The Malay Affairs Bureau (MAB) under the People’s Action Party (PAP) will focus on strengthening its networks and engaging more youths to shape the future direction of MAB and the nation, said Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, the newly appointed Chair of the MAB.
Prof Faishal, who is also the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, told Petir that MAB has provided a platform for Malay/Muslim activists to come together to voice their concerns over the years.
The bureau has enabled activists to connect with party leadership, and activists from different races to interact with one another, he noted.
Prof Faishal was appointed as the new Chair of the MAB on May 29, and Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs on May 21, taking over from Masagos Zulkifl, who is also the Minister for Social and Family Development.
Prof Faishal joined the Party in 1997 as an activist with Young PAP, working alongside fellow activists, leaders, and former MAB Chairs. In 2006, upon entering politics, he assumed the role of MAB’s assistant secretary, providing support to former Chairs, first Professor Yaacob Ibrahim and later Mr Masagos.
He highlighted the efforts of previous MAB Chairs in network building. Prof Yaacob engaged in dialogues with Malay/Muslim activists, while Mr Masagos and the MAB executive committee further developed the network to encourage information sharing and community feedback.
“We developed networks using technology like WhatsApp and Zoom, especially during Covid-19, providing platforms for activists to participate,” Prof Faishal explained. “We also created national networks such as district platforms where district advisors, some of whom were branch chairs, connected with activists, engaged them, and made them feel part of this journey.”
Prof Faishal said he intends to build on the efforts of his predecessors, including Mr Othman Wok, Prof Yaacob, and Mr Masagos, in strengthening the network. His goal is “not only to make the network available but also to ensure its active engagement and facilitate seamless interaction within districts or networks”.
Strengthening relationships with neighbouring countries is also a priority.
In July 2024, then-MAB Chair Mr Masagos led a nine-member delegation from the MAB executive committee, including Prof Faishal, on a two-day study trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Prof Faishal said: “I want to continue the good work done by Mr Masagos and see how we can strengthen relationships with our neighbours like Indonesia and a few others.”
Prof Faishal pledges to empower more young people to shape the future of MAB
Prof Faishal said that apart from strengthening networks, the MAB will focus on empowering more youth to shape MAB’s and the Party’s future.
This is why he suggested launching the MAB Muda (MAB Youth) initiative in 2022 to Mr Masagos. This youth initiative, co-chaired by PAP MPs Nadia Ahmad Samdin and
Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim allows younger community members to engage and collaborate with policymakers.
“It’s time for us to empower the youth and let them write the next chapter of MAB’s story. I want MAB Muda to be more empowered, operationalise whatever ideas they have and engage more young Singaporeans in this journey. [Our goal is] not only to continue the story of the PAP but also to improve the lives of many more Singaporeans, both now and in the years ahead.”
Prof Faishal said the bureau values the contribution of seniors and the importance of their experience and knowledge.
“Quite a few veterans came to meet me, wrote to me, and said that they are ever ready to support in the next phase of the journey. I feel touched and I want them to be part of this journey.”
Over the years, Prof Faishal has witnessed the PAP government’s efforts in developing Singapore and uplifting Singaporeans, including the Malay/Muslim community.
“I have a strong belief that the PAP remains the best political party for the Malay Muslim community,” he said. “As we move forward, I want to see how we continue to build Singapore with all Singaporeans, including the Muslim community. We need to ensure that we are together on this journey, bringing people onboard to have this shared journey.”
Nevertheless, Prof Faishal recognised the evolving challenges confronting Singapore in today’s dynamic global environment. He emphasised the need for Singaporeans to better understand the government’s actions.
He reiterated the importance of establishing avenues for constructive dialogue between Singaporeans and activists, including the Malay/Muslim community. These platforms would allow both groups to learn from each other and foster mutual understanding.
Prof Faishal said he personally likes to have “activities, platforms and opportunities” where people can work together.
As the new Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim affairs, he wants the Malay/Muslim community to shape its own vision.
He believes this approach will be relevant to MAB as it is not only about “enhancing the Party’s position” but also shaping MAB’s and the Party’s vision in a shared process.
“I’ll be doing many more engagements where I listen to members, including the youth, and [we] navigate this process together. All these years as a branch chairman at different branches, that’s what I’ve been doing. Although it may take time because you need to listen and get in the process of engaging, it’s worthwhile. You end up developing a strong team, robust and loyal to the cause that they want to do,” he said.
