Religion, race & rights — Topics

9 Jul 2018

Waiver of Resale Levy for Senior Citizen Applicants Aged 55 and Above for 2-room Flexi Flats

Gan Thiam Poh proposed waiving the resale levy for senior citizens aged 55 and above purchasing 2-room flexi flats.
Lawrence Wong explained that the resale levy ensures fair allocation of housing subsidies, as first-time buyers receive greater subsidies than repeat buyers.
He noted existing measures to assist seniors, such as waiving accrued interest on the percentage resale levy and capping the levy for short-lease 2-room flexi flats.
The government will continue reviewing policies to balance fairness and support for seniors in public housing.

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9 Jul 2018

Security Concerns from Foreign Workers and Foreign Domestic Workers Congregating in Large Numbers in Public Places

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef raised concerns about foreign workers and foreign domestic workers congregating in large numbers in public places and asked if the Ministry of Home Affairs' perspective has changed in the current climate.
The Minister for Home Affairs, K Shanmugam, stated that the Police monitor areas with large gatherings closely and conduct regular patrols, noting no serious public order issues in recent years.
He emphasized that the vast majority of foreign workers are law-abiding, and the Ministry works with other agencies and community partners to advise them on Singapore's laws, social values, and the dangers of radical ideology.

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9 Jul 2018

Details and Framework of Workings of The Special Needs Trust Company

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef inquired about the details and framework of The Special Needs Trust Company (SNTC), including its objectives, partnerships, and alignment with SG Enable.
SNTC is a non-profit trust company that provides affordable trust management services for persons with special needs, supported by case managers who develop and review care plans with caregivers to safeguard long-term financial and care needs.
SNTC collaborates with community partners like Social Service Offices and plans to expand partnerships with special education schools, hospitals, and professionals to educate caregivers on planning ahead.
SG Enable focuses on employment for persons with disabilities and building support networks for caregivers, with MSF leveraging synergies between SNTC and SG Enable, such as shared information and caregiver support spaces.
MSF announced that ComCare applicants with disabilities will receive information on SNTC and SG Enable schemes at Social Service Offices, with a pilot video-conferencing link set up for consultations.

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9 Jul 2018

Placement of Children with Special Needs in Mainstream Schools

The Ministry of Education provides various supports for children with special needs in mainstream schools, including specialised programmes, assistive devices, itinerant services, and personnel like teachers trained in special needs and psychologists.
There is a comprehensive training plan for teachers, including pre-service training at the National Institute of Education and in-service programmes like the Teacher of SEN training, with ongoing professional development.
Schools have protocols for sharing information among staff on caring for special needs students, guided by a transition support framework that ensures confidentiality and parental consent.
Empathy and understanding are promoted through Character and Citizenship Education lessons, and schools partner with organisations to facilitate interactions between mainstream students and those with special needs.

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9 Jul 2018

Passing Rate for Private Hire Driver Vocational Licence Test

The passing rate for the Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational Licence test is about 80%, and tests are conducted only in English to ensure drivers can read road signs and communicate effectively with commuters.
The Ministry has no plans to offer tests in vernacular languages, as English is necessary for navigating roads and handling emergencies, though it works with drivers to provide remediation support for those struggling to pass.
The Ministry will study the possibility of allowing tests for persons with hearing disabilities and invites members to provide specific cases for follow-up.

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18 May 2018

Permits for Public Assemblies Issued under Public Order Act in 2017

Ms Sylvia Lim asked about the distribution and nature of over 900 public assembly permits issued in 2017, including their venues and the reasons for permits at Speakers’ Corner.
Only one permit was issued for an event at Speakers’ Corner, while the rest were for other venues, mostly outdoor religious or constituency events.
A permit is required for assemblies that demonstrate support or opposition, publicize a cause, or commemorate events, but exemptions apply at Speakers’ Corner unless the event involves foreigners or political, controversial, or divisive content.
The single Speakers’ Corner permit was for a breastfeeding awareness event involving foreigners, granted after assessing it as non-political and non-divisive.

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18 May 2018

Legislation on Statutory Rape and Sexual Misconduct Involving Minors, Children and Young Persons

Miss Cheng Li Hui questioned whether current legislation on statutory rape and sexual misconduct involving minors would be enhanced following recent cases involving known perpetrators and if it adequately addressed the rising use of online platforms for grooming.
Minister K Shanmugam confirmed that multiple laws, including the Penal Code and Children and Young Persons Act, already impose severe penalties like mandatory imprisonment and caning for such offences.
The Minister stated that an ongoing Penal Code Review is examining how to further strengthen protections for vulnerable individuals and specifically reviewing the criminalisation of sexual grooming of minors under 16.
The review is also considering enhancements to safeguard minors from online sexual communications, with proposals slated for public consultation later in the year.

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18 May 2018

Sentencing Discretion for Intellectually-disabled Offenders

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to review the Criminal Procedure Code to provide courts with sentencing discretion for intellectually disabled offenders and to expand sentencing options like mandatory treatment orders.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary responded that the ministry will study the issue, noting considerations such as the spectrum of intellectual disability, the seriousness of offences mandating imprisonment and caning, and the unsuitability of mandatory treatment orders for those with intellectual disability.
Louis Ng pressed for a timeline for the review and suggested increasing resources for prison officers to modify rehabilitation programmes for intellectually disabled inmates.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary confirmed the review would conclude in good time and stated that prison services already manage such inmates with extra precautions, considering resource needs as part of the general review.
The debate highlighted concerns about balancing public safety, deterrence, and the need for tailored support for intellectually disabled offenders within the justice system.

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7 May 2018

Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth

The Ministry aims to build a caring, cohesive, and confident Singapore through an active citizenry and vibrant arts, heritage, sports, and youth landscapes, addressing economic and demographic challenges by fostering shared identity, trust, and civic responsibility.
Key initiatives include safeguarding heritage via the Our SG Heritage Plan and UNESCO convention, enriching the arts scene with support for freelancers and fair employment, and using sports to rally national pride through enhanced high-performance systems and community programmes.
Efforts to promote inclusivity and social cohesion involve expanding access to arts, heritage, sports, and youth programmes, launching disability sports initiatives, and conducting Youth Conversations to engage young Singaporeans on future challenges.
The ministry supports community care through SG Cares to boost volunteerism, enhances local ecosystems for vulnerable groups and seniors, and promotes Active Health to encourage lifestyle ownership and ageing in place.
These measures collectively aim to strengthen the Singapore spirit, ensure a caring and inclusive society, and invite all citizens to build a better home together.

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21 Mar 2018

Films (Amendment) Bill

The Minister outlined amendments to the Films Act to formalize a co-classification scheme, reduce regulatory scope to focus on public distribution and exhibition, and enhance IMDA's enforcement powers, citing technological changes and the need to protect national harmony and minors.
Members raised concerns about potential impacts on artistic freedom, self-censorship, and the clarity of terms like "against national security," while supporting the bill's intent to modernize regulations and protect societal interests.
Discussions emphasized the need for transparency in appeals, safeguards against abuse of enforcement powers, and ensuring the Films Appeal Committee's composition reflects diverse perspectives, including industry representation.

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19 Mar 2018

Hiring of Workers above Re-employment Age of 67 in Ministries and Statutory Boards

Patrick Tay asked about the Public Service Division's stance on hiring workers over 67 in ministries and statutory boards and whether they can extend employment beyond that age.
Teo Chee Hean replied that public agencies can hire or re-employ officers above 67 if their services are needed.
As of 31 December 2017, about 1,400 public officers were aged 67 and above.

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8 Mar 2018

Committee of Supply – Head X (Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth)

MCCY emphasized strengthening social cohesion and national identity through arts, heritage, sports, and youth initiatives, highlighting new plans like the Our SG Heritage Plan, Youth Conversations, and scaling up community engagement platforms such as BRIDGE and ActiveSG academies.
The Ministry announced enhanced support for the Malay/Muslim community, including revised Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy income criteria, assistance for madrasahs like Madrasah Wak Tanjong, and progress on the proposed Singapore Islamic College, alongside digital transformation efforts for community organizations.
Discussions covered concerns about social divides, football development, and support for freelancers and charities, with MCCY outlining measures to promote inclusivity, volunteerism, and partnerships across sectors to build a caring and resilient society.

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27 Feb 2018

Tuition Assistance at Relevant Ethnic Self-help Group for Mother Tongue Language

Leon Perera asked whether students could receive tuition assistance from an ethnic self-help group for a Mother Tongue they study, even if they are not from that ethnic group.
The Minister's representative stated that the government does not direct self-help groups, so it is not the Ministry's role to allow or disallow such assistance.
It was noted that students studying any Mother Tongue are eligible for tuition programmes under the Collaborative Tuition Programme, which is jointly organized by the self-help groups.

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27 Feb 2018

Sexual Harassment Cases at Workplace and Through Use of Technology

The Minister for Home Affairs reported that from 2013 to 2017, police received an average of about 100 annual reports for upskirting using technology and about 20 annual reports for workplace harassment, with 97% of reports made by females.
Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked for additional statistics on sexual harassment outside technology and workplace settings and whether there are plans to strengthen Section 509 of the Penal Code to include men as victims.
The Parliamentary Secretary responded that the Penal Code is being reviewed holistically, including Section 509, to determine necessary enhancements.

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19 Feb 2018

Priority Outpatient Treatment for Elderly Patients at Polyclinics and Hospitals

Joan Pereira inquired about the priority queue scheme for frail and elderly patients at outpatient clinics and hospitals and its applicability across service points.
Gan Kim Yong explained that appointments are based on clinical need, with priority given to those who are more ill or require urgent care regardless of age.
He noted that clinics provide assistance such as wheelchairs, mobility aids, and priority seating for elderly or frail patients.
Additional conveniences like self-help kiosks, online booking, home medication delivery, and retail collection are available to reduce queuing.
The priority scheme is focused on clinical urgency and patient needs rather than solely on age, with support services integrated across service points.

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19 Feb 2018

Enhancing Public Awareness of Special Needs Children and Needs of Their Parents and Caregivers

The Ministry of Social and Family Development highlighted ongoing public education campaigns like NCSS's "See the True Me" and inclusive infrastructure such as playgrounds to raise awareness of special needs children and their caregivers.
The Ministry, in collaboration with tripartite partners, encourages employers to support parents through flexible work arrangements, citing resources like the Work-Life Grant and the Tripartite Standard on FWAs.
Members of Parliament suggested more direct engagement with employers and HR teams, as well as sustainable daily awareness efforts using public spaces and established organizations like the Pioneer Generation Office.
The Ministry acknowledged these suggestions and emphasized the need for collective effort across public, private, and people sectors to build a more inclusive society.

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6 Feb 2018

Support for Senior Citizens

Speakers emphasized a holistic approach to supporting seniors, focusing on health promotion, homecare services, assisted living models, and technology integration to enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Multiple members highlighted the need for stronger family and community support, including public education on filial piety, improved caregiver leave and tax relief, and better protection against elder abuse and neglect.
The debate called for expanded employment opportunities for seniors, such as raising re-employment ages, eliminating age discrimination, and creating age-friendly workplaces through job redesign and flexible work arrangements.

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6 Feb 2018

Support for Senior Citizens

Parliamentarians recognize seniors as invaluable contributors to society and call for strengthened support to ensure they age with dignity, emphasizing community initiatives and government action to address challenges like retirement adequacy and healthcare.
Proposed policy changes include creating more affordable and dignified living options for seniors, such as assisted living and retirement villages, and enabling them to monetize housing assets to fund their retirement years.
Suggestions also focus on enhancing employability and volunteerism for seniors, bridging the digital divide, improving caregiver support through leave provisions, and promoting intergenerational bonding and mental wellness programs.

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6 Feb 2018

Applications received for HDB Season Parking for Persons with Disability

The Car Park Label Scheme (CPLS) has been in place since 1980 and offers two types of labels for drivers with disabilities and caregivers transporting persons with disabilities.
SG Enable processes over 3,000 applications annually for CPLS, with more than 90% approved.
Unsuccessful applications are primarily due to medical professionals assessing that the applicant can use standard parking lots without needing accessible spaces.

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5 Feb 2018

Female Students Taking up Engineering Courses at ITE, Polytechnic and University

In the past five years, about 20% of engineering students at ITE, polytechnics, and universities were female, totaling around 3,600 female students annually.
Approximately 70% of female engineering graduates in full-time employment reported working in engineering-related jobs after graduation.
The Ministry has initiatives like Applied Learning Programmes in STEM at secondary schools and industry outreach by polytechnics to encourage more students, including females, to pursue engineering.
These programmes involve collaboration with industry practitioners and teachers to showcase the benefits of engineering careers.
The overall goal is to increase participation in engineering courses among all students, with a focus on making the field more appealing to females.

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