the rakyat akan menghadapi dan mengalami Treasury Statement on Federal Expenditure kerumitan-kerumitan dan kesukaran-kesu­ Budget for 1975-where no mention whatso­ karan dan setiap rakyat hams memainkan ever was made about the Teluk Anson-Lumut peranan supaya mengurangkan impact Road, although it was provided under Para­ inflasi. graph 596, Table 12 (4) on Page 191 of the Stagflasi telah dialami oleh rakyat di Second Malaysia Plan. In it, $6.8 million negara lain yang lebih progresif. The com­ had been allotted for the project which in­ bination of recession and inflation is indeed cludes the construction of a bridge crossing a rare phenomenon. Kami adalah lebih Perak River and another bridge crossing bernasib baik kerana dalam negara kami Sungei Bidor. I appeal to the Government to terdapat tempat-tempat yang lapang yang implement this project in 1975. The construc­ subur dan boleh menghasilkan makanan. tion of this major highway will encourage the Dengan demikian saya yakin kami akan development of many linking or side roads dapat mengatasi stagflasi ini dengan secara in the constituency. minima. Tuan Yang di-Pertua, according to the (Dengan izin) Tuan Yang di-Pertua, it is same Command Paper, Lampiran "B", for no small feat for the Government to achieve 1975 a sum of $533 million is set aside to the a surplus in the Budget in a time of stag­ Ministry of Transport. Compared with 1974, flation. The Minister of Finance urged the there is an increase of $153 million. private sector to take up the challange to go For the development of ports, there is an into the food production industry as a way increase of $47 million. It will therefore to combat stagflation. appear that there would be sufficient funds In this respect, I appeal to the Govern­ for the Government to consider development ment not only to make land easily available of the Teluk Anson wharf into a subsidiary to the genuine developers but also to identify port, if not a major port. If it is not suitable the area, size of the land available, suita­ to construct a port in Teluk Anson, I propose bility for .any particular type of crop and, the port be built at Bagan Datok. where necessary, to provide a major road To mention the oil palm industry alone, or drainage system to the land. The Govern­ Tuan Yang di-Pertria, production of palm oil ment should then make prominent is in the region of 5,000 tons a month, coming announcements to the public on the availa- from about 50,000 acres of fruit-bearing 795 18 NOVEMBER 1974 796 estates. The matured holdings are increasing system of education and for them to reach ·each year. At the moment. all the oil from an acceptable standard of proficiency in the Teluk Anson district is sent out through these languages. or stored at either Penang or Port Kelang. a distance of some 200 miles away. It is only Tuan Yang di-Pertua. the existing institu­ natural. Tuan Yang di-Pertua. that we should tions of higher learning offer many courses send our products through our own wharves of study to our young citizens. But most. if and we could do so only if the Government not all. of these courses of study to our young would assist us to develop our wharf into a citizens. But most. if not all. of these courses port. require some sort of minimum qualificiation for enrolment. I urge the Government to con­ Tuan Yang di-Pertua. on Page 2 of Com­ sider setting up polytechnic types of voca­ mand Paper 22. there is an allocation of tional schools to train our citizens who pos­ $418.5 million for rural development and sess no acceptable qualifications into labour. $80.6 million for grants and loans to the such as carpenters. masons. plumbers, wel­ States. Between these two sums. I fervently ders, fitters or car repairers. Thousands of our hope the Government will assist Teluk Anson less fortunate citizens like the drop-outs are to purchase suitable land for the development deprived of a chance to make a living simply of a new town. for Teluk Anson is in the because of lack of education. Only the other unique position of being the only sinking day, Tuan Yang di-Pertua. the House had town in the whole country. We have been approved a sum of money for the Ministry living with the problems of erosion and of Social Welfare for the construction of a floods for many. many years. The cost of Remand Home in Sabah. It is most discom­ saving the town is so enormous that we have forting, if not alarming, that it has become to consider building a new township. Much necessary to approve a development expen­ as the Local Authority would like to carry diture of this nature, as it means there are out a project of such magnitude. their re­ many "problem" children in our country. sources are limited. For these reasons, I Nobody would choose to rob, steal or cheat. appeal for a suitable grant for us to carry It is because of lack of employment that out the proposed project. leads a person to join bad company or go astray. Tuan Yang di-Pertua. it is therefore Tuan Yang di-Pertua. the biggest single far better putting up institutions of this nature estimate for 1975 in the Budget is for Edu­ to give these people a chance to learn a skill cation. It is because the Government recog­ than to let them become juvenile delinquents nises the importance of education as a contri­ and then try correct them. buting factor affecting the ability of an indi­ vidual to enhance the quality of his life and Tuan Yang di-Pertua, on page 2, para­ to advance his economic position. We should. graph 4 of Command Paper 22. the Govern­ therefore. consider to inculcate into the minds ment has allotted an additional sum of of the young the habit of learning at a tender $1,065.5 million for 1975 for Operating age. With this in mind. I appeal to the Expenditure. This means. among other things. Government to consider providing more kindergarten classes in the rural areas. per­ that Government servants are getting more haps to even make kindergarten classes as pay, if they are not adequately paid. They part of our education system. should, therefore, provide a better. quicker and more efficient servi~e to the people. Just Education must serve to promote national like the Honourable Prime Minister calling unity or help to create united citizens. To upon "the Barisan Nasional Members of achieve unity. there must be goodwill and Parliament to work hard or else," I take this understanding. It is, therefore. worthy of opportunity to call upon all the Heads of consideration for the interested students to Departments and their kakitangan to make learn each other's languages in schools while extra efforts to serve the people, so as to vigorously pursuing the study of Bahasa enhance the success of the policies of the Malaysia. For those who choose to study Government. their own mother tongues. I hope the Govern­ ment would continue to provide adequate Tuan Leo Moggie (Kanowit): Tuan Yang facilities for them to do so in the national di-Pertua, saya ingin berucap sedikit tentang 797 18 NOVEMBER 1974 798 Rang Undang-undang dan Usul yang dica­ try. We are still experiencing price rises in dangkan oleh Yang Amat Berhormat Timba­ certain consumer items. Certainly we can lan Perdana Menteri pada minggu yang lepas. take heart, Sir- Dengan ini juga saya minta izin untuk ber­ ucap dalam bahasa Inggeris. (a) that our foreign reserves remain at a healthy level; (Dengan izin) Mr Speaker, Sir, I would (b) that we still enjoy a high international first touch on the 1975 Supply Bill. The inter­ credit rating; and national economic outlook for 1975 is cer­ (c) that we have off-shore oil strikes. tainly fraught with uncertainties. 18% of Malaysian exports go to Japan and the These are real and substantial supports. Japanese economy is now experiencing its But for all these, Mr Speaker, Sir, the pros­ lowest growth rate since the Pacific War. The pect is still bleak and our economic future forecasts for the European Common Market remains uncertain. It is correct that no is for a 3.5% growth rate in 1975. 22% of attempt should be made to gloss over this Malaysian exports go to these countries. In uncertainty. We cannot afford to be lulled the United States, though inflation is starting into a false complacency. An inflationary to recede, the recession is likely to worsen. rate of 18% for a1 country such as ours sup­ The University of Pennsylvania Wharton ported by vast natural resources cast doubts School of Finance, which has been known to on the rigorousness of our financial manage­ give most realistic forecasts, gave the conclu­ ment. sion that the U.S. economy may begin to recover only, at the earliest, at the very end What are the Government's prescriptions? of 1975. In the meantime, unemployment Essentially we are offered the traditional has reached 6% and threatens to go up fur­ approach of countering the threat of reces­ ther and faster. Production and productivity sion by a stepped-up public spending, the are both down. stock antidote from a capitalist system. The operating budget is being increased, though These forecasts from international bodies on examination the increase is to meet salary such as the International Monetary Fund and revisions rather than economic strategy. The the World Bank, underline the perils of development budget is being increased to accepting definite predictions under current twice the dollar value spent in 1973. All these conditions. They are just not on! All these extra money will stimulate demand. The forecasts, however, agree on one thing: a question, Sir, is: What will the stepping up world-wide recession is now with us and is of public expenditure do to the balance of expected to last for some time. There will trade and the balance of payments? How will definitely be a time lag before world econo­ the recent U.S. initiative to bring about lower mies pick up once again. oil prices affect our oil revenues, the very item which was critical in providing a current Mr Speaker, Sir, Malaysia living in an in­ account surplus this year? In this respect, terdependent world cannot isolate herself Mr Speaker, Sir, I think it is appropriate for from these global trends. Malaysian export me to suggest, if it has not already been done earnings and economic growth have tended so, that the Government attempt to find to follow shortly on recessions in the indus­ alternative markets for our commodities. trialised countries. It must, therefore, be Have the Chinese market, for instance, been anticipated that similar trends will occur for sufficiently tapped for our rubber and our 1975 and 1976. We will have to anticipate a timber? With their vast population they continuing economic slowdown leading to a would seem to me to be one of the venues deepening recession in 1975. At the same for our items. time prices will remain high, though the Treasury's Economic Report predicts that the And what will this increased public spend­ rate of growth may be expected .to decline. ing do to inflation? Basic goods that are We are, nevertheless, experiencing declining processed from foreign raw materials are still commodity prices. We are experiencing dec­ pushing food price index upwards, and food reases in production. We are experiencing items, Mr Speaker, Sir, constitute more than some labour retrenchment especially in the 70% of the consumption expenditure of the electronics industry and in the timber indus- lower income groups in this country. 799 18 NOVEMBER 1974 800 In the last few days we have read reports financing to be met both from local as well of rises in the price of milk powder by as foreign borrowings. I think it is in order 40 cents a pound and flour by 10 cents. The to caution the 'Government that this has to consumer price index for December will show be treated as a temporary basis, if the in­ these rises and this might drastically alter tention of providing economic growth with the Treasury predictions that the rate of basis financial stability is to be sustained. inflation will slow down in the last part of The additional investment funds so provided this year. Our anti-recession policy would have to be speRt prudently. As a matter of exert an upward push in prices, and I think policy,. Government's devlilopaient expen­ we will be indulging in wishful thinking if diture will have to be directed to increase we expect the inflation rate next year to fall the availability and stabilise the prices of below the present 18%. If some figures of essential goods particularly those consumed distribution were calculated, the burden of by the lower income groups. These funds must this, Sir, will fall on those who can least be channelled towards projects which are afford it. immediately implementable. Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government is budget­ ing for a surplus of about $280 million in its The fundamental focus of the Government's Current Account before the addition from combat against inflation centres on food new tax measures. Hopefully, this forecast production and 500,000 acres of land is is realistic because in view of the fall in earmarked for this. Unfortunately, Sir, what commodity prices, it is difficult to see how with our difficulties of obtaining fertilisers the proposed increase in expenditure can be and what with our difficulties of obtaining met through revenue growth. good land, this is not one that is easily implemented and I think it would be quite Mr Speaker, Sir, the size of the increase unrealistic for us to accept the possibility both in the Operatin~ Expenditure and that we will be able to implement this. Development Expenditure must have been taken by many as a hint for much harsher As a matter of policy also, deficit financing tax measures than what finally emerged from should have been balanced with the need the Minister's brief case. In view of the to maintain foreign exchange reserves possibility that the Treasury's prediction on to ensure continuing confidence in the our inflation rate may be off the mark, a present high standing of the Malaysian ringgit good case can be made for a much higher as well as our capacity to obtain even greater excess profit tax instead of the chosen 5 %. foreign financing to accelerate the pace of The Government should not maintain a longer term economic growth and income continuing policy of pleasing the rich when distribution. Instead, we are offered a high it is obvious, Sir, that the}! are in a position debt-financing ration that might undermine to contribute what they have enjoyed untram­ our long-term borrowing ability. It is neces­ melled in the:- past. On the other hand, it sary therefore that the Government maintain ought to have some effect on dampening a rigorous, continuing and close monitoring demand. of short-term trends so that timely responses can be executed. The Government will also Similarly, in order to encourage savings, have to keep a close watch on the implemen­ interest rates earned on deposit accounts with tation agencies of Government to ensure that the National Savings Bank and Commercial these will maintain prudent expenditure banks ought to have been exempted from tax. practices. In the past, as have been quoted Bonus issues ought not to have been restric­ by my colleagues the Member of Kepong ted to two months and there is a good case and the Member of Seremban, there have for the abolition of the Sales Tax as this tax been examples of tendencies on the part of usually fall hardest on those who are in the Government agencies to concentrate on buil­ lower income group. ding white elephants. In the novel and trying Mr Speaker, Sir, it seems to me that the economic conditions of today there is, of guiding principle of the tax measures has course, no cut and dried solution and the been to resist the temptation of tran sf erring dilemma with which the Minister of Finance investment funds from the private and the is faced is understandable, but, Sir, his Budget rich to the public sector, and instead the has focussed mainly on maintaining the Government has chosen to accept deficit position of the rich with inadequate 801 18 NOVEMBER 1974 802 attention to the plight of the poor. On statistics that he quoted omit the value of the balance. the Budget is prepared by the rich, loans as well as the time reference. Most for the rich, to benefit the rich. of the rural loans were for periods before 1970. The S.E.D.C. has, in fact, discontinued Mr Speaker, Sir, allow me now to deal this type of loan scheme since 1973. The with some answers which have been given to question that needs to be asked is: Why was some of the points I raised in the course of it necessary to discontinue this scheme? the debate on the Royal Address. The Honourable Deputy Minister in the Prime Mr Speaker, Sir, we are too familiar with Minister's Department and the Honourable the uses and the abuses to which statistics Deputy Minister of Lands and Mines have have been subjected to. Those quoted by attempted to answer some of those points. the Honourable Deputy Minister were drawn Mr Speaker, Sir, the Honourable Deputy up purposely to masquerade the truth, but Minister chose to put a wedge in my state­ they turned out as mere half-truths. The ment by using the word "Iban". The Iban S.E.D.C. is to be the vanguard for the imple­ is only one group of non-Malay Bumiputras mentation of the New Economic Policy. Why in Sarawak. I am referring to all the non­ are not statistics giveni for Dayak partici­ Malay Bumiputras collectively covered by pation in the various operations of S.E.D.C. the term "Dayak", which includes the and other agencies charged with the imple­ Kayans, the Kenyahs, Land Dayaks, Kelabit, mentation? For example, out of a total Iban, etc. The S.N.A.P. is a multi-racial party staffing of the S.E.D.C. of 67 as of October and I hope that the Honourable Deputy this year, 35 of them are Malays, constituting Minister is not actually attempting to isolate 52%; 7 are Dayaks, approximately 10%. In the Ibans not only from the mainstream of the Sarawak Motor Industries (Sendirian) Malaysian national aspiration but also from Berhad, which is a subsidiary of S.E.D.C., the other non-Malay Bumiputra groups in out of a total staffing of 109, there are 78 Sarawak. I should like to repeat that it is Malays, making an approximate percentage of my considered view that in the implemen­ 71 %. Dayaks 8, approximately 7.9%. Might tation of the New Economic Policy the not these statistics, were they provided, pro­ interest of the non-Malay Bumiputras in ject a discomforting caveat to the pretension Sarawak have not been sufficiently considered. that the Government has been fair in imple­ The Dayaks together with the other under­ menting that policy? privileged groups must be accorded the attention as clearly stated in the New Eco­ Mr Speaker, Sir, I must continue to dis­ nomic Policy. The shift in development appoint the Honourable Deputy Minister for implementation must be towards the rural preferring to keep harping at these issues, areas. and I will continue to do so until they are corrected. At a personal level, I certainly Tuan Yang di-Pertua, Yang Berhormat have been accorded reasonable privileges, Timbalan Menteri Tanah dan Galian dalam and it is somewhat unfortunate that the ucapan beliau berkata, tuduhan-tuduhan saya Honourable Deputy Minister has suggested ini tidak berasas, akan tetapi purely for that I should therefore blind myself to the political gambit. He mentioned a few figures conditions of those who are not so lucky. as proof of this. Mr Speaker, Sir, unfor­ tunately he did not thipk it necessary to Mr Speaker, Sir, it is my privilege to offer provide a time reference for the statistics he my congratulations to the Deputy Minister quoted. Neither did he think it necessary on his appointment to that important post. to compare the figures with the ratio of I am sure that that appointment was not population breakdown. The various develop­ intended, and I trust that he will not regard ment schemes mentioned by the Yang Ber­ it as a licence, to ignore the plight of others hormat were implemented way before the who are less fortunate than himself. time of the Sarawak Coalition Government. Assuming his scholarship figures are correct, Tuan Sbaari bin Jusoh (Kangar): Tuan they provide . an average ratio of 1:2 for Yang di-Pertua, saya bangun menyokong Malay to non-Malay Bumiputras. The popu­ Rang Undang-undang Perbekalan, 1975 yang lation breakdown would have required a dikemukakan oleh Timbalan Perdana Menteri ratio of at least 1 : 2.6. The Sarawak yang juga sebagai Menteri Kewangan kita. Economic Development Corporation's loan Kita sama-sama maklum di dalam ucapan 803 18 NOVEMBER 1974 804 Menteri Kewangan pada 12hb yang lepas telah dinaikkan oleh Kerajaan, patut dinaik­ yang mana ucapannya amatlah menasabah kan lagi, sebab rokok ini satu, satu benda bagi rakyat Malaysia tentang cukai-cukai yang dihajajtkan oleh manusia. Kalau tidak rang. tela.h ditetapkannya. Sebelum daripada silap saya, kalau mengikut dari segi ugama itu kita b1asa mendengar khabar-khabar angin adalah makruh dan biasa juga dikatakan ataupun khabar-khabar yang tidak bertang­ oleh doktor, menghisap rokok terlampau gungjawab mengatakan ada beberapa barang banyak badan harus menjadi penyakit. Saya ~ang akan dinaikkan dan ada barang yang sendiri adalah salah seorang penghisap ttdak akan dinaikkan, sebagaimana kita biasa rokok yang tidak kurang daripada 40 batang dengar di masa-masa yang lepas. Akan seharL tetapi, kita bersyukur ke hadrat Ilahi apa yang dikatakan rahsia itu tetap rahsia yang Tetapi sebagaimana saya katakan tadi, sebenamya, apa yang diteka oleh setengah Tuan Yang di-Pertua, rokok ini bukanlah satu golongan itu pada kali ini tidak benar sama benda yang haram, cuma makruh pada segi sekali, maka bagi kali yang pertama, saya ugama, kalau tidak silap saya, pada segi ke­ mengucapkan syabas kepada Menteri Ke­ sihatan tidak begitu baik, tetapi ada orang wangan yang mana segala apa yang diben­ yang menghisap termasuk saya. Jadi biarlah t~ngkan .Pada 12 hari~mlan itu tidak dapat kita mengenakan cukai yang Iebih besar lagi diketahm sebelum danpada tarikh yang di­ walaupun kepada saya sendiri saya rela, tentukan. moga-moga saya berharap dengan cukai yang banyak itu saya boleh mengurangkan sedikit Tuan Yang di-Pertua, di dalam kenaikan menghisap rokok dan kalau saya menghisap cukai ini, bagi pihak saya sendiri dan saya juga bererti saya menderma kepada negara yakin bagi orang yang bertimbang rasa dan saya sendiri. dikaji disegenap segi sebagaimana saya kata­ kan tadi peruntukan ataupun kenaikan cukai Bagitu juga tentang cukai-cukai yang lain dan sebagainya pada tahun 1975 amatlah seperti minuman keras. Biasa dicampak oleh menasabah dan boleh dikatakan kepada setengah Ahli-ahli Dewan, kalau hendak golongan-golongan susah tidak ada Iangsung pandang dari segi ugama haram terus. Allah cukai yang dikenakan kepada mereka itu. berfirman: Alhamru wal maisir-ertinya Waiau macam manapun, ada cukai-cukai arak dan judi itu haram. yang saya suka tambahkan lagi, dan ada Tuan Yang di-Pertua: Tolong terjemahkan cukai saya berharap dikurangkan Iagi. ke Bahasa Malaysia, sebab dalam Dewan ini Di dalam ucapan Menteri Kewangan yang menggunakan Bahasa Kebangsaan. mana saya tertarik hati di dalam Dewan ini yang saya biasa bercakap tentang susu te­ Tuan Shaari bin Jusoh: Minta maaf, Tuan pong seperti Dumex dan sebagainya. Mengi­ Yang di-Pertua, saya bercakap Bahasa Ke­ kut kata Menteri yang berkenaan di dalam bangsaan, tetapi saya tersebut ayat Quran. ucapannya kita tidak mengenakan cukai Arak dan judi itu haram, tetapi saya tidak secara tidak Iangsung, tetapi kita berikan menyuruh Kerajaan manahan daripada me­ subsidi ataupun bantuan. Walaupun begitu, ngutip cukai arak dan judi, kerana cukai arak saya berharap sangat kalau boleh, sebagai­ dan judi ini pun satu basil yang kita dapat mana Kerajaan hari ini memberi subsidi baja kutip dalam negara kita. Kalau kita tahan dan sebagainya, kepada tepung ini saya juga pun, saya percaya secara sulit-sulit di­ merayu sangat-sangat kerana saya dapat buat juga oleh golongan yang terpaksa minum tahu dan biasa saya katakan di dalam De­ arak dan main judi. Waiau macammanapun, wan ini seorang orang yang baru bersalin, saya berharap kalau boleh, Kerajaan menaik­ kanak-kanak kecil itu sangatlah berhajat kan lagi cukai yang lebih daripada yang ada kepada susu yang tersebut, Walaupun benda pada hari ini. lain kita patut naikkan, tetapi kepada benda Bagitu juga perabut-perabut di rumah. yang tersebut seboleh-bolehnya saya berha­ Saya sangat sedih yang suri-suri rumahtangga rap kepada Kementerian ataupun Kerajaan pada hari ini, dan izinkanlah saya berkata memberi subsidi sekurang-kurangnya sete­ berterus-terang, termasuk isteri saya sendiri ngah harga. mengadakan Kumpulan Tupperware yang Di dalam barang-barang Iain, saya ber­ dijual satu set $40-$50. Adat manusia ini pendapat walaupun cukai rokok, misalnya, adalah satu tabiat suka berkumpul dan suka 805 18 NOVEMBER 1974 806 meniru. Kalau dia tengok satu golongan tunjukkan gambar yang mana gambar Tuan orang lain buat dia terpaksa hendak buat Yang di-Pertua pun ada. juga. Saya minta maaf, kerana saya bercak:ap terus-terang terhadap orang perempuan. Tuan Yang di-Pertua: Tolong sebutkan Alat perhiasan adalah satu kemegahan bagi nama suratkhabar itu Ahli Yang Berhormat. tiap-tiap orang perempuan kecuali ada suatu golongan yang tidak berfikiran begitu. Wal­ Tuan Shami bin Jusoh: Tuan Yang di­ hal benda ini saya sendiri berpendapat tidak Pertua, dengan penuh bangga dan besarhati mustahak, tetapi saya tidak sanggup melawan saya ucapkan setinggi-tinggi tahniah kepada kehendak alam dan kehendak perempuan hamba Allah yang saya tidak kenal-oleh termasuk perempuan saya sendiri. Jadi Adam Abdul Hamid, yang mengeluarkan dengan sebab itu, saya berpendapat perkara­ dalam Utusan Melayu pada hari kelmarin. perkara yang begini Kerajaan patut cukai Saya gunting dan bawa ke dalam Dewan ini. sehingga 25 % daripada harga barang yang Mengapakah akhbar ini saya bawa ke dalam saya katakan itu. Kalau perempuan saya Dewan ini Tuan Yang di-Pertua? Minta sendiri pun terpaksa saya membeli, walaupun maaf kerana gambar Tuan Yang di-Pertua saya pandang membazir, tetapi biarlah pada pun ada. Mengikut kata dalam akhbar ini, hakikatnya sebagai saya mengorbankan ke­ penggunaan Bahasa Malaysia dalam Dewan pada negara saya sendiri. Rakyat; apa yang dikatakan oleh pengarang ataupun penulis akhbar itu yang saya ambil Tuan Yang di-Pertua, menyentuh soal keratan ini bahawa amatlah tepat dan kena ugama Islam sebagai ugama rasmi yang kita pada tempatnya. Katanya: sangat sanjung tinggi dan saya dalam Dewan "Bilakah lagi Dewan· Rakyat akan yang mulia ini mengucapkan tahniah kepada menggunakan Bahasa Malaysia yang sepe­ pihak yang mana pun saya tidak tahu, tetapi nuhnya yang mana Bahasa Malaysia satu ketika saya masih ingat, saya bercakap menjadi Bahasa Kebangsaan dalam tanah­ dalam Dewan Parlimen, tetapi bukanlah di air kita?" Dewan Rakyat . ini-di Dewan Negara (Senate) masa itu. Saya biasa berkata, minu­ "Sebagai satu bukti yang nyata," kata man arak itu haram, tetapi apakan daya saya akhbar ini-saya sokong 100%-"adalah hendak tahan, tetapi biarlah minum di masa anih dan ajaib, kalaulah yang hendak ber­ yang bukan dalam Majlis Rasmi dan sebagai- · cakap itu tidak pandai Bahasa Kebangsaan nya. Saya bersyukur kepada Tuhan bahawa itu dia tidak hairan, tetapi pelik, ada cll pad~ 3;kJ?.ir,-akhir ini dalam Dewan kita yang antara Ahli Dewan yang disebutkan di mulia llll tidak pernah saya tengok minuman dalam suratkhabar ini"-saya tidak hendak yang macam itu. Saya mengucapkan syabas bacak~, kerana terlampau panjang, mula­ kepada pihak yang menahan lrepada minu­ mula d1a bangun bercakap. man yang tersebut, tetapi walau macammana­ Dia kata: "Tuan Yang di-Pertua saya pun, saya tidak mahu menyebutkan pejabat hendak minta izin bercakap dalam bahasa itu, biarlah secara umum saya bercakap; Inggeris". minuman arak ini selain daripada haram Jawab Tuan Yang di-Pertua: "Cuba­ dan tiap-tiap yang diharamkan oleh Tuhan cuba dahulu, tuan sudah fasih". mudaratnya banyak daripada kebaikan. Ada Dia kata: "Thank you", terus bercak:ap kedapatan di dalam pejabat-pejabat yang di dalam bahasa Inggeris. masa bertugas masih meminum arak dan kadang-kadang pejabat-pejabat yang berke­ Dan katanya juga, "Kalaulah Ahli-ahli Dewan ini tidak bercakap dalam bahasa naan membawa kebaikan ataupun menjaga­ Melayu, bagaimanakah pula jikalau soal­ kan kesihatan rakyat. Dengan sebab itu, saya jawabnya yang kadang-kadang dibelitnya berharap; saya hendak larang terus bukan Menteri dengan Bahasa Kebangsaan dan kuasa saya, tetapi saya berharap biarlah di Menteri pun kadang-kadang susah hendak masa bertugas, biar pun dalam Dewan atau­ menjawabnya soalan tambahannya". pun di dalam pejabat-pejabat, patutlah pihak Kerajaari mengambil berat dengan seberat­ Tuan Yang di-Pertua, kalaulah ucapan itu beratnya di atas perkara tersebut. secara bertulis tentulah tidak payah memikir­ kan. Kita baca apa yang ada di atas meja, Tuan Yang di-Pertua, sebelum saya tetapi kalau ucapan yang cara berfikir, tentu­ menyentuh perkara yang lain, saya hendak lah dia datang daripada mulut kita yang 807 18 NOVEMBER 1974 808 pitah bercakap. Kalau cara bersoal jawab tan Ugama yang boleh mengseimbangkan dia boleh berputar belit, kata akhbar di sini, atau boleh mententeramkan kedudukan sehingga dia puji-saya tidak mahu sebut­ Negeri-negeri yang tersebut, saya berharap kan nama pihak yang bercakap, ada di antara akan mendapat perhatian yang berat. Ahli Dewan yang tidak mahu bercakap dalam Bahasa Kebangsaan ini, katanya lebih Salah satu berita yang saya tengok di pitah daripada Timbalan Menteri Kewangan. Saya ucapkan syabas kepada Timbalan Men­ dalam suratkhabar yang dikeluarkan pada teri Kewangan yang telah bercakap dalam 14-11-74 ialah tentaiig tuntutan gaji pegawai­ Bahasa Kebangsaan. Saya sanjung tinggi pegawai ugama. Ini di Negeri Perak. Tetapi terhadap pemberita-pemberita yang saya setakat yang saya dapat tahu tuntutan ini yakin mereka ini bukanlah sahaja datang ke bukan sahaja di Negeri Perak bahkan di sini untuk mencatitkan apa yang kita ber­ merata-rata Negeri dalam Semenanjung cakap, tetapi sebagai warganegara yang taat­ Malaysia dan kalau tidak salah saya ter­ setia mereka juga sedih kalau ada golongan­ masuklah Negeri tempat saya tinggal iaitu golongan yang tidak memandang berat di atas Negeri Perlis. Pegawai-pegawai ugama yang apa yang dicontohkan ataupun apa yang ter­ menuntut gaji di sini ialah sebagai Nazir maktub dalam Perlembagaan kita. ataupun pegawai-pegawai ugama yang dapat special grade, yang gaji mereka ini katanya Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya juga sabitkan telah dapat dimulakan $900 lebih, ada se­ akhbar yang saya bawa ini bertarikh 14hb tengahnya $880 ke atas. Mereka sudah November, 1974, bahawa ugama Islam ada­ menuntut bertalu-talu. Janji akan diberikan lah ugama rasmi sebagaimana saya katakan tadi, tetapi malangnya kalaulah sekolah dan ada siaran khas yang dikeluarkan untuk ugama, baikpun berbahasa Arab ataupun mereka ini dapat mereka mendakwa di sini, bahasa Melayu, jarang orang-orang akan saya tidak dengki, Tuan Yang di-Pertua, dan menghantarkan anaknya ke situ walaupun saya tidak berkata saya tidak puashati kepada dia mengakui yang ugama Islam adalah gaji guru-guru yang lain. Saya tidak suka ada ugama yang suci, ugama yang baik. dalam perasaan diri saya kalau orang yang dapat gaji lebih saya tidak suka, saya suka. Kerapkali kalaulah sekolah-sekolah ugama Saya sediakala merayu siapa yang hendak yang akan menyambung di peringkat mene­ dapat gaji lebih dapatlah, baik guru ugama ngahnya maka murid-murid yang akan ataupun guru sekolah kebangsaan, ataupun pergi ke situ ialah murid-murid yang ter­ sekolah mana pun, tetapi yang saya sedih lepas ke sekolah menengah kebangsaan, atau­ sebab yang saya simpati sebagaimana kata pun sekolah menengah yang baik-baik. Bila akhbar ini mereka yang bermula dengan sudah tidak ada tempat lain, maka ke situlah gaji $910-$1,000 dan gaji kepada guru-guru tempatnya yang ia tumpu untuk menghabis­ pelawat ugama bermula dari $720-$1,000. kan masa yang muda, tidak patut mendapat Mereka menambah, tuntutan pegawai ugama pekerjaan lagi ataupun tidak boleh bekerja tersebut adalah amat menasabah di mana lagi. Sebab apa, Tuan Yang di-Pertua, yang hanya lebih 120 sahaja daripada gaji akhir menjadi begitu? Mengikut pendapat saya, kepada guru-guru dan Kategori C dan se­ tiap-tiap seorang manusia tadi ia berkehen­ bagainya. Sebab yang mereka mengatakan dakkan hidup yang lumayan, hidup yang begini, ialah sebagaimana mereka memban­ senang-lenang dan tiap-tiap hidup yang se­ dingkan, yang saya dengar kebanyakan guru­ nang-lenang tadi salah satu daripada sebab­ guru sekolah kebangsaan sebagai guru besar nya ialah wangnya ada. Biasa dikatakan oleh yang gaji mereka boleh dikatakan hari ini setengah orang, kalau ada wang, semua kerja dinaikkan oleh Kerajaan, kita ucapkan terima jadi. Biasa dikatakan orang juga: Wang itu kasih, saya tidak menentang di atas kenaikan­ seolah-olah sebagai raja kepada manusia nya, tetapi ada setengah daripada guru-guru ataupun raja Nornbor 2. Oleh sebab belanja besar yang tersebut yang mana guru-guru di sekolah ugarna ini gajinya rnurah maka di bawahnya ada yang Japan orang, ada yang jaranglah orang tertarik. Sebagai satu contoh, 10 orang, ada yang paling tinggi sekali 40 saya tengok di sini, hal ugama adalah hal orang, tetapi guru-guru pelawat ataupun se­ Negeri masing-masing, tetapi sebagai kita bagai nazir, ataupun pegawai ugama yang juga, Kerajaan kita yang menubuhkan Jaba- dinamakan ini, tanggungjawab di bawah 809 18 NOVEMBER 1974 810 mereka tidak kurang daripada 80 orang, ugama. pegawai ugama dan sebagainya ter­ bahkan ada yang lebih, tetapi kalaulah di­ tariklah dengan ugama Islam. bandingkan dengan gaji mereka ini amatlah sedikit dan tidak menasabah. Tuan. Yang di-Pertua: Panjang lagikah ucapan Ahli Yang Berhormat? Dengan sebab itu. saya merayu dan saya berharap kepada Kerajaan Pusat yang mana Tuan Shaari bin Jusoh: Panjang lagi. saya tahu kedudukan hal ugama Islam ini adalah di bawah tanggungjawab Kerajaan Tuan Yang di-Pertua: Kalau Panjang lagi, Negeri masing-masing. tetapi sebagai Kera­ Ahli Yang Berhormat boleh sambung esok. jaan Pusat yang bertanggungjawab kepada Dewan ditangguhkan sehingga pukul 2.30 keseluruhannya dapatlah mengseimbangkan petang esok. hari Selasa, 19hb November. agar menasabah yang mana ugama kita se­ 1974. bagai ugama rasmi dan dengan ini juga bila Dewan ditangguhkan pada pukul 6.30 gaji orang-orang yang bekerja sebagai guru petang.