Submit your comments on this article |
Southeast Asia |
Singapore government confirms arrest of Mas Selamat |
2009-05-08 |
![]() Singapore's Internal Security Department (ISD) had worked hard and looked at every lead, sharing information with its Malaysian counterpart. Mr Wong also said that the MSB had done excellent work. "Between ISD and MSB, there is a long standing cooperative cordial relationship and as a result of this kind of relationship, we are able to keep each of our countries safe and also contribute to the safety and security of the region," said Mr Wong. For now, the JI leader will remain in Malaysia as the authorities there want to continue interviewing him. When asked why the public could not be informed earlier, Mr Wong explained that there is a need for operational secrecy. He added that Malaysia wanted to investigate what other terrorist networks were up to. The deputy prime minister said Singaporeans must maintain vigilance and not let their guard down following Mas Selamat's arrest as the terror threat is real and Singapore is a prime target. With Singapore's long coastline, Mr Wong said Singaporeans must not assume the country is safe as there are other JI members who have not been detained. He said: "Singapore is a small country. It has a long coastline, it is porous, and it is easy for people and goods to be brought in or even leave Singapore. So you should not assume just by the arrest of one person, Singapore will be safe from terroristsÂ’ threat." Mr Wong said Mas Selamat will be sent to the Whitley Road Detention Centre again when he is brought back to Singapore. He added that the centre is now a different place compared to what it was when the JI leader escaped on February 27 last year. He also revealed that Mas Selamat had swam across the Straits of Johor using an improvised flotation device to escape from the north shore of Singapore in February last year. Separately, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry S Iswaran said the arrest of Mas Salamat is a welcome piece of news to Singaporeans. He said the JI leader's arrest speaks highly of security forces involved in the operation. "It's a tribute to the professionalism of the intelligence agencies. They worked across borders with their partners to secure his eventual arrest." |
Posted by: |
#3 I wonder why he went to JB? One of the Indonesian Riau islands would be a much better place to hide out and easy to get to from Malaysia. Getting out of SG was the problem. |
Posted by: Phil_B 2009-05-08 19:31 |
#2 Wow, they bagged him and then didn't say anything for over a month. In America, it would have been "secret antiterrorist operation uncovered, details at 10" within days of the occurrence. |
Posted by: gromky 2009-05-08 16:41 |
#1 Well done, MSB and ISD! Computer and cell phone, too, I imagine, because the technical boys and girls need more toys to play with... and do have fun chasing down all Mr. Kastari's contacts! |
Posted by: trailing wife 2009-05-08 15:49 |