Dormitory Director Fined for Hosting Extremist Preacher Event

The managing director of a dormitory operator in Singapore has been fined S$7,000 (US$5,400) for organizing an event featuring a preacher with alleged ties to extremist groups. Abdus Sattar, aged 51, was found guilty of violating the Public Order Act and the Public Entertainments Act by holding a sermon that could incite radical views among approximately 600 foreign workers at Lantana Lodge.

According to Deputy Public Prosecutor Sheldon Lim, Sattar invited Bangladeshi national Amir Hamza, known for his extremist rhetoric and reported connections to a pro-Al-Qaeda organization, to speak at a National Day celebration on August 9, 2024. The event included a prayer session and was advertised publicly, allowing unrestricted access to attendees.

Sattar, who is the managing director of SBM Electrical & Automation, coordinated the sermon despite Hamza’s criminal history, which includes arrest in Bangladesh in 2021 for terrorism-related activities. The court was informed that Sattar sent a text to Hamza, inviting him to conduct prayers at the event. Sattar also arranged for another speaker, Ullah Mohammed Neamat, to perform Islamic songs.

The promotional materials for the event featured images of both Hamza and Neamat, clearly stating the occasion was open to all Singapore residents. As a result, the event attracted a significant crowd, including foreign workers from nearby dormitories.

On August 12, 2024, following the event, the police received an anonymous report through the i-Witness platform, informing them about the extremist preacher’s presence. By that time, both Hamza and Neamat had already departed from Singapore.

In court, the prosecutor argued that Sattar’s actions provided a platform for dangerous ideologies. He sought fines of S$5,000 for the Public Order Act violation and between S$3,000 and S$4,000 for operating without a public entertainment license. Lim emphasized that Sattar’s decision to host an event of this nature posed a serious risk of encouraging extremism.

Defence Argues for Understanding and Context

Sattar’s lawyer, Khaira Akramjeet Singh, emphasized his client’s remorse and described him as a hardworking individual who provides jobs for many. Singh contended that Sattar’s intentions were not malicious but stemmed from a desire to foster a sense of community and reflection among his Muslim staff during the holiday.

The defense acknowledged Sattar’s oversight regarding necessary permits and regulations, suggesting that he acted out of naivety rather than ill intent. Singh noted that Sattar had only seen videos of Hamza focusing on prayer and did not fully grasp the implications of hosting such an event.

Despite these arguments, the prosecutor maintained that Sattar, as an experienced businessman, should have understood the risks involved. The judge echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential for such gatherings to foster religious extremism and intolerance.

Sattar faced a maximum fine of S$5,000 for the Public Order Act violation and could have been fined up to S$20,000 for providing unlicensed public entertainment. Additionally, Sattar’s company was penalized S$20,000 for failing to maintain accurate records of visitors at the dormitory.

This case underscores the delicate balance between community engagement and regulatory compliance in Singapore, particularly concerning events that may attract individuals with extremist views.