Govt will do what's necessary to keep S'pore safe: Shanmugam

SINGAPORE — The Government would do all it deems necessary to keep Singapore safe and secure, "whether that involves migrant workers or visitors, or our own community", Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam told reporters today (Jan 23) after speaking to members of the Bangladeshi community. 

"It would be irresponsible for us not to take steps that we think are necessary," he said, in response to a question on whether the authorities would step up background checks on foreign workers, among other things.

Earlier, Mr Shanmugam spoke to about 40 Bangladeshis at an appreciation lunch held at the Khadijah Mosque in Geylang. He reassured them that as long as they stay away from violent and illegal activities, and refrain from engaging in politics, they should not worry about getting into trouble with the law. "But if you engage in any of (those activities) - even if you intend to do it outside of Singapore, we will have no choice but to act against you," he said.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that 27 Bangladeshi nationals had been arrested here between Nov 16 and Dec 1 last year. The construction workers were found to be contemplating armed jihad overseas and in their home country.

Some among those arrested had encouraged members of their religious study group to return to Bangladesh and wage armed jihad against the Bangladeshi government. Several in the group had also been contemplating armed jihad in the Middle East.

Addressing the Bangladeshi community, Mr Shanmugam said the Republic appreciates its work here. He noted that foreign workers whom he had spoken with have told him that Singapore was top of their list of countries to work in, because the Republic's clear and fair employment laws meant workers felt protected.  At the same time, Singaporeans must feel protected, he said.

Mr Shanmugam said: "Our country is a peaceful and harmonious place... Our mosques are open for you. We want you to come and pray, and understand the universal message underlying all religions, which is peace and brotherhood, and for you yourself to understand what are the basic, important fundamental elements of religion."