The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) and the Singapore Muslim community have condemned the recent wave of terrorist attacks across the world. Muis has also reiterated that acts of terror and violence"and the beliefs they are founded upon have no place
in any society or civilisation".
Given the current environment Muis has urged the community to remain vigilant and to be aware of signs of changes in behaviour of family members and friends. "If you think that they are coming
under extremist influences, you must seek help from credible resources such as the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG). By doing so, you care for all your loved ones, and for everyone in the community," the organisation said.
Given the current environment Muis has urged the community to remain vigilant and to be aware of signs of changes in behaviour of family members and friends. "If you think that they are coming
under extremist influences, you must seek help from credible resources such as the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG). By doing so, you care for all your loved ones, and for everyone in the community," the organisation said.
Muis has also commented on the detention of the first female for radicalism in Singapore. Syaikhah Izzah Zahrah Al Ansari is a 22-year-old contract infant-care assistant.
"This incident is a reminder that there should not be any let-up in our fight
against extremist and radicalised teachings. Muis and our partners
will
continue to work hard to inoculate the community against exclusivism and
extremism, and safeguarding against such ideas from taking root, through
multiple platforms, from Islamic education classes to
Friday sermons,
specialised engagements and through public education efforts at all levels
including through the social media," the organisation stated.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement, "The heightened terrorism threat worldwide and in Singapore makes it
imperative for family members and friends to raise to the authorities
anyone they suspect of being radicalised or planning terror activities.
Singapore can be made safer if family members and friends do this. The
time between radicalisation and committing violence can be very short in
some cases. Recent terror attacks around the world have shown how
terrorists can use easily available objects like vehicles and knives to
commit violence. Such an act would drive a wedge between Muslims and
non-Muslims and divide our communities, which is precisely what the
terrorist groups want."
The ministry also noted that relatives and friends are in the best position to
notice any hints of radicalisation, which may include but is not limited to:
- Avid consumption of radical materials;
- Propagation and re-posting terrorism-related images, videos and posts;
- Expressing support for terrorist entities; and Encouraging others or stating an intention to commit terrorist violence.
"Early reporting could enable the individual who is at risk of becoming
radicalised to be given proper guidance and counselling. They could be
steered away from the path of radicalisation and may not need to be
severely dealt with under the law," the ministry stated.
According to the Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment 2017 report, Singapore is a key target as the country has taken part in international coalitions against terrorism, and represents "many things that are anathema to ISIS". The report notes that Singapore has been cited as a target in jihadist publications and videos, by both terrorist organisation ISIS and other groups.
According to the Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment 2017 report, Singapore is a key target as the country has taken part in international coalitions against terrorism, and represents "many things that are anathema to ISIS". The report notes that Singapore has been cited as a target in jihadist publications and videos, by both terrorist organisation ISIS and other groups.
Concerned?
The
community can call the Singapore ISD Counter-Terrorism
Centre hotline at 1800-2626 473 (1800-2626-ISD); approach Muis at +65 6359 1199 or call the Religious
Rehabilitation Group at 1800-774 7747.
posted from Bloggeroid