'Unlike my expectations, people were very kind to me': Faishal Ibrahim on first 100 days as Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs

"Unlike my expectations, people were very kind to me", noted Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim.

Faishal was unveiled by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as the Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs on May 21, 2025.

Faishal spoke to members of the media on Aug. 27, as he reflected on his first 100 days in office in his new role.

Community understands it's a 'very difficult' role

When asked about the community's perception of his role, he said:

"They understand that it is a very difficult role because they have seen all my predecessors were very good but also had difficulties in managing it and they expect it to be the same with me. But they said, 'You must try your best'."

The role of Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs was previously helmed by Tampines GRC MP Masagos Zulkifli, and prior to that, former MP Yaacob Ibrahim.

While he might have been in this role for only 100 days, Faishal has been aided by his work in the community nearly 30 years ago, even before he became an MP.

"So with the goodwill that I have developed together with the Malay community, they welcome my appointment as a whole. Nevertheless, I don't take that lightly."

To him, it's an opportunity to continue the "positive development" in the community.

Faishal also shared that his family was initially worried about him taking over this role because "they know it is tough".

"However, I told myself to be fair to the community and to PM who has appointed me, I have to start working from day one. So I did that from day one, reaching out to the ground, meeting many people and unlike my expectation, people were very kind to me," he said.

Faishal said his family, especially his wife, have been a key source of support even as his days have gotten busier.

"She sees me less often now, today is very common for me to leave home early and go back late. There was a day I left home about 4:45am in the morning, and I reach home at about one o'clock in the morning the next day."

Listen to concerns

In an earlier media interview on Jun. 4, Faishal highlighted his intent to "listen and reach out to all sectors in our community".

He has definitely listened and reached out.

And listening is only half the battle, Faishal noted that the community wants him to listen to their concerns and also speak for them, and raise issues for them. Not only in parliament, but "in the government" as well.

"The opportunities that have been given to go on the ground also gives me the chance to explain to the community what the are the processes in place. Because I think especially in the social media world, maybe through some of the postings, people realise that is the only way someone could raise [their concerns].

But actually in reality, every citizen have the chance to raise [their concerns] not only to their local MPs, to any of the ministers or even to the prime minister, and every single one will be looked at."

He also assured the Malay community that all suggestions and views will be taken into account in decision making.

In the months ahead, Faishal looks forward to visiting the different communities and localities, at various settings like coffee shops and mosques at a broader level in more areas, to understand the community even better.

"This will give me a chance to meet many more and get me a better understanding of what the community needs, aspirations and how we can galvanise together stronger."

Image by Hidayat Anuar