Religion, race & rights — Topics

10 Jan 2023

Presence of Halal Vendors as Factor in Price-quality Method used for HDB Tenancies for Precinct Supermarkets and Coffee Shops

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned whether halal vendor inclusion is part of HDB's price-quality method for tenancies, which component of the quality score it falls under, and how halal options are ensured if not.
He also asked if affordability criteria are monitored after the initial award and how HDB ensures coffeeshops maintain affordable pricing.
HDB explained that the price-quality method focuses on quality tenants with an emphasis on affordable food and groceries, with budget options monitored through inspections and tenancy reviews.
New coffeeshop operators must offer budget meals at around $3, and supermarkets must provide budget options in 20 essential categories, with compliance tracked.
Halal food options are ensured by requiring at least one halal food stall in new HDB coffeeshops, a rule introduced in 2005.

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10 Jan 2023

Take-up of E-Government Services by Persons in Different Age Groups

The Government tracks e-service adoption by age group, showing high overall digital transaction rates but lower usage among seniors, with 58% of the 3% not using Singpass aged 65 and above.
To address digital exclusion, the Government improves accessibility through features like larger fonts and clearer contrasts while offering digital literacy training via programmes like Seniors Go Digital, which has engaged over 210,000 seniors.
Non-digital options remain available, including physical ServiceSG centres and agency-specific appointments, to ensure all citizens can access services regardless of digital ability.

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10 Jan 2023

Factors in Deciding Whether or Not to Press Charges Against Persons with Disabilities

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary explained that prosecutorial discretion considers the nature, severity, and relevance of a person's disability to the alleged offense, and may result in warnings or calibrated charges, as illustrated by a 2020 case where a mandatory treatment order was issued instead of imprisonment.
Denise Phua expressed ongoing concerns about families' anxiety when relatives with disabilities face legal proceedings and urged the government to provide better assurance and education to the disability community and relevant agencies.
The government outlined support measures including specialized training for frontline officers, internal standard operating procedures, and the Appropriate Adult Scheme to assist persons with mental disabilities during investigations and ensure they are treated empathetically.

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9 Jan 2023

Applications for Purchase of Vehicles Received and Approved under Disabled Persons Scheme

From 2019 to 2022, an average of 17 applications were received annually under the Disabled Persons Scheme, with an average of five approvals each year.
Rejected applications were primarily due to applicants exceeding household income eligibility or being assessed as able to use public transport.
The median processing time from application to approval was 47 working days, or about 10 calendar weeks, due to verification and clarification requirements.

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9 Jan 2023

Usefulness of Travel Buddy Programme to Passengers in Wheelchairs

The Land Transport Authority will work with SBS Transit to evaluate the effectiveness of the Travel Buddy Programme for passengers in wheelchairs, as the initiative is newly launched.
The Ministry has been collaborating with public transport operators on inclusive initiatives through the Caring SG Commuters Committee, expanding successful programs network-wide such as the "May I Have a Seat Please" lanyard and Dementia Go-to Points.
The Ministry will continue to explore and expand effective initiatives with operators to create a more inclusive public transport system for all commuters, including those with disabilities.

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9 Jan 2023

Review Age Limit for Judicial Caning for Offenders Aged 50 Years and Above

The Minister confirmed that the Sentencing Advisory Panel independently decides which areas to study, including feedback from members, agencies, and the public.
The question of raising the age limit for judicial caning was previously addressed in September 2021, with the Minister reiterating that a proposal to remove the age limit for serious sexual offenders was not adopted.
The government maintains that the current statutory age limit for caning remains unchanged, citing the relatively low number of offenders above 50 arrested for caning-eligible offences.

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9 Jan 2023

Post COVID-19 Resumption of Building of New Mosques

Shahira Abdullah inquired about the timeline for reviewing deferred plans to build new mosques, including one in Tampines North, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Masagos Zulkifli explained that the Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund (MBMF) is used for mosque construction and upgrades, with new mosque plans deferred in May 2021 until the economy recovers.
MUIS is prioritizing upgrades for existing mosques, such as securing longer leases and renovating Masjid Tentera Diraja and Masjid Ahmad Ibrahim.
A fresh needs assessment for all religious infrastructure, including prayer space demand and supply, will be conducted with relevant agencies, considering pandemic impacts on construction costs.
The review of new mosque plans will factor in the updated needs and funding requirements post-COVID-19.

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30 Nov 2022

Inclusion of Dyslexia-friendly Font and Features as Texts in Schools

Ms He Ting Ru asked whether the Ministry of Education would consider using dyslexia-friendly fonts and features in school texts to support students with dyslexia.
The Minister for Education responded that dyslexia is not a visual issue solvable by special fonts, and there is limited evidence that such fonts improve reading speed or accuracy.
MOE will continue using evidence-based methods like phonics and reading strategies to support dyslexic students.
For general legibility, MOE and schools already use sans serif fonts and avoid cursive or decorative styles for all students.
The Ministry emphasizes inclusivity through established teaching approaches rather than font changes alone.

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29 Nov 2022

Consultation with User Groups when Reviewing Code on Accessibility in Built Environment

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked if the Ministry will consult user groups like breastfeeding mothers, persons with disabilities, and seniors when reviewing the Code on Accessibility, and for the timeline and reasons if not.
Desmond Lee stated that the Code has been regularly updated since 1990, with extensive stakeholder consultations including social service agencies, trade associations, academia, and the public in the 2019 review.
For the next review starting next year, BCA will continue consulting various stakeholders to ensure the needs of user groups such as persons with disabilities, seniors, and nursing mothers are considered.

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29 Nov 2022

Penal Code (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for Home Affairs moved the Second Reading of the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill to repeal Section 377A, which criminalizes acts of gross indecency between males, linking it to the earlier Constitution (Amendment) Bill.
The Minister criticized Opposition Leader Pritam Singh's claim that imposing the party whip could dilute parliamentary debate, while Singh clarified his earlier statement and acknowledged that members could speak freely even with the whip.
The House proceeded with a Division for the Second Reading, resulting in 93 Ayes, 3 Noes, and no abstentions, and the Bill was committed to a Committee of the whole House without amendment.
A Division was called again during the Third Reading, yielding the same result of 93 Ayes, 3 Noes, and no abstentions, leading to the Bill's passage.
The debate involved procedural steps, including electronic and manual voting, and confirmed the bipartisan support for the repeal of Section 377A.

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29 Nov 2022

Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment No 3) Bill

The repeal of Section 377A was supported as it decriminalizes consensual same-sex relations, removing a discriminatory law and aligning with the principle of justice and equality, while acknowledging the emotional and social stigma it imposed.
The constitutional amendment was introduced to protect the heterosexual definition of marriage from judicial challenges, ensuring that any changes to marriage laws remain a legislative decision reflective of societal consensus.
The debate highlighted the need for balance between individual rights and majoritarian values, with a call for empathy, respectful dialogue, and continued societal cohesion amid differing views on sexuality and family.

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29 Nov 2022

Allocation of Percentage of HDB Community Care Apartments for Seniors to Suitable Younger Persons with Disabilities

Denise Phua asked whether a percentage of HDB Community Care Apartments for seniors could be allocated to younger persons with disabilities to support community living.
The Minister replied that Community Care Apartments are a new model designed for seniors, with two pilots still under construction and evaluation needed before expanding the target group.
The government is actively studying options to support persons with disabilities in independent community living through the Enabling Masterplan 2030 task force, which will provide recommendations next year.
Existing disability social service agencies have initiatives for independent living, and the government will support these efforts where possible.
The Minister emphasized ensuring the CCA model adequately serves seniors before considering any expansion to include younger persons with disabilities.

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28 Nov 2022

Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment No 3) Bill

The repeal of section 377A was debated as a move to decriminalize private homosexual acts, reflecting evolving societal values, while acknowledging concerns about potential social polarization and the need to maintain national unity amid other challenges like the pandemic and cost of living.
A constitutional amendment to protect the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman was proposed, ensuring that Parliament retains the authority to define marriage based on prevailing societal values, thereby addressing fears about changes to family policies and norms.
Speakers emphasized the importance of civil dialogue and avoiding divisive activism, with calls to protect social harmony, support inclusive education, and prevent foreign influence or cancel culture from affecting Singapore's societal cohesion.

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28 Nov 2022

Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment No 3) Bill

The government is repealing Section 377A of the Penal Code, which criminalized male homosexual acts, citing that private consensual acts between adults should not be a crime and that leaving it risks a court ruling that could have disruptive social consequences.
Simultaneously, the government is amending the Constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, protecting this definition and related policies (e.g., on housing, education, and adoption) from constitutional challenges, while leaving Parliament the power to change this definition in the future by a simple majority.
Debates highlighted the need for balance in a diverse society, with the government assuring that the repeal does not signal an endorsement of homosexual lifestyles, and that existing pro-family policies and societal norms upholding heterosexual marriage will be maintained.

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8 Nov 2022

Complaints Received on Residential Rental Discrimination by Age or Race

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Ministry for National Development about data collection on residential rental discrimination complaints by age or race, the annual numbers for the last five years, and available recourse avenues for Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans.
Minister Desmond Lee stated that the Housing and Development Board (HDB) does not collect such data as residential rentals are private agreements between landlords and tenants, and HDB is not a party to these agreements.
Members of the public can lodge complaints with the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) for discriminatory advertisements by property agents, who must adhere to guidelines on multiracial and multicultural sensitivity.
Non-compliant property agents may face warnings, disciplinary action, financial penalties, suspension, or licence revocation, and disputes between landlords and tenants can be resolved through legal recourse with solicitors.

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8 Nov 2022

Average Waiting Time for Rental Flats under Public Rental Scheme by Ethnic Group

The average waiting time for public rental flats in 2023 is around seven months for Chinese applicants, eight months for Malays, and seven months for Indian/Others, similar to 2012 figures of six, eight, and seven months respectively.
Currently, about 51,900 public rental tenants comprise 51% Chinese, 35% Malays, and 14% Indian/Others, compared to 61%, 27%, and 13% among 47,900 tenants in 2012.
Approximately 70% of HDB's public rental blocks have reached the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) block limit for at least one ethnic group, up from about 60% in 2012, with administrative flexibility applied to avoid prolonging waiting times for low-income households.

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8 Nov 2022

Allowing More Students with Moderate-to-severe Hearing Loss to Learn Alongside Those With No Hearing Loss

Christopher de Souza asked if more students with moderate-to-severe hearing loss can learn alongside peers without hearing loss to promote inclusivity.
Over 90% of students with hearing loss, including those with moderate-to-severe cases, are already enrolled in mainstream schools as of May 2022.
Mainstream learning is supported by Frequency Modulation systems, itinerant services from the Singapore Association for the Deaf, and designated schools with trained staff for students using oracy or Singapore Sign Language.
A small number of students needing additional support attend Special Education schools like Lighthouse or Canossian, where some lessons are integrated with peers from Canossa Catholic Primary School.

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8 Nov 2022

Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

The Bill introduces a regulatory framework for online communication services, starting with social media platforms, to protect Singapore users from harmful content like self-harm advocacy, violence, and racial hatred, by requiring platforms to implement safety measures and allowing IMDA to direct takedowns of egregious content.
The approach is accretive and outcome-driven, building on existing laws like POFMA and POHA, with designated services required to comply with a Code of Practice that mandates user protection tools, transparency reports, and accountability for harmful content.
While supporting the Bill, MPs raised concerns about privacy, free speech, and the scope of coverage, calling for safeguards against abuse of power, clarity on definitions like "egregious content," and greater support for victims, including education and legal aid.

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7 Nov 2022

Monitoring Employers’ Long-term Efforts at Creating Fair Workplace Environment

The Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) educates employers and promotes the adoption of Tripartite Standards to encourage fair and progressive employment practices across all organizational levels.
The Ministry of Manpower monitors fair workplace practices through indicators such as the Fair Employment Practices Survey, which showed a decline in reported workplace discrimination from 24% in 2018 to 8% in 2021.
MOM uses data analytics to identify higher-risk employers and takes enforcement action against egregious cases, while engaging others to improve practices, with over 1,700 employer engagements completed since 2016.

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7 Nov 2022

Reducing Barriers to Employment for Persons with Epilepsy Through Greater Awareness

Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Manpower to increase employer awareness of epilepsy and its seizure types to help persons with epilepsy gain employment.
Tan See Leng highlighted TAFEP's ongoing educational and public awareness campaigns to promote fair and inclusive employment practices.
He emphasized that employers should judge candidates on merit and job ability, not medical conditions, and encouraged those facing unfair treatment to seek TAFEP's support.

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