SINGAPORE: With self-radicalisation on the rise domestically, Singapore will strengthen its rehabilitation capabilities, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Saturday (Sep 13).

“Now we have to go beyond Islamic religious counselling because Singaporeans are succumbing to a wider range of extremist ideologies,” he said in a speech delivered at an annual Ministry of Home Affairs appreciation lunch for community volunteers.

Efforts are already underway, such as having a suite of interventions – ranging from mentorship and cyber wellness to programmes to improve social skills – tailored specifically for self-radicalised young people.

There have been “some positive” results, said Mr Wong, who cited the case of a Christian youth who was detained in December 2020 for planning attacks against Muslims at two mosques.

The youth, who was 16 when detained, was the first Singaporean to be dealt with under the country's Internal Security Act (ISA) for being radicalised by far-right extremist ideologies.

He has since received counselling from a Christian pastor on the virtues of non-violence and appreciation for inter-faith harmony, said Mr Wong. 

Social support and guidance from two mentors, including a volunteer from the Religious Rehabilitation Group, have also helped to change the youth’s way of thinking. He is now studying at an institute of higher learning, after being released in January 2024.

Mr Wong also stressed the need to keep building strong and cohesive bonds within society, noting that those who feel isolated often fall prey to self-radicalisation.

“They turn to online sources to find meaning and they stumble upon extremist materials, and then they get led astray. To counter that, we have to foster belonging, human connections and trust,” said the prime minister.

Mr Wong’s speech followed news on Tuesday that two Singaporeans have been issued with restriction orders under the ISA.

One was 30-year-old Muhammad Jihadul Mustaqiim Mahmud, who aspired to take up arms in Syria as well as for Turkїye.

The other was a 14-year-old who supported the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) while also subscribing to far-right extremism and ...