Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Environment and Water Resources, and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs

My Parliamentary Colleagues

Mr Mohd Khairunan Ali, Chairman of Harun Ghani Education Fund

Mrs Harun Ghani

Ms Haslinda Putri Harun, Honorary Secretary

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good afternoon

I am happy to be here today for the inaugural Harun Ghani Education Fund Presentation Ceremony. I am glad to see so many students receiving recognition for their hard work. Your desire to learn and your perseverance will be an inspiration to many of your peers.

Remembering Mr Harun Ghani

2          The Harun Ghani Education Fund was set up in memory of a good man � a man who spent much of his adult life helping others, first as a teacher, then after having entered political office, as a dedicated advocate who worked tirelessly to help drug addicts return to society, a man who helped save families by counselling addicts and their loved ones.

3          As my former Political Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, the late Mr Harun Ghani was a strong and selfless warrior in the fight against drug abuse in Singapore, especially amongst members of the Malay-Muslim community. He was instrumental in helping to set up our Muslim Halfway Houses. Not only did he give guidance in the management and administration of these Halfway Houses, he also helped them secure financial contributions to get started.

4          In his own quiet way, Mr Harun was always thinking of innovative ways to help drug abusers. For example, he initiated �Meet the Family� sessions where he roped in families of drug addicts to help in rehabilitation. The sessions have now become an integral part of our strategy to rehabilitate not only former addicts but also ex-criminals.

5          To many people, Mr Harun was a true friend and mentor. Whenever someone needed to be counselled and helped, he would be there regardless of distance or time. He also firmly believed in guiding the young so that they stayed away from drugs and crimes. He once said in a speech that �our children do not turn delinquent overnight� and urged teachers and parents to look out for tell-tale signs and to take prompt action before it was too late.

Harun Ghani Fund

6          The Harun Ghani Education Fund was set up with the aim of motivating children of drug offenders and former addicts to pursue their education to the highest possible level. The committee hopes to raise half a million dollars from individuals, communities and businesses, and so far the response has been encouraging. Since its launch in September this year, the Fund which is run by Yayasan Mendaki has grown to more than $280,000. .

7          I would like to thank my parliamentary colleagues and donors from all walks of life for their contributions. Their generosity demonstrates a shared belief that investment in education for our children is in our best interests. An educated population is better prepared for the challenges of a new economy and better able to ensure a better life for our future generations.

8          With better education and successful leaders in the community, the Malay/Muslim community is better equipped today to deal with difficult problems and challenges. Just as the Malay/Muslim community has overcome the problem of heroin addiction which used to plague its weaker members by confronting it openly, the community is well poised to deal with other social problems openly and sensitively, whether it be the high divorce rate among the young, juvenile delinquency or other issues.

9          Open and honest discussions and deliberations over problems allow you to tap the fullness of relevant experience and knowledge within the community. It also allows us to galvanise support and resources within the community and beyond to tackle these problems. In the Malay community today, for instance, there is increasing awareness of the critical importance of education. We now see more Malay students enrolling in post-secondary institutions. Recognising clearly the obstacle of financial resources to higher education faced by some, those who face financial hardship are identified and given assistance so that they would not be deprived of a proper education.

10        I have been told that more than 250 applications were received for the Harun Ghani Education Fund. Today, more than 190 students from primary to Junior College levels will each be given an award worth between $100 to $150. This will help them cope with the costs of purchasing textbooks and other essential items for the new school year.

Keep Up the Good Work

11        Having known the late Mr Harun Ghani for many years, I cannot think of a better way to remember him than in lending his name to the promotion of education and knowledge among the young. I wish to extend my heartiest congratulations to all the award recipients. Keep up the good work and when you grow up, we hope that you will, in turn, contribute to society and help the less fortunate. Thank You. 

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