Man Arrested in Singapore for Sending Pork Parcel to Mosque
A 61-year-old man in Singapore has been arrested and charged with deliberately intending to wound racial feelings after allegedly sending a parcel containing pork to the Al-Istiqamah Mosque in Serangoon North. The incident sparked concerns about racial and religious harmony in the country.
The Incident at Al-Istiqamah Mosque
On September 24th, authorities were alerted to a suspicious package delivered to the Al-Istiqamah Mosque. The parcel was found to contain pork, leading to the evacuation of the mosque as a precaution. One individual was assessed for breathlessness and sent to Sengkang General Hospital, but was later discharged. No hazardous substances were discovered.
Arrest and Investigation
The suspect, identified as Bill Tan Keng Hwee, was arrested on September 25th following ground inquiries and review of police camera footage. Preliminary investigations suggest that Tan may have been involved in similar incidents at other mosques in Singapore. He was charged on September 27th with the offense of deliberately intending to wound the racial feelings of a person.
Legal Ramifications
The charge against Tan carries a potential penalty of up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. Court documents revealed that the parcel contained a note with the words "halal BaBi chop," with 'babi' translating to 'pig' in Malay. The police prosecutor requested that Tan be remanded for a week to facilitate further investigations. Tan is scheduled to return to court on October 3rd.
Reactions and Condemnation
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from religious leaders, community groups, and government officials. Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam described the act as "playing with fire," emphasizing the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the matter. The Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) stressed the importance of keeping places of worship safe and peaceful. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) urged the community to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
Community Solidarity
Despite the incident, the Al-Istiqamah Mosque leadership decided to continue prayers, a decision praised by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth as reflecting Singapore's solidarity in the face of provocations. The Sikh Advisory Board also voiced its support for the Muslim community, standing in solidarity.
Statements from Religious Organizations
Several religious organizations have spoken out against the incident, emphasizing the importance of religious harmony and mutual respect in Singapore:
- The Methodist Church in Singapore stated that such incidents "threaten the fabric of our society".
- The Sikh Advisory Board "strongly condemns" the incidents, emphasizing the sanctity of places of worship.
- The Singapore Buddhist Federation "strongly objects to this evil act" of disrespect.
- The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore condemned the acts as an attempt to create division.
