World · Singapore Bureau
Radicalised individuals are ordinary people misled by extremist ideology: psychologist
A psychologist with Singapore's Internal Security Department says those drawn to radical ideologies are typically normal individuals who have been deceived rather than inherently dangerous. The assessment comes as authorities highlight that the majority of those detained under security laws have been successfully rehabilitated.
LSN Singapore ·
Radicalised individuals are often ordinary people who have been misled and duped into embracing extremist ideologies, according to a psychologist working with Singapore's Internal Security Department (ISD). The characterisation challenges perceptions of those involved in radical movements as fundamentally different from the general population. Instead, the professional assessment suggests that susceptibility to radicalisation stems from deception and manipulation rather than innate traits. This understanding has shaped Singapore's approach to rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals detained under security legislation. Authorities have pointed to rehabilitation outcomes as evidence of this approach's effectiveness. Since 2002, more than 80 per cent of Singaporeans detained under the Internal Security Act have been released back into the community following their detention. The high release rate reflects confidence in the rehabilitation process and suggests that many individuals can be successfully disengaged from radical ideologies. The ISD's psychological assessment indicates that understanding radicalisation as a process of indoctrination rather than ideological conviction allows for more effective intervention and reintegration strategies. Singapore's security framework emphasises both detention of security threats and rehabilitation pathways aimed at facilitating individuals' return to society.