85-year-old former doctor reposted offensive Facebook content despite prior warning from authorities
A Singaporean doctor has been fined S$10,000 (US$7,700) for deliberately insulting the religious feelings of Muslims, following repeated Facebook posts that violated the country’s racial and religious harmony laws.
Offensive Posts and Police Reports
Dr Kho Kwang Po, 85, was fined the maximum penalty allowed under Singapore’s Magistrates’ Courts on May 19, 2025, for reposting offensive remarks targeting Islam. Although his original post dated back to April 21, 2016, he reposted the same content on April 21, 2021, despite having received a conditional warning for the initial post. Two police reports were lodged in June 2021, citing the content as “highly insulting” and seditious in nature.
The Facebook profile was public, and prosecutors noted that Dr Kho was the only person with access to the account. His actions triggered legal scrutiny for deliberately wounding the religious feelings of Muslims, an offence punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Court Hears Deliberate Intent
Deputy Public Prosecutor Sean Teh told the court that Dr Kho’s repeated posting of the same content over five years reflected intent and persistence in holding those views. Despite the lack of viral traction, the act itself demonstrated a “deliberate” effort to target Muslims, said Teh, noting the post was accessible to the general public.
Prosecutors pushed for a S$10,000 fine, taking into account Dr Kho’s age, guilty plea, and the limited impact of the post. “These posts were made with deliberation,” Teh said, emphasizing that Dr Kho had a history of making similar posts over a prolonged period.
Judge Condemns Misuse of Social Media
District Judge Eddy Tham described the remarks as “objectively insulting” and condemned Dr Kho’s actions, especially given his background as a medical professional. “As a doctor, you should have known better than to propagate such views on the internet,” Judge Tham stated.
The judge acknowledged a mitigation plea from Dr Kho, who admitted in a personal statement that he had become overly influenced by online propaganda and failed to critically assess what he read. Judge Tham said he hoped Dr Kho had now realized the folly of his actions.
Dr Kho’s lawyers, Kenneth Au-Yong and Josiah Tan, reiterated that their client had shown genuine remorse, expressed regret for his misjudgment, and pleaded guilty to the charge. They emphasized his advanced age and low likelihood of reoffending, aligning with the prosecution’s recommendation for a non-custodial sentence.
“He is not likely to repeat this offence,” Au-Yong stated, adding that Dr Kho understood the seriousness of his actions and had accepted responsibility.
The case highlights Singapore’s firm stance on racial and religious harmony, where online behavior is subject to the same scrutiny as real-world speech. Authorities have consistently enforced strict laws against content that threatens social cohesion, especially in a multi-religious society.
Even though the case involved an elderly individual with minimal social media reach, the court affirmed that intent and content carry weight, and freedom of expression does not shield religious insensitivity.
The sentencing of Dr Kho reinforces Singapore’s commitment to safeguarding religious and racial harmony, especially in the digital space where posts can quickly amplify division. By holding even low-profile offenders accountable, the court sends a strong signal that offensive speech—regardless of age or status—will not be tolerated.
For both Singaporeans and Indonesians observing from across the region, this case serves as a cautionary example of the responsibilities tied to online platforms and the real-world consequences of spreading hateful content. In an era where digital influence knows no borders, mutual respect remains fundamental to regional stability.
Sources: CNA (2025) , Shia Waves (2025)
Keywords: Kho Kwang Po, Anti Islam Post, Singapore Doctor Fined, Religious Offence, Facebook Remarks, Magistrates Court
