Jamiyah expels 8 veteran members

Jamiyah expels 8 veteran members

Eight veteran members of welfare group Jamiyah Singapore, including a former president, were expelled earlier this month.

In a statement to the media on Wednesday, the members said they were told of the decision in letters dated Oct9. No reason was specified except to say the expulsion was in accordance with Jamiyah's Constitution.

The letters, signed by Jamiyah's secretary-general Khalid Hassan, state that the group's executive council had "unanimously decided to expel" the members after meeting on Oct8.

One of those expelled is Jamiyah's most recent former president, Mr Abdul Karim Maidin, 73.

He is the uncle of current president Mohd Hasbi Abu Bakar.

Dr Mohd Hasbi is the son of another ex-president, Mr Abu Bakar Maidin, who died last month. Mr Abu Bakar was a recipient of the President's Social Service Award and the Public Service Award.

The expulsion took effect on Oct 9. The Straits Times understands that the discussions at the meeting were "heated".

The expelled members said they were "extremely disappointed and aggrieved". "The executive council did not inform us of the particulars of the charges... and did not give us any opportunity whatsoever to defend ourselves," their statement said. It noted that each of them had been a member of Jamiyah for at least 25 years, and four had held positions on the executive council before.

When asked if any of them had filed an appeal, Mr Abdul Karim said: "We didn't try. It might be a waste of time. We're doing this as we want the public to know we have been expelled and not to ask us about Jamiyah's matters anymore."

Jamiyah did not respond to press queries last night.

The welfare group celebrated its 80th anniversary last year, and runs homes for children and the aged, among others.

limyihan@sph.com.sg


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