The Muslim community here must continue to look out for each other as they do for their own families, said Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri message on Saturday.
"Just as we encourage our family to do well, let us also continue to look out for one another, particularly the less well-off and our youth - finding them sources of support, ideas and encouragement with which they can go further in life," he said.
He added that the recent decision to "give sharper focus to families" with the establishment of the new Ministry of Social and Family Development, underscores the importance that the Singapore Government places on strengthening families.
"Building a better future starts with the family. Families are the pillars of society. Families that are strong overcome difficulties much more than material well-being can," he said.
He said that recent award recipients in the Muslim community bore testament to the importance of families.
He noted that the community was rightfully very proud of 19-year-old Mr Adil Hakeem Mohamad Rafee, the first Malay President's Scholar in 44 years. The minister also singled out Ms Maryam Hasanah Rozlan, a recipient of the prestigious Public Service Commission scholarship this year, and Mr Muhammad Kamal Jauhari Zaini, who received the Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal last month (July) for being the top graduate in his course at the Nanyang Technological University.
While the three top scholars came from different economic backgrounds, they "all had family members who were supportive and inspiring", said Dr Yaacob.
He concluded his message by urging the community again to continue to look out for each other and progress together.
"On this blessed evening, my parliamentary colleagues and I wish you Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri," he said.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.