Does Mas Selamat and Jemaah Islamiah Still Pose Serious Threats to Singapore

Yesterday's The Straits Times newspaper (Feb 27, 2009) had a two full page report about the escaped Jemaah Islamiah (JI) fugitive Mas Selamat, "Out of sight, out of mind?"

While the authorities and the media always remind the public to be vigilant and alert, the authorities and the public are unaware that there are lots of security loopholes that CAN still be exploited by terrorists and criminals, including white collar crimes.

Despite the heightened security measures like sharing security tips in terms of making the two Integrated Resorts (IRs) seemed "impenetrable" with its building facade and glass doors that are able to absorb powerful bomb blasts, video intelligent CCTV system installed at "trouble spots", highways and expressways, etc as well as with some of the Town Councils that took initiative to install CCTV cameras inside elevators (lifts) and void deck, especially if there is a Citizens' Corner at that particular HDB flat, strenghtening physical security, holding more talks on crime prevention, etc., yet there will ALWAYS be loopholes that can be fatal.

The recent announcement of the release of about 40 ex-ISA detainees - they were supposed to be "rehabilitated" means that they can go back to their old ways if there are right opportunities waiting for them to execute their suicide bombings, this time more determined and more precise, once they have succeeded in finding the "missing links" that thwarted their capability in their earlier failed missions to bomb their targets.

With global recession already looming, due to the USA's failed sub-prime mortgage, failures of banks and financial instituitions in the USA and part of Europe, more job lay-offs, shipping lines' crises, etc. There is nothing more challenging, especially for terrorists and criminals to strike while opportunities are abound.

One of the IR is scheduled to open end of 2009 and for those compulsive gamblers (remember a few guys holding senior positions that gambled millions of dollars away buying 4D?) and those eager to make money the easy way (entrance fee is a minor deterrant to some) will soon head for the IRs and triads may let their presence felt by offering illegal money lending services, collection of debts, etc.

Terrorists, organized crime syndicates and other criminals are always looking for security loopholes and they will certainly take advantage of any loopholes that they are able to make use of it to the maximum because once the loopholes are plugged (some by legislation) their chances of committing crimes and murders will be reduced to a lower probability.