Religion, race & rights — Topics

7 Nov 2016

Measures to Deter Social Media from Sowing Discord among Racial and Religious Groups

Minister K Shanmugam stated that Singapore's laws, including the Penal Code, Sedition Act, Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act, and Telecommunications Act, criminalize social media posts or publications that sow discord among racial and religious groups, with penalties such as imprisonment, fines, or both for first offences.
Specific offences like promoting enmity under section 298A of the Penal Code or ill-will under the Sedition Act carry imprisonment up to three years, fines up to $5,000, and harsher punishments for repeat offenders.
The Minister emphasized that there have been prosecutions for such transgressions and reiterated the government's tough stance and zero tolerance against anyone undermining Singapore's racial and religious harmony.
The government plans to review existing legislation to ensure it remains relevant in deterring harmful online content.

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7 Nov 2016

Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill

Dr Tan Wu Meng argued that reserved elections for the presidency are a necessary safeguard to ensure multiracial representation, drawing on global examples where mere constitutional equality failed to guarantee minority participation and emphasizing that building shared spaces and mutual understanding is key to unity.
Murali Pillai supported the bill, highlighting that the reserved election provision for minorities is a vital signal of inclusivity and a constitutional safeguard, especially given Singapore's history and the need to adapt to global pressures that could threaten racial harmony.
Both speakers stressed that the amendment reinforces Singapore's commitment to multiracialism, with Dr Tan focusing on daily actions and community engagement, while Mr Pillai underscored the historical context and the importance of ensuring all communities feel represented in the nation's highest office.

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7 Nov 2016

Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill

The Bill updates the eligibility criteria for Presidential candidates, requiring a higher threshold for private sector candidates based on shareholders' equity and introducing a 20-year "look-back" period to ensure relevant recent experience, while expanding the Presidential Elections Committee to include more expertise.
It establishes a "five-term hiatus" model to ensure multiracial representation in the Presidency, reserving elections for a specific racial community if that community has not held the office for the last five consecutive terms, while maintaining the same stringent eligibility criteria for all candidates.
The framework for the President's custodial powers is enhanced, including a uniform duty to consult the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA), time limits for exercising vetoes, a revised process for disclosing reasons, and strengthening the CPA with additional members and staggered terms.
The entrenchment framework is revised to create a two-tier system for constitutional amendments related to the Presidency, replacing the referendum requirement with a simpler majority vote for certain tiers and giving legal weight to the CPA's advice in the process.
The maximum number of Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) is increased from nine to twelve, and they are granted full voting rights equal to elected MPs.

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7 Nov 2016

Message from the President

The President emphasized the need for the Elected Presidency to remain relevant, balancing its symbolic role in upholding multiracialism with its custodial function over national reserves and public appointments, supporting a proposed mechanism to reserve elections for a minority group if needed.
The President endorsed the Commission’s recommendations to enhance eligibility criteria for candidates, citing the growing complexity of the role, while cautioning that the President should not act as a second centre of power but work harmoniously with the Government.
The President highlighted the importance of maintaining the Council of Presidential Advisers’ non-political role and the use of parliamentary override to prevent arbitrary decisions, noting that past cooperation between the President and the Council has been effective.
Reflecting on the constitutional review process, the President urged Parliament to consider changes with a long-term vision for Singapore, using a sporting analogy to stress the need for a capable President who supports, rather than obstructs, national governance.

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7 Nov 2016

Paralympic Achievements

The Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien, moved a motion to congratulate the 13 Team Singapore Paralympians on their achievements at the 2016 Rio Games, where they won two gold and one bronze medal, highlighting their inspiration and the support from the "team behind the team."
Other ministers and members of parliament echoed the congratulations, praising the athletes' resilience, dedication, and role as national inspirations, while also acknowledging the crucial support from families, coaches, and officials.
Speakers emphasized that the Paralympians' accomplishments go beyond medals, showcasing the power of the human spirit and promoting a message of inclusion and possibility for all Singaporeans with disabilities.
Discussions highlighted the long journey and sacrifices of para-athletes, the importance of societal support, and the need to move beyond awareness to genuine inclusion in schools, workplaces, and communities.
The motion was unanimously passed, with members standing to applaud the athletes, underscoring national pride and a collective commitment to celebrating abilities over disabilities.

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10 Oct 2016

BTO Flats Returned for Failing to Meet Key Collection Conditions

Zainal Sapari asked about the number of BTO flats returned to HDB due to failure to meet key collection conditions over the last two years and whether HDB could allow sellers to exceed the racial quota for existing flats to take possession of new ones.
Lawrence Wong stated that about 700 BTO buyers per year in 2014 and 2015 failed to collect keys due to eligibility or payment issues, representing roughly 3% of annual buyers.
He explained that HDB cannot waive the Ethnic Integration Policy limits to help sellers sell existing flats above racial quotas, as the policy ensures neighborhood diversity and many sellers find eligible buyers.

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10 Oct 2016

Number and Length of Stay at Crisis Shelters for Abused Women and Their Children

Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked about the number of abused women and children seeking temporary shelter, their average stay length, and whether more shelters are needed.
Over the past three years, an average of 240 abused women and children sought refuge annually at the four Ministry-funded crisis shelters.
The average length of stay at these shelters was four months.
The Ministry stated that current shelter capacity is sufficient, so there are no plans to establish more shelters.
The Ministry will continue to monitor the adequacy of its services for abuse victims.

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10 Oct 2016

Cultivating Inclusive Environment in Schools for Special Needs Students

Ng Chee Meng outlined that all teachers receive basic training on special needs and some undergo further training to differentiate instruction and foster empathy, while Co-Curricular Activities and Values in Action programs help students practice inclusivity.
Approximately 180 students per year over the past five years, mostly at the primary level, have transitioned from mainstream to special education schools, primarily due to severe special educational needs and behavioral issues.
The Ministry ensures an inclusive environment by leveraging allied educators and teacher training to promote respect for differences and inclusive classroom cultures.

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10 Oct 2016

Employment Rate of Graduates of Special Education Schools

The Acting Minister for Education reported that about 300 students graduate from Special Education (SPED) schools annually, with diverse readiness for work; roughly one-third enter regular employment, half go to sheltered workshops or day activity centres, and 10% pursue further studies.
MOE has implemented a vocational education framework and certification pathways through institutions like Metta School and Delta Senior School to equip SPED students with life skills and work habits for employment or further training.
A School-to-Work Transition Programme, developed with MSF and SG Enable, supports students in their final school year and up to one year after graduation with job placement, customised training, and internships to prepare them for employment.
SG Enable offers employment assistance, training, and internship opportunities for persons with disabilities, while employers can access funding for job redesign and workplace modifications through the Open Door Programme and benefit from the Special Employment Credit when hiring them.

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13 Sep 2016

Restrictions on Political Activity and Discussion at Yale-NUS College

Chen Show Mao inquired about restrictions on political activity and discussion at Yale-NUS College and how they compare with other publicly-funded universities in Singapore.
Ong Ye Kung stated that universities, including Yale-NUS, allow discussion of political issues in academic contexts to foster critical thinking but avoid activities that use the institution to advance partisan interests.
The response emphasized that universities remain neutral places for learning and do not permit activities that could make them platforms for sectarian or political agendas.

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13 Sep 2016

Provision of Anti-harassment Training to Staff in Tertiary Institutions

Louis Ng asked if the Ministry would provide anti-harassment training to staff in tertiary institutions similar to the Tripartite Advisory and adapt the Advisory into guidelines for student-student interactions.
Ong Ye Kung responded that tertiary institutions already have harassment prevention policies and guidelines aligned with the Advisory's principles, which are communicated during inductions and events.
He noted that reporting channels exist for incidents, such as teacher-mentors or hotlines, and institutions will continue adopting best practices from the Advisory to enhance safety.

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13 Sep 2016

HDB Void Decks with Accessibility Issues Due to Difference in Height between Void Deck and Surrounding Pavement

Leon Perera raised concerns about HDB void decks being raised platforms that create accessibility barriers for wheelchair users and those with mobility devices, and asked for statistics, modification progress, future plans, and safety assessments.
Lawrence Wong explained that raised void decks are found mainly in older HDB blocks to prevent rainwater wetting, while newer blocks do not have them, and the government has been proactive with barrier-free accessibility programs since 2006.
He noted that the Barrier Free Accessibility Programme and Lift Upgrading Programme have retrofitted estates with ramps and handrails, but some locations remain challenging due to technical or site constraints, and further improvements can be made through Town Council works or renewal programs.

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13 Sep 2016

Review for Driving Instructors Reaching 70 Years of Age

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked for a case-by-case review allowing driving instructors who are fit and well to continue teaching after turning 70.
The Minister for Home Affairs, K Shanmugam, responded that the Traffic Police is currently reviewing the upper age limit for driving instructors.
The government will announce the outcome of the review once it is completed.

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13 Sep 2016

Employees Benefiting from Revision of Employment Assistance Payment

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah inquired about the number of employees who have benefited from the Employment Assistance Payment (EAP) since its last revision and asked what the Ministry is doing to address employers dismissing or refusing to hire workers nearing age 62 to avoid paying EAP.
Lim Swee Say explained that employers must offer re-employment to eligible employees turning 62, with over 98% of such workers being offered continued employment since 2012, and EAP is only required as a last resort when re-employment is not possible.
The Ministry reminded employers that dismissing employees under 62 due to age is unlawful and that failure to offer re-employment or EAP is an offence, while urging them to value older workers and not use age as a hiring factor.
Support for employers includes the WorkPro scheme to redesign jobs and the Special Employment Credit to encourage hiring workers above 55, aimed at helping older employees continue working in a tight labour market.

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13 Sep 2016

New Benchmark for Madrasahs under New PSLE Scoring System

The basis for madrasah benchmarks remains unchanged under the new PSLE scoring system, pegged to the average PSLE score of Malay pupils in the six lowest-performing national primary schools taking four Standard-level subjects.
The Ministry of Education has engaged school leaders, including principals of the four full-time madrasahs offering primary-level education, to explain the new PSLE system.
MOE will continue working with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore to address any queries or concerns from the madrasahs.

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13 Sep 2016

Fostering Community Unity with SGSecure

SGSecure is a call to action for Singaporeans to unite and prepare for terrorist threats, building on the Community Engagement Programme since 2006 to strengthen communal harmony and resilience.
It focuses on fostering unity after attacks, drawing lessons from incidents like the London 7/7 bombings to prevent distrust and ensure communities support each other regardless of race or religion.
The initiative's pillars, "Stay United" and "Stay Strong," aim to help communities pull together, bounce back quickly, and show they will not be cowed by attacks.
SGSecure will be launched by the Prime Minister on 24 September, with programmes rolled out across schools, workplaces, National Service, and community groups.

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13 Sep 2016

Accreditation of Islamic Religious Teachers under Asatizah Recognition Scheme

The Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS) currently recognises 1,805 Islamic religious teachers, about 80% of those providing education in Singapore, and will become mandatory from 1 January 2017 with a one-year transition period for others to qualify.
ARS is a joint effort by MUIS, PERGAS, and the Asatizah Recognition Board, with continuous professional education requirements and engagement efforts to support all religious teachers, including those in private madrasahs and home classes.
Non-ARS registered persons teaching religious education to the public may face regulatory measures, and MUIS will ensure providers only engage ARS-registered teachers while educating the public on verified lists.
Foreign religious teachers invited to give public talks in Singapore must apply for a Miscellaneous Work Pass, with MUIS working with the Ministry of Manpower to ensure they meet required standards.

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13 Sep 2016

Tribute to Former President of Singapore, The Late Mr SR Nathan

Former President SR Nathan was remembered for his humble beginnings, distinguished civil service career, and exemplary presidency, where he embodied multiracialism and tirelessly championed the less fortunate through initiatives like the President's Challenge.
Speakers highlighted his courage and dedication, notably during the 1974 Laju hijacking incident where he volunteered as a hostage, and his decisive leadership in approving the use of national reserves during the 2008 financial crisis to support Singapore's economy.
Tributes emphasized his personal touch, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to public service, with many recalling his warmth, attention to detail, and lifelong passion for advancing Singapore and its people.

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16 Aug 2016

Resident Workers Offered Re-employment Contracts upon Reaching Retirement Age

Since the re-employment model was introduced in 2012, over 98% of resident employees wishing to work beyond age 62 were offered re-employment, with 98% of those in 2015 not experiencing a basic wage cut.
A small minority of 2% faced wage reductions upon re-employment, with a median cut of 10%, and nearly one in ten on new contracts actually received higher wages.
The Ministry of Manpower ensures fair wage adjustments by requiring that any changes be based on reasonable factors such as productivity, performance, and duties, guided by the Retirement and Re-employment Act and tripartite guidelines.
Tripartite guidelines on re-employment are gazetted and used by courts and MOM to settle disputes, and employees are encouraged to seek early assistance from unions or MOM if they feel wages are unfairly adjusted.
The re-employment age is currently 65 and will be raised to 67 by July 2017, as part of ongoing efforts to support older workers.

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16 Aug 2016

Abuse and Harassment of Students in Orientation Programmes

Members of Parliament asked about regulations, standardization, checks, enforcement, and disciplinary actions regarding sexual harassment and abuse during orientation programmes in tertiary institutions.
Specific inquiries were made about the number of complaints, safeguards, monitoring, resources, and the existence of civil or criminal suits related to recent incidents at the National University of Singapore.
The Acting Minister for Education was not present to answer the questions immediately, leading to the responses being provided in written form at a later stage.

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