MAJLIS UGAMA ISLAM SINGAPURA AND MUSLIM RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS (Dialogues)

Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi: To ask the Minister for Social Affairs if he will report the progress of dialogues the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura has held with Muslim religious institutions and associations and what further plans are being made to expand such dialogues.

Mr Speaker: Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi

Encik Sidek bin Saniff: Sir, Question No. 19.

The Acting Minister for Social Affairs (Dr Ahmad Mattar): Mr Speaker, Sir, since March this year, the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) has held four dialogues; one with representatives from eight Madrasahs (Muslim religious schools); one with the management committees of four mosques; and two with Muslim religious teachers.

The first dialogue with head teachers and school management committee members of eight Madrasahs was held on 11th March 1978. They discussed future plans of the Madrasahs, MUIS financial assistance and the Madrasahs curriculum and syllabus. The MUIS education committee is presently considering the points raised at that meeting.

The second dialogue with mosque management committees of Masjid Kebun Limau, Masjid Hang Jebat, Masjid Muhajirin and Masjid Mujahidin was held on 2nd April 1978. They discussed the activities planned and organised in the mosques and expansion plans to provide more space for worship and other social activities in the mosques. The MUIS has initiated action to implement some of the proposals.

The third dialogue was held on 24th June 1978 with Muslim religious teachers conducting religious classes in ten Government secondary schools. It was jointly sponsored by the MUIS and the Singapore Malay Teachers Union. The teachers were of the view that Muslim students were not making full use of these classes as they only attended the religious classes when they could during their spare time.

The fourth dialogue was also held on 24th June 1978 with Muslim religious teachers conducting religious classes sponsored by MUIS. The teachers suggested that MUIS issue certificates of participation for the students and adopt a common syllabus. MUIS is considering these proposals and would implement them if found feasible.

The MUIS will be holding another series of dialogues with mosques management committees. This will be followed by other dialogues with Muslim associations.

Encik Sidek bin Saniff: Mr Speaker, Sir, would the Minister and MUIS consider having a dialogue with the new converts at Darul Arkam at their earliest convenience?

Dr Ahmad Mattar: Sir, dialogues with the new converts at Darul Arkam have been held in the past. I can assure the hon. Member for Kolam Ayer that dialogues with new converts at Darul Arkam will be held in the near future.