Latest news with #Muis
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Safety foremost in our minds': Faishal Ibrahim reassures Singaporean students in the Middle East
SINGAPORE - The Government is monitoring developments in the Middle East closely and is working with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to remain in touch with Singaporean students in the region. Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim in a Facebook post on June 22 assured Singaporeans pursuing higher Islamic education in Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait that the Government has their welfare and well-being in mind, following a dramatic escalation of tensions in the region. Israel began a series of air strikes against Iran on June 13. This was followed by the US ordering air strikes on Iran's three main nuclear sites on the morning of June 22. The Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs said he spoke with more than 40 student leaders from the Singapore Students Welfare Assembly in Egypt and Singaporean Students' Association in Jordan via video call on the evening of June 21. 'This call was important – it was an opportunity for me to check in on our students, to listen, understand, and offer my assurance that the safety, well-being and welfare of our students are foremost in our minds,' he said, adding that Muis' student liaison officers remain in close contact with those studying in the Middle East. He added that he is heartened that the student leaders are stepping up during this period to engage their peers and look out for one another. 'This ensures that every student feels safe, supported and can focus on their studies... The spirit of looking out for one another reflects the strength of our community,' he said. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Malay Mail
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
‘Safety, well-being foremost': Singapore keeps close tabs on students in Egypt, Jordan after Iran strikes
SINGAPORE, June 23 — The Singapore government is closely monitoring tensions in the Middle East and has assured Singaporean students there that their safety and well-being remain a top priority. Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim said the authorities are working with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to stay in contact with students in Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, according to a report published today in The Straits Times. 'This call was important — it was an opportunity for me to check in on our students, to listen, understand, and offer my assurance that the safety, well-being and welfare of our students are foremost in our minds,' he said in a Facebook post on June 22. He was referring to a video call he held on June 21 with over 40 student leaders from the Singapore Students Welfare Assembly in Egypt and the Singaporean Students' Association in Jordan. Faishal added that Muis' student liaison officers remain in close communication with students in the region. He also expressed appreciation for the student leaders' proactive role in supporting their peers during this period of heightened regional instability. 'This ensures that every student feels safe, supported and can focus on their studies... The spirit of looking out for one another reflects the strength of our community,' he said. Tensions in the Middle East surged after Israel launched air strikes against Iran on June 13. This was followed by US air strikes on three of Iran's main nuclear sites on the morning of June 22. Hundreds of Singaporeans are enrolled in Islamic studies programmes in Middle Eastern countries, particularly in Egypt and Jordan. Singapore has long maintained contingency plans for citizens abroad and regularly issues travel advisories during periods of unrest.
Malay Mail
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
‘We're in this together': Singapore Malay-Muslim success a collective effort, says acting Muslim affairs chief
SINGAPORE, May 26 — The success of Singapore's Malay/Muslim community must be a shared mission, the republic's acting minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said. Faishal stressed the importance of working closely with the M3, a collaboration between Singapore's Islamic Religious Council (Muis), its Council for the Education of Muslim Children (Mendaki), and the Malay Activity Executive Committees Council, under Singapore statutory board People's Association to promote social, cultural and community cohesion. 'We're in this together,' he was quoted by the Straits Times of telling reporters yesterday during Cyclation 2025, a community cycling event organised by Wisma Geylang Serai where he also serves as lead adviser. He called on all segments of the community to play a role and 'create closer, more effective networks to work towards the community's success'. Every individual, he said, should feel they have a stake in shaping the community's future. 'We want to give space for them to share their views, share their aspirations on how we can shape a successful Malay/Muslim community,'Faishal was quoted as saying. He noted that this engagement is especially vital now as the global climate becomes more challenging. Faishal took over the ministerial role on May 21 from Masagos Zulkifli, who held the portfolio since 2018. Cyclation 2025 was part of SG60 Bersama, a series of celebrations marking the Malay-Muslim community's contributions to Singapore on its 60th anniversary of independence. Some 90 cyclists participated in the 15km route. Faisal said the Gerak-Gerak Geylang, a free weekend fitness programme, is an example of Muslim success, adding that this kind of engagement is an extension of his political journey, which began in 2006 as an MP for Marine Parade GRC. Faishal said such inclusive engagement will ultimately benefit all communities in Singapore. 'I would like to listen. I would like to see how your suggestions can contribute to the development of the Malay/Muslim community. 'I think what is key is that we are in this together, and I hope to bring as many people on board this journey,' he was quoted as saying.
Daily Express
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
A most humble Governor
Published on: Sunday, May 25, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 25, 2025 By: Datuk Teddy Chin Text Size: The writer (left) with Ahmadshah and Toh Puan at the Istana when he received his ASDK in 2004. On the right is Datin Marcella Mally. ON Tuesday (20.5.2025) evening, at a private hospital in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah lost an illustrious son. Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah passed away at the age of 79. The late Tun Ahmadshah needs no introduction to Sabahans, unless one has been sleeping or been overseas all this while. He was born at Kampung Inanam near Manggatal on Dec 9, 1946, the youngest of six siblings. He was buried beside his wife who passed away a few years ago in his village. He began his education at the Government Primary School at Darau, Manggatal (now SK Darau) in 1952. He then attended the La Salleh Secondary School in Tanjung Aru until 1967. The late Tun then began a distinguished career as a civil servant. He became a Customs Officer in Kota Kinabalu on 1 March 1968. He later became an Executive Officer (Rural) and was posted to the Beaufort District Office as an Assistant District Officer (Rural) or ADO on 10 November 1969. It was while in the civil service that he was sent to outh Devon College, Torquay,UK and came back with a Diploma in Development Administration a year later. Advertisement Upon returning from UK, he was seconded to the National Padi and Rice Board (LPN) as Chief Administrative Officer from 14 April 1979 till July 1983. He also served as Secretary of the State Civil Service Commission. Sometime in between all this he won a scholarship to study Political Science at the Indiana State University, USA. Upon his return he joined the State Religious Service as a Prosecutor with the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis) from Oct 1986 to Jan 1988. From Jan 1988 to June 1994 he was Secretary of Muis, becoming its administrative head. Between 1994 to 1995 he was Secretary of the Internal Affairs and Research Division of the Chief Minister's Department. From 16 Dec 1995 to March 1998 he was Director of the State Civil Service Department. In the old days this office was known as the State Establishment Office and among its Directors during Usno time was former Berjaya Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hj Mohd Noor Mansoor. Today the holder is known as Director-General. From 21 March 1998 to his retirement on 8 December 2002, he was further promoted to Deputy State Secretary (Admin), thus ending a distinguished civil service career spanning a few decades. The story goes that when he was about to retire, he was summoned by then Chief Minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat. He thought it was just a farewell courtesy call of sorts. He certainly was not prepared for what the Chief Minister had to tell him. Chong wanted him to be the new Governor or TYT beginning 1.1.2023 replacing Tun Sakaran Dandai who had served two terms, the maximum at that time. When interviewed by this writer, Tan Sri Chong had this to say: 'He was shocked. 'I gave him two conditions, first to promise me never to sell any State awards especially the Datukships and secondly to play golf with me after I leave my CM post. (Chong finished his two-year term in March 2003, three months after Tun Ahmadshah became TYT). 'Both he promised straight away but still could not believe his ear hearing from me because he was just a mere TSKN then. 'But of course I told him no guarantee because it's up to the PM then (Dr M) to forward to the Agong.' On why he chose Ahmadshah when he could have chosen a politician especially from Umno, Tan Sri Chong had this to say: 'He was my Deputy State Secretary. I knew him to be conscientious, humble and helpful official. Very much overlooked as a civil servant. 'Hence my decision to tap him for the TYT post. A very humble and very soft -spoken gentleman. 'Never an extremist. Never a racist,' Chong concluded. Perhaps Chong was right, in fact more than right. The story goes that when Ahmadshah was in La Salle, a Catholic school which was then under the watchful eyes of the late Datuk Brother Charles, he even scored good grades for his Scripture Study. Which perhaps helped to shape the person that he later became, including holding the highest office in the Land Below The Wind. Another Muslim old boy of La Salle who went on to become a leader in Sabah is Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Noor Mansoor (Matnor). Which perhaps explains why when he was Finance Minister, Matnor even acting as Fund Raising Chairman for a new Catholic Church in his constituency in Papar. As for not being racial. During his tenure as TYY Tun Ahmadshah gave Datukship to two of his childhhood friends both of whom were non-Muslims. The story goes that they used to bath together in the river as kids. But this is not to say that the duo was not qualified. One, a Kadazan, was a senior civil servant while the other, a Sino, was a Chinese. As for me personally, I first knew him when he was a senior civil servant. I was sent by my former boss to see him and he was very helpful and cooperative. Soft-spoken, always smiling. No wonder Chong chose him as Governor. Talking about Chong, while he was still CM my former boss recommended me for an ASDK. All nominations for ASDK, PGDK and JP must be vetted by and approved personally by the CM except for TYT's own nominations (his quota). In other words, Chong could have struck out my name but he didn't; for which until today I am grateful. I actually got my award in 2002 when Sakaran was the Governor. But I only went up to the Istana to receive my ASDK in 2004 due to waiting for my official uniform. Because the TYT only wears uniform during the actual birthday celebration. It used to be Sept 16 but later first Saturday of October. By the time I went up to Istana, the TYT was already Ahmadshah. He still remembered me and was happy to see me so much so that he obliged for my photo request not once but twice – the first inside the Investiture Hall and the second as we were leaving the Istana. Such a humble TYT. Another close friend of Ahmadshah since childhood is Datuk Iskandar Malik Jangkat. I am not sure if they went to school together but they certainly came from the same area , Manggatal which is just next to Inanam. Malik, a Dusun and a businessman, was awarded the Datukship during Ahmadshah's time. Then Iskandar got the idea for the formation of the the Sabah Datuks Association (Majlis Datuk-Datuk Negeri Sabah) and the association was born with the blessings of the TYT. Ever since its formation, the Majlis has held annual dinner in conjunction with His Excellency's birthday. But it's not just about celebrating the birthday. They do charity too and normally donations for charity are made during the dinner. Iskandar has since retired and became the Adviser but he went on to become the Chairman of the Malaysian Datuks Association. Quite and achievement for a Sabahan. The Chairman of the Malaysian Justice of Peace Association is also a Sabahan. The TAS Oil and Gas Academy was a collaboration between UMSLink Holdings and Silverkris Sdn Bhd in which Iskandar was involved, but mooted by Ahmadshah himself. After his retirement as TYT, Ahmadshah became Chairman of Azam Jaya Berhad, now a public-listed company and leader in Sabah's construction industry. However, he was there only for a few years and later completely retired until his recent death. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
Daily Express
10-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Advice to Muslim disaster victims on getting help
Published on: Saturday, May 10, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 10, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Dr Mohd Arifin posing with some of the aid recipients while Razali and others look on. Kota Kinabalu: Victims of natural disasters such as fires and floods in Sabah are encouraged to report such incidents promptly to Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis) and Perbadanan Baitulmal to ensure timely assistance. Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin bin Mohd Arif, said Muis, through its Zakat division and Baitulmal, is prepared to extend aid to those affected especially through coordination with its local representatives throughout the State. He said the victims can also go to nearby Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains) in their respective districts or head office. 'This is what we hope for – whenever tragedy strikes, inform us immediately. God willing, Muis through Zakat and Baitulmal, will provide the assistance. 'Across Sabah, whenever we receive reports from local areas about victims made homeless and house damaged because of fire and flood, Muis, Jheains and Baitulmal representatives including at its headquarters will take immediate action. We will do our utmost to ease the burden on the victims,' he said. Dr. Mohd Arifin who is in charge of Islamic religious affairs and authorities said this to reporters here on Thursday after handing over financial aid to 10 household heads who lost their two houses to fire at Kg Darau, few weeks ago. Each affected family received RM1,000 from Muis and RM300 from Baitulmal. Also present were Darau Gagasan Rakyat divisional head Datuk Razali Razi and Perbadanan Baitulmal Negeri Sabah (PBNS) Chairman Datuk Dr Omar Raisul As-Salam Syah bin Datuk Sulaiman Omar and its Chief Executive Officer Ismail bin Mohd Adnan, among others. To a question, Dr Mohd Arifin who is also in charge of education affairs in Sabah said Muis, through its Zakat and Fitrah Division (BZF), allocates approximately RM40 million annually to support education and provide disaster relief aid to the victims in the State. Out of the total, he said M25 million is channelled specifically into the Derma Siswa education aid program, with the remainder used for broader educational development, teachers, zakat aid, and other needs. This year, he said zakat collections are estimated to reach RM45 million and will be used for educational purposes and relief aid for natural disaster victims, among others. Dr Mohd Arifin said the funding forms part of Muis' broader commitment to uplifting communities through both structured learning support and responsive disaster relief. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
