Quora Answer: Why was Ismail ibn Musa Mink Banned from Singapore?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “Why was Ismail ibn Musa Menk banned from Singapore?” 

I was the one who wrote in, to the Ministry of Home Affairs, regarding Isma’il ibn Musa Mink, or Ismail bin Musa Menk, and his segregationist views.  I also sent in links to videos of his speeches, both in English and Arabic, a summary of his background, and other material, to state my case.  Singapore emphasises the rule of law, and the maintenance of social order.  It is not as if anybody could simply complain about others, and get them banned. 

Initially, Menk was banned from public speaking in Singapore.  He then sent me a letter from some third-class law firm, claiming I had defamed him.  Apparently, these clowns do not understand how defamation laws work in Singapore. 

Firstly, these cases may only proceed to court if the person is in Singapore.  You cannot claim defamation while you are elsewhere. 

Secondly, the onus is on the claimant to prove that there was misrepresentation, and loss of income and credibility.  The demand letter contradicted itself, and undermined its own case. 

Thirdly, since the initial ban on public speaking came from the Government of the Republic Singapore, the correct process would have been to appeal to the Government. 

I refuted the letter publicly, and it is posted on my blog: Refutation of Isma’il ibn Musa Mink’s Lawyers. 

Despite this, Menk thought himself clever by joining a cruise ship from Singapore, organised by Islamists promoting the Wahhabi segregationist mindset, with other noted Wahhabis, such as Yusuf Estes.  Subsequently, they were all banned from entry outright. 

The concern here is that this soft Wahhabi ideology, as promoted by people such as Menk, was gaining traction in Singapore.  The conversation begins with not celebrating birthdays, to not wishing others on their festivals, to not participating in National Day, to not eating with the non-Muslims, to eventually questioning the legitimacy of a secular government.  That is intolerable.  Good riddance to him, and his kind.