NSP supports wearing of hijab in all places of work and study, calls for survey on issue

The National Solidarity Party (NSP) has weighed in on the ongoing debate over whether Muslim women should be allowed to don the hijab in professions like nursing, saying it supports the wearing of the headscarf in all workplaces and schools, said sec
The National Solidarity Party (NSP) has weighed in on the ongoing debate over whether Muslim women should be allowed to don the hijab in professions like nursing, saying it supports the wearing of the headscarf in all workplaces and schools, said secretary-general Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss (above) in a media statement on Thursday, Nov 6, 2013. -- FILE PHOTO: ZAOBAO

The National Solidarity Party (NSP) has weighed in on the ongoing debate over whether Muslim women should be allowed to don the hijab in professions like nursing, saying it supports the wearing of the headscarf in all workplaces and schools.

In a media statement on Thursday, its secretary-general Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss also called on the Government to commission a survey, to gauge how other communities feel about Muslim women wearing the hijab in public service occupations that currently prohibit it.

This will help the Government to decide objectively the way forward, she said.

Ms Chong-Aruldoss added: "It is especially important to have empirical evidence to support any decision on this issue, because it has economic impact for Malay-Muslim families.

"Prohibiting the wearing of hijab in certain public sector professions means a restriction of job opportunities for Muslim women who desire to wear the hijab."

Her comments come a day after the Workers' Party (WP) called for public dialogue to achieve a "workable consensus" on the issue of uniformed public officers wearing the hijab. The WP added that the discussions should involve the heads of the uniformed services.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met Malay/Muslim MPs to discuss the hijab issue.

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