Countering the Jemaah Islamiyah terror threat : a Singapore case study

Abstract

This paper will explore the efforts taken by Singapore to counter terrorism, particularly the threat posed by the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) in the republic and show that the government has been effective because it has implemented a comprehensive range of measures in a relentless bid to prevent terror strikes by the JI, or to limit the damage if any attack occurs. The Singapore measures which have also been commended by various counterterrorism experts, are covered by a "Total Defence" concept which encapsulates Military, Civil, Social, Psychological and Economic Defence. More specifically, the government has been taking action against the physical threat of the JI, involving not only security agencies and legislation but also community support; collaboration with other states, for instance in intelligence sharing; and the addressing of the ideological root cause of Muslim Singaporeans joining the JI, leading to calls for moderate Muslims to speak out against extremists, curbing extremist religious teachings; as well as stepping up the government's long-running efforts of promoting racial and religious harmony in the diverse local community.