I guess this face should be easily recognisable by the millions of people here living in Singapore. Indeed, for such a character to escape is indeed a scary notion. He is the man who had planned to hijack an airplane and crash it into Changi Airport. It has been close to two weeks since his disappearance and yet no sign of him. There has been many questionable controversies as to how his escape occured ranging from black magic to an “inside” help to far more interesting thoughts of a “cover up”. Whatever the truth maybe, it certainly is unknown to the public. Only Mas Selamat knows how he escaped.

However, the escape to me is not a matter. What has happened has happened. The thing which is of greater concern to me is the current security levels in Singapore. In my opinion, I think Mas Selamat is no longer in Singapore which doesn’t bode well for Singapore. He has had ample of time to escape and honestly, if he was able to escape ISA Detention Centre then he can easily leave the island.

I guess Singapore have to be far more vigilant and take note of suspicious characters cause certainly, he can be a dangerous figure. Indeed, security levels have to be taken up a notch. A prime target could be City Hall especially during rush hour period. I have seen the security with surveillance camera around. However, during the mad rush, the two Civil Defence officers stationed near the control station are overwhelmed by the crowd. Indeed, it is forseeable for a terrorist to leave a bag containing a bomb near the entrance or a Sarin gas concept used in Japan. Another prime example is like the recent IT Fair at Suntec City. Massive crowds, small escape routes could prove a deadly recipe for terrorist.

I guess the possibilities are endless thus the people ( YES! You there reading this!) have to be extra vigilant. Be patient with security checks and help aid the police in arresting this wanted man. Furthermore, Singapore as a society has to bond closer and help one another to prevent such an event. Also, to my fellow Muslims, please do not be easily deceived by radical mentality. WE live in a civilised world with a higher thinking to solve problems. Violence is certainly not a means to solve problems. Islam doesn’t encourage you to cause harm and danger; certainly not the killing of innocent  women and children. I do hope Singapore’s peace is unaffected but i guess we Singaporeans have to strive to ensure for the safety and security of our nation.

Source : Channel News Asia

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/333576/1/.html

MM Lee says Mas Selamat’s escape is a severe lesson on complacency
By Dominique Loh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 07 March 2008 2214 hrs

BAHRAIN: Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew does not believe Mas Selamat Kastari poses a threat if he remains at large in Singapore.

This is because it is not a planned escape and he does not have the resources to harm Singapore if he remains in the country.

But if he has escaped across the border, Mr Lee warned that Singaporeans would have to watch out for a return hit by Mas Selamat.

The minister mentor, who wrapped up his three-nation visit to the Middle East on Friday, was speaking to the Singapore media in Bahrain.

Mr Lee said Mas Selamat is a wily person who could persuade his custodians and Singapore has learnt an important lesson on complacency from the episode.

“I give him full marks for winning the confidence of his custodians – that he’s completely docile, completely passive and he’s going to remain in captivity. It is… stupid to believe we are infallible. We are not infallible. One mistake and we get a big explosive in your midst. So let’s not take this lightly. I think it’s a very severe lesson of complacency,” said Mr Lee.

Since Mas Selamat’s escape, police have received 950 calls and email messages about the case. Anyone with information on the fugitive should call the police at 999 or email them at spf_police_information@spf.gov.sg.

- CNA/so

Fai @ ilovelookinggood