Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698837150677.pdf (Singapore)
Written Representation 80 Name: Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim Lawyer Received: 28 Feb 2018 (English Translation of paragraphs 65 to 78) K. Falsehoods within a Multi-Racial Society in Singapore 65.

Singapore built a harmonious multi-racial and multi-religious society since long ago, and it has become our responsibility to work together to preserve our way of life for the next generation.

66.
66.

While we welcome Singaporeans who think differently or have different opinions or political leanings, our fundamentals and shared values as a multi-racial society, however, cannot be compromised.

67.

Therefore, we must not allow actions that can divide our society, which can arise from online falsehoods or rumours spread on purpose to achieve a particular agenda.

Racist speeches or hate speeches found online have no place in Singapore and I support any amendments that can protect our racial harmony.
68.

At the same time, it is not wrong to exchange views and speak out in order to bring about positive change in society.

However, insensitive speeches have the same negative consequences as unfettered speeches.

69.

Hence, when we criticize or say something, we should be courteous, should remain civil and should be respectful.

L. Using Blockchain to Verify Correct Islamic Teachings 70.
Verification is important for our Muslim community in Singapore because, apart from falsehoods, we may be exposed to information or religious teachings that are based on the context of foreign countries (which may be unsuitable to our context in Singapore).

Such information may also come from those who are neither certified nor accredited, or from foreign countries or from unsubstantiated sources.

71.
71.

We often receive information, videos, photos or messages via social media like Whatsapp or Facebook, about certain matters like the hadith (the collection of sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad) or the situation of the Muslim community around the world.

If we do not check the authenticity of the information, or the context of the information or the source of that information, there is a risk that the information may not be suitable to the context of our religious teachings in Singapore.
This can divide the Muslim community itself and result in a radical viewpoint and understanding that is incompatible with life in our multi-racial society.

72.

Therefore, as suggested above, perhaps MUIS can consider the possibility of using blockchain technology to help the public verify that a document is printed by MUIS.
MUIS can also build a platform that is ummah-friendly (Muslim community-friendly) to make genuine information more accessible to everyone, and use social bots to receive and answer religious questions posed by the community.

At the same time, such services can help resolve any religious queries on a particular issue expeditiously; before it’s too late.

With this platform, we can also prevent radical beliefs from spreading in our Muslim community.

M. Verifying News in Islam 73.


As Muslims, we should have the habit of verifying any news and not spread lies.

The Al-Quran [Surah Al-Hujuraat Chapter 49 verse 6) states that “O you who believe!

If a troublemaker brings to you any news, do investigate whether it is true.

Lest you harm people due to your ignorance (about it) and subsequently regret what you have done.” 74.
During a Friday prayer sermon, MUIS also states that: “In today’s technological world where information spreads like wildfire, everything that we say or post on social media sites and so on, can easily be read by thousands of people.

In fact, it can spread quickly, and even those who do not know us personally can come to find out about it.
Such situations make Allah’s decree in Surah al-Hujuraat earlier to be extremely critical in the present, and it is something that we have to pay close attention to and study.” 75.

Misinformation is not just about spreading news but also the act of exaggerating and inflaming a situation.

I suggest that we encourage our Muslim community to think good of others and always verify any news first before making hasty decisions.
This can be done through a media campaign or education efforts via religious lectures or during classes at the full time madrasahs or weekend madrasahs.

It can be done in a similar way to the anti-drug or healthy lifestyle campaigns – campaigns that reflect the values of a Muslim.

This emphasis on religion in this issue will perhaps help prevent the spread of falsehoods that can harm our country, community and religion.

76.
76.

For example, at the end of February 2018, an article spread online stated that a mosque was reported to have organized an event to celebrate Chinese New Year, and it was reported that there was dancing and singing.

Several online articles were published by a website that tried to highlight this issue.

Based on media reports, this caused many negative reactions online that felt that it was inappropriate to have dancing activities at the mosque.
Many people who did not verify the situation made various comments and speculations in Facebook.

This did not help the situation and could have made it worse.

This may also be viewed negatively by some people from other communities, who many not fully understand the issue and our community’s sensitivities about this situation.

A few days later, the authorities including the mosque’s management board issued a statement to apologize and to calm the situation.

77.
77.

Since these issues can involve religion or race, we must be careful so that no group can exploit any opportunity to incite our community to fight each other.

No matter how much energy or funds we use to amend the law or seek solutions to resolve this issue, we can only depend on the strength and cooperation of the community.

78.
78.

In conclusion, as I have stated previously in an online article: “The key is to build a society that is not only socially resilient, but also inculcate an online culture where truth and trust is closely guarded.

Where glass is not mistaken for diamonds.

Where truth is championed while shenanigans and lies are eradicated.

Where falsehoods are not easily believed just like a foul odour without a carcass.”