SINGAPORE: The Internal Security Department (ISD) has taken firm action against two individuals in Singapore—18-year-old Nick Lee Xing Qiu and 56-year-old Hamizah Hamzah—due to their radicalisation under the Internal Security Act (ISA). Their cases highlight growing concerns regarding self-radicalisation, particularly among youths influenced by extremist ideologies.
Nick Lee’s Far-Right Extremism
Nick Lee, an 18-year-old student, was detained in December 2023 for promoting far-right extremist views and aspiring to carry out violent attacks against Malays and Muslims in Singapore. Identifying himself as an ‘East Asian supremacist’, Lee held the belief that Chinese, Korean, and Japanese ethnicities were superior.
Radicalisation Pathway
- Lee began developing an enmity towards Muslims in early 2023 after consuming Islamophobic content online.
- He idolised far-right terrorist Brenton Tarrant, who was responsible for the Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand.
- By early 2024, his radicalisation deepened, leading him to fantasise about a “race war” in Singapore.
Extremism Manifested Through Actions
ISD noted that Lee’s plans included the use of homemade weapons, such as knives and Molotov cocktails, to create maximum casualties. He attempted to instigate a violent uprising by starting a social media account to share propaganda and glorify far-right terrorists.
Hamizah Hamzah’s Support for Militant Groups
In another disturbing case, 56-year-old Hamizah Hamzah was issued a restriction order due to her support for militant groups in light of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Hamizah developed extreme views, encouraging violence while posting pro-Axis of Resistance (AOR) content online.
Online Activity and Propaganda
- Hamizah ran multiple social media accounts dedicated to promoting AOR ideologies.
- Her actions were aimed at garnering support for groups like Hamas, viewing them as justified fighters in a violent struggle.
The Bigger Picture
These cases underscore a concerning trend of youth and older individuals turning to radical ideologies, spurred on by online content. The ISD has urged family and friends to stay vigilant for signs of radicalisation and to report any concerns.
Potential Indicators of Radicalisation
- Drastic changes in behaviour or beliefs.
- Isolation from friends and family.
- Involvement in extremist online communities.
Singapore remains committed to addressing these rising threats while ensuring the community remains safe from extremist violence.