NURTURING FUTURE RELIGIOUS LEADERS
The government will fund a significant proportion of the Singapore College of Islamic Studies’ (SCIS) non-religious components, including its social sciences modules and campus infrastructure, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad said on Tuesday (Nov 3).
SCIS will take in its first cohort of students in 2028.
“SCIS cannot depend solely on community funds,” said Mr Zaqy, adding that the college would also need to develop other sustainable funding sources, including fundraising, to support its long-term development.
He was speaking during the second reading of the Administration of Muslim Law (Amendment) Bill, which would also allow the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) to fund the SCIS using community funds it administers.
He assured the Muslim community that establishing the college would not affect support for mosques, madrasahs and recipients of financial assistance from Islamic charitable funds.
Mr Zaqy also outlined proposed changes to Muslim divorce proceedings aimed at reducing procedural burdens on couples while strengthening safeguards for children.
Debating the Bill on Tuesday, six MPs raised concerns about the governance and funding of SCIS, as well as proposed changes to divorce proceedings.
MPs Saktiandi Supaat (PAP-Bishan-Toa Payoh) and Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik (WP-Sengkang) sought assurances on the college’s academic independence, financial transparency and oversight arrangements.
Meanwhile, MPs Fadli Fawzi (WP-Aljunied) and Mariam Jaafar (PAP-Sembawang) called for improvements to the Syariah Court’s operations, including better alignment with the Family Justice Courts’ therapeutic approach and allocating court resources according to the complexity and urgency of cases.
The debate will resume on Wednesday, when seven other MPs are expected to speak.