Religion, race & rights — Topics

18 Sep 2023

Singapore Pilgrims Requiring Wheelchair Assistance or Medical Support

Dr Wan Rizal asked about the number of Singapore pilgrims needing wheelchair or medical support during the recent Haj season, how this compares to past seasons, and what future support is planned.
In the Haj 2023 season, about 180 Singapore pilgrims required wheelchair assistance, with no records kept for previous seasons.
The Haj 2022 season likely had fewer pilgrims needing assistance due to age restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MUIS will work with travel agents to address medical and mobility support needs for the upcoming Haj 2024 season.

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18 Sep 2023

Provision of Infrastructure to Create Structured Work Environments and Work Processes to Support Persons with Disabilities

SG Enable administers the Open Door Programme to provide grants and job support for hiring persons with disabilities, averaging 500 placements yearly from 2020 to 2022.
The programme includes a Job Redesign Grant for workplace modifications like calm rooms and assistive technology, and offers workshops to train employees in inclusive practices.
An Enabling Business Hub will launch in Jurong later this year to showcase inclusive hiring practices and support employers, starting with the logistics industry.

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18 Sep 2023

Increasing Job Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in Tech, Logistics and Healthcare Sectors

Christopher de Souza asked if the Ministry tracks SG Enable’s work with employers to increase job opportunities for persons with disabilities in tech, logistics, and healthcare.
Masagos Zulkifli explained that SG Enable engages employers through advisory services and partnerships to promote inclusive hiring.
SG Enable has helped create close to 800 job opportunities for persons with disabilities in these sectors from January 2021 to August 2023.
The Ministry encourages more employers to offer hiring opportunities for persons with disabilities.

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18 Sep 2023

Applications Received under HDB's Enhancement for Active Seniors (Direct Application) Scheme

From 2020 to 2022, HDB received 9,400, 8,800 and 10,300 applications respectively under the EASE (Direct Application) scheme.
HDB does not track the number of applications from households with persons with disabilities who do not meet the age requirement and assesses such cases on a case-by-case basis.
The average waiting time for application approval is within seven working days if all required documents are submitted, though no specific data is available for age-ineligible applicants.
The Minister noted that a dedicated EASE scheme to prioritise applications from persons with disabilities who do not meet the age requirement was not specifically addressed.

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18 Sep 2023

Subsidies for Addition and Alteration Works for HDB Flats with Multi-step Entrances

Pritam Singh asked whether subsidies for Addition and Alteration works would be extended to households with multi-step entrances after applying for EASE ramps or access solutions, and how many such HDB flats currently require these works.
Desmond Lee explained that EASE offers heavily subsidised accessibility solutions like portable ramps and wheelchair lifters, but minor Addition and Alteration works to install these are not subsidised and are akin to owner-funded renovations.
For flats needing such works, typically ground-floor units with more than three steps, HDB may refer owners to Social Service Organisations for financial assistance if they cannot afford the costs.
The need for minor works depends on site conditions and can only be determined after an HDB site assessment at the flat.
HDB will continue exploring solutions to improve flat accessibility.

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18 Sep 2023

Dedicated Active Ageing Centres for Men

Edward Chia Bing Hui asked whether the Ministry of Health has considered building dedicated active ageing centres for men, similar to Men's Sheds in the UK and Australia that have boosted participation among elderly men.
Ong Ye Kung agreed on the need to increase male senior participation, noting they prefer interest-driven and agentic activities, with some AAC providers already offering programmes like pool games, guitar sessions, and men's clubs.
The Ministry has no plans to build gender-specific active ageing centres but encourages providers to design inclusive activities catering to both elderly men and women.

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18 Sep 2023

Broadening Use of Assistance Dogs to Empower Persons with Disabilities

The Ministry of Social and Family Development, in collaboration with agencies and NGOs, is reviewing how to expand the use of assistance dogs beyond guide dogs for the visually impaired to support a wider range of persons with disabilities.
Efforts include issuing circulars and working with stakeholders like Guide Dogs Singapore and K9 Assistance to raise public awareness and ensure assistance dogs are accepted in licensed food establishments and public transport.
Future plans align with the Enabling Masterplan 2030 to foster an inclusive society, focusing on public acceptance and broader empowerment through assistance dogs.

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18 Sep 2023

Proposal for Firms that Hire Seniors or Persons with Special Needs to be Given Dependency Ratio Ceiling Bonus

Mark Lee proposed that firms hiring a certain percentage of seniors or persons with disabilities be granted a Dependency Ratio Ceiling bonus to support a balanced workforce.
The Minister for Manpower, Tan See Leng, rejected the idea, citing risks such as firms hiring these employees solely for quota benefits and the need to sustain foreign workforce limits in land-scarce Singapore.
The Ministry instead supports inclusive employment through existing schemes like the Enabling Mark, Senior Employment Credit, and Enabling Employment Credit, emphasizing that employers should value inclusivity inherently.

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18 Sep 2023

Determining Whether Children With Special Needs Are Better Catered to in Special Education School or Mainstream School

Assoc Prof Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim questioned the criteria for deciding between special education (SPED) and mainstream schools for children with special needs, the support mechanisms in mainstream schools, and the circumstances for parental involvement in the classroom.
Chan Chun Sing explained that decisions are guided by early intervention professionals using joint guidelines, with students with mild special needs attending mainstream schools and those with moderate to severe needs placed in SPED schools for customized support.
Mainstream schools support students through inclusive practices, SEN Officers, and targeted interventions, with exceptional cases allowing parental or professional support for transition, while MOE facilitates transfers to SPED schools when necessary.

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18 Sep 2023

Avenues for Home Team Officers to Raise Workplace Difficulties

Home Team officers can report grievances about unfair discrimination or treatment through formal and confidential channels, including directly to any level of management, with investigations conducted seriously and wrongdoers disciplined regardless of seniority.
There are clear escalation processes, independent reviews by HR or internal bodies, and options to appeal to higher authorities or the Head of Civil Service if unsatisfied with outcomes.
Officers are regularly informed of these channels through onboarding, training, and internal communications, and feedback is gathered via anonymous surveys, with cases investigated over the past five years leading to disciplinary action where substantiated.
The Ministry emphasizes responsible reporting and warns against false allegations made in bad faith, which may result in disciplinary action against the reporter.

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3 Aug 2023

Reviewing Current Practice of Refusing Coverage under CPF Dependants’ Protection Scheme for Persons with Certain Genetic Disorders

Murali Pillai questioned whether the CPF Board would reconsider its policy of denying Dependants’ Protection Scheme coverage to individuals with certain genetic disorders, such as Down Syndrome.
The Ministry of Manpower clarified that DPS does cover pre-existing conditions, including genetic disorders, if medical professionals deem the overall health condition mild or moderate.
Coverage may be withheld for severe pre-existing illnesses, as with standard life insurance, to keep premiums affordable and ensure the scheme’s sustainability.

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3 Aug 2023

Accessible Membership for Persons with Differentiated Abilities to Younger Children in Development Disability Registry

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked whether the National Library Board's Accessible Membership can be extended to younger children registered with the Development Disability Registry to support early reading.
The National Library Board provides inclusive programmes and resources, such as Sensory Storytime and accessible features at Punggol Regional Library, for persons with disabilities.
The Accessible Membership, launched in January 2023, offers benefits like longer borrowing periods and priority access, currently available to beneficiaries of eligible schemes and special education students.
Ongoing collaboration between NLB and MSF will expand the membership to those on SG Enable’s Developmental Disability Registry, with further updates to follow.
NLB remains committed to equitable access and inclusive library services, aligning with the Enabling Masterplan 2030.

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3 Aug 2023

Retrenchment among Employees Aged 63 and Older in Last Five Years

Data from 2018 to 2022 shows that workers aged 63 and above were not disproportionately affected by retrenchment, with an average incidence of 3.8 per 1,000, lower than the overall rate of 6.1 for the resident workforce.
The Employment Assistance Payment (EAP) is a legal requirement for employers who do not offer re-employment to eligible employees above the retirement age, and its amount is carefully calibrated to balance support for workers and avoid deterring employers from retaining senior staff.
Retrenchment benefits are not mandated by law and are typically stipulated in employment contracts or collective agreements, with their quantum varying across companies and sometimes scaled down as workers near retirement age.
The Senior Minister of State clarified that the retrenchment data does not include voluntarily retired workers and that the EAP is not tied to years of service, aiming to provide temporary support without creating perverse incentives for employers or employees.
While retrenchment benefits for workers beyond age 63 are not mandated by law, employers may extend them by agreement, but this is not a requirement and depends on individual negotiations.

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2 Aug 2023

Justification for Distinction between Ethnic Integration Policy and Non-citizen Criteria for Open Market Rentals of HDB Flats

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned the justification for distinguishing between the Ethnic Integration Policy and non-citizen criteria for open market rentals, arguing both alter estate characteristics regardless of tenancy duration, and asked if EIP could apply to long-term rentals.
Desmond Lee explained that EIP applies to HDB flat sales and purchases to maintain ethnic balance, while open market rentals are exempt as they are temporary and do not affect long-term ethnic proportions.
He noted the Non-Citizen Quota caps rentals to non-citizens to preserve the Singaporean character of HDB heartlands and prevent foreign enclaves, irrespective of race.
The Ministry stated both policies work together to reflect Singapore's ethnic diversity and will be reviewed to meet evolving societal needs.

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6 Jul 2023

Enforcement Actions Issued against Diners for Failure to Return Used Trays and Crockery

Since 1 June 2023, 112 written warnings have been issued for failure to return trays and crockery at hawker centres, food courts, and coffee shops, with no fines issued to date.
Nine of the warnings were issued to able-bodied individuals aged 70 and above; no separate data is available for those aged 80 or 90.
Elderly patrons who are physically able must return trays, but those with genuine difficulties due to frailty or disability are not subject to enforcement.
Family members or caregivers are encouraged to assist elderly diners with tray return, and cleaners will help those dining alone without assistance.

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6 Jul 2023

Cost of Running Day Activity Centre Services for Adults with Disabilities

The per capita cost of running Day Activity Centre (DAC) services for adults with moderate to high needs varies by centre, while the average Government grant provided per client was about $14,000 in FY2022, with funding being tiered and means-tested.
A member highlighted that charities face funding challenges as costs can reach up to $30,000 per year, leading to fee caps that discourage higher-income households from using services, and proposed a workgroup to analyse and develop alternative financing models, such as a universal base subsidy.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary acknowledged the issues, noted the introduction of fee caps in October 2021, and mentioned the upcoming pilot of an Enabling Services Hub to provide learning, social activities, and respite care closer to communities.

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5 Jul 2023

Group Representation Constituencies

Minister Chan Chun Sing defended the GRC system as essential for ensuring minority representation in Parliament and preventing racial politics, arguing that Singapore must evolve its own governance model rather than blindly copying other countries' systems.
Pritam Singh and the Workers' Party acknowledged the importance of multiracialism but criticized the GRC system for being used for gerrymandering, citing examples like Fengshan and Joo Chiat, and called for more transparency in boundary reviews.
The PSP proposed alternative systems like a modified proportional representation or NCMP scheme to ensure minority representation, but Minister Chan argued these could lead to fragmented parliaments and race-based politics.
Senior Minister Teo Hean noted that gerrymandering accusations occur globally regardless of electoral systems, while PSP's Hazel Poa insisted their proposals could adapt to ensure minority representation without the drawbacks of GRCs.
The motion to abolish GRCs was ultimately negatived, with the PAP and others emphasizing that abolishing them would risk inadequate multiracial representation and could re-introduce racial politics.

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5 Jul 2023

Group Representation Constituencies

Hazel Poa and Leong Mun Wai argued for abolishing Group Representation Constituencies, citing weaknesses such as MPs riding on colleagues' coattails, reduced voter choice, and unfilled vacancies leaving residents underserved, and proposed alternatives like minority NCMPs or proportional representation.
Supporters of retaining GRCs, including Raj Joshua Thomas and Murali Pillai, emphasized that GRCs ensure minority representation and prevent racial politics, warning that removing them could risk racial tensions and reduce minority candidates' willingness to run.
Minister Chan Chun Sing defended GRCs as vital for a multiracial Parliament and non-racial politics, rejecting alternatives like proportional representation or minority NCMPs as potentially divisive and not meeting core objectives.

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5 Jul 2023

Statement by Leader of the House

The Leader of the House, Indranee Rajah, raised a Point of Order about a PSP Facebook video and post that she claimed misrepresented Parliament proceedings, potentially breaching the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act by giving a false impression that a debate was suppressed and that Mr Leong Mun Wai was not allowed to ask questions.
Mr Leong Mun Wai responded that the video was an expression of free speech, clarified that the term "sia suay" referred to himself, not the Deputy Speaker, and said his party would deliberate and respond to Parliament regarding the request to take down the video and issue an apology.
Indranee Rajah acknowledged Mr Leong’s clarification but emphasized that freedom of expression does not allow false or misleading representations, noting the video was edited with deliberation, not in the "heat of the moment," and she expects a response from PSP by the next day.

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4 Jul 2023

Training for Organisations and Non-disabled Employees to Work with Persons with Disabilities

Miss Rachel Ong asked for data on organisations and non-disabled employees trained to work with persons with disabilities since 2015, the percentage of such organisations sending staff for training, and comparative data on employment tenure for persons with disabilities in trained versus untrained organisations.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M noted that SG Enable’s Enabling Academy trained over 7,100 non-disabled employees from more than 320 organisations over the past five years through Disability Awareness Talks and HIRE Workshops.
About 2% of the nearly 6,600 organisations that received the Enabling Employment Credit in 2022 had employees attend these training programmes in the past five years.
The Ministry indicated that such training may not be a key factor in hiring or retaining employees with disabilities, and instead emphasised supporting employers in providing necessary support to employees with disabilities.
The debate highlighted the Ministry’s focus on practical employer support over mandatory training programmes for improving disability inclusion in workplaces.

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