Psychological war needed against terrorism

The spate of incidents related to the Islamic State is a reminder to Singaporeans of the communist insurgency in the 1950s, as the jihadists and the communists are similar in many ways.

They spread fear in the community through terror; they use propaganda effectively; they are brutal and reject differing viewpoints; they are consumed by a belief in religion and communist ideology respectively and are prepared to die for that belief.

Hence it came as no surprise that the Indonesian Defence Minister has mentioned the need to win the hearts and minds of people as a strategy against extremism (1,200 IS militants in Philippines, says Indonesia defence minister; June 5).

That was Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s rallying call when he fought the communists during the Battle for Merger.

The authorities could consider tapping the experiences of people and organisations, including Special Branch officers and the People’s Association, in that psychological war against the communists.

We are better placed to win such a struggle now than we were back then. We are a more organised multiracial society, with good social and religious institutions, and our people have something to look forward to in life.

The sum of it all is that the struggle will be long and painful, but with strong, brave leadership guiding a community that everyone knows they have a stake in, we will prevail.