Rahayu Mahzam
Singapore
“We engage the insurance providers quite regularly, but we are very mindful about where we intervene, especially because they need to be competitive and there is a commercial dimension to it, which we feel that we should respect. So, how we intervene is via the conditions that are put in place vis-a-vis the consumers.”
“So, that is not something they can worry about. There is already the S+3M framework that is already in place, so we know that MediShield Life is one, they have their MediSave and if all else fails, there is MediFund.”
“Should there be disputes over specific claims, policyholders can take it to the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC), an independent and impartial institution that assists with insurance-related disputes.”
“It is just a symptom, so the underlying cost pressures still need to be addressed. The description that we had put earlier in the past is that it is a knot that we need to untangle; and that is something we are doing with a multi-pronged, with engagements with different parties and stakeholders.”
“I appreciate the Member's feedback. As I said earlier, this is something that we will continue to consider. But we do also have to appreciate that the information that we get is live, in terms of waiting times and all that.”
“But I do take the point and we are actually reviewing to see what is a meaningful way to put out this information so that the public can understand, so that we can all track properly whether the good health outcomes are a result of the efforts that we are making. I will take the feedback back and we will continue to review this.”
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“I am aware that there is already a lot of effort in engaging the youths, for example, through the efforts of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the National Youth Council (NYC), of which I am a council member. I believe though there is scope to enhance such engagements by having targeted approaches for the different archetypes of youths. Not all young people are the same. Not all are vocal and not all may be interested in giving their views. But they should be interested and their views matter. We could look at sharing information and obtaining feedback in a medium that is more suitable and comfortable for the different groups. This could mean repackaging information in bite size forms and engaging them through social media. It means we go to them, have discussion sessions where they hang out after school, or where they seek recreation. We should also be open to implement meaningful ideas generated from the discussions. This could encourage more mature and constructive discussions in the youths here. Such discussions will hopefully help to shape views and instill the youths with the same sense of responsibility and ownership of our Pioneer Generation. This sense of responsibility and ownership is necessary if Singapore is to survive. The community needs to come together and do its part. We have many schemes and programmes in place but there will always be gaps and those who fall through the cracks. The community plays an important role to complete the support network and close the gaps. At the end of last year, some families in Bukit Batok East sought my assistance to buy school books and items for their children to use in the new school year.”
“Eligibility criteria may need to be reviewed from time to time. New initiatives may need to be put in place. This is constant work in progress. It is important to always be mindful to ensure that the Budget and any policy changes continue to improve the day-to-day lives of Singaporeans. I trust that this Government will do just that. It is an attractive notion to argue for more to be done to help everyone. Of course, we want to help everyone. But should we and can we? I am acutely aware that the Government has to cater to all these needs whilst balancing the need to ensure fiscal feasibility and sustainability of the country. The inevitable announcement has thus been made regarding the increase in GST. There has been a lot of buzz regarding this, and many views have been put forth. I think beyond just the banter of assent and dissent, and alternative suggestions, there is an opportunity to talk about our values and what defines us as Singaporeans. The Budget is not just about the economy and our fiscal needs but also about the principles that guide us. I feel that this Budget and the recent Budget statements in the past few years have gotten all of us thinking about important questions relating to Singapore's future: what do Singaporeans expect of the Government, what do we do in difficult times, what do we do in good times? There is an opportunity to ride on this and consciously involve the youths in these discussions and create for them a platform where they can be meaningfully involved in policy formulation. After all, many of the things we are doing is for the future generation.”
“So, when we talk about the Budget or the various policies or programmes to help families, we must always bear in mind what happens on the ground, what is the impact on people, will this Budget and the various programmes help people in the long run? I believe this Budget does. There are many elements in this Budget that can help the family I spoke about. There will be increased support for education. In particular, the Ministry of Education (MOE) Financial Assistance Scheme will be reviewed and one of the outcomes is that the eligibility criteria will be raised to cover more families. This family can expect to receive some assistance that will reduce at least the eldest child’s school expenses. The extension of the service and conservancy charges (S&CC) rebate will also go some way in alleviating their household expenses. The father could also avail himself of the schemes within the Adapt and Grow programme and find a suitable job that will help to improve the family’s finances. Indirectly, the other initiatives targeted at supporting businesses for growing a vibrant and innovative economy like the extension of the Wage Credit Scheme, enhancement of corporate income tax rebate and the Enterprise Development Grant will all help to create a more conducive environment to look for a job and stay employed. Hopefully, by the time the GST increases kick in, the family is financially stable. Even if they are not, the GST offset package, amongst other things, would be in place to support them. I am glad that there are reviews and extensions of existing schemes within this Budget. Policies and schemes need to be tweaked and retweaked. We need to make sure that the policies and the various progammes match the needs of our people.”
“Mr Speaker, during one of my house visits last week, I was greeted by three adorable children who stood in front of the door of their flat and recited a 10-line Chinese New Year greeting to me. Before, I could even say hello, they went: Yi – Fan Feng Shun; Er – Long Teng Fei; San – Yang Kai Tai and so on. It was delightful watching them. Their father shared that the youngest one had learnt it in school and taught the greeting to the siblings. The eldest child, a girl, is eight years old. Her brother, the second child, is six years old and the youngest girl is five years old. The father recently had heart surgery and is not working but is actively looking for a job. The mother is working in sales. Some time ago, they had sought higher subsidies from the eldest child’s school for student care fees but were not successful. Now, after the surgery and with the husband not working, the family is feeling the financial pinch. They have some debts to clear as they had previously paid for various bills in the past with credit cards. The father expressed his concerns as it was getting financially challenging for the family to afford the children’s expenses as their needs increase. My team is making the appropriate appeals and referrals to assist the family. Their circumstances are specific to them, but some of the issues that they faced are not uncommon. An unexpected event, especially a health-related one, often derails a family’s financial plan. A bad financial decision in the past may continue to haunt the family for a long time. Sometimes, financial assistance is not immediately available because of the eligibility criteria, though I have seen exceptions been made in appropriate circumstances.”
“In addition, it is also important for the general public to continue playing their role and complement the support given to the elderly. I am certain that, with a joint effort by the Government, families and the community, a comprehensive network of support can be established. (In English): Mr Deputy Speaker, I will conclude in English. We need to take care of the elderly because it is the right thing to do. But we should also remember that we will all grow old one day. We will all be that statistic, that group that would tap on Government funds, that would add to healthcare costs, that would need to be cared for. It is, therefore, in our interests to invest and build an ecosystem that would allow for seniors to age well and with dignity. Deputy Speaker, I support this Motion.”
“Basically, patrons of the coffee shop are encouraged to buy an extra meal and these paid-for meals could then be redeemed by beneficiaries identified by the RC. Although this scheme benefits all needy beneficiaries regardless of age, there is a high concentration of elderly residents in that area who will find this scheme meaningful and will benefit from it. My youth volunteers also follow up on many MPS cases involving elderly residents to ensure that there is closure and they receive the support that they need. These are just some examples of organic support from within the community which helps to augment the schemes and services made available by the Government. It is important that ground-up initiatives are supported and encouraged so that we could build a better support structure for the elderly residents within our community. Deputy Speaker, Sir, allow me to say a few words in Malay. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] In the Malay language, we refer to the elderly as the golden group. This obviously has a deep and meaningful connotation. Seniors are a group who should be appreciated and looked after well. We must recognise their contributions towards nation-building. Today’s Motion calls on us to view the elderly as a gift to society, as a key asset. Many seniors are still working and contributing to their families and the national economy. If the seniors’ health are looked after and they stay active, they can certainly continue being the movers of the community and the nation. Therefore, it is important for us to update the current policies and schemes to ensure the well-being of our seniors are looked after. The Lease Buyback Scheme and CHAS, for instance, must be continuously enhanced.”
“There are clearly undesirable effects of isolation, as we worry about the safety and well-being of the elderly. Another important aspect though is the impact on their mental well-being. Being disconnected with the world does not encourage active and healthy ageing. The elderly may not always want help but I believe it is important to set up an ecosystem where the elderly feel connected to the community and can seek out assistance when necessary. It is a constant work in progress to reach out to the elderly residents. I feel that we should continue to encourage neighbours and grassroots leaders to look out for and connect with the seniors. Various agencies should also join in this effort. I, therefore, look forward to the extension of the Community Network for Seniors which aims to enable a more systematic collaboration between Government agencies and community-based stakeholders. This is a meaningful endeavour which should be built on further. This leads me to my last point relating to community support. We have many schemes and programmes in place but there will always be gaps and those who fall through the cracks. I believe that the community plays an important role to complete the support structure for the elderly and close the gaps. For example, in Bukit Batok East, some of the elderly residents who may not be eligible for financial assistance receive monthly food rations which had been donated by merchants, community partners and grassroots leaders. Recently, we also introduced the "Belanja-A-Meal" scheme at one of the coffee shops. This scheme, which is a collaboration between the coffee shop and the Residents’ Committee (RC), is extended to all needy residents within the zone.”
“One other proposal I would like to make is for a review of the role and branding of the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents. This Tribunal was created as a means for parents to seek maintenance from their adult children. The work done by the Commissioner for the Maintenance of Parents and the Tribunal is not just adjudication though, as there is a lot of effort in conciliation and mediation. Over 80% of the cases that are referred to the Office of the Commissioner from 2014 to 2016 are settled through conciliation. There is, however, great resistance from the elderly when they are asked to approach the Commissioner or the Tribunal, as a prelude to an application for financial assistance. At this juncture, I should just declare that I am also a mediator with the Tribunal for Maintenance of Parents. Many have approached me and explained that they are uncomfortable about pursuing claims from their children. I feel that there is scope for a review of efforts that could be done in educating the public about the family being the first line of defence and how the family can handle financial issues together. I would propose that the role of the Tribunal be reviewed and enhanced to assist families beyond just adjudication and mediation. Perhaps there could be more services provided to the elderly and their family members, such as counselling or financial planning classes, akin to the extended support available to families in the Family Justice Courts. I move to the second issue of concern – mental wellness. Through house visits and feedback from grassroots leaders, it has come to my attention that there are many seniors who are living alone and who may not participate in community activities. Some may not have children or close relatives and end up being isolated.”
“That means more elderly residents have the chance to improve their financial situation. In respect of outreach, there is awareness of the existence of the scheme. However, there is still some resistance to it. The family home is seen as sacred and many fear the implications of outliving the lease period or not leaving anything as inheritance to their children. I feel though that given that more Singaporeans are asset-rich rather than cash-rich, an equity release product like this is an effective measure to meet the elderly's financial needs. It may, therefore, be worth the effort to generate more acceptance of this scheme. Another scheme which should be reviewed to help improve the financial circumstances of seniors would be CHAS. CHAS enables Singapore Citizens from lower- to middle-income households to receive subsidies for medical and dental care at participating general practitioner and dental clinics near their home. Singapore Citizens who qualify receive an individual blue or orange CHAS card. I often receive appeals to qualify for CHAS and for an "upgrade" to the blue card. Typical issues that arise include the fact that an adult child is using the home address but not living there or living in the same address but is not contributing to the household expenses. The elderly feel that they are unfairly assessed and deprived of the much sought after CHAS card. The CHAS cards are precious and meaningful for the seniors and the scheme goes a long way in helping them with their expenses, especially for those who have to seek regular medical treatment. I would, therefore, request that some adjustments be made, for example, to raise the income ceiling so that more elderly residents would qualify for CHAS or to increase the subsidies available within the scheme.”
“I acknowledge that not all of the residents fall into the category of needy beneficiaries but the reality is that day-to-day living is a challenge for them. It will not be feasible to expect financial assistance for all these families and I also believe that, to some extent, there must be personal and familial responsibility. Therefore, the solution is not to give more money to more people. I think that there is scope though to review the existing support structures in place to better assist seniors to cope with their financial challenges. One area that could be reviewed is the Lease Buyback Scheme. I note the enhancements that have been made over the years and more seniors have now successfully applied for the scheme. Could there be further expansion of this scheme by extending it to bigger flats, such as 5-room and executive flats? Could there be additional outreach to enhance awareness and acceptance amongst elderly residents? There is an ongoing call for the scheme to be extended to bigger flats. I note the indication from the Minister for National Development earlier this year that it is not likely to happen anytime soon as it is not an effective use of space and a more feasible option is to right-size. I would ask, however, that the Ministry reconsider this view. Ageing-in-place is a key component in ensuring an elderly person ages successfully with dignity. Being able to continue staying where they are living has an impact on their mental and, therefore, also physical well-being. At a practical level, there may be further costs and implications of having to move to a new location. This scheme provides an opportunity to alleviate the elderly from their financial challenges. If this scheme is extended, more can benefit from it.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I serve in Bukit Batok East, which is an old estate. Many residents have lived there for 20 to 30 years, some with other family members living within the area. Bukit Batok East is their kampung and most do not want to move out of the area. I meet many elderly residents regularly at events, house visits and my MPS. Today, I would like to touch on three areas which have been raised as concerns by some of my elderly residents and my observations of the efforts in place to help the elderly: one, financial sustenance; two, mental wellness; and three, community support. Many elderly residents I meet at MPS have sought financial assistance to cope with their daily living expenses. I believe my experience is no different from that of other Members. Some of these seniors have insufficient income or sources of funds to pay their bills, medical expenses or even food. They may not meet the criteria to receive financial assistance because of the fact that they are working or have children who are expected to support them. In many cases, the seniors are reluctant to seek assistance from their children and the most common reason cited is that their children are having financial difficulties, too. The children may also not truly appreciate the issues that their elderly parents are facing. One of my residents shared with me that her children had scolded her when they found out that she sought financial assistance. Instead of supporting her, they chided her and told her she needed to adjust her lifestyle. Her lifestyle was by no means lavish, so she was hurt by her children's response. She was crying when she told me that her son told her that if finances are so tight, she should just eat rice and soya sauce.”
“Mr Speaker, I declare my interest as a lawyer in private practice.”
“I would like to clarify what are the criteria or conditions required in the decision to determine if the condominiums are suitable for the installation of AEDs? This may be something we want to work towards, and I, in any case, would like to volunteer the condominiums at Bukit Batok East for this programme.”
“If along the way, we find that there are efforts that we can carry out at the Social Service Offices level by community agencies, we will do our best to refer. We want to promote filial piety; we want families to be able to support one another. And the community can play a part in this.”
“I thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the answer to the question. First, I would like to declare that I am a mediator with the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents (TMP). I would like to seek specific information on numbers that have applied and where there had been settlement. Also, if the Senior Parliamentary Secretary could give comments on the effectiveness of the process in place, including mediation, in resolving the issues raised at TMP. Further, whether there is any scope of review of the role of TMP, perhaps in providing and enhancing services to the families, for example, in counselling or allowing for financial planning classes for the families. Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Sir, I thank Mdm Rahayu for the supplementary questions. Looking at the details and numbers, as I had said earlier, we cannot see any trend. Nevertheless, from 2013 to 2017, numbers have gone down. In 2013, it was 63 new applications; 2014 saw 55 new applications; 2015 saw 36 new applications; 2016 saw 70 new applications and 2017 saw 38 new applications. So, as a whole, we feel that the Commissioner for the Maintenance of Parents (CMP) has been able to help in facilitating to resolve the issues amicably. The number of applications at TMP has dropped since 2011. We feel that this can be attributed largely to the CMP's success in resolving maintenance disputes through conciliation. Since 2011, CMP has resolved eight out of the 10 cases, with 90% of these cases being resolved within three months. We feel that with better upfront conciliation, fewer applications are being filed at TMP. The applications fell from 63 in 2013 to 38 in 2017. It is not only about conciliation or about how we can help them.”
“Hence, I welcome the proposal to form a Select Committee to study the spread of online falsehoods and propose measures to overcome them. (In English): Mr Deputy Speaker, I support this Motion. 3.15 pm”
“I trust though, that the Government will not only be considering legislative options. Although, legislation would regulate conduct in relation to the spread of online falsehoods, I believe there are other efforts that could be put in place including public education. I would therefore ask if the Government could consider legislation as part of a wider, more multi-pronged approach. Mr Deputy Speaker, allow me to say a few words in Malay. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] The development of digital technology in this era has changed the way we communicate and has an effect on the spread of information. One of the consequences is the spread of online falsehoods on an unprecedented scale. All types of falsehoods can spread very quickly and its impact on society is quite significant. One example is a video that became viral, that purportedly show Muslims in London celebrating the Paris terrorist attack in November 2015. In reality, the video was a recording of a group of people celebrating Pakistan’s victory in a cricket match. This hoax has further stoked anger and hatred towards Muslims after the Paris incident. Just imagine if a similar situation happens in Singapore. Race relations in Singapore may become fractured and the lives of our multi-racial and multi-religious society will be affected. Therefore, it is important that we act quickly to prevent the spread of online falsehoods. The current efforts are inadequate to resolve this problem. We must think of more effective solutions. The problem of online falsehoods cannot be resolved by a single group. The Government, tech companies, media, society – they must all play their part. We must work as one country in order to achieve an effective outcome.”
“The technology companies are also making effort to take steps to stop the spread of falsehoods by flagging information to consumers or by taking down the posts which breach community standards. In December 2016, Facebook began showing a "disputed" warning next to articles that third-party checking websites said were fake news. However, researchers subsequently highlighted to Facebook that this method is ineffective as it was actually entrenching deeply held beliefs. Therefore, Facebook will no longer display these red warning icons but instead display links to related articles next to the disputed news stories. There are also some ground-up efforts of fact-checking that are emerging. In October 2017, the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Google and the Media Literacy Council, supported by The Straits Times, organised a hackathon to solve the problem of online falsehoods. This is an encouraging effort, but I believe it is still too early to tell how successful this will be in the fight against online falsehoods. The reality is that existing measures and efforts are not able to curb the spread of online falsehoods. The challenge is multi-faceted and requires more than just one solution. The effort in fighting online falsehoods therefore has to be a concerted effort. I am very glad therefore that this Motion has been put forth for a Select Committee to examine the various aspects of online falsehoods and propose some measures. I note the terms of reference of the Select Committee set out in the Motion and agree with the same. I would comment on the reference to possible legislative measures. This would indeed be a natural and obvious response.”
“For example, when terror attacks occurred in Paris in November 2015, a video went viral claiming that London Muslims were celebrating the attacks. In reality, it was a video of a celebration of a victory by Pakistan in a cricket match. The hoax fed into the anger against Muslims in the aftermath of the Paris attacks. As a Muslim minority in Singapore, I cringe every time I hear news of terror attacks. I always worry about the distrust that could develop against the Muslims in Singapore. It is one of my greatest fears that an online falsehood could trigger anger against the Muslim community here. There could be disastrous implications if this happens in Singapore. The impact to Singapore may be irreversible. The problem of the spread of online falsehoods is a very real problem and merits immediate attention. So, we know the problem, but what do we do about it? There are numerous ways to address the spread of online falsehoods but the current measures appear inadequate. Currently, there are statutes like the Telecommunications Act and the Broadcasting Act, which may apply but there are gaps. For instance, under the Telecommunications Act, it is an offence to transmit a message knowing that it is false. However, in practice, this provision has been ineffective in properly addressing the spread of online falsehoods. The circulation of falsehoods is hard to circumvent, given how quickly they go viral today. One person could possibly be held accountable under the statute for sending the message containing the falsehood but its virulent spread thereafter, cannot be adequately dealt with using existing provisions in law.”
“Often in such groups, there is no other source of information coming into our circle. We therefore form echo chambers and this amplifies the impact of any falsehoods spread within the group. Thirdly, there are people taking advantage of the new means of human communication and the human psyche to spread falsehoods. The identities of those creating or proliferating falsehoods online are hidden behind the screen of anonymity, such that they are emboldened to spread the falsehoods. There have been and will continue to be unsavoury people who would use the online platforms to propagate falsehoods for their own desirable ends and to pursue their own agendas. In addition, it is observed that in many places, the mainstream media no longer holds the same degree of trust it had with the people. The people have a preference to refer to sources, other than the mainstream media. The mainstream media now operates in a different environment where it can no longer operate as an effective check and balance on the proliferation of online falsehoods, enabled by technology and social media. An indication of the severity of the spread of online falsehoods was given at the World Economic Forum in 2014, where the rapid spread of misinformation online was considered the 10th top trend of global significance. I believe we can all appreciate the significant adverse impact online falsehoods can have on communities. Just look at the buzz that was caused when many people received the message that NTUC FairPrice was giving out gift cards. A friend said that she saw a lady insisting for a gift card at one of the outlets. The implications can be even more serious.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the deliberate spreading of falsehoods is not a novel phenomenon. For as long as human societies existed, there would always be incidence of rumours, untruths being spread in various media. Such falsehoods affect people, relationships, the way people see things, and ultimately, impacts on the society. Human societies have managed to cope and deal with such incidents and its consequences. However, with the advent of digital technology, the spread of falsehoods and its impact on communities have reached unprecedented levels. The spread of deliberate online falsehood is, therefore, of particular concern. Firstly, the manner in which we receive and share information has changed significantly. There are now many more information systems and platforms which translates to more means and ways by which falsehoods can be spread. With the proliferation via social media, falsehoods spread much faster. We now have the concept of "going viral", a problem which we never had to deal with before. There is now instant communication – Twitter, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Telegram – and with a click of a button, an individual could share information to many others almost immediately. On Facebook, an individual could share a post to 5,000 people. On a single WhatsApp group, you can have up to 256 members. Imagine the extent of the reach in numerous WhatsApp groups. Secondly, as individuals, we all receive and share information with the same groups of people. It is natural for people who think alike to come together and share views. The Internet has made it easier for us to talk amongst ourselves with people of like-minded views. In such context, we end up confirming each other’s pre-existing views and reinforce our own biases.”
“I thank the Minister for the answer. I raised this question because in my house visits, I had observed where there is a certain demographic of residents in certain flats. Some residents had also given their feedback about their observations in certain flats where you see a certain number of residents of a certain ethnicity. In light of that, I am just wondering what happens in situations where the rental is not actually approved by HDB, how are inspections and enforcement done in those situations? In a situation where there is non-compliance, what are the specific sanctions or penalties that are given for non-compliance? If there are any residents who have observed a certain trend in a particular estate, what recourse do they have in terms of referring this matter to the HDB?”
“Knowledge about what is permissible or forbidden is important, but what is more important is knowledge about moral values, ethics and the reasons behind any religious ritual that we perform. Therefore, I truly hope that Muslims in Singapore will continue to enhance their knowledge, constantly try to engage people from other religions and work hand in hand to defeat terrorism. (In English): In conclusion, I wish to state my support for this Motion. I have faith that if we stay true to our values as a multicultural, multi-religious Singapore and take effort to nurture our relationships with one another, we will be able to stay strong in the face of any challenges.”
“I think that Muslims in Singapore can play an important role in sharing and spreading accurate information about Islam. We should not just stand still and instead should try to correct the perceptions of others towards our religion. This does not mean having debates and organising lectures, but I think we can portray the beauty of Islam through our daily interactions and relations with those from other religions. We can do this at work, in school and by involving ourselves in social activities, for instance, at the CCs. Many of us have already done so and I encourage more to join in this effort. Recently, there have been concerns about some Muslims in this region who are thought to display extremist characteristics from the way they practise their religion. I would like to highlight the example of a laundrette in Muar, Johor, where the owner provides washing machines for customers, tried to obtain halal certification for his detergent and only allows his machines to be used exclusively by Muslims. The incident resulted in a harsh rebuke from the Johor Sultan who felt that it was contrary to the principles of harmony and solidarity in that state. This reminded me of the lessons I learnt in a religious class organised by PERGAS a few years ago. I still remember Ustaz Hannan Hassan, who taught me at that time, and the knowledge he imparted had a significant impact on me. Islam is a religion based on logic and intellect; a religion that requires us to think. It is a religion that is appropriate at any place and time. We should adapt our religious practices based on our situation and context.”
“This is easier said than done. At the grassroots level, for example, it is not always easy to get representation from people of different races to participate in various activities. I believe some small changes can be and has been made. Have halal and vegetarian food options. Avoid prayer times or avoid the time slots when people go to church when you organise activities. Open up festivities to people of different races. For example, invite Chinese and Malays to Deepavali celebrations. Improving the activities to meet the needs of the residents is always work-in-progress. As a member of the management committee of OnePeople.sg (OPSG), I also see the hard work put in to promote multicultural integration. OPSG was founded by various self-help groups together with CDCs and PA. The education and training programmes, programmes to engage community to build capabilities to promote racial harmony as well as the resources – matters which Assoc Prof Daniel Goh had alluded to earlier – are actually things that we are already doing. We need to continue to do this and to work hard to create meaningful platforms for people to interact. What is key is that we realise that we all play important parts in this work and we should continue to work together to build the bonds among us. Mr Speaker, allow me to continue my speech in Malay. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Every day, we hear reports about terror attacks all over the world, who claim to fight in the name of religion. Their actions have, in fact, sullied the name of Islam. One rotten apple spoils the whole barrel. Non-Muslims who may not understand this sacred religion will certainly feel afraid and do not believe the true teachings of Islam and its followers.”
“I said in my speech during the Budget Debates last year that I have faith that, in general, the non-Muslim community in Singapore knows that Singaporean Muslims strongly reject terrorism and the misguided ISIS actions. I added that non-Muslims should have no reason to distrust or be resentful of Muslims here. That was a year ago, and we have since heard of several Singaporeans who were radicalised and have been detained because of their associations with ISIS as well as the one who had been featured in the ISIS propaganda video. Despite my initial frustrations of having to defend my religion and my community to fellow Singaporeans, I truly appreciate the fear and the stress that are aroused by the non-stop terrorist attacks in other places, especially now, as the influence of ISIS has come to our shores. I am worried about the attitudes that would develop against Muslims in Singapore, the impact on the practice of the religion and daily life. I worry that the tudung-wearing Muslim woman will be discriminated against when she seeks employment. I worry a Muslim is less trusted because of his faith. The fear and the distrust are understandable, especially if you do not know anything about the religion and have not had any significant interaction with anyone who practices the faith. We need to counter the distrust and I believe the way to do this is to build the relationships among the different communities in Singapore. I, therefore, fully support the call to invest in multiculturalism as a socio-weapon to counter the discord which terrorism seeks to sow. We must continue to provide platforms for meaningful interaction among people of different races and religions. Our children must be taught to accept and embrace the diversity within our community.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I remember a conversation I had with a friend over dinner a few years back when reports of ISIS first came out. He expressed his concerns and asked why Muslims are not doing anything about it. At that juncture, I could not help but feel defensive. I explained to my non-Muslim friend that the terrorists are extremists and their actions do not represent the true teachings of Islam. I felt a tinge of frustration as he pushed on further and asked why true Muslims were not explaining the correct teachings to these terrorists. I must have sounded a tad bit annoyed as I sought to distinguish myself, my community and my religion from these extremists. I told him I do not know these people, I do not understand their psyche and it was unfair to put the burden on Muslims alone to resolve this issue with regard to the terrorists. In the wake of news reports and the development of ISIS, I saw many Facebook postings of Muslim friends condemning the terrorist attacks but also expressing similar frustrations of having to explain to non-Muslim friends that the terrorist actions were not aligned with Islamic teachings. The frustrations soon turned into concern as we started seeing acts of violence against innocent Muslims all around the world. Islamaphobia was manifested in varying degrees and there was fear that the same would happen to Singaporean Muslims. As the days passed and the terrorist attacks continued, it became apparent that anger and distrust against Muslims also grew. The Muslims also, in effect, became victims of the actions of the extremists who claim to fight in the name of the religion.”
“However, I continue to hope changes and improvements in AMLA and also in the management of Muslim organisations in Singapore like MUIS and the Syariah Court could help make the lives of those in the Muslim community in Singapore better. I agree that this is not an easy task for those organisations, especially in the context of modern life and with the presence of a variety of opinions about any issue. This responsibility is best described by a Malay expression that advises us to handle delicate matters carefully and wisely to avoid making things worse. Although it is hard, I think that we should possess the courage and wisdom to make certain decisions and take steps to prepare our community to face change and make improvements. There has to be continuous education about Islamic principles and their application in the world today. On this matter, MUIS and, in particular, the MUIS Academy, have made wonderful efforts and these should be continued. The reality is that life for those in the Muslim community is becoming increasingly complex and our community needs comprehensive and progressive guidance. I hope that the effort to enhance Islamic education within our community will continue to be given due attention. This amendment is certainly a positive step and it is hoped that the application of this legislation will continue to be observed and improvements are done consistently, so that it corresponds with the realities of life in today's society. Mdm Speaker, I support the amendments. 4.21 pm”
“I note that, currently, the civil Courts, applying Muslim law, has jurisdiction to deal with matters involving a Muslim estate. I also note the legal position that the determination of rights and interests is subject to the general law in Singapore. There are, perhaps, other approaches in looking at provisions to allow Muslim dependants to claim against the estate or setting out detailed provisions in AMLA in relation to nuzriah or hibah. I appreciate the complexity of the situation but there is a real need to address these concerns. I, therefore, urge that these matters be reviewed and an appropriate resolution be put forth. In this regard, I wish to add that fellow lawyers, in particular those who sit on the Muslim Law Practice Committee, have expressed their desire to continue to be involved in discussions with the Syariah Court and MUIS to work on further developments of Muslim law in Singapore. I hope the appropriate division in the Ministry will follow up with them so that more ideas can be generated through discourse and possible collaboration. Mdm Speaker, please allow me to continue with the rest of my speech in Malay. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] AMLA is an important piece of legislation in the administration of various aspects of life for the Muslim community in Singapore. If we look at the history and development of AMLA, we can see the beauty and uniqueness of the Singapore Story, in which the welfare of the Malay/Muslim community is given attention. Therefore, I truly welcome this amendment Bill which aims to continue reinforcing Islamic institutions, enhancing the management of Muslim assets and strengthening Muslim families − and, at once, enhancing the unity of the Muslim community in Singapore in general.”
“I hope that these recommendations will be reviewed and appropriate amendments to AMLA be made. The other issue which I would like to highlight relates to inheritance distribution in accordance to faraid principles. The underlying spirit or rationale behind the faraid principles is actually one of fairness. The ones who get a larger share are the ones who are supposed to care for the more vulnerable beneficiaries within the family. However, in practice, often what is seen, is an assertion of rights and entitlement to the share of inheritance, without an appreciation of the duties and obligations towards the other beneficiaries. Currently, the Syariah Court issues the Inheritance Certificate upon the provision of a statutory declaration. No determination or adjudication of rights, entitlements and obligations is done at the Syariah Court. If there is a dispute, the matter can be brought to the civil Courts. There is some dissatisfaction on the ground in respect of the current state of affairs, especially by those affected by the strict compliance of the principles and who do not seek the appropriate legal recourse. I feel that there is also a lack of knowledge and understanding of the nuances of Islamic principles on this matter. I appreciate that there is no simple solution. There may be several approaches to take and each comes with it, different challenges. One possible approach may be to grant powers to the Syariah Court or create a separate tribunal to oversee the issues relating to the inheritance distribution, including issues relating to the Muslim will, nuzriah, hibah and enforcement of the beneficiaries' duties. That would require appropriate manpower allocation and expertise.”
“I welcome the amendment to section 35 to require either party to a marriage to be domiciled in Singapore or habitually resident in Singapore for a period of at least three years before the Syariah Court has jurisdiction to hear matters. It is indeed important for there to be a connecting factor before the Syariah Court exercises its jurisdiction. I would like to ask the Minister to consider amending the provision on jurisdiction further to grant powers to the Syariah Court to hear ancillary matters when a divorce had been registered overseas. Currently, in such situations where a divorce was granted by a court of competent jurisdiction overseas, the Syariah Court can make an order on nafkah iddah and mutaah, which are entitlements to the Muslim wife, but not an order on the division of matrimonial assets. Parties would typically have to go to the civil Court, the High Court, to obtain the appropriate orders. I note that there had been developments in this matter as the Court of Appeal in the case of TMO vs TMP had found that there is no lacuna in the law and that chapter 4A of the Women's Charter, which empowers the High Court to order financial relief upon divorce granted by competent courts overseas, can apply to Muslims. This decision is helpful in clarifying and confirming that parties involved in a Muslim divorce overseas have some recourse. I believe though there is much value in resolving the root of the problem through legislation. In particular, it will allow for one Court − the Syariah Court − to deal holistically with all the ancillary matters, including nafkah iddah and mutaah. I understand the Muslim Law Practice Committee of the Law Society had put up their recommendations and had made an extensive argument in respect of this matter.”
“Mdm Speaker, I would like to first declare that I am a lawyer practising in the Syariah Court and that in my past appointment as Deputy Registrar of the Syariah Court, I was involved in some of the discussions relating to the amendment of AMLA. The genesis of AMLA could be traced back to the time when Singapore was a British colony. During that period, there was an acknowledgement that whilst English law was to apply in Singapore, it needed to be appropriately modified to respect the religious beliefs and customs of the local inhabitants. The enactment of the 1880 Mahomedan Muslim Ordinance reflected the official legislative recognition of the status of Muslim personal law. This ordinance was replaced by the Muslim Ordinance and, subsequently, evolved into AMLA we see today. I believe this historical perspective is relevant as it provides an insight as to why Muslims in Singapore are governed by a separate law in respect of certain matters like marriage and divorce. The evolution of AMLA is, therefore, of great historical significance and, to me, personally, it reflects the beauty of the Singapore Story that embraces and respects the identity of the Malay/Muslim community. The proposed further developments of AMLA tabled today which are intended to: one, reinforce existing Muslim institutions; two, enhance the management of Muslim assets, and three, strengthen Muslim families, are, therefore, greatly welcomed. Based on my observations of issues that I have come across in the course of my practice and my discussions with other lawyers, I would like to highlight two areas to be reviewed and included as amendments to AMLA. One issue relates to the jurisdiction of the Syariah Court.”
“I thank the Senior Minister of State for the answers. Can I just seek clarification? It appears as though the programmes, in respect of the detection of the antenatal and postnatal depression specifically at KKH and NUH, I am wondering whether there will be efforts to encourage these programmes or to develop these programmes in the other hospitals. My second clarification − can more be done to educate family members about the symptoms of postnatal depression, perhaps by screening of videos at waiting areas, brochures for family members when they attend? My third clarification – will there be also efforts to educate the general public about antenatal and postnatal depression? I think we have all heard about the recent case where the young mother with a two-month-old daughter took her own life and the State Coroner, Marvin Bee, highlighted that this was a tragic case but it provided us an opportunity to actually look into the effects of postpartum depression, especially with working mothers. So, I was wondering if there are any further effort in this respect.”
“" I believe the Prime Minister and the Ministers will do their best in addressing the questions and I hope that the questions raised can be answered as thoroughly as possible so that any concerns of abuse of powers are allayed. But at the end of the day, it is up to us to place our faith and trust on the leaders that we have elected to do right by us.”
“The integrity of the leadership and system of Government are being questioned. There appears to be a slight loss of faith in the Government that was elected by the people. This is very sad and will have serious implications on our country's international standing. I truly hope that all the questions raised can be answered fully so that there will be no more lingering doubts about the transparency and integrity of the Government. And I also hope that after this debate, all of us can fully focus on the efforts to prepare our society for our future challenges. (In English) In the past few weeks, the integrity of the system and leadership has been called into question. Even the PAP MPs are not spared as our ability to put aside our deference to the Prime Minister and ask questions on behalf of our constituents are also put to question. Recently, many I spoke to have expressed their wish that there be closure to the matter. Upon listening to Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary's speech as well as some of my other colleagues, it reminded me that the closure on whether or not we achieve this is up to us Singaporeans. As my Parliamentary colleague Dr Tan Wu Meng said, "If we have any questions, any queries, Internet is still open. It is up to us to just put up the questions and allow the Prime Minister to address these concerns. In particular, if Dr Lee Wei Ling or Mr Lee Hsien Yang claims abuse of power, I would ask that they be more specific and put it up for Prime Minister Lee to answer them and not say later that they were not given the opportunity to put up their part of the story.”
“May I seek a clarification on whether prior to this proposal you had asked or suggested the formation of this Ministerial Committee to be set up? I believe it would help to dissipate any doubt if you could clarify on this matter. My next question relates to the Deed of Gift entered into by Dr Lee Wei Ling and Mr Lee Hsien Yang with NHB. As highlighted by Minister Lawrence Wong, there were some strange conditions in the Deed, which included the right of the executors to buy back the items for $1 and a display of a partial quote of the demolition clause in the late Mr Lee's will. The much-quoted demolition clause has two parts; the first part expresses the late Mr and Mrs Lee's wish that the house at 38 Oxley Road be demolished. The second part showed that Mr Lee had, in fact, contemplated the situation when the house could not be demolished. The Deed had only asked for only the first part of the will to be prominently displayed to the public. Given that the conditions appeared strange, may I know why NHB proceeded to accept the terms and proceeded with the exhibition? Should you also not have a more rigorous process to check whether or not there was a consent of all the beneficiaries obtained? Was there a proper process in place to vet the terms of the Deed and consider whether it was appropriate to enter into the Deed with the Lee siblings? I have also found it disturbing that Mdm Lee Suet Fern was involved in this decision, and may I just seek clarification on the rigour in the process in determining the suitability of entering into this Deed with the two of them. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, allow me to say a few words in Malay. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] The issue concerning 38 Oxley Road has caused unease among Singaporeans.”
“So, while your reluctance to contest the grant of probate and your initial decision not to challenge the will is understandable, there are, therefore, now questions raised about the appropriateness to now raise these issues before the Ministerial Committee. As the grant of probate has been granted and there is no challenge, the will should be taken as valid and proper. You had, however, in your statutory declaration submitted to the Ministerial Committee alluded to certain questionable circumstances upon which the will was executed. This may appear to be a "backdoor" approach in challenging the validity of the will. Could you, therefore, clarify why you found it necessary to affirm the statutory declaration and your intentions in doing so? Why could you not just rely on the words of the will which, in itself, contemplated a situation where the house is not being demolished? Related to the above, many have raised concerns on the formation of the Ministerial Committee. Prime Minister, it is noted that you had recused yourself from making any decisions on 38 Oxley Road. However, some are still not convinced that the Ministers are able to put aside their deference to you in relation to this matter. Personally, I am not quite sure what the Ministers need to defer to you on as there is no decision to be made at this juncture, given that Dr Lee Wei Ling is still staying at the house. I am also not clear of the benefits you gain whether the house is demolished or not. However, there is now doubt on the improper use of your powers in setting up this Committee. I understand and I note from Deputy Prime Minister Teo's earlier explanation that the Ministerial Committee came about as a result of a proposal put up by the Minister of National Development.”
“Prime Minister, you had asked that all MPs be candid and ask any questions so as to allow you to clarify matters fully and put to rest any doubt what the allegations of abuse of your powers are and the aspersions cast on the integrity of the system. It is with this spirit in mind that I seek clarification on a few matters. As a lawyer, I typically extol the advantages of having a will to my clients. It helps your loved ones deal with your assets when you pass on and you can ensure that your wishes are carried out when you are not around. However, I have also seen cases where things go awry and family members disagree on the validity of the will after the individual has passed away. It is, therefore, important that a will is properly drafted and proper independent legal advice is given to the client to avoid any doubt or challenge to the will. In the circumstances, I find it unsettling that it is not clear who drafted the will. It is odd that we do not know this answer and there are issues as to whether the late Mr Lee was independently advised. Anyone who knows the law would know that you need someone independent to draft the will. Was it done here? These are serious assertions which may go towards the validity of the will and the propriety of Mdm Lee Suet Fern as a lawyer. The proper forum to challenge a will and raise these issues would be in Court. Prime Minister, you had decided not to pursue this matter in Court. A fight in Court, especially between family members, can be emotionally draining and damaging to the relationship.”
“We have made much progress in supporting the aspirations of Singapore women over the years. We should continue in this effort so that women, regardless of their age, family circumstances and challenges, may continue to contribute towards the development of this nation. I stand in support of this Motion. 2.50 pm”
“The principle and awareness on the importance of taking care of our financial health should be inculcated in schools. This is important, especially in an increasingly challenging world. I also suggest that incentives should be given to women and their family members for topping up the women's CPF account. If the top-up is supplemented by the Government, it will encourage women to want to reach a certain amount in their CPF accounts and this will at least ensure that she has money for her retirement, especially if she is not working and could not receive CPF contributions from an employer. In addition, I also hope for SkillsFuture programmes tailored specifically for women who have not worked for a while to take care of family members who do not require their care any longer, perhaps, because their parents have passed on and their children have all grown up. These are the things that I feel can help improve a woman's financial situation as well as her retirement adequacy. However, what is more important is a woman's awareness and desire to continue improving and to take care of herself so that she will not suffer when she faces challenges or when she is in her golden years. I would like to take this opportunity to call upon the men within our community to also pay attention to this matter and support women to achieve their aspirations together. A woman who has confidence and skills will improve the lives of her family and the community around her. (In English): Mdm Speaker, I am very privileged to have this opportunity to speak in this House, before you, a woman Speaker, and be amongst intelligent and inspiring women and men, doing our best to lend our voices to those whom we represent.”
“Back-to-work preparatory, conversion or certification programmes should be developed to help them monetise their skills and meet the national demands for caregivers. Mdm Speaker, allow me to say a few words in Malay. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Women in Singapore today are fortunate. Life in our country is so much better, compared to life in the past and in other countries. Our rights are protected and we have many choices to improve our lives and the lives of our families. However, women must possess a sense of self-responsibility, the motivation to continue improving their capabilities and be informed about programmes and assistance that are available, as well as of opportunities to upgrade themselves. On this matter, one aspect that I feel we should pay attention to is the financial situation of a woman and her retirement adequacy. The ups and downs in a woman's life often compel her to make decisions that will have an impact on her financial situation, not only in the short-term, but also for the long run. For instance, if a woman chooses to stop working to take care of her children or parents, her ability to be financially independent and prepare for retirement will be affected. We can also find elderly women who are dependent on her husbands and children. The situation is quite worrying, especially if their husbands are no longer around and their children cannot afford to take care of their elderly mother. Therefore, I feel that it is important that we try to increase awareness and put in place certain mechanisms to safeguard the financial health of women in Singapore. Amongst other things, I have proposed that financial education begins at an early age.”
“Further, adding to the wish list for SkillsFuture, I believe we should also use the SkillsFuture platform to create intensive and meaningful financial literacy programmes which can help people plan their finances throughout life and to navigate difficult times. Two, there is a need to promote retirement adequacy and this could be done through the CPF scheme. I note that there are already top-up schemes in place and, in this regard, I support the proposal made by Er Dr Lee Bee Wah yesterday. A woman and her family members should be further incentivised to top up her CPF account up to the Basic Retirement Sum by offering a certain amount of dollar matching for the top-ups made. This would nudge women to work towards a target and, hopefully, develop a saving habit. In reviewing this, we should also look at how to further encourage and incentivise family members to recognise the efforts of unpaid caregivers or homemakers who are not in the workforce and to help them build on their retirement monies. Three, a specific SkillsFuture package to be designed for mature or retired women who are seeking to return to work and in acquiring skill certification. In this regard, I echo the sentiments made by other Members and note that Minister Ong Ye Kung had yesterday touched on this in his speech. I would like to highlight that many of these women may not have been engaged in any formal work and their expertise lies in caregiving. Typical situations we see are of homemakers whose children have grown up or long-term caregivers whose loved ones have passed on. Recognition should be given to their experience in long-term caregiving, household management and related skillsets.”
“The children tend to have their own financial commitments. Therefore, some women may not be able to retire and need to continue working to earn income to sustain their expenses. Yes, we have seen many women overcome these challenges and do well to balance their career and family life. The reality though is that various life circumstances result in many women being unable to fully exploit career opportunities. This takes a toll on her ability to work towards financial well-being and building her nest egg. Further, if a woman decides to stay home to care for her family, she should not be penalised and be financially disadvantaged because the work she does at home is equally significant to what she does in the office. It is important for us, therefore, to look at certain measures to safeguard a woman's financial well-being and improve her retirement adequacy in the long run. There are three recommendations. One, we should promote financial literacy and do this early. Financial education should be institutionalised and implemented as a core life skill to students. In this regard, we should look at embracing this life skill in MOE's 21st Century Competencies and integrate this into the teaching of other subjects, with increasing levels of sophistication as our students progress. There is a slew of financial planning courses, mostly for adults. This is insufficient. MoneySENSE is a good platform and its efforts should be developed further. Outreach needs to be enhanced and more collaboration should be developed to implement more target-specific programmes.”
“Mdm Speaker, a woman living in this era, in this country, is very fortunate, compared to a woman living in another time or place. Here, a woman has access to education, healthcare and can make various choices. The fact that we have this opportunity today to speak about the aspirations of Singapore women, and are joined by the men, is a telling sign of our progress. The reality, though, even in a country like Singapore, is that there is much still left to be done to improve the situation for women. My colleagues have addressed various issues. I would like to raise another aspect − financial well-being and retirement adequacy. I was fortunate to have been involved in the drafting of the PAP Women's Wing paper issued in July last year and would like to share some insights. As we looked at some research and reviewed the milestones in a woman's life, we observed that various life circumstances lead women to make significant decisions and commitments which impact on her current and future financial well-being. For example, as highlighted by several Members, women tend to be the primary caregivers for their family members. If she is working and she has children, there will, inevitably, be some impact on her career as she takes some time away for child birth, recovery and caring for the child. She would have to decide on the commitment she puts into her work versus the time she would spend with the child. There may also be those who fall into the category of vulnerable women because of unfortunate life events like divorced women with children and single mothers. We also see that the current generation of retired elderly women tend to depend on their spouses and children for financial sustenance. The fact is that women generally live longer than men and may outlive her spouse.”
“Madam, the Ministry has made much effort to nurture arts appreciation amongst the young, for example, through school programmes at preschools and community programmes like ArtReach. The exposure to arts as well as heritage is an important component in ensuring the holistic education and development of our young. In the local context, it is important in helping our children and youths understand and appreciate the different cultures in Singapore and build their national identity. We should, therefore, continue to build on these efforts and ensure that children and youths, regardless of social background, are given the same opportunities and exposure. I feel it is easy enough to create generic programmes and platforms. It may be more difficult though to ensure meaningful appreciation of the arts and heritage, sustained participation as well as continued engagement. A meaningful programme should not just be about attending once-off art classes, museum tours or heritage trails. There must be assessment of the impact of the programmes in reaching out to different groups in the community. In particular, it is important to ensure that those from lower-income families also continue to have access to these programmes. Parents from these families may worry about time and cost in engaging in what may be perceived as enrichment and non-essential programmes. I would, therefore, like to know more about the Ministry's efforts in place to continue making arts and heritage accessible to those from lower-income families. What more can be done to encourage these families to participate in the various arts and heritage programmes? Increasing Arts and Heritage Access”
“Madam, the effort to develop understanding and appreciation of different races and cultures amongst Singaporeans should start early with our children and youths. Our perspectives and habits are formed through our experiences and interactions with the people around us. Therefore, it is important to expose our young to the diversity of cultures and differences of opinions through organic platforms to help them develop more holistically. With such platforms, young people from different backgrounds can interact, learn about one another and have open and frank conversations about their differences. Clearly, the school is a natural platform for this purpose. However, there may be certain limitations in schools because of school hours or because the students from one school may be from a similar background. In any case, I believe our bonds can be strengthened through sharing many more experiences together. NS is a good example of a shared experience that has created strong bonds. I have often envied my male family members and friends for having gone through NS. There are, indeed, many avenues to create shared experiences through sports, outdoor activities and the arts and culture. I note that many programmes and activities have already been put in place. I would like to know the Ministry's future plans in developing more platforms and bringing youths from different backgrounds together. In ensuring a good mix of students, I also hope that the Ministry intends to involve students from schools like the madrasahs in various national platforms and programmes so that there are meaningful interaction and exposure to a diversity of views amongst our youths. Youth Resilience”
“Tuition Centres at CCs Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong (Non-Constituency Member): Madam, Community Clubs (CCs) are meant to be common spaces for shared activities to promote the social bonding of all Singaporeans, regardless of race, language or religion. However, the number of private tuition centres that have sprung up in the CCs raise several questions. First, are these private tuition centres offered subsidised rent for operating within the premises of the CCs and, if so, what is the basis for the subsidy? If the private tuition centres are paying competitive market rent, then the question is: is it right for CCs to monetise the common space for private ends? What are the communal activities that are being displaced by the tuition centres? The more fundamental question is whether this contradicts the Government's education policy. Two years ago, then-Minister for Education Heng Swee Keat said, "Singapore needs to make the transformation from a 'scarcity mentality' that focuses on a single pathway to success to an 'abundance mentality' with multiple pathways". He was responding to concerns raised by Members of this House regarding Singapore's pervasive tuition culture. CCs should not be reinforcing this tuition culture. The Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim): Madam, I seek your permission to display some slides on the LED screens.”
“[Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] The Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) is an Act that, among other things, makes provisions for the administration of MUIS, the Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM) and the Syariah Court. It is an important piece of legislation that sets the basis for matters relating to the administration of the Muslim community in Singapore. This Act was last amended in 2009. Given that some time has passed since then, may I ask if there are plans to review and update this Act so that it adapts to present circumstances? In particular, are there any plans to amend the provisions within AMLA and the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Rules (MMDR) that decide on matters relating to the processes of the Syariah Court? (In English): AMLA makes provision for three key institutions in the Malay/Muslim community, namely, MUIS, the Registry of Muslim Marriages and the Syariah Court, amongst other things. The last time it was amended was in 2009. Given that some time has passed since the last amendment, could the Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs update us on whether there are plans to amend AMLA? In particular, are there any plans to review AMLA and MMDR to see if the provisions match the existing circumstances of the community as well as the current practice of the Syariah Court? I believe that efforts can be put in place to further enhance the Syariah Court's delivery of services through a review of the Act and the Rules. Issues, such as jurisdiction, the hukum process, the talak declaration process, may be some of the areas that the Court may wish to review. It is useful to look at the existing procedures and forms and amend AMLA and MMDR accordingly to make the process more expedient to better serve the community.”
“Could the Minister share on any further plans currently being implemented or planned for the Syariah Court? Also, it is important to develop the manpower and the capabilities of the officers serving in the Court. Is there a viable talent pipeline in place such that there will always be capable people ready to serve in the Court? Support for Low-income and Reconstituted Families Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef (Marine Parade): Madam, in Malay, please. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] The Malay/Muslim community has excelled and achieved a lot of success in many fields. However, there are still some who are trapped in a vicious cycle. At the constituency level, a lot has been done to help this group, in terms of financial assistance, jobs, groceries, learning and many more. At the national level, other channels of assistance are also being arranged. One other group comprises families that came about from divorces and reconstituted families. Apart from the assistance schemes mentioned earlier, there are other dynamics and family challenges within this group that need to be addressed. For this particular group, their problems sometimes get passed down from one generation to the next. How can we help them escape the situation and break the cycle? One important aspect is their mindset. What is the best way to engage them so that they can change their views and outlook that are negative and not progressive in nature, for the sake of their future? Progressive Guidance and Preparation for Malay/Muslim Community”
“[Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] The Syariah Court is one of the major institutions for the Muslim community in Singapore. This institution has overseen divorce matters since 1958 and, over the years, we have observed and continue to expect innovations and improvements in terms of its administration and management of duties in Court. Last year, I asked about the review on the Court's processes and the application of technology, where possible. The Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, spoke about the establishment of a Quality Service Unit that will strive to ensure that every query will receive a prompt reply and Court users will have a positive experience. In addition, there is also the "Differentiated Case Management Process" where certain cases involving family violence will receive attention. I would like to ask if there are any other plans that the Syariah Court is implementing or will implement. Apart from improvements to the Court's processes and systems, it is also important to ensure there is an adequate and trained workforce in order to address future challenges. These include the community's demand for speedier processes, legal issues that are increasingly complex, and a more holistic service for families. What plans are being made to strengthen the capabilities of the Court's workforce, particularly in ensuring a continuous pipeline of talent who are suitable for service in the Syariah Court? (In English): Last year, the Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs highlighted that the Syariah Court was improving its Court processes. I believe there is a need to continue to review the processes and incorporate the use of technology, where appropriate.”