Petition
Speakers
Summary
This statement concerns a petition presented by Nominated Member Mr Kok Heng Leun on behalf of 792 signatories regarding the preservation and relocation of the Sungei Road Market. The petitioners argue that the market is an irreplaceable element of Singapore’s intangible heritage and serves as a vital livelihood for elderly vendors who have no practicable alternatives. They request that the House designate an alternative site, engage in genuine dialogue with vendors, and refer the issue to a Select Committee for further public consultation. Nominated Member Mr Kok Heng Leun formally handed the petition to the Clerk after confirming its compliance with the Standing Order rules. Mdm Speaker concluded the presentation by ordering that the petition be referred to the Public Petitions Committee for further consideration.
Transcript
Mdm Speaker: Order. Presentation of Petition. The Nominated Member Mr Kok Heng Leun wishes to present a Petition. Mr Kok.
Mr Kok Heng Leun (Nominated Member): Mdm Speaker, I present to Parliament a Petition under Standing Order No 18. The Clerk has endorsed this Petition as being in accordance with the rules of Standing Order No 18(5).
This Petition is presented on behalf of Mr Koh Eng Khoon, Mr Hong Theng Hoh, Mr Sonny Liew and others of like opinion. Including the three petitioners that I have named, there are a total of 792 valid signatures.
Madam, the petitioners alleged that the Sungei Road Market, being the only living remnant of the grassroots tradition of free hawking in Singapore, is an invaluable and irreplaceable element of the organic intangible heritage and communal identity of our country. It is also the indispensable means of livelihood of the many dozens of elderly vendors who have few or no practicable alternatives; yet are supporting themselves and contributing to our community and shared social fabric.
In light of this, the petitioners ask this House to designate an alternative site to which Sungei Road may be relocated.
The petitioners pray, and I quote:
"One, designate an alternate site to which Sungei Road Market may be relocated; two, dialogue empathetically, genuinely and comprehensively with the Sungei Road Market vendors; three, refer the issue of relocation of the Sungei Road Market to a Select Committee for further public consultation and deliberation."
I will now hand the Petition to the Clerk.
Petition handed to the Clerk at the Table.
Mdm Speaker: Pursuant to Standing Order No 18(6), the Petition shall stand referred to the Public Petitions Committee. Order. Questions for Oral Answer.