Religion, race & rights

He Ting Ru raised concerns about ensuring the SG Culture Pass is accessible to lower-income Singaporeans and less engaged groups through targeted outreach. David Neo responded that the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) is collaborating with social and community agencies to reach these groups. The MCCY organizes outings for seniors with Active Ageing Centres and adapts events for those with mobility challenges in nursing homes. Additionally, the ministry works with the People's Association to facilitate more accessible events in local communities. The WeCare Arts Experience fund has been expanded to include Culture Pass eligible programs, aiding social service agencies in providing access to arts and heritage for low-income families and seniors. MCCY aims to continue these partnerships to enhance accessibility to local arts and heritage.

Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Minister for National Development about considerations for installing ramps at older HDB flats with multi-steps and alternative measures for seniors without caregivers. Chee Hong Tat explained that HDB provides subsidized accessibility solutions under the Enhancement for Active Seniors programme, including portable ramps, customized ramps, and wheelchair lifters. Assessments for solutions will consider corridor space, maintenance, fire escape routes, and potential alterations to existing structures. For cases where ramps are unsuitable, HDB will explore other options like wheelchair lifters.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat raised concerns about the per-capita funding model for disability services and its impact on families accessing multiple service providers. Masagos Zulkifli B M M responded that the Ministry of Social and Family Development aims to ensure safe and effective services while keeping costs sustainable for families. The current model involves appointing service providers based on their capabilities and offering means-tested subsidies that follow the beneficiary. The Ministry cautioned against implementing portable subsidies and free market competition, noting that this could lead to inefficiencies and inequitable access, particularly for individuals with complex needs.

Charlene Chen raised questions about the timelines and documentation needed for students with special educational needs to obtain examination access arrangements and the possibility of streamlining information-sharing to reduce repetitive submissions by parents. Desmond Lee responded that the Ministry of Education and SEAB aim to provide appropriate access arrangements for these students. Applications can be submitted from one year to two months before the examination, with documentation like diagnostic reports required. Starting January 2025, students with previously approved accommodations will not need to resubmit medical reports for similar conditions, except for complex requests requiring updated documentation.

Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for National Development about the number of appeals related to the Ethnic Integration Policy received by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) for each ethnic group in 2025, including how many were accepted and how many received buyback assistance. He also inquired about the number of HDB flat units that remained under HDB's ownership after being compulsorily acquired or bought back through the Ethnic Integration Policy buyback assistance by the end of 2025. Chee Hong Tat stated that these questions were previously addressed in a response to a similar inquiry made on 25 February 2026.

Fadli Fawzi asked about the percentage of madrasah students eligible for National Service who have not received Enlistment Notices since 2020, and the distribution of those who enlisted among the SAF, SCDF, and SPF. Chan Chun Sing explained that applications for deferment due to religious studies are assessed individually by MINDEF. Since 2020, an average of 30 madrasah students have been enlisted each year, serving across various Uniformed Services based on operational needs.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked about the proportion of students with special educational needs (SEN) in mainstream schools and how teachers are supported to cater to these students. Desmond Lee stated that approximately 7% of students in mainstream schools report SEN, a stable figure over the past three years. Schools use a whole-school approach, involving trained Teachers in Special Needs (TSNs) and ongoing professional development for teachers to better support all students. Primary schools are equipped with additional specially trained teachers for targeted interventions and SEN Officers to assist with learning and behavioral challenges.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong raised concerns about ensuring barrier-free access on public footpaths for mobility scooters and motorized wheelchairs to prevent users from being forced onto roads. Baey Yam Keng, the Minister of State for Transport, explained that new footpaths must meet specific width requirements and that existing ones are being widened unless site constraints exist. The Land Transport Authority considers resident feedback when planning upgrades in private estates, often in conjunction with other improvements. Tan also inquired about timelines for upgrades in private estates, to which Baey noted that the process is complex and must consider various practical constraints.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik queried about the enrollment of Primary 1 students at Madrasah Irsyad Zuhri Al-Islamiah who chose Tamil as their Mother Tongue Language, outreach efforts to encourage madrasah enrollment among Tamil-speaking Muslim parents, and initiatives for nurturing local Tamil-speaking asatizah. Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim reported that six Primary 1 students are currently enrolled in Tamil. A Madrasah Preparatory Programme has been established at Abdul Gafoor Mosque to assist Tamil-speaking families, led by community leaders and supported by MUIS. Additionally, various professional development initiatives are available for all asatizah, enhancing their religious knowledge and application in a multi-racial context.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Manpower whether disability employment data is collected by specific disability types. Tan See Leng responded that the Ministry collects employment statistics for persons with disabilities but does not disaggregate them by disability type due to potential inaccuracies. He emphasized that the needs of persons with disabilities in the workplace are diverse and informed by feedback from various stakeholders, which helps shape policies. The Taskforce on Assurance for Families with Persons with Disabilities is working on recommendations to enhance opportunities and support for persons with disabilities in the workforce.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked about MUIS's collaboration with Indian Muslim Organisations (IMOs) for Islamic legacy planning workshops tailored to the Indian Muslim community. Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim stated that MUIS promotes early Islamic Legacy Planning (ILP) and has a workgroup that includes representation from the Indian Muslim community. MUIS collaborates with IMOs and leaders through the Indian Muslim Community Steering Committee to increase awareness of ILP programs. A Tamil version of the ILP guidebook, "The Final Amanah," will be introduced later this year to enhance resource accessibility for the Indian Muslim community.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked about MUIS's funding support for Muslim student societies in Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and its assistance in developing leadership, outreach, and welfare initiatives. Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim confirmed that MUIS provides grants to these societies for youth development programmes, including Islamic learning initiatives. MUIS collaborates with government agencies and community organizations to engage Muslim youth, offering leadership development and annual dialogues with the Mufti. Additionally, MUIS supports the Malay/Muslim Youth Taskforce, focusing on career development, essential skills, cultural identity, and national participation.

Gho Sze Kee asked the Minister for National Development about the extent of discriminatory practices in the private residential rental market, particularly regarding the exclusion of Singaporeans. Chee Hong Tat responded that the Council for Estate Agencies requires property agents to adhere to guidelines promoting sensitivity to Singapore's multicultural society and prohibits discriminatory advertising. Agents violating these guidelines may face enforcement actions, and the public can file complaints regarding discriminatory practices.

He Ting Ru raised questions regarding gender representation within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, specifically asking for statistics on female officers and the career stage with the most pronounced gender divergence. Vivian Balakrishnan responded that approximately half of MFA employees are women, with women holding about a quarter of senior positions. The Ministry acknowledges the disruptive nature of overseas postings for officers with families and has implemented policies to support work-life balance, including considerations for personal circumstances. Selection processes prioritize merit, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace for all officers.

Yeo Wan Ling asked how SG Enable can support ITE graduates with disabilities in finding suitable host companies for the Work-Study Diploma programme. Eric Chua responded that SG Enable provides trained job coaches who assist with workplace integration and job redesign, and connects inclusive employers with ITE. Yeo expressed concerns about the need for a centralized repository of inclusive employers and suggested extending program deadlines for students with disabilities who struggle to find suitable hosts. Chua acknowledged the importance of customized support for students and will consider the suggestions regarding a centralized list and deadline flexibility.

Cai Yinzhou raised questions about the accessibility features of public buses, specifically regarding the proportion without integrated next-stop displays and audio announcements. Jeffrey Siow reported that currently, about 20% of public buses have the Passenger Information Display System (PIDS), with plans for 70% of the fleet to be equipped by 2030. Retrofitting older buses with these systems is not practical due to design limitations, but bus captains are trained to assist visually impaired and deaf commuters. Commuters can also use a "Please alert me when I am approaching my stop" card to seek assistance.

Fadli Fawzi raised concerns regarding whether non-Muslim members of the Board of Governors and Steering Committee at the Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) would recuse themselves from decisions related to the Islamic curriculum. Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim responded that the Islamic curriculum development will be led by the Mufti and supported by religious leaders and scholars on the board, with partnerships from esteemed Islamic institutions. The SCIS employs an interdisciplinary approach that may include consultation of experts from outside Islamic Sciences to enrich the curriculum and prepare students to serve a diverse community effectively.

Valerie Lee questioned the Minister for National Development regarding appeals from HDB flat owners facing challenges selling their properties due to the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP). Chee Hong Tat emphasized the importance of the EIP for racial harmony and outlined various assistance measures provided by the HDB for affected owners, including extending selling time and waiving EIP limits in exceptional cases. In 2025, HDB received 657 EIP-related appeals and approved 208, with five cases assisted through the buyback program. As of December 2025, HDB owned about 100 units bought back under this assistance, which will be progressively reoffered for sale.

Christopher de Souza asked if the Government would expand Day Activity Centre capacity and subsidies for young adults with autism and provide more support for long-term caregiving. Masagos Zulkifli announced an increase of 500 places in Day Activity Centres and enhanced subsidies for long-term care starting July 2026, aimed at families using various disability services. The Government provides tiered funding based on care needs, focusing on those with moderate to severe autism. SG Enable helps individuals on waitlists find suitable alternatives and offers subsidised respite services for caregivers through the Take-A-Break programme.

Patrick Tay Teck Guan requested a breakdown of discrimination complaints received by the Ministry of Manpower and TAFEP for the years 2021 to 2025, categorized by industry sector. Tan See Leng responded that detailed data on the breakdown of discrimination complaints by sector will only be available from the second half of 2023 to 2025.