SINGAPORE – A 34-year-old Singaporean woman, who is a former part-time freelance religious teacher, was in April issued an order of detention under the republic’s Internal Security Act.
Ruqayyah Ramli was previously issued a restriction order (RO) under the same law in August last year after she was found to have been radicalised by her husband, said the Internal Security Department (ISD) on its website today.
Ruqayyah’s husband, Malaysian national Mohd Firdaus Kamal Intdzam, was repatriated last August.
ISD said investigations at the time established that she supported Firdaus’ intention to join the Islamic State in Syria.
She was willing to accompany him to the conflict zone, where she intended to take care of their family and assist wounded militants, said the department.
However, since being placed on the RO, there has been an escalation in the housewife’s radical behaviour and involvement in activities prejudicial to Singapore’s security, it added.
“Ruqayyah has refused to make any genuine effort to participate in the rehabilitation programme, and remains entrenched in her radical beliefs.
“She continues to support IS’ violent actions and believes in the use of violence against the perceived enemies of Islam.”
Further, in contravention of her RO conditions, Ruqayyah persisted in communicating online with IS supporters overseas who are associates of Firdaus, said ISD.
She was then detained to prevent her further radicalisation.
An individual that has been issued an RO must abide by several conditions and restrictions, among them, they cannot access the internet; issue public statements; address public meetings; print, distribute or contribute to any publication; and, hold office in or be a member of any organisation, without the ISD director’s approval. – Bernama, June 9, 2021
