Remarks made by former Nominated MP Calvin Cheng suggesting that a group of Singapore activists relocate to Gaza were "completely insensitive and unacceptable", said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
In a Facebook post on April 10, PM Wong said he shared his perspective on Mr Cheng's comments with Ustaz Mohamad Hasbi Hassan and Ustaz Pasuni Maulan, whom he met during a visit to Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah in Victoria Lane, in Jalan Besar, earlier in the day.
Ustaz Hasbi is chairman of the Council of Elders at the Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association (Pergas), and Ustaz Pasuni is a member of the elders' council.
Both elders are also on the council of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis).
PM Wong wrote in his post that the racial and religious cohesion today in Singapore society - which is diverse yet harmonious - is the result of generations of patient effort and hard work.
"We must treasure it, protect it and nurture it," he said. "In today's uncertain environment, where there are many external forces that can pull our society apart, this work is even more important."
PM Wong recounted how, when Singapore was a part of Malaysia, some segments of the Malaysian community had called the local Chinese "pendatang" - a Malay word that refers to an outsider or foreigner.
"It angered many Chinese, who felt that they were second-class citizens. So when Singapore became independent, we resolved never to treat our minorities like that."
PM Wong said he thanked Ustaz Hasbi and Ustaz Pasuni for their role in fostering interfaith harmony.
"Together, let's build on what we have, and ensure that our little red dot remains an oasis of stability and harmony," he said.
Mr Cheng had earlier met Ustaz Hasbi and Ustaz Pasuni on April 9 at Yusof Ishak Mosque in Woodlands, where he expressed deep remorse for his remarks on March 13 suggesting that Singaporean activists from a group called Monday of Palestine Solidarity "take a hike" to Gaza.
This was after activists from the group turned up and caused a scene at Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam's Meet-the-People Session in Chong Pang on March 12.
In a Facebook post on April 10, Mr Cheng acknowledged that his comments had caused "hurt and anger", especially within the Muslim community.
His post came after Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli and Mr Shanmugam came out to say that they disagreed with Mr Cheng's views.
On April 6, Pergas issued a statement calling the comments "deeply troubling".
The association said the remarks ridiculed and alienated fellow Singaporeans, many of whom had expressed empathy and solidarity in response to humanitarian suffering.
Mr Cheng responded on April 7, saying that his earlier comments were directed at a group of people who included non-Muslims and those comments mentioned neither race nor religion.
In a separate post on his visit to Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah on April 10, PM Wong said madrasahs, or Islamic religious schools, continue to play an important role in Singapore's education landscape.
Madrasahs help to nurture future asatizah (religious teachers) and community leaders, said PM Wong.
"The Government will continue to work closely with the community to support them and enhance their capabilities," he said.
The Prime Minister noted that Singapore's current Mufti, Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, and Syariah Court president, Ustaz Irwan Hadi, are alumni of Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah, which was established in 1927.
PM Wong pointed to the upcoming Singapore College of Islamic Studies, which is set to open in 2028, as a key move to ensure "continuity, excellence and relevance" in Islamic scholarship here.
He added: "We aim to build on this strong foundation - offering our madrasah graduates the opportunity to pursue Islamic education at the tertiary level right here in Singapore."
The college's first intake of up to 60 students will take classes at Muis' five-storey campus in Bencoolen Street.
The college is also in the process of establishing partnerships with the Singapore University of Social Sciences, Egypt's Islamic advisory body Dar al-Ifta, the University of Jordan, and Morocco's Al-Qarawiyyin University.
