SINGAPORE - The detention of Syaikhah Izzah Zahrah Al Ansari under the Internal Security Act for radicalism should not cause the Muslim community to be viewed in a negative light, said the National Council of Churches of Singapore on Monday (June 12).

Neither should the event be used to stoke the flames of Islamophobia in Singapore, added the council, which represents more than 250 churches.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced on Monday that Izzah, a 22-year-old infant care assistant, had been detained earlier in the month.

She was deeply radicalised and supported the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria's use of violence, said the MHA.

In response, the NCCS sent a letter to Mufti Fatris Bakaram and Mr Haji Abdul Razak Maricar, the chief executive of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis).

The Christian group also posted the letter on its website.

"The actions of a misguided few must never be seen as representing that of the majority of Muslims here," said the letter, which was signed by its president Rennis Ponniah and general secretary Ngoei Foong Nghian.

The council said that the Muslim community has contributed significantly to Singapore's progress, and done much to strengthen its multi-racial and multi-religious community.

"The National Council of Churches will continue to support and pray for the Muslim community during this difficult time," it said.

The council also urged Singaporeans to continue working together to ensure nothing jeopardises the country's inter-religious harmony and peace.

"Let us continue also to work together to ensure the safety and security of everyone who lives and works here by being vigilant and by being committed to the common good," it added.