Disagrees Strongly: Masagos Slams Calvin Cheng’s Israel-Palestine Views in Bold Statement – 5 Key Takeaways

Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli has publicly disagreed with ex-NMP Calvin Cheng’s remarks on the Israel-Palestine conflict. In a Facebook post on April 3, Masagos emphasized the need to end the suffering and loss of innocent lives, especially children. He praised Singaporeans for standing together across ethnic and religious lines to call for peace, reflecting the nation’s core values of justice and compassion. His comments came in response to a March 13 post by Cheng, where the former NMP offered to send pro-Palestinian activists to Gaza and mocked them in the process.

Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam also distanced himself from Cheng’s views, reiterating his belief that Israel’s actions against Palestinians are illegal and oppressive. Cheng later announced he would redirect nearly $200,000 raised for a Tampines community project to a national giving programme to avoid politicizing the effort. Masagos acknowledged this move and appreciated the gesture, assuring that the Tampines initiative would continue with support from other donors. The episode highlights how differing views on global issues can spark strong reactions even within local communities.

Disagrees Strongly: Masagos Slams Calvin Cheng’s Israel-Palestine Views in Bold Statement – 5 Key Takeaways

Masagos Zulkifli, Singapore’s Minister for Social and Family Development and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, publicly opposed comments made by former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Calvin Cheng regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. In a Facebook post on April 3, Masagos stressed the urgent need to stop the violence and the killing of innocent civilians, particularly children caught in the crossfire. He expressed solidarity with those grieving the devastating humanitarian toll of the war, underscoring Singapore’s commitment to shared values like compassion, respect, and justice.

“I disagree with Calvin Cheng’s views on the Israel-Palestine conflict,” Masagos stated firmly, referencing a controversial post by Cheng on March 13. In that post, Cheng mocked members of the “Monday of Palestine Solidarity” group, sarcastically offering to fund their relocation to Gaza. He proposed buying business-class tickets for the group’s leaders and walking shoes for supporters—a remark widely criticized as insensitive.

Growing Disapproval of Cheng’s Remarks

Cheng’s comments drew further scrutiny when Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam, on April 2, openly distanced himself from Cheng’s position. Shanmugam reiterated his longstanding view that Israel’s military actions in Gaza—following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack—constitute illegal and oppressive measures. The Hamas assault killed approximately 1,200 Israelis, prompting Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza, which has reportedly claimed over 50,000 Palestinian lives to date.

Cheng Redirects Funds Amid Controversy

Amid mounting backlash, Cheng announced on April 3 that he would reallocate nearly $200,000 raised for a Tampines community project to the Community Chest’s SGShare initiative. The funds were initially meant to aid residents in need during the Hari Raya festive period. Cheng explained his decision to shift the donations was to prevent his political views from overshadowing the charity’s purpose. “I do not want this goodwill effort to be tainted by controversy,” he wrote, emphasizing his desire to protect the project’s intent.

Masagos, who serves as a Member of Parliament for Tampines GRC, acknowledged Cheng’s move, expressing gratitude for the gesture. He confirmed that the Tampines SG60 Cares program—aimed at supporting vulnerable residents—would continue using alternative funding sources. “We will ensure assistance reaches those who need it,” Masagos assured, highlighting the community’s resilience and shared commitment to welfare.

Singapore’s Unified Call for Peace

Masagos’ remarks underscored Singapore’s broader emphasis on social harmony amid global conflicts. He praised Singaporeans from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds for uniting to advocate for peace and justice, reflecting the nation’s multicultural ethos. His statement also aligned with Shanmugam’s earlier criticism of Israel’s military tactics, which the Law Minister described as disproportionate and unlawful during a parliamentary address in November 2023.

The Israel-Palestine conflict has deeply divided global opinion, and Singapore’s leaders have cautiously balanced diplomatic ties with calls for humanitarian relief. While the government maintains relationships with both Israel and Palestine, officials have consistently condemned violence against civilians and stressed adherence to international law.

Broader Implications

Cheng’s polarizing remarks and subsequent donation pivot highlight the challenges public figures face when personal views clash with community initiatives. His attempt to separate charity from politics underscores the sensitivity of the issue in Singapore, where social cohesion remains a priority. Meanwhile, Masagos’ response reaffirmed the government’s stance on fostering unity while addressing contentious global issues with empathy.

As the Gaza crisis persists, Singapore’s leaders continue urging dialogue and peaceful resolution, echoing the public’s anguish over the loss of innocent lives. The incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible discourse, particularly in a multicultural society where words can deeply impact communal trust.

In summary, Masagos’ rejection of Cheng’s views, coupled with Cheng’s donation redirection, illustrates the delicate balance between free expression and social responsibility in Singapore’s tightly knit community. The episode reaffirms the nation’s dedication to harmony, even as it engages with complex international conflicts.