SINGAPORE: The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS - Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura) celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said it has become an integral institution within the Singapore Muslim community due to its continuing efforts over the years as well as tackling community challenges head on.

Speaking first in Malay at the anniversary celebrations, Prime Minister Lee noted that Muslims in Singapore contribute actively in the economy, professions as well as the social and cultural life of Singapore.

Mr Lee said that MUIS has not only ministered to the religious needs of Muslims, it has also taken the lead on difficult issues.

For example, the Human Organ Transplant Act was amended last year to include Muslims.

The amendment, which took effect 1 Aug 2008, meant that all Muslims are automatically organ pledgers unless they opted-out.

It was a "milestone" for the community, said Mr Lee, as many Muslims had reservations over organ donation. MUIS helped clarify concerns about the matter.

Another example was when terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) was discovered in Singapore after the September 11 attacks in the United States.

Said Mr Lee: "MUIS took a firm stand against terrorism, as did the Muslim community. It helped the government to reassure Muslims in Singapore that security action was not targeted at the community or Islam."

Mr Lee added that as a result of efforts by MUIS and other community and religious leaders, Singapore's racial and religious harmony has been strengthened.

Mr Lee also noted the efforts of MUIS to reach out to other communities, one of which is a new foundation – the Rahmatan Lil'Alamin Foundation – aimed at promoting peace and inclusiveness.

MUIS was established as a statutory board in 1968. While some Muslims here were initially sceptical about its ability to provide religious guidance, Mr Lee said that over the years, the Council has worked hard to win their trust and support.

MUIS now provides vital services such as waqaf management and zakat collection, and is also active in religious education.

Its Mosque Building Fund has also helped build 23 mosques since it started in 1975.

"If MUIS is to remain successful, then it must continue to enjoy the community's support," said the Prime Minister.

"And if the community wants MUIS to serve it well, it must work with MUIS in order to achieve these results together. The community rightly expects much of MUIS, but it must work together with MUIS to fulfil these aspirations."

The Council, which recently moved into the new Islamic Hub, has developed a religious education programme called aL.I.V.E. (Learning Islamic Values Everyday), which has so far been taught to nearly 6,000 young Muslims.

It plans to implement the programme in all mosques by next year.

- CNA/yb