Malay/Muslim community building on success here to make an impact overseas: Masagos

Malay/Muslims in Singapore are making a difference today in global and regional events, such as responding to the call to support humanitarian aid efforts for Palestinians and Myanmar's earthquake victims.

- Zhaki Abdullah

For instance, Singapore has so far contributed more than $20 million in humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza, said Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli on April 4.

Nearly $2 million of that amount was raised over the last few weeks through the Aid for Gaza campaign organised by local charity Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF).

In the same spirit of care and empathy, the Singapore Civil Defence Force last weekend quickly deployed officers to help with disaster rescue efforts for the victims of the quake in Myanmar, he added.

Speaking in Malay at the annual Hari Raya Get-Together, Mr Masagos said: "This afternoon, RLAF organised a fund-raising collection at all mosques in Singapore after Friday prayers for the earthquake victims in Myanmar.

"The collections will be channelled to the Singapore Red Cross. I encourage all of us to contribute generously where we can."

This is one way for Malay/Muslims to work together and uplift one another, and go beyond the boundaries of Singapore, said Mr Masagos, who is also Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs.

Much of this, he added, is due to the "extraordinary efforts" of M³ partners and the community. The M³ platform is a tie-up between self-help group Mendaki, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) and the People's Association Malay Activity Executive Committees Council.