THREAT OF TERRORISM

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Debate resumed.

Mr Othman Haron Eusofe (Marine Parade): Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the motion moved by the Minister for Home Affairs.

The White Paper is helpful to our better understanding of the terrorist threat to Singapore. And this debate on the White Paper also provides us with an opportunity to discuss in a frank and open, yet sensitive way, our inter-racial and inter-religious relationship and especially how we can manage the realities on the ground so that, over the longer term, there is greater mutual respect and more trust and confidence in each other.

Sir, the terrorist threat is not just a local problem but a complex global problem with deep roots and driven by forces beyond Singapore. We must deal with it quickly as one united people and in a careful way so that we can strengthen our social cohesion and religious harmony.

Although the terrorist threat stems from the extremist ideology of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) members, the contribution of each community - Muslim and non-Muslim - will make a big difference on how this terrorist threat can be effectively checked. Let me first deal with the contribution of our Muslim community. Our Muslim religious and community leaders have and they must continue to lead the way and remain steadfast in a firm and unequivocal condemnation of radicalism and the use of violence. We have to show that we are strongly committed to a moderate approach in the way that we practise Islam, which is a religion of peace and harmony. It must be clear that we are not in sympathy with groups or individuals who advocate terror and violence. We must also show that we are committed to Singapore and be ready to reach out to other Singaporeans to strengthen friendship and understanding.

Sir, on their part, non-Muslim Singaporeans have also a crucial part to play by not allowing any misperceptions arising from the JI episode to affect their attitude towards the Muslims. We are also shocked and disappointed by the disclosure of the JI operations and that some Muslim Singaporeans are involved in a foreign-led terrorists plot which, if successful, would not only seriously hurt our fellow Singaporeans but also severely harm our economy.

Sir, the JI, as the White Paper has pointed out, is a small group of misguided individuals and the arrests have severely curbed their ability to do damage, but it is imperative that we continue to remain alert and vigilant and certainly not be complacent. The statement made by the Muslim religious and community leaders representing various organisations and mosques, which was issued before the release of the White Paper, condemning the JI and its violent agenda, should provide the assurance that extremism and hatred have no place in Islam. We must not let the JI episode divide us. If we do so, we will, by default, fall into their trap to create chaos and distrust. Here, the concern is more on the relationship at the ground level. The statements made by the leaders of the various non-Muslim communities are positive. Many of them are in the Inter-Racial Confidence Circles (IRCC) in all our constituencies and their contribution will help enhance confidence-building among the different communities.

Sir, my Malay MP colleagues have had many discussions with the leaders of the various Muslim organisations like the Muslim Religious Council (MUIS), the Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association (Pergas), MENDAKI, AMP and many others including the mosque leaders on this issue. They had issued statements condemning JI and its extremist ideology. We have now to move beyond the issue of statements to concrete actions to ensure that our Muslims will not be easily influenced by the ideology of those who preach radicalism.

Sir, the White Paper has pointed out that for a broad-based approach to this problem, the Government requires the cooperation of the Muslim community and also the wider community of all Singaporeans. The White Paper has proposed that the Muslim community develop a comprehensive, self-regulatory system to monitor religious education. MUIS, Pergas and also Perdaus have issued statements on proposals to improve religious education and they want to ensure that Muslims are taught correct Islamic values of moderation, tolerance and mutual respect and are not easily misled into extremist teaching.

Sir, MUIS has pointed out in its statement that there is the MUIS-Pergas Joint Committee to facilitate information sharing and to synergise activities for the development of religious teachers. Pergas, in its statement, wants to "effectively prevent the general masses from being misled into following deviant ideologues". However, in this age of the Internet, we have also to guard against extremist ideology and thinking which can be imported into our homes and living rooms. We cannot be insulated from the developments in the Middle East and the Muslim world. While we empathise with the sufferings of Muslims elsewhere, we cannot condone extremism and the use of violence. There may well be injustices against Muslims elsewhere but this does not mean that we should tolerate extremism and the use of violence. Therefore, I would like to reiterate that in the fight against terrorism, the Muslim community must take a clear and unequivocal stand.

I know that there are some issues which the community would like to see early resolution, but here we are facing a serious threat of terrorism and to combat this threat effectively, we must be united and strongly committed to Singapore. There may be problems but we must make Singaporeans feel secure to enhance mutual trust and confidence. We must understand that there is no easy solution and certainly no quick-fix solution. The JI episode shows that the understanding and harmony that we have built carefully over many years can suddenly come under threat. However, if Singaporeans practise mutual respect and moderation in their daily interactions with their fellow workers, neighbours and other residents, we can look forward confidently and be optimistic that we can, in the future, work on good and appropriate solutions in terms of our social context, to solve any issue or problem that we encounter today.

Sir, it is also imperative that the Muslim religious and community leaders move forward together to urgently address other pressing issues that plague the community, like improving the educational achievements of Malay students and minimising the social ills in the community. We must move relentlessly forward to develop a community of excellence. As our community enhances our contribution to Singapore's progress in this increasingly competitive world, we will help make Singapore a more secure and happy place for all Singaporeans.

Sir, in our discussions with the members of the Malay community, many of them have repeatedly expressed their anxiety that they may face difficulty at the workplaces, especially as our businesses restructure to boost their competitiveness. They and especially those seeking employment fear that their employment prospects will be adversely affected because of the JI episode and the chilling account in the White Paper. I think they feel stressed and insecure. They would like to see, therefore, some form of assurance at the workplace that there would be no discrimination based on race or religion.

Sir, the Malay MPs have met leaders of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and also other leaders of the Chinese clans and organisations who understand these concerns and are ready to help to dispel these fears. We must ensure that employability is always based on merit, ability, skills and work attitudes.

To conclude, we face a serious threat which can destroy the peace and harmony that we now enjoy. We are fortunate that our security agencies have been alert and decisive and the arrests have severely disrupted the JI before they can do any damage to our society. But the danger is far from being over, and we must continue to be alert and vigilant. Above all, we must continue to make moderation a part of our daily lives and strengthen our trust and confidence in one another.

Sir, I support the motion.