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Straits Times
07-07-2025
- Straits Times
Singapore's second mufti dies aged 87
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE – Shaikh Syed Isa Semait, Singapore's longest-serving mufti, died on July 7 at the age of 87. The Republic's second mufti, he served in the role for almost four decades, beginning in 1972, when he took over the role from former Syariah Court president Sanusi Mahmood. In 2011, he was succeeded by Dr Fatris Bakaram, who served as mufti until 2020. The mufti is Singapore's highest Islamic authority, overseeing key religious rulings for Muslims here. In a statement to the media, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) described Shaikh Syed Isa's death as a 'great loss to the Singapore Muslim community and the nation', noting he had helped set up many key institutions surrounding the religious life of the community here. These included establishing the use of astronomical calculations to determine Islamic calendar dates, as well as institutionalising the collection and disbursement of zakat, the annual tithe paid by Muslims to the needy. 'He also oversaw the management and growth of our wakaf properties and the establishment of an internationally credible and reliable Halal Certification system,' Muis said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Eligible S'poreans to get up to $850 in GSTV cash, up to $450 in MediSave top-ups in August Singapore Four golf courses to close by 2035, leaving Singapore with 12 courses Singapore Fewer marriages in Singapore in 2024; greater marital stability for recent unions Singapore Construction starts on Cross Island Line Phase 2; 6 MRT stations in S'pore's west ready by 2032 Singapore Shell heist: Second mastermind gets more than 25 years' jail for siphoning $100m of fuel Asia 72-year-old man on diving trip to Pulau Tioman in Malaysia found dead on the beach Singapore Jail for ex-auxiliary police officer who loaded one bullet and accidentally discharged revolver Singapore $1.46b nickel scam: Ng Yu Zhi opts to remain silent after judge calls for his defence As mufti, Shaikh Syed Isa led the Fatwa Committee – a panel of top Islamic scholars here which issues religious rulings – to work out solutions for challenging and contentious issues concerning Singapore's Muslim community. Some difficult issues he dealt with were the inclusion of Muslims under the Human Organ Transplant Act (Hota), with Muis noting Shaikh Syed Isa was able to 'rally the authorities and community to accept a unique solution for the community' before Muslims were fully included under the Hota system in 2007. 'In addition, Shaikh Syed Isa also led efforts to deal with the arrest of the Jemaah Islamiah groups and supported the effort to establish the Religious Rehabilitation group in rehabilitating the detainees and their family among many others,' the council said. 'His unwavering commitment and tireless efforts to promote a confident and progressive Muslim community have left a lasting impact on Singapore and beyond.' Shaikh Syed Isa's funeral prayer, held at the Sultan Mosque, was led by Habib Hassan Al-Attas, the imam of Ba'alwie Mosque. Among those who visited the Sultan Mosque to pay their last respects were Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. In social media posts, PM Wong said Shaikh Syed Isa's leadership helped shape key institutions, strengthened religious administration, and supported the growth and development of Singapore's Malay/Muslim community. 'He leaves behind a lasting legacy through the generations of leaders and scholars he mentored,' he added. Speaking to the media at the mosque, SM Lee described Shaikh Syed Isa as a 'great Singaporean' who had played many roles over the years, including serving on the Presidential Council for Minority Rights and the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony. Mr Lee said he first met Shaikh Syed Isa in 1988, when the former mufti discussed the issue of the Group Representation Constituency with a Select Committee that Mr Lee sat on. 'He understood what it took to make Singapore a harmonious society, where the religious minority could be able to live with their own space, and in harmony with the other groups,' he said. Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim was among the congregation for the funeral prayer, together with his predecessors Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli and former cabinet minister Yaacob Ibrahim. 'His calm scholarship, deep understanding of Islamic jurisprudence, and humility laid the foundation for a confident, progressive, and inclusive Muslim community,' said Associate Professor Faishal in social media posts. 'His passing is a profound loss not only to the Muslim community, but to Singapore as a whole. His legacy will continue through the institutions he helped build and the generations he inspired including through the Syed Isa Semait Scholarship, which nurtures future asatizah leaders,' he added.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Time of India
Man loses Rs 54,000 in cyber fraud
Rourkela: A Rourkela resident was duped of Rs 54,000 while attempting to fix an instant messaging app that had stopped working on his phone. The incident took place on June 6 and the victim on Tuesday gave a verbal complaint to the police. Police have asked for a written complaint to initiate formal proceedings. "While the victim has verbally reported the incident, we require a written complaint to register the case and proceed with our investigation," the inspector in-charge of Jhirpani police station, Pradeep Naik, said. The victim, identified as Rabindra Nath Hota, is a resident of Jagda locality. On June 6, Hota noticed that the app on his phone wasn't functioning and he searched online for customer care support. After dialling a number that he found through Google, a person on the other end instructed him to recharge his phone with Rs 10 to restore the app's services. Shortly after completing the recharge, Hota received a message indicating that Rs 54,000 had been debited from his bank account.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
Manhunt on for those who broke into cop's house
Rourkela: Plantsite police have continued manhunt to nab miscreants who looted gold and silver ornaments worth around Rs 9 lakh from a police havildar's quarters located behind the police station, two days ago. The incident took place at the residence of Subrata Hota, a havildar at the Reserve Office, who lives with his family in the police colony. According to the complaint filed on Saturday night, the theft was discovered when Hota and his family returned from Lathikata block around 5:30 pm to find their main door lock broken and valuables missing from their almirah. A special police team has been formed to investigate the case. Several suspects were detained on Monday for interrogation, but no arrests have been made so far. Police and scientific team visited Hota's residence on Sunday to collect evidence. However, the absence of CCTV cameras in the colony and nearby areas has hampered the investigation. "Our police team is on the job to identify and apprehend the miscreants," said Brijesh Kumar Rai, DIG of police, western range, Rourkela.
