THE two Muslim preachers who have been barred from giving religious talks in Singapore will be allowed to work in Malaysia, says Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid, who is also home minister, said the government found nothing wrong with the previous talks given by the grand mufti of Zimbabwe Ismail Menk and Islamic preacher Haslin Baharim, who is Malaysian.

“When they were in Malaysia, they did not say anything that caused racial tensions or conflict here,” he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur today.

Yesterday, Singapore’s Home Affairs Ministry denied both men miscellaneous work passes to preach in the city-state.

The ministry said in a statement that both men will also not be allowed to get around the ban by preaching instead on cruise ships that operate to and from Singapore.

It said the decision came about after consultation with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), the Singapore Tourism Board and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

“Yes, I’ve read the reports about it; that the Singapore Islamic (Religious) Council had advised Singapore’s Home Affairs Ministry to take that course of action,” Zahid said.  

“That is the right of that country as they have their own laws. However, the talks were misconstrued. As far as those two are concerned, they have never caused racial conflict or any tension among religious groups (here). 

“Malaysia is satisfied with what they have done in this country and we will not advise (any agency) to take similar action (as Singapore) as they have never done anything wrong in our country.”

Singapore’s Home Affairs Ministry said Ismail had been preaching divisive teachings.

“For example, he preached that it is the biggest sin and crime for a Muslim to wish a non-Muslim Merry Christmas or Happy Deepavali. In short, that Muslims are not allowed to wish others happiness during the latter’s religious festivals,” the ministry said in a statement.

“Such divisive views breed intolerance and exclusivist practices that will damage social harmony and cause communities to drift apart,” the statement said.

“They are unacceptable in the context of Singapore’s multiracial and multi-religious society.”

Both men had been engaged to preach on a religious-themed cruise departing and ending in Singapore from November 25 to 29. – October 31, 2017.