Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How have recently faced criticism for allegedly having liked a Facebook post by former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Calvin Cheng, who suggested sending local pro-Palestine activists to Gaza. The incident has raised questions about the stance of government ministers on the issue.
On 13 March 2025, Cheng made a Facebook post criticising local activists who attend Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS) to press lawmakers on Singapore’s ties with Israel and its stance on the Palestinian cause.
He sarcastically offered to fund their relocation to Gaza, stating, “Expenses paid by me. But only if they never come back.”
He further added, “I am offering business class to the leaders. And to their 928 followers, can buy them some walking shoes each.”
Ministers criticised for allegedly liked Calvin Cheng’s controversial post
Cheng’s comments quickly gained attention, with critics labelling them as insensitive and inflammatory.
However, controversy deepened when the pro-Palestine advocacy group “Monday of Palestine Solidarity (MPS Palestine)” highlighted that ministers from the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), including Dr Balakrishnan and SMS Tan, had allegedly liked the post.
MPS Palestine stated in an Instagram post on 27 March that Balakrishnan has since unliked the post but has not responded to the allegation of liking Cheng’s post initially.
Separately, the group confronted Tan in an Instagram comment thread, where he stated that he had liked Cheng’s post “accidentally” and did not support the idea of sending Singaporeans to Gaza.
He confirmed that he had since unliked the post.
Notably, a check on Tan’s IG post showed that he had seemingly deleted the comment thread with MPS Palestine, despite the group having a screenshot of it.
The advocacy group further argued that given the dangers in Gaza due to Israeli military actions, Cheng’s remarks were highly inappropriate.
They questioned whether Singaporean leaders endorsed the notion of sending citizens to a conflict zone simply for speaking up on the issue.
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Is’hak Rajoo Jay challenges Balakrishnan to contest in SMC in next GE to gauge public support
Beyond activist groups, members of the public have also condemned Cheng’s remarks.
Is’hak Rajoo Jay, a food and beverage business owner and sports coach, strongly criticised Cheng’s comments, calling them “insensitive, disgraceful, and unbecoming of a Singaporean.”
He argued that Cheng’s words dehumanised those who advocate for Palestinian rights.
Jay also expressed disappointment that government ministers had allegedly engaged with the post.
He highlighted that Balakrishnan, as Foreign Minister, had previously spoken in Parliament about the plight of Palestinians, making his alleged endorsement of Cheng’s comments contradictory to Singapore’s stance on open debate and civil discourse.
“What are you guys implying by liking such a post? You want Singaporeans to go on a one-way ticket because they spoke up for what they believed was a just cause?” Jay questioned.
“Is it wrong to speak up, or to question? Are we not worthy of being in Singapore?”
In a direct challenge to Balakrishnan, Jay suggested that he contest in a Single Member Constituency (SMC) as an independent candidate to gauge public support for his leadership and principles.
“Come, Vivian, you pick an SMC. I challenge you as an independent citizen. Let’s see what Singaporeans really think of you and your principles,” he declared.
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