| |
SINGAPORE : The Government will be amending the Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA) to include Singapore Muslims.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said this on Sunday during his National Day Rally speech in Malay.
Mr Lee said he is happy that the religious ruling committee, or FATWA, has ruled that Muslims may participate in opt-out schemes under the Human Organ Transplant Act.
In response to requests from the community, the Government will amend the HOTA to include Muslims so that more patients who need organ transplant will be helped.
The Prime Minister said Singapore has achieved 'something unique and precious' by building a progressive and well-integrated Malay community.
Amidst a troubled world, Singapore enjoys racial and religious harmony.
And the nation must treasure this and do its best, together with the full support of the Government, to keep it this way.
Mr Lee said the Malay/Muslim community has grown more confident, united and self-reliant.
And even in the face of sensitive and difficult issues such as extremist terrorism, dysfunctional families, early marriage and teenage pregnancy, the community has identified these challenges pro-actively, and tackled them openly and objectively.
Mr Lee said: "The trust and confidence between the Government and Malay community, and between Muslims and non-Muslims, is one of our nation's key assets. But from time to time, there will be yet other sensitive issues that our Malay/Muslim community will need to ponder on and solve.
"I hope MUIS and the Malay/Muslim organisations will continue to educate the community on these issues, and increase its cooperation with the Government and other communities. This will strengthen our compact as a multi-racial nation." - CNA/ch
|
