PM Lee discusses the planned policy shift after meeting with Malay/Muslim community leaders
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has stated that the government should prepare to allow Muslim nurses to wear the tudung as part of their uniform. This announcement was made on April 10 following a closed-door dialogue with Malay/Muslim community and religious leaders at the Civil Service Club.
The Prime Minister said that he had concluded the government should take this step, noting that attitudes towards the tudung have changed over time. He pointed out that the tudung is now more commonly worn in both social and work settings. “On its own, we can see the merits of allowing Muslim nurses to wear the tudung with their uniform if they wish,” PM Lee said.
However, he emphasized that this move would not be a sudden, wholesale change. Instead, the government would need to prepare the ground and ensure that both Muslim and non-Muslim Singaporeans are ready to accept the adjustment. PM Lee highlighted the importance of careful communication and gradual implementation to ensure a smooth transition.
Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli supported the Prime Minister’s approach, underlining the need to carefully navigate the decision due to its racial and religious sensitivities. The government is expected to announce a decision on the matter during this year’s National Day Rally.
