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Terror threats real and evolving: Lawrence Wong

SINGAPORE — The security threats facing Singapore are real and serious, which is why the nation has to do all within its means to protect itself.

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong speaking at a dialogue session on security threats which was attended by more than 350 youths. Photo: CNA

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong speaking at a dialogue session on security threats which was attended by more than 350 youths. Photo: CNA

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SINGAPORE — The security threats facing Singapore are real and serious, which is why the nation has to do all within its means to protect itself.

This includes staying vigilant, keeping the community together and contributing to international efforts to tackle threats from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), said Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong today (Feb 7) at a dialogue session on security threats.

It is the first session to involve youths on such a large scale, and was attended by more than 350 youths. Previous dialogues have been held with community and religious leaders.

From threats to Singapore’s security after 9/11, to extremist propaganda by ISIS that continues to reel in recruits from the region, Mr Wong told his young audience that terror threats continue to evolve. He cited the recent attack in Sydney, Australia, where a radicalised gunman took 17 people hostage in a cafe.

“It’s very possible that a lone wolf, not linked to any organised groups but an individual, may emerge self-radicalised and may come out from our own society and this person may have the motivation or start thinking about plotting his or her own violent acts,” said Mr Wong.

Mr Wong said the threat is real but through many efforts to protect Singapore, the nation is “responding from a position of strength”. “Our most powerful asset is the reservoir of goodwill between the different races and religions which we have built up over the years,” he said.

“These good relations between our different community groups have come about neither by accident nor by good fortune. It is the fruit of a lot of hard work by our parents’ generation - by the people who came before us, our grandparents generation, our pioneers. It’s the result of their hard work and the fruit of all they have done to build the trust and good relationships between the communities.”

Where the pioneers took decisive action by condemning the acts of extremists then, Mr Wong said it is now up to the next generation to take up this responsibility, hence the need to have such sessions involving younger Singaporeans.

Only Mr Wong’s speech was open for media coverage, with the rest of the session — including a presentation by security agencies — held behind closed doors. This was so as to have what Mr Wong called a “candid and frank” discussion — something that resonated with participants.

“It’s so important for us to really understand what’s at risk, what’s at stake, the implications of security on our daily lives as we go forward as a society, as a country,” said Mr Sarabjeet Singh, a participant.

“The terrorist groups are recruiting people or advertising their ideas through the internet, and where people who are not really aware of their religion or of others’ religion (are) vulnerable to these radical ideas,” added Ms Nur Nasuha Selamat, another participant. “This is something that should be noted, and also further elevates the importance of raising awareness of dialogues.”

The participants came from various institutions of higher learning, religious organisations and self-help groups. CHANNEL NEWSASIA

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