In a bold statement aimed at reinforcing communal ties, Minister for Social and Family Development, Masagos Zulkifli, emphasized that trust among Singaporeans must be nurtured continually to thwart the advances of radical extremists. Speaking at the inaugural Tampines Unite Gathering on October 27, Masagos highlighted that the unwavering trust within the community serves as Singapore's protective "armour."

The urgency of his remarks was underscored by a recent attempted terror attack foiled by authorities, involving a self-radicalized 17-year-old who harbored sympathies for the ISIS terror group. This incident, which could have had dire consequences, has raised concerns among residents about their safety and trust towards others, particularly those from different ethnic or religious backgrounds.

Masagos addressed these concerns head-on, recognizing the fear amongst residents yet urging them not to succumb to mistrust. “Even though our security agencies have been successful in preventing the attack, we must not allow these events to weaken our sense of community. Trust must be rebuilt, and we must strengthen our bonds,” he stated emphatically.

He acknowledged that eco-political fears can cloud perspectives and that those swayed by extremist beliefs represent a tiny fraction of the diverse Singapore community. He illustrated this with reference to another recent case— a Protestant Christian who had plotted an attack against Muslims. This spectrum of radicalization shows that extremism can afflict anyone and thrives on division.

To combat the rising tide of mistrust, Masagos encouraged residents to embrace their differences through engagement. He called for active participation in community activities and fostered connections among neighbors. “Unity is our strength; we must make an effort to know one another, transcending barriers of race, language, or religion,” he urged attendees.

During the gathering, a notable moment occurred when religious leaders from various faiths came together to conduct a silent prayer. This gesture not only unified different religions but also exemplified the community’s commitment to supporting one another amid adversity.

Masagos concluded with a powerful reminder: “Let us not allow the actions of a few to divide us. Together, we can stand firm against radicalization and reinforce the trust that binds our society.” His call to action resonates beyond Tampines, pressing every Singaporean to strengthen their community ties, ensuring that peace prevails in the multicultural tapestry that is Singapore.

In these times of uncertainty, the ability to come together as one is more crucial than ever, and it's in our unity that we will find our strongest defense against extremism.