Khairat Kita: A History of Malay/Muslim Mutual Aid in Singapore

Fauzy Ismail, Zakaria Zainal, Zaki Jumahri
Paperback
9789811811210

Khairat Kita documents the last few remaining Malay/Muslim Mutual Benefit Organisations (MMBOs) providing aid and charity to members in times of distress or need. Known as badan khairat kematian (death social welfare organisation), these MMBOs were initially set up to provide financial support to families in instances of a member's passing-a fundamental life event, especially to the Malay/Muslim community.

Being volunteer, community-led initiatives based on a centuries old tradition of mutual aid, these MMBOs were seen as social anchors in the community and custodians of intangible cultural heritage of Singapore's Malay/Muslim community. Today, with around twenty such organisations left, declining membership and ageing committee members, the future looks uncertain for these Malay/Muslim Mutual Benefit Organisations. A collection of interviews, photographs, essays and personal reflections, Khairat Kita is a concerted effort at archiving and documenting the history and people of the MMBOs.