Contributed by Fuhua Secondary School

Subject Masjid Tentera Di-Raja Royal Military Mosque
Date Established: 1961
Address: 81 Clementi Road, Singapore (129797)
Division: Ayer Rajah-West Coast

Description:

Built in 1961 by Muslim members of the British army, it was officially opened on 30th March 1962 by Yang Di-pertuan Negara, Mr Yusof Ishak. Its majestic position at a hill's summit is further distinguished by its minaret, topped by a gold-painted dome, which encapsulates its rich history.

The Mosque was firstbuilt with only $100,000 from Muslim soldiers and there is always a mis-conception that the mosque belongs to Malaysia.

There is no link between the mosque and the royalties in Malaysia as thought so by many people.

When Singapore was under Malaysian rule, the Royal Malay regiment of Malaysia took over the mosque and the surrounding land as their headquarter. The land was previously used by the British as headquarters for Pasir Panjang.The headquarter was located there as there is a seaview to watch over the southern coast of Singapore.

The headquarter was later demolished to make way for the National University of Singapore.There was an intention to demolish the mosque as it did not blend in with the surroundings and the rapid development of the area which included private housings and university.

Steps have then taken by the mosque to prevent the demolish. Activities with community centres, citizen consultative committees, grassroots leaders, and students from the National University of Singapore are often held to enable the mosque to stay relevant.