Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong underlined the need to combat terrorism on multiple fronts at the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Leaders’ Retreat in Ulan Bator, Mongolia on July 16.
The threat of terrorism has become more serious, particularly that from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria , the PM said, noting that the group controls territory and is able to draw many foreign fighters.
It has also mastered the use of social media to propagate its ideology and inspired supporters not only to join the fight in the Middle East but also to launch “lone-wolf” attacks in their home countries, Lee stated.
He stressed that no country is safe from the IS, adding that Southeast Asia is now at the frontline which has become a key recruitment centre of the extremist group.
The Singaporean leader suggested three ways to encounter the threat with the first being greater international and regional cooperation in anti-terrorism, for example, in the area of intelligence sharing.
Secondly, a broader approach beyond security operations should be taken. It could be cooperating to cut funding for IS and other terrorist groups, countering their radical ideology, and securing borders to prevent terrorists and foreign fighters from entry.
Last, he said societies should be encouraged to hold together. It means not discriminating against or marginalising any community, and not giving up on those who have been radicalised.
VNA
