MFA Press Statement: Speech by Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman at memorial event for victims of terrorist attacks in Paris, France, organised by Ba’alwie Mosque, 29 November 2015

            Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman delivered a speech at “A Gathering of Remembrance and Reflections”, a memorial event for the victims of the 13 November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, France.  The event, organised by the Ba’alwie Mosque, was attended by French Ambassador to Singapore Benjamin Dubertret and representatives of the various religious organisations in Singapore.  Dr Maliki witnessed the presentation of a declaration by the various organisations condemning acts of terror to Ambassador Dubertret.  The text of the speech is appended below.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

29 NOVEMBER 2015

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Speech delivered by Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman

Your Excellency Ambassador Benjamin Dubertret

Imam Habib Hassan al-Attas

Leaders of the various religious faiths

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

               At the outset, I would like to thank the Ba’alwie Mosque, and in particular Imam Habib Hassan al-Attas, for organising this meaningful memorial for the victims of the recent Paris attacks, as well as victims of other terrorist attacks around the world.  It is comforting that leaders of various other faiths are also here today for this moment of remembrance and reflection.  It is important that we demonstrate solidarity not only amongst ourselves, but also with our friends from around the world.

2             13 November 2015 was a dark day for Paris and for humanity.  Over the course of a single night, 130 lives were lost and more than 360 people injured.  These were individuals who were simply going on about their daily lives, just like you and I.  It is not hard to imagine: some were walking or taking a break after a long working week, while others were enjoying dinner with their loved ones.  Others might simply be just passing by.  The various stories of the victims that emerged after the Paris attacks only remind us how vibrant each and every one of their lives was, and how each victim mattered to their family and friends.  To these family and friends of the victims, we offer our deepest condolences and share in their sorrows.  Many Singaporeans have visited Paris and have friends there.  They also recognise the icons of Stade de France and the Bataclan theatre.  News of the carnage felt even closer to home.  Along with the rest of the world, Singapore strongly condemned these heinous acts.  While the actions in Paris have gained tremendous attention, the reality is that terrorists have struck in many other places as well, with equal if not even worse consequences.  We condemn all terrorist acts wherever they take place.

3             Singapore is not immune to terrorism and the threat of ISIS. You have read reports of Singaporeans attempting to make their way to Syria to join these radicals.  Thankfully most have been stopped.  You have also read reports of foreign fighters from this region returning to their respective countries. We have measures in place to address the threat of terrorism.  These include having legislation in place to take swift and effective action against terrorists, terrorist entities and their supporters, as well as enhancing security at our borders and hardening our infrastructure.  We also have contingency planning and preparations for effective consequence management, should the need ever arise.  However, the centrepiece of our strategy is our community engagement programme, where we progressively build a strong network of trust amongst our different racial and religious communities.  We cannot allow mistrust and enmity to be sowed between us, which would play to the objectives of the terrorists.

4             Every one of us has a role in this fight against terrorism.  We must remain vigilant and look out for each other.  We were able to detect cases of self-radicalised youths because members of the community, including family and friends, noticed significant differences in their behaviour and outlook and alerted the authorities.

5             Our Muslim community has also shown us that the answer to violence committed in the name of religion is often found within religion itself.  Several Malay/Muslim organisations have conducted forums to warn of the recruitment efforts of the militant groups in Syria.  The Mufti of Singapore and other religious scholars have also cautioned Muslims against the false rhetoric that ISIS propagates, and advised them to seek religious guidance from qualified religious teachers.  In May 2015, the Mufti also said that it is the religious obligation for Muslims to report those who might pose a threat to society.  Their message is clear – terrorism has no place in Islam. There must be a clear distinction drawn between Islam as a religion of peace and Islam that has been politicised as a radical and inhumane excuse for terrorism. 

6             To all the leaders of various faiths gathered here today: you have shown us that differences – whether words, rituals or architecture – can be transcended through the simple but most fundamental of similarities: that is the emphasis on good morals, caring communities, and a desire for peace.  In our present day and age, our people need a strong moral compass to make the right decisions when they are confronted with complex landscapes and a multiplicity of choices.  Your role and mandate as spiritual leaders are more important than ever.  Your parishioners and followers look up to you for that spiritual guidance and moral compass.

7             While we may not be immune to terrorism, we have the resolve to face and overcome the threat.  So let us continue to close ranks, work together and protect our loved ones.

8             Thank you.