Independent Committee to Engage Malay Community

Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) whether he can provide the rationale and intent of setting up an independent committee to engage the Malay community; (b) what is the selection process and composition of the committee members to ensure independence and objectivity of the committee; and (c) what approach will be adopted by the committee to ensure a wide outreach in their engagement.

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The operating landscape and challenges facing our community are becoming increasingly complex. I have received feedback that a broad-based engagement would be useful in generating ideas and views for a more collective approach to issues facing our community. As our community progresses, there will be more people with good ideas on how to help. We need independent platforms to gather the many constructive views out there. It is within this context that I approached Haji Sallim Abdul Kadir to form and chair an independent committee to engage the Malay/Muslim community.

Haji Sallim, together with his two Vice-Chairs – Mr Alwi Abdul Hafiz and Ms Saleemah Ismail – will spearhead the committee to gather ideas and suggestions on what more we can do to strengthen our community. They will chart the direction which the committee should take. I am confident of their leadership. Their vast experience in their respective areas and active involvement in community work put the committee in good stead. They have decided that one key focus should be how to build on our community's strengths to come up with practical and implementable solutions to the challenges we face in areas, such as education and vulnerable families. I agree that it is important to focus on concrete outcomes. The committee will complete its final report in six to nine months, which, I hope, will serve as a comprehensive roadmap for the future of our community.

The Chair's and Vice-Chairs' key priority in selecting the committee members was diversity, so that each member can contribute in their respective niche areas and bring varied perspectives to the many discussions ahead. They have taken pains to ensure that the committee members represent a wide range of backgrounds, including the professionals, the media, as well as voluntary welfare organisations. To ensure independence and objectivity, committee members will be participating in their individual capacities, rather than representing their organisations.

The committee will consult widely through focus group discussions over the next few months. Details are still being worked out, and these discussions are expected to reach out to many segments of our community. The committee has also launched a Facebook page and an online feedback channel called "Suara Musyawarah". This not only allows anyone with access to the Internet to post feedback in both Malay and English, but also updates the public on the progress of the committee's work.

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