INDIAN MUSLIM KATHIS (Particulars)

Mr M.K.A. Jabbar asked the Minister for Social Affairs whether there are any registered Indian Muslim Kathis for the solemnization of Muslim marriages in Singapore and, if so, their number; and, if there are none, what steps, have been taken to appoint Indian Muslim Kathis.

The Minister for Social Affairs (Dr Ahmad Mattar): Mr Speaker, Sir, among the 16 Kadis and Naib Kadis appointed by the President of Singapore to solemnize marriages under the Administration of Muslim Law Act, only one is an Indian Muslim. Since his appointment in September 1977, this Naib Kadi has solemnized a total of only 71 marriages, or an average of 12 each year. The other Kadis and Naib Kadis solemnize an annual average of 176 marriages each during the same period. So it would appear that more Indian Muslim Naib Kadis are not required to serve the needs of the Indian Muslim community in Singapore.