Pergas calls ex-NMP’s statements on pro-Palestine activists harmful and insensitive; Cheng insists remarks not religiously targeted

The Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association (Pergas) has voiced strong disapproval of recent remarks made by former Nominated Member of Parliament Calvin Cheng regarding activists supporting the Palestinian cause.

On Sunday, 6 April, Pergas published a statement on Facebook expressing alarm over what it described as inflammatory and harmful comments that could strain Singapore’s social harmony. The statement took issue with Cheng’s earlier suggestion that members of a pro-Palestinian group be sent to Gaza and barred from returning.

“These comments,” the association stated, “risk damaging the delicate balance of our multiethnic, multifaith community, especially when they appear to ridicule and dismiss fellow Singaporeans who are showing compassion in response to humanitarian suffering.”

The controversy stems from a Facebook post written by Cheng on 13 March. He criticised a group known as Monday of Palestine Solidarity, whose members had allegedly disrupted Meet-The-People Sessions hosted by the ruling party. In his post, Cheng said he would be willing to pay for the group’s relocation to Gaza—offering business class flights for its leaders—and even joked about providing walking shoes to their supporters for the journey.

Pergas stressed that public figures, even in their private capacities, carry influence and responsibility. The group stated it was disappointed that Cheng chose mockery over constructive engagement.

“These are not just casual words—they are deeply hurtful, and given the global context of conflict and suffering, they can be perceived as dehumanising and insensitive,” the association added.

In response, Cheng took to Facebook again on Monday, 7 April, clarifying that his criticism was solely directed at Monday of Palestine Solidarity and not aimed at any religious or ethnic group. He asserted that the group includes individuals from various backgrounds, including non-Muslims.

“I hope Pergas reconsiders my original post within this context,” Cheng wrote, while acknowledging the association’s concerns.

The situation escalated when former opposition politician Jufrie Mahmood filed a police complaint on 28 March, accusing Cheng of Islamophobia. In turn, Cheng disclosed in an April 2 post that he had consulted senior legal counsel and had initiated legal steps against several individuals and platforms that had republished or commented on the allegations. These include Reform Party leader Kenneth Jeyaretnam, activist Martyn See, and Taiwan-based media outlet The Online Citizen.

Cheng has maintained that the accusations made against him are defamatory and misrepresent the nature of his original comments.

The incident has sparked broader discussions in Singapore about the responsibility of public figures in handling sensitive geopolitical issues, particularly when such issues intersect with local religious and cultural sentiments.