Masagos Zulkifli disagrees with Calvin Cheng over Israel-Palestine conflict, thanks him for supporting needy S'poreans

Minister for Social and Family Development, Second Minister for Health, and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Masagos Zulkifli, has voiced his disagreement with the views of former Nominated Member of Parliament, Calvin Cheng, on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

In a Facebook post on Apr. 3, Masagos said he had expressed his view on the conflict several times.

"The killing of innocent lives must stop. Many have also shared their grief and frustration, deeply moved by the sufferings of innocent civilians, especially children," he wrote.

Masagos then noted that in Singapore, Singaporeans of all backgrounds have come together in solidarity over the conflict.

"The fact that people of different ethnicities and religions stand united in calling for peace speaks volumes. It reflects our deep values of justice, humanity, and mutual respect," he added.

Masagos thanks Calvin Cheng for supporting Tampines SG60 Care

Masagos also highlighted that Cheng, in his personal capacity, has helped to get donations for Tampines SG60 Care, an initiative spearheaded by the Tampines GRC Grassroots Organisations (GROs) to support needy residents.

Masagos then added:

"While I appreciate his efforts to get support and donations to help Tampines residents, Calvin has said that it might be better if he redirects the funds for other causes.

I appreciate his gesture."

Helping other causes

In response to Mothership's queries, Calvin said,

"Helping people should be apolitical. I don’t want my political views to distract from this, and that’s why I told Min Masagos I have decided to re-direct the donations to the Community Chest’s national SG60 drive. He agreed. In a mature democracy , people should be able to agree to disagree even on controversial topics, and still remain friends. I hope that Singaporeans can do this."

Earlier on Mar. 30, Cheng also put up a post in which he said he started an initiative that would raise money from wealthy new citizens that would further multi-racial and religious cohesion in Singapore, after talking to Malay-Muslim leaders.

Cheng said:

"The first initiative was for this Hari Raya!

I reached out to a group of my wealthy new citizen friends (formerly from the PRC) to raise money for Tampines Hub, which would launch projects to help needy citizens.

This was to be timed for the Hari Raya celebrations which start tonight!"

According to Cheng, the basis of this initiative is to help integrate new citizens who grew up either in homogenous societies , or societies where racial and religious harmony does not exist.

The initiative was able to raise S$200,000 two weeks before Mar. 30.

Cheng added, "I aim to build on this initiative. It will also help us integrate our new citizens , and show Singaporeans that immigration can be something good for society."

He also reiterated his stance that Singaporeans interests and social cohesion must always come first.

Top images via Masagos Zulkifli/Facebook and Calvin Cheng/Facebook