Former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Calvin Cheng has responded to a statement issued by PERGAS, Singapore’s Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association, which strongly criticised his Facebook post about sending activists to Gaza.
In a Facebook post on Monday morning, 7 April, Cheng insisted that his 13 March post did not mention any race or religion and was directed only at disruptive activist behaviour.
“I reiterate: I neither mentioned race nor religion in my post of 13 March 2025. I directed my remarks at a group of people which included non-Muslims. The remarks were not directed at any group defined by race or religion,” Cheng wrote.
“The post is still up and the facts are clear.”
“SDP’s Ex Chairman Mahmood Jufrie, RP’s Kenneth Jeyaretnam, and other individuals fabricated outright lies and twisted my words. I have commenced legal action.”
“I understand PERGAS’ sentiments; I hope they will re-read my post in this context.”
What PERGAS said in response
PERGAS had issued its statement on Sunday evening, 6 April, expressing “deep consternation” over Cheng’s remarks.
The religious body described his Facebook comments as “inflammatory suggestions directed at members of the Muslim community” and “grossly insensitive.”
The organisation stated that such remarks could “undermine the hard-earned social cohesion that defines our multiracial, multireligious society.”
“As a former public figure, Mr Cheng holds influence and reach,” the statement read. “It is therefore disappointing that instead of fostering respectful discourse, he has chosen to ridicule and alienate fellow Singaporeans, many of whom are expressing empathy and solidarity in response to humanitarian suffering.”
PERGAS warned that public statements like Cheng’s “hurt sentiments,” “plant seeds of mistrust and division,” and “disrupt the peaceful coexistence that Singaporeans… have collectively built and continue to safeguard.”
In a religiously grounded appeal, the association cited a verse from the Qur’an — Surah An-Nisa (4:135) — urging believers to “stand firmly for justice… even though it be against yourselves, your parents, or your kin,” highlighting the moral obligation to speak out when justice and social peace are at risk.
PERGAS concluded by calling on authorities to take action:
“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.”
The statement was issued with the support of PERGAS’ Council of Elders (Masyayikh), including respected scholars such as Ustaz Mohamad Hasbi Bin Hassan, Ustaz Pasuni Bin Maulan, and Ustaz Dr Mohamed Fatris Bakaram.
Ministers’ reactions and broader context
Cheng’s original post, published on 13 March, suggested that pro-Palestinian activists who attended a Meet-the-People Session be sponsored to Gaza, provided they did not return.
He offered “business class” tickets for group leaders and “walking shoes” for their followers. The post received widespread criticism, particularly from the Malay-Muslim community.
In response, Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam said on 2 April that he had “very different views from Mr Cheng” on the Israel-Palestine conflict. He reiterated that “Israel’s actions are illegal and oppressive to Palestinians.”
Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs, Masagos Zulkifli, also stated on 3 April that he disagreed with Cheng’s views.
While he acknowledged Cheng’s prior efforts to raise funds for residents in Tampines GRC, he said it would be better if Cheng redirected those donations elsewhere.
The controversy also prompted scrutiny of other ministers. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How were both found to have “liked” Cheng’s original post.
Both later said the action was unintentional and clarified they did not share Cheng’s views.
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