By S. Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE : Malay-Muslims in Singapore celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri on Thursday, and many of them began their day with prayers at mosques.
They were joined by the Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, and Malay Members of Parliament.
In his traditional Hari Raya message to the community and all Singaporeans, Dr Yaacob emphasised that the Singapore Muslim community rejected any individual or group that subscribed or supported the terrorist ideology.
And he stressed that whatever the political reasons that their promoters claimed, they would not be allowed to hide under Islam.
Dr Yaacob said the Singapore government had acted wisely and decisively to ensure the nation's safety and security.
Turning to challenges facing the Malay-Muslim community, Dr Yaacob noted among them were issues of teen marriage, teen pregnancy and broken families.
These issues were raised by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at his National Day Rally speech this year.
Dr Yaacob stressed that groups which faced problems should be helped, not just financially, but in a comprehensive manner.
He urged the community's leaders to integrate efforts so as to break the problems and prevent a vicious circle that proceeded to the next generation. - CNA/de