Religion, race & rights — Topics

16 Sep 2013

Barrier-Free Access along HDB Common Corridors

Mary Liew raised concerns about corridor clutter in HDB flats hindering wheelchair and walking aid use, especially with an ageing population.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that Town Councils enforce by-laws aligned with fire safety and accessibility guidelines, requiring at least 1.2 metres of clear passage.
The Building and Construction Authority has revised the Code on Accessibility to mandate a wider 1.5 metres clearance for newer building plans from April 2014 onwards.
Residents are encouraged to help keep corridors clear to ensure safety and accessibility for all.
The government is proactively updating regulations to support an ageing population in public housing.

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16 Sep 2013

Report by Suara Musyawarah Committee

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked if the Suara Musyawarah Committee's report highlights new areas of concern for the Malay/Muslim community and what roles Malay/Muslim organizations can play.
Minister Yaacob Ibrahim commended the committee for engaging over 500 community members, noting the report covers education, social mobility, and aspirations, emphasizing the need for community-driven support and a broader definition of success.
The Minister stated that existing programs are insufficient and more must be done, especially to reach vulnerable groups, and Malay/Muslim organizations should leverage their networks and resources to expand outreach.
The Minister highlighted the Malay/Muslim Community Development Fund as a new resource and plans to engage organizations to explore program expansions or new initiatives.
Both speakers agreed the Suara Musyawarah initiative should continue as a platform for ongoing community dialogue, with a focus on closing loops on suggestions and maintaining outreach.

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16 Sep 2013

Flexibility in Ethnic Integration Policy for HDB Flats

The Minister of State for National Development affirmed that the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) remains necessary to prevent ethnic enclaves and promote racial harmony in HDB estates, noting it is applied uniformly and affects only 11% of neighbourhoods, with most sellers able to find buyers from eligible ethnic groups.
In response to concerns about sellers struggling to secure buyers due to EIP limits, the Minister stated that HDB reviews appeal cases on a case-by-case basis, but observed that most flat sales are influenced more by pricing and flat conditions than by EIP alone.
The Minister clarified that extending EIP to private housing is not under the Government’s purview, as private estates are managed by management councils, but expressed hope that the ethnic mix would naturally occur there as well.

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12 Aug 2013

Enhancement of Barrier-free Facilities on Roads and in Estates

Mr Png Eng Huat asked whether the Ministry will work with LTA and HDB to enhance barrier-free facilities in light of Singapore's ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The Government affirmed its commitment to creating an accessible environment through the Enabling Masterplan, citing ongoing improvements such as ramps, tactile paving, accessible public transport, and Universal Design in HDB flats.
MSF highlighted the $40-million Accessibility Fund and the ongoing review of the Accessibility Code to expand accessibility features for the disabled, elderly, and families.
The Minister stated that more can be done and MSF will continue collaborating with other agencies, businesses, and the community to address accessibility needs.

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12 Aug 2013

Public Sector Employees Offered Re-employment

Chen Show Mao asked for data on public sector re-employment rates, salary adjustments, and whether NTUC findings warrant policy changes; Teo Chee Hean responded that re-employment offers increased from 76% in 2010 to 89% post-2011, with successful re-employment rising from 64% to 83%, and most re-employed officers had salaries adjusted by an average of 13%.
The government revised re-employment guidelines effective August 2013, requiring Division III and IV officers to be re-employed at the same grade with last drawn salaries, while Division I and II officers will see more re-employment at last drawn salaries and salary adjustments capped at 15%.
The Public Service aims to align re-employment practices with the Tripartite Guidelines and market standards, with ongoing reviews to ensure fair terms for older employees.

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9 Jul 2013

Annual Government Funding for Community Leaders Forum

The Minister confirmed that from 2010 to 2012, Mendaki invested approximately $4.8 million in Community Leaders Forum (CLF) projects, funded by a mix of donations and Government matching grants.
He stated that the CLF is chaired by him and involves PAP Malay MPs as resource persons or co-chairs to advise its networks, aiming to address issues affecting the Malay/Muslim community.
The Minister emphasized that Government MPs on such platforms focus on social, cultural, or educational goals and do not exploit them for political ends, asserting no partisan element is introduced.

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9 Jul 2013

Government Support for Shelters for Women Victims of Domestic Violence

The Ministry of Social and Family Development funds four shelters run by voluntary welfare organisations for women victims of domestic violence, providing temporary accommodation, counselling, and support for children, with coverage for capital and operating costs.
The government partners non-government organisations and community groups in public education, multi-agency networking, and support services to help victims seek assistance and reintegrate into school or work, while encouraging community reporting of abuse.
The Ministry is committed to allocating sufficient shelter space, facilitating reintegration support networks, and partnering with charities and the private sector, including relocating shelters as needed when leases expire.
Existing policies allow mothers and children to be housed together in shelters, with alternative arrangements made for older boys or unsuitable cases, while ensuring families spend time together to rebuild their lives.

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8 Jul 2013

Review of Ethnic Integration Policy for HDB Rental Flats

Pritam Singh inquired whether the review of the Ethnic Integration Policy for HDB rental flats had been completed and, if not, when it would be done.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed the review was completed and stated that existing EIP limits would be retained because Singapore's ethnic mix has remained stable.
He noted that strict application of EIP limits could prolong waiting times for vulnerable families and announced a temporary administrative increase of up to 10 percentage points to block limits for greater flexibility in allocation.

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8 Jul 2013

Access Solutions for the Physically-Challenged and Elderly Residents Living in Old HDB Estates

HDB subsidises up to 95% for ramps for flats with a one-step difference under the EASE programme, but building ramps for flats with more steps is technically challenging and costly, and HDB is exploring affordable solutions with industry partners.
Residents can install ramps not covered by EASE at their own cost with HDB and Town Council approval, and may seek financial assistance from ComCare or Volunteer Welfare Organisations if needed.
For those unable to implement solutions, HDB allows flat swopping by selling the existing flat and buying a resale flat from the open market.

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8 Jul 2013

Primary 1 Registration Priority for Community Leaders

The Minister explained that Phase 2B of the Primary 1 registration framework gives priority to children of active community leaders, parent volunteers, and members of religious or clan groups connected with the school, to strengthen school-community ties.
Community leaders must serve actively for at least one year before registration, with most serving longer and continuing even after their children are admitted.
In the last two years, about 7% of P1 places went to Phase 2B, with less than 1% allocated to children of active community leaders; the majority went to parent volunteers and religious or clan group members.

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8 Jul 2013

Employment of Persons with Disabilities

Tin Pei Ling asked about the number of pledges made by employers under the "We are Able!" campaign, how many specifically commit to employing persons with disabilities, and what plans exist to encourage more such pledges.
Chan Chun Sing reported that as of 2 July, 466 pledges were collected, with 40 focused on supporting employment for persons with disabilities, and affirmed ongoing efforts to promote inclusive employment.
The Ministry will continue collaborating with disability sectors and employers, with SG Enable launching this quarter to enhance employment opportunities through partnerships with education, training, and welfare organizations.
Additional actions under the Enabling Masterplan include reviewing and expanding schemes to facilitate employment for persons with disabilities.

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8 Jul 2013

Media Development Authority's Licensing Framework for News Websites in Singapore

Mrs Lina Chiam argued that the Media Development Authority's new licensing framework for online news sites is overly broad, ambiguous, and could stifle internet freedom, citing concerns about arbitrary enforcement, the $50,000 performance bond, and the lack of prior parliamentary debate or stakeholder consultation.
The government, represented by Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, defended the regulations as a necessary extension of existing internet content standards to ensure responsibility among major news providers, emphasizing that content standards remain unchanged and that the framework is a light-touch refinement rather than a major policy shift.
Both sides disagreed on whether the regulations targeted blogs and community sites, with Mrs Chiam warning they could suppress political commentary and Dr Ibrahim asserting that only sites meeting specific reach and content criteria would be licensed, and that the government would remain flexible on bond requirements.

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8 Jul 2013

New Licensing Framework for Online News Sites

Multiple MPs expressed concern that the new licensing framework, announced with short notice and no public consultation, could stifle online freedom and create uncertainty for news sites, bloggers, and social media pages that meet the criteria of posting Singapore news weekly and attracting 50,000 unique local IP addresses monthly.
The Minister defended the framework as a necessary evolution to hold high-reach online news sites to the same content standards and responsibilities as traditional media, citing technological convergence and the growing importance of online news, and assured that the $50,000 performance bond and 24-hour takedown requirement would be applied flexibly.
The Minister stated that only 10 sites were initially identified, with no immediate plans to license others, and that the framework does not affect most internet content providers, while promising further consultation on potential extensions to overseas-based sites in upcoming amendments to the Broadcasting Act.

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13 May 2013

Ladies-only Train Cabins

Foo Mee Har asked the Minister for Transport whether ladies-only train cabins would be considered to improve safety and comfort for female commuters during crowded peak periods.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that the Ministry focuses on safety through patrols and more CCTV, and while ladies-only carriages have been considered, they pose practical challenges like reduced train capacity and social concerns about gender segregation.
The Minister emphasized openness to other suggestions to enhance security or the sense of security for female commuters.

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13 May 2013

Teaching our Students Respect for Persons of Different Abilities

Lim Biow Chuan asked whether schools will teach mutual respect for people of different abilities as part of Character and Citizenship Education.
Heng Swee Keat responded that CCE focuses on relationships, teaching respect and care through lessons and experiential programmes.
Students are taught to value diverse strengths and abilities and to take multiple perspectives in their interactions.
Values in Action and Co-Curricular Activities provide opportunities for students to engage with people of different backgrounds and abilities.
These initiatives aim to foster appreciation of diversity and respect for each other's strengths.

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13 May 2013

Ratio of Male to Female Teachers in Schools

Asst Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked about the ratio of male to female teachers in national and all-boys schools and whether there are plans to attract more male teachers.
Heng Swee Keat stated that male teachers make up about 30% of the total teaching force, with proportions varying by school level and type, such as 20% in Primary schools and 35%-40% in Secondary and post-Secondary schools.
In all-boys schools, male teachers comprise about 25% at the Primary level and 45% at Secondary and post-Secondary levels.
The Ministry recruits teachers based on aptitude, passion, character, and values, without gender as a consideration, and deployment focuses on subject expertise and student needs.
While welcoming more male teachers, there are no specific plans mentioned to boost male teacher numbers or make the profession more attractive to men.

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13 May 2013

Applying Ethnic Integration Policy to Executive and Private Condominiums

Gan Thiam Poh asked if the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) could be extended to Executive Condominiums (ECs) and private condominiums.
The EIP, implemented in 1989, aims to maintain ethnic balance and prevent enclaves in public housing where over 80% of residents live.
The government has no plans to apply the EIP to private condominiums, as they are not public housing.
ECs are treated similarly to private condominiums and will not have EIP applied due to their private nature and ownership restrictions.
The policy focus remains on public housing, which covers the majority of Singapore's resident population.

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13 May 2013

Senior Citizens Performing Physically Demanding Jobs

Tan Su Shan inquired about the number of seniors aged 60 and above in physically demanding manual jobs and whether there are plans to redeploy them to less taxing service-oriented roles.
The Ministry of Manpower explained that it does not categorize jobs by physical demand due to variability, and noted that 45% of older workers are in occupations that may be more physically demanding, often linked to lower educational levels.
The Ministry emphasized tailoring job placement assistance to individual capabilities and preferences, rather than active redeployment, and highlighted support for job redesign and flexible work arrangements through initiatives like WorkPro.

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13 May 2013

Investigation and Enforcement Powers for Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices

Member of Parliament Tan Su Shan asked whether the Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices (TAFEP) could be given investigation and enforcement powers, and if free consultation could be provided to employees on workplace discrimination cases.
Minister Tan Chuan-Jin responded that TAFEP was established as a promotional body and has made progress in raising awareness and increasing employer pledges for fair employment practices.
He noted that employees can already contact TAFEP for free advice, and TAFEP follows up with employers on possible discrimination cases, with most cooperating to rectify issues.
The Minister emphasized that while TAFEP does not have enforcement powers, the Ministry of Manpower will investigate complaints with prima facie evidence and may curtail foreign work pass privileges for non-compliant employers.
The Government expects all employers in Singapore to comply with the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices.

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13 May 2013

Restrictions on Political Films

Zaqy Mohamad asked if the Government will review recommendations to liberalise restrictions on party political films (PPFs), noting the evolving political landscape since 2009.
The Minister confirmed the Government accepted the 2008 AIMS recommendation to allow some political films and is currently reviewing the Films Act, including PPF restrictions, as part of a broader amendment plan.
The review aims to balance greater political discourse with maintaining serious debate, and the Minister indicated feedback may be sought as part of the process.
The Minister emphasized that periodic reviews are necessary to ensure the rules remain effective as society and the polity mature, with self-classification of videos also being considered.
Both speakers acknowledged that the political landscape has evolved since 2009, prompting a re-assessment of whether existing PPF restrictions best achieve their objectives.

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