Mr Ahmad Ibrahim, former Minister for Health and Labour

Mr Ahmad Ibrahim, former Minister for Health and Labour
Mr Ahmad Ibrahim, former Minister for Health and Labour. Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, Masjid Ahmad Ibrahim, Ahmad Ibrahim Primary School, Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School were named after him

About Me

My photo
When I first look at the photos of Ahmad Ibrahim (ex-Minister) on page 54 of the book "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore - The Extraordinary Story and Legacy of Sembawang", I knew it was wrong. I wrote to the book writer to inform her of the mistake. The book writer, Dr Hadijah claimed that the photos are correct based on the verification from people like Hj Suppien and Kassim Selamat. I 'closed' the case and don't want to pursue the matter. Then, Ahmad Ibrahim's eldest son, Mr Mudzlan Bin Ahmad came and visited me. I showed him the photos and Mr Mudzlan claimed that the photos are NOT of his father. When I write again to Dr Hadijah, she insist the photos are correct. Since the book writer nor the book publisher don't want to acknowledge the mistake, I specially created this blog for the purpose of informing the public of the mistake found in the book "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore - The Extraordinary Story and Legacy of Sembawang".

Blog Archive


The Book with mistaken identity of Ahmad Ibrahim

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Ahmad Ibrahim, former Minister for Health and Labour is being featured in the book "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore, The Extraordinary Story and Legacy of Sembawang".

My email to Forum Page of Berita Harian which was unpublished

From: kamal
Subject: Forum Berita Harian
To: "Berita Harian" aadeska@sph.com.sg
Cc: rosliza@sph.com.sg, guntor@sph.com.sg
Date: Wednesday, 11 June, 2008, 3:04 PM

Assalamualaikum wr wb,

With reference to Dr Hadijah (book writer) writings which was published in the Forum Page of Berita Harian on 11 June 2008 with the title “Ahmad Ibrahim’s photo was verified”. Dr Hadijah was referring to my earlier writings.
I feel sad and worried if the community get confused with the different facts. I also wonder which verification is more credible; is it from friend or own son? Older generation like Mr Othman Wok (Ex-Minister) and MM Lee knew Ahmad Ibrahim. Maybe these 2 gentlemen can verify Ahmad Ibrahim’s photo? Dr Hadijah mentioned Mr Eddie Harmer is Ahmad Ibrahim’s friend. Eddie Harmer once mentioned in Berita Harian that he himself felt shocked after learning his friend, Ahmad Ibrahim had become a Minister. Most probably, Eddie Harmer’s friend who is having the same name as Ahmad Ibrahim was not a Minister. I hope this Ahmad Ibrahim (Eddie Harmer’s friend) himself or family members will come forward and reveal the truth. For your info, Ahmad Ibrahim eldest son, Mr Mazlan Bin Ahmad who came to Singapore lately had passed away on 9 June 2008 in KL. He was 56 years old. When his father (Ahmad Ibrahim) died, he was just 10 years old. Mr Mazlan Ahmad did verified to me that the photos of Ahmad Ibrahim in the book (page 54) written by Dr Hadijah is NOT his father.

Salam Takzim,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah

Click on below image to read my mail in Malay to Berita Harian.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Ahmad Ibrahim Biography





Click on the right image to read on Ahmad Ibrahim's biography.


Brief biography of Ahmad Ibrahim:

1. Born in Bayan Lepas, Penang in 1927. (BTW, I was also born in Bayan Lepas, Penang).
2. Studied at Penang Free School.
3. After war, he migrated to Singapore and worked as watchroom operator at Singapore Naval Base Fire Department.
4. Became a clerk in 1947 and earned himself a reputation as defender of worker's right.
5. A year later, he was elected as 1st Branch Secretary of the All-Singapore Fire Brigade Employees Union.
6. In 1950, he led formation of Naval Base Labour Union and elected as its Vice-Chairman.
7. In 1955, his trade union elected him to contest in the General Election as an independent candidate. He won and join People Action Party (PAP).
8. Served as PAP Assistant Secretary-General of the Central Executive Committee.
9. In 1959, he won the General Election under PAP. Appointed as Health Minister.
10. In 1961, during cabinet reshuffle, he became Minister of Labour.
11. Underwent major operation in 1958.
12. In 1961, he was flown to London for another operation.
13. Passed away in Singapore General Hospital (SGH) on 21st August 1962 at the age of 35.
14. He left behind a wife and 5 children:
Wife - Madam Che Teh Bte Yahaya
Son - Mudzlan Bin Ahmad (deceased - on 9th June 2008; 1952 - 2008)
Son - Mazli Bin Ahmad (deceased; 1954 - 1969)
Son - Marzukhi Bin Ahmad (deceased; 20th June 1956 - 18th June 2014)
Son - Mustaza Bin Ahmad (deceased; 1957 - 1996)
Daughter - Marlina Bte Ahmad
15. Received state funeral and buried at Bidadari Muslim Cemetery.


In 2003, Ahmad Ibrahim's grave was re-located to Pusara Abadi Muslim Cemetery in Lim Chu Kang.


16. Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, Ahmad Ibrahim Mosque, Ahmad Ibrahim Primary School and Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School were named after him.

Minister Mentor of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew said of Ahmad Ibrahim in his memoir “The Singapore Story”. “Ahmad Ibrahim’s health had been steadily deteriorating. He had cirrhosis of the liver because of a hepatitis infection years earlier. We had sent him to England for an operation, but the disease had progressed relentlessly, and on 21 August, he died - I was at his deathbed with his wife. Ahmad had a great spirit. He had qualities of leadership, which he displayed to good effect in the Naval Base Labour Union. More important still, he had the courage to take over the ministry of labour from Kenny to face down the communists. His death was a severe loss.”

The 'other' Ahmad Ibrahim (Attorney-General)

Beside Ahmad Ibrahim our former Minister of Health and Labour, we also have another prominent Ahmad Ibrahim who was a Majistrate, Singapore first State Advocate General and Attorney-General. Most of us and even Berita Harian ever mixed up both of them. Berita Harian ever tell the history of Ahmad Ibrahim, former Minister but put a picture of Professor Ahmad Ibrahim (Attorney-General).
Click on the link below to read more on Tan Sri Datuk Professor Ahmad Ibrahim, the Attorney-General.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Facts about wrong photos of Ahmad Ibrahim published in the book

The book titled "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore, The Extraordinary Story and Legacy of Sembawang" was launched on 23 March 2008 at 2:30pm at The POD, National Library Board (Singapore), 16th floor, Victoria Street. The book was written by Dr Hadijah. The book is published by Masjid Petempatan Melayu Sembawang (Sembawang Mosque) in collaboration with BERITA HARIAN / SPH. It is a project by Sembawang Mosque, Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) and Ministry of Community, Youth and Sport, Singapore (MCYS). In the book shows several photos of Ahmad Ibrahim, Ex-Minister of Health and Labour of Singapore. Those photos of Ahmad Ibrahim contributed by a man named Mr Edward Harmer are NOT the photos of Ahmad Ibrahim. The photos contributed by Mr Edward Harmer are showing someone else who probably sharing the same name. Especially on page 54 of the book shows wrong photos of Ahmad Ibrahim. I had highlighted and feedback to the book editor of the mistake. I had validated and verified that the photos contributed by Edward Harmer are NOT Mr Ahmad Ibrahim (ex-Minister) from the following personnel:

1. Madam Che Teh Bte Yahaya, Ahmad Ibrahim's wife,
2. Mr Mudzlan Bin Ahmad, Ahmad Ibrahim's eldest son,
3. Mr Marzukhi Bin Ahmad, Ahmad Ibrahim's son,
4. Tuan Haji Othman Wok, ex-Minister and Ahmad Ibrahim's political colleague,
5. Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Yahaya Ibrahim, Ahmad Ibrahim's younger brother.

Dr Yahaya Ibrahim is a Pro-Chancellor of Sultan Idris University of Education in Malaysia.
Dr Yahaya Ibrahim profile can be found in the below link.

http://www.studymalaysia.com/education/personnels.php?id=74

As appear in STOMP


Click on the images to view (enlarge).
Click here ---> STOMP to view the story:

Verification from Ahmad Ibrahim's wife, Mdm Che Teh Bte Yahaya


I had send the above photo of 'Ahmad Ibrahim' together with his wife to Ahmad Ibrahim's wife (Madam Che Teh Bte Yahaya) through his son, Mr Marzukhi Bin Ahmad requesting Madam Che Teh herself to validate if the photo is hers. As I had expected, the answer is definite NO.

Click on the image below to see the reply from Ahmad Ibrahim's wife through his son, Mr Marzukhi Ahmad.

Email response from Berita Harian

The book writer's writings was published in forum page of Berita Harian on 11th June 2008. The book writer claimed that the photos of Ahmad Ibrahim are correct based on the verification made by people like Kassim Selamat and Hj Suppien.

I tried to 'counter' the book writer's writing by writing to Berita Harian but was told my contributions will not be published. I had verifications made by Ahmad Ibrahim's family.



Click on the image above to read Mohd Raman Daud's email.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Minister for Health visited my home


Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Member of Parliament (Sembawang) and also Minister of Health visited my home during MP visit. I showed him the book "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore." Photo on the left shows Mr Khaw Boon Wan in my house looking at the book.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

CORRECT photos of Ahmad Ibrahim, ex-Minister for Health and Labour

Correct pictures of Ahmad Ibrahim, ex-Minister

The above two photos show the correct pictures of Ahmad Ibrahim, ex-Minister for Health and Labour.
The above two photos, I snapped from an album picture which belongs to the family of Ahmad Ibrahim in Penang using my camera. The picture on the right shows some bright spot (shining) due to the flash from my camera which reflected from the album photo. (SPH may have the above right photo but without the bright shining portion).

In fact, these two photos I contributed to the book editorial team to be published in the book. Yes, they did published it but with 'courtesy of SPH'. SPH got the credit for the photos. Not only that, I contributed Ahmad Ibrahim's grave with my son in the picture. That picture with my son in it also with 'courtesy of SPH'. Another photo I contributed (Bidadari grave), also SPH got credited.

Lesson learnt, never easily give out your contributions to the book editorial team. Higher chances others will get the credit.

I did feedback about this SPH is getting the credit (courtesy of SPH) and Mr Mohd Raman Daud from Berita Harian (SPH) replied to me as follows:

"Maaf saya tidak menyemak buku itu sewaktu pembikinan, sekadar buat rencana saja. Begitu juga Encik Guntor, editor saya terlibat sebagai penyokong penggunaan gambar gambar SPH. Saya sesal kesilapan ini berlaku, jika menurut penilaian sdr. Namun jika buku ini tidak dapat dicetak semula kerana kos tinggi, saya syorkan, ia dimuatkan di internet dan diperbetul mana yang salah."

("I am sorry for not checking during the process of making the book. I just write a feature for the book. Same goes to Mr Guntor, my editor who is involved in supporting the use of SPH's photos. I regret this had happen if according to what you had said. However, if this book is not going to be reprint due to high cost, I suggest it is to be published in the internet and make correction to the error.")

Mohd Raman Daud
(Berita Harian)















Click on the above images to read (in Malay) on the topic of SPH gets the credits for my photos contributions.

WRONG photo of Ahmad Ibrahim, ex-Minister for Health and Labour

Wrong Photo of Ahmad Ibrahim, ex-Minister

The above photo that appear in the book "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore" shows the wrong picture of Ahmad Ibrahim, our former Minister for Health and Labour of Singapore.
Five person had confirmed with me that the above photo is wrong.

The five person are:
1. Madam Che Teh Bte Yahaya, Ahmad Ibrahim's wife,
2. Mr Mudzlan Bin Ahmad, Ahmad Ibrahim's eldest son,
3. Mr Marzukhi Bin Ahmad, Ahmad Ibrahim's son,
4. Tuan Haji Othman Wok, ex-Minister and Ahmad Ibrahim's political colleague,
5. Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Yahaya Ibrahim, Ahmad Ibrahim's younger brother.

I doubt the book editorial team ever met, interviewed and verified from the above mentioned person.

You be the judge

The photo on the left is taken from the family album of Ahmad Ibrahim, former Minister of Health and Labour. The photo on the right was contributed by a man named Mr Edward Harmer. Any similarities between the two photos? You be the judge.
By the way, Ahmad Ibrahim's (ex-Minister) own 2 sons and younger brother says the photo on the right is not their father and brother.

Newspaper (Berita Harian) Clippings
















Click on the individual image above to read (in Malay) my contributions about Ahmad Ibrahim which featured in forum page of Berita Harian.

My email to National Library Board

To the Management of National Library Board (Singapore),

Ms Lim Soo Hoon, Chairman,
Dr N Varaprasad, Chief Executive,
Ms Ngian Lek Choh, Deputy Chief Executive,
Chan Ping Wah, Assistant Chief Executive,
Ms Tay Ai Cheng, Quality Service Manager,
Ms Joyce Wee Poh Gek, Manager, Executive Office,
Cheong Fu Yan, Director, Corporate Development & Services,
Wan Wee Pin, Manager, Programmes & Exhibitions,
Beh Chew Leng, Senior Director, Library & Professional Services,
Lim Theam Siew, Senior Director, Organisational Resources & Systems.

Dear Sir / Madam,

A book titled "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore" written by Dr Hadijah was recently launched. This book currently available in National and Community Library as reference book. The book is published by Masjid Petempatan Melayu Sembawang (Sembawang Mosque) in collaboration with Berita Harian / SPH. It is a project by Masjid Petempatan Melayu Sembawang (Sembawang Mosque), Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) and Ministry of Community, Youth and Sport, Singapore (MCYS). In the book shows pictures of Mr Ahmad Ibrahim, our ex-Minister of Health and Labour. Those pictures were contributed by a man named Mr Edward Harmer. However, those photos are not the real Ahmad Ibrahim, our former Minister. I had validated and verified that the photos are NOT Ahmad Ibrahim from these 4 person:
1. Mr Mazlan Bin Ahmad, Ahmad Ibrahim's eldest son,
2. Mr Marzukhi Bin Ahmad, Ahmad Ibrahim's son,
3. Tuan Haji Othman Wok, our ex-Minister and Ahmad Ibrahim's political colleague and
4. Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Yahaya Ibrahim, Ahmad Ibrahim's younger brother.

Dr Yahaya Ibrahim is Pro-Chancellor of Sultan Idris Universiti of Education in Malaysia.

Information on Dr Yahaya Ibrahim available in the link below.

http://www.studymalaysia.com/education/personnels.php?id=74

At the time I am writing to you, no correction has been made to the book. Both the book editor and the publisher (Sembawang Mosque and Berita Harian (SPH)) haven't correct the mistakes found in the book.

On page 14 of the book, it states "One of the main recommendations of the report is to publish the research findings and materials gathered for use as public reference and educational material".
As mentioned on page 14 of the book, this book is going to be used for reference especially by researchers, teachers, student, etc. They may be looking at the wrong information.On 21 Jun 2008, 2 speakers (Rahil Ismail and Faizah Jamal) already gave a talk on this book to the public at Woodlands Regional Library. Please inform your staff regarding these mistakes found in the book.

You may also refer (click) to the link below:
http://thelastkampungmosqueinsingapore.blogspot.com/

Yours Sincerely,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah.

Email response from one of the Mosque Committee Member

Assalamua'laikum,

"May Mr Ahmad Ibrahim get the Justice that he truly deserves. And may Allah s.w.t. give you the guidance and safety. Amin"

Email response from member of the public

"I suggest Kamal seek clarification directly to Dr Hadijah and convinced her with the necessary facts. If she is a person of high intelligence and integrity, I am quite sure she will publish adendum to her book".

"If she was clearly referring to Ahmad Ibrahim, the former Health Minister, then you should be persistent in explaining to her".

"Ini soal maruah keluarga...."
("This is family's pride.....")

My email to Malay / Muslim Members of Parliament

To all Malay / Muslim Member of Parliament,

Dear Sir / Madam,

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs,
Abdullah Tarmugi, Speaker of Parliament,
Hawazi Daipi, Snr Parliamentary Secretary, MOH, MOM,
Masagos Zulkifli, Snr Parliamentary Secretary, MOE, MHA,
Dr Maliki Osman, Parliamentary Secretary, MND also Chairman of Sembawang Mosque Preservation Committee,
Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Snr Minister of State, MFA,
Ahmad Mohd Magad, MP for Pasir Ris - Punggol GRC,
Fatimah Binte Abdul Lateef, MP for Marine Parade GRC,
Halimah Yacob, MP for Jurong GRC,
Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, MP for Marine Parade GRC,
Zainudin Nordin, MP for Bishan - Toa Payoh GRC,
Zaqy Bin Mohamad, MP for Hong Kah GRC.

Assalamualaikum,
Please spend some time to read my email and blog.
Click on the link below:

http://thelastkampungmosqueinsingapore.blogspot.com/

Salam Takzim,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah.

My email to Singapore mosques, Mosque Executive Chairman

Mosque Manager, Mosque Executive Chairman, Mosque Committee Member,

Asalamualaikum,

A book titled "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore" probably is available at your mosque. Either it is being used as reference or to sell away to the public. Please take note of the mistakes found in the book. It shows different photos of Ahmad Ibrahim, our ex-Minister of Health and Labour. The mistakes are confirmed by Ahmad Ibrahim's family members.

http://www.thelastkampungmosqueinsingapore.blogspot.com/

Please take note,

Salam Takzim,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah.

My email to the book editor, editorial team and book publisher

Book Editor, Editorial Team and Book Publisher of "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore",

Assalamualaikum,

I was told by Mr Mohd Raman Daud from Berita Harian that ".....one meeting will be held together with me (Kamal Bin Abu Serah) and those who knows Ahmad Ibrahim when he was a teenager". I was invited in this meeting? Before you invite me to the meeting, let me suggest to the book editor, her editorial team and the book publisher to go and meet with the people who had already gave me the confirmation that the photos are wrong. Go and meet and interview them. They are:

1. Marzukhi Bin Ahmad, Ahmad Ibrahim's son,
2. Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Yahaya Ibrahim, Ahmad Ibrahim's younger brother,
3. Tuan Haji Othman Wok, ex-Minister and Ahmad Ibrahim's political colleague,

Mr Mazlan Bin Ahmad (Ahmad Ibrahim's eldest son) had passed away on 9th June 2008.

If the editorial team still feel unsatisfied, go and interview Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew because Ahmad Ibrahim ever held a Minister post under PM Lee Kuan Yew then.
If just want to see me and wanted to convince me from people like Hj Suppien and Kassim Selamat who verified the photos (contributed by Edward Harmer) are correct, forget the intention of seeing me. It's a waste of time.
If the family of Ahmad Ibrahim himself had verified that the photos are wrong, why must seek outsiders?
Just think, if I am not in the right party, I won't dare to write emails to many people including:
1. Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew,
2. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong,
3. Minister for MICA and its Ministry,
4. Minister for MCYS and its Ministry,
5. Minister for MOE and its Ministry,
6. Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS),
7. All Malay/Islam Member of Parliament,
8. Press Secretary for MM Lee,
9. Press Secretary for PM Lee,
10. National Heritage Board,
11. National Library Board,
12. Leaders of Malay Organisation like Majlis Pusat,
13. Mendaki and many more.


One ex-Principal of Ahmad Ibrahim Primary School did send me an email and this is the remark:
"I do remember seeing the photos that surfaced earlier when the Englishman came to Singapore. He did not visit us in the Primary School. If I am not mistaken, a speaker made mention of this book at a recent forum for schools.The then secondary school principal sent the photos to me and I forwarded the photos to Mr Mazlan then (Ahmad Ibrahim's son), to ask him to check with his mother, and he had confirmed, via email, that the photos were NOT that of his father. This is rather disappointing if it were true that a book published in Singapore contained major errors".
http://thelastkampungmosqueinsingapore.blogspot.com/

Salam Takzim,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

My email to staff of Ministry Of Education (MOE)

Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Senior Parliamentary Secretary,
Ms Lim Huay Chih, Director, School Planning and Placement Division and Quality Service Manager,
Ms Jennifer Chan, MOE, Press Secretary,
Miss Seah Jiak Choo, Director-General of Education,
Ms Tan Gee Keow, Director, Higher Education,
Miss Sum Chee Wah, Director, Education Programmes,
Winston James Hodge, Director, Training and Development,
Ms Ho Peng, Director, Curriculum Planning and Development,
Wong Siew Hoong, Director, Schools,
Tan Teck Ann, Head, Compulsary Education Unit,

To all Ministry of Education staff,

Dear Sir / Madam,

A book titled "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore" written by Dr Hadijah was recently launched. The book is published by Masjid Petempatan Melayu Sembawang (Sembawang Mosque) in collaboration with Berita Harian / SPH. It is a project by Masjid Petempatan Melayu Sembawang (Sembawang Mosque), Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) and Ministry of Community, Youth and Sport, Singapore (MCYS). In the book shows pictures of Mr Ahmad Ibrahim, our ex-Minister of Health and Labour. Those pictures were contributed by a man named Mr Edward Harmer. However, those photos are not the real Ahmad Ibrahim, our former Minister. I had validated and verified that the photos are NOT Ahmad Ibrahim from these 4 person:
1. Mr Mazlan Bin Ahmad, Ahmad Ibrahim's eldest son,
2. Mr Marzukhi Bin Ahmad, Ahmad Ibrahim's son,
3. Tuan Haji Othman Wok, our ex-Minister and Ahmad Ibrahim's political colleague,
4. Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Yahaya Ibrahim, Ahmad Ibrahim's younger brother.
Dr Yahaya Ibrahim is Pro-Chancellor of Sultan Idris University of Education in Malaysia.
Information on Dr Yahaya Ibrahim available in the link below.
http://www.studymalaysia.com/education/personnels.php?id=74

At the time I am writing to you, no correction has been made to the book. Both the book editor and the publisher (Sembawang Mosque and Berita Harian (SPH)) haven't correct the mistakes found in the book.
On page 14 of the book, it states "One of the main recommendations of the report is to publish the research findings and materials gathered for use as public reference and educational material".
I had received email from one of your Primary School Principal saying that she ever attended a forum for schools and the forum speaker ever mentioned about the book.
As mentioned on page 14 of the book, this book is going to be used for reference especially by researchers, teachers, student, etc. They may be looking at the wrong information.This book currently available in National Library as reference book.
On 21 Jun 2008, 2 speakers (Rahil Ismail and Faizah Jamal) already gave a talk on this book to the public at Woodlands Regional Library. Please inform your staff and student regarding these mistakes found in the book.

You may also refer (click) to the link below:
http://thelastkampungmosqueinsingapore.blogspot.com/

Yours Sincerely,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Words of Encouragement from a teacher (MOE staff)

Assalamualaikum w r t

Kamal, syabas kerana persistent....

(Kamal, well done for being persistent....... in pursuing this matter)

Words of Encouragement from staff of Ahmad Ibrahim Primary School

Terima kasih di atas informasi yang telah diberikan. Saya berharap yang usaha Encik akan berjaya.
(Thank you for the above information that you gave. I hope your effort will succeed).

Words of Encouragement from staff of Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School

Really appreciate your passion in this matter.

Words of Encouragement from Ahmad Ibrahim's son, Mr Marzukhi Bin Ahmad

Wa'alaikumsalam saudara Kamal,

I had read through all emails related to the abovesaid subject and wanted to inform you that I'm more than proud to stand behind and support you all the way through till the end (when said matter in question been fully resolved) especially for your tirelessly and sincerely upholding the factual truth. Your kind, good deed and inexhaustible energy put forth all along for the said subject is highly appreciated.

Yours sincerely,
Abg Marzukhi Ahmad
(Ahmad Ibrahim's son).

Verification email response from Ahmad Ibrahim's son, Mr Marzukhi Bin Ahmad

Wa'alaikumsalam saudara Kamal,

Upon scrutinization of 5 photos emailed, sad to say that none matches that of my late father. I could clearly recall all pictures of him though I was still very young then. Do allow me to reconfirm to you and those connected in the publishing of the 5 photos that those said photos are never that of his. I must say that I really treasure and value your interest holding the truth.

Yours sincerely,
Abg Marzukhi Ahmad.

Verification email response from Ahmad Ibrahim's younger brother, Y. Bhg. Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Yahaya Ibrahim

Saudara Kamal Abu Serah,

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh!

Apa khabar Kamal seisi keluarga? Semoga masing-masing dianugerah Allah swt berada dalam keadaan aman damai dan sihat wal-afiat belaka hendaknya!

Pakchik ingin mengucapkan setinggi-tinggi terima kasih di atas usaha Kamal mengambil berat tentang keluarga Pakchik, khasnya abang Pakchik, Allahyarham Pak Jang Ahmad (Ahmad Ibrahim).

Daripada lima keping gambar yang dikirimkan melalui e-mail kepada Pakchik itu adalah amat jelas bahawa tiada satu pun yang merupa gambar Pak Jang Ahmad.
(From the five photos that you attached in your email to me, obviously none of the photos are of Ahmad Ibrahim).

Jika ada pihak yang memerlukan gambar Pak Jang yang sebenarnya dan sahih, iaitu untuk digunakan sebagai rekod sejarah, Pakchik mempunyai beberapa gambar beliau.

Sekian. Terima kasih. Wassalam.


Yang benar
Pakchik Yahaya
(Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Yahaya Ibrahim)

Note: Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Yahaya is a Pro-Chancellor of Sultan Idris University of Education.
Click on the link to see Tan Sri's profile:
http://www.studymalaysia.com/education/personnels.php?id=74

My email response to Principal Foong, ex-Principal Ahmad Ibrahim Primary School

Dear Principal Foong,

Thank you for your reply. I really appreciate your response. I still remember you as Ahmad Ibrahim Primary School's Principal then. When Ahmad Ibrahim Primary School (AIPS) celebrated it's 10 anniversary, I was invited in the (dinner) anniversary which was held at AIPS. Among distinguished guest was Ahmad Ibrahim's younger brother, Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Yahaya Ibrahim (Pro-Chancellor) who was invited by AIPS.
Talking about the book 'The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore', it is rather sad to see mistakes which features Ahmad Ibrahim, ex-Minister of Health and Labour. Till now (as per writing this mail), the book publisher and writer haven't admit the mistakes. For your information, I did met up with Ms Julia Chee, Deputy Director, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore, National Heritage Board (NHB) regarding this matter. However, sad to say, NHB don't have much photos, articles relating to Ahmad Ibrahim, ex-Minister of Health and Labour. I agree with you that Ahmad Ibrahim is such a common name. Even Berita Harian (Malay Paper) ever mixed it up with Ahmad Ibrahim, the Attorney-General. You can find the book "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore" in the National Library. It is a reference book and you cannot loan it out.
Principal Foong, I would like to inform you that Mr Mazlan Ahmad (Ahmad Ibrahim's eldest son) had passed away peacefully on 9th June 2008 in Kuala Lumpur.

Regards,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah.

Email response from Miss Foong, ex-Principal of Ahmad Ibrahim Primary School

Dear Mr Kamal,

Thank you for the information. I have not seen this new book, but I do remember seeing the photos that surfaced earlier when the Englishman came to Singapore. He did not visit us in the Primary School. If I am not mistaken, a speaker made mention of this book at a recent forum for schools.The then secondary school principal sent the photos to me and I forwarded the photos to Mr Mazlan then (Ahmad Ibrahim's son), to ask him to check with his mother, and he had confirmed, via email, that the photos were not that of his father. This is rather disappointing if it were true that a book published in Singapore contained major errors. Perhaps the publishers could do further research to ensure that the correct information is documented - I am not sure of any regulatory board that checks on this. You could check with the National Heritage Board on this? The name "Ahmad Ibrahim" is unfortunately, a very common name.

Miss Foong
Principal

Monday, July 14, 2008

My email to Edward Harmer (photo contributor)

Dear Mr Edward Harmer,

You may well aware that a book titled " The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore" was recently launched. You had contributed many stories and photos related to your stay in Sembawang during the 50's, 60's and 70's. I thank you for your many contributions. However, a friend of yours by the name of Ahmad Ibrahim is not the Ex-Minister of Health and Labour of Singapore. You may refer to the link below.

http://www.thelastkampungmosqueinsingapore.blogspot.com/

In the book, you mentioned you were surprised to know your friend Ahmad Ibrahim had been appointed as Minister.
Mr Eddie Harmer, I am afraid you will be in another surprise that your friend by the name of Ahmad Ibrahim has NOT been appointed as Minister. The real (ex-Minister) Ahmad Ibrahim's 2 sons and younger brother had scrutinised your contribution photos and they confirmed that the photos of yours are NOT ex-Minister Ahmad Ibrahim.

Yours Sincerely,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Old emails pertaining to the book "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore".

--- On Thu, 10/7/08, kamal <> wrote:
From: kamal <>

Subject: Verification from Mr Marzukhi Bin Ahmad: Book titled "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore"

To: lee_kuan_yew@pmo.gov.sg, lee_hsien_loong@pmo.gov.sg, bhavani_k@mica.gov.sg, chen_hwai_liang@mica.gov.sg, lau_lu_ching@pmo.gov.sg, lee_boon_yang@mica.gov.sg, maliki_osman@mnd.gov.sg, mcys_qsm@mcys.gov.sg, mica@mica.gov.sg, michael_koh@nhb.gov.sg, ng_eng_heng@moe.gov.sg, raman@sph.com.sg, v_bala@mcys.gov.sg, yaacob_ibrahim@mewr.gov.sg
Cc: alami@muis.gov.sg, alanchan@sph.com.sg, "Berita Harian" , "Julia CHEE" , contact@moe.edu.sg, guntor@sph.com.sg, hawazi@moh.gov.sg, "Idris" , khaw_boon_wan@moh.gov.sg, "Patricia Lee" , masagos_zulkifli@moe.gov.sg, "muis" , "New Paper" , pdaniel@sph.com.sg, petempatan.67544910.fax@muis.gov.sg, phang_lai_tee@nhb.gov.sg, "Kuan Wah PITT" , pmo_hq@pmo.gov.sg, prasad@nlb.gov.sg, qsm@moe.edu.sg, rahmad@sph.com.sg, "Mohd Noor Abdul Rahman" , razak@muis.gov.sg, saat@muis.gov.sg, "Samad" , sphcorp@sph.com.sg, tommy_koh@mfa.gov.sg, tscham@ntu.edu.sg, "Zaini" , zulkifli@sph.com.sg, hadijah.rahmat@nie.edu.sg, singkong.lee@nie.edu.sg, abdul_razak_marican@muis.gov.sg
Date: Thursday, 10 July, 2008, 4:13 PM

Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew,
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong,Mr Chen Hwai Liang, Press Secretary to Prime Minister,
Mdm Yeong Yoon Ying, Press Secretary to Minister Mentor,
Dr Lee Boon Yang, Minister for MICA,
Ms Bhavani, QSM and Press Secretary to MICA Minister,
Dr Vivian Balakrisnan, Minister for MCYS,
Dr Ng Eng Heng, Minister for Education,
Dr V Varaprasad, Chief Executive of National Library Board,
Mr Michael Koh, CEO National Heritage Board.

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I had received one more verification / validation from one of Mr Ahmad Ibrahim's son. He is Mr Marzukhi Bin Ahmad. Mr Marzukhi Ahmad had validated and verified that those photos (mainly found on page 54 of the book) contributed by Mr Edward Harmer is NOT of his father (Ahmad Ibrahim).
Mr Marzukhi is now being added in my list below who verified that the photos are not of Ahmad Ibrahim, ex-Minister of Health and Labour.

1. Mr Mazlan Bin Ahmad, Ahmad Ibrahim's eldest son,
2. Tuan Haji Othman Wok, our ex-MP and Ahmad Ibrahim's close friend,
3. Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Yahaya Ibrahim, Ahmad Ibrahim's younger brother and
4. Mr Marzukhi Bin Ahmad, Ahmad Ibrahim's son.

Please refer to Mr Marzukhi Bin Ahmad's mail below.


Yours Sincerely,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah.

--- On Wed, 9/7/08, marzukhi ahmad wrote:
From: marzukhi ahmad
Subject: Re: Buku berjudul "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore"
To: kamal
Date: Wednesday, 9 July, 2008, 5:23 PM

Wa'alaikumsalam saudara Kamal,

Upon scrutinization of 5 photos emailed, sad to say that none matches that of my late father. I could clearly recall all pictures of him though I was still very young then. Do allow me to reconfirm to you and those connected in the publishing of the 5 photos that those said photos are never that of his.I must say that I really treasure and value your interest holding the truth.

Yours sincerely,
Abg Marzukhi Ahmad.

--- On Wed, 7/9/08, kamal <> wrote:
From: kamal
Subject: Buku berjudul "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore"
To: Marzukhi Ahmad
Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2008, 1:07 AM

Assalamualaikum,

Abang Marzukhi,
Semoga Abg Marzukhi dan keluarga dalam keadaan sihat walafiat.

Kamal ingin update Abg Marzukhi perihal sebuah buku berjudul "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore". Kalau Abg Marzukhi baca emel (panjang lebar) di bawah, Abg Marzukhi tentu faham tujuan Kamal. Buku ini meriwayatkan sejarah tempat Sembawang. Terdapat beberapa gambar arwah Pak Jang Ahmad (bapa Abg Marzukhi) di dalam buku tersebut. Malangnya gambar gambar itu (pemberian seseorang Mat Salleh bernama Edward Harmer) salah. Bukannya gambar Pak Jang Ahmad. Saya telah pun menulis ke beberapa banyak pihak termasuk Buku Editor, Pihak Masjid, Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura, para Member of Parliament Melayu / Islam, Cabinet Ministers , PM Lee Hsien Loong dan MM Lee Kuan Yew. Sampai sekarang (ketika menulis emel ini) belum ada jawapan telus. Editor buku cuma menjawab " Akan dipertimbangkan". Untuk makluman Abg Marzukhi, ketika arwah Abg Mazlan dtg ke rumah Kamal tempohari, Abg Mazlan ada mengesahkan yang gambar gambar itu bukan Pak Jang Ahmad. Pakcik (Tan Sri Datuk Dr) Yahaya pun mengesahkan gambar itu salah. Kamal tidak mengerti mengapa pihak buku belum lagi mahu mengaku kesilapan. Kamal rasa kamal sudah buat apa yang terdaya. Kamal ingin meminta maaf kepada keluarga Allahyarham Pak Jang Ahmad Ibrahim kerana Kamal sudah buat apa yang terbaik tetapi kesilapan belum lagi di perbaiki. Abg Marzukhi boleh membaca emel (usaha) kamal di bawah. Abg Marzukhi boleh juga melihat kepada gambar gambar silap yang Kamal attached kan. Mungkin Abg Marzukhi boleh tolong mengesahkannya yang gambar gambar itu salah?

Salam Takzim,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah.

--- On Wed, 9/7/08, kamal <> wrote:
From: kamal <>
Subject: Appeal to Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew: Verification of Ahmad Ibrahim photos in the book titled "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore".
To: lee_kuan_yew@pmo.gov.sg, lee_hsien_loong@pmo.gov.sg
Cc: abdullah_tarmugi@parl.gov.sg, alami@muis.gov.sg, alanchan@sph.com.sg, amm@ii-vi.com.sg, ask.mp@keathong.com, "Berita Harian" , bhavani_k@mica.gov.sg, chen_hwai_liang@mica.gov.sg, faishal@nus.edu.sg, fatimah.abd.lateef@sgh.com.sg, guntor@sph.com.sg, hadijah.rahmat@nie.edu.sg, halimah@ntuc.org.sg, hawazi@moh.gov.sg, "Idris" , khaw_boon_wan@moh.gov.sg, lau_lu_ching@pmo.gov.sg, lee_boon_yang@mica.gov.sg, maliki_osman@mnd.gov.sg, masagos_zulkifli@moe.gov.sg, mcys_qsm@mcys.gov.sg, mha_qsm@mha.gov.sg, mica@mica.gov.sg, michael_koh@nhb.gov.sg, "muis" , ng_eng_heng@moe.gov.sg, pdaniel@sph.com.sg, pmo_hq@pmo.gov.sg, prasad@nlb.gov.sg, qsm@moe.edu.sg, rahmad@sph.com.sg, "Mohd Noor Abdul Rahman" , raman@sph.com.sg, saat@sph.com.sg, "Samad" , sim_siew_tin@moe.gov.sg, sphcorp@sph.com.sg, stephen_chin@moe.gov.sg, tommy_koh@mfa.gov.sg, tscham@ntu.edu.sg, v_bala@mcys.gov.sg, yaacob_ibrahim@mewr.gov.sg, yeong_yoon_ying@mica.gov.sg, "Zaini" , zainudin_nordin@pa.gov.sg, zainul_abidin_rasheed@mfa.gov.sg, zulkifli@sph.com.sg
Date: Wednesday, 9 July, 2008, 10:03 AM

Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew,
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong,

Dear Sir,

A book titled "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore" written by Dr Hadijah was recently launched. The book is published by Masjid Petempatan Melayu Sembawang (Sembawang Mosque) in collaboration with Berita Harian / SPH. It is a project by Masjid Petempatan Melayu Sembawang (Sembawang Mosque), Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) and Ministry of Community, Youth and Sport, Singapore (MCYS). In the book shows pictures of Mr Ahmad Ibrahim, our ex-Minister of Health and Labour. Those pictures were contributed by a man named Mr Edward Harmer. However, those photos are not the real Ahmad Ibrahim. I had validated and verified that the photos are NOT Ahmad Ibrahim from these 3 gentlemen:
1. Mazlan Bin Ahmad, Ahmad Ibrahim's eldest son,
2. Tuan Haji Othman Wok, our ex-MP and Ahmad Ibrahim's close friend and
3. Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Yahaya Ibrahim, Ahmad Ibrahim's younger brother. Dr Yahaya Ibrahim is Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris in Malaysia.
Information on Dr Yahaya Ibrahim available in the link below.
http://www.studymalaysia.com/education/personnels.php?id=74

On page 14 of the book, it states "One of the main recommendations of the report is to publish the research findings and materials gathered for use as public reference and educational material".
As mentioned above, this book is going to be used for reference for all people including researchers, teachers, student, etc. The public may be looking at the wrong infos.This book currently available in National Library as reference book. On 21 Jun 2008, 2 speakers (Rahil Ismail and Faizah Jamal) already gave a talk on this book to the public at Woodlands Regional Library. I attached in this mail few pictures of "Ahmad Ibrahim" contributed by a man named Mr Edward Harmer for your view as you may know Mr Ahmad Ibrahim personally. I had send emails to many people prior to you. They include:

1. The book editor-in-chief,
2. Berita Harian and SPH,
3. Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS),
4. Press Secretary to Minister Mentor,
5. Press Secretary to Prime Minister,
6. Minister for MCYS,
7. Minister for MICA,
8. Minister for Education,
9. All 13 Malay/Muslim Members of Parliament,
10. National Library Board,
11. National Heritage Board.

The book editor, Dr Hadijah replied to me as "Akan ditimbangkan oleh Sidang Editor"
Dr Maliki Osman, the Chairman of the Mosque Preservation Committee replied to me as "Perkara ini akan dirujukkan kepada Prof Hadijah dan sidang editor penerbitan buku tersebut untuk dipertimbangkan dengan teliti, dan jika perlu, langkah yang sewajarnya akan diambil selepas itu".

You may refer to my below lengthy mail.

Yours Sincerely,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah.

--- On Tue, 8/7/08, kamal <> wrote:
From: kamal <>
Subject: Fw: Verification of Ahmad Ibrahim photos in the book titled "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore".
To: yaacob_ibrahim@mewr.gov.sg, hawazi@moh.gov.sg, masagos_zulkifli@moe.gov.sg, maliki_osman@mnd.gov.sg, zainul_abidin_rasheed@mfa.gov.sg, abdullah_tarmugi@parl.gov.sg, amm@ii-vi.com.sg, fatimah.abd.lateef@sgh.com.sg, halimah@ntuc.org.sg, faishal@nus.edu.sg, zainudin_nordin@pa.gov.sg, ask.mp@keathong.com
Cc: alami@muis.gov.sg, alanchan@sph.com.sg, "Berita Harian" , bhavani_k@mica.gov.sg, contact@moe.edu.sg, guntor@sph.com.sg, "Adnan Abdul Hamid" , "Idris" , mcys_qsm@mcys.gov.sg, mica@mica.gov.sg, "muis" , "New Paper" , pdaniel@sph.com.sg, pmo_hq@pmo.gov.sg, prasad@nlb.gov.sg, qsm@moe.edu.sg, rahmad@sph.com.sg, "Mohd Noor Abdul Rahman" , raman@sph.com.sg, saat@sph.com.sg, "Samad" , sphcorp@sph.com.sg, tommy_koh@mfa.gov.sg, tscham@ntu.edu.sg, "Zaini" , zulkifli@sph.com.sg
Date: Tuesday, 8 July, 2008, 4:50 PM

Kepada Ahli Parlimen Melayu / Islam Singapura yang saya hormati,

Tuan / Puan,

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim,
Abdullah Tarmugi,
Ahmad Mohd Magad,
Fatimah Binte Abdul Lateef,
Halimah Yacob,
Hawazi Daipi,
Masagos Zulkifli,
Dr Maliki Osman,
Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim,
Zainudin Nordin,
Zainul Abidin Rasheed,
Zaqy Bin Mohamad.

Assalamualaikum,

Saya Kamal Bin Abu Serah. Baru baru ini, sebuah buku berjudul "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore" telah dilancarkan sempena Masjid Pertempatan Melayu Sembawang. Buku itu tulisan Dr Hadijah dan di terbitkan oleh Masjid itu sendiri dan (collaboration with) Berita Harian (SPH). Terdapat beberapa kesilapan pada gambar gambar arwah Ahmad Ibrahim, mantan Menteri Kesihatan dan Buruh Singapura didalam buku tersebut. Gambar gambar Ahmad Ibrahim pemberian seseorang bernama Encik Edward Harmer adalah salah.
Saya sudah pun mendapat pengesahan yang gambar gambar pemberian Encik Edward Harmer adalah salah dari 3 orang berikut:
1. Encik Mazlan Bin Ahmad, anak sulong Ahmad Ibrahim,
2. Tuan Haji Othman Wok, ahli politik veteran dan kawan karib Ahmad Ibrahim dan
3. Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Yahaya Ibrahim, adik Ahmad Yahaya.
Profile Dr Yahaya Ibrahim boleh didapati di link dibawah.
http://www.studymalaysia.com/education/personnels.php?id=74

Saya berharap, para AP dapat membaca emel saya dibawah untuk maklumat lanjut.

Salam Takzim,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah.

--- On Tue, 8/7/08, kamal wrote:
From: kamal <>
Subject: Fw: Verification of Ahmad Ibrahim photos in the book titled "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore".
To: alanchan@sph.com.sg, tscham@ntu.edu.sg, pdaniel@sph.com.sg
Cc: azahar@sph.com.sg, "Berita Harian" , bhavani_k@mica.gov.sg, "Julia CHEE" , contact@moe.edu.sg, darwis@sph.com.sg, dayans@sph.com.sg, dewani@sph.com.sg, farid@sph.com.sg, guntor@sph.com.sg, hanim@sph.com.sg, haryani@sph.com.sg, hawazi@moh.gov.sg, hishambh@sph.com.sg, "Idris" , jaz@sph.com.sg, khalidk@sph.com.sg, "Patricia Lee" , "Nur Adilah Ahmad Mahbob" , maliki_osman@mnd.gov.sg, masagos_zulkifli@moe.gov.sg, mayping@sph.com.sg, mcys_qsm@mcys.gov.sg, mica@mica.gov.sg, nadzri@sph.com.sg, "New Paper" , nizam@sph.com.sg, nraihan@sph.com.sg, pmo_hq@pmo.gov.sg, prasad@nlb.gov.sg, qsm@moe.edu.sg, rahmad@sph.com.sg, "Mohd Noor Abdul Rahman" , raman@sph.com.sg, rosliza@sph.com.sg, saat@sph.com.sg, saini@sph.com.sg, sani@sph.com.sg, shian@sph.com.sg, soraya@sph.com.sg, suomar@sph.com.sg, zaihan@sph.com.sg, zainul_abidin_rasheed@mfa.gov.sg, zubaidah@sph.com.sg, zulkifli@sph.com.sg, zuraidah@sph.com.sg, rafeaha@sph.com.sg, norhaiza@sph.com.sg, normans@sph.com.sg, rosebi@sph.com.sg, sphcorp@sph.com.sg
Date: Tuesday, 8 July, 2008, 11:00 AM

Mr Alan Chan Heng Loon, SPH Chief Executive Officer,
Professor Cham Tao Soon, SPH Deputy Chairman,
Mr Patrick Daniel, Editor-In-Chief, SPH English & Malay Newspaper Division,

Dear Sir,

I shall proceed to write email to Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Yours Sincerely,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah.

--- On Mon, 7/7/08, kamal <> wrote:
From: kamal <>
Subject: Fw: Verification of Ahmad Ibrahim photos in the book titled "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore".
To: stephen_chin@moe.gov.sg, sim_siew_tin@moe.gov.sg, qsm@moe.edu.sg
Cc: masagos_zulkifli@moe.gov.sg, "Julia CHEE" , "Principal foong" , guntor@sph.com.sg, hawazi@moh.gov.sg, "Idris" , "Patricia Lee" , maliki_osman@mnd.gov.sg, mcys_qsm@mcys.gov.sg, mica@mica.gov.sg, "New Paper" , pdaniel@sph.com.sg, pmo_hq@pmo.gov.sg, rahmad@sph.com.sg, "Mohd Noor Abdul Rahman" , raman@sph.com.sg, rosliza@sph.com.sg, saat@sph.com.sg, "Principal Tan" , zulkifli@sph.com.sg, alanchan@sph.com.sg, zainul_abidin_rasheed@mfa.gov.sg, tscham@ntu.edu.sg, v_bala@mcys.gov.sg, ng_eng_heng@moe.gov.sg, lee_boon_yang@mica.gov.sg, "Yogeeta" , prasad@nlb.gov.sg
Date: Monday, 7 July, 2008, 7:38 PM

Mr Stephen Chin, Principal of Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School,
Madam Sim Siew Tin, Principal of Ahmad Ibrahim Primary School,

Dear Sir / Madam,

My name is Kamal Bin Abu Serah. Your school is named after the late ex-Minister of Health and Labour, Mr Ahmad Ibrahim. A book was recently launched titled " The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore". It is written by Dr Hadijah. In the book shows many pictures and articles related to Sembawang. In the book also shows few pictures of Mr Ahmad Ibrahim, our former Minister. However, the pictures contributed by a man named Mr Edward Harmer published in that book is NOT of Ahmad Ibrahim. The reason I write to you two (Principals of Ahmad Ibrahim Primary and Secondary Schools) is to let you know of the mistakes (wrong identity of Mr Ahmad Ibrahim). Your staff, teachers and student may use the book for reference and research. Please be aware. At present (when I am writing this mail) no correction has been made yet to the book. The book is published by Masjid Pertempatan Melayu Sembawang (Sembawang Mosque) in collaboration with BERITA HARIAN / SPH. It is a project by Masjid Pertempatan Melayu Sembawang, Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) and Ministry of Community, Youth and Sport, Singapore (MCYS). The book is available in National Library as reference book. Please inform your staff, teachers and student. You may read my lengthy email below.

Yours Sincerely,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah

--- On Sun, 6/7/08, kamal <> wrote:
From: kamal <>
Subject: Fw: Verification of Ahmad Ibrahim photos in the book titled "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore".
To: chen_hwai_liang@mica.gov.sg, yeong_yoon_ying@mica.gov.sg
Cc: mica@mica.gov.sg, bhavani_k@mica.gov.sg, guntor@sph.com.sg, raman@sph.com.sg, "Mohd Noor Abdul Rahman" , rahmad@sph.com.sg, saat@sph.com.sg, "Idris" , pdaniel@sph.com.sg, alanchan@sph.com.sg, tscham@ntu.edu.sg, hawazi@moh.gov.sg, lau_lu_ching@pmo.gov.sg, "Patricia Lee" , maliki_osman@mnd.gov.sg, masagos_zulkifli@moe.gov.sg, mcys_qsm@mcys.gov.sg, mewr_yaacob_ibrahim@mewr.gov.sg, michael_koh@nhb.gov.sg, "New Paper" , "QSM NLLINE" , qsm@moe.edu.sg, v_bala@mcys.gov.sg, yaacob_ibrahim@mewr.gov.sg, "Yogeeta" , zainul_abidin_rasheed@mfa.gov.sg, lee_boon_yang@mica.gov.sg, ng_eng_heng@moe.gov.sg
Date: Sunday, 6 July, 2008, 9:05 AM

Mr Chen Hwai Liang, Press Secretary to Prime Minister,
Mdm Yeong Yoon Ying, Press Secretary to Minister Mentor,
Dr Lee Boon Yang, Minister for MICA,
Ms Bhavani, QSM and Press Secretary to MICA Minister,
Dr Vivian Balakrisnan, Minister for MCYS,
Dr Ng Eng Heng, Minister for Education,
Dr V Varaprasad, Chief Executive of National Library Board,
Mr Michael Koh, CEO National Heritage Board.

Dear Sir/Ma'am,

Please refer to my below email. A book titled "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore" written by Dr Hadijah was recently launched. The book is published by Masjid Pertempatan Melayu Sembawang (Sembawang Mosque) in collaboration with Berita Harian / SPH. The book is a project by Masjid Pertempatan Melayu Sembawang (Sembawang Mosque), Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) and Ministry of Community, Youth and Sport, Singapore (MCYS). In the book shows pictures of Ahmad Ibrahim, our ex-Minister of Health and Labour. Those pictures were contributed by a man named Mr Edward Harmer. However, those photos are not the real Ahmad Ibrahim. I had validated and verified that the photos are not Ahmad Ibrahim from these 3 people:
1. Mazlan Bin Ahmad, Ahmad Ibrahim's eldest son,
2. Tuan Haji Othman Wok, our ex-MP and Ahmad Ibrahim's close friend and
3. Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Yahaya Ibrahim, Ahmad Ibrahim's younger brother. Dr Yahaya Ibrahim is Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris in Malaysia.
Information on Dr Yahaya Ibrahim on the link below.
http://www.studymalaysia.com/education/personnels.php?id=74

This book is going to be used for reference for all people including researchers, teachers, student, etc. This book currently available in National Library as reference book. On 21 Jun 2008, 2 speakers already gave a talk on this book to the public at Woodlands Regional Library.

Yours Sincerely,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah.

--- On Sat, 5/7/08, kamal <> wrote:
From: kamal <>
Subject: Verification of Ahmad Ibrahim photos in the book titled "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore".
To: alanchan@sph.com.sg, tscham@ntu.edu.sg, pdaniel@sph.com.sg
Cc: azahar@sph.com.sg, "Berita Harian" , "BHEditors" , "Julia CHEE" , dewani@sph.com.sg, farid@sph.com.sg, guntor@sph.com.sg, hanim@sph.com.sg, haryani@sph.com.sg, hawazi@moh.gov.sg, "Idris" , infotech@newstoday.com.sg, jaz@sph.com.sg, khalidk@sph.com.sg, lau_lu_ching@pmo.gov.sg, "Patricia Lee" , "Nur Adilah Ahmad Mahbob" , maliki_osman@mnd.gov.sg, masagos_zulkifli@moe.gov.sg, mayping@sph.com.sg, mcys_qsm@mcys.gov.sg, mewr_yaacob_ibrahim@mewr.gov.sg, mha_feedback@mha.gov.sg, mha_qsm@mha.gov.sg, michael_koh@nhb.gov.sg, "New Paper" , nizam@sph.com.sg, phang_lai_tee@nhb.gov.sg, "Kuan Wah PITT" , pmo_hq@pmo.gov.sg, "Tan Wan Qi" , rahmad@sph.com.sg, "Mohd Noor Abdul Rahman" , raman@sph.com.sg, rosliza@sph.com.sg, saini@sph.com.sg, sani@sph.com.sg, shamj@sph.com.sg, shian@sph.com.sg, soraya@sph.com.sg, suomar@sph.com.sg, tommy_koh@mfa.gov.sg, v_bala@mcys.gov.sg, yaacob_ibrahim@mewr.gov.sg, zaihan@sph.com.sg, zainul_abidin_rasheed@mfa.gov.sg, zubaidah@sph.com.sg, zuraidah@sph.com.sg, hishambh@sph.com.sg, dayans@sph.com.sg, nadzri@sph.com.sg, saat@sph.com.sg, nraihan@sph.com.sg, darwis@sph.com.sg
Date: Saturday, 5 July, 2008, 11:20 AM

Dear Sir,

Mr Alan Chan Heng Loon, Chief Executive Officer of SPH,
Professor Cham Tao Soon, Deputy Chairman of SPH,
Mr Patrick Daniel, Editor-In-Chief, Malay Newspaper Division.

My name is Kamal Bin Abu Serah and I am from Woodlands. Recently, a book titled "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore" has been launched. The author of the book is Associate Professor Dr Hadijah bte Rahmat, Assistant Head, Asia Languages and Cultures, National Institute of Education and Nanyang Technological University. The book is published by Masjid Pertempatan Melayu Sembawang (Sembawang Mosque) in collaboration with BERITA HARIAN / SPH. In the book shows detail description of past life in Sembawang. Also shown pictures of Ahmad Ibrahim, ex-Minister for Manpower and Health (1959 to 1962). My concern is those pictures of Ahmad Ibrahim (contributed by someone by the name of Mr Edward Harmer) on page 54 of the book do not show the real picture of Ahmad Ibrahim. The pictures show somebody else but mentioning it is of Ahmad Ibrahim. I did feedback to Dr Hadijah, the book author but she claimed she get the verification from Ahmad Ibrahim's friends.
I had made verifications that the photos are not of Mr Ahmad Ibrahim from the following personnel:
1. Mr Mazlan bin Ahmad, Mr Ahmad Ibrahim's eldest son.
2. Tuan Haji Othman Wok, political veteran and close friend of Ahmad Ibrahim
3. Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Yahaya Ibrahim, Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris in Malaysia, Ahmad Ibrahim's younger brother.

The above three gentlemen had verified that the photos in the book are wrong (not the real Ahmad Ibrahim). I had requested Berita Harian to publish my verification that the photos are wrong hoping the readers will get the correct facts. You may read below email (in Malay).

Yours Sincerely,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah.

--- On Wed, 2/7/08, kamal <> wrote:
From: kamal
Subject: RE: Pengesahan gambar Ahmad Ibrahim di dalam buku "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore".
To: "Maliki OSMAN" , hadijah.rahmat@nie.edu.sg
Cc: "Adnan Abdul Hamid" , "Ainawati" , annur@annur.mosque.org.sg, guntor@sph.com.sg, "Hajis Salim" , "Idris" , "muis" , "MEWR Yaacob IBRAHIM" , "MOE Masagos ZULKIFLI" , "MOH HAWAZI DAIPI" , "Mohd Noor Abdul Rahman" , norhanisahsaphari@yahoo.com.sg, nor_hanisah_saphari@moe.edu.sg, petempatan.67544910.fax@muis.gov.sg, rahmad@sph.com.sg, raman@sph.com.sg, "Razif Bin BAHARI (ALC)" , rosliza@sph.com.sg, "Samad" , "Sazali Sahri" , "Sazali Sahri" , "Suratman Haji Hussein" , suryati_mail@moe.edu.sg, vainimage_ati@hotmail.com, zaihan@sph.com.sg, "Zaini" , "Zainul Abidin RASHEED" , zubaidah@sph.com.sg, zuraidah@sph.com.sg, rismail@nie.edu.sg, faizah_jamal@nlb.gov.sg, "Yogeeta" , mcys_qsm@mcys.gov.sg, "Julia CHEE" , "Patricia Lee" , "Berita Harian" , "New Paper" , pmo_hq@pmo.gov.sg, lau_lu_ching@pmo.gov.sg
Date: Wednesday, 2 July, 2008, 9:27 AM

Assalamualaikum,
Dr Maliki Osman dan Dr Hadijah,

Baru baru ini, saya telah mengutus emel kepada adik arwah Ahmad Ibrahim. Beliau ialah Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Yahaya Ibrahim, Pro-Canselor Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. Sila lihat link di bawah untuk mengetahui lebih lanjut tentang Dr Yahaya Ibrahim.


http://www.studymalaysia.com/education/personnels.php?id=74
http://www.olympia.edu.my/BOG/bog.html
http://www.olympia.edu.my/highlights/unisel.html
http://www.nccedu.com/News%20and%20Links/Press%20Releases/PR_item.asp?PR_ID=396
http://web.upsi.edu.my/v1/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=101&Itemid=128
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/National/2243418/Article/

Saya merakamkan gambar gambar 'controversial' yang terdapat di halaman 54 buku "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore" dan menghantar kepada Dr Yahaya supaya beliau boleh buat pengesahan sama ada gambar itu sah gambar abang beliau (Ahmad Ibrahim). Sila lihat balasan emel di bawah dari Dr Yahaya.
"Daripada lima keping gambar yang dikirimkan melalui e-mail kepada Pakchik itu adalah amat jelas bahawa tiada satu pun yang merupa gambar Pak Jang Ahmad"

Sudah jelas dan terang yang gambar gambar pemberian Eddie Hammer bukannya Ahmad Ibrahim mantan Menteri Lesihatan dan Buruh Singapura. Antara orang orang yang mengesahkan itu bukan gambar Ahmad Ibrahim ialah:

1. Arwah Mazlan Ahmad, anak sulong Ahmad Ibrahim
2. Tuan Haji Othman Wok, ahli politik veteran dan kawan karib Ahmad Ibrahim
3. Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Yahaya Ibrahim, adik Ahmad Ibrahim

Nama nama di atas adalah 'credible' untuk buat pengesahan. Saya berharap agar Dr Hadijah dan para sidang editor beliau tidak mengambil masa yang lama untuk tindakan selanjutnya untuk memperbaiki kesilapan pada gambar gambar Ahmad Ibrahim. Samada buku itu di tukar atau gambar gambar salah ditukar ganti.
Dr Maliki, pertimbangan dan langkah selanjutnya tidak perlu memakan masa yang lama setelah nama nama yang saya sebutkan sudah memberi pengesahan.
Saya juga meminta kerjasama dari pihak Berita Harian / Minggu, Sdr Mohd Raman Daud dan Sdr Guntor Sadali agar dapat menyiarkan dan memberitahu masyarakat umum bahawa gambar gambar pemberian Encik Eddie Hammer (Halaman 54 khususnya) didalam buku "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore" adalah salah berdasarkan pengesahan dari Arwah Mazlan Ahmad, Tuan Haji Othman Wok dan Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Yahaya Ibrahim. Jangan biarkan rakyat tertipu dengan tidak mahu "memperpanjangkan isu ini di akhbar".

Salam Takzim,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah




Tuesday, 1 July, 2008 5:34 PM
From: "Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Yahaya Ibrahim"
To: kamal

Saudara Kamal Abu Serah,

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh!

Apa khabar Kamal seisi keluarga? Semoga masing-masing dianugerah Allah swt berada dalam keadaan aman damai dan sihat wal-afiat belaka hendaknya!

Pakchik ingin mengucapkan setinggi-tinggi terima kasih di atas usaha Kamal mengambil berat tentang keluarga Pakchik, khasnya abang Pakchik, Allanyarham Pak jang Ahmad.

Daripada lima keping gambar yang dikirimkan melalui e-mail kepada Pakchik itu adalah amat jelas bahawa tiada satu pun yang merupa gambar Pak Jang Ahmad.

Jika ada pihak yang memerlukan gambar Pak Jang yang sebenarnya dan sahih, iaitu untuk digunakan sebagai rekod sejarah, Pakchik mempunyai beberapa gambar beliau.

Sekian. Terima kasih. Wassalam.


Yang benar
Pakchik Yahaya

--- On Mon, 30/6/08, Maliki OSMAN wrote:
From: Maliki OSMAN Maliki_OSMAN@mnd.gov.sg
Subject: RE: Pengesahan gambar Ahmad Ibrahim di dalam buku "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore".To: kamal
Cc: "Adnan Abdul Hamid" , "Ainawati" , annur@annur.mosque.org.sg, guntor@sph.com.sg, "Hadijah Bte RAHMAT (ALC)" , "Hajis Salim" , "Idris" , "muis" , "MEWR Yaacob IBRAHIM" , "MOE Masagos ZULKIFLI" , "MOH HAWAZI DAIPI" , "Mohd Noor Abdul Rahman" , norhanisahsaphari@yahoo.com.sg, nor_hanisah_saphari@moe.edu.sg, petempatan.67544910.fax@muis.gov.sg, rahmad@sph.com.sg, raman@sph.com.sg, "Razif Bin BAHARI (ALC)" , rosliza@sph.com.sg, "Samad" , "Sazali Sahri" , "Sazali Sahri" , "Suratman Haji Hussein" , suryati_mail@moe.edu.sg, vainimage_ati@hotmail.com, zaihan@sph.com.sg, "Zaini" , "Zainul Abidin RASHEED" , zubaidah@sph.com.sg, zuraidah@sph.com.sg
Date: Monday, 30 June, 2008, 1:52 PM

Wa'alaikumsalam wr. wb.
En Kamal Terimakasih atas email saudara tentang perkara yang the utarakan dan terimakasih atas keperihatinan saudara tentang isi kandungan buku itu. Perkara ini akan dirujukkan kepada Prof Hadijah dan sidang editor penerbitan buku tersebut untuk dipertimbangkan dengan teliti, dan jika perlu, langkah yang sewajarnya akan diambil selepas itu.
Terimakasih
Wassalam

Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman,
Parliamentary Secretary,
Ministry of National Development

DID: (65) 6325 7115 Fax: (65) 6226 4369 Website: www.mnd.gov.sg
WARNING : This email may contain privileged and confidential information. If you receive this email by mistake, you should immediately notify the sender and delete the email. Unauthorised communication and disclosure of any information in the email is an offence under the Official Secrets Act (Cap 213).

kamal <>
06/29/2008 09:33 PM

To
Maliki OSMAN/MND/SINGOV@SINGOV, MOE Masagos ZULKIFLI/MOE/SINGOV@SINGOV
cc
MEWR Yaacob IBRAHIM/MEWR/SINGOV@SINGOV, Zainul Abidin RASHEED/MFA/SINGOV@SINGOV, MOH HAWAZI DAIPI/MOH/SINGOV@SINGOV, Sazali Sahri , Sazali Sahri , suryati_mail@moe.edu.sg, nor_hanisah_saphari@moe.edu.sg, norhanisahsaphari@yahoo.com.sg, "Razif Bin BAHARI \(ALC\)" , muis , Samad , Ainawati , Zaini , Adnan Abdul Hamid , petempatan.67544910.fax@muis.gov.sg, raman@sph.com.sg, guntor@sph.com.sg, rosliza@sph.com.sg, Hajis Salim , "Hadijah Bte RAHMAT \(ALC\)" , Suratman Haji Hussein , annur@annur.mosque.org.sg, Mohd Noor Abdul Rahman , rahmad@sph.com.sg, zaihan@sph.com.sg, Idris , zubaidah@sph.com.sg, zuraidah@sph.com.sg, vainimage_ati@hotmail.com
Subject
RE: Pengesahan gambar Ahmad Ibrahim di dalam buku "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore".

Assalamualaikum,
Dr Maliki, Sdr Masagos, Sdr Hawazi, Sdr Zainul, Dr Yaakob,

Saya berharap moga Saudara sekelian dapat meluangkan masa membaca emel saya ini. Dr Maliki, Baru baru ini, buku berjudul "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore" telah dilancarkan sempena Masjid Pertempatan Sembawang. Buku tulisan Professor Dr Hadijah Rahmat. Saya difahamkan yang Dr Maliki ialah Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pengekalan Masjid Pertempatan Melayu Sembawang. Saya diundang sama semasa perlancaran buku tersebut dan saya membeli senaskah buku. Saya dapati gambar gambar Ahmad Ibrahim (pemberian Eddie Hammer) di halaman 54 adalah salah. Saya mengutus emel dengan Professor Dr Hadijah untuk memberitahu beliau tentang kesilapan pada halaman 54 tetapi beliau mengatakan yang beliau dan para sidang editor sudah mendapat pengesahan dari Encik Kassim Selamat dan Haji Suppien, yang Dr Hadijah menyatakan yang mereka adalah rakan rakan Ahmad Ibrahim. Anak sulong Ahmad Ibrahim, Encik Mazlan Ahmad ada datang mengunjungi saya pada bulan Mei yang lalu dan Encik Mazlan mengesahkan yang gambar gambar di halaman 54 bukannya gambar arwah bapa beliau. Bukankah pengesahan dari anak sendiri dikira sahih? Walaubagaimanapun, Encik Mazlan telah meninggal dunia pada bulan Jun yang lalu. Semoga Allah mencucuri rahmat ke atas rohnya. Saya memberitahu Dr Hadijah tentang pengesahan dari anak Ahmad Ibrahim sendiri (arwah Mazlan Ahmad) tetapi jawapan dari Dr Hadijah tetap sama. Saya berhubung dengan Tuan Haji Othman Wok. Tuan Haji Othman Wok merupakan ahli politik veteran dan juga kawan karib Ahmad Ibrahim. Saya bertemu Tuan Haji di pejabat beliau dan setelah Tuan Haji Othman Wok meneliti gambar gambar tersebut, Tuan Haji mengesahkan yang gambar gambar di halaman 54 bukannya gambar Ahmad Ibrahim, mantan Menteri Kesihatan dan Buruh Singapura dahulu. Tuan Haji Othman memberitahu saya supaya memberitahu Dr Hadijah yang gambar gambar di halaman 54 adalah salah. Saya mengutus emel kepada Dr Hadijah dan jawapan beliau ialah "Akan ditimbangkan oleh Sidang Editor " (Sila lihat emel di bawah). Saya juga ada menghubungi Puan Julia Chee, Deputy Director, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore. Malangnya, pihak National Archives of Singapore tiada gambar gambar lama zaman arwah muda untuk di buat perbandingan. Saya ada menulis ke Berita Harian, malangnya Sdr Mohd Raman Daud dari Berita Harian tidak mahu 'isu ini diperpanjangkan' di akhbar (sila lihat emel di bawah). Dr Maliki, sebagai Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pengekalan Masjid Petempatan Melayu Sembawang, saya berharap Dr Maliki dapat memberitahu Dr Hadijah dan para sidang editornya supaya dapat menjalankan kajian menyeluruh tentang dakwaan saya yang gambar pemberian Eddie Hammer adalah salah. Terdapat ramai yang boleh membuat pengesahan termasuk balu Ahmad Ibrahim, Puan Puteh, anak anak Ahmad Ibrahim, Encik Marzukhi Ahmad dan Puan Marliana Ahmad. Ahmad Ibrahim juga mempunyai adik lelaki iaitu Tan Sri, Datuk Dr Haji Yahaya Ibrahim, Pro-Canselor Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. Dr Hadijah boleh mendapat pengesahan dari kaum kerabat Ahmad Ibrahim selagi mereka masih hidup. Bayangkan dalam 3 / 4 abad atau lebih bila tiada seorang pun dapat mengenali Ahmad Ibrahim, tiada siapa yang dapat menyangkal jika terdapat kesilapan di dalam buku. Saya juga ada mengutus emel ke MM Lee Kuan Yew kerana MM Lee memang mengenali Ahmad Ibrahim. Tetapi saya masih belum menerima jawapan dari MM Lee. Saudara Masagos, sebagai Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education, saya rasa Encik Masagos harus merasa risau kerana buku ini akan menjadi bahan rujukan para cendiakawan, guru guru, pelajar dan masyarakat amnya. Kalau terdapat kesilapan dan tidak di perbaiki, generasi akan mendapat fakta yang salah. Untuk pengetahuan Dr Maliki dan Encik Masagos, Ahmad Ibrahim merupakan adik ipar pakcik saya. Saya berharap kesilapan dapat di perbaiki dan orang ramai (dengan bantuan pihak akhbar) dapat mengetahui fakta yang benar.

Salam Takzim,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah.

--- On Tue, 24/6/08, Hadijah Bte RAHMAT (ALC) wrote:
From: Hadijah Bte RAHMAT (ALC) hadijah.rahmat@nie.edu.sg
Subject: RE: Pengesahan gambar Ahmad Ibrahim di dalam buku "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore".
To: "kamal"
Cc: "Sazali Sahri" , "Sazali Sahri" , suryati_mail@moe.edu.sg, nor_hanisah_saphari@moe.edu.sg, norhanisahsaphari@yahoo.com.sg, "Razif Bin BAHARI (ALC)" , "muis" , "Samad" , "Ainawati" , "Zaini" , "Adnan Abdul Hamid" , petempatan.67544910.fax@muis.gov.sg, raman@sph.com.sg, guntor@sph.com.sg, rosliza@sph.com.sg, "Hajis Salim" Date: Tuesday, 24 June, 2008, 3:31 PM

Saudara kamal,

Wa’alaikum salam

Terima kasih atas segala usaha dan saranan saudara.
Akan ditimbangkan oleh Sidang Editor.

Wassalam

Hadijah Rahmat

From: kamal
Sent: Tuesday, 24 June, 2008 11:41 AM
To: Hadijah Bte RAHMAT (ALC)
Cc: Sazali Sahri; Sazali Sahri; suryati_mail@moe.edu.sg; nor_hanisah_saphari@moe.edu.sg; norhanisahsaphari@yahoo.com.sg; Razif Bin BAHARI (ALC); muis; Samad; Ainawati; Zaini; Adnan Abdul Hamid; petempatan.67544910.fax@muis.gov.sg; raman@sph.com.sg; guntor@sph.com.sg; rosliza@sph.com.sg
Subject: Pengesahan gambar Ahmad Ibrahim di dalam buku "The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore".

Assalamualaikum,
Puan Dr Hadijah,

Saya minta maaf sekiranya emel saya ini menganggu Puan. Berikutan mengenai gambar Ahmad Ibrahim pemberian Encik Eddie Hammer yang di siarkan di dalam buku Puan, baru baru ini, saya telah mengunjungi Tuan Haji Othman Wok di pejabat beliau. Tuan Haji Othman Wok merupakan ahli politik veteran dan beliau juga merupakan sahabat karib Ahmad Ibrahim. Tuan Haji memberitahu saya pada waktu itu, Ahmad Ibrahim adalah pengerusi PAP Malay Affairs Bureau dan Tuan Haji Othman Wok merupakan anggotanya. Tujuan saya bertemu dengan Tuan Haji Othman Wok adalah untuk mendapat pengesahan sama ada gambar gambar di halaman 54 adalah betul. Setelah Tuan Haji Othman Wok meneliti gambar gambar tersebut, Tuan Haji mengesahkan yang gambar tersebut bukannya Ahmad Ibrahim mantan Menteri Kesihatan dan Buruh Singapura. Tuan Haji Othman Wok memberitahu saya supaya mengutus emel kepada Dr Hadijah dan memberitahu Puan yang gambar itu bukannya Ahmad Ibrahim mantan Menteri Kesihatan dan Buruh. Jikalau Dr Hadijah musykil, Puan boleh hubungi Tuan Haji Othman Wok. Disini saya sertakan gambar saya bersama Tuan Haji di pejabat beliau.
Dr Hadijah, tujuan saya hanya lah satu, perbaiki lah kesilapan yang ada supaya masyarakat tidak keliru. Saya juga ada berhubung dengan Puan Julia Chee, Deputy Director, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore. Kami duduk berbincang bersama sama kakitangan beliau. Malangnya. pihak National Archives of Singapore tiada gambar waktu Ahmad Ibrahim zaman muda. Puan Julia mencadangkan pada saya supaya mengambil beberapa gambar gambar dalam simpanan balu arwah dan di serahkan pada National Archives of Singapore supaya dapat di buat perbandingan. Insyaallah, saya akan buat demikian setelah mendapat keizinan dari pihak keluarga Allahyarham Ahmad Ibrahim.

Salam Takzim,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah


--- On Thu, 12/6/08, kamal wrote:
From: kamal
Subject: Re: Fw: Forum Berita Harian: GAMBAR AL AHMAD IBRAHIM
To: "Mohd Raman Daud" raman@sph.com.sg
Cc: "BHEditors" , rosliza@sph.com.sg, guntor@sph.com.sg, rahmad@sph.com.sg, "Mohd Noor Abdul Rahman" noorar@sph.com.sg
Date: Thursday, 12 June, 2008, 11:05 AM

Assalamualaikum,
Sdr Raman dan para editor BH,

Terima kasih di atas emel anda. Bila Encik Raman menyatakan jika saya "sangsi"... bermakna En Raman juga berpendapat yang gambar Ahmad Ibrahim di halaman 54 adalah betul. Saya juga tidak berniat untuk memperpanjangkan isu ini. Sekiranya gambar itu hanya berada di tangan Encik Raman dan Encik Raman menyatakan gambar itu betul, saya tidak kisah pasal Encik Raman seorang saja yang berpendapat begitu. Akan tetapi, buku tulisan Dr Hadijah mungkin akan menjadi bahan rujukan para cendiakawan, guru, pelajar dan masyarakat am nya dan mereka ini akan mendapat fakta yang berbeza.
Semasa perlancaran buku tersebut, saya juga turut diundang. Pertama kali saya lihat gambar Ahmad Ibrahim di dalam buku itu, saya dapati ianya salah. Saya berutus emel dengan Dr Hadijah. Dr Hadijah memberi penjelasan yang sama (mendapat pengesahan dari Eddie Hammer, Kassim Selamat, Hj Suppien). Selepas itu, saya tidak lagi 'pursue' perkara ini.. Tetapi, apabila anak Ahmad Ibrahim, Encik Mazlan Ahmad datang mengunjung ke rumah saya pada 17hb Mei yang lalu, saya mengambil kesempatan untuk menunjukan kepada beliau 'gambar' arwah bapa beliau di dalam buku 'The last Kampung Mosque in Singapore'. Encik Mazlan mengesahkan yang gambar di halaman 54 BUKANNYA gambar bapa beliau. Saya berutus emel kepada Dr Hadijah tentang pengesahan dari Encik Mazlan. Akan tetapi, Dr Hadijah tetap memberi jawapan yang sama. Bila pengesahan dibuat oleh anak sendiri, bukan kah itu sahih? Encik Raman cuba bayangkan sekiranya pihak sekolah atau masjid Ahmad Ibrahim mengambil gambar Ahmad Ibrahim yang salah dan di hiaskan di dinding sekolah / masjid. Para guru, penuntut dan jemaah akan menatap wajah orang yang salah dari masa ke semasa. Cuba Encik Raman banding kan gambar Ahmad Ibrahim di halaman 54 dan di halaman 52? Wajah Ahmad Ibrahim berwarna gelap. Keluarga Ahmad Ibrahim berwarna gelap. Gambar di halaman 54 'Ahmad Ibrahim' berwarna cerah. Saya tahu Encik Raman juga terlibat dalam pembikinan buku ini. Jadi adakah Encik Raman tidak mahu 'merosakkan' program buku ini? Encik Raman, saya orang Sembawang. Saya memang alu alukan buku menceritakan perihal Sembawang. Akan tetapi, bila gambar pakcik saya di salah guna, takkan saya nak berdiam saja? Buku ini bakal menjadi bahan rujukan. Saya berpendapat ada beberapa sebab Dr Hadijah tidak mengakui kesilapan gambar Ahmad Ibrahim. Antaranya:
1. Kos yang tinggi untuk memperbaiki kesilapan dan melancarkan buku yang lain untuk mengantikan yang lama.
2. Nama baik seorang Professor akan 'tercemar' dengan kesilapan yang dibuat olehnya dan para sidang editornya.
Pihak akhbar ada hak untuk menyiarkan atau tidak balasan emel saya. Apa kata Encik Raman menunjukan gambar Ahmad Ibrahim kepada Tuan Haji Othman Wok? Hj Othman Wok adalah orang politik veteran yang mengenali Ahmad Ibrahim. Sebenarnya, saya juga ada mengutus emel kepada MM Lee kerana MM Lee mengenali Ahmad Ibrahim. Tapi saya ragu MM Lee akan membalas emel saya. Sekiranya beliau membalas emel saya, akan saya forwardkan kepada Encik Raman. Saya percaya apabila orang seperti MM Lee mengesahkan gambar itu bukan Ahmad Ibrahim, barulah Dr Hadijah 'berlembut hati', dan mengakui kesilapan pada buku beliau. Encik Raman mungkin akan berpihak kepada Dr Hadijah kerana beliau seorang Professor, seorang yang kita pandang tinggi. Saya akui saya bukan seorang Professor. Saya percaya pihak SPH mempunyai banyak gambar lama Ahmad Ibrahim. Kenapa tidak buat perbandingan? Ahmad Ibrahim masih mempunyai keluarga. Kenapa tidak hubungi keluarga beliau selagi mereka masih hidup? Ahmad Ibrahim masih mempunyai Balu dan dua orang anak yang masih hidup. Kesemuanya menetap di Malaysia.
Encik Raman ada menyebut tentang Encik Ros Puteh, setiausaha Masjid Pertempatan Sembawang. Ibu saya memang mengenali Cikgu Puteh. Kalau Cikgu Puteh hubungi ibu saya, memang tentu ibu saya akan mengatakan gambar itu bukan Ahmad Ibrahim. Ibu saya bernikah pada hari yang sama dengan Ahmad Ibrahim di Pulau Pinang. Ibu saya memang rapat dengan balu Ahmad Ibrahim (Puan Puteh). Mereka bersama sama datang ke Singapura selepas bernikah masing masing. Walaupun saya duduk berbincang dengan Cikgu Puteh, Encik Kassim Selamat dan Hj Suppien, akan tetapi kesilapan tidak di akui, tidak ada gunanya. Encik Raman, untuk pengetahuan anda, saya merasa kecewa, sedih dengan perkembangan ini. Sekiranya saya bertemu dengan keluarga Ahmad Ibrahim, saya harus meminta maaf kerana saya sudah berusaha untuk melakukan yang terbaik (memperbaiki kesilapan) tetapi masih belum berjaya. Semoga pihak keluarga Ahmad Ibrahim memaafkan saya.

Salam Takzim,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah


Mohd Raman Daud (Berita Harian) wrote:

W wR wB

Saya fikir kurang elok cerita ini diperpanjang di akhbar.Jika Encik Kamal masih sangsi, saya telah minta Encik Ros Puteh, setiausaha Masjid PetempatanSembawang untuk mengadakan sesi penjelasan. Insya-Allah beliau akan hubungi pihak tuan.Orang-orang lama seperti Kassim Selamat dan Hj Suppien boleh diajak berbincang untuk mengesahkan perihalgambar berkenaan.
Salam takzim dan semoga hal ini berkesudahan dengan baik.


----- Forwarded by Rosliza Kanawi/SPH on 11/06/2008 03:19 PM -----
kamal <>
11/06/2008 03:04 PM
To
Berita Harian
cc
rosliza@sph.com.sg, guntor@sph.com.sg
Subject
Forum Berita Harian

Assalamualaikum wr wb,
Saya ingin merujuk tulisan Dr Hadijah di ruang Forum Berita Harian pada 11hb Jun 2008 mengenai "Gambar Ahmad Ibrahim sudah disah." Dr Hadijah merujuk kepada tulisan saya sebelum ini.Saya merasa sedih dan agak bimbang sekiranya rakyat keliru dengan fakta yang berbeza. Saya juga musykil yang manakah yang lebih sahih; pengesahan dari kawan atau anak sendiri? Orang orang lama seperti Encik Othman Wok dan Menteri Pembimbing (MM) Lee Kuan Yew mengenali Encik Ahmad Ibrahim. Mungkin MM Lee atau Encik Othman Wok boleh juga mengesahkannya? Dr Hadijah menyatakan Encik Eddie Hammer adalah kawan Ahmad Ibrahim. Encik Eddie Harmer pernah menyatakan dalam Berita Harian yang beliau merasa terkejut apabila mendapat tahu yang rakan beliau bernama Ahmad Ibrahim menjadi seorang menteri. Besar kemungkinan rakan Encik Eddie Harmer bukan seorang bekas menteri tetapi mempunyai nama yang sama seperti Ahmad Ibrahim. Saya juga berharap rakan sebenar Encik Eddie Harmer atau keluarga beliau tampil untuk mengesahkan identiti yang sebenar. Untuk pengetahuan umum, anak sulong Ahmad Ibrahim (Mazlan Bin Ahmad) yang baru baru ini datang ke Singapura sudah pun pulang ke rahmatullah pada pagi Isnin, 9 Jun 08 di Kuala Lumpur. Beliau meninggal dunia ketika berumur 56 tahun. Pada ketika bapa beliau (Ahmad Ibrahim) meninggal dunia, Mazlan ketika itu berumur 10 tahun. Beliau sempat mengesahkan yang gambar gambar di buku tulisan Dr Hadijah (mukasurat 54) bukannya gambar bapa beliau.

Salam Takzim,
Kamal Bin Abu Serah