Religion, race & rights

• The bill introduces a mandatory parenting programme for divorcing couples with minor children to help them focus on their children's well-being before filing for divorce.
• It allows incapacitated husbands or ex-husbands to apply for spousal maintenance if they are unable to support themselves, a step towards gender equality but limited to cases of clear need.
• The bill voids marriages of convenience and enhances protections for victims of family violence by allowing married persons under 21 to apply for protection orders and restricting online disclosure of shelter locations.

• The Mental Capacity (Amendment) Bill was presented by Minister Tan Chuan-Jin to amend the Mental Capacity Act, marking its first reading in Parliament.
• The Bill proposes changes to the existing legal framework governing the mental capacity of individuals, with a second reading scheduled for a future parliamentary sitting.
• The debate focuses on updating the Act to better support persons with diminished mental capacity, potentially involving new provisions for decision-making and care arrangements.

• Patrick Tay asked if HDB can include constructing ramps at main entrances with multiple steps under the EASE funding scheme.
• The Minister explained that EASE already covers ramps for single-step entrances but multi-step entrances require customised solutions due to technical and space challenges.
• HDB allows flat owners to choose from commercial ramp options and assists with implementation through agencies and VWOs.
• Financial aid for ramps is available through ComCare, SG Enable, and other voluntary welfare organisations.

• Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked about waiting times for disability assessments by psychologists, speech therapists, and other trained personnel for children and adults.
• The Parliamentary Secretary responded that waiting times have improved, with median initial assessment waits of 6–19 days for school-aged children and 7–17 days for preschoolers, while specific programs like EIPIC average three months for assessment.
• The government is working to reduce waiting times further, with plans to increase EIPIC places to 3,200 by 2018 through new centres and expanded capacity.

• Multiple MPs emphasized the need for a strong security and economic foundation to ensure Singapore's survival and prosperity, with particular focus on adapting to an ageing population, restructuring the economy, and leveraging initiatives like SkillsFuture for lifelong learning.
• Debates highlighted the importance of social cohesion and the "Singapore Heartbeat," calling for a caring society that values unity, mutual support, and active citizenry to address vulnerabilities and maintain national resilience.
• Political reforms were discussed, including enhancements to the Elected Presidency, GRC system, and NCMP scheme, to ensure inclusive representation and good governance while safeguarding Singapore's multiracial and multi-religious harmony.

• The Minister explained that Singapore manages Islamic diversity through initiatives like the Singapore Muslim Identity project and guidelines from MUIS, which issues fatwas and engages groups to counter errant ideologies while promoting community cohesion.
• The Religious Rehabilitation Group was highlighted as a key effort to counter radicalisation by providing counselling and resources, with a call for community leaders to speak out against divisive doctrines.
• In response to Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef’s query on educational outreach, the Minister noted the Asatizah Recognition Scheme helps guide community members to certified religious teachers and that efforts are being studied to enhance its publicity and use.

• The Government engages religious organisations, community groups, and youth leaders through bodies like IRCCs and MCCY to raise awareness and vigilance against radicalisation.
• Informal religious groups are monitored for any teachings or actions that threaten social harmony or national security, despite constitutional freedom of religion.
• Visits by overseas religious leaders are approved based on a protocol that checks their teachings; those promoting intolerance are denied entry, regardless of prior publicity.
• The Ministry continues to work with self-help groups and the local Muslim community to counter extremist ideologies and tailor messages for youths.
• The government emphasizes a transparent but firm approach, denying entry to leaders whose teachings undermine Singapore's multiracial and religious harmony.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need for good politics to complement good policies, highlighting the importance of evolving Singapore's political system to ensure stability, accountability, and multiracialism. He proposed constitutional amendments to enhance the role of Non-Constituency MPs, including granting them full voting rights and increasing their numbers to strengthen opposition voices in Parliament.

The debate also focused on the Elected Presidency, with a call to review the qualifying criteria, strengthen the Council of Presidential Advisers, and ensure minority representation in the office. A Constitutional Commission will be formed to study these issues, chaired by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon.

Several MPs spoke on social inclusivity and opportunities, advocating for better support for older workers, single mothers, and those with mental health needs. Suggestions included enhancing the SkillsFuture initiative, reforming education streaming, and ensuring fair employment practices to build a more cohesive society.

• Parliament supports the President's Address, emphasising the need for a resilient, innovative economy and a caring society, with particular focus on education reform, lifelong learning, and addressing ageing demographics.
• Speakers highlight economic restructuring towards value creation and innovation, calling for education system changes to reduce exam stress, foster creativity, and support lifelong learning through initiatives like SkillsFuture.
• The debate stresses the importance of national security and social cohesion in countering terrorism, alongside proposals for inclusive education and stronger support for the elderly, including better long-term care options and anti-ageism measures in workplaces.

• The debate highlighted concerns over the rising threat of terrorism and violent extremism in Singapore and the region, emphasizing the need for a whole-of-society response to strengthen social and psychological resilience, with Muslim and non-Muslim communities urged to work together to maintain social harmony and counter radical ideologies.
• Speakers stressed the importance of nation-building by promoting social justice, improving access to legal aid and justice, and ensuring the independence of national institutions, with calls for greater transparency, an office of ombudsman, and enhanced support for the underprivileged.
• Economic renewal was a key focus, with recommendations to foster innovation, support SMEs and startups, refresh the education system to develop life skills and creativity, and maintain Singapore's competitiveness amid global challenges like automation and disruptive technologies.
• Several members discussed aging population issues, proposing integrated community hubs for seniors to promote active aging, social integration, and volunteerism, while addressing the social and economic impacts of a greying society.
• The need to strengthen national unity and social cohesion was emphasized, with speakers advocating for inclusive policies, better integration of new citizens, and celebrating Singapore's diverse identity to build a confident and cohesive society for the future.

• Mr Baey Yam Keng asked if the approach used for the play "Chronology on Death"—which involved an R18 rating and post-show dialogues—could be applied to other potentially controversial performances to allow more leeway.
• The Minister explained that the Media Development Authority classifies performances based on social norms and consults the Arts Consultative Panel, and that the R18 rating with a post-show dialogue was specific to this play due to its sensitive religious themes, not a general policy.
• The Minister clarified that post-show dialogues are not automatically granted for controversial content and each case is assessed individually, especially for works that denigrate religion, language, or race.
• It was noted that this approach has been used twice before, and the post-show dialogue for "Chronology on Death" proceeded smoothly, with the director explaining the play's intent to the audience.
• The Minister stated that while the government may explore more flexibility within the classification code, any decision will remain case-by-case and aligned with the Arts Consultative Panel's recommendations and the existing classification framework.

• Ms Lee Li Lian asked how Family Service Centres reach out to intellectually disabled individuals to help them find jobs and what the success rate is.
• The Ministry set up SG Enable in 2013 as a focal point for persons with disabilities, providing employment support through job referrals, training, and placement services.
• Family Service Centres and Social Service Offices refer individuals, including those with intellectual disabilities, to SG Enable for job matching and support.
• In financial year 2014, SG Enable and its partners placed more than 100 persons with disabilities in jobs, with about one-third having intellectual disabilities.

• The Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) guidelines are supplemented by the Retirement and Re-employment Act, which makes it an offence to dismiss employees under 62 due to age and mandates re-employment offers up to age 65, with a goal to raise the re-employment age to 67 soon.
• The government employs a two-pronged approach: the Special Employment Credit (SEC) provides wage subsidies for hiring older workers, and programmes like Professional Conversion Programmes (PCP), P-Max, and the Career Support Programme (CSP) offer financial support for reskilling and hiring older PMEs.
• Efforts are underway to address ageism through campaigns like "Tap into a Wealth of Experience," but mindset changes among employers and the community are deemed necessary, with TAFEP continuing to support capability building for older workers.

• Hri Kumar Nair questioned why dyslexic students in Specialised Independent Schools are excluded from subsidies for the dyslexia remediation programme and asked for a policy review.
• The Minister of State for Education stated that these schools offer customised curricula and that financial assistance is already provided, with plans to rationalise and extend subsidies to eligible students from January 2016.
• The debate concluded with the Speaker ending Question Time and noting that any unanswered questions would be addressed in writing.

• The Ministry of Manpower reported an average of fewer than 80 annual complaints about race-, language-, and religion-based workplace discrimination over the past five years, with most employers rectifying practices when engaged by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP).
• TAFEP and MOM use a promotional and capability-building approach to change employer mindsets, coupled with enforcement such as stern warnings and work pass curtailment for non-compliant cases, like the nine actions taken in 2014.
• While current measures are seen as effective, concerns were raised about under-reporting of discrimination, challenges in proving subtle cases, and the need for clearer recourse options for victims beyond work pass curtailment for nationality-based issues.
• MOM highlighted additional steps under the Fair Consideration Framework and National Jobs Bank to address discrimination, emphasizing a firm stance against all forms of workplace discrimination and the importance of factual accuracy in social media cases.

• The Minister outlined measures to support caregivers and strengthen the system for detecting and responding to elder abuse, including expanding eldercare services, training community partners, and introducing a new Vulnerable Adults Bill to empower public officers to intervene.
• Discussions highlighted the importance of community involvement, with neighbours, friends, and healthcare workers acting as "eyes and ears" to report abuse, and the need for education and awareness to overcome barriers to recognizing and reporting elder abuse.
• The Minister emphasized that while mandatory reporting by health professionals is under consideration, the focus remains on community-wide efforts and education, akin to the adage that it takes a village to care for the elderly.

• The Minister affirmed that the Singapore Armed Forces operates on a meritocratic system where women are given equal opportunities to advance, with examples cited of women holding high-ranking positions such as Division Sergeant Major, Brigadier-General, and Commanding Officer.
• The Minister confirmed that women could be appointed to top military leadership roles like Chief of the Army or Chief of Defence Force if they are meritorious, while noting that appointments to political office fall under the Prime Minister's purview.
• The Minister agreed that promotions are structured and require a series of appointments, and emphasized the need for gender-neutral standards and postings to ensure qualified women are not denied opportunities.
• The Minister highlighted that SAF’s policies support the life-cycle needs of servicewomen, align with international agreements like UN CEDAW, and aim to attract more women to contribute to national defence.

• The Public Service employs about 150 persons with disabilities, representing 0.1% of its workforce as of December 2014, and assesses all candidates holistically through merit-based, open recruitment.
• SG Enable, an agency under the Ministry of Social and Family Development, supports employment for persons with disabilities through job matching, job redesign, training, and workplace modification advice for both public and private sectors.
• The public sector awards contracts to entities like Adrenalin and procures gifts from VWOs to promote employment for persons with disabilities, while also leading re-employment for mature officers, with 1,887 officers aged 65 and above as of 2015.

• Dr Chia Shi-Lu proposed extending subsidies under the MOE-Aided Dyslexia Association of Singapore Literacy Programme to children with dyslexia attending special education schools to alleviate family financial burdens.
• Minister Heng Swee Keat explained that the literacy programme is specifically designed for mainstream school students without other special educational needs, with subsidies currently limited to this group.
• Special education schools already provide customised literacy support programmes, such as the Direct Instruction Reading and Oral Language Programme and Pathlight School’s Literacy Remediation Programme, which are funded by the government and offered at no additional cost to parents.
• The Ministry of Education will continue to collaborate with special education schools to support students requiring tailored literacy assistance.

• Police have established procedures, including the Appropriate Adults Scheme (AAS), to assist suspects with intellectual disabilities or mental disorders during investigations by providing support persons for effective communication.
• The AAS, implemented fully since May 2015, involves volunteers recruited by the Law Society and is activated based on suspect disclosures, agency records, or observed behavior indicative of disorders.
• After investigations, Police submit findings and medical reports to the Attorney General's Chambers, which holds final discretion on whether to charge the suspect.