DPM Wong Kan Seng breaks fast with members of the Religious Rehabilitation Group and presents MHA National Day Team certificates to 17 members at the Khadijah Mosque. (L-R) Ustaz HJ Ali Hj Mohd, Religious Rehabilitation Group, Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng and Ustaz Mohd Hasbi Hassan, Religious Rehabilitation Group. -- ST PHOTO: LAU FOOK KONG
ONCE a month, Islamic religious leader Ustaz Sallim Jasman, 65, spends up to two hours counselling detained former terrorists and guiding them on the right interpretation of Islamic concepts.
Likewise, Ustazah Nur Irfani Saripi, 25, meets their families to also discuss issues that have been misconstrued.
They are part of the 35-strong Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG) whose voluntary efforts to help current and former detainees turn over a new leaf were recognised on Wednesday.
They were among 16 RRG members who received award certificates from Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng during an iftar, or break fast ceremony at the Khadijah Mosque in Geylang Road.
The 16 were unable to attend a ceremony at the Home Affairs Ministry earlier this month, when the RRG was presented with the Minister for Home Affairs National Day Award (Team), and where 11 members received certificates from Mr Wong.
Eight RRG members were, however, unable to attend either ceremony. Said Ustazah Nur Irfani, a research analyst: 'The award is motivation for us to keep striving to help these families.'
