Singapore bans 2 Islamic preachers over 'divisive teachings'

Singapore has banned two foreign Islamic preachers from entering the country for preaching "segregationist and divisive teachings" unacceptable in its multi-racial and multi-religious society, the government said today.
The decision was taken in consultation with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), Singapore Tourism Board and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
Ismail Menk, a Zimbabwean and Haslin Baharim, a Malaysian, will not be allowed to enter Singapore, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said.
The move came after they preached on a religious-themed cruise departing and ending in Singapore from November 25 to 29 last year, Channel News Asia reported.

Ismail has been known to preach "segregationist and divisive teachings", it said.
For example, he preached that it was the biggest sin and crime for a Muslim to wish a non-Muslim 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Deepavali', according to the Channel.

Ismail and Haslin had their Miscellaneous Work Pass applications to preach in Singapore rejected previously.
"They will not be allowed to get around the ban by preaching instead on cruise ships which operate to and from Singapore," the ministry said.
Haslin has described non-Muslims as "deviant" and expressed views that promote disharmony between Muslims and non-Muslims, it said.
"Such divisive views breed intolerance and exclusivist practices that will damage social harmony and cause communities to drift apart.

"They are unacceptable in the context of Singapore's multi-racial and multi-religious society," the ministry said.
The MUIS said that it does not support applications for foreign preachers whose views contravene the code of ethics under the Asatizah (religious teacher) Recognition Scheme.
These include those with ideas that are "deeply problematic and very unsuited" to multi-religious Singapore, it said.
The council found the teachings by the two preachers to "run counter to the values Singaporean Muslims uphold", the MUIS said, adding that Singaporeans need to play their part to reject and guard against divisive doctrines and preachers.
Such teachings are "detrimental to our society and way of life, and will undermine the fundamentals of Singapore's peace and progress", the ministry added.