Hamid Razak
Singapore
“The test is whether a worker can quickly see the right course, for the right job, at the right time. Whether a parent can feel confident about their child's runway and future, and whether the citizen's journey feels seamless.”
“Moreover, a number of disadvantaged Singaporeans work beyond their main jobs to supplement household incomes. Others face health and family constraints. These realities limit their capacity to train after hours.”
“This division of responsibility should help the public know where to go to and help the sector operate with greater clarity, purpose and confidence. With these observations, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, offered in the spirit of strengthening the implementation and preserving trust, I support the Veterinary Practice Bill.”
“Decisions would need to be made quickly, so I ask how will enforcement agencies operationally distinguish between these categories of devices and substances, especially when they are doing their ground checks and when they need to respond rapidly? Clear differentiation matters for two reasons.”
“(In English): In Tamil, please. (In Tamil): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mr Chairman, though the Indian/Muslim community is a small one, it has made sustained contributions to our nation building. The Indian/Muslim community today is diverse. There are many organisations. Every organisation has its own strengths.”
“Another one will be the M3@Towns, where every town which has a M3 will be able to work with the MMOs, IMOs and most other informal groups. So, we want to see how we can navigate this together. We will discuss further during the networking session.”
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“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to respond to Budget 2026, which shows a Government responding to the needs of the people while taking care for the long term. As expectations rise with regards to access to care, social support and well-being, and rightly so, we should not only be spending more, in terms of the help we give our people, but also spending to ensure that the help is received in a simple and dignified manner. In this regard, I have three reflections to share. First, how residents experience our systems on the ground; next, the progress Singapore has already made towards systemic integration; and third, how we can deepen integration so that care truly becomes seamless. First reflection – when help exists, but feels hard to reach. Let me share a story of one of our residents in Jurong Spring Gek Poh. A senior elderly lady who comes monthly to collect her food packs from our weekly ground-up initiative called the Jurong Spring Food Cares programme. For months she did not come, and we wondered what had happened to her. One day, I received a phone call from her sister, saying that she had fallen, taken ill at the hospital and was now recuperating at home. She eventually returned to her home in our constituency and I visited her. She was overwhelmed – medical appointments, social service worker appointments and many other agencies that she had to visit. At the same time, she was trying to cope with the new diagnosis of breast cancer, not knowing exactly how deeply this was going to affect her. She did not lack the services or the help. What she lacked was just better coordination and integration. Our systems are robust and well-intentioned, but to a vulnerable senior, they can sometimes feel difficult to navigate.”
“We spoke to them and then, when there were constraints, we decided on an option that would provide a balanced outcome. I must say that this process had not only reached, but also gave the community leaders the satisfaction that they are part of this journey. So, this is something that we want to continue to do. As the Member can see, the Jamae Chulia Mosque restoration has been completed and the Jamae Chulia Heritage is going to be completed soon. It is the pride of the community. And not only do we want to develop for today, I think the key, what I got from my engagement, is that the community leaders want to do this for the future generation as well. So, I assure the Member that we will do our best to ensure that what the wakif would like to leave behind is not only acceded to, but we hold it with trust.”
“I saw how the community worked together, with MUIS leading the community, to see how the returns go back to where it is supposed to be and to the community. Fast forward to today, the Member will see a vast development in that space, whereby, not only have asset or wakaf revitalisation and asset enhancement or optimisation been done, but also looking at the historic value of the wakaf. All I can say is that, the community, in fact, has benefited a lot significantly from these wakaf returns. Sometimes, I discuss with the mosque leaders, community leaders as to how they have been using the returns and I am very happy to see that such returns are something that they look forward to because that helps, not only in how they manage the mosque, but also that helps in the way they reach out to the community and benefit the community. So, I must say that the returns of wakaf assets not only go back to where it is supposed to be. But with the value enhancement efforts and the returns that the community has gained have somehow helped to build the community. It helps in the development of the Malay/Muslim and Indian/Muslim communities, and beyond. Also, the Member's second question was about how we engage the community leaders. Yes, indeed, we do. In fact, just to give the Member an example, I was also directly involved, I was helping Minister Masagos on the restoration works of the historic Jamae Chulia Mosque and the development and construction of Jamae Chulia Heritage. I remember the various engagement sessions we had. We tried to reach out to the Indian/Muslim community leaders, had many sessions, even went back and forth when they needed clarity, there were clarifications or even certain things that did not meet the planning criteria.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker, and I thank the Acting Minister for his reply. I do appreciate the challenges faced in unlocking the assets and to create greater value. In my interactions with members of the Malay/Muslim and the Indian/Muslim community, they have expressed interest to find out how the value from these wakaf assets can be used to uplift the community over time. Secondly, I would also like to ask the Acting Minister, how does MUIS and its subsidiaries actually engage diverse segments of the Muslim community to ensure that their views are heard and incorporated into the asset management as well? Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Sir, I thank the Member for the supplementary questions. These are very good questions indeed. In fact, we often hear and meet the community leaders, and they ask about such questions. Essentially, the returns from the building rentals, as with any other forms of income generated from the wakaf assets are distributed to beneficiaries in accordance with the wakaf deed. So, we have to be very clear about that and we follow what is in the wakaf deed. In 2024, a total of $11.3 million was disbursed to the wakaf beneficiaries, which include the family members of the benefactors, as well as mosques, madrasah, community organisations and charities. Depending on the intention of the wakif, these returns may be used to build and maintain mosques and madrasahs, support the poor and needy, and also, fund the development and welfare of the community. In fact, I have been very fortunate to be involved in the development of wakaf back in the early 2000s, when I was in the MUIS Council, where I was actually looking after the wakaf aspect of MUIS work.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker, Sir, and I thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for his reply. I would like to ask the Ministry two supplementary questions. One, I understand there is a general code of conduct for advertisements. Similar to the medical practice where there is a specific set of guidelines for medical practices, is the Ministry looking at a specific set of guidelines for private education and tuition centres? Secondly, more than traditional forms of advertisement, currently there are very subtle forms of fear-based messaging on digital platforms such as social media. Will the Ministry be doing anything to address this as well?”
“Thank you, Speaker, Sir, and I thank the Senior Minister of State for the reply. In my earlier Parliamentary Question, the Ministry did respond that each professional of our Community Resource, Engagement and Support Teams (CREST) sees about 90 clients per year. The Community Intervention Team (COMIT) professional sees about 70 clients a year, and these clients receive a number of sessions per year. So, I want to give my appreciation to the CREST and COMIT teams on the ground. So, they are seeing all these different clients, I am just wondering how are the frontline teams actually guided to differentiate between these clients, whose primary issue may be neuro-developmental, rather than the usual anxiety or mood disorders, and whether there are plans to equip them with the skill-sets to recognise these conditions and thereafter, refer them for subsidised care in our restructured hospitals.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the Minister of State for the reply. Given the very low percentage of adjudicated claims being in favour of the policyholders, has the Minister of State assessed why this is the case? For example, is this due to clearer policy terms or perhaps there are structural disadvantages that policyholders face? Because there has been ground feedback from healthcare providers that policyholders face delays or rejections, even at the pre-authorisation stage or even post-treatment, due to retrospective interpretations of policy terms. So, I would like to ask if MAS has safeguards in place to ensure that insurance companies adjudicate claims transparently, consistently and do not disadvantage policyholders, especially when there are clear clinical indications for treatment.”
“So, too, drink-driving arrests. We have also seen cases where fatal outcomes arising from negligence or excessive speed resulted in sentences that, while legally consistent, have left the public uneasy. I, therefore, urge the Ministry to consider a comprehensive review of sentencing frameworks, particularly for causing death by dangerous or drink-driving. When harm is irreversible, our sentencing framework must reflect that gravity. A calibrated approach would reinforce our national commitment to safety. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, this Bill represents a strong and forward-looking update to our land transport laws. It tightens PMA regulation, introduces a trust-based approach to ERP 2.0 and modernises enforcement in meaningful ways. The suggestions that I have raised on calibrated deterrence, visible identification, charging safety and healthcare-sensitive certification are offered in the spirit of strengthening safety while ensuring fairness and compassion. With these observations, I support the Bill and look forward to the Minister's response.”
“However, we should be mindful of the practical impact on healthcare professionals and patients, especially those with temporary mobility limitations, such as individuals recovering from surgery, fractures, strokes or acute illnesses. Clear guidance on who can certify, streamlined criteria and digital or time-limited certification pathways will be important to avoid unnecessary clinic congestion, administrative burden on doctors and healthcare professionals alike, as well as delays for patients who genuinely need short-term mobility support. I understand that MOH and LTA have issued a circular pertaining to the guidelines to this effect, and I am also happy to note that exceptions are given to those aged above 70 and those already on assistance programmes related to mobility. After all, a safety framework works best when it protects patients without overwhelming clinics. I encourage closer collaboration with healthcare providers as this framework is implemented. Next, on the ERP 2.0 and the trust-based enforcement that ensues. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I support the move to decriminalise ERP non-payment. This reflects a mature regulatory approach that recognises that most cases of non-payment are due to administrative oversight rather than intentional evasion. With the new penalty model, the Government reinforces trust with motorists while maintaining accountability. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, moving on to road safety. If there is one area where we should continue to strengthen our approach, it is in addressing dangerous, negligent or reckless driving that results in serious injury or even loss of life. The data is indeed concerning. In 2024, Singapore recorded 7,049 traffic accidents involving injuries, with more than 100 fatalities. Speeding violations continued to rise.”
“First, while the Bill rightly strengthens the enforcement tools and registration requirements, I suggest that we consider a more graduated and targeted approach to penalties, especially for repeat offenders who knowingly disregard safety rules. This is really not about being harsh but rather being clear, consistent and protective, particularly for those who are vulnerable. Second, to complement device identification, I propose we could explore a simple and visible rider identification system, especially for mobility devices issued for medical needs. This would help enforcement officers act with confidence, while reassuring the public that these devices are being used legitimately. Third, PMD-related fires remain deeply worrying. Many arise from uncertified batteries, unsafe modifications or prolonged overnight charging at unsuitable locations. I encourage the introduction of national charging-safety guidelines, covering approved chargers, safe charging durations, designated charging zones and clear prohibitions against corridor charging. Next, Mr Deputy Speaker, I would like to speak briefly on the healthcare implications of the proposed Certificate of Medical Need. As a practising doctor, I support the intent to ensure that mobility devices and scooters are meant for those who need it and are directed to those who genuinely require them. This protects public safety and preserves trust in the system. Not too long ago, a Member in this House spoke about the effects of sarcopenia and aged-related muscle loss. If our seniors and individuals who are actually physically able to walk end up using these devices, they could inadvertently lose their muscle mass and increase the risk of frailty in our community.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Land Transport and Related Matters Bill 2026. This is a timely and necessary Bill that strengthens our transport regulatory framework amid evolving user behaviours, new mobility devices and rapid technological change. The amendments relating to PMAs and PMDs, ERP 2.0 and road safety reflect a forward-looking effort to keep our public spaces safe and our system trusted. I would like to offer a few suggestions that I hope can further enhance public safety while preserving fairness and accessibility. Mr Deputy Speaker, in the weeks leading up to today's Second Reading of the Bill, me and my colleagues on the ground sat at common spaces in the Jurong Spring-Gek Poh Constituency, and just in a few evenings, we observed multiple near-misses involving PMAs: pedestrians stepping aside at the last minute, seniors hesitating before crossing paths, parents instinctively pulling their children closer. These encounters may not make the headlines, but they shape how safe residents feel in our estates. And when it comes to our common spaces and roads, safety cannot be optional. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, PMAs are now a permanent part of our mobility landscape, particularly for seniors, persons with disabilities, delivery riders and those making short, everyday trips. At the same time, misuse and unsafe behaviour remain deep concerns. Most users are responsible, but it only takes a few unsafe acts to undermine public trust and confidence for everyone. These affect not just riders, but pedestrians, families and entire communities.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, in Tamil, please. (In Tamil): Hon Deputy Speaker, when the great poet Mahakavi Bharathiyar sang "Run and play, child" he celebrated the joy and freedom of sports. Starting with childhood and throughout life, sports strengthen us physically and mentally. This Bill fortifies the belief that sports should be attainable by all despite age, skill or whatever one's background may be. I wholeheartedly welcome this effort that brings communities together towards a common ground that fosters sports. (In English): This Bill represents a thoughtful and necessary update to the Singapore Sports Council Act. It equips Sport Singapore with a broader mandate, modern tools and clearer authority to support sport, physical fitness and athlete development in a changing landscape. I raise my observations and clarifications to ensure that as we expand the scope of sport policy, we do so in a way that remains inclusive, balanced and anchored in the long-term interests of Singaporeans. With these remarks, I support the Bill, Mr Deputy Speaker.”
“Clear policy frameworks and differentiated strategies may help ensure that each category of sport is supported in a way that reflects its own distinct objectives and value to society. Secondly, I would like to touch on the Council's expanded powers relating to the establishment of standards, accreditation and the manufacture or supply of sports and physical fitness equipment. These powers surely can help raise professionalism, safety and quality across the sector. However, I would like to caution that their exercise should be calibrated and consultative, particularly where community clubs, volunteers, coaches and small operators are concerned. In particular, many in the new sports segments may still be developing and finding their feet and they may lack the track-record, experience, capabilities and resources at the same levels of more established sports organisations. Over-regulation or overly rigid standards, if applied too uniformly, may inadvertently increase compliance burdens or even discourage grassroots initiatives. Therefore, may I seek the assurance of the Minister if the Council would adopt a graduated, risk-based approach, with appropriate consultation, transition periods and guidance – so that standards uplift the sector without stifling participation or innovation. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, more broadly, as SportSG's mandate expands, it may be useful to continue strengthening partnerships with schools, community organisations, disability sports bodies and private sector operators. Sport is most effective when it is embedded within communities and when national strategy is complemented by local ownership and ground-up energy. Sports in Singapore should always be accessible to all and not just the mandate of the elite professionals.”
“The explicit recognition of career and educational support in the Act is an important signal that we value not just sporting excellence, but the long-term well-being of our sportspersons as individuals. The provision allowing the Council to establish institutions or entities for the development and training of sportspersons, including oversight of their academic progression and curricula with the approval of MOE, also reflects a more integrated and holistic approach to the development of our athletes. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I note as well the increase in the maximum number of Council members and the corresponding adjustment to the quorum requirements. This should provide flexibility to ensure that the Council has access to a broader range of expertise, including in emerging areas such as e-sports, sports science and physical fitness promotion, while still maintaining sound governance and decision-making processes. While I am broadly supportive of the Bill, I would like to raise two points for consideration. First, on the inclusion of mind sports and e-sports. While their recognition under the Act is appropriate and forward-looking, it will be important to maintain some clarity of purpose and proportionality in how resources, funding and institutional attention are allocated. Traditional sports, community sports, school sports and disability sports continue to play a critical role in fostering physical health, teamwork, resilience and social integration. As new sports such as e-sports grow in prominence, may I seek the assurance of the Minister that the Council will ensure that their development complements rather than crowds out existing sporting pathways, especially those that promote physical activity and broad-based participation.”
“By including such new sports under the Council's mandate, the Bill gives them an opportunity to blossom and flourish under a focus on financing and talent development, while allowing them to develop their own frameworks with the Council. In addition, by extending the Council's mandate to planning and promoting physical fitness activities, the Bill strengthens SportSG's ability to support national priorities, such as preventive health, active ageing and lifelong participation in sport. This aligns well with our broader efforts to encourage healthier lifestyles and to reduce long-term healthcare costs. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I also support the expanded functions and powers of the Council, particularly in areas such as research in sports science and sports medicine, the establishment of standards and codes of practice, and the provision of educational and career support for active and retired sportspersons. On that note, this Bill is timely as the aspect of the proposed legislation comes on the back of the recently concluded SEA Games in Thailand where Minister earlier said the Team Singapore did commendably well in several sports, despite some challenges. We can see from the public discourse, involving members of the sporting fraternity but engulfing the wider public too, that Singapore expects and desires more for sports. We have seen enough in the past decade that our athletes can reach the very top of their fields with the right support, perseverance and opportunities. We can certainly do more to support them. Athletes today face increasingly complex demands – balancing training, education, competition and eventual transition out of sport.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I support the Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill 2025 and I would like to declare my interest as a committee member of the Singapore Hockey Federation. The Bill reflects an important recognition that the meaning of sport has evolved in today's society. Sport is no longer confined to traditional physical competition alone. It encompasses physical fitness, high-performance sport, community participation, mind sports and increasingly, e-sports. In fact, aside from the Edusave Merit Bursary Award ceremony in my constituency, the other event that attracted so many youths to participate was the e-sports carnival. In this respect, the amendments before us are timely and reflect the lived realities of how Singaporeans engage with sports and physical activity. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I welcome the expanded definition of "sports" to include mind sports and e-sports, as well as the explicit inclusion of physical fitness activities within the Council's functions. This reflects a broader and more inclusive understanding of sport – one that recognises its role not only in elite competition but also in public health, mental well-being and social cohesion. I have seen first-hand many e-sports groups in my constituency and the role they play, not just in the expanded definition of sports but also in its innate ability to bring people, particularly our youths, together in a productive and positive way to hone and pit their skills against one another, to build communities and deep networks. They were, however, usually hampered by a lack of resources and funding, in part because they were measured against the frameworks used for traditional sports.”
“Many SSAs operate on the frontlines, working with vulnerable individuals and families in rapidly evolving circumstances. Ground realities often evolve faster than policy, and innovation frequently emerges from practitioners themselves. This is alluded to by Member Ms Dennis Phua earlier as well. It is therefore important that the exercise of the Council's powers continues to be accompanied by regular consultation, dialogue and co-design, so that the standards and expectations are developed collaboratively and do not unintentionally stifle innovation or discourage candid feedback from the ground.”
“A sound and professional social service sector builds confidence through transparency, credibility, accountability and excellence, strengthening trust among stakeholders, including donors and partners who are vital to the ecosystem. Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to speak next about the introduction of sector members under the new framework. This refinement of the sector membership framework helps sharpen the Council's engagement with organisations that are directly involved in the delivery of social services or that directly support such delivery. A larger Council will allow for diverse sectoral perspectives to be represented at the highest level, enabling the Council to steer the organisation effectively in an evolving landscape while also taking on the expanded functions that this Bill provides for. In addition, by formally engaging organisations whose primary function is to provide such social support services, the Council can strengthen partnerships with the sector while clearly maintaining lines of accountability. On this note, the Bill provides for clearer guidelines on the appointment and disqualification of members to the Council, among other terms, which I welcome as it enhances the professionalism and the operational efficiency of the Council. By addressing and correcting any perceived ambiguity, the Bill helps remove any future organisational issues. At the same time, I note that the Bill provides the Council with powers to prescribe standards, require cooperation and revoke sector membership in certain circumstances. These are understandable and necessary from a governance perspective. However, I would encourage the Minister and the Council to remain mindful of the importance of sector voice and autonomy.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the NCSS (Amendment) Bill 2025 and I would like to declare my interest as a past beneficiary of the NCSS' 40 Under 40 Programme as well as a Board Member and an advisor to aspiring sector members as well as current associate members of NCSS. The social service sector has evolved significantly over the years, as mentioned by the Minister earlier. It now addresses a broader and more complex range of needs, from ageing and disability to mental health, family violence and social isolation. In this context, I think it is timely that we update the legislative framework governing the NCSS so that it remains fit-for-purpose and well-positioned to guide the sector into its next phase of development, because when the social service sector functions well, it is our families, seniors and our vulnerable groups that will continue to do well and ultimately benefit. I welcome the Bill's clear intent to strengthen governance, accountability and strategic clarity. By explicitly articulating the Council's objectives, which is to build an effective, efficient and sustainable social service sector, the amendments provide important direction not just to the Council, but also to organisations working closely with it, particularly in a sector where resources are finite and expectations often high. I also support the strengthened functions relating to the capability building, research, standards-setting and the ecosystem development. Social service work today requires not only compassion, but strong governance, professional competencies and cross-sector collaboration. These amendments help position the Council as a sector developer, rather than merely a coordinating body.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the HIB. Before that, I declare my interest as an orthopaedic surgeon currently in private practice. Drawing from both my clinical experience and ground feedback that I have gathered, I will focus my remarks on two areas that have surfaced repeatedly: one, the practical realities faced by clinicians, particularly in smaller healthcare settings; and two, the importance of patient trust, supported by robust access and privacy safeguards.”
“Mr Speaker, I thank the Minister for the reply. The reason I asked the PQ is that there has been lots of sentiments from my colleagues in the restructured hospitals that waiting times for subsidised patients have been increasing. They are worried that with this new rider that is coming up from April that those who are on private riders will then switch to public healthcare because of the higher cost-sharing that is in place. Will the Ministry and the Minister be able to reassure that there is data in place to say that this new rider principles will, in fact, continue to encourage those with private riders to remain in private healthcare? And also reassure that insurance companies will not make unilateral decisions on premium hikes, for example, which, again, will deter our residents from staying in the private healthcare and this will give rise to a surge capacity in our public institutions as well?”
“Thank you, Speaker. I really appreciate the Minister setting the boundaries for clearer parent-teacher communication. However, boundaries can only do so much when it comes to behavioural change. I am wondering if the Ministry would consider perhaps setting up frameworks to engage parents to set clearer communication guidelines as well as perhaps shared communication platforms, which parents can then engage with should they have concerns about their children? This is because practices may vary between teachers and that might incite some degree of peer influence in terms of responding to parents, especially with their own personal phones for teachers, and parents might have overt concerns about their children, which may also vary between parent groups. So, more than boundaries, my question is whether the Ministry has further measures or frameworks that can be useful to engage parents to enhance this parent-teacher communication?”
“By doing so, we move closer to a society that values every life, not just for its productivity, but also for its humanity. From insurance to assurance, that should be the next chapter of CareShield Life. Notwithstanding my suggestions, Mr Speaker, Sir, I support the Bill.”
“Members Mr Ng Chee Meng, Ms He Ting Ru and Ms Yeo Wan Ling reiterated this in their speeches earlier. Many Singaporean families are quietly performing full-time caregiving roles at home, often without formal training or respite. They manage medications, behavioural changes and physical lifting, sometimes for years. Recent heartbreaking cases remind us of the quiet struggles many caregivers face and the question that lingers is, who will look after the vulnerable when caregivers themselves can no longer do so? The emotional and financial toll is significant and while CareShield Life helps with the costs, it does not yet address the broader ecosystem of caregivers' needs. I urge the Ministry to deepen integration and interaction between CareShield Life, the AIC, Silver Support and Healthier SG initiatives, so that financial, emotional and respite support reach families seamlessly. Such coordination would reflect a care partnership model, recognising that the caregiver's well-being is a crucial part of the patient's recovery and quality of life. As our society ages, empowering caregivers will become as important as funding the care itself. Mr Speaker, Sir, the CareShield Life and Long-Term Care Act embodies Singapore's ethos of mutual care and responsibility – that we pool the risk as a society so that no one faces disability alone. The current amendments modernise and strengthen that system. But as we look ahead, we must ensure that CareShield Life continues to evolve from purely a financial safety net into a comprehensive framework of care and dignity – one that embraces mental and cognitive conditions, supports caregivers and includes all who call Singapore home.”
“By integrating mental health conditions into our longer-term care framework, we send an important signal that mental wellness is not peripheral to healthcare but central to human dignity and societal participation. This would also encourage early intervention, continuous treatment and family support, key tenets of our national mental health strategy. Mr Speaker, Sir, clause 5 of the Bill introduces a new section 61A, which modernises how demand notes may be served, including electronically, which is a step forward, in my opinion, in administrative efficiency, aligning with our national Smart Nation vision and the broader digital transformation of our public services. This same spirit of simplification can extend to the claims interface itself. Currently, caregivers of severely disabled or dementia-afflicted family members must navigate multiple forms, medical reports and appeals, often while juggling employment and caregiving duties. This process can be exhausting, especially when they are elderly caregivers who are not digitally fluent. A unified online platform, perhaps integrated into current existing platforms, could allow caregivers to view eligibility status, submit documentation, receive updates and access related schemes, such as AIC support services. Such streamlining would not only reduce the administrative friction but also convey empathy through design, ensuring that our social insurance processes are as humane as the principles behind them. Ultimately, a compassionate policy must also feel compassionate in process. Mr Speaker, Sir, beyond financial assistance, the real test of long-term care policy lies in how it supports the people behind the patients – the caregivers themselves and I am really heartened to see Hon.”
“This would affirm the dignity of those living with dementia and provide greater peace of mind to caregivers – many of whom are already ageing spouses or adult children managing multiple responsibilities. Recognising dementia under CareShield Life would bring policy coherence and, importantly, compassion into one framework. Mr Speaker, Sir, the third area relates to mental health. While we have made commendable progress in destigmatising mental illness and expanding community mental health services, the CareShield Life framework remains primarily oriented around physical disability, although our National Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy rightly emphasises holistic recovery. Yet, for many individuals, mental illness can be equally disabling, preventing them from working, maintaining self-care or even engaging socially. Conditions, such as severe depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, can become long-term and debilitating. In fact, as an example, one of my Jurong Spring residents often comes to me complaining that her 19-year-old nephew, due to schizophrenia, basically lies in bed for 18 hours a day, similar to many patients with physical disability, and this takes a toll on her as a single caregiver. I would suggest that the Ministry explore ways to include mid- to severe-level mental illnesses within the Act's coverage parameters, based on formal and structured psychiatric assessment. The Government's plans to add 500 acute psychiatric beds by 2040 already underpin the burden of mental illness in our society. Eligibility for this could be based on three factors: chronicity of disease, treatability and degree of functional impairment. These, of course, could be assessed by psychiatrists.”
“By the time they become Singaporeans or Permanent Residents, some may already have developed chronic or mobility-related conditions. For such individuals, the inability to access CareShield Life coverage can leave them feeling vulnerable and dependent on family or charity. I would, therefore, urge the Ministry to consider a transitional enrolment mechanism, perhaps through a time-limited transitional enrolment window with medical review or a subsidised premium buy-in or a limited base-coverage plan for those with pre-existing conditions. This would combine fairness across cohorts and affirm our ethos that contribution to society should never go unrecognised. Mr Speaker, Sir, second point concerns dementia, a condition that is sadly growing prevalent in our ageing society. Current estimates suggest that one in 10 seniors above 60 in Singapore lives with dementia, and this number is projected to reach well over 150,000 by 2030. As we know, dementia progressively affects memory, reasoning and daily functioning, often leaving the person dependent on full-time care. Yet, under current arrangements, dementia patients do not automatically qualify for CareShield Life claims and must, first, undergo a severe disability assessment to determine the impact of dementia or cognitive impairment on their functional abilities. While clinical evaluation is important, this additional step can cause delay, uncertainty and emotional stress for families already struggling with care arrangements. I propose that these patients already have a clinical diagnosis of dementia and this could be used to trigger automatic base-tier eligibility under CareShield Life, with subsequent functional assessment determining higher-tier payouts.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, thank you. Before I begin, I wish to declare that I am an orthopedic surgeon in practice and, from time to time, I do medical assessments for permanent disability. I rise in support of the CareShield Life and Long-Term Care (Amendment) Bill. I want to first start commending the Ministry of Health, our public officers and the CareShield Life Council for continually refining this critical social protection framework that safeguards Singaporeans against the long-term financial impact of severe disability. CareShield Life is not merely an insurance scheme but one of the key pillars of our health and social security ecosystem. It reflects our collective commitment to care for one another, not only in good health, but also when illness or disability affects our independence and dignity. This Bill, by updating definitions, clarifying administrative provisions and streamlining service processes, demonstrates the Government's responsiveness to demographic shifts and societal change. While I broadly support the Bill, I would like to raise several suggestions for consideration, really aimed at strengthening the fairness, inclusion and sustainability within the CareShield Life framework. Mr Speaker, Sir, clause 3 of the Bill introduces the concept of the Singapore Citizenship/Permanent Residence date. The date an individual becomes a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident. This clause rightly ensures that automatic coverage applies only if the person is not disabled at that point, safeguarding the integrity and sustainability of the insurance pool. However, this may unintentionally exclude long-serving residents who attain citizenship or permanent residence later in life, after decades of service, taxes and social contribution.”
“I thank the Minister of State for her reply. As we do screening for Healthier SG, we are bound to see increases in chronic diseases in younger adults as well. I just want to find out if the Ministry is tracking the burden of this disease by different age groups to better inform us of future changes to the Flexi-MediSave scheme.”
“I thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the answer. The reason I am asking this supplementary question is that we have feedback on the ground that some MDWs have cited mental health issues to seek secondary employment as well as breaking down soon after seeking employment following a medical assessment prior to getting employment. I think the question has been raised in the House before, on whether the Ministry would consider, at some point in time, when the burden of mental health illness, which is a certain threshold, if mental health assessment be part of the pre-employment assessment for MDWs in future.”
“Speaker, I thank the Senior Minister of State for the detailed reply. I am coming from an angle of providing information in terms of sectors so that both learners and employers can then know which sectors actually provide better career transitions. So, I am wondering if the Ministry will be able to look at, perhaps, for the sectors that have higher sample sizes, what the outcomes are, in terms of the current matrices that the Ministry is already tracking and publishing.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to thank the Senior Minister of State for the detailed reply. I understand and appreciate the reasons why 40 was used as an age cut-off for the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance. I am just wondering whether the Ministry has data on the appeals put to the Ministry for those aged 40 and below for the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance – because studying those data may show us how better we can support the age group beyond just SkillsFuture itself.”
“Third, we should nurture safe community spaces where residents and neighbours can share concerns and know that timely help will be available for those showing signs of distress. This can eventually evolve into an ecosystem of trust that can sustain itself. And finally, I am aware that such interventions do take a toll on manpower and cause volunteer fatigue so we should test these out in a phased and sandboxed approach, refining them with partners before we can scale nationwide. Just as hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes can debilitate, we must understand that so too can mental health conditions and often more insidiously. All of us want to remain healthy in our homes, not end up in hospitals. A life lost because of a missed diagnosis or untreated mental health disorder is one life too many.”
“So, Members of this House, unlike hypertension or diabetes or high cholesterol, where objective markers drive treatment, mental health conditions lack such clear triggers for action. If left unaddressed, they harm not just the individual but also create what I call "second victims" and we cannot allow that to happen. We must bring mental health treatment and screening upstream, just as we have done with chronic diseases. First, we can consider integrating mental health screening into a wider community health framework just like what we have done with Healthier SG. Just as we screen for hypertension after we are 40, we can use simple, validated point-of-fact questionnaires to pick up early depression or anxiety. In fact, today, Members and I, we could go Healthhub.sg and just answer nine simple questions from the Patient Health Questionnaire to see whether we have early depression or anxiety. We could go to mindline.sg, interact with the chatbot to see how our mental well-being is like. But some in our community need that additional nudge. They need some for barriers to be removed before they can take action. Second, just like how we do so in matters in the municipal, we should consider adopting a "no wrong door policy" when it comes to mental health disorders. Often, mental health issues are multi-faceted and require multi-agency coordination and intervention. We already today have Community Outreach Teams (CREST), social service agencies and volunteer networks doing great work. A coordinated platform in our community would ensure that anyone knocking on the door will receive timely help and guidance.”
“Similarly, you prick your finger and you see a glucose reading that is more than 15, you panic, and you see a doctor. But mental health, Members of the House, this is different. A person with early anxiety, with early depression or, perhaps, with a hoarding disorder, may not even realise that they have a problem. Let me share a story from Jurong Spring that has stayed with me. Not long ago, a resident noticed a food parcel hanging outside her neighbour's door for three days untouched, so she reached out to me, deeply worried for her neighbour. So, with community partners and our agencies, we entered the unit and found not just an empty flat, but one filled wall-to-wall with decades of hoarded items, leaving only a narrow strip of path for me and my volunteers to walk. The only items, the only items that seemed sensible were a line of bottles: pepper, a bottle of salt, condiments and cooking oil, lined up side-to-side in the kitchen cabinet as if the resident had to hold on to some sort of order in her life. This elderly resident, I came to realise, had a long history of anxiety and a hoarding disorder and the only reason we were able to enter the home to see this state of affairs was because she was hospitalised and had not picked up the Meals-On-Wheels distribution that was hanging on her door for three days. This story illustrates why mental health is different. It is not just the individual that suffers. Symptoms often are subtle, often noticed by family, friends or neighbours, and sometimes too late. Families are left helpless, not knowing where to turn. Neighbours live in fear or discomfort. Entire communities feel the strain. Volunteers, grassroots leaders and social workers often become the first responders, and they too carry an emotional weight when doing so.”
“Joy, however, is not simply the ticking off of years on a calendar. Joy to someone could be seeing their grandchild take their first steps to a parent whose joy is seeing their children smiling and reading. The joy could be within the community when volunteers see someone get up from a fallen position. Joy is a quiet expression at times. To be joyful, health is important. Physical health is important. But mental health? It is indispensable. Without mental well-being, colours fade and the world's beauty becomes harder to see, even for the most positive of people. How long we live really depends on how well our mind can function. In this country, we are in the midst of re-working how health is understood and delivered. Health is often described as complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease. I must say much progress has been made in the frameworks where we promote physical health, as seen in the launch and the take-up of Healthier SG. Mental health also has rightly received attention in recent years. For example, we launched the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy in 2023. With that, we aim to create an effective mental health ecosystem with accessible, high-quality clinical care and a supportive community. Yet, while our frameworks for physical illness are clear, mental health often presents hidden challenges. Let me explain further. Through Healthier SG, we screen widely for hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. A simple blood pressure machine, you slap on a cuff, you see a reading above 150, you know that is a trigger for action, right? You would see a doctor to assess it further. Even if it is white-coat hypertension, it is just a sort of guide, you get anxious when you seek medical attention.”
“In order for humans to control these five bodily senses, it is not only important to have physical strength; it is essential for one to have good mental health too. Hence, to live a long and fulfilling life, mental health is of utmost importance. Today, mental health is of equal importance to physical health. However, in our Indian community, some are shy in talking about mental health and mental illnesses. At times, it is considered a stigma too. In time to come, this may lead to a difficult situation. Depression, anxiety, loneliness – these are silent ailments. As mental illness is hidden from the outside and the intensity of it increases day after day, it could even take away one's life. Therefore, as a united community, what we have to do is very clear. First, we have to come to a realisation that this is a real problem that we have in our society and take it face to face. Next, is to look after one another; our families and friends, and support them. Third, if need be, one should not hesitate to approach doctors, counsellors or seek social resources. To ask about mental health; and to seek help for it; this is not a weakness – but this is the strength. No one needs to carry the burden of their mental illnesses alone. This is a burden that we could all come together and carry as a society. (In English): Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Motion and do so with gratitude to the residents of the West Coast-Jurong West group representation constituency (GRC), especially those in Jurong Spring and Gek Poh, who have given me the honour of serving them and to my colleagues and mentors who have guided me on this journey. The President in his address has urged us to make Singapore a place where every citizen can have a joyful and fulfilling life as they age.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, in Malay, please. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mr Speaker and hon Members of Parliament (MPs). I am honoured for this opportunity to deliver my maiden speech in Parliament in our national language. Today, I will touch on the issue of mental health and the steps we can take as a society to play our part in caring for and helping one another. In our efforts to care for the mental health of the Malay/Muslim community in Singapore, we need to acknowledge traditional beliefs, integrate modern practices and create inclusive discussions so that every individual receives support without going against their religious and cultural values. However, the issue of stigma and misconceptions about mental illness still exists despite various efforts that have been undertaken to change public mindset. One important step to reduce this stigma is encouraging open conversations and providing integrated mental health services that are easily accessible. When we discuss with open minds, support one another and respect religious and cultural backgrounds, we will certainly be able to strengthen the mental health of our entire community. I will elaborate further on how we can work together as a society to improve mental health in my English speech later. (In English): Mr Speaker, in Tamil, please. (In Tamil): Those shall long live who have mastered the five senses and who stand true to righteousness. This is the sixth couplet of the Thirukkural. The meaning of this verse is, it is important to lead a righteous life through the abstinence of harmful desires that the body, the mouth, the eyes, the nose and the ears seeks. Those who do so will lead a long life, proclaimed Thiruvalluvar.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to declare my interest as a practising orthopaedic surgeon in the private sector. I would like to thank the Minister of State Rahayu for clarifying. On the issue of Extended Panels, from what I understand, there are differences in practice between insurance companies. For example, the Extended Panel benefit could be by way of contract, which then means that if the pre-authorisation is withdrawn, the benefits will still reach the patient or the consumer. However, if the Extended Panel benefits are by pre-authorisation, then unilateral decisions by insurance companies to stop pre-authorisation would mean that these benefits do not reach the consumer or the patient. So, I hope that the Ministry, in the process of untying the knot and in discussion with the companies, will look at these varying practices between the insurance companies and really look at it from a point of access to care from the consumers' perspective.”
“Thank you, Sir. There are two questions for Minister. The Minister did mention that the scheme is meant to be temporary. Are there any specific milestones or indicators that the Ministry has in mind before this scheme will cease or morph into a more permanent scheme? And number two, I understand that we have taken in host organisations that have credibility and are able to give the development value to the trainees. Will you also be considering our local startups and companies that may similarly be able to offer value to our local graduates?”
“I would like to ask the Minister if Singapore has raised the issue of e-vapour product control in ASEAN forums and what have the responses from our neighbours been and whether any collaborations have emerged thus far?”
“For this and your continued service, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you. 5.51 pm”
“In Tamil, please. (In Tamil): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] I am extremely happy in making this speech in support of Mr Seah Kian Peng being elected as Speaker of Parliament. As a first-term Member, I have only known Mr Seah for a few months. Nonetheless, his leadership has captivated me – confidence with humility, a smile that warms the heart and deeds that are inspiring. Encompassing all these is our 11th Speaker of Parliament, Mr Seah Kian Peng. Honourable Mr Seah Kian Peng, we wish you our heartiest congratulations in being elected as speaker of this 15th Parliament. You have discharged your duties with utmost dedication since assuming this role from 2 August 2023 as the 11th Speaker of Parliament. The role of the Speaker is exclusive and comes with its own weight. It is Mr Speaker's duty to give every Member a fair chance and protect it by allocating time fairly. Mr Speaker maintains the conduct in the House and protects the dignity of this Parliament, which your good self, Mr Speaker, have been undertaking with utmost dutifulness. You have been fulfilling this duty with fairness, firmness and at the same time with gracefulness. Through this, the conduct of the house and dignity in its proceedings continue to be safeguarded. I would like to express the following on behalf of first-term Members: through your guidance, we have grown and have become confident that we are able to make meaningful contributions. As we embark on our journey, we seek your good self's fairness, encouragement and support. Mr Speaker does not always speak much, but when he does, even for the short moments, his words are of deep meaning and richness. These words form the basis of the proceedings in the House and at times, through this, the basis of our nation, too.”