Some Singaporeans express doubts over Mas Selamat's capture
By Zaki Amrullah, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 08 May 2009 1911 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Public sentiment to Mas Selamat Kastari's arrest has been mixed.

Although many expressed relief at the capture, some urged the government to be more transparent this time round.

A member of the public said: "Now that we know he has been arrested, that is a comfort for Singaporeans. But it will be good to know exactly how he escaped. The more transparent we are, the better it is for Singaporeans."

The second said: "I was wondering why the government did not tell us one month ago when (Mas Selamat was caught). But I assume there must be some kind of tactical advantage... But we are happy that he has been caught."

Others were just happy with the arrest of the fugitive.

One said: "Finally, this person who has run away has been captured. So, I'm sure the authorities will want to have tighter measures than what they had previously."

Another said: "We're happy because he had been on the run for so long, so now that he is arrested, everybody should be happy."

And in the online community, many were jubilant with the news that Mas Selamat has been captured. They say it is a good piece of news for Singapore, especially in light of the current economic downturn and H1N1 fears.

But for some, they still have doubts over the capture. Many in cyberspace questioned the delay in announcing the capture, while others asked when Mas Selamat will be deported to Singapore.

One blogger was more concerned with what the fugitive was doing in Malaysia before his arrest - whether he was planning possible revenge attacks on Singapore.

- CNA/yt