Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) member Damanhuri Abas is looking forward to championing the cause for the common people in the next general election (GE), as he spoke of his journey as a political activist.
On Monday (15 June), Mr Damanhuri took to his Facebook to share how his civil service “naturally progressed” into political activism, which exposed to him the gaps and weaknesses of the country.
“As I reflect 4 years on, I have learned much and see clearer the gaps and weaknesses of our society and country. Driving my conviction to remain steadfast in this road less taken,” he wrote.
Mr Damanhuri’s involvement in community works began since his pre-university era where he took part in befriending works and programmes that aim to help fellow students.
“I contributed time too, helping a welfare home for juvenile delinquents, spending nights out there during 2 NS years and any free nights after that during my 3 years in varsity,” he noted.
Getting involved in voluntary works had made Mr Damanhuri see the “plight of his community”. In his post, he mentioned that his community involvements grew overtime as he took on more roles and responsibilities, such as conducting marriage programmes for soon-to-be newlyweds, parenting engagements, and para-counselling work.
“These expanded beyond just my community into schools, grassroots platforms, social welfare organisations, public institutions and even ministries,” he said.
In fact, Mr Damanhuri revealed that he had spent 10 years volunteering as a management board member in two mosques which brought him closer to the national community institutions like Mendaki and MUIS (Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura).
Despite his involvements in society, he makes sure that he still balances family with his responsibilities in society.
“As much as I am involved in society, family is sum and centre in my life. It is the core of my life mission, primary responsibility I inherit and the natural resources I am endowed with,” the SDP member asserted.
As Mr Damanhuri ventured into politics and joined the SDP, he pledged to “reform and widen political space” as well as to “advocate for an equitable society” where every person in the country is presented with an “equal opportunity”.
With regards to the coming GE, he remarked, “I look forward to giving my level best in championing the cause for the common people and fighting the good honourable fight in the coming election with my SDP Team.”