Ways to strengthen public confidence in reporting potentially radicalised individuals

Question:

Ms Hany Soh: To ask the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs with respect to reporting of potentially radicalised individuals (a) what are the root causes of reluctance by parties who notice the signs to seek intervention; and (b) how can the Ministry provide further assurance that such reporting is in the reported individuals' best interests.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. People who interact regularly with a suspected selfradicalised individual, such as family, friends, and colleagues, are best placed to notice possible indicators of radicalisation. Given that radicalisation can occur in a matter of weeks, public vigilance and early reporting can make a critical difference. Nevertheless, some may choose not to alert the authorities over concerns that their suspicions could be unfounded, or that the signs they have observed in the individual may not be serious enough to warrant intervention. There may also be worries about the potential repercussions for the individual, especially if it concerns a loved one.

2. These concerns are understandable. But intervening early allows us to ensure that the individual gets the timely help they need, before they progress further down the path of radicalisation and eventually resort to violence. At that point, the disruption to their lives, and the harm caused to wider society, would be much more serious compared to if the individual had received help earlier.

3. Each report will be assessed and investigations will be done to establish the facts. The identity of the informer will be kept confidential. No further action will be taken if the investigations do not find the person to be radicalised. If the individual is reported early enough and assessed to be in the early stages of radicalisation, they may be referred for counselling or other interventions, without the need to be dealt with under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

4. Those who are issued with ISA orders undergo a holistic and intensive programme comprising ideological, psychological and social rehabilitation, customised to the individual’s needs. More than 80 per cent of Singaporeans issued with Orders of Detention under the ISA for terrorism-related activities since 2002 have been released. Many are gainfully employed or pursuing their studies. The earlier they are reported, the higher the likelihood that they can be successfully rehabilitated, and return to leading productive and fulfilling lives.