Influencer who sexually abused boys held informal class not approved by mosque, Zaqy Mohamad urges MUIS to review safeguards

Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Defence, Zaqy Mohamad, has asked the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) to review its safeguards, especially on informal activities involving children.

Zaqy said this in a video posted on Aug. 18, which comes after the news of a "religious influencer" who sexually abused two young boys at mosque premises was sentenced to 27 years and 10 months' jail and 24 strokes of the cane.

Zaqy said he was "deeply disturbed" when he learnt about the case.

"What happened should never have happened. Not to any child. Not anywhere. And certainly not in a place where our children and families should feel safe."

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'Mosque is more than a building'

Zaqy said the mosque is a gathering place of prayer and where children learn about their faith.

"It is a place where we should feel safe. So when that trust is abused, especially involving our children, it hurts us deeply as a community."

He addressed the anger and concern of the public and clarified: "The individual was not a mosque staff member or volunteer. He was also not an accredited religious teacher under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme."

"He was not conducting a formal religious class organised or approved by the mosque."

But he noted that the perpetrator's lack of affiliation did not make what happened any less serious.

"The fact remains that some of these interactions did take place within a mosque."

Measures announced but Zaqy asks MUIS to go further

Zaqy added that he, MUIS and mosque leaders had discussed gaps in how informal activities are overseen.

He said: "MUIS has announced measures to strengthen security, including patrols and CCTV

monitoring. But I have asked MUIS to go even further and review our safeguards carefully, especially informal activities and gatherings involving children and youths."

"Our mosques must remain open and welcoming. But open and welcoming must also mean safe."

'Should not let our guard down'

Zaqy stated that there was also a wider lesson that "we should not let our guard down simply because someone appears religious or speaks with authority about religion."

Especially as today, relationships can also begin online and children follow people and "may place their trust in someone who appears knowledgeable about religion".

"Most people use that influence for good. But sadly, there are also those who may abuse it."

Zaqy added: "Parents and caregivers need to stay close to our children and know who they are interacting with, online and offline."

"And our children must know this: If anyone makes you uncomfortable, asks you to keep something secret, or crosses a boundary, tell someone you trust. Your parents, loved ones or religious or mosque leaders. You will be heard."

'Trust is precious'

Zaqy concluded by stating that "for generations, our mosques have been places of worship, learning and belonging".

"Our asatizah have guided and supported generations of Muslims in Singapore."

He said: "That trust is precious. But trust also carries an amanah. When something goes wrong, we must be prepared to ask hard questions, learn from it, and do better."

Amanah is an Arabic word that can be directly translated as trust.

However, the term is best understood as a responsibility to uphold trust with morality, integrity, and honesty, according to MUIS.

Zaqy continued: "And when it concerns the safety of our children, that amanah must come first."

"We owe it to every parent who entrusts their child to our community and our mosques. And above all, we owe it to our children."