Rahayu Mahzam

Mr Deputy Speaker, in Malay please.

[Missing Speech]

The bill is not a one-sided bill. It is a result of extensive engagement with stakeholders and careful consideration of the feedback received, both before the announcement of the Prime Minister during the National Day General Assembly this year and for the past few months. The Singaporeans have various views on this issue. Each party has its own unique perspective. Most choose to maintain social norms that are consistent with marriage and family, which has benefited us as a stable and prosperous society. However, there are a small group, but the number of them is growing, with different views. Many of them are from the gay group who have different experiences and experiences. They have their own views on this issue.

Since the last time this issue was discussed in Parliament in 2007, the attitude and thinking of the community has changed, and we can expect it to continue to change in the coming decades. For the Government, we are trying to get a careful standing and balance various issues on this sensitive and difficult issue. This is a position that can be accepted by most communities, even though it does not meet their every desire. Therefore, it is important for us to listen to the various views from all walks of life, including from the Malay Muslims.

I have participated in several dialogue sessions that involved the Malay Muslims on this issue. I understand their concerns and concerns. Personally, I have also approached various groups and individuals from the Malay Muslim community to discuss this issue in small and informal group discussion sessions. I would like to thank the participants for their honesty and courage to participate in these dialogues.

I would like to share some of the views that have been expressed for the benefit of the members of the community. Some of the members of the homosexual community shared with me their stories, facing discrimination, being harassed, and even being threatened by their closest friends and family members. No one should be treated like this, especially in our society, where family and society play an important role in our daily lives. That is why there are several individuals who, even though they do not practice homosexuality, feel that we should not despise this group. They feel that we need to be open-minded, even though we have different views, so that the homosexual group can live their own lives safely.

At the same time, there are also those who do not accept the homosexual lifestyle, but discuss on the basis of a mutual understanding with those who are Muslim, especially those who are struggling. Usually, this group cannot speak out because they are worried about the consequences of their actions. They are worried about criticism and negative responses and the possible consequences. They are worried that they are accused of being too conservative if they want to convey their views, or too liberal because they are close to those who are homosexual. They are also afraid of being humiliated and bullied. We can see for ourselves some reactions in the media that are very harsh and unpleasant.

I also discussed with the group about this issue. Many sympathize with the insults faced by their friends and family members who are homosexual. They take it very seriously about mental well-being and access to social support for them. However, there are also differences of opinion among the homosexual group about the violation of Section 377A and the move of the institution. Some see the violation as an issue that has long been raised and questions the need to move the institution.

Others, whether they hold to the principles of religion or not, are worried about the impact of this violation on the social norms that we respect and the traditional family structure. This issue is not a black and white issue. There is no narrative or perspective that can fully reflect the reality that we are living in. Only by admitting this difficulty can we start to move forward together as a society.

We want a society that shows mercy and compassion to all, regardless of their circumstances. This includes those who may not hold to the principles of religion about the issue of homosexuality. That is the teaching of Islam. The words of the Mufti in their speech guide us with full wisdom in this matter. Humanity is a person valued by many things, not just sexual orientation.

There are Muslim individuals who experience difficulty in adjusting their sexuality with guidance and religious demands, as long as a believer agrees with religious demands, he is still a part of the Islamic community. Every Muslim needs to be protected with respect and dignity. We need to ensure that every Muslim is not isolated from their religion because of our attitude towards them.

We need to be ready to face together as a society facing challenges in the future. In the current economic situation, the norms of society are changing. New issues will challenge our traditional values, and many more. The character and integrity of our society will be tested. This is our chance to establish norms for our society. We may have different opinions, but we need to find a way to resolve the conflict and choose the best way for our country.

The government's approach combines religious teachings, family values, and traditional society with the needs of religious and cultural communities in Singapore. I am confident that if we can learn to face sensitive and important issues in a constructive way, we can form a clearer vision for ourselves and the coming generations. I hope this will lead us to a brighter future for all of us as a country.