Don’t let radicalisation cases divide society, stoke fear: Grace Fu
Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Community, Culture and Youth. TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — The Republic must not allow cases of radicalisation to divide it or stoke animosity and fear in society, Culture, Community and Youth Minister Grace Fu urged yesterday, a day after the arrests of two auxiliary police officers for terrorism-related offences made headlines.
In a Facebook post, Ms Fu said she was “troubled” by the two recent cases, adding that any sign of radicalisation cannot be taken lightly.
“We must seek help and alert the relevant authorities early.”
She said the Muslim community here has made much effort in countering radicalisation and has “continuously rejected” radical ideology.
Hence, the Government has banned publications by Mr Rasul Dahri, a Singaporean preacher known for his extremist views, because they promote ideas that divide society and incite enmity between communities, she added.
Ms Fu cited Monday’s anti-Muslim attack on a mosque in London as a “chilling reminder” of terrorism’s many faces — violent Islamophobia among them.
The minister urged Singaporeans to “stand united and strong”, and not allow the “radical actions of the few” to sow suspicion and discord in society. “Let us come together to defend the harmony and cohesion we have built over the years,” she added.
On Tuesday, in the first case of a self-radicalised uniformed officer here, the authorities announced that two auxiliary police officers, Muhammad Khairul Mohamed, and his colleague, Mohamad Rizal Wahid, had been dealt with under the Internal Security Act.
Khairul, 24, was detained under the Act for wanting to take part in the sectarian conflict in Syria by taking up arms for the Free Syrian Army. Rizal, 36, was issued a restriction order for supporting his intention to undertake armed violence.
Condemning the two men’s actions, Parliamentary Secretary (Home Affairs) Amrin Amin, writing on Facebook on Tuesday, said their conduct has “disgraced the uniformed service”.
Saying that generations of officers have served the country and Singaporeans “with distinction”, he is worried that the two men’s conduct may “undermine scores of Muslim officers who love this country, and served and continue to serve” it.
Mr Amrin said Singapore is a “great country because of the strong trust and belief we have in one another regardless of race, language or religion”.
“Condemn and fight terrorism and Islamophobia, report radicalisation, strengthen our bonds. The task is urgent,” he urged.
Madam Rahayu Buang, chief executive of the Malay-Muslim community’s self-help group Yayasan Mendaki, said family members are in the best place to identify and guide youths.
“We believe that early intervention goes a long way towards ensuring radicalism does not take root in Singapore,” Mdm Rahayu said.
“Families can turn to bodies such as Muis (the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore) and the Religious Rehabilitation Group if they need advice on potentially radical materials or individuals.”
