AMLA amendments to recognise Singapore's first Islamic college, strengthen Muslim divorce laws

Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad introduced proposed amendments to the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) in Parliament on Tuesday (Oct 6), which would allow Singapore's first Islamic college to award degrees while streamlining selected Muslim divorce procedures and strengthening child protections.The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) said the proposed changes are aimed at strengthening Singapore's Muslim institutions and ensuring they remain responsive to the community's evolving needs.SCIS to award degreesUnder the proposed bill, the upcoming Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) will be legally recognised and given the power to award degrees, diplomas and certificates in tertiary religious education, including a full undergraduate degree in Islamic Studies, ahead of its 2028 opening.Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) will formally oversee SCIS as part of its statutory functions, and may provide funding from community funds it administers, including zakat, wakaf and the Mosque Building and MENDAKI Fund (MBMF).