Singapore is clear in its position as to why it bars certain foreign religious preachers from entry, said Home Affairs and Law minister K. Shanmugam in parliament on January 8.
They will be banned if they preach religious intolerance or seek to divide society along religious lines. “If he has advocated violence, or promoted segregationist and intolerant teachings that are inimical to our multiracial, multi-religious society, he will not be allowed in,” said Mr. Shanmugam.
Such entry bans can be meted out regardless of the size of the preachers’ followings or whether their comments were made in relation to Singapore.
Any foreigner who wants to talk about sensitive issues concerning religion, race or politics in Singapore must obtain a Miscellaneous Work Pass from the Manpower Ministry, which will consult other agencies and assess each application on its own merits.
Last year, three foreign Muslim preachers were barred from entering Singapore over their teachings. American Muslim preacher Yusuf Estes was denied entry into Singapore last November for having expressed views that the authorities said are “unacceptable” and “contrary” to the values of Singapore’s multiracial and multi-religious society.
Zimbabwean Ismail Menk and Malaysian Haslin Baharim were barred from entering Singapore in October over their hardline and divisive teachings.
All three had been scheduled to join a five-day spiritual luxury cruise for international passengers from Singapore to Aceh, organized by Malaysia-based Islamic Cruise.
Although he was banned here, Mr. Estes flew to Banda Aceh to address cruise passengers when the ship arrived there later on.
Mr. Shanmugam explained why the preachers should be banned from physically entering Singapore, even if people can still access their teachings online. “Preaching and grandstanding live and in person, is quite different a proposition from doing so on the Internet,” he said.
Entry into Singapore is neither automatic nor a right for foreigners, but a privilege, Mr. Shanmugam noted. “It will only be granted if we assess that his entry will not harm Singapore’s interests,” he added.
Banning extremist preachers is the foundation for banning Christian preachers who teach the Bible truth about the false teachings of other religions, even if they are non-violent. Once Bible-believing Christians are labeled extremist, it will be very difficult to cross international borders.
“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.” Matthew 24:9.