WP FAISAL MANAP FIGHTS FOR HALAL KITCHEN ON NAVY SHIPS, KENA REJECTED FLATLY

<Parliamentary Speech by WP MP Faisal Manap>

I am a strong believer of an inclusive and open SAF that is fair and just to all Singaporeans regardless of race, language and religion. As such, in the COS debate last year, I urge the Minister to seriously consider the possibility of ensuring that all Navy vessels are equipped with Halal-certified kitchen so that the Malay-Muslim will able to serve freely in the Navy vessels without any constraints.

I would like to seek an update from the Minister on whether Mindef has made any further progress on this matter, in making navy vessels more friendly to Malay-Muslim. If efforts have been made, how many vessels out of the total number currently in active service have Halal-certified kitchen?

I understand that SAF’s deployment of our NS soldiers is based on aptitude, abilities and commitment to Singapore. I would like to see the practical issues such as the installation of halal kitchen onboard a navy vessel can be addressed and resolved promptly so as not to further deprive and shattered the dreams of eligible Malay-Muslim Singaporeans from serving our nation in the navy onboard a navy vessel.