PM Lee commends ISD officers for their dedicated, secretive service in safeguarding Singapore.
Singapore – At a closed-door event marking the 75th anniversary of the Internal Security Department (ISD), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong praised the department’s officers, describing them as “silent heroes” who risked their lives to keep Singapore safe. During the celebration at The Ritz-Carlton, PM Lee honored ISD officers’ sacrifices, many of whom work in secrecy to protect the nation’s security.
PM Lee shared the intense efforts ISD officers made in the early 2000s to track down the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terror group. They worked tirelessly, sifting through over 65,000 operational leads from months of surveillance and interviews with detained members. The officers faced threats of bodily harm, including a plot to kidnap an ISD officer to secure the release of detained members. Despite the danger, the officers continued their work to safeguard Singapore’s internal security.
The event also recognized pioneer ISD officers, including Mr. Saraj Din, who was involved in several high-profile terrorist incidents, such as the 1974 Laju hijacking and the 1991 hijacking of SQ117. His language skills and dedication helped resolve these critical situations without further violence. Additionally, PM Lee highlighted the courage of “Tiger Lily”, one of the few female officers in the 1980s, who played a crucial role in infiltrating the JI’s Singapore network by engaging with the wives of JI members.
PM Lee also acknowledged the department’s evolution, adapting to new threats, including self-radicalized individuals. The ISD has enhanced its public engagement, with efforts like tours at the ISD Heritage Centre and social media presence, ensuring the community is informed and involved in security matters.
In his remarks, Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam expressed gratitude to past and present ISD officers, underscoring the department’s vital role in Singapore’s stability, which has allowed the nation to focus on nation-building. He also reminded the officers that while traditional security threats persist, new challenges will arise, and the ISD will continue to be integral in confronting them.
This anniversary served as a moment to reflect on the department’s commitment to the nation’s security and its ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability.
