| Hakim Hayat |
A 42-YEAR-OLD local man was recently detained by the Internal Security Department (ISD) for his involvement in extremism and terrorism related activities, including self-radicalisation through the Internet and making financial contributions to a terror group.
The ISD in a press statement said its investigation on the man, who was issued with a Detention Order under Section 3(1)(a) of the Internal Security Act Chapter 133, has revealed that he has undergone self-radicalisation since 2014 after learning of the Syrian conflict including the existence of the Daesh terror group that is commonly known as Islamic State (IS), while searching the Internet for more information on the conflict.
He was found to have acquired a lot of information through the IS’ propaganda materials which among others contained deliberately misinterpreted Islamic teachings and Hadiths.
Among the materials was a Hadith on ‘The Great Battle’, or known in its Arabic term as ‘al-Mahama al-Kubra’ which made him believe that the existence of Daesh is part of a fulfilment to that Hadith.
He was found to be highly obsessed with the ideology of Daesh and considered himself to have pledged allegiance to its leader and was also found to have been deceived by the concept of extremism and martyrdom disseminated by Daesh which made him harbour intentions to migrate with his family to Syria to live under the so-called ‘Islamic Caliphate’, the press statement said.
ISD’s investigation also found that he had tried to change the public’s negative perception of Daesh by sharing propaganda materials with people around him, in hopes to make them tolerant to the group’s ideology.
He was also found to have jeopardised the country’s security by uploading information about Brunei through several social media platforms that the ISD said was intended to attract militants and supporters of Daesh outside the country.
He also made a financial contribution to a Daesh-affiliated individual based in a foreign country.
ISD said the action taken against the individual is a measure to prevent him from further putting the country’s security at risk. It also indicates the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s tough stance against any elements associated with extremism and terrorism.
“At the same time, it is also testament to the high-level of commitment and cooperation between local and foreign security services in combating any activity that could affect public order and national security,” the statement added, while reiterating its commitment in ensuring Brunei is free from any threat against the peace, harmony and security of the nation.
ISD further reminded the public to exercise caution while using the Internet and social media and be aware of contents that are extreme and radical in nature.
The public is also reminded to be cautious in offering donations and assistance to individuals or organisations not authorised by the authorities.
The public may report any suspicious activity related to extremism or terrorism and any information involving national security by contacting ISD via its hotline 133 or e-mail at isd133@kdn.gov.bn.
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