By S. Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE : Malay-Muslims in Singapore celebrate Hari Raya
Aidilfitri on Thursday, and many of them began their day with
prayers at mosques.
They were joined by the Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs, Dr
Yaacob Ibrahim, and Malay Members of Parliament.
In his traditional Hari Raya message to the community and all
Singaporeans, Dr Yaacob emphasised that the Singapore Muslim
community rejected any individual or group that subscribed or
supported the terrorist ideology.
And he stressed that whatever the political reasons that their
promoters claimed, they would not be allowed to hide under
Islam.
Dr Yaacob said the Singapore government had acted wisely and
decisively to ensure the nation's safety and security.
Turning to challenges facing the Malay-Muslim community, Dr Yaacob
noted among them were issues of teen marriage, teen pregnancy and
broken families.
These issues were raised by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at his
National Day Rally speech this year.
Dr Yaacob stressed that groups which faced problems should be
helped, not just financially, but in a comprehensive manner.
He urged the community's leaders to integrate efforts so as to
break the problems and prevent a vicious circle that proceeded to
the next generation. - CNA/de