Jabbar, M K A

Mohamed Kassim Abdul Jabbar (1933 - 2010) was a trade unionist and politician. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1981 to 1984, representing the Radin Mas constituency. Throughout his tenure in parliament, he participated in debates exclusively in Tamil.

Born in Nagore, India, Jabbar received his secondary school education in his home country. He relocated to Singapore in 1950 and by 1952, had joined Keppel Dockyard as a helper. While progressing through the ranks at work, he also became involved in union activities.  He was also active in the Tamils Representative Council. In 1968, with the establishment of the Union of Keppel Shipyard Employees of Singapore, Jabbar was made the vice President and swiftly rose to the position of President in the same year and remained so till 1988. He also served as a member of the National Trades Union Congress central committee from 1979 to 1985.

In 1981, he became a member of the People’s Action Party (PAP) and contested the general elections that same year in Radin Mas, winning the constituency. Jabbar actively engaged in parliamentary debates, addressing various concerns of the Indian community, such as the construction of Al-Amin Masjid at Telok Blangah Way and the inclusion of musical instruments in the Thaipusam festival. His mention of the Tirukkural, a classical Tamil text encompassing ethical and moral principles, on 18 February 1981, is considered the first time the Tirukkural was cited in Parliament. 

Due to health reasons and the PAP's preference for English-speaking candidates, he chose not to contest the 1984 general elections. After his parliamentary tenure, Jabbar served as the President of the United Indian Muslim Association from 1990 to 2003. In recognition of his contributions, he was honoured with the Veteran of Labour award by the National Trades Union Congress in 2002. Jabbar passed away in 2010 due to renal failure.



For more information
“Indian Muslims Ready to Back Both Sinda and Mendaki,” The Straits Times, 21 July 1991, 18. (From Newspaper SG)
Parliament of Singapore, Obituary Speeches, vol. 44 of Parliamentary Debates: Official Report, 19 October 1984.
“Radin Mas MP Quitting to Make Way for New Candidates,” The Straits Times, 25 August 1984, 11. (From Newspaper SG)
“9 Indian Muslim Groups Form Own Federation,” The Straits Times, 22 April 1992, 19. (From Newspaper SG)

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