Religion, race & rights — Topics

11 Jul 2016

Teaching in Schools of Acceptance of Diversity

The Ministry of State for Education outlined that schools teach acceptance of diversity through the national curriculum, emphasizing values like respect and harmony via Character and Citizenship Education (CCE), Social Studies, History, Values in Action programmes, and Co-Curricular Activities, with regular curriculum reviews to ensure relevance.
In institutes of higher learning, students engage with diversity through formal modules, electives, and events such as Global Community Day and Diversity and Inclusion Conferences, complemented by group work and community interactions to deepen appreciation of diversity.
The Member for Aljunied praised the comprehensive approach but highlighted incidents of insensitive remarks on social media, proposing more programmes to involve parents in addressing diversity issues, such as through the PSD platform.
The Minister of State for Education acknowledged the suggestion, stating that the Ministry is continuously improving its programmes and will study the proposal to enhance relevance in addressing diversity and discrimination.

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11 Jul 2016

Government's Plans to Prevent Racial Discrimination at Workplaces

The Ministry of Manpower and TAFEP use a multi-pronged approach combining advisory support and enforcement actions, such as warnings and curtailing work passes, to address workplace discrimination, with no repeat cases among penalized employers.
A 2014 survey showed two-thirds of firms implemented fair employment practices, with next survey planned for 2018 to include both employer and employee perspectives.
TAFEP runs an Exemplary Employer Award to recognize inclusive workplaces and will step up public education and HR training to promote merit-based hiring.
Some Members raised suggestions like surveying employees more directly and linking fair practices to government tenders, which the Ministry will consider through tripartite discussions.

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9 May 2016

Profile of Active Female Taxi Drivers

Ang Hin Kee asked about the percentage of female taxi drivers, their demographics, work challenges, and any specific support measures.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that 2.5% of active taxi drivers are female, with an age profile provided, and noted their primary concern is personal safety.
Taxi companies have installed panic buttons to alert the company, police, and nearby drivers when drivers are in distress, addressing safety concerns for both female and male drivers.

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9 May 2016

Acquittal of Female Offender of Sexual Assault Charges

Alex Yam and Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Ministry of Home Affairs whether it will amend the Penal Code to make sexual assault laws gender-neutral, including applying sexual penetration to female offenders and reviewing all relevant sections.
The debate follows a High Court judgment that acquitted a female offender of sexual assault charges, highlighting potential legal gaps in non-gender-neutral provisions.
K Shanmugam, speaking for the Ministry, stated that the Prosecution has appealed the High Court's decision and the Ministry will await the appeal's outcome before considering any amendments.

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9 May 2016

Enforcement Powers for Fair Employment Breaches

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) enforces existing laws like the Retirement and Re-employment Act, Employment Act, and Child Development Co-Savings Act to address discrimination based on age and gender, with TAFEP referring cases for enforcement.
MOM also handles complaints on other attributes like race, language, and religion, investigating and resolving most cases through employer rectification, while monitoring complaint trends.
The government is not currently considering new anti-discrimination laws, focusing instead on education and awareness to promote fair employment practices.

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9 May 2016

Increasing Parking Duration for Class 2 Label Scheme Vehicles in Lots for Handicapped

Joan Pereira requested an extension of the parking duration for Class 2 label holders from 60 minutes to two hours to better assist caregivers of persons with disabilities.
The Ministry explained that the current 60-minute limit balances the needs of all label holders, as extending it could reduce the availability of accessible parking lots given the rising number of Class 2 labels.
Pereira proposed creating a Class 2A license for caregivers with specific needs, such as the elderly, to allow longer parking durations on a case-by-case basis.
The Ministry reiterated that the 60-minute duration is reasonable for caregivers to safely assist passengers and that extending it could hinder access for other label holders.
Both sides acknowledged the growing demand for accessible parking, with the Ministry maintaining that the current policy best serves the shared needs of all users.

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9 May 2016

Sharing of Work Done by Religious Rehabilitation Group

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef proposed embedding Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG) visitations and sharing into the curriculum for asatizahs and madrasah students, which the Minister confirmed is partially implemented through Continuing Professional Education (CPE) modules and madrasah seminars.
The Minister outlined that asatizahs under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme must attend CPE programmes including RRG's counter-extremism module, with 80% participation currently and efforts to include the remaining 20%.
RRG engages madrasah students via learning journeys and seminars, and MUIS will continue strengthening the madrasah curriculum with RRG-developed content.
Assoc Prof Lateef also asked about involving mosque and youth committees in RRG activities, and whether overseas-trained asatizahs need to understand RRG's work; the Minister responded that all registered asatizahs must undergo CPE regardless of training origin, and mosques are encouraged to arrange RRG-related programmes.
The Minister highlighted that many groups, including religious and non-religious visitors, have toured the RRG Resource and Counselling Centre since 2014 to learn about combating extremism.

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14 Apr 2016

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

Minister Yaacob Ibrahim outlined initiatives to prepare the Malay/Muslim community for a changing economy and diverse socio-religious landscape, including the Future Ready Unit, MENDAKI SENSE courses, and MUIS's conference on fatwas to promote progressive religious thinking.
Minister Grace Fu emphasized building national identity and a caring society through shared experiences in sports, arts, and heritage, highlighting programs like Team Nila, OBS @ Coney, and the Our Singapore Fund to support citizen-led projects.
The Ministry addressed parliamentary queries on various topics, including racial harmony, volunteerism, support for traditional arts, and enhancements to sports and community facilities, while assuring ongoing efforts to strengthen social cohesion and inclusivity.

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13 Apr 2016

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

Members highlighted the need to build on the momentum from SG50 through initiatives like the Our Singapore Fund and to seek details on its implementation and potential expansion.
There was significant focus on supporting the Malay/Muslim community, including calls for MENDAKI’s plans, assistance for madrasah students, and the role of mosques and religious teachers in fostering harmony and countering radicalisation.
Debates on arts and culture emphasized enhancing accessibility, nurturing traditional arts, and ensuring community engagement, while also addressing the budget and potential political alignment of the People’s Association.
Sports discussions covered supporting para-athletes, improving local facilities like Yishun Swimming Complex, and encouraging a societal shift towards accepting sports as a viable career.
Several members advocated for stronger youth and family resilience, proposing modules for religious discourse, expanding Outward Bound School experiences, and better support for families and volunteers.

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12 Apr 2016

Committee of Supply – Head I (Ministry of Social and Family Development)

Multiple MPs urged stronger support for fathers and shared parenting, including extending paternity leave flexibility and promoting fathering education, while the Minister announced that unwed mothers will now receive full Government-Paid Maternity Leave and their children will be eligible for Child Development Accounts to reduce early disadvantages.
Concerns were raised about childcare affordability, fee transparency, and manpower shortages, with the Ministry responding that it is on track to meet childcare place targets, has introduced measures to attract early childhood educators, and will pilot the KidSTART programme to provide integrated early support for vulnerable children.
The debate highlighted unequal benefits for children of single or unwed parents, with MPs calling for equal access to schemes like Baby Bonus and housing support, while the Ministry confirmed it is expanding assistance through KidSTART and other targeted programmes.
MPs emphasised the need to support informal caregivers, review income criteria across schemes, and enhance the Enabling Masterplan for persons with disabilities, with the Ministry outlining ongoing investments in VWOs, social service professionals, and community-driven care initiatives.
The Minister concluded that Singapore’s social policies are guided by equal opportunities, strong families, and a united country, committing to proactive, community-based support while urging all Singaporeans to play a part in building a caring and inclusive society.

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5 Apr 2016

Installation of Barriers at Void Decks and Other Common Spaces

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked about guidelines for installing barriers in HDB common spaces to ensure accessibility for the disabled and elderly, and the Ministry's position on such installations.
The Senior Minister of State for National Development stated that Town Councils must follow the BCA's Code on Accessibility and the Building Control Act, ensuring barrier-free access is not obstructed, with enforcement by the Commissioner of Building Control if needed.
Assoc Prof Daniel Goh inquired about complaint avenues for the public regarding problematic barriers, and the Senior Minister of State replied that complaints can be directed to Town Councils or BCA.

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4 Apr 2016

Detentions under Section 160 of Women's Charter

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about the number of women and girls detained under Section 160 of the Women's Charter in the last five years, as well as the longest and mean duration of detention each year.
Over the last five years, a total of 10 women and girls were admitted under Section 160, with three discharged within a month after investigations and seven staying longer due to protection concerns and lack of suitable caregivers.
The mean duration of stay was two years, and the longest duration was four years, with an independent Discharge Committee reviewing cases every six months to prevent unnecessary detention.

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24 Mar 2016

Breakdown of Account Balances by Gender of CPF Members

Ms Foo Mee Har asked the Minister for Manpower to provide the average CPF balances by gender and a breakdown by age groups.
In 2015, males had an average net CPF balance of $86,000 and females $76,000, with the gender gap narrowing from 21% in 2005 to 14% in 2015.
The male-to-female ratio of average CPF balances is lower for younger age groups and increases for older age groups.

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24 Mar 2016

Homes for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

The Ministry reported six Adult Disability Homes with 650 places, with a six to 12 month average waiting time for admission, though urgent cases wait less than a month.
Additional residential options and community-based care are available, and the Ministry plans to open a new home in Sembawang and expand total places to 1,600 by 2018.
A Member highlighted cases of families struggling to find placements and questioned how waiting times could be shortened, with the Ministry committing to review services and explore further options.

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24 Mar 2016

Monies Disbursed from Malay/Muslim Community Development Fund

Between 2013 and 2015, nearly $10 million was disbursed from the Malay/Muslim Community Development Fund to support community initiatives in education, youth, social assistance, and employability.
A total of 53, 51, and 62 Malay/Muslim organisations benefited from the fund in 2013, 2014, and 2015 respectively.
The Minister confirmed that mosques do not qualify directly for funding but can partner with eligible organisations to access the fund.
The Minister did not have the number of funding applications received for the three years but offered to provide the figures when available.

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24 Mar 2016

Singaporeans Offered Lower Grade Jobs to Free Up Quota for Foreign Workers for Higher Level Jobs

Saktiandi Supaat raised concerns about companies offering lower grade jobs to locals to free up quotas for foreign workers in supervisory roles, seeking data and actions taken.
Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say emphasized that companies must treat locals fairly and warned that violations could lead to stricter scrutiny or suspension of work pass privileges.
TAFEP received around 1,400 complaints in three years, mostly nationality-related, and takes action like warnings or restricting foreign worker quotas if discrimination is proven.
The Minister clarified that not all cases of foreign workers reporting to locals indicate discrimination, as workforce composition varies by industry, but firm action is taken against unfair practices.
Desmond Choo suggested enhancing TAFEP’s capabilities beyond promotion, with the Minister agreeing to address this further at the Committee of Supply.

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14 Mar 2016

Criteria for Installing Elevators for Overhead Pedestrian Bridges and Within Train Stations

The Minister for Transport confirmed that MRT and LRT stations must be barrier-free with elevators from platforms to street level, and that elevators at overhead bridges are prioritized for locations near transport hubs, healthcare institutions, and neighbourhoods with higher elderly populations.
In response to a query about Farrer Park MRT station’s accessibility, the Minister acknowledged the concern and committed to reviewing it as part of the broader first-mile-last-mile connectivity programme, which aims to enhance public transport accessibility for all, especially the vulnerable.
A Member raised the need for a timeline for elevator installations in his ward, and the Minister explained that while prioritizing elderly-heavy areas, rollout depends on funding and competing demands across many overhead bridges.
The criteria for elevator installation apply equally to public and private estates, with priority given based on the concentration of elderly residents rather than estate type, though public estates often see faster implementation due to larger affected populations.

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1 Mar 2016

Preventing Outrage of Modesty Cases on MRT Trains

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked about the number of reported molestation cases on MRT trains, plans to reduce them, and whether warning signs should be placed in carriages.
The Parliamentary Secretary stated that there has been an annual average of 71 outrage of modesty cases over the past three years, with police patrols, outreach, and existing penalties in place, but no current need for warning signs.
Er Dr Lee highlighted concerns about underreporting due to embarrassment and asked about increased education, reporting guidance, and camera coverage.
The Parliamentary Secretary noted ongoing awareness efforts with public transport operators and assured that camera adequacy is taken seriously, while declining to detail operational use.
Leon Perera proposed women-only carriages if cases worsen, but the Parliamentary Secretary ruled out such plans, citing low case numbers relative to total ridership.

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29 Feb 2016

Disbursements from Open Door Fund

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about the number of awards, average quantum, and results of the Open Door Fund since its launch.
The Open Door Fund was enhanced and renamed the Open Door Programme in 2014, supported by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency and administered by SG Enable.
Since 2014, 140 companies have applied for Open Door Programme support, with an average claim of $3,000 per company.
Through the Open Door Programme and other initiatives, about 650 persons with disabilities have been placed in employment over the past two years.
The Open Door Programme includes initiatives like apprenticeships, training, and job redesign to encourage employment of persons with disabilities.

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29 Feb 2016

Early Intervention Services for Children with Speech Delay, Autism and at Risk of Moderate to Severe Disabilities

The Minister reported that the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) served about 2,600 children in 2015, with 6% having speech delays and 47% diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.
The current average waiting time for EIPIC is five to six months, with the Ministry planning to expand capacity by 28% to reach 3,200 places by 2018.
Children with milder needs are served through the Development Support Programme in mainstream preschools, which benefited about 1,200 children in 2015 and will see further development.

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