As 2025 draws to a close, Petir asked several PAP Members of Parliament to highlight their preferred policy changes this year. These include new legislation against workplace discrimination and a law that offers better protection and quicker redress for victims of online harms.
MP for East Coast GRC Hazlina Abdul Halim told Petir that she is looking forward to the implementation of the landmark Workplace Fairness Act (WFA).
Parliament recently passed the second of two Bills establishing a framework for workers to seek redress for workplace discrimination, while introducing safeguards against frivolous claims. The first Bill, passed on January 8, defined protected characteristics and outlined employers’ obligations.
Ms Hazlina emphasised that since work and jobs are central to Singaporeans, particularly young people, workplace safety is essential.
“It’s important to protect [individual] characteristics, mitigate discrimination, and establish measures for dispute resolution when grievances arise and mediation becomes necessary,” she explained.
“Having a meaningful career and a good job forms an important part of living a meaningful life. A safe workplace is also important for our talent force and human capital. I’m looking forward to workplaces that bring out the best in all our talents because Singapore’s [true] strength has always been in her people,” Ms Hazlina added.
Elysa Chen, MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, believes the Workplace Fairness Act will help address power imbalances in workplaces, particularly for people with disabilities and special needs.
“I hope everyone feels our workplaces have become more compassionate, safer, and fairer,” she said. “When we do that, we take care of seniors, pregnant mothers, and people who might get retrenched. We ensure everyone is well protected. I hope this Bill continues to serve all our workers well.”
MP for Sembawang GRC Gabriel Lam recalled how he provided feedback on the Platform Workers Bill as an entrepreneur before entering politics. It was during the government’s active engagement with community members and various associations.
He noted that the Workplace Fairness Bill addresses discrimination and dispute resolutions, which he described as “a step in the right direction”.
“It also benefits employers by encouraging them to improve their branding and processes, helping them become better employers and making hiring easier for everyone,” he added.
MPs also highlighted the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Bill, passed in Parliament in November, as crucial legislation providing timely redress and better protection for victims of online harms. This bill enables the set-up of a one-stop government agency by June 2026 that can direct platforms to remove harmful content.
Choo Pei Ling, MP for Chua Chu Kang GRC, said she has seen how online harms—from doxing to deep fakes—negatively affects youth and families. She described the Bill as a bold step that allows victims to seek justice while empowering a government body to act swiftly.
“For the first time, we have a dedicated Singapore agency that can require online perpetrators to unmask themselves and compel platforms to take down harmful content. This is [truly] a game changer. It shows that Singapore is very serious about protecting the dignity and safety of our online users.”
Dr Choo, who is passionate about youth wellbeing and digital literacy, noted that the proposed legislation embodies why she entered politics. “It is about allowing technology to uplift instead of undermining [people],” she said. “In 2025, we have made a decisive move in that direction.”
According to Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Foo Cexiang, the proposed legislation to combat online harms and scams represents the government’s most significant legislative changes of 2025.
“As I shared in Parliament, one of my family members almost fell victim to an online scam. I am very glad that with these additional levers, we will be able to [better] protect victims of both online scams and harms,” said Mr Foo. “I have met many residents who have experienced these incidents. I believe they will all be better protected when these legal changes come into effect.”
On November 4, parliament passed amendments to Singapore’s criminal law that will see scammers subjected to mandatory caning.
Under the Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendemnts) Bill, scammers and those who recruit for or participate in scam syndicates will be punished with between six and 24 strokes of the cane.
Mules who facilitate scams will also face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes.
This toughening of caning penalties is in addition to penalties already applying to scam offences.
MP for Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC David Hoe also highlighted mandatory caning for scammers and members of scam syndicates as the policy change that most resonated with him.
“The message is clear. If you choose to scam or facilitate scams, you will be punished,” said Mr Hoe. “This sends a strong deterrent message to scammers and people who facilitate scams.”
Having met many scam victims and witnessed their emotional distress firsthand, Mr Hoe explained that this issue is particularly close to his heart.
“Singapore is a country built on trust, and every scam erodes that trust,” he said. “This legislation serves as protection for all our citizens, which we must continue to maintain. However, deterrence alone is not enough. We must continue as a country to build our scam resilience.”
Mr Hoe also suggested that ScamShield could incorporate gamification in the form of quizzes to better educate people.
“The truth is: We become better as a country, not just with tougher laws but also by becoming more resilient.”
MPs highlight policy changes that better support Singaporeans
Several MPs, including Shawn Loh, Hamid Razak, Charlene Chen, and Valerie Lee, focused on policy changes that target cost of living.
MP for Jalan Besar GRC Shawn Loh emphasised that the cost-of-living support provided to all Singaporeans is one of the most important government initiatives for 2025.
“This is especially meaningful for Jalan Besar residents, as many in our community have been retired for years. They can’t benefit directly from economic growth,” Loh explained. “It’s important that the government continues to support our oldest seniors through the cost-of-living support package.”
The package, he noted, includes CDC vouchers, the Assurance Package, and the SG60 vouchers, which all Singaporeans received as a mark of solidarity for SG60.
MP for West Coast- Jurong West GRC Hamid Razak expressed satisfaction with the amendment to the CareShield Life policy over the past year.
Dr Hamid, who had spoken on the CareShield Life and Long-Term Care (Amendment) Bill, welcomed the reinstatement of underwriting criteria for older individuals whose participation in the national disability insurance scheme is optional. This change will reduce premiums for older optional cohort policyholders.
“This [amendment] is important as Singaporeans [now] living longer and are likely to have disabilities. This amendment ensures the policy remains inclusive and helps a broader segment of the population.”
MP for Tampines GRC Charlene Chen highlighted the enhancement to the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme as her favourite policy change of 2025.
“This policy is important because it helps uplift our lower-income families. When these families get uplifted, their children thrive too,” Dr Chen explained. “By levelling up pay, we also level up hope. I believe our young people want a fairer, more compassionate society where effort is rewarded and no one gets left behind.”
MP for Pasir Ris-Changi GRC Valerie Lee, a strong advocate for the sandwich generation, noted how the PAP government has consistently improved Singaporean families’ lives over the years.
Among the policy changes she felt had the greatest impact was the reduction of monthly preschool fees cap.
“This is a move that brings real relief to working parents. We have made quality preschool more affordable,” she said.
As announced during Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s Budget speech in February, full-day childcare in 380 preschools under the Partner Operator Scheme will see monthly fee caps reduced from $680 to $650 for Singaporean children starting January.
The expanded scheme is expected to benefit more than 34,000 children, a 25 percent increase from the current number of beneficiaries.
She emphasised that with many Singaporeans serving as working caregivers, the Workplace Fairness Act establishes a framework that makes discrimination based on caregiving responsibilities illegal throughout all employment stages. “This helps keep our jobs secure, allowing us to stabilise the entire family unit.”
Regarding elder care, Ms Lee acknowledged that Singaporeans face significant challenges requiring additional support.
“That is why initiatives like the Enhanced Caregiving Grant, Age Well Neighbourhoods, increased long-term subsidies, and higher income thresholds for subsidy eligibility will go a long way for the sandwich generation,” she added.
“Collectively, these policies help families breathe easier, knowing both their children and parents receive better support and care.”
