Radicalisation leads to erosion of Malay culture, warns Masagos

SINGAPORE — The Malay/Muslim community today faces three main challenges: That of religious extremism, the threat of cultural erosion, as well as a disruptive economy.

To this end, there is "an impetus" for the role of the People’s Association Malay Activity Executive Committees (MAECs) to evolve from simply organising cultural events to having a “deeper outreach”, to "get closer to the community", said Environment and Water Resources Minister Masagos Zulkifli on Sunday evening (July 30).

Talking to the media before a gala dinner celebrating 40 years of the MAECs, Mr Masagos, who is also an adviser to the MAEC Council (Mesra), said the threat of radicalism leads to an erosion of Malay culture.

"All over the world, one of the things the radicalisation process seeks to do is to replace the local identity with one of pan-Islamism,” he said.

“You can see this in many parts of the world: People put on the garb of the Arabs, or the identity of the Arabs by adopting even the Arabic language ... (and) we don't want this to happen in Singapore."

Speaking in Malay at the dinner, Mr Masagos added: "Previously, the worry was that the modern lifestyle would threaten the Malay culture and traditions, but now it seems that some extremists are trying to influence and replace our culture and traditions."

He noted that "external elements" — sometimes spread through means like the Internet — will "try to shape our beliefs", and that the community must guard against this "insidious change".

"Failing to do so will result in the eventual rejection of our local understanding and teachings of Islam, which is tolerant and embraces harmony," said Mr Masagos.

He also pointed out that culture, language and heritage was a bulwark "against the threat of incoming doctrines which are actually very rare or very inimical to our multiracial society".

The Minister reiterated that the Republic is not immune to the threat of terrorism or radicalisation. 

Calling on the community to "uphold the moderate teachings and practice of Islam in Singapore, which support racial and religious harmony", Mr Masagos said in his speech that the community has a role in nipping radicalism in the bud by referring radicalised individuals to the relevant authorities.

On the disruptive economy, Mr Masagos said that education and reskilling are the keys to surviving the economic transformation. 

Stressing again that the community "cannot be swayed by the teachings that encourage us to take part in the conflicts in the Middle East", Mr Masagos warned that it would lead to the community busying itself with “trying to seek peace", instead of prospering.

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who was the guest of honour at the dinner, called on all communities to "reach out, strengthen understanding and build trust". 

Speaking in Malay, Mr Teo, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security, said: "This will strengthen our resilience and help ensure that all communities will remain united as one even if an attack should occur here."