Is’haq Rajoo Jay calls for government transparency, urges voters to choose wisely ahead of GE2025

SINGAPORE: Food and beverage entrepreneur and part-time sports coach Is’haq Rajoo Jay recently took to TikTok to air pointed criticisms of political figures in Singapore, particularly from the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP). His video focused on issues of representation, transparency, and accountability, raising questions in light of recent controversies. Jay had initially planned to contest in Queenstown Single Member Constituency (SMC) as an independent candidate, but later withdrew from the race to avoid a three-cornered fight.

“Sudden Fondness” for Muslim Representation

Jay began by commenting on a recurring visual he had noticed during political appearances — the visible presence of Muslim women supporting PAP candidates and some alternative party candidates. He questioned the intent behind this, asking, “Why the sudden fondness for our Muslim sisters to stand next to them?” This observation was framed in the context of a recent controversy involving former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Calvin Cheng. On 13 March, Cheng made a Facebook post in which he suggested that two Malay-Muslim women who had confronted Minister K. Shanmugam during a Meet-the-People Session (MPS) should be sponsored to Gaza, adding that he hoped they would "never come back." The post was widely condemned as dehumanising and Islamophobic. Jay, visibly frustrated, questioned the government's response to Cheng's comments. “Did the government do anything to charge this fellow for causing a lot of issues amongst us?” He then addressed Cheng’s remorse for his remarks, but rejected it, calling it “just a performance.” On 10 April, Cheng publicly acknowledged the hurt caused by his remarks and expressed “deep remorse” in a meeting with senior religious leaders. He clarified that his comments were intended to address activist disruptions rather than religious or ethnic groups. Jay, however, rejected this explanation, stating, “Do you think we can buy that? We do not buy that.” In his video, Jay also defended former opposition figure Jufrie Mahmood, who had filed a police report against Cheng for allegedly inciting religious division. In response, Cheng initiated legal action against Jufrie, alleging defamation and demanding a public apology. Jay called Jufrie a “hero” and questioned the government’s stance on the matter. “Is the government asking or gonna ask Calvin Cheng to retract this civil suit against brother Jufrie Mahmood? I hope they do.”

Questions on Government Officials

Continuing his critique of the Cheng controversy, Jay also raised concerns about Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, who had allegedly “liked” Cheng’s controversial remarks. The activist group “Monday of Palestine Solidarity” (MPS Palestine) was among those who claimed that Balakrishnan had interacted with the post. However, the minister denied this in a Facebook post on 2 April, stating that his account had been compromised and that he did not share Cheng’s views. Jay, however, expressed frustration over the lack of follow-up on the matter, asking, “Any news on that investigation? Dr Vivian, can you give us an answer?” Jay also questioned Minister K. Shanmugam’s August 2023 sale of his Good Class Bungalow (GCB) for S$88 million to UBS Trustees (Singapore) Ltd. “He sold his house. Can you tell us who you sold it to? We would like to know,” Jay demanded, highlighting public interest in GCB ownership restrictions and the lack of transparency surrounding the sale. Additionally, Jay raised questions about a police report filed by PAP MP Low Yen Ling. Low had posted on Facebook on 8 January alleging that a Progress Singapore Party (PSP) supporter had physically assaulted a PAP volunteer during an outreach event. Jay questioned why there had been no update on the investigation. “You made a police report. Correct? What happened to that police report or the police investigation?” Jay stated that answers to these questions were important because they would help the public assess the credibility and character of those in power.

Religious Freedom and Social Concerns

Turning to broader social issues, Jay appealed to Muslim women who publicly support politicians. He urged them to advocate for greater religious freedom, particularly in the workplace. “Why don’t y’all go back to them and say, since you're supporting us, why don't you let us wear our tudung (head covering) in all organizations, government bodies, and civil service sectors? It's the freedom of choice.” Jay emphasised that religion has always been freely practised in Singapore, and he called for greater religious freedom for Muslim women, including the right for young women to wear the tudung if they choose. Jay also renewed calls for the recognition of a public holiday for the Indian community, a long-standing but unresolved issue. “What happened to the holiday the Indians have been asking you?” he said, stressing that voters deserve clarity before heading to the polls. He lamented the lack of progress, stating, “I know nothing changes. So for all you Indian brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, uncles and aunties, before you go and vote, think about this.”

Elect Leaders Who Truly Represent the People

Concluding his video, Jay urged voters to think critically about their choices in the upcoming elections. “We want to make the right decisions so the right candidates go into parliament, not just to sit down and sleep and listen and just press yes for any matters, but to really speak up for us.”