NDR 2026: Team of Malay/Muslim office-holders, MPs to be continually renewed and strengthened
Speaking in Malay, PM Wong said that younger office-holders are stepping up.
The Malaysian and Muslim community in Singapore is to receive continuous support and new leadership, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced during the National Day Rally on August 23. The current team of office-holders and MPs, praised for their performance, will be bolstered with fresh talent, he said.
Younger politicians like Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, 45, and Syed Harun Alhabsyi, 40, have already proven their worth, coming from private sector backgrounds. Both joined the ranks after the 2025 General Election. Other members include Rahayu Mahzam, 46, who has been serving as Minister of State for Health and Digital Development and Information since 2024.
Wong highlighted that the committee for economic resilience, recently launched, is already receiving valuable input from the community. Its focus is on empowering Malay/Muslim youths to develop skills and seize opportunities in emerging sectors. This is just one of many initiatives by the team, which is led by Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad.
Zaqy, who took over the Muslim Affairs portfolio in July, emphasized the importance of community partnerships. He announced the expansion of the M3 initiative to M3+, bringing in additional partners and resources. The program's success in Ang Mo Kio has inspired plans to roll it out to Yishun, Sembawang, and Woodlands, offering seniors more comprehensive support.
The Prime Minister also stressed the significance of expanding partnerships, providing an example of the collaboration between the Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association and the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises. This partnership enables Muslim-led businesses to access advice, digital tools, and business networks while receiving cultural and language support from the community.
Wong affirmed that Malay/Muslim Singaporeans are excelling in various fields, including public service, military, judiciary, and business, while staying true to their community and heritage. Despite cost pressures and job concerns, he assured the community that they can overcome challenges together, inspired by the Malaysian proverb "berat sama dipikul, ringan sama dijinjing" (a burden shared is a burden halved).
The overarching goal is to empower every member of the community to thrive and contribute significantly to Singapore's progress.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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