S'pore Islamic association calls Ex-NMP Calvin Cheng's remarks on pro-Palestine activists 'deeply troubling'

The Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association (PERGAS) has issued a statement criticising former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Calvin Cheng.

In a Facebook post put up on Apr. 6, PERGAS expressed "deep consternation" over recent public statements Cheng said, which included "inflammatory suggestions" directed at members of Singapore's Muslim community.

"His remarks, particularly the insinuation that certain individuals be sent to Gaza and not allowed to return, are deeply troubling and risk undermining the hard-earned social cohesion that defines our multiracial, multireligious society," PERGAS wrote.

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

He said:

"I would like to sponsor them to re-locate to Gaza , expenses paid by me. But only if they never come back."

PERGAS: Cheng holds influence & reach

PERGAS added in its post that as Cheng holds influence and reach as a former public figure, it is "disappointing" that he has chosen to belittle and alienate fellow Singaporeans, many of whom are expressing empathy and solidarity in response to humanitarian suffering.

"These remarks—made in the public domain—can be interpreted as dehumanising, dismissive, and grossly insensitive, especially in light of ongoing global tragedies that continue to cause grief to communities around the world," PERGAS said.

The association also highlighted how Singapore had worked to build mutual respect between people of different faiths and ethnicities.

Cheng's statements therefore not only hurt sentiments, disrupt Singapore's coexistence, but also plant the seeds of mistrust and division, PERGAS added.

PERGAS then concluded its post by calling for the "relevant authorities" to do what is "necessary" to protect Singapore's social fabric.

"Individuals who incite hatred, sow discord, or make insensitive and harmful remarks must be held accountable. This is in line with the values that Singaporeans hold dear—values of responsibility, respect, and the unwavering commitment to peace," PERGAS said.

Cheng: I did not mention race or religion in my Mar. 13 post

In response to PERGAS, Cheng put up a post on Apr. 7, in which he said 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.

Cheng then said the former chairman of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) Mahmood Jufrie, and Kenneth Jeyaretnam from the Reform Party (RP), along with other individuals, have "fabricated outright lies and twisted my words".

Cheng added, "I have commenced legal action."

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

Left image via Calvin Cheng/Facebook, right image via PERGAS/Facebook