Security lapse led to escape of JI leader Mas Selamat, says DPM Wong
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 28 February 2008 1948 hrs

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	Related News • JI detainee escaped while being escorted to meet family • Manhunt Underway • JI detainee Mas Selamat Kastari escapes from Singapore detention centre

SINGAPORE: A security lapse at Whitley Detention Centre led to the escape of Jemaah Islamiyah leader Mas Selamat Kastari on Wednesday afternoon.

Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng who apologised for the incident said Mas Selamat was being taken to the toilet before a meeting at the Family Visit Room when he escaped.

He is still at large.

Mr Wong was responding to questions raised by several concerned MPs in Parliament on Thursday.

He said: "This should never have happened. I am sorry that it has. An independent investigation is underway and we should not speculate now as to what and how it happened. Security at the centre has been stepped up."

Questions came fast and furious from the concerned MPs.

And among them - why the time lag to inform the public?

Bukit Panjang MP, Dr Teo Ho Pin, said: “Mas Selamat escaped at 4.05pm yesterday. I received news of his escape through Channel NewsAsia’s SMS alert at 8.42pm.

“May I know why the ministry took so long, four hours to inform the public? Mas Selamat is unarmed, unlike Dave Teo's case, so why can't we involve the public to help to arrest him?" Dr Teo questioned.

Mr Wong replied: "Our security agencies assessed at the time of Mas Selamat's escape there was no imminent danger to the public. The focus then was to lock down the Whitley Road Detention Centre and then start a systematic operation to find and arrest him. The priority is to arrest him. No efforts will be spared to track him down."

A massive force of Special Operations Command officers, gurkhas and police officers were deployed from Wednesday in the manhunt which followed.

And as Thursday dawned, the effort continued, with army personnel as well.

Mr Wong said security had been tightened at all land, sea and air checkpoints.

This includes areas where he could possibly leave Singapore shores not from any normal immigration clearance lanes.

Although there's no indication that Mas Selamat had any plans which could threaten public security at this time, Mr Wong said the authorities are taking no chances.

Mr Wong added: “The picture of Mas Selamat is splashed all over the country. Look out for him and if there is any information of anyone that looks like him, report the case to the police and you can be sure the police will look into it thoroughly.”

The Home Affairs Minister also urged the public to stay calm and report any suspicious sighting to the public.

He made it very clear that anyone who renders assistance to him is committing a grave offence and will have to face the law. -CNA/vm