The Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association (PERGAS) has publicly condemned comments made by former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Calvin Cheng, describing his remarks as “deeply troubling” and a threat to Singapore’s multiracial and multireligious harmony.
In an official statement posted on its Facebook page on Sunday evening, 6 April 2025, PERGAS expressed “deep consternation” over Cheng’s 13 March Facebook post, in which he sarcastically suggested that activists from the Mondays for Palestine Solidarity group be sponsored on a one-way trip to Gaza.
Cheng added that he would pay for “business class” tickets for group leaders and buy “walking shoes” for their 928 followers.
PERGAS stated that such comments “risk undermining the hard-earned social cohesion that defines our multiracial, multireligious society.”
“As a former public figure, Mr Cheng holds influence and reach,” the statement noted. “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 described Cheng’s remarks as “dehumanising, dismissive, and grossly insensitive,” particularly against the backdrop of ongoing civilian casualties in the Gaza conflict.
The group stressed that Singapore’s long-standing efforts to build mutual respect between different faiths and ethnicities must be safeguarded.
The statement also cited a verse from the Qur’an (Surah An-Nisa, 4:135), which urges believers to “stand firmly for justice… even though it be against yourselves,” to emphasise the moral responsibility to speak out against divisive rhetoric, regardless of personal or political affiliation.
“As a religious body entrusted with moral guidance and community leadership, PERGAS calls upon the relevant authorities to carry out what is necessary to protect our nation’s social fabric,” the group wrote.
“Individuals who incite hatred, sow discord, or make insensitive and harmful remarks must be held accountable.”
The statement was issued with the endorsement of its Council of Elders (Masyayikh), including senior religious figures such as Ustaz Mohamad Hasbi Bin Hassan and Ustaz Dr Mohamed Fatris Bakaram.
PERGAS, founded in 1957, is Singapore’s leading association for Islamic religious teachers and scholars. It plays a key role in promoting religious guidance, social responsibility, and interfaith understanding in Singapore’s multiracial society.
Its positions are widely respected within the Malay-Muslim community and carry moral weight in discussions concerning religious harmony and public conduct.
Cheng’s remarks sparked significant public backlash, particularly among members of the Malay-Muslim community.
Former opposition politician Jufrie Mahmood lodged a police report on 28 March, alleging that the comments were Islamophobic and posed a threat to religious harmony.
Cheng has denied the allegations and claimed that his remarks were targeted solely at what he called “rude and disruptive activists.”
Cheng has since initiated legal action against several individuals and platforms who have criticised or attributed Islamophobic intent to his comments.
In response to the growing controversy, several People’s Action Party (PAP) ministers have issued statements distancing themselves from Cheng’s views.
It was revealed that Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How had “liked” Cheng’s original post. Tan later clarified that the engagement was unintentional, while Balakrishnan stated that he does not share Cheng’s views and implied that the post had been liked by someone unauthorised.
Dr Lim Wee Kiat’s Facebook page also liked the post, but the PAP MP has not issued any statement on the matter.
Minister for Law and Home Affairs K Shanmugam, speaking on 2 April, said he had “very different views” from Cheng, reiterating his position that “Israel’s actions are illegal and oppressive to Palestinians.”
On 3 April, Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli also stated that he disagreed with Cheng’s views. While appreciating Cheng’s earlier efforts to raise funds for Tampines residents, Masagos said it was “better” that Cheng redirected the donations elsewhere, and reaffirmed the importance of mutual respect in public discourse.
PERGAS’ statement marks one of the strongest institutional rebukes to date and comes amid broader calls from civil society for accountability and clarity.
The association warned that silence or inaction could risk sowing “seeds of mistrust and division” in a society built on peaceful coexistence.
“May we all continue to uphold the harmony we cherish, and protect it from those who may knowingly or unknowingly cause it harm,” PERGAS concluded.
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