GEIS-新闻详情

Muslim community applauds news to allow nurses to wear tudung, some seek more clarity

2021-08-30 00:00:00.0 海峡时报-新加坡原网页

SINGAPORE - Muslim nurses, community organisations and political leaders have applauded the move to allow nurses here to wear tudungs with their uniforms from November, with many highlighting how it reflects cross-cultural understanding.

But some have asked for more clarity on what guidelines will come with the headgear, and hope that the Government will make clear the requirements on the kind of tudung that can be worn.

The Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association (Pergas) said on Monday (Aug 30) that it was humbled and thankful to hear the "good news" to allow nurses to wear the tudung.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the Government's policy change in his National Day Rally speech on Sunday (Aug 29), which came on the back of years of consultation and consensus building among communities here.

"This good change is thanks to the patience and prayers of all segments of Singaporean society (and) our concerted efforts and determination to discuss this matter thoroughly, taking into account the unity and religious harmony which we have been enjoying," said a Pergas spokesman.

The Singapore Muslim Women's Association (PPIS) said on Facebook on Sunday that it welcomes the move, which it said fosters racial harmony, understanding across cultures, as well as an appreciation towards an inclusive, diverse and meritocratic Singapore.

It added that the move is also an effort to create a conducive work environment for women.

After PM Lee's announcement yesterday, MPs like Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim took to Facebook to say they were happy about the announcement.

"I welcome the announcement that further expands the possibilities of our Malay Muslims. I hope we always keep in mind that regardless of (the) Government's policies today or in future, our collective potential is not limited by what we wear or how we look like," said the Chua Chu Kang GRC MP.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in his National Day Rally on Sunday that policies on race and religion must be adjusted from time to time, and Singapore is now ready to make this move.

"Besides pushing against discrimination and racist attitudes, we also need to keep our policies on race and religion up to date because racial and religious harmony is not just delicate, but also dynamic," he said.

"It changes over time. Our values and beliefs as a society shift over time."

The Ministry of Health (MOH) said after the PM's speech that the revised policy will apply to more than 7,000 staff, and the updated dress code will be based on a set of guidelines developed by a steering committee as well as an advisory panel.

Extensive consultation was conducted from April to August this year with infectious diseases experts, nursing leaders and Muslim community and union leaders, among others.

MOH has not provided any guidelines on the look of the tudung to be worn by nurses, or whether there are requirements in terms of its size, accessories, colour or the way it is worn.