Youth radicalisation a pressing security concern for Singapore: Faishal Ibrahim

SINGAPORE – Youth radicalisation remains a pressing security concern for Singapore, with the authorities sounding the alarm over the number of young people detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Speaking on June 24 at the Religious Rehabilitation Group’s (RRG) 20th annual retreat, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim noted that in the span of a decade, 17 youth have been dealt with under the ISA.

Two-thirds of them were detected in the last five years alone, added Associate Professor Faishal, who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs.

“In an increasingly interconnected world, the proliferation of extremist materials and ideological echo chambers in digital spaces where youth spend a lot of time has facilitated and accelerated their radicalisation,” said Prof Faishal.

He also said that youth are particularly vulnerable to extremist influences as they are still in the midst of forming their self-identity and developing critical thinking skills.

“In tandem, we are facing an emerging trend of radicalised youths leveraging evolving technologies, such as artificial intelligence and 3D printing,” said Prof Faishal.

He pointed out that the

17-year-old far-right supporter

who was detained by the Internal Security Department in March considered using 3D printing to manufacture a firearm, to circumvent strict anti-gun laws in Singapore.

The teenager had wanted to use a gun to conduct mass shooting attacks in local mosques. He planned to kill at least 100 Muslims as they were leaving after Friday prayers, and then kill himself.

Said Prof Faishal: “At the point of his arrest, he admitted that he had not carried out his attacks only because he was unable to procure a gun.”

In his speech at the event, which was held at the Mandai Rainforest Resort, Prof Faishal highlighted how the domestic threat environment has evolved dramatically.

The RRG had initially started by tackling the threat of Islamist extremism from members of organised terrorist groups, specifically the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), but had to adapt to address the threat of self-radicalisation.

He said that the profile of radicalised individuals has expanded to include women.

In February, a

15-year-old became the first female teenager

to be dealt with under the ISA and placed under a restriction order. The teenager had aspired to marry an ISIS fighter and start a pro-ISIS family, and also hoped to fight in Syria and die a martyr.

Said Prof Faishal: “It is in this threat environment that the role of RRG’s female asatizah (religious teachers) has become indispensable, providing nuanced interventions and a unique understanding of the complex factors driving this radicalisation phenomenon among women and youth, and to help counter the appeal of extremism.”

RRG is a voluntary organisation that brought Islamic scholars and teachers together in 2003 to correct misinterpretations of Islamic texts and concepts.

The group also voluntarily assists in the religious counselling of radicalised individuals and inoculates the wider community against extremist views.

In 2005, the group recruited its first batch of female counsellors to help provide religious guidance to the wives and children of JI detainees.

RRG co-chairman Mohamed Ali said that today, family-based intervention has become a key strategy for the RRG and its female counsellors, as it can help to address specific factors contributing to radicalisation. These can include absent or poor social support, he added.

Prof Faishal said the impact of RRG’s work extends beyond countering violent ideologies.

He noted that as trusted voices in the Muslim community, the group has spent over two decades clarifying misconceptions about Islam, addressing complex issues and guiding detainees and their families towards reintegration.

Addressing the asatizah, he said that apart from their role in RRG, they have a broader responsibility to guide the Malay-Muslim community.

Prof Faishal flagged the issue of identity politics, which saw the Government block access for users in Singapore to several Facebook posts by foreigners trying to interfere in the recent general election.

He said the RRG plays a critical role in maintaining Singapore’s social harmony and helping the community navigate complex issues, including overseas conflicts and shifting norms and debates on religious freedom.

“As the global situation becomes more complex, your role becomes even more critical.

“I am reminded of the Malay idiom, ‘Bersatu kita teguh, bercerai kita roboh’ (In unity we stand, in division we fall),” added Prof Faishal.