Members of the Malay/Muslim community are ‘assets’ that would determine the success of the efforts and collaboration of M³ programmes [Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), Mendaki and the People’s Association Malay Activity Executive Committee Council (Mesra)].

Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Mr Masagos Zulkifli said that members of the community have the experience that can help inspire and guide the younger generation.

He alao shared that there are plans to roll out six more M³@Town initiatives – an initiative to bring community programmes to the heartland and create opportunities for community members to volunteer and serve people in their neighbourhoods.

This initiative is available in Tampines and Pasir Ris-Punggol, and PAP Malay/Muslim MPs are leading the efforts of M³@Town.

“They have brought the M³ agencies together in their towns and mapped out the needs, assets and community programmes at our community centres, mosques and Mendaki satellite centres. They have also begun to mobilise volunteers across M³,” he said.

Meanwhile, in preparation for the development of the Islamic college in Singapore, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) will be forming a new committee, the Committee on Future Asatizah (Cofa). Senior Minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs Dr Maliki Osman who will be chairing the committee, said that it will include religious teachers, community leaders and individuals with relevant professional experience.

Dr Maliki added, “Singaporean Muslims need to adapt with the times, in their professional and socio-religious lives. To be able to provide effective guidance and socio-religious support, our asatizah too must adapt and be ready for the future. This is why we formed the Cofa, so that we can gain a better understanding of the evolving needs of the Singapore Muslim community, react to the trends that will shape the community’s future, and hear ground-up feedback on how we can prepare our next generation of asatizah.”