The candidates: Workers’ Party

Children inspired ex-librarian to contest

The WP's fourth batch of potential candidates (from left) Mr Kenneth Foo, Mr Mohamed Fairoz Shariff, Mr Gurmit Singh and Mr Dennis Tan. ST PHOTO: ZAOBAO

Mohamed Fairoz Shariff, 36

Occupation: The former National Library Board librarian recently resigned to contest in the elections

Family: Married to a senior staff nurse, with three children. The youngest is a 10-month-old son.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Arts in South-east Asian Studies, both from the National University of Singapore

Hobbies: Volunteering at sports events, including the Youth Olympic Games in 2010, and most recently, the SEA Games. Watching tennis.

Why politics?

I am confident that the WP is the strong and rational opposition party that Singapore needs. Being a WP candidate in the upcoming elections is the best way for me to build a better future for my children, and for Singapore.

Why you?

It was not easy for me to make the decision to stand for the elections. In the end, it was my children that inspired me to step forward. I asked myself: What kind of Singapore will I be giving to my children? Am I going to be giving them a Singapore that is dominated by one voice, or a Singapore that has many voices to be heard?

What issues will you focus on?

The issues I hope to address are centred on education and work-life harmony. Having lectured at UniSIM (SIM University), I am most concerned for our adult learners and the support we are able to provide for them. At UniSIM, I saw the many challenges that my students had to face to realise their dream of attaining their first degree. It's always a challenge for them to juggle work, studies and their family.

Favourite spot in Singapore?

I'm a bit of a nerd. I like to hang out where books are easily available, be it the library, or a bookstore. I can spend two to three hours in Kinokuniya. I enjoy reading fantasy works. I'm currently reading The Stormlight Archive.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 31, 2015, with the headline Children inspired ex-librarian to contest. Subscribe