26 January 2002 1436 hrs (GMT) 2236 hrs (SST) Fateha controversy has hurt image of Muslims in Singapore: MPs by Wong Siew Ying/Daud Yusof

Muslim MPs have said the recent debate about the Fateha group had hurt the image of Islam and Muslims in Singapore. [an error occurred while processing this directive]

But they said Singaporeans must move on and steps must be taken to enhance inter-racial understanding.

Mayor Zainul Abidin Rasheed and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Information, Communications and The Arts Yatiman Yusof described as a wise move the decision by seven members to disassociate themselves from Fateha.

Speaking at a North East CDC event, they urged remaining members to do the same.

The MPs said while there is room for open rational discussion, those who are extreme in their views or seek to cast distrust among the communities should be nipped in the bud.

Mr Yatiman said: "To some extent, the image of Islam and Muslims in Singapore had been affected by the doing of Mr Zulfikar and Fateha.com group.

"I think right now, we have a major responsibility, a big task ahead of us to repair the damage and to assure Singaporeans that we have to move ahead."

This means having more dialogue sessions with the community and making sure Singaporeans understand the aspirations of various racial groups.

Mr Zainul said: "We have to work harder to make sure that we achieve better understanding, whether it is through schools, through bonding activities of the CDC or various other civic groups and organisations. There's a lot more we can do."

He emphasised that the majority of Muslims in Singapore are progressive and peace-loving people who want to play a part in nation building.

Other Malay Muslim MPs are focusing on moving forward, saying that the Fateha episode should not distract from the community's focus.

Commenting on Mr Zulfikar's resignation, Minister of State for Community Development and Sports Yaacob Ibrahim said that while he welcomed it, Mr Zulfikar has still to retract his statements.

"Nowhere have I detected that he has rejected some of his views and basically felt that he has made a mistake. Again, I am disappointed. Whatever his motives are for resigning, I think we'll have to wait and see," Mr Yaacob said.