{"id":54749,"date":"2026-05-23T22:13:54","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T14:13:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=54749"},"modified":"2026-05-23T22:13:54","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T14:13:54","slug":"pulau-ubin-guides-identity-attacked-over-prayer-recital","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=54749","title":{"rendered":"Pulau Ubin guide’s identity attacked over prayer recital"},"content":{"rendered":"


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A Pulau Ubin tour guide said he felt his identity as a Singaporean Malay-Muslim has been \u201cattacked\u201d after a call for investigatioan surfaced about his recital of the azan \u2014 a Muslim call to prayer \u2014 during a tour of the island in 2024<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Nor Syazwan Abdul Majid, the 29-year-old curator and guide of Malay Kampung Heritage Tour<\/a>, said in a May 18 post<\/a> that an individual had called for an investigation towards him after he recited the azan while conducting a free tour for the public as part of an Ubin Day celebration.<\/p>\n

The prayer, recited five times a day, was performed at the former Pulau Ubin Mosque. Mr Syazwan explained that it was for participants to \u201cexperience the soundscape\u201d of the island, if the mosque and the Ubin Orang Pulau community \u2014 the indigenous coastal community of Pulau Ubin \u2014 had still existed.<\/p>\n

Mr Syazwan expressed \u201cdisappointment\u201d that the purpose and intention of the tour appeared \u201cto have not been understood by this individual\u201d.<\/p>\n

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He added that he would continue performing the azan, as he felt it was his \u201csocial duty\u201d as a descendant of the Ubin Orang Pulau to keep the culture alive.<\/p>\n

The guide called for greater openness to understanding one another\u2019s cultures, traditions, and religions, as \u201cthis is what it means to be Singaporean\u201d.<\/p>\n

He also noted that the call for investigation was concluded shortly \u201cafter relevant authorities and parties have been clarified of the context and intention\u201d.<\/p>\n

Guide felt identity was \u2018attacked\u2019<\/h2>\n

In a follow-up post on May 22,<\/a> Mr Syazwan shared screenshots of comments from netizens criticising his performance of the azan, with one calling it \u201cridiculous\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrankly, performing the azan during a heritage tour when it is not azan time is ridiculous,\u201d the netizen wrote, likening it to a Catholic performing a prayer during a tour of the Vatican.<\/p>\n

The netizen also questioned if it was acceptable for participants to \u201chave to listen to the relevant prayers (and asked to reflect) to enhance the authenticity and aura of the venue\u201d.<\/p>\n

In the post\u2019s caption, Mr Syazwan said that he felt his identity as a Singaporean Malay-Muslim \u201chas been attacked\u201d.<\/p>\n

Addressing the \u201cgrowing hate\u201d directed at him, he said the \u201cmockery\u201d of his culture and religion had taken a toll on his mental health, prompting him to question what has become of \u201cour home\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel sick. I\u2019m very hurt. I\u2019m sorry,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n

Stomp has reached out to Mr Syazwan and NParks for comment.<\/p>\n

Azan is a \u2018beautiful sound\u2019: Netizens support guide<\/h2>\n

Netizens rallied behind Mr Syazwan in the comments, with one saying they were \u201cimpressed\u201d by his \u201cpassion and belief\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cI find it sad that a simple call to prayer, especially in a heritage context, can be seen as something offensive,\u201d another chimed in.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we want to preserve history honestly, we cannot only preserve the parts that make everyone comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Others suggested that he ignore the negative comments, while some described the azan as \u201ca beautiful sound\u201d.<\/p>\n

Several even said they were keen to learn more about the tradition.<\/p>\n

\u201cSingapore\u2019s story has always included people like you too. Don\u2019t let the loudest cruelty convince you otherwise,\u201d a netizen wrote.<\/p>\n

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