The Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association ( PERGAS ) expressed shock over comments made by former and nominated member of parliament Calvin Cheng about a pro-Palestinian activist group in Singapore.  ,  ,
Pergas expressed “deep consternation” over Mr. Cheng’s remarks in an official statement posted on its Facebook page late on Sunday ( 6. ) that included “inflammatory suggestions directed at members of the Muslim community in Singapore.”
His remarks are profoundly disturbing and could undermine the hard-earned social unity that defines our multiracial, multireligious society, according to the organization.
In his article on March 13, Mr. Cheng criticized a group called Monday of Palestine Solidarity, whose members have been accused of disrupting Meet-the-People Classes.
” I would like to partner them to travel to Gaza, paying bills for them. But I’m giving business group to the leaders only if they never return. And you can also buy them some running shoes for each of their 928 enthusiasts. Take a gradual hike,” he wrote in the message.
Pergas stated in its statement that Cheng has control and a lot of power as a former public number. Hence, it is unsatisfactory that he chose to mock and alienate other Singaporeans, many of whom are showing empathy and solidarity in response to charitable suffering, rather than foster respectful discourse.
In mild of continued global tragedies that continue to cause pain to communities around the world, these remarks, made in the public area, can be interpreted as dehumanizing, contemptuous, and greatly indifferent.
The organization also urged the relevant authorities to “do what is necessary to protect our country’s cultural fabric,” reiterating that those who “incite hatred, sow discord, or create indifferent and dangerous remarks may be held responsible.
In response to Pergas ‘ statement, Mr. Cheng claimed in a Facebook post on Monday that his remarks were” not directed at any group defined by race or religion.”
I’ll say this again: In my article, I didn’t mention competition or religion… He said,” I directed my notes at a group of people, including non-Muslims,” adding that he understood the agency’s attitudes and hoped it had read his statement in this environment.  ,
Mr. Cheng added that he has started legal action against a number of people, including Reform Party chief Kenneth Jeyaretnam and past opposition leader Jufrie Mahmood.
He noted earlier on Wednesday that Mohamed Khair, Martyn See, Martyn View, other news website The Online Citizen, and Mr. Jufrie had filed a police statement accusing him of Islamophobia.
In that article, he likewise addressed the claim that he had demanded that all pro-Palestinian protesters be escorted to Gaza, stating that his remarks were “responsible actions by a certain group of three activists” and noting that one of them was a Chinese gentleman.
I criticized them with irony and anger, as I have many others do. I didn’t mention culture or faith in these remarks, nor did I make them general to all protesters.
I firmly believe in the morality of helping Palestinians who are suffering in the current fight, and I back philanthropic work. However, he wrote,” Activitiation should be expressed constructively without compromising crucial community processes like ( Meet-The-People Sessions )  , where residents seek urgent help.