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From Nov. 1, 2021, female Muslim staff in Singapore's public healthcare sector, including nurses, are allowed to wear the tudung as an add-on to their uniforms, if they wish to do so.

This revised uniform policy was announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in English and Malay during his National Day Rally speech on Sunday (Aug. 29).

Government policy on tudung not "set in stone"

Over time, PM Lee noted, wearing the tudung became increasingly important for the Muslim community, and for many Muslim women it is an important part of their faith and the expression of a "deeply-felt" identity.

PM Lee explained that in 2014, he had an intense discussion with Muslim leaders in a closed-door meeting, and told them that the government's policy in the healthcare sector was "not set in stone".

He added:

"If and when we changed our position, we would first make sure that everyone– Muslims and non-Muslims– understood and accepted the change because the tudung is not just a matter for Muslims. It is a national issue."

PM Lee added that since then, the government has been monitoring the situation in the healthcare sector and observed that interactions between the races remain comfortable.

He highlighted that non-Muslims were more comfortable seeing Muslims wear the tudung, and specifically in hospitals, both Muslim and non-Muslim colleagues worked together well whether they wore the tudung or not. He also said that younger Singaporeans were more accepting of racial and religious differences.

"So a few months ago, I met Muslim leaders again. I thanked them for their help managing this sensitive issue all these years. I told them we were now ready," said PM Lee.

Not applied to schools & other uniformed services

PM Lee then explained that the revised policy will not apply to students wearing school uniforms, as all students must wear the same uniforms whether they are rich or poor, and regardless of race or religion.

"We need to emphasise their similarities and minimise their differences," said PM Lee.

In addition, the revised policy will not apply to staff in the uniformed services, such as the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Home Team, for "different important reasons".

PM Lee explained that as impartial and secular arms of the State, who wield arms and enforce the laws, they must always be seen to do so without fear or favour. Therefore, everyone must wear the same uniform.

Highly debated for years

The tudung policy has been a highly debated issue in Singapore for years.

The discussions resurfaced again earlier this year after Workers' Party Member of Parliament (MP) Faisal Manap brought it up during the Committee of Supply debates for Muslim Affairs.

Faisal had reiterated his call to allow the use of the tudung as part of a nurse's uniform.

He said:

"It can't be denied that there are Muslim women who have the intent to serve as nurses, but are forced to let go of their intentions as they know that they will be prohibited from wearing the tudung.

By allowing the use of hijab as part of a nurse’s uniform, perhaps more Muslim women can fulfil their desire to pursue a career in nursing."

Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli responded to Faisal's comments, and acknowledged the views of those who want to wear the tudung as part of a nursing uniform.

However, he explained the importance of the uniform, saying, "save for the practices that we inherited as a legacy from the British Government, our uniform policy in the public service cannot be tilted towards any particular religious belief".

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Top image by Jakayla Toney via Unsplash.