17th Annual Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG) Retreat - Speech by Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development

RRG Co-Chairmen, Ustaz Ali and Ustaz Hasbi

Mr Sa’at Abdul Rahman

Mufti Ustaz Dr Nazirudin Nasir

CE of Muis Mr Kadir Maideen

Members of the RRG

Ladies and Gentlemen

1.     It is my pleasure to join you here today at the RRG’s annual retreat.

2.     At a time when Singapore was faced with an unprecedented challenge amidst the arrest of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) members, it was the RRG, along with the Inter-Agency Aftercare Group (ACG) that came to the forefront.

3.     Despite the initial negativity and criticism received, the RRG was clear about its role in contributing to the society and helping those who have been misguided. I was a community leader at the time when these good men and women came forward, and I have deep respect for them. Now that you have done this for many years, and that I am in MHA, I can see first-hand how the RRG has developed in terms of not only your contributions, but also your knowledge and skills. Today, some of you are even forerunners of knowledge in this area!

4.     I also respect the leadership of the co-chairmen who never stop thinking ahead about what more we can do to further support and develop the RRG. Just before I entered this room, Ustaz Hasbi shared his ideas on how we can build upon the strengths and contributions of the RRG. This is something that I sincerely respect, and inspires me – how they are contributing towards building Singapore. So, I would like to thank both Ustaz Ali and Ustaz Hasbi for having the leadership and commitment deep in your hearts and minds, for helping to build Singapore and keep Singapore safe and secure.

5.     Today, the RRG continues to play an important role, not only in religious counselling, but also in building a cohesive and resilient Singapore through various outreach efforts. I joined MHA during the COVID-19 period in 2020, and saw how the RRG never stopped working. Even though we have not been able to hold this retreat for two years, the RRG worked very hard behind-the-scenes, with a view to find ways and opportunities to reach out. They understood that even though there was a pandemic and Circuit Breaker, terrorism and radicalisation posed and still poses a clear and present danger.

6.     I would like to thank all of you who have explored various opportunities and platforms to keep yourself relevant, resilient, and most importantly, how we can journey together as a society. The government appreciates the work of the RRG and will continue to support its efforts.

7.     Thank you.