CONSTRUCTION OF MOSQUE IN RADIN MAS (Progress)

Mr M.K.A. Jabbar asked the Acting Minister for Social Affairs (a) what progress's has been made so far in the construction of a Mosque in Radin Mas; and (b) has a building committee been formed and, if not, when one will be set up.

The Acting Minister for Social Affairs (Dr Ahmad Mattar): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, under Phase II of the Mosque Building Programme, a mosque will be built for the use of residents of Telok Blangah, Radin Mas and the surrounding areas. Whether the mosque will be located in the Telok Blangah or the Radin Mas constituency will depend on the Housing and Development Board. The construction of the mosque is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 1983.

The Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) has been holding discussions with the residents of Telok Blangah and Radin Mas on the formation of a Mosque Building Committee. I am glad to inform the House that the residents have been enthusiastic and have proposed a number of names for appointment to the committee. MUIS is now compiling a list of suitable persons to fill the key posts in this committee, namely, the Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and Assistant Secretary. These appointments will be made in a month's time. MUIS has to exercise great care in selecting persons to fill these important positions. They must be persons who are dedicated and possess the ability to lead the residents in seeing through the successful completion of the mosque.