National Coun: Se IH of Churches of Singapore Date: 21 January 2016 Dear Members of NCCS, NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES, SINGAPORE ‘STATEMENT ON ARRESTS OF 27 RADICALISED BANGLADESHI NATIONALS UNDER THE INTERNAL SECURITY ACT ‘The National Council of Churches is deeply concemed to receive news of te ‘repatriation of 27 radicaised Bangladeshi nationals who were working In the local ‘constriction industy NOCS applauds the vglance and decisive action of the goverment in dealing with the persons concemed. Extremist violence is a treat that cantons every single ‘Singaporesn. ‘The Counc hopes that in thie current situation, macked by serious security challenges posed by the continuing treat of terorism, Singaporeans wil stand in Soldanty with one another and especally with the members. of our Musi Community, the vast majority of whom reject exteist violence. Religious extremism ‘hat leads fo social confict and harm can happen in any religion. Ths is especially so in.a world where truth-caims are in Mux ana defi interpretations of one's fit {oto are contested ‘The mainstream leasership of the Musi community in Slngapore have our support land understanding. Minister K Shanmugam’ speech at the SRP Conference on 13 ‘January 2016, is most timely, especally his highlighting of the four threats in Singapore consequent upon the spread of religous extremiem. The NCCS remains committed to playing ils part to overcome all four treats, which also includes ‘overcoming the threat of Islamophobia, ‘The threat of terrorism must not be allowed to destroy the trust that we In Singapore have for each other ror csrup the religious and social harmony thatthe Government and religous leaders have worked so hard to build Yours in His Service, [lshop Dr Wee Boon Hup, resident, NCCS: Rev Dr Ngoei Foong Nghia, General Secretary, NCS