1. I am heartened by what I have just heard from Tuan Haji Maarof on the achievements of Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS). MUIS has done its job well. It has established its reputation as the institution which promotes and develops the religious interest of the Malay/Muslim community in Singapore. I am told that MUIS presently manages about 70 mosques and 80 waqf properties. Community service is a very strong focus of MUIS. Indeed, to strengthen its activities in this area, MUIS set up the Family Development Department in April this year. MUIS is also in the forefront of upgrading the educational, professional and technological levels of the Malay/Muslim community. This is very important as Singapore develops into a knowledge economy in the new millennium.

2. MUIS has played a key role in promoting racial and religious harmony. In Singapore, we have built a harmonious multiracial, multireligious and multicultural society resting on freedom and tolerance of each other’s religious beliefs. Each community retains its rich heritage, customs and religious values. Yet, diversity has not divided us. Indeed, we have turned it into our strength to give colour and uniqueness to our national identity. The unity among our different communities has enabled Singapore to make significant progress for the benefit of all our citizens. MUIS and our Malay leaders have made outstanding contribution in galvanising our Malay/Muslim Singaporeans to work together with their fellow citizens to build a Singapore based on justice, equality and meritocracy.

 

3. As early as 1963, our Malay/Muslim community has expressed their full support for Singapore’s core political values. At the General Election in September that year, three predominantly Malay constituencies, (Kampong Kembangan, Geylang Serai, Southern Islands), returned PAP candidates against Singapore UMNO candidates. PAP and UMNO held different views on how a multiracial country should be governed, and in particular, how Malay interests should be protected and advanced. Singapore Malays chose the PAP way.

 

4. Since then, Singapore Malays have not looked back. They have taken a robust approach in integrating themselves with the other communities while looking after their own interests. They are proud Singaporeans. And they have done well under our meritocratic system.

 

5. Singapore Malays have accepted the reality of tough competition for polytechnic and university places, for jobs, for promotion and for national honours. Initially, it was not easy. The community’s educational level was lower than that in the other communities. It had very few professionals and graduates in its midst. Its economic presence in the private sector was small.

 

6. But over time, the Malay/Muslim community has gained confidence. The Government believed that the community could make it in the long haul, not overnight. I personally have encouraged you and your leaders to persevere, to focus on education and to upgrade skills and knowledge. The Government’s faith in the robustness of the Malay/Muslim community has been well placed.

 

7. Today, 35 years after Singapore Malays have made their choice on the type of society they want to live in, the results are satisfying. Just look at their educational performance, the number of professionals and graduates, the types of homes they own, the high standard of living.

 

8. There may not be many Malay multimillionaires, but many Malay Singaporeans have assets worth more than a million dollars. Also, the average Malay household has a comfortable level of living.

 

9. But we should not measure the success of our political value system by using material achievements alone. More important is the confidence, self-esteem and dignity of the people, and the respect others accord to the community. On this score, you have succeeded too.

 

10. Our Malay/Muslim community is a key pillar of Singapore. Without its active support, Singapore could not have done so well. I want to express my personal and the Government’s appreciation for the community’s contribution to Singapore’s harmony, progress and success.
11. But more trying times are ahead for Singapore. The economic crisis in the region has yet to bottom out. We do not know what else will happen in the regional economies. Even though we have sound policies and solid institutions, our economy and full employment status have been adversely affected. Our economic growth has slowed down and workers have been retrenched. I am concerned that more workers may lose their jobs and their families may suffer a drop in their standard of living.

 

12. In my National Day Rally speech on 23 August, my key message to the Malay/Muslim community was the need to prepare for the hard times ahead. It is essential that Malay/Muslim workers join the skill training programmes to improve their value in the job market. Retraining is much better than staying at home and becoming harder and harder to re-employ.

 

13. I am aware that some of the older workers, particularly those above 45 years old, are still uncomfortable with the idea of having to go for retraining. I hope their families and friends will encourage them and give them the necessary support to participate in such programmes.

 

14. To overcome the economic crisis, MUIS and other self-help groups in the Malay/Muslim community must reach out to Malay/Muslim Singaporeans and motivate them to upgrade their skills. These organisations could help the retrenched workers by providing counselling, job referrals and scholarships and bursaries for their children. Give those who may be in economic difficulties the strength to tide over their temporary difficulties. Lift their morale.

 

15. The good progress of the Malay/Muslim community is the result of hard work, determination and the community working as one with other Singaporeans. Your "can-do" spirit will stand the community in good stead in these difficult times. We have constructed a solid foundation in our nation building. As all of us, Singaporeans of whatever race and religion, pull together, I am confident that we will emerge stronger from this challenging period. The motto of the 30^th Anniversary of MUIS puts it succinctly: "Together towards a new millennium".

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