Second, and more important, it will make those who are inclined to shirk their responsibilities think twice. Until now, if a person asked family elders, clergymen or the Ministry of Community Development to help get financial support from his children, the most they could do was to mediate. But mediators have no teeth, and a child could simply ignore their pleas.

　　But to be sued by one's parents would be a massive loss of face. It would be a public disgrace. Few people would be so thick-skinned as to say, "Sue and be damned". The hand of the conciliator would be immeasurably strengthened. It is far more likely that some sort of amicable settlement would be reached if the recalcitrant son or daughter knows that the alternative is a public trial.

　　It would be nice to think Singapore doesn't need this kind of law. But that belief ignores the clear demographic trends and the effect of affluence itself on traditional bends. Those of us who pushed for the bill will consider ourselves most successful if it acts as an incentive not to have it invoked in the first place.

　　78. The Maintenance of Parents Bill
　　A. received unanimous support in the Singapore Parliament
　　B. was believed to solve all the problems of the elderly poor
　　C. was intended to substitute for traditional values in Singapore
　　D. was passed to make the young more responsible to the old

　　79. By quoting the growing percentage points of the aged in the population, the author seems to imply that __
　　A. the country will face mounting problems of the old in future
　　B. the social welfare system would be under great pressure
　　C. young people should be given more moral education
　　D. the old should be provided with means of livelihood

　　80. Which of the following statements is CORRECT?
　　A. Filial responsibility in Singapore is enforced by law.
　　B. Fathers have legal obligations to look after their children.
　　C. It is an acceptable practice for the old to continue working.
　　D. The Advisory Council was dissatisfied with the problems of the old