Louis Ng on Child Development Co-Savings (Amendment) Bill

The proposed increase in paternity leave sends a strong signal about the important role that fathers play, said MP Louis Ng. It also signals that the Government is listening to concerns on the ground, he added. Speaking in Parliament on Monday (Sep 18), Mr Ng pointed out that the Bill does not include many things that so many are still fighting for. The first is the call to go further to eventually “equalise” parental leave. He wanted to know if the Government would continue to work with its tripartite partners to review the scope for more parental leave provisions and come up with a roadmap to equalise parental leave. He said equalising parental leave is a step forward towards reducing gender stereotypes. He also urged the Government to consider childcare sick leave for all Singaporeans, on a per child basis. He pointed out that this is no different from what is already being done for civil servants. Mr Ng also renewed his call to give single unwed parents the cash component of the Baby Bonus, which is “equal” to what any other parent is entitled to.