Not a ‘fantasy’ for ISIS followers to work at establishing base in SE Asia: PM Lee
President Barack Obama, left, shakes hands with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, centre, after posing for a group photo with other leaders of ASEAN, the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, at the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage, Calif. From left are, Philippines President Benigno Aquino III, Thailand Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. Photo: AP
RANCHO MIRAGE (California) — South-east Asia has become a fertile ground for terrorism, and while it is unlikely for followers of Islamic State (ISIS) to overturn governments in the region, the terror group could still set up a base and that would pose serious problems, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
“They think, or some of their followers think that they can overturn governments in Southeast Asia and set up a Caliphate - It’s a fantasy. But it is not such a fantasy for them to think and to work at setting up a wilayat in Southeast Asia, a province and authority, a place somewhere in Southeast Asia which is ISIS territory, just like they have territory in Syria and Iraq,” Mr Lee said, adding that this is because Southeast Asia is a big place and there are areas where the Government writ does not run as strongly.
“In such a place ISIS can take root, and establish a base and that will create serious problems for all of us,” he added.
Mr Lee was speaking at a closed-door retreat on the second day of a special United States-ASEAN summit in Sunnylands, California.
Noting that terrorism affects everyone, Mr Lee suggested two ways to tackle the ISIS threat in the region - strengthen international cooperation and counter the spread of extreme exclusivist ideologies.
"A terrorist does not know any borders. Theirs is a multi-national endeavour, so too must our anti-terrorist cooperation go beyond borders," he said, adding that Singapore has readily participated in the counter-ISIS coalition.
The spread of extreme, exclusivist ideologies - which breed enmity and which ultimately lead to violence - must also be countered, said Mr Lee, noting that Singapore works closely with religious and community leaders to reach out to wider society so that collectively, a firm stand will be taken against exclusivist ideas.
"The ultimate aim of terrorism is to make a sharp and violent divide between 'us' and 'them'. But if we strengthen our cooperation, if we band together to counter their ideology and take a firm, united stand, I am confident that they will not prevail, and eventually we will defeat terrorism," he said.
Besides terrorism, Mr Lee also addressed the threat of climate change at the retreat - which focused on protecting peace, prosperity and security in the Asia-Pacific.
Noting that climate change is happening and will profoundly affect the world, he said decisive action must be taken and called on all parties to follow through on the Paris Climate Agreement reached in December last year.
“The Paris Climate Agreement last December was significant. Scientifically, it is a modest step. But politically, it was hugely significant because it signals the resolve of the international community to do something. It is a start and will be the springboard for something substantial which will make a bigger difference,” he said, adding that he hoped the US will continue to play a leadership role on the issue.
“Without US leadership, no other country will reach a deal, much less implement an agreement. But if we do and implement the agreement, then we can ensure the sustainability of our environment and make the world a better place for our children,” said Mr Lee.
