Religion, race & rights

• Mr Alex Yam raised concerns about the high response volume and representativeness of the REACH survey on LGBTQ attitudes, while Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked about the considerations behind the survey's question structure and typical process timelines.
• REACH uses targeted Listening Points to gather specific community feedback, such as from LGBTQ+ groups, but findings from these are not representative of the entire population and are complemented by other sources.
• The LGBTQ+ survey link was circulated beyond its intended audience, resulting in an unusually high response count, though most respondents were Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.
• REACH acknowledged the need for greater care in conducting surveys on contentious topics and plans to improve engagement methods for such issues.

• Miss Cheryl Chan asked whether Day Activity Centres (DACs) can cope with demand over the next five years and what plans exist to reduce waiting times and increase staff support.
• As of April 2022, there were 31 MSF-funded DACs with over 1,700 places and a 78% utilisation rate, though eight centres had no vacancies, with SG Enable referring applicants to other centres or alternative services.
• MSF increased funding for DACs by about 20% ($3 million annually) to hire more care staff and improve service quality, especially for clients with higher needs.
• MSF is studying long-term demand for DACs and will consider setting up new centres in areas where demand is expected to exceed supply.
• MSF will continually monitor and review funding and programmes to meet the needs of persons with disabilities and their caregivers.

The Minister for Defence affirmed that the Government does not plan to enlist women for National Service, as the primary justification for conscription remains the critical need for national defense, not social engineering or gender equality. He highlighted that the SAF has maintained operational readiness through technology and resource optimization despite declining male enlistees, making compulsory NS for women unnecessary at this time. The current proportion of women in the SAF Regular force is about 8%, with 5% in senior leadership ranks, and the government has implemented measures to attract and retain more women in service.

• The Prime Minister's office emphasizes that diversity in the Public Service includes dimensions beyond gender, ethnicity, and background, focusing on competencies and complementary experiences within leadership teams.
• Measures to enhance diversity include recruiting from a wider range of candidates, including mid-career leaders from the private sector, and partnering with community groups to reach minority groups, alongside scholarships for diverse candidates.
• The Public Service provides rounded experiences through rotations and attachments in various sectors, consults widely with external stakeholders, and uses statutory boards and advisory councils to incorporate diverse perspectives.

• Speakers emphasized enhancing caregiver support through paid leave, tax breaks, and community networks, recognizing that caregiving—often undertaken by women—requires systemic relief and financial recognition.
• The debate called for stronger workplace protections, including flexible work arrangements, mentorship, and fair performance appraisal to address gender biases and support women's career advancement.
• Proposals included expanding protections against violence and online harms, with calls for better helplines, victim support, and mindset shifts in schools and society to foster respect and equality.

• The White Paper on Singapore Women’s Development was presented as a whole-of-nation plan endorsed by Parliament, aiming to advance gender equality through collective action and equal partnership between women and men, building on historical progress such as the Women’s Charter and recent narrowing of the gender pay gap.

• Key proposals include introducing workplace fairness legislation to combat discrimination, entrenching flexible work arrangements as a norm by 2024, enhancing caregiver support through grants and respite care, and dedicating a public garden to celebrate women’s contributions.

• Debates highlighted the need for faster implementation of guidelines, greater transparency in immigration policies for foreign spouses, improved parental leave structures to encourage shared caregiving, and stronger measures against online and workplace harassment, with calls for mindset shifts and concrete targets to track progress.

• Raj Joshua Thomas asked the Minister for Manpower for an update on actions taken against the facility management firm of Hillview Heights Condominium for discriminatory clauses in its September 2021 tender for security services.
• The Ministry of Manpower suspended the work pass privileges of the firm for including discriminatory requirements in the tender document.
• MOM also issued an advisory to the condominium’s Management Corporation Strata Title to remind them of the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices to prevent future incidents.
• MOM emphasized its serious stance on workplace discrimination and willingness to take enforcement actions where necessary.

• Minister Tan See Leng highlighted that MOM and the WSH Council provide guidelines under the Total WSH programme for employers to consider employees' health conditions, including the aged, pregnant, and disabled, when designing tasks and schedules.
• The WSH Guidelines on Fatigue Management and Ergonomics recommend regular rest breaks of 20 to 30 minutes and the use of anti-fatigue mats or sit-stand stools for prolonged standing.
• Part IV of the Employment Act mandates at least one rest break for every six consecutive hours of work for eligible employees earning up to $4,500 (workmen) or $2,600 (non-workmen) monthly.
• The government emphasizes a proactive approach to workplace health and safety without specifying separate break regulations solely for aged, pregnant, or disabled employees.
• Existing laws and guidelines aim to balance operational needs with employee well-being through flexible and inclusive workplace practices.

• Don Wee asked the Minister for Health about the conditions for waiving disability assessments for ElderShield payouts and reducing the frequency of assessments for very severe cases.
• Ong Ye Kung stated that ElderShield claimants assessed as permanently severely disabled generally do not need regular reassessments unless their condition changes.
• After the transfer of ElderShield administration to the government in November 2021, a one-time disability status refresh is being conducted, and once completed, claimants will not require future regular reassessments.
• Due to healthcare manpower shortages from COVID-19, the ministry extended the deadline for disability reassessments by three months, with claimants continuing to receive payouts during this period.

• The Ministry of Education and Institute of Technical Education (ITE) maintain a comprehensive support system for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), including dyslexia, autism, and Down Syndrome.
• ITE educators receive foundational training on SEN conditions and strategies, with opportunities for advanced training in learning interventions and behavior management.
• Each of the three ITE Colleges has a Learning Accessibility Office staffed with specialists who provide direct support to students and advise educators on effective intervention plans.

• The Government is engaging with diverse groups of Singaporeans to understand their viewpoints on the repeal of Section 377A rather than relying solely on discrete indicators.
• Minister K Shanmugam noted that Ms Hazel Poa and her party have not taken a position on whether to retain or abolish Section 377A.
• The Government will carefully consider the feedback gathered and assess the best way forward regarding the repeal.

• Raj Joshua Thomas asked if the upcoming fair employment legislation would require buyers of outsourced services to avoid clauses that create unfair or discriminatory conditions for outsourced workers.
• Minister Tan See Leng stated that employers must follow the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices, and citing client discrimination would still be a breach; enshrining these guidelines into law would not change this.
• The Ministry of Manpower and Tripartite Alliance will address complaints about discriminatory practices by service buyers and may suspend work pass privileges if needed.
• The Tripartite Committee on Workplace Fairness is focusing on employment relationships and aims to complete its work by the second half of the year.

• Louis Ng asked if the Ministry of Manpower has conducted or plans to study the impact of work-from-home arrangements on reducing gender inequality, stereotypes, wage gaps, and increasing female labour participation.
• The Minister replied that no local studies have been commissioned but encouraged stakeholders to conduct robust research and share findings.
• The Minister highlighted that flexible work arrangements are already valued by MOM, unions, and employers as key to balancing work and caregiving, especially for women, but noted societal mindset shifts are needed for men to share caregiving equally.
• Reference was made to a 2020 study linking the gender pay gap to occupational segregation and caregiving responsibilities, suggesting flexible work arrangements could help women remain in the workforce and reduce pay disparities.
• The White Paper on Singapore Women’s Development is cited as a framework that will positively impact the gender indicators raised.

• The Minister reported an increase in elder abuse cases at Family Service Centres during the pandemic (232 in 2019 to 338 in 2021), while cases handled by Adult Protective Services and other specialist centres saw no significant rise.
• MSF enhanced monitoring through more frequent check-ins via calls and home visits during reduced community visibility, alongside public education campaigns to encourage early reporting.
• MSF continues to collaborate with community partners, hospitals, and authorities to detect and address elder abuse, urging the public to use the 24-hour helpline for suspected cases.
• Community networks and volunteers are engaged through training to identify signs of abuse and by organizing befriending activities to support seniors’ well-being.
• The government emphasizes that family violence, including elder abuse, is not tolerated and everyone has a role in keeping seniors safe.

• The Government is engaging various groups to understand diverse viewpoints on section 377A, balancing those who support heterosexual marriage as society's bedrock with those who believe private consensual sex should not be criminalised.
• Minister Shanmugam highlighted that societal attitudes have shifted since 2007 and stressed the need to carefully assess the best way forward while considering all perspectives.
• When asked, the Non-Constituency MP from the Party indicated internal disagreement and no current consensus on their position regarding section 377A.

• Louis Ng asked for an update on extending the Working Mother’s Child Relief and Parenthood Tax Rebate to single unwed parents, and when the review findings would be available.
• The Second Minister for Finance replied that these tax measures were designed to support parenthood within marriage and reflect societal norms, though all children receive substantial government benefits regardless of parents’ marital status.
• The Minister confirmed unwed working mothers already receive support like maternity leave and childcare subsidies, and emphasized the government will continue working with community partners to assist vulnerable single parents.
• Louis Ng highlighted the stigma faced by single unwed parents and urged a policy review to foster a more inclusive society, asking if a mother who marries and later divorces could qualify.
• The Minister committed to ongoing support for single mothers without distorting societal values and promised to clarify the specific tax eligibility questions raised.

• The debate emphasized the need to strengthen Singapore's social compact, address emerging fault lines from the pandemic like racism and economic inequality, and support vulnerable families, particularly in the Malay/Muslim community, through programs like M3 and Project DIAN@M3.
• Ministers outlined strategies to build a competent, future-ready workforce and community, focusing on education, lifelong learning, scholarships, mentorship, and partnering with industry to create opportunities in growth sectors for the Malay/Muslim community.
• Parliament also discussed enhancing the community dispute resolution framework, promoting racial and religious harmony through refreshed IRCCs, and supporting the arts, culture, heritage, and sports sectors in their post-pandemic recovery and sustainability.

• Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Government to study the doubling of paternity leave by multinational companies and consider extending this to all fathers, highlighting concerns about employability, productivity, and family relationships.
• Indranee Rajah responded that while international research supports the benefits of paid parental leave, the Government must balance these with employers' operational needs, and she emphasized the importance of companies fostering family-friendly cultures rather than mandating universal doubled leave.
• Louis Ng raised clarifications about potentially equalizing parental leave to address gender stereotypes, prompting Indranee to agree on the need for mindset changes among both fathers and employers to improve paternity leave uptake, which currently remains below target levels.

• The government offers a range of support schemes for families with special needs children, including early intervention programmes, financial assistance, and services from SG Enable as a central touchpoint.
• Respite care options such as Special Student Care Centres, Day Activity Centres, and the pilot "Take-A-Break" programme are available to alleviate caregiver burdens.
• Subsidies and financial support have been enhanced for early intervention, special education, and disability services, with means-tested assistance to improve affordability for lower-income families.
• Community-led initiatives like Project 3i provide peer support and navigation help for caregivers, complementing government efforts.
• Plans under the Enabling Masterplan 2030 aim to further improve and expand services for persons with disabilities and their families.

• Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Education about expanding inclusive environments in public schools for special needs children to learn alongside peers while meeting their specialized needs.
• Chan Chun Sing highlighted existing initiatives like Satellite Partnerships, which facilitate joint activities such as Values-in-Action, CCA, and camps between SPED and mainstream schools, including examples like shared facilities and online interactions during the pandemic.
• Pre-pandemic, partner organizations used arts and sports programs like the National School Games and Play Inclusive to foster inclusivity, and some have continued online despite disruptions.
• These interactions help mainstream students appreciate diversity and develop empathy, while SPED students gain opportunities for community engagement and societal inclusion.
• MOE will continue collaborating with schools to strengthen these partnerships for shared learning and growth among students.