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SINGAPORE: The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) would have looked at all factors before issuing a religious ruling to include Muslims under the Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA), said Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim.
Speaking to reporters after Friday prayers, the minister urged Muslims to support what he called "a progressive move" that would not only benefit the community but the nation as well.
Asia Wakija's kidneys failed her 14 years ago and since then, she has been waiting for a new kidney.
Her eight siblings offered to donate theirs but only one of her sisters' kidney was a good match.
Unfortunately, her sister could not go through with the operation due to a heart ailment.
Asia Wakija said: "So until now, I have to wait. I feel quite miserable in a way. When I read the fatwa, I feel so happy because the chances are much higher now."
This is why Dr Yaacob is urging Muslims to back the latest proposal to have them included under HOTA.
He said: "I think if we put ourselves in the place of the people who are suffering from this disease, we will understand that this is something which is welcomed by the community.
"I like to appeal to the wider community, including the members of the religious community, to support this because the Fatwa Committee has done their deliberations carefully, judiciously, looking at all the factors. They would not have moved unless they felt compelled that they must move in order to save lives."
Masagos Zulkifli, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education, said: "If we look at other races, they too have issues that hamper organ donation, so it's not just the Muslims. For our community, we will consider how this ruling is understood and accepted."
And to help that process, Dr Yaacob said public education is needed to explain the implications of organ harvesting.
MUIS will work with the Health Ministry (MOH) on this and once that is done, it is up to the individual to decide on which is the best choice to make.
Dr Yaacob also urged MOH to consider the proposed amendment favourably.
- CNA/so
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