For Immediate Release
12 June 2017

Statement by Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Association (SFCCA) on
radicalised Singaporean arrested under Internal Security Act

SFCCA was shocked to hear that a young Singaporean being the first woman to be arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for radicalism. It is alarming that she had been radicalised “by online propaganda related to the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)” that was “exacerbated by a wide network of foreign online contacts” according to the statement by Ministry of Home Affairs.

Even though this is an isolated incident by a self-radicalised minority, the proliferation of social media does not spare Singapore from the threat of terrorism to our stability and social harmony. Therefore, it is imperative for all to stay vigilant, and to assess the credibility of each news calmly and cautiously, as well as to refrain from spreading malicious rumours which may incite unrest within Singapore.

Mr Chua Thian Poh, President of SFCCA, believes that we must not be complacent and strive to strengthen communication and trust with all ethnic groups to ensure racial harmony and social cohesion. We must not be affected by the actions of radicalized minority that undermine Singapore’s racial and social harmony. Therefore, it is of extreme importance that we stay alert to identify any rumours that may provoke and aim to create panic and social unrest. Everyone should play a part in curbing radicalism in Singapore by evicting such rumours and untruth instead of spreading them undiscerningly.

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About SFCCA
Established in 1985, Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) is the apex body of the Chinese clan associations in Singapore, with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong named as our first Patron in 2011. The Federation’s primary objectives are to promote understanding and appreciation of Chinese language, culture and values; to lead the Chinese clan associations in Singapore, as well as, organise and support educational, cultural and community activities. The Federation now boasts a membership of over 230.

For more information, please visit https://www.sfcca.sg/en.

Issued by:
Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations

For media enquiries, please contact:
Mark Mah
Executive Director
Email: markmah@sfcca.sg

Neo Mei Ling
Organisation Development Manager
Email: neomeiling@sfcca.sg