logo
Singapore's new Muslim affairs minister lays down firm stance on Gaza issue

Singapore's new Muslim affairs minister lays down firm stance on Gaza issue

Singapore 's newly appointed acting minister-in-charge of Muslim affairs began his first hours in the role by condemning a controversial social-media commentator for attacking former president Halimah Yacob's support for Palestinians in Gaza – taking a markedly firmer stance than his predecessor.
'Many in our Muslim community, as well as Singaporeans from all walks of life, continue to feel deeply about the tragedy unfolding in Palestine. That includes our former president, Mdm Halimah Yacob, whose views are widely respected across our communities,' wrote Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim in a social media post on Friday night, just hours after being sworn into office.
'In times like these, we need more understanding, not division,' he urged. 'We must never allow dismissive or divisive rhetoric – local or foreign – to erode the mutual respect and unity we have worked so hard to build in our multicultural society.'
Halimah was a 'deeply respected national figure', he said, adding that he shared her sentiments.
This was in response to a post by the Critical Spectator, Polish national Michael Petraeus, known for his pro-establishment and often inflammatory commentary on political and social issues.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Hong Kong court challenges Jimmy Lai's rights claims in national security trial
Hong Kong court challenges Jimmy Lai's rights claims in national security trial

South China Morning Post

time6 hours ago

  • South China Morning Post

Hong Kong court challenges Jimmy Lai's rights claims in national security trial

Two Hong Kong judges hearing Jimmy Lai Chee-ying's national security trial have expressed reservations about the defence characterising the former media boss's alleged endeavours to trigger Western sanctions and foster hatred towards authorities as a legitimate exercise of fundamental rights. The 77-year-old Apple Daily tabloid founder's legal team on Wednesday started presenting its closing arguments at West Kowloon Court after the prosecution made their final remarks in his case of conspiracies to print seditious publications and collude with foreign forces. Senior counsel Robert Pang Yiu-hung opened his speech by hitting out at what he saw as prosecutors' attempt to 'denigrate' human rights and dismiss it as 'an alien concept'. 'You can't force someone to think in one way or another,' the lawyer said. 'Nor is it wrong to hope that the government would change its policies, whether through its own internal review or through suggestion or even pressure, whether from inside Hong Kong or out.' Madam Justice Esther Toh Lye-ping, one of three presiding High Court judges, said the charges were not as simple as that.

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Tibet for landmark anniversary
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Tibet for landmark anniversary

South China Morning Post

time7 hours ago

  • South China Morning Post

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Tibet for landmark anniversary

Xi Jinping has arrived in Tibet for events on Thursday to mark the 60th anniversary of the autonomous region, making him the first Chinese president to attend the once-a-decade activities. He arrived in Lhasa at around noon on Wednesday accompanied by Wang Huning, China's top political adviser and fourth-ranking official, and Cai Qi, the president's chief of staff, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The Tibet autonomous region was established in September 1965 and is one of five ethnic minority regions in the country. Yu Zhengsheng, then the fourth-ranking Politburo Standing Committee member, oversaw anniversary events in 2015. Xi is also the only person to visit the region twice while president – his first trip was in 2021 for the 70th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army's entry into Tibet. State news agency Xinhua said Xi's attendance at the anniversary reflected the importance of the region. 'This is the first time in the history of the Communist Party and the country [that Xi has attended the event],' Xinhua said in an article on Wednesday. 'It fully demonstrated the party leadership's high regard for Tibet's work and their sincere care for Tibetan cadres and the masses of all ethnic groups in Tibet.'

After Shaolin Temple scandal, China's Buddhists urged to obey the law and pay taxes
After Shaolin Temple scandal, China's Buddhists urged to obey the law and pay taxes

South China Morning Post

time11 hours ago

  • South China Morning Post

After Shaolin Temple scandal, China's Buddhists urged to obey the law and pay taxes

Buddhists should obey the law, be patriotic, pay taxes and 'play an active role in building the nation and society', China's Buddhist regulator said on Tuesday, speaking out for the second time this month about the disgraced abbot of Shaolin Temple. Advertisement In a statement on its website, the Buddhist Association of China said that Shi Yongxin , the former abbot, had misappropriated and embezzled funds and temple assets, violated Buddhist regulations, and was suspected of criminal offences. 'This has tarnished the reputation of the Buddhist community in China. Therefore, Buddhist clergy, especially leading figures, must strengthen their awareness of the rule of law, remain vigilant and never cross the legal red line,' the statement said. It said Buddhists were citizens of China first and foremost and should be bound by law. According to the statement, committing crimes creates evil karma, so compliance with the law is a fundamental requirement of Buddhist teachings. It also referred to some specific religious prohibitions, without saying whether Shi had violated them. Advertisement 'Buddhist scripture requires the ordained to not betray the nation, not slander the country's leaders, not evade taxes and not violate laws,' the statement said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store