Former Nominated MP Calvin Cheng has apologised for remarks suggesting that a group of activists relocate to Gaza, acknowledging the hurt they caused, particularly within the Muslim community.
In a Facebook post on April 10, Mr Cheng said he was “deeply remorseful” and admitted he should have been more sensitive in his comments, even if made in jest.
His apology followed a meeting with Ustaz Pasuni Maulan and Ustaz Mohamad Hasbi Hassan — both members of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) — at Yusof Ishak Mosque on April 9. During the discussion, Mr Cheng explained that he did not intend to attack any community or religion.
“I told the Ustazs that I am deeply remorseful… They advised me to be more sensitive in the future in what I say,” he wrote, adding that he has been engaging members of the Malay/Muslim community over the past week.
The controversy stemmed from a Facebook post Mr Cheng made on March 13, in which he suggested sending activists from the Monday of Palestine Solidarity group to Gaza and ensuring they “never return”. He also sarcastically suggested they take “a slow hike” to the conflict zone.
The activist group had turned up at Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam’s Meet-the-People Session on March 12 to raise awareness about the conflict in Gaza — part of a broader effort by the group to bring attention to the issue at various community events.
Mr Cheng clarified on April 10 that his remarks were directed specifically at what he described as “disruptive activism”, and not at the Muslim community.
“The group comprised Chinese, Indians, and people of different religions,” he noted. “My remarks were not targeted at the Muslim community.”
