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.”
The complete record
Every one of 1,289 lines we hold for Rahayu Mahzam, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 26 of 26.
“This means that we can have children who have lived in Singapore but have very little common experiences. We must, therefore, be conscious of the challenges in promoting organic integration. We should consider how we can develop our urban infrastructure to facilitate the common touch-points of integration. We may also wish to ensure regular engagement with students from international schools so that there are opportunities to share local norms and values. I believe creating common experiences is key. I would like to find out from the Ministry about the existing efforts in place to create the platforms for meaningful interactions and to promote integration. In addition, are there more ways we can create platforms for open and candid discussions about our differences and learn how to celebrate and embrace our diversity?”
“Mdm Chairman, over the years, we have seen many different communities come and make Singapore their home. Our forefathers were immigrants and we continue to see new communities join our social fabric. We have seen differences in culture and practices from among the new groups and even among Singaporeans born in Singapore. Sometimes, the differences and lack of understanding of the different practices cause friction. There is, therefore, a need to ensure that there are sufficient platforms to foster greater mutual understanding and promote integration across the different groups in our population, including citizens, new citizens and foreigners. As a first step, I think it is important to reflect on the contact points that assisted with integration previously and if they are still relevant or applicable to the different demographics today. I note three main platforms for integration, through, namely, (a) the Ethnic Integration Policy in HDB estates; (b) education in schools; and (c) National Service. Through the Ethnic Integration Policy, the Government sought to address the emergence of enclaves and helped people of various racial and religious backgrounds to integrate. Children from a particular estate largely went to the schools in the vicinity, thus helping to cement their common experiences. Today, we see a fair share of new citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) electing to live in private housing. There may be a preference to stay amongst their own community and this leads to enclaves being formed. They may not have the opportunity to interact on a daily basis with other Singaporeans and do not share similar experiences. Their children also may attend international schools.”
“Chairman, I have a clarification for the Parliamentary Secretary. I had earlier highlighted the situation where elderly parents refuse to claim from their children if they need assistance. What is the Ministry's position or approach with regard to this matter and what more can we do to help this group of elderly citizens? Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: I thank the Member for the question. As I have mentioned in my answer earlier, we also look at the option via the Tribunal. Nevertheless, we understand there are parents who are elderly who do not want to go through the system. Firstly, it is because they love their kids. Secondly, it is also because some continue to work because they have a sense of purpose in their lives. Our position is this: every case that you come across as such, we would like you to share with us and see how the SSO can help in the process. We will look at the scenarios and the circumstances that the family and the elderly face. And we will also see how the community network can be part of it. We have strong community networks in Singapore and this is an area where we can help them. I have met cases like that in my area where, sometimes, we think that they need help. I asked them and they tell me, "No, I am happy, I do not need help". What I do is I get my community volunteers to come and partner them and be part of the process. So, we keep a look-out for them, so that they do not really fall into whatever difficulties.”
“This is a value that our society should embrace and adhere to. In looking at various approaches to resolve the issue, would the Ministry be looking to enhance the engagement with the children of these senior citizens? I understand that some cases are referred to the Maintenance of Parents' Tribunal. I note that the families are usually asked to attend mediation. This is definitely very helpful. Is there any need to re-frame or review the role of the Maintenance of Parents' Tribunal in assisting families to understand the role of children in helping to support their parents? Social Mobility”
“Chairman, at my Meet-the-People sessions, I see many elderly residents requesting financial assistance. Some of them are still working, some are retired, some have children but do not get any financial support from their children. The common issue they face is that they do not have enough monies for their monthly expenses. I would typically refer them to SSO and, usually, some form of assistance is given to them. I am, therefore, heartened that one of the key initiatives rolled out in this year's Budget is the Silver Support Scheme. Through this scheme, additional assistance will be given to the elderly Page: 91 from the lower income group, on top of any other forms of assistance that they may already be eligible for. This will definitely help lessen the burden for this group of senior citizens. There will, however, be seniors who may not meet the criteria set out for the scheme and will not be entitled to the payout. I can still refer such cases to SSO or extend ComCare assistance where appropriate. However, a typical problem I encounter is one which involves elderly residents who have working adult children. These elderly residents are usually asked about their children's contribution and typically indicate that their children are unable to assist them. Some are also uncomfortable about seeking help from their children. I have seen cases where SSO will extend some support but there are also several cases where assistance is not given on account of the fact that there are children who should be able to support their parents. Could the Minister elaborate on the current approach when dealing with such cases? I believe it is important that the family continues to be the first line of support for those who need help.”
“What are the specific efforts that will be carried out to create awareness, disseminate information and support the Singapore law practices to transform and be future-ready? In particular, what measures are in place to specifically address near-term issues faced by the small- and medium- Page: 90 sized practices so that they can be part of the growing legal services sector? I note that there is currently a Legal Industry Needs Study being coordinated by The Law Society. What are the Ministry's role and plans following from this study?”
“As part of the Singapore economy, the legal services sector will need to participate in the transformational exercise called upon by the Finance Minister. The law practices can tap on some of the generic measures rolled out to support businesses, like tax incentives or business grants. Some of the other measures, however, do not appear as relevant and it may not be immediately clear how the law practices will be part of this transformation. I am heartened to note that, as part of the Industry Transformation Programme, there will be a more targeted and sector-focused approach to better meet the needs of specific businesses. There is a need for MinLaw to create platforms for the dissemination of information, sharing and discussion on two aspects of the Budget. One, how local firms, especially the small and medium-sized law practices, can tap on the various benefits rolled out to support businesses; and, two, the emerging trends and developments in the legal services sector and what needs to be done to transform the sector to keep up with the changing economy. Some support may be needed to cajole the law practitioners, in particular, those in the small and medium-sized firms, to be part of this transformation exercise. This is not because lawyers do not think it is important. The reality is that these firms face issues of having the capabilities and capacity to spend time in developing their businesses, not to mention transform them. Often, lawyers are busy with the actual legal work of meeting clients and going to Court and may not have the expertise or connections to develop their businesses. I would, therefore, like to enquire about the Ministry's plans for the legal services sector.”
“The community can rally efforts to have candid but respectful discussions to build relations amongst people from different races and religions. This may be an opportunity to learn more about each other and foster stronger bonds to counter terrorism together. I would, therefore, like to ask the Ministry to elaborate on the key initiatives of SG Secure and whether there will be specific measures that will be taken to preserve and manage multiracial and multi-religious sensitivities in counter-terrorism messaging. Security Audit of Commercial Buildings”
“The threat of a terror attack on our soil is at the highest level that it has ever been. The Minister for Home Affairs had said that it is no longer a question of whether an attack will take place but when an attack will take place in Singapore. Such a firm and ominous statement is necessary to spark vigilance in the community. But aside from vigilance, there also needs to be strong bonds and trust so that vigilance does not develop into unwarranted suspicion and discrimination or, worse, resentment. I appreciate that the Ministry has enhanced strategy and measures to counter these terror threats. In particular, I welcome the introduction of SG Secure which involves the community; where different groups of Singaporeans will be empowered and enabled to help Singapore stay alert, united and strong. One unfortunate by-product of terror attacks that we have seen happen in other countries is Islamophobia. I think the fear that Islamophobia will creep into our community is real. I know Singaporeans are different. I have faith that, in general, the non-Muslim community in Singapore knows that Singaporean Muslims strongly reject terrorism and the misguided ISIS actions and, hence, have no reason to distrust or be resentful of Muslims here. But there may be some who have unspoken doubts or questions about Islam and Muslims and, as the Minister has previously highlighted, people may be too politically correct to express their thoughts. The concern is that if we let these sentiments fester, it may grow into resentment and distrust. And some extreme few Page: 47 may take their feelings too far. A crisis actually presents good opportunities.”
“We must quickly prepare ourselves to obtain the knowledge or skills that can prepare us for any challenges that may come. We need to educate our children to have the courage to try and the desire to achieve excellence in their respective fields. Whether the burden is heavy or light, we will carry it together – I think that this proverb has a lesson for all of us. The Malay/Muslim community plays an important role in the nation's development and I am confident that we can work together to enhance Singapore's reputation internationally. 5.57 pm”
“Such groups of individuals can help with sharing of knowledge and insights, and building relationships and networks. The effort in linking individuals with those with greater expertise and better connections will help build their social capital. There are many existing programmes that provide resources to lower-income families but there needs to be increased effort in creating interactions between groups from various income backgrounds. We have and should always continue to invest in our people. When our people are empowered and strong, Singapore will be strong. Deputy Speaker, Sir, allow me to end with a few words in Malay. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] For the 2016 Budget announcement, many commented on the Government's efforts to navigate the tide of global change and a challenging economic environment. However, perhaps among the general public, not everyone pays attention to the details of the Budget. The question that is perpetually being asked is, "What will I get this year?" Some may even question why they did not receive any assistance. The criteria established for the provision of assistance must be reviewed constantly so that those facing difficulties will not feel trapped. I think that the Government certainly must help those who need it. Nonetheless, I feel that it is equally important to inculcate the spirit and attitude of taking on the responsibility to help yourself as well as those around you. The Finance Minister spoke about the spirit of partnership; this is in line with the Government's call for Singaporeans to create the next chapter of the Singapore story together. We have to be mindful about the changes and competition globally.”
“Social capital is the access to resources and networks that can help one move up the social ladder. I believe this is a key component in enhancing social mobility. I recommend that we look at two approaches: one, coordinated interaction between students from diverse background and two, creating a community network of support. In respect of the coordinated interaction between students, I think there is scope to work with various schools, especially with secondary schools, ITEs and polytechnics to create platforms for regular sharing or peer mentoring. Such sessions should include students with different academic capabilities and family backgrounds and can include sharing on study techniques and reading materials, for example. Interaction with students from different backgrounds can help develop a student's world view, develop his or her relationships and networks and create access to other resources that his or her family may not have. These platforms can be created through collaborations between different schools, as well as within students from the same school, where they can share resources or knowledge. In addition, this peer mentoring component could be something that we can incorporate as a condition or requirement in scholarships in appropriate circumstances. Another effort we can make is the creation of a community network of support with various VWOs, businesses and partners, so that there can be a pool of resources which is easily accessible to those from the lower-income background. The network should specifically target this group and link them up with groups of individuals with relevant expertise. For example, a young person from a low-income family who may be interested in music can be linked up with local renowned musicians.”
“The Minister for Finance laid out the strategy to transform our economy through innovation and enterprise. There is a need to transform and do things differently because the world is changing and we are facing new challenges. Local businesses and Singaporeans should be supported to go through these changes and be equipped with skills to be future ready. But I think that this is only one aspect of the equation. There is also a need to do more to enhance social mobility. In the face of rapid technological changes and global competition, families from the lower-income group will be affected most. The families will be struggling to deal with day-to-day expenses and challenges and have very little time, money and energy left to focus on upgrading and enrichment for the children. Impact to their children can be great and it may be some time before the families' standard of living is improved. I acknowledge that sustaining social mobility is a great challenge. And I note many existing measures are present to seek to address social mobility. For example, we have quality education accessible by all, the revised housing policies, skills upgrading through SkillsFuture, initiatives such the Opportunity Fund and KidSTART, just to name a few. While I welcome these efforts, I feel that we can and should do more. I am of the view that to move the needle, there is a need to transform our approach. I see three main thrusts in this effort: one, target the young; two, continued support for the family; three, focus on building social capital. So far, the Government has taken the right approach in targeting the young and providing continued support for families. However, I believe there is scope to focus more on helping young people from lower-income families to build social capital.”
“So, she said, at the end of the sharing, that she had nothing to complain about and is very happy with her current situation. What struck me most about her story was how she took personal responsibility. She refused to stay dependent on public assistance and pulled herself out of financial difficulties. And she continues to be responsible towards her employees and her business. I acknowledge that some may need more support and may take more time than others to get out of their financial rut. But what I think is important and what makes the difference is having the right attitude and that sense of responsibility of self and the country. I think this is what striving together means. This is what the spirit of partnership and the spirit of the community should look like. I would like to call on Singaporeans to take a different approach towards the Budget and ask not what you can get out of it, but see what role you can play in the implementation of the various measures. In particular, there is a great opportunity to tap on Our Singapore Fund to come up with projects that can help the community. Singaporeans should look out for gaps and see where we can play a part to uplift the community. On a lighter note, I must say that the artwork of the tapestry in the Budget handouts reminded me of a ketupat, a Malay rice cake. If you think about it, it is quite a meaningful and a poetic symbol. One strip of the coconut leaf is limp and not as useful, but several strips of coconut leaves when weaved together forms the lovely ketupat which can hold the rice. Just like how when the Government and the people work together, we can and will create something meaningful. I move on to the second theme – transformation.”
“It was the lowest point in her life as she had gotten into some financial trouble as a result of a failed business venture. She recalled that her MP, who was Minister Shanmugam, arranged for her to receive financial assistance, among other support. She said receiving financial assistance was a wake-up call for her. She asked herself, "How did my family get into this state?" and vowed to get out of that situation. She was a homemaker but started looking out for work that she could do. She started by taking orders for roti kirai on Facebook. She asked her mother to teach her how to make the dish and successfully won the heart of her first customer. She then got more orders. She figured that since she was cooking for her family, she could cook for other families. So, she started cooking for three other families. Before long, she was cooking for 10 families. One thing led to another, and she found herself with a happy problem of having too many customers. Her sister then gave her some seed money and she rented a commercial kitchen space which allowed her to grow her business. Her journey was not always smooth, she said. She had to put in a lot of hard work and had many trying moments. including the time she had to sleep at a nearby park so that she could stay close to the kitchen and not have to go home. However, she did not give up and trudged on. She is now a proud owner of a thriving catering business, Dapur Ummi Abdullah. She also believes in the importance of paying and treating her employees well and in not taking any shortcuts in the business. She said she complies with all business regulations and continues to be prudent by investing the bulk of the profits back into her business.”
“Deputy Speaker Sir, I stand in support of this Budget. Not too long ago at the opening of Parliament, the President asked all of the Singaporeans to stand together in solidarity as we embark on the new chapter of nation-building. The broad vectors in the President's address which were supported by this House have now been put into an action plan in the form of the Budget. The two main themes of the Budget is the spirit of partnership and transformation. Today, I would like to share my perspectives on these two themes. Firstly, on the spirit of partnership, it is apt that the Minister for Finance spoke about partnership as it is important that Singaporeans take ownership over the concrete actions to be taken in the next chapter of Singapore. Many have come to associate the Budget announcements with the handouts of "goodies". Some question the support they feel they deserve and missed out on because of existing criteria. I think the means-testing criteria is something that needs to be carefully calibrated, and constantly reviewed to ensure that people who need help are not left to fend for themselves. The Government will also need to continually work towards making life better for all Singaporeans. However, people should also help themselves and each other. There must be personal responsibility. Partnership means we have to do our part; it means that there must be shared responsibility between the Government and the people. At this juncture, I would like to share the story of a lady I met at a focus group discussion between several Malay/Muslim women entrepreneurs, Mdm Saadah Jan d/o Rasif Khan. Mdm Saadah shared about the last time she met a Member of Parliament.”
“I thank the Parliamentary Secretary for the answer. In light of the fact that Opportunity Fund is meant to assist students from needy families, the intent is really just to increase social mobility. Can I just check how these funds are disbursed in the schools? Do the students apply or the schools assign the amounts that are given to the students? What is the utilisation rate by the schools of this Fund? Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: I thank the Member for the question. Madam, the Opportunity Fund is disbursed to the schools and the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) on a three-year cycle. It is usually disbursed to them upfront and adjusted annually to take into consideration the changes in Singapore Citizen enrolment numbers and their FAS profile for each year, if applicable. The current three-year cycle is from 2016-2018. So, with regard to the utilisation rate for the past cycle, which was from 2013-2015, it was about 80% of the amount disbursed to all institutions.”
“I am heartened to note that there are efforts looking into this matter with the pilot project with MINDS, which I hope will be further developed and there will be discussions with the Family Justice Courts to develop a user-friendly IT system for the application of deputyship. These efforts will go a long way in facilitating the process and alleviating the hardship for many families. In conclusion, I note that there are other legislative amendments, including those that seek to better protect individuals who lack mental capacity by extending the Court's powers to revoke or suspend a donee's or deputy's powers, as well as to improve the operations of the OPG. These proposals are a step in the right direction, with sufficient safeguards to protect and serve the public. Mr Deputy Speaker, I, therefore, support the Bill. 6.05 pm”
“While the cost may be relatively low for standard situations, this may still be a significant sum for low-income Singaporeans. The Ministry may wish to look at how we can assist this group to defray this basic expense to encourage and facilitate the creation of LPAs. In respect of the appointment of deputies, many have commented that the process can be complicated, long-drawn and fairly costly. As a lawyer, I understand that the process needs to be sufficiently rigorous, as an order to appoint a deputy is a very serious one. A deputy will be given powers to make decisions on behalf of an individual who can no longer make his or her own decisions. Measures need to be put in place to ensure that proper checks are made, sufficient information is given to the Court and all questions are answered. This could explain why legal costs can be quite high. However, I believe there can be some effort to assist low to middle income families with this. To an extent, there is already some assistance to those who qualify for legal aid. There are, however, families who may not qualify for legal aid and the costs of obtaining the order on the appointment of a deputy may be a financial strain on them. This is especially so if they have had to spend much of their income on medical expenses. One way to assist is to create a simpler process, one which still preserves the rigour that ensures proper checks are done but does not require complicated legal paperwork. As a start, the proposed simplified process can be used for straightforward situations, for example, where there is an intellectually disabled adult child whose condition has been certified by doctors and there is no complicated family dispute to be concerned about.”
“At this juncture, I would also like to declare that, as a lawyer, I have assisted clients in their applications for appointments of deputies. With the introduction of professional donees and deputies who will be remunerated for their services, there is an issue as to whether there will be guidelines on the appropriate costs to be charged by these professionals. In the case of an appointment of a deputy, typically, lawyers are involved and parties have to incur legal costs. If parties also choose to appoint a professional deputy, there will be additional costs. I, therefore, think that it is important to put in place a transparent cost structure so that such costs do not become an impediment for those seeking to create an LPA or obtain an order on the appointment of a deputy. The other aspect of improving access of these processes to the public is public education and the simplification of processes. In respect of the LPA, although there has been much public education on its importance and processes, there is still some way to go in helping more people get the LPA done early. To this end, I think efforts can be ramped up at the grassroots level or through volunteers, as alluded to by my colleague Ms Joan Pereira earlier, like the PGAs, to facilitate the registration of the LPA. It may be necessary to bring the process down to the masses, such as making the arrangements for obtaining the appointment with the Certificate Issuer and facilitating the completion and submission of the LPA at community touch-points, such as the CC or CC events. I would also like to highlight that the applicant of an LPA would also have to incur costs in obtaining the endorsement of a Certificate Issuer. I note that these costs are not prescribed or controlled by the OPG.”
“One possibility of resolving this issue is if the family and the Court in appropriate situations have the option of appointing a neutral third party, a professional deputy, to carry out the task, subject to specific orders made by the Court. I would, therefore, like to seek clarification from the Minister if it is envisioned that the appointment of a professional deputy will be extended to such scenarios. I would propose that it should be, as it would provide options for the family and the Court in appropriate circumstances. [Deputy Speaker (Mr Lim Biow Chuan) in the Chair] The Minister had earlier mentioned some criteria for the appointment of professional deputies and donees. I believe it is also important that there be a proper training programme put in place before a person or a class of persons become qualified professional donees or deputies. The role of a donee or deputy is a serious obligation and may require the professional to make complex decisions. In particular, as the professional deputy will have to be registered with the PG, there is a need to ensure the high standards of the professionals as the public will come to rely on the register, expect that the professionals have been screened and can be trusted. There should be a framework to ensure adequate training as well as proper guidelines and supervision of both professional donees and deputies. I now move to my second point regarding access to the public in creating the LPA and obtaining an order for the appointment of a deputy. A pertinent issue to address is whether costs will be an impediment and this is a common issue which has been raised by a few of my hon parliamentary colleagues.”
“Mdm Speaker, I thank the Minister for his clarification on the proposed Bill. I would like to take this opportunity to address two matters: firstly, the specific proposal in respect of "professional donees" and "professional deputies"; and secondly, public access or ease in applying for the LPA or obtaining an order for the appointment of a deputy. I welcome the introduction of the "professional donees" and "professional deputies" and the creation of a registration framework for professional deputies. I note this proposal will address the emerging needs of the ageing population in Singapore, especially with the increasing number of elderly singles or elderly couples who do not have children. These elderly may not have next-of-kin to be their donees or deputies and can refer to a registered group of professionals or assistants. In addition to such scenarios where no next-of-kin is available, I believe that the services of these professionals can also be extended to situations even where there may be next-of-kin present. I acknowledge that one of the key principles of the MCA is that the family is the first line of support but also note the community has its part to play. The role of a donee or a deputy can be very challenging. It may be that the available family member is not the best person to help carry out the role, for example, if the family or next-of-kin is overseas. In respect of the appointment of deputy, it may also be that there are disputing family members and one way to avoid the impasse amongst them would be to engage a neutral professional. I know of situations where the finalisation of an appointment of a deputy for an individual is delayed because of disagreements amongst family members.”
“Thank you, Mdm Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister for Home Affairs who indicated earlier that seven out of 10 of the youths who are involved in Police investigations eventually go away with warnings or are just put under the Guidance Programmes. The Minister also indicated that, every year, more than 1,300 youths are picked up for various offences. Can the Minister elaborate on the impact of youth crime on public safety and the challenges in dealing with youth crimes?”
“Currently, I believe there is still some way to go in developing parity of financial status between men and women, especially across various income levels. The developments in the law, while they should be robust, need to be relevant and reflect the current state of affairs in society. I am of the view that it is lofty to think that we should advocate gender equality without testing it against the actual realities of the society today. I am, therefore, grateful and heartened that most of the proposed changes are dynamic and in tandem with societal developments. I welcome and support the proposals in this Bill.”
“I would, lastly, like to touch on the proposed amendments to sections 69 and 113 of the Women's Charter. These amendments relate to the extension of maintenance to an incapacitated husband or former husband, a point which has been raised by fellow Members of this House. I thank the Minister for sharing the spectrum of views garnered during the public consultation. I personally have some concerns about the call for allowing husbands in general, or former husbands, to claim maintenance from their wives. Yes, as a divorce lawyer, I also have male clients, and some have indicated unhappiness with the current regime in the Women's Charter. I Page: 60 acknowledge that while many Singaporean women have made good progress, this has not been uniform across all groups of women. While the Ministry takes steps to keep pace with societal changes, I believe there is a need to recognise that the majority of women still lag behind their male counterparts, especially financially. A wife is more likely to have given up her career or job advancement to care for the family. Very often, we still see the traditional dynamics of the woman being the principal caregiver to her children, even when both husband and wife are working. So, post-divorce, such women are financially usually more vulnerable. I, therefore, appreciate that the proposed changes are calibrated, nuanced and limited to incapacitated husbands. It is important that we move towards addressing gaps in the law, addressing the grievances for these husbands who may have difficulties in maintaining themselves. However, I think it is important to be cautious of any further move to allow husbands to claim maintenance from their wives, at this juncture.”
“Where children are involved, whether they like it or not, couples will continue to be in a long-term relationship. An adversarial Court process can be damaging to parties and, in particular, their children. It is, therefore, important to have processes that in some way "heal" parties, to help them cope with the situation. I believe that counselling and mediation are key "healing" processes. It is useful to extend the variety of such processes. I note that section 50 also extends to all proceedings under the Women's Charter. These involve disputes between families, between spouses or former spouses, between siblings and between parent and child. Familial relationships cannot be terminated and family members who are in dispute need processes which help to repair their relationships. I, therefore, support the proposal to empower the Court to also direct parties or their children to attend family support programmes and activities in appropriate circumstances. The Family Court has, over time, taken a lot of effort in developing many aspects of the Family Justice System, including having mediators specially trained in family mediation. We need to continue building the family justice ecosystem. In particular, for divorce, we need to continue on the existing efforts of developing specialised lawyers who are equipped with appropriate knowledge and skills to handle divorces and other family disputes. Specialised lawyers can promote collaborative divorce, which encourages parties to discuss and resolve their disputes amicably. When parties can resolve matters on their own and avoid litigation, there is a greater chance that the relationship can remain cordial and their children are spared from the acrimony.”
“I think it is useful to clarify the intent of excluding certain groups from MPP, especially if we want to ensure that as many parents as possible are educated about the impact of Page: 59 divorce on their children. The intent of introducing an MPP is clearly noble. However, for the initiative to be truly successful, MPP itself must be effective. In implementing this programme, I hope attention will be given to develop a curriculum that goes to the core of the problem and is going to be useful for the parents. I thank the Minister for earlier giving an insight into some of the items that would be covered in the programme. Such programmes should address the parents' needs, cater to the various family situations and be simple enough to be understood by all. I would like to add that the execution of this programme is important, otherwise it will be seen as just another procedure that the parties would have to go through to obtain their divorce. In fact, the Minister mentioned that there were concerns raised during the public consultation exercise. I would like to highlight that there must be sufficient capacity to schedule parties for programmes in a timely manner so that the divorce proceeding is not delayed. If there are insufficient slots, for example, parties would have to wait before they can attend the programme and they may be delayed in filing their divorce papers. This can cause angst and frustration amongst the already stressed and highly emotional couples. Divorce is an agonising process and we should not delay or complicate the procedures unnecessarily. In keeping with making the divorce process more child-centric, I also welcome and appreciate the proposed amendments to section 50 of the Women's Charter.”
“For the parents, this is actually easier said than done. I have come to realise that, most times, parties are too caught up with their emotions to be able to think rationally in the situation. They are angry, hurt and, sometimes even vengeful. It is important to put them in the right state of mind before they begin their divorce proceedings. Over the years, there have been many developments at the Family Court to gradually introduce mandatory counselling and mediation for parties with young children. Parents are encouraged to resolve the issues on custody, care and control and access as early as possible. I am pleased to see further developments in the form of the proposed amendments to the Women's Charter, in particular the addition of the new section 94A to prescribe an MPP for appropriate parties before the commencement of divorce proceedings. I believe that the introduction of an MPP will be useful to remind parents of the impact of divorce on their children and the need to prioritise their children's interests in their decisions. I note that in the proposed section 94A, provisions are made for exemptions from MPP. This is clearly necessary as such programmes may not be relevant for divorcing parties who do not have children and there is also some room for the Court to make appropriate orders in certain circumstances, for example, when a case needs to be expedited where there is domestic violence. I would like to seek clarification though on the phrase "excluded party" in the proposed section 94A sub-section 3(b) and the group of people who would fall into this category, aside from those without children.”
“Mdm Speaker, at the outset, I would like to declare that I am a family lawyer. In my practice, I have assisted many clients in their divorce proceedings. One of the issues that is usually very difficult for couples to deal with is the arrangements in relation to the custody, care and control of and access to the children upon divorce. We have often heard stories of how the children become embroiled in their parents' acrimonious battles in Court and become emotional pawns in the situation. The Minister earlier alluded to this with some examples. I have also encountered first-hand parties who let their children read their affidavits and those of their soon-to-be former spouse on the pre-text that the children should know what is happening. Or those who make their children write notes or letters to Court to say that they do not want to be with the other parent. In my view, such actions are harmful to the children's mental development in the long run. The negativity which the parents show towards each other can have a traumatic impact on the children and usually, these children are unable to voice out their emotions to the parents. I recall a Family Court Judge sharing in one of the lectures I attended some years back. As adults, when we are unhappy or stressed, most of us can reach out for help, talk about our emotions with our family and friends. However, children may not be able to articulate their emotions as well and may not even have the opportunities to do so. Therefore, the divorce process should be child-centric and protect the interests of the children. I would often advise my clients to try to put aside their grievances when it comes to matters relating to their children and always give paramount interest and consideration to their children.”
“I look forward to seeing more of the likes of Mr Leon Perera and Mr Dennis Tan who will add to the robust debate and change laws. I am, therefore, quite surprised that they were being compared to duckweeds, because nothing stops the NCMPs from going to the ground, do house visits, organise sessions to gather ground concerns. In fact, I recall Mr Perera mentioning that he does grassroots work at East Coast and Aljunied and definitely can bring value to this House with the issues that he will collate from all these people that he has met. These improvements will strengthen the NCMP's position and I think it is hard to argue otherwise. In any case, the contest at elections remains open to all and it is still open for Singaporeans to choose the best party and people to be their elected Members of Parliament. Mdm Speaker, we may not all agree with one another but we debate respectfully and I believe that this decorum can extend beyond this House because Singaporeans are responsible people who care about this nation. We do not argue for the sake of argument and will always seek consensus and not conflict. Whilst there is much fear and uncertainty about what the future brings, I feel a sense of excitement on the possibilities for this little red dot. Mdm Speaker, I support the Motion. [Applause.]”
“Hence, while I welcome the Government's concern for the minority communities, I also feel that the Malay/Muslim community must continue to work hard so that they can generate the next generation of leaders of a high calibre, who can not only compete in Singapore, but also in the international arena. Just now, Acting Minister Ng Chee Meng spoke about a Malay song, that is, our National Anthem. I would also like to highlight another song that is written by the late Pak Zubir Said. I am not a good singer so I shall just read out some of the lyrics. "If you become a Singaporean, Page: 40 You must have a good heart and be courteous. You must be resilient, work hard, Be well-mannered and respectful to your elders. Only then others will admire and respect us, Only then you can be called a Singaporean." In this song, the late Pak Zubir spoke about having good manners, courtesy, resilience, working hard, loyalty towards the country, our race and our religion and living together as a society. I think this is very meaningful and it truly reflects the values that should be present in all Singaporeans. These values are already present inside us. I am sure that, with this spirit, we can face any challenges that may come. (In English): Mdm Speaker, allow me to conclude in English. Over the past few days, my colleagues in this House have shared their perspectives and proposals on how to move this country forward. The breadth of issues raised and the variety of ideas shared are a testament to the diversity and dynamism of the Members of this House. This, in turn, reflects the diversity of the Singaporeans whom the Members represent. As I have mentioned earlier, I welcome the improvements to the NCMP scheme.”
“However, when we ask for something from the Government, I hope that we, as a community, can be mature and discuss respectfully. We should know and understand that there are implications to whatever decisions that we wish for, in the context of a plural society. We should use the opportunities available to improve relations with the other races so that there is a deep understanding about our culture and religion. We are part of a plural society in Singapore and we must always be mindful to maintain racial and religious harmony. The Malay/Muslim community also has aspirations and hopes to succeed and see Malays in all fields, including leadership. Prime Minister Lee yesterday spoke about the changes to the Constitution of Singapore, including having smaller GRCs and the changes to the eligibility criteria for the Elected President. There are now mechanisms to ensure that the concerns of Malay/Muslim Singaporeans are looked after due to the existence of the GRC system which requires the representation of minorities. This is important and needs to be maintained. In changing the eligibility criteria for the Elected President, Prime Minister Lee said that there will be a process to ensure that minorities will not be excluded and there will be a President from the minority group. We would definitely like to see representation from our community but we would like our Malays to be chosen because he or she is the best and not because of his or her race. We do not want the selection to be a symbolic one only.”
“Our community has a highly-developed culture, a refined language and is well-mannered. If we look at it, our vocabulary is filled with noble values. Our proverbs, poems (pantun) and metaphors reflect the sharp minds of the Malays. I will give you some examples: "We depended on the fence, but the fence destroyed the paddy", meaning "the one you trust betrayed you" – a proverb used by our Prime Minister yesterday. Another example, "We have to face difficulties before enjoying the good times" – a proverb that gives us a reminder and encourages hard work. We should be proud of our culture and language and continue to use and internalise their values in our daily lives. Page: 39 All these values are important in our societal relations, especially in the current context, which includes a challenging economic situation and the spread of radicalism. In Parliament, many have spoken about the spread of terrorism and the attacks around the world. Our Malay/Muslim community rejects such beliefs. Surely, our community cannot be blamed and our loyalty should not be questioned. Nonetheless, the reality is that the attention is now placed on the Malay/Muslim community. I think it is important for the Government to take steps to encourage open discussions on these issues so that any prejudices and misunderstandings can be eradicated immediately. There should also be stern reminders to condemn and prevent actions that reek of Islamophobia. One other thing that is constantly in the minds of our community is the tudung issue. As a woman who wears tudung, I definitely hope that all women can pursue their career of choice. Hence, I hope this can be reviewed and flexibility be given where possible, so that there will not be too many barriers for women to choose their own careers.”
“So, we should manage and encourage further respectful discussions. Our efforts in encouraging racial and religious harmony can no longer be at a superficial level of attending each other's cultural events. We should allow for space to talk about our identities, our religious practices, such as the burning of incense paper, the wearing of the tudung, the playing of music during Thaipusam, for example. And there should be open dialogues as such conversations allow for better understanding of each other's concerns. Yes, we need to preserve the sanctity of the harmonious co-existence of various races and religions. Our forefathers had learnt to live together despite their differences and had managed to achieve a state of peaceful equilibrium. This is something we should cherish. But we should also continue to build on the bonds we have. There is a need for faith in the maturity of the Singapore people and a realisation that the preservation of our individual identities or practice of our respective religions does not necessarily mean that our common spaces are being encroached upon or that we are distancing ourselves from each other. Perhaps, there is a need to redefine the common space. Perhaps, there are new norms that Singaporeans can agree upon. We must allow for such discussions to flourish and work towards achieving consensus. Mdm Speaker, allow me to continue my speech in Malay. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] The Malay/Muslim community has certain traits that bring something important to the table for other Singaporeans. Malay/Muslims truly value living in a society. This spirit is always visible; so much so that the gotong-royong concept has spread and been adapted by non-Malays in Singapore.”
“I, therefore, welcome this proposal as it allows for respectful discourse on real issues that matter to Singaporeans and leads to the shaping of useful and important policies for the people. I also feel that the approach of encouraging diversity of views should be extended to the masses. I laud the Government's efforts in creating platforms and engaging various segments of the community, including the young. It is definitely important to engage the youth on matters that are important to them, especially since they would inherit the nation and should have a say in how the society develops. Platforms, such as the SGfuture Engagements, are definitely useful to trigger the discourse. Page: 38 But beyond creating the platforms and spaces, there needs to be real discourse and the exercise of not merely lip-service. I believe there needs to be a push for more open debates and discussions. For instance, in the light of the increasing wave of terrorist attacks and influence globally, inevitably some attention is now placed on the Muslim community in Singapore. The Muslim community has expressed concern over the increasing Islamophobia and the observation that some Muslims are growing somewhat more distant from the rest of the Singaporean community. There is a need to have very frank conversations about real issues facing the community. These conversations may possibly be difficult but this is an effort that should be put in together by all in the community, not just the Singaporean Muslims. And I believe that the leadership has a role in encouraging these discussions. The reality is that some of these conversations are already happening on the online platform. In certain instances, such discussions appear to be rather toxic.”
“While the Government has the responsibility to navigate the country through this challenging period, Singaporeans, too, need to have a keen awareness of the bigger picture – that Singapore sits in competition with the rest of the world and some tough decisions have to be made. Ambassador-at-Large, Mr Bilahari Kausikan, in his speech during the Singapore Perspectives Conference in January 2015, said: "The world is constantly changing and since the world will not change to suit our conveniences, we will have to constantly adapt to it. Since the future is unknowable, adaptation requires nimbleness of thought and action; and thought and action based on a clinical – some would say cold-blooded – understanding of the world as it is and not as we think it ought to be." The changing world forces us to change and adapt. And we need to do what is necessary for Singapore's survival. I move on now to the point of diversity of views and discourse, clearly, a point that has been raised often in this House as well. As we write the chapters for the next 50 years, we do need to look at how, as a mature society, we handle diversity of views. I think we can all agree that diversity can be a strength, if it can be synergised and used for the good of the people. However, it is also a potential divisive factor that can tear our social fabric. So, how do we make it our strength and not cause our fall? I feel that the Prime Minister's announcements yesterday regarding increasing the number of Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) in Parliament and extending powers of NCMPs, are concrete steps towards bringing diversity of views in Parliament.”
“We should, in such instances, exercise discretion and provide the necessary support. Another aspect of this I would like to highlight is that the support for the individual or family is often only available till they are able to find employment and meet the means test. However, in some of these cases, the families are still struggling for a while after assistance has stopped. The early withdrawal of subsidies and assistance can easily bring a family back into financial difficulty, particularly when the family has had little opportunity to build up a reserve for the rainy Page: 37 day. We should look into how our social support networks and the community networks can continue to provide support and look out for these families. We should not leave them at the starting block of the track, but be there till they are able to sustain themselves. As we tread through the challenges that lie ahead, we should not regress and limit the efforts on improving social policy. The Government will need to continue to be responsible. We should not compromise on the social support that needs to be given to the individuals and families that require them. In fact, it is when times are hard that we need to be more compassionate. Having said that, I am aware that we are not sitting on a pot of gold which we can distribute at a whim. Resources are limited and there is a need to identify the ones who truly deserve the assistance. While the Government remains responsible to care for the people, the people, too, have a responsibility to take care of themselves. We all need to work hard, continue to improve our skills and remain relevant.”
“Values guide us when we make our decisions for this country and, as each day unfolds with its multifaceted challenges, the expressions of these values will develop. Today, I would like to add a further perspective to these expressions. In this regard, I believe there is another value that should prevail as we chart our way into the next half century, that is, the sense of responsibility – both on the part of the Government as well as on the part of the Singapore citizen. I would like to demonstrate the importance of this in two areas: (a) caring for the vulnerable and disadvantaged in our community, and (b) diversity of views and discourse. In the area of caring for the vulnerable and disadvantaged, I believe that in principle, our common understanding on this is clear. We will help those in need. We will not leave anyone behind. We will shape policies to encourage social mobility. The challenge often lies in executing the principles and the policies. Over the years, the Government has made major shifts in social policy. The community and the state took on greater responsibility for individuals and families who needed social support. This was welcomed and provided a reprieve to many who struggled to keep afloat in this ever-changing world. However, the implementation of this provision of support is fraught with rules and dictates certain expectations of the recipients. For example, when one makes an application for financial assistance, checks are made on the income and contributions of his or her children or other family members. This is fair and reasonable but becomes tricky and sensitive when the family members have their own financial problems and are unable to support the individual.”
“Mdm Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to join this debate. The President's Address was a rallying call to all Singaporeans to stand together in solidarity as we embark on the new chapter of nation-building. The realities of today's world merit Page: 36 a word of caution for the path ahead and the President, in his Address, said that we cannot expect an easy journey. He explained the challenges that lay ahead and put forth the question that was oft repeated in this House: how do we ensure that our island-nation remains a shining red dot so that our children and grandchildren can thrive? My short answer to this question is that we have to do whatever it takes whilst holding true to the values that define us as Singaporeans. We have to fiercely protect and preserve the gem of a nation that our forefathers have built over the years. Fight and strive we must, but I believe that it is of utmost importance that we abide by our values and principles. The President, in his Address, said that we must also have a shared understanding of what unites and binds us to one another. So, what are some of these values, principles and shared understanding? Members of this House had, over the past days, alluded to some of these, such as the generosity of spirit, resilience, valuing racial and religious harmony, meritocracy. This House had, in fact, debated on a White Paper on Shared Values in 1991 and passed it after a two-day debate. These shared values include: encouraging community support and respect for the individual; consensus, not conflict; and racial and religious harmony. Over time, we have developed a set of values and principles that makes us Singaporeans.”