By Chua Lee Hoong, Political Editor

THE normally sombre Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng allowed himself a slight show of emotion yesterday when he recounted how his friends congratulated him after they read reports about Mas Selamat being captured in Malaysia.

"I am happy, I am sure Singaporeans are also happy.

"I received many SMSes this morning congratulating ISD (Internal Security Department) for the capture.

"I also met friends at my club this morning; they also congratulated me," said Mr Wong.

Mr Wong, who is also Home Affairs Minister, was addressing a press conference on the capture of the Jemaah Islamiah leader by the Malaysian authorities on April 1.

His capture ends 14 months of anxiety for the Home Affairs Ministry, which came under severe pressure and public criticism after the dramatic escape from the Whitley Road Detention Centre on Feb 27 last year.

The escape led to a massive manhunt, strict border checks and hours of grilling in Parliament for Mr Wong.

Yesterday, a visibly happy Mr Wong said Singapore was told of Mas Selamat's arrest by the Malaysian authorities "soon after" April 1. When he received the news, he immediately called Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

The PM's reaction: "Well, it's good we finally got him."

Mr Wong had words of praise for ISD staff, noting the teamwork and camaraderie that enabled them to continue functioning.

"Despite the setback, ISD officers continued to work hard and did not let it dampen their spirits. Their efforts paid off," he said.

He also praised the Malaysian Special Branch (MSB), saying "its excellent work is really highly commendable".

"Between ISD and MSB, there's a long-standing cooperative cordial relationship. As a result of this kind of relationship, we were able to keep each of our countries safe, and also contribute to the safety and security of the region," he said.

Senior Minister S. Jayakumar, who was Mr Wong's predecessor at the Home Affairs Ministry, offered his own word of thanks to MSB last night.

Prof Jayakumar said: "Mas Selamat is a dangerous man and I am glad that he has been apprehended. I know that ISD has been working very hard to track him down since his escape.

"His capture underscores the excellent working relations which our law enforcement and security agencies have with Malaysia. We must thank the Malaysian authorities for their assistance and cooperation."

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