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Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng's ministerial speech and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's parliament address have both sparked much discussion anew among Singaporeans. Read on for some comments and views from the mailbox and from the forum.
On the escape:
"The escape of Mas Selamat Kastari is a huge mistake, but I do not believe that anyone should resign or be dismissed because of the incident, including those responsible for guarding him at the detention centre.
What is more important is the lesson learned, so that similar incidents do not happen again."
- Mr Ace Kindred Cheong Shiang Hoow
"I think we should not forget the unpleasant fact that such human errors and misjudgments do occur. The real world we live in is not perfect.
Sometimes, mistakes lead to near misses; at other times, the very same mistakes cause more adverse consequences."
- Peng Jiarong
"Given that a captured terrorist would be held there in detention, did not the Home Team minister at least enquire on security conditions even if he does not see the need to inspect the centre himself personally?"
- kienlim01
On accountability:
"If WKS is going to go, who will replace him. If all the leaders had to go, who will take over them. Even the Opposition Party is keeping quiet, why are Chee Soon Juan and PM Lee's political foes keeping quiet. They know deep down that this is the not the way Singapore is going to do it. If we are reacting like everyone of you are expecting, where is Singapore heading?"
- mephis
"When pressed by Mr Low, I saw PM Lee asking Mr Low if he think DPM Wong should resign. I don't think PM Lee and Mr Low are in a position to decide. They won their elections in 2006. But now is 2008 and a very serious incident has happened.
A referendum should be held. Let the people of Singapore decide."
- Eastman01
"On account of the fact that DPM WKS had contributed significantly to the process of nation building, he should be given a 2nd chance to "regain the lost ground" ....Maybe he could be given another 6-9 months to bring MSK back to detention...failing which, he should make exit plans.
It's all about accountability."
- Darth_Vader
"If Mas Selamat is still at large, what are the implications and repercussions to our national security and safety?
Who are to be held accountable for the success/failure of Mas Selamat's capture? Does the accountability and responsibility lie with the police officers, SAF soldiers, ISD officers and other operatives who are sent to search out the fugitive? Or would that privilege be given to the MHA top management and Mr Wong, or our government?"
On what should happen next:
"I would like to suggest that instead of setting up the facility in the Changi Prison where it can be a potential breeding ground for terrorism and extremist ideology in view of other inmates, how about having the new facility on one of Singapore's outlying islands?"
- Mr Jason Chen Ee Liang
"The Ministry must conduct comprehensive audits regularly to ensure all levels of security systems and controls are operating effectively to protect the nation. A good security system of controls should not rely too heavily on human factors as the performance of human beings is unpredictable. To minimise human errors, the Ministry should have a rigorous training and testing program to ensure all levels of staff (including the guards) are competent in discharging their duties."
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