Tackling problems within Malay community, lifelong learning among priorities
Mr Abu Mohamed. Photo: Wee Teck Hian
SINGAPORE — As president of the Singapore Malay National Organisation (PKMS), Mr Abu Mohamed said solving the problems facing the minority community will be his priority, if he is elected. The 64-year-old grandfather, who was appointed president in September 2011, wants to bring together disparate work by various Malay organisations to pinpoint woes facing the Malay community in Singapore.
“Why is it that over the past 40 years, only two Malays were awarded the President’s Scholarship? And why is there such a large proportion of drug abusers who are Malays? These are big questions,” said Mr Abu, who has been a PKMS member for about three decades.
Pooling the research and statistics that organisations like Mendaki and Association of Muslim Professionals have achieved will enable the community to identify solutions more effectively for social problems facing the community, he said.
“I think Mendaki has done a good job, and we are seeing some results. But it is not enough,” he said.
However, Mr Abu said he also wants to raise issues for the Singaporean community as a whole, especially in the realm of education.
As someone whose highest academic qualification is the GCE A-level — a “very average education background” — Mr Abu hopes to strengthen pathways towards lifelong learning.
Coming from a basic family and education background has helped him to connect better to the lower- and middle-class Singaporeans, he said.
“The education system should be flexible, and adapt to the different needs of Singaporeans,” he said, adding that the focus on academic performance has compromised other aspects such as soft skills and moral education.
“I am here because I have the heart to serve Singaporeans. And the Singapore Democratic Alliance wants to find a formula that will best cater to their needs.”
About the candidate
Abu Mohamed, 64
Director at an oilfield services company
FACT FILE:
• President of the Singapore Malay National Organisation (PKMS)
• GCE A-Levels from a private institution
• Married with three children and five grandchildren
He said: “We are not here to oppose ... There are reasons why Singaporeans are unhappy, and we need to find out why.”
Ward: Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC
