Pioneer Malay/Muslim leaders to be honoured

A commemorative publication, an appreciation ceremony and a series of fireside chats are among the initiatives being lined up to pay tribute to Malay/Muslim members of the pioneer generation.

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) and self-help group Mendaki will set up a joint committee to launch these initiatives. They will also think of additional ways to honour the work done by pioneers, Minister in Charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim said in Parliament on Tuesday.

Speaker of the House Halimah Yacob will lead the committee.

In announcing these plans, Dr Yaacob said the community's pioneer leaders had "stood together with national leaders to build a cohesive and progressive multiracial nation".

He listed Singapore's first president, the late Yusof Ishak, and the late attorney-general Ahmad Ibrahim as notable pioneers. Dr Yaacob also held up the work done by the late former Jamiyah president Haji Abu Bakar Maidin and former deputy librarian of the National University of Singapore Manijeh Namazie.

"These and many other Malay/Muslim personalities are role models for our young," he said. "They are passionate, driven individuals whose successes have helped Singapore grow as one nation. We must honour and celebrate them."

Muis and Mendaki will use platforms like mosques to reach out to pioneers in the community so that they are aware of and understand the details of the Pioneer Generation Package.

The package offers health-care assistance for life to about 450,000 Singaporeans who are aged 65 and older this year and who became Singapore citizens before 1987.

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