Religion, race & rights — Topics

10 Jan 2024

Update on Special Education School Students' Continuation of Employment After Completion of School-to-Work Transition Programme

Ong Hua Han asked about the average duration of employment and salary for special education school students after completing the School-to-Work Transition Programme.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M noted that the programme started in 2014 to help special education graduates transition into employment through customised training and internships.
Between FY2018 and FY2021, 71% of special education graduates placed through the programme remained employed as of end 2022.
These graduates earned an average monthly salary of $1,100 based on CPF contributions, covering both part-time and full-time work.
The response highlights the programme's impact in supporting employment continuity and income for special education graduates.

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10 Jan 2024

Data of Persons with Disabilities Using Personal Mobility Aids for Freelance Delivery Work and Assessing Impact on Income from Recent Reduction of Speed Limit

The Ministry for Social and Family Development does not track the number of persons with disabilities using personal mobility aids for freelance delivery work.
Eligible persons with disabilities, including freelance delivery workers, can receive up to $2,800 per year under the highest Workfare Income Supplement tier, with further enhancements to be announced in the 2024 Budget.
Strengthened protections for platform workers, effective from the second half of 2024, will help improve retirement adequacy for persons with disabilities working in this sector.
Persons with disabilities seeking other employment can access support through the Open Door Programme, which offers up to a year of job matching and employment support, as well as training subsidies through the Enabling Academy.
Additional job and training opportunities are available through the customised Place-and-Train programme for persons with disabilities.

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10 Jan 2024

Statistics of Special Education School Students Entering Mainstream Schools and Continuing Education Journey

From 2019 to 2023, approximately 18% of autistic students from special education schools continued in mainstream secondary schools after the PSLE, and 18 students transferred to mainstream schools after assessment from 2021 to 2023.
Over 83% of students with special educational needs graduated from mainstream secondary schools and progressed to post-secondary education institutions from 2019 to 2021, with post-secondary institutions having an average of three to four special needs officers per institution and targeted support measures in place.
The Ministry of Education facilitates transitions by sharing student information between schools and encourages students to seek support at higher education institutions, which provide assistive technology and intervention services.

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9 Jan 2024

Home Protection Scheme Coverage for Persons with Disabilities

Ong Hua Han inquired whether persons with disabilities are currently covered under the Home Protection Scheme (HPS) and suggested extending it to all persons with disabilities who are employed to protect their homes in case of total permanent physical loss.
Ong also asked for the number of HPS applications rejected in the past three years due to failing the good health requirement and which pre-existing medical conditions are deemed too serious for coverage.
Tan See Leng responded that HPS eligibility is individually assessed based on the severity, prognosis, and control of medical conditions, and that persons with disabilities can be covered if deemed generally in good health.
He noted that about 1.2% of HPS applications were rejected in the last three years due to serious pre-existing conditions, such as cancer, stroke, and kidney failure, which generally make applicants ineligible.
The minister emphasized that this approach maintains premium affordability and the scheme's viability, aligning with industry practices.

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9 Jan 2024

Estimated Costs to Fit Automated Ramps and Assistive Mechanisms in New Buses

Hazel Poa asked the Ministry for Transport for estimates on the cost of installing automated ramps and kneeling mechanisms in new buses to improve accessibility for commuters with disabilities and the elderly.
Chee Hong Tat, representing the Minister, stated that installing an automated ramp on a new bus can cost up to $8,000 per bus.
The kneeling mechanism, which lowers the bus entrance for easier boarding, has been a standard feature on all new public buses since 2018 and costs about $5,000 per bus.
Approximately 70% of the current public bus fleet has been equipped with the kneeling mechanism since its implementation.

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9 Jan 2024

Regulatory Supervision over Singapore Palestine Film Festival

The Minister for Home Affairs stated that all films for the Singapore Palestine Film Festival have been classified by IMDA, in consultation with MHA, as not promoting violence and are permitted with age ratings, while public events or assemblies on the Israel-Hamas conflict are not allowed due to security concerns.
The government supports constructive dialogue through academic forums and fundraising for humanitarian relief, with over $7 million donated by Singaporeans to Gaza as of November 2023, provided donations are for civilian aid and not military or terror purposes.
The balance between public understanding and harmony is maintained by allowing classified film screenings and structured discussions, while prohibiting public assemblies on the conflict to prevent tensions and ensure racial and religious harmony.

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9 Jan 2024

Consideration of Criminal Records for Previous Convictions under Section 377A of Penal Code Given Repeal of Section

The repeal of Section 377A does not automatically remove criminal records for past convictions under that law, as they remain registrable under the Registration of Criminals Act.
Convictions can be rendered spent automatically after five years if the offender meets certain conditions, or they can apply to the Commissioner of Police for a spent record.
The Commissioner will consider factors such as whether the activity was private and consensual when reviewing applications to treat Section 377A convictions as spent.
Individuals can check their record status online or submit applications via a designated email with personal details and reasons for consideration.

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9 Jan 2024

Incidents of Disinvitation of Speakers and Cancellations of Events at Autonomous Universities

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim queried if the Ministry of Education directly instructed autonomous universities to disinvite speakers or cancel events.
Chan Chun Sing confirmed that universities independently manage their events and speakers.
He noted that universities are expected to respect Singapore’s social norms and national interests.
The Ministry may advise universities to uphold these principles when necessary.

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9 Jan 2024

Cases of Abuse Committed against Persons with Special Needs

He Ting Ru asked the Ministry for Home Affairs about the number of reported and investigated abuse cases against persons with special needs over the last five years and whether measures are being enhanced to identify abuse, especially among low-functioning individuals.
K Shanmugam responded that the Singapore Police Force does not track abuse cases specifically against persons with special needs, but existing laws provide enhanced protections and penalties for vulnerable persons, including those with special needs.
The government has upstream measures, such as training frontline professionals and encouraging public reporting via helplines, to detect and prevent abuse against vulnerable individuals.

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9 Jan 2024

Successful Applicants for Startup SG Founder Programme Who Are Persons with Disabilities

Ong Hua Han asked for the number of successful Startup SG Founder applicants with disabilities over the past three years and whether Enterprise Singapore would work with mentor partners to increase this number.
Gan Kim Yong stated that the scheme evaluates applicants based on business plan merit and team eligibility, without requiring disclosure of disability status.
He confirmed that persons with disabilities are welcome to apply, but did not provide specific numbers on past successful applicants.

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9 Jan 2024

Increasing Number of Day Activity Centres and Residential Homes for Adult Persons with Autism

Dennis Tan Lip Fong inquired whether the Ministry would increase the number of day activity centres and residential homes for adults with autism.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development stated it regularly reviews the capacity of funded disability services, including these centres and homes.
The Ministry is collaborating with the sector to enhance support for adults with autism and their families, citing increased awareness and clearer diagnostic criteria.
Additional details on these plans will be shared in the coming months.

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9 Jan 2024

Social Cohesion through Common Spaces in Residential Estates

Syed Harun Alhabsyi argued that common spaces in residential estates are vital for social cohesion, as they allow genuine, spontaneous interactions across social divides, and suggested that closing such spaces misses opportunities for community compromise and win-win solutions through better urban design and policy.
He highlighted that social cohesion is strengthened when residents navigate differences in shared areas, and urged Parliament to consciously co-create and maintain these spaces to foster understanding and resilience.
Minister Faishal Ibrahim agreed on the importance of social cohesion, noting that HDB and other agencies deliberately design and programme common spaces to encourage community interaction, such as through Community Living Rooms, parks, and events.
The government balances open access with management of conflicts, using town councils to oversee usage and address disamenities, while engaging residents in co-creating solutions through upgrading programmes and initiatives like the Lively Places Programme.
Both speakers emphasized that social cohesion is an ongoing process requiring collective responsibility, with common spaces serving as key arenas for building mutual respect and inclusivity in Singapore’s diverse society.

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9 Jan 2024

Administration of Muslim Law (Amendment) Bill

The bill aims to amend the Administration of Muslim Law Act 1966 to modernize and streamline the governance of Muslim affairs in Singapore.
It was presented by Dr. Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman on behalf of relevant ministers and received its first reading in Parliament.
The bill is scheduled for a second reading at the next parliamentary sitting and will be formally printed for public record.

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22 Nov 2023

Update on Framework for Allocating and Pricing Land for Places of Worship

The Government has introduced a new framework for allocating land to places of worship through a ballot system with predetermined prices based on fair market value, instead of competitive tenders.
The first two sites under this revised framework were launched in September 2023 for a church and a temple, with applications closing in November 2023.
As of October 2023, 32 religious organizations have applied to renew their leases under the new system, with seven having completed the process at an average premium about 47% lower than previous new site tenders.
Religious leaders have welcomed the new framework as a more sustainable approach to allocating land for places of worship.

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22 Nov 2023

Allowing Disabled Persons to Work as Private Hire Drivers

Hazel Poa asked whether cars registered under the Disabled Persons Scheme could be used as private hire cars to allow disabled persons to earn a living as drivers.
The Minister for Transport responded that all private hire cars require COE and ARF payments, with an exemption only for cars used by disabled persons for commuting to and from work.
The exemption does not extend to using such cars as private hire vehicles, meaning they cannot be used for earning income as PHC drivers.

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22 Nov 2023

Breakdown of Senior Civil Servants on Superscale Grades

Leong Mun Wai asked the Prime Minister for the current breakdown of senior civil servants on superscale grades MX9 and above, by race and gender.
Chan Chun Sing, speaking for the Prime Minister, stated that the Civil Service’s racial and gender proportions align broadly with the national population but emphasized that diversity includes experiences and capabilities, not just demographics.
The response highlighted that not all Civil Service sub-sectors or grades should mirror the national profile, stressing the importance of engagement structures to capture diverse perspectives.
It underscored that outcomes like efficiency, effectiveness, and resilience matter more than input indicators such as race or gender.
The Member was directed to a previous parliamentary reply from 5 April 2022 on diversity in Public Service leadership for further details.

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22 Nov 2023

Measures to Tackle Rising Number of Telegram Channels Selling Sexually Explicit Materials

The Government has updated laws, including the Online Criminal Harms Act, to allow police to issue directions to online platforms like Telegram to disable access to non-consensual sexually explicit materials in Singapore, with penalties for non-compliance.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority enforces a Code of Practice for Online Safety, requiring designated social media services to minimize harmful content, and may expand this to include Telegram if necessary.
There is a need for upstream measures, such as education and campaigns to foster respectful culture between genders and support for survivors of sexual crimes, alongside specialized police units for better victim management.
Parliamentary questions raised include exploring age verification mechanisms to protect minors from accessing harmful apps, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Communications and Information and IMDA.

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7 Nov 2023

Interim Support for Employees Unable to Work for Extended Periods Due to Mental Illness

Keith Chua inquired about interim financial support and disability allowance options for employees unable to work due to extended mental illness.
Tan See Leng responded that individuals can apply for ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance, providing temporary cash and medical bill support, and access employment support agencies for customized job placement and training.
The National Council of Social Service has developed a Mental Health Toolkit for Employers to guide inclusive workplace practices, including supervisor training and adjustments to support employees with mental health conditions.

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7 Nov 2023

Targeted Social Programmes to Increase Participation Rates of Male Retirees

Miss Rachel Ong proposed creating a Silver Club with social activities for retiring seniors and suggested automatic registration with incentives to boost early engagement.
Ong Ye Kung highlighted that the Ministry of Health is expanding Active Ageing Centres to promote active lifestyles and social connections, collaborating with community partners.
The debate noted that male seniors are harder to engage, so activities like communal meals, walks, pool, and guitar jamming are used to attract them, with Silver Clubs being welcomed as a useful initiative.

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7 Nov 2023

Equipping Counsellors with Skills to Address Unique Challenges Such As Gender Dysphoria, Bullying and LGBTQ Issues

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned the Minister for Health on the actions taken to equip mental health professionals to handle issues like gender dysphoria, bullying, and familial rejection faced by LGBTQ individuals.
Ong Ye Kung responded that mental health professionals must manage patients with sexual orientation or gender identity struggles in a clinically appropriate and sensitive manner.
The Ministry of Health has implemented two key measures: providing education and training for psychiatrists-in-training, including clinical care for LGBTQ individuals and those with gender dysphoria, and developing best practice guidelines for professionals working with youth on sexual orientation issues.
These guidelines, last updated in 2015, are currently being updated in consultation with professionals from psychiatry, psychology, counselling, and social work fields.

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