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Calvin Cheng's remarks 'unacceptable & hurtful', comments 'crossed a line': Masagos

Masagos noted a lot of people, especially those within the Malay/Muslim community, felt "angry and dismissed" by Cheng's remarks.

Hannah Martens

Syahindah Ishak

April 10, 2025, 11:08 AM

Speaking on remarks by ex-nominated member of parliament Calvin Cheng, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli called them "unacceptable and hurtful".

On Mar. 13, Cheng wrote a post in response to two pro-Palestinian activists who disrupted a Meet-the-People Session (MPS).

In his Facebook post on Apr. 9, Masagos pointed out that a lot of people, especially those within the Malay/Muslim community, felt "angry and dismissed" by Cheng's remarks.

"The way those comments were framed crossed a line. It's not just about disagreement, it's about the message it sends, that some Singaporeans somehow do not belong if they speak up.
That is not something we can accept. Not here."

Masagos added, "No one has the right to suggest that another Singaporean should leave the country because of a different view."

In a podcast interview with Berita Harian, Masagos said that if Cheng's statement is allowed to spread, it will create mistrust, raise doubts among one another, and divide Singapore's society.

"That is why the Malay/Muslim leaders are concerned. If we let this continue, it can become the norm."

Masagos added he felt "disappointed" that Cheng's statement was said in an "uncivilised manner that disregarded the feelings of the Muslim community".

PERGAS

On Apr. 6, the Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association (PERGAS) had issued a statement criticising Cheng's post.

Cheng stated he did not mention race or religion in his Mar. 13 post.

"The remarks were not directed at any group defined by race or religion. The post is still up and the facts are clear," he added.

He ended his post by saying, "I understand Pergas’ sentiments; I hope they will re-read my post in this context."