It has been 58 days since February 27th, the day Mas Selamat escaped from Whitley Road Internal Security Department (ISD) Detention Centre. I am still amazed and yet fearful that we have not been able to uncover and apprehend the detainee Mas Selamat. Still, checks must still be maintained as we cannot let our guard down cause there is still a possibility that Mas Selamat is still in Singapore. Though highly unlikely. However, disciplinary actions have been meted out today to members that have been found guilty with the escape of Mas Selamat.
Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng disclosed today of disciplinary actions against 8 officers associated with the escape of Mas Selamat.
Source Channel News Asia :
Superintendent of detention centre sacked over Mas Selamat’s escape
- The Superintendent of the Detention Centre has been sacked while his Deputy has been demoted, with a corresponding pay cut.
- The 2 Gurkha officers meant to oversee Mas Selamat changing in the toilet were also charged and have been demoted after pleading guilty.
- The Special Duty Operative handling the detainee’s family visit when the incident happened has also been sacked.
- Letters of warning were served to 3 others – the SDO’s supervisor, the Chief Warder & the Technical Officer responsible for the CCTV upgrading at the detention centre.
- The ISD’s command director, whom the superintendent reported to, has also been relieved of his duties on April 24.
I do hope that Singapore’s Home Team, especially the ISD, have learnt their lesson and will take extra precautions to prevent such an event from taking place ever again. However, other departments like the Army and Prisons must relook their security measures and bases. Ensure proper maintenance and upgrade areas where proper security is lacking.
As for DPM Wong Kan Seng, i do believe that he should take a self dose of disciplinary action and take the lead to show to his fellow officers and departments that they as a whole are liable for the loss of a frighteningly dangerous man. I do not believe in sacking him, why do such a thing. People learn from mistakes and thus are more prepared to ensure such a situation doesn’t happen once again.
I agreed with the Government when they gave a pay rise to politicians as I do see them as wonderful CEO’s. To maintain the best people in such a position, we have to pay them top dollar. But, we should also take the actions of companies when the CEO is involved with a major failure. Chairman Chuck Prince was fired by Citigroup due to the Sub-Prime Debacle. Thus, DPM Wong Kan Seng should at least take a pay cut to show to the nation and members of Home Affairs that he will ensure such a thing doesn’t happen again.
He should lead a review to investigate the level of security in all Army Bases, government facilities and prisons. Ensure that there are no design flaws with the buildings and abnormal or improper procedures among security members must be severely dealt with. Retraining of guards have to be conducted with a new set of protocols and guidelines to prevent the recurrence of this debacle.
In the midst of things, the Mas Selamat escape have taught us as a nation to not be laxed and let our guard down. We shall grow stronger from this downfall and improve to strive such an incident doesn’t happen again. Meanwhile, the public must continue it’s efforts to aid the police to keep a lookout for Mas Selamat. We have to ensure the safety of the Nation. To the members that have been sacked, please do not be downfallen. Pick yourselves up and learn from your mistakes. There are still opportunities to redeem yourselves and I pray that the government will aid you in finding jobs to provide for your families.
Fai @ ilovelookinggood
About FaiNur
Im quite amazed so many pairs of eyes cannot catch a glimpse of this mas selamat creature. My dad says he probably would have disfigured himself by now.
Those pple kena sack quite sway… kinda pity them, but at the same time I think they had to do it.
Fai : It is a pity but i believe it is a mistake done by them. I do hope though that they are aided into attaining other jobs by the government or police force.
some ppl here have other theories n dont necassarily believe that mas selamat escaped. think about it……..
It is true to a certain degree that there is a relative number of coincidences that actually benefited and aided Mas Selamat’s escape. However, they are seen to be inconclusive. But i do get your drift.