Latest news with #Faishal
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Faishal Ibrahim agrees with ex-Israeli PM that Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim speaking to the media at an event at Changi Airport to send off 44 pilgrims to the annual Haj in Mecca in Saudi Arabia, on May 31. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN Faishal Ibrahim agrees with ex-Israeli PM that Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza SINGAPORE – Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim on May 31 said he agreed with former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert that Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza. 'It pains me to say this, considering Israel's contributions to Singapore in our early years,' Associate Professor Faishal told reporters at an event at Changi Airport to send off 44 pilgrims to the annual haj in Mecca in Saudi Arabia. 'But I think we need to be frank. I fear an increasing number of people worldwide will agree with Mr Ehud, including myself.' On May 27, The Guardian reported on an opinion piece Mr Ehud had written for the Israeli newspaper and website Haaretz. The 12th prime minister of Israel, from 2006 to 2009, had said Israel was committing war crimes in Gaza, with thousands of innocent Palestinians and many Israeli soldiers being killed. Mr Ehud said the government of Israel was waging a war without purpose, without goals or clear planning and with no chances of success. 'What we are doing in Gaza now is a war of devastation: the indiscriminate, limitless, cruel and criminal killing of civilians... Yes, Israel is committing war crimes,' Mr Ehud wrote. Prof Faishal had been asked about a statement by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on May 30 that Israel may be in breach of international law by restricting the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. He reiterated that the Singapore Government believes Israel's actions are likely to be in breach of international humanitarian law. 'PM Wong spoke about the situation in Gaza yesterday, he said plainly that Israel has gone too far,' said Prof Faishal, who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs. 'In particular, the restrictions it has imposed on the delivery of humanitarian supplies to Gaza are completely unacceptable.' PM Wong had said that while Singapore had always said Israel had the right to defend itself, it had gone too far and its actions had caused a terrible humanitarian disaster. He and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke on the Gaza conflict at a joint press conference to announce the upgrading of both countries' relationship across several domains including defence, intelligence and nuclear power. Mr Macron had said France could harden its position on Israel if it continued to block humanitarian aid to Gaza, and France may consider applying sanctions against Israeli settlers. Prof Faishal said the Singapore Government has joined many countries to strongly urge an immediate cease fire, the protection of civilian lives, the return of hostages and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. He added: 'If you reflect, Zulhijjah is a month where most Muslims turn their eyes to Mecca as millions perform their haj. That's what we saw today. However, in recent years, the focus in the Middle East has been Palestine.' The situation there, especially in Gaza, is deeply painful, he added. He said: 'The suffering of the Palestinian civilians in occupied territories, including children, is unbearable. 'As we increase our worship during this sacred month of haj, please pray for the safety of our haj pilgrims and remember the Palestinians who are in pain and are suffering. Let's also be thankful for the peace and cohesion we have enjoyed in Singapore for decades.' Prof Faishal added he was particularly thankful that leaders like former president Halimah Yacob have spoken about the crisis in Gaza and have helped all Singaporeans think of the tragedy with compassion and grace. Since March 2, Israel has imposed a near-total blockade on humanitarian aid and commercial supplies to Gaza after the breakdown of a two-month ceasefire. The Gaza war was sparked by Hamas' October 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Out of 251 hostages seized during the attack, 57 remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead. The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on May 29 that at least 3,986 people had been killed in the territory since Israel ended the ceasefire on March 18, taking the war's overall toll to 54,249, mostly civilians. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza: Faishal Ibrahim
SINGAPORE – Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza, and the situation there is deeply painful, said Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim. Associate Professor Faishal said this was a view held by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. He was speaking to the media on May 31 at an event at Changi Airport to send off 44 pilgrims to the annual Haj in Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Prof Faishal said: 'It pains me to say this, considering Israel's contributions to Singapore in our early years. But I think we need to be frank. I fear an increasing number of people worldwide will agree with Mr Ehud, including myself.' On May 27, The Guardian reported on an opinion piece Mr Ehud had written for the Israeli newspaper and website Haaretz. The 12th prime minister of Israel, from 2006 to 2009, had said Israel was committing war crimes in Gaza, with thousands of innocent Palestinians and many Israeli soldiers being killed. Mr Ehud said the government of Israel was waging a war without purpose, without goals or clear planning and with no chances of success. Prof Faishal was responding to a question on a statement from Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on May 30 that Israel may be in breach of international law by restricting the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Prof Faishal , who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, reiterated that the Singapore government believes that Israel's actions are likely to be in breach of international humanitarian law. He said: 'PM Wong spoke about about the situation in Gaza yesterday, he said plainly that Israel has gone too far. 'In particular, the restrictions it has imposed on the delivery of humanitarian supplies to Gaza are completely unacceptable.' PM Wong had said while Singapore had always said Israel had the right to defend itself, it had gone too far and its actions had caused a terrible humanitarian disaster. PM Wong said this at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at Parliament House. This was to announce the upgrading of both countries' relationship across several domains including defence, intelligence and nuclear power. Mr Macron had said France could harden its position on Israel if it continued to block humanitarian aid to Gaza, and France may consider applying sanctions against Israeli settlers. Prof Faishal said the Singapore government has joined many countries to strongly urge an immediate cease fire, the protection of civilian lives, the return of hostages and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. He added: 'If you reflect, Zulhijjah is a month where most Muslims turn their eyes to Mecca as millions perform their Haj. That's what we saw today. However, in recent years, the focus in the Middle East has been Palestine.' The situation there, especially in Gaza, is deeply painful, he added. He said: 'The suffering of the Palestinian civilians in occupied territories, including children, is unbearable. 'As we increase our worship during this sacred month of Haj, please pray for the safety of our Haj pilgrims and remember the Palestinians who are in pain and are suffering. Let's also be thankful for the peace and cohesion we have enjoyed in Singapore for decades.' Prof Faishal added he was particularly thankful that leaders like former President Halimah Yacob have spoken about the crisis in Gaza and have helped all Singaporeans think of the tragedy with compassion and grace. Since March 2, Israel has imposed a near-total blockade on humanitarian aid and commercial supplies to Gaza after the breakdown of a two-month ceasefire. The Gaza war was sparked by Hamas' October 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Out of 251 hostages seized during the attack, 57 remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on May 29 that at least 3,986 people had been killed in the territory since Israel ended the ceasefire on March 18, taking the war's overall toll to 54,249, mostly civilians. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Success of Malay/Muslim community a shared effort, says Prof Faishal
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim taking a selfie with participants of Cyclation 2025 at Wisma Geylang Serai on May 25. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN SINGAPORE - Ensuring the continued success of Singapore's Malay/Muslim community is a collective effort, said Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim, who is Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs. This will involve working together with M3 – a collaboration between self-help group Mendaki, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore and the People's Association Malay Activity Executive Committees Council – in addition to other Malay/Muslim organisations, as well as informal groups, he added. This would help create closer, more effective networks to work towards the community's success, he said. Every member of the community should feel like they have a stake in its success, and this involves finding channels where individuals can express their thoughts and views, added Prof Faishal, who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs. 'We want to give space for them to share their views, share their aspirations on how we can shape a successful Malay/Muslim community,' he said. This is especially important as the global outlook becomes more challenging, he added. Prof Faishal was appointed Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs on May 21, replacing Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli, who had held the position since 2018. He was speaking to the media on the sidelines of Cyclation 2025, a community cycling event organised by Wisma Geylang Serai (WGS), where he is also lead adviser. Cyclation 2025 was organised as part of SG60 Bersama, a series of events celebrating the Malay/Muslim community's contributions to Singapore's development, in conjunction with the Republic's 60th year of independence. The event, organised together with cycling enthusiast group Temasek GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) Riders, saw 90 participants cycle a 15km route that began and ended at the community hub, with participants going through areas such as the park connectors of Marine Parade and East Coast Park. Temasek GOAT Riders member Faisal Hassan, 48, said the event was aimed at encouraging a healthy lifestyle and a love of cycling in the community. Prof Faishal said the event is one of a broader slate of wellness and lifestyle activities at WGS, which includes Gerak-Gerak Geylang, a free fitness programme held on Saturday and Sunday mornings. He cited Cyclation 2025 as an example of the informal engagements with the community he hopes to have, noting that Temasek GOAT Riders could build on its newfound connections with WGS to expand its network. Prof Faishal said he viewed such engagements as an extension of the work he has done since he first joined politics in 2006 as an MP for Marine Parade GRC. This included gathering views by speaking to residents at coffee shops and other locations, as well as via more formal arrangements such as dialogue sessions. 'We're going to make sure that we reach out to as many people as possible, engage as widely as possible, and we want to deepen our engagement,' he said. This would be done not just with WGS but also in his work with other Malay/Muslim MPs, he said. 'I would like to listen. I would like to see how your suggestions can contribute to the development of the Malay/Muslim community,' he said. Such a approach would bring success not to just the Malay/Muslim community here but also members of other communities, he added. 'I think what is key is that we are in this together, and I hope to bring as many people on board this journey,' he said, describing it as key to a successful shared future for all Singaporeans. Zhaki Abdullah is a correspondent at The Straits Times. He is on the health beat, in addition to occasionally covering science, environmental, tech and Muslim affairs issues. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Faishal Ibrahim to be Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs
SINGAPORE - Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim, who is being promoted to Senior Minister of State, will be appointed Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, as part of Cabinet reshuffle moves. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on May 21 that Prof Faishal will take over the Muslim Affairs portfolio from Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli, who held the position for seven years. During a press conference about the reshuffle, PM Wong also said that Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad will take over the chairmanship of self-help group Mendaki. He is currently deputy chairman. 'So Faishal and Zaqy, together with other Malay/Muslim office-holders and MPs, will continue to engage the Malay/Muslim community closely, building on the strong foundations we have today and working with the community to realise our shared goals,' said PM Wong. He added that he too will work closely with the community. 'Engaging the Malay/Muslim community was a priority for me in the last term, and it will continue to be a priority in this new term of government,' said PM Wong. Leadership transition in the Malay/Muslim community has been a matter that PM Wong said he had discussed with Mr Masagos. PM Wong noted that Mr Masagos had done a good job during his tenure, having advanced many initiatives such as M³ – a partnership between Mendaki, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis), and the People's Association Malay Activity Executive Committees Council (Mesra). Mr Masagos had also championed efforts such as the establishment of the Singapore College of Islamic Studies. These contributions, PM Wong added, were valued and appreciated by the community. Both he and Mr Masagos had agreed that it was time to refresh the Malay/Muslim leadership and give new and younger office-holders the opportunity to step up, engage the community, and work with them to achieve shared goals. In consultations with his Cabinet colleagues and Mr Masagos himself, it was agreed that Prof Faishal would be the best person to take over as Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, said PM Wong. PM Wong said Mr Zaqy would assist Prof Faishal, alongside other Malay/Muslim office-holders. New additions to the team include Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, who will be a Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Social and Family Development, and Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, who will serve as a Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of National Development and the Ministry of Education. They will join Minister of State for Health and Digital Development and Information Rahayu Mahzam. PM Wong said that together with the other Malay/Muslim MPs, these individuals will work hard to engage the Malay/Muslim community and listen to their concerns and aspirations. Responding to a question on what his priorities for the community would be, Prof Faishal said that he was grateful for the trust placed in him by PM Wong, adding that he recognised the significant responsibility that comes with his new appointment. 'This is a very important area, and it's a big responsibility,' he said. Thanking Mr Masagos for his contributions, Prof Faishal said that he intended to continue and build on key programmes in the community. Reflecting on his experience, Prof Faishal noted that he has been involved with the Malay/Muslim community for nearly 30 years, beginning as a grassroots and community leader before becoming an MP and subsequently holding roles in government. In those roles, he worked with the community across a range of areas, from education to social and family development, housing, and most recently, the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. Through his work, he said, he has found value in connecting both widely and deeply with the community. Prof Faishal said that when he works closely with residents, people become more involved as they begin to understand the challenges involved in supporting others. He noted that this approach allows the community to celebrate small victories, which cumulatively lead to larger achievements. But Prof Faishal also acknowledged that progress takes time and effort, and that building momentum requires bringing people together and creating opportunities for collective action. 'What is key is how we work together as a community,' he said. PM Wong was also asked about the chairmanship of the Chinese Community Liaison Group (CCLG), which was established in 2000 to strengthen the Government's relationship with Chinese community organisations and deepen its understanding of the Chinese community. He said the role, currently held by Mr Edwin Tong – who will be taking over the Ministry of Law – will be handed over to Mr Chee Hong Tat, who will be appointed Minister for National Development. Hariz Baharudin is a correspondent at The Straits Times covering politics. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
The Star
23-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Singapore GE2025: PAP retains Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC as WP pulls out; first walkover since 2011
The PAP team was expected to be challenged by a team from WP. - ST SINGAPORE: In an unexpected turn of events, the PAP won its first constituency at the 2025 General Election when it stood uncontested for the five-member Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC on April 23. The PAP team was expected to be challenged by a team from WP, which had contested Marine Parade GRC in 2020 and garnered 42.26 per cent of the vote, losing to PAP's 57.74 per cent. Minister of State for National Development and Home Affairs Faishal Ibrahim, Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng, incumbent MacPherson MP Tin Pei Ling and PAP new faces Diana Pang and Goh Pei Ming will be part of Singapore's 15th Parliament. This is the first walkover at a General Election since 2011. Signs that the WP would not be contesting emerged on April 23 morning at the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council Hougang Office, when reporters from The Straits Times heard WP supporters talking among themselves that the party would not contest Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC. The non-contest was confirmed at Kong Hwa School – the nomination centre for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights – when a team from the WP failed to show up to register as candidates for the election. At about 11.20am – 40 minutes before the deadline for candidates to file their nomination papers – Goh Pei Ming showed up at Kong Hwa School, the nomination centre for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, without the rest of the PAP team for the constituency. Goh had been seen at walkabouts in East Coast GRC prior to Nomination Day. About five minutes later, four PAP candidates – Dr Faishal, Seah, Tin and Pang – walked into the centre together, without Dr Tan See Leng, who had been slated to lead the team into the election and was spotted earlier in the morning at the PAP's Mountbatten branch office, where the party's candidates for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC had gathered. Dr Tan's was later seen at the nomination centre for Chua Chu Kang GRC, and he will be part of the PAP's team contesting the constituency. Since the 2020 election, WP members and volunteers have continued to walk the ground, with one of the party's candidates for Marine Parade at that election – Nathaniel Koh – posting on social media recently about an April 19 walkabout at Marine Parade Central Market and Food Centre. The last walkover at a General Election was in 2011, when a PAP team for Tanjong Pagar GRC stood uncontested, sending Chan Chun Sing, Dr Chia Shi-Lu, Indranee Rajah, Lee Kuan Yew and Dr Lily Neo to Parliament. The newly renamed Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC is formed from parts of Marine Parade GRC, MacPherson SMC, Mountbatten SMC and Potong Pasir SMC. Marine Parade GRC has been contested at three consecutive elections, in 2011, 2015 and 2020. In 2006, a team led by then-Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong won the constituency in a walkover. That team also comprised Dr Faishal and Seah, who were making their electoral debuts, as well as incumbent Mountbatten MP Lim Biow Chuan, Dr Ong Seh Hong and Dr Fatimah Lateef. - The Straits Times/ANN
