Singapore Government Press Release
Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts,
MITA Building, 140 Hill Street, 2^nd Storey, Singapore 179369
Tel: 837-9666

This is indeed a noble intent and one which reflects an outlook and attitude in consonant with our multi-racial, multi-religious context and with our aspiration to be a global player. I would therefore like to commend Perdaus for embarking on this bold initiative.

We live in a heterogeneous society in an increasingly interconnected world. The rapid and incessant advances in knowledge and in communication and information technology make national boundaries, time and space irrelevant to contact and interaction and to doing business all over the world. In such a global environment no individual, group or community can afford to be inward looking and seeking comfort and security among their own kind.

The same goes with the Malay-Muslim community. We should not allow our fears, concerns, doubts and sense of insecurity impede us from venturing beyond our comfort zones. It is to our benefit that we should interact with others outside the community and to involve ourselves in the affairs of the larger society, the region and of the global community.

No doubt there will be tough challenges out there; even moral dangers to beware of. But unless we participate, overcome our own inadequacies and learn how to handle and overcome these risks, we cannot expect to take advantage of the opportunities available beyond the community and country. We risk becoming passive bystanders and not active participants in shaping the future of the world. It is in this context that what Perdaus attempts to do is important for the Malay-Muslim community.

It is inevitable that people are judged by their words and deeds; sometimes even by their looks. Many of us lament and complain that others do not understand us or that they perceive us wrongly. Often, we expect or even demand that others should know and understand us better. In other words, we put the onus and blame on others. But apart from this, what do we actually do to change perceptions or help increase other people’s understanding and appreciation of our community? How often do we take it upon ourselves to demonstrate to others, through our own behaviour, attitudes and words, those traits which we want others to recognise us by?

I hope Perdaus’ example will help to demonstrate that we are as open-minded and inclusive, tolerant and just as committed to excellence as the next man; that we, too, are a community that can be an asset to the country and a community that contributes and not merely receive.

Undoubtedly, it will not be easy. Stereotypes and prejudices take a long time to change. Fixed mindsets and fears in our own community too cannot change overnight. Constant and sustained effort will be required to make changes. What Perdaus has set itself to do will, hopefully, be a catalyst to this long but important process. I urge you to support and assist Perdaus in this difficult task.

A word of caution, though, for Perdaus in its implementation of the project. It is crucial to ensure that the relief and aid it sends abroad reach the targeted recipients. Unless the organisation itself distributes the aid or funds, it is not uncommon for such help to be diverted into the hands and pockets of those not meant to receive such help. Adequate safeguards and systems must therefore be set up to prevent such abuses. Your organisation will have to be transparent in what it does and true to its mission of helping without regard to race, religion or country for you to earn credibility and support for this project.

Perdaus has made significant progress in recent years. It has also been innovative in the kind and conduct of its activities. This Mercy Relief project is yet another example of innovative thinking. I congratulate Perdaus for this initiative and wish the project every success. It is indeed my pleasure now to launch Perdaus’ Mercy Relief Project.