SINGAPORE: Kenneth Jeyaretnam, secretary-general of The Reform Party, has launched a public appeal for financial support to contest a defamation lawsuit filed by former Nominated Member of Parliament Calvin Cheng.
In a statement on 29 September 2025, Jeyaretnam said he must file his defence by 17 October to prevent default judgment.
He described the case as financially burdensome, citing longstanding political restrictions and chronic health challenges.
He pledged that donations would be used strictly for legal costs, with any surplus refunded or channelled to charity depending on donors’ preferences.
Legal defence and wider challenges
In an earlier Facebook post on 18 September, Jeyaretnam said he “vigorously refutes” the allegations made by Cheng and confirmed his intention to defend.
Lim Tean, leader of the People’s Alliance for Reform, will represent him with additional legal support from the United Kingdom.
In his 29 September appeal, Jeyaretnam noted that Cheng’s March 2025 post angered many within the Muslim community and was condemned by Minister for Social and Family Development Massagos Zulkifli, and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
In response, Cheng admitted he was “deeply remorseful” and acknowledged causing “hurt and anger, especially within the Muslim community.”
He added, “Yet Cheng has declined to sue anyone else but is only suing me.”
He drew parallels with the experience of his late father, opposition leader JB Jeyaretnam, who was bankrupted through a succession of defamation suits.
He warned that similar pressures could threaten today’s opposition figures.
Jeyaretnam also noted that he faces separate criminal proceedings for contempt of court and potential charges under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if these hit all at once,” he said, emphasising the need for a strong legal defence.
Financial strain and health challenges
In his fundraising appeal, Jeyaretnam highlighted that his post about Cheng’s legal action had attracted 430,000 views. He said that if only a small proportion of readers contributed, the target could be easily reached.
He revealed that he has faced severe financial strain since joining the opposition in 2009, claiming he had been unable to work and had lived off savings.
He also alleged that the government had restricted his ability to monetise his blog under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act.
Alongside financial pressures, Jeyaretnam disclosed that he suffers from chronic health issues.
He argued that public contributions were essential, not only to ensure his personal legal defence but also to safeguard the ability of opposition voices to contest legal challenges.
He provided personal bank and PayNow details, pledging full transparency and regular updates on funds raised:
“My appeal is not merely about personal survival but about ensuring opposition figures can mount defences when facing legal challenges,” he said.
Condemnation of Gaza remarks
The case stems from a Facebook post made by Cheng on 13 March 2025. In it, he mocked activists pressing lawmakers on Singapore’s stance toward the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Cheng wrote that he would fund their relocation to Gaza, “expenses paid by me, but only if they never come back,” adding he would provide business class tickets for leaders and walking shoes for followers.
The post provoked widespread criticism.
The Muslim religious body Pergas condemned the remarks, while Minister Masagos Zulkifli and PM Wong also voiced disapproval.
On 27 March 2025, Jeyaretnam publicly criticised Cheng’s comments, warning they risked undermining Singapore’s racial and religious harmony.
He argued that suggesting deportation based on ethnicity or religion could constitute a criminal act under the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act.
He also questioned the accountability of cabinet ministers Vivian Balakrishnan and Tan See Leng, who had briefly “liked” Cheng’s post before removing their engagement.
Jeyaretnam urged the authorities to impose a Restraining Order on Cheng, citing provisions of the Act.
Legal action contrasts “remorse” as Cheng issues defamation threats against media and critics
In April 2025, Cheng issued a detailed statement rejecting accusations of Islamophobia. He stressed that his Gaza comments were directed at disruptive activists rather than any specific community.
He also rejected allegations that he had previously disparaged Madrasah students, stating such remarks were wrongly attributed to him.
After consulting Senior Counsel, Cheng said he had been advised that statements made by Jeyaretnam and others were defamatory.
He instructed his lawyers to demand retractions and apologies from Jeyaretnam, filmmaker Martyn See, activist Mohamed Khair, former Singapore Democratic Party chair Mohamed Jufrie Mahmood, and The Online Citizen.
Cheng and Jufrie Mahmood settle dispute amicably in August
On 10 April 2025, Cheng met senior religious leaders Ustaz Pasuni Maulan and Ustaz Mohamad Hasbi at Yusof Ishak Mosque, where he expressed regret for his words.
He acknowledged that his remarks had “caused hurt and anger” and said he should have exercised greater sensitivity.
In August, Cheng dropped his defamation lawsuit against Jufrie after both men resolved their differences.
They announced they had “agreed to disagree” over Gaza, with Jufrie acknowledging Cheng’s insensitivity but retracting earlier suggestions that he was racist or Islamophobic.
Despite this reconciliation, Cheng has continued his action against Jeyaretnam.
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