Extremist influences becoming more diverse, anyone can be susceptible: PM Wong

Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized on Wednesday that extremist influences are diversifying, posing a threat to anyone regardless of age, race or religion. The government warns against people "retreating into separate worlds," surrounded only by like-minded individuals, which can lead to a detachment from the wider community.

Wong pointed out a rise in self-radicalized individuals, many of whom are young Singaporeans, with motivations ranging from far-right anti-Islam and neo-Nazi ideologies to incel beliefs that promote hatred and violence against women. Examples cited include a Protestant Christian youth who planned attacks on mosques, two young men who referred to themselves as "East Asian supremacists," and a white supremacist of Chinese ethnicity.

The Prime Minister urged Singaporeans to maintain connections with family, friends, teachers, religious and community leaders to counteract this trend. He stressed the importance of staying connected to the real world and seeking guidance from trusted individuals.

While the threat of Islamist terrorism has not disappeared, Wong highlighted that extremist influences have become more diverse. He noted that groups like ISIS continue to recruit supporters, spread propaganda, and plot attacks worldwide, and Singapore remains an attractive target for extremist elements.

The heightened tensions in the Middle East have added to these risks, with extremist groups seeking to externalize conflicts to radicalize supporters and incite attacks beyond the region. Wong also warned that developments overseas can strain cohesion at home, particularly when religion and identity intertwine with politics, as seen in the Gaza conflict and the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

He cautioned that disagreements over these issues should not divide people within Singapore, and urged citizens not to let external conflicts turn fellow Singaporeans against each other.

Wong emphasized the need to guard against racial and religious intolerance in all forms. He likened prejudice to a weed in a garden that can quickly take root and spread if left unchecked. He noted that inflammatory comments have been spreading online, sometimes from individuals who believe anonymity protects them from accountability.

The government will continue to take action against such behavior, Wong stated, reiterating that racism and religious bigotry will not be tolerated. The Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act, which came into force last month, strengthens Singapore's legal framework for protecting racial harmony and provides safeguards against foreign influence.

However, Wong emphasized that laws alone cannot create friendship and trust. He stressed that these qualities depend on all of us.