Community efforts have contributed towards securing Tamil language’s “reasonable position” in Singapore in line with the government’s official mother tongue policy, Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam said on Nov 8.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a book launch event at Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre, Mr Shanmugam, who is also Minister for Home Affairs, said: “(This is evident) if you look at the community efforts, the writers, the literary giants, the people who have been publishing, the organisations that have been supportive of it”.
He highlighted the active role played by the Tamil Muslim community, which often punched above its weight.
“In fact, originally, they were also very integral to the setting up of Tamil Murasu, together with, of course, the founder, Mr G. Sarangapany. All those efforts, you need people to support it,” he said.
Mr Shanmugam, who was guest of honour at the launch of the book ‘Jaleel: The Relentless Mind’, described the tycoon and philanthropist M. Abdul Jaleel as an example.
Famed for his generosity and patronage for social causes, the 67-year-old founder of MES Group has made significant donations to various causes, including education, arts, language, and culture.
Mr Jaleel has been a mainspring of support for many Tamil and Indian organisations, said Mr Shanmugam.
“But, of course, his contributions go well beyond the racial-religious lines – he contributes to the ST (School) Pocket Money Fund, and many other causes, secular causes; and also for Tamil and the growth of Tamil.”
“I am very glad to be part of it. And I hope the publication of this book – his inspiring story will encourage more people to come and contribute, to make society better for everyone,” he added.
Mr Jaleel told tabla! that some of his moving life experiences have been compiled in the book ‘Jaleel: The Restless Mind’, which is titled ‘Sikaram Thotta Singapore Seethakkaathi’ in Tamil.
Mr Jaleel added that he finds joy and happiness in providing such support.
Though his life experiences have previously been covered from different angles across various media, Mr Jaleel was asked to share various deep and impactful moments that would resonate with others.
His good friend Mr Mashuthoo Abdul Rahiman, 76, a teacher and community leader, played a central role in the creation of the book, Mr Jaleel noted.
“He (Mr Mashuthoo) taught my children Tamil when they were young. I spoke to him for nearly three years, giving him information little by little,” he added.
Writing the book in Tamil involved “sleepless nights and a lot of toil” pointed out Mr Mashuthoo.
Mr Mashuthoo said it was important that young people knew about Mr Jaleel’s life, even down to its most personal and poignant details.
“For the English translation I enlisted the help of (NGO) Jamiyah (Singapore) senior vice-president H.M. Saleem and Mr Raja Mohamad, president of the Singapore Kadayanallur Muslim League,” he said.
The Tamil book is priced at S$50, while the English translation costs S$40. Proceeds will go to charities.
Asked whether he felt satisfied looking back at his life, Mr Jaleel smiled and said: “I swam against the current. You are the one who has to say whether I succeeded. As far as I am concerned, I am swimming in the ocean. I don’t know when the shore will come.”
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