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Malay community leaders & politicians criticise activists' showdown with Shanmugam at MPS
Some of the leaders pointed out that the disruptions prevented residents from seeking help from their MPs.
Politicians and prominent members of the Singaporean Malay community took to social media to push back against a group of activists who confronted Nee Soon GRC Member of Parliament (MP) K Shanmugam's Meet-the-People session (MPS) on Mar. 12.
The group wanted to discuss the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) and it culminated in the group calling Shanmugam a coward, although they had a discussion afterwards.
A PAP party spokesperson noted that the same activists had disrupted multiple MPS previously, also wishing to discuss the conflict in Gaza.
Hurtful comments show activists were never truly interested in meaningful dialogue: Sharael Taha
PAP MP for Pasir Ris–Punggol GRC, Sharael Taha, shared that many have reached out to him to express their disappointment, embarrassment, and anger over these individuals' actions.
"Some have shared how difficult it is to reconcile their outward appearance with their behavior, including their rude gestures. But one thing is clear—they do not represent the values of our community—Ramadan or not," he said.
Confirming that Pasir Ris East was among the MPS the individuals visited, Sharael said their actions—including being rude to the volunteers and making hurtful comments about family—show they were never truly interested in meaningful, constructive dialogue that could genuinely help the cause.
"Disagreements will always exist, but we must handle them with respect, patience, and a shared commitment to positive change. If we truly want to make a difference, the best way forward is by standing together and focusing on what really matters—helping those in need," said Sharael.
Govt's focus is on providing tangible support for the people in Gaza
Highlighting that the government's focus remains on providing real, tangible support to the people in Gaza, Sharael noted that since the start of Ramadan, their M3 Aid for Gaza fundraiser has raised over S$300,000, with volunteers actively seeking more support at the Geylang Bazaar.
"These donations come from people of all backgrounds—across race and religion—showing how we are stronger together," he said, adding that their volunteers will continue to be at the bazaar on Mar. 15 and 25.
"We will also hold our Ramadan Ride in Aid of Gaza on March 21 at 10 PM," he said, and said the efforts add to the S$17 million in aid already delivered across seven tranches.
"May our collective efforts bring relief and hope to those who need it most," said Sharael.
Spending time with residents to understand their needs is critical: Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim
PAP MP Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, who represents the Keat Hong division of Chua Chu Kang GRC, said their MPS are "very important for our residents to seek help on urgent appeals and assistance".
"Although Keat Hong residents can get me directly via email or WhatsApp, sometimes it’s better to meet face-to-face so that we can discuss any other help one may need for themselves or their loved ones," Zhulkarnain said.
He added that sometimes they have many residents who register to see him, so spending time with them to understand their needs is critical.
Zhulkarnain said it was "alarming" to learn about the disruption caused at Shanmugam's recent MPS:
"Not least because it takes precious time away from residents who had registered and waited to seek help at MPS. In this holy month of Ramadan, we are meant to exercise patience, reflect good character and show kindness to others.
There are proper ways and channels to advocate any cause and provide feedback on anything, but shouting and disrupting MPS at the expense of other fellow Singaporeans who are also in need, is not the right way."
Blindness to their own privilege: Mohd Imran Mohd Taib
Interfaith advocate and director of Dialogue Centre Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib reprimanded the individuals' actions online, saying the MPS is not the platform to discuss POFMA or other policy issues, which rightly belongs to public debate or in parliament.
"MPS is to attend to on-the-ground issues faced by residents who need help," Imran said, adding:
"If the issue of POFMA (or Palestine, as these individuals did in the same modus operandi at other MPS previously) is to be put as a top priority demanding immediate attention in an MPS, then it shows two things:
first, their self-absorbed attitude on issues they identify with but having no regard for others who are not into those issues;
and two, their blindness to their own privilege. Residents who came for MPS mostly sought help on finances and employment, something these individuals probably have little to worry about."
One can be passionate about causes, but working for change may need compromise
Imran said, "If attention was what they sought, they got the national attention now, but largely against their rude and disrespectful behaviour."
"One can have a position, passionately, on certain policies. But working for change is not about being burlish and hotheaded; and certainly not by carrying the torch and the pitchfork.
It is about persuasion. It is about the willingness to dialogue and to listen intently to our opponents. At times, it requires a compromise. Even a rethink."
Saying that policies and laws are not made nor designed to change overnight, Imran added in a stable representative democracy, "policies are the result of what we put in the ballot box".
"We have to accept the provisional outcome while we work to persuade others for a long-drawn process of working for social change," he said.
"What they did was juvenile activism. There was nothing heroic or brave about it. It was simply an attention-seeking act that now drew attention to them as rowdy and rude, rather than the issue/s they wanted to bring."
Letting emotions get the better of us can be counterproductive: Mizi Wahid
President of PERGAS (Singapore Islamic Scholars & Religious Teachers Association) Mizi Wahid, who is also the founder of Islamic youth organisation Safinah Institute, took to Facebook to share his views:
"In this sacred month, it is crucial for us to be mindful of our behaviour, and to try to be the best versions of ourselves. Our actions and our speech should reflect the character of a true believer."
Referring to texts from the Qur'an and Hadith collections, Mizi noted that "insulting, name-calling, vulgarity in speech, creating a ruckus in public, disturbing [their] neighbours are actions which are despised by [their] faith".
"Sometimes amidst our frustrations, our emotions may get the better of us, and in the end, what we had hoped to be a step forward becomes counterproductive, not just for ourselves, but for others too."
"I believe that the weight of our words should be measured in kindness, not in harshness. And beyond words - let our actions and character reflect the teachings of our beautiful faith," he said, adding, "We can be better".
Trend of disturbances at PAP MP's Meet the People Sessions
In his Mar. 13 post, Shanmugam said the PAP had noted a trend of disturbances at PAP MPs Meet the People Sessions.
A party spokesperson said the group has disrupted more than 10 Meet the People Sessions in the past few months, including those at Pasir Ris East, Bukit Timah, and Jurong Central.
They have turned up in wards helmed by Cabinet ministers as well as those headed by backbenchers, creating a ruckus in the waiting room and raised their voices.
Top image via Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib and K Shanmugam/Facebook
