A Call to Action Against Extremism

SINGAPORE – At a heartfelt gathering to honor volunteers aiding self-radicalized individuals, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong shared a deeply personal message: he has friends who have strayed into extremism. Speaking at the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) annual appreciation lunch on September 13, he emphasized the pressing need for community support to guide those misled by radical ideologies back to a constructive path.

The event, held at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, celebrated the relentless efforts of community volunteers, including those from the Religious Rehabilitation Group, Inter-Agency Aftercare Group, and mosque leaders, among others.

Rising Threats Demand Collective Responsibility

PM Wong noted a worrying trend of self-radicalization in Singapore, stressing that security operations alone can’t tackle the root issues driven by twisted interpretations of faith. He urged religious leaders and community members to take an active role in rehabilitating those affected. “If you notice a loved one drifting toward extremist ideologies, it’s vital to seek help early,” he advised.

He recounted, “It’s painful to see friends I once knew fall prey to such dangerous beliefs. We have to act swiftly to redirect them back to safety.”

Honoring 20 Years of Community Partnership

The MHA has been celebrating its partnerships with community organizations since 2005, aimed at enhancing counter-terrorism efforts and social reintegration. This year marks two decades of collaboration in safeguarding Singapore’s security.

Prominent attendees included National Security Minister K. Shanmugam and Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, highlighting the importance of unity in the face of evolving threats.

The Evolving Landscape of Extremism

PM Wong expressed concern over the expanding variety of extremist ideologies, extending beyond traditional religious extremism. He pointed to the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk in the U.S. as a stark reminder of how online radicalization can incite real-world violence.

He raised alarms about the rise of neo-Nazi movements and the incel subculture, which fosters a dangerous hostility toward women. Defined as involuntary celibates, incels often harbor extreme resentment, creating a toxic environment that can lead to radicalization.

Rehabilitation Success Stories

Citing statistics, PM Wong revealed that of the 150 Singaporeans managed under the Internal Security Act since 2002, nearly 85% have shown significant improvement, reintegrating into society and pursuing productive lives. He mentioned two recent cases illustrating the diverse motivations behind radicalization:

1. A 30-year-old who sought to participate in Turkey's conflicts, driven not by religion but personal grievances.

2. A self-radicalized 14-year-old who was influenced by a mix of ISIS propaganda and far-right extremist thought.

Strategic Approaches in Combating Extremism

To confront these issues, Wong outlined four strategic responses for Singapore: 1. **Deepen international cooperation** to combat terrorism across borders. 2. **Cultivate vigilant communities**, encouraging every citizen to be alert against extremist influences. 3. **Enhance rehabilitation programs** beyond religious contexts to encompass various extremist ideologies.

4. **Strengthen social bonds** to ensure individuals feel connected and supported, reducing the allure of extremist ideologies.

Fostering Community Connections

Speaking from experience, PM Wong urged the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where individuals feel they belong. He honored Ustaz Mohamad Hasbi Hassan and the late Ustaz Ali Haji Mohamed for their foundational contributions to the Religious Rehabilitation Group, highlighting the risks they faced in their mission.

“We’ve built a resilient society over the past 60 years,” Wong remarked, “but we must also combat new divides arising from inequality which could undermine our unity.”

Concluding his address, PM Wong reinforced that maintaining Singapore's harmony is a collective responsibility. “This mission is ours to share, and I look forward to collaborating with each of you to ensure a safe and cohesive Singapore for generations to come.”