SINGAPORE, Sept 12- Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong regards Abu Bakar Maidin, former president of Jamiyah Singapore, a Muslim missionary society, who died on Tuesday as a role model, not only for the Malay/Muslim community but for all Singaporeans.
The 86-year-old died at the National University Hospital (NUH) Tuesday evening.
It was reported that he was hospitalised for a week previously, due to an infection of the lungs and bladder. Of late, he has been sick and was hospitalised for dehydration during the Hari Raya festival.
His remains were laid to rest after Zohor prayers yesterday afternoon.
In his Facebook posting, the prime minister said he was sorry to learn of Abu Bakar’s passing.
He said Abu Bakar was a stalwart of the Malay community, having devoted his life to the less privileged.
“Convinced that education was key to improving lives, he set up many education centres to develop young Singaporeans. (Haji) Abu Bakar also championed inter-religious harmony, and forged a strong partnership between Jamiyah and the Singapore Buddhist Lodge Foundation to help the needy.
“He was a role model, not just for the Malay/Muslim community but for all Singaporeans,” said Lee, adding that his wife, Ho Ching and himself, offered their deepest sympathies to Abu Bakar’s family.
– BERNAMA
