'This phenomenon, unfortunate though it may be, is happening within the Malay-Muslim community. Therefore we have a certain amount of responsibility to ensure that our young are not led astray,' he said.

'In terms of encouraging our young to go to the right sources to make sure they are not misled, we have a very important role to play,' he noted.

He was responding to a question from Mr Zaqy Mohamad (Hong Kah GRC) who asked if, by making the self-radicalisation issue a Malay-Muslim issue, the community was overreacting to recent incidents of self-radicalised Muslim youth and to the escape of JI leader Mas Selamat Kastari last week.

Some religious leaders and Malay community leaders he spoke to felt that 'it may put the Malay community on the defensive', he said.

Dr Yaacob replied: 'I'm not sure whether we are overreacting but I agree with you that in the case of Mas Selamat Kastari, it is a national security issue.

'Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng is on top of the situation together with the security agencies. But as he has mentioned, he welcomes all efforts by all sectors of the community of all races.'

Yesterday, MPs Masagos Zulkifli (Tampines GRC) and Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (Marine Parade GRC) also asked for an update on measures to counter self-radicalisation.

Dr Yaacob said the detention of two radicalised 26-year-olds last December showed proper religious guidance was important.

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) would try to ensure Muslims have the resources to understand Islam and identify and keep away from what is not right.

It had, among other things, launched two websites to engage youth and help Internet users identify radical ideas: http://invoke.sg and http://radical.mosque.sg.

He urged parents and community leaders to stress that youth should learn from accredited religious teachers or asatizah.

By the end of next year, 420 would have completed a programme that gives them a better understanding of other religions and national issues. This is close to half of the 950 here.

Dr Yaacob also noted that Muis is actively engaging other faith groups and the wider community, and mosques were working with community and grassroots groups.

In July, mosques will get together to organise a Blessings To All Day, which will include a mass blood donation drive and a reception for 1,000 needy families and senior citizens of all races.

ZAKIR HUSSAIN