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All Singaporeans play a part in battling Islamophobia: Yaacob Ibrahim

(From left) Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim, Muis president Alami Musa and Muis chief executive Abdul Razak Maricar attending Eidul Fitri prayers at the Al Mukminin mosque in Jurong East on Sunday (25 June). (PHOTO: Safhras Khan / Yahoo Newsroom)
(From left) Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim, Muis president Alami Musa and Muis chief executive Abdul Razak Maricar attending Eidul Fitri prayers at the Al Mukminin mosque in Jurong East on Sunday (25 June). (PHOTO: Safhras Khan / Yahoo Newsroom)

All Singaporeans play an important part in ensuring that Islamophobia do not take root in the country.

This responsibility should be shouldered by everyone and not only the Muslim leaders, said Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim.

Speaking to reporters after the Eidul Fitri prayers at the Al Mukminin Mosque on Sunday (25 June), the minister, who is also Minister for Communications and Information, reiterated that Singapore’s success was not brought about by miracles but through sheer hard work.

“I won’t say it (Islamophobia) is not a problem but we have to remain vigilant that it might take root in Singapore.

“You never know what is being discussed in corridors or dinner tables and I always believe that when you come across something that is wrong, somebody must speak up and say it is not right,” he said.

Be wary of external influences, says Mufti

In his annual Eidul Fitri sermon, Singapore’s Mufti Fatris Bakaram pressed the need for Singaporeans to not to be easily impressed by external influences and practices of Islam.

The Mufti said that true understanding, comprehension and knowledge are among the ingredients that give glory to religion and society.

“Hence, we need to be always wary and discerning of calls and claims from unsure sources.

“This is especially true in today’s landscape of advanced technology and the widespread use of social media,” he said before 3,500 congregants gathered at the Jurong East mosque.

Presidential Election process ‘fair and transparent’

When asked by Yahoo Singapore about the upcoming Presidential Election, which is reserved for Malay candidates, Yacoob said that the electoral process is fair and transparent.

So far, Second Chance Properties chief executive Mohd Salleh Marican has been the only person to have openly indicated his interest in running for president.

“It’s up to individuals to decide and take whatever is the outcome. People have to decide, and whether it’s a walkover or contest, (they) have to decide, whatever is the outcome and embrace it,” said Yacoob.

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