SCHEME FOR MUSLIMS TO MAKE MONTHLY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COUNCIL ON EDUCATION FOR MUSLIM CHILDREN (MENDAKI)

Dr Ahmad Mattar: Mr Speaker, Sir, the House may recall that in September 1975, the Administration of Muslim Law Act was amended for the implementation of the Mosque Building Fund Scheme. The objective of this Scheme was to ensure a steady source of funds for mosque building purposes. Under this Scheme, all Muslim employees were required to pay a monthly contribution of 50 cents to the Fund through the Central Provident Fund Board. In July 1977, the Mosque Building Fund contribution was increased from 50 cents to $1 per month. This increase was necessary to ensure the availability of funds for the mosque building purposes.

The Government has now decided that Muslim employees can also make regular contributions to the Council on Education for Muslim Children (Majlis Pendidikan Anak-anak Islam) or Mendaki. Mendaki has launched many projects to uplift the educational attainment of Muslim children and requires a steady source of income to finance these projects. The monthly contribution payable by Muslim employees will be fixed at 50 cents initially.

Necessary amendments to the Administration of Muslim Law Act will be introduced in due course and the collection of contributions will commence soon after the amendments come into effect.