Two Detained Here Tried to Influence Others

The Straits Times

01 October 2015

The two Singaporeans detained in August for harbouring plans to join the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militant group were not just deeply radicalised by the terror group’s online propaganda, but sought to influence others as well.

Announcing the detention of Muhammad Shamin Mohamed Sidek, 29, and Muhammad Harith Jailani, 18, the Ministry of Home Affairs said yesterday that Shamin was undeterred by his arrest under the Internal Security Act.

He “said he would pursue his plans to join ISIS after his release from detention”, the ministry said. He “also said he was prepared to die in the course of defending the ‘caliphate’ declared by ISIS”.

… S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies analyst Jasminder Singh agreed, noting that many fighters who crossed into Syria share their stories and tips with others online. There are even easily available files online detailing the different routes that can best avoid the scrutiny of security agencies, he said.

But even as the battle to counter ISIS ideas goes online, Mr Singh noted that many who seek out such information are isolated individuals who can become “hardcore”. He said: “Our community is moderate – you will not find radical individuals in our madrasahs or mosques. It is an isolated group that is not mixing well with the rest of society.”

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