National Security Minister Emphasizes Community Resilience Against Extremism and Online Radicalization
SINGAPORE: Singapore maintains a zero tolerance policy towards hate speech and aims to ensure that its communities are resilient against extremist rhetoric, stated Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean on Wednesday (June 1).
Speaking virtually at the 17th Annual Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG) Retreat, Mr. Teo highlighted the case of Indonesian preacher Abdul Somad Batubara, who was denied entry into Singapore on May 16.
Mr. Teo noted that Somad had incited his supporters to express agitation on social media against Singapore, leading to protests and demands for an apology, with some calling for violence against Singapore and its citizens.
“Their claims of Islamophobia are baseless. Singapore takes a zero tolerance approach to hate speech, regardless of whether it comes from a Christian pastor or a Muslim ustaz,” he asserted.
He added, “Such extremist rhetoric has real-world consequences,” referencing a 17-year-old who was detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in 2020 after watching Somad’s lectures, which led him to believe that suicide bombers are martyrs.
While Singapore can prevent hate speech from physically entering the country, it cannot entirely stop online content, Mr. Teo acknowledged.
“We must ensure our communities are resilient against extremist rhetoric, particularly online,” he stressed.
“Our people, especially the youth, must seek guidance from credible religious authorities and reject extremism and hate speech.”
IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON TERRORISM
During his address at the retreat, Mr. Teo remarked that the pandemic has complicated terrorists’ efforts to plan, prepare, and execute attacks, especially across borders over the past two years.
However, terrorist organizations increased their propaganda and recruitment activities online during this time.
“As people spent more time online, we observed a continued stream of self-radicalization cases during the pandemic,” he explained.
“As we reopen our borders, there will be a surge in international travel, which may heighten the terrorism threat as foreign fighters return or travel to conflict zones. This situation also creates more opportunities for lone-wolf attacks.”
Mr. Teo underscored the global security landscape’s uncertainty, mentioning the situations in Afghanistan and Ukraine, along with Israeli-Palestinian conflicts.
“In Southeast Asia, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and ISIS affiliates are rebuilding their capabilities and showing interest in mounting attacks. Within Singapore, self-radicalization remains a domestic terrorism threat,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Mr. Teo expressed appreciation for the RRG’s continuous efforts over the past two years amid the pandemic, emphasizing its vital role.
“I have spoken with my counterparts in various countries, and they often express envy towards us. What we have today is the result of the sacrifices made by our RRG members,” he concluded.
