Religion, race & rights — Topics

1 Mar 2021

MUIS' Stance on Individuals Providing Spiritual Healing Services beyond Religious Teachings

MUIS takes a serious view of individuals offering spiritual healing services in the name of Islam that contradict Islamic principles, as such practices mislead and confuse the community.
When alerted, MUIS conducts thorough investigations and, in past cases, has counselled individuals and directed them to cease practices contrary to religious teachings.
The community is advised to seek religious guidance only from credible sources accredited under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS).
MUIS currently has no plans to extend the Islamic Education Centres and Providers (IECP) framework to cover spiritual healing services.

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1 Mar 2021

Guidelines for Singaporeans when Consuming Online Religious Content

Dr Wan Rizal asked whether religious bodies in Singapore would provide guidelines for consuming online religious content that aligns with Singapore’s secular and multi-religious context.
Minister Edwin Tong highlighted that religious organizations already offer guidance, such as MUIS promoting accredited sources, the Catholic Archdiocese emphasizing harmony, and the Inter-Religious Organization fostering interfaith dialogue through digital initiatives.
The government will continue to work with religious organizations and community groups to counter extremist content and promote religious harmony, using approaches like the Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles to build trust across communities.

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1 Mar 2021

Rejection of Driving Licence Applications due to Applicants' Mental Illness

Between 2018 and 2020, 31 applicants were barred from taking driving tests due to mental disorders, representing 0.014% of all applicants.
Applicants who declare a mental disorder or are suspected of having one must undergo a medical assessment by a doctor.
The doctor determines fitness to drive based on guidelines from the Singapore Medical Association, and only those certified fit may proceed with driving tests.
Data prior to 2018 is unavailable due to the implementation of online applications for Provisional Driving Licences.

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26 Feb 2021

Frequency of Maintenance Checks Conducted on Senior Fitness Corners and Playgrounds in Public Estates and Plans to Utilise Inclusive Design for Persons with Different Abilities and Needs

Town Councils are responsible for the maintenance of senior fitness corners and playgrounds in HDB estates and decide on the frequency of checks.
Community spaces like playgrounds and fitness corners are designed to be inclusive and accessible, following standards such as the BCA's code of accessibility and SS457:2017 for playground equipment.
Since the 2000s, new HDB developments have included accessible features like wheelchair-friendly fitness equipment and playgrounds with transfer platforms for children with different physical abilities.
Older HDB estates can have more accessible facilities introduced through upgrading programmes like the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP).
HDB plans to continue designing new developments to be universally accessible, including initiatives like pictograms on signage for the elderly and those with dementia.

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26 Feb 2021

Number of Male Pre-school Teachers

The Government is investing in the preschool sector, which currently has over 22,000 educators, with more than 160 being male, and plans to continue attracting more people to join the sector through various programmes and incentives.
Measures such as Training Awards, the Professional Conversion Programme, and the Place-and-Train Programme are in place to encourage both new entrants and mid-career switchers to become preschool teachers.
Male educators are recognized as valuable for bringing different strengths and perspectives, offering male role models, and contributing to areas like Mother Tongue Language and outdoor learning.
Challenges in recruiting male preschool teachers include societal misperceptions that the sector is more suited for women, and efforts are ongoing to change these views through national campaigns.
The Government aims to achieve a better balance between male and female preschool educators over time by debunking stereotypes and encouraging mindset shifts.

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25 Feb 2021

Effectiveness of Sexuality Programmes offered in Special Education Schools

The Ministry of Education runs the Healthy and Safe Relationships programme in special education schools, which covers body awareness, personal safety, and relationships through tailored lessons and has been enhanced over time with teacher training and a new advanced course.
The Ministry regularly reviews the programme’s effectiveness, such as through workshops in 2019, and supports schools with a guide and multi-disciplinary approaches involving social workers and psychologists.
Workshops and resources are available for parents and caregivers to help them discuss sexuality issues sensitively with children with disabilities.
The Ministry continues to partner with special education schools to enhance capabilities in sexuality education but has not indicated specific plans for universal expansion to all schools.

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24 Feb 2021

Reducing Cost of Certificates of Entitlement for Vehicles used by Care-givers in Driving People with Disabilities or Autism

Christopher de Souza asked if the COE cost can be reduced for vehicles used by caregivers driving people with disabilities or autism.
Ong Ye Kung explained that a market-based COE system cannot easily provide concessions for specific user groups without verification and abuse risks.
The Government offers targeted support like the Home Caregiving Grant and foreign domestic worker levy concessions instead.
Schemes such as the Disabled Persons Scheme and Taxi Subsidy Scheme are available to improve mobility for persons with disabilities.
The response emphasizes alternative assistance over direct COE concessions to maintain system integrity.

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24 Feb 2021

Lowering Enrolment Cost for Day Activity Centres Providing Care and Skills Training to Adults with Disabilities

Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about reducing enrolment costs for Day Activity Centres (DACs) that provide care and skills training to adults with disabilities.
The Minister explained that DACs are community-based facilities offering daily living and social skills training for persons with disabilities, with means-tested subsidies of up to 80% for lower-income Singapore Citizens to ease costs.
The government works with DAC providers to ensure affordability and is currently reviewing enrolment costs, expecting to complete the review within the year.

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24 Feb 2021

Enlarging Enrolment for Day Activity Centres to Increase Placements for Adults with Autism

Christopher de Souza asked if Day Activity Centres can expand their enrolment to create more placements for adults with autism.
Masagos Zulkifli responded that there are 31 centres with over 1,700 places, 75% overall utilisation, and eight autism-specialised centres at 80% utilisation, indicating sufficient capacity.
The minister explained that caregivers’ preference for certain centres may affect placement availability, but referrals to other centres are offered, and capacity will be monitored and increased as needed.

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24 Feb 2021

Extending International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme to More Madrasahs

Dr Wan Rizal inquired about plans to extend the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme to more madrasahs and the support provided to equip future religious leaders.
Minister Masagos Zulkifli noted that the IBDP was introduced at Madrasah Aljunied in 2019 and its impact will be studied before considering an extension to other madrasahs.
MUIS and community partners provide madrasahs with resources, internships, and projects to develop students' skills, knowledge, and values for future roles as religious leaders.
Examples include technology integration in lessons, internships like CapitaLand’s programme, and collaborations for community service and interfaith dialogues.
The government and community are committed to investing in madrasah students to nurture capable individuals who contribute to Singapore and the Malay/Muslim community.

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16 Feb 2021

Impact of Coup in Myanmar on Repatriation of Rohingya Refugees and Future Peace and Security in Rakhine State

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16 Feb 2021

Further Safeguards Following Investigation into Recent Detention of 16-year-old Self-radicalised Singaporean

The Minister of State outlined the facts of the case, confirming the 16-year-old was a self-radicalised "lone wolf" inspired by far-right ideology and the Christchurch attacker, and stressed the importance of pre-emptive action under the Internal Security Act.
Legal and operational measures were highlighted, including the strengthened Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act, public denunciations of terror attacks, and community resilience efforts through the SGSecure movement and interfaith initiatives.
Extensive educational and outreach programmes are in place, involving schools, Institutes of Higher Learning, and religious groups, to teach racial and religious harmony, detect early signs of radicalisation, and foster social cohesion.
For the rehabilitation of the young detainee, a holistic approach combining religious, psychological, and social support is used, including tailored counselling, psychological therapy, family involvement, educational support, and a mentoring programme.
ISD regularly engages religious leaders and community groups to brief them on signs of radicalisation and to strengthen collaborative efforts in early detection and prevention.

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2 Feb 2021

Encouraging Victims to Report Workplace Sexual Harassment

The Ministry of Manpower, through TAFEP, has increased digital and social media efforts to educate the public on workplace harassment and reporting avenues.
TAFEP conducts regular training for over 950 company representatives, including HR and managers, on policies to prevent and manage harassment.
Victims uncomfortable with internal reporting are encouraged to approach TAFEP, which handles cases sensitively, ensures employer investigations, and refers individuals to support organizations.

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2 Feb 2021

Regulations Protecting Rights of People with Disabilities at Workplace

There are no specific workplace regulations solely for people with disabilities; they are protected under general employment laws and the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices, with MOM enforcing violations through measures like work pass curtailment.
From 2015 to 2019, TAFEP received four complaint cases about workplace discrimination involving persons with disabilities, all resolved through employer advice and no further complaints, with no substantiated cases of discriminatory dismissal in the past five years.
The Ministry plans to continue public education to improve employer mindsets and inclusivity, alongside financial incentives like the Enabling Employment Credit and the Open Door Programme to support hiring and training people with disabilities.

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2 Feb 2021

Prosecution of Individuals Found Practising and Spreading Deviant Teachings under Muslim Law Act

The Minister outlined that prosecution under Section 139 of the Administration of Muslim Law Act is considered only when other approaches, such as counselling and fatwas, have been exhausted and the individual remains recalcitrant.
The religious authorities first assess the severity of the case and consult the Fatwa Committee, with prosecution being a last resort for egregious cases that threaten socio-religious harmony.
MUIS employs a multi-pronged strategy including public education, revocation of accreditation for certified teachers, and reminders through sermons to counter deviant teachings before escalating to legal action.

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2 Feb 2021

Steps Taken to Build a Better Understanding of Persons with Disabilities amongst School Children

The Ministry of Education trains all teachers in inclusive practices to help students understand and interact respectfully with peers who have special educational needs or disabilities.
Character and Citizenship Education lessons teach students to avoid stereotypes and appreciate diverse strengths, while Values in Action initiatives guide older students to engage directly with persons with disabilities through community projects.
By 2022, all schools will establish peer support structures, including groups led by Allied Educators, to foster sensitivity and provide emotional support for students with special needs.
Through Satellite Partnerships between mainstream and special education schools, students participate in joint activities like sports and community outreach to build mutual understanding and respect.

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2 Feb 2021

Plans to Systematically Compile Preferred Gender Pronouns for Students

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Ministry of Education whether it plans to systematically compile students' preferred gender pronouns with parental consent and ensure teachers respect them in class.
Lawrence Wong responded that the Ministry will not compile pronouns for all students but will instead support each student diagnosed with gender dysphoria on a case-by-case basis.
The Ministry will work with the parents and medical professionals in providing this individualised support for such students.

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2 Feb 2021

Number of Films, Videos, Plays and Others Requiring Content Changes Before Approval for General Dissemination in Past Five Years

Over the past five years, the Infocomm Media Development Authority received 24,196 film classification applications and 5,001 for Arts Entertainment content.
137 films (0.57%) required edits before approval, primarily due to offensive religious content or explicit sexual depictions.
18 Arts Entertainment productions (0.36%) were edited, with a small minority involving promotion of terrorism or violence.

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2 Feb 2021

Detention and Treatment under Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act

Mr. Leon Perera asked for statistics on detentions under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act, police training on mental illness, and whether the Act would be reviewed after Singapore ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that from 2016 to 2020, an annual average of 1,460 persons were detained for over 72 hours up to one month, with 128 detained for 1–6 months and 14 for more than six months, and that detention is only used when there is a risk to self or others.
The Institute of Mental Health does not specifically track rehabilitation outcomes for detained patients, and police officers receive training and follow SOPs to identify and interact with persons with potential mental health issues.
The Ministry of Health has no plans to amend the Act, as it is already compliant with Singapore’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and patients are treated with respect and can provide feedback on services.

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2 Feb 2021

Trends for Disabilities in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and Impact on Payouts for Long-term Care Insurance Schemes

Mr Yip Hon Weng inquired about trends in disabilities related to Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), their impact on employment and financial independence, and whether they could be included in long-term care insurance eligibility criteria.
Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that IADLs involve complex activities requiring higher cognitive functions, but Singapore lacks representative data on such trends; current long-term care schemes like CareShield Life use basic ADLs for assessments to balance support and affordability.
The Ministry has improved the severe disability assessment framework since 2020 to better account for cognitive impairments, allowing more individuals with cognitive issues to qualify for payouts under schemes like CareShield Life and ElderFund.
For those not qualifying for severe disability schemes, alternative support is available through the Home Caregiving Grant, Foreign Domestic Worker Levy Concession, and government safety nets like MediFund or ComCare.

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