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Decision not an act against Islam: Yaacob

SINGAPORE — The Republic’s decision to join multinational efforts against the Islamic State cannot be interpreted as an act against Islam or Muslims because the group is not Islamic, said Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim yesterday.

SINGAPORE — The Republic’s decision to join multinational efforts against the Islamic State cannot be interpreted as an act against Islam or Muslims because the group is not Islamic, said Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim yesterday.

He noted that Singapore’s mufti, Dr Mohamed Fatris Bakaram, the Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association as well as the Religious and Rehabilitation Group have joined international Muslim scholars and leaders in unequivocally condemning the Islamic State, which is also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

“They have all declared that ISIS’ radical teachings and actions have nothing to do with Islam. Islam upholds peace, the preservation of human life and its sanctity and it is thus forbidden in Islam to wage war wantonly on others,” said Dr Yaacob.

While he acknowledged that some might think Islam has been put in the spotlight again, Dr Yaacob said: “Our decision to be part of the coalition against ISIS is primarily to protect Singapore and Singaporeans ... We know terrorist groups can pose a direct security threat to us through their efforts to export terrorism to this region. We cannot be complacent.”

In a separate statement, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said the support from all communities in working together to counter extremist ideology had been heartening. “Our Malay-Muslim community, in particular, has taken a firm stance against the violent actions of ISIS (as well as) proactive steps to counter their extremist ideology and help those who are suffering from violence in the Middle East.”

He also stressed that Singapore was not immune to the threat posed by the Islamic State. “Singapore needs to play its part and support international efforts to contain the threat posed by ISIS” as it “contributes directly to our own security”, Mr Teo said.

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