Singapore Muslims React to Masagos Zulkifli’s Response over Ex-NMP’s Gaza Comments

A composite image of Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli, former NMP Calvin Cheng and Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam. (Photos: Facebook, CNA)

The recent social media post by former Nominated Member of Parliament Calvin Cheng relating to activists crashing Minister Shanmugam’s Meet-The-People session has drawn scathing criticism and as well as reignited debate about the duty of political representatives, in particular those in minority communities.

Background

In April 2025, Cheng sparked controversy with a Facebook post sarcastically offering to fund the relocation of Singaporean activists from the “Mondays for Palestine” group to Gaza, on the condition that they never return. This remark was widely criticized as dismissive of the activists’ humanitarian concerns and insensitive to the plight of Palestinians.

​The controversy further intensified due to “likes” from two Ministers of Parliament on his Facebook post. Senior Minister of State for National Development and Digital Development and Information, Tan Kiat How, acknowledged that he had “accidentally” liked Cheng’s post, while Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan’s Facebook account was found to have “liked” the same post, even though the Minister himself denied having liked the post at all.

Masagos’s Tepid Response and Its Aftermath

Perhaps no other response holds more weight to the community then from the Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Masagos Zulkifli. His addressed the issue on Facebook — but his initial reaction was widely perceived as weak and out of sync with ground sentiments. People in the community were disappointed that Masagos, who was regarded as one of those who best represent Malay-Muslim opinions within the administration, did not strongly and quickly condemn Cheng’s statement.

It wasn’t until after Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam publicly condemned Cheng’s comments that Masagos issued a more pointed rebuttal, calling Cheng’s post “disrespectful” and hurtful to the Malay-Muslim community. While welcomed, the timing of this second statement led to criticism that it was reactive rather than principled — a response that appeared more triggered by party dynamics than community concern.

A Pattern of Perceived Disconnect

This is not the first time Masagos has been criticized by sections of the Muslim community. In 2017, he was at odds over the tudung (hijab) issue in Parliament with Workers’ Party MP Faisal Manap. Faisal had pushed for loosening restrictions for Muslim women in uniformed services so they can wear headscarves, an issue close to the hearts of those in the community. Masagos had criticized such an attempt, saying it was likely to create division. That episode, for many, further reinforced a sense of Masagos placing party unity ahead of speaking for ground sentiments.

Community Voices: Calm, Constructive, and Committed

In spite of this, Singapore’s wider Muslim community, ranging from religious officials to associations, has stood firmly in support of a peaceful and constructive approach to the Israel-Palestine issue.

The Singapore Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) is deeply troubled by the Gaza crisis, calling upon its community to donate to genuine aid operations. MUIS highlighted giving generously to relief efforts while adhering to peaceful and civil rhetoric.

In solidarity with this appeal, Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF) was able to raise in excess of S$10 million to aid those in Gaza. Such resounding support from individuals, mosques, and organizations attests to the community’s dedication to offering tangible, meaningful aid.

A Responsive Representation for the Community

This episode underscores the importance of not just political representation, but responsive leadership. As Singapore’s Muslim community continues to show compassion through action, many are now calling for their leaders to match that moral clarity with political courage.

Will the sentiments of Singapore Muslims over his response affect Masagos in the upcoming election? That remains to be seen.

Afterword: Calvin Cheng has since issued a muted apology over his posts. However, unlikely we will hear the last of him.

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