It is hard to predict the shape of the Malay-Muslim community in Singapore in the next half a century. It will depend very much on how the Republic will transform, which in turn will depend on changes that will likely take place in the world, especially in this region. Each development will have an influence on another.
The world itself has changed dramatically in the past decade, as a result of the Internet and inventions such as smart phones. We now live in a borderless world. Communication between individuals from different parts of the world is a breeze. Information of any kind can easily be obtained in an instant. Budget airlines help make travel affordable to many. All these developments have a significant impact on our lives and lifestyles, and this trend will continue.
It is possible to have an inkling of how the Malay-Muslim community here will likely progress in the next five decades. We can do this by looking back and tracing our achievements since 1965 – when we gained independence. This can be done in two ways: by comparing our own progress as a community, or by comparing ourselves with the progress made by other communities in Singapore.
As a community, we have made tremendous progress in many fields such as education, housing and economy. Much progress has also been made in the jobs and careers of our community. We have produced many doctors, dentists, architects, engineers, lawyers, magistrates and other professionals. The progress is significant compared to the past when we were only able to produce mainly teachers, policemen and odd job labourers.
We are no longer the ‘poor’ Malays we used to be. Just like other Singaporeans, most Malays own their homes, including private properties. Their holiday destinations are no longer confined to Malaysia and Indonesia, but covers all corners of the world. Many own cars which they consider as a necessity. In short, there has been absolute progress.
However, relative to the progress made by the other communities in Singapore, we are still lagging behind in many areas. This is because as we progressed, the other communities have moved even further ahead. This catch-up game is expected to continue in the future. Unless the Malay community moves at a greater speed, the gap will remain, or even widen.
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
How much progress will we make in the field of education in the next 50 years? It will depend largely on our resolve and determination. It is heartening to see that parents of the new generation of Malays generally understand the importance of education. Many hold the view that education is key to the future of their children.
However, to accelerate our progress, Malay Muslim organisations such as MENDAKI need to more than just ensure the majority of our community attain an acceptable minimum standard of education. We need to nurture and produce a large number of ‘super students’ who excel in various fields and advance their education in well-known foreign universities. Our ability to produce such students will act as a catalyst that will help spur the community further. This can be done by identifying students’ talents in the early stages and providing the best possible support to them. They will need guidance in choosing the appropriate institutions to further their studies. Most important will be to ensure that they are not hindered financially from achieving their goals. If done systematically, we will be able to produce a substantial number of the ‘crème de la crème’ of our community who can help create a new image of our community in the next half a century.
The Malay community should be proud of its ability to produce many professionals in various fields in recent years. Some of them hold senior positions and have played important roles in multi-national companies (MNCs) not just here, but also abroad. This encouraging trend is likely to continue as companies in the world seek talents in diverse fields, regardless of their country of origin. As we produce better educated and more confident Malays, they will be able to fulfill these needs.
The widening focus of our education system from merely academic to include technical studies, arts and sports, should benefit many Singaporeans, including Malays. The emphasis given to acquiring skills in these areas is congruent with the interest of some members of our community. This broadening focus will help reduce the school dropout rate among our students.
The challenge that follows will be in ensuring that our students acquire more than just the basic skillsets and to have the ability to explore opportunities that lie ahead when they graduate.
One area that the Malay-Muslim community has not shown much progress in is business – a very vital point to note, as doing business is what Singapore is all about. We do have many businessmen and businesswomen, however most of them are small-time retailers. While this enables them to earn a living, there is a need for them to be more daring in expanding their businesses. There are many government schemes available to help local businesses grow, which many Malay-Muslim businesses are not taking advantage of. The Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI) has a critical role to play in this area.
Nevertheless, there are growing numbers of Malay businesses seizing opportunities abroad. Progressively, more of them are using our neighbouring countries, especially Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as the Middle East, as their new base to do business. This trend is likely to continue as our businessmen are more willing to take risks.
FUTURE HOPE
As we look back on our short history, one of the most significant developments for the Malay-Muslim community was the establishment of MUIS or the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore in 1968.
While playing a key role in ensuring that Muslims are able to practise their religious obligations in a multi-racial and multi-religious society, MUIS has been at the forefront in promoting moderate and modern views among Muslims, leading to harmonious living here. More importantly, it has helped to strengthen the financial stature of the Muslim community through the systematic collection of zakat, effective management of wakaf and the management of halal certification.
The potential of wakaf and halal certification and their related activities cannot be under-estimated. Properly managed, they can be important instruments that can make a difference to the community.
What used to be almost ‘dormant’ properties, the 132 wakaf properties and assets, 63 of which are administered by MUIS, are now worth more than half a billion dollars.
Yet another area that has great potential in generating a significant income is halal certification, especially when we have undisputed reputation for credibility and reliability. If we are able to capitalize on the growth of the Islamic financial market globally by plugging our expertise in the right places, we will be rewarded generously.
Perhaps the time has come for the Malay-Muslim community to consider starting its own foundation, similar to many other foundations here which are mainly owned and managed by Chinese tycoons. It is not unrealistic or impossible to make this a reality. In fact, we already have it in the form of our wakaf. The combined income from wakaf properties and assets, as well as halal certification and its related activities, will be substantial and will form the key pillar of the foundation.
SOCIAL CHALLENGE
While we set our sights into the future, we must not lose sight on some of the serious social problems that are still confronting us – high divorce rates, drug abuse, crime and high levels of school dropouts – which have their roots in broken families.
While the community continues to play a critical role, its efforts would be somewhat limited by its resources, be it in terms of manpower or funds. Direct involvement by the government is necessary as these problems are national problems that require national solutions. A more holistic approach is needed, and perhaps a very senior person in the government, preferably a Malay-Muslim, is needed to lead this coordinated effort.
Tackling these social problems should be at the top of our ‘To do’ list. They have been with us for far too long. Unless more drastic and concerted efforts are taken, it will have serious implications on our efforts to forge ahead at a faster rate. ⬛
Mohd Guntor Sadali is the former Editorial Advisor of Berita Harian (BH) and Berita Minggu (BM) of Singapore Press Holdings. He was previously the Editor of BH and BM for 15 years and had been a journalist for the paper for 41 years. He also contributed his time as a member of the National Transplant Ethics Panel and a Board member of the Housing & Development Board (HDB). He was also formerly a member of the National Council for Problem Gambling and of the Malay Heritage Centre Board of Directors.
