The Firestorm Ignited by Calvin Cheng's Remarks

In Singapore, a storm is brewing over former Nominated Member of Parliament Calvin Cheng's recent comments about a pro-Palestinian activist group. Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Masagos Zulkifli, has labeled Cheng's remarks as "unacceptable and hurtful," stirring the pot of public sentiment.

Masagos' Strong Response

Appearing on social media, Masagos expressed his discontent not once but twice within a week, addressing the hurt Cheng's comments inflicted on many, particularly within the Malay Muslim community. "It’s not just about disagreement; it’s about the message it sends—that some Singaporeans don’t belong if they share different views. That is not acceptable here," he stressed.

Cheng's Controversial Post Goes Viral

On March 13, Cheng took to Facebook to castigate the group known as Monday of Palestine Solidarity, accused of disrupting local gatherings. His provocative statement suggested he would fund their relocation to Gaza—"expenses paid by me. But only if they never come back..." This inflammatory rhetoric triggered widespread backlash, leading to police reports and threats of legal action.

The Community's Outrage

Masagos noted that many felt dismissed and angered by Cheng’s comments. He underscored the importance of social harmony in Singapore, crafted over decades, saying, "Careless words can easily shake that trust. We must be mindful of the negative impact we may cause to our social cohesion."

Echoes of Disagreement from Various Officials

The fallout didn't stop with Masagos. Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam openly disagreed with Cheng's views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reaffirming the need for compassion towards innocent lives, especially children.

Adding fuel to the fire, Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan clarified he did not endorse Cheng's remarks after an unauthorized 'like' on Cheng's post appeared under his name.

Reactions from the Religious Community

The Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association (Pergas) issued a statement expressing deep concern. They branded Cheng’s comments as "dehumanising and grossly insensitive." They urged authorities to uphold national social fabric by holding accountable those who incite hatred.

Cheng's Defense and Legal Action

In response, Cheng maintained that his comments weren't targeted at any specific race or religion, claiming his intentions were misinterpreted. As tensions mount, he has launched legal proceedings against several individuals for defamation.

Cheng's clarifications on his comments indicated they were a reaction to the disruptive acts of a few individuals, not a broad condemnation of all pro-Palestinian activists.

What’s Next for the Community?

This unfolding narrative has left many questioning the state of discourse in Singapore. As opinions clash and tensions rise, one thing is clear—the importance of navigating sensitive topics with awareness and respect is more crucial than ever.