Singapore's Muslim leaders denounce extremism after 27 arrested for extremist activities

Singapore's Muslim leaders denounced extremism and said they are stepping up efforts to prevent radical teachings from taking root, said the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) on Wednesday, following the arrest of 27 male Bangladeshi nationals who were planning to take part in extremist activities.

"They(radical Muslims) contradict the fundamental Islamic teaching of protecting the sanctity of human life and preserving peace and harmony at all times. The safety and peace of Singapore is of paramount interest to the Singapore Muslim community," said Mohamed Fatris Bakaram, the Mufti of Singapore.

According to Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the 27 male Bangladeshis, all working in the construction industry in Singapore, were arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) between Nov. 16 and Dec. 1 last year. All work passes of the 27 were cancelled, and 26 have been repatriated to Bangladesh, among which, 14 have been arrested in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladeshi.

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Wednesday wrote on his facebook that Singapore is tightening up security, and acting to protect its racial and religious harmony.

"Radicalization and terrorism must never take root in Singapore," he wrote.

In the meantime, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Singapore's Minister for Communications and Information, has cautioned against possible discrimination against migrant workers in Singapore.

"The actions of a few cannot determine how we treat others who have worked so hard to build our homes, schools and hospitals...Majority of the foreign workers here contribute positively to the growth and development of our nation. As such, we must be careful not to let the actions of these radicalized foreign workers taint the positive contributions of other law-abiding foreign workers who live harmoniously amongst us." Endite