Tag: Muslim

Kemajuan Besar Masyarakat Melayu/Islam Dialu-Alukan, Namun Isu Sosial Harus Diberi Perhatian

Perdana Menteri Lee Hsien Loong berkata masyarakat Melayu/Islam mencatat kemajuan yang sangat besar dan amat memberangsangkan.

Hari ini, menurut beliau, masyarakat Melayu diwakili dalam setiap lapisan masyarakat. Encik Lee berkata demikian semasa menyampaikan ucapan dalam Bahasa Melayu di Rapat Umum Hari Kebangsaan petang ini.

Encik Lee berkata kini beliau dan rakan-rakan kabinetnya mempunyai banyak pilihan mencari bakal calon-calon pilihan raya Melayu/Islam dari pelbagai sektor – seperti peguam, pegawai bank, pendidik, jurutera dan pegawai Angkatan Bersenjata Singapura (SAF).

Parti Tindakan Rakyat (PAP) baru-baru ini memperkenalkan tiga calon baru Melayu/Islam bagi Pilihan Raya Umum tahun ini – Encik Saktiandi Supaat, 42 tahun, Ketua Kajian Pertukaran Asing di Maybank; Encik Amrin Amin, 36 tahun, peguam korporat di Joseph Tan Jude Benny, dan Cik Rahayu Mahzam, 35 tahun, mantan timbalan pendaftar Mahkamah Syariah.

Amrin Amin (Gambar: Facebook/Amrin Amin)

Rahayu Mahzam. (Gambar: Shushan Lam)

Beliau juga mengambil contoh dua juruterbang muda anak Melayu/Islam di Angkatan Udara Republik Singapura (RSAF), iaitu Kapten Muhammad Azlan Abdul Latiff, juruterbang helikopter Super Puma, dan Kapten Muhammad Iskandar Dzulfadhli Abdul Rahman, juruterbang jet pejuang F5.

Menteri Negara Mohd Maliki Osman bersama juruterbang RSAF, Kapten Muhammad Azlan Abdul Latiff (kiri) dan Kapten Muhammad Iskandar Dzulfadhli Abdul Rahman. (Gambar: MINDEF)

KEJAYAAN MELAYU/ISLAM DICAPAI MENERUSI BUDAYA BERDIKARI

Encik Lee berkata kejayaan masyarakat Melayu/Islam ini dicapai menerusi budaya berdikari, semangat gotong royong dan juga sokongan pemerintah.

“Saudara saudari, masyarakat Melayu/Islam gigih memupuk budaya berdikari tetapi mengekalkan semangat gotong-royong anda.

“Ini dapat dilihat dalam usaha anda membina institusi bantu diri yang penting seperti Yayasan Mendaki dan AMP (Angkatan Karyawan Islam).

“Pemerintah menyokong kuat kemajuan masyarakat Melayu/Islam dengan menyediakan sumber-sumber, nasihat serta kepimpinan oleh para menteri dan Anggota Parlimen Melayu pemerintah.

“Orang Melayu juga mendapat faedah daripada dasar untuk semua kaum secara sama rata seperti perumahan, pendidikan dan penjagaan kesihatan,” ujarnya.

SEBAHAGIAN BESAR YANG TINGGAL DI FLAT SEWA ADALAH MELAYU

Namun Encik Lee berkata di sebalik kemajuan besar itu, masyarakat Melayu/Islam perlu terus memberi perhatian kepada isu-isu sosial yang mencabar, seperti masalah keluarga-keluarga Melayu/Islam yang masih tinggal di flat-flat sewa.

Menurut Encik Lee, program pemilikan rumah Lembaga Perumahan dan Pembangunan (HDB) berjaya membantu lebih 90 peratus penghuni HDB memiliki flat sendiri.

Namun, segolongan kecil masih tinggal di flat sewa, dan sebahagian besar di antara mereka adalah keluarga Melayu, kata beliau.

PM LEE: HARUS BANTU MEREKA MILIKI FLAT SENDIRI

Ramai merupakan keluarga muda dengan masalah rumahtangga dan kewangan – contohnya, mereka mungkin pernah membeli flat sebelum ini, namun selepas bercerai, mereka terpaksa menjual flat dan tinggal di flat sewa.

“Saya sangat bimbang tentang masa depan keluarga-keluarga ini, khususnya anak-anak mereka. Kemungkinan besar mereka akan terus terjerat dalam kemiskinan sepanjang hayat.

“Kita harus membantu mereka memulakan hidup baru, jika mereka bersungguh-sungguh mahu memperbaiki kehidupan mereka dengan menstabilkan keluarga, mendapatkan pekerjaan tetap dan memastikan anak-anak kekal di sekolah.

“Kita mesti membantu mereka memiliki flat sendiri sekali lagi supaya mereka dapat menyediakan sekitaran yang lebih mantap bagi anak-anak mereka,” ujar Encik Lee.

Source: http://berita.mediacorp.sg

August 24, 2015
Masagos Zulkifli: Sifat Toleransi Antara 3 Isu Yang Harus Ditekankan Pemimpin Melayu/Islam

Menteri di Pejabat Perdana Menteri merangkap Menteri Kedua Ehwal Luar dan Dalam Negeri, Masagos Zulkifli berkata beliau akan terus memberi tumpuan untuk memenuhi kepentingan budaya dan agama para penduduk.

Beliau juga yakin para penduduk Melayu/Islam akan memilih kepimpinan yang dapat menyatukan serta memajukan masyarakat dengan negara.

Semasa sidang media bagi mengumumkan barisan calon PAP untuk GRC Tampines hari ini (22 Ogos), Encik Masagos turut berkongsi tiga isu yang perlu diberi penekanan oleh para pemimpin Melayu/Islam.

KEKALKAN SIFAT TOLERANSI DI KALANGAN MASYARAKAT MELAYU/ISLAM

Pertama – bagaimana untuk mengekalkan sifat toleransi di kalangan masyarakat Melayu/Islam supaya tidak mudah terhasut dengan anasir yang boleh menggoyahkan perpaduan masyarakat setempat.

Menurutnya, konteks kehidupan di Singapura begitu unik di mana kepentingan kaum minoriti tidak diketepikan.

Maka itu, beliau menggesa agar sifat toleransi dan kesederhanaan terus diwujudkan dalam masyarakat Melayu/Islam supaya kepentingan bersama dapat dijaga.

“Kita harus terus mewujudkan sifat toleransi, moderat dalam menghadapi segala isu yang cuba ditimbulkan untuk menghairahkan masyarakat kita supaya menekankan lagi keistimewaan mereka dari segi agama atau bangsa. Itu baik tapi kita harus ambil kira juga bahawa kita hidup dengan warga yang lain dan perlu menjaga kepentingan negara bersama,” katanya.

Dua isu lain yang diutarakan adalah – usaha memastikan golongan Melayu/Islam yang sudah berjaya terus menyumbang kepada masyarakat, serta mengurangkan lagi kadar jenayah atau masalah dadah di kalangan masyarakat tersebut.

PENDUDUK MELAYU/ISLAM TAMPINES BERI SAMBUTAN BAIK KEPADA PAP

Bila ditanya pula oleh BERITAMediaCorp mengenai sentimen para penduduk Melayu/Islam di Tampines, yang membentuk sekitar 25% bilangan pengundi di GRC Tampines terhadap PAP, Encik Masagos menjawab, sambutan yang diterimanya setakat ini agak memberangsangkan.

“Orang Melayu, mereka selalu mesra. Kalau bertemu dengan pemimpin, siapa saja, mereka membuka pagar dan sering mengajak kami masuk untuk bukan hanya menyampaikan isu-isu perumahan, tapi kadang-kadang, hanya untuk beramah tamah,” katanya.

Mengulas pula mengenai usaha menarik sokongan para penduduk Melayu/Islam di Tampines, Encik Masagos menyuarakan keyakinan terhadap kemampuan masyarakat itu dalam menilai dan memilih barisan pemimpin mereka.

“Saya yakin orang Melayu/Islam itu, mereka tahu kepentingan mereka supaya kepimpinan yang mereka pilih itu dapat menyatukan kami terus progresif bersama negara, tidak melupakan agama dan bangsa,” kata Encik Masagos.

Source: http://berita.mediacorp.sg

August 23, 2015
What Drives People To Join Extremist Groups?

Militant groups such as the Islamic State (IS) can offer direction and a certain meaning in life that some people crave, said Professor Andrew Silke from the University of East London, where he is programme director for Terrorism Studies. Prof Silke, who serves as a counterterrorism consultant to government agencies in Britain and America, is in Singapore to give a lecture at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies. In this interview with TODAY, he examines the appeal of IS and suggests ways to deal with returning fighters.

What is the draw of the Islamic State? In particular, why does it appeal to young people even from developed countries?

The appeal is based on a range of factors. For some, it is a sense of adventure and excitement. For others, it provides a strong sense of identity and belonging. To the people attracted, IS can offer a powerful sense that you are doing something meaningful and that you matter. The reality, of course, when people get there can be much harsher and very different. But for young people looking for meaning and direction in their lives, IS can appear to offer answers and certainty.

There have been many instances of young women in their teens being radicalised by the Islamic State and travelling to the conflict areas for marriage. What drives them?

The Islamic State offers clarity, certainty and a clear sense of belonging and meaning. That can be very, very attractive to young people, who are often searching for a clear sense of identity and a quest for significance and acceptance. In its propaganda, IS offers all these and more.

What is the typical psychological state of a jihadist who has returned after fighting? Is it euphoria and a sense of accomplishment or emptiness as the “mission” has ended?

Most are tired and have no intention of trying to continue the conflict elsewhere. Probably fewer than 10 per cent have a serious interest in further violence. Some are disillusioned by their experiences. The conflict was not the noble, heroic adventure they expected. The group they were fighting for also failed to live up to expectations. Some suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and other problems as a result of what they have seen or done. Many are anxious about their future and what will happen if they are identified by the authorities as a returning fighter.

How should countries rehabilitate jihadist returnees? How do we strike a balance between the carrot (counselling, making them feel less marginalised) and the stick (stronger legislation to “punish” them)?

This is a very tough question and one that the United Kingdom, for example, is really struggling with today. About 600 UK citizens have travelled to fight with the Islamic State. Many have already returned and some of those have been imprisoned. Others have tried to travel and have been stopped and imprisoned too.

I think we need a balanced approach. We should offer a route out for people who have changed their minds and are desperate to leave IS. Some people remain in Syria mainly because they think they will be imprisoned if they try to return home. There are disengagement and counter-radicalisation programmes these people can do which can help them leave without having to face years in prison. But we also need to recognise that there will be highly radicalised individuals who are extremely committed to the IS cause, and prison is a legitimate and sensible option for them.

From the macro policy perspective, what are the most vital measures governments should take to prevent the radicalisation of individuals?

First, I think we need to accept that you cannot have a society that is completely free of extremism and if your focus is to try to eliminate all extremism, you are setting yourself up for failure. Only totalitarian regimes can have such ambitions and who would want to live in that type of society?

Second, we need to be careful about claiming radicalisation is the result of one factor. The UK government, for example, is pushing the view that extreme ideology is the primary cause of radicalisation. It is convenient to blame ideology because the role of other factors such as discrimination, marginalisation and foreign policy get pushed to the side.

The counterterrorism effort starts to focus increasingly on only countering the ideology and expecting that that will be the solution.

Research shows us that a range of factors drives radicalisation and that identity issues, for example, are more important than ideology in explaining how and why young people become radicalised.

Source: www.todayonline.com

August 22, 2015
When It Comes To Role Models, Race Is Irrelevant

Earlier this month, there was a media article on how a toy-plane lover and former television child star was now a high-flying colonel in the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

The article began by saying that Col Zakir Hamid, 46, had become the RSAF’s first Malay pilot in 1992 and was now the highest-ranked Malay officer there.

I wondered why there was an emphasis on Colonel Zakir’s race, alongside his achievements. This emphasis seems to occur in instances when Malays rise to high positions in society.

In April, when Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Masagos Zulkifli was promoted to a full minister, all news reports said this was the first time that Singapore had two Malay full ministers. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in his Facebook post announcing the appointment, said this reflected the progress of the Malay community.

I agree that stories of success serve to motivate and inspire younger Singaporeans. In the case of Malays who have done well, the Malay community celebrates their achievements, and younger Malays see these figures as good role models.

Their success stories exemplify the meritocratic system in Singapore. They also help to convince the Malays that, even though we are a minority — the community forms 13.4 per cent of the citizen population — we can, like anyone else, and with effort and determination, succeed.

However, in mentioning race when highlighting the achievements of Malays, might it not create a sense of inferiority, that we are not as capable and so any success attained by a Malay needs to be tied back to their race?

It does not reflect Singapore’s meritocratic value of seeing ourselves as a united people regardless of race, language or religion.

Academic Hussin Mutalib, in his book Singapore Malays — Being Ethnic Minority And Muslim In A Global City-State, wrote about the Malay “marginality” that some Malays felt as Singapore progressed. Could such mentions of race-based achievements be an attempt to remove those perceptions?

It is a fact that the Malay community falls behind the Chinese and Indian communities in terms of educational qualifications and other socioeconomic attributes. But the gap is narrowing.

The Malay community is moving forward and we want to continue doing so. According to the Education Statistics Digest published by the Ministry of Education, close to eight in 10 of Malay students in the 2003 cohort received admission to post-secondary education institutions.

In 2012, almost nine in 10 achieved this — the biggest improvement seen among the races.

Another positive trend by the Ministry of Social and Family Development data also showed that the home ownership rate among Malay residents is highest among the other races at 93.2 per cent.

DO NOT LET RACE GET IN THE WAY

I believe that members of the Malay community want to be seen as being as capable as other Singaporeans, and able to achieve similar success to their friends in school and at work.

It will be even more encouraging if Malays who have benefited from the system in Singapore are willing to guide and mentor young Malays. Self-help groups such as Mendaki have programmes that require volunteers and mentors to lead them, and this will be a great opportunity to engage and empower future generations of the community.

This will go a long way in dispelling perceptions of inferiority or discrimination that these young Malays may have internalised.

The media can also play a part. They are instrumental in telling the stories of Singaporeans and also in moulding perceptions of the different communities and groups.

While it is perfectly fine to showcase celebrations of racial cultures or cultural events, I believe there is no need to emphasise race, especially when articles are accompanied by photos of the people mentioned.

This special mention for Malays in stories of success may unintentionally cause Singaporeans of other races to see Malays as less capable. This can affect how they relate to and communicate with their Malay friends.

As we progress, I hope to see less emphasis put on a person’s race when highlighting his or her achievements.

In my opinion, Singapore will never be a race-blind country because race, for good reasons, will continue to be a huge part of a person’s identity.

Based on a survey by the Institute of Policy Studies on race, religion and language, 70.7 per cent of the respondents indicated that race is important to their overall sense of identity.

Race should be less of a social marker and more of a cultural marker. We can be proud of our individual ethnicities and share our unique cultures, while still having a strong national identity. But we should not let race shape our interactions or perceptions of others.

Stories of success should be read as they are — the achievements of fellow Singaporeans. I, for one, am sure that members of the Malay community can find any successful Singaporean, regardless of race, a worthy role model.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Muhammad Syakir Bin Kamal is a second-year student at Imperial College London, where he is reading aeronautical engineering. He is currently interning at the Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Singapore.

Source: www.todayonline.com

August 22, 2015
MINDEF: Allegations Of Discriminatory Behaviour Are Taken Seriously, Investigations Ongoing

It has come to our attention that there are social media posts spreading allegations of discriminatory practices in the SAF.

MINDEF/SAF takes such allegations seriously as it impacts public trust and undermines the strong public support for National Service (NS) and the SAF.

MINDEF/SAF does not tolerate any discriminatory behaviour and is investigating to determine the facts of the case. We take a serious view of the conduct of our servicemen.

If any service personnel is found to have breached our Code of Conduct, disciplinary proceedings will be convened and the necessary actions will be taken.

Source: Cyberpioneer

August 19, 2015