Among the approximately 80,000 graves that will be exhumed to make way for Tengah Air Base's expansion, are those of two notable Singaporeans - Dollah Kassim and Harun A. Ghani. 

Let's take a look at who they are.

Dollah Kassim

Abdullah Mohamed Kassim, better known as Dollah Kassim, was one of Singapore's best footballers during the 1970s.

He was known for his excellent ball control and dribbling skills, which earned him his legendary nickname 'Gelek King'. His moves on the field were likened to a dance where he'd 'dance' past his opponents.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Source: NAS[/caption]

The goal he scored in Singapore's defeat of Pahang during the 1975 Malaysia Cup remains one of the most well-remembered goals in Singapore football. Dollah dribbled past his opponents, made the goalkeeper dive the wrong way, and then back-heeled the ball into goal.

In 1977, he was part of the Singapore team that won the Malaysia Cup. It was the first time Singapore had won the Malaysia Cup in 12 years, and the victory was a significant event in the collective memory of Singaporeans.

Dollah passed away in 2010 at the age of 61, after suffering from ill-health.

Then-Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan, who sent his condolences to Dollah's family in a letter, said of Dollah:

"He was a legend, and a sports hero for all Singaporeans. I can still vividly remember his dazzling dribbling skills and prowess on the soccer pitch during the 1970s Malaysia Cup campaigns. He was a champion in the fullest sense of the word. He and his team mates of that era represented a vital precious phase in our collective memories. They united us as one people."

Harun A. Ghani

Another notable person buried at the Muslim Cemetery at Choa Chu Kang is Harun A. Ghani.

Harun was a former Member of Parliament (MP) for Hong Kah GRC (1991-2001) and political secretary to the Ministry of Home Affairs (1989-2001).

He was well-known for his instrumental role in combating drug abuse, especially amongst members of the Malay community.

In 1995, Harun pioneered “meet-the-family” sessions, where families of drug addicts were roped in to help in their rehabilitation process. He also reached out to ex-abusers and their families by counselling them at drug rehabilitation centres, and even coffeeshops.

Harun passed away in 2005. That same year, an education fund was set up in his memory. The fund assists families struggling with the consequences of drug addiction.

Both Dollah and Harun's graves will be exhumed at a later date, once they reach the 15-year burial limit.

Top image adapted from NAS.

Related Articles:

Parts of S’pore’s largest & only operating burial cemetery to give way to Tengah Air Base

1819 is a labour of love by Mothership.sg where we tell stories from Singapore’s history, heritage & culture. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!