FITRAH Case Management completion ceremony

Dr Albakri Ahmad, Deputy Chief Executive, MUIS

Mr. Zalman Putra, Senior Director, One Mosque Sector

Mr. Farik Omar, Executive Director, FITRAH

Mdm. Muzaiyanah Hamzah, Executive Director, Pelita

Ladies & Gentlemen.

1. Assalamualaikum wr. wb. A very good afternoon to all.

2. I am very pleased to join you today as we celebrate the completion of the FITRAH Case Management programme.

3. This ceremony marks the end of 18 months of hard work, patience and perseverance from all the participants and family members. The completion also reflects your commitment to leave the past behind and strive towards goodness for yourselves and your families. Congratulations all our 20 participants for this significant milestone. Well done!

4. While we are proud of this achievement, we are also mindful that the journey does not end here. In fact, desistance is a lifelong journey that is full of ups and downs. I hope that you can make use of all that you have learned and gained from the FCM programme, such as the network of positive peers and friends, and continue to take the next steps forward.

5. I would like to encourage you to continue improving your skills and capabilities, spend time with your loved ones, and seek support from the community when the going gets tough. Rest assured that FITRAH and the community will be here for you, and journey together with you.

6. One story I would like to share is that of Hafizah Bee. Amidst the challenges of divorce, housing issues, and her child’s serious illness, FCM staff and volunteers stood by her side and gave her their fullest support. Today, I am happy to note that Hafizah has just returned from umrah and is on track to rebuild back her family life. Hafizah is giving back by volunteering to emcee for this ceremony. Well done, Hafizah.

7. Hafizah’s journey serves as a reminder that with the right mentality and support from the community, we can overcome our challenges and do well in life.

8. On this note, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all staff and volunteers from FITRAH and PELITA for your good work throughout the years in rebuilding and uplifting lives. Since 2021 when the FCM was first launched, nearly 200 beneficiaries and their families have been supported. The FITRAH family has tirelessly provided various meaningful programmes and activities for the beneficiaries, and continued to be a pillar of strength for them.

9. I am heartened that FITRAH continues to grow the FCM alumni network and allow opportunities for former participants to do good and give back. And many of the former participants have come back to contribute their time as volunteers and mentors to others.

10. To the FITRAH family, thank you once again for your contributions.

11. Allow me to say a few words in Malay.

12. Hadirin yang dihormati.

13. Majlis pada hari ini bukan sekadar meraikan kejayaan 20 peserta yang menamatkan program Pengurusan Kes Fitrah (FCM), tetapi juga menzahirkan semangat ketabahan, sokongan masyarakat, dan kekuatan keluarga yang menjadi tunjang perubahan.

14. FITRAH berdiri atas prinsip kasih sayang dan peluang bahawa setiap insan berhak untuk membina semula kehidupan dengan penuh maruah dan harapan.

15. Marilah kita terus memperkukuh jaringan sokongan ini, agar lebih ramai yang dapat bangkit bersama, menuju masa depan yang lebih cerah dan bermakna. Izinkan saya berkongsi sebuah pantun:

Biarpun gelap malam berlalu, 

Fajar menyinsing membawa sinar. 

Langkah kecil berubah mutu, 

Menjadi insan teguh dan berharga.

16. Once again, to all FCM participants and families, you are not defined by your past.  Build on your strengths and stay committed towards your goals and aspirations.

17. And to my colleagues and partners from MUIS, FITRAH and PELITA, thank you once again for your steadfast partnership and support. Let us continue to work hand-in-hand to build a society where no one is left behind, towards a stronger, more compassionate Singapore.

18. Thank you.