Religion, race & rights — Topics

9 Jan 2017

ASEAN Meeting Update on Developments in Myanmar Rakhine State

At the 19 December 2016 ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat, officials discussed the situation in Rakhine State, including Myanmar's efforts and how ASEAN could support humanitarian aid delivery and long-term solutions.
Singapore emphasized that governments must protect all people regardless of race or religion, while also maintaining border security, and acknowledged the complexity and sensitivity of inter-communal issues in Rakhine State.
Singapore raised over $350,000 through local fundraising to support affected communities in Rakhine State and Aceh, with funds channeled through Myanmar-based organizations to assist all affected groups regardless of ethnicity or religion.

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9 Jan 2017

Measures to Ensure Safe Evacuation of Persons Using Mobility Aids during Train Breakdowns

Leon Perera inquired about safety measures for evacuating persons using mobility aids like wheelchairs during train breakdowns, especially when evacuating via rail tracks.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that during detrainments, staff assist commuters with special mobility needs, and SCDF personnel use stretchers to evacuate wheelchair users due to narrow maintenance walkways.
He added that regular detrainment exercises involving wheelchair users are conducted with the Land Transport Authority and SCDF, with the most recent exercise held in December 2016.

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9 Jan 2017

Retirement and Re-employment (Amendment) Bill

The bill raises the re-employment age ceiling from 65 to 67, removes the option for employers to cut wages at age 60, and allows re-employment offers from another employer with the worker's consent, aiming to balance business flexibility and worker security.
Multiple MPs support the bill but urge stronger measures to help mature workers stay employable, such as extending wage subsidies, promoting job redesign, and enhancing skills training to address disruptions from technological and economic changes.
Minister Lim Swee Say explains the shift from raising the retirement age to re-employment age, citing higher employment rates in Singapore and Japan compared to other countries, and addresses concerns about CPF payout eligibility, anti-discrimination enforcement, and guidelines for fair re-employment terms.

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9 Jan 2017

Retirement and Re-employment (Amendment) Bill

The Bill raises the re-employment age from 65 to 67, allows employers to transfer re-employment obligations to another employer with the employee's consent, and removes the option for employers to cut wages at age 60.
Ministers and MPs generally support the Bill as a timely step to address ageing demographics and provide more job security for older workers, while acknowledging the need for tripartite collaboration to ensure effective implementation and address potential issues like ageism and contract insecurity.
Concerns raised include the adequacy of safeguards for employees, the burden on businesses, the need for continuous skills upgrading, and the importance of linking retirement age policies to life expectancy and CPF payout ages to better support older workers.

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9 Jan 2017

Impact of Softer Economy on Employment of Recent Graduates and Older Workers

The Minister for Manpower reported that while the Singapore economy is projected to grow modestly, the Ministry does not forecast unemployment rates, though short-term fluctuations are expected; recent graduates from autonomous universities have a consistent employment rate of about 90% within six months, and older workers (aged 55-64) have seen a high employment rate of 67.3%, though unemployment among residents aged 50 and above has slightly increased by 0.2% over two years.
The government is providing extra support for older workers through measures like the Special Employment Credit, raising the re-employment age to 67, and the Adapt and Grow initiative, which has helped place over 11,000 workers with 39% being aged 50 and above in the first nine months of 2016.
Dr Lim Wee Kiak highlighted concerns from constituents about older workers facing job loss, underemployment, and potential exploitation by employers under government schemes, and questioned the success rates and tracking of placement programs like Place and Train, WDA, and e2i.
The Minister responded that Workforce Singapore and e2i track each jobseeker individually, with about 65% of those needing extra help finding jobs within the same calendar year, and special attention is given to long-term unemployed through programs like Professional Conversion Programme and Career Support Programme, with ongoing efforts to enhance the Adapt and Grow initiatives.

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9 Jan 2017

Singapore's Response to Refugee Situation in Rakhine State in Myanmar

Singapore participated in ASEAN’s informal meeting to discuss the Rakhine crisis and emphasised the need for humanitarian aid, long-term solutions, and the protection of all communities regardless of race or religion.
The Singapore government highlighted the complexity of the situation, encouraged patience and restraint, and noted that local communities raised nearly S$400,000 for affected communities in Rakhine State and Aceh.
Singapore contributed US$200,000 to an ASEAN trust fund for humanitarian relief and is considering further assistance modalities, though no decision has been made on matching funds.
The Minister acknowledged security concerns related to extremism in the region and stressed the importance of resolving conflicts to prevent areas from becoming havens for violence and terrorism.

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9 Nov 2016

Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean defended the reserved presidential election for minorities as a necessary step to address minority representation, citing 25 years of experience with the Elected Presidency and the success of the GRC system.
Opposition members raised concerns about the lack of a referendum, potential politicization of the presidency, and the need for public disclosure of the Attorney-General's advice on counting terms for reserved elections.
The government clarified that the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA) has no veto power and that resources would be provided for the President and CPA, while also noting that the NCMP provisions guarantee opposition voices in Parliament.
The bill passed its second and third readings with overwhelming support (77-6), meeting the two-thirds requirement for constitutional amendments.
An amendment was made to Clause 22 to ensure that presidential refusals or decisions on certain entities cannot be overruled without a Cabinet resolution following a request from the entity's chairman.

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9 Nov 2016

Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean defended the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, emphasizing that the proposed changes—based on recommendations from an independent Constitutional Commission—aim to strengthen the Elected Presidency’s custodial roles and ensure multiracial representation.
He criticized the Workers’ Party’s late introduction of an elected Senate proposal as unconsultative and poorly thought out, contrasting it with the Government’s transparent 10-month process and urging the WP to detail their plan before campaigning for it.
The Bill adjusts eligibility criteria for presidential candidates, harmonizes the Council of Presidential Advisers’ functions, and introduces a hiatus-triggered mechanism to ensure minority representation, while rejecting calls for a referendum as potentially confusing and unnecessary.

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9 Nov 2016

Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill

The Workers' Party proposes replacing the Elected Presidency with an elected Senate, but the Minister for Law argues the proposal is fundamentally flawed, noting it would create eight presidents with the same elitist qualifications, exacerbating issues of politicisation and gridlock.
The debate highlights concerns about the Elected Presidency’s dual roles—symbolic unifier and custodian of reserves—with some members questioning how these tensions can be managed, while the government defends the system as necessary for safeguards.
The Bill introduces a reserved election mechanism to ensure minority representation, with support for multiracialism, though some members express concerns about tokenism and the need for genuine minority inclusion beyond symbolic gestures.

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9 Nov 2016

Installing Access Symbols at Tables Reserved for Disabled and Care-givers

Murali Pillai proposed that the Code on Accessibility be enhanced to include access symbols on tables reserved for disabled persons, clarifying that the seats are also for their accompanying caregivers, family, or friends.
The Senior Minister of State for National Development noted that the current code already requires a set-aside of tables with access symbols and that the intent is to prioritize persons with disabilities and their companions, relying on societal compassion.
The Minister acknowledged the feedback and agreed to pass it to the Building and Construction Authority for consideration.
The debate concluded with the Speaker moving to the introduction of a Government Bill, and any unanswered questions would be provided in writing.

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9 Nov 2016

Re-employment of Women beyond Age 62

The Minister of State reported that over 98% of local employees, including women, were offered re-employment at ages 62 and 65 in 2015, with government measures like raising the re-employment age to 67 and providing wage offsets and workplace support to aid older workers.
Nominated MP K Thanaletchimi sought targeted strategies to extend employment for older women, emphasizing the need for sufficient savings and interim measures before the re-employment age increase.
The Minister responded with a gender-neutral tripartite approach, highlighting outreach programs for older female workers and ongoing support like Special Employment Credit and age-friendly workplace initiatives.
The debate underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between the government, unions, and employers to sustain and improve re-employment opportunities for older workers.

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9 Nov 2016

Curtailing Increase in Malay Drug Abuser Numbers

The Parliamentary Secretary reported a rise in drug abuser numbers from 2010 to 2015, with Malay and Indian Muslim communities disproportionately affected, and outlined multi-pronged efforts in prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation.
Specific measures for the Malay community include collaborations with organizations like MENDAKI, AMP, and MUIS to deliver targeted anti-drug education and support services.
The government emphasized a zero-tolerance policy, enhanced enforcement through laws like the Organised Crime Act, and improved rehabilitation programs, while stressing the need for community and individual commitment to combat drug abuse.

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9 Nov 2016

Complaints about Misleading and Derogatory Internet Advertisements

The Minister reported that from 2013 to 2015, ASAS received 124 complaints about misleading and 5 about derogatory online ads, investigating each and taking actions such as requesting ad removals or imposing sanctions on repeat offenders, with new digital marketing guidelines issued in 2015.
The Minister emphasized that while the industry is self-regulated, the government will intervene against ads threatening racial or religious harmony, public morality, or national interest, and consumers are urged to exercise caution.
Saktiandi Supaat expressed concern about the rising trend in complaints and asked about strategies beyond guidelines to maintain ethical advertising standards.
The Minister stated the complaint numbers show an unclear trend but may reflect growing online activity, and that addressing issues requires a mix of engagement, education, and enforcement within the industry.

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8 Nov 2016

Criteria for Granting Foreign Entity Permit to Engage in Activities Relating to Speakers' Corner Events

Seah Kian Peng asked about the criteria for granting foreign entities permits for Speakers' Corner events, to which K Shanmugam explained that non-Singapore entities require permits and are assessed case-by-case based on law and order concerns and whether the event addresses race or religion.
Permits will not be granted to foreigners or non-Singapore entities if the event relates to political or controversial social issues, reinforcing that Speakers' Corner is primarily for Singaporeans.
Singapore entities can organise or assist events without permits under the Public Order (Unrestricted Area) Order 2016, which changed in November 2016, while non-Singapore entities remain exempt from this allowance.

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8 Nov 2016

Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill

Supporters of the bill argue it strengthens the Presidency by introducing a reserved election mechanism to ensure multiracial representation, which is seen as vital for national unity and symbolic of Singapore's social fabric.
The Workers' Party proposes an alternative system with an appointed President and an elected Senate to handle custodial powers, arguing this would keep the Presidency above politics and allow for collective wisdom, but critics say this creates an unelected body with significant power.
Debate centers on whether the current elected presidency system risks politicization, with opponents of the bill warning that tightening eligibility criteria narrows the candidate pool unnecessarily and may not address core concerns about the President's unifying role.

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8 Nov 2016

Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong strongly supports the Bill, arguing the Elected Presidency is a crucial stabiliser for Singapore's political system to safeguard national reserves and ensure multiracial representation, proposing a hiatus-triggered model to reserve elections for minority candidates if no one from that community has been President for five terms.
The Workers' Party opposes the Bill, advocating for an appointed ceremonial President and an elected Senate to handle custodial powers, while calling for a national referendum on the proposed changes, citing concerns that the current amendments could entrench political control and undermine parliamentary democracy.
Other MPs expressed mixed views, with some supporting the Bill’s intent to ensure racial representation and updated eligibility criteria, while others raised concerns about the politicisation of the presidency, the increased powers of the Council of Presidential Advisers, and the need for broader qualifications beyond corporate experience.

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8 Nov 2016

Assistance for Lifelong Replacement of Aids for Persons with Special Needs

Denise Phua asked if the Ministry can provide further assistance for persons with special needs who require lifelong replacements of motorised wheelchairs and hearing aids.
The Parliamentary Secretary explained that the Assistive Technology Fund subsidizes up to 90% of equipment costs, with enhancements including broader criteria, a doubled lifetime cap, and higher income eligibility.
Phua suggested studying the total lifetime cost of assistive devices and exploring economies of scale to improve access and affordability for wheelchair users.
The Ministry acknowledged the suggestions and affirmed its commitment to enhancing support for persons with disabilities.
The debate highlighted the increased take-up of the Assistive Technology Fund since its enhancement and the ongoing monitoring of beneficiaries' needs.

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7 Nov 2016

Mental Health Declaration for Job Applications

The debate centered on whether employers, particularly the Public Service, should require job applicants to declare any history of mental illness.
Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked if the Government should lead by example by removing such declarations for non-sensitive Public Service positions.
The Government's position, as stated by Lim Swee Say, is that job applications should only ask for information relevant to assessing suitability, and Public Service declarations do not disqualify candidates.
The Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices emphasize merit-based recruitment, considering skills, qualifications, experience, and personal attributes over medical history.

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7 Nov 2016

Ramps for HDB Flats with Steps at Entrances

Melvin Yong asked about the number of HDB flats with multi-step entrances, the possibility of subsidised ramps for accessibility, and the earliest timeline for installation given Singapore’s ageing population.
Lawrence Wong explained that over 100,000 older HDB flats built in the 1970s–80s had multi-step entrances for privacy and security, but these now pose challenges for elderly and wheelchair users.
He noted that any solution must be customised to each block’s configuration, corridor space, and fire safety requirements, and may be rolled out under the Enhancement for Active Seniors scheme or other programmes.
Wong said HDB is exploring financial assistance options with other agencies for low-income families and is working to streamline the application process for residents who want to install ramps privately.
In the meantime, residents can approach HDB branches for help with ramp installation and may seek financial aid from voluntary welfare organisations or community advisers.

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7 Nov 2016

Actions against Foreign Entities that Undermine Singapore's Racial or Religious Harmony

Lim Biow Chuan asked whether Singapore's laws can be strengthened to prevent foreign entities from undermining racial or religious harmony through malicious lies.
K Shanmugam outlined existing laws such as the Penal Code, Sedition Act, and Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act, which criminalize incitement of hatred and disharmony, with penalties including imprisonment and fines.
The government has prosecuted violations under these laws and will continue to take a tough stand against actions that threaten racial and religious harmony.
The government will review its legislation to ensure it remains relevant in addressing threats to social harmony.

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