SINGAPORE – Dr Maliki Osman’s decade of service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) helped strengthen Singapore’s partnerships with other countries, as well as rally international support for the Republic’s survival and success, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
In a valedictory letter to the veteran political office-holder, PM Wong noted that Dr Maliki was able to keep up a punishing travel schedule to engage Singapore’s partners in the region – such as Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia – as well as across the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
“Despite differences in culture and language, you found ways to connect, build trust and make the case for why Singapore mattered,” he said.
Dr Maliki, who is Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office as well as Second Minister for Education and Foreign Affairs, announced on April 21 that he would be retiring from politics after 24 years.
The former assistant professor at the National University of Singapore’s social work and psychology department first became an MP for Sembawang GRC in 2001, before moving to East Coast GRC in 2011.
Across his five terms, the 59-year-old held positions in various ministries, including the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of National Development (MND).
PM Wong said that across these various portfolios, Dr Maliki had shown the ability to “bring people together, bridge differences and energise communities” – traits that were especially evident during his 10 years at MFA.
Dr Maliki was appointed senior minister of state for foreign affairs in 2015, and was promoted to second minister for foreign affairs following the 2020 General Election.
“You were always prepared to explain the nuances of our foreign policy to a diverse domestic audience.
“You expanded Singapore’s network of friends and deepened international goodwill – both vital for a small open state like ours,” said PM Wong.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Dr Maliki’s work at MND, noting that he played an important role in developing the Fresh Start Housing Scheme, which helps families with children currently living in public rental flatsto own their own flats.
Dr Maliki was appointed parliamentary secretary for national development in 2005, before becoming minister of state for the ministry in 2013.
“You also led the conceptualisation and design of a new civic centre for Geylang Serai, rejuvenating the precinct while retaining its distinctive Malay heritage,” PM Wong said, referring to Wisma Geylang Serai, which opened in 2019.
PM Wong noted that Dr Maliki continued to closely track ongoing efforts to revitalise the Geylang Serai Cultural Belt even after leaving MND.
He described Dr Maliki as “a key member of our team of Malay/MusIim office-holders and MPs”, forging strong partnerships with Malay/Muslim organisations as well as engaging the community on sensitive issues, such as the repeal of Section 377A of the Penal Code.
Across Dr Maliki’s various appointments, his experience and training as a social worker, and his passion to help disadvantaged members of society, shone through, said PM Wong.
He pointed to Project 4650, launched in 2010 to provide help to residents of two rental blocks in Bedok South.
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“Instead of agencies working in silos, you brought together government and community partners to tighten coordination, take a family-centric approach and tailor solutions for each family,” PM Wong said, noting that the additional effort helped produce better results.
Project 4650 served as a key reference point when the Ministry of Social and Family Development was designing ComLink, which coordinates social service support for low-income families that face multiple challenges.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he first appointed Dr Maliki as a political office-holder in 2004 when he became prime minister, describing the veteran MP as a “versatile and committed team player”.
“Over nearly 25 years in public service, he has done much to improve our country and society,” SM Lee said in a Facebook post.
Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli noted the two had worked closely in championing the needs and aspirations of the Malay/Muslim community through M3 – the tie-up between self-help group Mendaki, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore and the People’s Association Malay Activity Executive Committees Council.
In a Facebook post, he said Dr Maliki was the driving force behind M3 initiatives such as Project Dian, which supports Malay families living in rental flats by connecting them with national and community initiatives.
“He also chaired the Committee on Future Asatizah, laying the foundation for a future-ready religious leadership that is deeply rooted in our values while attuned to the complexities of a changing world,” said Mr Masagos, who is also Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs.
“Thank you, Maliki, for your selfless service and steadfast friendship. I wish you and your family the very best in your future endeavours,” he said.
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