Religion, race & rights — Topics

9 Jul 2014

Objection to Performing National Service on Moral or Religious Grounds

The Minister for Defence stated that all male Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents must serve National Service without exception, as allowing opt-outs for moral or religious reasons would weaken support for NS.
Over the past decade, approximately a dozen National Servicemen were court-martialled and detained annually for refusing NS on religious grounds, with no increasing trend observed.
Alternative forms of National Service are not considered, as exemptions are only granted for medical reasons based on assessments by an independent panel.

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9 Jul 2014

Taiwanese Singer A-Mei's "Rainbow" Song Banned at Recent Festival

Ms Janice Koh questioned the reasons for banning A-Mei’s song "Rainbow" at the Spring Wave festival, why it was now deemed objectionable despite prior permission, and whether alternatives like consumer advisories or bans on radio/public play were considered.
Minister Yaacob Ibrahim explained the song’s lyrics alone do not breach guidelines, and it can be played on radio or in public spaces without issue.
The ban arose because at a past indoor concert, A-Mei’s performance of the song included a segment promoting a pro-LGBT message, which would have warranted an Advisory rating if disclosed during licensing.
For the outdoor 2014 Spring Wave festival, only General-rated content is allowed to ensure suitability for all ages, and the organiser decided to exclude the song after being advised it would exceed that rating based on past performances.

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9 Jul 2014

Universal Design for Bus Stops to Ensure Barrier-free Access

Miss Penny Low inquired about the Ministry of Transport’s plans to implement universal design across all bus stops to accommodate an ageing population and asked for a definition of universal design and for urgent action.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew confirmed the intent to make all bus stops universally designed and barrier-free, noting that 95% of bus stops already comply with accessibility codes since 2009, with remaining complex sites scheduled for upgrades starting next year.
The LTA is introducing additional enhancements like seats with grab bars and improved lighting, with plans to scale them up if found feasible, to support independent and barrier-free access for all users.

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9 Jul 2014

Raising of Re-employment Age Ceiling to 67 Years

Mrs Lina Chiam inquired about the timeline for raising the re-employment age ceiling from 65 to 67.
Tan Chuan-Jin stated that the Tripartite Committee is examining the appropriate timeframe and implementation issues for this extension.
The committee is finalising proposals with tripartite partners and plans to share these plans later this year.

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9 Jul 2014

Security Threat Posed by Militants Who Travel Overseas to Fight

The Deputy Prime Minister outlined that the Syrian conflict has drawn thousands of foreign militants, including a few Singaporeans, raising concerns about returning fighters posing security threats and potentially damaging social cohesion, similar to past conflicts like the Soviet-Afghan war.
The government is actively monitoring and investigating individuals showing radicalized tendencies, using the Internal Security Act to detain or restrict those planning to join conflicts, while collaborating with regional and international partners on intelligence sharing.
To counter recruitment, especially via social media, authorities are working with religious leaders and communities to promote moderate Islamic teachings, provide humanitarian aid channels, and encourage early reporting of radicalized individuals to prevent harm.

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7 Jul 2014

Breakdown of Full-time National Servicemen, Regulars and NSmen in the Singapore Armed Forces by Race, Vocation and Rank

Pritam Singh requested racial breakdowns in percentages for full-time National Servicemen, regulars, and NSmen across the Air Force, Navy, and Army, as well as for specific Army vocations like artillery, signals, and armour.
Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked for rank-level breakdowns and corresponding racial percentages for full-time National Servicemen, regulars, and NSmen across the three services.
Minister Ng Eng Hen responded that deployments are based on operational needs and individual factors, with ethnic compositions broadly reflecting Singapore’s population.
The Minister declined to release detailed data within specific vocations due to operational security considerations.
He noted that the ethnic composition of commanders also aligns with the general population, selected on merit and similar criteria.

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7 Jul 2014

Full-time National Servicemen, NSmen and Regulars in Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force

Members of Parliament asked for racial and rank breakdowns of full-time National Servicemen, regulars, and NSmen in the SPF and SCDF.
The questions sought percentages for Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Others across senior officers, junior officers, and non-commissioned officers.
The Minister stated that all ethnic groups are well represented in both SPF and SCDF.
The government declined to release the detailed data due to operational sensitivity.

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7 Jul 2014

Ratifying With Reservations Major Human Rights Treaties and Conventions

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene proposed that Singapore should consider ratifying major human rights treaties with reservations instead of not being a party at all.
The Minister for Law, K Shanmugam, stated that Singapore is already party to several key human rights treaties, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, CEDAW, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The Minister emphasized that Singapore only accedes to treaties when fully able to comply with obligations, prioritizing effective implementation over making reservations that undermine the treaty's purpose.
He noted that even without being party to a treaty, Singapore's policies often align with its provisions, and the focus is on substantive compliance rather than symbolic participation.

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14 Apr 2014

Update on Situation of Rohingya People in Myanmar

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for updates on displaced Rohingya people, the Myanmar government’s position amid reforms, and Singapore’s and ASEAN’s responses.
The Myanmar government is pursuing political and economic reforms and working on national reconciliation and peace in Rakhine State, cooperating with the UN and donors to meet humanitarian needs, which will take time.
ASEAN has welcomed Myanmar’s steps to address the Rohingya issue and its cooperation with international agencies to provide non-discriminatory humanitarian assistance.

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12 Mar 2014

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

Members debated the need for a new Community Dispute Resolution Tribunal to handle intractable neighbour disputes, emphasizing that mediation should remain the primary approach and that the tribunal should serve as a last resort.
The Acting Minister outlined initiatives to strengthen multiculturalism and social cohesion, including ongoing public consultations and platforms like Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles, while addressing concerns about the government's communication on sensitive issues like the hijab.
Discussions focused on promoting a culture of giving, including corporate volunteerism, and expanding youth engagement through the new Volunteer Youth Corps, with attention to sustaining volunteerism beyond school years and ensuring diversity in participation.

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11 Mar 2014

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

The Ministry is preserving and promoting traditional arts through initiatives like the National Traditional Arts Plan, proactive outreach to groups, and matching funds to support heritage and engage younger audiences.
Support for disabled athletes is being enhanced through grants, scholarships, career schemes, research, and accessible infrastructure, with a focus on inspiring the community ahead of hosting the 2015 ASEAN Para Games.
MCCY is expanding inclusivity by partnering with social service sectors to bring arts and sports to vulnerable groups via programs like ArtReach and SportCares, which rely on community and corporate support.

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11 Mar 2014

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

Several MPs emphasized making arts and culture more accessible and integrated into daily life, advocating for greater outreach to heartlands and underserved groups, and supporting traditional arts and local artists.
The Malay/Muslim community's progress, challenges in education, employment, health, and family cohesion were discussed, with calls for stronger community collaboration, enhanced support for youth and women, and addressing perceptions of inequality and loyalty.
Sports development was a key focus, including building infrastructure like the Sports Hub and community facilities, supporting para-athletes and national sports associations, and promoting a broader sporting culture through initiatives like ActiveSG.

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10 Mar 2014

Committee of Supply – Head K (Ministry of Education)

Members raised concerns about preserving the distinctive character of mission-aided schools, reintroducing Religious Knowledge and Theology into the curriculum, and implementing a zero-tolerance policy against bullying in schools.
The Ministry and Senior Parliamentary Secretary outlined initiatives to strengthen parent-school partnerships through Parent Support Groups, the COMPASS Forum Theatre, and an annual PSG Fund to support engagement activities.
Officials clarified that the Disability Support Offices and SEN Fund would cater to all special education needs, that the Direct School Admission scheme would consider exceptional personal qualities for a small number of students, and that tuition grant enforcement for international students would continue with a focus on long-term national interests.

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3 Mar 2014

Age Requirement for Co-tenant of Subsidised HDB Rental Flats

David Ong questioned the 35-year age requirement for co-tenants in subsidised HDB rental flats and asked if exceptions could be made for young children or adults under 18 who are financially dependent on a low-income single parent.
The Minister explained that public housing policy prioritizes family formation, and the minimum age of 35 applies to all singles renting or buying HDB flats to encourage family stability.
A widowed or divorced parent with children can rent a flat as a family nucleus, while an unmarried parent must pair with another eligible single under the Joint Singles Scheme.
The Minister noted that HDB may, on a case-by-case basis, show flexibility in allocating a flat to an unmarried parent and their child.

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18 Feb 2014

Public Order (Additional Temporary Measures) Bill

The Bill introduces temporary, targeted measures to maintain public order in Little India, including calibrated search powers and restrictions on business operations, with safeguards like judicial review and training requirements for auxiliary police officers.
The government emphasizes that these powers are limited compared to existing laws, proactively address risks identified after the riot, and are interim solutions pending the Committee of Inquiry's findings and longer-term alcohol control policies.
Stakeholder concerns about economic and social impacts are acknowledged, with assurances that measures will be monitored, adjusted, and balanced to preserve Little India's vibrancy while ensuring public safety.

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18 Feb 2014

Public Order (Additional Temporary Measures) Bill

The government introduced the Public Order (Additional Temporary Measures) Bill as a temporary 12-month law to replace the broader Public Order (Preservation) Act, granting police targeted powers to maintain order in Little India following the December 2013 riot, including alcohol restrictions and enhanced search authority.
Supporters argued the Bill is necessary to prevent another incident, is more limited than existing laws, and addresses public safety concerns, while critics questioned its timing before the Committee of Inquiry's findings, its focus on alcohol, and potential overreach or discriminatory impact.
The Bill establishes a "special zone" in Little India, prohibits public alcohol consumption and sales, creates a permit regime for exceptions, and empowers police to search, question, and ban individuals, with safeguards like appeal mechanisms and accountability for misuse.

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17 Feb 2014

Religious Knowledge as Part of Secondary Education Curriculum

Member of Parliament Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Ministry of Education about reintroducing Religious Knowledge as a compulsory subject in secondary schools.
Education Minister Heng Swee Keat explained that current subjects like Character and Citizenship Education and Social Studies already teach students about Singapore’s major religions and promote values of harmony.
The Minister stated that schools also observe Racial Harmony Day annually, and existing efforts make a separate Religious Knowledge subject unnecessary.
The debate highlights differing views on whether a dedicated religious curriculum is needed versus integrating religious education into broader subjects.
The government maintains that the existing curriculum effectively fosters respect and harmony without requiring a distinct Religious Knowledge course.

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17 Feb 2014

Monitoring Sentiment towards Foreign Migrants

Lawrence Wong responded to Tan Su Shan’s query by noting that negative sentiment toward foreign migrants is amplified by social media but is often countered by calls for calm.
He highlighted the need for public education and media literacy, with the government reviewing legal frameworks to protect against harassment online and offline.
Efforts to promote integration include the National Integration Council’s outreach, volunteerism, school programs, and partnerships with employers and civic groups to foster mutual understanding.
The government emphasized that balanced responses to incidents involving foreigners are key to maintaining social cohesion and mitigating negative emotions.

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17 Feb 2014

Health Promotion Board's Frequently Asked Questions Segment for Same-sex Relationships

The government reaffirmed its policy that the family is the basic building block of society, with no shift in its position on encouraging heterosexual married couples to build stable families, and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) aligns its activities with this policy.
HPB's FAQs on sexuality and sexual health aim to provide factual, public health-focused information, including on STI and HIV prevention, and do not encourage same-sex relationships but rather address health issues for specific target groups like Young Men Who Have Sex with Men.
The statement that a same-sex relationship is not too different from a heterosexual relationship is meant to emphasize that relationships require commitment, supporting the key STI and HIV prevention message of being faithful to a partner to minimize transmission risks.
HPB continually reviews its resources with public feedback to ensure they remain relevant and effective in promoting healthier choices, while maintaining its focus on public health objectives.

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21 Jan 2014

Wearing of Hijab by Staff in Uniformed Services

Pritam Singh proposed studying the feasibility of allowing Muslim staff in uniformed services to wear the hijab, subject to operational considerations.
Teo Chee Hean responded that uniforms project a common identity and allowing religious variations would detract from this and undermine the secular nature of the government.
The government balances the needs of a multi-racial society by maintaining a common secular space while allowing communities to practice their beliefs, which has contributed to Singapore’s harmony.

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