CLARIFICATIONS BY THE MINISTER FOR MANPOWER

CLARIFICATIONS BY THE MINISTER FOR MANPOWER:

The Minister for Manpower (Dr Ng Eng Hen): Sir, I would like to make two clarifications on the CPF (Amendment) Bill which was passed by Parliament last month on 27th August 2007. Firstly, I would like to clarify that all the changes will apply equally to Muslim divorces. Section 27A specifies that the new laws will apply to court orders made under the Women's Charter as well as to court orders made under the Administration of

Column: 1521

Muslim Law Act (AMLA) in respect of divorce or nullity of marriage under AMLA.

Secondly, I would like to clarify the refund of CPF monies on the sale of property in the division of matrimonial assets. The courts can order a transfer of property and portions of CPF monies used for the purchase of that property to the ex-spouse. Upon the future sale of the property, such monies will be refunded, with accrued interest, to the ex-spouse's CPF account. This was the correct position that was set out in my Second Reading speech. But during the subsequent debate, I incorrectly mentioned that the refund was to the member's account. As the property has been transferred to the ex-spouse, it should be to the ex-spouse's account. [ Please see report on 27th August 2007 *.]

*Col. 1418, 27th August 2007.