Faishal Ibrahim thanks police for swift investigation into suspicious parcel at Serangoon mosque, highlights S'pore 'gotong royong' spirit

Following the arrest and charge of 61-year-old Bill Tan Keng Hwee for allegedly mailing an envelope containing a piece of pork to Al-Istiqamah Mosque, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim addressed the media at the sidelines of the Islamic Legacy Planning event.

He thanked the police for their swift investigation and subsequent arrest of the perpetrator.

Police officers from the Bedok Police Division and the Criminal Investigation Department were able to establish his identity through ground inquiries and police camera images, he said.

Gotong royong spirit

Faishal also thanked the Malay Muslim community for stepping forward and supporting each other, as well as the mosque and Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS).

The support shown reflects our true "gotong royong spirit", he said.

Gotong royong refers to the practice of communal cooperation to achieve a common goal.

He also thanks other Singaporeans from different religions and ethnic groups who have reached out to express concern, support and solidarity.

"Like us, they share the same sense of anger and rejection of such unacceptable actions. This unity is a reminder of the strong foundations laid by our forefathers, which we must continue to nurture and strengthen for the future," he said.

Faishal also urged everyone to remain calm, not speculate, and allow the police to carry out their work.

"Rest assured that our mosques remain safe spaces for worship and community life," he said.

Outreach

On precautionary measures set in place following the incident, Faishal said they have reached out to the mosque and cautioned staff to keep a look out.

When asked what he has to say to those who may act in similar manners, he surmised that anyone who would like to do so must know that Singapore has been developing or making efforts to develop a cohesive community in the past six decades.

He noted that Singapore has come far, despite the fragility of the matter and highlighted that we are in a relatively better position than many other countries.

He also emphasised the importance of racial harmony and respecting one another, saying he was heartened to see the reactions from both the Malay Muslim community and the wider Singapore community.

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Photo from Mothership