[About this blog] Inspired by local soccer player Mike Lim during my rookie reporter days at Singapore Polytechnic, I set up this blog in August 2002. I feel that blogging is a novel platform to document interesting facets of my life and my thoughts on certain issues. [Email blogger] ephraim@singnet.com.sg

Saturday, October 14, 2006

[Iftar (Breaking of Fast)]
1. This evening, my wife and I participated in the breaking of fast (iftar) at the Istiqamah Mosque in Serangoon. In the traditional way, we started by eating one or two dates followed by a few mouthful of porridge. That's the small makan. While the Muslims assembled for prayer led by the Mufti, we went upstairs to observe the proceedings from a balcony. Then we had the big makan consisting of yellow rice, chicken in tomato sauce, mutton curry, dalcha, gado-gado, cucumber/tomato salad and dessert.

2. It was nice of the Mufti and the President of MUIS, Alami Musa, to join me and fellow MPs Zainul Abidin and Lim Hwee Hua. Many of my grassroots leaders were also present. The non-Muslims felt very welcome. There was a journalist from Berita Harian at the iftar. I said it would be nice if students of different races and religions invited friends to their celebrations. By doing this, we learn to understand one another better from a young age. But this has to be done in a natural, unforced manner.

3. I have just come back from Qatar where the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad gave me some Tunisian dates which were gold in colour and transluscent. I brought some to the iftar. The Mufti knew his dates. When he picked one up, he said, look, you can see the seed. This is from Algeria. Someone said, 'close enough'.

4. The Chairman of the Mosque Committee Hj Mohd Suhaimi Mohsen is an editor in Berita Harian. He spoke in Malay and English, and then invited me to say a few words. I remarked that our racial and religious harmony is a great blessing. We have beautiful threads woven into our tapestry. Like a good carpet, the more knots per inch, the finer and stronger our society becomes.

1 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear BG Yeo,

Wonder if you have a chance relaxing on your off-day like having some wonton mee lunch or strolling freely without a much protocol? Sorry for asking, just my wild thought wanting to know a little bit more on the lighter side of you :)

God Bless
mt88@hotmail.com

Sunday, October 15, 2006 4:04:00 pm

 

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