Muslim leaders in Singapore on Wednesday (Jan 20) denounced extremism, following the arrests of 27 Bangladeshi nationals for terror links, and said authorities are stepping up efforts to prevent radical teachings from taking root in the community.

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) said it has been working with mosques to ensure that their programmes promote intra- and interfaith harmony, and do not contain any element of deviant or radical teachings.

“We have a commendable tradition of living as inclusive and progressive Muslims within the context of Singapore’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious landscape,” said Dr Mohamed Fatris Bakaram, the Mufti of Singapore.

… Dr Shashi Jayakumar from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies also warned that even though the extremists did not have plans for terror activities in Singapore, the possibility of an attack taking place here cannot be ruled out.