Two ministers today (Jan 20) urged Singaporeans not to tar all foreigners with the same brush, as they expressed grave concerns at the arrests of 27 radicalised Bangladeshi construction workers under the Internal Security Act.

The Mufti of Singapore denounced acts or plans by extremist groups that threaten the security of Singapore, while other religious leaders noted that the arrests showed that Singapore is not immune to terrorist threats, and emphasised the importance of staying alert.

Minister-in-charge-of Muslim affairs Yaacob Ibrahim said the  “actions of a few cannot determine how we treat others who have worked so hard to build our homes, schools and hospitals”.

… Ambassador Mohammad Alami Musa said the arrests of the Bangladeshis showed that “the threats to Singapore can come from the outside”, and Singaporeans have to be conscious of the fact.

“Definitely, religion does not promote evil. There is a disconnect between their actions and religion. That discernment must always be done and we have to try to prevent fears and anxiety from forming because Islamophobia will disrupt our harmony, and will tear society apart,” said Mr Alami, who is also Head of Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies Programme at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.