Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, MP for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, once spent four hours past midnight with a distressed resident, listening and talking through his concerns. The exchange took an unexpected turn when the resident picked up a guitar and began playing – a spontaneous gesture that left a deep impression on Faishal.
Associate Professor Faishal, who serves as Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, told Petir about a resident who frequently sent critical emails about the government. Despite Prof Faishal’ s response to these emails, the resident remained unconvinced.
” He wrote about the government not listening, not understanding. He sounded like an angry person. So, I suggested to my grassroot [volunteers] that maybe I should meet him, and meet him alone,” Prof Faishal recalled.
Prof Faishal visited the resident’s home one evening and their conversation extended late into the night. He addressed the resident’s concerns by explaining government actions and clearing up misconceptions. Through their conversation, he gained valuable insights into the resident’s perspective and needs.
“At 2.30am, the resident took out his guitar. He was a singer. He told me it’s the first time an MP came to his home, spoke to him for many hours, and that he had this nice feeling of an MP. So, he said he was going to sing me a song to show how I have touched his heart. I didn’t expect that.”
Prof Faishal and the resident formed a lasting friendship that continues today. This experience reinforced his belief that misunderstandings often stem from people failing to understand one another’s perspectives.
“It showed me the importance of listening, and talking to one other. We need to engage fellow Singaporeans so that we can have a shared journey together and then close the gap of understanding and bond and be closer. That is the main premise for all of us who are community leaders, activists, and more importantly Members of Parliament.”
Prof Faishal agreed to move because “it is about how I can contribute”
Prof Faishal returned to Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC’s as an MP for Kembangan ward when the team walkover occurred in the May general election. This followed his 14-year tenure as MP for Nee Soon Central. Before that, he served as MP for the Kaki Bukit ward in Marine Parade GRC.
“Some people asked me how I feel about being moved. My principle is clear. I’m here to serve Singaporeans and support the party in developing Singapore and providing good years for Singaporeans. When I was asked to move, I immediately said ‘yes’ because it is about how I can contribute [to the nation].”
During his tenure in Nee Soon Central, Prof Faishal fondly recounted establishing Singapore’s first mall-based community club – the Nee Soon Central CC at Northpoint.
He told Petir that in March 2011, he attended an exhibition that showcased plans to remake the town, including the extension of Northpoint shopping mall. While driving home one evening, he conceived the idea to relocate the community club from its location at the void deck of Block 749 to the mall’s new wing.
Prof Faishal then proposed to the Housing & Development Board (HDB) to include a community club in the tender specifications for the mall extension. Both HDB and the People’s Association supported his suggestion. This initiative resulted in Singapore’s first mall-based community club, a successful model that has since been implemented in various other locations to better serve residents.
“I had an open heart and open mind because I thought it would be useful for residents,” Prof Faishal reflected. “This is something I will not forget, because a suggestion like that and the government’s openness to explore new ideas have now become a concept that helps unite people, provide convenience, and develop a cohesive community.”
Prof Faishal intends to enhance the infrastructure while building stronger community ties
Prof Faishal said he draws from his extensive experience as both an MP and grassroots leader to contribute to the development of Kembangan constituency.
Kembangan, he noted, is unique in its diverse residential makeup, bringing together people from different backgrounds – from HDB estate dwellers to landed property residents.
“This [diversity] presents opportunities for Singaporeans from different walks of life to come together, live together, and develop things together, so that we can enhance the level of cohesiveness among our community,” he explained.
“Many developments have been there for many years,” he noted. “We want residents to continue to enjoy the deep bonds and familiarity they’ve built in their neighbourhoods. At the same time, [we want to] ensure that the facilities and infrastructure continue to develop.”
Prof Faishal shared that he has been actively engaging with residents, familiarising himself with the neighborhood, and working with the town council and government agencies to develop the constituency effectively.
“It’s about finding opportunities to get to know the residents. The journey has been meaningful and rewarding, making new friends,” he said.”Residents in Nee Soon Central continue to engage me whenever I post on my social media.”
His team is currently developing plans for Kembangan and will seek support before making any announcements.
When asked what resonates with him most deeply, Prof Faishal said sincerity is most important.
“The main value I hold on to is being true to myself and being sincere. Even though it can be difficult, you must try your best,” he said. “However, it’s important to be realistic. When it’s not easy, don’t give false hopes.”
“Be yourself, remain sincere and do your best.”
